Author: Kanika Mahajan

A GLANCE AT ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR DISORDER

Preface

Antisocial Behavior Disorder is a condition described by an absence of compassion for other people. Individuals with such conditions have almost no respect for good and bad. Such individuals for the most part act in a heartless way without contemplating others’ sentiments. People with this issue normally show exorbitantly forceful or vicious conduct and may even take part in crimes.

INDICATIONS OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR DISORDER

Indications of Antisocial Behavior Disorder might start in youth itself. The signs might incorporate mercilessness to creatures. The manifestations may likewise incorporate inability to adjust to accepted practices and no worry for other people. Such individuals regularly carry on imprudently disregarding the results of their conduct. Moreover, they get strongly forceful and can even get into actual attacks.

These indications regularly lead to numerous challenges in their lives. The issue can be damaging to both the individual experiencing it and individuals around them. Such individuals are bound to take part in perilous exercises and surprisingly criminal demonstrations.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE THE DISORDER?

Manifestations of solitary conduct issue regularly start during adolescence in brutal displeasure explodes, mercilessness towards creatures, and harassing. Albeit the condition might begin in adolescence, it can’t be formally analyzed before the age of 18. An individual is determined to have Antisocial Behavior Disorder on the off chance that he shows a dismissal and infringement of the privileges of others. This negligence is portrayed by various indications like dismissal for the security of others, not submitting to laws, showing incautious conduct, having serious touchiness and animosity, no regret for underhanded activities, continually lying or controlling for entertainment, customary example of unreliability.

WHAT CAUSES ANTISOCIAL Behavior DISORDER?

There are no accurate reasons for Antisocial Behavior Disorder. Character is affected by numerous things, including the climate where one lives, and the childhood one gets.

The Effect of Genetics

Introverted Behavior Disorder is more normal among the primary degree natural family members of those experiencing the problem. Bits of Research likewise propose that Antisocial Behavior Disorder is emphatically connected to legacy. Moreover, ecological impacts intensify its promotion.

The childhood of the individual

Childhood importantly affects a youngster’s life. Youth misuse, disregard, and injury can incite Antisocial Behavior Disorder. At the point when guardians are harmful and useless, kids might learn such practices and later show something similar with their own children. Also, covers who experience childhood in careless homes and damaging conditions regularly do not have the chances to foster discipline, restraint, and compassion.

Contrasts in Brain

Many components increment the danger of getting the problem, including smoking during pregnancy and unusual mind work. Bits of Research propose that individuals with Antisocial Behavior Disorder have contrasts in the front facing flap. The front facing projection is the district of the mind that assumes a crucial part in arranging and judgment.

HOW DO WE TREAT THE CONDITION?

Individuals experiencing Antisocial Behavior Disorder frequently come into contact with the criminal equity framework. A few sorts of exploration recommend that reformatory measures are totally ineffectual. This is on the grounds that individuals experiencing this condition are normally inert to discipline.

Psychotherapy

Intellectual Behavioral Therapy (CBT) assists treat with peopling experiencing Antisocial Behavior Disorder. It permits people to acquire an understanding into their practices. Reasonable outcomes are by and large seen solely after long haul treatment. Gathering and family treatment went with mentalization-based treatments can assist with treating this condition. This treatment focuses to perceive and comprehend the perspective of oneself as well as other people.

Ordinary Medication

Medicine might be utilized successfully to treat a portion of the indications that an individual experiencing Antisocial Behavior Disorder might insight. A portion of the prescriptions that might be utilized incorporate enemy of uneasiness meds, antidepressants, or antipsychotics.

Adapting to it

Standoffish conduct issue essentially affects an individual’s capacity to work. This regularly makes it hard to adapt up to various parts of life. The condition can bring about injury or passing because of criminal activities or self-hurt in extreme cases. It antagonistically influences a person’s capacity to work and keep up with connections. The individual experiencing the problem can likewise make hurt companions, relatives, or collaborators.

Typically, individuals with Antisocial Behavior Disorder don’t look for help all alone. For the most part, intercession happens simply because of legitimate issues. Various explores recommend that more powerful friendly help, better spousal ties, and sound family relations can help the individual experiencing the issue.

TOWARDS THE END

Reserved Behavior Disorder isn’t an infection, so we ought not deal with it like that. There is an answer for each issue. Also, this issue can be treated with friendship, care, and persistence. More than the individual really experiencing it, the treatment requires more critical endeavors from individuals around him.

WORKING WOMEN AND THE GLASS CEILING

PROLOGUE

The discriminatory limitation is certainly not a commonplace roof made of glass! All things being equal, it is a representation addressing the upper-level labor force openings that are impervious to most ladies. It represents the theoretical hindrance that keeps ladies from making high level proficient progress. The term was first utilized during the 1980s to portray ladies’ difficulties when arriving at higher initiative or chief jobs. Albeit imperceptible and immaterial, the discriminatory limitation is valid.

A GLANCE AT SIMILAR TERMS

PINK-COLLAR GHETTO

During the 1970s, more broad conversations emerged around the compensation inconsistency among people for comparative jobs. Thereupon, the expression “pink-collar ghetto” was authored. Pink-collar occupations were paid not exactly white and blue-nabbed occupations, which were ordinarily held by men.

MATERNAL WALL

Pregnant ladies and working moms might confront a “maternal divider.” Various generalizations identified with going on vacation after kid origination ladies at a disadvantageous situation in their professions.

BAMBOO CEILING

The term Bamboo roof was instituted by Jane Hyun. It was utilized to depict the obstructions Asians and Asian Americans looked in making upper-level proficient progress.

Substantial CEILING

The term discriminatory limitation alludes to all ladies overall. Interestingly, the substantial roof portrays the more imposing obstacles ladies of shading face in getting an upper-level or top administration job. This term was begat by Jasmine Babers.

WHAT DO THE STATS SAY?

The discriminatory limitation isn’t only an illustration. It is a tragic reality.

Different insights back this reality. Chiefs are twice as prone to enlist men over ladies while selecting representatives. Incidentally, at organizations where 90% of administration is men, a big part of the men feel that the initiative well addresses ladies. Unfortunately, just 38.6% of top chief positions are held by ladies. Shockingly, ladies address just 10% of administration in the working environment. Accordingly, 34% of individuals consider male to be as better danger assessors with no rationale to back something very similar. Additionally, ladies make up just 23% of C-Suites. Ladies make up only 4.1% of Fortune 500 CEOs. Subsequently, ladies get increases in salary 5% less frequently than men.

WHAT CEMENTS THE GLASS CEILING?

GENDER ROLES

Gender jobs are extraordinary to various societies. They are characterized the second a kid is conceived.The average generalizations anticipate that girls should be ladylike, respectful and sustaining, though young men are relied upon to be manly, serious, forceful, and valiant. In the work environment, administrators and pioneers should be serious and striking to settle on imperative choices. Such contrasts in sexual orientation jobs limit ladies and take away their freedom. Moreover, ladies are characteristically expected to bring up kids and take care of family errands. Having this heap of assumptions doesn’t allow them to find some kind of harmony at a vocation, construct a family and have an individual life.

GENDER BIAS

Gender predisposition alludes to the inclination given to one sex over another. In the work environment, this predisposition influences ladies actually contrarily. As referenced before, people are twice as liable to recruit a man over a lady. The inclination doesn’t stop after the meeting. All things considered, it heightens further. As indicated by an examination, over 42% of ladies experience separation in the work environment. Those demonstrations of segregation come as inconsistent compensation for a similar obligation, ladies being treated as bumbling, passing up sufficient freedoms, not getting an advancement. Shockingly, on normal for each 100 men advanced just 79 ladies are elevated to similar levels. As referred to previously, at organizations where ladies make up 10% of authority, half men see ladies as being very much addressed.

Sexual Harassment

The U.S. Equivalent Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) characterizes inappropriate behavior as: “Unwanted sexual solicitations and verbal or actual behaviors of sexual nature establish inappropriate behavior when this direct influences a person’s business.” While all kinds of people experience lewd behavior, almost 75% of cases are capable by ladies. Unfortunately, practically 68% of ladies experience the ill effects of inappropriate behavior. Out of the ones who experience lewd behavior, 70% of them share it at their working environment. Shockingly, 47% of female respondents accepted that lewd behavior is endured at their working environment.

Moreover, 45% of ladies aren’t certain that administration at their association will resolve the issue. To add to the troubles, 3 out of 4 inappropriate behavior casualties experience counter in the wake of announcing the issue. Subsequently ladies secure stopping their positions simpler than announcing the provocation. 80% of ladies who experience inappropriate behavior inside the initial two years at a new position quit their positions. These frightening encounters make it practically inconceivable for ladies to arrive at more significant level jobs in their professions.

THE FINAL THOUGHT

The unreasonable impediment may not be noticeable through the unaided eye, however it is unquestionably apparent through a sympathetic brain. People are equivalent, so the chances they persuade should be indistinguishable. It is about time to comprehend that sex balance can be accomplished whenever we allow people an equivalent opportunity to vanquish their fantasies.

IS SOCIAL MEDIA POLARIZING SOCIETY?

PROLOGUE

Today, society isn’t just the buyer of data however the maker too. Practically 1.49 billion individuals sign into Facebook day by day. All things considered, around 6,000 tweets are tweeted on Twitter each second. From the hour of its commencement, more than 40 billion photos have been posted on Instagram. Web-based media should turn into an extension between far off individuals, yet it has become a divider between close individuals.

Tragically, counterfeit news has become an industry today and is common all over. Its development, thus, prompts a developing doubt in the traditional press. Counterfeit news has contributed drastically to the reverberation chamber wonder. “Reverberation chamber” alludes to a circumstance where explicit thoughts, convictions, or information focuses are solidified through reiteration of a shut framework that doesn’t permit elective or contending thoughts or ideas.

A PEEP INTO ASCH CONFORMITY EXPERIMENTS

Incredible social analyst Solomon Asch had led a progression of mental trials called the Asch Conformity Experiments during the 1950s. These trials expected to comprehend the degree to which an individual’s perspectives are affected by a gathering. Through the series of investigations, Asch, amazingly, tracked down that an individual was able to try and offer an off-base response just to adjust to the larger part see. The respondents furnished wrong responses for various reasons. Some of them were hesitant to be derided or considered as exceptional. Others dreaded judgment or shame. Some of them likewise accepted that the gathering should be preferred educated over them, so they ought to go with their viewpoint. Method for correspondence and commitment have fostered a great deal since the 1950s, yet the human intuition to fit in stays as before. This clarifies the effect of phony news on the web, which adds to a spellbound society.

HOW IS SOCIAL MEDIA POLARIZES SOCIETY?

Clients in a social framework bond more with ones who are like them in assessment than with ones who are divergent. This is called client homophily. An investigation did by Aalto University on expanding polarization via online media found that elements like client homophily and algorithmic sifting lead to upholding and supporting conviction frameworks. This frequently guarantees that we don’t open our psyches to assorted feelings. Individuals look for educated and reliable thoughts through channels just from individuals they trust. They even search for news that affirms their perspective to mollify themselves. This outcomes in individuals developing inflexible assessments of issues and not the appropriate range to the issues. For instance, Twitter regularly prompts individuals to follow individuals holding a comparative perspective.

Most web-based media destinations are more than able to play abettors. The provisions of receptiveness, lack of definition, and anonymity that were intended to invigorate underestimated networks are currently giving trawlers the qualification to discourteous remarks. This additionally makes space for mean expectations to develop. Also, there has been a developing pattern of deception principally because of predispositions or human mistakes. A steadily developing society of phony records is likewise noticeable. It is fundamentally accomplished for pushing a political plan or annoying individuals. These days there is disinformation also. Disinformation alludes to counterfeit news made deliberately.

OTHER FACTORS OF POLARIZATION

In the early occasions, the print machine was viewed as inconvenience by the Ottomans. The speed at which books were printed and conveyed led to doubt. The principal Greek printing house set up in 1627 distributed a booklet focusing on Jews. Books were just a medium, actually like web-based media is today. Forbidding books and accusing web-based media are the outcomes of comparable wrong rationale. On the off chance that web-based media had an inclination towards evil, stories couldn’t ever have discovered a method of articulation. Web-based media likewise houses numerous accounts of lost kids being discovered, canines being embraced, cash being raised for different causes, and comparative great deeds and human cases.

As indicated by the BI-2018 review, the quantity of people with admittance to TV has is 835 million. Cell phone entrance has developed to around 300 million. The quantity of every day dynamic clients on WhatsApp and Facebook are 200 million and 194 million, individually. The details plainly feature that online media in India is as yet a specialty marvel. Web-based media stages are multilingual, multicultural, and are comprehensive. These stages permit equivalent freedoms for all, independent of class, belief, race, religion, sex, age, or monetary assets. Consequently faulting web-based media for each online wrongdoing doesn’t appear to be persuading.

TOWARDS THE END

Online media is catching society in thin, uneven, and ordinarily counterfeit perspectives. This is disturbing. There isn’t anything amiss with being stubborn. In any case, being inflexible in suppositions is without a doubt wrong. There are consistently different sides to a similar coin. It isn’t care for online media has unfriendly impacts as it were. Online media has a few efficacies also. It interfaces far off individuals and works with the fast scattering of data.

While web-based media faces the worldwide difficulties of data barrage, which is verifiable and counterfeit, it likewise empowers underestimated networks to get to their privileges and voice their viewpoints. So it relies upon the client how he chooses to utilize online media as an instrument or as a weapon. Ideally, individuals will figure out how to be more liable for what they offer, and web-based media stages will recover their tragically missing trust.

INDIA’S OBSESSION WITH LONG HAIR

INTRODUCTION

In India, long hair and femininity are synonymous with each other. The television and film industries are the trendsetters in our country. Their activities play a significant role in the trending fashion from clothes to hairstyles to everything. Unfortunately, these role models are still stuck up in the conventional long hair fashion. Sadly, they haven’t made many efforts to broaden this understanding of femininity. The fashion collections of famous designers usually feature women in long, demure hairstyles. This cements the obsession for long hair harder.

A LOOK AT THE STEREOTYPES

Society has a wide range of stereotypes associated with hair. These stereotypes are prevalent across the countries. Since ancient times goddesses are always portrayed with extra-long hair. Bengali culture has many references to feminine beauty ideals in literature, song, and poetry. Long hair has been hyped up so much as if it is a certification of femininity. Curly brides seldom wear their natural hair at their weddings. They are forced to adhere to a stereotypical beauty standard of long straight hair. The brides often have to adhere to the; mainstream bridal fashions that simply don’t factor in curls. All of this highlights a cultural obsession with long, straight, “proper” hair.

Society often tends to have a really narrow view of beauty. Fair skin, tall height, and long hair are often seen as the yardsticks of beauty. People usually link femininity to having long hair and beauty. Surprisingly women themselves are quick to judge other women based on hair stereotypes. A bizarre assumption in society is that you will not take your work seriously if your hair is fun. Another funny assumption is that you’re aggressive, butch, unfeminine if you have short hair. Besides curly or short hair, colored hair hurt society’s eyes even more. Coloring hair is often seen as the characteristic of an irresponsible or selfish girl. Surprisingly a girl still has to seek permission from her parents or her husband to color her hair. Colored hair is looked upon as highly unprofessional. Especially when women have short colored hair, they often fall victim to the judgmental behavior of society. Sadly this behavior often comes from their own family and friends. Other women themselves are the forerunners in this series of comments and judgments.

WHY DO THE STEREOTYPES GET STRONGER?

The television and film industry tends to stick to them and make them even more prevalent. Advertisements, movies, and daily soaps further cement these stereotypes. Short-haired women are cinematized as mouthy tomboys, athletes, or staunch careerists. They are never picturized as affectionate mothers or wives. Short or colored hair is stereotyped as a shrill, cold archetype devoid of softness and femininity. Long straight hair is shown as the typical main lead thing. Big banner movies and commercials usually feature the heroine with super long hair. They rarely feature curly-haired leads. 

In hair oil or shampoo advertisements, super long straight hair is always glorified. These advertisements mislead us that long straight hair is a beauty standard or that every girl wants them. Even songs celebrate long hair only. We can never think of a song that praises a woman’s short hair, but we can remember hundreds that do this for long hair. The obsession is deeply rooted in the country, especially in the visual profession. Visual professions like modeling or acting expect people to adhere to their usual beauty standards, long hair being one of them. 

Sadly workplaces aren’t hair-inclusive. Surprisingly many companies have a policy about the types of colors allowed on women’s hair. Straight long hair that is not frizzy or colored is considered professional. A majority of Indian corporations believe buzz cuts as unprofessional.

THE CURRENT SCENARIO

Women are trying to free themselves of these suffocating beauty standards. But sadly, due to this, they often face trolling and lose comments from society. From being compared to noodles or broom, their hair often becomes a subject of words. Some women have even decided to go bald. Although we very conveniently say that “bald is beautiful,” but we fail to believe that. If a woman goes bald, she is assumed to be diseased or mourning for someone’s death. Society must stop weaponizing hair to judge women. 

The scenario is undoubtedly changing. Women have become more accepting of themselves. They are making efforts to free themselves of the societal shackles associated with beauty and femininity. We have Indian actors like Kangana Ranaut and Tapsee Pannu, breaking stereotypes related to curly hair. Change is visible in animated children’s heroines as well. Earlier, we had Disney princesses with super long hair. But now we have famous characters like Merida and Moana with curly hair. Women must have the right to decide how they want to look. This decision is a matter of personal choice. It should not be a consequence of societal pressure or stereotypes. Beauty is indeed not derived from skin or hair. There is no benchmark for beauty as “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.”

A GLANCE AT CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY

INTRODUCTION

“Creating strong business and building a better world are the essential ingredients for long term success.”Corporate Sustainability is an evolving management paradigm for companies. While the concept understands the significance of profitability, it also reiterates the need for environmental protection and social equity.

FOUNDATION OF THE CONCEPT

Corporate Sustainability borrows elements from four main concepts.

Sustainable development

It is a broad concept that aims to balance economic growth and environmental protection. We cannot leave efforts for achieving sustainable development to the government only. Companies are the engines of economic growth. Therefore, they ought to be proactive in making consistent efforts towards achieving sustainable development. 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

CSR is a self-regulating business model. According to this concept, companies have an ethical obligation to respond to the needs of society. CSR is based on four theories-

Social Contract Theory

The theory revolves around the fact that individuals and organisations enter into various implicit and explicit contracts. When a company extracts resources from the environment, it enters into a contract. The contract is to be socially responsible towards the environment.

Social Justice Theory

This theory argues that in a fair society, all members hold equal importance. It also highlights the significance of social equity and justice. Hence companies must respond to the needs of all the people in a society.

Rights Theory

According to this theory, a company should respect the human rights of their employees and the local communities around them. It must behave ethically with them and ensure a safe working environment.

Deontological theory

The theory throws light on the golden rule that companies have a moral duty towards society. They should therefore listen, consider and respond to the needs of the society while framing strategies.

Stakeholder theory

A stakeholder is an individual or organisation that can affect or is affected by an organisation’s goals. This theory emphasizes that the stronger the relationship a company has with the external parties, the easier it is to achieve its business goals. Consequently, good external relationships help gain a competitive edge.

Corporate Accountability

There is a fiduciary relationship between a stakeholder and a company. Hence a company must be accountable for its actions to the stakeholders. Accountability refers to the legal or ethical responsibility to justify one’s actions. The ambit of Corporate Accountability extends to society as well. A company enters into various implicit and explicit contracts with society. Since a company gets its resources from society, therefore, it must be accountable for its actions. 

THE PILLARS OF CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY

Three main pillars lay the foundation of Corporate Sustainability.

Environment pillar

Companies rely on society for getting resources. Some of these resources are non-renewable, some are renewable. Companies need to instill an understanding that renewable resources need time to get replenished or renewed. Therefore they should respect these natural cycles and should reform extraction processes. It would ensure that the resources get plenty of time for renewal. 

Social Pillar

Corporate Sustainability requires companies to recognize their impact on the people. This recognition can be in terms of committing to fair wages, showcasing ethical behavior and a safe working environment for employees. The Social Pillar promotes practices that help prosper the health, safety and well-being of the employees.

Economic Pillar

Each company faces intense pressure to earn immediate profits. But Corporate Sustainability encourages investment in technology for the future even if financial benefits show up later. The economic pillar is all about investment in creating technologies for the future. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CSR AND CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY?

CSR is a broader term than Corporate Sustainability. CSR often looks backwards to reflect on what the company has done in the past to contribute to society. On the other hand, Corporate Sustainability looks forward and aims to make efforts in the present to create future opportunities. CSR initiatives mainly target the opinion-forming groups like media while Corporate Sustainability targets the various stakeholders.

A PEEP INTO CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING

We have a concept called Green GDP to measure the economic growth of the countries. Green GDP is an accounting system that considers the environmental loss incurred during the process of economic growth. Thence countries can measure the environmental deterioration caused and can take measures to reduce it. Similar to this is the concept of Corporate Sustainability Reporting. It represents a potential mechanism to generate data and measure the contribution of companies towards achieving sustainable development.

THE FINAL THOUGHT

The vision of doing business is certainly changing over time. The government and stakeholders expect companies to make efforts for people and the environment. According to Global Risks 2020, climate change ranks first as a global risk. Societal risks like water crises and infectious diseases are also threatening. It expects air pollution to become a major cause of environmental mortality by 2050.
These facts highlight the urgent need for action. Corporate Sustainability provides a prospective solution to this. Therefore we need consistent efforts from the end of companies as they are the engines of economic development in a society.

GREEN ECONOMY- THE ESSENCE OF PROGRESS

INTRODUCTION

                “What soul is to body, the same is sustainability is to the progress of a nation”
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) describes a green economy as “one that results in improved human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities” (2010). The concept was first coined in 1989 by the London Environmental Economics Centre (LEEC) in a publication called the “Blueprint for a Sustainable Economy”, authored by David Pearce, Anil Markandya, and Ed Barbier. A green economy aims at converging the environment, society, and economy. However, several encumbrances have obstructed the transition towards a green economy. The foremost being the inefficacy of businesses to invest in the environment. It is mainly due to a myth that it would not yield economic benefits. The investment would generate additional jobs, increase trade and output. A well-framed strategy would facilitate poverty eradication, equity, and growth.

THE COGNITION BEHIND GREEN ECONOMY

A Green Intelligence Report estimated that by 2030, energy-related CO2 emissions in the United States increase to 6.9 billion metric tonnes (MT) under a “business as usual scenario’’. It has been projected that by 2050, the emissions would rise to 42.3 billion MT. According to “Environment Outlook to 2050 “, air pollution has been projected as a major environmental cause of mortality by 2050, ahead of the lack of clean drinking water and sanitation. As cited by The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution, almost 8.3 million premature deaths each year due to air pollution. India and China have the highest number of pollution deaths per year -2,326,711 and 1,865,566 deaths. The reasons for this seem to be their high population and ever-growing industrialization. According to Greenpeace, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, as a share of GDP, these countries incurred 5.4% and 6.6% of the economic cost of air pollution in 2018. The estimated cost of air pollution was $ 2.9 trillion, equating to 3.3% of the global GDP. These projections indicate the urgent need for action as the cost of damages is exponential and will worsen if not addressed through a strategic framework.

Sweden has been ranked First by The Global Green Index, 2018. At the same time, it was one of the richest countries with the highest GDP per capita, amounting to around 51,615 USD (World Bank). Thus the concept of a green economy provides a potential solution to these problems. According to the study by Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program called “Sizing the Clean Economy, a National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment”, investment in clean energy projects generates 3 times as many jobs as generated by fossil fuel projects. As cited by the report called “Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication”, governments should spend $1.3 trillion a year to facilitate the shift to a green economy.

GREEN ECONOMY-THE PROSPECTIVE SOLUTION

A green economy recognizes the interdependence between the environment, society, and economy. It tries to reduce pollution and uses resources efficiently while generating employment, reducing poverty, encouraging equity. It seeks systematic, accountable, and transparent governance as a prerequisite for framing and implementing effective policies. A circular economy is a potential sustainable economic model, a solution to the problems associated with a linear economy. In a Circular Economy, materials are reused, recycled, or recovered. It avoids or minimizes waste and prevents greenhouse emissions as well. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and UNEP’s circular economy approach complement each other. SCP is all about producing goods and services responding to basic needs while providing a better quality of life by minimizing toxic materials.

CONCLUSION

We need to understand that the concept of a green economy is not simply about renewable energy or sustainable utilization of resources. On the contrary, it is much deeper than that. Its ambit extends to factors like societal inclusion in terms of Social Equity, Gender Equity, and other factors like quality of life where everyone has access to basic requirements like sanitation or nutrition. It focuses not only on increasing growth in terms of GDP but aims to achieve inclusive growth wherein no section of the society is deprived of development or is left. Due to these reasons, the Green Growth Index gives significance to factors like social inclusion as well. We need a combined effort involving the active participation of civil society. Since the civilians are well acquainted with the needs and priorities of the local people, it would facilitate the initiative. It would also promote equity and poverty reduction, the underlying motives of a green economy. We ought to understand that environment, society and economy are complementary to each other. Hence we need integrated policy-making and effective methodology to move towards a green economy.

#EDUCHAIN- BLOCKCHAIN IN EDUCATION

“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s then we rob them of tomorrow.” During the pandemic, technology facilitated education in the best way. Therefore the intertwining of blockchain and education #EdChain will certainly be really. Blockchain is an immutable, decentralised form of database that stores information. As the name suggests, it is a chain or a series of blocks that store data like the date, time and amount of transactions.

The most important feature associated with blockchains is security. Each block within a blockchain contains a hash of the previous block. Hashing makes it difficult to alter the blocks. Thus it ensures immutability. Incentivising miners ensures integrity as they disapprove malicious transactions. These mechanisms ensure the high security of data.

The intertwining of blockchain and education would help improve teaching and learning in various dimensions.

Decentralized control over data

Blockchain can store data related to students’ credentials. It can also store details like the skills or courses that students have learnt. Consequently, a centralized authority will not control this data. It would also enable the students to share this data with their prospective employers. Furthermore, students can store data related to both classroom learning and skill enhancement. It would ensure accuracy in the resumes. The security mechanisms of blockchain ensure the safety of the data. Students cannot alter past educational certificates stored on the blockchain so it would ensure accuracy. Blockchain also takes care of privacy. This is because blockchain would store the hash of the data rather than the data itself. Students can also encrypt data before storage at the option of the student. We already have many blockchain-powered applications that facilitate the record-keeping of digital credentials and intellectual property.

Ensuring accuracy

Students cannot alter their past educational certifications. Therefore, employers would get the most accurate information about their skills. This would also help find the perfect matches between employers and job seekers. A distributed ledger system like blockchain supports safe chronological academic records. By integrating transparency and accuracy blockchain can create a strong relationship between employers and job seekers.

Make learning engaging

Blockchain can also make learning more engaging. This would help us to move forward from the conventional tools of teaching and learning. Blockchain’s OpenSource framework is a tool that can enhance online teaching and learning. It would also facilitate the personal development of students. New technologies combined with blockchain can provide personalized learning. Consequently, we can customize the content to suit the needs of different students. We can also have gamified online education to make learning interesting.

Smart Contracts

Students can also enter into various Smart Contracts with the university through blockchain. These contracts can be related to various payments like tuition fees or examination fees. The contracts will provide convenience and safety of transactions at the same time. Smart Contracts in Blockchain can help automate administrative tasks. Additionally, this would also reduce overhead costs related to administrative tasks.

Efficacy in Selection

Blockchain would certainly reduce CV fraud by streamlining the data provided by the students. It can also make appropriate matches between employers and job seekers by suiting their requirements. Blockchain-based university diplomas would certainly be a good leap forward in the selection of job seekers

SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES

Digital Credentials Consortium is an initiative that aims to enhance the record-keeping of digital academic credentials. The initiative started in 2018, intending to create a safe mechanism for storing digital academic credentials. It will enable the students to hold a lifelong record of their academic achievements. Students can easily share this data with the employer as well. The students will also get other benefits like safety, security and privacy. Moreover, they will not be required to pay fees to get copies of their credentials from the university. It would also benefit the educational institutions by managing records securely, eliminating the risk of identity fraud. Thence they can save the cost and time required in admin work. Subsequently, the employers would get the benefit of easy access to accurate records.

MIT is one of the leading institutions that has developed blockchain applications to streamline academic accreditation. It believes that the intertwining of blockchain in education can be used for various purposes.MIT Media Lab and Learning Machine’s Blockcerts is a platform. It allows educational institutions to incorporate blockchain accreditation in their programs. The University of Nicosia offers accredited courses through verified certificates on the blockchain. Southern New Hampshire University issues bachelor and diploma degrees in a digital format on the blockchain besides in a traditional paper format.

CONCLUSION

Educational technology has made good progress over the last 20 years but, there is a long way to go. Modern technologies like blockchain can facilitate progress effectively. According to the Gartner, 2019 CIO Survey around 2% of higher education respondents has already incorporated blockchain. On the other hand, 18% are planning to do so. However, 47% are not interested in incorporating blockchain in education. The possible reason behind this seems to be a wait and watch approach. Keeping in mind the hype and potential risks of blockchain respondents probably aim at playing safe. Record keeping is the most promising use of blockchain besides security and privacy. Overall we have numerous universities and enterprises aiming at enhancing education by intertwining blockchain with it. These universities use blockchain not only for record-keeping but also for teaching and learning purposes.

We need to have an accepting attitude towards change. Amalgamating technology in education may seem difficult. But it is the need of the hour. New technology can improve the existing methods by saving time and cost at the same time. Many universities have already explored this walk still we need more efforts in this regard. As they say, change is the only constant, so we need to be more receptive to this change.

#EduRob- ROBOTICS IN EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION

“Our future success is directly proportional to our ability to understand, adopt and integrate new technology into our work.” During the pandemic, technology facilitated both work and learning. Keeping this in mind, the idea of intertwining Robotics in Education seems convincing. According to the research by Global Market Insights, Artificial Intelligence in the education market will surpass USD 6 billion by 2024.

A PEEP INTO THE EFFICACY OF ROBOTICS IN EDUCATION

Technology in education, popularly called edtech is the need of the hour.

Audio Visual Media

Robotics can use audiovisual media to impart quality learning. Online learning requires a lot of attention from students and a proper system to deliver on the part of teachers. Therefore, Robotics can also make use of Virtual Facilitators like gesture recognition, 3-D gaming and computer animation to create interactions with students, making learning engaging. Subsequently, gamification tools can make the subject more engaging. Also, Chatbots can address queries by providing tailor-made answers.

Combat the Paradox in Employment

India has witnessed a paradox in employment. Indian recruitment is going through a peculiar phase. Surprisingly, almost 8 million youngsters enter the job market every year; still, companies find it tough to fill vacancies for crucial roles. The main reason for this is the enlarging skill gap. Many times students do not possess the skill set required by companies for crucial roles. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Robots can help re-skill and up-skill students. Subsequently, Robotics can use AI and predictive analysis to map high demanded skills to boost career prospects.

Streamline admin work and universal access

Teachers have to spend their precious time and energy on admin tasks and paper checking. They can use this time to impart knowledge. Here Robotics comes into play as it can streamline these tasks. Robotics in Education gifts us universal access wherein students belonging to different linguistic communities can learn freely.

Customized Learning

The most fundamental efficacy of Robotics in Education is customized learning. Different students have different problems. Therefore, we require different methodologies to address them. Some students have good grasping power while some learn at a slower pace. Subsequently, AI in Robots can smartly customize learning by giving challenging tasks to fast learners and going at a slower speed for slow learners. It can also communicate with learners, simulating human experiences by voice or hologram.

Catering to differently abled students

Today, we have a plethora of online courses for upgrading skills available. But unfortunately, these courses are unable to cater to the needs of differently-abled students. In such a scenario, Robotics attains prime importance. AI in Robots can create customized lessons to suit the learning needs of differently-abled students as well. During the video conference for Smart India Hackathon, 2019, an engineering student from Dehradun presented her program that could help dyslexic students by utilizing the benefits of AI. Hence, Robotics can unclip the wings of specially-abled children by enabling them to learn the latest skill sets.

A GLANCE AT SOME SUCCESS STORIES

Some counties have already very well amalgamated technology with education. Columbia is running full-time online schools as a substitute for bricks and mortar schools. The schools use digital resources like digital grade books, digital portfolios, learning games and real-time feedback of students. Finland has goodwill as an educational powerhouse, imparting quality learning. It is also known for making the most advanced application of digital technology in formal and extracurricular activities. Finland has successfully used Robotics through humanoid robots and mobile apps. The robots can understand and speak up to 23 languages. The robots can also give feedback to teachers about the problems that students face. Robotics enhances the overall interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) by developing critical thinking skills.

Robotics in E-Learning is not an unexplored arena. Air Force technicians use Intelligent Tutoring Systems like SHERLOCK to detect electrical system problems in aircraft. We can use a similar system in education as well. Another pertinent instance is Duolingo which is one of the most famous apps used for learning foreign languages. Carnegie Learning’s MATHia was awarded the “Best Use of AI in Education”. It is a learning engine that adjusts itself according to the capacity of students.

THE FINAL THOUGHT

Robotics can certainly pave a new path for Education. It provides adaptive learning to help students ace subjects. It would help impart quality education through an engaging methodology.Skill upliftment through a digital medium can provide a flexible approach besides adding shimmer to one’s resume. Today various fields are making optimum use of Robotics. Hence we need to deal with the challenges associated with it. The primary challenge before us is preparing students for this change. We need to instill an understanding that AI would simply complex things while eliminating boundaries in learning. At the same time, one also needs to understand that there are roles requiring creativity, emotional intelligence. Only humans can play these roles well. We ought to bust the myth that utilizing Robotics in various fields would not lead to unemployment.

The purpose of using Robotics in Education is not to replace the existing people but to enhance the quality of Education. Thus the need of the hour is striking a balance and combining both AI and human abilities. Another challenge is that there is a vast need for Research & Development in this field as we are just in the initial phase of usage. Extensive Research and further innovation would ensure successful implementation.

Adapting to changes always seems difficult. But we need to understand that change is the only constant. Therefore, we must be more receptive to it.“Robotics in Education is not meant to eliminate humans but to facilitate them”.

WHY IS SOCIETY SCARED OF CONFIDENT WOMEN?

INTRODUCTION

Men often consider workplaces like offices and positions of power as their original territory. But unfortunately, a woman walking down the same corridor seems really hurting. Maybe, the patriarchal society does not dare to accept a woman’s success. Society has sadly conditioned men to see women as inferior. Society has suppressed women for the longest time. Men have gotten so used to seeing women as the weaker sex that they cannot see them prosper. The story does not belong to the present day. Society is writing it since ancient times. A legitimate example would be the terror in the hearts of men on seeing Razia Sultan’s regime.

CONSTANT FEAR OF SUCCESSFUL WOMEN

A woman with a solid and confident personality strikes terror in the hearts of men for no fault of hers. Suppose a woman questions a decision or expresses her point strongly. In that case, she is instantly stereotyped as a devil for violating the conventional code of conduct. As a retaliation, men usually title strong women as challenging to work with or get along or tough to handle. This is the most common solution men use when they cannot accept a confident and booming woman. The frustration is so deep that they even derogate the assumption that the woman must have done sexual favors to impress her boss.

The issue is not that superficial as it may seem to be. Instead, it is something much deeper rooted. More than a mere stereotypical gender face-off, it brings out the fickle-mindedness of society.  For long years the community has conditioned men to see themselves as superior and women tolerant of it. The television and film industry is the trendsetter for the country. But unfortunately, in the majority of cases, successful and confident working women are often portrayed as mean, cold-hearted, or harsh. If a man is career-driven, then he is praised for his determination. But if a woman does the same, she’s seen as selfish or irresponsible towards her family. Successful working women are rarely portrayed as affectionate mothers or wives. This brings out a bizarre assumption that a career deteriorates motherhood in a woman.

WHY ARE WE SO INSECURE?

Insecure people do pull down everyone, but when this pulling down does a gender bias, things get ugly. The whole proposition takes a dramatic turn because men often see it as a role reversal. They often look at this role reversal as a threat to their masculinity. Since the earliest times, a man is seen as the breadwinner for the family. This label further cements their superiority over women. This is because it is a certification of the fact that women are dependent upon men. In such a scenario, when women break their cocoons and move out, it scares men to the core. Men are in constant fear of losing their supposed superiority over women. Men cannot accept that women can break their shackles and be on an equal footing to them.

POSITION OF THE SOCIETY

This fear of losing power is so deeply rooted that it is visible even between a husband and a wife. If a wife starts earning equal to or more than her husband, she often hurts her husband’s ego and falls prey to numerous taunts. But this does not mean that only men are at fault, the society has an equal contribution. Very conveniently, society says that behind every successful man, there is a woman. Still, it cannot believe the vice versa. Community respectfully uses the term “working women” for females when they move out of their homes. But it mockingly uses the phrase “house husband” when a husband takes care of the household. This clearly highlights that despite shouting about equality at the rooftops, society is still uncomfortable for it at heart.

THE FINAL THOUGHT

Not liking a woman just because she is successful or confident brings out society’s own insecurities. If a husband supports his wife the same way his wife helps him, things will improve. It is certainly wrong to stereotype that all men are afraid of confident women. Husbands have started supporting their wives to fulfill their dreams. This precious support is unclipping their wings.

Men have begun respecting women at top management levels.  The traditional rigid roles of men being the protector provider and women being dependent ought to be challenged. Masculinity is no certificate of superiority. Equality comes where we judge a person on his merit and not his gender. Gender bias is certainly corrosive to society and progress as well. There is nothing wrong with healthy competition. In fact, it actually brings out the best in a person and helps him to flourish. But when this competition is a pure consequence of the power play between sexes, it does become problematic.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TOWARDS MEN: THE IGNORED SUFFERING

INTRODUCTION 

The term “domestic violence” refers to all the violent acts coming from one family member against another.Besides physical abuse, its ambit also extends to verbal, psychological, and sexual abuse. A huge misconception that prevails in India is that domestic violence is always directed towards women. However, men also suffer from domestic violence. Due to gender-stereotypical assumptions, society is unable to believe that a woman can inflict violence on a man. Suffocated by the socio-cultural norms, men are unable to speak of this violence against them.

A GLANCE AT THE PROBLEM

According to the latest Indian study, almost 51.5% of couples have been into domestic violence. Society always thinks of domestic violence against women. Scarce research data on domestic violence against men are available in the scientific literature. Men are always believed to be the perpetrators. However, domestic violence is not limited to women only. Men are also subject to verbal, physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse. Usually, men do not raise their voices against this abuse and are silent victims of the torture.

According to a recent study, 51.5% of men have experienced domestic violence at least once in their lifetime and 10.5% in the last 12 months. Considering physical violence and threats against men by wife’s relatives almost 30 million Indian men face domestic violence. The laws in our society usually see women as victims. In such a case, men become helpless and do not get justice easily. Men are declared as culprits even before the actual decision. In the past, society has been male-dominated and we have seen heinous crimes against women. However, that does not entitle us to perceive that men can never be sufferers. 

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Domestic violence can affect a person’s life physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. It violates basic human rights. There are many types of domestic violence.

Physical Violence

Physical violence refers to physical torture leading to bodily harm or injury. It includes slapping, pushing, hitting or throwing objects. In physical violence, slapping was identified as the most common form (98.3%). Physical violence is the most common type of violence after emotional violence. Society often pictures men to have physical strength and women to be physically weaker. Therefore it is a common misbelief that men never face physical violence.

Psychological Violence

Psychological violence exerts adverse effects on mental health. It causes emotional harm to the person. A recent study reported 85% abuse against the men by criticism, 29.7% by insult, and 3.5% by threats. It can also be exerted through constant threats to the husband under false allegations of dowry, marital rape or domestic violence.

WHY DON’T MEN RAISE VOICE?

In a patriarchal society, men are often ashamed to be beaten by a woman. Family pressure also prevents men to report the torture. The reasons for this are societal status and the fear of false accusations of dowry or marital. Also even when men report domestic abuse, people do not believe them. Additionally, when they try to complain, no one takes them seriously. Majorly men are ashamed of saying that they are beaten by their wives. A false hope that things would get better, fear of losing social respect, love toward their children stop men from raising voices. Also the fear of false accusations scares men to the core. Unfortunately, even when men complain it is perceived as “feminine behaviour” in the patriarchal society.

THE ADVERSE IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON MEN

Violence adversely affects life physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. Violence is a violation of human rights. Unreported and unnoticed violence against men deteriorates mental health, can cause depression, anxiety or even suicide in extreme cases. It has been observed that suicide rates were more in married men as compared to separated or unmarried men. Besides depression men also have to live in constant fear of false allegations against them and their families. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), violence can increase the risk of getting addicted to smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse; it can also cause mental illness and suicidal tendencies. It can also cause chronic diseases like heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer; and social problems such as crime and further violence.

GENDER NEUTRAL LAWS

Adultery sees man as the ultimate culprit. We don’t have a law where a man can complain to his wife or in-laws. Divorce and child custody laws, look at women with a more sympathetic vision and consider them as a victim. The same is true in the case of maintenance after divorce. The number of false allegations on men regarding marital rape is also increasing.

We need gender-neutral laws that address the issue of false allegations. Human rights and gender equality ought to include both men and women. Domestic violence should be seen as spousal violence. It shall not be differentiated due to gender stereotypes. The domestic violence act in India pertains to women only. Studies clearly show that men are also the victims of domestic violence at the hand of women. Hence, necessary amendments addressing violence against men are required.

CONCLUSION

Society is changing, and so are the norms and values regarding domestic violence. We need to understand that men can also be physically and mentally harassed by their spouses and in-laws. Hence, their problems must be recognized and appropriate strategies and interventions should be implemented. We cannot deny that the society that we are inhabiting is male-dominated and patriarchal. However, this does not mean that every time a man is wrong and a woman is right. Real equality does not see women as the weaker sex. Rather it recognises domestic violence as spousal violence. It gives men the courage to raise their voice against violence and society, the humility to understand it.

 Laws and legislation must include domestic violence against men as a punishable offence. If we need men who understand and respect women then we also need women who do the same for men. In the end, we need to be more considerate towards both men and women. Like all women are not victims similarly all men are also not the perpetrators. Men and women are the pillars of both society and their families. Hence, laws are needed to protect both. We can flourish only when we understand gender equality in the true sense.

A PEEP INTO PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

INTRODUCTION

Pro-social behavior refers to behavior intended to help others. The term had originated during the 1970s. This behavior is characterized by a concern for the emotions, feelings, and welfare of others. Pro-social behavior comprises a wide variety of actions like helping, sharing, comforting, and cooperating. Besides benefitting the recipients of help, pro-social behavior benefits the helper as well.

BENEFITS ACCRUING TO THE HELPER

MOOD BOOSTER

Several kinds of research have shown that people engaging in pro-social behaviors usually experience better moods. Additionally, people who help and care for others experience negative attitudes less frequently. So besides increasing positivity, pro-social behavior also reduces negativity.

REDUCES STRESS

Several researchers have found that pro-social behavior combats the adverse effects of stress. This is because it boosts positive emotions and helps the person get out of negative feelings. Helping others is undoubtedly a great way to reduce stress.

BETTER SOCIAL RELATIONS

Better social support definitely helps get through tough times. Several pieces of research have shown that social support has a powerful impact on the well-being of a person. Better social relations also reduce the chances of getting into depression.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR?

The different types are distinguished based on why they are produced.

Proactive: These are pro-social actions that are done for generating benefits for one’s own self. These actions are mainly motivated by status-linked goals. 

Reactive: These actions are performed in response to individual needs, which vary from person to person.

Altruistic: These include actions to help and care for others without any expectation of personal benefit. These actions are linked to being liked and praised by the community.

There is a misconception that altruism is the same as pro-social behavior, but they are different concepts in reality. Pro-social behavior ultimately confers some benefits to the self. At the same time, altruism is motivated purely out of concern for the individual.

WHAT INDUCES PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN A PERSON?

In some cases, people even put their own lives at risk to help others, sometimes even complete strangers. Social scientists have tried for a long to know what exactly induces this behavior. The question is indeed fascinating: why would people do something that benefits others but offers no immediate benefit to them. There are numerous reasons why people engage in pro-social behavior.

PERSONAL BENEFITS

Pro-social behaviors are often compelled by factors like self-gratification like doing things to improve one’s self-image, reciprocal benefits like doing something nice for a return favor, and altruistic reasons like performing actions purely out of empathy.

RECIPROCAL BENEFITS

The norm of reciprocity suggests that when people help someone, the person feels compelled to help in return. When a person gets help from another, he automatically assumes a duty to return that favor as and when possible. This encourages pro-social behavior in the helper as well.

SOCIALISATION

Pro-social behavior is usually fostered in the early years of life, that is, during childhood itself. Parents teach values of sharing, caring, and empathy to their children. If these values are fostered in youth and adolescence, then it promotes pro-social behavior in adults.

WHAT IS THE BYSTANDER EFFECT?

Characteristics of the situation have a powerful impact on whether or not people engage in pro-social actions. The bystander effect is one of the best examples of how circumstances can impact helping behaviors. The bystander effect is a fascinating psychological theory. According to this effect, the tendency to help the other person reduces when many other people are present. The bystander effect can be clearly seen in the case of road accidents.

Interestingly, witnesses assume that since so many other people are present, someone else will automatically help them. So even if a person wants to help the other, the thought that someone else would do it stops the person from helping. Sadly, these assumptions run through all the people present, and none of them actually helps the individual in need. 

FACTORS INFLUENCING PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Several pieces of research on the bystander effect gave a better understanding of why people help in some situations but not in others. Experts have discovered many different situational variables that influence and sometimes interfere with pro-social behaviors.

JUDGEMENT

Many times people are afraid of helping only to discover that their help was unwanted or unwarranted. To avoid being judged by other bystanders, people prefer to take no action. This fear of judgment or embarrassment actually stops them from helping others even if they really want to.

RESPONSE FROM OTHER INDIVIDUALS

People also tend to look to others for their response in such situations, mainly if the event contains some level of ambiguity or confusion. If no one else seems to be reacting, then individuals also become less likely to respond. Basically, they look upon others for their behavior and try to act on similar lines.

NUMBER OF BYSTANDERS

The bystander effect has well-illustrated that when more people are present, the tendency of a particular individual to help the one need reduces significantly. Also more the people around, the less personal responsibility people assume in a situation. This is popularly known as diffusion of responsibility.

TOWARDS THE END

Besides benefitting the recipient of the help, pro-social behavior also benefits the doer. In this way, both persons receive support in separate ways. If pro-social behavior is taught in early childhood and nurtured in adolescence, it would bloom in adulthood.

#MediChain- USING BLOCKCHAIN IN MEDICINE

INTRODUCTION TO THE IDEA

“Healthcare is yet to be transformed by technology.” The renowned American businessman, Joshua Koshner has very rightly given this statement. Developed countries like the USA plan to spend 20% of their GDP on healthcare in future. The Healthcare industry spends jarring costs due to data breaches and inefficient practices in data management. In this case, Blockchain comes to the rescue. It can certainly pop this spending bubble with great ease.

WHAT IS BLOCKCHAIN?

Blockchain is an immutable, decentralised form of database that stores information. As the name suggests, it is a chain or a series of blocks that store data like the date, time and amount of transactions. There are various types of blockchains like public, private and permissioned. A public blockchain allows anyone to contribute to the network. Hence public blockchains are both decentralised and democratic. Opposite to this, permissioned blockchains allow only verified participants to join the network. Private and permissioned blockchains are similar in function with one difference. The difference is that a particular organisation owns a Private blockchain.

The most important feature associated with blockchains is security. Each block within a blockchain contains a hash of the previous block. A hash is a cryptographic key. These keys are stored in the shared ledger. The keys are also connected by a mesh of nodes that join them. Each node contains a copy of the whole chain which is synchronised and updated constantly. Therefore hashing makes it difficult to alter the blocks. Thus it ensures immutability. Moreover, incentivising miners ensures integrity as they disapprove malicious transactions. These mechanisms ensure the high security of data

HOW DO WE USE BLOCKCHAIN IN MEDICINE?

Blockchain has a wide range of applications in the field of medicine.

STORING PATIENT DATA

Blockchain can keep a decentralised, incorruptible and transparent log of patient data. Since the Blockchain would be private, it would store the sensitive data safely with complex codes involved in it. Decentralisation of data would also allow patients and faculty to access the information, saving the time involved therein. Therefore, Blockchain can create a constantly updated single ledger of health records for rapid transfer by authorised parties.

SECURE DATA STORAGE

The safety and security of patient data have prime importance. Over 176 million patient records were leaked due to data breaches between 2009 and 2017. Important details like health and genomic testing records were stolen. In such a case blockchain provides safety of data through its security features. Each individual can have a private key that would unlock data only when required. Thence, blockchain can store data safely and securely.

SEAMLESS SHARING DATA TRANSFER

The data stored on the blockchain can be readily shared with healthcare providers. This can be done through a shareable private key. Hence blockchain can easily eliminate the time wasted in sharing information with health care providers. It would ensure speedy treatment without time lag. Therefore, Blockchain would improve Health Information Technology (HIT).

PREVENT INEFFICACIES

Surprisingly, a whopping amount of $11 billion is wasted annually due to inefficiencies in data management. The processes involved in obtaining data access related to medical records are very time-consuming. These processes not only exhaust the staff resources involved but also lead to delays in inpatient care. Decentralisation of medical records helps save the time wasted in providing data access to faculties. This way Blockchain would facilitate faster diagnosis and treatment.

SUPPLY CHAIN TRACEABILITY

Decentralisation has serious implications in terms of supply chain traceability. It ensures full transparent supply chain management. Patients can get appropriate answers to concerns related to the supply chain. The ledger once created, can record data at every step of the shipping journey. It would record important details like the information about the supplier.

TRACKING DISEASE OUTBREAKS

Blockchain can help in real-time disease reporting. It would also facilitate the recognition of disease patterns. This can in turn help in identifying transmission parameters.

SAFETY OF GENOMICS

In 2001, the cost to process a human genome was $1 billion. But today, it is just $1000. Hence, the ability of genomics to improve health has certainly become a financial and scientific reality. But these days genomics data theft has become a serious issue. A large number of companies bring individual DNA sequencing. Therefore the security of genomics data is a serious concern. Blockchain provides a potential solution to this. It can provide an online market, where scientists can buy encrypted data for research purposes. This would also eliminate the middlemen and time involved in the purpose earlier. So, blockchain is a perfect fit for this purpose as it can store precious genomics data safely.

A GLANCE AT SOME SUCCESS STORIES

Blockchain in healthcare is certainly not an unexplored arena. Several platforms have already reaped the benefits of blockchain and others are planning to do so. BurstIQ is a platform that helps companies manage patient data safely and securely. Factom has employed blockchain technology to store digital health records safely. Factom also received a grant of $200000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to integrate data from Border Patrol cameras and sensors. MedicalChain maintains a record of the origin and patient identity. In May 2018 MedicalChain launched a telemedicine platform to consult doctors via video call. Guardtime which is located in California helps healthcare companies to implement blockchain technology in their operations. The company uses blockchain for cybersecurity applications. Robomed has combined AI and blockchain to offer patients better treatment. The company also uses chatbots to collect patient information and share it with the medical team. The Taipei Medical University has recently implemented blockchain technology including Robomed’s network. This was done to store and secure medical records more easily.

Most importantly, the government agency, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses blockchain to monitor diseases and report outbreaks. Additionally, IBM is working with CDC to develop a blockchain-based surveillance system. Subsequently, this would also help public health agencies to collect patient data effectively.

THE FINAL THOUGHT

Developed countries spend a good share of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in healthcare. The U.S government plans to spend 20% of its GDP on healthcare soon. Hospital costs are whopping and inefficient practices in data management further aggravate the. Blockchain can reduce these costs substantially. Estonia has been an initiative taker in this regard. It began harnessing the benefits of blockchain technology in healthcare in 2012. Today almost all of the healthcare billing in the country is processed through blockchain.  Almost 95% of patient data is ledger-based while 99% of prescription data is digital.

Today, blockchain is used in various fields like education, finance and data management. Blockchain has a wide variety of applications in healthcare. It facilitates the secure transfer of patient medical records, supply chain, management and handling of genetic code. Inculcating blockchain technology can improve the efficacy of operations in health care. Currently, we are in the initial phase of using blockchain. Therefore, we need extensive research in this field. We also need pilot surveys to understand the efficacy and limitations of the technology. Blockchain will not only reduce costs but would also improve the safety and security of data.

The significance of innovations is indispensable. Also, change is the only constant. Therefore, encouraging innovations and accepting changes is the need of the hour.