Preservation of Quality of Native Indian Seeds

 There is well established system available for analysis of seed quality of native Indian crop and trees in the Country. 161 State Seed Testing Laboratories and six Central Seed Testing Laboratories are functioning in the Country. These laboratories are analyzing seeds of native Indian crop and trees for various quality parameters.

As per the information there was a call for greater biodiversity in agriculture sector during COP 26, however, no consensus on the proposal of biodiversity in agriculture among the participating Countries and no final decision was taken. Hence, India has not committed anything on the biodiversity during the COP 26. However, the Government has a policy to encourage conservation of the seeds of native Indian varieties of various crops and trees. The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) has conserved 94,609 native Indian varieties of different crops and trees in Gene Banks located in different States.

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) has also registered 1896 native Indian varieties of different crops enabling the farmer to commercialize these varieties. PPV & FRA encourages the community and individuals engaged in conservation, improvement and preservation of plant genetic resources of economic plants and their wild relatives particularly in the areas identified as agro-biodiversity hotspots by awarding the community and individuals who have played stellar roles in such activities. 

In order to ensure availability of native seeds and improve their usage by farmers., Indian Council of Agricultural Research is developing high yielding and multi stress tolerant varieties of different crop including cereals, millet, pulses, oilseeds and fruits suited to different agro-climatic condition. In the last seven years, 1956 improved varieties have been developed out of which 924 of cereals, 291 of oilseeds, 304 of pulses, 239 of fiber crops, 118 of forage crops, 64 of sugarcane and 16 of under-utilized crops. In addition, 288 varieties of horticultural crops have been developed.

In order to enhance indigenous species of trees, this Department is implementing Scheme called Sub-Mission on Agro-forestry since 2016-17 to encourage and expand tree plantation. Prominent tree species including indigenous tree species like Indian rosewood, Teak, Eucalyptus, Malabar Neem, ailanthus, Poplar, etc. are promoted for plantation on farm land along with other species. Details of State wise and year wise financial assistance provided under Sub-Mission on Agro-forestry Scheme is at Annexure-I.

In addition, this Department is providing assistance for seed production and distribution under various existing Schemes viz. National Food Security Mission, National Mission on Edible oil-oil palm, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana,  Mission on Integrated Development of Horticulture and Sub- Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials.

ANNEXURE-I

Details of the financial assistance provided to State Governments/UTs for the promotion of agro-forestry under Sub-Mission on Agro-forestry Scheme since inception.

(Amount Rs in Crore)

S.No.

Name of State

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

1

Meghalaya

0.00

1.00

0.00

0.00

0.26

2

Mizoram

0.00

0.50

1.50

1.75

1.00

3

Nagaland

0.00

0.91

1.50

0.73

1.10

4

Andhra Pradesh

3.15

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

5

Bihar

0.00

3.00

0.00

1.00

0.20

6

Chhatishgarh

0.00

2.50

1.50

2.00

1.00

7

Gujarat

4.50

2.70

4.00

4.00

4.00

8

Haryana

1.75

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

9

Himachal Pradesh

1.15

0.487

1.00

0.83

0.75

10

Jharkhand

0.00

4.00

1.00

2.00

0.00

11

Jammu & Kashmir

0.00

0.61

3.00

0.00

0.75

12

Karnataka

3.25

4.50

5.56

7.00

5.36

13

Kerala

0.00

2.06

0.00

0.00

0.00

14

Madhya Pradesh

4.20

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

15

Maharashtra

0.00

4.00

2.00

0.75

1.60

16

Odisha

0.00

4.00

2.00

0.75

1.50

17

Punjab

2.00

0.00

4.48

2.50

1.38

18

Rajasthan

0.00

6.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

19

Tamil Nadu

2.50

0.00

0.00

2.31

3.34

20

Telangana

0.00

0.00

0.80

0.00

0.00

21

Uttar Pradesh

0.00

6.00

0.00

2.00

4.00

22

UT of Ladakh

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.50

Total

22.50

42.27

28.35

27.62

26.73

Converting Rural Haats into Mini Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMCs)

 Physical infrastructure/ facilities under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) have been developed in 1351 village haats and is under development in 1632 number of village haats.

As on 31.03.2020, there are 6845 numbers of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) markets in the country. In order to provide better farmer – market linkages and fair prices to farmers, in addition to regulated markets, there are other markets also like non-regulated wholesale markets, farmer – consumer markets, purchase centers and private wholesale markets. In addition, Government is promoting to declare warehouses and cold storages as deemed market yards to improve the farmer – market linkages.

Further, Government of India had launched reform linked National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) scheme, a virtual platform integrating physical wholesale mandis/ markets of different States/ Union Territories (UTs) to facilitate online trading of agriculture and horticulture commodities to enable farmers to realize better remunerative prices for their produce. All these contribute towards better marketing efficiency and also better prices to farmers.  

So far, based on earlier targets and as per the proposals received from States/ Union Territories (UTs), 1000 mandis of 18 States and 3 UTs have been integrated with e-NAM platform. As on 9th February, 2022, more than 1.72 crore farmers & 2.16 lakh traders have been registered on e-NAM platform. Further agricultural produce trade with a value of Rs. 1.74 lakh crore have so far been recorded on e-NAM platform.

Use of Electronic Media for Educating Farmers

 The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is educating farmers through use of following electronic media to upgrade their knowledge on modern agriculture technologies:

  1. The scheme ‘Mass Media Support to Agriculture Extension of ‘Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension’ is under implementation to create awareness among the farming community and educate the farmers on improved agriculture technologies. The programmes are telecast through DD Kisan, DD Regional Kendras (18) and broadcast through 96 FM Stations of All India Radio. The ‘Focused Publicity & Awareness Campaign’ is also being undertaken through electronic and print media for creating awareness among the farmers and other stakeholders on technological aspects of agriculture.
  2. Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are being used to educate farmers.
  3. The ICAR institutes and KVKs have developed 283 mobile apps on different agriculture commodities for providing advisory to the farmers. ICAR has also created an electronic platform ‘Kisan Sarathi’ for supporting agriculture at local niche with national perspective to provide a seamless, multimedia, multi-ways connectivity to the farmers with the latest agricultural technologies, knowledge base and the pool of large number of Subject Matter Specialists.

The Government is implementing following schemes and activities to impart training and educate the farmers to adopt modern agriculture techniques:

  1. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme on ‘Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms’ popularly known as ‘Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA)‘ is under implementation in 691 districts of 28 States & 5 UTs of the country. The extension activities under ATMA, inter-alia, include Farmers’ Training to upgrade their knowledge and technical skills on modern and innovative agricultural technologies.
  2. The ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)’, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme is under implementation in all States/UTs for holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.
  3. The ‘National Food Security Mission (NFSM)’ is under implementation in identified districts of 28 States and 2 UTs viz. Ladakh and J&K of the country to increase the production and productivity of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse cereals and nutri- cereals (millets) through area expansion and productivity enhancement.
  4. Under ‘Sub-Mission on Plan Protection & Plant Quarantine’ the ‘Farmer Field Schools (FFSs)’ are conducted to educate farmers on various aspects of Integrated Pest Management.
  5. Four Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs) located at Budni (Madhya Pradesh), Hisar (Haryana), Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh) and Biswanath Chariali (Assam) are engaged in imparting training to various categories of trainees including farmers, in the field of Farm Mechanization in agriculture sector.
  6. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a network of 729 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country mandated with Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Application and Capacity Development. KVKs organize demonstrations, training programms and skill development programs for the benefit of farmers and farm women, rural youth and in-service extension personnel.

Spreading Awareness on Organic Food

 Organic foods are safe, healthy and free from chemical and pesticides. There has been shift in demand for organic products, especially fruit and vegetables in the cities due to increased awareness about organic food in consumers including younger generation.

Government of India (GOI) has been promoting Organic farming in the country through through dedicated schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER) since 2015.  Farmers are provided financial assistance (RS 31000/ ha / 3 years in PKVY and 32500/ ha/ 3years under MOVCDNER) for organic inputs such as seeds, bio/organic fertilisers, bio-pesticides, botanical extracts etc.  Support is also provided for capacity building i.e training of farmers, certification, value addition and marketing of their organic produce. In addition, Organic cultivation on either side of River Ganga, large area certification and support for individual farmers have also been introduced under PKVY. Government have also launched a dedicated web portal- www.Jaivikkheti.in/. online marketing platform for direct sale of organic products to the consumers across the country.

In addition organic farming is also supported under Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF), Network Project on Organic Farming under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

60th Convocation of ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

 Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar today handed over awards and degrees to the 284 students, which includes 8 foreign students, of the Post Graduate School of ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi. On the occasion, Shri Tomar also dedicated 6 varieties of fruits and vegetables to the nation viz., two varieties of mango Pusa Lalima, Pusa Shresth, brinjal variety Pusa Vaibhav, palak variety PusaVilayati palak, cucumber variety Pusa Gynoecious Cucumber Hybrid-18 and Pusa Alpana variety of rose. The bio-fertilizer ‘PUSA Sampoorn’ developed by the division of Microbiology was also released.

 

Addressing the gathering, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar appealed to all agriculture institutes to focus on producing good farmers. He said Institutes are producing very talented teachers and scientists which is commendable. Because of this knowledge and technology remain limited to the institutes only. If institutes produce farmers then they can bring this knowledge to the grassroots level. He also exhorted the students for entrepreneurship development and appealed for taking up farming as a profession.

 

Highlighting the government priorities in the field of agricultural research, Shri Tomar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is placed among the top 10 Agri products exporting countries. “We aim to put India among the top 5 countries and I am sure that with the efforts and research of our agriculture institutes, India will achieve it very soon”, the Minister added.

Speaking on implementing the use of drone technology for the benefit of farmers and employment generation for various stakeholders, the Agriculture Minister said that the government is giving 100% as a grant for the purchase of drones to agriculture institutes so that the technology can be taught in the institutes. He also said that Agriculture graduates are also eligible to receive grant support for drone purchases.  The Minister advised the new graduates to see this as a huge opportunity in the field of drone technology.

The Agriculture Minister appreciated the significant contributions made by the institute for ensuring food and nutritional security through the development of superior varieties and technologies in the field of Agriculture. Shri Tomar congratulated all the awardees and appealed to them to contribute to the growth story of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by making Atmanirbhar Krishi. 

Earlier, the Director of the institute, Dr A.K. Singh presented the significant achievements of the institute and informed that wheat varieties developed by this institute contribute nearly 60 million tons of wheat to the nation’s granary worth Rs. 80,000 crores annually. Similarly, the Basmati varieties developed by the institute predominate basmati cultivation in India accounting for 90% of the total foreign exchange (Rs. 29524 crores) earned through the export of Basmati rice amounting to Rs. 32,804 crores. About 48% of the mustard grown area in the country is cultivated with IARI varieties. The total economic surplus generated from Pusa Mustard 25 is estimated at Rs 14323 crores (at 2018 prices) during the last 9 years.

 

 

On this occasion, NABARD-Professor VL Chopra Gold Medal & Best Student of the Year award for MSc and PhD were presented to Ms Debarati Mondal and Dr Siddharood Maragal, respectively. Prof. R.B.Singh; Former Director, IARI, New Delhi was conferred upon D.Sc honoris causa. VIth Dr A.B. Joshi Memorial award was presented to Dr D.K. Yadava, ADG (Seeds), ICAR, New Delhi. The 2nd Best Agricultural Extension Scientist Award was presented to Dr R.N. Padaria, Head & Professor, Division of Agricultural Extension, IARI, New Delhi. XXII Shri Hari Krishna Shastri Memorial Award was given to Dr A.D. Munshi, Principal Scientist, Division of Vegetable Science, IARI, New Delhi. XXII Sukumar Basu Memorial Award was presented to Dr Rajan Sharma, Principal Scientist, Dairy Chemistry Division, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal and IARI Best Teacher award was given to Dr C.M.Parihar, Division of Agronomy, IARI, New Delhi.

 

Sh. Kailash Choudhary, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was the guest of Honour during the event. Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR and Dr Rashmi Aggarwal, Dean and Joint Director (Education) also graced the occasion.

The event was also attended by the other dignitaries including Deputy Director Generals and Additional Director Generals of the Council, former Directors and Deans of the Institute, Project Director (WTC), Head of Divisions and Professors. A large number of Faculty members, Students and staff of the Institute watched the event through virtual mode.

*****

Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya across the country

 Union Minister for Education and Chairman, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually interacted with the students of KendriyaVidyalayas across the Country. The Minister attended the programme from KV Andrewsganj, New Delhi and answered the queries of the students.

During the interaction program, the students asked questions related to various fields and subjects. Replying to the query by a student of KV Gurugram, Shri Pokhriyal informed that as the curriculum was cut by 30 percent this year due to Covid-19, therefore in the upcoming competitive examinations like JEE and NEET this year the candidates will have more options to answer the questions.

In response to another query asked by a student from Varanasi, Shri Pokhriyal said that the facilities of online education will continue even after the school reopens. For some time, a mixed format of online and offline will be available for the students.

In response to a question asked by the student of Kendriya Vidyalaya Andrewsganj about the New Education Policy- 2020, the Minister said “New Education Policy has been prepared keeping in mind the India of future. A lot of emphasis has been laid on practical knowledge rather than just bookish knowledge. Vocational training facility will be provided for students from class 6 onwards, in which internship is also associated. Artificial intelligence will also be taught from the school level itself. At the same time, Indian values ​​and culture will also be promoted. This policy is capable of realizing the dream of AatmaNirbhar Bharat”.

Minister also recited his favourite poems on a question related to his literary skills.

Earlier, Shri Pokhriyal also planted a sapling in KV Andrewsganj premises. Giving momentum to the Fit India campaign, he also inaugurated an ‘Open Gym’ in the KV. Apart from this, a Musical Garden was also inaugurated by the Minister in the school premises.

Commissioner, KVS Ms. Nidhi Pandey gave the Welcome Address, while Addl Commissioner, KVS Ms. V. Vijayalakshmi presented the vote of thanks. Senior officials of the Ministry were present on the occasion

******


Why Indians ignore global issues like climate change

Climate change is a change in the climate or environment of  the planet . it is not a natural process ,but an outcome of human activities and interference with nature. Climate change is not an issue of today or yesterday. It’s been started for a very long time. Transformation or variation in nature has been started in nature since the age of industrialization. climate change is the biggest threat for humanity .It is making our earth inhabitable. . Human civilization was developing at the cost of nature. And after that we all have followed their footprints for getting luxurious lifestyle, comfort, easiness .

development is required , but should not be done at the cost of nature.

Climate change is most worriment issue of today’s world. but the point is whether all countries are equally serious about it. Solemnity about this global issue varies from country to country , because economical condition of countries, lifestyle of their people, education level, women’s condition in countries are not same . That is why it is obvious to have difference in their awareness and  actions. the more people will aware the more they will take action. Awareness relies  on the economical, political and educational level of the country . climate change is such a issue that is difficult to understand .the  . having knowledge is worthless if proper actions are not being made and implemented. All the countries are accountable for this global issue ,however  their contribution is  unlike . the hazardous impact of climate change will not be as per of countries contribution . the whole planet is affected by this.

Climate change increase flood risk. The global average surface temperature has increased 2 degree since the pre – industrial era . Every upcoming year is becoming warmest year ,breaking the record of previous years.  incidents of wild fires have become more apparent of become more apparent ,extinction of wild species ,demolition of ozone layer ,shrinking glaciers , increasing sea level and intensity of tornados, avalanches , new epidemics , water ,air ,soil pollution and heat waves . it more likely to face adverse effect in forthcoming days.

India is the 4th largest emitter of greenhouse gas after china , united state  and EU . For country like india , it   is not possible to pay more attention on this global issue , when they have major issue like corruption , poverty, population, unemployment, education system, basic sanitation, healthcare system, women’s safety, infrastructure, agriculture distress etc. The germanwatch institute presented the result of the global climate risk index 2020.India is also in the top 10 countries. India’s climate risk index is 18.17 and is the major victim of extreme heat ,flood and sand storm among other divesting natural events . Global disasters are making headlines everyday .for instance California wildfire ,Uttarakhand wildfires, Australian bushfires, tycoon and floods etc. Human civilization has put itself in a great hazard by its activities.

India is a developing country and is not responsible much for it as compared to other countries. Two third of people  in india are  living in poverty,: they lack a basic need. Middle class aim to have decent well paid job, hope to own a house of their own, seek to have a secure retirement  and want to secure the  healthcare and  educational need of their family. Affluent section are  busy in their luxurious life. In India citizens are tackling with more sever issue such as food security ,shelter, employment ,lack of good education and politics is concern with other things .

 In Indian politics climate change is not a major issue. Indian politics revolves more around religion , faith, party system ,temple, cast etc. Good education makes people aware and it leads the country toward new innovations  and breakthroughs ,which will ultimately help us in fight with climate change .In agriculture  sector we need new crop seed  with climate resilient feature because our land will have to face more flood ,droughts and extreme heat. We need new innovation in renewable energy sector ,people will only switch their  energy source when they find renewable energy source as cheap as traditional one. Although many major automobile companies have launched electric vehicle ,electric cycle but they are so expensive that middle class can’t  afford to buy. Research and development in this sector will help them to reduce the price while improving its  functionality .one main thing we need to ensure  that  these electric vehicles must use renewable energy for their charging.

People’s participation is crucial in any anti climate action plan proposed by government .There is lot of examples  of individual endeavours  such as Greta Thunburg, Devaki Amma from Kerela state of India who alone grew a forest and Anupam  Mishra know for the conservation of rivers and water sources. So everyone has a place in fight with climate change .

Lack of coordination  at  both national  and international level. countries have made many agreements , protocols, pacts and organization to combat the climate issue like IPCC ,UNFCC,RIO SUMMIT ,PARIS PACT,MONTIAL PROTOCOL ,COP SUMMIT but we can clearly see the lack of seriousness in world politics. Their words are more than action. Like all developing countries, India’s concern about economic development and poverty alleviation is justified. And must be fully respected in any global climate regime, As virtually stated  explicitely in the UNFCCC  (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

At world level, the largest polluter or carbon emmitor –US walked out  of the global agreement. However , later US  rejoin the paris agreement United state has produced  6.6 billion matric tons of carbon dioxide in 2019,the second largest emitter in the world after china. india is  the third largest emitter of greenhouse  gases.   For  the first time The Paris Agreement has  brought  together entire countries with a common goal of limiting   global warming to below 2 degree Celsius .  To attain this long  term temperature goal, countries motive to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible  to achieve a climate neutral world by mid century.

Cyber Bullying in India

Cyber bullying is a state when a person is threaten, harassed and is humiliated via mobile phone or Internet by a person or else by a group of persons. Cyber bullying can be considered equally offensive and harmful as bullying in real world is. In this modern era using social media account is very common which each one of us do and these accounts helps us to post pictures, data or anything a person wish to but these are often misleading by these bullies. Cyber bullying can be in the form of targeting of social media publically or by sending hurtful and   inappropriate messages. Cyber bullying can be considered as an extremely dangerous one because it allows the bullies to embarrass and harass any person at any time via any gadget and platform. Now a days everyone is quite familiar with social media networking be it a child, an adult or a senior-citizen and thus it becomes somewhat easier to be the victim or the suspect of such prejudice. It was found in a study that “1 in 3 high school students have been subjected to some form of bullying or cyber bullying.”

In the India Penal Code and the Information Technology Act suggest cyber bullying as an extremely serious offence which results in adequate punishment. This term was introduced by Bill Belsey who was a Canadian educator. Cyber bullying is that state of position where one can use information technology or communication technology to torture or harm the other person. Cyber bullying often results in victim getting into a brutal situation or every so often in a depressed state of mind. The basic motive behind this crime is to hurt a person; it can be a known or an unknown person too. In the case of bullying the suspect could be a powerfully person whether economically or socially than the victim. As per the report of the survey it was found that 63% of the children under the age of 18 are victim of cyber bullying. These bullying are of different types which involves mistreating blogs, private pictures, abusing a person via chat section and sending junk mails. Other than this, revealing personal data, pictures, harassing someone in groups or publically or stealing passwords as well as forcing someone else to bully the victim is also a kind of bullying. Cyber bullying can either be very simple one where the suspect do so using mails, messages, etc. but other than this bullying can also be in a vigorous form as sometimes the suspect starts to gang up against the victim and threats also gives sexual comments, spreads rumors, etc.

Cyber bullying is that wound that effects the person wholly and solely for lifetime. Ignoring or overcoming such bullies is not a permanent solution for it. At Indian Penal Code of 1860 in 2013, these stalking are considered as a great criminal offense. According to section 354C of IPC if any person who is caught bullying a female or taking of her private pictures or watch her when she is at her privacy than that person shall be penalized with sentence of one to three year in prison and also have to charge some fine.

Conclusion

Cyber bullying is a great offence and is also punishable in India. We people have the tendency to avoid things which later results as a devastating one. Cyber bulling also come under such category which can take an ugly shape with the course of time. As every second child is a victim of such cyber bullying there should be more laws and measures regarding it. These laws should be made keeping in mind the psychological state of the victim too. Smalls ignorance leads to heart-rending situations and stopping such bullying is crucial at this point of time otherwise these bullies could be left open and the only suffers will be the victim.

Digital India initiative

Digital India initiative is one the key initiative launched by government of India on 1st July 2015. The initiative is counted among one of the most prestigious project just like made in India, Swach Bharat Abhiyaan etc. it consist of some major objective towards the development of better services and infrastructure in terms of digital modernisation of the country.
It comes under the ministry of Electronics and information and ministry of finance, officially launched by Prime minister of India Shree Narendra Modi. it has 3 main area of focus which includes:
• The utility of Digital infrastructure for the citizens of India
Improvement of digital infrastructure so that the citizens can utilise the services of internet.
• Internet and other services requirement
There are areas where people still do not have access to basic internet services, and additionally providing all the advance services to the population of the country.
• Digital empowerment
It refers to overall empowerment that will occur when the digital structure strengthens in the country.
The initiative serves multiple purpose, starting from improving the basic facilities to introducing modern technology at various level.

Digital marketing agency to help startups for social media post.

We live in a world that is saturated with smartphones and communication technologies. A startup might find it difficult to weave through the busy internet. To make your startup for social media post reach through a group of people and make your startups grow then hiring a digital marketing agency would be a great choice. If you notice carefully Digital Marketing agency helps us to startup social media posts in a very convenient and creative way.

Digital marketing agencies create advertising campaigns and place the advertisements across digital media outlets of that particular post . Through in-house capabilities. These agencies also provide advance, creative services, account management, production of advertising material, and media planning and buying.

Startups for social media posts are being launched in the internet every next moment . These startups have to compete with long-standing high level brand or social media posts of different people or organization or we can say old-known companies or brands which must be offering services from long back.

Digital marketing agency to help startups for social media post  not just by sharing it in social media but also sharing it in a creative way. Startups often have a limited budget, hence they have to make the most of their limited finances in reaching customers and developing either profit or revenue so as I mention these companies or people  hire these digital marketing agencies to help them by making creative strategies and helping them ahead with their social media post.

So, in this way Digital marketing agency help startups for social media post to achieve their desired goal.

Be the next Tim, Martin, Febrice

As Richard Branson rightly said “A business has to be involving. It has to be fun.And it has to be exercise your creative instincts”. The 2021 Startup summit will held on 27th – 29 th August. Not all individual privilege enough to getting opportunity to learn about business, entrepreneurship, investment . Some study these in university , some from parents, some from Jobs. To democratize the whole process of learning Business Startup Summit 2021  ( http://www.startupsummit.live) gives you opportunity to take home priceless insights about strategies, funding, branding, launching and setting up your dream business. Startup Summit Live will be a gathering of over 30,000 Entrepreneurs, Investors, Corporate Representatives, Government officials and Influencers from the Indian Sub-Continent, Middle-East, American and European startup ecosystems. With over 200 Speakers in the event,you can take home priceless insights about strategies, funding, branding, launching and setting up your dream business.                The notable speaker will be Tim Draper which is an American venture capital investor, and founder of Draper Fisher Jurvetson , Draper University, Draper Venture Network, Draper Associates and Draper Goren Holm. His most prominent investments include Baidu, Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, SpaceX, AngelList, SolarCity, Twitter, DocuSign, Coinbase, Robinhood, Ancestry.com, Twitch, Cruise Automation, and Focus Media. He helped many yound entrepreneur through funding, education, Media and government reform. Another amazing speaker will be Sir Martin Sorrell. He is Founder and Executive Chairman of S4 Capital plc, which is building a purely digital advertising and marketing services business for global, multinational, regional, local clients and millennial-driven influencer brands. Martin was CEO of WPP for 33 years, building it from a £1 million “shell” company in 1985 into the world’s largest advertising and marketing services company. When Sir Martin left in April 2018, WPP had a market capitalisation of over £16 billion, revenues of over £15 billion, profits of approximately £2 billion and over 200,000 people in 113 countries. Prior to that, Sir Martin was Group Financial Director of Saatchi & Saatchi plc for 9 years and worked for James Gulliver, Mark McCormack and Glendinning Associates before that. Many more speaker will be Fabrice Grinda, Sandeep Aggarwal, Alok kejriwal etc. For only Rs 299 per person these summit will surely add value to your entrepreneurial journey. For attending 3days summit you will get a certificate for attendance which surely help the aspirant job seeker by adding weight to resume.                The main objective for this summit will be to educate yound mind to do business as well as making them sensible to understand the market beyond metro cities. Specially in 3rd world country the start up has to scale up to increase the economy. So Government also launching various scheme to help our great mind who come forward to solve problem of society or fill the void of necessary, low cost products. For more information visit http://www.startupsummit.live

FAQ Regarding Draft2Digital Acquisition of Smashwords

 General questions:

Q:  Who is Draft2Digital?

Draft2Digital is known for being “self-publishing with support,” and since 2012, the company has established a positive, glowing reputation in the author community. D2D is known for building tools and resources that answer indie author and publisher needs, with beautiful and functional design and responsive customer service.

Draft2Digital and Smashwords are so similar, it’s almost as if we sprouted from the same seed. And in many ways, we did.

Both companies, from the start, have been dedicated to building tools and services that make publishing fast, easy, and best of all, free. We only make money when our authors make money—a business model that puts authors first. The best business model we know.

Like Smashwords, Draft2Digital is one of the world’s largest distributors serving self-published authors and independent presses, with a global reach for ebook distribution. But D2D is about more than just ebooks. 

Draft2Digital has an exciting Print on Demand solution for indie authors that Smashwords founder Mark Coker thinks will prove to be just as disruptive to print publishing over the next few years as Smashwords was to ebook publishing 14 years ago. 

By combining the two companies into one, the new Draft2Digital can invest more into research and development (R&D), aimed at innovating and inventing more next-generation tools services and offerings, and to meet more author needs. 

The combination of Smashwords and Draft2Digital is a historic step toward our shared mission to drive greater success for self-published authors, independent publishers, and our distribution partners.

QWhat’s the name of the merged company?

AThe two companies will operate under the name of Draft2Digital. In the near term, Smashwords will continue to operate under its current name. Over time, Draft2Digital will become the name of the publishing platform, and Smashwords will remain as the brand for the Smashwords Store.

Q: When will the acquisition complete?

The close of the acquisition is expected to happen on March 1, 2022, after which the work of integrating the two companies begins.

Q: What will the combined company look like?

Following the acquisition, Draft2Digital will represent a combined 250,000 authors and publishers that use the company’s tools to publish, distribute, and manage over 880,000 ebooks and 11,000 print books (and growing). The combined company will employ over thirty people across the United States and Canada, and will maintain its corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Q: Why are the companies merging?

A: The decision to merge came down to a simple question: Can we drive greater success for our authors, publishers and sales channels by working together, or by working apart as competitors? 

To answer this question, we considered: 

  • Both companies share common roots, missions, and values
  • Both companies were founded by writers to empower writers to become professional publishers
  • Both companies are expert at building free and powerful self-serve tools for authors
  • We’ve both built sophisticated distribution systems that help booksellers and libraries efficiently stock, merchandise and sell indie books
  • Both companies have built profitable businesses
  • We each built our successful businesses not by selling services to authors, but by helping authors and publishers publish, distribute, and market with greater efficiency and success 

All of this led to our decision to merge both companies. The resources we once invested in building duplicative systems can now be redeployed to do more for all authors. 

Q: What happens next for the authors and publishers of both companies?

A: As of March 1, 2022, if you’re an author or publisher with either Draft2Digital or Smashwords, there’s nothing you need to do; it will be business as usual. Over time, publishing and distribution systems for both Smashwords and Draft2Digital will be integrated onto the Draft2Digital website.

As a result, authors with both services will gain big benefits:

  • New sales partners will become available to authors
  • D2D authors and publishers will be able to list and sell their books in the Smashwords Store.
  • D2D authors will also gain access to exclusive book marketing tools from Smashwords, including Smashwords Coupons, the patent-pending Smashwords Presales tool, Author Interviews, and self-serve merchandising in the Smashwords Store.
  • The Smashwords publishing platform operations and publisher Dashboard will be merged into Draft2Digital’s, with the goal of preserving the best capabilities of each.

At each stage of the integration, we’ll aim to make the transition as smooth and effortless as possible for our combined authors, publishers, store and library partners, and readers.

Q: What happens to the staff at both companies?

A: This is an acquisition of opportunity, not necessity. Because we are two successful companies coming together, all Smashwords employees, including founder Mark Coker, are joining the D2D team, and the D2D team will remain intact. 

Kris Austin, co-founder of Draft2Digital, will serve as CEO of the combined company, and Mark Coker will join the senior management team as Chief Strategy Officer and board member.

Q: Is the new Draft2Digital Hiring?

A.  Yes! New growth means new opportunities!

Know any great software developers or customer support professionals who want to join our growing company? Visit https://draft2digital.com/careersto learn more. 

 

Authors & Publishers

Q: How will the acquisition affect my books in distribution?

A: We will work with our sales partners to minimize any impact on book listings, listing web addresses, and reviews.

Q: Each company distributes to sales outlets not reached by the other. Will I have access to all sales channels?


A: 
Yes! Once our distribution systems are merged, authors will be able to opt-in to any and all sales and library partners currently offered by either Draft2Digital or Smashwords.

Q: Each company’s ebook publishing process is slightly different. How will the process change for me if I prefer one or the other?

A: We’re combining approaches to give you more options and flexibility!

Both companies allow authors and publishers to upload a professionally designed .epub file. However, the way each company handles conversion from Word or RTF files is a bit different. 

We will be preserving both the granular flexibility of custom manuscript styling from Smashwords and the streamlined, automated professional layout and templates from Draft2Digital. This means that authors and publishers get the best of both worlds, with options to use either method.

Q: Can you summarize the unique tool sets of each company that you anticipate making available to all authors?

A: Yes! Both companies offer robust tools for: 

  • Distribution
  • Marketing
  • Sales reporting
  • Tax reporting
  • Metadata management

When these tools are integrated, Draft2Digital will seek to combine the best elements of each. 

Both companies also offer unique tools not offered by the other: 

  • Simpler publishing tools; tools for automated end-matter
  • Books2Read Universal Book Links (UBLs), Author Pages, Book Tabs, and Reading Lists
  • D2D Print for POD paperbacks (Visit https://draft2digital.com/printbeta/ to be included in the beta)
  • D2D Payment Splitting for co-authors and collaborations
  • New payment options, including direct bank deposits

D2D authors and publishers can expect to gain access to: 

  • The Smashwords Store
  • Smashwords Coupons
  • Smashwords Presales
  • Self-serve merchandising
  • Author Interviews

D2D erotic romance and erotica authors will also gain access to the Smashwords erotica certification system (see next item).

Q:What are the erotic fiction policies of the new company?

A:  Each retailer, subscription service, or library platform has its own content policies. Draft2Digital will adopt the existing Smashwords erotic fiction policies for these platforms.

A few years ago, Smashwords introduced a certification system that allows erotic fiction publishers to self-certify the presence (or lack thereof) of various facets of erotica that are generally recognized as “taboo.” This accurate, more granular categorization provides retailers and libraries with the confidence they need to know that the erotic literature they’re selling doesn’t violate their policies. 

The Smashwords Erotic Fiction Certification System will be made available to all Draft2Digital authors.

Q: Will the erotica policies change in the Smashwords Store?

A: Smashwords has a long history of supporting the erotic fiction community. No changes are anticipated to the policies documented at https://www.smashwords.com/about/tos, nor have there been any changes in the last four years.

The policies on permitted, discouraged, and forbidden erotica categories remain in effect. The Smashwords Store has a more permissive approach to taboo erotica than most ebook stores. The store gives customers unprecedented control over the types of erotica, if any, that appear in their search results.

Q: What does the acquisition mean for existing store and library partners?

As the leading distributors of independently published ebooks, both companies have always worked in close partnership with major ebook retailers and library platforms to help them list, promote, and profit from the amazing diversity of indie ebooks.. We help our authors succeed by helping our sales partners succeed!

Q: Is the new Draft2Digital looking to expand its distribution network to new sales partners?

Absolutely! As a distributor, we’re always looking to support promising new booksellers and bookselling models. Given the size of our catalog, we can give new sales channels the critical mass they need to build businesses around our authors’ books. Draft2Digital and Smashwords have rigorous qualification procedures to ensure that new sales partners meet our high standards and requirements. 

Potential sales channels can ask to be connected to the Draft2Digital Operations team at support@draft2digital.com.

###

<

p align=”center” class=”MsoNormal” style=”font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size: 13px;margin: 0px;text-align: center”> 

Draft2Digital to Acquire Smashwords, Creating Self-Publishing Juggernaut

 Combined Company will Publish and Distribute 800,000+ Titles from 250,000 Authors and Publishers

 

February 8, 2022—OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. and PACIFIC GROVE, Calif.—Draft2Digital, LLC and Smashwords, Inc., two pioneers in ebook self-publishing, today announced that Draft2Digital will acquire Smashwords. The acquisition unites the industry’s two most innovative and author-friendly publishing platforms into one, enabling the new Draft2Digital to drive even greater success for authors, publishers, and sales partners. 

Draft2Digital and Smashwords are key catalysts behind the dramatic rise of self-publishing over the last fourteen years. Their publishing platforms enable 250,000 authors and publishers around the world to publish, distribute, market, and manage over 800,000 ebooks and 11,000 print on demand paperback books. 

The combined company will operate under the Draft2Digital name and will be headquartered in Oklahoma City. All Smashwords and Draft2Digital employees are expected to join the combination. 

Kris Austin, co-founder and CEO of Draft2Digital, will lead the combined company as CEO. Mark Coker, founder and former CEO of Smashwords, will join the Draft2Digital management team as Chief Strategy Officer and board member. 

Both companies are entering the acquisition profitable and debt-free. 

“I’m pleased to welcome Smashwords authors, publishers, employees and partners to the D2D family,” said Kris Austin. “Early in our discussions with Smashwords, we each immediately realized we can accomplish so much more for the indie author community by working together than working as competitors. The resources we once expended creating duplicative systems can now be redeployed to ramp up our R&D investments in next generation tools to empower authors and publishers.”

“I’m thrilled to join forces with Draft2Digital,” said Mark Coker. “Over the last decade, I’ve come to deeply admire Draft2Digital’s team, technology, and commitment to authors. Our shared business model is a key to our two companies’ success. We put authors first. By design, we only make money when our authors make money. This aligns our interests with the interests of our authors. Together we will lead the next chapter of the indie author revolution.”

The combination is expected to yield significant benefits for authors, publishers, retail and library partners, and readers. 

·         Draft2Digital authors will gain access to the Smashwords Store and its myriad exclusive book marketing tools, including Smashwords Coupons, self-serve merchandising, Author Interviews, and the patent pending Smashwords Presales tool for book launches. Sales at the Smashwords Store have grown consecutively each of the last five years, with December 2021 sales up 20% over December 2020. Draft2Digital’s erotica authors can look forward to expanded distribution enabled by Smashwords’ proprietary erotica certification system, which allows retailers to carry erotic romance and mainstream erotica with greater confidence. 

·         Smashwords authors will gain access to new tools that simplify print and digital publishing and drive greater success. Among these tools are D2D Print, the company’s Print on Demand service for paperbacks (currently in beta, which authors can join at https://draft2digital.com/printbeta/); improved metadata management tools for better book discoverability at retailers; automated end-matter for series books; payment splitting for co-authors and collaborations; and more payment options, including direct bank deposits. 

·         Retailers and libraries served by the companies can expect greater title selection and unmatched merchandising recommendations. The new, merged company will offer retailers, subscription services, and libraries unprecedented data-driven insights into the world’s largest dedicated catalog of independently published books. This represents a unique and first-of-its-kind offering that Draft2Digital believes will improve the publishing industry.

·         Customers of the Smashwords Store can look forward to an improved store experience and an increased selection of books from the many great authors and publishers distributed by Draft2Digital.

“This acquisition is great news for indie authors,” said Joanna Penn, host of the Creative Penn podcast and bestselling author who has followed each company since its founding. “Two of the industry’s strongest advocates for indie authors are combining their unique toolsets, technologies, and energy to do more for the indie community. There are exciting years ahead!”

What’s Coming Next

The acquisition is expected to close on March 1, 2022. 

To minimize workflow disruption for authors, publishers, and sales partners, the two platforms will combine their systems in gradual and incremental steps.

Authors and publishers of both companies can continue utilizing their current platform of choice with the understanding that over time the authors and publishers of both companies will gain access to a common dashboard, common distribution outlets (including distribution to the Smashwords Store for current D2D authors), and an expanded suite of new and improved tools for book publishing, distribution, and marketing. 

Draft2Digital will broadcast a live Q&A session for authors and publishers on Wednesday, February 9th, at Noon Central, with Kris Austin and Mark Coker, moderated by Kevin Tumlinson, Draft2Digital’s VP of Marketing & PR. Kris and Mark will share additional insight about their plans to support the indie publishing community and welcome questions from the audience. 

Visit https://D2DLive.com for links and launch time, and to attend live on either Facebook or YouTube. The live broadcast will be recorded for future inclusion in the Draft2Digital podcast, Self Publishing Insiders, and will be available as a blog post at Draft2Digital.com/blog.

Additional FAQs about the acquisition can be found at:

https://smashwords.com/united

https://draft2digital.com/united

About Draft2Digital

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Draft2Digital is the world’s leading publishing platform for self-published authors and independent presses. The company offers a broad suite of free and powerful automated and self-serve tools that authors and publishers can use to build and grow their publishing businesses. This includes tools to simplify ebook and print publishing, distribution, metadata management, and marketing. Following its acquisition of Smashwords, Draft2Digital will serve more than 250,000 authors and publishers that collectively publish over 800,000 books worldwide. Visit Draft2Digital at https://draft2digital.com or follow on Twitter @Draft2Digital.

About Smashwords, Inc.

Founded in 2008 by Mark Coker, Smashwords was an early pioneer in ebook self-publishing. The company’s platform made it possible for writers to professionally produce, publish, and distribute ebooks at no cost. As a distributor, Smashwords was the first to open multiple major retailers and library ebook services to self-published authors, and worked in partnership with sales partners and payment processors to establish systems, standards, and professional best practices to foster a thriving ecosystem of indie-friendly booksellers and libraries. As of December 31, 2021, Smashwords was publishing 590,000 ebooks supplied by 150,000 authors, publishers and literary agents. The company was originally headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif, and most recently based in Pacific Grove, Calif. Visit Smashwords at https://smashwords.com, or follow the store at @Smashwords.

<

p align=”center” class=”MsoNormal” style=”font-family: Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size: 13px;margin: 0px;text-align: center”>###

GLOBAL WARMING

Global Warming is a term almost everyone is familiar with. But, its meaning is still not clear to most of us. So, Global warming refers to the gradual rise in the overall temperature of the atmosphere of the Earth. There are various activities taking place which have been increasing the temperature gradually. Global warming is melting our ice glaciers rapidly. This is extremely harmful to the earth as well as humans. It is quite challenging to control global warming; however, it is not unmanageable. The first step in solving any problem is identifying the cause of the problem. Therefore, we need to first understand the causes of global warming that will help us proceed further in solving it. In this essay on Global Warming, we will see the causes and solutions of Global Warming.

essay on global warming

Causes of Global Warming

Global warming has become a grave problem which needs undivided attention. It is not happening because of a single cause but several causes. These causes are both natural as well as manmade. The natural causes include the release of greenhouses gases which are not able to escape from earth, causing the temperature to increase.

Further, volcanic eruptions are also responsible for global warming. That is to say, these eruptions release tons of carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming. Similarly, methane is also one big issue responsible for global warming.


After that, the excessive use of automobiles and fossil fuels results in increased levels of carbon dioxide. In addition, activities like mining and cattle rearing are very harmful to the environment. One of the most common issues that are taking place rapidly is deforestation.

So, when one of the biggest sources of absorption of carbon dioxide will only disappear, there will be nothing left to regulate the gas. Thus, it will result in global warming. Steps must be taken immediately to stop global warming and make the earth better again.

Global Warming Solutions

As stated earlier, it might be challenging but it is not entirely impossible. Global warming can be stopped when combined efforts are put in. For that, individuals and governments, both have to take steps towards achieving it. We must begin with the reduction of greenhouse gas.

Furthermore, they need to monitor the consumption of gasoline. Switch to a hybrid car and reduce the release of carbon dioxide. Moreover, citizens can choose public transport or carpool together. Subsequently, recycling must also be encouraged.

For instance, when you go shopping, carry your own cloth bag. Another step you can take is to limit the use of electricity which will prevent the release of carbon dioxide. On the government’s part, they must regulate industrial waste and ban them from emitting harmful gases in the air. Deforestation must be stopped immediately and planting of trees must be encouraged.

In short, all of us must realize the fact that our earth is not well. It needs to treatment and we can help it heal. The present generation must take up the responsibility of stopping global warming in order to prevent the suffering of future generations. Therefore, every little step, no matter how small carries a lot of weight and is quite significant in stopping global warming.

Mud Therapy

Mud corresponds to prithvi (earth), one of the element among panchamahabhutas. It is considered as one of the ancient wisdom of universe in curing sickness and also for rejuvenation of health. Mud therapy in Naturopathy involves scientific use of moistened earth in a proper manner, so as to benefit the body from within.

It is a treatment in naturopathy. Clay holds the quality to get inside the system and treat all the imbalances. In naturopathy, Mud Therapy involves the scientific use of moistened earth in a proper manner to benefit the body from within. Mud possesses the quality of absorbing toxins from the body which eventually helps in the prevention of many diseases. There are many advantages of mud therapy such as:

  • The application of mud over the body causes cooling and helps to retain the moisture. 
  • The shape and consistency can be changed easily by adding water.
  • Mud therapy is easily available and is an affordable procedure. 
  • It has the property of absorbing all the colours from the sun and radiate them to the body. 

The quality of Mud used

Mud used for therapeutic purpose should be clean and free from contamination. It should be taken at a 60cm depth from the surface of ground. Before using, the mud should be dried in sun rays, powdered and sieved to separate impurities.

Mud Pack-Local Application 

It is a pack that is made by keeping soaked mud in a thin, wet muslin cloth and making it into a thin flat brick according to the size of the patient’s abdomen. The duration of the pack would be 20 to 30 minutes. It is advised to place a blanket over the mud pack and cover the body as well when it is applied in cold weather.

Benefits:

  • The mud pack is applied to the abdomen to relieve all the forms of indigestion. It is also effective in stimulating and decreasing intestinal heat. 
  • A thick application of mudpack over the head proved to be effective in congestive headaches as it heals the pain quickly. 
  • The application of mud over the eyes is recommended in case of conjunctivitis, haemorrhages in eyeball, itching, errors of refraction like short sighted and long sight especially efficient in glaucoma as it helps to reduce eyeball tension. 

Mud Pack for Face 

Mud therapy exerts positive effects on various organs of body but most of all it does wonders to the face. It creates cooling effect on skin and also improves the complexion of the skin. To reap the benefits of mud therapy, you must apply a thick application on the face and allow it to dry for 30 minutes. From helping in controlling the effects of pitta to treating dark circles, Mud Therapy is regarded as one of the best ways of detoxification since ancient times. 

Mud Bath

In the Mud Bath therapy, mud is applied to the patient in a sitting or lying position. It involves the application of minerals rich mud and natural salts over the body. It successfully treats diseases like Psoriasis, Leprosy, Urticaria, leukoderma, and other skin allergy conditions. In this therapy, thorough care must be taken to ensure that the patient is safe from catching a cold during bath. Then, thorough washing of the patient with cold water jet spray is followed after the bath. In case a patient is feeling cold, warm water can be used. Afterward, the patient must be taken to a warm bed to avoid sickness. It should be noted that the duration of a mud bath should be 45 to 60 minutes. 

Benefits:

  • The effects of mud are refreshing, invigorating, and vitalizing.
  • Gives a cooling effect to the body.
  • It dilutes and absorbs the toxic substances of body and ultimately eliminates them from body.
  • It relaxes the muscles, improves blood circulation and helps to regulate the metabolism.
  • Useful in conditions of inflammation/swelling and relieves pain.
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.