Models of Public Policy

The idea of models that provide a discourse of analysis came into use in the 1970s and 1980s. They were thought as modes of organizing problems and giving them a form and coherence. A model essentially involves the notion of constructing a boundary around reality which is held common and while studying public policy, it is important to note how these models clash and shift around and solve problems.

SYSTEMS MODEL FOR POLICY ANALYSIS

The systems model is associated with David Easton, who defines the political system as that part of the society which is engaged in authoritative allocation of resources. He regards the policy process as a black box and thus this model is also called ‘the Estonian black box model’. The political system for Easton consists of inputs, environments, policy making process, output and feedback.

INSTITUTIONAL APPROACH

This approach focuses on the relationship between public policy and government institutions as policy making majorly depends on the interactions of institutions created by the government. One such institution is the state which is a web of government structures and institutions. It performs various functions like adjudicating between conflicting social and economic interests, guarding the interests of all the sections of the society by accommodating and reconciling them. It also includes the legislatures, executive, bureaucracy, etc.

RATIONAL POLICY MAKING MODEL

Rationality is considered to be the ‘yardstick’ in policy making and this approach emphasizes that policy making is making a choice among policy alternatives on rational ground. In other words, rational policy making means to ‘choose the best option’. A rational policy is designed to maximize net value achievement. This model is associated with Herbert Simon.

LINDBLOM’S INCREMENTAL APPROACH

This model is associated with Charles Lindblom who proposed it as an alternative to the rational model of policy making. His incremental approach, majorly focused upon in his ‘science of muddling through’ involves a process of continually building out from the current situation, step by step and in small degrees. This is the branch approach which is the basis of his approach and is in contrast to the root approach of the rational model wherein the policy makers start anew each time, building on the past experiences. Lindblom rejected the root approach because he believed that constraints on time, intelligence, and cost prevent policy makers from identifying all the alternatives and consequences. Rather, he suggested that successive limited comparison is both more relevant and more realistic in a condition of ‘bounded rationality’.

DROR’S NORMATIVE OPTIMUM MODEL

Dror’s model was an alternative to incrementalism for he believed that incrementalism increased the gap between those who had more power and those who had less power which made it difficult for the latter to bring about change. Thus, as an alternative to this, he proposed a model which seeks to accept the need for rationality, management techniques for enhancing rationality of decision making at low levels, policy science approach for dealing with complex problems and the need to take account of values and irrational elements in decision making.

These models as discussed above, emphasize public policy as an important area of politics and public management and can be understood in terms of policy analysis and through political public policy. Therefore, policy making is a mixture of all these models combined to form a crucial aspect of the political system.

Civil Disobidience Movement

The observance of the Independence Day in 1930 was followed by the launching of the Civil Disobedience Movement under the leadership of Gandhi. It started with the well-known Gandhi Dandi March. In Ahmadabad on the west shores of India, Gandhi left the Sabarmati Ashram at a walking distance of around 385 km from Ahmadabad, with 78 additional Ashram members for Dandi, a town. On 6 April 1930 they arrived in Dandi. The Salt Law was broken by Gandhi. Everyone produced salt illegally as it was a monopoly of the government. By collecting some salt which had formed from the evaporation of the sea, Gandhi challenged the government. In defiance of the salt law, the Civil Disobedience Movement spread across the country. In the first step of the civil disobedience movement, salt distributed across the world became a sign of popular government resistance.

C. Rajgopalchari led the march from Trichinopoly to Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu, which was close to the Dandi. In Dharsana in Gujarat, in the march to the government’s salt depots Sarojini Naidu, the well-known poet, a leader of the congress and chair of the congress, led nonviolent satyagrahis. More than 300 satyagrahis have been critically wounded and two have been killed by police in a violent case. Demonstrations were held, hartals were held and international goods were boycotted, and taxes subsequently denied. The movement involved lakhs of people, many of them women.

At the first round-table meeting in London in November 1930 the British Government summoned the legislation suggested by the Simon Commission to discuss the change. It was boycotted by the congress, which struggled for the country’s freedom. The Indian kings, Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, and others attended. But the members were there. Yet it came out of nowhere. The British government understood that no decision on constitutional amendments would be appropriate to the people of India without the approval of the Congress.

Viceroy Irwin tried to convince the congress to attend the second roundtable conference at the beginning of 1931. There is consensus on the release of all political prisoners for whom no violence is claimed, between Gandhi and Irwin, according to which the government agreed. The convention was intended to postpone the campaign of civil disobedience. This agreement was frustrating for many nationalist leaders. The Congress agreed to accept the agreement and to participate in the second round table conference at its karachi meeting held in March 1931 under Vallabhbhai Patel.

No one was interested in India’s independence, either by princes or by the community leaders. Consequently, no agreement was reached and the second round table conference was broken. The Civil Disobedience Movement resumed. Gandhi returned to India. Also as the conference began, and now it is strengthened, government repression persisted. Arrested were Gandhi and other leaders. The actions of the government to counter the movement can be seen from 120000 individuals sent to gaol in approximately one year. In 1934, the campaign was suspended. A new resolution was adopted by the Congress in 1934. It requested that an adult franchise constituent assembly should be called by the people. He said that for India only a constitution would be drawn up for such an assembly. It therefore confirmed that only the people had the right to decide on their own form of government. The Congress failed to achieve its goal, however, but in the second great mass struggle in the country it managed to mobilise large segments of the people. It also had ambitious aims to change the Indian community.

Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli was the first thinker to take an unequivocal stand in regard to the relationship between religion, morality and virtue on the one hand, and politics, on the other. A brief introduction is necessary to acquaint us with this highly debated person in all of political thinking.

Machiavelli was born in Florence in 1468 in a family that was traditionally seen as belonging to middle aristocracy. Machiavelli’s life became more relevant after the year 1498, when he, although barely 29, managed to secure an important job of chief of the second chancellery. He was one of the top policy-makers of the state. His famous work- The Prince was published in 1532. It explored the causes of the rise and fall of states and the factors for political success. It became a constant reference point and inspired different avenues in political research.

To comprehend the full importance of Machiavelli’s writings and their context, it is important to understand the series of political, social, cultural changes that began in the fourteenth century called the Renaissance. It signified a rebirth of the human spirit in the attainment of liberty, self-confidence and optimism. At the centre of the Renaissance was the emergence of the new human who was ambitious and relentless, he motivated by self-interest, and his aim was to seek glory and fame. Alongside the development of the modern individual was also the beginning of the modern state.

Machiavelli saw stable political authority and order as a basic criterion for social cohesion and moral regeneration. It was for this reason that he stressed the need for a unified polity. According to him, the individual was wicked, selfish and egoistic. He was fundamentally weak, ungrateful, fake, anxious to avoid danger and always greedy for gains. Thus, since the individual was lacking in honesty and justice, he was ready to act in a manner that was detrimental to the community.

Machiavelli’s state was a secular entity, with no relation to the church. It was independent and isolated, with no obligation to anything outside itself. A state was necessary, as it existed to fulfil the desire for security of person and property. His ideal was a republic.

Machiavelli’s attitude towards religion was thoroughly utilitarian. It was seen as a social force and did not have any spiritual connotation. As a social force, it played a pivotal role by inducing a kind of behaviour and conduct that was deemed necessary for the well-being of a society. Religion determined the social and ethical norms and values that governed human conduct and actions.

Machiavelli did not condone the use of immoral ways. To him, the end was important, which could be attained by any means. He contended that a ruler need not always adhere to conventional morality. He was convinced that the use of violence although could be controlled, it cannot not be altogether eliminated. However, he recommended the cautious and judicious exercise of such violence, because otherwise it would create widespread distrust and hostility towards the government, which would result in instability.

Reference- A HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT: PLATO TO MARX. By SUBRATA MUKHERJEE & SUSHILA RAMASWAMY

International System and Environmental Issues

Environmental issues arose across the world after the Industrial Revolution, during the 19^th CE, there was a wide need for a change and development at that time. People desired for a speedy process of production and because of this, it set into motion changes which were unexpected.

Smoke was released across Europe and North America. Plains had turned into deserts, and various other issues had cropped up in USA and Canada too. It was only by the half of the 20^th CE, there arose a concern for air and water pollution. The same cannot be said for land pollution, it only came into limelight after the introduction of pesticides. People were overjoyed with the agricultural revolution that they forgot to notice its defects, it was Rachel Carson who brought in the negative impacts of the usage of pesticides in her book ‘Silent Spring’. This gave the environmental movement a boost too. It paved way for a great number of researches across the world.

This made the people the need to have a world wide conference to discuss about the environmental issues and a need to change them. And thus the first global conference was held, it is named as Stockholm Conference. This conference was a pivotal event in the growth of the global concern for environment. This was the first time, countries of the world came to discuss the problems and make up good measures to correct them.

These were the following outcomes of the Stockholm conference

Firstly, people were of the perception that humanity and environment were different and had no connections. This was not the case. After the conference it was made sure that such a thinking has to be shifted off people’s mind in order to save our environment.
Stockholm created a comparison between the developed and developing countries. There were arguments from both sides but it was considered and decisions were made too. The least developed and developing countries were given priority in determining the international policy.
The importance and role played by NGO’s gave more importance to governmental and intergovernmental organizations.
The introduction of United Nations Environmental Program. This program was the best possible solution to the problems of the global world.

After the 1980’s there was a second wave of the environmental movement. This movement focused more on the complex issues and highlighted unresolved ones. Immediate action was taken for this, and this time it was more suitable and better understood than the previous times. Examples are World commission on Environment and Development(1986), Rio Conference(1992), Kyoto Protocol(1997) and the Johannesburg summit (2002).

The World Commission on Environment and Development is popularly known as Brundtland Commission. The commission focused on Sustainable development. The commission wanted to put forward new ideas that could create growth and sustainable development across the country. This promoted the Earth Summit of 1992 Rio de Janerio.

Major outcomes of Rio Summit are

The Framework Convention on Climate Change
The Convention on Biological Diversity
Agenda 21
The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
Forest Principle

The Rio conference gave birth to the Kyoto Protocol, which was signed in 1997. 160 countries, especially the developed ones came together and promised to cut off their level of emission of greenhouse gases. But this wasn’t the case for every countries, the United States of America withdrew due to its pressure. The next Summit was held in Johannesburg, its main focus was also on sustainable development, many new policies and timetables were made but nothing was quite effective as they had calculated it to be.

Nation states wanted a plan which would help their self- interest rather than the interests as a whole. If we look closely we can see that the globe is divided into two, one set of countries are developed and they add to most of the greenhouse emissions, while the other set of countries are struggling to feed their citizens. And so when policies are to be made, it is to be ensured that it is accordingly to their interests.These were the recent changes brought in by the international systems

Sex Education: A way to prevent the Productive Youth from falling into a hole of darkness

Article by – Shishir Tripathi

Intern at Hariyali Foundation
In collaboration with
Educational News.

In this fast evolving world, advancements are there along with crimes increasing at a double speed. In the age when puberty arrives into the life of a youngster, there are various changes happening in the body. There are bodily (physical changes) and a lot of mental changes too. It’s a time for evolving of a kid into a well developed individual with good presence of mind and the sense of what is wrong or what is right.

Particularly talking about India, such topics are never discussed seriously and openly neither in family nor at schools. But still growth of an individual will not wait for the society to have a discussion on it; it will take place at the right time with the right person. Many youngsters just can’t handle that what is going on in their body and eventually curse and start hating their selves. It is considered that it’s not all good to talk about such topics openly. Everyone gets so uncomfortable when one has to talk about it or to give some information regarding the same.

Though, it is such a natural process that happens with everyone, discussions on such topics in India are always considered as a taboo.

According to SIECUS, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, 93% of adults they surveyed support sexuality education in high school and 84% support it in junior high school. In fact, 88% of the parents of junior high school students and 80% of parents of secondary school students believe that sex education in school makes it easier for them to talk to their adolescents about sex. Also, 92% of adolescents report that they want both to talk to their parents about sex and to have comprehensive in-school sex education.

There was lot of expectations from the new education policy that has been introduced recently. Students and psychologists wanted the New Education policy to get included into the course curriculum in schools all across the Nation. But sad it is that there was no such inclusion of education for the students.

Adolescents are always curious to know about what is sex, what is their sexuality and similar topics about which they are never told. After the arrival of social media and its reach to a large group of young children, there are high chances of a child landing into problems like online bullying, indulging into forced sex, addiction to pornography and masturbation, mental disorders because of an uneducated mind, problems like depression and self regret, etc.

Even after regulations by the government there are still a lot of sites filled with dirty videos of pornography that are eating up the future of a productive individual and ultimately a very big loss to the nation and to the person himself. Many crimes against the teenagers take place daily. And also at the same time, many incidents of rapes by teenagers are heard in news and in newspapers too. In most of the cases the convicts and the victims say about a watching inappropriate content on the internet or being forcefully exposed to such content. In this all process, an individual kills himself or herself. They ruin their own future and time because of lack of awareness and knowledge about sex education.

Now, one can estimate how important it is to involve sex education into the course curriculum. There is need of support both from the side of school and from parents too.

The objectives of sex education are to help children understand the body structures of men and women and acquire the knowledge about birth. Teaching children to establish and accept the role and responsibility of their own gender by acquiring the knowledge of sex. Understanding the differences and similarities between two genders in terms of body and mind will set up a foundation for the future development in their acquaintance with friends and lovers and their interpersonal relationship. Sex education is a kind of holistic education. It teaches an individual about self-acceptance and the attitude and skills of interpersonal relationship.

It also helps an individual to cultivate a sense of responsibility for him and the acts what he or she are doing. Its role is similar to like that of power booster; as it gives more power to the jogger to jog long without any difficulty. Similarly, after the bookish knowledge, when an individual knows about his sexuality, healthy sex, sex at the right age, good and bad touch, hormonal changes, the individuals gets completed in himself / herself and becomes into a productive work personnel with proper balance of mind and the sense of responsibility towards his nation, his economy.

Hence, inclusion of sex education into a person’s life will bring stability, peace of mind and the sense of responsibility and help in the wholesome development of an individual.

The Story of Parijata

We see millions of dazzling flowers in our life. We recognise them by their colour, their fragrance and their appearance. But do we know the deep meaning behind them? Do we know what exactly the flower symbolises..?

Hindu Mythology

Mythologies make us see the world from a different perspective. From a different point of view. A rather interesting one . Mythologies make us see a simple flying bird from a different frame of reference. Similarly, in the Hindu mythology many flowers and many objects which we see in our daily lives have a greater meaning to it. One of them is the Parijata flower.

The Story

Once upon a time, there lived a princess named Parijaat. She was exquisitely beautiful and delicate. It is believed that she saw the Sun God( Surya Dev) riding in his chariot from east to west and immediately fell in love with him. Many warned her that the relationship of a God and a materialistic person is not possible, but she was blinded and completely devoted to the Sun God. Even the Sun God was swayed by her devotion and had to descend on the earth to stay with Parijaat for a while. Soon, the summer season arrived. With time, the Sun God’ s energy intensified due to staying on earth and yearned to go back to the heaven. When he stood up in his chariot, to return to heaven, Parijaat tried to follow him. The Sun God’s energy was excessive to its most at that time, and Parijaat being a human, burned due to such a force of energy. The Sun God stood helpless and asked help from the other gods. The Gods, seeing the love of Surya and Parijaat, gave princess Parijaat another life. Hence, she embodiments as a tree of Parijata

In her next life. The Parijata flower was of the purest shade of white,with the bright orange delicate stem like structure. The Parijata flower embellished the love of Parijaat and Surya. But even as a plant,it was affected by the Sunrays. It cannot even stand the first stroke of the Sun and therefore sheds, symbolising the story of Princess Parijaat and Surya. The shedding releases a heavenly scent of the flowers. It has the sweetest scent, because it was believed to be kissed by the Sun God himself.

By Rajatkanti Bera from Shutterstock

Parijata became one of the purest flowers.One of the five divine flowers in heaven. Later, during the time of Samudra Manthana,the gods found a Parijata flower, deep in the milk ocean. Indra declared to have it for himself in his own empire, the gods finally agreed after a lot of thinking. According to them, if Indra did not get the flower, either he would bring droughts in every land or flood every region heavily. Indra’s wife Indrani(Sachi) cherished the flower like her own child with love and affection.

After many years, Narada once visited Krsna and offered him a Parijata flower. He wanted to see who would Krsna give the flower , amongst his wives. Krsna gave the Parijata flower to his first wife, Rukmini. Narada immediately goes to Satyabhama, the second wife of Krsna with a grieved face. Upon Satyabhama asking what the problem was, Narada said about the Parijata flower. Now, Satyabhama ,being a human became furious with jealousy. When Krsna arrived and asked the reason about her anger, she demanded Krsna to give her not the flower but the whole tree of Parijata.

Hence, Lord Krsna set out to the empire of Indra, who was believed to be residing in Amravati. As Lord Krsna worked to root up the tree,the king of Gods, Indra arrived at the place. In some scriptures, it is said that , Indra being intoxicated, challenged Krsna for a combat and was defeated in the most humiliating way,whereas in some scriptures, Indra, understanding that it was Lord Krsna who came to take the tree, allowed him to take the the Parijata. In this way, the Parijata flower descends to the earth. Hence,it is still believed to be the flower which incarnated from heaven.

Not only this, but Parijata leaves also have many medicinal properties! According to indiagardening.com, the Parijata leaves have the properties like,

The leaves having an anti aging property and is often used by people
Helps in the curing of fever, with being anti- malarial.
Usually considered beneficial for dry cough.
The leaves are meant to be good for diseases like Arthritis.
It is also a natural laxative

Source: Pinterest

Parijata leaves have so many more medicinal properties in the branch of Ayurveda.The flowers? Well, as the flowers taste a bit bitter, it is used for ophthalmic disease. It is also said to be very useful for constipation in children. And also for the various treatments like snakebites, antidotes, etc.

Many flowers have deep and philosophical meaning behind them. Which is why mythologies are read. So that we know we should not repeat what happened in the Deut Sabha in Mahabharata. And what happens in the Trojan War.

Fact: Parijata flower is the only flower which can still be offered to the gods after falling to the ground.

Good Things Take Time!…

There was a guy named Peter. He was good in studies since childhood. He couldn’t see anything but studies. He used to be a school topper every year. He completed his schooling securing the 1st rank. He got the admission in one of the best colleges in the city. He studied hard, attended all the lectures and scored very good marks in his 12th grade. But then he couldn’t make it again in the entrance examination. So he couldn’t secure a good rank in the entrance test.
He always had a dream to work for society. He felt engineering could be the bridge to take him there. So he got admitted to an engineering college. He tried to keep on performing well there as well. But he was struggling a bit. Even the failed in some subjects in 3rd year. But he didn’t give up. He took his time and completed his degree with good grades. Now he wanted to join one of the government agencies which serve the people. So he kept on preparing for exams to join those agencies. He gave two precious years of his life to crack the exams, but couldn’t make it. He always kept a dream in front of his eyes since childhood. But now he could see his dream falling apart. He never thought of anything but this in his life. He never had a plan B. Now every day he could hear people around saying he’s just wasting time, he’s doing nothing, he must be earning now. These things got him more into depression. Now he lost all the faith he had on himself. He felt like a loser. A scholar guy from school now was struggling and falling into the valley of depression. He now had the fear of exams. He began to underperform in exams thinking he’s not good enough. He couldn’t even express his feelings to anyone. All he used to do is to cry at night, hiding his tears from the world. An engineer guy was now feeling his value wasn’t even labour.
He never knew life would be so harsh to him. At times he felt like giving up but some dead hope made him hold on. One fine day, destiny turned its bad page. He got an opportunity to work as an assistant of the CEO of a laser cutting startup. It was related to his engineering field but as had lost self-belief, he felt like an illiterate. The startup CEO was a kind man. He saw the potential in Peter. He kept on boosting him and trying to make him realise what he really is. It took so much time but now Peter was feeling a bit confident. Now he felt that he isn’t garbage. Soon he regained the knowledge he forgot. Now he was using his ideas for the company and the owner was promoting it. After 2 years, he moulded himself back to his original avatar, which made him manager of the company. He started off when each of his friends had 1-2 years of experience but now just within two years of work, he was earning double than any of his friends. He kept working hard and reached the topmost position. He was now working with his boss as a partner and equal shareholder of the company.
The thing we should take from here is good things take time. You might be late as per the world but remember god must be planning something good in future. All you need to do is to keep faith in yourself and keep on trying.

HOW POOR CAN ACCESS DIGITAL CLASSROOM ?

The coronavirus has pushed schools all over the world to go online as new waves of infections keep emerging. In India, a country where the gaps in access to education and the Internet were already vast, poor families are struggling to stay the course.Every student needs adequate access to instructional resources and support services in order to achieve academically. Nowhere is this truer than in the area of instructional technology. Students who do not have access to computers and the Internet (among other technologies) will get further and further behind their peers who do. They will miss the instant links to information, entertainment, and communication with others that luckier students have. Their school reports will lack the latest data and the professional look of high resolution graphics and desktop publishing. Socio-economic status to have a major influence on who has access. Computers, modems and Internet service providers (ISPs) are expensive. But the data also suggest that location and race and ethnicity are important factors in the equation. When income is held constant, those who live in rural settings have less access, especially to the Internet, than those who live in metropolitan areas. The majority of users use dial-up modems that rely on phone lines to connect to the Internet. Rural users often cannot afford the long distance charges of connecting to a far away ISP. Faster connection methods such as cable modems and DSL are also only offered in major cities, and wireless and satellite technologies are not yet available in most places. Schools should periodically assess their programs regarding infrastructure, student usage of technology, and the provision of training and technical support to teachers. Several excellent formal ways to do so have been developed by a variety of universities and assistance centers

FAKE FEMINISM

As feminism has wedged itself between the mainstream and counterculture, we see a new brand arising; it dons ‘The Future is Female’ tee-shirts and says it identifies as feminist, but makes rape jokes and engages in locker-room talk. It’ll use all the right hashtags, share all your Tumblr posts but at the end of the day, it’ll undress, letting go of the feminism it has wrapped around it. I’m talking about ‘fake feminism’, and we’ve all encountered it – whether in the media, a party, or in your Instagram DMs as a ‘nice guy’.

Fake feminism makes false equivalences: in a discussion about rape and abuse, you’ll hear it speak up, “But what about fake accusations?” The problem is that the discussion about false accusations takes precedence over the one about rape, ignoring the rarity of false accusations and the sheer abundance of reports about rape. Furthermore, it’s infuriating when you consider what’s classified as a false accusation could be a true event that’s never lent belief to. What you never hear said by those who talk about false accusations is that men have a higher probability of getting sexually assaulted than being falsely accused, but we almost never seem to talk about men getting raped.

Fake feminism isn’t intersectional, and it brings other women down to maintain the status quo. Feminism that’s meant for the ruling class can’t and shouldn’t be called feminism, and although it’s predominantly practiced by white women, those with significant power and clout wield it too. Beyonce preaches, singing, “Who run the world? Girls,” but abuses her female workers for Ivy Park, her clothing line that ironically aligns itself with women empowerment. As she spouts feminist lyrics, half a world away, she pays her workers 54 cents an hour and prevents them from unionising.

Fake feminism practices irony, a lot. It makes dishwasher jokes and humour that calls women the inferior sex. Natalie Wynn, or Contrapoints on YouTube (as she’s better known) says, “Sometimes irony can be a safe way to explore ideas you’re not quite ready to own.” It’s safe to make these jokes because when someone calls you out on it, you can flip it on them and say they’re not in on the joke, or that they just don’t ‘get it’. It’s not that everyone who makes these jokes hate women, but when you engage in humour with sexist undertones, it might be that misogyny has gotten to you too. It’s no secret that sexist jokes normalise sexism, and they come at the cost of devaluing women and validating sexist mentalities. Speaking of humour, good comedy punches up. Your jokes shouldn’t have to devalue women to be funny.

Fake feminism is constantly clarifying that you’re not ‘that type of feminist.’ It dissociates itself from third wave feminism, saying it stays true to the first and second waves, but the third is too extreme. It cherry-picks and chooses certain extremities of the third wave and uses it as a scapegoat – bra-burning and dyeing armpit hair. It even cites staged events to tell itself why third wave is cancer (like the viral, staged video of the woman pouring bleach on manspreaders). As the third wave does not have a defining piece of legislation, it can be easy to distort it, but to limit to its few inconsequential events ignores the overwhelmingly positive change it has brought us: the fight against workplace sexual harassment, putting women in positions of power, the notion of intersectionality, defeating stereotypes and the #MeToo movement.

In an age of information, it’s an act of ignorance to remain a fake feminist. Take a moment to reevaluate, and spoil yourself with the world of feminist media open to you. To feminists, root out the fakes from within; while it’s not your job to educate them, do them a favour and show them where they’ve gone wrong. As for me, I’ll wait – there’s so much change around me waiting to happen, and I can’t help but try and be a part of it.

Modi government, preparing for handing over these 26 companies to private hands

Priya Yadav,

There is a lot of news about privatization from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited to Air India, but in response to an RTI, it has been revealed that the government is in the process of privatizing a total of 26 companies. These companies range from Pawan Hans Limited to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also announced the privatization of 23 PSUs in the past, but the privatization of 26 companies has been revealed in RTI. Among the companies that the government is going to privatize, there are many such companies in which the government’s stake has now reduced drastically.

Among the companies that the government is going to privatize are Air India, Central Electronics Limited, Engineering Projects India Limited, Pawan Hans, B&R, Project and Development India Limited, Cement Corporation India Limited, Indian Medicine and Pharmaceuticals, Salem India Plant, Ferro Scrap Corporation Includes companies like Limited. Not only this, but the government is also going to privatize the Nagannar Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh. Explain that recently, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel wrote a letter to PM Narendra Modi against the privatization of this plant. He said that the tribal society has high hopes from it and privatization of it will give a boost.

Apart from these, Bharat Earthmovers Limited, HLL Lifecare, Bharat Petroleum, Shipping Corporation, Container Corporation of India, Nilanchal Ispat Limited, Hindustan Prefab Limited are also in the privatization list. Not only this, Bharat Pumps and Compressor Limited, Scooters India, Hindustan Newsprint, Karnataka Entrybiotics, Hindustan Antibiotics, India Tourism Development Corporation, and Hindustan Fluorocarbon Limited.

In this RTI, it was also asked about the selling stake of the privatized companies and privatization of UCO Bank. On this, the government has responded that the decision of how much stake of these companies will be sold will be according to the market. The government did not respond to UCO Bank. Let us tell you that the target of disinvestment has been set by the Central Government in the budget this year is Rs 2.1 lakh crore. Apart from selling stake in LIC, the government has started the privatization process in BPCL and Air India.

An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away- Fact or Fiction?

Remember the classic theory of the law of gravity that Sir Issac Newton came up with when an apple fell upon his from the tree. This lead to the unfolding of a whole new dimension of Physics. Apple is also supposed to be the forbidden fruit of Eden. This English proverb is of Welsh origin.

Apples originated in the mountainous region of present-day Kazakhstan. They are a symbolism of health, love & fertility. It is the national fruit of Austria & its scientific name is Malus domestica. Apples are a part of the rose family just like pears & plums. This deciduous tree is widely grown that takes 4-5 years to produce its first fruit. The tree prospers by bee pollination & is considered to have a life expectancy of 30-35 years.

Often called a “miracle food” & “nutritional powerhouse,” an apple a day really may keep the doctor away. As one is quite aware of this well-known expression, have you ever really given a thought as to why it is said so? A 2015 study found no evidence that the proverb was true. The study only found that people who ate an apple a day used fewer medications. The proverb basically persuades for the intake of this nutritious fruit that will make one healthier.

Apples are found to be loaded with Vitamin C, especially in the skins accompanied by a low content of micronutrients. Pectin, a soluble fiber is found to be present in this fruit that can help reduce cholesterol levels. A medium-sized apple is considered to have an average of 80-95 calories.

Below mentioned are some key health benefits that might push to pick one daily:

1. Aids Weight Loss

As apples contain a bulk of fibers, this makes it difficult & takes a rather long time to be digested in the stomach. Therefore this keeps one satiated and prevents from binging on other junks.

2. Smoothens the Digestion process

Pectin a soluble fiber draws water from the digestive tract and forms a gel, thus helping to lag digestion and pushing stool through the intestines. The apples are also said to contain malic acid, which is again a useful digestive aid.

3. Boost Brain Power

Apples fasten up acetylcholine production, which helps in strengthening the communication between nerve cells and the brain that further improves memory and lower the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Stronger Gums & Healthy Teeth

The malic acid that boosts saliva production, hence removing bacteria from the mouth. Additionally packed with vitamins and minerals that promote healthy teeth.

5. Bone Strengthening

Certain flavonoid phlorizin, found in apple skin, may help prevent bone loss during menopause.

6. Beneficial for Diabetic patients

The fructose and antioxidant polyphenols in apples improve the metabolic balance thus the lagging rate at which sugar is absorbed in the body making it especially effective for Diabetic patients.

7. Relieves from Constipation and Diarrhoea

The high concentration of pectin fiber not only aids digestion but also causes to regulate smooth bowel movements.

One may recall days from his childhood when people mocked that eating the apple seeds may cause one to develop a tree in his stomach. Funny right?! But scientifically it’s dreadful. This is because apple seeds are poisonous. Unaware of the fact, people don’t mind gulping down these pips down their esophagus.

These seeds contain a chemical compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide, a powerful poison when it comes into contact with digestive enzymes. It’s unharmed if the whole seeds pass through the digestive system relatively untouched, but if one chews the seeds then it may cause to be exposed to the toxins.

Apples typically have about eight pips. One or two will not be harmful, as the body can handle small doses of cyanide. So one would have to eat seeds of 18 apples in one sitting to get a fatal dose.

So don’t forget to grab a fruit every day if not an apple. This shall ensure introduction & a perfect regulation of all elements in the body. Since more or less every fruit has health benefits that can knowingly or unknowingly aid to fight against diseases. One can happily opt to have it in breakfast or post midday meal. And probably the best way to have it is to make a mixed fruit salad as this shall ensure all benefits to clog in the body.

Insights after 19th anniversary of 9/11 attack

The terror attack in 2001 on one of the then iconic sites in New York, the World Trade Centre, shook the United States and had a huge impact globally. 9/11 terror attacks, also called the September 11 attacks, were a series of four coordinated suicide attacks by the terrorist group al-Qaeda. “Nineteen years ago, under clear blue skies, 102 minutes changed our lives forever. On Fri., Sept. 11

At 8:46 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, an American Airlines Boeing 767 flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York. As images of the stricken building claimed the attention of TV news channels around the globe, it seemed possible that the tower, an iconic symbol of America, had been the victim of a tragic accident.

But 17 minutes later, when another Boeing 767 struck the South Tower as the world looked on, it became shockingly clear that America was under attack. The tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m., followed 29 minutes later by the North Tower. Two more aircraft had been hijacked. One was flown into the Pentagon; the other crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers fought back and foiled the hijackers’ plan to attack Washington.

The attacks left 2,996 dead, including the 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists responsible, but the true cost is still being counted today. In under a month, America had invaded Afghanistan, embarking on the longest war in its history, and in March 2003 a US-led coalition invaded Iraq.

At the time, President George W Bush gave an immediate, simple explanation of why the attacks had been made: “America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.”

Health Affects

The collapse of the twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001, released a plume containing 400 tons of pulverized asbestos and other hazardous materials across lower Manhattan.

An estimated 410,000 to 525,000 people, including more than 90,000 workers, were exposed to the toxic dust during the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts that followed the attack.

But there has been growing awareness in recent years of the suffering of another group of people tied to the tragedy – firefighters, police and others who died or fell ill after exposure to the wreckage and the toxins unleashed in it.

While research continues into whether those illnesses are tied to 9/11 toxins, a victim’s compensation fund for people with potentially 11 September-related health problems has awarded more than $5.5 billion so far. Over 51,000 people have applied.

Aniverssary

With crime on the rise, shops and apartments increasingly vacant and homeless people on the sidewalks, New York on Friday will mark the 19th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and a bitter fight with the White House.

The city will hold its annual ceremony in memory of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the bloodiest terrorist attack in US history, punctuated by a minute’s silence at the exact moments that Al-Qaeda jihadists crashed two hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center towers.

Instead of reading out the roll call of the dead, the families of victims have recorded themselves in 2020. But they will still be present at the “Ground Zero” memorial.

The site museum will also open for the first time since the novel coronavirus brought the city to a standstill in March.

Safety of the Senior Citizens: Are We Failing?

Statistically Speaking…

Individuals of and above 60 years of age are considered to be the senior citizen, as per the law in India. The 2011 population census states that there are approximately 104 million people who are of the age 60 years or more; 53 million are females and 51 million are males. That was about 8.6% of the 2011 population. And, unsurprisingly, this amount is to increase by 2020.

This population chunk also happens to be a vulnerable group in the crime spectrum. That includes the physical and mental harassment that they face at the hands of those whom they consider to be their ‘family’. Also, they are technically more vulnerable when it comes to technological and cyber crimes. Be it by self exploration or by mistake, sometimes these experiences cost them a lot, and not just in monetary terms. Also, terminally ill people tend to have it worse. Some children do not even hesitate to brutally torture their parents. Cutting of social contact or sometimes, even the basic necessities is another common method of harassment.

Now, hypothetically, someone might say why don’t the senior citizens live where they lived all their lives? That might maintain a comfortable sphere for them. Sounds a better option, right? But in reality, it is not so. Because, firstly, senior citizens, especially with a medical history, have a high probability of having a medical emergency. And due to various circumstances, they might not be in contact or ask anyone for help. And the next biggest reason is that they are soft targets for the fraudelants and robbery.

The statistics regarding these crimes was provided in 2018 by the National Crime Records Bureau, a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs, for a study period of 2016-2018. According to these reports,in 2016, the number of registered crimes against senior citizens was 21410, in 2017 it was 22727 and in 2018 it was raised to 24349. This study was done considering an approximate population of 103.85 million. The rate of crime against senior citizens is recorded to be 23.4%. In 2020, the rate has increased toa whooping 25%.These statistics are very alarming and show the ugly reflection of many truths of our society.

On an international level, seven types of elder abuse are recognized: physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial abuse and self neglect. A rather large contribution to this increase is pointed towards material/ financial crimes in India . Relatives or children often try to obtain the property deeds from the senior citizens.The increasing value of the real estate sector provides a secure way of financial growth. Hence, younger generations try and invest their parents’ properties for monetary gains or even for loaning purposes. The senior citizens may face harassment and/ or neglect during or after the process of transferring the property. Also, financial cheating is also a rampant criteria under the crime category.

Laws and Legalities

In accordance with ‘The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (amendment) Bill, 2019’ (which has filled up several loopholes that were present in the 2007 bill), the children might be directed to pay an amount to the parents per month as maintenance amount. The amount is fixed on the basis of standards of living and earning of the senior citizen and the earning of the children. Abandonment of elders will lead to a 3-6 months imprisonment, or auto fine of rs, 10,000 or both. Abuse charges also have the punishment. Under this bill, special provisions and criterias are created to standardize the care homes, home care services, healthcare and police protection.

On the social front, various NGOs are coming up to actively tackle these problems. Toll free helpline numbers and forums give a good source to reach out for help. Public empathy and awareness is also increasing, which provides a very strong base to curb the crimes. For senior citizens living alone, it is advisable to keep up with the latest security products available in the market, and upgrade them from time to time. Also, some self defense equipments should be strategically kept spread throughout the house, which are also easily accessible for someone who knows where they are. Keeping too many valuable items might not be safe. Also,three four persons should be kept on speed dial and as much as it sounds unappealing/uncomfortable, especially for the older generation,it might be a good idea to try and keep the phone within reach. If possible, something should be installed on the front doors so that it is easy to check the person on the other side without fully exposing oneself and also not giving direct entry to the home. Before employing or giving admission to any service provider, identity cards or valid personal documents should be checked.

As a society and as an individual, we have this responsibility to do whatever can be done. That includes looking out for the signs of neglect and abuse, enquiring the elders if any doubts arise and helping them to reach out to the proper authority, if the need arises. This problem can only be tackled through systematic dismantling of the notions that senior citizens are vulnerable.

Dignity (Foundation) Helpline in 6 Cities :

Mumbai Dignity Helpline +91 22 6138 1111
Chennai Dignity Helpline +91 44 2621 0363
Kolkata Dignity Helpline +91 92323 82936 / +91 91635 09818
Bengaluru Dignity Helpline +91 96322 44568 / +91 97405 52261
Pune Dignity Helpline +91 88304 49043
Delhi Dignity Helpline +91 84483 17316

Helpage Toll-Free Elder Helpline Number: 1800-180-1253

Website References:

https://ncrb.gov.in/en/search/node/Senior%20Citizen?page=1

https://vikaspedia.in/social-welfare/senior-citizens-welfare/senior-citizens-status-in-india

https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/maintenance-and-welfare-parents-and-senior-citizens-amendment-bill-2019

Chinese Troops along LAC

Chinese troops have been found to be increasing by the day along the LAC.

China has deployed bombers, armoured vehicles and heavy artillery besides special forces as well as infantry units along the border with India, state media reports said on Wednesday, in a rare acknowledgment of what seems like a massive mobilisation of troops and equipment along the disputed boundary.

Usually, official media highlights exercises in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) to demonstrate its military might along the border with India like it did last August, and repeatedly during the Doklam (Donglang) standoff in 2017.

The words ‘deployment’ or ‘mobilisation’ are seldom used in the context of the border with India.

The news reports did not specify since when the troops were being mobilised from different parts of China to the border. But they attributed the movement of troops and equipment to the ongoing boundary tension in eastern Ladakh.

The reports added that soldiers, guns and aircraft were moved near the border areas not only from different parts of China but also different theatre commands.India has repeatedly and consistently rejected China’s allegations that Indian troops crossed over to the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, asserting that New Delhi has always taken a responsible approach towards border management and maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas.

The Indian Army has further bolstered its dominance over a number of strategic heights overlooking key Chinese-held positions around Pangong lake area in eastern Ladakh even as brigade commanders and commanding officers of the two militaries held separate talks to cool tensions in the region, government sources said.

Tension escalated manifold in eastern Ladakh following fresh face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops in Mukhpari area of Rezang-La ridgeline on Monday evening.

The Indian Army on Tuesday said Chinese troops attempted to close in on an Indian position near the southern bank of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh the previous evening and fired shots in the air, a first such instance of bullets being used along the LAC after a gap of 45 years.

The army said this in a statement after the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) late on Monday night alleged that Indian troops crossed the LAC and “outrageously fired” warning shots near the Pangong lake.

The incident of Monday evening was considered serious as the previous instance of shots being fired at the de-facto border was in 1975.

Provisions of an agreement of 1996 and another signed in 2005 mandate the two sides not to use firearms during any confrontation.

“Both India and China are in regular touch through diplomatic and military channels to resolve the situation. This was the consensus when the two defence ministers met,” he said.

The border situation deteriorated again after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake on the intervening night of August 29 and 30.

WHAT IS INDIAN MEDIA DOING?

The purpose of media in a nation is to provide information and knowledge to the people of the country. Media is regarded to be the most reliable means of information for the masses. There is no uncertainty about it that media plays an essential part in broadcasting information and facts, it keeps us informed regarding the happening across the world. The media acts as a link within the residents and the administration of the nation act as a third eye to the government, it draws clarity between the people and the state. News media is the fourth pillar of the democracy, be it a print media or television/ radio its main objective is to spread information with unbiased news without any modification or restriction, because people believe what they know, see and hear from these media platforms and manage to develop views and beliefs based on the data they are perceiving.

Indian media has been known for its reliable and substantial influence on the social, economical and political aspects of the country. In recent years the practice of funded news and increase in TRP has destroyed the faith across the media drastically, and because of this, the biggest victim turns out to be the Indian constitutionalism. The system of exerting money and supports from the corporate houses, politicians, administration, and big organizations, so that the media could show beneficial news concerning them has become a general practice in the press and is ruining the integrity of a journalist. Even if some of the media organizations or reporters want to present the right information to the people, they are always shut by the warning or threatening calls .

From the past two months where Indian TV channels mainly national ones have developed a fascination for one particular section of news – the demise of Bollywood star Sushant Singh Rajput. No matter however trivial or impossible, the Indian news media has left no stone unturned while broadcasting on Rajput’s death while there is other news like continuous rapes in Uttar Pradesh, the aftermath of floods in Assam, Ladakh issues, etc.

Most of the TV-news channels undividedly feed the desires of their political leaders and build the narratives to promote their political publicity. Paid news is dropping moral norms of journalism and day by day, the trust of the people on media platforms is disintegrating. The news commentators sitting on the ease of their AC studios and involving in undesirable discourse upon particular splinter group are accused of the current position of crisis in the nation. The Indian media now bears a severe crisis of reliability. If it does not improve itself, it will find its greatest asset going quickly depreciated and ultimately disappearing. Stripped of authenticity, sincerity, and trustworthiness, the media will desist to value to huge numbers of people lacking as a source of shoddy entertainment. Its high time now and we should stop this inconsistency before it causes more damage to the nation. Simply debar these news channels as we don’t need the help of news channels for biased opinions.

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Health Affects

Aniverssary

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Dignity (Foundation) Helpline in 6 Cities :

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