Month: March 2022

The evolution of facebook

You would be surprised to know that Facebook was neither the first social media platform nor it was the best social media platform at its .It was actually a college start up made by Mark Zuckerberg and his team.time.The initial days of the social media were dominated by friendster,myspace and second Life.But the tiny Facebook team didn’t seem to care much about those giant social media platforms.

From 2005 -2008 ,my space became one of the most visited websites in the world even surpassing Google.It was owned by a company called newscorp. But after that something happened in the next four years because of which the myspace got just additional of 15 million users where as Facebook got 1 billion users .Let’s see what happened…

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

The reason behind the fall of the myspace and rise of Facebook was that Facebook tried to understand psychology of humans whereas myspace didn’t.For any social media company ,the most important thing is engaging the people and understanding the psychology of the people.They used the concept of the triadic closure property according to which is A knows B and B knows C,then automatically A will have inclination towards C.The same is the algorithm which facebook uses.The second drawback of myspace was that myspace was using dummy names for its users and hence people couldn’t tell who they are really chatting with but Facebook here too took advantage of this opportunity and allowed it’s users too identify itself. This strategy turned out to be Facebook’s X-factor.

The Facebook’s strategy to allow users to become friends of friends proved to be another great idea for Facebook.Now if it was only about the addition of a limited amount of features ,why couldn’t myspace crush Facebook in its initial stage itself.The reason was that myspace was bought by a company called newscorp and only cared about its own profits and losses,their protocols and procedures rather than doing any kind of innovation or something.When myspace realised it’s mistake in 2008 it was too late for it and Facebook had already taken over.

Facebook kept on looking for innovation and hence even allowed the third party users to interact with the Facebook software which meant that third party apps can directly be allowed to access the Facebook and this also helped Facebook as the third party apps now relied on Facebook rather than creating any apps like Facebook and this helped Facebook reduce its competitors further.

Top five TED TALKS you should watch right now!

1.You owe it to yourself to experience a total solar eclipse | David Baron

Ever heard of the word  ‘umbraphile’ ?  Meet David Baron : not-mystical, not-spiritual eclipse evangelist. In 12 minutes and 20 seconds David tells the story of his first tryst with eclipses and subsequent adventures. A gifted story-telling episode that makes you want to sit in the front row and experience it live. He then passes on the advice that changed his life –’before you die, you owe it to yourself to experience a total solar eclipse’

 

I’ve lived as a man & a woman — here’s what I learned | Paula Stone Williams | TEDxMileHigh

“Now, I get my hair cut about half as often as I used to, but it costs ten times as much.So, I can go on vacation or I can get my hair cut ”

Paula stone was fired from her job as the  president of the christian church planting organization Orchard Group when she came out as a transgender woman. Unfortunately that wasn’t it, she went on to face many obstacles because of her transition. But she was now gifted with knowledge only few on earth would possess: to have lived as a man AND as a woman. In her hilarious and eye-opening  talk she tells us anecdotes on her experiences of mansplaining, gender politics and of course womens’ jeans  pocket sizes!

3.Your elusive creative genius | Elizabeth Gilbert

 Elizabeth Gilbert, no doubt, is one of the most gifted speakers of all time. As an aftermath of the success of her memoir Eat,Pray,Love, Elizabeth has a realization that leads her to uncover the truth of creative mindset.I can only describe this talk as her splitting and disintegrating our society’s stereotypes of artists and creative geniuses. She makes us question if we should stick to our renaissance-cy thought process that has only brought our artists pain and anguish or if we should re-invent.

Elizabeth Gilbert on the best career advice we've ever heard

4. I got 99 problems… palsy is just one | Maysoon Zayid

Listen to the hilarious comedian maysoon as she tells us about her life with cerebral palsy. Her anecdotes are charming and inspirationa.At the end you will be in awe of her positive attitude and determination to achieve her dreams.You will appreciate life a little more.

5.  Inside the massive (and unregulated) world of surveillance tech | Sharon Weinberger

Thanks to dystopian novels, we all know surveillance is a weapon in the information age. But it might shock you to know that selling surveillance technology does not require you to have an export license in most countries including the United States(the way most arms sales would). It’s this unregulated weapon technology that journalist Sharon Weinberger warns us about. From devices that can collect DNA just by swiping across the skin to devices that can identify a person and their exact geographical location just based on their unique voice print  technology in the spy bazaar is alarming. This talk will open your eyes to the dangers of an unregulated market.

(Not in any particular order)

Karst Topography

Karst is a type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, and other characteristic features. Karst is associated with soluble rock types such as limestone, marble, and gypsum. In general, a typical karst landscape forms when much of the water falling on the surface interacts with and enters the subsurface through cracks, fractures, and holes that have been dissolved into the bedrock. After traveling underground, sometimes for long distances, this water is then discharged from springs, many of which are cave entrances.

Chemical Reaction:-

Limestone is a type of carbonate rock — that is, a rock made up primarily of a carbonate mineral which, in the case of limestone, is usually calcite or aragonite. These are both forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Over time, limestone may be dissolved by carbonic acid (i.e., carbon dioxide dissolved in water). Carbonic acid is formed when rain picks up CO2 as it falls through the atmosphere. Once it hits the ground, it may pick up more CO2 in the soil, turning into a weak carbonic acid solution. When this solution seeps into limestone bedrock via cracks and fissures, larger openings are created. Over the course of thousands of years, this erosive process creates underground drainage systems and caves.

Mammoth Cave,USA is the longest Cave system in the world.

Xiaozhai Tiankeng,China Largest Sinkhole.

Other examples,Yutacan peninsula,Mexico

Cockpit Country,Jamaica etc.

In India karst topography is present in the Vindhya region (mainly southwestern Bihar), the Himalayas (parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Robert Cave, Sahasradhara, the eastern Himalayas, areas near Dehradun), Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh, the surrounding coast near Vishakhapatnam, and Bastar in Chhattisgarh.

Landforms :-

BATTLE BETWEEN IPL AND CORONA

IPL 2021 Dates: 14th edition of IPL to be played from 9th April to 30th May
# IPL match

The Indian Premier League, also known as IPL was started in the date 9th April 2021. At the same time the corona virus also took the strength back slowly. The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect. The corona virus is spreading all over the world but in India it is high so they took this decision. It was spreading in India in a heavy speed within that IPL has finished 29 matches. There were many effects in this corona virus because many are affected and died in this time they are keeping some things raised, and also many players also affected by virus. Then this corona virus took speed before this IPL match they also kept election for 5 states. They must not keep election during this pandemic that to this virus will spread in air knowing all the election was held. There were no rules followed said by Government no one cared about it so the level has risen. The people are affected so much and some have died there is no place to bury. To sought out this problem they declared lock down because of this many daily wage people and smallest working to all the working men and women are affected. To help the people who are working for less wages and those who don’t have food government is giving rupees 2000 to support the family. The people survive with this amount as per the full lock down death rate and affected people rate is low but necessary things rate is high. Every people cannot buy all things needed to recover from this state it at least takes few months because all should earn. This IPL match give all people a relaxation because all are disturbed in each and every all need is relaxation. All people in India will watch this game interestingly as a family. In a stadium with people it is the wish of all of the people. It will be a great stress buster and all people can enjoy this match. All people after their terrible trouble of life now the virus speed is slow but the researchers found that there is another type of virus which speed is heavier than this beta and delta. Even though no one is caring about the virus all are thinking it will come to them because they are stronger. We cannot judge anything we may think we are stronger and we have immunity an all because some people are having immunity but are affected. In India they have stopped playing cricket matches because some players are affected by corona virus. So the council, sponcers etc had a meeting. In that meeting they discussed where and when the rest of the matches should be held. As per the decision the rest of the matches are going to happen from September month all people are so excited. All are excitingly waiting when will the match will took place within that time this corona pandemic situation also will reduce.

MANY GAME BUT BEST IS IPL IPL IS THE GAME WHICH CANNOT BE BEATEN UP.

HOW I SPENT TIME IN SUMMER VACATION:

Summertime is the most awaited time of any student’s life. It gives them a break from the scorching sun and blazing heat. The summer months are quite hot, however, students love them because they bring a sense of calmness due to the vacations. It frees them from the monotonous and dull routine of school and studies.Most importantly, summer vacations give us a chance to explore new things. We can adopt new hobbies like painting, dancing, singing and more during this time.

Furthermore, it gives us a chance to visit our grandparents or to someplace abroad. Summer vacations bring all types of fun, however, these particular summer vacations were the most memorable for me. My parents made me join a summer camp which was too much fun and then we visited our grandparents’ place.Summer Camp:As the first day of my summer vacations started, I started getting bored easily. Mostly so because all my friends had gone to someplace or the other. My parents noticed this and decided to send me to a summer camp.

Our school itself was organizing one in which my parents got me enrolled.At first, I thought it would be of no use and would be equally boring. However, to my surprise, I was wrong. The summer camp was one of the best experiences of my life. I got the chance to indulge in so many activities and in fact, it was the first time where I discovered my talent for painting.We got up early in the morning at 7 o’clock, despite no school. We had trainers who would teach us different things each day.

On the first day, I got to learn karate, which was very amusing and helpful. Further, I learned how to play sports like basketball, table tennis, and volleyball.Finally, came my most awaited part. We were taught painting and unique tips to master this art. I learned it quickly and started enjoying painting. My passion for painting began from this summer camp, and I will forever be indebted to it.

My Grandparents’ Place:

After my summer camp ended, my whole family decided to visit my grandparent’s village. It is situated away from the city and is full of lush and greenery. I love spending time with my grandparents so I was very excited to visit their village.We stayed there for over two weeks, and that throughout that time, I was at my best behavior. I used to get up at 7 o’clock in the morning to take a stroll with my grandfather.

Then all the family members would get together to have breakfast full of healthy things and fresh fruits from the farm nearby.In the evening, we would sit by our grandmother’s bed and listen to stories. Then, my siblings and I used to go to the terrace and play games. We would also gaze at their stars all night, as we did not get that in the city.In short, this is how I spent my summer vacation. It was definitely one of the best times of my lives. I got to learn new things and spend valuable time with my grandparents. I feel blessed to have a loving family with whom I can enjoy my summer vacation.

Why are summer vacations important?

Summer vacations are the most important and awaited time of a student’s life. It gives them a break from their monotonous routine. Furthermore, summer vacations protect students from the scorching heat and give them a chance to visit hilly stations.

How can one utilize their summer vacation?

There a lot of ways to utilize a summer vacation. It can be done through indulging in many activities. One can join summer camps which teach new skills to students. One can also pay a visit to their grandparents or to some chilly place or abroad to enjoy it to the fullest.

Faces

The Japanese say you have three faces. The first face, you show to the world. The second face, you show to your close friends, and your family. The third face, you never show anyone. It is the truest reflection of who you are.

Why Am choosing this to write?

No one can understand you more then your self..! Very diplomatic but 200% true. Why What how who whom??? Might be so many questions hits in your mind.

Not very large way but I would like to say. It just you who create our destiny our family our dream our achievement if I am adding this that means only you can do things for your self. Don’t go here and there. Don’t waste your time and energy on nonsense things or task or work. Just listen to your hearts and your head.

Every one have 3 faces you agree or not you too have as I am having . For the people out side world knows me as a girl who are pursuing her graduation. My family think I am made on BTS and K-dram and my actually thing is

Behind every ivory trinket-is a dead elephant?

It is distressing to see the plight of the tusk-bearing animals these days. Numerous news headlines are daily highlighting the illegal smuggling of ivory. The extortionate value and demand of the ivories are not only in India, but also in the international markets. Wild animals are mercilessly being poached on a massive scale, possessing a major existential threat to wildlife. But do we really care or do enough to stop this inhumane and selfish act?

Let us first understand the connotation of the word ‘poaching’.

Poaching, in simple words, is the illicit act of killing, shooting, hunting or capturing of animals. The aim of this illegal act is mainly for the purpose of trade of animal products like skin, teeth, horn, bone, etc. Poaching plays a decisive role in being a contributor to biodiversity loss. Due to this felonious act, the number of extinctions has increased dramatically over the past decades. It is necessary to understand that poaching is not only about the uncontrolled killing of protected animals or endangered animals but any unlawful killing of animals.

Smuggling of elephant tusks

In India, poaching of elephants is very common and a major challenge to be combated. Ivory trade is in high demand mostly in the Asian countries. About 20,000 elephants are mercilessly killed every single year for their tusks. These ivory tusks are then smuggled in the international markets to eventually end up as ivory trinkets.

Ivory trade has been in practise for millennia. In the 14th century BCE, the exportation of ivory and slaves from Africa and Asia were done extensively. The freshly captured slaves along with the tusks were sold. The ivory was then used to make ornaments and aesthetically pleasing commodities.

On July 6, 2016, a complete ban on commercial trade in African elephant ivory went into effect in the United States. The African elephant population has decreased dramatically. Near about 350,000 elephants are left in Africa, as per 2019 data. It is quite shocking to know that 10,000 to 20,000 elephants are slain every year. Elephant numbers have dropped by 62% over the last decade, and if not brought under control, then they’ll be extinct by the end of the next decade.

Major countries where these tusks are sold

China is the biggest consumer market for ivory products. However, a ban was enforced on ivory trade by China in the year 2017. But it is evident that ivory is in high demand in many countries. Illegal selling of ivory is still rampant. In the year 2011, a whopping amount of 100kg of ivory was seized by Tanzanian officials. That same year several countries including Tanzania and Kenya seized a total of 17 ivory shipments weighing 800 kg.

According to surveys and in-depth interviews the demand for ivory is known to be concentrated in: China, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the United States.

Last year, about 8.8 tonnes of ivory items were seized in Singapore.

 

 

 

 

The adverse effects of tusk-removal on the elephants

I am sure that we have all seen the majestic elephants flaunting big, off-white tusks on either side of their trunks. These tusks are both beautiful on the elephant and of utmost importance in the species’ survival.

Many poachers claim that there are no after effects of tusk-removal. Either the elephants are killed or sedated before removing their beautiful tusks.

An elephant’s tusk is deeply embedded in its skull. When the tusks are removed, there is a big hole left afterwards. The hole is big enough to stick your arm into it. If the tusks are removed at the point where it protrudes from the head, the nerve is exposed. Either way, now the wound is open and vulnerable to all sorts of infection. So, even though the elephant remains alive it is still at risk. Now, suppose there is an ivory poacher. Any poacher will want as much ivory as he can acquire with as little risk as possible. If he opts for the removal of the tusk completely, he/she will have to completely sedate or kill the elephant, because of little time and the fear of getting caught.

© Telegraph India

But is it just the elephants?

The answer is a ‘Big No’. Ivory has been valuable since ancient times in art and manufacturing a range of items and artefacts. Though elephant ivory is the most important source, ivory of walruses, mammoth, killer whale, sperm whale, hippopotamus, narwhal and warthog are used as well.

The international and national trade of ivory of threatened species such as African and Asian elephants is illegal.

Read about ivory trade and other tusk bearing species at- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivory_trade#:~:text=The%20ivory%20trade%20is%20the,resulting%20in%20restrictions%20and%20bans.

 

 

 

Metro Region Concept

 A metropolitan area (metropolis) is a region consisting of a densely populated urban core and its less populated surrounding territories, sharing industry, infrastructure and housing. A metro area usually comprises multiple jurisdictions and municipalities, neighborhoods, townships, boroughs, cities, towns, exurbs, suburbs, counties, districts, states and even nations. As social, economic and political institutions have changed, metropolitan areas have become key economic and political regions. Metropolitan areas include satellite cities, towns and intervening rural areas that are socioeconomically tied to the urban core, typically measured by commuting patterns. 

At first, the ‘metropolitan district’ was used in 1910 in the Census of Population carrying a central city of 50,000 or more population and all adjacent minor civil divisions having a population density of 150 or more persons per square mile. By 1940, the concept of the metropolitan district had lost favour because the possibilities of correlating local data with district data were limited. 

Besides this, the metropolitan district did not truly represent social and economic integration with the central city. Therefore, a new areal unit, the standard metropolitan area, came into vogue in 1949. It was defined as made up of counties instead of minor civil divisions. It was succeeded by the ‘Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area’ (SMSA).It is defined below as it existed in 1970. 

A contiguous county will be included in an SMSA if: 

(a) At least 75% of the resident labour force in the county is in non-agricultural labour sector 

(b) At least 30% of the employed workers living in the county work in the central county or counties of the area. 

A contiguous county which does not meet the foregoing requirements will be included in an SMSA if at least 75% of the resident labour force is non-agricultural and meets two of the following additional criteria of metropolitan character and one of the following criteria of integration. 

(i) Criteria of Metropolitan Character 

(a) At least 25% of the population is urban. 

(b) The county had an increase of at least 15% in total population during the period covered by the most recent two censuses. 

(c) The county has a population density of at least 50 persons per square mile. 

(ii) Criteria of Integration 

(a) A least 15% of the employed workers living in the county work in the central county or counties of the area, or 

(b) The number of people working in the county who live in the central county or counties of the area is equal to at least 15 per cent of the employed workers living in the county, or 

(c) The sum of the number of workers commuting to and from the central county or counties is equal to at least 20% of the employed workers living in the county.

As stated above it seems that metropolis is primarily a demographic concept. But this may be emphasized once again that metropolis is much more than an agglomeration. It possesses distinct character and functions which are not likely to be found either in agglomeration or in conurbation. In metropolitan cities each function has benefited from the conditions which brought about the other functions and has found reasons for developing there itself. 

There the powers of attraction make them bigger and bigger, and consequently enormity of their size increases their power of attraction. This is happening in Mumbai which has grown tremendously during 1901-1991 by 1000 times. Mumbai has simultaneously an international port, one of the biggest commercial marts, an important industrial node of the country and a cosmopolitan centre. After analyzing the conditions of this development, it may be observed that out of 300 cities with population over one million in the world (1991), more than 50% are sea ports. In reality, ports possess immense potentials to concentrate functions, because, on the one hand, they are by definition commercial places, and on the other, they attract manufacturing industries by the materials of all sorts which they receive from various parts of the country. 

Even in the days of the ancient Mediterranean civilizations, and also, during the colonial times, the great commercial connections were then maritime links with the metropolis. The eastern and western sides of the Atlantic in Europe and America therefore, have great ports. Metropolitan cities acquire a sort of permanence and remain evergreen over time.

Metropolitan Cities in India 

The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 defines a metropolitan area in India as, an area having a population of ten lakhs or more, comprised in one or more districts and consisting of two or more municipalities or panchayats or other contiguous areas, specified by the Governor by public notification to be a Metropolitan area. 

In India, the Census Commission defines a metropolitan city as one having a population of over four million. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat and Nashik are those Indian cities that have over 4 million people. For these million plus cities the Census definition of an urban agglomeration requires that it should be a continuous urban spread constituting a town and its adjoining urban growths or two or more physically contiguous towns together with adjoining outgrowths. 

There are 53 urban agglomerations in India with a population of 1 million or more as of 2011 against 35 in 2001. As per the preliminary results of the Census 2011, released by the Registrar General of India, Greater Mumbai with a population of 18,414,288 continues to be India’s biggest city, followed by Delhi – 16,314,838 and Kolkata- 14,112,536. These three cities are India’s mega-cities with 10 million plus population. But, when we consider Urban Agglomeration as an extended city comprising built up area of central core and any suburbs linked by continuous urban area, we have a change at the top. Delhi NCR, with the inclusion of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad becomes the No.1 urban agglomeration with a population of 21,753,486, ahead of 20,748,395. 

As of 2011 census of India, there are 46 metropolitan cities in India and the top ten are, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat and Visakhapatnam.

Why We Need Media Literacy

The presence of media in our lives is extensive. Take a look around you and observe all the various forms of media available. When are we not really surrounded by some form of media? According to Statista Research Department (2021), there are more than 143000 registered newspapers and periodicals across India. Around 210 million households own a television and 744 million users access the internet using mobile phones(Sandhya Keelari, 2021). There is a penetration rate of 54% for smartphones in India. 

An important question arises in this age of saturated information and intense political situations – Are we as media literate as we should be? Before coming to the importance of media literacy, let us look at its proper definition. Media literacy has been defined as the ability to access, analyze and evaluate the power of images, sounds and messages which we are now being confronted with daily and are an important part of our contemporary culture. It also refers to being able to communicate competently in media available on a personal basis. Media literacy basically refers to how much a person can identify the different types of media and understand their messages. These can be television, radio, print, advertisements, memes, video games, etc. Understanding the objective or goal of the author/creator of a media is the basis of media literacy. Media literacy is an essential topic of study, particularly for the youth, for the following reasons:

For Gaining Right Information:

Media literacy helps you access and understand new information, ideas, and perspectives. Media helps us collect data which can be very useful for school or work. A common example is how all students now go to the internet first when a project or presentation work is given to them. It helps them find out what they had missed before.

However, we must also be able to understand when inaccurate or wrong information is presented to us. As the media bombard us with information from all sides, finding the right data may be difficult. Media literacy helps us identify reliable sources. While misinformation has been a prevalent issue for years, it has become even more evident during the lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Misinformation has caused both minor and major social and health issues in the country. Misinformation refers to wrong or inaccurate information spread unintentionally. A vast majority of forwarded messages in your family groups on Whatsapp would fall into this category. Disinformation, on the other hand, is false information propagated intentionally. People must be made aware of the nuisance of misinformation and disinformation. They should develop a skepticism towards digital information but not to the extent that they lose their natural curiosity.

Critical Thinking:

We need to be able to critically analyze the media presented to us. This means that on watching a news report, we should understand how the reporter has framed the news and if there is an underlying purpose or bias in the report. Media literacy also helps us recognize how biased media can affect our perceptions of an event or issue. In a country like India, almost all the media we are exposed to can be politically-charged. Directly or indirectly, most newspapers, television channels and media houses are affiliated with some political group or their views. This bias is not right or wrong as long as it is not the deciding factor above everything. Whether it is right or not, we as consumers should be able to recognize various perspectives presented by the media and respond rationally. This also applies to social media posts. Someone who has good media literacy skills can spot paid promotions or advertisements on social media and television.

Media literacy is an area of education that should be given more significance in India. It should be taught so that on exposure to any kind of media, people can find the answers to the following queries on their own:

  • What is the correct source of this message?
  • What creative techniques are used to grab my attention?
  • How might different people understand this message from me?
  • What values and points of views are represented in or avoided from this message?
  • Why are they sending this message?

WHAT IF TECHNOLOGY’S ACTUALLY MAKING US MORE HUMANE

Some say, that it is Artificial Intelligence that will cause the next Big Bang, vanquishing the entire human race. Another pose is that technology has resulted in our mind losing its power to think. Well, let’s ask ourselves a question-“What defines a human?”


A human is defined through various characteristics, out of which the principle ones include emotional interaction and social well-being. Technology’s aim was never to transfigure the way humans think or perceive their surroundings. It slightly altered our emotions to a more positive outlook. A mobile phone is nothing but a simple way to contact our kith and kin living away from us. A social media app is nothing but a path to bliss through socialization with the world. The feature of face-time is the new cure to depression and anxiety.

The truth is that technological superiority can never surrogate humans because it is us humans only, who put forward these advancements.

Machinery and computers have only amended our lifestyle for the better. Let’s take television as an example. Would we ever have known about starving kids in Africa, had it not been for the television. But now that we do, we are compassionate towards them and are funding their nutrition. Technology can be used not just for interaction, but for improving our day-to-day lives. Fitness recorders encourage us to get up and engage in physical exercises, and still, we hear about indolence due to technology. A simple web search can help us transform our diet and thus become more productive.

Thus the role that technology has played so far was for the betterment of humanity, and the persistence of humanity.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD: POLLUTION

Pollution is the harmful things which are found in the environment. These harmful materials are called pollutants. Pollutants can be natural such as Sulphur dioxide, smog. They can also be man-made like wastage in factories. These hazardous pollutants cause air, water as well as land pollution. In addition to this, there are some other types of pollution like noise pollution, plastic pollution, light pollution, etc. Pollution can take the form of any substance (solid, liquid, gas) or energy.

Some forms of pollution are listed below:

Air pollution: Air pollution is caused due to increase in the hazardous gases in the air. Natural pollutants like smog, ground-level ozone, and man-made pollutants are carbon dioxide released from vehicles, some harmful gases released by the factory in the air cause air pollution. Air pollution causes heart disease, lung cancer, and long-term disease for the respiratory system. It also damages the human brain, kidneys, and other body parts.

Water pollution: water pollution occurs when agricultural fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides are found in water. Oil leaks, industrial wastage which is found in water also cause water pollution. The diseases like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, polio can be caused due to intake of polluted water.

Sound pollution: sound pollution is caused due to loud music systems, machines in factories, or the use of firecrackers in any event. It is also caused by traffic noise. The most common effect of sound pollution on human beings is losing hearing power. It also causes high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbance.

A Jest of God: The Book Review

The first cover of A Jest of God (1966)

Introduction

A Jest of God is a novel by Canadian author Margaret Laurence. It was first published in 1966. It won the Governor General’s Award  for 1966 . In 1968, director Paul Newman and screenwriter Stewart Stern  adapted A Jest of God  into the motion picture Rachel, Rachel. It starred Joanne Woodward in the lead role and Estelle Parsons as Calla, both of whom received Academy Award nominations for their performances. It was also nominated for Best Picture.

Revised Cover of A Jest of God (1966)

About The Author

Margaret Laurence (née Jean Margaret Wemyss), was a Canadian novelist (born 18 July 1926 in Neepawa, MB; died 5 January 1987 in Lakefield, ON). Margaret Laurence was one of the pivotal and foundational figures in women’s literature in Canada. Two of her novels — A Jest of God (1966) and The Diviners (1974) — won the Governor General’s Literary Award  for fiction. She also wrote acclaimed poetry, short stories and children’s literature, helped found the Writers’ Union of Canada and the Writers’ Trust of Canada, and served as chancellor of Trent University. She was made a Companion of the Order of Canada  in 1972 and was named a Person of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada  in 2018.

Margaret Laurence

Storyline of The Novel

The tale of the dutiful daughter who returned home to care for her ailing widowed mother records with appalling accuracy the life of a thirty-four year old spinster school–teacher in a small town outside of Winnipeg. The relentless confinement of Rachel Cameron‘s life is disrupted the summer the milkman’s son, now a teacher in a Winnipeg high school, returns to visit his parents. Rachel is an easy mark; her affair with Nick brings out passion after awkwardness, and the yearning for a family of her own. The understanding that Nick is married destroys the affair but not her longing, and when she thinks she is bearing his child she determines to go through with her pregnancy. The prospective infant turns out to be a tumour, benign; Nick turns out to be unmarried and the more inaccessible; but Rachel emerges from her experience with a new conception of herself and her environment. She will no longer be a victim, though she may be a reluctant jester, and she makes the needed move to a place where her old responsibilities and limitations will remain but where there will be a greater freedom. Saved from soap opera by an utter sureness and honesty of vision, from dreariness by the aptitude of its portrayals, this carries a compassionate conviction that will reach a limited but sensitive feminine readership.

Poster of movie Rachel, Rachel (1968) based on novel A Jest of God (1966)

Analysis of The Storyline

The novel gets told with difficulty because Rachel’s voice is halting, obsessive. She begins her story as an observer, watching the children in the schoolyard, watching herself both in her immediate present as a teacher and remembering back to her childhood. She thinks of the “secret language” children share. In contrast, her own language is halting, and she finds difficulty establishing a voice. She frequently interrupts to judge her voice critically. She wonders: “Am I beginning to talk in that simper tone?” . Then, as a corrective, she speaks “more sharply than necessary,” and cautions herself to “strike a balance” . But, if we read this story in Jungian terms. (as many critics do),we perceive that Rachel cannot achieve this desired balance until she accepts her shadow side. Locked in a pattern of avoidance, no wonder she finds “my own voice sounds false to my ears”.

Joanne Woodward as Rachel in Rachael, Rachael (1968)

Because she resists acknowledging her desires, she remains blocked. When she approaches a recognition of her “darker,” “shadow” selves, she retreats, and stops the story. If she fears she is entertaining “morbid” thoughts or eccentric fantasies, she admonishes herself: “This must stop. It isn’t good for me. Whenever I find myself thinking in a brooding way, I must simply turn it off and think of something else”. She retreats from her sexual fantasies : “I didn’t. I didn’t…. Rachel, stop it. You’re only getting yourself worked up for nothing. It’s bad for you”. Yet these private fantasies are colourful and engaging, in vibrant contrast to her stilted public language and constrained behaviour. Fortunately, almost in spite of herself, she comes to acknowledge her desires and to face the implications of sexual passion. Through a symbolic descent into the underworld, the womblike, tomblike mortuary presided over by Hector Jonas (/Jonah), she realizes that she has the power to affirm her passions, to choose life.

scene from Rachel, Rachel (1968)
scene from Rachel, Rachel (1968)

Conclusion

A Jest of God is beautifully written, a sympathetic, tender novel which sees Rachel come to a new understanding about herself, and her standing with her difficult mother. A thoroughly beautiful novel, that still possesses its relevance to today’s readers.

Healing

We all come across the word healing as we scroll down through social media or while reading a newspaper. We know the meaning of healing as in healing a wound, that is to recover or the process of recovering. But have you heard about healing your mind, it is nothing but emotional healing, the ability to take proper control of your mental health in a way they do not interfere your present moments. Nowadays, be it young children, teenagers or adults, we use the word stress in our everyday life. Stress is something that is unavoidable nowadays, loads of books to study, loads of activities to be done, relationship issues, health issues and lots of other stuff. Once your body reacts to stress, that makes you feel frustrated, so it is really important to heal your mind and body.

Steps to heal yourself

Once we get a wound, immediately we all treat the wound with some kind of antibiotics after cleaning the wound, same way when your body reacts to stress it creates some wound to your mind, so it must be treated immediately by healing. Here are some ways to heal yourself:

  1. Take a deep breath whenever you feel stressed and think calmly to overcome the issue whatever it might be.
  2. Indulge yourself with your favorite hobbies and keep going with it until you forget all your worries
  3. Do some exercise, this might help your body and mind to relax
  4. Have a nice talk with your closed once, share your thoughts with them, this surely reduces your burden.
  5. Spend some time with nature, the pure air, birds chirping, cool breeze, really heals you better than anything else
  6. Cook your favorite dish or go to your favorite restaurant, have something that makes you forgot all your worries
  7. Have some ice cream, its the best comfort food, it seems to combat anxiety, stress and sadness away.
  8. Take everything slowly, face your problems with a smile, Don’t push yourself too hard
  9. Begin everyday with a smile.

UNPRECEDENTED TIMES REQUIRE UNPRECEDENTED MEASURES

“Vulnerability is not a weakness, it is our greatest measure of courage.”
What role does this impactful quote by Brene Brown play in our life? Arduous times have a tendency to shake the psychological well-being of any mortal. Sometimes, during unprecedented times, we are forced to take steps that were never dreamt of, by us.
Since the Big Bang, mankind’s path to advancement has been full of thorns. The Spanish Flu, the 1931 China floods, the 9/11 attacks, and numerous life-threatening scenarios were faced by us.
But if during those times, we hadn’t taken the necessary steps and shown impeccable courage, we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to write essays like this. We have to deal with emergency situations or when besieged by sorrows and life-threatening situations, we feel pressed to come out of our comfort zone of normalcy.

The most considerate example in front of us is the current pandemic that has befallen the planet-“The COVID-19 Pandemic”. This worldwide disaster crippled the economy of most of the countries, disavowed more than half of the businesses and industries, and forced millions to migrate.
Then the question that comes into our mind is-“How to avert this biological calamity?”And the first answer that we take into account is “Unprecedented measures”. We needed to do something that might not have happened in decades before. We were forced to go into a worldwide lock-down. People couldn’t step out of their houses and were forced to confine themselves within four walls. Collaborations were arrow-struck, the aviation sector was totally destroyed, and worse was the case of unemployment.
This was not the time to be insensitive or remain aloof. We had to support our families as their pillars, and console the infected.
There were various steps taken up by the governments, to control the situation. A few major ones include business shutdowns, work-from-home situations, and an obligation towards the country by wearing N-95 masks.
These times required us to keep ourselves immaculate and avoid as much contact with others as possible.
Even though hardships come and go in everyone’s lives, when we introspect, we find that the courage to overcome the difficulty is on the other bank of the river. The bridge that we need to cross, is that of self-confidence.
One of the main reasons people fail to scrutinize a burdensome task is an apathy. A lack of interest tends the bearer to give up easily. Thus being ebullient is very important to take unprecedented measures during unprecedented times.
The Indian directorate introduced a number of schemes for containing the economic fallout. An economic relief package of ₹20 lakh crore was announced by the Prime Minister in support of the financial victims of the pandemic. Numerous farmers and unemployed were funded by the government. Under the Pradhan Mantri Yojna, a sum of ₹12,000 crores was donated by PM Narendra Modi, to the farmers. Under the Ujjwal scheme, the government decided to provide free LPG refills to around 8.3 crore poor women. Close to 6 crore farmers were benefitted during the lockdown, because of the ingenious steps taken up.
There were countless such initiatives taken up in our country and the world. But the significance of these is often missed by us. The spontaneous reaction to the spread of the virus is often missed by us. The virtual operating system of the countries is often missed by us.
Many would still condemn the lock-down, rebuke the improvised and extrapolated agencies and organizations of the world, because they are unaware of the fact that even soothsayers cannot tell if a pandemic would fall upon the planet within a few days.
Difficulties and struggles do not knock on your door. They don’t even wait for you to be ready to tackle them. But if the wit of a person or country is strong, none can stop them from becoming the “difficulty for the difficulty”.
If we scrutinize a catastrophe and its victims closely, we find that the optimistic have a better chance of reverting back to normalcy, than the pessimistic. This also proves, that the degree of impact of our reaction towards a crisis, “is directly proportional” to our attitude. Giving up is too easy, winning may also be too easy, but the most difficult part is standing up, after falling down. The most important part is about how we perceive the situation in front of us.
What most individuals fail to acknowledge, is that preparing for an unprecedented time in advance is not possible, because of the word ”unprecedented”. Sometimes we have to go with our gut or rely on involuntary actions.
Looking back, we realize that even history provides a lot of classic ethics about times when people were given a chance to show their heroism.
Japan suffered two atomic bomb attacks in 1945, and it was predicted that it would take a few hundred years for the country to come back to its normal state. But as we see now, it is the world’s second-largest developed economy. How could that be possible? It was the civilians in Japan who fought vigorously against all anomalies to make their country one of the finest technologies in the world.
Recent events like the “Black Lives Matter” movement highlight the need for these unexpected times and measures. When George Floyd was cumbered to death by a policeman, thousands took to the streets and protested for the lives of the black community. Was this ever expected to happen? NO, but it still resulted in all 4 officers (who were responsible) being taken into custody. Thus, the reaction of a unified mass can change a lot of things.
Accomplished pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests. Our valor often increases in proportion to the hindrances imposed upon it. Nobody learns to drive without knocking off a few trash cans or ace an examination without making mistakes.
Thus-
“A winner is never actually the person who wins, but it’s the loser because he knows the true meaning of winning.”

Mimi of Bollywood: Priyanka Chopra

An Indian actress, model, film producer, and singer the winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant Priyanka Chopra is one of India’s highest-paid and most popular entertainers. She has received numerous awards including two National Film Awards and five Filmfare awards. In 2016 the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri and in the next two years, Forbes listed her among the world’s 100 most powerful women.

Priyanka Chopra was born on 18th July 1982 in Bihar 2018 in Jamshedpur of Bihar to Ashok and Madhu Chopra. At age of 13, Priyanka moved to United steps to study living with her aunt. While in Massachusetts, she participated in several theatre productions and studied Western classical music and choral singing. After 3 years she returned to India finishing the senior year of her High school education in Bareilly.

Her mother entered her in the Femina Miss India contest of 2000; she finished the second-place contestant of Femina Miss India was given the title Miss India world and sent to the Miss World competition. Priyanka next won the Miss World pageant where she was crowned Miss World 2000 and Miss World continental queen of beauty Asia and ocean at the Millennium Dome in London.

Priyanka’s main vocal influence was her father who helped to develop her interest in singing. After winning Miss India and Miss World, Priyanka was cast as the female lead in Humraaz which was released in 2002. Priyanka set up the production company Purple Pebble Pictures with an aim to produce small-budget films and promote new talent in the Indian Film industry.

Priyanka has worked with UNICEF since 2006, recording public service announcements and participating in media panel discussions promoting children’s rights. To promote organ donation, she pledged to donate her own organs after death and was the keynote speaker at the University of Pittsburgh medical center, Bollywood-themed 20th anniversary celebration of its liver transplant program in 2012.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi selected Priyanka as one of the nine nominees called “Navratna” in 2014 for swachh Bharat Abhiyan. In late April 2021, due to the covid-19 pandemic in India, Priyanka along with her husband Nick opened a fundraiser along with NGO Give India to get donations for oxygen supply, covid-19 care centers, testing, and vaccination efforts.

1st December 2018 Priyanka get married to American singer and actor Nick Jonas and she legally changed her full name to Priyanka Chopra Jonas.