Lakshadweep is the smallest UT in India, most popularly known for its sandy white beaches with crystal blue waters and secluded lagoons.

But Lakshadweep is now in the news for all the wrong reasons. The accountability of such disturbance and row in Lakshwadeep can be credited to the fascist and corrupted minds of politicians. 

It has a population of around 60,000 people with 90% of Muslims and consists of somewhat 30 small islands. Once a peaceful area is now facing disruption because of the capitalistic, islamophobic and exploitative mentality of politicians. Praful Khoda Patel, a political leader of BJP presents the ideological projects as an idea for development. But these actions by him will only fill the pockets of capitalists on the mainland and will hurt the islanders.

Unlike Delhi and Puducherry, this union territory has no legislative assembly nor a Chief Minister. The President of India appoints an administrator to govern the whole territory.

Until 2020 this responsibility was given to bureaucrats, they were either IAS or IPS officers. In December 2020 misfortune happened, a greedy politician got the responsibility of the administration there. His ignorance and eagerness for materialism disrupted the lives of islanders.

Praful Khoda Patel | Mastermind for Lakshwadeep Row

Before digging deep into the main cause, let’s have a brief history of our antagonist Praful Khoda Patel.

In 2014, when the reign of Narender Modi began, Praful Khoda Patel was allocated the administration of Daman And Diu. There also before him the bureaucrats were selected as the administrator for the governance.  In 2019, the administration of Dadar and Nagar Haveli was also allocated to him.

There were several instances in his tenure, where the houses on the seafront land were demolished in the name of progression. This step led to protests by the dwellers of the union territory. To harass and detain the protestors, section 144 was imposed several times.  

In February 2021  Mohan Delkar, a tribal rights activist and seven-time MP of Dadra and Nagar committed suicide. In his 15-page long suicide note, he mentioned Praful Khoda Patel. Patel allegedly harassed Mohan Delkar for 25 crore rupees. Patel threatened him that if he fails to do so, he’ll be falsely accused under the “prevention of anti-social activities” act. 

What is Happening in Lakshwadeep Right Now?

Since December 2, 2020, when the administrator took charge of the Union Territory, Patel has issued a series of orders, which haven’t sat too well with the island dwellers.

1. Spike in Covid cases: From Zero to 7000+

In 2020 Lakshadweep was one of the few areas in India, which was unscathed from the grasp of the coronavirus. As in Lakshwadeep, there were strict and mandatory quarantine rules for travelers.

But in 2021, more than 7,000 cases have been reported there. Citizens of Lakshadweep alleged that the spike was due to a change introduced in the covid management protocol by a new administrator Praful K Patel. The change was that anyone could enter within 48 hours of getting a negative RT-PCR test.

Thus, this proved that such ignorant politicians can work as a catalyst in making the Covid related situation worse. Just like political leaders who organized rallies all over the country and gave permission for ‘Kumbh Mela’ to take place, here also the leader is running from accountability.

Patel claimed that such a surge in cases is ‘natural’ as in Kerela to which Lakshadweep has strong links also witnessed the increase in cases. But that is evidently baseless, as he was the one who changed the earlier protocols.

2. Goonda Act- Equivalent to UAPA and TADA

Past events prove that a state always tries to introduce immoral acts to forcefully silent the masses when the rise of questioning the authorities occurs.  

Patel’s administration has proposed to enact the ‘Goonda Act’ (prevention of anti-social activities bill) which allows a person to be detained without public disclosure for up to a year.

This island already witnesses a very low crime rate. A question that comes up is- What is the need for such an ‘act’ to be implemented?

Just like UAPA, TADA, and Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Ordinance (Love jihad) this unnecessary implementation of the act could be interpreted as a means for misuse to disrupt the uprising of resistance against the bigotry.

3. Prioritising Alcohol Over Beef

A proposal to ban beef while removing the alcohol sale led to outrage on the island, which has a Muslim-dominated population. This particular step is being used to trigger and hurt the sentiments of the population there. The administration also invited criticism for stopping non-vegetarian food in school midday meals. 

4. Disruption in the name of Development?

The ‘Development’ agenda was one of the most controversial changes that were proposed.

It is a law that gives sweeping powers to the administration to take over private property for developmental activities. Critics said that this might leave people at risk of eviction and relocation and that unchecked construction could threaten the ecological balance of the islands. Patel argues that these laws were necessary to bring in development and to create a smart city in the atolls.

But, is there truly a need for resources to be used for a smart city, when people of an already beautiful island are fine with what they have?

Prioritizing development over the sanctity of the ecosystem is one of the causes of spoiling the harmony in the world. While the world battles climate change and the rising sea levels, this step might just contradict the effort being made by hurting the ecological balance of the islands.

Victims of The Lakshadweep Row

During the row in Lakshadweep, we witnessed how an entry of a single person disturbed, disrupted, and even ended the lives of the people on the island.

In a place where the existence of COVID was negligible, the cases have risen to 7,000 and resulted in 22 deaths.

The work of politicians is to govern and maintain harmony in the system. But when the introduction of such acts and bills makes the people of the state insecure about their existence, then it might not be a step worth taking.

1.Heart disease:

Stress can directly increase heart rate and blood flow, and causes the release of cholesterol into the blood stream. It’s also possible that stress is related to other problems like an increased likelihood of smoking or obesity that indirectly increase the heart risks.

Doctors do know that sudden emotional stress can be a trigger for serious cardiac problems, including heart attacks. People who have chronic heart problems need to avoid acute stress and learn how to successfully manage life’s unavoidable stresses as much as they can.

2. Asthma:

Many studies have shown that stress can worsen asthma. Some evidence suggests that a parent’s chronic stress might even increase the risk of developing asthma in their children. One study looked at how parental stress affected the asthma rates of young children who were also exposed to air pollution or whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. The kids with stressed out parents had a substantially higher risk of developing asthma.

3. Obesity:

Excess fat in the belly seems to pose greater health risks than fat on the legs and unfortunately, that’s just where people with high stress seem to store it.

4. Diabetes: 

Stress can worsen diabetes in two ways. First, it increases the likelihood of bad behaviors, such as unhealthy eating and excessive drinking. Second, stress seems to raise the glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes directly.

5. Headaches:

Stress is considered one of the most common triggers for headaches. Not just tension headaches, but migraines as well.

6. Depression and anxiety: 

It’s probably no surprise that chronic stress is connected with higher rates of depression and anxiety. One survey of recent studies found that people who had stress related to their jobs like demanding work had an 80% higher risk of developing depression within a few years than people with lower stress.

7. Stomach problems: 

In some people, stress slows down digestion, causing bloating, pain and constipation, while in others it speeds it up, causing diarrhoea and frequent trips to the loo. Some people lose their appetite completely. Stress can also worsen digestive conditions like stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

8. Alzheimer’s disease: 

Stress might worsen Alzheimer’s disease, causing its brain damage to become more quickly. Some researchers speculate that reducing stress has the potential to slow down the progression of the disease.

9. Accelerated aging: 

Stress can cause wrinkles to form because high amounts of cortisol, the stress hormone, can break down the skin’s collagen and elastin. Research has found that chronic stress can increase inflammation, causing skin aging and accelerating the formation of wrinkles.

10. Premature death:

Stress and depression can take a dangerous toll on the health of people with heart problems. People who had high levels of both stress and depression were 48 percent more likely to die or have a heart attack during the study period, compared with the group that had low levels of stress and depression. 

A number of strategies can help to reduce stress levels and improve well-being. Some methods for managing stress include:

1.Understanding the signs and symptoms: 

These indications can vary, but if a person can recognize their own signals of stress, they will be better able to manage them.

2. Speaking to friends and family:

They can provide emotional support and the motivation to take action.

3. Identifying triggers:

It is not always possible to avoid triggers of stress. However, taking note of specific triggers can help a person to develop coping and management strategies, which may involve reducing exposure.

4. Exercising regularly:

Physical activity increases the body’s production of endorphins, which are chemicals that boost the mood and reduce stress. Exercise can involve walking, cycling, running, working out, or playing sports.

5. Trying mindfulness:

People who practice this form of meditation use breathing and thought techniques to create an awareness of their body and surroundings. Mindfulness can have a positive impact on stress, anxiety, and depression.

6. Improving sleep quality:

Getting too little sleep or sleep of poor quality can contribute to stress. Try to get at least 7 hours every night, and set regular times for going to sleep and waking up. Avoid caffeine, eating, and intense physical activity in the hours before bed.

It can also help to unwind before sleeping, by listening to music, reading a book, taking a warm bath, or meditating. 

1) India is a poor country:

So there’s people who live in huts, walk barefoot, dress in rags, and beg for money, that doesn’t make the entire country poor. Have you been to Harlem lately? The country has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading emerging economic powers, churning out an impressive number of billionaires. Stop believing the skewed images of the media and take a look for yourself. Are you seriously going to generalize about 1.3 billion people based on a few photos you’ve seen in books or on TV. Poverty is one part of India; it doesn’t define the entire country. Visiting DLF Emporio, Delhi’s answer to LA’s Rodeo Drive might give you a whole new perspective.

2) Traveling in India is dangerous:

But so is Compton, but that doesn’t make the entire U.S. dangerous. Yes, parts of India should be toured with caution, such as the volatile Kashmir region, but for the most part, India is just as dangerous as you make it. If you exercise common sense, you’ll be able to overcome the perils of the country.

3) If you’ve seen the Taj Mahal, you’ve seen India:

 You couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, the Taj Mahal is beautiful, and it’s the face of India to many. But as the world’s 7th largest country with a history that spans thousands of years, there can’t possibly be only one site worth visiting. Check out the country’s dynamic urban culture, beaches, mountains, deserts, and the endless forts and palaces, and then say you’ve seen India. Even then, that’s pushing it. 

4) All Indians run around trees, singing and dancing:

 Good job, Bollywood. 

5) Everyone in India engages in spirituality, meditation, and yoga:

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in India is a yoga guru.

6) Indians don’t speak English:

Sure, their accent is different, and maybe not the most pleasant-sounding, but it’s still English. English is actually one of the country’s official languages. It’s the language of the law. It’s also the primary language used in universities. 

7) Indian is a language: 

There are hundreds of languages spoken in India, none of which include Indian. Indian is not a language, it’s a demonym that describes people from the country of India.

8) Everyone in India has an arranged marriage: 

That would be a false statement. Arranged marriages are still common with many rural and traditional minds, but progressive thought has certainly permeated its way through urban India. Dating may not be as common as the Western world, but it definitely is a lot more common than you may think.

9) India is the land of snake-charmers: 

This is probably one of the most photographed scenarios in India, maybe second to the Taj Mahal. In fact, when you see them, mostly in the state of Rajasthan, it’s more of a tourist scene, inspired by this very myth.

10) All Indians are vegetarians:

If that were true, why is chicken tikka masala one of the most famous dishes? It’s probably much easier to find a vegetarian joint in India than the Western world, but yummy dishes with chicken, fish, lamb, and the likes have found fans in many Indians.

11) Hinduism is the only religion in India:

There is a majority culture of Hindus, most definitely. But there are also many Muslims, Christians, Catholics, Jews, etc. represented. Not everyone you meet will be a Hindu. In fact, even Atheism is on the rise.

12) The extent of Indian food is curry:

 There are many different types of curry-based dishes, but the Indian cuisine is so much more than that. The cuisine is extremely diverse, and in fact, the dishes commonly eaten in the North are not the ones eaten in the South. Try the masala dosa in the South. And not all Indian food is spicy.

13) India is located in the Middle East:

  Quick geography lesson: India is in Asia, south Asia to be precise. Again, you have been informed.

14) The climate of India is extremely hot and humid:

 Yes, in parts of the country. But there are many areas, such as the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal where the weather is pleasantly temperate, and sometimes freezing, depending on how close you get to the Himalayas.

Conclusion: India is a beautiful country, with its varying set of strengths and weaknesses, just like any other country. Don’t believe what you see in the media, and make judgements only after you’ve visited the country yourself.

Digital technologies are electronic tools, systems, devices and resources that generate, store or process data.In recent years digital technology has revolutionized almost every aspect of people’s lives. Examples of digital technology include social media, online games, multimedia, and mobile phones.Digital technology is used in different areas of life such as in business, education, media, healthcare, transportation, communication, and many more.

The increased use of digital media is changing people’s everyday lives and the way they connect and collaborate in the broader societal context, at work and in civil society. Much of the impact of this heightened use is beneficial to both individuals and society. It is enabling new and extraordinary levels of communication, social interaction and community building across boundaries of time, place and social context. It is enabling individuals and speeding up the standardization of knowledge. 

But not all the impacts of increased use of digital media are positive. Research indicates that when humans excessively use digital media it can negatively influence their cognitive and behavioural development and even their mental and physical health. Hyperconnectivity, the increasing digital interconnection of people and things, has the potential to change patterns of social interaction, as face-to-face time may be substituted by online interaction. In addition, greater technology enablement of work (and the resulting fragmentation of jobs) threatens the security of jobs traditionally considered as skilled in the developed world.

Here we try to list out the most important advantages and disadvantages of digital technology.

Pros of Digital Technology

– Advantages of Digital Technology

1. Connectivity:

The world is now globalized with the invention of digital technology. It makes our friends and family closer than before. You can make communication by words, video, audio, and exchange of the media.

With the creation of websites, apps, and software socialization has boomed in recent decades. The most popular social media are Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

2. Communication speed and versatile working:

The data transfer rate or internet speed has rapidly increased since dial-up methods for internet connectivity. Broadband technology increases the speed of the internet even more. The transfer of large files which happens instantly, streaming video and audio in real-time and access data virtually from anywhere in the world becomes possible with high internet speeds.

Working in a closed room with international co-workers is impossible due to large geographical boundaries as internet speed increases with broadband services you can work from any part of the world in real-time. Many online and freelancing jobs done from many miles away without any hindrance.

3. Digital devices are portable:

Digital devices are becoming smaller and smaller day by day. The storage media can store a large amount of data in a tiny chip. With the invention of transistors, the size and weight of digital devices have greatly reduced.

4. The quality of stored information is preserved:

The quality is never reduced with the use of digital technology in contrast with analog technology. The stored information in the analog system may damage or even lost or duplicated but in the digital system the case is opposite.

5. Learning re-defined:

Beforehand the traditional classroom is taught by teachers only. Students are completely dependent on teachers for acquiring knowledge which can be destructible since teachers are not always exactly correct.

With the arrival of digital technology teachers and students, both are heavily influenced since they can jump into the internet where you can find the solution to almost every possible problem.

6. Entertainment:

You can pursue your hobbies and interests through the use of digital technology. You can play online games and admit in music courses from any part of the world with the man of your choice. Different types of  reality shows are found on the internet which we can access with digital devices.

7. Transportation:

Transportation medium such as airplanes, trains, and ships are using digital technology to accurately navigate routes in the sea and land. Not only that cars and buses are becoming fully automated in the near future.

The speedometer is digital nowadays which eases the use of vehicles. Road accident and plane crash are greatly reduced with the use of digital technology. The checking of the passport is past and reliable with a chip embedded in it.

The chip stores all the personal information which speeds up the process of checking through customs. Booking of planes and trains are done through online services.

Cons of Digital Technology

– Disadvantages of Digital Technology

1. Data security:

Data security is a great concern nowadays in the digitized world. Digital technology means that a huge amount of information(text, images, and videos) is collected and stored.

This stored information may be of individuals or organization which is vulnerable to theft. This data can go into the hands of criminals, terrorist, foreign enemies, etc. as all the electronic equipment are connected through the internet all around the world.

2. Social isolation:

The face to face communication is rare these days with the development of digital technology. People can communicate and socialize through the internet which is a part of digital technology.

This way of interacting sometimes creates ambiguity and disbelief among them. Studies have suggested that the lack of real-life contact causes depression and other forms of mental illness in many people.

3. Too much of work or work overload:

As working with the use of digital technology increases speed and performance there are drawbacks of using it too. Workers from all around the world have to manage and handle large numbers of emails which can be hectic.

A large amount of data needs to be recorded and analyzed on a daily basis which requires greater attention and dedication creating distress and isolation. Organizing the vast amount of data such minutes of a meeting, training videos, photographs, reports can be a huge headache.

4. Diminishing job opportunity:

Nowadays, it does not require you to be physically present in the office to do your work since you can work or perform tasks remotely with the use of the internet. The Internet allows workers from third world countries to do the same task in the minimum wage. This can reduce your job replacement opportunity.

There are certain types of work that are performed by automated machines but beforehand they were done by humans. Increasingly, more digital equipment is employed in a working area reducing the chance of getting a job.

5. Digital technology creates addiction towards it:

Online and offline computer games, messaging, social media platforms, chat rooms and other websites can become addictive. Internet users end up wasting too much money for no or low return.

Computer games are so addictive that they may destroy your capability and time to perform an even more important task in your daily life. Gamers and surfers spend so much time on a computer which results in addiction towards it.

6. Manipulation of digital media:

There are different ways to change, edit and manipulate digital media. Manipulation of digital media is more come than before which increases the possibility of fake reports and results inducing more confusion instead of reality.

Photoshop, after effect, are such tools which can manipulate the original data to something new creating confusion about the original ideas and thought of the writer or creator.

Photographs, audio, videos are easy to edit. The size and quality of the image, the true voice of the singer are manipulated to create something new which lacks originality and true nature of the product.

7. Plagiarism and Copyright:

The enforcement of copyright law is hard to implement as the information that is present in the internet world is vast and to track every data is becoming harder.

Everyone can copy and paste information from the internet which is worthless as you do not spend your time learning them. Plagiarism is also the practice of taking other’s work and ideas and passing them off as one’s own which is becoming common in the digital world.

# How to protect ourselves from the negatives of digital technology? 

A. Limit when and where you use social media.

B. Have ‘detox’ periods.

C. Approach social media mindfully; ask ‘why?’

D. Stop social media from replacing real life.

E. Use strong passwords to keep your identity and privacy safe.

F. Limit the number of people who have access to your accounts.

G. Turn off push notifications.

H. Start your day tech-free.

Rabindranath Tagore’s Chokher Bali portrays a society in a way that is realistic and on point. Tagore is considered to be one of the greatest writers in modern Indian Literature.

The poet, the composer, short story writer, playwright, essayist, and artist, has achieved proficiency in almost all forms of literature.

On his 160th birth anniversary, we are going to look back on one of his stories “Chokher Bali” to understand how he portrayed the condition of people and the societal set up at that time. He showcased issues that are even relevant till now.

Chokher Bali: Synopsis

Choker Bali, a story set in the aesthetics of Kolkata depicts the pain of widows, the societal setup which ignores the needs of women and considers widows as bad omen and keeps them away from happiness.

Through this, he also highlighted the issues of women’s education, child marriage and shows how psychologically confused a person can be because of the pressure by society.

The story revolves around 4 characters Binodini, Ashalata, Mahendra, and Behari.

Binodini, an educated woman who witnessed the death of her husband at a very young age. She was forced to live her life as a widow for the rest of her life. She was first rejected by Mahendra and he then marries a beautiful but uneducated woman, Ashalata. Binodini’s life became as colourless as her saree.

But when she met Behari, he was Mahendra’s friend a feeling of attraction came to them for each other, but they did not confess. Binodini came to know how happy Ashalata and Mahendra are together, this came with a feeling of envy in her empty heart.

Conflicted thoughts in her brain made her think that Ashalta is living a life that Binodini deserves. These thoughts gave her purpose in her empty life, now she wants Mahendra to realize the mistake he has done to reject Binodini. She uses Mahin’s mother Rajlaxshmi’s dislike of Asha to manipulate her way into their lives. The feeling of envy for Ashalata and Mahin dominated the feeling of attraction towards Behari.

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but add color to my sunset sky”.

Mahindra represented the part of a superficial male-dominated society, which ignores the needs of others. He loved Ashalata very much but after he comes across Binodini, his interest shifted. He started taking her for granted.

On the other hand, Ashalata uneducated but an innocent soul, she was unaware of Bindoni’s intentions and she considers Binodini her friend. She worships her husband and was helpless as she must always depend on the man in her life, first her uncle and then her husband. Due to this dependence, we can witness the patriarch of society and the vulnerability of women because of the lack of education.

Binodini and Ashalata: Victim of Patriarch

Tagore draws parallels between the educated and the uneducated through Asha and Binodini. Binodini is likewise left without any financial provision but is left with education which allows and helps her with the liberty of free-thinking.

She represents a new female subjectivity whose western education transforms her into a woman with her own heart and mind. One who isn’t bound with traditional customs. Binodini to an extent had that sense of differentiating between right and wrong.

Tagore structured the story in such a way that all the decisions by Binodini seem rational and all her desires appear to be natural. Society has restricted her to live in a specific way and she’s liberated to mould her life in accordance with her needs and desires.

Chokher Bali: An attempt to educate people about the needs of women.

A century after Chokher Bali, education is still a struggle for many women to access easily throughout the world. Tagore’s novel is unconventionally presenting a viewpoint that is ahead of the conservative times of 19th and 20th century India.

Through the story of Binodini, Tagore questions most of the societal norms. He condemns all kinds of taboos that are being fed to humans from the start of life. 

Tagore, a man from a privileged background, his understanding of the emotions of Indian women and his empathetic attitude towards them is sensational.

Chokher Bali has been adapted several times in films, television. Most notable examples: Chokher Bali by Rituparno Ghosh in 2003, and the television series Stories by Rabindranath Tagore in 2015 directed by Anurag Basu.

Chokher Bali, a work of art presented by Tagore beautifully puts a light on issues related to women, which he witnessed in the 19th century. These social evils are so difficult to get rid of as those issues are even relevant till now. Chokher Bali perfectly encapsulates how gender plays a large role in a person’s treatment by society.

Tagore made us understand that education moulds a person to be independent of societal pressure. Education can emancipate a woman to be liberated enough. Enough to get rid of the patriarchal structure which oppresses them from birth.

From its snowy mountains to its calm lakes, from pashminas to its delightful apples Kashmir has captivated each and every one with its breathtaking beauty. Indeed, its beauty is unearthly rather it’s the glimpse of that heaven on the seventh sky. But to me, it’s like that extremely beautiful, innocent girl whom every eye desires, from whom all know how to take but none knows how to give. To me, Kashmir is that lovely yet helpless girl who has been captured and exploited over and over again by her cold-blooded admirers. In the end, she gets rewarded with compliments for her beauty but her pain is left uncared for.

In 1947, India achieved its Independence from the British after 200 years of their colonial rule. But the independence didn’t come easy because with it came partition. The subcontinent split into two, an Islamic Pakistan and a secular but predominantly Hindu India. While the subcontinent was in the throes of the birthing of the nations, Kashmir, a princely state was confused. Being a Hindu king with a Muslim majority state Hari Singh was not able to decide. Should he accede to one of the new nations or stay sovereign. With no decision from Maharaja, impatient Pakistan launched the operation Gulmarg through which it occupied a part of Jammu and Kashmir which today is known as Azad Kashmir in Pakistan or PoJK as called by India. As a consequence of this Kashmir acceded to India in October 1947 on the conditions of having autonomy and a promise of a plebiscite in the coming years. Fast forward, the autonomy is gone and plebiscite is yet to happen.

Kashmir is one of the most disputed places on earth. For 70 years it’s been at the centre of three wars fought between two massive armies. The land of Kashmir has come a long way travelling the paths of struggle brimming with a long history of constant militancy.

Pakistan argues that being a Muslim majority territory Kashmir rightfully belongs to them while India insists that Kashmir was handed over to them by the Hindu monarch so they double downed and added Kashmir to their constitution. But in this Indo-Pak rivalry what really at stake is the voice of Kashmiris who are caught in a vicious cycle of violence. The territorial dispute has only gifted the legacy of a constant struggle for peace to the Kashmiri people. Many live their entire lives through this conflict, born and died under a curfew.

The heart of Kashmir can be contained with two perceptions; the alleged rivalries of religious identities. One of the most tragic happenings in the history of Kashmir was the 1990 Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits became victims of communal violence and were forced to leave their homeland. According to Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti, more than 70,000 families fled between 1990 and 1992. The flight continued till 2000. The KPSS has placed the number of Kashmir Pandits killed by militants from 1990 to 2011 at 399. Many of the Kashmiri Pandits have been living in the refugee camps of Jammu to date. The nature of the exodus has remained controversial. The Kashmiri Muslim view of the exodus is that the then governor Jagmohan encouraged Kashmiri Pandits to depart the Valley and thus gave a communal colour to what was until then a non-religious Kashmiri cause. However, the Kashmiri Pandits believe that The Kashmiri Muslims with whom they had lived amicably for centuries drove them out of their homes with vengeance. The truth, many commentators have concluded may lie somewhere in the middle. But the question you need to ask yourself is, does this tragic happening of the past justifies the human rights violations of the many Kashmiris by the Indian State till now. You can’t use the Kashmiri Pandit exodus to overshadow the collective Kashmiri struggle for identity and self-determination. The abuses range from mass killings, enforced disappearances, torture, rape and sexual abuse to political repression and suppression of freedom of speech. Thousands of Kashmiri civilians and suspected insurgents have been killed by the Indian security forces in custody, extrajudicial killings, fake encounters and enforced disappearances.

In an incident of July 18, 2020, three Kashmiri youth who were alleged to be militants were killed in an encounter. A recent investigation revealed that an Indian army captain along with two others staged the encounter of the three boys who were actually labourers to receive a reward of around $30,000. These human rights violations are said to be carried out by Indian forces under total impunity. Indian authorities use the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) to avoid holding its security forces responsible for the deaths of civilians. Pellet guns- a weapon meant to be deployed for crowd control have been responsible for blinding, killing and traumatizing people in Kashmir.

Kashmiri women are amongst the worst sufferers of sexual abuse in the World. Due to the impact of conflict and uncertainty in the territory, many people suffer from various psychological problems and post-traumatic disorders. Kashmiri women are reportedly said to be highly prone to suicidal tendencies. The incident of Kunan-Poshpora in the Kupwara district is a descriptive account of the horrors inflicted by the armed forces on Kashmiri women. The victims still await justice. Amidst these abuses, access to justice is unlikely in Kashmir. The way justice is denied systematically and how the corporate media of India fails to cover these incidents is a critical crackdown on the democracy of Kashmir.

This is the main concern, people still engage with the institutions only to realize that the establishment, on most events, can’t provide them justice, not because they cannot but because they do not want to.

With this Kashmir remains an open-air prison, leaving people with no control over their lives. While some say Kashmir should go to India and others say Kashmir belongs to Pakistan, Kashmiris seek a democratic right to be recognized. 

The story of Kashmir has numerous narratives to it. One is of the 18-year-old boy who turns to militancy as a result of humiliation and oppression, another is of a mother who isn’t even aware if her son is dead or alive, of a wife whose husband’s disappearance leaves her as a half-widow, of a Kashmiri Pandit who hasn’t returned to his home since 30 years, of a stone pelter who believes that he isn’t throwing stones at soldiers but at the occupation of Kashmir and then comes the narrative of the arm-chair activists from India and Pakistan sitting in their comfortable sofas with their high-speed 4G internet giving opinions about something which hasn’t affected them at all.

In a world full of revenge and malice, humanity seeks forgiveness. More than a territorial dispute, Kashmir is a dispute of right and wrong, freedom and human rights. Between this tussle of right and wrong, paradise has been lost. 

Since all conflicts come from the notion of right and wrong and which is a variable notion it’s always possible for one to have an opinion and still have compassion for someone who has a different opinion. There are always different perspectives about right and wrong but at the end of the day, everyone wants one simple thing, to love and to be loved.

In 2021 we are witnessing the disruption in the lives of Palestinians in Israel. However, the history of the Palestine and Israel conflict is of around 100 years old.

Though both Jews and Arab Muslims date their claims to the land back a couple of thousand years. The current political conflict began in the early 20th century.

How Did It All Began? | Palestine Conflict

British took the authority and control over the area known as Palestinian after they defeated the ottoman empire in WW1.

The land of then inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. Jews fleeing persecution in Europe wanted to establish a national homeland in Palestine. 

After the holocaust of World War 2, a number of Jew refugees fleeing from execution, seeking a homeland increased. The tension between the communities aggravated when the Jews started occupying more space and started enforcing their dominance. Palestinian Arabs opposed the move and claimed their land. This resulted in unrest amongst both communities.

An early United Nations plan to give each group a part of the land failed in 1947. 

 In 1948, when unable to solve the problem, British rulers left, and thus Jewish leaders declared the creation of the state of Israel. The only country in the present-day world with no defined borders. Israel is keen to occupy more land, including parts of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. All in the culmination to declare itself “Greater Israel”. Israel already occupies the Golan Heights in Syria, Parts of Jordan, and Egypt. 

Tensions are often high between Israel and Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Why The Palestine Conflict Is In News Again?

The recent escalation of violence in Jerusalem arises when the Israeli security forces started harassing the Palestinians near Al Aqsa mosque.

This led to the postponing of the hearing in a long-standing ownership case that could result in the eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem. The eruption of violence started because of this dispute of land ownership case. 

The Timeline(2021) | Palestine Conflict

Tensions between Israel Police and Palestinians began on 12 April when police put up restrictions preventing people from sitting in the Damascus Gate plaza — the most popular public area during the month of Ramzan. Later on 16 April, the first Friday of Ramzan, Israel imposed a 10,000-person limit on prayers at Al-Aqsa mosque, turning away tens of thousands of Palestinians.

From 15 April to 24 April,  this unrest between people in Jerusalem continued. More than 100 Palestinians were wounded, many died. Police used tear gas, stun grenades, arrested more than 50 Palestinians.

Then from Gaza 36 rockets were fired into Israel but there were no casualties. Israel then countered with airstrikes in Gaza on 25th April.

All these disruptions resulted in the delay of the hearing that was going to take place on May 6. Which would decide whether the Palestinians have to vacate their home to Israeli settlers or not. Then the police riding on horses entered the Sheikh Jarrah Neighbourhood and mercilessly attacked the unarmed protestors using tear gas, stun grenades, skunk water, and rubber bullets.

On May, 7th and 8th Palestinians protested in Al Aqsa, where police barricaded the compound and violently disperse the crowd. Hitting them with rubber guns in their head. being the 27th night of Ramadan, the holiest night of the month, thousand more gathered for prayers at Al-Aqsa. Their Israeli police squared up the worshipper leaving around 100 of them injured.

May 10th, which is celebrated as Jerusalem day. In the early hours of the day, Israeli police launched the second surprise attack on worshipers. they fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades into this ancient mosque leaving more than 400 injured. During the raid, the police seized the authority of the mosque from Muslim custody. They littered the floor with shattered glass and grenades.

Hamas a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist but the pragmatic, militant, and nationalist organization fired rockets into Israel in retaliation, on May 11th. The Israeli air force answered back with full-scale airstrikes.

Another heartbreaking tale of authorities dominating and harassing the lives of human beings over a piece of land. 

In the legal dispute, a key trigger for the recent unrest, Jewish settlers have been trying to evict Palestinians from their homes. When the state makes its people insecure for their basic resources like land and freedom, it is the citizen’s right to protest and retaliate against the authorities. 

Not providing people with their rights they deserve but giving them suffering, is a habit common in authorities in the world.

As of now, 43 Palestinians are killed including 13 children (numbers are tentative) in this ongoing violence in Palestine.

Israel a state which illegally captured so much land that made Palestine disappear from the map is currently making Palestinians disappear from the world.

Adline Castelino, who earlier won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2020 title, received praise for her well-rounded response in the question-answer round. Castelino, born and raised in Kuwait moved to India when she was only 15, to make a living and become a financially independent woman. Adline Quadros Castelino is born to Manglorean Catholic parents hailing from Karnataka. 

The 22-year-old is a public figure and influencer, she supports causes and creates awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as well as working to end the stigma around COVID-19.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Adline said, “There was a big drive that I need to be in Mumbai and be a financially independent woman. I was like every other 15 years-old who didn’t know much about things and I believed there is something for me in Mumbai. I was shy sometimes. I used to think that with the marks on my body, I am not good enough to represent India.”

The 69th edition of the Miss Universe contest was held on Sunday night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. It was a scaled-down affair in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Andrea Meza of Mexico has been crowned Miss Universe for the year 2020, beating contestants from 74 other countries, including Miss India Adline Castelino, who came in fourth at the beauty pageant.

During the pageant, she was asked: “Should countries lockdown due to COVID-19 despite the strain on their economies, or should they open their borders and risk a potential increase in infection rates?”

To this, Adline responded, “Good evening universe. Well, coming from India and witnessing what India is experiencing right now, I have realized something very important that nothing is more important than the health of your loved ones. And you have to draw a balance between economy and health. And that can only be done when the government works with the people hand in hand and produces something that will work with the economy. Thank you.”

A day before the finale, she had penned down a heartfelt note on her journey through a video clip posted on social media. She had written: “If I could pen down this feeling without getting overwhelmed about how I felt as I stood there witnessing people around the world cheering, flags waving high and even if I missed seeing , I felt like I was home. I thought of you India and what we are going through. The love that people give you when they are hurting themselves is the purest form of love one can experience. I’m grateful to you that at a young age I have experienced that and if I could only show you what I saw that day! I saw hope, a hope that will be ours soon.”

The 22-year-old diva won accolades and hearts by wearing a saree for the National Costume round. The gorgeous saree was designed by Hyderabad-based designer, Shravan Kumar. She explained the significance of the saree in an Instagram post.In an interview, talking about her dreams and being proud to represent India at Miss Universe platform, Adline Quadros Castelino said, “As a young girl growing up in Kuwait with no exposure, I would always look up to Miss Universe with so much awe but never imagined a girl like me who had a speech defect and had marks on her body could ever represent her country on such a prestigious platform.”

This was India’s highest Placement in Miss Universe after Lara Dutta won the title of Miss Universe 2000. Castelino broke the 20-year drought of India’s non placement in the Top 5 of Miss Universe, which was previously achieved by Celina Jaitley,  who was the 4th runner-up in 2001.

1. Importance of Olympics:

China is a country where people give a lot of emphasis on sports in the Olympics. As we are already aware cricket isn’t a part of the Olympics. Also the fact that cricket has a very less chance to feature in Olympics in future. Hence cricket isn’t popular sport in China. 

Although China has its national cricket team, China cricket team is not considered as a part of regular international cricket playing nation. 

As other sports in China gets much more attention than cricket, cricket in China isn’t popular like many other sports.

Chinese team and players have a very good track record in the Olympics. China usually ranks 2nd in the medals tally in Olympics.

The big reason behind the above fact is China invest a lot in other sports like Football, Table Tennis, Badminton etc. As a result apart from Basketball and Football Chinese players are considered best in sports like badminton and Table Tennis.

So in short, too much importance on sports of the Olympics is one of the biggest reason why China doesn’t play cricket.

2. British Rulers Impact:

Britishers have ruled in major of the world in the past. Countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal were ruled by the British. So it’s quite obvious why cricket is popular sports in these nations as Cricket is originated from England. On the other hand, China was never colonised by British rulers while all the other cricket playing nations were ruled by Britishers for so long.

Britisher’s kings used to play and organise a lot of cricketing matches for entertainment & to follow their culture.

So that’s one of the biggest reason why countries like India, Pakistan, Australia plays cricket & China doesn’t play cricket as China never came under English Dominion.

One more factor which plays an important role is that China isn’t a former commonwealth country. 

3. Global Recognition:

Sports like football, tennis are recognised all over the Globe. But initially, only 22 nations used to play cricket. However, now there are around 100 nations which are connected with ICC (International Cricket Council). 

But as cricket is not recognised globally, making it popular in a huge country like China that too without any Cricketing culture is phenomenally difficult. Also, the fact that – to grow in a particular field or sports you need to have a role model in that field. Chinese kids lack role models as cricket is not popular sports in China.

Many countries don’t play cricket but there are teams like Germany, Italy & Argentina plays cricket but they are not noticeable.

China women’s team recently took part in the Women’s World T-20 qualifiers, and they played well to some extent. But the problem is that they didn’t play a noticeable level of cricket & hasn’t made their mark.

Cricket is slowly getting a place in sports in China. According to Wikipedia cricket is now played in nine cities in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Dalian, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Tianjin and Jinan. More than 150 schools have been involved.

India-Pakistan matches are already very popular, now imagine what if China also comes to the cricket ground, it will become an interesting thing. However it doesn’t seem happening anytime soon, still we hope that we would see China playing cricket some day.