Introverts make Great Writers

“We write to taste life twice, in the 
Moment and in retrospect.”
-Anaïs Nin

As an introvert, social interactions can be draining for me. If people don’t ask me questions about myself or what I do, chances are I won’t open up and tell them. If you’ve been reading my stories, it may come as a surprise to you since I’m pretty much on open book when it comes to writing.I don’t open up when people don’t ask me questionsI ask questions, but I feel awkward following up on subjects I don’t know.If you’re an introvert, you may have noticed the same.That made me reflect back on my writing. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t able to talk about myself when I so easily do it in writing.For the longest time, because of my introversion, I thought I had nothing “original” to say. I thought I was just a timid girl and that what I had to say was not necessarily important. Obviously, I’m being a little over-dramatic here.And of course, I was wrong.Introverts have so much to say. Potentially more so than extroverts.

3 Ways Writing Has Been Therapeutic for Me and Could Be for You Too:-

1. It allows you to express yourself the way you really feel.

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes”―C.G. Jung

As introverts, we tend to keep our good and bad emotions inside. We have close friends we can talk to, but sometimes we don’t want to bother them.Writing is a phenomenal way to express oneself.

2. It helps you connect with other like-minded people

“A small group of like-minded people can change the course of history.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Extroverts have it a little easier when it comes to meeting new people and making friends, if not simply by the fact that they like to surround themselves with people more frequently.Ever since I started writing, more people have opened up to me because they can relate to my stories. I’ve made deeper connections and met amazing people.But more importantly, it showed me that there are many others like me, and that introversion is not a bad thing. In fact, I’m happy to be introverted.

3. It makes you go out of your comfort zone and expands your horizons 

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” — Neale Donald Walsh

I love the quote above. I found that to be so true. Expressing my feelings is certainly not in my comfort zone, but writing as made it easier. When you’re able to get out of your comfort zone, suddenly you’re more in peace with the idea that you’re more than you thought you were. Your self-esteem goes up and you’re more willing to try new things.

Conclusion

Writing allows you to express yourself freely, helps you connect with like-minded people, make you go outside your comfort zone and expands your horizons.I found that to be extremely beneficial in my life. In fact, it was so beneficial that after my first month writing.I can’t stop writing now. Every morning I must write. It’s my way of always being myself and staying out of my comfort zone.

Are you an introvert?

Have you tried writing?

Where do you write?

What do you write about?

What benefits have you gotten from writing?

If you don’t write, why not?

What’s holding you back?

          “Fill your paper With the breathings of your heart.”- William Wordsworth

Writing is not for everyone. But if you’re an in introvert, I dare you to try it. Start with a journal. It may sound ridiculous at first, but you’ll realize soon enough that it isn’t. Write about your life. Write about who you are. What you want to be. Dare publish, if only for yourself.You can do this!

Thanks for reading, sharing, and following! 🙂

                   

Date of Poll and Counting of Votes for Deferred Rajya Sabha Poll

On 25.02.2020, Election Commission of India announced elections to the Council of States to fill 55 seats of Members from 17 States, retiring in the month of April,2020, which were notified vide Notification No. 318/CS-Multi/2020(1) dated 06.03.2020. After the last date of withdrawal on 18.03.2020, respective Returning Officers declared 37 seats from 10 States filled in uncontested. Further, as per the reports received from the concerned Returning Officers, the biennial elections for 18 seats from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Rajasthan were to be conducted on 26.03.2020 (Thursday) and the date before which election was to be completed as earlier announced by the Commission was 30.03.2020 (Monday) as per the notification dated 06.03.2020.

          Section 153 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 specifies that the Election Commission for reasons which it considers sufficient, may extend the time for the completion of any election by making necessary amendments in the notification issued by it under section 30 or sub-section (1) of section 39 of the said Act. Accordingly, considering the prevailing unforeseen situation of public health emergency due to COVID-19 and related advisories in the country, the Election Commission, vide its press note, dated 24.03.2020, deferred the poll and extended the period of said election under the provisions of section 153 of the said Act and decided that the announcement of fresh date of poll and counting for the said biennial elections will be made by the ECI after reviewing the prevailing situation. The Press Note also specified that the list of contesting candidates already published for the said election by the respective Returning Officers, is to remain valid for the purpose of remaining activities as was prescribed under the said notification (dated 06.03.2020).

          Now, Commission has reviewed the matter in detail. Considering all factors, including the guidelines dated 30.05.2020 issued by Union Home Secretary and Chairman, national Executive Committee (NEC) under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, and taking into account the inputs obtained from the Chief Electoral Officers concerned, the Commission has decided that the date of poll and counting of votes in respect of the biennial elections for 18 seats from the States of Andhra Pradesh (4 seats), Gujarat (4 seats), Jharkhand (2 seats), Madhya Pradesh (3 seats), Manipur (1 seat), Meghalaya (1 seat) and Rajasthan (3 seats) shall be as per the following schedule: 

EventsDate
Date of Poll19th June, 2020 (Friday)
Hours of Poll09:00 am to 04:00 pm
Counting of Votes19th June, 2020 (Friday) at 05:00 pm
Date before which election shall be completed22th June, 2020 (Monday)

          Commission has also decided that the Chief Secretaries shall depute a senior officer from the State to ensure that the extant instructions regarding COVID-19 containment measures are complied with while making arrangements for conducting the elections.

          Further Commission has appointed Chief Electoral Officer concerned as Observer for the election in the respective State.

Energising the MSME Sector through entire gamut of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Package’

In line with Government of India’s top focus on energising MSMEs in the country, a special meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) was convened under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, here today, which approved the upward revision of MSME definition and modalities/ road map for laying down effective implementation mechanism for the remaining two announcements under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package. These include:

  • In the package announcement, the definition of micro manufacturing and services unit was increased to Rs. 1 crore of investment and Rs. 5 crore of turnover. The limit of small unit was increased to Rs. 10 crore of investment and Rs 50 crore of turnover. Similarly, the limit of a medium unit was increased to Rs 20 crore of investment and Rs. 100 crore of turnover. It may be noted that this revision was done after 14 years since the MSME Development Act came into existence in 2006. After the package announcement on 13th May, 2020, there were several representations that the announced revision is still not in tune with market and pricing conditions and it should be further revised upwards. Keeping in mind these representations, it was decided to further increase the limit for medium manufacturing and service units. Now it will be Rs. 50 crore of investment and Rs. 250 crore of turnover. It has also been decided that the turnover with respect to exports will not be counted in the limits of turnover for any category of MSME units whether micro, small or medium. This is yet another step towards ease of doing business. This will help in attracting investments and creating more jobs in the MSME sector. The following table provides the details of revised limits:
 CategoryOldCapitalOldTurnoverNewCapitalNewTurnover
Micro25 Lakh10 Lakh1 Crore5 Crore
Small5 Crore2 Crore10 Crore50 Crore
Medium10 crore5 Crore50 Crore250 Crore
  • Approval for provisioning of Rs 20,000 crore as subordinate debt to provide equity support to the stressed MSMEs. This will benefit 2 lakh stressed MSMEs.
  • Approval for equity infusion of Rs. 50,000 crore for MSMEs through Fund of Funds (FoF). This will establish a framework to help MSMEs in capacity augmentation. This will also provide an opportunity to get listed in stock exchanges.

With today’s approval, implementation Modalities and Road Map for entire components of the Atmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan package are in place. This will help in attracting investments and creating more jobs in the MSME sector.

In the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Shri Modi was quick to recognise the role of MSMEs in building the Nation. As such, MSMEs formed a very prominent part of the announcements made under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. Under this package, the MSME sector has not only been given substantial allocation but has also been accorded priority in implementation of the measures to revive the economy. To provide immediate relief to MSME sector, various announcements have been made under the Package. The most important ones also included:

  • Rupees Three lakh crore collateral-free automatic loans for MSMEs to meet operational liabilities, buy raw material and restart businesses.
  • Revision of MSME definition to render maximum benefits to the sector;
  • Disallowing global tenders in procurements uptoRs. 200 crores- to create more opportunities for domestic players,
  • And clearing of MSME dues by the Government and Public Sector Units within 45 days.

Government of India has been taking all necessary steps to ensure that the benefit of these landmark decisions reaches to the MSMEs at the earliest. In this regard, following necessary policy decisions have been already taken and the implementation strategy has been put in place.

  • The scheme for Rs. Three lakh crore col lateral-free automatic loans was earlier approved by CCEA and has been formally launched.
  • Modalities have been worked out for Upward revision of MSME Definition making it more inclusive broad-based providing greater avenues to MSMEs to harness their potentials.
  • Similarly, amendments in General Financial Rules mandating no global tenders for procurement upto 200 crore have been carried out. The new rules have already been issued and effected. This will open up new business avenues for Indian MSMEs.
  • To ensure that MSME payments are released within the timeframe of 45 days, directions have been issued at the level of Cabinet Secretary, Expenditure Secretary and Secretary, MSME.
  • To further ease the burden on MSMEs, RBI has extended moratorium on repayment of loans for another three months.

To manage all this, a robust ICT based system called CHAMPIONS has also been launched by the Ministry of MSME. The portal is not only helping and handholding MSMEs in the present situation, but is also providing guidance to grab the new business opportunities and in the long run, become national and international Champions.

MSME Ministry is committed to support the MSMEs, and the people who depend on them. All efforts are being made to encourage MSMEs to take benefit of the initiatives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package and our other schemes.

Background:

Micro, small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) popularly called as MSMEs are the backbone of Indian economy. Silently operating in different areas across the country, more than 6 crore MSMEs have a crucial role to play in building a stronger and self-reliant India. These small economic engines have a huge impact on the country’s GDP-making a contribution of 29 percent. They contribute to almost half of exports from the country. Additionally, more than 11 crore people are employed in the MSME sector.

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Curse of human life : value of Values

The real illiteracy today’s world facing is lack of sacraments . Parents send their children to school so teacher can teach them but they forgets that they are the first teacher who teaches moral values to their child such as respect , humbleness , honesty. That’s their duty to give sacrament to their children . School can provide them only academic knowledge, but the basic etiquettes has to be taught by their parents only . Parents generally avoid their responsibility of teaching their childern the basic ethics and blames the school for children’s wrong deeds and instead of exhorting their child, they rather scolds them and says “What are you learning in school” . Parents should remember that they are giving fees to school only to provide academic knowledge and basic ethics described in the books but it’s actually the duty of the parents to make children to follow those etiquettes. Child spends maximum of 8 hours of his day in school but the rest of the 16 hours with family.
Hence, when a person makes ethical mistakes after growing , the blame goes to their parents who didn’t taught them to respect people, to take right decision ,  who didn’t taught them the difference between the good and bad deeds ,who let them be a part of a bad company which developed such mentality & influenced them to do bad activities.These are the things which has to be taught to a person from the childhood itself . So, it’s the duty of all the parents that rather than scolding children even for their smaller mistakes ,explain them the right thing.
That’s how a true & cherish development of a child takes place to be a better human ,better citizen.

Extension of repayment date for short term loans for agriculture and allied activities by banks

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to extend repayment date upto 31.08.2020 for Standard Short-Term loans upto Rs.3 lakh advanced for agriculture and allied activities by banks, which have become due or shall become due between 1st March, 2020 and 31st August, 2020 with continued benefit of 2% Interest Subvention (IS) to Banks and 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) to farmers.

Benefit:

Extension of repayment date upto 31.08.2020 for Standard Short-Term loans upto Rs.3 lakh for agriculture and allied activities by banks falling due between 1st March, 2020 and 31st August, 2020 with continued benefit of 2% IS to Banks and 3% PRI to farmers, shall help the farmers to repay/renew such loans upto the extended repayment date of 31.08.2020 at 4% p.a., interest without attracting any penalty and thus help them in avoiding travelling to banks for such renewal during this COVID pandemic period.

Background

Govt. is providing concessional Standard Short-Term Agri-loans to farmers through banks with 2% p.a, interest subvention to banks and 3% additional benefit on timely repayment to farmers thus providing loans upto Rs,3 lakh at 4% p.a. interest on timely repayment.

In the wake of lockdown due to ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, there have been restrictions imposed on movement of people. Many farmers are not able to travel to bank branches for payment of their short term crop loan dues. Moreover, due to restrictions on movement of people, difficulty in timely sale, receipt of payment of their produce and the necessity of adhering to social distancing norms, farmers are finding it difficult to arrange the amount to be deposited for renewal and are unable to visit the banks to deposit and draw fresh loans.

Foundation Day of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences

It gives me great joy to inaugurate the Twenty Fifth Foundation Day of this distinguished University.  I congratulate the entire medical and scientific community associated with this University. 

In these years,you are doing wonderful work in teaching as well as training on systems of medicine. 

25 years means this University is in the prime of its youth.  This is the age to think even bigger and do even better.  I am confident that the University will continue to scale new heights of excellence in the times to come.  I would also like to appreciate the efforts of the Karnataka Government in handling the Covid-19 situation.   Friends, in normal times, the celebrations would have surely been bigger.  Had it not been for the global pandemic, I would have loved to be with you all in Bengaluru to mark this special day. 

But, today the world is facing one of the biggest crisis since the two world wars.Like the world changed pre and post-World Wars, the same way the pre and post Covid world will be different. 

Friends, during such a time, the world is looking up to our doctors, nurses, medical staff and scientific community with hope and gratitude.  The world seeks both care and cure from you. 

Friends,at the root of India’s brave fight against Covid-19 is the hard-work of the medical community and our Corona warriors. In fact, doctors and medical workers are like soldiers, but without the soldiers’ uniform.  The virus may be an invisible enemy,but our Corona warriors, medical workers are invincible.  In the battle of Invisible versus Invincible,our medical workers are sure to win.  Friends, earlier, the debates on globalisation have focused on economic issues.  Now, the world must unite and focus on humanity centric aspects of development.

Advancements nations make in the health sector will matter more than ever before.Friends, during the last six years, we in India many initiativesin health-care and medical education. 

We are broadly working on four pillars:

The first is – Preventive Healthcare.  This includes the importance to Yoga, Ayurveda and general fitness.   More than forty thousand wellness centreshave been openedwhere a key focus is on controlling life-style related diseases.  The success of the Swacchh Bharat Mission is another key part of preventive healthcare. 

The second is- Affordable Healthcare.  Ayushman Bharat- the world’s largest healthcare scheme belongs to India.  In less than two years, One crore people have benefitted from this scheme.  Women and those staying in villages are among the major beneficiaries of this scheme.

 The third pillar is- Improvements on the supply side.  A nation like ours has to have proper medical infrastructure and medical education infrastructure.  Work is under-way to ensure a medical college or post-graduate medical institute in every district of the country. 

The country has seen rapid progress in setting up 22 more AIIMS.  Over the last five years, we have been able to add over Thirty thousand seats in MBBSand fifteen thousand seats in post-graduation.   This has been the largest increase in the five year term of any government since independence.  The Medical Council of India has been replaced by a new National Medical Commission through an Act of the Parliament.  This will go in a long way in improving the quality of medical education, bringing it at par  with the international standards. 

The fourth pillar is – Mission mode implementationA well-thought of idea on paper makes it only a good idea.  And, a good idea well implemented makes it a great one.  Hence, implementation is very crucial. 

Here, I would like to highlight the success of India’s National Nutrition Mission that is helping youngsters and their Mothers.  India is working twenty four by seven to eliminate TB by 2025.  This is five years ahead of the global target of 2030.  Mission Indradhanush has increased our rate of annual rise in vaccination coverage by four times.  Friends, The Central government recently approved the introduction of a new law for expanding education of more than 50 different allied and healthcare professionals.   This law, once passed, will address the shortage of  para-medical personnel in the country.   It will also help India in supplying skilled resources to other countries. 

Friends, There are three things on which I would urge maximum discussion and participation. 

One is – advances in tele-medicine.  Can we think of new models that make tele-medicine popular on a larger scale.

The other is related to ‘Make in India’ in the health sector.  The initial gains make me optimistic.  Our domestic manufacturers have started production of PPEs and have supplied about 1 crore PPEs to Covid warriors.   Similarly,   we have supplied 1.2 crore ‘Make in India’ N-95 masks to all States.

Third is- IT related tools for healthier societies.  I am sure you have the ArogyaSetu App on your Mobiles.12 crore health conscious people have downloaded it. This has been very helpful in the fight against Coronavirus. 

Friends, I am aware of an area that is of great concern to you all.  Due to a mob mentality, those working on the front-lines,those on duty be it doctors, nurses, Safai workers, others are subject to violence. I want to state it clearly – violence, abuse and rude behaviour is not acceptable.   Steps have been taken to protect you against any form of violence.   We have also provided an insurance cover of Rupees fifty lakhfor those on the front-line.

Friends,I am happy to see the fruitful journey of this University over last 25 years which has produced thousands of medical and para-medical personnel who are serving the poor and the needy in this challenging time.   I am sure that the University will continue to produce health personnel   of excellent quality and caliber that will make the State and the Country proud.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.  

25th Foundation Day of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences

Prime Minister today addressed the 25th Foundation Day of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences at Bengaluru via video conferencing.

Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the Karnataka Government in handling the COVID-19 situation.

Shri Modi said the World is facing one of the biggest crisis since the two World Wars. Like the world changed pre and post-World Wars, the same way the pre and post Covid world will be different, he said.

Shri Modi said at the root of India’s brave fight against Covid-19 is the hard-work of the medical community and our Corona warriors. He likened the doctors and medical workers as soldiers but without the soldiers’ uniform.

Prime Minister said the virus may be invisible enemy but our corona warriors are invincible and in the battle against the invisible vs invincible our med workers are sure to win.

Prime Minister expressed concern at violent incidents, owing to mob mentality, against the front-line workers and said several steps have been taken by the Government to curb them. He said that the Government also provided an insurance cover of Rs. 50 Lakhs to those on the front-line.

Prime Minister called for a focus on human centric aspects of development instead of debates on economic issues in the era of globalisation.

He said, advancements nations make in the health sector will matter more than ever before and that the Government had taken many initiativesin health-care and medical education, in the last 6 years.

Prime Minister called for a four pillared strategy to improve the health care, its infrastructure and its access to one and all.

He said the first pillar would be Preventive Health Carewhere in the emphasis would be importance of Yoga, Ayurveda and General Fitness. He said more than 40,000 Wellness Centres were opened with a key focus on controlling life style related diseases. The success of Swachch Bharat mission is another key area of preventive health care.

The second pillar is – Affordable Healthcare. Prime Minister highlighted the success of Ayushman Bharat- the world’s largest healthcare scheme and how in less than two years, One crore people have benefitted from it, especially women and those living in rural areas. 

The third pillar is- Improvements on the supply side.  Prime Minister said that a nation like Indai has to have proper medical infrastructure and medical education infrastructure. 

He said, Work is under-way to ensure a medical college or post-graduate medical institute in every district of the country.  Prime Minister underlined the fact that the country has seen rapid progress in setting up 22 more AIIMS. 

He said over the last five years, we have been able to add over 30,000 seats in MBBSand 15,000 seats in post-graduation.   This has been the largest increase in the five year term of any government since independence. 

Prime Minister also spoke of the setting up of National Medical Commission to replace The Medical Council of India through an Act of the Parliament. 

The fourth pillar, he said would be  Mission mode implementation of all the schemes and that it is very crucial for the success of a good idea.

He cited how the implementation of National Nutrition Mission is helping youngsters and mothers and also how India is determined to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2025, which is 5 years ahead of the global target of 2030.

He also spoke of Mission Indradhanush where the annual rise in vaccination coverage has increased by four times.

Prime Minister said that the Central Government has recently approved the introduction of a new law for expanding education of more than 50 different allied and healthcare professionals, which will address the shortage of shortage of para-medical personnel in the country.  

He urged the gathering to discuss and ideate on three issues namely how to make advances in Tele-Medicine; how to make gains in health sector through ‘Make In India” and how to bring about more of IT related services into health care.

He was appreciative of how the initial gains in the area of Make in India where the domestic manufacturers started production of PPEs and N-95 Masks and already supplied over 1 Crore of PPEs and 1.5 Crore of Masks.

Prime Minister also appreciated how the ArogyaSetu App is helping in the fight against Corona virus.

Faculty Development Program (FDP) conducted by Track2Training 10 June to 20 June 2020

 The Faculty Development Program (FDP) conducted by Track2Training from June 10 to June 20, 2020, was a comprehensive and immersive online event designed to enhance the skills and competencies of educators in various aspects of teaching and learning. Here is a detailed overview of the program:

Overview

Event: Faculty Development Program
Dates: June 10 – June 20, 2020
Mode: Online
Organizer: Track2Training
Objective: To equip faculty members with modern teaching methodologies, technological tools, and innovative strategies to improve educational delivery and student engagement.

Key Components

  1. Curriculum and Content:

    • The program covered a broad range of topics relevant to contemporary educational practices.
    • Sessions included pedagogical innovations, assessment and evaluation techniques, curriculum design, and integration of technology in teaching.

  2. Schedule and Structure:

    • The FDP was structured over 10 days, with daily sessions divided into lectures, workshops, and interactive discussions.
    • Each day consisted of multiple sessions, including keynotes from industry experts, hands-on training, and Q&A segments.

  3. Learning Management System:

    • The program was facilitated through a robust online learning management system (LMS) that provided seamless access to resources, recorded sessions, and interactive tools.
    • Participants had access to a dashboard for tracking progress, submitting assignments, and engaging with peers and instructors.

  4. Expert Speakers and Facilitators:

    • The FDP featured a lineup of distinguished speakers and facilitators from academia and industry.
    • Experts shared insights on various educational trends, technological advancements, and best practices in teaching.

  5. Interactive and Practical Approach:

    • The sessions emphasized active learning through case studies, group activities, and role-playing exercises.
    • Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and apply new strategies in simulated classroom environments.

  6. Assessment and Feedback:

    • Participants underwent periodic assessments to gauge their understanding and application of the content.
    • Feedback mechanisms were in place to provide constructive criticism and guide improvement.

Detailed Session Breakdown

  1. Day 1-2: Introduction to Modern Pedagogy

    • Overview of current trends in education.
    • Understanding student-centered learning.
    • Techniques for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  2. Day 3-4: Technology Integration in Teaching

    • Utilizing digital tools for effective teaching.
    • Introduction to e-learning platforms and virtual classrooms.
    • Best practices for creating engaging multimedia content.

  3. Day 5-6: Curriculum Development and Assessment

    • Principles of curriculum design and alignment with learning outcomes.
    • Innovative assessment techniques for measuring student performance.
    • Designing effective rubrics and feedback mechanisms.

  4. Day 7-8: Enhancing Student Engagement

    • Strategies for motivating and engaging students.
    • Incorporating gamification and interactive elements in lessons.
    • Understanding diverse learning styles and adapting teaching methods.

  5. Day 9: Research and Innovation in Education

    • Encouraging research-based teaching practices.
    • Exploring opportunities for educational research and publication.
    • Introduction to grant writing and research funding.

  6. Day 10: Reflection and Future Directions

    • Reflecting on learning outcomes and personal growth.
    • Developing action plans for implementing new strategies.
    • Networking and collaboration opportunities with fellow educators.

Outcomes and Benefits

  • Enhanced Skill Set: Participants gained practical skills in curriculum development, technology integration, and student engagement.
  • Professional Development: The program contributed to participants’ professional growth, enhancing their teaching effectiveness and career prospects.
  • Networking Opportunities: Attendees connected with peers, experts, and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  • Certification: Participants received a certificate of completion, validating their participation and newly acquired competencies.

The Faculty Development Program organized by Track2Training from June 10 to June 20, 2020, was a highly impactful initiative that equipped educators with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of education. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, the program successfully addressed the challenges faced by modern educators and provided a platform for continuous learning and professional advancement.

Historic decisions for MSME sector, street vendors and farmers taken

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met on Monday, 1st June 2020. This was the first meeting of the Union Cabinet after the Central Government entered into its second year in office.

During the meeting, historic decisions were taken that will have a transformative impact on the lives of India’s hardworking farmers, MSME sector and those working as street vendors.

Helping hand to MSMEs:

Micro, small and Medium Enterprises popularly called as MSMEs are the backbone of Indian economy. Silently operating in different areas across the country, more than 6 crore MSMEs have a crucial role to play in building a stronger and self-reliant India.

In the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic, PM Shri Narendra Modi was quick to recognise the role of MSMEs in building the Nation. That is why MSMEs formed a very prominent part of the announcements made under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. 

Under this package, the MSME sector has not only been given substantial allocation but has also been accorded priority in implementation of the measures to revive the economy. Implementation relating to several of the key announcements have been made already.

Today, Government of India has laid down the road map for effective implementation of other announcements under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package too. These include:

  • Upward revision of MSME Definition. This is yet another step towards ease of doing business. This will help in attracting investments and creating more jobs in the MSME sector;
  • Proposal for provisioning of Rs 20,000 crore as subordinate debt to provide equity support to the stressed MSMEs has been formally approved by the cabinet today. This will benefit 2 lakh stressed MSMEs.
  • Proposal for equity infusion of Rs. 50,000 crores for MSMEs through fund of funds has also been approved by the Cabinet today.   This will establish a framework to help MSMEs in managing the debt-equity ratio and in their capacity augmentation. This will also provide an opportunity to get listed in stock exchanges.

Further upward revision of MSME definition:

The Government of India today decided for further upward revision of MSME definition. In the package announcement, the definition of micro manufacturing and services unit was increased to Rs. 1 crore of investment and Rs. 5 crore of turnover. The limit of small unit was increased to Rs. 10 crore of investment and Rs 50 crore of turnover. Similarly, the limit of a medium unit was increased to Rs 20 crore of investment and Rs. 100 crore of turnover. It may be noted that this revision was done after 14 years since the MSME Development Act came into existence in 2006. After the package announcement on 13th May, 2020, there were several representations that the announced revision is still not in tune with market and pricing conditions and it should be further revised upwards. Keeping in mind these representations, Prime Minister decided to further increase the limit for medium manufacturing and service units. Now it will be Rs. 50 crore of investment and Rs. 250 crore of turnover. It has also been decided that the turnover with respect to exports will not be counted in thelimits of turnover for any category of MSME units whether micro, small or medium.

Supporting our hardworking street vendors:

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a Special Micro-Credit Facility Scheme – PM SVANidhi (PM स्वनिधि ) – PM  Street  Vendor’s AtmaNirbharNidhi,for providing affordable loans to street vendors. This scheme will go a long way in enabling them to resume work and earn livelihoods.

Over 50 lakh people, including vendors, hawkers, thelewalas, rehriwala, theliphadwala etc. in different areas/ contexts are likely to benefit from this scheme.

The goods supplied by them range from vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat street foods, tea, pakodas, breads, eggs, textiles, apparel, footwear, artisan products, books/ stationaries etc. The services include barber shops, cobblers, pan shops, laundry services etc.

The Government of India is sensitive towards the problems they have faced in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. In such a time, there is an urgent need to provide affordable credit to them to ensure their business gets a boost.

Urban Local Bodies will play pivotal role in the implementation of the scheme.

This scheme is special due to a number of reasons:

1- A historic first:

This is for the first time in India’s history that street vendors fromperi- urban/ rural areas have become beneficiaries of an urban livelihood programme.

The vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year. On timely/ early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy @ 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on six monthly basis. There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan.

The scheme provides for escalation of the credit limit on timely/ early repayment of loan to help the vendor achieve his ambition of going up on the economic ladder.

It is for the first time that MFIs/ NBFCs/ SHG Banks have been allowed in a scheme for the urban poor due to their ground level presence and proximity to the urban poor including the street vendors.

2- Harnessing technology for empowerment:

In line with the Government’s vision of leveraging technology to ensure effective delivery and transparency, a digital platform with web portal/ mobile app is being developed to administer the scheme with end-to-end solution. The IT platform will also help in integrating the vendors into the formal financial system. This platform will integrate the web portal/ mobile app with UdyamiMitra portal of SIDBI for credit management and PAiSA portal of MoHUA to administer interest subsidy automatically.

3- Encouraging digital transactions:

The scheme incentivises digital transactions by the street vendors through monthly cash back.

4- Focus on capacity building:

MoHUA in collaboration with State Governments, State Missions of DAY-NULM, ULBs, SIDBI, CGTMSE, NPCI and Digital Payment Aggregators will also launch a capacity building and financial literacy programme of all the stakeholders and IEC activities throughout the country during the month of June and loaning will commence in the month of July.

Igniting the spirit of Jai Kisan:

For the Kharif season 2020-21, the government has kept its promise of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of the cost of production. Today, the MSP of 14 crops for the Kharif season 2020-21 has been announced, based on the recommendation of CACP. The return over cost for theses 14 crops ranges from 50% to 83%.

The Government of India has also decided to extend repayment date up to 31.08.2020 for all Short-Term loans up to Rs.3 lakh advanced for agriculture and allied activities by banks. Farmers will also get benefit of interest subvention and prompt repayment incentive.

The agricultural short-term loan due between 1st March 2020 and 31stAugust 2020 will continue to get benefit of 2% Interest Subvention (IS) to Banks and 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) to farmers.

Government of India’s decision of providing such loans to farmers through banks @ 7% per annum, with 2% per annum interest subvention to banks and 3% additional benefit on timely repayment by farmers thus provides loans upto Rs.3 lakh at 4% per annum interest.

Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) wasstarted toprovideconcessionalshort-term crop loansincludingloans availedthroughKisan Credit Cards tothefarmers. In the last few weeks, many farmers are not able to travel to bank branches for payment of their short-term crop loan dues. Hence the cabinet decision would help crores of farmers.

Caring for the poor the Government’s top focus:

The poor and vulnerable are at the top of the priorities of the Government led by the Prime Minister. During the Coronavirus pandemic, right from the day of announcement of the lockdown, the government has been sensitive to the needs of the poorest of the poor. This was seen in the announcement of the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyanYojana package on 26th of March 2020, within just two days of the start of lockdown.

From ensuring coverage of around 80 crore people with food security to direct cash transfers into the bank accounts of 20 crore women, from putting money into the hands of senior citizens, poor widows and poor Divyangs to front-loading of the PM-KISAN instalment to crores of farmers, steps were announced. These covered a wide range of vulnerable sections who would have borne the brunt of the lockdown if not for the immediate intervention of the government. Moreover, these were not mere announcements. Within days, assistance reached crores of people directly, either in cash or kind.

As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, One Nation One Ration card, free food grains even for those without ration cards, a new affordable rental scheme for their housing and many more measures have been announced for the welfare of the migrant labourers.

Massive reforms were announced for farmer welfare, freeing farmers from the chains that bound them and giving their income prospects a significant boost. Along with this, more investments into farm infrastructure were proposed. Allied activities such as fisheries too received a financial package.

At every step, the Government of India has shown compassion and alacrity in serving the needs of the most vulnerable.

PM Modi Launches CHAMPIONS: Technology Platform to empower MSMEs

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched the technology platform CHAMPIONS which stands for Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength.

As the name suggests,the portal is basically for making the smaller units big by solving their grievances, encouraging, supporting, helping and handholding.It is a real one-stop-shop solution of MSME Ministry.

This ICT based system is set up to help the MSMEs in present difficult situation and also to handhold them to become national and international champions.

Detailed objectives of CHAMPIONS:

  1. Grievance Redressal: To resolve the problems of MSMEs including those of finance, raw materials, labor, regulatory permissions etc particularly in the Covid created difficult situation;
  2. To help them capture new opportunities:  including manufacturing of medical equipments and accessories like PPEs, masks, etc and supply them in National and International markets;
  3. To identify and encourage the sparks:  i.e. the potential MSMEs who are able to withstand the current situation and can become national and international champions.

It is a technology packed control room-cum-management information system. In addition to ICT tools including telephone, internet and video conference, the system is enabled by Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Machine Learning. It is also fully integrated on real time basis with GOI’s main grievances portal CPGRAMS and MSME Ministry’s own other web based mechanisms.The entire ICT architecture is created in house with the help of NIC in no cost. Similarly, the physical infrastructure is created in one of ministry’s dumping rooms in a record time.

As part of the system a network of control rooms is created in a Hub & Spoke Model. The Hub is situated in New Delhi in the Secretary MSME’s office. The spokes are in the States in various offices and institutions of MSME Ministry. As of now, 66 state level control rooms are createdand made functional. They are connected through video conference also in addition to the portal of Champions. A detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issue to the officers and staff have been deployed and training has been conducted for them.

On this occasion, Minister of MSME and Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadakari was also present.

PM addresses SPIC MACAY’s International Convention

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today addressed the Spic Macay’s International Convention via video conference.

Prime Minister appreciated the fact that even under these trying circumstances, the spirits of the musicians remained undeterred and that the theme of the convention is focusing on how to alleviate the stress amongst the youth owing to the COVID -19 pandemic.

He recalled how historically music played an inspiring role and a cohesive role in times of war and crisis.

He said poets, singers and artists always scripted songs and music to bring out the valour out of the people in such times.

Prime Minister said that even now, in such trying times when the World is fighting an invisible enemy, the singers, lyricists, and artists are scripting lines and singing songs that would increase confidence of the people.

Prime Minister recalled how the 130 Crore people of this country have come together to clap, sound bells, blow conch shells to energise the entire nation in its fight against the pandemic.

When 130 crore people come together withthe same feeling and emotions it becomes music, he said.

Just as there is a need for harmonyand discipline in music,there is a need for similar harmony, restraint and discipline from every citizen to fight the Corona Pandemic he said.

He appreciated the new elements in the Spic Macay convention this year like nature walk, heritage walk, literature and holistic food along with Yoga and Naad Yoga.

Elaborating on Naad Yoga, he said in India, Naad is considered to be the basis of music and also as the basis of the energy in self.

He said that this Naad reaches its crescendo or Brahmnaad when we regulate our inner energy through yoga and music.

This is the reason that both music and yoga have the power of meditation and motivation, both are immense sources of energy, the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister said, music has not only been a source of happiness, but also a means of service and a form of penance.

There have been many great musicians in our country who have lived their entire lives to serve the humanity, he said.

Prime Minister said, the fusion of ancient art and music with technology is also a demand of the times.

Rising above the boundaries of states and languages, today music is also strengthening the ideal of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ more than ever, he said.

Prime Minister appreciated the fact that people are giving  new messages on social media through their creativity, furthering the country’s campaign against Corona

Prime Minister expressed the hope that this convention will also give a new direction to in our fight against the corona virus.

RACISM:THE OLD PLAGUE WHICH STILL SKULKS IN THE 21 CENTURY

Will the irrational indifferences based on our skin colour and facial features fend or will they continue till the end?……

Racism-this is a term which has been lingering from ages, even in today’s modern time where mind sets have changed or mabey are still trying to be changed people are still stuck to old beliefs and myths which they are not ready to leave, when will the day arise where we stop distinguising ourselves based on the colour of our skin or even based on our facial features, when will the day arise where we shall stop distinguishing Africans from Americans and just call ourselves as humans. Many of us look forward for a day where we stop tagging ourselves and live under one name that is “Humans of Mother Earth”. We have the same red blood running in our veins and we live, we eat and we work in the same environment which is equal before us all, but still distinguish and discriminate each other based on our colour.

The case of George Floyd has shook us once again, once again hue and cry has mixed its chaos with the flood of fury. Unrest has spread its wings over the land of liberty. Even though several civilizations have passed and our surroundings have drastically changed but we have been unable to adapt our mind towards the terrifying truth. This sensitive issue is just a reminder for us all that even in the modern age of twenty first century where people have reached the moon and are striving to go on mars we still are here with our narrow and conservative mind sets lurking around the same issue and ruining our lives and putting lives of many others at risk, education does not really change mind sets and that’s true after all. Great voices like Martin Luther king who had a dream to see a country free from any kind of racism or discrimination or Obama who with his leadership highlighted the concept of unity in diversity or Rosa parks who defied a man of a different colour in poisonous times where racism was like a plague and stood for equality and raised her voice over the wrong. 

Racism is not only a problem which exists in the land of the free and the home of the brave but it also exists in India as well, from time to time we see news and headlines surfacing newspapers, news channels and social media over racist attacks based on colour and facial features, calling out derogatory terms to people of other communities and insulting there culture is just one of the reasons which has widened the divide between West and East and North and south in India. Even after so many awareness campaigns, education, laws, and millions of protests and unwanted bloodshed the cycle of terror, tumult and trauma just does not seem to end. Not only that gender indifferences and social indifferences still slither like a poisonous snake in our society, such indifferences which are increasing day by day not only destroy societies but also damage mental health, they leave behind a wound whose scars pass on for generations and can become the spark to a ferocious fire.

I would like to quote James Baldwin “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Will the disturbances and disarray in society be solved soon when the whole country is moved or will the disorder continue after all this comes back to a standstill.

  • Abdhi Upadhyay

Consolation through baiting lives!

“All is well” a consolation that’s what chief minister shivraj Singh chauhan is trying to tell the centre by conducting the examination all across the state even though reciveing tremendous amount of backlash by students and intellectuals, Chief minister is standing firm ground on his decision but is it right to use students lives as bait even as in this pandemic? a morale question needed to be asked by BJP leader himself as what he sees this situation as a mean to promote his political agenda because the situation itself says “All is not well”.
Meanwhile many IITS and NITS have opted to passing students without exams this year, the rgpv university has opened it’s examination forms for all years and degrees.The questions arises that if these premier institutions can allow students to pass them for one semester then why cannot these state universities pass students for just one semester?
Meanwhile the chief minister has tweeted that “we cannot put the future of students in jeopardy as passing them without exams would wash away all of their hard work they had done during the whole year.”
Well taking to these tweets students have replied quite humorously as well as giving witty answers that might have led the bjp leader ask questions to himself.
One of the students replied by saying that if you can win the election without conducting the election then why can’t we pass the exam without appearing in them while another one said that if students lives are in jeopardy than aren’t there future at risk due to the QUOTA SYSTEM.
Well all in all we know how college exams are we start preparation a week before and still we will are able to ace the test but when it comes to cracking a technical company interview there’s only just a few of us Who make it.
The big question that should be asked is if the chief minister is as stiff in taking the exams then would he also assure a job placement after the students clear there exam where one might actually need skills!
Seems what we all have are a web of questions and the possibility of getting the answers are as close as to getting the covid-19 vaccine.

Academic Pressure on Students

The rising complexity of modern life has beset us with stress. Students of various professional institutions are increasing beleaguered with this problem. Specifically, this project aims to investigate environmental, social, psychological, and academic causes of stress and its behavioural consequences.

More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgment. More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate.

Stress has become a common phenomenon in our daily lives, which certainly has positive as well as negative influence on human behaviour. Gradually it leads them toward utter frustration and anxiety, which in later years causes physiological as well as psychological problems. Stress is defined as “pressure or worry caused by problems in somebody’s life”.
In the twenty-first century, students are indirectly becoming the victims of globalization and its challenges. Parental relationship, love failures, poor economic background, day-to-day hassles, and academic burden are the major causes of stress among students. Further, teaching and learning strategy and teacher– student relation in the classroom are some of the other causes of stress among students. Consequently, there is an urgency to design appropriate stress interventions to deal with this ever increasing problem of stress among students. In this direction, we could find only a limited number of studies in engineering institutes, where there is an increasing trend of suicide among the students .

By high school and college, many students have run out of steam. Anxiety—the mental-health tsunami of their generation—has caught up with them. Today’s students are the most anxious ever, according to mental-health surveys. They admit it themselves: In February, a Pew survey found that 70 percent of teens say anxiety and depression is a “major problem” among the students. Students feel threatened with the academic pressure and grade competition which gradually leads them toward traumatic life. At the end of the day, they reach their abode being frustrated and burnt out. When students fail constantly to secure good marks in examination, they start developing negative self-esteem, which increases the suicidal tendency among them. According to the WHO (2014) report, suicide rate is quite high among adults due to academic pressure. It has been reported that 5,857 students committed suicide because of the exam stress in India.

The mind can go either direction under stress—toward positive or toward negative: on or off. Think of it as a spectrum whose extremes are unconsciousness at the negative end and hyperconsciousness at the positive end. The way the mind will lean under stress is strongly influenced by training.

Studying is a cognitive process and it requires calm and cool environment. Studies have proved that students’ learning behaviour is significantly influenced by affective factors. Joyful environment has been reported to enhance learning capacity. When students work in stressful environment, it hampers their creative thinking and makes them less productive.

All this pressure on students also may lead to negative side affects. These may include acts such as cheating on tests and rash coping strategies of depression such as suicide or drugs.
A recent study in 2010 from the Rutgers Management Education Center stated that 75 percent of students that were interviewed admitted to cheating. Another study stated that the amount of student suicides has tripled over the past forty years. This is possibly due to that in the past, academics were undervalued and given little to no importance which was horrible because lack of education in people leads to very bad decisions altogether leading to a not so successful country But now, education is such a huge priority in America that kids are being over pressured and forced into horrible coping decisions such as suicide.

High stress levels could make students develop physical symptoms that could negatively affect their academic performance. These signs and symptoms include chest pain, elevated blood pressure, stomach upset, mumbled or rapid speech, nervous habits such as fidgeting, back and neck pains, tremors and trembling of lips, and frequent headaches. When a student experiences these symptoms, they might not feel the motivation they once felt about doing their best on such academic tasks as completing assignments or preparing for tests. Moreover, the symptoms are detrimental to the health of students, a factor which may father make their academic fortunes to dwindle.

Stress also makes students to have poor management skills. A student could become disorganized and uncertain about their priorities and goals as a result of suffering from high levels of stress. This could further make them incapable of effectively budgeting and managing their time. Moreover, highly stressed students have the tendency of procrastinating and neglecting such important responsibilities as meeting deadlines and completing assignments. This, of course, negatively impacts the quality of their academic work and study skills.

At the beginning of every term, comes a brand new start,

Minds are refreshed, promises made within our hearts.

Sitting on edge our bodies squirm.

New changes with the same old faces.

Time settles in, seasons past by.

Work overload has made time fly.

Teachers don’t care about social lives.

Tired minds, lazy people only know lies,

For their excuses for the reason why.

Hair all frazzled as gray hairs creep in.

Baggy eyes, sleepy heads.

A million assignments all for tomorrow.

Not completing them considered the deadliest sin.

No time for the outside world,

Only homework, projects and assignments to drive us to shreads.

Restless nights, late morning departures.

Constant late slips but completed assignments.

We , the students academic marcher,

who march and stand up to the making of ourbright futures.

Additional classes help to pursue our specfic majors.

Added experiences equal impressive resumes.

College applications,scholarship essays to be completed.

Hard work, perseverance and dilligence are what it takes,

For success to be a real sweet treat.

Excessive levels of academic stress can result in an increased prevalence of psychological and physical problems like depression, anxiety, nervousness and stress related disorders, which in turn can affect their academic results. … Students are thus, seen to be affected by the negative causes of academic stress

Stress in academic institutions can have both positive and negative consequences if not well managed.  Academic institutions have different work settings compared to non-academic and therefore one would expect the difference in symptoms, causes, and consequences of stress.

What I know for sure

What I know for sure

No matter what challenge you may be facing, you must remember that while the canvas of your life is painted with daily experiences behavior reaction and emotions, you are the one controlling the brush.

Before reading this book I knew Oprah Winfrey as the Anchor of popular TV show.  A lady with her common looks and uncommon way of hosting a show made it matchless worldwide. I remember, I first heard about her in my class room where my English teacher asked us to say few lines on her. Being on the first bench I was the first to answer.   I don’t remember any of us would have spoken any words about her leaving, me even more curious about the lady.  I goggled to know her whereabouts; she is the anchor or Oprah Winfrey show and is visiting India for the very first time. My quest ended up there.  But little did I know that she is good author and has published many of her write ups.  One of her book ‘I KNOW FOR SURE’ was suggested by a friend stating it as mood up lifter.  Winfrey has written a book –this info was enough to get me excited and it is motivational as well, WOW.  Soon, I had the book in my hand. The title only appeared thought-provoking to me and I know for sure, I will like it.

It took me three days to finish this book written without acknowledgement letter and praise words.  I know for sure she must not need them as her moral purpose is to enlighten the society and people around the globe.  So she does well. Every line and story in this book is thought provoking, leaving you to understand your purpose of being alive.  WHY I AM HERE? WHAT IS MY PURPOSE OF BEING ALIVE? WHAT ALL I HAVE ACHIEVED? WHAT STONE IS LEFT UNTURNED IN MY LIFE? And many more! I feel, each book is written with a purpose, some to motivate, some to educate, some to make laugh, fall in love and some to make you think of you being alive.  Every page I turned has something vivid in it be it a story of a 13 year old boy who happily died or a person who survived defeating death. it has a kind of story telling that will lingers for a long time in my mind and  inspired me to keep moving no matter what.

You are here for a purpose and you just living if it’s not fulfilled.  Doesn’t stop keep learning, and if you think you know enough than you have lived your life. Your purpose of being on this planet is over.  These lines make sense to me.

I knew Opera Winfrey only as successful host of a show before I read this book.  But knowing her past life gave me adrenaline rush. Life has been a roller coaster ride to this lady and she has overcome all the problems, shining. I owe her my respect.

 All I learnt is ‘we shouldn’t make opinion about other unless we know their story of fight and struggle to win.