Month: September 2022

GENETIC ENGINEERING

 GENETIC ENGINEERING 

Through Genetic engineering one can modify the characters of an organism by manipulation of its genetic material. It comes under the broad heading of biotechnology. Genetic engineering involve extracting the DNA out of one organism, changing it using chemicals or radiation and subsequently putting it back into the same or different organism. One can also study how traits and characteristics are transmitted through the generations and how genetic disorders are caused. The research in the field involves inquiring into the cause and discovering potential remedies. Genetic engineering in plants and animals is to improve certain natural characteristics of value, to increase resistance to disease or damage, to develop new characteristics etc. It is used to change the color, size, texture etc of plants also known as( Genetically Modified ) GM foods. Genetic engineering in humans can correct severe hereditary defects. 

To become a Genetic engineer, one must have a graduate or postgraduate degree in genetics or related fields like biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry or PhD from recognized university. Research in modern medicine and medical technology requires more trained personnel in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Genetic engineers are mainly employed in medical and pharmaceutical industries, agricultural sector, teachers, research and development departments of the government and private sectors. 

Know all about Mutual funds

 Mutual fund is a pool of money managed by a professional Fund Manager. It is a trust that collects money from a number of investors who share a common investment objective and invests the same in equities, bonds, money market instruments and/or other securities. 

The combined holdings of the mutual fund are known as its portfolio. Investors buy shares in mutual funds. Each share represents an investor’s part ownership in the fund and the income it generates.

And the income / gains generated from this collective investment is distributed proportionately amongst the investors after deducting applicable expenses and levies, by calculating a scheme’s “Net Asset Value” or NAV. 

What is “Net Asset Value” or NAV. Just like an equity share has a traded price, a mutual fund unit has Net Asset Value per Unit. The NAV is the combined market value of the shares, bonds and securities held by a fund on any particular day (as reduced by permitted expenses and charges). NAV per Unit represents the market value of all the Units in a mutual fund scheme on a given day, net of all expenses and liabilities plus income accrued, divided by the outstanding number of Units in the scheme.

Mutual funds are ideal for investors who either lack large sums for investment, or for those who neither have the inclination nor the time to research the market, yet want to grow their wealth. The money collected in mutual funds is invested by professional fund managers in line with the scheme’s stated objective. In return, the fund house charges a small fee which is deducted from the investment. The fees charged by mutual funds are regulated and are subject to certain limits specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Mutual funds offer multiple product choices for investment across the financial spectrum. As investment goals vary – post-retirement expenses, money for children’s education or marriage, house purchase, etc. – the products required to achieve these goals vary too. The Indian mutual fund industry offers a plethora of schemes and caters to all types of investor needs.

Mutual funds offer an excellent avenue for retail investors to participate and benefit from the uptrends in capital markets. While investing in mutual funds can be beneficial, selecting the right fund can be challenging. Hence, investors should do proper due diligence of the fund and take into consideration the risk-return trade-off and time horizon or consult a professional investment adviser. Further, in order to reap maximum benefit from mutual fund investments, it is important for investors to diversify across different categories of funds. 

While investors of all categories can invest in securities market on their own, a mutual fund is a better choice for the only reason that all benefits come in a package.

TYPE OF MUTUAL FUND SCHEMES

Mutual Fund schemes could be ‘open ended’ or close-ended’ and actively managed or passively managed.

OPEN-ENDED AND CLOSED-END FUNDS

An open-end fund is a mutual fund scheme that is available for subscription and redemption on every business throughout the year, (akin to a savings bank account, wherein one may deposit and withdraw money every day). An open-ended scheme is perpetual and does not have any maturity date.

A closed-end fund is open for subscription only during the initial offer period and has a specified tenor and fixed maturity date (akin to a fixed term deposit). Units of Closed-end funds can be redeemed only on maturity (i.e., pre-mature redemption is not permitted). Hence, the Units of a closed-end fund are compulsorily listed on a stock exchange after the new fund offer, and are traded on the stock exchange just like other stocks, so that investors seeking to exit the scheme before maturity may sell their Units on the exchange.

ACTIVELY MANAGED AND PASSIVELY MANAGED FUNDS

An actively managed fund is a mutual fund scheme in which the fund manager “actively” manages the portfolio and continuously monitors the fund’s portfolio, deciding on which stocks to buy/sell/hold and when, using his professional judgement, backed by analytical research. In an active fund, the fund manager’s aim is to generate maximum returns and out-perform the scheme’s bench mark.

A passively managed fund, contrast, simply follows a market index, i.e., in a passive fund, the fund manager remains inactive or passive inasmuch as, she does not use her judgement or discretion to decide as to which stocks to buy/sell/hold, but simply replicates / tracks the scheme’s benchmark index in exactly the same proportion. Examples of Index funds are an Index Fund and all Exchange Traded Funds. In a passive fund, the fund manager’s task is to simply replicate the scheme’s benchmark index i.e., generate the same returns as the index, and not to out-perform the schemes benchmark.

 

 Mutual funds can be further classified as ;

1.money market funds, have relatively low risks. By law, they can invest only in certain high-quality, short-term investments issued by U.S. corporations, and federal, state and local governments.

2.Bond funds, have higher risks than money market funds because they typically aim to produce higher returns. Because there are many different types of bonds, the risks and rewards of bond funds can vary dramatically.

3.Stock funds, invest in corporate stocks. Not all stock funds are the same.

4. Target date funds hold a mix of stocks, bonds, and other investments. Over time, the mix gradually shifts according to the fund’s strategy. Target date funds, sometimes known as lifecycle funds, are designed for individuals with particular retirement dates in mind.

 

 

Mutual Funds are then further categorised depending on the investment goal the fund is trying to fulfil. While some investors seek capital protection and safe returns, others have a strong risk appetite and look for high returns.

Growth funds or capital protection funds

Income funds – These schemes aim to provide income for the investors.

Liquid funds – These funds invest in fixed-income securities such as bonds and government securities.

Balanced funds – These funds invest both in equity as well as fixed-income securities to provide returns while trying to keep the risks to a minimum.

Mutual Funds based on geography

Domestic funds – These invest in securities traded within the country.

International or foreign funds

Global funds Examples: Emerging market funds, regional funds

These funds are further classified based on the investments made.

1 Equity funds

2 Large-cap / Mid-cap / Small-cap funds

3 Aggressive / growth funds

4 Value funds

5 Dividend-yield funds

6 Index funds

7 Diversified equity funds

8 Sectoral funds

9 Debt funds / Fixed-income funds

10 Income funds

11 Gilt funds

12 Dynamic bond funds

Money market funds or liquid funds

Ultra-short-term funds or treasury management funds

Floating-rate funds Short-term / Medium-term income funds corporate bond funds Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) (they are close-ended) Hybrid funds / Balanced funds Monthly Income Plans (MIPs)Capital Protection Funds (these are close-ended)

Other categories include

Tax-saving funds Pension funds Fund of funds Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)Leverage funds

 

Why do people buy mutual funds?

 

Mutual funds are a popular choice among investors because they generally offer the following features:

1 Professional Management. The fund managers do the research for you. They select the securities and monitor the performance.

2 Diversification or “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Mutual funds typically invest in a range of companies and industries. This helps to lower your risk if one company fails.

3 Affordability. Most mutual funds set a relatively low dollar amount for initial investment and subsequent purchases.

4 Liquidity. Mutual fund investors can easily redeem their shares at any time, for the current net asset value (NAV) plus any redemption fees.

What are the benefits of mutual funds?

Mutual funds offer professional investment management and potential diversification. They also offer three ways to earn money:

Dividend Payments. A fund may earn income from dividends on stock or interest on bonds. The fund then pays the shareholders nearly all the income, less expenses.

Capital Gains Distributions. The price of the securities in a fund may increase. When a fund sells a security that has increased in price, the fund has a capital gain. At the end of the year, the fund distributes these capital gains, minus any capital losses, to investors.

Increased NAV. If the market value of a fund’s portfolio increases, after deducting expenses, then the value of the fund and its shares increases. The higher NAV reflects the higher value of your investment.

Risk involved with Mutual Funds

 All funds carry some level of risk. With mutual funds, you may lose some or all of the money you invest because the securities held by a fund can go down in value. Dividends or interest payments may also change as market conditions change.

 

A fund’s past performance is not as important as you might think because past performance does not predict future returns. But past performance can tell you how volatile or stable a fund has been over a period of time. The more volatile the fund, the higher the investment risk.

Structure of a Mutual Fund

Mutual Funds in India are created as trusts. The parties involved are:

Sponsor – This is the one who sets up the Mutual Fund or trust. A sponsor is similar to a promoter of a company. The sponsor of a Mutual Fund appoints / sets up the board of trustees, the asset management company or fund house and appoints the custodian.

Board of trustees – The role of the trustees is to ensure that the interests of Mutual Fund holders are protected. The board of trustees also needs to ensure that the fund house complies with all the rules laid down by the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The board needs to have at least four independent directors. The trustees act according to the Trust Deed executed by the sponsor. The board sees to it that the fund house has established the required infrastructure and ensures that processes are in place to operate and manage the fund effectively. The board appoints the main members of the fund house including the board of directors and fund managers (scheme-wise). They also devise the fund house’s internal control and audit processes including the rules for enrolling and dealing with brokers / agents.

Asset Management Company (AMC)/Fund house – An AMC or fund house will act as the investment manager for the trust. It will be responsible for the day-to-day operations. This means that it is be taking care of all the money put in by investors. The AMC or fund house is appointed by the sponsor or the board of trustees. SEBI approval is required for setting up the AMC. 40% of its net worth should be contributed by the sponsor.

Custodian – A custodian is one who has custody of all the shares and securities invested in by the AMC. The custodian is responsible for the investment account of a fund house.

 

 

Savita

 Articles written by Savita

1.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/importance-and-type-of-insurance.html

2.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/the-challenges-and-prospects-of-women.html

3.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/print-media-as-oldest-mean-of.html

4.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/academic-degree-and-its-types.html

5.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/adoption-under-hindu-law.html

6.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/amritsar-holy-city.html

7.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/business-software-and-its-types.html

8.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/indias-performance-in-commonwealth-game.html

9.     https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/different-aspects-of-journalism.html

10.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/different-ways-to-do-advertisement.html

11.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/e-learning-platforms.html

12.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/electronic-media-change-tradition-of.html

13.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/entrepreneurship.html

14.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/glimpse-of-new-education-policy.html

15.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/kashmir-heaven-on-earth.html

16.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/key-skills-for-professionals.html

17.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/and-its-type-loan-is-amount-of-money.html

18.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/make-in-india-great-initiative.html

19.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/media-as-fourth-pillar-of-democracy.html

20.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/online-banking.html

21.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/online-courses-by-swayam.html

22.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/photography-and-its-types.html

23.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/quality-education-part-of-sustainable.html

24.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/everything-you-need-to-know-about-real.html

25.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/role-of-branding-and-marketing-in.html

26.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/role-of-ngos-in-india.html

27.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/rural-development-for-better-nation.html

28.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/social-media-and-marketing.html

29.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/the-real-heroes.html

30.  https://www.eindex.org/2022/08/top-10-engineering-collage-in-india.html

 

10 travel destinations in india

India is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions and historical sites in the world. With so many places to visit and things to do, it’s hard to know where to start. But if you want something off-the-beaten path, these 10 destinations are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

1. Goa

Vagator Beach, Goa

Goa is a popular tourist destination in India and has been attracting visitors for years. It’s known for its beaches, which are clean and have plenty of space to relax on them.

Goa also has great food, music and culture. The best way to experience all this is by staying at an airbnb or other bed & breakfast type place that hosts travelers from around the world!

2. Kerala

Kumarakom, Kerala

Kerala is a beautiful place to visit in India. It has many beaches, backwaters and historical sites. One of its most famous attractions is the backwaters of Alleppey that are home to some interesting wildlife sanctuaries. The state also has many temples which are a must-see during your trip here.

3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, just off India’s coast. These islands are a part of India and home to many different tribes. The islands have a great climate for relaxation, as well as beaches with white sand.

4. Pondicherry

Serenity beach, Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a city in the union territory of Puducherry. It was formerly known as Pondicherry and it is located on the Coromandel Coast, India’s east coast, which is known for its beaches and resorts. The city has an old-world feel to it with buildings that date back to French rule over India during the 19th century.

Pondicherry has many beaches where you can go swimming or just relax on your day off from work.

5. Leh Ladakh

Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Leh Ladakh is a cold desert in the Himalayas, close to the Chinese border. It’s a great place to visit if you want to see the mountains and enjoy some hiking or trekking. There are many places where you can go for this activity, but one of them is called “Nubra Valley”. In this valley there are many different things that you can do: horseback riding (on horses), skiing down from a mountain peak or just walking around looking at all those beautiful views.

6. Rajasthan

Amer fort, jaipur

Rajasthan is a state in northern India. It has a desert climate, but it’s also known for its palaces and forts. The city of Jaipur is home to several of these attractions, including the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar Observatory. It also has many lakes, some famous (Lake Pichola) and some not so much (Kumbhalgarh). Some people visit these lakes during wintertime because they’re warm then; others go there in summer because it looks like an ice skating rink. There are plenty of temples as well: we’re talking about hundreds of them.

7. Darjeeling

The Kanchenjunga

Darjeeling is a hill station in West Bengal. The city is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and offers panoramic views of the plains below.

The town has been known for its tea plantations since 1834 when it was first discovered by British colonists. It’s also a popular destination for trekkers, who can choose from several trails to explore this beautiful area along with its rich history and natural beauty.

8. Varanasi

A ghat in varanasi

Varanasi is a religious, cultural and historical city located on the banks of River Ganges. It has been called one of the most sacred places in India as it’s believed that Lord Shiva resided here for some time before passing away.

The city is known for its ghats (steps leading down to the river), temples and food which are all part of its rich history. Varanasi offers tourists everything they need during their stay – from budget accommodation options to luxury hotels & resorts offering everything from pampering spa treatments to yoga classes at sunrise. Not only this but there are plenty of things to do when you visit Varanasi including visiting one or more ghat sites where pilgrims perform rituals during monsoon season when temperatures rise up high enough so visitors can bathe in freezing waters without getting cold feet.

9. Rishikesh

Rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is full of amazing sights—from its spectacular natural surroundings to its historic temples and churches. Other sights include Lakshman Jhula Bridge built between 1822–1823 across River Ganges near Yamuna Sagar Lake during British rule; Vishwanath Temple dedicated specifically because he was considered Hindu god Vishnu’s favorite son; Kedarnath Temple built by King Bhagwan Nand Lal in memory of his father who died while building this temple during his lifetime. River rafting and other fun activities are organised here.

10. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg Golf Club area

Gulmarg is a ski resort in Kashmir, located at an altitude of 11,500 feet. It is one of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. The area has 300 km of pistes that can be reached by cable cars or snowshoes. Gulmarg also hosts many other activities like skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding and more.

These are just a few of the travel destinations in India that you can experience and enjoy.

10 travel destinations in india

India is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions and historical sites in the world. With so many places to visit and things to do, it’s hard to know where to start. But if you want something off-the-beaten path, these 10 destinations are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

1. Goa

Vagator Beach, Goa

Goa is a popular tourist destination in India and has been attracting visitors for years. It’s known for its beaches, which are clean and have plenty of space to relax on them.

Goa also has great food, music and culture. The best way to experience all this is by staying at an airbnb or other bed & breakfast type place that hosts travelers from around the world!

2. Kerala

Kumarakom, Kerala

Kerala is a beautiful place to visit in India. It has many beaches, backwaters and historical sites. One of its most famous attractions is the backwaters of Alleppey that are home to some interesting wildlife sanctuaries. The state also has many temples which are a must-see during your trip here.

3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, just off India’s coast. These islands are a part of India and home to many different tribes. The islands have a great climate for relaxation, as well as beaches with white sand.

4. Pondicherry

Serenity beach, Pondicherry

Pondicherry is a city in the union territory of Puducherry. It was formerly known as Pondicherry and it is located on the Coromandel Coast, India’s east coast, which is known for its beaches and resorts. The city has an old-world feel to it with buildings that date back to French rule over India during the 19th century.

Pondicherry has many beaches where you can go swimming or just relax on your day off from work.

5. Leh Ladakh

Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Leh Ladakh is a cold desert in the Himalayas, close to the Chinese border. It’s a great place to visit if you want to see the mountains and enjoy some hiking or trekking. There are many places where you can go for this activity, but one of them is called “Nubra Valley”. In this valley there are many different things that you can do: horseback riding (on horses), skiing down from a mountain peak or just walking around looking at all those beautiful views.

6. Rajasthan

Amer fort, jaipur

Rajasthan is a state in northern India. It has a desert climate, but it’s also known for its palaces and forts. The city of Jaipur is home to several of these attractions, including the Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar Observatory. It also has many lakes, some famous (Lake Pichola) and some not so much (Kumbhalgarh). Some people visit these lakes during wintertime because they’re warm then; others go there in summer because it looks like an ice skating rink. There are plenty of temples as well: we’re talking about hundreds of them.

7. Darjeeling

The Kanchenjunga

Darjeeling is a hill station in West Bengal. The city is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and offers panoramic views of the plains below.

The town has been known for its tea plantations since 1834 when it was first discovered by British colonists. It’s also a popular destination for trekkers, who can choose from several trails to explore this beautiful area along with its rich history and natural beauty.

8. Varanasi

A ghat in varanasi

Varanasi is a religious, cultural and historical city located on the banks of River Ganges. It has been called one of the most sacred places in India as it’s believed that Lord Shiva resided here for some time before passing away.

The city is known for its ghats (steps leading down to the river), temples and food which are all part of its rich history. Varanasi offers tourists everything they need during their stay – from budget accommodation options to luxury hotels & resorts offering everything from pampering spa treatments to yoga classes at sunrise. Not only this but there are plenty of things to do when you visit Varanasi including visiting one or more ghat sites where pilgrims perform rituals during monsoon season when temperatures rise up high enough so visitors can bathe in freezing waters without getting cold feet.

9. Rishikesh

Rafting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is full of amazing sights—from its spectacular natural surroundings to its historic temples and churches. Other sights include Lakshman Jhula Bridge built between 1822–1823 across River Ganges near Yamuna Sagar Lake during British rule; Vishwanath Temple dedicated specifically because he was considered Hindu god Vishnu’s favorite son; Kedarnath Temple built by King Bhagwan Nand Lal in memory of his father who died while building this temple during his lifetime. River rafting and other fun activities are organised here.

10. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg Golf Club area

Gulmarg is a ski resort in Kashmir, located at an altitude of 11,500 feet. It is one of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. The area has 300 km of pistes that can be reached by cable cars or snowshoes. Gulmarg also hosts many other activities like skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding and more.

These are just a few of the travel destinations in India that you can experience and enjoy.

Government Initiated Educational Policies

Government Initiated Educational Policies That Are Modifying The Education Sector

Major changes have been made to India’s educational system.
Over the years, the Indian government has implemented a number of initiatives to support skill development and education. Private institutions can adopt these policies’ concepts and use them to increase their revenues.
Here are a few of the key educational policies that have lately been established.
Digital Payment
Prakash Javadekar, the Union HRD minister, promoted the advantages of digital payment by implementing cashless payment across all centrally-aided institutions.
No Detention Policy
For all students in grades 5th to 8th, the HRD Ministry amended the previous rule to allow for promotion to the following class. The new policy makes passing every exam necessary in order to advance to the following class.
Male Students can also file for sexual harassment
The number of incidents of sexual harassment against male students has significantly increased. Male students may now report instances of sexual harassment thanks to new rules established by the UGC.
Gender Education Must Be Required
Telangana’s government mandated gender education as a requirement for graduation. Along with doing so, it was the first state in India to do so, and it also brought in multilingual textbooks.
Yoga classes 
Yoga sessions are now required in all ICSE and ISC institutions, according the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).
Free higher education for students with disabilities
The government of Guwahati has established a programme that will provide these kids with free education from Class 9 to the university level in all government-run institutions of higher learning.

No homework for students of class 1st and 2nd
No homework may soon become reality. Prakash Javade, the minister of human resource development (HRD), suggested that students in grades 1 and 2 might no longer have homework.
New guidelines for girls’ education
A “modern education policy” is something the government wants to implement. The new education policy’s (NEP) main emphasis will be on females’ education. It intends to eliminate educational inequity.
Eklavya schools 
By 2022, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) students will have access to Eklavya schools, which will be modelled after Navodaya schools. It will offer athletic instruction and skill development. Additionally, it will contain unique spaces for conserving regional art and culture.
Diksha scheme 
The Indian government will soon introduce the integrated B.Ed programme and develop the learning portal “DIKSHA” to improve teaching abilities.
Sports Education
The government of India is proposing to make sports education a component of the Fundamental Rights and to promote it countrywide.
Reducing the bag’s weight
For lower primary classes, the Department of Primary and Secondary Education intends to implement ideas like “no bag day” and a lighter bag requirement.

Government Initiated Educational  Policies 

Government Initiated Educational  Policies That Are Modifying The Education Sector

Major changes have been made to India’s educational system.
Over the years, the Indian government has implemented a number of initiatives to support skill development and education. Private institutions can adopt these policies’ concepts and use them to increase their revenues.
Here are a few of the key educational policies that have lately been established.
Digital Payment
Prakash Javadekar, the Union HRD minister, promoted the advantages of digital payment by implementing cashless payment across all centrally-aided institutions.
No Detention Policy
For all students in grades 5th to 8th, the HRD Ministry amended the previous rule to allow for promotion to the following class. The new policy makes passing every exam necessary in order to advance to the following class.
Male Students can also file for sexual harassment
The number of incidents of sexual harassment against male students has significantly increased. Male students may now report instances of sexual harassment thanks to new rules established by the UGC.
Gender Education Must Be Required
Telangana’s government mandated gender education as a requirement for graduation. Along with doing so, it was the first state in India to do so, and it also brought in multilingual textbooks.
Yoga classes 
Yoga sessions are now required in all ICSE and ISC institutions, according the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE).
Free higher education for students with disabilities
The government of Guwahati has established a programme that will provide these kids with free education from Class 9 to the university level in all government-run institutions of higher learning.
No homework for students of class 1st and 2nd
No homework may soon become reality. Prakash Javade, the minister of human resource development (HRD), suggested that students in grades 1 and 2 might no longer have homework.
New guidelines for girls’ education
A “modern education policy” is something the government wants to implement. The new education policy’s (NEP) main emphasis will be on females’ education. It intends to eliminate educational inequity.
Eklavya schools 
By 2022, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Schedule Tribe (ST) students will have access to Eklavya schools, which will be modelled after Navodaya schools. It will offer athletic instruction and skill development. Additionally, it will contain unique spaces for conserving regional art and culture.
Diksha scheme 
The Indian government will soon introduce the integrated B.Ed programme and develop the learning portal “DIKSHA” to improve teaching abilities.
Sports Education
The government of India is proposing to make sports education a component of the Fundamental Rights and to promote it countrywide.
 Reducing the bag’s weight
For lower primary classes, the Department of Primary and Secondary Education intends to implement ideas like “no bag day” and a lighter bag requirement.

RainWater Harvesting

N kavya

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable process that helps in preserving water for future needs. Water scarcity is a major concern in today’s scenario. The process of rainwater harvesting is a good way to conserve water. Rainwater Harvesting is one of the most used methods to save water. It refers to storing rainwater for various uses. The notion behind rainwater harvesting is to not waste the rainwater and prevent it from running off. In other words, it is done to collect rainwater using simple mechanisms. It is usually collected at the place the rain falls from the ground or rooftops. Rainwater harvesting is an alternative to reduce the stress of public water supply sources. The recharge of rainwater to the ground in the coastal regions prevents seawater immersion into the freshwater. Finally, rainwater harvesting reduces water supply bills.

Rainwater Filtration -:

Rainwater can be harvested or purified in multiple ways. The catch area before harvesting must be cleaned thoroughly, and the pipelined must be flushed regularly. Initially, the water flow is diverted to wash or rinse the area.
Rainwater contains contaminants or other waste materials that affect the quality of the water. Contaminants such as dust, Bird excreta, pollution, leaves, and sand particles can affect water quality.


Filtration removes contaminants and other impurities and purifies rainwater for drinking and other purposes. However, the harvested water must be treated and tested before consumption to ensure the right quality check.
Industries use the practice of pre-filtration to ensure that the purified water is directed water to the tank. The pre-filtration measure is a vital step that the water supply system should not compromise in terms of water quality.


Some techniques of rainwater purification are solar sterilization, the use of chemicals like iodine or chlorine, or sediment filtration. However, harvested rainwater used for drinking purposes can be filtered through Reverse Osmosis (RO).

Favorable aspects of Rainwater Harvesting -:

Rainwater Harvesting positively affects underground water quality. It dilutes the number of nitrates, fluorides, and salinity of the underground water. It contains zero hardness and almost neutral pH, making it highly suitable for industries, homes, institutions, industries, and other commercial establishments. Rainwater Harvesting reduces water supply bills. It is an excellent method that solves the water shortage crisis and lessens the energy consumption in water disturbance. Rooftop Rainwater harvesting controls urban flooding. The recharge of rainwater to the ground in the coastal regions prevents seawater immersion into the freshwater. Rainwater harvesting is an alternative to reduce the stress of public water supply sources. Construction of deeper wells can damage the natural environment as well as upscale. Therefore, the source of rainwater is highly effective and dependable. Stored harvested rainwater can be used as an alternative to municipal water and used during the water crisis.

Rainwater harvesting can be done in a variety of methods, including -:

1. A watershed is a region where precipitation flows directly into a river or another reservoir.
2. There are two ways to keep water: on the roof or the ground.
3. Normally, rainwater is collected on the rooftops. The rainwater from the roof is usually collected in PVC pipes and stored in a sump (a deep pit dug into the earth) or a tank.
4. The water in the tank can then be used for home purposes after it has been filtered.
5. Rainwater collection also helps to restore natural aquifers.

The two types of rainwater harvesting -:

1. Surface runoff harvesting -:

In this method, rainwater flows away as surface runoff and can be stored for future use. Surface water can be stored by diverting the flow of small creeks and streams into reservoirs on the surface or underground. It can provide water for farming, cattle, and for general domestic use. Surface runoff harvesting is most suitable in urban areas.
Rooftop rainwater/storm runoff can be harvested in urban areas through:
• Recharge Pit
• Recharge Trench
• Tubewell
• Recharge Well

Groundwater recharge -:

Groundwater recharge is a hydrologic process where water moves downward from surface water to groundwater. Recharge is the primary method through which water enters an aquifer. The aquifer also serves as a distribution system. The surplus rainwater can then be used to recharge Grothe underwater aquifer through artificial recharge techniques.

3. Rainwater in rural areas can be harvested through -:

• Gully Plug
• Contour Bund
• Dugwell Recharge
• Percolation Tank
• Check Dam/Cement Plug/Nala Bund
• Recharge Shaft


Although rainwater harvesting measure is deemed to be a desirable concept for the last few years, it is rarely implemented in rural India. Different regions of the country practiced a variety of rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge methods. Some ancient rainwater harvesting methods followed in India includes Madaras, Ahar Pynes, Surangas, Taankas, etc.

Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting -:

1. Less cost.
2. Helps in reducing the water bill.
3. Decreases the water demand.
4. Reduces the need for imported water.
5. Promotes both water and energy conservation.
6. Improves the quality and quantity of groundwater.
7. Does not require a filtration system for landscape irrigation.
8. This technology is simple and easy to install and operate.
9. It reduces soil erosion, stormwater runoff, flooding, and pollution of surface water with fertilizers, pesticides, metals, and other sediments.
10. It is an excellent source of water for landscape irrigation with no chemicals, or dissolved salts, and is free from all minerals.

Disadvantages of Rainwater Harvesting-:

1. In addition to the great advantages, the rainwater harvesting system has a few disadvantages like unpredictable rainfall, unavailability of the proper storage system, etc.
2. Listed below are a few more disadvantages of the rainwater harvesting process.
3. Regular maintenance is required.
4. Requires some technical skills for installation.
5. Limited and no rainfall can limit the supply of rainwater.
6. If not installed correctly, it may attract mosquitoes and other waterborne diseases. 7. One of the significant drawbacks of the rainwater harvesting system is storage limits.

The world faces an increasingly critical need to address climate change, and the impact that water conservation has on a sustainable environment is undeniable. Groundwater is the primary source of freshwater that caters to the demand of the ever-growing domestic, agrarian, and industrial sectors of the country. Over the years, it has been observed that the necessity for the exploitation of groundwater resources for various everyday needs, like toileting, bathing, cleaning, agriculture, drinking water, industrial and ever-changing lifestyles with modernization is leading to tremendous water wastage. Harvesting and collecting rainwater is an adequate strategy that can be used to address the problem of water crisis globally. The use of a rainwater harvesting system provides excellent merits for every community. This simple water conservation method can be a boost to an incredible solution in areas where there is enough rainfall but not enough supply of groundwater. It will not only provide the most sustainable and efficient means of water management but also unlock the vista of several other economic activities leading to the Empowerment of people at the grass-root level.

For this, the Government should come out with an appropriate incentive structure and logistic assistance to make it a real success. Rainwater harvesting is something that thousands of families across the world should participate in rather than pinning hopes on the administration to fight the water crisis. This water conservation method is a simple and effective process with numerous benefits that can be easily practiced in individual homes, apartments, parks, and across the world. As we all know that charity begins at home, likewise, a contribution to society’s welfare must be initiated from one’s home.

EMPATHY

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The term “empathy” is used to describe a wide range of experiences. Emotion researchers generally define empathy as the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling. The term “empathy” is used to describe a wide range of experiences. Emotion researchers generally define empathy as the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling.

Contemporary researchers often differentiate between two types of empathy: “Affective empathy” refers to the sensations and feelings we get in response to others’ emotions; this can include mirroring what that person is feeling or just feeling stressed when we detect another’s fear or anxiety. “Cognitive empathy,” sometimes called “perspective taking,” refers to our ability to identify and understand other people’s emotions. Studies suggest that people with autism spectrum disorders have a hard time empathizing.

Empathy seems to have deep roots in our brains and bodies, and our evolutionary history. Elementary forms of empathy have been observed in our primate relatives, in dogs, and even in rats. Empathy has been associated with two different pathways in the brain, and scientists have speculated that some aspects of empathy can be traced to mirror neurons, cells in the brain that fire when we observe someone else act in much the same way that they would fire if we performed that action ourselves. Research has also uncovered evidence of a genetic basis for empathy, though studies suggest that people can enhance (or restrict) their natural empathic abilities.

Having empathy doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll want to help someone in need, though it’s often a vital first step toward compassionate action.

Empathy manifests in education as well as between teachers and students. Empathy becomes difficult when there are differences between people regarding culture, language, skin color, gender, and age. Empathy is considered a motivating factor for unselfish behavior. Lack of empathy is similar to antisocial behavior. Empathy develops deep roots in our brains, as our evolutionary history. Having empathy does not mean that a person is willing to help someone. It is an essential step toward compassionate action.

Empathy forms one of the most critical components of creating harmonious relationships. It reduces stress and enhances emotional awareness. People are well attuned to their feelings and emotions. Getting into someone’s head can be challenging at times. People tend to be empathetic when they listen to what others have to say. It makes an individual overwhelmed by tragic incidents. Empathy can make an individual concerned about the well-being of another individual.

Empathy helps to make an individual a better person. By understanding what people are thinking and feeling, people can respond appropriately. Social connections build up as a result of empathy. It helps in both physical and psychological well-being. Empathizing with others helps to regulate a person’s own emotions. It helps an individual to manage his feelings even at times of great stress.

Empathy helps a person to engage themselves in helpful behaviors. Not everyone experiences empathy. Some people may be more naturally empathetic than others. How a person perceives another person can influence empathy to a great extent. Being empathetic toward others will help to understand others’ suffering and create harmony in the world.

Key aspects of empathy -:


1. In the absence of empathy, relationships remain shallow.
2. Empathy does not form a part of intuition; it is about understanding others.
3. Empathy is a learned behavior.
4. The capacity of being empathetic to another person depends on each individual.
5. Empathetic people tend to help others more.
6. Painkillers can reduce your capacity of being empathetic toward other people.
7. Anxiety and tension can influence empathy to a great extent.
8. An individual can heighten their empathy through meditation.
9. All humans are inclined toward empathizing with others in their pain and suffering.
10. A genetic defect can reduce an individual’s empathy.

Empathy can be learned and practiced. It is a vital aspect of our everyday lives. It enables an individual to show compassion. It helps to relate to other people, relatives, colleagues, and loved ones and helps to impact the world positively. Some people are born with empathy while some learn it and can increase or decrease it. It is a part of emotional intelligence, which can be taught to children at a very early stage. Children can be taught to be empathetic by sharing their things and not hurting others.

ARGENTINA

 ARGENTINA

Argentina also known as Argentine Republic. The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires. Other large cities are : Cordoba, Rosario, La Plata, Mendoza. The languages spoken are Italian and Spanish. Currency of Argentina is Peso. Argentina got independence on 9th July 1816. Type of government ruling is Republic.Argentina is the second largest state in South America. Argentina abounds in deposits of coal, lead, copper,zinc,gold,silver, sulphur and oil. Meat packing is the chief industry, with flour milling coming second. Others are chemicals, textiles, machinery, motor vehicles, paper and consumer durables. Agriculture and animal husbandry form important segments of the economy. Chief crops are : grains, maize, grapes, linseed, sugar, tobacco, rice, livestock products. Argentina is the world’s largest source of tannin. Argentina is famous for its mate culture, soccer and love for Tango. It is bounded by Atlantic Ocean in the East. Border countries are Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay. It is the 8th largest country in the world.

Video Jockey

 Video Jockey

With the advent of different music channels on television, video jockey is becoming an exciting career option for music crazy generation. The job of video jockey(VJ) is to introduce music videos and host music related shows on television. VJ’s area of work is very competitive and one have to introduce videos, host games to travel shows and youth forums, chat with public, do interview with artists and music celebrities etc. Jockeys generally involved in 3 areas: Video jockeys they present shows on T.V, Radio Jockeys (RJs) they do shows on Radio and Disc Jockeys(DJs) present live shows in clubs, restaurants, music stores etc.

A background in mass communication, visual communication or performing arts and command over language is very important as they have to talk a lot. Some voice training would help VJs they need clear voice, pleasant and strong. One should answer promptly within seconds and should be energetic and should have a wonderful sense of humor to make the show interesting. With the increasing music channels and introduction of commercial FM radios have increased demand of jockeys enormously.

ANXIETY

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Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what is to come. It is normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, starting a new job, or taking a test. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate you to work harder and do a better job. Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes but does not interfere with your everyday life. In the case of an anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear may be with you all the time. It is intense and sometimes debilitating. This type of anxiety may cause you to stop doing things you enjoy. For example, it may prevent you from entering an elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving your home in extreme cases. If left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse.

Symptoms of anxiety :
1. anxious thoughts or beliefs that are difficult to control
2. restlessness
3. trouble concentrating
4. difficulty falling asleep
5. fatigue
6. irritability
7. unexplained aches and pains.

What causes anxiety?


Medical experts are not sure of the actual cause. But a combination of factors likely plays a role.
The causes of anxiety may include:
1. stress
2. other medical issues such as depression or diabetes
3. first-degree relatives with generalized anxiety disorder
4. environmental concerns, such as child abuse
5. substance use
6. situations such as surgery or occupational hazard. 7. In addition, researchers believe that it stems from the areas of the brain responsible for controlling fear and the storing and retrieval of emotional and fear-related memories.

Physical symptoms of anxiety :


When you experience symptoms of anxiety, they can manifest as physical symptoms such as:


1. dizziness
2. tiredness
3. heart palpitations
4. muscle aches and tensions
5. shaking
6. dry mouth
7. excessive sweating
8. stomach-ache
9. headache
10. insomnia

Who is at risk of anxiety?


Medical researchers say with each type of anxiety, there are different risk factors. But there are some general influences, including:


1. Personality traits. This includes shyness and nervousness in childhood.
2. Life history. This includes being exposed to negative or stressful life events.
3. Genetics. Of those who have a diagnosis of anxiety, percent trusted to have a first-degree relative who also has a diagnosis of anxiety.
4. Other health conditions. Thyroid problems and other health conditions can make you prone to anxiety.
5. Stimulants. Consuming sources, specific substances, and medications can worsen your symptoms.

Are there treatments for anxiety :


Once you’ve received a diagnosis of anxiety, treatment can help you overcome the symptoms and lead a more manageable day-to-day life.


The treatment is categorized into three types :


• Psychotherapy. Therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention.
• Complemental health techniques. Mindfulness, yoga, and self-management strategies such as stress management are ways to treat your anxiety using alternative methods.
• Medication. Doctors prescribe antianxiety and antidepressant drugs.
• Session, with a therapist or psychologist, can help you learn tools to use and strategies to cope with stress when it occurs.

Some other commonly used medications include:

• Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram, fluoxetine, and paroxetine are common SSRIs.
• Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Duloxetine and venlafaxine are common SNRIs.
• Antipsychotics. Quetiapine and aripiprazole are common antipsychotics.
• Benzodiazepines. Diazepam and clonazepam are common benzodiazepines.
• Anxiolytics. Buspirone is a common anxiolytic.

Natural remedies for anxiety are :

1. getting enough sleep
2. meditating
3. staying active and exercising
4. eating a healthy diet
5. avoiding alcohol
6. avoiding caffeine
7. quitting smoking cigarettes if you smoke.

Foods that can help you with anxiety :

• flax and chia seeds
• fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon
• turmeric
• vitamin D
• magnesium
• tryptophan

It’s important to understand that anxiety disorders can be treated, even in severe cases. Although anxiety usually doesn’t go away, you can learn to manage it and live a happy, healthy life.

Cultural Pluralism

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Cultural pluralism is defined as the societal condition in which minority groups within a society can maintain their distinctive cultural identities, values, and practices if they are consistent with the laws and values of the wider society. Institutions and values that support cultural pluralism include political democracy, tolerance for uncertainty, prioritization of secular rational values, and openness to foreign cultures. societies with a demanding climate and high innovation performance, their citizens tend to support democracy, are more tolerant of uncertainty, prioritize secular-rational values, and take more leisure trips outside of their home country.

Significance of cultural pluralism -:

The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, which saw the largest surge of immigrant arrivals in American history, an anti-immigrant backlash took the forms of nativism, xenophobia, and other expressions of prejudice. Criticism of the unfamiliar appearances and behaviours of the newly arrived people prompted discriminatory treatment of the new immigrants in education, employment, government programs, housing, and public accommodations. As a result, the advance of industrious and talented immigrants whose efforts could enhance American progress was held back. The concept of cultural pluralism is an alternative to the “melting pot” view that immigrants should assimilate to American culture by abandoning their own cultures, languages, and other traditions. Cultural pluralists insist that different ethnic groups have enriched the American way of life as immigrants and native-born citizens have learned from one another, thereby broadening their views on art, cuisine, education, history, music, and other aspects of life.

Positive Aspects of Cultural Pluralism -:

1. The cultural plurality system is that it is easily understood by voters, provides a quick decision, and is more convenient and less costly to operate than other methods.
2. The plurality method operates best under a two-party system.

Critique of cultural pluralism –:

1. Cultural pluralism has been attacked for justifying cultural separatism—that is, a transformation to a “nation of nations” like what is found in Switzerland or a segregated America of ethnically pure residential enclaves.
2. The cultural pluralists assume that because ethnic traditions are static, they suppress individuality.
3. Cultural pluralists are attacked for a belief that ethnic identity is primary and thus more powerful than other identities. Some critics even see Kallen’s concept of cultural pluralism as rooted in Jewish ideology.

Cultural pluralism is distinct from multiculturalism, which lacks the requirement of a dominant culture. If the dominant culture is weakened, societies can easily pass from cultural pluralism into multiculturalism without any intentional steps being taken by that society. If communities function separately from each other or compete with one another, they are not considered culturally pluralistic. Pluralism is valuable because it provides individuals with alternative ways to live, promotes critical reflection on the culture within which one currently lives, and thus promotes change and growth within cultures generally.

Canada is a country that is often cited as an example of cultural pluralism. This is due in large part to the fact that Canada is home to a diverse range of cultures and ethnic groups.

Cultural pluralism brings diversity as explained by, Cultural pluralists who insist that different ethnic groups have enriched the American way of life as immigrants and native-born citizens have learned from one another, thereby broadening their views on art, cuisine, education, history, music, and other aspects of life.

THE UNITED NATIONS

 

The United Nations

The names ‘United Nations’ was devised by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was first used in the Declaration by the United Nations of Jan 1, 1942 during second World War. It is an association of states which have pledged themselves to maintain international peace and security and cooperate in solving international political, economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems. The United Nations officially came into existence on 24th October 1945. United Nations day is celebrated on 24th October each year. New member states are admitted by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. Official languages of UN are : Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. The UN has a post office originating its own stamps. The headquarters New York city, USA. Principal organs of the UN are : General Assembly, Secretariat, Security Council, Trusteeship Council, Economic and Social Council and International Court of Justice. 

The General Assembly consist of the representatives of all the member states. Each state has one vote. The General Assembly meets atheist once in a year. It elects its own President and Vice president every year.

Trusteeship Council – The Charter provides for an international trusteeship system to safeguard the interest of the inhabitants of territories which are not yet fully self governing and which may be placed under by individual trusteeship agreements. These are called trust territories. 

International Court – The International Court of Justice was created by an international treaty, the Statute of the Court which forms the integral part of the United Nations Charter. The headquarters located The Peace Palace, Netherlands. The Court has its seat at The Hague, but may sit elsewhere whenever it considers desirable. The expenses of the Court are borne by the UN. The languages are English and French.

KYOTO PROTOCOL

 Kyoto Protocol

The amendment to the treaty on United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change called Kyoto Protocol. It aims at cutting global emissions of Green House Gases(GHG). The main objectives of Kyoto protocol are : it is intended to assign mandatory targets for the reduction of global emissions of greenhouse gas to signatory nations. The objective is the “stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”

“Kyoto is underwritten by governments and is governed by global legislation enacted under UN aegis.” Governments are separated into two general categories: developed countries referred to as Annex 1 countries who have accepted strict GHG emission reduction obligations. Any Annex 1 entity failing to meet its Kyoto targets is subject to a fine and further penalized by having its reduction targets increased by 30%. Developing countries referred to as Non Annex 1 countries who have no GHG emission reduction obligations. “Kyoto includes linking mechanisms ”which allow Annex 1 economies to meet their GHG targets by purchasing GHG emission reductions from elsewhere. The treaty was negotiated in Kyoto, Japan in December 1997, opened signature on March 16, 1998 and closed on March 15, 1999. As of July 2006, a total of 164 countries have ratified the agreement. According to terms of the protocol, conditions for entry into force required 55 parties and at least 55% reduction of the total carbon dioxide emission.