OVERVIEW AND WHY CoWIN WAS REQUIRED :-

Today everyone is aware that all the countries are facing the deadly pandemic of COVID-19. Millions of people have suffered due to this pandemic. Lakhs of deaths are already reported all over the world. No country is left who has not suffered because of this deadly virus.
But now our scientists have found out the vaccine of this deadly virus. This vaccine is created only due to the excellence, hard work and dedication of our scientists. But the cost of the vaccines are high and the procedure for its manufacturing is not so easy. It takes time for manufacturing vaccine doses in high quantity. As we know that the world’s population is very large and the time taken t manufacture these vaccines is also more therefore, it was highly required to develop a system where vaccine doses are allotted to people on the priority basis. The priority can be on the basis of age, work occupation and many more.
India is such a country which a large population. More than 100 crore people needs to be vaccinated as early as possible to make India COVID free country. It requires more 200 crore vaccine doses to completely vaccinate such a huge population. But as we discussed earlier that the process of manufacturing vaccine is a complicated and time consuming task so the vaccination drive is going in India on the priority basis. Firstly front-line workers and doctors were vaccinated. Then senior citizens and 18+ population is getting vaccinated.
But the thing is that how India is able to vaccinate its people on priority basis and maintain the track record of its vaccination drive…???? The answer to this question is that India has developed an excellent and completely indigenous CoWIN app.

It is very simple to use and has a user-friendly interface. The slots for vaccination drive are updated on a daily basis on it. Users can book their vaccination slots on it. Filters option on the basis of age group is available and if there is more than one vaccine available then users can choose any one of the vaccine as per their interest.

REQUESTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES :-

After looking at all these handy features of CoWIN platform, now many other countries are requesting about its source from India. More than 50 countries have already shown their interest in it. Therefore, Indian Government has now decided to make available CoWIN platform as open source application. Now, any country can easily access it without any prior request or any fee. This is a huge step by India to help other countries in this pandemic.

“Despite all our constraints, we have tried to share as much as possible with the world. And we remain eager to learn from global practices. Technology is integral to our fight against covid. Luckily, software is one area in which there are no resource constraints,” PM Modi said.
“That’s why India made its covid tracking and tracing app open source as soon as it was technically feasible. With nearly 200 million users, the ‘Aarogya Setu’ app is a readily available package for developers,” PM said.
“What we have developed is a robust, inclusive and scalable system that can prevent rent-seeking, black marketing and other malpractices. The CoWIN platform can be scaled-up as per requirements,” Harsh Vardhan, Health Minister (India) said.

Links :-

• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thequint.com/amp/story/coronavirus/cowin-app-everything-you-need-to-know-about-it
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/wap.business-standard.com/article-amp/current-affairs/cowin-goes-global-india-makes-tech-open-source-142-nations-show-interest-121070501046_1.html

OVERVIEW :-

COVID-19 is one of the most disastrous epidemic in the last 100 years. It has killed millions of people and ruined the lives of many people. It has destroyed more or less many families around the globe. Millions of jobs lost and there is a sudden rise in unemployment throughout the world. Whether a developed country or not, all have suffered equally in this pandemic.
Besides all these, it is posting new threats every day. New variants of this pandemic are reported regularly. These variants affect people in different ways. Even the medical facilities get exhausted very quickly. This was the similar case of India. In the 2nd wave of COVID-19, India saw a sudden increase in the requirement of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) for Covid positive patients. India never felt the requirement of that much amount of LMO previously. Due to this, India was left with the shortage of transport facilities to transport LMO from oxygen-generating plants to hospitals as these plants were far away from hospitals. Even the time required to transport LMO by road was quite high.
In this situation, Indian Railways stood up and decided to run “Oxygen Express” to the states were there was acute shortage of LMO.

The first “Oxygen Express” ran by Indian Railways was on 20th April 2021 loaded with LMO carrying tankers from Vizag. But the process of running “Oxygen Express” was not so easy for railways as this idea was first of its kind and was not tried before.

DIFFICULTIES FACED DURING THE PROCESS OF RUNNING “OXYGEN EXPRESS” :-

• Indian Railways had no prior experience of running this kind of “Oxygen Express” anytime before.
• The height of the tankers loaded on oxygen express was more as compared to rail coaches. This also created a major problem.
• “Due to restrictions of height of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Over Head Equipment (OHE) at certain locations, out of the various specifications of road tankers, the model of road tanker T 1618 with height of 3320 mm was found feasible to be placed on flat wagons (DBKM) with height of 1290 mm,” the release by Indian Railways added.

• “It was decided that the tankers would be organized by Transport Commissioner, Maharashtra. These empty tankers would be moved from Kalamboli/Boisar, Railway stations in and near Mumbai, and sent to Vizag and Jamshedpur/Rourkela/Bokaro, for loading of liquid medical oxygen tankers from there ,”said a railway official after a meeting held on 17th April, 2021.
• Before running of the first official “Oxygen Express” on 20th April, trial runs were conducted on railway tracks to check whether it is possible to run “Oxygen Express” on track or not. After the railway officials were satisfied and the trials were successful only then the permission to run “Oxygen Express” was given.

CONCLUSION :-

“Oxygen Express” ran as per the priority basis that means where LMO requirement was more and availability was quite less then “Oxygen Express” was allotted to that state. A total of 313 Oxygen Express trains run by Indian Railways have delivered 21,392 metric tonnes (MT) of liquid medical oxygen across the country. In this way, Indian Railways came out as the saviour of millions of lives in India by its great initiative to run “Oxygen Express”.

Links :-

• https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/india/railways-to-run-oxygen-express-trains-to-meet-high-demand-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases-7279231/lite/
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/oxygen-express-train-with-85mt-of-medical-oxygen-to-arrive-in-gurugram-on-may-4-101620063920318-amp.html
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-gears-up-to-run-oxygen-express-across-country-amid-covid-surge/amp-11618747433500.html

OVERVIEW :-

COVID-19 has emerged out as the greatest challenge to the world community in the past 100 years. Due to it, millions of people are affected and lakhs of people have to lost their life. It also has broken the backbone of all the countries. The economy of every country around the world suffered massively. Whether it is manufacturing sector or any kind of service providing sector, it has dismantled everything. The Civil Aviation Sector of India is no other exception to it . It has also suffered huge losses due to COVID-19. People working in this sector washed hands from their jobs. All the airlines saw a historic decline in their revenues and many went into losses.

WHAT COVID-19 HAS DONE…????

The major reason for these losses is due to COVID-19 related restrictions on travel. All the countries banned people from other countries to enter in their country.

Due to this, passengers footfall on the airports have declined. International and domestic flights were cancelled. People working in this industry had no work. Many airlines including Government of India owned AIR India took steps like lay off employees.

EFFECTS OF COVID-19 :-

• IndiGo incurred net losses of ₹ 2,884 crore and rupees 1,194 crore in Q1 and Q2 of this fiscal respectively. SpiceJet posted net losses of ₹ 600 crore and ₹ 112 crore in Q1 and Q2, respectively.
• “The revival of overseas travel is expected to be slower and more challenging than domestic. This will hurt Air India in particular as around 60 per cent of its revenue was earlier generated from international operations,” said aviation consultancy firm CAPA in October. In the financial year more than 200 million passengers travelled in India. But this number has declined to about only one-forth in the next year.

• CAPA India estimated a loss of more than USD 6.5 Billion in the financial year 2021.
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) — responsible for managing and maintaining civil aviation infrastructure across the country — reported a 92 percent fall in its revenue from Rs 2,973 crore during April-June 2019 to Rs 239 crore during the corresponding period in 2020, a government reply to the Lok Sabha on September 22, 2020, said.

• “Civil aviation has been severely hit with the tourism sector being down, and the former has a huge debt on them,” Sanat Kaul, Chairman (India Chapter) International Foundation for Aviation, Aerospace & Drones (IFFAAD), said.
• “The revenue impact on the Indian aviation industry for FY21 is likely to be over 50 percent, and job losses, including compulsory leave without pay, are likely to be around 30 percent-plus,” Manvi Hooda, Practice Lead Consulting & Research, CAPA South Asia, said.
• The passenger footfall across AAI airports saw a significant drop from 14.5 million in January 2020 to 27,687 in April 2020.

POST-COVID TIME FOR CIVIL AVIATION SECTOR :-

“Post-COVID, we need an aviation reform agenda, which must be well-directed and result in a sustainably profitable aviation industry,” said Hooda of CAPA India.
“This must include reducing negative fiscal regime, including aviation turbine fuel in the GST and ensuring that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security turn into independent institutions. Privatisation of Air India and more AAI airports, and dismantling of government ownership of aviation assets, except for ATC, should also be expedited” she suggested. Further, strategic reforms like long-term airport master plan and remote airport infrastructure to deliver tangible results under the ‘flexible use of airspace’ should be envisaged, she advised.

It will take time to completely free the world from the pandemic COVID-19. Till then, all the appropriate Covid protocols must be strictly followed by everyone during their journey so that civil aviation sector health can be improved.

Links :-

• https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1415285881007579136?s=19
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/heres-how-covid-19-has-hurt-the-indian-aviation-industry-5965511.html/amp
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.deccanherald.com/amp/business/covid-19-had-massive-impact-on-indian-aviation-sector-in-2020-931796.html

OVERVIEW :-

Indian Navy Day is celebrated every year on December 4 to salute Indian Navy for their exceptional duties of protecting the water boundaries of motherland India. 4 December was chosen to celebrate the Navy Day because on this date in the year 1971, Indian Navy fought a ferocious war against Pakistan. Indian Navy destroyed 4 Pakistani vessels including PNS Khaibar and killed hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel. This operation if Indian Navy was named as Operation Trident. This day also marks the day to remember all the soldiers who fought with utmost bravery and laid down their life for motherland India. Thus giving the greatest sacrifice for the country.

THE INDIAN NAVY WEEK :-

The celebrations for Indian Navy Day goes on for a week. During this week, many types of water sports events are organized by the Indian Navy including swimming competitions. Quiz competitions for school children are organized. The warships and aircrafts of Indian Navy are opened for the visitors. This experience give visitors the moment of their life which they will cherish for life long.

As per the management of these events, “The Military Photo Exhibition is also performed by photojournalists of the Ernakulum in the Navy fest. Other events such as blood donation camps are also held. A community service for the Indian Navy is conducted by the Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT) at Good Hope Old Age Home, Fort Kochi in which the students from the Navy Children School Chair take turns to entertain the inmates and Naval doctors (from INHS Sanjivani) provides medical checkup to the inmates. The Navy Ball and Navy Queen contests including the Navy fest are held to celebrate Navy Day.”

Beating the retreat, LASER light shows and air shows are organized and these are the main attractions for the visitors. Blood donation camps are organized by the Indian Navy Doctors throughout the country at different centres.

In the year 2017, The maiden ‘Land of Legends’ marathon conducted by Indian Naval Academy (INA) on the occassion of Indian Navy Day. More than 700 participants took part in this marathon. The total length of this marathon was 21.1 km. For senior citizens, ladies and children this marathon was about 5 km and 3km long.

THEMES OF NAVY DAY :-

Every year the Indian Navy Day is celebrated with a unique theme. Like the theme of Navy Day 2020 was “Indian Navy Combat Ready, Credible & Cohesive”. “COVID-19 and Chinese attempts to change status quo along northern borders have posed new challenges. The Navy is ready to face both these challenges,” Admiral Karambir Singh, the Navy chief said at a press conference on the eve of Navy Day. This year a 360° virtual view of INS Vikramaditya was shown to all the visitors which was a unique experience for them.

“Navy Day greetings to all our valorous navy personnel and their families. The Indian navy fearlessly protects our coasts and also renders humanitarian assistance in times of need. We also remember India’s rich maritime tradition over centuries.” – PM Narendra Modi

“On the occasion of #NavyDay2020 we reaffirm #Indian Navy’s steadfast commitment to the service of the Nation and towards ensuring our Maritime Security & Territorial Integrity.”
– Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff & all personnel of Indian Navy

Links :-

• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.oneindia.com/amphtml/india/indian-navy-day-2018-operation-trident-and-its-impact-on-the-1971-war-2817388.html
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/goachronicle.com/indian-navy-releases-schedule-for-virtual-tours-of-ins-vikramaditya-ins-mysore-to-mark-navy-day/amp/
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_Day_(India)

OVERVIEW :-

YOGA has remain an integral part in the life of humans since thousands of years. The oldest work that gives information about yoga is Yoga sutras by Maharishi Patanjali. Maharishi Patanjali (200BC-150BC) gave every minute details about the classical yoga in this book. This book is considered as the foundation of classical yoga. It has been translated in more than 30 Indian languages.

But it was seen that in this modern world, the young generations are detached from Yoga practice and very less number of people clearly knows about how to practice different asanas in yoga, what are their health benefits and who should practice which types of asanas.

To preserve rich heritage of Yoga it was decided that from the year 2015, Yoga day will be celebrated every year on the 21^st June because it is the longest day of the year scientifically.

ORIGIN OF YOGA DAY :-

In the year 2014, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In his addressing, he firstly gave the idea of celebrating 21^st June of every year as Yoga Day.

This proposal was official brought in the UNGA later in the year 2014. As per the UN, 177 member countries gave their support on this proposal. After this, the UN officially declared 21^st June of every year to celebrate Yoga Day.

The lines quoted from PM Modi’s speech at the UNGA is as under:-

“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.” — Narendra Modi, UN General Assembly.

BENEFITS OF PRACTICING YOGA REGULARLY :-

• Yoga builds the muscle strength who practice it daily. People can prevent themselves from diseases like arthritis by strengthening their bones and muscles.
• Yoga improves the flexibility of muscles and prevent people from backbone and joints related problems.
• Yoga increases the blood flow in the body. In this world when most of the work are done by machines, humans spent their time mostly sitting at one place. When their is less movement of body parts, the blood flow rate also decreases and it creates various diseases. Different Yoga asanas are proven effective to increase the blood flow in the body.

• Practicing Yoga daily improves the immune system by strengthening the stomach and other muscles used in digestion process.
• Practicing Yoga improves the focus by strengthening the brain cells.
• It calms the blood pressure and helps in getting a better sleep.
• Many Yoga asanas are proven scientifically to improve the strength of lungs muscles and maintain better oxygen level in the body.

CELEBRATION OF YOGA DAY IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES :-

Every year Yoga Day is celebrated in many countries around the world with full dedication and enthusiasm. Large number of people gather at public places and practice Yoga together.

In the year 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic, all the programs on Yoga Day were held in virtual mode. For year 2021 official theme was – Yoga for Well-Being. Yoga has remedies to all major diseases including the current pandemic disease COVID-19. Yoga has been proven effective against COVID-19 also.

Links :-

• http://iyc-yoga.org/un&yoga.html
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Yoga
• https://vedicfeed.com/maharishi-patanjali/
• https://www.google.com/search?q=benefits+of+yoga&client=ms-android-xiaomi-rvo2&prmd=ibnv&sxsrf=ALeKk03jc8e_VwNdbFKQEO5eoBJwRBbwBA:1626249573592&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj7_pjhi-LxAhXt4nMBHZ6ACycQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=393&bih=712&dpr=2.75#imgrc=Np01YkIhBY1FUM
• https://www.who.int/india/Campaigns/and/events/international-yoga-day-2020

OVERVIEW :-

Rath Yatra or more commonly known as Jagnnath Rath Yatra is a Holy festival of Hindus celebrated every year in the Puri district of Odisha in India. Every year lakhs of tourists from India as well as from different parts of the world visit Puri to celebrate this festival. This Rath Yatra is considered as the oldest Rath Yatra not only in India but all over the world. This Rath Yatra is dedicated to the deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra and Lordess Subhadra. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE FESTIVAL :-

This festival is celebrated annually on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya i.e., on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month according to the Hindu calender. The deities of the Jagnnath temple, Puri main temple – Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra and Lordess Subhadra are placed on their chariots from their respective positions in the temple. These chariots are built and decorated every year. The devotees of Jagnnath built these chariots.

The Rath Yatra starts from Jagnnath Temple and the first destination of it is Gundicha Temple named after King Indradyuman’s Queen. The chariot of Lord Jagnnath (named Nandighosa) waits for a while to pay tribute to Bhakta Salabega at his crematorium which is situated on the way of Rath Yatra.

This place has a story related to saving of Jagnnath Temple from the revenge of Ocean by the grace of Shri Kabir Saheb Ji. He had promised to Kaal that he will be going to save the Jagnnath Temple from the Ocean at any cost and he eventually succeeded in his efforts and saved the Jagnnath Temple.

Chariot Details	Jagannath	Balabhadra	Subhadra
Name of Chariot	Nandighosha (ନନ୍ଦିଘୋଷ)	Taladhwaja (ତାଳଧ୍ୱଜ)	Darpadalana (ଦର୍ପଦଳନ)
Alternates name of Chariot	Garudadhwaja, Kapiladhwaja	Langaladhwaja	Devadalana, Padmadhwaja
Number of wheels	16	14	12
Total Number of wooden pieces used	832	763	593
Height	44′ 2″	43′ 3″	42′ 3″
Length and breadth	34’6″ x 34’6″	33′ x 33′	31’6″ x 31’6″
Colours of the canopies	Red, Yellow(yellow associated with Vishnu)	Red, Bluish green	Red, Black(Black associated with the Goddess)
Guardian	Garuda	Vasudev	Jayadurga
Charioteer	Daruka	Matali	Arjuna
Flag name	Trailokyamohini	Unnani	Nadambika
Flag emblem		Palm Tree
Name of Horses	1.Shankha 2.Balahaka 3.Suweta 4.Haridashwa	1.Tribra 2.Ghora 3.Dirghasharma 4.Swornanava	1.Rochika 2.Mochika 3.Jita 4.Aparajita
Colour of Horses	White	Black	Red
Name of Chariot Rope	Sankhachuda Nagini	Basuki Naga	Swarnachuda Nagini
Accompanying deity	Madanmohan	Ramakrishna	Sudarshana
Gatekeepers (Dvarpala)	1. Jaya 2. Vijaya	1.Nanda 2.Sunanda	1.Ganga 2.Jamuna
Nine parshvadevata (Subsidiary deities)	1. Panchamukhi Mahabir (Hanuman) 2. Harihara 3.Madhusudana (Vishnu) 4. Giridhar (Krishna) 5. Pandu Narasingha 6. Chitamani Krishna 7. Narayana (Vishnu) 8. Chatra Bhanga Rabana (Rama) 9. Rama seated on Hanuman	1. Ganesha 2. Kartikeya 3. Sarvamangala 4. Pralambari (Balarama) 5. Halayudha (Balarama) 6. Mrityunjaya (Shiva) 7.Natamvara(Shiva) 8.Mukteshwar (Shiva) 9. Sheshadeva	1. Chandi 2. Chamunda 3. Ugratara 4. Banadurga (Durga) 5. Shulidurga (Durga) 6. Varahi 7. Shyamakali 8. Mangala 9. Vimala

SUNA BESHA :-

Suna Besha is the ceremony organized after the chariots of all the deities return back to the main temple after staying for about a week at the Gundicha Temple. In this ceremony, they are worshiped on the chariot and attired in gold ornaments. This ceremony started way back in 1460 by the King Kapilendra Deb when he returned victorious from the war and donate gold to the Jagnnath Temple.

Lord Jagannatha returns to his main abode just before Devshayani Ekadashi and after the completion of Suna Besha, Lord Jagannatha goes to sleep for four months.

Links:-

• https://www.google.com/amp/s/odishatv.in/odisha-news/rath-yatra-2020-suna-besha-rituals-of-holy-trinity-concludes-460111/amp
• https://www.google.com/search?q=jagannath+rath+yatra&client=ms-android-xiaomi-rvo2&hl=en&prmd=nimv&sxsrf=ALeKk02LXpBA47-gZ-lSuljhJwrbIDVYTA:1626236037094&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjL876q2eHxAhWUbSsKHQrEA-AQ_AUIGSgC&cshid=1626237153941&biw=393&bih=712#imgrc=XKJ4ptFUWqau9M
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratha_Yatra_(Puri)

OVERVIEW :-

Global Warming as the name suggests is the rapid increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate. The major reason for global warming is the industrial revolution of the late 18^th century. Carbon emission from automobiles is also a big contributer of greenhouse gases. Due to industrial revolution, the generation of greenhouse gases like CO₂ has increased in a significant amount in the Earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are those gases which are responsible for global warming. Since the industrial revolution, the average temperature of Earth’s surface has increased about 1 degree celsius.

The reason for global warming due to greenhouse gases is that when the solar energy from the sun strikes on the Earth’s surface then some percent of solar energy is reflected back into the atmosphere. But if there is a presence of high concentration of greenhouse gases then thus solar energy is not reflected back into the atmosphere but it is trapped and absorbed by greenhouse gases like CO₂ and other fine particulate matter. This results in an increase in the temperature of the Earth’s climate.

Effects of Global Warming :-

• Change in the pattern of rainfall is one of the major effect of global warming. Nowadays, it is widely seen that in one part of the country there is extreme rainfall and in other part of the country there is a severe draught.
• Extreme weather conditions are increasing every year. This includes a rapid rise in the number of cyclones, tornadoes, sandstorms, etc. throughout in the world. For example, India is now facing 3-4 tropical cyclones every year which used to be 0-2 every year just few years back.
• Change in the rainfall pattern has already affected the farming and agriculture in an adverse manner. Every year farmers have to bear heavy losses due to extreme rainfall or drought. In countries like India which is heavily depended on agriculture sector even one year of bad monsoon season can bring great loss to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

• As the temperature of Earth’s surface is rising every year, the water present in the form of large icebergs at the North and South Poles are melting at a speed more than the usual speed. Due to this, the water level of the oceans is rising at a threatening speed. As per the reports, areas near to the oceans will be completely submerged under sea water if the water level will rise in such a speed.
• The temperature of the water in the water bodies is also increasing due to global warming. The aquatic plants and animals are not able to adapt themselves with it and it has lead to large scale death of aquatic flora and fauna.

STEPS TO PREVENT GLOBAL WARMING :-

• Chimneys installed with filters should be made compulsory in every industries to prevent the exhaustion of particulate matter in the atmosphere.
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and traditional light bulbs also cause global warming. Use of CFCs should be completely banned and LED light bulbs should be used as they save electricity as well as help in reducing global warming.

• Thermal generation of electricity should be eliminated as soon as possible. Instead of it other methods which uses renewable resources must be used to generate electricity.
• Deforestation of forests should be banned and afforestation should be undertaken with a fast pace.
• Instead of using fossil fuels like petroleum for automobiles (petroleum releases particulate matter) use of electric vehicles must be entertained.

Links :-

https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/united_in_science

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101

OVERVIEW :-

“WATER” , the lifeline of all the living species on the Earth. Without water it is not possible to survive a single day whether you are a human being or if we take in account any other organisms. Even the plants and trees which provide us oxygen to breathe can not survive without water.

The molecular formula of water is H₂O. It means it has two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen to form one molecule of water. More than 70% of the Earth surface is covered with water. Out of the total water present on Earth around 97% is saline water present in oceans and seas. This water is not fit for drinking. The other 2% water is in form of glaciers at the two poles – North and South. The only remaining 1% is fresh water which is available in rivers and lakes. Only this 1% water is used for drinking and other day to day activities.

But due to rapid increasing population, urbanisation, industrialisation over the years, water pollution has become a great matter of concern for the world community.

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF WATER POLLUTION :-

• Domestic savage is one of the reason for water pollution. People living near water bodies discharge the human wastes in the water. Also in many urban areas there are no sewage treatment plants which can detoxify human wastes before discharging it in the water bodies like rivers. This increases the concentration of harmful organisms in the water and the water becomes unfit for drinking.

• Discharge of industrial wastes by factories situated near water bodies is also a major cause of water pollution. Industrial wastes contains a lot of toxic elements like mercury and silicon. These elements contaminate the water and it is no longer fit for human use.
• Excess use of fertilizers and pesticides also possesses a threat. These fertilizers and pesticides penetrates into the groundwater and makes it toxic. They also flow down into the water bodies and the flora and fauna which lives in these water bodies die in large numbers every year due to increase in water toxicity level.

• Global warming is another cause of water pollution. Due to global warming, the temperature of water in the water bodies increases rapidly. The flora and fauna living in these water bodies are not able to adapt themselves with this rapid increase in temperature and it results in a loss of large number of aquatic species.

REMEDIES TO COMBAT WATER POLLUTION :-

• As far as possible, the effective implementation of 3R’s should be done. These 3R’s are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

• Majority of the industrial waste must be treated before discharging it in the water bodies.
• Excess use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides should be banned and the use of biological and eco-friendly products must be used in agriculture.
• Sewage treatment plants should be installed so that biological wastes does not be discharged in water bodies without proper treatment. Effective monitoring of these sewage treatment plants must be undertaken for proper functioning of them.

• Global warming threat should be taken under consideration and effective measures should be taken to reduce the factors that are responsible for global warming.

Links :-

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.norcalcompactors.net/safeguard-environment-three-rs-reduce-reuse-recycle/amp/

Here are the types of Water Pollution today.

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/water-pollution-everything-you-need-know

https://nwa.mah.nic.in/sdmc/availability/where.htm

OVERVIEW :-

“Atmanirbhar Bharat” as the name suggests is an Government of India and a vision of PM Narendra Modi to make India self-reliant in manufacturing and various other sectors. It also aims of making India the new leading global manufacturing factory of the world.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, India had suffered a lot because many medical equipments like ventilators, surgical masks and sanitizers which are the main safety measures to control COVID-19 were not manufactured in India in appropriate numbers. In many hospitals, Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) was not manufactured and was transported from oxygen plants that are far away from hospitals.
After seeing this situation, Government of India and PM Modi decided to launch “Atmanirbhar Bharat” scheme on 12th May 2020. Under this Abhiyan, total 20 lakh crore rupees package was announced which is 10% of India’s GDP to bring the economy back on track.

The 3 packages that are given till now on 12th May 2020, 12th October 2020 and 12th November 2020 for bringing Indian economy out of the COVID-19 pandemic were announced under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” Abhiyan.

This Abhiyan is now extended to almost all other major and MSME sector industries including Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Roads and Water Transport, Ministry of Airways, Ministry of Education, etc. The major announcements that are made under this Abhiyan are as follows :-

MAJOR KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE UNER “ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT” ABHIYAN :-

–>To improve the condition of hard hit State Governments due to COVID-19, borrowing limits of State Governments has been increased from initially 3% to now 5% of the Gross State GDP.
• To reduce the working cost of Central Government, Privatisation of Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) will be undertaken. Only certain strategic PSEs will continue to work under Central Government otherwise majority of other PSEs will now be Private owned.
• MSMEs which are the backbone of our industrial sector will be provided collateral free loans of upto 3 lakh crore rupees. The Government will give the guarantee to banks and NBFCs for these loans on behalf of the MSMEs.
• To initiate high quality production and empower the MSMEs, all the global tenders of under 200 crores will be disallowed and will be given to MSMEs of India.
• An additional 2 lakh crore rupees fund will be made to provide institutional credit facilities at subsidised rates through Kisan Credit Cards.

• A 1 lakh crore rupees Agri Infrastructure Fund will be made to improve and develop infrastructure required for agriculture such as building of new cold storages and modernisation of APMCs.
• “One Nation One Card” scheme will help migrant labourers by allowing them to access the PDS (Ration) from any Ration shop across the country.
• More than 80 crore people under the BPL scheme will additionally get 5kg of grains per person and 1kg of chana per family per month. This scheme is now extended upto Diwali 2021.
• To improve the defence sector by bringing new technologies and working methods, FDI is increased from previously 49% to now 74% .

• To promote Made in India initiative in defence sector under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” Abhiyan, a list of 108 weapons including machine guns, tanks engine, radars, etc. will be made in India and import of these weapons will be completed banned.

• To improve the health sector infrastructure, modernized labs and hospitals will be built in every district to provide quality health services for even backward areas. Liquid Oxygen generating plants will be set up in each district to provide seemless availability of oxygen to hospitals. These plants will be set up using PM Cares Fund under “Atmanirbhar Bharat” Abhiyan to make hospitals “Atmanirbhar” in generating oxygen as per their requirement.

Links :-

https://www.prsindia.org/report-summaries/summary-announcements-aatma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyaan

https://aatmanirbharbharat.mygov.in/

https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/anbp/

https://seeklogo.com/vector-logo/389873/aatmanirbhar-bharat

OVERVIEW :-

As everyone knows that the rapid increasing human population in many countries is now possessing a great threat to the nature and climate. The rapid increasing population is putting a lot of pressure on land. The resources of our planet are depleting at a very rapid pace. Large population requires more food and shelter. To provide them these basic needs, deforestation is taking place at an enormous rate and forests land is converted into farm lands and new settlements for humans. The wildlife is also hampered by deforestation and everyday there is news related to humans and animals conflict. This is because animals are not able to find proper food for themselves due to deforestation.

Rapid increasing population also leads to unemployment among the youths. People lacks even basic needs of proper drinking water, food and shelter. Government schemes fail to reach to everyone due to huge population.

One such state is Uttar Pradesh in India. As per the data available, UP has a population of more than 20 crores and an average population density of 828 persons per km² . This population is only less than the top 4 most populous countries. After seeing this rapid increase in population, UP Government has now come up with a population control bill. Let’s discuss the major points of this bill :-

• Anyone is legally eligible for contesting local bodies elections, receiving any kind of government subsidy and applying for getting new government jobs and promotion in government jobs only when they follow the two-child policy.
• Government employees following two-child policy will be given two additional increment in their job tenure by the state government. Maternity leave (if their is a case) of 12 months will full salary and other incentives will be provided. Additionally, 3% increase in the employer’s contribution fund under National Pension Scheme (NPS) will be given by the UP government.
• The Ration Card will be limited to only 4 persons per family. If two-child policy is not followed then all the benefits including subsidised grains from ration shops, subsidy on electricity bill, subsidy on gas cylinders or any other subsidy provided by UP government will be stopped immediately.
• Students in secondary schools will be compulsorily taught a subject related to population control and its benefits.

• Maternity centres will be developed at all primary heath centres to drop both the mother as well as infant mortality rate. These centres will work in collaboration with NGOs to make people aware about the benefits of two-child policy and the measures like using condoms and other family planning methods to be taken to control birth rate.

6. State Population Fund will be set up to effectively implement all the major aspects of this population control bill.

7. The major objective of this bill is described in the bill itself as it reads, ” In Uttar Pradesh, there are the limited ecological and economic resources at hand. It is necessary and urgent that the provision of basic necessities of human life including affordable food, safe drinking water, decent housing, access to quality education, economic/livelihood opportunities, power/electricity for domestic consumption, and a secure living is accessible to all citizens.”

8. The major goal of the UP government is to provide all the basic medical facilities and best quality reproductive health services at an affordable rate for even the last person in the queue from the most remote villages and backward areas.

9. The UP Government has open a portal seeking more innovative ideas or any acceptable chances that may be considered to further empower this bill. The last date for giving suggestions on this bill is 19^th July, 2021.

Links :-

https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/41-SDGS.aspx

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Uttar_Pradesh_population_density_2011.svg

http://upslc.upsdc.gov.in/

GANDHINAGAR CAPITAL STATION OVERVIEW

There is no need to tell anyone who is an Indian citizen that how a major and key role the Indian Railways plays in their life. From many decades, Indian Railways is working tirelessly day in and day out to provide its duties for a whopping more than 135 crore population. Indian Railways is considered as the cheapest means of transport in India. The fare of journey is kept low so as to provide rail facilities to even the small income families. Indian Railways has become an integral part of our society. But over the time it is felt that modernisation of Indian Railways is quite important with the changing world. Now rail coaches and railway stations are redeveloped as per the modern standards. One such station is the newly redeveloped Gandhinagar Capital Railway Station.

Gandhinagar Capital is a major station of Gujarat and is located in the city Gandhinagar. Its station code is GNC. It is managed by the Western Railway Zone of Indian Railways. It is located on 2 lines namely :- Ahmedabad-Delhi mainline and Khodiyar-Kalol section. It is the main station of capital of Gujarat that is Gandhinagar.

REDEVELOPMENT AT GANDHINAGAR CAPITAL RAILWAY STATION:-

• The foundation for its redevelopment was laid by Honourable PM of India Shri Narendra Modi in the year 2017 at an estimated cost of Rs. 250 crores.
• The stations has 3 platforms and 4 tracks. Each platform is equipped with all the basic facilities such as drinking water, food stalls and toilets for both men and women.

• A 5-star hotel is built inside the station premises to provide all the luxurious and modern facilities to the passengers and honourable guests. This hotel has 300 rooms for staying.

• As per the Western Railways, the parking area is designed to accommodate 1000 cars, 200 two-vehicles and 100 auto rickshaws.
• The stations building is equipped with 3 lifts and 2 escalators which will be quite useful for senior citizens and divyangs.
• There are two different subways to control the heavy traffic of passengers as one subway will serve as entrance and other will serve as exit.

• The hotel building is 77 metres tall. It also has a restaurant and a shopping mall.
• The station building is designed to provide tight security for both station and passengers. There are tunnels made to link platforms with each other. The outer boundary wall of the building will be long and tall so as to prevent any person from outside to enter in the station premises without ticket. CCTV cameras are installed at all major points for security purpose. Railway Police Force (RPF) is given the responsibility to safeguard the station.
• The station will be declared as a “Green Building” means it will emit zero carbon emission in its day to day processes. 100% electricity for performing various tasks will be generated using the solar panels installed on the roof of the station building.

• As per the Indian Railways Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) which is the nodal agency working on the redevelopment of the station, almost 100% work is completed and station is ready for serving the passengers of Indian Railways. It is reported that PM Narendra Modi will be the honourable guest at the inaugural ceremony of the magnificent Gandhinagar Capital Railway Station.

Links :-

(1/2)
The ongoing Gandhinagar Railway Station Development Project involves re-development of existing Gandhinagar Capital Station (GNC) building through passenger amenities and modern facilities. pic.twitter.com/DBpRLZgUl2

— GARUD (@Garud_Official) July 16, 2018

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandhinagar_Capital_railway_station

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/gandhinagar-railway-station-with-a-5-star-hotel-is-a-unique-indian-railways-project-check-10-cool-facts/1530134/lite/

https://m.economictimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/indian-railways-gandhinagar-station-to-get-an-airport-like-facelift/revamp-in-the-works/slideshow/77480705.cms

https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.patrika.com/amp-news/ahmedabad-news/gandhinagar-capital-railway-station-redevelopment-five-star-hotel-6365851/

Top 3 Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a beautiful and a small state located in the Northern part of India. Initially it was a part of Uttar Pradesh but later on it got separated and became a new state. It has an area of around 53, 483 km² . It shares it boundaries with UP, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal and Tibet(China). It is widely known and popular for its natural beauty as it is situated in the laps of Great Himalayas. It has tall mountains, deep valleys, perennial rivers and almost everything that a nature lover will admire. Let us look at some of the top places to visit in Uttarakhand :-

1. Mussorie –

There is hardly any word in the dictionary that can truly describe the natural beauty of Mussorie. Located at a height of more than 2000ft it is a nothing less than a heaven for nature lovers and tourists. It is located at a distance of 40 km from the state capital Dehradun and is well connected by roads. Every year lakhs of tourists visit Mussorie to admire its natural beauty. Kempty Waterfall, Bhatta Falls, Jharipani Falls and Mossy Falls attracts a lot of tourists. Lal Tibba and Gun Hill are the two topmost point located at a height of more than 6000ft. From here visitors can catch the view of the mesmerising Himalayan ranges of Kedarnath and Badrinath. Dhanaulti is the main attraction for the tourists. It is located 24km from Mussorie. The snow covered mountains here gives the tourists one of their most beautiful memories.

2. Dehradun –

Dehradun is the state capital of Uttarakhand and also the largest city of it. The headquarters of mostly every major organizations, institutes and government bodies are situated here. It is around 250km from Delhi and is well connected by road and railways. The Jolly Grant Airport provides the airway means of transport. Tourists can enjoy rafting in the rivers. Robber’s Cave which is surrounded by majestic hills gives a lifetime memory to trek lovers. Many temples such as Tapovan Temple and Tapkeshwar Temple gives divine feelings to visitors. Rajaji National Park, Malsi Deer Park and Tiger View Jungle Camp are main attractions for wildlife enthusiasts. Tourists enjoy bathing in Sahastradhara and Shikhar Falls. Har ki Dun, Kedarnath Trek and Rupin Pass Trek gives breath-taking view of snow covered Himalayan mountain range.

3. Haridwar –

Haridwar is one of the most holy places for Hindus. It is famous for its temples and river Ganga. It is located at a distance of 50km from state capital Dehradun. It is well connected by roads and railways Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple are two major attractions for tourists. Both of these temples are located on hills and rope way facilities are provided for tourists to easily visit these temples. Har ki Pauri is also a major divine place located on the banks of river Ganga. The Ganga Temple is located here and The Ganga Aarti that is performed everyday in morning and at evening attracts a lot of visitors. Shantikunj a well renowned Ashram is located 5 km from the district headquarter. Patanjali Yogpeeth, a major medical and research institute located at a distance of 22km is a fast growing destination that is attracting thousands of tourists every year.

Links :-

https://www.holidify.com/places/dehradun/sightseeing-and-things-to-do.html

https://www.google.com/amp/s/pickyourtrail.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-dhanaulti-a-paradisiacal-hill-station/

https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/places-to-see-in-haridwar.php