Two ‘Man-made disasters’ recently happened in India and South Korea

The Machhu river in Gujarat’s Morbi town is now news because the most awful incident took place, on 30 October 2022. A hanging bridge after the renovation was opened to the public for which people paid money to purchase the tickets and the bridge collapsed killing many people (more than 140) and also many injured (around 100). The collapse of the bridge has raised many questions. It seems that more people were allowed than its capacity to move. Some TV channels showed many people dancing on the renovated bridge. Now the question arises why so many people were allowed to move beyond its capacity. Another important point is whether there is any ‘Cut Money’ or ‘Commission Money’ involved during the renovation as in our country this is found in many cases. In this regard by saluting a brave police officer of West Bengal, I wish to mention that one Burdwan police officer-in-charge, Sandip Sen made a comment while inaugurating a Kali Puja on 26 October 2022 in West Bengal. He mentioned that “to build a new road… a contractor usually aims for a 40 percent margin at best. Thereafter, he expects to pocket a further 20 percent himself. The BDO gets four percent, the OC five, and others still get five. Meaning nearly 75 percent of the call money will become cut money, so one can only imagine the quality of finished projects”(The Telegraph Online, 31/10/22).

Anyway, the saddest part here (bridge collapse) is that innocent lives were lost because of the callousness of ‘some’ people. Recent news has revealed that two employees of a firm involved in the renovation work of the Morbi bridge have been arrested. I request top officials of the Gujarat Government the main culprits should be brought into the book and they should be punished. It seems that this a ‘man-made disaster’ so our Union Government and all the State Governments should take lessons from this disaster so that innocent lives are not lost in the future.

Another ‘man-made disaster’, unfortunately, occurred in Seoul, South Korea on Halloween event on 29 October 2022 at least 154 people including a total of 26 foreign nationals were among those killed. Among the 154 dead, 26 were foreign nationals, from the United States, China, Iran, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, Norway, France, Russia, Austria, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The event took place after three years as during COVID -19 it did not take place as restrictions and social distancing were lifted. I feel this is also a ‘man-made disaster’ as more people gathered than the capacity of the area. It is observed that tens of thousands of people flooded into the area in central Seoul to celebrate Halloween – but panic erupted as the crowds swelled, ‘with some witnesses saying it became hard to breathe and impossible to move’ (CNN Online, 31/10/2022, What we know about the deadly Halloween disaster in Seoul).

This is also a lesson to our Union Government and all the State Governments so that with proper planning ‘man-made disaster’ can be avoided i.e., more people should not be allowed to assemble than the capacity of the area. Anyway, in both cases, many innocent lives were lost. I pray to Almighty God to bestow eternal peace on the departed souls

Two ‘Man-made disasters’ recently happened in India and South Korea

EV on monthly subscription, by a Benguluru based startup.

Electric vehicles (EVs) may play a critical role in the future of mobility but the journey so far has been fraught with challenges. While customers may fundamentally be in favour of switching to electric alternatives, when it comes to buying one, they are still hesitant. The biggest impediments to the adoption of these vehicles on a large scale are range anxiety (the worry that the vehicle will run out of charge before reaching the destination or charging point) and its price. According to an EY report, an electric car costs 2X times an ICE variant in India. The cost of an electric two-wheeler is 15% more than that of an ICE variant.

A Bengaluru-based startup SWYTCHD provides electric vehicles on a monthly subscription basis. This subscription is all inclusive which covers insurance, charging refunds, servicing, maintenance, and breakdown support.

The Bengaluru-based startup, founded in December 2021 by Sameer Arif, offers a range of EVs (both two-wheelers and cars) on a monthly subscription model. The subscription includes costs of insurance, general servicing, maintenance (including normal wear and tear), breakdown support, and charging refunds, up to a maximum distance of 1,200 km a month.

“Unlike a purchase process that requires a lot of time, dedication and capital, SWYTCHD is an easy decision with minimal paperwork, which can be done from the comfort of the home.”says Sameer

The subscription starts from Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers and Rs 30,000 for four-wheelers per month. The service is currently available only in Bengaluru. SWYTCHD has partnered with Bounce as the official leasing and subscription partner for its Infinity scooter. Apart from this, the company also offers two-wheelers from Ather, Revolt Motors, Hero, and Ola, and cars such as TATA Tigor XZ+, TATA Nexon EV XZ+ Lux, Hyundai Kona Premium, and MG ZS EV Exclusive.

EV on monthly subscription, by a Benguluru based startup.

“Unlike a purchase process that requires a lot of time, dedication and capital, SWYTCHD is an easy decision with minimal paperwork, which can be done from the comfort of the home.”says Sameer

What are Basic Elements of Design

The basic elements of design are fundamental components that artists, designers, and creators use to build and compose their work. These elements form the foundation of visual communication and are crucial in conveying messages, creating aesthetically pleasing compositions, and evoking emotions. The primary elements of design include:

Line: The basic building block in design, lines can be straight, curved, thick, thin, vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. They can define shapes, create patterns, and lead the eye through an artwork.
Shape: Shapes are formed by enclosed lines. They can be geometric (circles, squares, triangles) or organic (irregular and freeform). Shapes establish the structure of a design.
Color: Color is one of the most powerful elements. It evokes emotions, sets the mood, and adds vibrancy to a design. Primary colors (red, blue, yellow) mix to create secondary colors (orange, green, purple), and further mixing produces a spectrum of colors.
Texture: Texture refers to the surface quality of an object. It can be actual (tactile) or implied (visual). Texture adds depth and visual interest to designs.
Value: Value is the lightness or darkness of tones or colors. It helps in creating contrast, defining shapes, and adding dimension to a design.
Space: Space refers to the area within, around, or between elements in a design. It can be positive (occupied by elements) or negative (empty). Proper use of space helps in organizing and emphasizing elements.
Form: Form is the three-dimensional aspect of shapes, creating objects that appear solid and occupy space. It’s crucial in sculpture, architecture, and any design that needs to convey volume.

These elements don’t exist in isolation; they interact and combine to create effective designs. For instance, the use of different colors can enhance the perception of shapes, while lines and shapes together form the structure of a composition.

Understanding and skillfully utilizing these elements enable designers to create compelling visuals, communicate messages effectively, and evoke specific emotions or responses from their audience.

What are Government Schemes for Financial Freedom

Governments often implement various schemes aimed at enhancing financial freedom and security for their citizens. These schemes can vary significantly based on the country, its economic policies, and the specific needs of its population. Here are some common types of government schemes that promote financial freedom:

Pension and Retirement Plans: Governments may offer pension schemes or retirement plans that provide income for retirees. These schemes often involve contributions from both employees and employers, ensuring financial security during retirement.
Social Security Programs: These encompass various initiatives aimed at providing financial aid to specific demographics, such as the elderly, disabled, or unemployed. These programs offer benefits, including healthcare, income support, and disability assistance.
Financial Literacy Programs: Governments may run educational initiatives to improve financial literacy among citizens. These programs offer information and resources on budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt to empower individuals to make sound financial decisions.
Subsidies and Grants: Governments might offer subsidies or grants to specific groups or industries to promote economic stability and growth. These can include subsidies for housing, education, healthcare, or agriculture.
Microfinance and Small Business Support: Some governments provide support for small businesses and entrepreneurs through microfinance programs or small business grants. These initiatives aim to foster economic development and empower individuals to start or expand their businesses.
Tax Incentives and Credits: Governments often use tax incentives and credits to encourage certain behaviors, such as investing in education, buying homes, or contributing to retirement funds. These incentives can help individuals save money and plan for the future.
Employment Support and Job Training: Job training programs and employment support initiatives help individuals gain skills that improve their employability, thus enhancing their financial prospects.
Housing Schemes: Governments may offer housing schemes or subsidies to make housing more affordable for low-income individuals or first-time homebuyers.
Health Insurance Programs: Access to affordable healthcare is crucial for financial stability. Governments may provide health insurance programs or subsidies to ensure citizens have access to medical care without significant financial strain.

These schemes collectively aim to enhance financial stability, promote economic growth, and ensure a certain level of economic security for the population. The specific schemes and their effectiveness can vary widely based on the policies, priorities, and economic conditions of each country.

What is urban transportation planning

Urban transportation planning involves the development and implementation of strategies, policies, and infrastructural developments to facilitate efficient movement within cities and metropolitan areas. It encompasses a wide range of considerations to address the complex challenges associated with transportation in urban environments.

Here are key components and aspects of urban transportation planning:

Infrastructure Development: Planning involves designing, building, and maintaining transportation infrastructure such as roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transportation systems (buses, trains, subways, trams).
Traffic Management: Implementing measures to manage traffic flow efficiently, including traffic signals, lane markings, signage, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) that use technology to optimize traffic.
Public Transportation: Enhancing and expanding public transit systems to provide accessible, affordable, and efficient options for residents, reducing reliance on private vehicles and alleviating congestion.
Active Transportation: Encouraging walking, cycling, and other non-motorized modes of transport by creating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, bike lanes, and promoting mixed-use development to reduce the need for car travel for short distances.
Land Use Planning: Coordinating transportation planning with land development to create more compact, mixed-use areas that minimize the need for long commutes and facilitate easier access to services and amenities.
Environmental Considerations: Promoting environmentally sustainable transportation options such as electric vehicles, hybrid buses, and infrastructure that supports cleaner modes of transport to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.
Accessibility and Equity: Ensuring transportation options are accessible to all members of the community, including those with disabilities or limited means, by providing affordable and inclusive transit services.
Technology Integration: Utilizing technology and data-driven approaches for real-time monitoring, traffic analysis, and improving the efficiency and safety of transportation systems.
Community Engagement: Involving citizens, stakeholders, and communities in the planning process to understand their needs and preferences, fostering public support and participation in transportation initiatives.

Effective urban transportation planning requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, urban planners, transportation engineers, environmentalists, community groups, and businesses. The goal is to create a comprehensive transportation system that promotes economic growth, environmental sustainability, social equity, and enhances the overall quality of life within cities and metropolitan areas.

What is a sustainable urban design

Sustainable urban design focuses on creating cities and communities that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves planning, designing, and developing urban areas in ways that promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Here are key elements of sustainable urban design:

Compact and Mixed-Use Development: Designing communities where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are in close proximity. This reduces the need for long commutes, encourages walking or biking, and minimizes urban sprawl.
Green Spaces and Biodiversity: Incorporating parks, green belts, gardens, and natural habitats within urban areas to improve air quality, provide recreational spaces, support biodiversity, and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Public Transportation and Alternative Mobility: Prioritizing public transit systems, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and carpooling to reduce reliance on individual vehicles, minimize traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions.
Energy-Efficient Buildings and Infrastructure: Implementing green building practices, using renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and employing sustainable materials in construction to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Water and Waste Management: Incorporating efficient water management systems, such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and recycling programs, to reduce water consumption and manage waste effectively.
Resilience to Climate Change: Designing cities to withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and heatwaves, by integrating resilient infrastructure and urban planning strategies.
Community Engagement and Social Equity: Involving residents in the urban design process, ensuring accessibility for all, and addressing social equity concerns by providing affordable housing, access to amenities, and opportunities for all community members.
Smart Technologies and Data Integration: Using technology and data-driven approaches to manage resources efficiently, monitor energy usage, optimize transportation systems, and enhance overall urban functionality.
Adaptive Reuse and Sustainable Practices: Encouraging adaptive reuse of existing structures, promoting sustainable practices in industries, and fostering a circular economy approach to minimize waste generation.

Sustainable urban design seeks to create vibrant, livable, and resilient cities that balance environmental preservation, economic prosperity, and social inclusivity. It requires collaboration among urban planners, architects, policymakers, community members, and various stakeholders to create holistic solutions that address the complex challenges of urbanization while prioritizing sustainability.

What are the principles of neighbourhood concept

National Unity Day

Every year on October 31, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as the National Unity Day, is observed to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first home minister, who was instrumental in convincing numerous princely states to join the Union of India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often known as the Iron Man of India, will celebrate his 147th birthday this year. The primary goals of the festival are to strengthen national cohesion and raise knowledge of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s significance in Indian history.

History of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

The central government of India announced in 2014 that the country would now observe National Unity Day on October 31. In a formal statement, the government stated that this occasion would offer a chance to affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand both present and future threats to its unity, integrity, and security.

For his ability to lead the nation through the war for independence and beyond, most notably during the federation of the princely states and the India-Pakistan War of 1947, Vallabhbhai Patel was given the title “Sardar” (chief).

The amazing task of convincing nearly every one of the 565 princely nations that had been freed from British rule to join the Union of India was accomplished by Sardar Patel. Sardar Patel became known as “Iron Man of India” for his dedication to the country’s national reunification following its declaration of independence.

Significance

In order to maintain our nation’s unity, integrity, and security, the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas presents an opportunity to recognise the innate strength and resiliency of our people.

The world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was erected in Gujarat near the Narmada River by the Indian government as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbha Patel and to represent the power of Indian unity.

In government buildings on National Unity Day, the following pledge is read aloud:

“I solemnly pledge that I dedicate myself to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the nation and also strive hard to spread this message among my fellow countrymen. I take this pledge in the spirit of unification of my country which was made possible by the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also solemnly resolve to make my own contribution to ensure the internal security of my country.”

By official decree, the pledge-taking ceremony for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas must be organised by all government agencies, public sector enterprises (PSUs), and other public institutions on October 31.

The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas vow can now be offered to students in schools and colleges, per guidelines from the ministry of human resource development. This will inspire them to work hard to uphold the nation’s unity and integrity.

Celebration

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed with tremendous fervour in all public and private institutions, including schools, universities, and other educational settings, in the land of unity in diversity.

2019 saw Prime Minister Modi recite the National Unity Day Pledge at the Statue of Unity and watch the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade put on by the nation’s various police units.

On Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, the Sardar Patel National Unity Award is also given out in recognition of outstanding and inspirational efforts made by individuals to further the cause of national integrity and unity.

Numerous cultural events are held in schools and colleges with the goal of fostering harmony.

Rupee might slide further, according to a recent report.

The Indian rupee has been hitting new lows, week after week. From holding on to 74 against the US dollar in January to dropping to 83 last week — a double-digit fall in percentage terms in just 10 months — the rupee’s depreciation has not augured well for the economy. Economists caution that the currency could plunge further in the coming months before settling down. Some forecasters argue that the rupee could rebound and gain strength in the next fiscal year.

The fall of the rupee has been precipitated by global factors and an unusual strengthening of the dollar against almost all major currencies of the world. While the rupee has performed way better against the greenback than biggies such as the pound and the euro, the runaway dollar can’t be taken lightly since it has a massive fallout on India’s import bills and inflation.

The rupee will fall further against the US dollar over the rest of the year, a Reuters poll last week showed, setting up the currency for its steepest annual decline in at least nine years due to a widening domestic trade balance and surging US interest rates.

It is likely to fall further to 84.50 by December, according to the mean and median forecasts of a poll of 14 bankers and foreign exchange advisors. The estimates in the poll ranged between 83.25 and 86, showing a broad consensus that the Rupee would not recover this year.

Rupee might slide further, according to a recent report.

Powerhouse behind Good American and SKIMS

Joining as a guest in season 14 of Shark tank, Emma Grede is a self-made businesswomen and the first black women to hold an investor position on the popular ABC show, Shark Tank.

In 2008, she established the marketing firm ITB Worldwide for fashion and entertainment.

She is also known for brands such as SKIMS, Good American and Safely.

She is also the chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a campaign that calls on stores to provide Black-owned firms 15% of their shelf space.

The Kardashian clan

Grede is a close business partner with the Kardashian-Jenner family, being the co-founder and CEO of Good American, a size-inclusive clothing line, in 2016 with Khloe Kardashian.

She is a founding partner and the chief product officer of shapewear company SKIMS, owned by Kim Kardashian where her husband is the CEO.

Along with Kris Jenner, she also co-founded the plant-based cleaning company Safely.

History and the start of the career

Born and raised in East London, England by a single mother, she started a side job when she was 12 years old and used her savings to purchase fashion magazines.

She attended the London College of Fashion to study business and left after landing an internship at Gucci.

Post that she quickly drew the attention of Inca Productions, one of Europe’s top producers of fashion shows and events.

Emma oversaw the department that handled sponsorship and endorsement deals after beginning as a producer.

She helped Inca establish the field of “designer collaborations,” which are partnerships between high fashion and consumer brands.

She did this by working with some of today’s top designers, including Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Vivienne Westwood, and Zac Posen, as well as companies like Chivas, Mercedes-Benz, and Sky.

itb

Emma was appointed managing director of the newly established Independent Talent Group and Saturday Group joint venture, ITB, which represents brands’ interests in the entertainment industry, in 2008.

She was appointed CEO of ITB Group when the company bought the licensing firm Brand 360 in 2010.

She is currently the chairman of the business, which has offices in London, New York, and Los Angeles and serves customers like H&M, Calvin Klein, and Net-a-Porter.

ITB Group is active in the fields of artist representation, brand development, and entertainment marketing.

Good American and beyond

As a co-founder she established the Good American company in 2016 with Khloe Kardashian .

It is a US-based luxury clothing brand that supports the idea of a healthy physique and offers a wide range of sizes.

Sales of upwards of $1 million on the first day of the brand’s launch in October 2016 made it the largest apparel launch in history, further demonstrating a void in the market before Good American’s entry.

Instead of the straight body found in the traditional fashion establishment, Good American has been created to serve to a curvier, sexier, and stronger type of woman.

The company backs the nonprofit Step Up, which assists young women in reaching their full potential.

Soon after collaborating with Khloe’s sister and celebrity Kim Kardashian, they launched SKIMS, a all-women type shapewear affordable by the masses.

Recently she also collaborated with Kris Jenner herself for the plant based cleaning company Safely.

Emma Grede with her husband Jens Grede and four children, Grey, Lola, and twins Lake and Rafferty

Today, due to accumulating massive amount of success with so many brands, Forbes declared Emma Grede as one of the top 100 in America’s self-made woman.

Currently she has a net worth of $360 million and is happily married to Swedish entrepreneur Jens Grede. the couple reside in Los angles with their four kids.