WHAT IS KARMA? KARMA IS JUST LIKE; IF YOU SPIT IT THE AIR, IT FALLS OVER YOU. KARMA COMES BACK, IS IT TRUE? YES, IT IS. IF YOU DO GOOD TO PEOPLE, GOOD WILL HAPPEN TO YOU. IF YOU DO BAD TO PEOPLE, ONE DAY OR THE OTHER YOU SHALL GO THROUGH SOMETHING NEGATIVE. YES, IT IS TRUE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED A LOT OF INSTANCES, WHEREIN I HAVE WITNESSED PEOPLE GOING FROM LAND TO SKY, AND THOSE WHO DROPPED FROM THE SKY TO LAND.
WHAT YOU GIVE, COMES BACK TO YOU. WHAT YOU DO COMES BACK TO YOU. IF YOU THROW, 2 BALLS IS THE AIR, IT COMES BACK TO YOU.LET US USE AN EXAMPLE: BLUE BALL STANDS FOR BAD KARMA AND PINK BALL STANDS FOR GOOD KARMA. IF YOU DO GOOD, IT WILL GET TO YOU; THINGS WHICH ARE POSITIVE. EVERY NEGATIVE KARMA COUNTS AND SO DOES A POSITIVE KARMA. IF YOUVE DONE BAD TO PEOPLE , ITS CONSEQUENCE WILL COME TO YOU EVEN IF YOU HAVE DONE GOOD TO PEOPLE.
BE POSITIVE, DONT GET JEALOUS OF OTHERS. YOUR LIFE WITH BE THE WAY YOU THINK OF IT TO BE. YOU ARE THE MASTER OF YOUR LIFE, THE ARTIST OF THE ART CALLED “LIFE”. BLESS PEOPLE, THE BLESSINGS WILL MULTIPLY AND COME BACK TO YOU. IF YOU BE GOOD TO OTHERS, YOU SHALL ALWAYS HAPPY.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax applicable throughout India which replaced multiple cascading taxes levied by the central and state government. It was introduced as The Constitution Act (Amendment101). It is used in India on the supply of goods and services. GST has replaced some indirect taxes in India such as the excise duty, VAT, services tax, etc. The Goods and Service Tax Act was passed in the Parliament on 29th March 2017 and came into effect on 1st July 2017.
BRIEF HISTORY
The start of reform in India’s indirect tax regulation dates back to Rajiv Gandhi’s government. It started with the introduction of Modified Value Added Tax (MODVAT) in 1986 by Vishwanath Pratap Singh, the then Finance Minister. Subsequently PM P.V. Narsimha Rao and his finance minister Manmohan Singh initiated early discussion on Value Added Tax (VAT) at the state level. A single common Goods and Services Tax was introduced during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government (1999); in a meeting between him and his economic advisory panel.
FORMATION
In 2016, the Lok Sabha passed the Constitution Amendment Bill. However due to disagreements on several statements in the bill and on opposition’s demand, the GST bill was sent back for review. A 21 member committee was formed to look in the proposed GST laws. After approval of Central Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The CGST Bill), the Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The IGST Bill), the Union Territory Goods and Services Tax Bill 2017 (The UTGST Bill), the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to the States) Bill 2017 (The Compensation Bill), these bills were passed by Lok Sabha on March 29, 2017. The Rajya Sabha passed the bills on April 6, 2017. They were enacted as Acts on April 12, 2017.
IMPEMENTATION
Goods and Services Tax was launched all over India with effect from July 1 2017. The Jammu and Kashmir legislature passed its GST act on 7 July 2017, thereby ensuring the entire nation brought under a unified indirect taxation system. The GST has ben modified many times since it’s implementation, the latest being on 22 December 2018. The panel of federal and state finance ministers decided to revise GST rates on 28 goods and 58 services.
FEATURES OF GST IN INDIA
DUAL GST:
India has adopted dual GST
Central GST (CGST) and State GST/ Union Territories GST (SGST/ UTGST)
Central govt. and State/UT govt. collect respective GSTs.
This feature owes to Amendment 101 of constitution
Integrated GST is leviable on inter-state transactions. It is levied and collected by the Central Government. It is equal to CGST + SGST.
TAXES SUBSUMED IN GST:
Central Government
Central Excise Duty
Additional Excise Duty
Service Tax
Additional Customs Duty (CVD)
Special Additional Duty of Customs (SAD)
Excise Duty on Medicinal and Toilet Preparations.
State Government
Sales Tax/Value Added Tax (VAT)
Entertainment Tax (other than collected by local bodies)
Central Sales Tax (CST)
Octroi and Entry Tax
Purchase Tax
Luxury Tax
Taxes on Lottery, Betting and Gambling
BENEFITS
Removal of Cascading Effect: The earlier system where tax was levied upon tax thereby burdening the consumer was removed effectively. Black money also seems to be reduced.
Uniformity in tax rate therefore rate arbitrage: While there used to be fluctuation in some commodities due to manufacture and inter state business, GST has levelled the taxes to a lot extent.
Decrease in prices because of cascading effect and rate arbitrage.
Abolition of interstate check-posts placed to enforce taxes on cross border transactions. This also reduced long-distance travel time for goods and transportation by 20 percent.
Creation of Nation Common Market
SHORTCOMINGS
Large list of GST- exempted goods which make the system unnecessarily complicated.
The decision to exempt almost 50 percent of items in the consumer price index basket has narrowed the base.
High tax rates on automobiles, construction of buildings have slowed down the progress of these sectors.
CAG report observed “Post-implementation of GST, the Centre’s revenue from goods and services registered a decline of 10% in 2017-18 compard to the revenue from the subsumed taxes in 2016/17”
Government’s gross tax revenue collection in Apr-Jun grew at the slowest pace in 10 years.
Thus we see as many benefits as the disadvantages are. Lets look forward to future amendments and openly keep our thoughts, for India is a democratic country!
” The love for living creature is the most noble attribute of man”.
These words are well said by Charles Darwin, the biologist, who well know the pertinence of all living creatures and the need of harmony between man and other creatures. Our ecosystem depends on the cycle of interdependence between man and other creatures. If even one species become extinct, our ecosystem gets disturbed.
Man’s avarice allure it to do wrong thing, even killing may it be animals or others in form of poaching, hunting. Scientist reveal the fact, that since the development of ecosystem, above 2000 species have become extinct and about 1000 areendangered.
The question arises……
How long will the Earth sustain….?
OR
How the Earth will sustain bythe artificial technology only, wheneverything is virtual….?
Killing fisheries, poultry, just for savoring tastes is not ethical for human being.
Change is the law of nature. Gone are the days when we enslaved animals or used horses alike ‘Chetak’, cows alike ‘Nandi’ etc. The need of the hour is to protect wildlife, not only by constructing National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries or launching campaigns.
It is the awareness which has to be enlighten within each one of us and unconditional bond between us and animals.
Do heartbreaks really lead to success? Read further to know more..
Heartbreaks are more of a blessing than a curse! Are every sort of heartbreaks the same? ‘Every sort’? Yes! Not just break ups causes heartbreak.. when your loved one dies or moves apart, when you lose your job, when you lose your property, these are all reasons for a heartbreak. Does it really lead to success? Or to depression?
Heartbreak builds a bridge between failure and success. It is completely your choice either to fall into the pit or to walk over the bridge and attain success.
Walk towards success!
Heartbreaks are not an end, sometimes it is just a beginning to something beautiful. It is rightly said that success comes from pain. When you go through a heartbreak, you wish certain things. You want to move on, you want yourself to stand on your own feet which acts as a fuel to become successful.
“Failure is so important. We speak about success all the time. It is the ability to resist failure or use failure that often leads to greater success. I’ve met people who don’t want to try for fear of failing.”
– J K Rowling
Rowling’s words have inspired us to overcome failure, to use failure to become successful. Heartbreaks can surely be a motivation to fulfil our dreams and aims. Therefore, recognising failure is a stepping stone towards success.
The world of art would never have been interesting if it didn’t come from a broken heart. If you notice, most of the playwrights, actors, authors, philosopher, singers etc. that are a successful bore from the heart. Everyone had that struggle in life. Life completely takes a turn after it. Either downwards or to heights you could have ever imagined.
“Success is the best revenge.” “You need pain to succeed in life.”
– Bo Sanchez
The pain revives certain inner qualities you posses. It somehow automatically creates a mood to follow your passion. Heartbreak comes with wisdom and knowledge. So let heartbreak be a burning fuel within, which motivates you to success.
Heartbreaks not only motivates you to be a better version of yourself, it allows your mind to be an effective judge. You gain emotional intelligence as well. You can no longer be easily fooled or trapped. You learn to control and handle emotions well. Emotional intelligence is no doubt a crucial skill to success.
Heartbreak is a failure which your heart faces. If you are experiencing any such issues. Face it and learn from it. It makes us stronger, better and successful.
Two frogs are playing in a pond, then suddenly, BAM! They are kidnapped and taken to a kitchen by a chef. The chef boils up a pot of water and throws one frog inside. Sensing danger, the frog jumps out of the pot and escapes. The chef tries a different strategy with the other frog. This time, he turns on the heat slowly so that the frog doesn’t realize that it is being cooked.
REST IN PEACE Froggy.
Are we not facing the same situation? Yes, Global Warming.
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the earth. It is one of the greatest environmental challenges.
Global warming is caused due to many reasons, the primary one being human activity. Greenhouse effect is the main cause of global warming. A greenhouse is made of glass which helps the plants stay warm even when it is cold outside. Similarly, the greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide act as an insulation to keep us warm. This is a natural process. But if more and more greenhouse gases enter the atmosphere, the earth becomes warmer rapidly. But what causes this?
Here we go again….. Human activity.
Over population
Deforestation
Burning of fossil fuels
Industrialization
All this leads to melting of glaciers which increases the sea level. This further leads to change in ecosystem. Rise in droughts, forest fires, hurricanes, and desertification are also caused due to global warming
Still, global warming remains to be a controversy, leading to many debates. Some people believe that global warming is just a natural cycle and the drastic climate changes have nothing to do with human activity. In my opinion, blaming the nature is not right. Since we are greedy and don’t want to fix the issue, we find such excuses.
Now moving on the solutions.
Spreading awareness, is a great step to fight against global warming, that is what this article is about, isn’t it?
Simple solutions like unplugging devices when not in use, carpooling, using LED lights and CFLs, planting trees and recycling can both save money and reduce our carbon footprint.
Using renewable energy sources, zero-carbon technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and biomass boilers can be built to conserve energy.
Start-ups that develop such technologies should be encouraged and offered tax and loan incentives.
We can take such measures to protect our planet. Together we shall fight climate change and protect our dearest planet.
Do you know we celebrate world social media day on June 30 th. Today is a very special day cause today is the day we celebrate the evolution of media from old times till now to the present social media, which made communication lot more easier,accessible,accurate.
Social media is a platform where different kinds of people are connected together .But the security and privacy is still the top most priority of the social media apps
As technology is developing faster and faster the social media applications are also evolving at an astonishing rate .
Especially during this pandemic Social media was one of the reasons why people were still able to connect with people at various places.
Social media became extremely essential during these times.we can even say that bonds,relations and specially the connections between people is maintained .
They are even updating their apps constantly so users can benefit from it,the user should not feel alone when they use these apps that is what a successful app must have .
Through social media not only people connect ,but people with similar interests gather together under one roof that is to say at the same place same place and enjoy each other’s company.
Social media acts as a platform where even a small issue can gather lots of attention and raise awareness among people about various issues.It is changing people’s ideals it’s telling what is good and what is not.It is helping us to gain knowledge , entertainment,education,news etc.
Social media has their own advantages and disadvantages based on how we use them.
Social media is both boon and Bane because it is the reason why people who are at different places able to connect and it is also the reason why we are becoming more far to our own families .
So as they say everything should be done in limit,and anything that exceeds the limit is not good .
So even usage of social media should be limited .Even the applications are also updated their apps and added new features where we can view our usage of that particular app so we can limit our usage to certain extent.
So at last what I want to say is every thing is in your hands either to make social media your boon or your Bane depends on you.
Tribal settlements, villages and towns are the three main components of india’s social formation. a sharp distinction between tribal settlement and village and between village and town cannot, however be easily drawn due to some common characteristics shared by them. there are big tribal villages in some parts of the country and they are not significantly different from non tribal multi caste villages. distinctions based on kinship, wealth and power amoung some tribal villages are as sharp as we find amoung the non tribal villages. tribals are not theoritically a part of hindu social organisation, but they have always been in touch with wider society in india. they have been exploited economically and socially by the non tribals living in tribal areas. a number of tribes have revolted against their exploitation.
TRIBAL IDENTITY IN INDIA:
The state shall promote with special care the educational and economic intersects of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular, of the scheduled tribes and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. there are however, tribes which are not scheduled tribes and are generally weaker sections of india’s population like the scheduled castes. the tribes are backward particularly in regard to education and economic standing. they were exploited in the past, by the dominant sections of indian society, namely, hindu landlords, moneylenders and industrialists who purchased their lands to establish industries in tribal areas. forest produces which tribals bring to the market for sale, are bought at throwaway prices. a number of tribes have hinduised or converted to christianity or islam to break away from their tribal indentity, to get redemption from exploitation and to elevate their status and honour. sometimes it becomes difficult to draw a clear line between a tribal and a caste group. there are hunters and food gatherers amoung the tribals on the one end, and there are tribals settled in villages, practically functioning as caste groups on the other. a large number of tribals in india live in hilly and forested areas where population is sparse and communication is difficult. they are spread over the entire sub continent but are found mainly in the states of west bengal, jharkhand, orissa, chattisghargh, rajasthan, gujarat and maharastra.
DEFINING TRIBAL SOCIETY:
In tribal life the principal links for the whole society are based on kinship. kinship is not simply a principle of social organisation it is also a principle of inheritance, division of labour and distribution of power and privilages. tribal societies are small in size. they possess a morality, religion and worldview of their own, corresponding to their social relations. however some tribes such as santhals, gonds and bhils are quite large. the segementary systems have relations on a small scale. they enjoy autonomy, and are independent of each other in a given region. the principle of organic relationship explains interdependence of various caste groups upon eachother in social life. caste groups are heirarchally arranged on the basis of certain ascriptive criteria. these criteria do not apply to tribes in india. distinctions between folk, peasant and urban or between tribal, folk and elite are not very useful for the understanding of tribes in india. the tribes of jharkhand mobilised their members against their exploiters. they interacted with the administration, town elite, and outsiders. the jharkhand which contains numerous tribes, is a tribal cultural zone comprising several tribal sub cultures. the mundas, oraons, hos and santhals the major tribes of this region depend upon forest produce, settled agriculture, employement in industries, coal mines and governament jobs. some have settled in towns, others are in villages and some of the latter are economically very well off. thus tribal culture is in part a peasent culture and in part an urban culture. even the revival of tribal aboriginaliy has been expressed in the form of an instrument of protest against the external intrusions and impositions of rules and regulations. the tribals of jharkhand are peasents to a large extent and therefore their pesants qualities should become the basis to understand their economic problems.
TRIBAL SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
Lack of hierarchy amoung men and groups. communitarian basis of landholding. lack of distinction between form and substance of religion and a distinct psychological make up for enjoying life. tribes have been seperated from other social categories on the basis of these features. in india the british conducted a detailed enumeration of the tribals in the 1930s. the large tribes of india are the gonds of chattisgargh maharastra and andhra pradesh. tribes in india differ from one another in racial traits, language, social organisation, cultural patterns e.t.c the dominant racial type amoung tribes is the protoaustraloid.
Sonnet No. 130 is an unconventional sonnet which belongs to Shakespeare’s Dark Lady series, and no doubt, it is extraordinary and differs largely in conception, thought and approach from other conventional or traditional Elizabethan sonnets which were mostly written on the theme of human love.
Sonnet 130 is quite original and exceptional. The poet have expressed his irresistible attachment to his mistress who does not possess any physical charm like other ladyloves. Here the poet refers to some elements of feminine beauty a fair complexion, lustrous eyes, deep red lips, snow white breasts, rosy cheeks, a pleasant voice, a sweet breathe and a goddess like movement; these are taken normally as essential to feminine beauty and charm. But the poet’s mistress is lacking in all these requirements. She has nothing to attract that would attract or seduce other male lovers, yet the poet loves her much more than others knowing too well whatever flaw she possess.
This kind of theme is very rare in Elizabethan love poetry and stands out differently from the common theme of love. There is no idealistic yearning for one who is all beauty and grace. The sonnet is thus a satire on the Petrarchan praise of the charms of the beloved. It was a practice of the Elizabethan poets to compare the hairs of the beloved to the wires, usually golden wires which implies a contrast with black wires. It refers to extravagant hair style adopted by fashionable ladies of that time: “What guile is this…/ She doth attire under a net of gold…” (Spenser’s Amoretti:37)
The black complexion of the poet’s beloved has greater sensory pleasure. The word “reek” has an unpleasant suggestion; it suggests nasty smell . it is not a natural word as some commentators believe. This may be taken as a parody of romantic description: “From her sweet breathe their sweet smells do smell” (Constable’s Diana). The poet admits that he has never seen a goddess go as painted by the other Elizabethan love poets. His beloved is an ordinary woman who walks on the earth. His mistress is a down to earth woman, not the sort of idealized fiction imagined by other love poets. So the poet writes: ” I think my love as rare/ As any she belied with false compare”.
In Shakespeare there is an exploration of new possibilities; love has been liberated from its nominal ” Two loves I have of comfort and despair” gives the key to the whole sequence. First his “guiding star of virtuous love” is not Laura, nor a Beatrice but a young man, his friend. Secondly, he loves a lady who is not traditionally beautiful. Shakespeare suggests the contrast between appearance and reality. The poet argues that the lady’s black appearance cannot be counted beautiful but of course blackness has age old associations with evil but like most women her appearance owes nothing to art and therefore gives her a beauty of integrity and purity of character.
The Sonnet 130 marks a genuine excellence of literary art. The analogies drawn by the poet are precise, but quite clear and the subtle touch of wit marks them particularly impressive. Some expressions, such as “breasts are dun”, “roses damask’d”, “red and white” and so on are somewhat uncommon, but the sonnet presents a realistic tone and no idealistic presentation of his mistress. There is a mixture of satire and seriousness in the enumeration of the items of beauty. The final couplet gives a complimentary twist to the negative impact of the quatrains.
Language is undoubtedly the most valuable single possession of the human race. Man is clearly distinguished from other species by his capacity for using language. The term language is derived from the Latin word lingua meaning tongue.
Language is our most effective means of communication .We communicate with others through speech and writing .Communication is more effective when we speak .We can make use of variations in voice ,gesture other features to reinforce what we say .Writing does not offer such conveniences. Again ,speech has been with us ever since human beings evolved as a distinct species. But writing claim to have a history of hardly six thousand years . Moreover speech comes first in life of individuals too. Hence historians of language consider speech as primary and writing as secondary. Considering these facts Wardaugh defines language as system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication .
Language helps man in several ways .It helps him to reach back into the collective knowledge of his ancestors. No one can ignore the role of language in placing humanity at the pinnacle of progress. Without language man would never have become fully human. Language is quite necessary for the continuity of civilization . It is mainly through language that human beings collect and preserve knowledge and transfer it to the next generation . It is not possible to imagine a society without language. Man’s social behavior is conditioned by the nature of his communication with fellow beings . That is why Barnett says ,”verbal communication is a condition of the existence of human society.”
It is true that animals too communicate .Some animals ,birds and insects have developed their own systems of communication .But their communicative systems are instinctively determined . They lack the flexibility and creativity of human language. Their communicative conventions are acquired genetically and not through learning.
The American linguist ,Charles F Hockett ,in a detailed study compared human communicative system with animal communicative system with animal communicative system with animal communicative systems. The aim of the study was to find out the essential defining characteristics of spoken language . He tried to determine what ‘counts’ as a human language as opposed to some other systems of communication . He identified thirteen characteristics of spoken language which he termed design features .They are , Auditory -vocal channel ,Broadcast transmission and directional reception, rapid fading , interchangeability total feedback, specialization ,semanticity , arbitrariness ,discreteness ,displacement ,productivity, traditional transmission and duality of patterning .
Being someone who seeks thrill in boating is always guaranteed of an adventure ahead. Boating as a water-based leisurely activity is found to have a positive impact on the relationships. Those who enjoy boating have certain craftsmanship in them to be always able to spot the best boat and know that it is the going to be significant fun. If you are looking for refreshing breaks to connect and spend quality time with your family, choose a location, plan a trip and go on a boat ride with them. The part about picking up a place where you can delight yourself on a boat ride might sound tricky but it is not.
1. Nakki Lake, Mount Abu:
The popular hill station situated in the Aravalli Range, Mount Abu has several tourist attractions. Among those, Nakki Lake which is considered to be pious because of its historical importance is a must-visit spot. According to the Hindu culture, in the ancient times, Gods dug out this lake with their fingers and nails while seeking protection from a demon. Nakki Lake is the first human-made lake which is believed to be 11,000 meters deep and a quarter of a mile wide. There is a boating facility at the Nakki Lake which gives visitors a great chance to enjoy the serene view of the lake. The lake is also famous for a different reason Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in the same lake where Gandhi Ghat has been constructed. The fountains in the lake offer an enchanting view of the life at Mount Abu while you boat merrily. There is also Toad Rock on a hill nearby. These strangely shaped rocks are arranged in such a way that it resembles a toad about to jump in the lake. Additionally, there are numerous eateries in the area where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal after the pleasant boat ride.
2. Gadisar Lake, Rajasthan:
Enjoy the lush greenery on an early morning or evening boat ride at the Gadisar Lake, Rajasthan. This lake is one of the most precious assets for the locals and has been carrying the heritage and culture for generations. The first Maharaja of the city of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal, artificially built this lake in as a water reservoir for his people in the hope of solving the water crisis in the area. The Gadisar Lake is situated in the heart of Mount Abu and thus, boating around the lake offers a mesmerising view of the city while you can also spot the famous Raghunath Temple and Maharaja Jaipur Palace which are located in the nearby area. The lake is considered to be sacred and is worshipped by a local tribe known as Garasia.
You can also buy food from the stalls there and feed the catfish in the lake. The sight of the fishes flocking around you to grab a bite or two is intriguing as well as tad bit scary too. During winters, bird-watchers can engage in their favourite pastime as beautiful migratory birds visit the lake as the Bharatpur bird sanctuary is very close to the lake.
3. Bedhaghat, Jabalpur:
A spectacle of nature, Bhedaghat is a town located in the Jabalpur district in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The marble rock boating area is breathtaking with the subtle hues and colours of the rocks and stones. With time, the Narmada river has carved a beautiful gorge of approximately eight kilometres. Rent a rowboat or a motorboat and go on a guided tour of the river.
4. Kumarakom Backwaters:
A trip to Kerala is incomplete if you do not get to enjoy the tranquil serenity of the Kumarakom backwaters. A small town located in Kottayam district of Kerala receives thousands of tourists everywhere who come to live up their dream of spending time on a houseboat in the backwaters. A much-deserved break from the fast-paced urban lifestyle, the Kumarakom boating tours are therapeutic in an actual sense. The vibrant green cover contributed by the coconut plantations, and paddy fields all around make up for a soothing sight for the mind and soul. The most exciting part is these houseboats or Kettuvallams, as known in Kerala, are entirely built with eco-friendly materials.
5. Dal Lake, Srinagar:
To go on a fascinating Shikara boat ride on the Dal Lake and live up the most captivating activity while you are in Srinagar. The awe-inspiring panoramic view of the lush green landscapes, the ripples forming on the lake water, flowering gardens, and the vibrant floating market will leave you enchanted. Shikara is a kind of a wooden boat made primarily out of deodar wood. The Shikara boat can also take you to the famous tourist attraction surrounding the Dal Lake such as the Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden and the Hazratbal Mosque. The Shikaras also play a crucial part in the infamous floating market on the Dal Lake where the locals sell flowers, vegetables and handicrafts. So, while you reside in a Shikara houseboat, you can go shopping on your boat to the eye-catching hues on the floating boats which are a part of the market.
6. Hoganekkal, Tamil Nadu:
If you want to visit the Niagara Falls of India, head out to Hogaenakkal Waterfalls, Tamil Nadu, located at a distance of 200 kms from Bangalore in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. Famous for the spectacular waterfalls and hide boat rides, this major tourist destination offers fun boating and coracle rides. The waterfalls are divided; where the ones in Karnataka has numerous cascades whereas the part that lies on the Tamil Nadu side has picturesque gorges and boat rides.
7. Ganga Ghat, Varanasi:
The sacred River Ganga is believed to have magical powers of having the potential to wash off one’s sins. Gliding through the water of Ganges to when the sun is rising or setting, you can experience the true essence of Varanasi. Visit the different Ghats which are connected to the land via waterways. Another major attraction is the Ram Nagar Fort, located on the opposite side of the river, which is the palace of the King of Banaras. The boat ride includes a mini-tour of the palace and the nearby market area and a visit to a Goddess Durga temple which was built 200 years ago.
8. Naini Lake, Nainital:
Making time on the water is among the favourite recreational activity during summers. This eye-shaped lake, located at the height of 1938 meters, offer boating as the major attraction for tourists who seek some entertaining activities at the hill station. There is also a Yacht Club at Mallital which offers yachting for the members and tourist alike. The exquisite beauty of the gleaming water, under the Kumaon Sky, can be thoroughly rejoiced only by a boating experience.
9. Bhimtal, Nainital:
Bhimtal Lake in the Bhimtal Town is among the most famous lakes in India. There is an island in the middle of the lake which is an aquarium attracts visitors. The only way to reach the island is via boat. Visit the aquarium which has a variety of species that will leave you amazed. The Bhimeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is also located on the island. The C-shaped lake is situated at an altitude of 4500 feet, sprawling over an area of 47 hectares. The clear lake water a paradise for nature-lovers and photo-fanatics, the surrounding of the lake are well-maintained with eateries offering local delicacies in the area. Immerse yourself in the hypnotic tranquillity on a boat ride around the lake.
10. Unkal Lake, Karnataka:
A resplendent sunset at the Unkal Lake will leave you mesmerised. Go on a boat ride around the Lake and capture the ravishing sight in your camera to relive the moment time and again. This scenic tourist spot is situated at Unkal in Dharwad district. The Unkal Lake is 110 years old. There is a statue of Swami Vivekananda in the middle of the lake. Tourists can reach here by taking a boat the site. The beauty of the lake is a must-visit for nature lovers who could get some great shots at nature photography. There are recreational facilities for children around the lake premises.
SYRIA: Millions of people have been displaced from their homes , Conflicts in Syria’s northeast and northwest have increased levels of hunger and food insecurity as families have lost their homes, businesses and incomes
In December 2019, conflict escalated in northwest Syria and western
Aleppo. Close to one million people were forced to flee their homes in the largest wave of displacement since the crisis began.
WFP launched an immediate response and scaled up its ongoing humanitarian operations in the northwest and is now providing emergency food assistance to more than one million people each month through cross-border operation from Turkey.
Across Syria, WFP continues to ensure that food reaches the most vulnerable families when they need it the most.
4.8 million people in Syria receive lifesaving food from WFP each month.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2020 was awarded to World Food Programme (WFP) “for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.”
And just like that, when the World Food Programme were offered UN Peace Price amidst all the harsh realities, and morbidities, the deaths, the wars — 2020 acknowledged the work and effort that the Food Programme have constantly been putting in, in order to create an equal, and secured environment.
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the 5 Nobel Prizes established by the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, along with the prizes in Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Literature.The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded 101 times to 135 Nobel Laureates between 1901 and 2020, 107 individuals and 28 organisations. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 3 times. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2 times . The most recent prize was awarded to the World Food Programme in 2020; nominations for the 2021 prize closed in January 2021. WFP was established in 1961, when George McGovern, director of the US Food for Peace Programmes, proposed establishing a multilateral food aid programme. WFP launched its 1st programme in 1963, in Sudan. WFP operations are funded by voluntary donations principally from governments of the world, and also from corporations and private donors. In 2019, funding was recorded around US$8 billion, of which the largest donors were the United States ($3.4 billion) and Germany ($886.6 million).
The Motto of the UN World Food Programme stands for, “Saving Lives – Changing Lives become substantial. In 2015 the global community adopted the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development to improve people’s lives by 2030. With priority of achieving Goal 2 – Zero Hunger –which pledges to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture,
This is the WFP’s vision – 5 steps to Zero Hunger.
a. Put first those who are furthest behind
b. Pave the road from farm to market
c. Reduce food waste
d. Encourage a sustainable variety of crops
e. Make nutrition a priority
For more than 50 years, the World Food Programme (WFP) has provided emergency food assistance, often in conflict, post-conflict or disaster situations. WFP has evolved to combine frontline action with the quest for durable solutions.
This also includes – Cash transfers, that is Empowering the people through provision of cash and/or value vouchers, In-kind food distribution to most vulnerable household.
Please read the following post for more information.
People get nervous or self-conscious on occasion, like when giving a speech or interviewing for a new job. Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is more than just shyness or occasional nerves. Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of certain social situations—especially situations that are unfamiliar or in which you feel you’ll be watched or evaluated by others.
These situations may be so frightening that you get anxious just thinking about them or go to great lengths to avoid them, disrupting your life in the process.
Fear of being watched and judged by people
Most of us would have experienced social anxiety to some extent and it is normal to want to perform well. Anxiety in social situations and concerns overevaluation become problematic when the anxiety is persistent and causes intense distress. A person may be diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder if the anxiety and distress persist for more than six months.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines social anxiety disorder as a persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others.
Some signs of social anxiety disorder include:
Fear of interacting with others
Feeling shy, easily embarrassed or being extremely self-conscious
Fear of appearing anxious e.g. blushing, stuttering, or running out of things to say
Fearing the worst will happen in social situations
Self-conscious thoughts e.g. “people will stare at me” or “people won’t like me”
Avoidance behaviour e.g. avoiding eye contact or general avoidance of social situations
Spending a significant amount of time dissecting past social interactions and focusing on what did not go well
Physical symptoms of anxiety during or before social situations e.g. increased heart rate, shortness of breath, blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, and muscle tension
The COVID-19 pandemic can be a challenging time for people with social anxiety. Changes in social interactions and social norms can increase the uncertainties and concerns people have about social situations. People experiencing social anxiety may feel particularly anxious about returning to work or resuming other social activities. The fear of having to interact with people might be more overwhelming than before, especially after a few months of minimal social activities.
How to overcome social anxiety?
Social anxiety sufferers have negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their fears and anxiety. These can include thoughts such as:
“I know I’ll end up looking like a fool.”
“My voice will start shaking and I’ll humiliate myself.”
“People will think I’m stupid”
“I won’t have anything to say. I’ll seem boring.”
Challenging these negative thoughts is an effective way to reduce the symptoms of social anxiety.
Prepare
Prepare yourself adequately to encounter social situations by getting information about what you must do in each of the situations. For example, how to use safe entry for necessary contact tracing, what the new workplace guidelines for staff to maintain safe distancing are. You can also mentally visualise the situation and think through what you would do in each situation. By knowing what is expected and being better prepared, you will experience less uncertainty and feel less anxious.
Expose
Continuing to engage in social interaction is critical for people with social anxiety even though it might be uncomfortable. Facing your fears helps to overcome social anxiety. Avoidance of social situations will worsen your anxiety over time. You can start with social situations at work, which are essential. Draw a plan to ease yourself into different social situations.
Practise
Before you get into anxious social situations, you can follow the steps above to prepare and ease yourself into them. You can also try role playing with the help of a friend if necessary. In social situations, be aware of your own thoughts and level of anxiety. When you find yourself starting to feel anxious, practise deep breathing and focus on your thoughts instead.
Talk
Find someone whom you trust to share your concerns and ask for help to journey with you. Prepare yourself, get exposed to social situations and practise more positive thinking and cultivate social skills.
Colorism is the practice of favoring lighter skin over darker skin. The preference for lighter skin can be seen within any racial or ethnic background. Race can be defined as the attributes, traits and features which differentiates one group from the other existing social groups. In simple words, races are the physical qualities that one inherits biologically and serves as a way of self-identification from the other groups. Racism is a theory that one race is superior that the other based on the physical attributes, caste, creed, ethnicity or origin. A person is being racist when he displays the emotions of hatred, prejudice, biasness and intolerance against another person solely due to his skin color, structure of his lips, language, place of origin or any other attribute which he might have gained biologically.
Colorism in India
India is known as one of the most mega diverse nations in the world. It is indeed a diverse country and a home for people belonging to different caste, religion, color, creed, culture and traditions. Indians are known for their varied degrees of skin complexion termed as fair skinned and dark skinned. The skin color has always remained an important factor in determining a person’s value and worth. Fair skin people are considered to be of a superior status than to the people with a dark sin. Racism has been prevailing in India since the Rig Veda Period, followed by the Mughal era and the British rule. We live in a society where the people are highly obsessed with one’s skin tone. Indians have varied degrees of skin complexion and they are categorized as fair, dusky, dark etc. Indians believe that fair-skinned people are of a much more worth and value than those who are dark skinned. The fair is considered the intellectual and gets the respect, dignity and the social status while the dark are left behind struggling for their rights and status. We face color hatred and prejudice and somehow still choose to remain silent about it.
The people need to understand that a person’s worth or status is not determined by his or her color. There are numerous cosmetic brands promoting skin lightening creams and lotions. There are advertisements promoting the desperate need of looking fair. The question is why? No one has the right to question or judge one’s complexion. Racial discrimination brings down the morale and the enthusiasm of the dark, they do not get a chance to stand up and speak up or fight for themselves. The mindset of the Indian society should realize the fact that no matter what the skin tone is, what caste or origin a person belongs to, irrespective of all the other physical traits, a person is entitled to equality before the law and has every right to deserve the same respect and honor a fair person gets.Racism is a refuge for the ignorant. It seeks to divide and to destroy. It is the enemy of freedom, and deserves to be met head-on and stamped out.
Veerapandya kattabomman became the palayakkar of panchalamkurichi at the age of thirty on the death of his father,Jagavira Pandya kattabomman.The company’s administrators James London and Colin Jackson ,had considered him a man of peaceful disposition.However ,soon several events led to conflicts between veerapandya kattabomman and the East India company.The Nawab under the provisions of a treaty signed in 1781,had assigned the revenue of the Carnatic to the company to be entirely under their management and control during the war with Mysore sultan.One-sixth of the revenue was to be allowed to meet the expenses of Nawab and his family.The company had gained the right to collect taxes from panchalamkurichi.The company appointed it’s collectors to collect taxes from all the palayams.The collectors humiliated the palayakkarars and adopted force to collect the taxes .This was the bone of contention between the English and kattabomman.
Confrontation with Jackson
The land revenue arrear from kattabomman was 3310 pagodas in 1798.collector Jackson,an arrogant English officer, wanted to send an army to collect the revenue dues but the Madras government did not give him permission.On 18 August 1798,he ordered kattabomman to meet him in Ramanathapuram.But kattabomman attempts to meet him in between proved futile ,as Jackson refused to give him audience both in courtallam and srivilliputhur.At last,an interview was granted and kattabomman met Jackson in Ramanathapuram on 19 sep 1798.It is said that kattabomman had to stand for three hours before the haughty collector Jackson .sensing danger , kattabomman tried to escape ,along with his minister sivasubramanianar.Oomaithurai suddenly entered the fort with his men and helped the escape of kattabomman .At the gate of the Ramanathapuram fort there was a clash ,in which some people including Lieutenant Clarke were killed.Sivasubramanianar was taken prisoner.
Appeance before Madras council
On his return to panchalamkurichi , kattabomman represented to the Madras council about how he was ill-treated by the collector about how he was ill-treated by the collector Jackson.The council asked kattabomman to appear before a committe with William brown , William Oram and John casamajor as members.Meanwhile,governor Edward Clive , ordered the release of sivasubramaniyanar and the suspension of the collector Jackson.kattabomman appeared before the committee that sat on 15 Dec 1798 and reported on what transpired in Ramanathapuram.The committee found kattabomman was not guilty.Jackson was collector S.R.Lushington appointed.kattabomman cleared almost all the revenue arrears leaving only a balance of 1080 pagodas
Pagados coins
Kattabomman and the confederacy of palayakkarars
In the meantime ,Maruthu pandiyar of sivagangai formed the south Indian confederacy of rebels aganist the British,with the neighbouring palayakkars like Gopla Nayak of Dindigul and Yadul Nayak of Aanamalai .Maruthu pandiyar acted as it’s leader.The Tiruchirappalli proclamation had been made.Kattabomman from meeting the Maruthu Brothers .But Maruthu Brothers and kattabomman jointly decided on a confrontation with the English.Kattabomman tried to influence sivagiri Palayakkarars,who refused to join . Kattabomman advanced towards sivagiri.But the palayakkarars of sivagiri was a tributary to the company.So the company considered the expedition of Kattabomman as a challenge to their authority.The company ordered the army to march on to Tirunelveli.
The siege of panchalamkurichi
Panchalamkurichi Fort
In May 1799,Lord Wellesley issued orders from Madras for the advance of forces from Tiruchirappalli,Thanjavur and Madurai to Tirunelveli.Major Bannerman commanded the troops .The Travancore troops too joined the British .On 1 sep 1799,an ultimatum was served on kattabomman to surrender.kattabomman’s “evasive reply “prompted Bannerman to attack his fort.Bannerman moved his entire army to panchalamkurichi on 5 September.They cut off all the communications to the fort.Bannerman deputed Ramalinganar to convey a message asking kattabomman to surrender.Kattabomman refused.Ramalinganar gathered all the secrets of the Fort,and on the basis of his report, Bannerman decided the strategy if the Operation.In a clash at kallarpatti , Sivasubramaniyanar was taken a prisoner.
Execution of kattabomman
Kattabomman escaped to pudukottai .The British put a prize on his head . Betrayed by the rajas of Ettayapuram and pudukottai kattabomman was finally captured.Sivasubramanianar was executed at Nagalapuram on the 13 September . Bannerman made a mockery of a trial for kattabomman in front of the palayakkarars on 16 October.During the trial kattabomman bravely admitted all the charges levelled against him.Kattabomman was hanged from a tamarind tree in the old fort of Kayathar ,close to Tirunelveli,in front of the fellow palayakkarars.Thus ended the life of the celebrated palayakkarars of panchalamkurichi.Many folk ballads on Kattabomman helped keep his memory alive among the people.
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