Day: August 6, 2021

The Evergreen Mughal Architecture

Mughal architecture, is a characteristic Indo-Islamic-Persian building style that flourished in Northern and Central India under the patronage of the Mughal emperors from the mid-16th to the late 17th century. This new style combined elements of Islamic art and architecture, which had been introduced to India during the Delhi Sultanate (1192–1398) and had produced great monuments such as the Qutb Minar, with features of Persian art and architecture. Mughal monuments are found chiefly in the northern parts of India, but there are also many remains in Pakistan. The Mughal period marked a striking revival of Islamic architecture in northern India. Under the patronage of the Mughal emperors, Persian, Indian, and various provincial styles were fused to produce works of unusual quality and refinement.

The tomb of the emperor Humayun (1564) at Delhi inaugurated the new style, though it shows strong Persian influences. The tomb was designed by a Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. Set in a garden at Delhi, it has an intricate ground plan with central octagonal chambers, joined by an archway with an elegant facade and surmounted by cupolas, kiosks, and pinnacles. 

The first great period of building activity occurred under the emperor Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) at Agra and at the new capital city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was founded in 1569. The latter city’s Great Mosque (1571; Jami Masjid), with its monumental Victory Gate (Buland Darzawa), is one of the finest mosques of the Mughal period. The great fort at Agra (1565–1574) and the tomb of Akbar at Sikandra, near Agra, are other notable structures dating from his reign. Most of these early Mughal buildings use arches only sparingly, relying instead on post-and-lintel construction. They are built of red sandstone or white marble.

Mughal architecture reached its peak during the reign of the emperor Shah Jahan (1628–1658), its crowning achievement being the magnificent Taj Mahal. This period is marked by a fresh emergence in India of Persian features that had been seen earlier in the tomb of Humayun. The use of the double dome, a recessed archway inside a rectangular fronton, and parklike surroundings are all typical of the Shah Jahan period. Symmetry and balance between the parts of a building were always stressed, while the delicacy of detail in Shah Jahan decorative work has seldom been surpassed. White marble was a favored building material as is evidenced with the Wonder of the World. After the Taj Mahal, the second major undertaking of Shah Jahan’s reign was the palace-fortress at Delhi, begun in 1638. Among its notable buildings are the red-sandstone-pillared Diwan-I-Am (“Hall of Public Audience”) and the so-called Diwan-I-Khas (“Hall of Private Audience”), which housed the famous Peacock Throne. He established Delhi as his capital (1638) and built there the famous Red Fort (1639) which contained the imperial Mughal palace.

The architectural monuments of Shah Jahan’s successor, Aurangzeb (reigned 1658–1707), were not as numerous, though some notable mosques, including the Badshahi mosque in Lahore, were built before the beginning of the 18th century. Subsequent works moved away from the balance and coherence characteristic of mature Mughal architecture. In general, however, Mughal architecture had begun to decline during his reign, a process that would accelerate after his death. “Architecture, of all the arts, is the one which acts the most slowly, but the most surely, on the soul.” The Mughal architecture truly was a revolutionary blend of different cultures and till the present day. Some of the buildings constructed under the reign of the emperor’s are some of the most famous and well known and continue to inspire and attract millions towards its timeless design.

The Rise of Medical Tourism in India

In India, health care is one of the largest sectors, in terms of revenue and employment, and is expanding rapidly. During the 1990s, the Indian health care sector grew at a compound annual rate of 16%. The total value of the sector is more than 34 billion U.S. dollars in 2010 and grew up to 160 billion U.S. dollars in 2017 and was estimated to reach up to a value 372 billion dollars by 2022. A major proportion of this growth is predicted to be attributable to the growth in the business of medical tourism. According to Britannica Medical tourism, also called health tourism, surgical tourism, or medical travel can be defined as the international travel undertaken for the purpose of receiving medical care.

Medical tourism in India has gained momentum over the past few years. According to the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), approximately 150,000 patients arrived in India in 2005 from across the globe for medical treatment in 2016, the number of visitors arrived in the country amounted to 361,000. The medical tourism industry in India was valued at around $3 billion in 2015, and it was expected to grow to $9 billion in 2020 before covid-19 struck.

There are several characteristics that make India an appealing destination for visitors seeking health services. These include its well-trained health practitioners, a large populace of good English-speaking medical staff, a good mix of allopathic and alternative systems of medicine, the availability of super-specialty centers, use of technologically advanced diagnostic equipment, and finally and more importantly, the availability of these premium services at competitive cost.

The costs of comparable treatment in India are on average one-eighth to one-fifth of those in the West. For instance, a cardiac procedure that costs anywhere between US$40,000–60,000 in the United States is priced at US$30,000 in Singapore, US$12,000–15,000 in Thailand and only US$3,000–6,000 in India. Likewise, the associated costs of surgery are also low. A study by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) showed that India is more cost-competitive than other leading medical tourism destinations like Thailand.

Health services in India have the additional advantage of providing a good mix of allopathic and alternative systems of medicine. For instance, while New Delhi has emerged as a prime destination for cardiac care, Chennai has established a niche for quality eye care, and Kerala and Karnataka have emerged as hubs for state-of-the-art Ayurvedic healing.

The opportunity for profit in this sector has encouraged several large corporations and several non-resident Indians (NRIs) to invest money in setting up super-specialty. These facilities now dominate the upper end of the private sector and cater predominantly to medical tourists and affluent sections of the society.

Even the Government of India has responded promptly to tap the potential of this sector. In its effort to capitalize on this opportunity the Government has undertaken measures to promote India as a ‘global health destination’. The National Health Policy strongly encourages medical facilities to provide services to users from overseas (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 2002). The Indian Ministry of Tourism has started a new category of visas for medical tourists called the ‘M’ or medical visas. This program that ensures that people who need critical, life-saving treatment should get their visas in a timely manner. Being able to easily obtain a visa is one of the primary reasons that people seeking treatment come from abroad to visit India to get that treatment that is provided at a reasonable price. Having procedures done in a timely manner has saved countless lives, and is likely to save much more in the future.

If the present trend continues, trade in health services will become one of the biggest sectors in India. India has become one of the premiere medical tourism destinations in the world for many good reasons. The lower cost does not mean lower a quality of care. The quality of care compares to that received in any Western country. However, the growth of this sector could pose a potential threat to the already crippled public health system in India

HOW TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION SKILLS?

Communication is the mode of exchanging our feelings and ideas with others. It paves the way for the listener to understand and for the speaker to express their thoughts. Everyone can communicate with others but whether it is effective or not is decided by the way you convey messages. This requires communication skills. It is the ability to express and share thoughts and feelings effectively. It is one of the main soft skills that are very much essential to maintain a good rapport in the workplace. Communication may be of any form – spoken, written, visual, or even non-verbal communications like body actions. In general, it is a combination of all these. Here are few ways to upgrade your communication skills.

  • PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING 

Good communicator is always a good listener too. Try to listen to what others are saying so that you can communicate with those developed points and answer the questions raised as well. Don’t avoid listening or get distracted to think about what you have to respond to next. When you start paying close attention to others you become an active listener and this quality is very important to improve the skill.  

  • KEEP IT SIMPLE

Use simple words and sentences to convey your essence. Don’t show off your vocabulary and use complex words. It will not reach everyone as every listener may not be as skilled as you. Make sure that everyone understands what you are trying to convey. Try to engage the audience by asking questions and feedback to them. A mount hill of emotions or a vague expression will not get your attention. So, manage your emotions while you deliver something.

  • MAINTAIN COHERENCE

While communicating ensure that you start and end with the key points and gist. Maintain the coherent sequence of ideas from start till end. Don’t make it a mess by mixing up all the points. Be clear and precise in what you are delivering. Add short stories in the middle to have the attention of the audience throughout the session. Don’t be so spontaneous, pause in between. Stick on to the timing. Don’t finish it very soon or drag it so long. 

  • NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-verbal communication is equally important as verbal communication. Your audience is going to judge you and your skills mostly based on this. Your body language conveys almost 50% of your ideations. So, try to have good postures and gestures. Make eye contact with the audience. This means that have eye contact with every person at least once when you communicate. Don’t be specific to a particular place, utilize most of the space provided to you.

  • OTHER FACTORS
    • Friendliness – This quality shows your positive attitude and drags others towards you to listen.
    • Confidence – Have full faith in what you do. It becomes difficult to make others understand when you are not confident enough.
    • Clarity – Use a clear tone of voice and volume to express the feelings more effectively. This is essential as it gives life to your speech.
    • Empathy – Be empathetic towards others and try to understand their emotions. Respect others’ opinions and views and give equal concern to them.

These are the few tips to enhance your communication skills. Practice this in your daily presentations and become an expert. Happy learning😊.

6 Helpful and Unique Travel Accessories for College Students

Whether you plan to travel abroad, or you just want to get away for Spring Break, you’ll need some basic travel gear. These are some of the best travel necessities I’ve found anywhere. Prepare for the unexpected and look good doing it with all these unique travel accessories and gear.

1.A Rolling Duffel



The Rolling Duffel is roomy and expandable. With lots of pockets and compartments, you’ll be able to carry everything you need for a long trip. And because it’s so lightweight, you won’t need to worry about paying extra baggage.

It has recessed wheels and the handle fits down into the body for added convenience.This rolling duffel from Olympia is perfect for your study abroad, spring break, or homeward bound adventure.

2.An antibacterial Toothbrush Covers



Toothbrush covers the little clip-on toothbrush protector will keep germs away while you’re travelling—or even when you’re not. Just clip it on and your toothbrush can stay clean and germ-free. Best of all, it fits any standard toothbrush—even electric ones!

3.A travel Hanging Toiletry Bag



Travel hanging toiletry bag.This is a brilliant little travel toiletry bag. Once you use it you’ll wonder how you managed without it. Place your belongings into a toiletry bag, roll it up, and pack it away in your suitcase. When you arrive at your destination, unroll and hang it in your room or hostel. No matter where you go, you can keep it all together with this little roll-up toiletry bag.

4.A 21-Piece Necessities Kit



A  21-Piece Necessities travel kit with shampoo, soap, creams, and other gear.A 21-piece necessities kit is perfect for travellers or those who love to sample newer products on the go. You can fill it up with everything you need, from shaving necessities, travel toothbrushes, sleeping masks, earplugs, and more. You’ll find everything you need to make travelling easier and your stay more restful.

5.A Multi-Purpose Passport Wallet



A passport wallet filled with cards.A handy wallet is an international traveller’s best friend. It has so much room you could choose to forgo your handbag for this wallet.Note that it should be spacious enough to hold your currency, passport, credit cards, and anything else you need to keep secure and on your person while travelling.It should be made of a material which is to clean.

6.A Collapsible Water Bottle



A Collapsible Water Bottle which is made of 100% food-grade material is surely great value for money and also a space saver.It should be light to carry and is even leak-proof and you can easily keep yourself hydrated.

No matter where your travels take you, you’ll always be prepared with these unique travel accessories.

Planting trees!!!!

We all know that the world is heading towards deforestation, global warming, drought etc., What is the major cause of this global changes? It is us. We humans are quite selfish when it comes our own deeds. We keep on cutting the trees, increasing pollution, high useage of plastic etc. What can we do to make our earth lively and healthy? There is no other remedy than planting trees. Yes, there reason we live is the trees. Without them we won’t be alive. Let’s see about planting trees and its importance.

Planting trees will not solve the issue of climate change • Earth.com

Why trees are important to us?!?!

Trees are important to the environment because they provide oxygen and they act as carbon sinks. A carbon sink is a natural or artificial body that stores carbon dioxide. The more trees you have, the more carbon dioxide that you can store. This is because they take in carbon dioxide and then release oxygen, which allows them to store more carbon dioxide.

Importance of Planting more Trees. — Steemit

Planting trees has several benefits, including the fact that they help to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs). They also help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As a result, planting trees can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Trees are also important for the environment because they provide a habitat for wildlife. They also help to improve the quality of air and water, and they provide a home for birds, insects, and other small animals.

When you plant a tree, you are helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. So, it is important that you plant a tree. The more trees you plant, the more you will be helping the environment.

What are the trees can be planted??

There are several different types of trees that can be planted. Some of these include the following:

Oak trees, Redwood trees, Pine trees, Alder trees, Fir trees,Bamboo trees,Evergreen trees, Deciduous trees.

METHOD OF PLANTING TREES:

  • Dig a big hole, put the rootball in, cover with dirt.

This is probably the most common method. It’s simple and easy, but it’s not the best. The tree will grow fine if you fill the hole with a small amount of compost. This will help the tree get established quicker and, in the long term, will make the tree more resilient to drought. But it’s harder to dig a big hole, and it’s hard to get the compost in there without disturbing the rootball. It’s also worth noting that the tree is going to be much happier if you can put the hole in a slightly damp area.

Do water the plant regularly until its becomes a tree. You may plant whatever tree you like and the most important thing is to maintain them in a good condition. Everybody says plant trees, save earth, save water. But in reality, how many of us has really planted trees? Think about it and find the best answer yourself!!

TOP 25 TREE PLANTING QUOTES | A-Z Quotes

Read more;

FARMERS

 


An Indian farmer should be respected by everyone. It is he who produces grains and vegetables for the citizens of the country. Throughout the year, the Indian farmer remains busy tilling the fields, sowing seeds, and reaping the crops. Indeed, his is a very busy and hard life. India is an agricultural country. Our prosperity depends upon our agricultural production. For achieving this the Indian farmer’s contribution is very vital. India, as a matter of fact, is a land of farmers. Nearly 75 percent of our population lives in villages.

Former Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri rightly coined the term Jai jawan Jai Kisan to hail both farmer and a soldier. A farmer is as important to a country as a soldier. While one protects the nation against enemies and guards the citizens against bad elements, another makes sure that we never sleep hungry even for one day. The food we eat every day is because of the sweat and hard work that our farmers go through in the fields.

But just praising farmers and the farming community is not sufficient. India has one of the highest farmer suicide rates in the country. And this precedence is not taken seriously by the people of the country and is never reported in any media channels. There are various reasons why a farmer commits suicide. One might be due to lack of proper production of crops due to scanty rainfalls or unpredictable weather conditions. Governments should intervene to help farmers cope up with their losses.

Food Corporation of India (FCI) is an autonomous body in the country that buy crops directly from the farmers and store it in there cold storage areas for use during Emergency situations like wars or the one that we are facing now, COVID 19 pandemic. I would like to conclude by saying that the farmer and the work he does for his country is no less than the divine work. Governments should formulate proper policies and laws to take care of their needs. If we take care of his needs, only then he can take care of our needs.

Conclusion:

Farmers have great importance in our society. They are the ones who provide us food to eat. Since every person needs proper food for their living, so they are a necessity in society. … Moreover, farmers who grow these crops are of prime importance.

E.LALITHA 


Metamorphosis – Book Review

Buy Metamorphosis Book Online at Low Prices in India | Metamorphosis Reviews & Ratings - Amazon.in

Gregor Samsa is a salesman who wakes up to find himself transformed into a monstrous vermin. Lying on his bed, he worries about himself and while he has time, contemplates upon the consequences of his metamorphosis. He wonders about his life, his family and the way in which his life and career has turned out to be. He thinks about he is struck with his job only because of his father’s debt and that no relationship in his life ever came from heart.

His family is horrified when they learn of this transformation when the office clerk pushes his way into Gregor’s room. The family, no longer financially stable decide to get jobs and when they do, they start neglecting Gregor more and more only to end up using his room as a store room and giving away a room in their house on rent. Gregor’s sister is the only one willing to give him food in all this while. One day, when Gregor’s sister accidentally breaks a bottle of medicine, his father hurls an apple on him, which gets struck in a sensitive spot on his back and he lies in his room in agony. And one day, he scares the tenants who threaten legal action over the unhygienic conditions of the house.

Grete, Gregor’s sister realises that Gregor is but a liability and asks her parents to get rid of “it”. Hearing the conversation, Gregor goes into his room and dies before sunsrise. The family rejoices his death by taking a day off and ride on a ferry down the countryside. Gregor’s mother exclaims that Grete has grown beautiful despite all problems and they must find her a good husband.

Kafka’s metamorphosis is considered to be a classic in literature. It is a story of a changing society and how necessities cause a metamorphosis in households and in society in general.

When are you reading this tale of humanity?

Character

 It is truly said:

“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. But when a character is lost, everything is lost.”

Character is the sum total of all the good qualities in a man. It consists of hon­esty, truthful speech and dealings, dutiful- nests, diligence, and obedience to parents, teach­ers, and elders. Sincerity, love of mankind, inner goodness, and desire to do well to others and to be free from hatred, jealousy, and malice are also part of the character. To live in harmony with the people of all religions, races, castes, and nations may be added to the characteristics of high character. Not casting an evil eye on a member of the opposite sex is the essence of high moral character.

A man’s character is what he really is. It is his real moral condition. It has been defined as ‘the distinctive mark of an individual. It depends partly upon inborn qualities and partly on training in youth and the circumstances in which a person has been brought up.

It can be cultivated by forming good habits in childhood. “Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character”. If we sow good habits, we build up a good character.

What goes to make up a good character? There are many qualities that go to make up the character. First comes truth. Lorde Averbury says, “But there is one quality it is essential without which a man is not a man without which no really great work was ever achieved-that is truth in the inward parts.”

Next comes justice. A man of good character should love to be out even-handed justice to all. But justice should be tempered with mercy. If it is our duty, to be frank, we ought to be sweet and courteous. Sincerity, honesty, generosity, and purity in speech thought and action- such virtues entitle a person to be called a man of good character.

Sincerity, honesty, generosity, and purity in speech thought and action- such virtues entitle a person to be called a man of good character. Character is a very important factor in a man’s life. Good character is more important than health wealth or happiness

E.LALITHA 

Hockey magician Major Dhyan Chand, now in whose name Khel Ratna, know his unique story

Major Dhyan Chand (29 August 1905 – 3 December 1979) was an Indian field hockey player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport.[3] He was known for his extraordinary goal-scoring feats, in addition to earning three Olympic gold medals, in 1928, 1932 and 1936, during an era where India dominated field hockey. His influence extended beyond these victories, as India won the field hockey event in seven out of eight Olympics from 1928 to 1964.

Dhyan Chand was born in Allahabad on 29 August 1905 in a Bais Rajput family. He was the elder brother of another hockey player Roop Singh and the son of Sharadha Singh and Sameshwar Singh. Dhyan Chand’s father was enlisted in the British Indian Army, and he played hockey for the army.

Dhyan Chand had two brothers – Mool Singh and Roop Singh. Because of his father’s numerous army transfers, the family had to move to different cities and as such Chand had to terminate his education after only six years of schooling. The family finally settled in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Chand graduated from Victoria College, Gwalior in 1932. Being in the military, his father got a small piece of land for a house.

Young Chand had no serious inclination towards sports though he loved wrestling. He stated that he did not remember whether he played any hockey worth mentioning before he joined the Army, though he said that he occasionally indulged in casual games in Jhansi with his friends.

Some Interesting Facts:

While winning the bronze medal in hockey in the Tokyo Olympics, the players gave a chance to the countrymen to rejoice, while on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave another chance to the hockey lovers to rejoice. He has changed the name of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the biggest award in the field of sports, to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave this information through a tweet.

For the first time this award was given in 1991-92. It is given to those sportspersons who have excelled in the field of sports at the international level. Hockey lovers have expressed their happiness after the name of this award is named after the legendary player Major Dhyan Chand, who is called the magician of hockey.

Hockey magician Major Dhyan Chand had a wonderful art of scoring goals, when his hockey rose in the playground, the opposition team was shattered. Born in Allahabad, this great player has won gold medals for India in 3 Olympic Games. Till now you must have heard many things about their game, today we will tell some interesting facts related to them.

Dhyan Singh, as he was formerly known. At the age of 16, he joined the Indian Army as a soldier and started playing hockey. Because Dhyan Singh used to practice in the moonlight at night, his friends started calling him Chand, after which he came to be called Dhyan Chand.

India defeated Germany 8–1 in the 1936 Olympic hockey final. In which Dhyan Chand alone scored 3 goals. After this victory of India, Hitler immediately left the stadium and left. In the evening, when Hitler asked Dhyanchand what do you do other than playing hockey, his answer was that I am a soldier of the Indian Army. After this Hitler offered him to join the German army. But he refused saying that it is my responsibility to take the country forward.

  • This great hockey player represented the country in the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics and managed to get the country gold medals on all three occasions.
  • Residents of Vienna have erected a four-handed statue of Dhyan Chand in a sports club in honor of Dhyan Chand, holding a hockey stick in all four hands, depicting him as a hockey god.
  • It is said that once while playing hockey, Dhyan Chand could not score any goal, due to which he argued that the goal post was small, when the goal post was measured, it turned out to be small, everyone was surprised to see this.

    • Film actor Prithviraj Kapoor was a fan of Dhyan Chand, once he brought famous singer Kundan Lal Sehgal ( K. L. Sehgal ) with him to a match in Mumbai. When no goal could be scored till half time, Sehgal said that we have heard many names of both the brothers, I am surprised that neither of you could score even a goal till half time. Dhyan Chand then asked Sehgal if you would make us recite songs like Hum Jeet Gol Mare, he said yes, then in the second half, both the brothers scored 12 goals together.

    EXAMS

     


    An examination can be conducted via oral, written, or digital medium. However, it can be a stress for students, and some students get afraid and anxious just by hearing the name of exams. This is because they have the pressure to perform well in the examination.

    Examination’ is derived from the Latin word “examinare” which means ‘to test something’. The English word ‘examination’ refers to a formal study of one’s proficiency level in knowledge or skill.

    The first commonly known instance of examinations taking place occurred in China. It was the first time standardized testing of aptitude level was introduced. This model was later adopted by England and Europe. It proved quite beneficial in terms of military recruitment and certification. Later, this practice was applied in all fields of knowledge. Its importance is felt quite adequately in the strength it granted to each field. By withstanding tests and exams, a field was deemed respectful and worthy of pursuit.

    Examinations are quite crucial in assessing one’s abilities. They are a means by which a person’s knowledge of their respective field can be assessed. They serve as a rite of passage, allowing students to discover their talents and skill. Exams are a necessary evil of sorts. They ensure that a person is quite capable of performing their assigned tasks in their professions. For instance, the public would prefer the justice system were governed by an educated judge instead of an illiterate one.

    • Examinations are tests that aim to determine the ability of a student.
    • Examinations — the only way to judge the achievement of students.
    • In the present system percentage of marks puts great pressure and tension on students.
    • Entrance tests are held for admission to Universities and Colleges.
    • In the present system, probable questions are drawn up and their answers mugged up — examinations do not test the real merit.
    • Semester system, monthly or weekly tests should be introduced — this would improve the system and lessen the tension and stress.
    • But teachers — the examiners — should be just and honest and impartial.
    • The gradation system instead of the percentage system can also be a better system.
    • At the Public Service Examinations, examiners should sit together, discuss every question, and the requirement of an answer for determining the percentage. Checks and counter checks are necessary for the process.
    • Examinations will have to go on — the system has no replacement for the present.
    E.LALITHA

    Startups in India


    Infra.Market
    A company started in 2016, by Aaditya Sharda and Souvik Sengupta an online marketplace for real estate and construction materials, which offer fair prices and a smoother experience for the customers.
    Recently there was an increase in their revenue from INR 63 crore to INR 250 crore, with a profit of INR 8.59 Crore in the year 2020.

    Digit Insurance
    founded by Kamesh Goyal and Prem Watsa a Bengaluru- based startup started in 2016 by . the startup is about offering customized policies on auto, travel, health, commercial properties, smartphones. the company has recntly raised a total of $200 million .


    PharmEasy
    It was founded in 2015 by Dharmil Sheth and Dr.Dhaval Shah, the startup is about teleconsultation, medicine deliveries, and sample collections for diagnostic tests of connection with 60k pharmacies and 4k doctors actively working around 16k areas across India.
    The company has raised $323 million in serial E funding round after with an era of competition it merged with Medlife.


    Chargebee
    A subscription billing software platform, started in 2010 by Rajaraman S, Thiyagarajan T, KP Saravanan, and Krish Subramanian.
    Currently raising fund $125 Million in series G funding round. the company deals with the payment
    gateways to automate payment collections, email notifications, customer management, and invoicing. Catered 2500 businesses across 53 countries.


    Zeta
    A startup founded in 2015 by Bhavin Turakhia and Ramki Gaddipati, the company offers a cloud-native neo-banking platform for insurance of credit, debit, and prepaid products, recently it raised $250 Million in Series C funding, 500 employees working under it and acquiring 1 million transactions per day. serves more than 14k customers includes 25 fintech forms and 10 banks such as Axis bank, Hdfc and so on .

    CAA – Citizenship Amendment Act

     

    Citizenship Amendment Bill, passed in the Lok Sabha, states that if a person belonging to Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, or Christian community or one who has migrated from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan (on or before 31st Dec 2014) is no longer an illegal immigrant to the nation. Each of the categories mentioned above would receive Indian Citizenship. Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) later became the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in December 2019.

    Exceptions:

    • The Act does not apply to tribal areas of Tripura, Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya because of being included in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.
    • Also, areas that fall under the Inner Limit notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, will also be outside the Act’s purview.

    Why has the CAA been criticized by opposition parties?

    India’s major opposition parties highlighted that the law is discriminatory as Muslims are not included in the list of immigrant communities that may benefit from the Act.

    The opposition indicated that Muslims constitute around 15% of the Indian population, and the act excludes immigrants from that community. Therefore, it was criticized for being uneven.

    The Indian government clarified that Muslims were not persecuted in the Islamic countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The government said that the Act specifically provides relief to persecuted minorities; Therefore, Muslims were not included in the list of beneficiaries.

    Conclusion

    There were also widespread protests in the northeastern states of India. The protesters are of the opinion that these illegal immigrants will break the economic, social, and political fabric of the northeastern states. They can also be a threat to the employment opportunities of residents living in these areas. Its objectives and reasons clearly stated that such refugees who have entered India before 31 December 2014 need special statutory arrangements for their citizenship-related subjects. The Ministry of Home Affairs has not yet notified the rules that will make the Act operational. There are several petitions against the Act which are to be heard in the Supreme Court in January 2020.

    E.LALITHA 

    The Impact of LINKIN PARK!

    I, like many people my age, grew up listening to Linkin Park. At this point in life, it is almost impossible to not have heard at least one of their songs (or be unaware of how large a band they’ve become within the music industry). While we continue to see new technical advances and innovative artists/bands, many of us music listeners today are heavily impacted by the art of the 90’s and 2000’s. Our culture at the time was a beautiful ball of oddness that came with new shifts in music. Many of these bands and artists were able to find immense success at the dawn of the internet era, and have in many ways lead the way for new evolutions in music (inspiring many of the bands and artists we love today).

    Linkin Park is one of those acts. They burst through the music industry with a sound that captured the youth across the world. Throughout their career the band has released seven studio albums. In honor of Chester Bennington’s life and art, here is a look into Linkin Park’s music and legacy, and how the band sincerely pushed themselves to create their purest work, and change music.

    Hybrid Theory (2000)

    The album kicked off the nu metal/rap metal sound that Linkin Park would become associated with for years to come. Electric guitar tones that borderline on industrial sounds blended with electronic beats to create instrumentals packed with emotional angst. While Mike Shinoda’s rapping provided a catchy atmosphere to the work, it was Chester Bennington’s singing/screaming that really created such a profound heavy and somber energy to the material. Thinking of the crazy adrenaline and build up in such tracks as “One Step Closer”, “Papercut”, and “A Place for My Head”, really helped to further introduce heavy music into the mainstream. “Crawling”, “Runaway”, and “My December” are key examples of how Bennington was able to capture the emotion and turmoil of life.

    Meteora (2003)

    Meteora continued with these instrumental sounds, balancing out the use of heavy riff roaring bangers, and stunning songs of rich somber tones. Bennington came out in full force with rage and angst throughout the record, kicking things off right away in “Don’t Stay”. The hyper record scratching and electric vibrant guitar notes presented a pulse-racing intro, packed with vicious screams from Bennington. There’s the ever-popular “Faint”, where Shinoda raps over an electronic infused rock instrumental, the chorus bursting with fiery guitar work and Bennington’s screams. Meteora is also where a lot of fans would discover “Breaking The Habit” and “Numb”. The other side of what makes these records so important, is the fact that they sincerely capture the angst and life of being a teenager. I think the word “angst” gets thrown around a lot in a negative context, but if we look at it as a pure emotion, Linkin Park really grabbed hold of what it was like to be a teenager. 

    Minutes to Midnight (2007)

    Linkin Park took four years in between Meteora to present Minutes to Midnight. Many folks probably remember this record for the one song that made its way into the Transformers movie (“What I’ve Done”). Minutes to Midnight would be the first step that Linkin Park would take to abandoning the nu metal sound.  While tracks like “Bleed It Out” had Shinoda spitting to a catchy rock rhythm, the hip hop flow could still be felt throughout the work. The only time there was any semblance of that nu metal-like vibe was in the guitar chugs that came from “No More Sorrow”. Other than that though, Minutes to Midnight was more of a rock record, coming out with upbeat rhythms that could be found in such tracks as “Given Up”.

    A Thousand Suns (2010)

    A Thousand Suns kept to Shinoda’s hip hop style and the rock sound, but played around with more of an electronic essence. The hip hop energy really came forth in “When They Come for Me” and “Wretches and Kings”, with work such as “Waiting for the End” taking on a very playful pop approach. Then there was “Blackout”, which presented an industrial EDM style instrumental under Bennington’s singing and screaming.  It was during these years where some fans began to find themselves torn between the music and the changes that the group was taking on. 

    Living Things (2012)

    The album opened with “Lost in the Echo”, kicking things off with a radiant EDM vibe. This continued in “Burn It Down” and “Lies Greed Misery”. The group even played around with some folk-like vocalization in “Castle of Glass”, distancing themselves more from their supposed trademark sound. The album still included heavy elements, the track “Victimized” coming off with punk adrenaline and flavor. These three albums showed drastically different sides to Linkin Park. The instrumental components were surely the biggest differences, but I would argue that thanks to the vocal styles and lyrical approach of Bennington and Shinoda, all three of these records still felt like Linkin Park. 

    The Hunting Party (2014)

    right away with “Keys to the Kingdom” you got Bennington’s rage-fueled screams with a steady drum beat and rock and roll tone. The track burst with Bennington’s vocals and Shinoda’s fast spitting style, presenting a super catchy song. Whether it is screams or rapping, The Hunting Party kept to a rock foundation with strong drum work and vibrant guitars.  “Guilty All the Same” and “Final Masquerade” are terrific examples of this core sound that catered to both vocal styles of Shinoda and Bennington. “War” was a standout track, capturing a sincere and brutal punk viciousness and speed. There are less of those somber and angst-ridden songs found on previous works, and instead more heart-racing adrenaline. For those who had been missing out on a heavier Linkin Park sound, this was a killer record.

    One More Light (2017)

    Chester’s last performance

    It would be three years later when Linkin Park would release One More Light, perhaps the band’s most controversial record. There are light elements of rock felt throughout the work, but for the most part the music builds off of electronic pop. When the band released their first single “Heavy”, there began a flurry of comments ranging from all spectrums of approval to distaste. Other than “Talking to Myself”, this record doesn’t really have too much of that bubbly pop sound. There are traits of it throughout the album, but there is more of that emotional tinge that is reminiscent of the band’s earlier work. The beats dip with shadow and brightness to give off a somber aura, infusing the elements of dark and light emotions.

    Many of us grew up with Bennington’s vocals and lyrics, some of us growing up suffering (and still suffering) from the same struggles that plagued his life. Linkin Park will forever be one of the most influential bands of our time. As a band, they committed to their desire in evolving their sound. This act was a lot of people’s first loves when it came to music. It became that band that got people to find a way to let go of anger or pain, and find something that gave their lives hope and inspiration. They are a band that touched the lives of millions of people trying to find themselves and make sense of life. Throughout all their albums, Linkin Park have built a legacy to always be remembered by. We have the music forever in our hearts and bursting through our eardrums, Chester’s voice still singing and screaming away.

     

    DIGITAL ECONOMY

     

    The digital economy is the economic activity that results from billions of everyday online connections among people, businesses, devices, data, and processes. The backbone of the digital economy is hyperconnectivity which means growing interconnectedness of people, organisations, and machines that results from the Internet, mobile technology, and the internet of things (IoT). The digital economy is taking shape and undermining conventional notions about how businesses are structured; how firms interact; and how consumers obtain services, information, and goods.

    Way Forward 

     Digital revolution must include communities and regions that were previously not part of
    information and communication technology (ICT) advancement. 

     Sectors must be opened to new digital business models through reductions in regulatory
    restrictiveness. 

     For countries to reap the digital dividend, there must be space for new digital competition,
    experimentation, and entrepreneurship 

     Removing red tape that burdens digital entrepreneurs with unnecessary costs 

     Technological innovation is a boon for India, the only thing that matters is how much it is allowed to
    change the economy.

      Government must formulate a new electronics policy, software product policy, and a framework for
    data security and protection. 

     The focus needs to be on creating technology that is affordable, developmental, and digitally
    inclusive. 

     The idea of setting up special innovative zones for start-ups must be explored. 

     Ensure a simpler tax compliance regime in order to further India’s Global ranking in ease of doing
    business. 

     The need for internet and mobile application training aimed at less educated and the low-income
    groups.

      Conclusion 

    The digital economy could be an important vehicle for change and could dramatically expand
    India’s role and influence in the global economy and become a powerhouse of digital innovation

    E.LALITHA 

    Something the kitten taught me

    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    My brother is extremely extremely extremely (I don’t even know if it is grammatically correct or allowed, but you kinda get the picture now, I guess). We currently have 3 kittens and 3 fully grown up cats and a dog as well (well the dog was my doing). So, every day the kittens demand to be let free from their room of confinement and so we take them to the roof of the house (there are too many stray dogs and so the roads aren’t safe).

    This one fine evening, when we had taken the kittens for a stroll in the rooftop, and they were playing(this is what they do whole day), one of them pushed the female kitten (only one of them is a female) off the roof. Ours is a two story house and the kitten was 2 months old. She fell on concrete floor and appeared pretty dead from the rooftop. My mother rushed down giving me strict instructions to take care of the remaining ones and I watched the other two like a hawk, should they try anything. Amidst all of this chaos, the mother cat was content with even one of her kittens with no knowledge of her third one what-so-ever. Later, I decided to gather the remaining 2 (+the mother) and head down. upon enquiry, I came to know the kitten was fine (bless her) and had suffered minor injuries(well her both hind legs had developed sort of a mild fracture). The bones weren’t fully developed and so they would easily heal. And heal she did. Within two days she was back on all fours having some difficulty climbing but doing her best to keep up with her siblings. Though what was interesting was the mother realizing her child was in distress and would probably stay weak developed some sort of special liking to her.( Even to this day, she is partial)

    So, anyways, after a week of recovering from her fracture, the kitten was back in form, playing and jumping and meowing. Me and my family members thought that falling rom the roof nd all the kitten would probably be afraid of heights. But man did she prove us wrong. Keeping her away from the boundary became a task. Me and my mother would stay on two corners of the roof just to chase her away each time she came too near to the boundary for our liking. The other two kittens were afraid though and stayed away. The one who made the fall was later on capable of making it all the way down from the roof, this time without injuring her foot or any other body part and now this is the first thing she does every-time she is taken to the roof-top. It is now a task for their mother to have the other two kittens do the same. After all ,she is damn adamant on taking them out of the boundary.

    So now every time I see the kitten, I think that just maybe surviving the fall she had somehow realized that it was the worst that could happen to her, should she fall, and that she was capable of making it out alive, just as she did the first time and so she tried each of the countless times we tried to contain her till the day she made it and all we could do was watch.