What is hooch tragedy, which is happening in Bihar recently.

The toll of dead in Bihar’s Chhapra Hooch tragedy has soared to 50, succumbing after consuming spurious liquor in the Saran district. People have died and several others hospitalised in India’s Bihar state after drinking toxic alcohol, authorities and local media said.

The deaths happened mainly in two villages in the impoverished eastern state, where the sale and consumption of liquor were banned in 2016 after women’s groups campaigned against poor workers splurging their meagre incomes on drinking.

Such bans are in force in several Indian states, driving a thriving black market for cheap alcohol made in unregulated backstreet distilleries that kills hundreds of people every year.

Hooch is a commonly used term for poor quality alcohol, derived from Hoochinoo, a native Alaskan tribe that was known to produce very strong liquor. Unlike branded liquor which is produced in factories with sophisticated equipment and rigorous quality control, hooch is made in more crude settings without any quality checks.

All that matters is to produce alcohol that will intoxicate, and hooch surely does that. The only problem is that if prepared incorrectly, it can kill. Importantly, it is near impossible to tell whether hooch is safe to consume before actual consumption.

What is hooch tragedy, which is happening in Bihar recently.

The toll of dead in Bihar’s Chhapra Hooch tragedy has soared to 50, succumbing after consuming spurious liquor in the Saran district. People have died and several others hospitalised in India’s Bihar state after drinking toxic alcohol, authorities and local media said.

The deaths happened mainly in two villages in the impoverished eastern state, where the sale and consumption of liquor were banned in 2016 after women’s groups campaigned against poor workers splurging their meagre incomes on drinking.

Such bans are in force in several Indian states, driving a thriving black market for cheap alcohol made in unregulated backstreet distilleries that kills hundreds of people every year.

Hooch is a commonly used term for poor quality alcohol, derived from Hoochinoo, a native Alaskan tribe that was known to produce very strong liquor. Unlike branded liquor which is produced in factories with sophisticated equipment and rigorous quality control, hooch is made in more crude settings without any quality checks.

All that matters is to produce alcohol that will intoxicate, and hooch surely does that. The only problem is that if prepared incorrectly, it can kill. Importantly, it is near impossible to tell whether hooch is safe to consume before actual consumption.

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.

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.

What the employees around globe, thinks of recommending their profession to the next generation? Look at the report.

India ranked the highest with 66 percent of employees stating that they wouldn’t recommend their profession to their children or any young person that they care about, while 67 percent wouldn’t recommend their employers, according to The Workforce Institute at UKG.

The report, ‘We Can Fix Work’, provides insights into what parents, family members and mentors are telling children about what they should value in their jobs and employers — urging future generations to let purpose, not money, guide career choices.

It found that on a global scale, nearly half (46%) of employees would neither recommend their company nor their profession to their children or a young person they care about, and a startling 38 percent “wouldn’t wish my job on my worst enemy.”

The report also stated that 45 percent of employees worldwide don’t want to work anymore. There has been a recent rise in the anti-work mindset, globally, owing to the pandemic as 77 percent of employees around the world want to spend less time working and more time doing things that matter to them.

It further showed that too much overtime affects the employee-employer relationship. If employees tend to work overtime more than twice per week, it strains their relationship with the employer and they’re even less likely to recommend their jobs or their companies to the next generation.

What the employees around globe, thinks of recommending their profession to the next generation? Look at the report.

India ranked the highest with 66 percent of employees stating that they wouldn’t recommend their profession to their children or any young person that they care about, while 67 percent wouldn’t recommend their employers, according to The Workforce Institute at UKG.

The report, ‘We Can Fix Work’, provides insights into what parents, family members and mentors are telling children about what they should value in their jobs and employers — urging future generations to let purpose, not money, guide career choices.

It found that on a global scale, nearly half (46%) of employees would neither recommend their company nor their profession to their children or a young person they care about, and a startling 38 percent “wouldn’t wish my job on my worst enemy.”

The report also stated that 45 percent of employees worldwide don’t want to work anymore. There has been a recent rise in the anti-work mindset, globally, owing to the pandemic as 77 percent of employees around the world want to spend less time working and more time doing things that matter to them.

It further showed that too much overtime affects the employee-employer relationship. If employees tend to work overtime more than twice per week, it strains their relationship with the employer and they’re even less likely to recommend their jobs or their companies to the next generation.

Take a loot at a report related to employability of Indians published by Wheelbox India Skill.

The employability of Indians has gone up in the last one year according to The Wheebox India Skills Report. As per its evaluation, half of the candidates – at 50.3% were found to be employable as compared to the 46.2% last year.

This report is a result of the evaluation of 3.75 lakh candidates or freshers who took the Wheebox National Employability Test (WNET) across India and the participation of 150 corporations from over 15 different industries in the Early Career Edition of the India Hiring Intent Survey.

It is interesting to note that the percentage of the employable women workforce stands at 52.8%, compared to 47.2% for men.

“The consistent rise in women’s employability over the past ten years is a positive sign of radical changes in India’s developing labour market. Increased participation of women at work will give industries an edge with key roles already being occupied by women as we go into 2023,” the report said.

Take a loot at a report related to employability of Indians published by Wheelbox India Skill.

The employability of Indians has gone up in the last one year according to The Wheebox India Skills Report. As per its evaluation, half of the candidates – at 50.3% were found to be employable as compared to the 46.2% last year.

This report is a result of the evaluation of 3.75 lakh candidates or freshers who took the Wheebox National Employability Test (WNET) across India and the participation of 150 corporations from over 15 different industries in the Early Career Edition of the India Hiring Intent Survey.

It is interesting to note that the percentage of the employable women workforce stands at 52.8%, compared to 47.2% for men.

“The consistent rise in women’s employability over the past ten years is a positive sign of radical changes in India’s developing labour market. Increased participation of women at work will give industries an edge with key roles already being occupied by women as we go into 2023,” the report said.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

On January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the ongoing problem of human trafficking is brought to light. Even though January is already designated as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this particular day is devoted to raising awareness and stopping this illicit practice. Additionally distinct from the UN-designated World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is this celebration. Since the Senate declared this day to be observed in 2007, it has attracted a lot of popular support in the form of private donations to events that the government has planned. On this day, we are all urged to oppose human trafficking wherever it occurs because it affects people of all races and backgrounds horribly.



HISTORY OF NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY

human trafficking is defined as the use of another person for labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sexual activity by coercion, fraud, or force. It also refers to the practice of using others against their will as slaves or labor. Unfortunately, slavery has persisted today even though many people are unaware of it for hundreds of years.

Most people are aware of the slave trade that existed in the 1400s and later. The slave trade was started by Europeans, who enslaved and sold millions of Africans from all over the continent for labor or sexual exploitation. For centuries, this method was popular in nations like Spain, the developing United States, Holland, France, Sweden, and Denmark.

Governments did not start to outlaw the Transatlantic slave trade until the late 1700s and early 1800s, with Great Britain establishing the standard in 1807 and the United States following in 1820. At that point, the slave trade was a capital offense, but it took decades for more people to be free. Slavery was largely abolished by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 and the Thirteenth Amendment of 1866.

Governments only began to talk about “white slavery,” the name used at the time for sexual human trafficking, after the Transatlantic Slave Trade was condemned as immoral. Twelve nations signed the International Convention for the Suppression of the White Slave Traffic in 1904, the same year that the International Agreement for the Suppression of the White Slave Trade was passed into law by European monarchs. White slavery was soon renamed “trade in women and children” by the League of Nations.

WHY NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY IS IMPORTANT

1. Knowing the Signs Can Save Lives

The ability to suspect or locate a human trafficking victim or offender can help save lives. Millions of people who are directly harmed by the sector include their families, friends, and other loved ones. Online tools exist that can assist you in identifying and preventing human trafficking.

2. It is a Growing Global Problem

It’s difficult to comprehend that there are potentially over 30 million slaves alive today, and it’s much more difficult to accept that the number is rising. The sooner awareness is raised, the sooner we can address the problem because this lucrative illicit sector relentlessly targets more vulnerable people for kidnapping and victimization
for both personal and monetary gain.

3. It Can Affect Anyone

Slavery is a global issue that affects people of all ages and continents, contrary to popular belief. We must all work together to eliminate the hazards we all face, even though some groups, such as women and people from underprivileged areas, are more at risk than others.


“Success rate of Indian startups is higher than rest of the world” said the commerce minister.

The success rate of startups in India is relatively higher than the rest of the world, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said while answering a question in the Lok Sabha on 14th december.

The number of recognised startups has increased from 452 in 2016 to 84,012 as on November 30, 2022, the Minister said.
Startups are offered the funding at various stages of their business cycles through the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).

The SISFS has been approved with a corpus of 945 crore and has also been sanctioned for four years beginning in 2021–22. It aims to give entrepreneurs financial support for concept proofing, prototype development, product trials, market-entry, and commercialization.

"Success rate of Indian startups is higher than rest of the world" said the commerce minister.

The success rate of startups in India is relatively higher than the rest of the world, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said while answering a question in the Lok Sabha on 14th december.

The number of recognised startups has increased from 452 in 2016 to 84,012 as on November 30, 2022, the Minister said.
Startups are offered the funding at various stages of their business cycles through the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).

The SISFS has been approved with a corpus of 945 crore and has also been sanctioned for four years beginning in 2021–22. It aims to give entrepreneurs financial support for concept proofing, prototype development, product trials, market-entry, and commercialization.

Vande Bharat trains has faced multiple accidents with cattles since operation.

Indian Railways’ premier train Vande Bharat Express which now operates on six routes across the country has recorded 68 instances of animal hit in the last six months starting from June this year.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on 14 December in a query to the number of incidents of Vande Bharat Express trains hit by animals in the last six months. Union Railway Minister in another reply said that the shell structure of Vande Bharat coach is made of high-grade steel. However, the coupler cover fitted in front of the Vande Bharat train as part of nose cone which provides aerodynamic profile to the train is made of fibre reinforced plastic to absorb the impact of hit.

Replying to another question, Vaishnaw said currently the Vande Bharat trains are running with sitting capacity with a maximum distance of 500 to 550 km and once the Vande Bharat trains with sleeping facilities will ply, the trains will cover longer distances

Vande Bharat trains has faced multiple accidents with cattles since operation.

Indian Railways’ premier train Vande Bharat Express which now operates on six routes across the country has recorded 68 instances of animal hit in the last six months starting from June this year.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on 14 December in a query to the number of incidents of Vande Bharat Express trains hit by animals in the last six months. Union Railway Minister in another reply said that the shell structure of Vande Bharat coach is made of high-grade steel. However, the coupler cover fitted in front of the Vande Bharat train as part of nose cone which provides aerodynamic profile to the train is made of fibre reinforced plastic to absorb the impact of hit.

Replying to another question, Vaishnaw said currently the Vande Bharat trains are running with sitting capacity with a maximum distance of 500 to 550 km and once the Vande Bharat trains with sleeping facilities will ply, the trains will cover longer distances

Banking Exams

 Banking exams in India are crucial for those aspiring to build a career in the banking sector, offering opportunities to work in esteemed public sector banks, private banks, and regional rural banks. Here are some key points about banking exams in India:

  1. Popular Banking Exams:

    • IBPS Exams (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection): IBPS conducts various exams such as:
      • IBPS PO (Probationary Officer): For recruiting Probationary Officers in public sector banks.
      • IBPS Clerk: For recruitment of Clerical Cadre in public sector banks.
      • IBPS Specialist Officer: To hire candidates for specialized roles like IT Officer, Marketing Officer, HR Officer, etc.
    • State Bank of India (SBI) Exams: SBI conducts its exams for positions like SBI PO, SBI Clerk, and Specialist Officers.
    • RBI Exams: Reserve Bank of India conducts exams for recruitment in various roles including Grade B Officers, Assistants, etc.

  2. Exam Structure:

    • Preliminary Examination: Usually a multiple-choice format assessing candidates’ proficiency in English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and General Awareness.
    • Mains Examination: A more in-depth test covering similar subjects but with higher difficulty levels. This phase might also include sections on Descriptive English, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Financial Awareness, etc.
    • Interview/Group Discussion: Candidates who qualify in the Mains are usually called for a final round of interviews or group discussions, depending on the exam.

  3. Preparation and Competition:

    • Intensive Preparation: Aspirants often prepare through rigorous study plans, solving mock tests, and practicing previous years’ question papers to improve speed and accuracy.
    • High Competition: Banking exams witness high competition due to the large number of aspirants vying for a limited number of vacancies.

  4. Eligibility Criteria:

    • Educational qualifications, age limits, and other specific requirements vary for different banking exams.

  5. Career Opportunities:

    • Successful candidates secure positions as Probationary Officers, Clerks, Specialist Officers, etc., in various banks, providing opportunities for career growth, stability, and skill development.

  6. Job Benefits:

    • Banking jobs offer several perks such as job security, attractive salary packages, allowances, healthcare benefits, and opportunities for career advancement through promotions and transfers.

  7. Role in Economic Development:

    • Employees in the banking sector play a vital role in the nation’s economic development by facilitating financial transactions, providing banking services, and supporting financial inclusion initiatives.

Banking exams provide a gateway to a promising career in the financial sector, offering candidates a chance to contribute to the country’s banking and economic landscape.

Know about New Zealand’s law that bans smoking for next generation.

In a bid to curb smoking for the next generation and make the country smoke-free by 2025, New Zealand passed the world’s first legislation prohibiting the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.

According to the Guardian, the number of stores legally permitted to sell cigarettes will be reduced by a tenth, from 6,000 to 600 across the country. The law passed will go into effect in 2023, as New Zealand strives to become “smoke-free” by 2025.

New Zealand’s smoking rate is already at historic lows, with just 8% of adults smoking daily according to government statistic released in November – down from 9.4% last year.

It is hoped that the Smokefree Environments Bill will reduce that number to less than 5% by 2025, with the eventual aim of eliminating the practice altogether.