Month: August 2021

Different opportunities after the GATE exam

In this era, just being a graduate won’t bag you a wonderful job opportunity. All of us are well aware of the decreasing employment rates in India. So for an unprecedented career, one should go for higher studies. This won’t just open up the doors to your bright future but will also boost your career. Hence, these days, the students prepping for higher education opt for competitive exams.

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam is one such very well-known exam. Almost all the science and engineering students appear for the exam and are also aware of the chunks of opportunities.

Well, if you too want to go for higher studies such as M. Tech or ME after your graduation. Then, this competitive exam is for you. Let me list out some benefits of qualifying GATE exam.

Public Sector Units (PSUs)

Candidates qualifying GATE with magnificent ranks is directly called for interviews by these organizations. These days many PSUs are hiring candidates with good GATE scores such as BHEL, IOCL, ONGC, SAIL, NTPC, HPCL, PGCIL, BARC and over 200 more PSUs present in the country consider GATE scores as a satisfactory criterion in their recruitment process. A job in a PSU ensures you keep in touch with intriguing engineering advances while enjoying the security and perks of a Govt. salary. Working in a PSU will not only help you lead an affluent life but also you will serve your country.

Higher Studies

If you crack the exam with an outstanding score, then the best opportunity is to get into India’s prestigious institutes like IITs and NITs or IISC. Based on your specialization and interests you can choose your favorite institutes. After completion of your higher studies, firms like Google, Samsung, Tata, Maruti, Cisco, and several other eminent companies with salaries ranging from 8 lakhs to 30 lakhs per annum bless you with really excellent campus placement opportunities. And if you have always dreamt of getting that tag of an “IITian” before your name, this is the exam that paves the path towards it.

Research

If you are zealous about your subject and want to explore new things, then after the completion of your M. Tech or ME, you can also opt for research, Junior Research Fellowship in CSIR Laboratories. Research is an area which is not developed properly in our country explored though it holds great promise. A very few people stay back in the country to do their research fellowship rather they go to foreign countries for a better prospect and future. But why should you go to a foreign university and do research while also having to struggle with part-time jobs to meet expenses? You can do the same outstanding and path-breaking researches in your own country and simultaneously can earn a hefty stipend for that. Isn’t a good option for you? By doing research in your own country, you can make your country and people proud.

Joining foreign universities after GATE

Another great opportunity after GATE is that you can join foreign universities for your higher education and fulfill all your dreams. Many universities in Germany, Singapore consider a valid GATE score, i.e. above 90 percentile as a parameter for admission. While many universities in Germany waive tuition fees for their various M. Tech and MS programs. So, make hard work for your GATE exam preparation and can get one step closer to your dream.

So, it’s prime time to start with your GATE preparation if you’re in your third year of engineering

History of Republic Day

India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 annually with a lot of pride and fervor. It is a day that is important to every Indian citizen. It marks the day when India became truly independent and embraced democracy. In other words, it celebrates the day on which our constitution came into effect. On 26 January 1950, almost 3 years post-independence, we became a sovereign, secular, socialist, democratic republic.

While we got independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, our country was still lacking a concrete constitution. Moreover, India also did not have any experts and political powers which would help in the functioning of the state affairs smoothly.  Up until then, the 1935 Government of India Act was basically modified in order to govern, however, that act was more bent towards the colonial rule. Therefore, there was a dire need to form an exclusive constitution that would reflect all that India stands for.

Thus, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led a constitutional drafting committee on August 28, 1947.  After drafting, it was presented to the Constituent Assembly by the same committee on November 4, 1947. This whole procedure was very elaborate and took up to 166 days to complete. Moreover, the committee organized sessions were kept open to the public.

No matter the challenges and hardships, our constitutional committee left no stone unturned to include rights for all. It aimed to create the perfect balance so all citizens of the country could enjoy equal rights pertaining to their religions, culture, caste, sex, creed and more. At last, they presented the official Indian constitution to the country on January 26, 1950.

Moreover, the first session of the India Parliament was also conducted on this day. In addition to that, 26th January also witnessed the swearing-in of India’s first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Thus, this day is very important as it marks the end of the British rule and birth of India as a Republic State.

The new ‘kid’ in the block; COVID-19

The world was gripped by the outbreak of a disease called Novel Coronavirus Disease which made normal life impos sible for the people. The year 2020 will be remembered by most people as ‘an nus horribilis.”

On 11 March 2020, WHO declared Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic and reiterated the call for countries to take immediate actions and scale up response to treat, detect and reduce transmission to save people’s lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic is consid ered as the most serious global health crisis of the century and the greatest challenge that the humankind faced since the 2nd World War, In Decem ber 2019, a new infectious respira tory disease emerged in Wuhan, Hu bei province, China and was named by the World Health Organization as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). A new class of corona virus, known as SARS-CoV-2 has been found to be responsible for occurrence of this disease. As far as the history of human civilization is concerned there are instances of severe outbreaks of diseases caused by a number of virus es. According to the report of the World Health Organization, the current outbreak of COVID-19, has affected over 2164111 people and killed more than 146,198 people in more than 200 countries throughout the world. Till now there is no report of any clinically approved antiviral drugs or vaccines that are ef fective against COVID-19. It has rapidly spread around the world, posing enor mous health, economic, environmental and social challenges to the entire hu man population. The coronavirus out is severely disrupting the global economy, Almost all the nations are struggling to slow down the transmis sion of the disease by testing & treating

patients, quarantining suspected persons through contact tracing, re stricting large gatherings, maintaining complete or partial lock down etc.

Before the onset of COVID-19, there were at least five pandemics in the cur rent century, H1N1 in 2009, polio in 2014, Ebola (West Africa in 2014), Zika (2016) and Ebola (Democratic Republic of Congo in 2019). COVID-19 outbreak was declared as the sixth public health emergency of international concern on 30 Jan 2020 by the WHO. Compared to the other diseases, COVID-19 was much more widespread.

The COVID-19 outbreak was first re ported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, and within a couple of months it turned out to be a global health emergency. Live animals like bat, frog, snake, bird, marmot and rabbit are frequently sold at the Hunan seafood market. Genomic analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to severe acute respiratory syndrome like (SARS-like) bat viruses, bats could therefore be the possible primary source. Although the intermediate source of origin and transfer to humans is not clearly known, the rapid human to hu man spreading capability of this virus has been established. As per the latest update of WHO on 30 October 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 had spread in more than 200 countries. Approximately 11,87,582 people had died after con tracting the respiratory virus out of nearly 4,54,29,027 confirmed cases, whereas more than 3,30,35,620 people have re covered from the disease. These numbers are changing rapidly.

Bringing a glimmer of hope, Russia on August 11, 2020 declared itself the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine with President Vladimir Putin saying one of his daughters had been inoculated. Dubbing the vaccine “Sputnik V” after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space, Russian officials said it provided safe, stable immunity and denounced Western attempts to un dermine Moscow’s research. Scientists in the West have raised concerns about the speed of development of Russian vaccines, suggesting that researchers might be cutting corners and coming un der pressure from authorities to deliver. The World Health Organization said any WHO stamp of approval on a COVID-19 vaccine candidate would require a rigorous safety data review.

Janmashtami

The Hindus celebrate Janmashtami for the birth of Sri Krishna. The festival usually occurs in August. Moreover, the Hindus celebrate this festival in the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha. Moreover, Lord Krishna is the most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is a joyful festival for the Hindus. Furthermore, the Hindus perform different rituals to please Lord Krishna. This is one of the most joyous celebrations for the Hindus.

Krishna Janmashtami 2018: Bollywood wishes Happy Janmashtami

Lord Krishna was born on the 8th day of Dark Fortnight in the month of Bhadon. Bhadon is a month in the Hindu calendar. Moreover, he was born around 5,200 years ago approximately. Because he was one of the most powerful Gods. He was born for a special purpose on Earth. Lord Krishna was born to free the world from evil.

As a result, he played an important role in the book of Mahabharata. Also, Lord Krishna preached about good karma and the theory of Bhakti.

Lord Krishna was born in a prison. He was in the clutches if Kansa. But his father Vasudev gave him to his friend Nand to save him. Because he knew that Kansa was evil-minded. Furthermore after getting saved the upbringing of Sri Krishna was in a Gokul family. Sri Krishna after some time became strong. As a result, he was able to kill Kansa.

When I was a child I used to watch many shows on Sri Krishna. As a result, I know many things about him. First of all, Sri Krishna was very fond of eating Makhan. Because of that he always used to steal it from his mothers’ kitchen. Therefore his name was ‘Natkahat Nand Lal’. Sri Krishna was dark-colored. So he was always worried about his color. Moreover, Sri Krishna had a friend named Radha. Radha was of great importance to Krishna. So he always spent time with her. Radha was very beautiful and fair so Lord Krishna always feels color complex.

Teachers Day

A Teacher is someone who acts as a guide and inspiration to people – both young and old. He/she is charged with the responsibility of creating awareness as well as opening the mind of people by instilling values, morals, and ethics. Teachers efforts are recognized during the teacher’s day. They shape minds, and we annually celebrate their contribution to the development of society in the form of Teachers’ day across the world. However, We celebrate The International Teachers Day on October 5th annually.

Teachers’ Day in India

Teachers are respected and honored for their important contribution in shaping individuals. 5th of September is annually celebrated as Teachers’ day in India. This is actually the birthday of the former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

essay on teachers day

Teachers play an important role in the development of any country. This is why it is vital to set aside a day when the teachers are given the recognition they deserve. We celebrate Teachers’ day to honor the contribution of Teachers in our lives. Duties undertaken by teachers in the upbringing of children is immense and thus being recognized with teachers’ day is a step towards recognizing the profession and the role they play in society.

History of Holi

Holi is known as the festival of colours. It is one of the most important festivals in India. Holi is celebrated each year with zeal and enthusiasm in the month of March by followers of the Hindu religion. Those who celebrate this festival, wait for it every year eagerly to play with colours and have delectable dishes.

The Hindu religion believes there was a devil king named Hiranyakashyap long ago. He had a son named Prahlad and a sister called Holika. It is believed that the devil king had blessings of Lord Brahma. This blessing meant no man, animal or weapon could kill him. This blessing turned into a curse for him as he became very arrogant. He ordered his kingdom to worship him instead of God, not sparing his own son.

Following this, all the people began worshipping him except for his son, Prahlad. Prahlad refused to worship his father instead of God as he was a true believer of Lord Vishnu. Upon seeing his disobedience, the devil king planned with his sister to kill Prahlad. He made her sit in the fire with his son on the lap, where Holika got burned and Prahlad came out safe. This indicated he was protected by his Lord because of his devotion. Thus, people started celebrating Holi as the victory of good over evil.

it is easy to adopt online education in india

 IT IS EASY TO ADOPT ONLINE EDUCATION IN INDIA 



By : Neha Shahab 
 The most educational institutions have been shut since the end of March. It is still difficult to predict when schools, colleges and universities will reopen. Teachers and school administrators have been advised to continue communication with students through virtual lectures or portals.
The major challenge of remote learning is disparity in access – from electricity and internet connections to devices like computer or smartphones.
Mission Antyodaya, a nationwide survey of villages conducted by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2017-’18, showed  that 16% of India’s households received one to eight hours of electricity daily, 33% received 9-12 hours, and only 47% received more than 12 hours a day. While a computer would be preferable for online classes, a smartphone could also serve the purpose. However, the phone might be convenient for apps, but not for carrying out lengthy assignments or research. While 24% Indians own a smartphone, only 11% of households possess any type of computer, which could include desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets.
The difference is starker in case of internet access. In states like Delhi, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Uttarakhand, more than 40% households have access to internet. The proportion is less than 20% for Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
The gender divide in internet usage is also stark. As per the internet and mobile association of india report, in 2019, while 67% men had access to internet, this figure was only at 33% for women. The disparity is more prominent in rural India, where the figures are 72% and 28% for men and women.

STRESS BUSTERS FOR A HAPPY LIFE

Ever since we humans have descended onto the Earth and made developments through generations and centuries, we have been living with decorum and discipline. The world has become quite organized and diversification has been well designed, planned and implemented. Well, as more and more people get access to better quality of knowledge, competition has levelled up too, and even though there are numerous opportunities available to everyone, the opportunities per person are less than a millionth. With such a tough and cut-throat competition taking place, the chances of making the cut amongst the selected ones for any opportunity is really difficult. People have to stay resilient and hard as a rock to complete and overcome all hardships to stay in the race. Physically with practice and consistency, hurdles seem to be easier to cross. But the real hurdle here is the emotional quotient. It is a herculean task to keep up with failures, setbacks and keep working towards our goals despite all the problems. Also, peer pressure and public opinions affect us and our outlook adversely. The conception of living a healthy life doesn’t just mean good physical health, it also hints towards good mental, emotional and social well-being as well. Thus proper mental health should also be maintained in order to remain completely fit and happy. But mental health isn’t given the same level of attention and importance as maintaining a fit body. Though it is said that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body, a healthy mind paves for a happy self. It is extremely necessary to keep an equally healthy state of mind and stability in order to live a fulfilling and enriching life. Not until very recently, psychological and mental issues were stigmatised and overlooked at by the society. But the gen – z has raised awareness about such issues, and has motivated people to come out of their shells and seek professional help to overcome their problems. Many famous personalities and public figures have opened about their stories, their health problems and how they accepted it and sought the help of their close people and medical experts to get better and healthy. This has encouraged the common person to address his/her condition with a better outlook and positive approach rather than being embarrassed and not facing it, causing more self-harm in the process.

The lifestyle that today’s generation lives is subjected to great stress levels, and coping with that huge amount of stress is itself a great challenge in today’s world. Some people might happen to get stuck in this maze, and might be unable to find the other side of the lit tunnel. These people might happen to be our close-knit ones too, and we might be unaware of what they are going through. In such cases, if we realize that our near and dear ones are emotionally distressed, it is our moral responsibility to support them in their hard times instead of ignoring or mocking them. We need to help them understand that it is totally okay if they are going through a low phase or are emotionally disturbed in any way, and that they can reach out to someone they are comfortable with, or medical professionals who can help them better in such a situation. The same goes with us too. The most important part of bouncing back with vigour and flamboyance in such situations is self-belief. If we believe in our strengths, willpower and potential, nothing is impossible and even the most difficult things are accomplishable. To be emotionally strong and focused, we need to embark on a journey of self-realization, that is, finding ourself. When we understand our good side and shortcomings, we can enhance our strengths and work on our weaknesses to become better versions of ourselves. Activities like meditation, spirituality and wellness programs can help connect our mind and body and help them work in unison as a whole unit in order to increase productivity and synchronization. Many relaxation activities can really help unwind and develop a peaceful environment for introspection and retrospection. This in turn can prove useful to help us understand our mistakes, so that we work on them well. This can also help us understand if our methods and ways are aligned in the proper direction and we can propel ourselves accordingly. We need to look after our mental health with the same intensity and importance as we do for our bodily health. A balanced and completely fit body will help us in living a contended and happy life.

A SOUND BODY, A HEALTHY BODY

Great learned people had been emphasizing on the importance of exercise and fitness since ancient times. We did have ancient doctors who had truly deep knowledge of the human anatomy and all the organ systems as well as the body’s working, but the technology to confirm their estimations was not available at that time. Yet, these people stressed on practising various forms of exercises and designing and playing a number of games which aided in complete body movement. With advancements in technology and detailed understanding of the body and its functioning in the medical field, the positive impact of exercise became more and more tangible to prove. Nevertheless, no matter what century it is, the significance of proper fitness and good health cannot be overlooked. And by good health, only a lean body does not translate as a healthy one; health means total physical, mental and social well-being. Studies have found out that exercise not only paves way for good physical health, but also rejuvenates the mind when done with concentration and interest. When all the senses become alert and the body is stretched, strained and relaxed during exercise, it helps relieve stress and refreshes our mind.

Today, people have realized that having a good physique is not necessarily an indicator of good health. If one is happy, can cope up with stress well and is free from lifestyle related diseases and also practices physical fitness regularly, then he/she can be termed healthy. And this is not just limited to having a good run or cardio session. The diet we consume also determines our wellness. As the common saying goes ‘good food, good mood’, a good diet ensures the body’s nourishment and negligible intake/accumulation of unhealthy components in our system. A lot of emphasis is being given on eating good, junk-free meals power-packed with the daily dose of required nutrients and devoid of harmful ingredients. Many people say that the combination of exercise and a planned diet have churned out wonderful and promising results. Food consisting of fruits and vegetables, low starch and sugar content, high fibre content, low LDP/cholesterol content and all the essential nutrients supplements the body well. Maintaining fitness and health by regular workout along with a proper balanced diet is very useful. Along with performing all the strenuous physical activities, taking care of mental health is also necessary. The world is becoming a busier place, and work and life stress have been mounting a lot of pressure on us, affecting our daily personal lives drastically too. In these times, a stress-busting activity is the need of the hour to keep up with all the issues and resolve them with a calm and composed mind. With an increase in psychological issues around the world, it is necessary that we keep a happy mindset towards things, open up to our close people, take breaks for self-realization activities and immerse ourselves into positivity and satisfaction. Nowadays, people do not care much about social attachment and involvement as they used to in the early days. But it is important that we stay connected and emotionally attached to the outside world and maintain healthy social relations and interactions. This will help in building strong bonding within the community and people will be able to share their joys and tackle their sorrows more effectively.

All in all, health and fitness are not just good food, good mind or good body. Healthiness is a state of self which encompasses and brings inner peace and content to us, and not just suffices our tangible needs. It is something which adds substance to living, and happiness to doing what we do.

Bachchan’s Madhushala – a gem in poetry

“Out of the grapes that are born of my emotions,

I bring forth to you this wine.

My beloved, have a taste of this cup of my emotions, From my very hands…”

Madhushala (the house of wine or the Tavern) is probably one of the most beloved pieces of poetry in Hindi literature. Harivansha Rai Bachchan has brought forth the wine to the lips of every reader and has metaphorised wine to mean every thing in life. It’s a complete book – a poem 145 stanzas long – prasing the tavern as a temple while contrasting the realities India faced in the face of the partition and freedom struggle. The tavern is like his life – the wine and the drinker complement each other just like two people in a relationship. The wine then becomes the sun, soon to become the moon and the drinker a person who is trying to find way through his life.

Call it not lava, though it flows red, like a tongue of flame.
Call it no Alas, he that with eager lips, has not kissed this wine,
Alas, he that trembling with joy, has not touched a brimming goblet,
He that has not drawn close the coy wine-maiden by her hand,
Has wasted this honey-filled tavern of Life.

Few poems could stand as high and mighty as this one. It is a poem that reflects life and India and as much a contemporary material as it was at the time of its inception. It is a story of human emotions more than just a poem and is hence, a very good read!

Life is short. How much love can I give and how much can I drink?
They say, “He departs,” at the very moment that he is born.
While he is being welcomed, I have seen his farewell being prepared.
They started closing the shutters of the tavern, as soon as they were raised.

Happy reading!!!

हरिवंश राय बच्चन की 2 प्रेरणादायक कविताएँ - HamariSafalta.com
Bachachan

The Secret Garden: A book review

A girl is born to a rich household of a British officer in the times of the Raj. As customary to apparently the then tradition of rich households in British India, the child was raised by the local servants. The father and the mother never really bothered to spend some time with her. However, a deadly plague breaks in and everyone dies. Everyone, but the girl child who is now a bitter, unkind girl who has spent a large part of her growing time simply commanding people and repressing her emotions and has a habit of being fed, and bathed and clothed – all by others. The death of her family means she has to now live with her uncle – a lord in the British Isles.

In that cold, dead and open manor, she discovers the meaning of work, expression, friendship and love – not only nurturing back his cousin to health, but also helping her uncle rediscover happiness and let the garden where her wife passed away – the secret garden with no doors open to anyone.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - Land of Tales

The secret garden – a British children’s classic for more than a century now – is some of those books which one might not necessarily complete in one go, but would be pressed innately to return to it. The story is very much of a child but it builds up in ways that often evade even adult and contemporary literature. Imagination, revelations and most importantly the fact that the protagonist is but a child – all of it is simply touching. A movie was made on the book in 2020 starring Collin Firth and Julie Walters.

The Secret Garden (2020 film) - Wikipedia

Remember to give it a read!!!

Penpals – Digitalized to be rediscovered!

Letters are probably the most graceful way of communication between people. It probably was the most common way of distant communication for more than 3000 years of our recorded history. Until very recently, letters were used by professionals and by common folks alike. You pick up a culture – Indian, English, American, Japanese etc. – all of them have a dedicated space for letter writing – often considered an art. However, mobile phones, instant messaging and e-mails changed the way in which communication was carried out between people forever. It is not that instant messaging is bad. It is better than what was, but certainly fails to have the element of gracefulness that was imbibed in the culture of letter writing.

However, until very recently, letters were also used for the tradition of penpals. Wikipedia defines penpals as – “Pen pals (or penpals, pen-pals, penfriends or pen friends) are people who regularly write to each other, particularly via postal mail. Pen pals are usually strangers whose relationship is based primarily, or even solely, on their exchange of letters. Occasionally pen pals may already have a relationship that is not regularly conducted in person.” And this was a very flourishing tradition between cultures. But of course, life becomes faster with technology and the social changes that come with it.

However, the ones who love and the ones who adore find more ways to hold on to things than the ways in which the others discard the same. There are several penpal clubs that run through magazines. But COVID has certainly put a halt on a large number of them. However, a better thing happened because of this – the innovation of digital letters. For instance, the 2019 Google Apps winner app Slowly built by a Hong Kong Based firm facilitates letter writing online. The time taken by a letter to reach the recipient is proportional to the distance the letter needs to travel geographically, essentially emulating a real-life letter experience. Several other websites that do not necessarily work on the letter based penpal format i.e. they work more like a chat between strangers erupted in market due to the pandemic. The most famous of them is perhaps Omegle which also offers face-time options.

While many may lament that the smell of paper and ink and the post man coming and delivering letters meant a lot to them, a reality is that our realities have changed. The present generation, mostly people born after 2004 might not have many recollections of letters at all in India- thanks to the massive cell-phone boom that has occurred since. However, letters are a good thing. Because the slow modality ensures that a person works upon his language and choice of words. If that isn’t training for soft skills and practicing writing, one may wonder what is. So, the author wishes the ones now planning to write to new people across the world, all the best!

Fake News: The plague of the internet.

The authenticity of Information has become a longstanding issue affecting businesses and society, both for printed and digital media. On social networks, the reach and effects of information spread occur at such a fast pace and so amplified that distorted, inaccurate or false information acquires a tremendous potential to cause real world impacts, within minutes, for millions of users giving the rise to “fake news”. Fake news or fabricated information that is patently false, has become a major phenomenon in the context of Internet-based media. It has received serious attention in a variety of fields, with scholars investigating the antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of its creation and dissemination. Usually, these stories are created to either influence people’s views, push a political agenda or cause confusion and can often be a profitable business for online publishers. False information can deceive people by looking like trusted websites or using similar names and web addresses to reputable news organisations.

The Rise of False Information

False information is not new; being older than the first Century BC, but under the rule of the internet and the emergence of social media has just added fuel to the fire. Traditionally we got our news from trusted sources including journalists and media outlets that are required to follow strict codes of practice. However, the internet has enabled a whole new way to publish, share and consume information and news at a rapid speed with very little regulation or editorial standards. Many people now get news from social media sites and networks and often it can be difficult to tell whether stories are credible or not. According to Martina Chapman (Media Literacy Expert), there are three elements to fake news: Mistrust, misinformation and manipulation. Information overload and a general lack of understanding about how the internet works by people has also contributed to an increase in fake news or hoax stories. Social media sites can play a big part in increasing the reach of these type of stories.

The False Information Business Model

The internet and social media have made it very easy for anyone to publish content on a website, blog or social media profile and potentially reach large audiences.With so many people now getting news from social media sites, many content creators/publishers have used this to their advantage. False information can be a profitable business, generating large sums of advertising revenue for publishers who create and publish stories that go viral. The more clicks a story gets, the more money online publishers make through advertising revenue and for many publishers social media is an ideal platform to share content and drive web traffic.

Consequences of Fake News

The spread of fake news can have both personal and academic consequences. In a perfect world everything reported would be based on facts and you would be able to trust that the media you consume is reliable. But unfortunately, that’s not the case. As a student you are expected to find, evaluate, and reference trustworthy information sources in a variety of formats. If fake news is included as evidence for your arguments or as part of your research it may raise doubts about the integrity of the sources used as a whole and the ability to identify quality information. It can also be dangerous to do something without having all the facts, but it can be just as detrimental to do so based on inaccurate information. Whether it’s political, medical, academic, or personal, a reliable source of information should be recognized to make an intelligent, fact-based choice. As more and more individuals fall for information online that directly opposes scientific research, researchers are increasingly put in the position of having to defend the validity of their findings. When information dissemination was limited to print, television, and radio there was less opportunity for individuals to publicly comment on, criticize, or refute knowledge presented by experts. With the internet, it is now possible for groups to push misinformation that aligns with their beliefs and disparage that which does not.

What can we do about False Information?

Companies like Google and Facebook have announced new measures to tackle fake news with the introduction of reporting and flagging tools.Media organisations like the BBC and Channel 4 have also established fact checking sites While these are welcome developments, digital media literacy and developing skills to critically evaluate information are essential skills for anyone navigating the internet and especially for young people.

The spread of anti-vaccination misinformation on social media, (and its implications for public health and the global fight against COVID-19) is a textbook example of how deadly misinformation can be. Misinformation can have real life consequences for individuals, businesses and public authorities. Besides the recent pandemic, fake news is another virus we should focus on tackling.

Unpaid Internships : Boon or curse ?

Internships provide the most important period for job candidates because they offer the opportunity to gain useful professional skills and work experience. Internship makes candidates mature and prepare them for future work challenges. Information from a survey that was conducted in Holland showed that while 63% of those with paid internships had landed jobs before graduation, just 37% of students with unpaid internships were successful. There is no denying that internships are of extremely valuable to students for their smooth transition from college to the job market. Sometimes procuring an internship opportunity feels like a matter of life-and-death but forfeiting an income should certainly not be the price one should pay to gain experience. Are unpaid internships actually more harmful than what may be seen on the surface as a positive experience?

Most employees offer unpaid internship opportunities or pay interns below the minimum wage. The unpaid internships impact the affected persons negatively. Fields such as education, arts, social sciences, humanities, and health sciences are notorious for offering unpaid internships. Most people are okay with acquiring an internship that does not pay and focus on acquiring experience instead. However, such trends hamper the ability of people to negotiate their salaries in the future. For instance, those that endure unpaid internship when they obtain employment get starting salaries that are low compared to those that obtain paid internships. In some instances, those with no internship experiences are likely to be paid equal or even more salaries that those that endured an unpaid internship.

It is notable that the economy may not be very favourable to many organizations and that students may not feel bothered as long as they are getting valuable work experience. However, working as an intern without a salary has a negative impact on the economy since it promotes unpaid labour practices. It is estimated that most paid internships translate into full-time jobs while only 1% of the unpaid internships translate into jobs. As such, taking up unpaid internships reduce the chances of a person to be employed in an organization on a full-time basis. In the long run, these internships prove harmful for a candidate’s career. Employers are willing to let the unpaid interns go with the knowledge that their organizations will be able to acquire other unpaid interns. Unpaid internship ends up benefitting the employers since they are able to reduce their wages and thereby maximizing their profits to the detriment of the interns that have to embark on a tedious job search. Unpaid internship can be understood to mean employers that are determined to get something for nothing.

However, on the flip side there are also some advantages of an unpaid internship. The knowledge and skills required to be successful in the workplace is something that can’t be taught in any college or university. The college has its own pace, and schedules vary, but most professional environments have more rigid schedules, dress codes, and other policies. An unpaid internship gives a candidate the opportunity to experience the job environment first hand without the risks associated with a normal job. The top strategy when searching for a new job is also the connections made during the internship which prove to be handy later on in one’s career. Establishing strong connections during an internship can result in quality job leads when you graduate and valuable references when you apply for full-time positions. These connections made and the mentoring received can’t be found in a college classroom.

It’s better to find that a preferred career might not be a good fit for you during an internship than during your first months on a job after graduation. An entire professional field cannot be assessed from one internship, but if it doesn’t feel like a good fit, you have time to figure out why. Thus, giving candidates an opportunity to change their mind about their future prospects.

Working in an office with other professionals and clients helps in developing strong skills including communication, creativity and teamwork. Learning how to work with others who are difficult to work takes hand-on experience, as does learning how to avoid being the one who is difficult to work with thus helping in them be better dealers of conflict. The development of these interpersonal skills helps in the overall holistic development of an individual and make them a better person and prepares them to face the challenges that lie in the future.

Many organizations have adopted the unpaid internship approaches especially after the previous economic recession. Employers should not adopt a general attitude. it is important for the employees to understand that appreciation in terms of wages abet small can generate additional interest among the interns and increase productivity. These internships also offer a tremendous amount of development and experience to the candidates, and is that payment enough?

How to Reduce Melanin Pigment to enhance skin tone.

Melanin is a pigment that’s responsible for your skin tone. Generally, having more melanin means that you have darker skin and if you want to reduce your melanin content, then you’re essentially lightening your skin tone. There are many options to lighten your skin tone like the safest and most effective method is laser treatment from a dermatologist. You can also try some approved skin creams to bleach the affected area. But keep in mind that you always do this under the supervision of a dermatologist to experience the best results. Some methods to enhance your skin tone and reduce melanin pigment are:-

Method-1

Laser Treatment

Consult your dermatologist about laser treatment-

Targeted laser treatment is the most common and effective procedure to reduce melanin. It’s especially useful because a dermatologist can specifically focus on dark patches without bleaching all your skin. If you’d like this treatment, then contact a professional dermatologist for a consultation. The dermatologist will then bring you in to determine if you’re a good candidate for laser treatment.

Dermatologists typically use lasers on people with dark patches or blotches on their skin. If you want to lighten larger areas, then they’ll probably use a cream or peel instead.

Only visit a licensed and certified dermatologist for laser treatment. Some cosmetic clinics might offer the treatment, but they may not use the best techniques or equipment.

Your insurance may or may not cover the treatment, so keep the cost in mind.

Let the dermatologist test your skin to ensure a laser treatment is safe for your skin or not-

Before the procedure, the dermatologist will probably do a test to make sure you aren’t overly sensitive to the laser. This involves focusing on a small patch of your skin for a short period of time. The dermatologist will then send you home to see if you have any reactions over the next few days, then schedule your laser treatment if all looks good.

Signs of a negative reaction include excessive redness, swelling, burning, and itching. Let your dermatologist know right away if you experience these side effects.

If you do have a negative reaction to the laser, then your dermatologist can recommend other lightning techniques.

Undergo a 30-60-minute laser treatment-

During the procedure, the dermatologist will give you eye protection to guard against the laser. They’ll then rub a laser device onto the affected area, and possibly blow cool air onto your skin to prevent the laser from overheating you. The treatment lasts 30-60 minutes and you can go home after it is done.

The treatment might feel a bit prickly or hot, but you shouldn’t feel pain. Let the dermatologist know right away if the treatment hurts you.

If you’re having treatment on just a few spots, then the session will probably be shorter. If you’re treating a large area, then it will be longer.

Return for repeat sessions if necessary–

Whether or not you need more sessions depends on how large of an area you treated. Listen to your dermatologist’s instructions and schedule follow-up treatments if necessary.

The dermatologist will probably want to examine your skin in a week or 2 regardless to see how you’re healing and if everything looks good then treatment is successfully done.

Wash the area with fragrance-free soap every day–

Keeping the area clean helps prevent infections and complications. Wet it with clean, warm water and then gently rub some fragrance-free soap onto it. Rinse the area off and pat it dry with a towel.

The area will probably be sensitive for a few days, so don’t scrub it hard or use a washcloth. This will be painful if the area isn’t healed yet.

Don’t pick at any scabs that form. This could cause a scar.

Apply aloe vera gel or cream to soothe the area until it heals-

 You might have some minor burns or irritation after the procedure. You could soothe the area with aloe vera gel or cream to reduce burning and discomfort. Try applying it once or twice a day as needed. Make sure any crams you use are fragrance-free to avoid irritation.

Follow all of your dermatologist’s instructions. If they tell you that putting any cream on the area isn’t safe, then listen to them.

You could also use a cold compress to relieve the pain if the dermatologist says you can’t use aloe cream.

Protect the area with sunscreen for at least 6 months after the treatment-

The area will be more sensitive to sunlight since the melanin has been removed. Make sure you protect it for at least 6 months after the procedure. Apply sunscreen regularly with at least 30 SPF whenever you go outside to avoid sunburns.

If the spot is in an area you can cover with your clothes, then you don’t need sunscreen.

Method-2

Using Skin-Lightening Products

Use a chemical peel to remove surface melanin-

If you want to lighten large patches of skin instead of a few spots, then your dermatologist may try a chemical peel to reduce melanin pigmentation. They will rub an acid agent onto your skin and let it sit for about 25-30 minutes. During this time, it dissolves the surface skin layers. Then, the dermatologist will wash the mask off.

Your dermatologist will probably use light to medium-depth peel to start out with. In general, the lighter you want your skin, the deeper the peel has to be.

If you have sensitive skin, your dermatologist may not use a chemical peel. Placing acid on sensitive skin could cause a lot of irritation and cause burning of the skin.

You may need multiple chemical peels to remove excess melanin.

Non-prescription and store-bought chemical peels are not recommended and could be harmful. Only have a chemical peel treatment under a dermatologist’s supervision.

You can visit your dermatologist for a microdermabrasion treatment-

This treatment involves using fine crystals to sand away the top skin layers and reveal fresh skin underneath. This is usually used to remove scars, but could also lighten your skin. The dermatologist will numb your skin, then spend a few minutes grinding at the dark spot. After the treatment is finished, you’ll be sent home to recover.

Your skin will be irritated and red for a few days after the treatment. Your dermatologist might tell you to take pain relievers and provide you with washing instructions to help you heal faster.

Microdermabrasion is usually only used on small patches, so your dermatologist may use a cream or peel if you want a large area lightened.

Ask your dermatologist for a prescription whitening cream-

If you don’t want to have an in-office procedure, you could also get a prescription product to apply at home. Most of these creams contain retinoids or hydroquinone, both of which can lighten skin. Apply the cream onto your skin exactly as directed by your derma. In most cases, you’ll have to use prescription creams for about 3 months to complete the treatment.

The application instructions vary with different products, but in most cases, you’ll apply the cream 1 or 2 times per day. Rub it in completely and then wash your hands thoroughly.

Keep the cream away from your mouth or eyes.

Don’t get the cream on anyone else, or it could bleach their skin. Keep the cream away from children’s.

Those with darker skin tones should exercise caution if considering using a product that contains hydroquinone, as it can cause irreversible discolouration and skin darkening.

Apply an over-the-counter 2% hydroquinone cream-

Hydroquinone is a common bleaching product that’s effective for lightening skin. Low concentrations are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Check the application instructions and apply the cream to the affected area exactly as directed and don’t go out in sun.

OTC creams should produce results within 4 months. If you don’t notice any change, contact your dermatologist.

Products with a hydroquinone concentration higher than 2% are usually not available without a prescription. This is because hydroquinone could cause health problems in high concentrations and with long-term use.

Some countries have banned hydroquinone without a prescription or altogether because of potential health risks. However, studies demonstrate that concentrations between 2-4% are not dangerous.

Get a skin cream that contains kojic acid-

This is another common ingredient that’s used in many skin-lightening products. This is because it can reduce the amount of melanin in your skin and prevent the formation of new melanin cells. Check the pharmacy or shop online for a kojic acid cream and apply it exactly as directed.

Kojic acid doesn’t have the potential health risks of hydroquinone, so you can use it if your country has banned hydroquinone. You could also ask your dermatologist for a prescription to buy kojic acid cream.