Author: Eduindex News

Visit us for more news at https://eduindex.org

“Those who recover from infection also should follow COVID-appropriate behaviours”

More than 4.5 crore tests have been conducted till date, taking India to the second position globally in terms of cumulative testing. A record number of 11.72 lakh tests have been done in the last 24 hours. This apart, around 29.70 lakh patients have recovered till date. Another record has been set on Wednesday (September 2, 2020) with the recovery of 68,584 patients which is the highest single day recovery. This has been stated by Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a press briefing on the actions taken, preparedness and updates on COVID-19, held at National Media Centre today. In an important development of the bygone week, Ministry of Home Affairs has issued the guidelines for Unlock 4.0, further stated the Health Secretary.

Speaking about the exponential increase in testing, the Health Secretary pointed out that the present record has been achieved starting from just 10,000 tests around the second week of April. Similarly, the number of recovered patients is also on the rise. Presently, when there are 8,15,538 active cases in the country, the count of recovered patients is 3.6 times of the total active cases. Shri Bhushan further stated, even as the number of infected persons is rising, India having 2972 cases per million population stands amongst countries having lowest cases per million population. The global average is 3359 cases per million population.  India has recorded 49 deaths per million population, which is also amongst the lowest in the world.

The Health Secretary also shared information about state-level week-on-week average daily active cases trajectory. He said, 5 states, namely, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu account for more than 62 percent of the active cases. Maharashtra accounts for almost 24.77% of the active cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 12.64% cases and then Karnataka with 11.58% of the active cases. As per data received from these 5 states on Wednesday (September 2, 2020), Maharashtra has recorded a 6.8% decrease in the number of active cases over a period of three weeks. Starting from an average of more than 2 lakh active cases in the week falling between August 13-19, it decreased to around 1.66 lakh active cases between August 20-26, and then was around 1.86 lakh in between August 27-September 2, 2020. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh recorded almost 13.7% decrease in the average number of active cases over the last three weeks. Karnataka recorded almost 16.1% decrease in active cases, Tamil Nadu recorded almost 23.9% decrease and Uttar Pradesh recorded almost 17.1% decrease in the number of active cases in the same period. Again, 5 states account for 70.15% of COVID-19 related deaths that have occurred in the country. These are Maharashtra (accounting for 37.39% of deaths), Tamil Nadu (11.16% COVID-19 deaths), Karnataka (8.83% COVID-19 deaths), Delhi (6.65% COVID-19 deaths) and Andhra Pradesh (6.12% COVID-19 deaths). Again, the average daily case fatality trajectory over the past three weeks in these states show that only Karnataka and Delhi has recorded an increase in the case fatality trajectory. Over the past three weeks (August 13-19, August 20-26 and August 27-September 2), Andhra Pradesh recorded a decrease in fatalities by 4.5%, Maharashtra recorded a 11.5% decrease and Tamil Nadu showed a 18.2% decrease in fatalities. While Karnataka recorded a 9.6% increase in fatalities over this period, Delhi recorded a 50% surge in fatalities over the past three weeks. The number of active cases has also increased in Delhi over the past few days, for which Union Home Affairs Ministry is actively engaging with the Delhi Government to take necessary action. The Health Ministry tracks cases on a daily, weekly and cumulative basis and these data are shared with states so that every state and UT can decide upon their strategy based on this information.

In reply to another media query, Shri Bhushan said, “Although the cumulative number of testing has increased, positivity rate remains 7.20%. The Government has adopted a graded approach to unlock and open up various economic activities. Prior to this, the Government has ensured all the pre-requisites are in place. It has been ensured that the testing capacity is adequate, clear-cut guidelines of standard clinical treatment protocol, hospital infrastructure is enhanced with adequate number of ICU beds, isolation beds and oxygen beds. All these have been firmed up, shared with states and only then, the Government has gone in for a graded opening of the economy. At the end of the day, the Government firmly believes that while lives are important, livelihoods are equally important.”

In reply to another query, the Health Secretary said, testing data will show that Rapid Antigen Tests were not available in the months of March and April and then maximum was RT-PCR tests. Presently, certain states like Tamil Nadu’s cumulative testing data shows that more than 90% are RT-PCR tests. However, there are states where optimal capacity of RT-PCR test is not being utilized. The Health Ministry has drawn their attention to the fact that they do have an installed capacity of conducting more RT-PCR tests and hence they need to scale it up. There are states where the RT-PCR, TRUENAT and CB-NAAT testing capacity is limited. A public health manager cannot be satisfied with limited testing in containment zones and buffer zones. ICMR’s guidelines clearly lay down that Rapid Antigen Tests are ideal screening tests for densely populated areas, containment and buffer zones. So, these tests are being used in those areas, stated the Health Secretary. DG, ICMR stated, WHO has lauded India for use of Rapid Antigen Tests in a calibrated and distributive manner.

In reply to a query on sero-survey, DG, ICMR stated, 50 out of 70 districts have completed the second round of sero-survey. The results of the entire country’s sero-survey should be available within two weeks.

In reply to a media query on attaining immunity after recovering from COVID-19 infection, the Health Secretary replied that various scientific studies across the world suggest that a person may possess antibodies from 5-6 months to many years. Stating this, Shri Bhushan also stated that those who recover from the infection should also follow the social distancing norms. The DG, ICMR, Prof. (Dr.) Balram Bhargava stated, it is a new disease and hence, no definite answer can now be given on the duration of immunity. In this connection, DG, ICMR, also stated that immunity against respiratory viral diseases is short-lived and does not last up to a year. Speaking on PLACID’s trial to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma conducted over 450 patients conducted across 39 institutions in India, the DG, ICMR stated, final results have been compiled and communicated and may be declared this week.

Click here for the presentation given by the Health Secretary

Exchange Rate Notification No. 84/2020 – Customs (N.T.)

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962), and in supersession of the Notification No.80/2020-Customs(N.T.), dated 20th August, 2020 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column (2) of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 4th September, 2020, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column (3) thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.

Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur calls on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur today called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and discussed a wide range of development related issues pertaining to the Union Territory.

While discussing the various projects, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi accorded highest priority to Ladakh and other peripheral regions. He said, it was for the first time under the Modi government that Ladakh had been granted a University, a Medical College and an Engineering College.

Dr Jitendra Singh also informed the Lieutenant Governor that the Director General of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) Dr.Shekhar Mande will soon meet Mathur and brief him about an exclusive plan to promote, process and do business in the famous Ladakh fruit product called “Ladakh berry”.

Text of Prime Minister’s Special Key Note Address at US-ISPF US-India Summit 2020

Distinguished guests in India and USA,

Namaste,

It is wonderful to see US-ISPF bring together a diverse range of people for the US India Summit 2020. The work ofthe US-ISPF in bringing India and USA closer is commendable.

I have known John Chambers for many years now. His affection towards India is very strong. A few years ago he was awarded the ‘Padma Shri’.

Friends,

The theme for this yearis a relevant one – Navigating New Challenges. When the year 2020 began, did anybody imagine this is how it would pan out? A global pandemic has impacted everyone. It is testing:our resilience, our public health systems, our economic systems.

The current situation demands a fresh mind set.A mind set where the approach to development is human centric. Where there isa spirit of cooperationbetween everyone.

Friends,

While looking at the way ahead we should keep our focus on- ramping up our capacities, securing the poor and future proofing our citizens. This is the path India is taking. India was among the first in creating a responsive system of lockdowns. India was among the first to advocate the use of masks and face coverings as a public health measure. We were also among the earliest to create public awareness campaigns about social distancing. In record time, medical infrastructure was scaled up- be it Covid hospitals, ICU capacities and more. Starting from one testing lab in January, we now have around sixteen hundred labs across the country.

The outcome of these efforts has been that a country with 1.3 billion people and limited resources has one of the lowest death rates per million in the world. The recovery rate is also steadily rising. I am happy that our business community, in particular small business been pro-active. Starting from almost nothing, they made us the second largest PPE kits manufacturer in the world.

This is in line with India’s spirit of challenging the challenge to emerge stronger. In the last few months the nation has battled Covid, and other crisis such as floods, 2-2 cyclones,locust attack.But, it has only made the people’s resolve stronger.

Friends,

Through the entire COVID-19 period and the lockdown, the Government of India was clear on one thing- the poor have to be protected. The ‘Pradhan MantriGaribKalyanYojana’ for India’s poor is among the largest support system seen anywhere globally. Free food grainis being provided to 800 million people.This scheme operates for 8 months.800 million people means:More than double of USA’s population. Free cooking gas is being provided to around 80 million families. Cash support has been provided to around 345 million farmers and needy people. The scheme has given much-needed employment for migrant workers by creating almost 200 million person-days of work.

Friends,

The pandemic has impacted several things. But it has not impacted the aspirations and ambitions of 1.3 billion Indians. In the recent months, there have been far-reaching reforms. These are makingbusiness easier and red-tapism lesser. Work is actively underway on the world’s largest housing program. The renewable energy infrastructure is being expanded.Rail, road and air connectivity is being boosted. Our country is creating a unique digital model to build a national digital health mission. We are using the best of fin-tech to provide banking, credit, digital payments and insurance to millions. All these initiatives are being taken using world-class technology and global best practices.

Friends,

This pandemic has also shown the world that the decision on developing global supply chains should be based not only on costs. They should also be based on trust. Along with affordability of geography, companies are now also looking for reliability and policy stability. India is the location which has all of these qualities.

As a result, India is also becoming one of the leading attractions for foreign investment. Be it America or the Gulf, be it Europe or Australia-the world believes in us. We have received over 20 billion dollars of foreign investment flows during this year. Google, Amazon and Mubadala Investments have announced long-term plans for India.

Friends,

India offers a transparent and predictable tax regime. Our system encourages and supports honest tax payers. Our GST is a unified, fully IT enabled indirect tax system. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code has reduced risk for the entire financial system. Our Comprehensive labour reforms will reduce compliance burden for employers. It will also provide social security protection to the workers.

Friends,

The importance of investment in driving growth cannot be overstated. And we are tackling both demand and supply side of it. By making India one of the lowest tax destinations in the world and with further incentive for new manufacturing units.Mandatory e- platform based ‘faceless assessment’ will go a long way in helping citizens. So will the Tax-payers charter. The continued regulatory reforms in bond markets ensure improved ease of access for investors. There are tax exemptions to ‘Sovereign Wealth Funds’ and ‘Pension Funds’ for Infrastructure investment.FDI into India rose by 20 percent in 2019. This when global FDI inflows fell by 1 percent. This shows the success of our FDI regime. All of the above steps will ensure a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow. They will also contribute to a stronger global economy.

Friends,

1.3 billion Indians have embarked on one mission- to make an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India. ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ merges the local with the global. It ensures India’s strengths act as a global force multiplier. Time and again, India has shown that our goal is global good. Despite our large local needs, we did not shy away from our global responsibility. The responsibility of being the world’s leading producer of generic medicines. We ensured constant supplies to the world. We are also at the fore-front of research on the vaccine for Covid-19. A self-reliant and peaceful India ensures a better world.

‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ is about transforming India from being just a passive market to an active manufacturing hub at the heart of global value chains.

Friends,

The road further ahead is full of opportunities. These opportunities are in the public and private sector. They cover core economic sectors as well as the social sectors. Recent sectors that have opened include Coal, Mining, Railways, Defence, Space, and Atomic Energy.

Production Linked Incentive schemes have been launched for- mobile & electronics, medical devices, pharma sectors – they have been well received. Such schemes are being planned for other Champion sectors too. Reforms in agriculture marketing and 14 billion US Dollars agriculture financing facility bring several opportunities.

Friends,

For challenges in India, you have a Government that believes in delivering results. A government for which Ease of living is as important as the Ease of doing business. You are looking at a young country with 65 percent population less than 35 years old. You are looking at an aspirational country that has decided to take the nation to new heights. This at a time when we mark 75 years of independence. You are looking at a country with political stability and policy continuity. You are looking at a country with commitment to democracy and diversity.

Prime Minister Delivers Special Key Note Address at the US-India 2020 Summit of US-ISPF

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today delivered the Special Key Note Address at the US-India 2020 Summit through video conference.

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is a non-profit organization that works for the partnership between India and the U.S.

The Theme of the 5 day Summit that began on the 31st of August is “US-India Navigating New Challenges”. 

Addressing the Summit, Shri Narendra Modi said the global pandemic has impacted everyone and that it is testing our resilience, our public health systems, our economic systems.

The current situation demands a fresh mind set. A mind set where the approach to development is human centric. Where there is a spirit of cooperation between everyone, he said.

Talking about the way ahead the Prime Minister said that the country is focussing on ramping up capacities, securing the poor and future proofing our citizens.

Referring to various steps taken to ramp up facilities for fighting COVID and to increase awareness amongst the citizens, the Prime Minister said all such early measures ensured that the country with 1.3 billion people and limited resources has one of the lowest death rates per million in the World.

He expressed his happiness that India’s business community, especially the small business has been proactive. Starting from almost nothing, they made us the second largest PPE kits manufacturer in the World, he said.

Referring to various reforms the Prime Minister said that the pandemic failed to impact the aspirations and ambitions of 1.3 billion Indians.

He said there have been far reaching reforms in the country in recent times which have made the business easier and red-tapism lesser.

Shri Narendra Modi said that work is actively underway on the world’s largest housing program and that the renewable energy infrastructure is being expanded.

Prime Minister also referred to the boosting of the Rail, road and air connectivity.

He said India is creating a unique digital model to build a national digital health mission.

We are using the best of fin-tech to provide banking, credit, digital payments and insurance to millions. All these initiatives are being taken using world-class technology and global best practices, he said.

Shri Modi said that the pandemic has shown the world that decision on developing global supply chains should be based not only on costs. They should also be based on trust. Along with affordability of geography, companies are now also looking for reliability and policy stability. India is the location which has all of these qualities.

Owing to these, he said, India is becoming one of the favourable destinations for Foreign Investment.

He said be it America, the Europe, Australia or the Gulf the world believes in us. We have received over 20 billion dollars of foreign investment flows during this year. Google, Amazon and Mubadala Investments have announced long-term plans for India.

Prime Minister referred to the transparent and predictable India offers and how the system encourages and supports honest tax payers. He said, India’s GST is unified, fully enabled indirect tax system.

Shri Modi referred to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code which reduces risk for the entire financial system. He also dwelt on the Comprehensive Labour Reforms that reduce compliance burden for employers and how it provides social security protection to the workers.

Prime Minister discussed the importance of investment in driving growth and how India is tackling both demand and supply side of it.

He said this is being done by making india one of the lowest tax destinations in the world and with further incentive for new manufacturing units.

Prime Minister referred to the mandatory e- platform based ‘faceless assessment’ and said it will go a long way in helping citizens along with the Tax-payers charter. The continued regulatory reforms in bond markets ensure improved ease of access for investors.

He said FDI into India rose by 20 percent in 2019, when the global FDI inflows fell by 1 Percent and that this shows the success of our FDI regime.

Shri Modi said all of the above steps will ensure a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow. They will also contribute to a stronger global economy.

Referring to the mission embarked by 1.3 Billion Indians to make an AatmaNirbhar Bharat or Self-Reliant India, Prime Minister said it merges the local with the global and that India’s strengths act as global force multiplier.

He said it is about transforming India from being just a passive market to an active manufacturing hub at the heart of global value chains.

Prime Minister said the road further ahead is full of opportunities especially in Private and Public sectors and referred to the opening up of sectors such as Coal, Mining, Railways, Defence, Space, and Atomic Energy.

He also referred to Production Linked Incentive schemes launched for- mobile & electronics, medical devices, pharma sectors along with reforms in Agriculture.

Prime Minister told the summit that for the challenges in India  there is a Government that believes in delivering results, a government for which ease of living is as important as ease of doing business.

He described India as a young country with 65% population less than 35 years old which is aspirational and decided to take the nation to new heights. He said India is a country with political stability and political continuity and that it is committed to democracy and diversity.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has a warm and friendly meeting with Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu in Moscow;

Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, accompanied by delegation including Defence Secretary and other senior officials is visiting Moscow to participate in the 75th Anniversary Event to commemorate Victory Day by the Russian Federation in the meeting of Defence Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.

         Today, Raksha Mantri had a one-hour meeting with Russian Defence Minister, Gen. Sergei Shoigu, at the Russian Ministry of Defence. The meeting was marked by the traditional warmth and friendship, characteristic of the Special & Privileged Partnership between India and the Russian Federation in which Military Technical Cooperation and Military-to-Military cooperation constitutes an important pillar.

         Defence Minister General Shoigu conveyed his warm appreciation to Raksha Mantri for his participation in the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day Parade at Red Square on 24 June 2020, and his participation in the joint meeting of the SCO, CIS & CSTO countries. His meeting with RM was the first meeting he was having with visiting Defence Ministers.

         The meeting covered a broad range of areas of cooperation between the two countries. It was noted that this meeting coincides with the Indra Naval Exercises to be conducted by the Indian and Russia navies off the Straits of Malacca over the next two days. Raksha Mantri noted that these exercises demonstrated the common interests of both countries in maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. There was substantial commonality in positions with respect to challenges at the regional and international levels in the areas of peace and security, reflective of the deep trust and confidence that both sides enjoy as Strategic Partners.

         Raksha Mantri conveyed appreciation for the steadfast support provided by Russia consistent with the defence and security needs of India, and in this context, particularly noted the timely manner in which the Russian had responded to requests for procurement of particular weapon systems. Both sides would continue to maintain contacts to ensure the timely delivery.

         Raksha Mantri briefed General Shoigu on the ‘Make-in-India’ defence programme in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat vision. Both sides welcomed the advance stage of discussions for the establishment in India of an India-Russian Joint Venture for the production of AK203 assault rifles which are considered one of the most modern weapons available for infantry forces. This provides very positive basis for further engagement of Russian defence industry in ‘Make in India’ programme. General Shoigu reiterated commitment of the Russian side to engage actively with our MOD to ensure the success of ‘Make in India’ programme including substantial participation in the forthcoming Aero India Exhibition to be held in February next year.

         Raksha Mantri extended an invitation for General Shoigu to visit India for the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission for Technical & Military Cooperation which is expected to be held towards the end of this year.

Tata P.U.B.G. 🎮

“Tussi jaa rhe ho, Tussi na jao”: this dialogue from K.K.H.H was yesterday felt by every Indians heart, ok! not everyone but still a lot of them felt it.

Hello friends, today we dedicate this blog to our beloved game PUBG. In a very short span of time pubg made it’s place in peoples heart like Chai made it’s place in every typical indians heart. It was less then a game but more like a place where not only youngsters, but, adults too like to hangout. Only if it was not a mobile game but a physical place, companies from all around the world would have opened one outlet there.

But, we Indians can’t say that this news was unexpected to us. We knew it was coming after that particular day when the first news came about a kid who commited suicide because of PUBG. Man! i guess, that news shocked everyone more then this did, and also when parents started complaining about there child, who is spending hours and hours on game. We all knew it just like, that villain in john Wick who knew he was coming, but, when? that was the main question.

And just like everything, PUBG has brought some kind of benefits too. You gotta admit it, that in india gaming was never an option, but, after pubg evrythings got changed. PUBG has started the gaming culture in India, No! there was already a gaming culture in india but PUBG has taken it to a certain height that now the Indian audience want more than it not less then it. Gamers started getting fame and money. And for the youtubers it worked like rocket which took them to an unimaginable height. there was time when youtubers were donating money to relief fund by online streaming. We can officially say that PUBG was a super hit in India, but, as we always say “Time is for everyone, but, for no one”.

Year 2020 arrives, and it brings Pandemic with itself. Slowly and slowly it got spread in each and every part of the world. This brings China (the mother of PUBG) infront of everyones eye. And soon enough, the cold war between India and China strated near LAC (Line of Actual Control). India was the only country then who was fighting against both Pandemic and the cause of Pandemic. As time passes Indian govt, strated banning the chinese application in a mater of data breaching and also due to the cold war.

Sept 1st, 2020 The news headline says “India ban 118 apps of china including PUBG”. This news brought a wave of sadness among the citizens. Tweeter was about to crash from the eminence amount of tweets, but, at last Indians accepted it.

Do you know why? Because in India every single one is serious about there country’s pride. Always there are only two reason of unity among them.
1)In the name of country like, a rare type of blood which is found in ever Indian.
2)And When there’s Bhandara.

There’s an old saying in India “Ekta mein bal” which means “There’s a strength in unity”.

What do you think, Reliance should buy Shares in PUBG or not?? Because Reliance don’t have any investment in gaming industry, oh! Sorry, I forgot about the politics.😅

So, you don’t forget to share your view in the comment section. See yaa..

Voda-Idea to get a new lifeline again?

The Voda-Idea issue is not a new one as the company is in complete losses and day by day they are experiencing downfall.As already in the month of March 2020 Voda-Idea lost around 6.3 million customers and in the month of may it lost around 4.7 million customers.It is a very dissatifying results for the promoters,investors & even the shareholders of the company.

Now,as there is a ray of hope which is been coming from the two main big companies Amazon & Verizon that they are thinking to invest around or over $4 billion in the company.Voda-Idea’s stake sale has been halted and due to that there was an hearing in the court of which the company was threatened of their survival in the Indian market.As on Tuesday the supreme court gave the decision to telecom companies to pay their dues.Voda-Idea dues are around Rs 1.4 trillion which they need to pay in 10 years,with this decision of the court the company has the ray of light to come back.

For the payment of dues to the government & upgradation of network,the company need to raise funds.It has became the most important factor for the company to raise funds anyhow.Voda-Idea alone needs to pay around Rs 50,400 more to the government for the licence fee,spectrum charges,interest and penalties.The company has already paid around Rs 7854 crores.It has also faced the loss for the June quarter of around Rs 25,460 crores.

It is said that Voda-Idea has not responded to the comment & also both the companies Amazon & Verizon have also not replied to the mails yet.It is reported to be said that there is a board meeting on 4th September to consider such proposals of fundraising which will help the company.Amazon has a wide presence in Indian market as well as Verizon India is present in the form of media and online unit Oath Inc.Earlier this year,Google said that it would take stake in Voda-Idea of around 5% but unfortunately they invested in Jio Telecoms.It is said that Jio-Google-Facebook partnership will put pressure on other telecom company.

So we have to wait and watch if there is ray of light for the Vodafone Idea ltd to get the support of this two companies and raise good amount of money.It is always said that for having a profitable empire you should think from first.Decision making ability should be strong enough.

Cultural Appropriation.

I am pretty sure that as we are in 2020, we all are aware of the term ‘Cultural Appropriation’. To keep it in simple words, cultual appropriation, is taking intellectual property, cultural expressions, artifacts, history, and ways of knowledge from a culture that is not one’s own. In the justice sense, it is concerned with the difference between respectful and disrespectful “taking”. Cultural Appropriation typically involves members of a dominant group exploiting the culture of less privileged groups, often with little or no understanding of the latter’s history and traditions.

For example, the famous Coachella festival. This festival attracts all the people indulging in cultural appropriation. From wearing bindi to appropriating African culture. In defense some say that non western people wearing jeans or speaking in english are taking from dominant cultures too. But here’s the thing, marginalized groups don’t have the power or to be precise aren’t given the power to stick with their customs or try dominant culture’s traditions for fun.
For eg, Native students are suspended for speaking in their own native languages. They adapt the western traditions to fit in or to survive without facing discrimination. In simpler words, context matters.

Cultural appropriation steals the credits.
Cultural appropriation has a nasty habit of giving the dominant group credit for aspects of a culture that they have taken, reinforcing the power imbalance between the two groups. Many white celebrities have started fake tanning, to an extent where one can’t even recognize them.
On one hand the dominant culture fetishizes dark skin tone and on the other hand still hold prejudice for people of colour.
For example, Kylie Jenner was credited with starting an ‘edgy’ new hair trend, while black actress Zendaya faced criticism for wearing her hair the same way. While Kylie Jenner, a person with no ties to black culture, was given credit for taking something that wasn’t hers. Oh, and let’s not forget about white people mocking Indians for their accent and then wearing a ‘Namaste’ t-shirt to look edgy.

It’s also an unsettling reminder that the process of taking our practices from us isn’t over, as white folks end up having more access to our practices than we do.
The sweeping trend of yoga in the US is an example of this.

Did you know yoga was once banned in India as part of the “racist and orientalist narratives” that characterized Indian people as perverse heathens who had to conform to Western ways? The bands of yogis who resisted the ban rose up to challenge the oppressive British rule.

These days, it seems like yoga’s everywhere, and practitioners don’t have to challenge the rules of the government to reach it. It can bring up some sensitive feelings to say that non-South Asian people who do yoga are appropriating culture, because the practice benefits many people throughout the US.

Many people will say upon hearing negative feedback about instances of appropriation that it wasn’t their intent to offend, or that they had the best intentions. Damage can be done regardless of intention.

To avoid cultural appropriation and to foster cultural appreciation, we should learn about the diverse cultures that exist today. Don’t just borrow elements of a culture because “it is “cool” or “exotic,” but learn about the culture first and then decide if it is an element that makes sense for you to use in your life.
If you can gain knowledge about the culture and perhaps use the cultural element in the way that it was intended, you will be able to give voice to a culture that for years has been misrepresented by society and the media.

Make sure to always check your privilege and prioritise respect of a culture over that kimono, hanbok, or black hairstyles you’re itching to post a selfie in. Cultural wear is more than a costume, more than a fashion accessory and more than ‘expressing yourself’.  There is thin line between appreciation and appropriation.

Lesser known facts : Victorian Era.

The world is pretty weird these days, but it was even weirder in the 1800s. I’m sure that in the future, there will be things that people did in 2020 that will seem weird to people of the future. Maybe paying with credit cards will seem weird because technology will be so advanced.
Here are some lesser known facts about the Victorian Era.

•The bizarre beauty standards and hacks

Standards of beauty might change from generation to generation. But Victorian beauty routines read like something out of a chemistry textbook—that will nearly kill you.
Magazines during that era offered practical beauty advice, but today we’d recognize it as being insanely dangerous.
White skin was the goal, and women achieved that by washing their faces with ammonia, then covering them with lead-based paint. And don’t think you could get away with going bare-faced at night, either, because in order to keep that fresh-faced look, the hack suggested rubbing some opium on before bed.
Watery eyes were the goal too…for some reason. To achieve that look, women could use lemon juice, perfume, or belladonna as eyedrops. The latter did, of course, cause blindness, but people have been suffering for beauty for ages.

•Food horror
When we start talking about the worst things you could find in the Victorian Era, we’re not even going to get into sanitation, aside from saying it wasn’t uncommon for bakers to knead dough using their feet, because that needs a mention. Let’s talk about the stuff they used to put into food on purpose.

Food safety and industry regulation really got its start in the Victorian era, thanks to the tendency to use potentially deadly additives. Chalk and alum were sometimes added to dough to make bread whiter, and it wasn’t unheard of to have things like pipe clay, plaster of Paris, or sawdust added to the mix.

•Beer please.
Now here’s something we can get behind: Clean, potable water was hard to come by in Victorian society. It was generally polluted and considered more dangerous to drink than nature’s other perfect liquid—beer. Whether you were sick, pregnant, or just a child, beer was generally safer to drink than water.

•Photo with the deads.
It was common in the Victorian age to have photographs of loved ones taken after they died. Families in Victorian Britain would pose with the dead, with tikes that seemed to be sleeping and young ladies who seemed to recline. This practice was especially popular with children who died. Tragically, these strange, 19th century photographs were seen as a family’s last chance to have a permanent likeness of their lost child.
As healthcare improved and life-expectancy grew, the period of death photography gradually diminished in the United Kingdom.

•Predict your lover
People in that era were incredibly superstitious. They had superstitious beliefs about just about everything that you could think of. Most of all, they had quite a few about mirrors. One of them was that if a young lady looked into the mirror on Halloween night, she would see the man she was going to marry. This sounds pretty silly to people in the modern age, but at the time, this was a huge thing!

Divination games in general were popular in the Victorian Era because people were starting to believe more and more in spirits. So, they used those spirits to tell them things about their lives. And because Halloween is supposed to be the night when the barrier between the living and the dead is the weakest, Victorian women would use it to their advantage and head to a mirror to see if their true love would be reflected back at them.

Rape Is Violation Of Victim’s Fundamental Right Under Article 21

It is remarkable, refreshing and reassuring to learn that just recently on 31 August 2020, the Gauhati High Court in a latest and laudable judgment titled Nasiruddin Ali vs The State of Assam and Anr. Represented by P.P.  in Case No. Crl.A. 227/2016 has laid down in no uncertain terms that rape is a violation of victim’s fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Mrs Justice Rumi Kumari Phukan of Gauhati High Court who authored this noteworthy judgment minced no words to say in simple, straight and strict language that rape tantamount to a serious blow to the supreme honour of a woman and is a crime against the entire society as well! Very rightly so!

                             To start with, the ball is set rolling in para 2 of this notable judgment wherein it is observed that, “Present appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 12.07.2016, passed by the learned Assistant Sessions Judge, Tinsukia, in Sessions Case No. 64(M)/2011, whereby the accused/appellant has been convicted under Section 376 of the IPC and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 9 (nine) years and to pay fine of Rs. 1,000/-, in default further imprisonment for three month.”    

                 While dwelling on the facts of the case, it is then stated in para 3 that, “The prosecution case in nutshell is that on the night of 26.11.09 at about 10:00 P.M., while the victim was on her way to home on foot from Digboi Chariali market and arrived near Digboi club, one Muslim man having beard forcefully took her to the bathroom of nearby swimming pool and committed rape upon her. On receiving the verbal information from the victim on the following day i.e. on 27.11.2009, at 11.45 A.M., the Digboi Police Station GD Entry No. 1014, dated 27.11.2009 was made and the victim was sent to the hospital for medical examination. ASI Sashi Thakuli, who was entrusted with the investigation of the case by the Officer-in-charge, Digboi P.S., visited the place of occurrence and prepared the sketch map and also recorded the statement of the witnesses. On 27.11.09 itself, as shown by the victim, the accused was apprehended and brought to the police station. The formal ejahar was lodged by the victim on the same day at about 5.30 P.M. and accordingly Digboi P.S. Case No. 264/09, under Section 376 of the IPC was registered. The statement of the victim was recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC and the accused was arrested and forwarded to Court. The medical report of the victim was collected and after completion of the investigation, the charge sheet was filed against the accused/appellant under Section 376 of the IPC.”

                 To put things in perspective, it is then pointed out in para 28 that, “In his statement under Section 313 CrPC, the accused appellant has given the same statement as he has given in his evidence as DW-1. Thus, the plea of the accused appellant is relevant in the present case, inasmuch, as he has admitted his presence at the time of occurrence at such odd hours of night. In Answer to the Question No. 4 under Section 313 CrPC, he stated as follows:-

“At the time of occurrence, I was doing night duty at Digboi club. At night, security personnel came on patrolling duty twice. I saw one Sanjay Upadhyay entered into the tennis Court along with a girl. I ran to the place along with chowkidar of the garden, Basu ray and one Gogoi and said Sanjay Upadhyay and the girl was caught hold. Sanjay Upadhyay worked in the Digboi Club and I asked Sanjay as to why he had brought girl to the Club and as I rebuked them, both the girl and Sanjay went away. On the very next day, said girl came to my house and asked for my identity card and otherwise, she will lodge case against me. I will examine Vasu Ray as defence witness.””

                                              While punching holes in the accused’s version, it is then pointed out in para 29 that, “Since the accused person has taken a specific plea as stated above, the burden shifts to him to prove such plea. But as discussed above, prosecution has been able to prove that on the fateful day, the accused has committed the offence of rape upon the victim in the said vicinity whereas, the accused has totally failed to prove his plea taken during the course of the trial. He did not produce the other chowkidar, Basu Ray in support of his plea, whereas, evidence of PW-2, who also happened to be present at the time of occurrence has belied the story projected by the accused. Further, his statement also supported the contention of the victim girl that she went to the house of the accused to complain to his wife and thus, the testimony of the victim is found to be an authentic one.”  

                                 Be it noted, para 30 then illustrates the nitty-gritty of this leading case by stating that, “Although the victim has reported the matter to so many other persons of the Digboi Club, but those were not examined by the IO, but same cannot be a ground to discard the prosecution case, as evidence of the prosecutrix is supported by other evidence and facts and the circumstances of the case. On closer scrutiny of the entirety of the matter, there appears nothing on the part of the prosecutrix for false indication of the accused person, there being no earlier acquaintance nor any enmity between the duo. Each and every aspect, she narrated, has been supported by the witnesses, but yes, there is no eye-witness to the occurrence and having regard to the isolated place of occurrence, odd hours of night and having no immediate residence nearby, non-having of eye witness/independent witness is natural. The victim has withstand the lengthy cross-examination without any vital contradiction to raise suspicion. Only the fact remains that the victim girl in her statement under Section 164 CrPC after raising all the allegations, has also said one line that for the interest of the family of the accused, she is not interested to proceed with the case. The victim, in course of trial, has also admitted about saying so, but he also boldly denied that because of falsity of allegation, she did not want to proceed with the case. She might have made such statement under pressure being a young girl of 20 years. However it cannot lose sight that the victim pursued the case till conclusion of the trial and her statement remained consistent all through. Some minor omission regarding the time of occurrence 09:30/10:00 pm and that she did not mention in the FIR about working on wages in IOC Hospital, that the FIR did not disclose all details above, are of little consequence and not destructive of genesis of the case. The evidence of prosecutrix in the given facts and circumstances give no room for any doubt and her evidence is akin to the “sterling witness” as she has qualified the test of “sterling witness” as has been held in the decisions referred above. The victim, herein is a poor girl and earns her livelihood as a daily wage earner and there appears no any occasion for false implication of the accused person. Non-seizure of wearing apparels of the victim for tending to FSL, is a lapse on the part of the Investigating Officer. On the other hand, the victim was examined after 2 years of the occurrence and some omission in her testimony that Police took her cloth is not found fatal.”     

                                Interestingly enough, it is then pointed out in para 31 that, “So far as regards the non-finding of injury upon the victim, as per the medical evidence, it is to be noted that injury is not a sine qua non for deciding whether rape has been committed or not. It has to be decided on the factual matrix of each case. The Hon’ble Apex Court in (2013) 11 SCC 688, Radhakrishna Nagesh Vs State of Andhra Pradesh, it has been held that penetration itself proves offence of rape, but contrary is not true, i.e., even if there is no penetration, it does not necessarily mean that there is no rape. The Hon’ble Apex Court further held that absence of injuries would justify any adverse inference against prosecution. In (2014) 13 SCC 574; Krishan Vs State of Haryana, it was also held by the Hon’ble Apex Court that it is not expected that every rape victim should have injuries on her body to prove her case.”

                         More significantly, it is then envisaged in para 32 that, “In the present case, the conduct of victim is noteworthy, who immediately after the occurrence, reported the matter to the nearby people, to the Police, to the authority of the Digboi Club and the GD Entry and FIR was made on the next day of the occurrence without any delay and there is no material variation in her version. As the FIR was written by some other person, not by the prosecutrix herself, different mentioning of time etc. is not fatal as it does not go to the root of the case. There being no any other adverse circumstances, solitary version of the prosecutrix can be accepted as a true version of the occurrence, which is fully supported by the other evidence on record, coupled with the defence version. The prosecutrix has been able to prove the charge under Section 376 of the IPC, beyond the reasonable doubt and the learned trial Court has appreciated all relevant aspects.”     

                                Most significantly, it is then remarkably and rightly held in para 33 that, “The chastity of a woman ruined as soon as such offence is committed, while in a civilized society, respect or reputation is a basic right. No member of society can afford to conceive the idea that he can create a hollow in the honour of a woman. Such thinking is not only lamentable but also deplorable. Youthful excitement and an attempt for momentary pleasure on the part of a person upon a woman, had a devastating effect in the entire body and mind of the victim. It is to be kept in mind that such offence lowers the dignity of a woman and mars her reputation. The Courts are sensitized that rape is a violation of victim’s fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution and rape victim is placed on a higher pedestal than an injured witness. Being the most hatred crime, rape tantamount to a serious blow to the supreme honour of a woman and is a crime against the entire society as well.”

                             Finally, it is then held in the last relevant para 34 that, “For the reasons and the discussions above, this Court is of considered view that the order of conviction is liable to be sustained and calls for no interference. However considering the fact that the accused person have family with five children and behind the bar since the date of conviction, when maintaining the conviction he is sentenced to statutory minimum period of conviction of seven years and the sentence remains the same. The period of detention already undergone shall be set off.”

                                          To sum up, the crux of this ruling is that rape is the most heinous crime and it really tantamount to a serious blow to the supreme honour of a woman and is a crime against the entire society as well. How can any civilized society justify it on any pretext whatsoever? Rape cannot be justified under any circumstances and those who commit it must be prepared to face the music of law as it cannot be condoned under any circumstances! 

                               Needless to say that, “A rape is a rape”! There should be certainly no minimum punishment for it as those who commit it deserve no mercy under any circumstances! Under no circumstances should a rapist be allowed to somehow escape the strictest punishment as laid down under our law! There can be certainly no denying it!

Sanjeev Sirohi, Advocate,

s/o Col BPS Sirohi,

A 82, Defence Enclave,

Sardhana Road, Kankerkhera,

Meerut – 250001, Uttar Pradesh

Traveling Tips.🌄

\n

Who doesn’t like traveling? It is the most beautiful thing to do. Now a days it’s always in trend and also getting more popular day by day. Thanks to the digital world for that, but, there’s always something which you can’t learn from the digital world, yeah! Even youtube fails. Shocking, na!..
Hey, you don’t worry about it because I’m hear.

So, this blog will cover all those things which youtube can’t teach you. By the way there’s a lot of things which even though you learn from youtube but can’t replicate it in real life. See, I have got many issues with youtube but first let’s learn, what are the essential things to keep and remember while traveling?.

There’s a countless place in the world to travel and more are getting discovered.  Things like weather, people, food, transport are bound to be different but few things always goes same. For example:- There may be a difference between two beaches but safety measures always goes same. Just like that few things always goes same irrespective of the place.

This paragraph will go for the travelers who like mountains and trekking the most. For the selection of place, you must have the theoretical knowledge about that place. You can do some sort of  surveys before selection, and I would like to suggest you to check it on Quora, if you trust digital world more, otherwise face to face surveys are still the best. After doing surveys you become aware about the place and the type of situation you can have there to face. Now, make a check list for all the things you are going to need there and also to make sure you don’t leave any necessary things behind. And Before leaving your doorstep, you must double check your check list, because one more layer of protection always gives more protection. Now, first of all you should know, there’s no trip that you can actually anticipate. Some if & but will surely happen, and for that keep your mind and senses active. Now you are well aware about the place where you are heading too, so, choose your clothes according to that place, like:- for trekking you should have a trouser and a light t-shirt under a jacket (optional) and a sports shoe. Plan your number of days and pack your things according to that and, because it’s a mountain area you should keep power bank and a non digital mobile phone for just in case. Keep you bagpack light because lighter the bag, easier the trekk. If you are going for the first time on trekking go by any agency or travel company for camping for better experience. After that  for the next time you can go all alone or for a solo trip. If you don’t have any sleeping bag or tent then don’t worry you can rent out. It’s available there either at starting point or in mid way of your trekk. Always keep an extra drinking water while trekking because of two major reasons : 1) it is costly to buy drinking water up there.
2) For cleaning or getting fresh you need water up there.
Keep checking your mobile phone for network and if there’s no network turn your phone in flight mode for less battery consumption. Don’t forget to take a portable speaker with you because without music even heaven is boring. Once you reach there interact with your fellow trekk mates for some good memories and also to make your trip memorable.

If you like photography then it’s okay, but, if you not then don’t waste your time in clicking snaps. Look around and try to observe each and every details for enjoyment. The world with naked eye is still more beautiful that your high mega pixels phone camera. Try to spend some time alone there, because it’s useless if you don’t get yourself some time.

At last, there are several things you will live that I don’t want to mention here because it’s your trekk man!. Go and feel it rather then reading it. Since, i have already said that I got some issue with youtube but somewhere I go with it like for further tips you need to read my other blog regarding this, Traveling Tips 2.

Till then enjoy your trekking and don’t forget to tell your experience in the comment section, No! not about your trekk, but, about this blog..😝

See yaa.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan digitally interacts with Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare digitally interacted with Dr Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director, Stop TB partnership, here today.

The Union Minister stated that elimination of TB is a priority for the Indian government. He added that the Government is committed to scaling up access to free diagnosis through rapid molecular tests, provide information on drug resistance and also free treatment for all people with TB with best-quality drugs and regimens, financial and nutritional support to patients. Dr Harsh Vardhan added that the Government is committed to the  use of digital technologies for notification and adherence and linking with interface non-governmental agencies to strengthen private sector engagement.

Dr Harsh Vardhan emphasised that though the country is fighting with the COVID pandemic for the last eight months, it is ensured that the health department and health officials in all the states were constantly reminded about the target of elimination of TB by 2025. “Through our efforts on the front of fighting COVID, we have shown to the world that India can be a role model for other countries as we have achieved self reliance in terms of domestic manufacturing of masks and PPE kits”, he stated.

“India, under the guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has accorded a high priority for ending tuberculosis in India by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of 2030, and stepping forward as a leader for a TB-free world”, Dr Harsh Vardhan said during the digital interaction. In the recent years, India has already taken several critical steps to showcase itself as a leader for a TB-free world, with impressive and ambitious policies and plans, he emphasised.

Dr Lucica applauded and thanked the Government of India for its commendable efforts in fighting TB.

Advisory issued on safety precautions for rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) service providers

In compliance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Order dated 3.4.2020 in WP (PIL) No.10808/2020 for ensuring safe drinking water during lock down period due to CoVID-19 pandemic, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti had issued an advisory to all States/ UTs on April 13, 2020.

With the lockdown eased out and socio-economic activities resumed, especially with the commencement of post-monsoon working season, the water supply infrastructure activities have to be implemented on a bigger scale and with speed to achieve the goal of providing tap water connections to all rural households. Hence, it is imperative for WASH service providers at the forefront to follow all the necessary precautions to avoid contraction and spread of the virus.

Current evidence indicates that the CoVid-19 virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact, and transmission occurs when contaminated hands touch the mucosa of the mouth, nose, or eyes; the virus can also be transferred from one surface to another by contaminated hands, which facilitates indirect contact transmission. Along with physical distancing, hand hygiene is the most effective single measure to reduce the spread of infections through multimodal strategies, including access to the appropriate supplies.

To ensure hand hygiene is practiced through hand wash at regular intervals, in order to contain the spread of the Corona virus, there is an urgent need to make tap water available inside every rural household premises. For this purpose, adequate fund has been made available under Jal Jeevan Mission. The mission presents an excellent opportunity to mitigate the ongoing pandemic situation not just by ensuring water supply but also by generating employment to labour who have migrated back home.

In this context, this supplementary advisory is issued by DDWS for assured safe water service delivery to every home with focus on various aspects.

Arrange hand-washing equipment: Hand-washing arrangements with soap and water at the entrance of every water supply establishment may be made to allow everyone to practice it before entering and when leaving. Installation, supervision and regular refilling of the hand washing equipment are the overall responsibility of PHE/ RWS Department;

Ensure potable water in quarantine/ isolation centres: Potable water arrangements are to be ensured at all camp sites, schools/ hostels that have been turned into quarantine/ isolation centres. The arrangements may include tanker water supply, providing temporary stand-posts from near-by potable water source, retrofitting/ repairing existing functional infrastructure wherever required, etc.;

Prioritize health care centres and facilities: A quick gap assessment on potable water facilities in health care centres may be undertaken and immediate arrangements may be made to ensure safe and clean water in all health care facilities;

Promote physical distancing of communities while fetching water: Wherever community members fetch water from stand posts, efforts may be made to widely communicate the importance of physical distancing by maintaining 6 feet gap (2 gaj doori), covering their mouth and nose, etc. All persons must wash hands thoroughly before fetching water;

Increase water supply duration: Given the need to practice physical distancing at stand posts, the duration of water supply may be increased for facilitating the same. Announcements may be made to spread awareness on physical distancing norms and increased water supply hours;

Provide personal protective gear to water supply service providers: Provide soaps/ sanitizers, gloves, masks, gumboots, wipes, etc. to all individuals involved in water supply service provision. All the contractors are to be briefed the precautionary measures regularly, if possible through texts or whatsapp, and ensure they make adequate arrangements for all the labour they employ. Posters of the precautions may also be circulated to GPs, water supply establishments, etc.;

Grievance redressal: Toll-free number at district/ state level may be set up (if not existing already) and the number may be widely circulated/ disseminated through social media, FM radio channels and local TV channels. Students/ volunteers from the operational PMKVY centres/ skill development centres, colleges, etc. can be quickly trained online  for handling grievance calls and supporting respective district/ state administration; and

Prioritize retrofitting in schools/ anganwadis: Children will eventually return to schools and anganwadis and there is an urgent need for retrofitting of existing water and sanitation infrastructure for ensuring access to potable water and clean toilets. The ‘swachh vidyalaya’ guidelines clarify the norms in terms of requirement.  Both, adequacy of the infrastructure and the appropriateness from a hygiene perspective needs to be ensured.

Precautionary measures are recommended particularly for community-level service providers, viz. plumbers, electricians, motor mechanics, sanitation workers, etc. especially when leaving home for work, when at work and when reaching home. States/ UTs have been requested to give wide publicity to the supplementary advisory.