REPUBLIC DAY

A huge Republic Day procession begins early in the morning. Doordarshan broadcasts a running commentary on the programme. A large no of Army, Navy and Air Force personnel participate in this procession. Cadets of N.C.C., A.C.C. , Boy Scouts, Girl Guides also participate.

The country also exhibits its weaponry strength. The biggest attraction are the tableaux of various states and their cultures. Some departments also bring their own tableaux. The spectators cheer each and every activity happening at India Gate.

In the end, color balloons are released into the sky. Tricolor made by the aeroplanes is also a very memorable show. The whole environment is filled with patriotic zeal. Here we get a great opportunity to see the unity of India at one spot.

Not only in Delhi, Republic Day Celebrations take place in other parts of the country with same passion. In schools, especially, there is great atmosphere. There are activities – Cultural and Sports. There is also the Chief Guest of the Programme.

The activities include parade, P.T. exercises, speeches, songs, skits, fancy dress competition etc. The honorable speakers tell the students about Indian Freedom Struggle, role of Freedom fighters etc. They also urge them to work harder to serve the country in a better way.

So, Republic Day is a great Indian Festival. It creates feeling of patriotism among the people. It reminds us of the supreme sacrifices made by great freedom fighters. Republic Day also realizes us our responsibilities towards our country. It makes us feel proud to be Indian.

𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑳𝑻𝑯 𝑰𝑺 𝑬𝑽𝑬𝑹𝒀𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑵𝑮

“Health is not valued till sickness comes”

Health is “God’s gift to us”. Health refers to the physical and mental state of a human being. To stay healthy is not an option but a necessity to live a happy life. The basic laws of good health are related to the food we eat, the amount of physical exercise we do, our cleanliness, rest, and relaxation. A healthy person is normally more confident, self-assured, sociable, and energetic. A healthy person views things clearly, calmly, and without prejudice. 

Introduction :

We live in a super-fast age. The Internet has shrunk the world dramatically and people are connected 24×7. Multitasking is the order of the day, as we struggle to fulfill our responsibilities for everyone in life. In this fight, we often forget to spare time for ourselves. The stress levels continue to build up until one day a major collapse may make us realize that in all this hectic activity, we have forgotten to take care of one important thing – our health. As a we spend days shuttling between hospital and home, put our body through one test after another, trying to find out what has gone wrong, we are forced to remember that ‘Health is indeed Wealth’. 

In earlier days, life was very simple. People worked for a stipulated time, often walked everywhere, ate more homemade food, did household chores, and enjoyed a healthy balance in life. 

Now people have cars and bikes to commute, so they walk less. With the demand for more working hours, people are awake till late nights and indulge in more junk food than home-cooked food. Modern equipment at home has reduced the labour work and increased dependency on this equipment.  People don’t have enough time to exercise or even get enough sunlight. Basically, nowadays people are living very unhealthy lifestyles. 

Unhealthy living conditions have increased the contraction of people to various diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, hypertension, etc. This has alarming implications in our near future. So it is very important to focus on our health as much as we focus on our work. Moderation in food habits, daily exercise, and balanced work-life can surely make a big difference to our health and body. When a person stays mentally and physically fit, his action and decision are more practical and logical and hence he is more successful in life. Furthermore, good health has a direct impact on our personality. 


Importance of Good Health:

A healthy body has all the major components that help in the proper functioning of the body. The essential component is the state of physical health. Your life term extends when you maintain good physical fitness. If you are committed to exercising with a sensible diet, then you can develop a sense of well-being and can even prevent yourself from chronic illness, disability, and premature death. Some of the benefits of increased physical activity are as follows.


Importance of Good Health :

A healthy body has all the major components that help in the proper functioning of the body. The essential component is the state of physical health. Your life term extends when you maintain good physical fitness. If you are committed to exercising with a sensible diet, then you can develop a sense of well-being and can even prevent yourself from chronic illness, disability, and premature death. Some of the benefits of increased physical activity are as follows.

Conclusion:

Health is Wealth because if we are not healthy then all our wealth, fame and power can bring no enjoyment. Keeping fit and healthy is indeed not an option but a necessity

Why petrol price increasing in India?

Main reason behind petrol price hike, the Union minister of petroleum and natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan explanis…”There has been a jump in crude oil prices in the international market.One of the main reasons behind the rise in fuel prices in india is that we have to import 80% of the oil we consume”.The bonds, he says, is what the current government has to repay along with its interest, leading to and increase in petrol rates.

He had earlier said that it is up to the GST(Goods and Service Tax) Council to decide whether the fuel should be brought under the Goods and Services Tax, which, many believe, would substantially bring down the prices.

Currently, the central and state taxes make up for 60% of the retail selling price of petrol and over 54% of diesel. Centre levies ₹32.90 per litre of excise duty on petrol and 31.80 a litre on diesel.In view of this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is under increasing pressure to cut high taxes on fuel.

Why Animal Experiments Should Be Banned

Animal experimentation has been increasing at an immense rate. Each year, millions of animals are used to test the safety, effectiveness, and usability of various products like cosmetics, drugs, chemicals, etc. These animals often undergo genetic modification, are deprived of their natural habitats, and tortured all in the name of “Scientific experiments”. Hence, it is a cruel and unnecessary activity and therefore Animal Experiments should be banned.

In the name of ‘Science’ many animals are exploited, ill-treated and made to suffer immense bouts of pains during the experimental process. The animals are cut, burned, poisoned and given crippling diseases in order to test the effects of drugs or to measure the safety of products. For instance, in the Draize Test the substance or product being tested is placed in the eye of the animal and the animal is kept under observation for further damage reports. This experiment not only leaves the animal afflicted with pain and blindness but also proves to be an act full of cruelty. Moreover, the experimented animal is not allowed euthanasia to free it from its misery but caused to bear the pain a long time. Thus, animal experiment is highly cruel and painful and must be banned.

Secondly, there are many better alternatives that can replace animal testing and provide just as much accurate results. For instance, the development of a synthetic cellular tissue that closely resembles human skin. This has enabled researchers to test the potential damage of a product on the skin by using this artificial “skin” instead of testing it on animals. Computers have also been used as an alternative, to simulate and estimate the potential damage that a product or chemical can cause. In another alternative method, in vitro testing, cellular tests are done inside a test tube. All of these tests have been proven to be useful and reliable alternatives to testing products on live animals. Therefore, because effective means of product toxicity testing are available without the use of live animal specimens, testing potentially deadly substances on animals is unnecessary.

Although there are alternatives available and animal testing significantly proves to be painful, some people still argue that animal experimentation is valid because animals are lower than humans. They believe that animals don’t possess the intelligence or knowledge like humans and thus animal experiments are justifiable. However, this is a baseless justification. Medical research proves that even though animals are lower than humans in the evolutionary chart, animals possess many features that resemble humans. For e.g. many animals, especially those belonging to the mammalian class, possess many internal organs and structures that are identical humans. Therefore, animals’ lives should be respected because they have an inherent right to be treated with dignity. The harm that is committed against animals should not be minimized because they are not considered to be “human”.

In conclusion animal experimentation should be banned because it proves to be highly painful and unnecessary. There are plenty of alternatives that can be considered instead of animal testing. Animals have the rights to live freely and to be treated with compassion. Hence, animal exploitation in any form should be banned because it is the most inhumane act that one can do towards other living beings.

Haryana and Punjab have 4% of India’s population

Haryana and Punjab are the two states that are once again leading the way for the country at the Olympics.

The two states, with just 4.4% share of India’s population, have together sent 50 athletes to the Tokyo Games, accounting for 40% of the Indian contingent. Haryana has 31 athletes in the contingent, nearly 25% of the total, while Punjab has 19.

Tamil Nadu had sent 11 athletes to Tokyo, 8.7% of the contingent. Other states are Kerala and UP each had sent 8 athletes.

For Haryana, nine of 19 women Hockey players, seven wrestlers(four women, three men), four boxers(three men, one women) and four shooters(two women, two men) make up most of the numbers. While for Punjab 11 out of India’s 19 member men’s hockey swell the tally. Two shooters(a man and a women), three from athletics(two men, one women), two women’s hockey team members, and one boxer make up the total.

India is sending its largest ever contingent to the Olympic Games with the total of 127 athletes and will take part in 18 disciplines: athletics, archery, badminton, boxing, fencing, equestrian, gymnastics, golf, hockey, rowing, shooting, sailing, swimming, table tennis, tennis, wrestling and weightlifting.

Kerala, known for its legacy in athletics, has six in track and field events out of the eight it is sending to Tokyo. One each is in swimming and the men’s hockey team.

What is Beauty?

We live in a culture that is obsessed with beauty. Movies, shows and other media constantly push the idea that we should look good and that we should look for beauty in our partners.

But what is beauty? How do your define it ? What do you find beautiful?

The idea of external beauty tends to be very shallow. A person we know to be cruel and harsh might be attractive, but we would not describe them or see them as beautiful. Even the best make-up or photoshop filters are not enough to make someone truly beautiful.

Beauty is something internal.

A person who is there is for you when you are down, someone who is kind, intelligent, virtuous and giving is lot more beautiful, and that is a beauty that lasts a lifetime.

No matter how well we care for our looks, they will fade and change with time. They might be affected by sickness or an accident or simply age. They are not lasting or deeply purposeful. However, what’s inside is. Beauty is based on empathy and compassion. Beauty is having self-awareness and being willing to admit when we are wrong. Its about being generous and giving, emotionally as well as in the material sense. Its internal beauty that matters, however, what allows us to live truly good lives.

REINFORCEMENT LEARNING

-MEETALI SONI

WHAT IS REINFORCEMENT LEARNING?

Reinforcement learning (RL) is an area of machine learning concerned with how intelligent agents ought to take actions in an environment to maximize the notion of cumulative reward. It is one of three basic machine learning paradigms, alongside supervised learning and unsupervised learning.

The environment is typically stated in the form of a Markov decision process (MDP) because many reinforcement learning algorithms for this context use dynamic programming techniques. The main difference between the classical dynamic programming methods and reinforcement learning algorithms is that the latter does not assume knowledge of an exact mathematical model of the MDP and they target large MDPs where exact methods become infeasible.

HOW DOES RL WORK? In reinforcement learning, developers devise a method of rewarding desired behaviors and punishing negative behavior. This method assigns positive values to the desired actions to encourage the agent and negative values to undesired behaviors.This programs the agent to seek long-term and maximum overall reward to achieve an optimal solution.

These long-term goals help prevent the agent from stalling on lesser goals. With time, the agent learns to avoid the negative and seek the positive. This learning method has been adopted in artificial intelligence (AI) as a way of directing unsupervised machine learning through rewards and penalties.

APPLICATIONS AND EXAMPLES OF RL

Gaming is likely the most common usage field for reinforcement learning. It is capable of achieving superhuman performance in numerous games. A common example involves the game Pac-Man.

In robotics, reinforcement learning has found its way into limited tests.Itis also used in operations research, information theory, game theory, control theory, simulation-based optimization, multiagent systems, swarm intelligence, statistics, and genetic algorithms.

CHALLENGES OF APPLYING RL

Reinforcement learning, while high in potential, can be difficult to deploy and remains limited in its application. One of the barriers to the deployment of this type of machine learning is its reliance on an exploration of the environment.

For example, if you were to deploy a robot that was reliant on reinforcement learning to navigate a complex physical environment, it will seek new states and take different actions as it moves. It is difficult to consistently take the best actions in a real-world environment, however, because of how frequently the environment changes.

The time required to ensure the learning is done properly through this method can limit its usefulness and be intensive on computing resources. As the training environment grows more complex, so too do demands on time and compute resources.

Supervised learning can deliver faster, more efficient results than reinforcement learning to companies if the proper amount of data is available, as it can be employed with fewer resources.

COMMON RL ALGORITHMS

Rather than referring to a specific algorithm, the field of reinforcement learning is made up of several algorithms that take somewhat different approaches. The differences are mainly due to their strategies for exploring their environments.

  1. State-action-reward-state-action (SARSA): –

This reinforcement learning algorithm starts by giving the agent what’s known as a policy. The policy is essentially a probability that tells it the odds of certain actions resulting in rewards, or beneficial states.

  1. Q-learning: – This approach to reinforcement learning takes the opposite approach. The agent receives no policy, meaning its exploration of its environment is more self-directed.
  2. Deep Q-Networks: – These algorithms utilize neural networks in addition to reinforcement learning techniques. They utilize the self-directed environment exploration of reinforcement learning. Future actions are based on a random sample of past beneficial actions learned by the neural network.

HOW IS RL DIFFERENT FROM SUPERVISED AND UNSUPERVISED LEARNING?

  1. Supervised learning: – In supervised learning, algorithms train on a body of labeled data. Supervised learning algorithms can only learn attributes that are specified in the data set. Common applications of supervised learning are image recognition models. These models receive a set of labeled images and learn to distinguish common attributes of predefined forms.
  2. Unsupervised learning: – In unsupervised learning, developers turn algorithms loose on fully unlabelled data. The algorithm learns by cataloging its observations about data features without being told what to look for.

Semi-supervised learning: –This method takes a middle-ground approach. Developers enter a relatively small set of labeled training data, as well as a larger.

  1. corpus of unlabelled data. The algorithm is then instructed to extrapolate what it learns from the labeled data to the unlabelled data and draw conclusions from the set as a whole.
  2. Reinforcement learning: – This takes a different approach altogether. It situates an agent in an environment with clear parameters defining beneficial activity and nonbeneficial activity and an overarching endgame to reach. It is similar in some ways to supervised learning in that developers must give algorithms specified goals and define rewards and punishments.

TYPES OF REINFORCEMENT LEARNING

Two kinds of reinforcement learning methods are:

  1. Positive:

It is defined as an event, that occurs because of specific behavior. It increases the strength and the frequency of the behavior and impacts positively on the action taken by the agent.

This type of Reinforcement helps you to maximize performance and sustain change for a more extended period. However, too much Reinforcement may lead to over-optimization of the state, which can affect the results

  1. Negative:

Negative Reinforcement is defined as the strengthening of behavior that occurs because of a negative condition that should have been stopped or avoided. It helps you to define the minimum stand of performance. However, the drawback of this method is that it provides enough to meet up the minimum behavior.

WHEN TO USE RL?

Here are prime reasons for using Reinforcement Learning:

  1. It helps you to find which situation needs an action
  2. Helps you to discover which action yields the highest reward over a longer period.

WHEN NOT TO USE RL?

  1. You can’t apply the reinforcement learning model in all the situation. Here are some conditions when you should not use the reinforcement learning model.
  2. When you have enough data to solve the problem with a supervised learning method

CONCLUSION Reinforcement Learning addresses the problem of learning control strategies for autonomous agents with least or no data. RL algorithms are powerful in machine learning as collecting and labeling a large set of sample patterns costs more than data itself. The key distinguishing factor of reinforcement learning is how the agent is trained. Instead of inspecting the data provided, the model interacts with the environment, seeking ways to maximize the reward. In the case of deep reinforcement learning, a neural network is in charge of storing the experiences and thus improves the way the task is performed.

WONDER OF SCIENCE

Science is a blessing to human beings. The role of science is very important in our everyday life. We cannot think of our life without science. The most important invention of science is Electricity. It is the most important thing to keep the wheel of progress running. The invention of electricity brings an incredible change in human civilization. Electricity helps us to run fa, air conditioners, trains, heavy machinery, industries, or other heavy wagons. Electric fans, lights, mobiles, Air conditioners have made our life more comfortable. All the scientific technologies rest on electricity have made our life ease.

Science is the base for preparing wonderful medicines which give us immediate relief. Science helped us to overcome many dangerous and deadly diseases. Many vaccinations and medicines have been discovered with the help of science to save humans from many diseases. Nowadays it is possible that we can transplant every part of the human body by the surgery.

Science and surgery can give us eyes to see, ears to hear and legs to walk. Medical science is doing unbelievable improvements. Blood transfusion and organ transplantation have now become possible with the help of science. Now diagnosing the problem becomes much easier with the help of the invention of X-Ray, Ultrasonography, ECG, MRI, Penicillin, etc.

Inventions of science have made our traveling fast and comfortable. We can reach safely at any part of the world within a few hours. We can easily travel by bicycles, buses, cars, trains, ships, airplanes, and other vehicles. Also, these are used to transport goods.

Science also developed a way of communication. In past days we have to wait for a long time to get one’s letter but today we can talk to our relatives even if they are too far away from us. Not only talk to them but also we can even see them on our mobile phones. The invention of mobiles and the internet has reduced the distance between people.

Many innovations and discoveries of science help farmers grow a good quality crop. The Harvesting machines, Tractors, Manures, and good quality seeds are the gift of science to a farmer. In dairy and manufacturing business, types of machinery are helping to grow their business.

The first invention of science for entertainment was Radio. In the old days, the radio is used to listen to songs and news. But now science has changed everything with its new and wonderful innovations in the field of entertainment. Now, we can watch TV programs videos on mobiles, T.V and also on computers. These are now one of the most basic needs of humans.

Science also developed our education and trade sector. The invention of printing, typing, binding, etc. has boosted our education system. Similarly, the invention of the needle, scissors, and the sewing machine to the heavy industrial machinery has done huge progress in the industrial field. In one word we can’t live a minute without science.

First online exam.

Switching from books to computers, notes in copy to PDF file, pencil/pens to keyboard keys, white board to power point presentation, question papers to online exams is a huge change.

When I attended my online examination, I was anxious, but after I attended the first exam, I felt like, I was more stress free, like we don’t have to worry for long question paper, all questions were conceptual. I have never been so stress free during an exam before. Best thing is that I can sit on my chair near study table in my comfort zone and give the exam.

However, it has some disadvantages too. In school, students are used to constant interaction with their friends but on an online platform, students tend to feel lonely and isolated. This social isolation for students can also cause a lack of communicational skill in them.

On the other hand, during assessments on online platforms, the prevention of cheating isn’t easy as there is no physical invigilator.

Hemmingway’s ‘Old Man and the Sea’

Ernest Hemmingway was an American novelist, short-story writer and journalist. He has written several best-seller classics and has also received the Nobel prize for literature in the year 1954. He was noted and admired both for the intense masculinity of his writing and for his adventurous and widely publicized life. His powerful prose writing style made an impact on the world in 20th Century. He served as an ambulance driver for American Red Cross during World War 1. His novel, The Sun Also Rises published in the year 1926 earned his first solid success. His other famous books include A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, A Moveable Feast etc.  

Old Man and the Sea is one of Hemmingway’s most famous books and the last major work of fiction that he published. Published in the year 1952, it received the Pulitzer Prize and is said to be one of the main reasons for gaining favour while being considered for the Nobel Prize. Set in the coastal regions of Cuba, it contains most of the themes that preoccupied Hemmingway as a writer and a man. It is a short heroic novel that entails the voyage of an old fisherman who ventures out into the vast sea for one last adventure. The old man is named Santiago and he sails across the sea, engaging in an epic battle to catch a large Marlin.

“But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

The novel begins with Santiago mulling over his continues streak of misfortunes. Once a splendidly talented fisherman, he used to be considered the luckiest in catching fishes and selling them. But as old age started to haunt him, he was slowly overtaken by the younger folks who made fun of him for being out of luck lately. So much so that the parents of the young boy Manolin who assists him have forced him to desert the old man in favour of a more prosperous boat. In an attempt to regain his younger glory, on the eighty-fifth day of his unlucky streak, Santiago follows a large Marlin across the sea for more than forty-eight hours.

“Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.”

Compared to the weakening old man, the Marlin tows Santiago’s boat into the ocean until it gets tired. Despite wanting to kill the Marlin, over the course of the journey, Santiago feels connected to the fish. He suffers hunger, sleeplessness and fatigue but feels that the Marlin has kept him company throughout. With great difficulty, he manages to kill the Marlin in a long-drawn-out duel. But as he proceeds to back home with the dead Marlin, it leaves a trail of blood into the sea attracting all sorts of sharks along the way. They attack him one after the other and he is finally left with nothing but a large skeleton of his prized fish. “The essential physicality of the story—the smells of tar and salt and fish blood, the cramp and nausea and blind exhaustion of the old man, the terrifying death spasms of the great fish—is set against the ethereal qualities of dazzling light and water, isolation, and the swelling motion of the sea.” (Britannica) Filled with symbols, allusions and strong poetic verses, the Old Man and the Sea is definitely worth the read.

Reference Links:

OBESITY

Difference Between Obesity and Morbid Obesity | Difference Between

Nowadays, obesity has become an enormous as well as fatal health problems. This problem not only in India but in other countries also. Even in United States of America, one out in three adults and one out of five children and teenagers are facing the problems of obesity. In India also, we are sailing in the same boat. Most of the people since childhood fall prey to obesity is most of the countries of the world . In fact, ‘obesity is that condition of the body in which the amount of fat increases at extreme level.’ In other words, obesity can be defined as ‘the condition when an individual weighs 20 per cent or more than the ideal weight. ‘ A child weighing around 30 pounds (approximately 13.600 kg ) or more than the ideal body weight is usually considered an obese. In the state of obesity, the body weight of the individual is always more in comparison to height . Due to a number of health risks of obesity , it has been declared a disease . It has been observed that obese persons usually fall prey to diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis , osteoarthritis, flat foot, respiratory problems , varicose veins , liver malfunctions , etc .

Generally , the questions arises : What should be the ideal body weight of an individual ? Who is obese and who is not? Different methods are used in various countries to know the obesity of an individual .According to the first method , after having a glance over the shape of the body it can be observed whether he/she is obese or not . But this method cannot be called an appropriate method to know about obesity of an individual because the approval of a society about body shape changes with the passage of time . For example , plump females used to be liked by society in yester century in India . According to the second method , if an individual’s body weight is more than in proportion to height (according to height and weight chart) , the individual will be obese . But this method cannot be accepted as the best method. The third method is a more scientific method . In this method , the body fat percentage is calculated . If the body fat percentage of a person is more than the requirement , he/she will be an obese . This is the most accurate method to know the obesity but it is not easy to apply this method . In comparison to other methods , the weight and height chart is still preferred to know one’s obesity because it is easily available , cheap and easy to use . Another method to know the obesity is BMI (or Body Mass Index ). If you want to know your body mass index , then divide your body weight in kg by your height in meter square viz .

Obesity - Lompoc Valley Medical Center

SARDAR VALLABHAI PATEL

Sardar Vallabhai Patel is called the ‘Iron man of India’ for his courage and willpower. He was born in a farmer’s family in 1875 in Gujarat which was then a part of Bombay State. His father’s name was Jawar Bhai.

He had his school education at Baroda and during his school career, he was a brilliant student. He was bold and fearless from his childhood. After finishing his school education, he joined college and finally passed his law degree with credit.

He started his practice as an advocate at Ahmedabad and earned fame as well as fortune. He started leading a luxurious life. During this period he came under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi and on his motivation gave up his practice and joined the Civil Disobedience Movement. He continued to be a staunch Congress worker and leader in all other movements undertaken by Congress.

Most famous of the movements led by Sardar Vallabhai Patel was the Bardoli Farmers Movement, which he very successfully conducted. It was a no-tax campaign and the Bombay Government had to yield to the demands of the Bardoli farmers. He was one of the top leaders in Congress like Gandhiji and Nehru and no policy decision was taken without consulting him. Though he hailed from Gujarat he was and All India leader from the beginning and had a powerful voice in Congress.

After independence he became the Deputy Prime Minister of India, the first to occupy that distinguished post. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister.

In 1947 when we got Independence, there were a number of Princely States in India and the unity of India depended on their accession to Indian Union. There was some difficulty in respect of some Princely States like Hyderabad and Travancore. With tact and willpower of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, it became easy to get all Princely States merged with the Indian Union. By consolidating all Princely States, Sardar vallabhai Patel proved that he is really and Iron Man of India. But for him, the Police Action against the Nizam of Hyderabad would not have been taken. On account of his efforts, we had a United India before we became a Republic in 1950.

The Iron man of India breathed his last on 15th December 1951 at Bombay, leaving the new nation firm and on good foundation. Many are of the opinion that if only had Patel lived longer India would have become stronger than what it is today.

HEALTH IS WEALTH

Health is God’s gift to us. Health refers to the physical and mental state of a human being. To stay healthy is not an option but a necessity to live a happy life. The basic laws of good health are related to the food we eat, the amount of physical exercise we do, our cleanliness, rest, and relaxation. A healthy person is normally more confident, self-assured, sociable, and energetic. A healthy person views things clearly, calmly, and without prejudice. 

Introduction

We live in a super-fast age. The Internet has shrunk the world dramatically and people are connected 24×7. Multitasking is the order of the day, as we struggle to fulfill our responsibilities for everyone in life. In this fight, we often forget to spare time for ourselves. The stress levels continue to build up until one day a major collapse may make us realize that in all this hectic activity, we have forgotten to take care of one important thing – our health. 

As we spend days shuttling between hospital and home, put our body through one test after another, trying to find out what has gone wrong, we are forced to remember that ‘Health is indeed Wealth’. 

In earlier days, life was very simple. People worked for a stipulated time, often walked everywhere, ate more homemade food, did household chores, and enjoyed a healthy balance in life. 

Now people have cars and bikes to commute, so they walk less. With the demand for more working hours, people are awake till late nights and indulge in more junk food than home-cooked food. Modern equipment at home has reduced the labour work and increased dependency on this equipment.  People don’t have enough time to exercise or even get enough sunlight. Basically, nowadays people are living very unhealthy lifestyles. 

Unhealthy living conditions have increased the contraction of people to various diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, hypertension, etc. This has alarming implications in our near future. So it is very important to focus on our health as much as we focus on our work. Moderation in food habits, daily exercise, and balanced work-life can surely make a big difference to our health and body. When a person stays mentally and physically fit, his action and decision are more practical and logical and hence he is more successful in life. Furthermore, good health has a direct impact on our personality. 

Importance of Good Health

A healthy body has all the major components that help in the proper functioning of the body. The essential component is the state of physical health. Your life term extends when you maintain good physical fitness. If you are committed to exercising with a sensible diet, then you can develop a sense of well-being and can even prevent yourself from chronic illness, disability, and premature death. Some of the benefits of increased physical activity are as follows.

1. It Improves Our HealthIt increases the efficiency of the heart and lungs.

2. A good walk can reduce cholesterol levels. 

3 . Good exercise increases muscle strength.

4. It reduces blood pressure.

5. It reduces the risk of major illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

Improved Sense of Well-beingIt helps in developing more energy.

1. It reduces stress levels.

2. Quality of sleep improves.

3. It helps in developing the ability to cope with stress.

4. It increases mental sharpness.

Improved AppearancesWeight loss contributes to a good physique. 

1. Toned muscles generate more energy.

2. Improved posture enhances our appearance.

3. Enhanced Social LifeIt improves self-image

It increases opportunities to make new friends.

It increases opportunities to share an activity with friends or family members.

Increased Stamina

Increased productivity.

Increased physical capabilities.

Less frequent injuries.

Improved immunity to minor illnesses.

Along with physical fitness, a good mental state is also essential for good health. Mental health means the emotional and psychological state of an individual. The best way to maintain good mental health is by staying positive and meditating.

Applying reader response theory to Ernest Hemingway’s Hills like White Elephants

Ernest Hemingway, has penned out hills like white elephants without providing much background information, clear conversation markers or information on characters’ background, not even proper names. A reader is left with several loose ends and scenarios so as to explain the story. Further, I will be explaining what I could make out from the story as a reader. 

Set near the Ebro river in Spain, the american and the girl are waiting for a train. The story advances through the short exchanges between the two characters. From the conversation, it is almost clear that the male character is trying to persuade the female character to do something. The female character, skeptical about the situation, appears to be trying to convince herself to be as confident as her companion. The characters are seen talking about “letting the air in” (Hemingway, 230) and everything being fine afterward, taking instances and conversations as proof, it feels like the man is forcing or rather trying hard to convince the female into an abortion. The man addressing it as a small operation, ensuring the girl that they will be like before after it, and disclosing that it is the only thing that is bothering him right now are the clear queues from the man’s side that it is an abortion. The girl being unsure about the situation and the man constantly trying to convince her and her unsure mind seeking validation from the man and asking him whether the procedure will make him love her again are clear points that state it is an abortion from the womens side. Without ever using the word abortion, Hemingway plants in our mind the seeds of thoughts that grow upto the conclusion that the characters are talking about abortion or rather the man is persuading the women into one. The woman comes out through the story as if she is convinced about the situation, she drinks without a limit almost as to prove she doesn’t care about the infant inside her. She dreams about her life after the procedure and seeks validation from the man, she needs to be sure that everything will be like before. It shows how she depends on his assurance, it shows how dependent she could be on the man. 

The story, which revolves around the conversation of the two characters, is open to many interpretations. As a reader, I feel that the woman is trying to strike a balance between what she wants and what he wants, but in the end she realises her old life is precious to leave just like that. 

Seven reasons why security awareness training is essential

1. To avoid breaches and assaults.

To begin with the most apparent, security awareness training aids in the prevention of breaches. It is impossible to estimate the exact number of breaches that security awareness training avoids. In an ideal world, we’d be able to conduct a randomised controlled experiment comparing individuals who got instruction to those who did not. 

This might be a step too far for most organisations. However, this does not exclude us from demonstrating the ROI of security awareness software. It is feasible to compare the number of occurrences prior to and following awareness efforts. The measurements that arise can be utilised to calculate ROI. Data breaches may cost millions of dollars. Meanwhile, security awareness training is reasonably priced. It doesn’t take much to generate significant profits.

2. Establishing a security culture

A security culture has long been seen as the holy grail for chief information security officers (CISOs). Similarly, such a culture is widely regarded as infamously difficult to develop. Some are moving in the right path with the help of security awareness training. 

Creating a security culture entails incorporating security ideals into the fabric of your organisation. Training that includes situational awareness (why someone could be at danger), as well as job and home-life advantages, is an effective approach to get people on board. Advanced training tools may assist in monitoring and developing a security culture, making people your first line of defence.

3. Strengthening technical defences

Technological defences are an effective tool for preventing intrusions. However, technological defences require human input. Firewalls must be enabled. Security alerts must be acknowledged. Software must be upgraded. Few firms nowadays would dare to operate without technical safeguards. Nonetheless, technology defences cannot reach their full effectiveness without security awareness training. Today’s attackers rarely bother attempting to target firms only through technical methods. Today’s attackers generally target individuals since they are viewed as a simple route into secure networks.

4. To instil trust in your consumers

Consumers are becoming more conscious of cyberthreats. They want to feel protected and secure as clients. A company that takes steps to strengthen cyber security will have a greater chance of gaining customer trust. And a trustworthy company is one that retains its consumers. 

This isn’t a wild guess. According to a recent Arcserve poll, 70% of customers feel businesses are not doing enough to protect cyber security. Almost two out of every three consumers would avoid doing business with a company that had been the victim of a cyberattack in the previous year. Customers clearly care about security credentials. Customers regard you as more responsible when you implement security awareness training. That can only be a positive thing.

5. To ensure compliance

To be clear, introducing security awareness training for the sake of compliance is not sufficient. Those that implement training merely to meet regulatory requirements risk doing the bare minimum. Nonetheless, an increasing number of agencies are requiring that particular businesses undergo security awareness training.

“Firms of all sizes must establish a ‘security culture,’ starting with the board and working their way down to every employee. Cyber security is a shared responsibility, and we adopt a collaborative approach to combating this danger, collaborating with the government, other regulators, and stakeholders on a national and worldwide scale.”

Compliance can be a pleasant side effect of security awareness training. Those that use it improve their security and, in many cases, satisfy regulatory obligations.

6. Being a socially responsible business

Cyberattacks may spread quickly, as WannaCry and NotPetya proved in 2017. The more compromised networks there are, the more vulnerable other networks become. And the vulnerability of one network raises the total risk for others.

The lack of security awareness training in one organisation exposes other organisations to risk. It’s a little like leaving your front door unlocked with the keys to the next door inside.

Security awareness training is beneficial to more than just you. It benefits your customers, suppliers, and everyone else who is connected to your network.

7. To boost staff morale

It is generally established that happy individuals are more productive. So, it’s important to realise that security awareness training accomplishes more than merely keep employees safe at work. It also keeps them safe in their personal lives.

This specific benefit, for the most part, goes unnoticed. If security awareness training serves its purpose, it is more than just an employer perk. It’s also a perk for employees.