POPULATION EXPLOSION

India is the world’s second most populous country, after the Republic of China. India is currently the world’s second-most populous country, accounting for 2.4% of the global land area and 17.5% of the global population. This means that one in every six people on Earth is an Indian. According to the United Nations, India’s population of 1.3 billion people will surpass China’s population of 1.4 billion by 2024, making it the world’s most populous country. Population growth is viewed as a threat and a burden on the planet. The rapid increase in the number of people in a given area is referred to as a population explosion. It is a situation in which the country’s economy cannot keep up with the country’s rapid population growth. Furthermore, it is a situation in which the economy is unable to provide adequate facilities to its citizens. The poorer nations, also known as developing countries, are the largest contributors to the population explosion. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, while Lakshadweep is the least populous. As a result, population explosion is inversely related to development in that area. Population growth has become the mother of all evils in our country, trapping people in a web of poverty and illiteracy that exacerbates the problem. In India, there is always a crowd of people at any time of day, whether it is at a metro station, airport, railway platform, road, highway bus stop, shopping mall, market, or even a social or religious gathering. The difference in birth rates is the primary cause of this population explosion. The birth rate is the number of people born in a population over a given period. The human birth rate is the number of babies born each year per 1000 people in the population. For example, if 35 births occur per 1000 people per year, the birth rate is 35). The death rate is the ratio of deaths to individuals in a given population over a given period. Simply put, the incidence of deaths in a given population over a specified period (such as a year) is expressed per 1000 people. Aside from these, some other factors contribute to the population explosion, such as a decrease in infant mortality rate (Mortality rate refers to the number of deaths of infants below the age of 6 months.), Increased life expectancy (An estimate of the average number of additional years that a person of a given age can expect to live). People’s life expectancy used to be around 55-60 years. The average person’s age has now risen to 70-75 years.) However, thanks to improved medical facilities, we can now extend people’s lives. Previously, the birth and death rates were balanced due to limited medical facilities, people dying in wars, and other calamities. Another factor contributing to population growth is illiteracy. Illiterate people become traditional, superstitious, and ignorant. For example, Kerala has a very high literacy rate despite accounting for only 2.76% of India’s population, whereas Uttar Pradesh has the highest illiteracy rate and accounts for 16.49% of the population. Well-educated people are well aware of birth control methods. Family planning, welfare programmes, and policies have failed to produce the desired results. The increase in population is putting tremendous strain on India’s limited infrastructure and undermining its progress.

IMPORTANCE OF ADULT EDUCATION

Education is not a seasonal or seasonal activity or pursuit. Education and knowledge are both ongoing processes that occur throughout an individual’s lifetime. Every day, as the saying goes, we learn something new. Even formal education is not limited to children or young adults. Adult education allows mature adults to learn more and hone any specific skills they desire. Adult education entails providing mature adults with a variety of educational options for learning new skills or honing existing ones. It is a method of educating adults beyond the traditional school and college education that we provide to children. Adult education can be formal, vocational, recreational, social, and so on.

Adult or Continuing Education differs from traditional school and college education. We must consider that these adults are already experienced and, more than likely, employed. As a result, the curriculum and teaching methods must be modified to account for this. The significance of adult education stems from the fact that it builds on prior knowledge. Adult education’s main goal and significance are to level the playing field for certain adults in the professional world. As a result of having access to education, they have a second chance at a better career or advancement in their current one. They can even learn new skills that will help them in their careers. They can advance their careers by broadening their knowledge and skill set. Adult education also teaches students how to apply their skills and knowledge in the real world. 

Another advantage of adult education is that it increases societal and national literacy rates. Adults will be able to reach their full potential in their personal lives if they improve their basic literacy. While we have seen the benefits and importance of adult education, we cannot ignore the fact that there are some significant challenges that we face with the concept of adult education. The most notable aspect is that most adults must balance a full-time job and career with such educational activities. They struggle to find the time and energy to balance both.

At times, the individual may also have full-time responsibilities at home. They struggle to balance all of their responsibilities while still attending classes regularly. Some adults even lack the confidence and motivation to return to school after a long absence.

Various programmes for adult education and skill development have been initiated and promoted by the Government of India over the last few decades. The primary goal of these programmes is to increase literacy rates in the country’s poorest areas. Their goal has also been to increase the literacy rates of our country’s scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, rural women, and other often overlooked minorities. The “Saakshar Bharat” scheme and the “Scheme to Support Voluntary Agencies for Adult Education and Skill Development” are two of the main schemes that have seen some success. The government also provides aid and assistance to other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working to promote adult education in our country.

Importance of discipline in life

Discipline is the practice of forcing people to follow rules. Furthermore, it entails adhering to certain acceptable standards of behaviour. Discipline is unquestionably important in everyone’s life. A life devoid of discipline is a life of chaos and confusion. Most importantly, discipline transforms a person into a better human being. Discipline is a crucial characteristic. To begin with, discipline assists an individual in becoming more focused. Furthermore, a disciplined person has a much better focus on his or her work, activities, or goals. Discipline causes a person to avoid various types of distractions. Discipline instils a sense of sincerity and seriousness. As a result, discipline produces a high-quality focus.

Discipline earns a person a lot of respect from others. A disciplined person, by definition, commands respect from others. Discipline in one’s life is a difficult task. As a result, people admire someone who manages to live a disciplined life. Good health is another notable benefit of discipline. A disciplined person keeps a strict schedule for everything. As a result, a disciplined person has a set time for eating, sleeping, rising, exercising, working, and so on. Furthermore, such a person is very strict about his diet. As a result, all of these measures ensure the individual’s good health and physical fitness.

Self-control is a commendable benefit of discipline. Disciplined people exercise greater restraint and control over their actions. When speaking with others, a disciplined person is very careful with his words. Furthermore, such a person ensures that his behaviour is always decent and appropriate. Having more time is a valuable benefit of remaining disciplined. A disciplined person will undoubtedly have more time than an undisciplined person. This is because a disciplined person will not waste time on useless or worthless activities. Furthermore, a disciplined person will not devote too much time to any one task. People would have a lot of free time with them if they took this approach. This free time would not have been possible if there had been indiscipline.

TECHNIQUES OF SELF DISCIPLINE

Time management is a popular discipline technique. Time is used as a regulator in time management. Furthermore, the observer of time serves as the governor of time management. Most importantly, time management ensures that time is used efficiently. Furthermore, time management places each activity within a time frame. As a result, each activity and task must start and end at a specific time.
Another technique is responsibility-based discipline. Furthermore, this technique co-opts members of an organisation to understand problem-solving solutions. Setting out instructions for changing future behaviour is part of responsibility-based discipline. This is also accomplished by emulating positive, respectful role models. 
Corporal punishment is another important discipline technique. This method entails scolding, spanking, or hitting people. Most importantly, this technique is beneficial to school students. This is because many school students are rude and naughty. As a result, simply talking or instructions may not be effective with them.
To summarise, discipline is a crucial quality to possess in all aspects of life. Discipline is unquestionably the rung on the success ladder. Discipline also brings out the best in us. Most importantly, discipline keeps our body, mind, and soul in check.

What is ragging and why should it be prevented

The Supreme Court defined ragging as “any disorderly conduct, whether by words spoken or written, or by any act that has the effect of teasing, treating with rudeness any other student indulging in rowdy or indisciplined activities that causes or is likely to cause annoyance, hardship, or psychological harm, or to raise fear of apprehension thereof ill a fresher or a junior student, or asking the students to do any act or perform something which such students. The apex court has taken into consideration while defining ragging all kinds of acts faced by a fresher or a junior while subjecting to ragging by the seniors. Ragging has become a threat, a source of fear and surprise not only for freshmen but also for their parents, who are sending their children to pursue higher education with their hard-earned money. Several intellectual youths have become ragging martyrs, some have had nervous breakdowns, some have left institutes after being subjected to ragging, some have committed suicide, and some have been murdered by seniors under the guise of ragging. The court, the authorities, the principal, and every concern have all condemned ragging as a heinous practice, but it persists despite all of the rules, regulations, and directives of courts and authorities. Nobody could claim to have completely stopped it. The most heinous case of ragging was revealed in November 1986, when Navarasu, a 17-year-old first-year medical student at Annamalai University in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, was brutally murdered by a senior named “David,” who was said to be a Karate expert. He murdered Navarasu because he refused to submit to his ragging whims. 

In August 2003, an engineering student at Engineering College Jalpaiguri in West Bengal was admitted to hospital after enduring a night of brutal ragging by his seniors. For refusing to strip in front of the seniors, the victim was beaten with iron rods and bicycle chains. The governments, both central and state, have taken positive steps to put an end to this practice. Mr S.R. Bommai, the HRD Minister at the time, informed the Rajya Sabha that steps were being taken to ensure that those found guilty of ragging were treated as guilty of gross misconduct and that the penalty of rustication or removal from the rolls of the universities could be imposed on the offenders. He also informed the House that instructions have been issued to universities, institutions, and state governments to take firm action to combat this threat and to invoke the necessary legal provisions. In a public interest case in 2001, the Supreme Court stated that “failure to prevent ragging by management would be an act of negligence in maintaining discipline in the institution.” If a student is subjected to ragging, the Principal and other authorities may face consequences. The Supreme Court also stated that “if an institution fails to curb ragging, the UGC/ fun ‘agency may consider discontinuing financial assistance to such an institution until it implements the anti-ragging norms.” A university may consider disaffiliating a college or institution that does not comply with the court’s clear warning.

THE WORLD AFTER COVID 19

COVID-19 infected hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The pandemic has also caused significant damage to global and regional governing political structures, necessitating a reconsideration of their own raison d’être. The global economic fallout has also been unprecedented, with major disruptions in the flow of goods and people, as well as lockdowns in the transportation, services, and retail industries, among others. Three realities must be genuinely addressed to build a post-COVID-19 order that is adequately prepared to deal with the next global crisis, as well as those that have been ongoing for decades. First, the previously held belief that global crises and problems are addressed through local responses must be abandoned. Second, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the importance of (re)investing in basic, perhaps naive and simple, public health functions like sanitation, as well as transparent national and global health monitoring. Third, the pandemic serves as a stark reminder to abandon the mantra that privatisation of the healthcare delivery system is the solution, in favour of viewing health as a public good that must be managed and executed by the state and its public sector, whether national, sub-regional, or local. We must learn from the pandemic to strengthen our societies. The pandemic has also caused significant damage to global and regional governing political structures, necessitating a reconsideration of their raison d’être and mode of operation (or lack thereof). The global economic fallout will also be unprecedented, as goods and people flows have been severely disrupted, and lockdowns have hit the transportation, services, and retail industries, among others. Many people around the world have speculated in recent years about the impact of rising nationalism on the formation of a new world order. COVID-19 demonstrated how nationalism can lead to the dissolution of decade-long alliances based on shared values and interests. The question now is whether the world will support and continue with the nationalism theme after COVID-19, or whether the balance will shift toward placing more value on globalist approaches and values, beginning with better global health. The pandemic is a clear reminder to abandon the mantra that privatisation of the healthcare delivery system is the solution in favour of viewing health as a public good that must be managed and executed by the state and its public sector, whether national, sub-regional, or local. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of the “health for all” approach, which sees health as a public good. As a result, the population of every single country affected by COVID-19 expected the state to take care of them, from testing, containment, and healthcare provision to relocating citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of the “health for all” approach, which sees health as a public good. As a result, the population of every single country affected by COVID-19 expected the state to take care of them, from testing, containment, and healthcare provision to relocating citizens. This was true even in countries where the dominant culture and philosophy valued minimal state intervention in all aspects of life. COVID-19 will alter our perceptions of the state’s role and responsibilities.COVID-19 is not the first global crisis that humanity has faced, nor will it be the last. At the moment, the critical issue is to learn from this pandemic and advance our societies to become stronger and more just, something that the world has not prioritised in recent decades. This could be a wake-up call.

UNEMPLOYMENT: A MAJOR ISSUE

Unemployment is a major problem not only in India but around the world. There are hundreds of thousands of people out there who are unemployed. Furthermore, unemployment is a major issue in India due to the growing population and demand for jobs. Furthermore, if we ignore this issue, it will become the cause of the nation’s demise. Unemployment refers to a situation in which skilled and talented individual desires to work. However, due to a variety of factors, I am unable to find a suitable job. We now understand what unemployment is, but it does not simply mean that a person does not have a job. Unemployment also includes people who work in fields outside of their expertise.

Disguised unemployment, seasonal unemployment, open unemployment, technological unemployment, and structural unemployment are all examples of different types of unemployment. In addition, there is cyclical unemployment, educated unemployment, underemployment, frictional unemployment, chronic unemployment, and casual unemployment.

The most common types of unemployment in India are seasonal unemployment, unemployment, and disguised unemployment. In a country like India, there are numerous reasons why a large portion of the population is unemployed. Some of these factors include population growth, slow economic growth, seasonal occupation, slow economic growth, and a decline in the cottage industry.

Furthermore, these are the primary causes of unemployment in India. Furthermore, the situation has deteriorated to the point where highly educated individuals are willing to perform the duties of a sweeper. Furthermore, the government is not taking its responsibilities seriously. on unemployment, unemployment, and disguised unemployment. If things continue as they are, unemployment will become a major problem. Apart from that, an economy experiences an increase in poverty, an increase in crime, labour exploitation, political instability, mental health problems, and skill loss. As a result, all of this will eventually lead to the nation’s demise. The government has taken the problem seriously and is taking steps to gradually reduce unemployment. IRDP (Integrated Rural Development Programme), DPAP (Drought Prone Area Programme), Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, Employment Assurance Scheme, NRY (Nehru Rozgar Yojana), Self-Employment Training, PMIUPEP (Prime Minister’s Integrated Urban Poverty Eradication Program), employment exchange, Employment Guarantee Scheme, development of the organised sector, small and cottage industries, employment in forging countries, and Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yo

Furthermore, through these schemes, the government makes some rules more flexible, allowing for job creation in the private sector as well. To summarise, the problem of unemployment in India has reached a tipping point. However, the government and local governments have taken the issue seriously and are working to reduce unemployment. Also, to
fully address the issue of unemployment, we must address the root cause of the problem, which is India’s vast population.

IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

Who doesn’t like to look beautiful? But, for being the centre of attraction, you have to spend maybe a million dollars a year to feel contented. Myth alert! Do you know, you can look 10x younger without spending a single penny? Yes, you’ve read that right. The simple solution is EXERCISE! 

Science says that a person who exercises regularly has a higher lifespan with more happy days, and the feeling of being confident enough is just endless. 

Exercise continues to help millions of people stay fit and achieve their goals every day. Along with its many benefits, one major benefit of exercising is that it assists in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Regular exercise reduces your blood pressure and overall bad cholesterol. Not only this, it increases your good cholesterol levels as well — wow! 

Every year, almost 70 million Americans are affected by insomnia (sleeplessness). And almost 40-50% of the adult population globally suffers from this condition. These figures are alarming. But, don’t worry. Exercise is here for our rescue. It is scientifically proven that exercise greatly improves the quality of sleep. Since exercise improves physical health, so by the end of the day, your body feels rested. And as a result, you stop turning and tossing your head in anticipation of a restful sleep all night. 

Over the years, multiple types of research and studies have shown how inactivity has contributed to increasing an individual’s weight. However, exercise can help you lose weight as well. 

To fully understand the effect of exercise on weight loss, it is important to first understand the connection between body energy consumption and exercise. 

Your body uses energy in three ways: 

1) Digestion

2) Exercise

3) Maintaining heartbeat & breathing

During digestion, a lower calorie intake lowers your metabolic rate, which, in the meantime, aids in delaying weight loss.  On the other hand, regular exercise increases your metabolic rate, and resultantly, your body burns more calories and you begin to lose weight. No, that’s not magic. Its science. 

Depression and anxiety have found their places in our minds. Even burnouts are forcing people to take pricey therapy sessions. But, it’s about time you should kiss goodbye to all those factors that make your feel depressed. 

Exercise is the answer. Yes, exercise releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that lift your spirits and give you a positive feeling. It can also help you combat loneliness and make you a sociable person altogether. 

When we think about or read about exercise, one question that frequently comes to mind is, “How much exercise is enough?” Actually, it depends on your age and medical condition. However, it is advised to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day to live a happy and healthy life.

E- LEARNING: A BOON OR BANE?

Our educational system has currently undergone a paradigm transition, not just in terms of resources and content, but also in terms of manner. E-books replaced hardcovers, Google Classrooms replaced project files, tablet displays replaced whiteboards, and virtual meetings replaced classroom contact.

The COVID-19 issue has already interrupted numerous industries, including education. The disappearance of conventional classrooms is one of the many casualties of COVID-19. While online courses existed before the pandemic, they had a distinct function for students, such as providing access to modules if they did not have the means or augmenting what they were taught in actual classrooms. Back then, online learning was never intended to be the primary form of instruction. However, because of social distancing restrictions and lockdowns, online classrooms have become the principal source of educational teaching for pupils of all ages. Sugarcoating the current situation does not assist or make it any easier for us: online learning is difficult. Education is intended to be passed on through human interaction. Storytelling was the original kind of education: people all over the world used stories to pass down knowledge, history, beliefs, and customs. Stories are vital to everything that makes us human. While the online learning platform is really beneficial, it takes away what we as people are designed for social thinking, meaningful interactions, and true connection. Humans have a basic need for food and shelter, but we also have a basic urge to belong to a community and develop connections. Most of our thoughts, behaviours, and feelings are motivated by the desire to be in a loving relationship, to fit in at school, to avoid rejection, to be well-liked, to have fun with friends, to get along with family, and to check in on social media. Life is tough, people are complicated, and transitioning from traditional schooling to online education is no easy task. But, just as every coin has two sides, there are certain positive elements to this transformation that cannot be overlooked. Online education enables on-time study, degree completion, and completion without any delay or gap. It’s a stroke of luck that you were born in the digital age, where you have the resources and means to profit from online education. Online schooling has its advantages. It provides ‘flexibility,’ since you may learn at your own speed using recorded videos. It also accommodates your comfort level and allows you to study from home. Online education has also proven to be a blessing for folks in need of sometime time’ in the middle of life’s hustle and bustle. This might be an excellent time to focus on regular sleep, regular exercise, good eating, and regular work hours. We can now enjoy that activity we put off for so long. I propose that you schedule certain study/work hours. Even in this new format, embrace the greatest things. Make it clear to your colleagues that you care about them. Find meaningful and one-of-a-kind methods to interact with others during this time. When things return to normal, your tenacity in the face of adversity will undoubtedly propel you ahead.

DIWALI 2022- DELHI'S AIR POLLUTION INDEX

On Tuesday, the day after Diwali, Delhi’s air quality was the finest in seven years (October 25). This includes the epidemic years of 2020 and 2021. According to statistics from the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI (air quality index) was 303 on Tuesday (CPCB). On Monday, Diwali, the temperature was 312. This signifies that the air quality was very bad on both days. An AQI of 301 to 400 is considered very poor. According to CPCB statistics, last year saw the worst post-Diwali air quality in Delhi since 2015, with an AQI of 462 recorded on the day after Diwali. This classified air pollution as ‘severe.’ Last year on Diwali, the AQI was 382. In four of the eight years since 2015, Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated to ‘severe’ the day after Diwali. 

REASON BEHIND THE CLEAN AIR?

On Diwali, it was windy, and Gufran Beig, SAFAR’s original project director, noted that the wind speed helped reduce the collection of pollution. Furthermore, because Diwali fell early this year, the air is not yet chilly enough to trap pollution in the lower levels. Crop residue burning has also contributed nothing so far this year in Punjab and Haryana. The wind direction in Delhi, which has been westerly-southwesterly since Monday, has not been favourable for transporting stubble-burning smoke from the northwest, according to him.

According to a SAFAR forecasting system update, the percentage of stubble burning to PM2.5 levels in Delhi was approximately 5.6% on Tuesday. According to SAFAR statistics, the contribution of stubble burning to Delhi’s air on Diwali day (November 4) last year was 25%, and 36% on the day following Diwali.

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, identified many variables. “Diwali occurred early, with milder weather and before the strong inversion conditions set in.” Wind speeds have been lower in comparison, and crop fires have not been as violent. “It’s tough to say whether or not there were fewer firework emissions,” she added.

What are the five essential features of a smart city

Smart City Features

  • Some typical features of comprehensive development in Smart Cities are described below.

    1. Promoting mixed land use in area based developments–planning for ‘unplanned areas’ containing a range of compatible activities and land uses close to one another in order to make land use more efficient. The States will enable some flexibility in land use and building bye-laws to adapt to change;
    2. Housing and inclusiveness – expand housing opportunities for all;
    3. Creating walkable localities –reduce congestion, air pollution and resource depletion, boost local economy, promote interactions and ensure security. The road network is created or refurbished not only for vehicles and public transport, but also for pedestrians and cyclists, and necessary administrative services are offered within walking or cycling distance;
    4. Preserving and developing open spaces – parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens, reduce the urban heat effects in Areas and generally promote eco-balance;
    5. Promoting a variety of transport options – Transit Oriented Development (TOD), public transport and last mile para-transport connectivity;
    6. Making governance citizen-friendly and cost effective – increasingly rely on online services to bring about accountability and transparency, especially using mobiles to reduce cost of services and providing services without having to go to municipal offices. Forming e-groups to listen to people and obtain feedback and use online monitoring of programs and activities with the aid of cyber tour of worksites;
    7. Giving an identity to the city – based on its main economic activity, such as local cuisine, health, education, arts and craft, culture, sports goods, furniture, hosiery, textile, dairy, etc;
    8. Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development in order to make them better. For example, making Areas less vulnerable to disasters, using fewer resources, and providing cheaper services.

New technology for retrofitting non-earthquake-resistant buildings can prevent major damage in old settlements

 Researchers have found a solution for retrofitting old non-earthquake-resistant buildings with a technology that can prevent major damage to such buildings from earthquakes without compromising on their strength.

The technology called semi-confined unreinforced brick masonry (SC-URBM) can resolve the problem of spread of settlements in earthquake-prone areas with constructions that have been built without following earthquake-preventive building codes.

 

 

Historically, most buildings, technically called unreinforced masonry (URM), were not built using modern building codes. Thus they are much more likely to experience damage or collapse during an earthquake. URM buildings have traditionally been widely adopted worldwide due to inexpensive and locally available construction materials.

Just like in most developing countries located in earthquake-prone regions unreinforced brick masonry (URBM) has been a common practice in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of India. Considering that major parts of India are under seismic zone III or above and most of the URBM buildings are old and structurally deficient, strengthening of URBM buildings located in earthquake-prone areas is extremely important.

Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, have explored the extent to which retrofitting old buildings with SC-URBM technology can solve the problem. They found that SC-URBM can significantly enhance the energy dissipation capacity and ductility of the retrofitted building without compromising its strength. Hence such buildings would have resulting superior performance in comparison to URBM buildings during earthquakes.

The idea of the technology emerged from confined masonry, an earthquake-resistant construction system where the masonry walls are built first, and the concrete columns and beams are poured in afterward to enclose (confine) the wall. SC-URBM technology has a similar concept but does not need to be implemented at the construction stage. It involves embedding of reinforced concrete (RC) bands through the partial thickness of the wall and can be implemented or retrofitted in old buildings.

 

 

The researchers, Lakshmi Latha, Samit Ray-Chaudhuri, Suparno Mukhopadhyay, and Kunwar Bajpai, conducted experiments on two identical full-scale single-story brick masonry buildings — a completely unreinforced (URBM), and the other retrofitted with semiconfining horizontal and vertical reinforced concrete (RC) elements (SC-URBM).

The two buildings were subjected to a test called reverse slow-cyclic quasi-static loading protocol to quantify the improved seismic performance of the SC-URBM building compared to the URBM building. A Pseudo Dynamic Testing Facility (PDTF) for affordable experimental evaluation of earthquake resistance of full prototype structural systems developed with the guidance of Professor Durgesh C Rai under the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) programme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India was used for the tests. They proved that the technology provides better integral action of the confining elements and load-bearing walls to achieve enhanced seismic performance. The results were published in the ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering.

This technology for strengthening existing URBM buildings is not only architecturally aesthetic but can also be implemented easily by manpower available locally (masons). 

Publication Link: https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%29ST.1943-541X.0003460

Research Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG)

 Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar highlighted that materials for sustainable energy, scientific challenges & opportunities to achieving a sustainable blue economy, biodiversity, and economy would be the major themes and topics of the Research Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) during India’s presidency starting from 1st December 2022.  

He informed that discussions would be centered on developing the science for innovation and sustainable growth, connecting science and society, science for culture & heritage, traditional knowledge, and medicine.

“India is committed to implementing G-20 Research Innovation Initiative Gathering (RRIG) deliverables and seek support on the G-20 research and innovation agenda for India’s G-20 presidency next year,” said Dr. Chandrasekhar while representing the Minister for Science and Technology at the G-20 Research Ministers meeting at Jakarta.

 

He elaborated on India’s evolution into a country with major global contributions in research and innovations and highlighted the country’s participation in international scientific collaborations.

“India is partnering in all the global forums, including the construction and establishment of mega-science facilities in India and abroad. We also partner with multilateral forums like UN, ASEAN, BRICS, BIMSTEC, SCO, G-20, etc. Science has to be global, and solutions to challenges should be regional,” he said.

“We aim to adopt a new approach that makes research infrastructure available for all stakeholders and finalising guidelines for Scientific Research Infrastructure Sharing Maintenance and Networks (SRIMAN). Besides, following global trends on a unified nationwide subscription-based model for knowledge, we are creating a central repository for all S&T data,” DST Secretary pointed out.

Dr. Chandrasekhar spoke about India’s efforts in enhancing domestic manufacturing capacity underlining how the country’s generic industry and vaccine manufacturing capability had supported global safety during the pandemic.

 

“We also promote a plurality of solutions for a variety of social, economic strata as well as geographical regions and focus on rural as well as urban problems in the country. Impact-based research evaluation is undertaken in a framework of research excellence keeping in mind local needs. Mainstreaming science communication has been taken up as a major challenge with the aim of increasing people’s participation in science,” he said.

“India has recently launched policies like Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to disseminate scientific knowledge and also promote science and technology across the ecosystems. We also launched many programmes for gender equality in the country. Many national missions have been launched partnering with international players to work on cyber-physical systems health, education, energy, environment, agriculture, Industry 4.0, etc.,” DST Secretary pointed out, expressing confidence that collaborations will bring opportunities for G-20 partners and promote innovation as single point agenda for all in the group.

The Research Ministers meeting has been planned to be held in 1st week of July 2023.

 

                                                  

IEPFA organises an Investor Education, Awareness and Protection Conference in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the aegis of Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) organised an Investor Education, Awareness and Protection Conference in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir today at Kashmir International Conference. The Conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Corporate Affairs Shri Rao Inderjit Singh.

 

 

The event was also graced by Guest of Honour Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Member of Parliament (Srinagar), Smt. Anita Shah Akella, CEO IEPF Authority & Joint Secretary, MCA, Shri Sanjay Shorey, Regional Director (Northern Region), Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Shri Hamid Bukhari Registrar of Companies (ROC) Srinagar and other dignitaries from the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir along with senior officials from IEPF Authority, India Post Payment Bank and Department of Posts, CSC e-governance, Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, Central Reserve Police Force.

During the inaugural session, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh and Dr. Farooq Abdullah released various major initiatives of IEPF Authority and MCA:

 

  • IEPFA Mascot “Fundoo” which was selected through Jan-bhagidari after a month-long open contest on MyGov platform. The mascot is conceptualised with an idea symbolizing IEPFA’s vision of taking investor awareness to the last mile with the objective of making it easier to connect with its message, mandate and initiatives.
  • “Niveshak Didi” which is a unique endeavour of IEPF Authority with India Post Payment Bank wherein Investor Education will be promoted in “By the women, for the women” concept. The Niveshak Didi i.e. female Dakiya has intense social connect to the rural population especially women. Three representatives Niveshak Didi from the valley were given certificates by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour during the Conference.
  • “Niveshak Sarathi”, an investor awareness van was flagged by the Shri Singh and Dr Abdullah and is an initiative by IEPFA to promote financial literacy among people in far-flung areas by spreading knowledge through dedicated audio-visual and print material & a specially designed van equipped with a TV display, public announcement system, internet connectivity etc.
  • “Investors’ Handbook” – a concise compilation of information on savings, budgeting, and investments and provide a vast knowledge of financial instruments in capsule form thereby enabling them to make informed and sensible financial decisions.
  • “75 dedicated IAPs” in the Union territory of J&K to involve stakeholders of different segments of society in the caravan of Investor Awareness.

 

During his keynote address, Shri Singh appreciated IEPFA’s initiative of conducting the Conference on Investor Education & Awareness in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. He also shared ideas, need and significance of spreading inclusive financial literacy, investor awareness & protection for overall economic growth and nation building.

The inaugural session was followed by a technical session on Financial Literacy as a tool for Economic development. The event was summed up with Nukkad Natak, quiz and other related activities on Financial Literacy involving School Students and other diverse audiences. The conference was attended by around 650 delegates which included students, professionals, academicians, housewives, artisans, CRPF personnel, panchayat representatives and general public from the UT of J&K.

 

ABOUT IEPFA

IEPF Authority has been established under sub-section (5) of section 125 of Companies Act, 2013 with the objective of promoting Investor Education, Awareness and Protection and for administration of the IEPF fund. It has undertaken a wide gamut of activities to accelerate the pace of investor education among the masses at large. Till date more than 65,000 Investor Awareness Programmes covering above 30 lakh citizens have been conducted by IEPFA. In addition, more than 28,000 claim refunds have been approved with transfer of about 1.6 crore shares and related dividends.

 

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