What is VPN

Virtual Private Network (VPN): Enhancing Online Security and Privacy

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server, protecting your online activities from unauthorized access, surveillance, and censorship.

How VPN Works

  1. Your device establishes a connection with a VPN server.
  2. The VPN software encrypts your internet traffic.
  3. The encrypted data is transmitted through the internet.
  4. The VPN server decrypts the data and forwards it to its final destination.

Benefits of Using a VPN

  1. Enhanced Security: Protects against hacking, eavesdropping, and data breaches.
  2. Improved Privacy: Conceals your IP address, location, and online activities.
  3. Access to Restricted Content: Bypasses geo-restrictions and censorship.
  4. Secure Public Wi-Fi: Safeguards against public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities.
  5. Anonymity: Masks your online identity.
  6. Faster Internet: Optimizes internet speed by avoiding ISP throttling.

Types of VPNs

  1. Consumer VPNs: For individual use.
  2. Business VPNs: For organizations and enterprises.
  3. Free VPNs: Limited features, often with ads.
  4. Paid VPNs: Offers advanced features and better performance.

VPN Protocols

  1. OpenVPN: Highly secure and customizable.
  2. PPTP: Fast, but less secure.
  3. L2TP/IPSec: Balanced security and speed.
  4. SSTP: Secure, but limited compatibility.
  5. WireGuard: Modern, fast, and secure.

Key Features to Consider

  1. Encryption: Look for strong encryption methods (AES-256).
  2. Server Locations: Multiple servers worldwide.
  3. Speed: Fast connection speeds.
  4. Logging Policy: No-logs policy.
  5. Customer Support: Reliable support.
  6. Compatibility: Supports various devices and platforms.

Top VPN Providers

  1. ExpressVPN
  2. NordVPN
  3. ProtonVPN
  4. Surfshark
  5. TunnelBear

Common VPN Uses

  1. Streaming: Access geo-restricted content.
  2. Gaming: Reduce lag and improve online gaming.
  3. Remote Work: Securely access company networks.
  4. Travel: Stay secure on public Wi-Fi.
  5. Privacy: Protect online activities from surveillance.

Potential Drawbacks

  1. Slow Speeds: Depending on server distance and protocol.
  2. Cost: Paid VPNs require subscription.
  3. Complexity: Setup and configuration.
  4. Blocking: Some websites block VPN traffic.

Conclusion

A VPN is an essential tool for anyone concerned about online security, privacy, and freedom. By choosing the right VPN provider and understanding its features, you can safeguard your online activities and enjoy a secure and private internet experience.

Important Terms

  1. IP Address: Unique identifier for your device.
  2. Encryption: Scrambling data to protect it.
  3. Tunneling: Creating a secure connection.
  4. Server: Computer hosting VPN software.
  5. Protocol: Set of rules for VPN communication.

General Science

General science is a field of study that encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. It is the foundation upon which many scientific discoveries and advancements are made. In this article, we will explore some of the key concepts and branches of general science.

Biology:
Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and the environment. It covers a wide range of topics, from the structure and function of cells to the behavior and ecology of entire ecosystems. Biology plays a crucial role in many areas of our lives, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental management.

Chemistry:
Chemistry is the study of matter and its properties. It covers topics such as the structure of atoms and molecules, chemical reactions, and the properties of different elements and compounds. Chemistry is a key discipline in many fields, including materials science, medicine, and engineering.

Physics:
Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions with each other. It covers topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics. Physics is essential to many areas of modern technology, including telecommunications, electronics, and aerospace.

Earth Sciences:
Earth sciences cover a wide range of topics related to the planet we live on, including geology, meteorology, and oceanography. These fields of study help us understand the physical processes that shape the earth’s surface and climate. They are also important in managing natural resources, predicting and mitigating natural disasters, and understanding the impact of human activity on the environment.

Scientific Method:
The scientific method is a systematic approach to scientific inquiry. It involves observing phenomena, formulating hypotheses, testing those hypotheses through experiments, and drawing conclusions based on the results. The scientific method is a key tool for scientists in all fields, allowing them to gather reliable data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Scientific Discoveries:
Science has led to many important discoveries throughout history. Some of the most notable include the discovery of penicillin, the development of the theory of evolution, and the discovery of the structure of DNA. These discoveries have had far-reaching impacts on our understanding of the world and have led to many important advancements in medicine, agriculture, and technology.

Science Education:
Science education is crucial in developing scientific literacy and promoting scientific thinking. It helps individuals understand the natural world and the scientific principles that govern it. Science education is also essential in preparing individuals for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, general science is a vast field that encompasses many different scientific disciplines. It is the foundation upon which many scientific advancements are made, and it plays a crucial role in our lives. Through the scientific method, scientists are able to make important discoveries and advancements that help us understand the world around us. Science education is also critical in developing scientific literacy and promoting scientific thinking, which is essential in preparing individuals for careers in STEM fields.

By:- Baibhav Raj Maharana

“Earth’s core may spin in opposite direction” says expert

The study published in Nature Geoscience states that the globally consistent pattern suggests that inner-core rotation has recently paused. The rotation came to a grinding halt in 2009 and then it surprisingly turned in an opposite direction. Researchers have long believed that the inner core rotates, relative to the Earth’s surface, back and forth, like a swing.

“This globally consistent pattern suggests that inner-core rotation has recently paused,” they wrote. “We show surprising observations that indicate the inner core has nearly ceased its rotation in the recent decade and may be experiencing a turning-back.”

With a radius of almost 2,200 miles, Earth’s core is about the size of Mars. It consists mostly of iron and nickel, and contains about one-third of Earth’s mass.

Green Comet, a rare sight on earth appearing after 50000 years.

On February 1st, a comet named C/2022 E3 (ZTF) with a bright green color will come close to Earth for the first time in 50,000 years. It will pass by at a distance of 26 million miles (42 million kilometers) from Earth, providing a unique night sky view that hasn’t been seen since the time that modern humans roamed the Earth alongside one of the many extinct human species, the Neanderthals.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the green comet should be visible just before dawn in late January, according to NASA. Amateur astronomers have already begun photographing the green comet to show what you could see.

Comet ZTF will pass about 26 million miles from Earth — the closest it will get — on February 2. That’s nearly 109 times the average distance of the moon, but the comet is burning so bright that it could still be visible in the night sky.

Amid border tension with China, India tested Agni-V missile.

The test-firing of the missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast came amid India’s lingering border row with China.

The Agni-V project is aimed at boosting India’s nuclear deterrence against China which is known to have missiles like Dongfeng-41 having ranges between 12,000-15,000 km.

Agni-V can bring almost the entire Asia including the northernmost part of China as well as some regions in Europe under its striking range.

While the test was carried out days after the clashes, it had been planned earlier. India had announced its intention to test a long-range missile and issued a NOTAM or Notice to Airmen well before the incident in Arunachal’s Tawang.

Notably, Agni-5 is the most advanced missile in the Agni series with a strike range of over 5000 kms. Apart from Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) Agni-5, the Indian armoury of the Agni series includes Agni-1 with a 700 km range, Agni-2 with a 2,000 km range, Agni-3 and Agni-4 with a 2500 km to more than 3500km range.

NEOM : the futuristic sci-fi city of Saudi Arabia.

With plans under way to build Saudi Arabia’s smart city Neom, it is set to be a place in the desert unlike anything else on Earth.

NEOM is being called as what ‘New Future might look like’ by Saudi Arabia. Neom is a portmanteau of the Greek word neos. NEOM is being built on the Red Sea in northwest Saudi Arabia. It can be imagined as a place where entrepreneurship and innovation would frame the course for this New Future. The city is being marketed as a new model for sustainable living, working and prospering. Saudi officials describe it as “the world’s most ambitious project.”

Unveiling the project, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the 170-kilometre coastal strip in the north-west of the country would be free of cars and streets and have zero carbon emissions.

The smart city will be powered entirely by clean energy, a major step in Saudi Arabia’s shift away from an oil-based economy.

The Line is to be built in Neom and will be home to nine million people, who will live in interconnected societies run by artificial intelligence designed to coexist with nature, with excavation on this massive project having now started.

Confronting the traffic, pollution and infrastructure challenges that overshadow urban life in conventional cities, this futuristic development will prioritise walkability, clean energy and technology to create a new way of living.

Last solar eclipse of the year witnessed today.

For the uninitiated, a partial solar eclipse is one where the Earth moves through the lunar penumbra as the moon travels between the earth and the sun. It is referred to as ‘partial’ because the moon does not block the entirety of the sun, when witnessed from the Earth.

After Diwali on October 25, India and many parts of the world witnessed a partial solar eclipse which was visible in the different regions.

A Solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between Sun and Earth and blocks the light of the sun, casting a shadow onto Earth.

When the sun and moon are not perfectly aligned in a straight line, a partial solar eclipse occurs. The sun takes on a crescent shape as if the moon has taken a bite out of it and the Moon only reflects the outer part of Earth’s shadow, known as the penumbra.

Today’s eclipse is special as the last partial solar eclipse was seen from India in 2007 and the next such event would occur only in 2032. Although another partial solar eclipse will occur only in 2025 but that event would not be visible from India.

How to cope with stress in your daily life

Stress is a natural part of life, and like many things, it’s important to learn how to manage it. If you’re suffering from stress, here are some helpful tips for coping:

Find a hobby

If you’re looking for a way to manage stress and unwind, a hobby can be an excellent option. It doesn’t have to be something specific or intense; you could simply enjoy doing something that inspires you every day.

Whatever it is that makes your heart race with excitement, there’s probably an outlet for it in your life—if not now then at some point in the future. Taking up knitting or painting might seem like an odd choice when you’re stressed out by midterms and finals, but these activities can become routine sources of relaxation as well as hobbies!

When we were kids growing up, many of us were fond of playing sports: football or baseball games were favorite pastimes at our houses during the summer months because they gave us something physical (and occasionally competitive) to do together after school hours were over. Nowadays however there are plenty other ways for parents and kids alike alike enjoy getting involved together outside on weekends – whether through volunteering with community organizations like Habitat For Humanity; going camping together on family camping trips; taking part in organized activities such as dance lessons where everyone learns new moves together while having fun at once too 🙂

Build a daily routine

The first step to managing stress is building a daily routine. A morning routine, afternoon routine and evening routine are all good places to start.

Make sure you have your coffee (or tea) before 7:30 AM. This will help you get going in the morning and prevent late-night cram sessions later on in the day when you’re tired or distracted by something else that needs doing.

Get through at least one workout session per week—even if it’s just walking around campus for 30 minutes with friends or playing basketball with teammates after class! Exercise helps burn off energy so that mentally challenging tasks don’t seem insurmountable anymore; moreover, exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety levels as well as improve moods overall.* Go grocery shopping once per week rather than buying food from convenience stores because they tend to have higher prices than supermarkets do; however replacing fast food with healthy alternatives like salads instead of burgers will save money while still providing nutritious meals throughout each day.* Try not using social media sites like Facebook or Twitter too frequently either during lunch breaks at work because this causes users’ lives outside office hours become blurred together into one giant blur which makes everything seem more difficult than before since now there’s no separation between work life & personal life anymore.

Eat healthy food

Eating a balanced diet is key to managing stress. It helps you feel more energized and less tired, which can help you avoid getting sick or stressed out by hunger pangs. If possible, eat a healthy breakfast every morning—this will give you the energy boost that makes it easier for you to get through your day!

If eating junk food is something that stresses out your stomach (and let’s be honest here: who doesn’t love pizza?), try finding healthier snacks like fruit salad bites or even granola bars instead of sugary ones. The key here is moderation; no one should ever eat too much junk food because this will only make them feel worse afterwards.

Get in touch with your family

Stress is a normal part of life and as such, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress. One way you can do this is by talking with your family about how they can help.

Family members are a great source of support when it comes to helping you manage stress—and they may not even realize how much they’re helping! If you have parents or siblings who live nearby, consider asking them if they’d like some help managing their own lives and those around them. You could even offer up some of your time (or money) in exchange for their assistance so that everyone benefits from their efforts together.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is important for learning and memory.

It’s also linked to stress reduction.

Getting enough sleep can help reduce your stress levels, which will make you more productive at school or work.

Go for a walk

You can get away from the stress of school by going for a walk.

Go for a walk alone or with friends if you’d like, but don’t worry about being seen—the point of walking is just to move your body, not impress others. Listen to music while you walk (or listen in silence), and try to take in some fresh air too. Take your dog for a long walk around the neighborhood; they’ll love it! If possible, try walking at least 10,000 steps each day—that’s equivalent to running one mile per hour continuously for 30 minutes straight! When I was younger and had more energy than I do now as an adult who’s trying everything she can think of not only stay healthy but also keep fit at age 55+.

Listen to music


Music is a great way to relax and de-stress. You can listen to any music you like, but try not to choose something that’s too hard or fast. Music can also help you focus on what’s important in your life, which will help keep things in perspective when they get overwhelming.

Music can also help with sleep! I recommend listening before bed because it helps calm your mind enough so that it doesn’t keep tossing and turning at night because of all the stressors going through your head during the day (or even week).

Meditate

Meditating is a great way to relax and unwind. It can help you deal with stress, anxiety and depression, improve your memory and creativity, even slow down the aging process.

If you’re new to meditation or have never tried it before there are plenty of ways that beginners can begin:

Sit comfortably in a comfortable position (sitting or lying down).

Close your eyes if possible – this might help you focus better on what you are doing (most people choose not to cover their eyes).

Start by breathing normally through both nostrils for one minute without counting the breaths or trying anything else at first; this will help clear any thoughts from your mind so that when they come back again later on during meditation they won’t distract us from our task at hand which is meditating.

Talk to someone about your stressors

Talking to someone about your stressors is an important part of managing them. You can talk to your friends and family, but it’s also helpful to talk about the stressors with a therapist or counselor. If you feel comfortable talking about this issue with a doctor, go for it! The same goes for religious leaders, coaches and mentors who have experience dealing with similar issues in their own lives. And if none of these people are available yet, teachers are usually willing to listen when students come seeking guidance from them (or even just want advice on how they should handle their own problems).

Few more steps to encounter stress

Stress can be caused by a variety of factors including work-related issues, relationships with friends and family members or even just having too much on your plate at once. In order to manage stress effectively there are some steps that you can take:

Start taking breaks from time to time during the day (even if only for 5 minutes). This will help you relax and recharge so that when you return back into work mode again; everything feels fresh again.

Try getting outdoors more often during the day so that there’s less time spent indoors where all these feelings tend to accumulate over time because there isn’t much else going on besides watching TV shows while eating pizza as opposed being outside enjoying nature around us all… You get what I mean? 🙂


I hope this article has given you some useful tips for managing your stress. Remember that the best way to deal with a stressful situation is to stay calm and take action. Use our tips above and find something that helps you relax, like giving yourself time away from your responsibilities or getting some exercise – anything will do.

Understanding Artificial Intelligence(AI) and its Application.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. The term may also be applied to any machine that exhibits traits associated with a human mind such as learning and problem-solving.

The ideal characteristic of artificial intelligence is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal. When most people hear the term artificial intelligence, the first thing they usually think of is robots. That’s because big-budget films and novels weave stories about human-like machines that wreak havoc on Earth. But nothing could be further from the truth. Artificial intelligence is based on the principle that human intelligence can be defined in a way that a machine can easily mimic it and execute tasks, from the simplest to those that are even more complex. The goals of artificial intelligence include learning, reasoning, and perception.

Application of AI in different fields.

Personalized Online Shopping.

Personalizing users’ experience has become the latest pantheon for all the leading tech giants. Ecommerce stores aren’t behind either, and have been the biggest platforms to implement the personalization domain of AI. 

Marketing.

One of the greatest artificial intelligence examples applications, Marketing, has been a key area for improvement and the latest trends in AI. With the growing advancement in AI, in the near future, it may be possible for consumers on the web to buy products by snapping a photo of it.

Social Media.

The most common use of AI in social media is for face verification and to detect facial features. AI in social media can be associated with big data and machine learning where deep learning is used to extract every minute detail from an image by using a bunch of deep neural networks. On the other hand, machine learning algorithms are used to design your feed based on your interests.

Agriculture.

The latest artificial intelligence applications in the form of image recognition identify possible defects in the crops through images captured by the user’s smartphone camera. Users are then provided with soil restoration techniques, tips, and other possible solutions to deal with the identified defects.

Video Games.

The gaming world is the best example of intelligent applications of artificial intelligence as it is at this platform where there are a lot of alterations in the purpose. AI is used for designing the game, developing the characters, and also frame the story to a certain extent.

Healthcare.

The Healthcare sector has been amongst the top adopters of AI technology. It boils down to the power of AI to crunch numbers fast and learn from historical data, which is critical in the healthcare industry. AI has taken a critical step in helping people with looking after patients as well. The automated bots and healthcare applications ensure proper medication and treatment of patients in the facilities.

Smart Homes.

The most advanced form of applications of artificial intelligence in the real-world are being implemented in homes, and are becoming smarter every day. Various devices like smart locks, smart switches, ect., are increasingly becoming compatible with various devices, and the application of smart homes is becoming more accessible to the general population every day.

Banks.

A lot of banks have already adopted AI-based systems or software to provide customer support and detect anomalies and credit card fraud. By tracing card usage and endpoint access, security specialists are more effectively preventing fraud. Organizations rely on AI to trace those steps by analyzing the behaviors of transactions.

Interesting places to visit in India

Agra Agra is home to several historic monuments, making it one of the most visited places in India. Of course, top of this list of places to see in Agra is the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous buildings in the world.This beautiful building, finished in white marble, is a perfect example of Mughal architecture, as are the Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb and Fatehpur Sikri. Also a great place to gorge on wonderful Mughlai food.

Goa With 51 beaches along the coastline, Goa is considered one of the best tourist places to visit in India. Its white sandy beaches, palm trees, low tax rate, amazing coastal cuisine and laid-back attitude make it a wonderful tourist place in India.The best time to visit this place is the winter, as the weather is just perfect (though this is when it can get expensive, too). Apart from the beach, its nightlife is surely not something you should miss.

Shimla Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the famous hill stations in India. With the Town Hall at its centre and the breathtaking view of the Himalayas, this place attracts a lot of tourists.To know the real legacy of Shimla, you can visit the Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church and Gorton Castle. During winters, the snowy mountains and narrow alleys are worth viewing and exploring.

•Jaipur Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ and is famous as a tourist and education destination in India. There are only a few cities that capture and showcase the rich history of the past and Jaipur is one of them.The popular destinations here are the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort. If you want to experience the royal legacy and architecture this place is a must visit. Do not miss the Sound & Light Show at Amber Fort, narrated by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan himself.

Ooty Udhagamandalam, also known as Ooty, is a hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. The pleasant climate, the view of India’s Western Ghats and the peaceful atmosphere make a great tourist place for both family and friends.It is famous for its tea plantations, lush gardens, British era bungalows and spicy food. It is usually crowded during the summer holidays, as many families spend a week or two here. Once a small town, Ooty is today a buzzing tourist centre with plenty of activity all year round.

Alleppey Alleppey is one of the ten most gorgeous locations in the world, according to the National Geographic Traveler. Located on the Malabar Coast, the backwaters of Kerala showcase the true beauty of nature.
It is also famous for its Ayurvedic massages. Of course, you cannot miss the houseboat experience and the lovely Kerala cuisine, especially Malabar Chicken Curry and Puttu.

Ladakh Ladakh, the capital of Leh, is in the eastern parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh is known for its pristine lakes, freezing winds, glaciers and sand dunes. It has kept its distance from the modern world – and thank heavens for that.The most famous tourist attractions here are Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri lake and Leh Palace. There’s also many adventures to be found here, from white water rafting to mountaineering and trekking.


“India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues you could drown in.”

-Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is the intelligence possessed by the machines under which they can perform various functions with human help. With the help of A.I, machines will be able to learn, solve problems, plan things, think, etc. Artificial Intelligence, for example, is the simulation of human intelligence by machines. In the field of technology, Artificial Intelligence is evolving rapidly day by day and it is believed that in the near future, artificial intelligence is going to change human life very drastically and will most probably end all the crises of the world by sorting out the major problems. Our life in this modern age depends largely on computers. It is almost impossible to think about life without computers. We need computers in everything that we use in our daily lives. So it becomes very important to make computers intelligent so that our lives become easy. Artificial Intelligence is the theory and development of computers, which imitates the human intelligence and senses, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. Artificial Intelligence has brought a revolution in the world of technology

Photo by ThisIsEngineering on Pexels.com

AI is widely used in the field of healthcare. Companies are attempting to develop technologies that will allow for rapid diagnosis. Artificial Intelligence would be able to operate on patients without the need for human oversight. Surgical procedures based on technology are already being performed.Artificial Intelligence would save a lot of our time. The use of robots would decrease human labour. For example, in industries robots are used which have saved a lot of human effort and time. In the field of education, AI has the potential to be very effective. It can bring innovative ways of teaching students with the help of which students will be able to learn the concepts better. Artificial intelligence is the future of innovative technology as we can use it in many fields. For example, it can be used in the Military sector, Industrial sector, Automobiles, etc.Artificial Intelligence will bring a huge revolution in the history of mankind. Human civilization will flourish by amplifying human intelligence with artificial intelligence, as long as we manage to keep the technology beneficial.


The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.

-Stephen Hawking

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior.
People who have bipolar disorder can have periods in which they feel overly happy and energized and other periods of feeling very sad, hopeless, and sluggish. In between those periods, they usually feel normal. You can think of the highs and the lows as two “poles” of mood, which is why it’s called “bipolar” disorder.In bipolar disorder, the dramatic episodes of high and low moods do not follow a set pattern. Someone may feel the same mood state (depressed or manic) several times before switching to the opposite mood. These episodes can happen over a period of weeks, months, and sometimes even years.There is no single cause of bipolar disorder. Researchers are studying how a few factors may lead to it in some people.
For example, sometimes it can simply be a matter of genetics, meaning you have it because it runs in your family. When someone develops bipolar disorder, it usually starts when they’re in late adolescence or young adulthood. Rarely, it can happen earlier in childhood. Bipolar disorder can run in families.Men and women are equally likely to get it. Women are somewhat more likely than men to go through “rapid cycling,” which is having four or more distinct mood episodes within a year.

Women also tend to spend more time depressed than men with bipolar disorder.Bipolar disorder usually develops later in life for women, and they’re more likely to have bipolar disorder II and be affected by seasonal mood changes. A combination of medical and mental issues is also more common in women. Those medical issues can include thyroid disease, migraine, and anxiety disorders.Bipolar disorder can be treated. It’s a long-term condition that needs ongoing care. People who have four or more mood episodes in a year, or who also have drug or alcohol problems, can have forms of the illness that are much harder to treat.Treatment can make a huge difference. With a combination of things — good medical care, medication, talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and the support of friends and family — you can feel better. Bipolar disorder — or manic depression, as it is also still sometimes called — has no known cure. It is a chronic health condition that requires lifetime management. Plenty of people with this condition do well; they have families and jobs and live normal lives. Finding the right medication need weeks to months to take full effect. Generally only one medication is changed at a time so that your doctor can identify which medications work to relieve your symptoms with the least bothersome side effects. Medications also may need to be adjusted as the symptoms change.Treatments for children and teenagers are generally decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on symptoms, medication side effects and other factors.


You are either too happy, too sad or you just don’t care. Finding the feelings in the middle do not come naturally. You have to fight every day to find them.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is the method of growing plants without soil. It generally uses less water as compared to traditional soil system. It allows faster growth and higher yield.

William Frederick Gericke is known as father of hydroponics. He grew tomato vines in his backyard in nutrient solution.

The nutrients used in hydroponics include fish and poultry excreta , duck manure, chemical fertilizers, artificial nutrient solution etc.

Plants are commonly grown hydroponically in a greenhouse, on inert media, include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, lettuces, and cannabis, usually for commercial use, and Arabidopsis thaliana, which serves as a model organism in plant science and genetics.

Advantages:

  • Does not require soil for cultivation.
  • Promotes faster and efficient plant growth.
  • It uses less water as compared to conventionally grown plants. Hence, helps to save water.
  • It does not depend on climate for favourable growing conditions.
  • Saves labour due to automatic watering and fertilizing capability.
  • Have fewer pest can can be grown closely.
Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah on Pexels.com
  • The plant has less root and nutrient competition than grown in soil.

There are six main types of hydroponic system for garden: wicking, deep water culture (DWC), nutrient film technique (NFT), ebb and flow, aeroponics, and drip systems.

Disadvantages:

  • Involves high installation cost.
  • Need to test the solution frequently to avoid infection and damage.
  • System are prone to equipment failure and power outage.
  • Prone to water borne infection.
  • Requires constant monitoring and assistance.

Some systems, known as aquaponics involves use of nutrient-rich wastewater from aquaculture to fertilize hydroponic plants. Freshwater fish, such as tilapia, and crayfish are common aquatic animals utilized for these hybrid systems.

Nowadays, hydroponics is being implemented in large scale as a start up to meet the demand of fresh leafy vegetables as is a part of urban farming.

Fracking

Fracking is short for “hydraulic fracturing”, which is the process of creating fractures in rocks and rock formations by injecting specialized fluid into cracks to force them to open further. The larger fissures allow more oil and gas to flow out of the formations and into the wellbore. It is easier to extract oil and gas there.Fracking has resulted in many oil and gas wells attaining a state of economic viability due to the level of extraction that can be reached. It has also allowed drilling firms access to previously difficult-to-reach sources of oil and gas.Fracking is an extraction technique for oil and gas wells in which rocks are fractured artificially using pressurized liquid. The process involves drilling down into the earth and injecting a highly pressurized mixture of water, sand, and thickening agent, also called “fracking fluid,” into a wellbore to create cracks in rock formations. Once the hydraulic pressure is removed from the well, the remnants of the fracking fluid hold the fractures open, making it easy to extract the oil and gas inside. Fractures can also exist naturally in formations, and both natural and human-made fractures can be widened by fracking. As a result, it is possible to extract more oil and gas from a given area of land.

Fracking increases the rate at which water, petroleum, or natural gas can be recovered from subterranean wells. It has also allowed the extraction of unconventional oil and gas resources from low permeability sites where traditional extraction technologies fail. Fracking as a method for oil and gas extraction is also more economically viable than conventional or horizontal drilling. In the United States, domestic oil production has grown significantly with the introduction of fracking. The process has driven down gas prices and offered gas security to both the United States and Canada for about 100 years.

Most of the opposition to fracking revolves around its potential negative impact on the environment. Fracking typically produces methane emissions, which reduce air quality. Furthermore, methane gas contributes significantly to global warming.Fracking requires forcing large volumes of water and chemicals into the ground, which can seep and contaminate local soil and water resources. Moreover, due to the high pressures involved, fracking is also associated with increased seismic activity. It also releases large quantities of methane gad and other air pollutants that can cause health problems and contribute to climate change.Fracking has allowed for the cost-effective extraction of harder-to-reach deposits of oil and gas, which has increased the supply of available fossil fuels. In general, greater supply leads to lower prices; however, several other factors also impact the price of oil and gas.


The rising burden of E- waste

E- waste or electronic waste refers to the waste created by discarding the electronic devices which is rather caused due to its end of useful life, high repair cost , outdated technologies etc. which makes it underrated for further use. These waste includes TV, mobile phones, computer/ desktop, electronic items, wires, machineries etc. This is one of the fastest waste generated.

Everyday lakhs and lakhs of e-waste is generated. The country’s e-waste output is growing at over 30 per cent year on year, and stood at over 10 lakh tonnes in 2019-20, according to government data, comparable to about one lakh six-wheeled truckloads of waste.

It is the third largest in volume globally and growing at a rate ten times faster than its plastic waste output.

Mountains of e-waste pile up, which are as much a threat to the environment as they are to the health of their handlers .It proves vulnerable as people are sifting and processing the waste of the privileged without knowing that it could cause them cancer, reproductive disorders, endocrine disruption and other health complications.

Problems:

The most alarming aspect of e-waste is that less than a quarter of it is being processed.It possess hazardous metals and can contaminate soil, air, water, posing significant risk to human health by entering the food chain.

Unsafe disposal of e waste: About 95% of e waste is recycled by informal sectors and scrap developers without knowing the hazardous effect and use of safe handling practice.

Concern : Majority of e waste are imported to developing countries like India, China, Ghana etc from developed countries for recycling purpose.

With advancement in technologies, standard of living people are more inclined towards use of more gadgets, phones and tend to change them more frequently.

Way forward

E waste clinics for proper segregation, processing and disposal of e waste. Effective ways to implement proper and safe handling of waste.

Initiative taken by government includes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the LiFE or Lifestyle for Environment movement in June—a concept that he said is borrowed from the past and focuses on the future.

The right to repair is introduced to reduce the e waste and it’s proper management as it is environmental friendly too. But this also concerns the major industries involved in sector as it could lead to their loss and some technologies can’t be added to existing devices .