Month: November 2023

Jan Aushadhi Stall at trade fair

 Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya visited Jan Aushadhi stall at the trade fair today to oversee the functioning of the stall. The Minister also appreciated that this stall is providing information about the noble project of the Government of India to make accessible and affordable Health Care throughout the country. 

42nd India International Trade Fair is being held from 14th to 27th November at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Being a part of this International Trade Fair, a demonstration stall has been set up by Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in Hall No. 5 (Stall No. 8-B) where the general public is being made aware of the salient features of this noble project. Through this stall, information is being given to the public about the affordable and high quality medicines of Jan Aushadhi. 

As we all are aware that with an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Under this scheme, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic medicines. As on 31st October 2023, 9998 Janaushadhi Kendras are functional across the country. Product basket of PMBJP comprises 1965 drugs and 293 surgical equipment which are sold at retail shops at 50% to 90% cheaper than branded medicines. PMBJP has drastically brought down the prices of more than 1965 quality medicines and making these medicines available within the reach of large section of population, especially the poor and patients with chronic diseases. 

In last 9 years, there has been unprecedented growth in number of Kendras which were only 80 in 2014 and have now grown to more than 9998 Kendras almost all districts of the country. In the financial year i.e., 2022-23, PMBI has sold Jan Aushadhi Medicines worth Rs. 1236 Crore which has led to savings of approximately Rs. 7416 Cr. to the citizens. In last 9 years, the no. of Kendras have increased by 100 times and the sales have also increased by more than 170 times. In all, during the past 9 years, total savings of approximately Rs. 23,000 crores for the citizens have been possible due to this noble scheme.

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Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Santhigiri Ashram

 Dr. Sashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri A.N. Radhakrishnan, State General Secretary, BJP, Prof. K.V. Thomas, Special Representative, Govt. of Kerala, Shri P.K. Das, National Executive Member, BJP, Swami Jnana Thapaswi, General Secretary, Santhigiri Ashram, Swami Chaitanya Jnana Thapaswi, President, Santhigiri Ashram, Shri Gokulam Gopalam, President of All India Malayali Association.

Let me indicate and unfold my heart, ever since I landed here, I cannot describe in words the kind of feeling I had. Sublimity in action. Every moment I spent so far here, will be etched in my memory forever.

Dear brothers and sisters, I would leave this place fully surcharged, energized, motivated and inspired to follow the principles that Santhigiri Ashram is following and espousing. I take it as a personal accomplishment and a matter of great honour, that I am associated with Santhigiri Ashram on this momentous occasion.

On the journey of 25 years, it has traversed so much, with so much impact and appreciation, changing lives of the people for the better. On this occasion of dedication of the Silver Jubilee Centre of Kerala-based Santhigiri Ashram in New Delhi, I congratulate everyone associated with the Organisation.

My good wishes on this auspicious occasion to every person associated with various centres, nationally and globally, of Santhigiri Ashram. I have gathered that it has been a remarkable journey. 25 years is not a long time to make that kind of impact but what I have gathered, what I have come to know and what I have seen myself is that you are catalysing a big social change and hand-holding those who need your assistance, giving succour to those who need it for sure.

In changing Bharat, home to 1/6th of humanity, you are playing a pivotal role by engaging in skill development that empowers the people.

Brothers and sister, you are an epicentre of wholesome change. What we need in this country today is a mind-set that reflects our civilizational ethos. Rather than empower the pocket of a person, it is required that we empower their minds, we empower their faculties and that you are doing imminently in a better fashion by empowering human resource through skill development. My congratulations to you!

Your recognition by Government of India as a social and scientific research organisation, is befitting. It also indicates that Government of India is acting on very objective parameters that it has chosen such an institute, such a place, for this recognition.

Brothers and sisters, while doctor Shashi Tharoor happens to be Member of Parliament from an area very close to the Ashram in Kerala, my home State also has a great connection with Ashram.

Parnasala-the monument in the shape of full bloomed Lotus in Makrana white marble, is a final resting place of the founder of Santhigiri Ashram. The marble is from my home State. It is a divine coincidence that lotus and marble from Makrana also came to be reflected globally during G20 and also that became motto of G20, widely claimed and enthused all Indians all over the world and carried to the world a message of which you happen to be an epicentre. Nothing is more important in life than to preserve our culture and contribute to the health of the people. If we go to our Upanishads, one of the Upanishads has plethora of information about health and no country in this world can have what we have, a civilizational ethos of thousands of years, uparalleled, for all to see.

What is required is that we all believe in them. This is a historic time for Bharat. The world is changing very fast, rise of Bharat is unstoppable, the rise is incremental, the rise has been acclaimed by global institutions. If IMF today says our Bharat is the rising economy among large economies, if it says India is a favourite destination of investment and opportunity, it is on the account of the action which you people have taken.

You have contributed spinally to the mood of the nation by arriving at situation. It is like endeavours of your kind, it is like a contribution of people at large that in a decade, Bharat traversed from fragile 5 to big five and in 2022, we have great distinction of becoming 5th largest global economy overtaking UK and France. In matter of time by 2030, we would overtake Japan and Germany to become the third largest global economy.

All this because of one aspect: there is emergence of an ecosystem that allows every person in the country to unleash his or her energy to fully exploit talent and potential to realise dreams and aspirations. It is gratifying to note that you are massively contributing by skill development to help people realise their dreams and aspirations, to help a person who might have lost hope, is a divine activity, you are engaged in this divinity.

Brothers and sisters, no culture in the world can take pride in that kind of sublimity of civilizational growth that we in Bharat can take. Our spine is our culture ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ the word, the expression defines our philosophy over the ages and we treat the world as one family.

In this perspective, very rightly the theme of India G20 Presidency reflecting ‘One Earth, One Family, One future’, this was highly impactful and applauded by one and all.

We are a country that not only just preaches, we preach after practicing and that happened when we faced pandemic COVID. Your Ashram was engaged 24×7 to help people who need assistance but at a global level, our Bharat assisted with Vaccine Maitri about 100 countries and to many of them vaccine was given as a contribution to their health.

When we are 1/6 of humanity, it is our obligation that will keep this planet in a healthy state, a state which we can pass on to the future generation.

We are trustees but there are concerns that we overlook. I have been saying for a long time that nothing can be more inappropriate and condemnable that some informed minds, knowledgeable people, monetizing ignorance of people for political equity; that cannot be allowed. An informed mind has to be spiritual and an informed mind has to be nationalist, non-exploiter.

Your Ashram is engaged in empowerment of women. Empowerment of women is critical to growth of humanity. Empowerment of women is not an option, it is the only way and that is why on September 21, there was an epochal development. Several efforts were made over a period of three decades, for one reason or the other the efforts could not fructify. On 21st September, Bharat had one third reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State legislature. The reservation is horizontal and vertical indicating that it is socially equitable.

It is in that context, I said that some people who know when it can fructify, who knew that it cannot happen in 2024 elections, they have made an issue of it and therefore I say intelligent minds must not absorb silence. They must give befiting reply and neutralize such sinister narratives that seek to monetize ignorance of the people for getting petty political equity. I am sure what you are doing is full of sublimity and things will go in the right direction.

I have come to know another very important aspect. It fills me with honour and pride to acknowledge that new Sanyasins chosen to walk the enlightened path, this is not easy, this is a great sacrifice, this is a divine call and two of them hail from the daily Ashram.

Brothers and sisters, in an era where life pace is relentless and materialism pervasive and who knows better than people around. They have lost all sense of being humane, of being kind, reflecting compassion. They are engaged in materialism, reckless exploitation of natural resources. They think their political empowerment, their fiscal power can determine how much natural resources they need to consume.

I have no hesitation in saying that to be a good Indian, to be a good member of this planet, we have to realize the planet is not only for human beings, it is for all living beings, it is not exclusive to us. There has to be optimum utilisation of natural resources. Your pocket, your fiscal power, your fiscal muscle cannot determine how much gas, petrol you will use. That sense has to be inculcated.

I am at the right place to make this point and I am sure message going from this place will carry greater credibility and conviction.

We remember Eklavya because Eklavya could not find a Guru, so he had a Guru, the guru was not aware of it. By merely having that situation he could go to that height. We have to re discover Guru- Shishya Parampara. गुरु बिना कोई ज्ञान नहीं है, गुरु बिना ज्ञान होकर भी हम अज्ञानी रहते हैं.

I travelled to Kerala where there is primary Santhigiri Ashram, to pay my regards to my teacher Miss Ratnavali Nair. I have no difficulty in saying that my biological birth was in a village but my real birth was handled by my Guru. That is the capacity of the gurus.

Another aspect is that we had forgotten the kind of reservoir we have, the depth we have in health management. It is soothing to know that on a very wide scale this is being globally accepted now. The efforts of the Santhigiri Ashram when it operates Ayurveda Panchkarma training centres are indeed notable. These centres are not limited to the benefit of some. The messages are taken across to the millions, it’s a game changer and will define our future healthcare.

A country can rise not only on the strength of industries or infrastructure. We are having world class infrastructure but our country will attain great heights when its youth have an ecosystem which provides them level playing field, which provide them with opportunities that allow them to channelise their energy by acting in a manner that their aptitude is translated into ground reality. That is the situation we are bringing in the country today. Our rise is expandable on this account. The kind of contribution that Ashram is making is commendable. I congratulate everyone associated with the Ashram that such an effort must get widely disseminated and it is emulative for others.

True progress is not to be reckoned in terms of wealth, your big house, your big car. True progress is happiness, joy and that comes when you are healthy. A healthy mind is essential for doing anything which is great. You may be possessed of great attitude, talent, skill, but if you are not healthy, you can’t contribute.

These days increasingly we are having another facet of health and that is mental health. Ashram is doing a good job but I would urge the Ashram that mental health issue is staring us in the face. It is writing on the wall. We need to be innovative to find solutions to that by serious counselling and hand holding so that people don’t lose hope.

In a society where people lose hope, the society cannot rise like a plateau it rises like a pyramid.  In a country what we are having is inclusive development that includes all.

Can you imagine in a country where 400 million people could not think of having a bank account, are having functional bank accounts. Can you imagine a country where every household that is in a need of gas connection and the number runs into more than 100 million, the government has made available. Dr Shashi will find out that in 1989 when I was elected to parliament in Lok Sabha I had great power in my hand because I could give 50 gas connections to individuals in a year. Look what the government has done and therefore let us not have the approach, to see everything from political stance. When there are issues of governance we have to dictate our actions with high degree of objectivity.

As Vice-President of the country it is my obligation to be part of Rajya Sabha, the Upper House. What would you expect of that house is that we engage in dialogue, debate, deliberation and discussion, that will be your expectation. But when I see with my own open eyes, with pain and anguish, that disruption and disturbance has been weaponised.

There will have to be a narrative in society to neutralize such kind of tendencies and nation has a role to play. Your silence will resonate in the ears of future generation, if you don’t break it and tell the people to do the duty for which they have been sent to Parliament.

Progress blossoms only with holistic development. I see that all around. I am son of a farmer, I could not imagine all my life that in a country like ours there will be farmers, number being more than 110 million, who will be receiving thrice a year benefit of government installments. Government giving instalments is not my concern, government being fully equipped to send money is not my concern, my pride is that the farmer in a distant village is fully technology-equipped to receive the benefit.

We have some of the finest brains in Parliament, they have seen the world. They know global developments. They know that in 2022 per capita data consumption of Internet in Bharat was more than that of USA and China taken together. Why should they be on back foot? A political commitment or belief in a political ideology cannot bind you to that level, that you don’t recognise nationalism, that is very fundamental to imagine the kind of revolution that has taken in this country technologically to every village. That is why in 2022, 46% of digital transactions were in Bharat. Our digital transactions were four times the combined transactions of USA, France, Germany, UK.

I would therefore appeal to political fraternity, it is good to be in politics, it is good to play politics as your party demands. Be a stakeholder in politics but also keep nation above politics. We cannot allow narratives that demean, taint, tarnish our country on untenable grounds. People leave this country only to demean us. Our country has had enough of people with iconic status on parameters which are baffling. You have to work for a system where only the deserving ones get that slot.

Brothers and sisters, I take great pride in sharing with you that Padma awards have been awarded for the last few years. The awardees were not known. But everyone after the award has been given has only one thing to say: the award has been given to the right person. Recognition of the right person in society is fundamental. You are doing a great job. We owe it to the nation. We owe it to humanity to appreciate your work. I know you don’t want appreciation. You can continue without appreciation. But the failure of the concerned people to appreciate good work is not a good thing in society. We must appreciate everything that is taking place in the national interest, in the interest of humanity, and in the welfare of needy people. And that is what you are doing.

Friends, this centre is a testament to comprehensive care. I have seen it during my brief interaction. I got surcharged. I am profoundly moved to dedicate the Silver Jubilee Centre to humanity. A sanctuary where professional training and spiritual growth converge, promising a future illuminated by holistic well-being and enlightened progress. Brothers and sisters, this stands as a poignant testament to the Ashram’s enduring commitment to serve and heal the wounded hearts of humanity.

I once again wish Santhigiri Ashram and all the well-wishers the best in their endeavours. In the time I had, I offer my sincere prayers for one nation, one world. I conclude—I’m emotive. What I have seen with my eyes, what I have felt—everything was pristine, sublime, authentic, with full commitment, no self-interest, only giving to society at large. Please continue with it.

Thank you.

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36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers’ Association at Baripada, Odisha

 The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session of the 36th Annual Conference and Literary Festival of All India Santali Writers’ Association at Baripada, Odisha today (November 20, 2023). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President appreciated writers and researchers who are contributing to the Santhali language and literature. She appreciated that All India Santali Writers’ Association has been promoting Santhali language since its establishment in 1988. She noted that use of Santhali language has been increased in government and non-government sectors, after its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution on 22 December, 2003. She remembered former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on the occasion, during whose tenure Santhali language was included in the Eighth Schedule.  

The President said that most of the Santhali literature was available in the oral tradition. Pandit Raghunath Murmu has not only invented the Ol Chiki script, but he has also further enriched the Santhali language by composing plays like ‘Bidu Chandan’, ‘Kherwal Bir’, ‘Darege Dhan’, ‘Sido- Kanhu – Santhal Hool’. She highlighted that many Santhali writers are enriching Santhali literature with their works. She said that it is a matter of pride that Damayanti Besra and Kali Pada Saren – popularly known as Kherwal Saren – have been honoured with Padma Shri in 2020 and 2022 respectively for education and literature. 

The President said that authors are vigilant watchdogs of society. They make society aware and guide it through their work. Many litterateurs showed path to our national movement during the freedom struggle. She urged writers to continuously create awareness in the society through their writings. She stressed that creating awareness among the people of tribal communities is an important task. She said that building a strong and vigilant society is possible only through continuous awareness. 

The President said that literature is a mirror of the culture of a community. She said that natural co-existence of humans with nature is seen in the tribal lifestyle. She added that the tribal communities believe that the forest does not belong to them but they belong to the forest. She highlighted that today climate change is a huge problem and nature-friendly living is very important to tackle this issue. She urged writers to write about the lifestyles of tribal communities so that other people could know about the life values of tribal society. 

The President said that India is a beautiful garden of different languages and literatures. She added that language and literature are the subtle threads that bind the nation together and literature is enriched by extensive exchange between different languages which is possible through translations. She said that readers of Santhali language should also be introduced to the literature of other languages through translation. She underlined the need for similar efforts to make Santhali literature reach the readers of other languages. 

The President said that there is a need to keep children engaged in self-study right from the beginning. She added that that anyone can become a good reader by doing self-study since childhood. She highlighted the need to create entertaining and comprehensible children’s literature. She stated that emphasis should be laid on creating interesting children’s literature not only in Santhali literature but in all Indian languages.

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Eklavya Model Residential School at Kuliana, district Mayurbhanj, Odisha

 The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated an Eklavya Model Residential School at Kuliana, district Mayurbhanj, Odisha today (November 20, 2023).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that during her childhood there was no school near her home; therefore, she had to go away from home for study. She said that many children were deprived of education at that time due to non-availability of a nearby school which is not the case today. She expressed confidence that with the opening of the Eklavya Model Residential School, local children will now have more opportunity for education.

The President said that education is the key to economic and social well-being. She advised parents to educate their children.

Addressing the children, the President said that she also comes from a humble background like them. She got the opportunity to serve the citizens, because of her education. She said that education can make them successful. Being an educated person, they can contribute to the progress of the country and society along with their own development.

The President said that the Government of India has started multi-pronged schemes through various ministries to provide railways, national highways, education, health and other such basic amenities in tribal dominated areas. She was happy to note that more than 700 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are being established across the country for education of tribal children. She said that in these schools more than 3.5 lakh tribal students across India will be able to get quality education and be able to contribute to the development of society and nation.

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DS/AK

CITI Informed Consent SBE FAQ

 This page will answer the most popular questions of the CITI Informed Consent SBE.

There is general consensus on the importance of informed consent in research for treating individuals with respect, autonomy, and the right to decide.

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Photo by Matthias Zomer on Pexels.com

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However, obtaining and documenting consent can be a complex process, with certain challenges like potential subjects not being literate in the language of the study or the need to deceive to obtain valid data.

The federal regulations provide flexibility for cases with minimal risk of harm, allowing waivers or alterations to the requirements for consent and documentation processes.

The Process

Informed consent is a process that begins with recruitment and screening and continues throughout the subject’s involvement in the research. It involves providing specific information about the study in an understandable way, answering questions to ensure understanding, giving subjects time to consider their decision, and obtaining voluntary agreement to enter the study (subjects may withdraw or decline to answer at any time).

Popular Questions

Question 1: A therapist at a free university clinic treats elementary school children with behavior problems who are referred by a social service agency. She is also a doctoral candidate who proposes using data she has and will collect about the children for a case-based research project. Which of the following statements about parental permission is correct?

Answer: The parents of the children might feel pressure to give permission to the therapist to use their children’s data so that she will continue to provide services to their children. [Quizzma]

In this case, the researcher must make sure to provide additional information about the research to balance out any potential benefit of participation against any risks or harms. The parent should also be informed that there is an option for their child not to participate in the study, and all reasonable efforts should be made to ensure that the parent’s permission is voluntary.

Question 2: A criterion for waiving informed consent is that, when appropriate, subjects are provided additional pertinent information after the study. In which of the following studies would it not be appropriate to provide subjects with information about missing elements of consent?

Answer: A study in which subjects were assigned to study activities based on an undesirable or unflattering physical characteristic as assessed by members of the research team.

In this case, providing additional information after the study would potentially cause greater harm than good and is likely inappropriate. The research team should ensure that subjects are fully informed of all elements of the consent process prior to the study.

Question 3: A researcher leaves a research file in her car while she attends a concert, and her car is stolen. The file contains charts of aggregated numerical data from a research study with human subjects but no other documents. The consent form said that no identifying information would be retained, and the researcher adhered to that component. Which of the following statements best characterizes what occurred?

Answer: There was neither a violation of privacy nor a breach of confidentiality.

In this case, since no identifying information was retained and all data was stored in an aggregated form, there is likely no violation of privacy or breach of confidentiality. However, the researcher should still take appropriate steps to investigate the theft and file a police report if necessary.

Question 4: When a focus group deals with a potentially sensitive topic, which of the following statements about providing confidentiality to focus group participants is correct?

Answer: The researcher cannot control what participants repeat about others outside the group.

In this case, the researcher should make clear to participants that confidentiality is expected and enforced within the focus group.

The researcher should also do their best to ensure that all information shared remains confidential by setting ground rules for discussion and by limiting access to the recordings or transcripts of the group discussion. However, it is ultimately up to each participant to keep any shared information confidential outside of the focus group setting.

Overall, informed consent is an important process in research involving human subjects and must be adhered to carefully. It involves providing relevant information about the study clearly and accurately, answering questions as needed, giving sufficient time for consideration of participation, and obtaining voluntary agreement from participants.

In order to ensure that informed consent is obtained appropriately, researchers must be familiar with the principles of informed consent and their legal obligations.

Question 5: A general requirement for informed consent is that no informed consent may include any exculpatory language. Exculpatory language is that which waives or appears to waive any of the subject’s legal rights or releases or appears to release those conducting the research from liability for negligence. Which of the following statements in a consent form is an example of exculpatory language?

Answer: Participation in the research is voluntary, but if you choose to participate, you waive the right to legal redress for any research-related injuries.

This statement is an example of exculpatory language as it releases those conducting the research from any liability for negligence. Informed consent forms should not contain any exculpatory language and must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board. In addition, informed consent forms should clearly state that participation in research activities is voluntary, without coercion or undue influence. It is important to ensure that all potential risks and safeguards associated with the study are outlined clearly in the informed consent form before a participant agrees to participate in a research study.

The CITI Informed Consent SBE provides useful guidance on informed consent processes in research. Questions like these can help researchers understand their obligations regarding informed consent and ensure that they carry out their research ethically and humanely. Ultimately, informed consent helps protect the rights of participants while allowing for meaningful science that responds to real-world challenges.

In conclusion, CITI offers a comprehensive FAQ section on informed consent which can help researchers understand their legal obligations when obtaining informed consent from participants in a research study. The FAQs provide detailed answers to common questions about informed consent that researchers should consider when designing their research.

Familiarity with the principles of informed consent and understanding one’s legal obligations is critical to ensuring that research is conducted ethically and responsibly. By following best practices, researchers can ensure a responsible research process while protecting the rights of participants.

Sergey Tokarev from Roosh: AI HOUSE Camp 2023 for Ukrainian IT specialists

 The Ukrainian IT sector needs strong support and assistance, especially after the full-scale invasion of Russia. With this in mind, many companies, organizations, and entrepreneurs, in particular international ones, gathered their forces to create powerful supportive IT communities. AI HOUSE is one of those initiatives that has actively operated since the war started. Sergey Tokarev, the co-founder of the tech company ROOSH, comments on the forthcoming event for IT specialists in Ukraine.

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Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

A new project of AI HOUS

AI HOUSE initiative is launching a five-day camp for IT specialists in Ukraine. The organizer prepared a fruitful time for different specialists to improve their products and generate innovative ideas to put into practice. The camp is to be held offline in Lviv from 11 to 15 September.

According to Sergey Tokarev, the candidate selection is going to be pretty tough. The camp invites engineers, researchers, marketing specialists, project managers, and enthusiasts in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. People who want to build their careers in this area also have an opportunity to participate. But only 35 candidates are eligible to join the camp. The key criteria in candidate selection are their ideas and experiences.

“AI HOUSE Camp 2023 is an important initiative to achieve our mission to promote creating new AI product companies and developing artificial intelligence in Ukraine. We want to combine AI and ML enthusiasts from all over the country with experienced mentors to create new Generative AI solutions and implement ideas that will shape the future,” says the AI HOUSE team.

AI HOUSE Camp 2023: What to expect?

The project’s objective is to help specialists and startups generate innovative ideas and level up their skills in the IT area. The participants have time to apply for it till 28 August 2023.

The selected candidates will receive a range of tasks to do. Together, they will group seven teams, and each team will have to develop a particular idea with the mentor’s assistance. The best teams with the best technological solutions will be rewarded. The reward involves being considered by the tech company ROOSH  for further investment and scaling.

Sergey Tokarevnotes that special guests will evaluate every work created by each team. Among them are CTO and co-founder of Reface Oles Petriv, Investment Analyst at Roosh Ventures Anna Melnychuk, Head of Research at SQUAD Oleksandr Zarechkovy, and co-founder and Head of R&D of ZibraAI startup Vlad Zavadsky.

Does the initiative offer a fixed prize?

The AI HOUSE Camp 2023 organizer does not offer any fixed prize for participating. They encourage candidates to donate 1000 hryvnia or more, as they cover the rest of the expenses. Sergey Tokarev mentions that all proceeds are going to be transferred to Reaktivna Poshta. It is a charitable organization that has been operating since 2014. It has provided gunners with spare parts, equipment, and other necessary materials.

The leading partner of the event is ROOSH. The Faculty of Applied Sciences of the Ukrainian Catholic University and one of the largest R&D centers in Ukraine SQUAD are among other partners.

Indian Cricket Team Lost The One Day International (ODI) Final: An Australian Cricketer Son-in-law of India

  

In games
and sports like cricket, football, hockey,  volleyball, basketball, etc,
one team will win by defeating another, so win and defeat are parts of games
and sports. On November 19, 2023, in the final, the Indian team was defeated by
the Australian team. Since the Indian cricket team won the Asia Cup and in this
World Cup, they were undefeated till the final match, so Indians with great
hope, desired that the team would win. Anyway, Australia played much
better than India if fielding, bowling, and batting were considered. But the
interesting point is that many Indians like me later on could know that
Australian cricketer Glenn James Maxwell’s wife is of Indian Origin (that is
Beti/daughter of India). That way, Glenn James Maxwell is the son-in-law
of India. His wife is Vini Raman, born in Melbourne,
Australia, on March 3, 1993. It is pertinent t to mention that the marriage was
on March 18,  2022 (as per Christian rituals in Australia )
and March 27,  2022 (as per Tamil rituals in Chennai)mil
rituals). Both wore Indian attire for the event, with Maxwell donning a
Sherwani. By quoting the website sportskeeda.com/cricket/glenn-maxwell-wife-vini-raman, it is
noteworthy to mention that “Vini Raman is a Melbourne-based
pharmacist who was born and brought up in the city. She is one of the two
daughters born to a South Indian Hindu household. Raman is quite active on her
social media platform and likes to give a sneak peek into her life, which
involves her beau, Glenn Maxwell.  She rose to fame after Glenn Maxwell attended
the Australian Cricket Awards in 2019 hand-in-hand with his lady love. Her
favourite pastimes include swimming, travelling, and watching matches live from
the stadium”. Although Maxwell is a well-known personality among
cricket enthusiasts, his wife’s life is still not a popular name among Indians.
So, a few lines are presented here about her as he is of Indian origin
(source: crickettimes.com/2023/09). Her parents migrated from India to
Melbourne, and she has roots in South India. She is active on social
media, with over 1.9 lakh followers, and often shares a sneak peek into her
life. Vini and Maxwell were blessed with a male child named Logan Maverick
Maxwell on September 11, 2023. So,
Maxwell is the son-in-law of India and their marriage was performed in addition
to Australia in Chennai as per Tamil rituals.

Although
India has lost the ODI this time hope next time our team will win
with super performance in bowling, fielding, and batting. 

Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad 


Annual PhD Workshop at Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) New Delhi

 The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) will host the tenth edition of the Annual PhD Workshop in a hybrid format (virtually and in-person) from 8 to 10 January 2024.

 

With a strong interdisciplinary focus, as well as an emphasis on the relationship between research and practice, IIHS nurtures research and innovation focused on the challenges and opportunities of India’s urban transition. IIHS has built a substantive on-ground presence of direct policy and programmatic engagement across India, across middle and senior administrative levels, and in multiple urban contexts in the Global South. This makes for a globally unique opportunity for scholars intending to research the Urban where it matters – at the intersection of theory and practice. IIHS’ Post-Doctoral programme and the proposed doctoral programme emphasise the institute’s wider connections into domestic and international policy, and to overlapping communities of practice. IIHS is also building an integrated programme of quality campus-based education and research, training and lifelong learning for working professionals, distance and blended learning, as well as an array of practice and advisory services.

 

About the PhD Workshop

The PhD Workshop is a unique educational intervention on interdisciplinary urban research designed to provide a dedicated space for PhD candidates to expand on their work. They do this by interacting with eminent urban scholars and practitioners from IIHS and leading universities, and research institutions across the world including Yale, MIT, IIT-Madras, TISS, among others.

 

Initiated in 2013, the PhD Workshop has had close to 200 participants from leading global and domestic institutions including University of Oxford, MIT, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, NUS, JNU, TISS, IIT-Bombay etc., across a wide range of disciplines such as Architecture, Planning, Sociology, Urban Health, Economics, Public Policy, Climate Change, Anthropology, Engineering, Governance and Law. The Workshop provides participants with an opportunity to explore emerging areas of urban research especially in India and other parts of the global South and give them the opportunity to theorise from both research and practice.

 

The Workshop aims to shape the trajectory of a doctoral career and enable participants to engage with the imperatives of the changing form of disciplines, and meet the substantive academic demands of the doctoral process. The foundational ethos of the Workshop is an interdisciplinary approach to the Urban, guided by theories of and from the Global South with an emphasis on grounded understandings. The Workshop provides scholars with a space to critically examine urban related issues of their interest, and their own position within it. This self-reflexive criticality allows participants to approach their field of inquiry as actors within, rather than as mere viewers of urban phenomena. In addition to guiding students through their work, the Workshop deals with specific processes of earning a doctoral degree. The aim is to create a space of convivial co-learning that opens conversations not only on fields of inquiry, but also on experiences of students navigating the path to a doctoral degree.

 

Structure of the Workshop

This iteration of the PhD Workshop is open to participants from across a wide range of disciplines, with a common thread being an interest in urban research and practice. The Workshop is designed to provide a platform for in-depth exploration and for early and mid-to-late stage PhD students and fine-tune their work. The structure of the Workshop and the modules within it are designed to be relevant to students from different disciplines and at different stages of their doctoral career. The structure also allows for specific attention to the needs of individual scholars and enables peer to peer learning.

 

In addition to thematic relevant to particular disciplines, the Workshop will also have a Commons track, and two specialised tracks. The Commons track will primarily involve engagement with eminent urban scholars and practitioners as they explore the possibilities of new methods and pedagogies in and around the Urban. This track provides an opportunity to learn about and understand a range of methods and data sources that are unique to urban India, ethical practices in research as well as the nuances of publishing in academia. Two specialised tracks will focus on early career students who are in the process of finalising their questions (Track 1) and late career students working on finalising their dissertation (Track 2).

 

The PhD Workshop will be in a hybrid format this year from 8 to 10 January 2024. Interested candidates should send in their submissions by 27 November 2023.

 


For queries on the Workshop, write to us at research@iihs.ac.in.

Vacancy for Faculty Positions at National Institute of Technology (NIT) | Calicut, Kerala | Architecture, Planning

 

Vacancy for Faculty Positions at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut

The National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut or NITC) is a premier technical institution in India located in Calicut, Kerala. It is one of the 31 National Institutes of Technology in the country and was established in 1961 as the Regional Engineering College Calicut. It was later granted Institute of National Importance status and renamed as the National Institute of Technology Calicut in 2002.

Here are some key points about NIT Calicut:

  1. Academic Programs: NIT Calicut offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various engineering, technology, and science disciplines. These programs include B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, MBA, and Ph.D. degrees.

  2. Campus: The campus is spread over a vast area and provides facilities like hostels, sports complexes, academic buildings, laboratories, and a library.

  3. Research and Development: NIT Calicut is involved in cutting-edge research and development activities. The institute encourages faculty and students to engage in research projects and publish their findings in reputed journals.

  4. Departments: The institute has various departments, including departments of Engineering, Sciences, and Humanities. Each department offers specialized courses and conducts research in its respective field.

  5. Placements: NIT Calicut has a strong placement record, and its graduates are sought after by leading companies in the industry. The institute’s placement cell facilitates interactions between students and potential employers.

  6. National Importance: Being an Institute of National Importance, NIT Calicut receives funding and support from the Government of India, allowing it to maintain high academic standards and infrastructure.

  7. Cultural and Technical Festivals: The institute hosts various cultural and technical festivals, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents and interact with peers from other institutions.

  8. Notable Alumni: NIT Calicut has produced many successful professionals and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions in various fields.

It’s important to note that specific details about academic programs, admission procedures, and other relevant information may change, so it is recommended to check the official website of NIT Calicut for the latest and most accurate details.

Positions: Assistant Professor (Grade II)
Institution: National Institute of Technology (NIT)
Department: Architecture and Planning/Civil Engineering
Qualification: ✔️ Detailed educational qualifications, experience, and other criteria for selection shall be according to the recruitment rules for Faculty in NITs as per Schedule E of the first statutes of the NITs (amendment statutes 2017) issued vide Gazette of India dated 24th July 2017, and clarification issued by Ministry of Education dated 16th April 2019.
Experience: ✔️ Details Provided Below.
Job Description: ✔️ Details Provided Below.
Type: Full Time
Location: Calicut, Kerala
Salary: ✔️ Pay level: 10 (AGP 6000)
Apply at: ✔️ Apply Link
Last Date: 30 November 2023

Vacancy for Assistant Architect at Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) | Himachal Pradesh

 

Vacancy for Assistant Architect at Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) is a constitutional body that conducts recruitment examinations and interviews for various posts in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The commission is responsible for advising the state government on matters related to the recruitment, promotion, and transfers of civil servants. Its main objective is to ensure the fair and transparent selection of candidates for various government positions.

Key functions and responsibilities of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission include:

  1. Recruitment: Conducting examinations and interviews to select candidates for various posts in the state government.

  2. Advisory Role: Advising the state government on matters related to recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary actions.

  3. Conducting Examinations: Designing and conducting competitive examinations for various services and posts.

  4. Promotions and Transfers: Recommending candidates for promotions and transfers based on their performance and eligibility.

  5. Disciplinary Matters: Advising the state government on disciplinary matters related to civil servants.

  6. Rule-Making: Recommending rules and regulations related to recruitment and other personnel matters.

The commission is headed by a chairman and consists of members appointed by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. The members hold office for a fixed term as specified by the state government.

Positions: Assistant Architect (Grade I)
Institution: Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)
Department: DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING (HIMUDA)
Qualification: i) Degree in Architecture from a recognized University or an Institute duly recognized by the Central /State Government.
ii) Atleast two years experience in the field of Architecture after qualifying for the Degree in Architecture.
iii) Preference will be given to those Architects who get Registration under the Architect Act, 1972.
Experience: ✔️ Min. 02 Years.
Job Description: ✔️ Details Provided Below.
Type: Full Time
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Salary: ✔️ Pay Band Level – 18 (Rs. 56100 – 177500)
Apply at: ✔️ Apply Link
Last Date: 01 December 2023

Things to expect in a counselling session

  A counselling session is meant to help a person with certain problems and giving them advice and suggestions on how to cope with them. Counselling is done primarily for the purpose of solving issues related to mental health . 

In a counseling session, you can expect a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your concerns. Here’s what typically happens in a counseling session:

  1. Establishing Rapport: At the beginning, the counselor will aim to create a comfortable atmosphere and build rapport. They may introduce themselves, explain the counseling process, and discuss confidentiality.

  2. Discussion of Concerns: The counselor will invite you to talk about the issues or challenges you’re facing. They may ask open-ended questions to understand your situation better.

  3. Active Listening: Expect the counselor to actively listen to you without judgment. They’ll pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to gain insight into your concerns.

  4. Goal Setting: Together with the counselor, you’ll identify goals or outcomes you wish to achieve through counseling. These goals will guide the sessions and focus on areas you want to work on.

  5. Exploration and Reflection: The counselor might explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to your concerns. This exploration can help gain insights and offer different perspectives on the issues.

  6. Skill Building and Strategies: Depending on your needs, the counselor may teach coping skills, relaxation techniques, or offer strategies to manage emotions and situations more effectively.

  7. Feedback and Insights: The counselor might provide feedback or insights based on what you’ve shared. They may offer interpretations, reflections, or observations to help you gain a deeper understanding.

  8. Homework or Follow-Up: You might be given tasks or exercises to practice between sessions. These could be reflective journaling, practicing relaxation techniques, or implementing new coping strategies.

  9. Closure and Future Sessions: Towards the end of the session, there will be a discussion about progress made, any new insights gained, and plans for future sessions if needed.

Remember, counseling sessions vary based on the counselor’s approach, the specific issues being addressed, and your preferences. It’s essential to feel comfortable and safe with your counselor, so don’t hesitate to communicate your needs or concerns during the session.

ESG INVESTING

ESG investing also called socially responsible investing and impact investing is a type of investment made by large corporates which prioritizes environmental, social, and governance outcomes. This type of investment is the need of the hour, which highlights sustainable investment. The investment is based on the universal fact that organizational growth and financial performance is due to environmental and social factors. 



ESG investing has started to gain popularity in India. This is a way of investing in companies based on their commitment to the ESG factors. 

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing is an approach that considers not only financial returns but also the impact of investments on society, the environment, and corporate behavior. Here’s a breakdown of each component:

  1. Environmental Factors (E): This includes considerations related to a company’s impact on the environment. ESG investors look at how a company manages its carbon footprint, energy efficiency, waste management, water usage, and its overall environmental sustainability practices.

  2. Social Factors (S): Social considerations involve how a company manages relationships with its employees, communities, customers, and suppliers. It includes aspects like labor standards, diversity and inclusion, human rights, employee relations, and the company’s impact on local communities.

  3. Governance Factors (G): Governance focuses on the leadership, structure, and policies that guide a company. It includes issues such as board diversity, executive compensation, transparency, ethical business practices, and the presence of anti-corruption measures.

ESG investing aims to align investments with ethical and sustainability goals while seeking competitive financial returns. Investors choose companies or funds based on their ESG performance, seeking those with strong sustainability practices, ethical business conduct, and positive societal impacts.

The growth of ESG investing reflects a shift in investor preferences, with more individuals and institutions seeking to support companies that align with their values and contribute positively to society and the environment.

However, challenges exist, including the lack of standardized ESG metrics, varying definitions and interpretations of ESG factors, and the need for more comprehensive and transparent reporting by companies regarding their ESG practices.

Overall, ESG investing represents a growing trend where financial decisions are influenced not just by potential returns, but also by a company’s impact on the world around it.






Leadership in Education

 Leadership in education is pivotal for shaping the direction, effectiveness, and culture of educational institutions. Educational leaders, which can include principals, superintendents, department heads, or educational policymakers, play multifaceted roles:


  1. Vision Setting: Effective leaders establish a clear vision and direction for the school or educational institution. They articulate goals and objectives that guide the community toward a common purpose.

  2. Instructional Leadership: They focus on improving teaching and learning practices. This involves supporting and developing teachers, implementing effective curriculum strategies, and ensuring student engagement and success.

  3. Creating a Positive School Culture: Educational leaders foster a positive and inclusive school environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, respect, and a sense of belonging among students, teachers, and staff.

  4. Strategic Planning and Management: They are responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation, budget management, and decision-making that aligns with the institution’s goals and needs.

  5. Community Engagement: Leaders build partnerships with parents, communities, and stakeholders to create a supportive network for the institution. They understand the importance of involving the community in the educational process.

  6. Adaptability and Innovation: Effective leaders stay updated with educational trends, research, and innovations. They encourage experimentation and innovation to adapt teaching methods and technologies for better outcomes.

  7. Advocacy and Policy Implementation: Educational leaders advocate for policies and practices that benefit students and educational quality. They implement and oversee policies that comply with educational standards and regulations.

  8. Professional Development: They support the continuous growth and development of teachers and staff by providing opportunities for professional learning, mentorship, and skill enhancement.

Leadership in education is not limited to formal administrative roles; it can also involve teachers who take on leadership roles within their classrooms or across departments. Effective leadership is crucial for fostering a conducive environment for learning, supporting students and staff, and achieving educational goals.

Journalism and Politics

 The relationship between journalism and politics is intricate and significant, with each having a profound impact on the other.


  1. Information Dissemination: Journalism plays a vital role in informing the public about political events, policies, and decisions. It serves as a bridge between the government and the people by providing accurate and timely information.

  2. Watchdog Function: Journalists act as watchdogs, holding political leaders and institutions accountable. Investigative journalism uncovers corruption, malpractice, and misuse of power, fostering transparency and accountability in governance.

  3. Shaping Public Opinion: Media coverage can influence public opinion on political matters. The way news is framed, presented, and emphasized can sway public perceptions of politicians, policies, and current events.

  4. Access to Information: Journalists rely on access to information from political sources to report accurately. Governments and politicians control the flow of information, and conflicts often arise over transparency and the right to access certain information.

  5. Media Bias and Objectivity: Political biases can influence media coverage. Some outlets may have inherent biases based on their ownership, funding sources, or political affiliations, impacting the objectivity of their reporting.

  6. Press Freedom: The relationship between journalism and politics can be contentious in regions where press freedom is restricted. Governments may attempt to control or censor the media, suppressing critical reporting and limiting journalistic freedoms.

  7. Political Communication: Politicians use media outlets to communicate their agendas, policies, and messages to the public. They often engage in media strategies to shape their public image and gain support.

  8. Ethical Considerations: Journalistic ethics come into play when reporting on political matters. Issues such as accuracy, fairness, and the balance between public interest and privacy need to be carefully navigated.

The dynamics between journalism and politics are complex, with both playing pivotal roles in shaping societies. A free and responsible press is essential for democracy, as it ensures an informed citizenry capable of making well-informed decisions and holding leaders accountable. However, the relationship can also be fraught with challenges, including issues of bias, manipulation, and the struggle for control over information dissemination.

Effects of COVID-19 on Education system

Education is undoubtedly the backbone of modern civilization.Covid-19 affected every part of society so education is not left alone.As per United Nations, some 1 billion students and youth across the planet are affected by school and university closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak.In India schools ,colleges are closed more than 3 months as of now but still their is uncertainty about when and how the education system can come back to normal.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the education system worldwide, leading to a myriad of challenges and changes:

  1. School Closures: To control the spread of the virus, many countries implemented widespread closures of educational institutions. This disrupted traditional learning and affected millions of students globally, leading to interruptions in their education.

  2. Transition to Remote Learning: To mitigate the effects of closures, schools and universities shifted to remote learning and online classes. However, this transition was not seamless for everyone. Disparities in access to technology and the internet resulted in unequal learning opportunities for students.

  3. Learning Loss: Extended periods away from traditional classrooms led to learning loss for many students. The lack of face-to-face interaction, support, and structured learning environments affected academic progress.

  4. Mental Health Impact: The pandemic brought about increased stress and anxiety among students, teachers, and parents. Isolation, uncertainty, and the challenges of adapting to remote learning took a toll on mental health.

  5. Economic Impact: Families facing financial hardships due to the pandemic had to make difficult choices, potentially affecting their children’s ability to access education. This led to concerns about increased drop-out rates, especially among vulnerable populations.

  6. Educational Inequalities: Existing educational disparities were exacerbated. Students from low-income families, rural areas, or marginalized communities faced greater challenges in accessing remote learning due to lack of resources or inadequate infrastructure.

  7. Adaptation of Teaching Methods: Educators had to rapidly adapt their teaching methods to suit online platforms. This shift required training and resources, often posing challenges for teachers who were unfamiliar with technology-driven teaching methods.

  8. Reimagining Education: The pandemic forced a reevaluation of traditional educational systems. It highlighted the importance of flexibility, innovation, and resilience in education, leading to discussions about reforming teaching practices and educational policies.

Moving forward, there’s a push for hybrid learning models that combine in-person and online elements, increased investment in technology and infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, and a focus on mental health support for students and educators. The pandemic has spurred a conversation about reshaping education to be more adaptable and inclusive in the face of future challenges.