Day: December 10, 2021

Realism

Realism has been the most important approach of international relations over the years. It has been the dominant way of explaining international behaviour. Realism emphasizes relations among nations, as they have been and as they are. It is not concerned with the ideal world. It is the international interpretation of human behaviour. Individuals are essentially selfish, and they seek power to serve their interests and to prevail over others. As Morgenthau wrote in the 20th century, power is the control of men over the minds and actions of other men. And, there is constant strife leading to conflicts and clashes between individuals having divergent interests and seeking to acquire power. Thus, there is an ever-present struggle for power in the society. The same is the tone of nations that are guided by the same considerations as individuals.

Political Realism

Realism, or political realism, as an approach of international relations has evolved over the centuries. Prominent among its earlier advocates were Indian scholar Kautilya, Chinese strategist Sun Tzu, and Greek scholar Thucydides. Much later, Italian scholar Nicolo Machiavelli and English philosopher Thomas Hobbes also contributed to the evolution of realism. Their ideas may be called classical realism, though Morgenthau is now considered the principal classical realist. However, according to the view expressed by Robert Jackson and George Sorensen (1999) and many others, Morgenthau’s theory may be described as neo-classical realism. But, Morgenthau was the most systematic advocate of realism. However, British Professor E.H. Carr, who wrote The Twenty Years’ Crisis (1919-39) had prepared the ground on which Morgenthau developed his theory of realism.

Carr criticized democracies like the UK and France for their failure in defeating the designs of dictators. He blamed the democratic countries for failing to recognize the power realities in the world. Carr divided the scholars of international relations into two groups. These were ‘utopians’, or ‘idealists’, and the ‘realists’. He described the utopians as optimists- children of enlightenment and liberalism. The liberals held the view that reason and morality could structure international behaviour of the states towards peace. Wilson and (his) League of Nations were cited as main examples of utopians. Carr, who himself was a a realist, described realists as pessimists, or children of darkness, who emphasize power and national interest. Commenting on Carr’s views on power, Michael G Roskin and Nicholas O Berry wrote, ‘This does not necessarily mean perpetual war, for if statesmen are clever and willing to build and apply power, both economic and military, they can make the aggressors back down…’

Political realism is a significant theory in the field of international relations that seeks to explain state behavior under a set of specific and rigid assumptions. At its core, political realism is guided by three S’s: statism, survival, and self-help.

Statism asserts that states are the only entity on the international stage that matter and that they are unitary (acting alone) and rational (acting in its best interests) actors. Survival identifies the state’s primary goal is to survive in an international system characterized by anarchy. The final S, self-help, conveys the assumption that states cannot trust others in their pursuit of survival and must secure their security.

Political realism is further delineated into sub-theoretical frameworks, including:

  • Classical realism
  • Liberal realism
  • Neorealism
  • Neoclassical realism

While each sub-framework has its own nuance within the broader political realist theory, all forms of political realism fundamentally believe world politics is a field of conflict among states pursuing power.

Structural Realism

Structural realism, also referred to as neorealism in the academic community, is a major branch of political realism derived from classical realism. While the latter incorporates analysis of human behavior within state decision-making, structural realism focuses predominantly on the anarchic structure of the international system. In other words, structural realists see global conflict as inevitable because there is no supranational body that could prevent or mediate conflict between individual states. Therefore, structural realists assume that states must always be preparing for conflict because war could break out at any time.

Structural realists believe that understanding the international system is guided by the three S’s of political realism. However, they do incorporate analysis of inter-relationships between distinct state entities, particularly regarding power relationships. A key concept in structural realism is polarity, the balance of power within the international system. Today, international theorists often describe the world as unipolar, with the United States acting as the sole superpower endowed with the ability to dominate international relations via their economic, political, and military supremacy.

REFERENCES : International Relations By V.N. Khanna

HUMAN RIGHTS IN INDIA

Human rights day celebrated in 10th December.The National Human Rights Commission of India defines human rights as provided under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993, as Rights Relating To Life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the constitution or embodied in the international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 every year, since it was on this very day in 1948 that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all human beings.The international document also commits nations to recognise all humans as being “born free and equal in dignity and rights” regardless of “nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status

7 human rights in India:-

* Origins.


* Significance and characteristics.


* Right to equality.


* Right to freedom.


* Right against exploitation.


* Right to freedom of religion.


* Right to life.


* Cultural and educational rights.

An Act to provide for the constitution of a National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commissions in States and Human Rights Courts for better protection of human rights and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs. Department: Department of States.Protection of human rights is essential for the development of the people of the country, which ultimately leads to development of the national as a whole. The Constitution of India guarantees basic human rights to each and every citizen of the country.The Constitution of India guarantees to all Indian women equality (Article 14), no discrimination by the State (Article 15(1)), equality of opportunity (Article 16), equal pay for equal work (Article 39(d)) and Article 42.

Human rights are important because no one should be abused or discriminated against, and because everyone should have the chance to develop their talents. Unfortunately, many people around the world don’t have these basic rights and freedoms.It is constitutional mandate of judiciary to protect human rights of the citizens. Supreme Court and High Courts are empowered to take action to enforce these rights. Machinery for redress is provided under Articles 32 and 226 of the constitution.

The most significant human rights issues included police and security force abuses, such as extrajudicial killings, disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, rape, harsh and life-threatening prison conditions, and lengthy pretrial detention.

In India, a child has the right to be protected from neglect, exploitation, and abuse at home and elsewhere. Children have the right to be protected from the incidence of abuse, exploitation, violence, neglect, commercial sexual exploitation, trafficking, child labour, and harmful traditional practices.

Top 5 feel-good movies for good vibes!

 

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Movies have the ability to transport us away from reality and immerse us in worlds of fantasy, horror, comedy, drama, and so on.

We look for movies to watch in our local theaters or on Netflix to pass the time when we’re bored. In our search for good films, we frequently overlook feel-good films that are intended to lift our spirits.

After a long day at work, are you finally home? Or do you have a sneaking suspicion that you’re up to no good? Give these heartwarming films a chance to make you smile.

Groundhog Day

Have you ever felt like you were repeating the same day? This is merely a metaphor for going through the same routine every week. However, the protagonist Phil Connors, who awoke every day to find himself stuck on February 2nd, had a different experience. It was the 2nd of February for Phil Connors every day, from the early hours of the morning to the end of the day, and incidents repeated themselves.

Only his actions could alter the day’s events from the previous day. For the protagonist, his unruly situation is a mix of freedom and captivity, as he initially enjoys himself by doing whatever he wants and then tries to find ways to wake up to the next day in his life, February 3rd.

When you watch this fantasy comedy feel-good film, your mundane week will suddenly seem less monotonous. 

Little Miss Sunshine

Families can be difficult to deal with at times. It’s possible that one will have to deal with the other’s ego, attitude, laziness, and other negative characteristics. Little Miss Sunshine is a film that teaches viewers about the importance of having a family, despite its drawbacks.

When Olive, a young girl in the film, is selected for a California beauty pageant, she and her dysfunctional family, which includes an overworked mother, an egotistical father, a suicidal gay uncle, a foul-mouthed grandfather, and her half-brother, travel in their van to arrive on time. Their 800-mile road trip was marred by tensions between family members as well as mechanical issues with their van.

As it unravels the personal lives of the characters during the long road trip, the film has its fair share of comedy, tragedy, and serenity. As a result, it has become one of the most memorable feel-good films of all time.

About a Boy

When you combine a spoiled man with a socially awkward child, you get the film ‘About A Boy.’ Will Freeman plays an adult who forms an unlikely friendship with a 12-year-old boy named Marcus while looking for a date in this comedy-drama. Will develops into a responsible man as a result of his friendship with Marcus, and he begins to seek out meaningful relationships in his life.

‘About A Boy’ says a lot about friendships that come in all shapes and sizes. Will and Marcus’s bravery in standing up for each other in the face of adversity is one of the film’s most touching moments. This film, like the other feel-good films on the list, concludes with a message. When you sit for this one, bring a friend with you.

50/50

Adam Lerner’s life is depicted in 50/50, a film about a man who is given a 50% chance of survival after being diagnosed with a tumor in his spine. Despite the film’s grim subject matter, the audience, as well as Adam, can take comfort in the fact that he is not alone. As Adam’s friend sticks by him and tries to help him cope with his trauma, the film manages to sneak in some dark comedy.

This film teaches you that even in the darkest hour, there is light in the form of your friends and family. It not only depicts the protagonist’s struggles, but also sheds light on his friends and family members who are experiencing unspoken grief and pain as a result of his illness. That is the true beauty of this happy-go-lucky film.

Life is beautiful

Guido Crefice, a young Jewish man captured by Nazi Germany along with his son when the Nazis invaded the Kingdom of Italy during World War II, had a difficult life. Guido, a witty man, kept the gruesome facts of slavery and abuse from his son Giosue, portraying the situation to him as a game in which he must follow certain rules in order to win a military tank at the end.

Despite the fact that the Nazi concentration camp took up the majority of the film. Guido is wooing his love interest in the opening scenes, and viewers are sure to notice his wit and courage. The film is truly unique in that it uses slavery, abuse, and death as a backdrop to convey the message of finding humour and peace amidst life’s trials and tribulations.

Here ends the list of feel-good movies for good vibes. Enjoy!

Most reliable cars in the worldwide market.

 

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Purchasing an automobile necessitates consideration of a number of issues, including costs, payment options, combustion alternatives, and the frequency of maintenance necessary. However, if you have one, you will no longer need to plan your trips around bus or train schedules or rely on a friend for a ride to work. For your spontaneous weekend getaways, your car becomes your personal “travel buddy,” allowing you to avoid uncomfortable adjustments with your clumsy co-passenger. While some reputable automobile brands deliver on their promises and assist you in making a memorable journey. Some may abandon you in the middle of the road, requiring roadside help.

Apart from routine maintenance such as oil changes, tyre rotations, and other repairs. An automobile that lasts up to ten years and has fewer unpleasant problems fits our criteria for a reliable vehicle. It also relies on the owner’s driving habits and weather conditions.

To aid you in your search for a dependable vehicle. We’ve compiled a list of dependable vehicles from various brands and categories.

Porsche 911

Porsche 911 has often reigned on people’s hearts and garages, and has remained strong through generations. Despite the fact that it has a high price tag, reports and reviews attest to its long-term viability and endurance. The most recent model features a 3 litre 6 cylinder petrol engine with 444 brake horsepower and 500 Newton metres of torque, as well as 11 kilometres per litre mileage. It has an automatic transmission and can reach a top speed of 306 kilometres per hour.

Manufacturer information:

Porsche AG is a sports car manufacturer based in Germany that boasts a diverse lineup of vehicles under its umbrella, including the Macan, Panamera, Cayenne, Boxster, Cayman, and their flagship model, the 911. This German company is known to have built some of the most reliable cars in the automobile industry. 

Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is a hybrid car with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a front-mounted electric motor to lower conventional emissions and improve acceleration. It can be driven in pure electric, petrol, or dual-mode depending on the circumstances. Despite being a relatively new entry into the automotive business, it has quickly earned exposure and customer approval as it carves out a place in the reliability area. Its hybrid engine produces 335 Newton metres of torque and 308 braking horsepower. It gets 18.8 kilometres per litre of fuel.

Manufacturer information:

Lexus is a division of Toyota, a well-known Japanese vehicle manufacturer. It is one of Japan’s most popular premium vehicles. They also make and sell sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and a variety of hybrid and gasoline vehicles, in addition to the RX crossover.

It is one of the most reliable car brands in the world. 

Mercedes Benz E class

The Mercedes-Benz E class is one of the most popular mid-size luxury sedans on the market. It is most recognised for its smooth ride and excellent handling. The vehicle is available in a variety of fuel types, including diesel, gasoline, and hybrid, with engines ranging from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo v8 engine, with outputs ranging from 194 to 603 brake horsepower.

Manufacturer information:

Mercedes-Benz is a German automobile company that produces luxury vehicles, commercial vehicles, and sports cars under its AMG sports division. It is a subsidiary of Daimler AG. In 1886, Mercedes-Benz is credited for ushering in a new era in the automotive industry by incorporating a combustion engine into a car. The well-known automobile manufacturer is committed to producing fuel-efficient automobiles and to introducing new technologies.

Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 is a sporty hatchback that allows drivers to swirl their automobiles through corners and gain speed without burning a hole in their wallet. All versions are powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 87, 98, and 113 break horsepower, respectively. Mazda provides a fulfilling ownership experience to its customers by combining driving characteristics, affordability, practicality, and durability.

Manufacturer information:

Mazda is a Japanese automaker that produces and sells vehicles all over the world, with 1.5 million vehicles sold in 2015. It is best known for the Mx5, a compact roadster that is also noted for its dependability. Among other things, the automobile brand is the 15th most popular in the world. The Mazda Cx5 is one of the few reliable two-seat roadsters on the market.

Toyota Prius

Toyota is one of the most dependable car brands in the world, and the Prius model adds to the company’s pride. It has consistently ranked first among the most dependable vehicles with low maintenance costs. Despite being chastised for its exorbitant cost, it is regarded as a sound long-term investment. A 4-cylinder petrol engine with 96.55 brake horsepower and 142 Newton metres of torque powers the vehicle. It has a kilometer-per-liter mileage of 26 km.

The maker’s information:

Toyota is a multinational automaker based in Japan, with headquarters in Tokyo. It ranks as the world’s second-largest automaker. Sedans, compact cars, vans, SUVs, and hybrid vehicles are among the company’s specialties. Lexus is one of the company’s subsidiaries, and it’s known for making dependable automobiles.

FAQs:

Which vehicle manufacturer is the most dependable?

Answer: When it comes to the most dependable car brands, Toyota is at the top of the list.

Which car has the longest lifespan?

Toyota vehicles such as the Innova, Prius, and Fortuner have the ability to last longer.

ExternalLinks:

http://wikipedia.org

http://cardekho.com

http://carwale.com

Top 5 web series to watch in English

 

This is an image of top 5 web series to watch in English.

There are countless online series waiting to be binge-watched across various video streaming sites, making it difficult to choose just one web series to binge-watch when you’re bored. We handpicked web series across different genres to help you choose depending on your interests, rather than blasting you with a list of random web series in the hopes that you will binge on them all.

The umbrella academy. Fantasy- Thriller Series.

Premise:

On October 1, 1989, 43 children were born around the world at the same time to women who were not pregnant before the day began. Sir Reginald Hargreeves, a billionaire, adopted seven of them and formed “The Umbrella Academy,” a group of claimed superheroes. Years later, Reginald’s unexpected death reunites the academy’s now-separated members at his funeral, leading them to uncover deadly events tied to their past.

Preview:

Gerard Way’s The Umbrella Academy is a comic book adaptation of the same name. After a cringe-worthy reunion at their adoptive father’s burial, the plot revolves around seven characters who have special abilities but live regular lives. They must deal with both the past and the present. When it first aired, the online series was watched by 45 million people and received favourable reviews from reviewers.

The Man in the High Castle. Dystopian- history series

Premise:

After the Axis’ triumph in World War II, North America is divided between the Japanese and the Germans. The series also depicts political conflicts between Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany, as well as the diminishing lives of people who are either employed by or fighting against the two repressive regimes.

Preview:

The Man in the High Castle is based on the novel of the same-name by Philip K. Dicks, published in 1962. The first season aired in January 2015, and later that year it was made available on Amazon Prime. When it first aired, the series garnered positive reviews from reviewers and the general audience, and it was nominated for multiple awards, including “Best New TV Series,” “Best TV Series Drama,” and “Best Television Script.”

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Comedy- Drama Series

Premise:

Miriam “Midge” Maisel is a member of an upper-class Jewish American family who is married to Joel, a businessman who tries his luck as a comic at The Gaslight Cafe while imitating other critically renowned acts. He soon abandons his wife Midge in favour of another lady. As a result, she decides to pursue a career as a “stand-up comedian.”

Preview:-

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is an American comedy-period drama that launched on Amazon Prime video streaming on March 17, 2017. The story is set in New York City during the 1950s and early 1960s, and the protagonist is Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who discovers her passion for stand-up comedy and pursues a career in the industry. The series’ premiere episode was hailed as one of Prime Video’s most successful ever, with a 4.9 out of 5 average audience rate and other accolades. As a result, it should be on your list of web series to binge-watch.

Money Heist. Crime- thriller Series

Premise:

The plot takes place in Madrid, where a mysterious guy known only as “The Professor” chooses eight people to carry out a robbery (as the title suggests) from the Royal Mint of Spain by holding people as hostages. During the course of their operation, they are compelled to deal with elite police units, as expected.

Preview:

Money Heist is a Spanish crime drama television series that first aired on Antena 3 before being picked up by Netflix in the same year. At the 46th International Emmy Awards, the series was named best drama series, and it received critical acclaim for its intriguing storyline, character descriptions, and director. Thanks to notable celebrities commenting on their support for the series, it became a topic of conversation and memes on social media. With the final episodes of the series having been released recently, it is one of the best series to be aired on Netflix. 

Stranger Things. Horror- thriller series

Premise:

The story is set in the early 1980s in Hawkins, Indiana, a fictional town. The same town’s Hawkins National Laboratory appears to undertake scientific studies under the aegis of the US Department of Energy. The laboratory, on the other hand, conducts covert tests on the paranormal and supernatural, using humans as test subjects. They ultimately find a passage to the “Upside Down,” an alternative dimension. The citizens of Hawkins soon begin to feel the effects of the parallel dimension in dreadful ways.

Preview:

Stranger Things is a Netflix original science fiction horror series that debuted on July 16, 2016. The series has a large global fan base and has a record-breaking viewership on Netflix. Aside from critical acclaim and prizes for its character and plot components, it was best known for its portrayal of the 1980s by paying homage to films set during that time period. Thus becoming one of the best series to have aired on television and Netflix.

FAQs

Which online series has had the most success?

Answer: As the oldest show on the list, “Friends” has aged like a fine wine and continues to have a devoted fan base today! As a result, it can be considered the most successful of the lot.

Which English-language web series is the best?

Answer: Critics have given “Stranger Things” and “The Dark” the highest marks. As a result, it is possible to consider it the best online series in the English language.

5 best airports from around the world!

 

This is an image for 5 best airports from around the world.

You can anticipate spending a significant amount of time in a city’s airport before departing on an international trip. Almost every airport is designed as a megastructure to accommodate a large number of passengers and manage the departures and arrivals of flights from all over the world. However, some airports serve purposes more than the one for which they were originally created. Here is a list of some of the world’s top airports (in no particular order) that went above and beyond to ensure you had a nice experience while waiting for your next trip.

Kastrup Airport, Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen

Kastrup Airport is the country’s principal international airport, serving the city of Copenhagen in Denmark. It is the Nordic countries’ busiest airport, with roughly 30.3 million passengers in 2019. It is the third busiest airport in Northern Europe and the busiest airport in Scandinavia in terms of international air travel. 

Features: 

Because of its effectiveness in providing services and world-class facilities, Copenhagen airport is one of the top three favorite airports of business travelers in Europe. One of them is the European airport with the largest tax-free shopping center. The airport provides a variety of lounges for specialized needs such as business meetings, scenic beauty viewing, and enjoying their national cuisines, all of which are conveniently located across the terminals. As a result, it is regarded as one of the world’s best airports.

Dubai International Airport, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai International Airport serves the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as the primary air transportation hub. It is the world’s busiest airport in terms of international passenger flow, and the fifth busiest overall. Annual passenger traffic at the airport can reach 90 million. Its Terminal 3 is the world’s largest terminal and the world’s second-largest facility in terms of floor space.

Features:

The supreme elegance of Dubai International Airport’s services and amenities is widely known, and it is always a visual treat for many. It’s no surprise that it ranks among the world’s top airports. Here’s a rundown of what you can see and do at this opulent and beautiful airport.

  1. You can connect to the airport’s free Wi-Fi network from anywhere on the property. 

  2. Are you going on a business trip? Meeting rooms, secretarial services, photocopying, internet, and other amenities are available at airport hotels to fulfill your every need. 

  3. Baggage storage facilities are offered for storing your bags at various fees. 

  4. There are prayer rooms accessible for you to devote some time to your devotion. 

  5. At Terminal 3, there are complimentary shower facilities.

Zurich Airport. Zurich, Switzerland.

Zurich Airport is the country’s largest airport and is located in Zurich, Switzerland. Swiss International Airlines use it as their primary hub. For the 17th year in a row, the airport has won the World Travel Award in the category of “Europe’s Leading Airport.” As a result, it has earned its proper place among the world’s top airports. A total of 30 million passengers have passed through the airport.

Features:

The Zurich airport provides a diverse selection of shopping options. Other services offered at the airport include:

  1. Hotels

  2. Information services

  3. Airline Lounges

  4. Fitness center and spa

You can use the VIP services at Zurich Airport, which include airport lounges that provide ideal comfort and seclusion in a stylish environment, if you need secrecy and time management.

The Airport Center is one of Switzerland’s largest retail malls, with a variety of duty-free shops and cafés open late to assist you pass the time between flights.

Munich International Airport. Munich, Bavaria.

Munich International Airport serves the German city of Munich, which is the capital of the state of Bavaria. It is the second busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic and the world’s 15th busiest airport in terms of international passenger traffic. To the northeast of Munich, the airport is 23 kilometers away.

Facilities:

  1. WIFI is provided for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the airport area.

  2. Lounge seats, beautiful plants, and lighting systems are available in recreational areas where you can read or catch up on your emails.

  3. For a comfortable and premium experience, the VIP Wing features an international ambiance blended with Bavarian comfort.

  4. To freshen up, visit the Munich airport center’s terminal 2 and use the modern shower facilities.

  5. Both public and private areas have a children’s play area.

Heathrow Airport. London, England

Heathrow Airport is one of six international airports that serve London, England’s capital city. In terms of international passenger traffic, it is the world’s second busiest airport. It is also Europe’s busiest airport. In the year 2019, the airport served around 80 million passengers.

Facilities:

You may expect an airport with such a high volume of passenger traffic to deliver best-in-class services, and they don’t let you down.

  1. Wireless Internet access is offered for free in all terminal buildings.

  2. Newspapers, magazines, wellness spas, rest rooms, and showers are all accessible in the exclusive lounges.

  3. Regus Lounge offers private workstations and meeting areas.

  4. All terminal buildings have a children’s play area and family lounges.

  5. Traditional restaurant chains, high-end boutiques, and necessities stores are all present.

FAQs:

What is the world’s most important airport?

According to SkyTrax, Changi Airport is the best airport in the world.

Which airport in the world is the most beautiful?

The most beautiful airports are Incheon International Airport in South Korea and Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan.

References:

http://wikipedia.org

http://airport-technology.com

http://dubaiairports.ae

http://zurich.airport.com

5 Scariest Creepypastas that are creeping around the internet!

 

This is an image of 5 creepiest creepy pastas creeping around the internet!

Creepypastas are stories or lores that have made it to the world of internet and have become internet lores. Many of these originate from legends, mysteries, and unexplained occurrences that are passed on among generations or shared amidst people on a large basis. It’s a delight and a hair-raising feeling to read them back to back in a single place. And that’s why we bring to you this list of scariest creepypastas that are wandering around the internet. Waiting for you to read!

1.Slender Man

This Slender Man was pushed into the world of the internet based on an urban legend. It stated that in the woods amidst the dense fog, there lived a slender figure who laid in wait for preying on unsuspecting children. He possessed superficially long limbs and wore a suit. 

As if being in the woods and becoming a part of scary campfire stories weren’t enough. He started inhabiting the minds of people. Some were terrified of him while the others became obsessed with him. Murders and crimes were committed in his name as offenders claimed that he asked them to do so! 

You can experience the fear he induces by watching the sinister movie series. If you dare!

2. Robert the Doll

This is an image of Robert the Doll


Creepypastas are only limited to some of the stories surrounding it. Otherwise the doll does exist in reality! The doll was gifted to an artist named Robert Eugine Otto during the late 19th or early 20th century. It was said to have been cursed by Robert’s family servant before it was given to him. He named the doll after him and his neighbors claimed to have seen the doll standing eerily by his window, staring at them! 

Countless supernatural occurrences surrounded the doll in the coming ages. Today the doll rests in a museum and it is best for people to leave it alone. You can watch the 2014 movie Annabelle to get a taste of what living with Robert would be like!

3. The Russian Sleep experiment

This is an image of Russian sleep experiment.


After world war 2, five prisoners were shut inside a room filled with gas that would prevent them from falling asleep. All was well for a few days, at least in comparison to what comes later. As a week passed by, the prisoners were slowly going insane. Another week passed and they started committing acts of unthinkable horror! Upon the third week, 2 of them were dead! 30 days later when the experimenters went to check on the remaining prisoners, or what was left of them, was beyond recognition. They were subjected to unimaginable levels of abuse inflicted by each other!

The story goes into gory details that have been omitted for the squeamish ones among you readers. With no supernatural elements and simply evil intentions of some deranged humans. This creepypasta is effectively one among the scariest on the internet!

4. Jeff the killer

This creepypasta is well known for the image it is represented by. Picture this, a sore white face, with a bloody grin and lidless green eyes! This is what Jeff looks like. If you are reminded of the Joker, Jeff also has a backstory for his appearance like the Joker. Some say that Jeff was involved in a fire accident that burnt his face severely and tore off his eyelids. While the others say that he was involved in a chemical accident that affected his face and drove him insane. Whatever the truth may be, both the iterations of his backstory are scary! 

Jeff is said to have killed his entire family after his accident and took of into the woods, only to be hiding in people’s closets and asking them to go to sleep, before he murders them too. 

5. Amora Petrova 

Amora Patrova was a skating enthusiast who googled her name and found a wikipedia page about her. Apparently the page had a lot of nice things to say about her which was beyond the truth. But slowly everything mentioned in the page began to happen! Amora became a very successful and renowned skater in America, just like the page suggested. However, that wasn’t enough for her and she tried to alter the pager by adding a more prestigious title in the field of skating to her name. 

What follows later will justify the reason why I referred to her in past tense! Amora died a traumatic death, stripped off all the accolades she had earned. If this doesn’t teach you to be careful what you wish for, nothing else will.

If these creepypastas don’t keep you awake, nothing else will!


References


By Xavier Piedra 

Planning In India In A Globalizing World

As history has shown, India’s approach to development always remains contextual. This is evident when the nationalist leaders opted for a Soviet type centralized planning as perhaps an effective means for development. The idea was widely acclaimed regardless of the ideological differences among those who presided over India’s destiny following decolonization. The Planning Commission which was constituted in 1950 was hailed as an instrument to bring about quick development in India. India’s trajectory of development however proved otherwise : instead of being instrumental in contributing to a uniform development in the country, the Planning Commission failed to accomplish the goal; it was felt that centralized planning did not appear to be effective in attaining the goal that the nationalist leadership sought to attain.

The impact of the Planning Commission on India’s development cannot be easily ignored since it had been in place for more than six decades following the withdrawal of colonisation in India in 1947 while the NITI Aayog is too new to have any sway on the trajectory of growth in the country.

What is striking is the fact that while the Planning Commission was considered to be a piece of ideological baggage borrowed from the former Soviet Union, the NITI Aayog represents an effort toward articulating India’s neoliberal endeavour for sustainable economic growth. Ideologically drawn, both the planned development of the erstwhile era and its opposite, as conceptualized by the NITI Aayog, remain important pillars of India’s growth trajectory since independence. Centralized planning may have become futile though it undoubtedly had its role in the state directed development era.

Planning And Economic Development

With the formation of the Planning Commission in 1950, India was ushered in the state-led development era in which the state became a critical economic actor. Despite its historical antecedents, the idea of the state directed planned economic development gained significant salience in independent India, especially with Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, at the helm of affairs. Given his staunch opposition to the Gandhian model of democratic decentralization, Nehru always preferred the state-driven economy as perhaps the only driving force for India’s rapid socioeconomic regeneration in the aftermath of colonial rule.

There are two fundamental questions that need to be addressed: first, has the idea of the state-driven economic development lost its relevance just because of its failure to accomplish the stated goals or due to its vacuous claim in contrast with the rising importance of a market-driven counter ideology providing an alternative to the erstwhile strategy of the state-directed economic development? There is a connected second question: whether the market – driven strategy shall be useful for peripheral societies, including India, where the proportion of the people living below the poverty line is staggeringly alarming.

The Objective Of Economic Development

The following were the original objectives of economic planning in India:

  • Economic Development: This is the main objective of planning in India. Economic Development of India is measured by the increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of India and Per Capita Income
  • Increased Levels of Employment: An important aim of economic planning in India is to better utilise the available human resources of the country by increasing the employment levels.
  • Self Sufficiency: India aims to be self-sufficient in major commodities and also increase exports through economic planning. The Indian economy had reached the take-off stage of development during the third five-year plan in 1961-66.
  • Economic Stability: Economic planning in India also aims at stable market conditions in addition to the economic growth of India. This means keeping inflation low while also making sure that deflation in prices does not happen. If the wholesale price index rises very high or very low, structural defects in the economy are created and economic planning aims to avoid this.
  • Social Welfare and Provision of Efficient Social Services: The objectives of all the five year plans as well as plans suggested by the NITI Aayog aim to increase labour welfare, social welfare for all sections of the society. Development of social services in India, such as education, healthcare and emergency services have been part of planning in India.
  • Regional Development: Economic planning in India aims to reduce regional disparities in development. For example, some states like Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are relatively well developed economically while states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Assam and Nagaland are economically backward. Others like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have uneven development with world class economic centres in cities and a relatively less developed hinterland. Planning in India aims to study these disparities and suggest strategies to reduce them.
  • Comprehensive and Sustainable Development: Development of all economic sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services is one of the major objectives of economic planning.
  • Reduction in Economic Inequality: Measures to reduce inequality through progressive taxation, employment generation and reservation of jobs has been a central objective of Indian economic planning since independence.
  • Social Justice: This objective of planning is related to all the other objectives and has been a central focus of planning in India. It aims to reduce the population of people living below the poverty line and provide them access to employment and social services.
  • Increased Standard of Living: Increasing the standard of living by increasing the per capita income and equal distribution of income is one of the main aims of India’s economic planning.

REFERENCES : Public Administration By Bidyut Chakrabarty and Prakash Chan Kandpal

Administrative Reforms In India

Public Administration is a continuous process and, in the sense, it is always an undergoing reform. So, in public administration, ‘reform is a journey rather than a destination’. Reforms are an obvious response to the new challenges confronting state institutions managing public affairs. At the root of such an exercise lies the effort at enhancing administrative capability in the changed scenario. The problem of administrative reform has received continuing attention in India, both at the centre and in the states.

Since Independence, there have been a large number of changes in the structure, work methods, and procedures of the administrative organisations. Although these changes have been gradual, at times not too perceptible, they do indicate the efforts made by the government to affect procedural and policy innovation in the administrative system and to keep pace with the changed situations, growing needs, and exigencies of the government. With this background, the present chapter makes an attempt to understand the concept of administrative reform, to analyze the initiatives of reforms after Independence, and understand the changing patterns of administrative reforms in India in the post – liberalization era.

Theoretical Underpinning Of Administrative Reforms

Public administration as an academic discipline was born with a bias toward change and reform. The term ‘reform’ literally means forming again. The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘reform’ as ‘to convert into another and better form, to amend or improve by some change of form, arrangement or composition; to free from previous faults or imperfection.’ Following this definition, ‘administrative reform’ is to convert public administration into a better, improved form.

As An Academic Discipline

The Public Management and Administration field, in essence, is broad, necessitating a
specific study of theoretical frameworks. A review of conceptual literature and
contemporary case studies material on structural transformation and policy reform was
conducted to enlighten the research question and the statement of research. The existing
knowledge was highlighted in terms of its relevancy to this research, thus enabling the
incorporation of valid citation on previous experiences with civil service reform.
Conceptual definitions by proponents usually do not provide generic approaches on
administrative reform process, hence, the need for a focussed review of literature.

The objective is to consult the theoretical material relevant to public service reform.
For any research, it is important to establish a relationship between theoretical and
research perspectives (Procter, 2002) and identify gaps in the literature (Johnson, J.
1991). Varying views of different schools of thought cited must be contrasted so that
what has happened over time helps to show how others handled similar problems in the
past (Gerstenfeld, 2004). Philosophical or metaphysical nature of the phenomena being
investigated, whether observable or unobservable, has to be proved early before the
scientific knowledge of the object that is theory informed and the paradigms position
used in the research is established, appropriately in the concept definition section.
Research in the Public Administration field must not overlook or underlook the societal
imperatives – dynamics, which are underpinning public service reform. Political, social
and economic imperatives of a given society determine the type of public administration adopted for a particular developmental state. Each societal imperative would obviously contribute differently to the internal environment. This pattern is not common in every country as developed and developing societies likewise experience their unique situation where peace and stability enhance the conditions for reform.

Evolution Of The Cold War

Cold War After The Truman-Stalin Era

In early 1953, there was a change in the leadership of both the superpowers- the US and USSR. In the US, President Truman’s tenure ended in January 1953. He was succeeded by Dwight Eisenhower. an ex-army general who had commanded the Allied forces in Europe during the Second World War. Meanwhile. Soviet leader Stalin died in March 1953. He was succeeded as party chief by Nikita Khrushchev and by Georgy Malenkov as prime minister. The two Soviet leaders were not very comfortable with each other. Malenkov was replaced by Nikolai Bulganin in 1955. He was more acceptable to the party chief.

But in 1958 even Bulganin was dropped and Khrushchev assumed the prime ministership as well. President Eisenhower led US for eight years till he was succeeded by John F Kennedy in January 1961. Khrushchev remained at the helm of affairs till he was overthrown in 1964 by the troika of Leonid Brezhnev, Nikolai Podgorny and Alexei Kosygin. After the Truman-Stalin era, the US-Soviet relations eased considerably, but the Cold war showed no signs of ending. During 1953-64 several steps were taken by both the sides to improve relations, but at the same time tension got accelerated on different occasions.

CRISIS IN POLAND

Poland was the first to ignite. In June 1956, riots in the industrial city of Poznam were brutally suppressed, leaving dozens of people dead and hundreds wounded. A conflict occurred in the Polish Communist Party between two factions – one owing allegiance to Boleslaw Bierut, who had died earlier the same year, and the other led by Gomulka, who was a Nationalist Titoist communist, and had remained in jail since 1949, and was recently released. Gomulka faction succeeded.

In October, Polish Communist Party issued a proclamation that Poland would henceforth pursue a ‘national road to socialism’, and Gomulka was elected Secretary of the Polish Communist Party. The Soviet leaders decided not to use force against Gomulka. This was second set-back to USSR after Yugoslav decision in 1948 to follow Nationalist Communism.

REVOLT IN HUNGARY

Since the end of Second World War, Hungary was governed by an orthodox Communist leader, Matyas Rakosi, a nominee of Stalin. (He had been freed from jail before the War on Stalin’s initiative after the Soviet Union returned old Hungarian flags captured by the Czar in 1849.) The Rakosi regime was severe ‘even by Stalinist standards.’ In 1953, he was summoned to Moscow, reprimanded and replaced by a reformist communist Imre Nagy.

A more intangible effect of 1956 arises with the spread of its talented diaspora. Many thousands of gifted Hungarians left their country and settled as far afield as Australia, the United States, and across Western Europe. The contributions they made to their adopted countries were incalculably beneficial. Nowhere have I heard the kind of objections to Hungarian refugees that one regularly encounters in relation to other refugee and asylum-seeking groups. To some degree this is because everyone knew what the Hungarians had fled from; they received instinctive sympathy. But it also reflects the performance of the Hungarians in their adopted countries. They assimilated well and quickly, and were soon more than repaying their hosts.

Even though assimilated, however, they were eloquent voices critical of communism and the Soviet empire. The eminence many soon achieved in their fields of scholarship and enterprise added weight to their criticisms. And in the United States especially, they formed the influential “captive nations” lobby with other émigré groups, to press for a realistic foreign policy and, in time, to provide Reagan with intellectual heft.

REFERENCES : International Relations By V.N. Khanna