Women in the pandemic

Women , the primary caregivers of almost every family of our country, tend to be the most discriminated against in almost every sphere- whether social, economic, political and especially health. And now as we are stuck in the pandemic, we are bound to bounce back decades on our progress made on poverty, education and healthcare. (Source:  https://unstats.un.org/sdgs) , and the women will , once again, be on the frontline.

Photo by vivek on Pexels.com

LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD-

With the female LFPR of 20.8% in 2019(fallen from 30.27% in 1990) that was not even half the global average of 47% and the women’s share in new formal payrolls below 20% in August 2020, India was no country for working women even before the pandemic. And now, due to the pandemic, women who earlier accounted for only 24% of the total workforce, now share 28% of the total number of jobs lost.

Reasons:

  1. According to Mckinsey study, women did 75% of the world’s total unpaid work. With people being stuck in homes due to the pandemic, the household workload on women increased indefinitely, which is why many of them left their jobs.
  2. Either due to pregnancy and related reasons or due to vaccine hesitancy, fewer women were taking vaccine jabs.
  3. Women are more likely to engage in unorganized sector, hence, being more prone to loosing jobs in such times of crisis. (eg.- tailoring and stitching, house-help)

Post pandemic, women are 11 times more unlikely to return to work and women comprise 48.04% percentage of the population. For a country that wishes for a speedy economic recovery as well as future growth, a 79.8% (and increasing) working population being a liability on the economy doesn’t align well with its economic ambitions.

Degrading social status-

With increased news publishing related to domestic violence, child marriages, sexual abuse and women trafficking during the pandemic, it’s hardly an assumption that the conditions of women will deteriorate further in days to come.

Reasons:

  1. With decreasing family incomes, women school dropout rate has increased and will continue to do so in the near future.
  2. With everything going online, children with no digital equipment accessibility lag behind. The households that are able to afford internet connectivity and mobiles give preference to their male child.
  3. Due to being stuck in the house, the female members spend a larger amount of time doing house-hold work. So, they find less time to devote to studies that now require more effort. Also, it tends to align them more towards house-hold work as well as present them primarily as caregivers amongst the younger generations.
  4. Women increasingly suffer from online harassment. In such cases, it takes a larger amount of time to track down the perpetrator as the person’s identity is unknown.
  5. With the administration occupied with covid-19 management, the cases of child marriage, trafficking and domestic violence are on rise. Women, being stuck in the same house as their molester and many-a-times being financially dependent on them due to job-loss during pandemic, find it difficult to file a complaint.

Health Concerns-

In India, women already suffer from malnutrition, morbidity and various maternal as-well-as reproductive health issues. In addition to this, women are more prone to mental health issues as well. As of July 2005, women represented approximately 40 percent of HIV/AIDS cases in India. These situations of pandemic are bound to worsen the already poor conditions of female health.

Reasons:

  1. The reduction in supply of food due to reducing incomes affect the food security of women the most when compared to any other member of the family.
  2. Women can, now, no longer afford menstrual sanitation products and contraceptives
  3. Being a victim of domestic violence or even stress, a woman’s mental as well as physical well-being will be neglected.
  4. Women with underlying health conditions have, due to declining economic resources, experienced worsening health conditions as a result of skipping medical care.

What can be done??

  1. The PDS system should be expanded to provide dry ration for a longer duration as well as larger amount. It should also include sanitary napkins .
  2. Through ASHA workers, the government should spread awareness related to reproductive health, hygiene and mental health as well.
  3. The government can grant free internet as well as set up mobile towers in areas of low connectivity. Also, internet cafes following proper covid-19 norms should be set up to provide digital equipment to those who cannot afford them.
  4. MGNREGA scheme should be expanded to incorporate the increased number of unemployed with special provision for women, including larger number of working days for all and social schemes should be set up for informal sector workers.
  5. Social awareness about letting girls continue their studies, as well as, motivating women to join workforce when situation stabilize is an important step.
  6. A national helpline number bringing together all NGOs who have come forward to help should be set up. It will make identifying those in need easier, with a uniform toll-free number as well as added government expertise.

Conclusion:

Women can be the backbone of economic development in times of crisis. Making right developments towards women’s issues now could prove to be beneficial to the country’s economy as well as society in the long run.

Women in the pandemic

Women , the primary caregivers of almost every family of our country, tend to be the most discriminated against in almost every sphere- whether social, economic, political and especially health. And now as we are stuck in the pandemic, we are bound to bounce back decades on our progress made on poverty, education and healthcare. (Source:  https://unstats.un.org/sdgs) , and the women will , once again, be on the frontline.

Photo by vivek on Pexels.com

LOSS OF LIVELIHOOD-

With the female LFPR of 20.8% in 2019(fallen from 30.27% in 1990) that was not even half the global average of 47% and the women’s share in new formal payrolls below 20% in August 2020, India was no country for working women even before the pandemic. And now, due to the pandemic, women who earlier accounted for only 24% of the total workforce, now share 28% of the total number of jobs lost.

Reasons:

  1. According to Mckinsey study, women did 75% of the world’s total unpaid work. With people being stuck in homes due to the pandemic, the household workload on women increased indefinitely, which is why many of them left their jobs.
  2. Either due to pregnancy and related reasons or due to vaccine hesitancy, fewer women were taking vaccine jabs.
  3. Women are more likely to engage in unorganized sector, hence, being more prone to loosing jobs in such times of crisis. (eg.- tailoring and stitching, house-help)

Post pandemic, women are 11 times more unlikely to return to work and women comprise 48.04% percentage of the population. For a country that wishes for a speedy economic recovery as well as future growth, a 79.8% (and increasing) working population being a liability on the economy doesn’t align well with its economic ambitions.

Degrading social status-

With increased news publishing related to domestic violence, child marriages, sexual abuse and women trafficking during the pandemic, it’s hardly an assumption that the conditions of women will deteriorate further in days to come.

Reasons:

  1. With decreasing family incomes, women school dropout rate has increased and will continue to do so in the near future.
  2. With everything going online, children with no digital equipment accessibility lag behind. The households that are able to afford internet connectivity and mobiles give preference to their male child.
  3. Due to being stuck in the house, the female members spend a larger amount of time doing house-hold work. So, they find less time to devote to studies that now require more effort. Also, it tends to align them more towards house-hold work as well as present them primarily as caregivers amongst the younger generations.
  4. Women increasingly suffer from online harassment. In such cases, it takes a larger amount of time to track down the perpetrator as the person’s identity is unknown.
  5. With the administration occupied with covid-19 management, the cases of child marriage, trafficking and domestic violence are on rise. Women, being stuck in the same house as their molester and many-a-times being financially dependent on them due to job-loss during pandemic, find it difficult to file a complaint.

Health Concerns-

In India, women already suffer from malnutrition, morbidity and various maternal as-well-as reproductive health issues. In addition to this, women are more prone to mental health issues as well. As of July 2005, women represented approximately 40 percent of HIV/AIDS cases in India. These situations of pandemic are bound to worsen the already poor conditions of female health.

Reasons:

  1. The reduction in supply of food due to reducing incomes affect the food security of women the most when compared to any other member of the family.
  2. Women can, now, no longer afford menstrual sanitation products and contraceptives
  3. Being a victim of domestic violence or even stress, a woman’s mental as well as physical well-being will be neglected.
  4. Women with underlying health conditions have, due to declining economic resources, experienced worsening health conditions as a result of skipping medical care.

What can be done??

  1. The PDS system should be expanded to provide dry ration for a longer duration as well as larger amount. It should also include sanitary napkins .
  2. Through ASHA workers, the government should spread awareness related to reproductive health, hygiene and mental health as well.
  3. The government can grant free internet as well as set up mobile towers in areas of low connectivity. Also, internet cafes following proper covid-19 norms should be set up to provide digital equipment to those who cannot afford them.
  4. MGNREGA scheme should be expanded to incorporate the increased number of unemployed with special provision for women, including larger number of working days for all and social schemes should be set up for informal sector workers.
  5. Social awareness about letting girls continue their studies, as well as, motivating women to join workforce when situation stabilize is an important step.
  6. A national helpline number bringing together all NGOs who have come forward to help should be set up. It will make identifying those in need easier, with a uniform toll-free number as well as added government expertise.

Conclusion:

Women can be the backbone of economic development in times of crisis. Making right developments towards women’s issues now could prove to be beneficial to the country’s economy as well as society in the long run.

Brief History of Hindi Cinema.

In the course of its long history, the Hindi Cinema has gone through constant evolutions and is still witnessing massive socio-cultural changes, however, from substantive and insular point of view; the Hindi Film Industry still retains its own unique and peculiar characteristics. Since the beginning, the Hindi Cinema has drawn its inspiration from the styles and aesthetics of the mega diverse Indian culture.

In general great emphasis has been put on classical Indian traditions over the years including Indian storytelling, epics, and poems and like. Although movies came to India in July 1896 as famous French Lumiere Brothers screened their short films in Watson Hotel, Mumbai, the first ever Indian film was ‘Raja Harishchandra’, a mythological film released in 1913 directed by Dada Saheb Phalke, who is often called as the father of Indian Cinema.

Film Poster of Raja Harishchandra, 1913.

Raja Harishchandra being a silent film had Hindi, Marathi and English interfiles. In 1905, filmmaker Hiralal Sen documented “Swadeshi Movement of India” and screened it at Town Hall, Calcutta on 22nd of September which is considered as India’s first political film. H.S. Bhatavdekar’s first movie and the first film by an Indian Filmmaker was shot in 1899 in which he shot a Wrestling Match in Mumbai’s Hanging Gardens. By the 1930s, the industry was producing 200 films per year and it was in 1931, the industry had its first sound film named ‘Alam Ara’ by director Ardeshir Irani which had a mixture of both Hindi and Urdu.

Alam Ara, India’s first Sound Film. (1931)

Since then the talkie films quickly were in high demand by the audience mostly in big cities and hence the industry permanently switched to sound films. The first ever Hindi color film was released in 1937 by Ardeshar Irani named “Kisan Kanya ”, however the colour films became popular among the audience only in late 1950s and early 1960s. The industry has also witnessed the breakdown of the studio system and complete on location shooting over the years. At present, Hindi Cinema produces over 1000 movies per year.

A still from Kisan Kanya (1937).

The Song and Dance Sequences

As mentioned earlier, the Hindi movies have always been a reflection of Indian culture and so hasn’t been any Hindi movie without a song till date. Two of the major characteristics of Hindi Cinema are songs and dance sequences. In fact, these two unique features are considered as the ‘peculiarities’ of Hindi Cinema which separates it from Hollywood or any other foreign film industry. In earlier times whenever there was a requirement of steamy scenes in movies, the protagonists, that is the hero and the heroine used to indulge into a song and dance sequel. The song and dance sequences pop up here and there according to necessary requirements and situations. The 1932 movie Indra Sabha was one of the first Indian movies with over 70 songs.

Film Poster of Indra Sabha (1932).

Truly, Hindi Cinema has entertained audiences worldwide for more than a century now. Informally and popularly known as Bollywood, Hindi Films will always have a special place in hearts of millions of Bollywood fans!

Brief History of Hindi Cinema.

In the course of its long history, the Hindi Cinema has gone through constant evolutions and is still witnessing massive socio-cultural changes, however, from substantive and insular point of view; the Hindi Film Industry still retains its own unique and peculiar characteristics. Since the beginning, the Hindi Cinema has drawn its inspiration from the styles and aesthetics of the mega diverse Indian culture.

In general great emphasis has been put on classical Indian traditions over the years including Indian storytelling, epics, and poems and like. Although movies came to India in July 1896 as famous French Lumiere Brothers screened their short films in Watson Hotel, Mumbai, the first ever Indian film was ‘Raja Harishchandra’, a mythological film released in 1913 directed by Dada Saheb Phalke, who is often called as the father of Indian Cinema.

Film Poster of Raja Harishchandra, 1913.

Raja Harishchandra being a silent film had Hindi, Marathi and English interfiles. In 1905, filmmaker Hiralal Sen documented “Swadeshi Movement of India” and screened it at Town Hall, Calcutta on 22nd of September which is considered as India’s first political film. H.S. Bhatavdekar’s first movie and the first film by an Indian Filmmaker was shot in 1899 in which he shot a Wrestling Match in Mumbai’s Hanging Gardens. By the 1930s, the industry was producing 200 films per year and it was in 1931, the industry had its first sound film named ‘Alam Ara’ by director Ardeshir Irani which had a mixture of both Hindi and Urdu.

Alam Ara, India’s first Sound Film. (1931)

Since then the talkie films quickly were in high demand by the audience mostly in big cities and hence the industry permanently switched to sound films. The first ever Hindi color film was released in 1937 by Ardeshar Irani named “Kisan Kanya ”, however the colour films became popular among the audience only in late 1950s and early 1960s. The industry has also witnessed the breakdown of the studio system and complete on location shooting over the years. At present, Hindi Cinema produces over 1000 movies per year.

A still from Kisan Kanya (1937).

The Song and Dance Sequences

As mentioned earlier, the Hindi movies have always been a reflection of Indian culture and so hasn’t been any Hindi movie without a song till date. Two of the major characteristics of Hindi Cinema are songs and dance sequences. In fact, these two unique features are considered as the ‘peculiarities’ of Hindi Cinema which separates it from Hollywood or any other foreign film industry. In earlier times whenever there was a requirement of steamy scenes in movies, the protagonists, that is the hero and the heroine used to indulge into a song and dance sequel. The song and dance sequences pop up here and there according to necessary requirements and situations. The 1932 movie Indra Sabha was one of the first Indian movies with over 70 songs.

Film Poster of Indra Sabha (1932).

Truly, Hindi Cinema has entertained audiences worldwide for more than a century now. Informally and popularly known as Bollywood, Hindi Films will always have a special place in hearts of millions of Bollywood fans!

Drug Abuse.

Drug abuse is referred to the excessive use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, stimulant, pain reliever etc in the amount that is detrimental to the physical, social as well as emotional well being of an individual. Case of drug abuse is increasing at an alarming rate among teenagers and adults under the age of 30 that affect people all across the globe and from all walks of life. In the United States, the annual death rate due to drug abuse is much more than the road traffic accidents and gunshots combined. Nearly 8% of the States population are trapped in this vicious cycle due to the majority of reasons, considering it as an easiest escape. Overuse of drugs not only affects the brain cells but also do heavy damage to the heart, nerves, limbs etc that often leads to seizure and paralysis, shutting the entire body followed by death eventually.

Cause of Drug abuse.

There are several reasons behind drug abuse among which the common causes are listed below.

  • Many people develop drug problems due to mental conditions such as depression, stress disorder, anxiety and other mental illness.
  • Low self-esteem, peer pressure of society, and a chaotic lifestyle are also common reasons.
  • At times, people try certain substances out of excitement that turns into a habit in no time because of its highly addictive nature.
  • Sometimes, prescribed medication usually barbiturates turned into drug addiction and cause serious health problems.

Apart from the aforesaid reason, there can be multiple reasons that lead to such substance abuse.

Types of Drugs:

  • Depressants: It is the most commonly used drug worldwide that works by suppressing the central nervous system and gives momentarily happiness while under the influence. Usage of such dopes develops various symptoms such as sleep, relaxation, drowsiness, anaesthesia, coma and even death.
  • Stimulant: Stimulants are class of drug that creates a sense of euphoria by making body alert and extra awake. It speeds up the brain’s receptive capacity that often leads to a panic attack, anxiety, seizures, aggression and paranoia when used in excess amounts.
  • Hallucinogenic: These are a diverse group of drugs that creates a hallucination and sensations leads to seeing things that seems real due to brain malfunction. People often use such pills to deal with stress or just to feel differently. Commonly used hallucinogenic drugs are LSD, Peyote, DMT etc.

There are millions of different variety of drugs available in the developing and developed world apart from these wide range of drugs mentioned above, that entraps countless youngsters every other day. Uprooting such menace isn’t as easy as we assume because of the withdrawal syndrome that is linked with it. That is why it is absolutely necessary to build up rehabilitation centres and promote drug education at the socio-economic strata.

Drug Abuse.

Drug abuse is referred to the excessive use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, stimulant, pain reliever etc in the amount that is detrimental to the physical, social as well as emotional well being of an individual. Case of drug abuse is increasing at an alarming rate among teenagers and adults under the age of 30 that affect people all across the globe and from all walks of life. In the United States, the annual death rate due to drug abuse is much more than the road traffic accidents and gunshots combined. Nearly 8% of the States population are trapped in this vicious cycle due to the majority of reasons, considering it as an easiest escape. Overuse of drugs not only affects the brain cells but also do heavy damage to the heart, nerves, limbs etc that often leads to seizure and paralysis, shutting the entire body followed by death eventually.

Cause of Drug abuse.

There are several reasons behind drug abuse among which the common causes are listed below.

  • Many people develop drug problems due to mental conditions such as depression, stress disorder, anxiety and other mental illness.
  • Low self-esteem, peer pressure of society, and a chaotic lifestyle are also common reasons.
  • At times, people try certain substances out of excitement that turns into a habit in no time because of its highly addictive nature.
  • Sometimes, prescribed medication usually barbiturates turned into drug addiction and cause serious health problems.

Apart from the aforesaid reason, there can be multiple reasons that lead to such substance abuse.

Types of Drugs:

  • Depressants: It is the most commonly used drug worldwide that works by suppressing the central nervous system and gives momentarily happiness while under the influence. Usage of such dopes develops various symptoms such as sleep, relaxation, drowsiness, anaesthesia, coma and even death.
  • Stimulant: Stimulants are class of drug that creates a sense of euphoria by making body alert and extra awake. It speeds up the brain’s receptive capacity that often leads to a panic attack, anxiety, seizures, aggression and paranoia when used in excess amounts.
  • Hallucinogenic: These are a diverse group of drugs that creates a hallucination and sensations leads to seeing things that seems real due to brain malfunction. People often use such pills to deal with stress or just to feel differently. Commonly used hallucinogenic drugs are LSD, Peyote, DMT etc.

There are millions of different variety of drugs available in the developing and developed world apart from these wide range of drugs mentioned above, that entraps countless youngsters every other day. Uprooting such menace isn’t as easy as we assume because of the withdrawal syndrome that is linked with it. That is why it is absolutely necessary to build up rehabilitation centres and promote drug education at the socio-economic strata.

Paris Agreement and Climate Change

Introduction

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change which is legally binding. It was adopted on 12th December 2015 by 196 parties at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 21 and it came into force on 4th November 2016. The goal of this agreement is to limit global warming to almost 2 degrees Celsius but ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, as compared to the pre-industrial levels. Every country creates an NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) wherein the countries mention the actions they will take to reduce their Greenhouse Gas emissions. The Paris Agreement also recognizes the financial differences of the countries and says that the developed countries should take the lead when it comes to providing financial assistance and help the vulnerable countries. The progress of the agreement is being tracked by the creation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), under which, starting from 2024, the countries will report on the actions taken and the progress, transparently.

COP 26

The 26th Conference of the Parties was originally scheduled from 9th to 19th November 2020 but due to COVID-19, it was postponed to 1st to 12th November 2021, in Glasgow, UK. Several unresolved issues from the Paris Agreement are to be resolved during this Conference, such as governing of carbon markets and the accountancy of climate finance. The developing nations pointed fingers at the rich nations to fulfil their promise of finance. They also highlighted the lack of urgency from the recent G7 and G20 summits.

COP 26 has to finalize the rulebook that implements the 2015 Agreement. The nations have to give the climate-vulnerable nations the $100 billion annually as promised in 2009. They have called for almost 50% of funding to be allocated towards future climate adaptation, plus a separate allocation for the loss and damage that has already been inflicted on the poor nations.   

Other Climate Change Agreements

Montreal Protocol, 1987 – This agreement is not aimed towards dealing with climate change however it is an important environmental agreement. This agreement required the countries which have ratified it, to stop producing products that damage the ozone layer, such as, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992 – This is the first-ever global treaty that directly addresses climate change. This treaty established the annual forum named the Conference of the Parties (COP). Agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement came into existence through these forums.

Kyoto Protocol, 2005 – It was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005, it is known as the first legally binding climate treaty. The goal of this treaty is to reduce emissions by an average of 5% below the 1990 levels although the treaty did not force developing countries.

Effects of Global Warming

  • Shrinking of Glaciers
  • Ice on rivers and lakes break earlier than usual
  • Plants and animal ranges have shifted
  • Trees flower sooner
  • Loss of sea ice
  • Accelerated rise of sea level
  • Intense heatwaves
  • More droughts
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • The frequency of cyclones will increase and will be more intense
  • The Arctic is likely to become Ice-Free

Conclusion

Heat Waves have been recorded in the United States of America and Canada this 2021. This is only just more proof of Global Warming and its effects. This will keep increasing if the countries don’t take the agreements like the Paris agreement seriously. More importantly, the rich countries need to finally start acting responsibly and fulfil their promises to save the planet.  

References

Paris Agreement and Climate Change

Introduction

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change which is legally binding. It was adopted on 12th December 2015 by 196 parties at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 21 and it came into force on 4th November 2016. The goal of this agreement is to limit global warming to almost 2 degrees Celsius but ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, as compared to the pre-industrial levels. Every country creates an NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) wherein the countries mention the actions they will take to reduce their Greenhouse Gas emissions. The Paris Agreement also recognizes the financial differences of the countries and says that the developed countries should take the lead when it comes to providing financial assistance and help the vulnerable countries. The progress of the agreement is being tracked by the creation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), under which, starting from 2024, the countries will report on the actions taken and the progress, transparently.

COP 26

The 26th Conference of the Parties was originally scheduled from 9th to 19th November 2020 but due to COVID-19, it was postponed to 1st to 12th November 2021, in Glasgow, UK. Several unresolved issues from the Paris Agreement are to be resolved during this Conference, such as governing of carbon markets and the accountancy of climate finance. The developing nations pointed fingers at the rich nations to fulfil their promise of finance. They also highlighted the lack of urgency from the recent G7 and G20 summits.

COP 26 has to finalize the rulebook that implements the 2015 Agreement. The nations have to give the climate-vulnerable nations the $100 billion annually as promised in 2009. They have called for almost 50% of funding to be allocated towards future climate adaptation, plus a separate allocation for the loss and damage that has already been inflicted on the poor nations.   

Other Climate Change Agreements

Montreal Protocol, 1987 – This agreement is not aimed towards dealing with climate change however it is an important environmental agreement. This agreement required the countries which have ratified it, to stop producing products that damage the ozone layer, such as, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992 – This is the first-ever global treaty that directly addresses climate change. This treaty established the annual forum named the Conference of the Parties (COP). Agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement came into existence through these forums.

Kyoto Protocol, 2005 – It was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005, it is known as the first legally binding climate treaty. The goal of this treaty is to reduce emissions by an average of 5% below the 1990 levels although the treaty did not force developing countries.

Effects of Global Warming

  • Shrinking of Glaciers
  • Ice on rivers and lakes break earlier than usual
  • Plants and animal ranges have shifted
  • Trees flower sooner
  • Loss of sea ice
  • Accelerated rise of sea level
  • Intense heatwaves
  • More droughts
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • The frequency of cyclones will increase and will be more intense
  • The Arctic is likely to become Ice-Free

Conclusion

Heat Waves have been recorded in the United States of America and Canada this 2021. This is only just more proof of Global Warming and its effects. This will keep increasing if the countries don’t take the agreements like the Paris agreement seriously. More importantly, the rich countries need to finally start acting responsibly and fulfil their promises to save the planet.  

References

𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑶𝑭 𝑴𝑰𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑹𝑺

“THE WORLD IS A GREAT MIRROR. IT REFLECT BACK TO YOU WHAT YOU ARE”

Well you see there was this magical substance during the time of the ancients known as “𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑”, it coalesced in small or large pools, some greater than the size of hundreds of men, and into these mythical pools brave men would sometimes look in observation, only to be shocked as a perfect reproduction, spoiled only slightly by the waves of the pools magic looked back at them. Another option would be to use a melting sheet of ice or finely polished stones or crystals. Not until metals were smelted and polished could people see a clear and bright reflection. However, if the lighting conditions are just right, primitive people could have seen their reflection in each other’s or an animal’s eyes.

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this study is to consider the ancient history and early development of mirrors, because mirrors played a key role in refraction and magnification for an extended period of time before the invention of spectacles, including broad use in Roman times.

𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥

everyday life, many people tend to avoid looking at themselves for more than a quick glance. They don’t want to activate their own critical thoughts about their appearance. We are socialized to compare our physical image with ideals and standards. That’s how we typically use 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥 But, whether we realize it or not, ‘mirrors and reflective’ surfaces also play an important role in our psychological and emotional functioning.

We use the mirror as we do face-to-face communication, to get feedback on who we are and what we are experiencing in the moment. A quick glance in the mirror reaffirms our sense of self. Mirrors help us regulate our emotions and sync up with ourselves and others. Mirrors simulate face-to-face contact with others. When we are in face-to-face interactions, we get feedback on what they are experiencing internally from others’ reactions to us. In fact, research finds that face-to-face contact is essential for developing 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 and throughout life.

People with 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 often have an inability to recognize their own emotions. It’s reasoned that because they spend less time in social interactions, they miss the face-to-face feedback that would help them be more aware and better regulate their emotions.studies using mirrors and video technology to help people recognize their own emotions and teach them 🅢︎🅔︎🅛︎🅕︎ 🅜︎🅘︎🅡︎🅡︎🅞︎🅡︎🅘︎🅝︎🅖︎ to soothe themselves when they’re feeling 𝑺𝑬𝑳𝑭 𝑨𝑵𝑿𝑰𝑬𝑻𝒀 and others aren’t around to offer reflection and support.

Experiments that use mirrors to create visual anomalies show that our brains crave consistency between vision and proprioception.

Mirrors are essential to every home. They help us in our daily mundane lives, though we rarely ever really appreciate their usefulness. From the moment we get up at night to the time we ready ourselves for sleep, we almost always seek for a mirror to take a look at ourselves. Mirrors reflect to us how we look, how clothes fit us, and how things fit. People always love to know how things look on and with them. It gives us the chance to appreciate and be thankful. There is something to be said about how, after a day of straining our eyes, looking at everything else in the world, we know that we could always also look at ourselves with the help of a handy mirror. Everywhere you go, there are almost always mirrors present. There are clear mirrors that reflect perfectly the image of the thing or the person in front of them, and then there are also tinted mirrors that serve as either classy decors, or as a barrier for a bit of privacy. Mirrors are part of our daily lives without us even consciously recognizing them.

𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑶𝑭 𝑴𝑰𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑹𝑺

“THE WORLD IS A GREAT MIRROR. IT REFLECT BACK TO YOU WHAT YOU ARE”

Well you see there was this magical substance during the time of the ancients known as “𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑”, it coalesced in small or large pools, some greater than the size of hundreds of men, and into these mythical pools brave men would sometimes look in observation, only to be shocked as a perfect reproduction, spoiled only slightly by the waves of the pools magic looked back at them. Another option would be to use a melting sheet of ice or finely polished stones or crystals. Not until metals were smelted and polished could people see a clear and bright reflection. However, if the lighting conditions are just right, primitive people could have seen their reflection in each other’s or an animal’s eyes.

PURPOSE :

The purpose of this study is to consider the ancient history and early development of mirrors, because mirrors played a key role in refraction and magnification for an extended period of time before the invention of spectacles, including broad use in Roman times.

𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥

everyday life, many people tend to avoid looking at themselves for more than a quick glance. They don’t want to activate their own critical thoughts about their appearance. We are socialized to compare our physical image with ideals and standards. That’s how we typically use 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥 But, whether we realize it or not, ‘mirrors and reflective’ surfaces also play an important role in our psychological and emotional functioning.

We use the mirror as we do face-to-face communication, to get feedback on who we are and what we are experiencing in the moment. A quick glance in the mirror reaffirms our sense of self. Mirrors help us regulate our emotions and sync up with ourselves and others. Mirrors simulate face-to-face contact with others. When we are in face-to-face interactions, we get feedback on what they are experiencing internally from others’ reactions to us. In fact, research finds that face-to-face contact is essential for developing 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 and throughout life.

People with 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 often have an inability to recognize their own emotions. It’s reasoned that because they spend less time in social interactions, they miss the face-to-face feedback that would help them be more aware and better regulate their emotions.studies using mirrors and video technology to help people recognize their own emotions and teach them 🅢︎🅔︎🅛︎🅕︎ 🅜︎🅘︎🅡︎🅡︎🅞︎🅡︎🅘︎🅝︎🅖︎ to soothe themselves when they’re feeling 𝑺𝑬𝑳𝑭 𝑨𝑵𝑿𝑰𝑬𝑻𝒀 and others aren’t around to offer reflection and support.

Experiments that use mirrors to create visual anomalies show that our brains crave consistency between vision and proprioception.

Mirrors are essential to every home. They help us in our daily mundane lives, though we rarely ever really appreciate their usefulness. From the moment we get up at night to the time we ready ourselves for sleep, we almost always seek for a mirror to take a look at ourselves. Mirrors reflect to us how we look, how clothes fit us, and how things fit. People always love to know how things look on and with them. It gives us the chance to appreciate and be thankful. There is something to be said about how, after a day of straining our eyes, looking at everything else in the world, we know that we could always also look at ourselves with the help of a handy mirror. Everywhere you go, there are almost always mirrors present. There are clear mirrors that reflect perfectly the image of the thing or the person in front of them, and then there are also tinted mirrors that serve as either classy decors, or as a barrier for a bit of privacy. Mirrors are part of our daily lives without us even consciously recognizing them.

Brazilian economy is in a “jobless recovery” following a spike in inflation

According to a Reuters poll, the Brazilian economy will continue to experience a so-called “jobless recovery” following this year’s inflation spike, while forecasts for recovery in Mexico appear stronger amid concerns about a possibly tougher monetary policy in the United States.

On the outside, Brazil’s macroeconomic picture appears to have improved as consumers shake off the COVID-19 epidemic, firms experience a resurgence of M&A activity, and the agriculture industry flourishes on huge international demand. Recent increases in GDP estimates, however, are at conflict with a number of issues. Rising inflation, which is presently the major topic, is expected to be followed by consistently high levels of joblessness into next year’s national elections in Brazil.

Because the economy will need some more time to reabsorb people and restore jobs, average unemployment is estimated to stay in the double digits this year, reaching around 13.6 percent. The rising unemployment rate will restrain services inflation, which accounts for nearly 40% of the headline figure.

According to the median estimate of 20 economists surveyed between July 5 and July 13, Brazil’s average jobless rate for 2021 was projected at a record 14.2 percent in the Reuters survey. This is in contrast to a large increase in GDP estimates.

According to a larger group of 40 respondents, Latin America’s No. 1 economy is expected to grow 5.1 percent in 2021, considerably above the relatively moderate 3.2 percent growth rate recorded in April’s survey. Inflation forecasts have also risen, reaching 6.5 percent from 5.1 percent in the previous quarter.

Many Brazilians have lost their livelihoods as a result of the virus. Many also point the finger to President Jair Bolsonaro’s pro-business stance. Other figures suggest robust employment creation, according to the government.

Bolsonaro and his expected opponent, former center-left President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have not formally announced their candidacies yet, despite the fact that the 2022 presidential election remains just a year away.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico, however, looks to be on a more solid foundation than his Brazilian counterpart. Although both are embroiled in corruption allegations, Lopez Obrador is under far less scrutiny. Similarly, Mexico’s economy is getting better, with stronger growth and relatively low inflation than that of Brazil. Mexico’s GDP and consumer pricing are anticipated to grow 5.9 percent and 5.1 percent this year, respectfully, compared to 4.7 percent and 3.9 percent in the April survey.

Mexicans are keeping a very close eye on the Federal Reserve of the United States’ intention to gradually phase off its massive assistance. Thus far, this has been welcomed positively from across the border, instead of as a hindrance to financial movements.

In contrast to a drop in Brazil’s anticipated growth in 2022 to 2.2 percent from 2.3 percent, the study predicts Mexico’s GDP would increase 2.9 percent next year, up from 2.5 percent in April.

Analysts at BBVA Mexico said in a statement that they have raised their 2022 GDP projection to 3.0 percent from 2.8 percent due to a better investment picture. This increase will most probably encourage formal private employment to return to pre-pandemic levels in 1Q22.”

Brazilian economy is in a "jobless recovery" following a spike in inflation

According to a Reuters poll, the Brazilian economy will continue to experience a so-called “jobless recovery” following this year’s inflation spike, while forecasts for recovery in Mexico appear stronger amid concerns about a possibly tougher monetary policy in the United States.

On the outside, Brazil’s macroeconomic picture appears to have improved as consumers shake off the COVID-19 epidemic, firms experience a resurgence of M&A activity, and the agriculture industry flourishes on huge international demand. Recent increases in GDP estimates, however, are at conflict with a number of issues. Rising inflation, which is presently the major topic, is expected to be followed by consistently high levels of joblessness into next year’s national elections in Brazil.

Because the economy will need some more time to reabsorb people and restore jobs, average unemployment is estimated to stay in the double digits this year, reaching around 13.6 percent. The rising unemployment rate will restrain services inflation, which accounts for nearly 40% of the headline figure.

According to the median estimate of 20 economists surveyed between July 5 and July 13, Brazil’s average jobless rate for 2021 was projected at a record 14.2 percent in the Reuters survey. This is in contrast to a large increase in GDP estimates.

According to a larger group of 40 respondents, Latin America’s No. 1 economy is expected to grow 5.1 percent in 2021, considerably above the relatively moderate 3.2 percent growth rate recorded in April’s survey. Inflation forecasts have also risen, reaching 6.5 percent from 5.1 percent in the previous quarter.

Many Brazilians have lost their livelihoods as a result of the virus. Many also point the finger to President Jair Bolsonaro’s pro-business stance. Other figures suggest robust employment creation, according to the government.

Bolsonaro and his expected opponent, former center-left President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, have not formally announced their candidacies yet, despite the fact that the 2022 presidential election remains just a year away.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico, however, looks to be on a more solid foundation than his Brazilian counterpart. Although both are embroiled in corruption allegations, Lopez Obrador is under far less scrutiny. Similarly, Mexico’s economy is getting better, with stronger growth and relatively low inflation than that of Brazil. Mexico’s GDP and consumer pricing are anticipated to grow 5.9 percent and 5.1 percent this year, respectfully, compared to 4.7 percent and 3.9 percent in the April survey.

Mexicans are keeping a very close eye on the Federal Reserve of the United States’ intention to gradually phase off its massive assistance. Thus far, this has been welcomed positively from across the border, instead of as a hindrance to financial movements.

In contrast to a drop in Brazil’s anticipated growth in 2022 to 2.2 percent from 2.3 percent, the study predicts Mexico’s GDP would increase 2.9 percent next year, up from 2.5 percent in April.

Analysts at BBVA Mexico said in a statement that they have raised their 2022 GDP projection to 3.0 percent from 2.8 percent due to a better investment picture. This increase will most probably encourage formal private employment to return to pre-pandemic levels in 1Q22.”

ALITA : BATTLE ANGEL

Movie review:

Introduction:
Alita, a female cyborg is revived by cyber medic expert Dyson Ido and she sets out to learn about her past and true identity. The main cast is Rosa Salazar as Alita, Christoph waltz as Dr. Ido and Keean Johnson as Hugo. It was directed by Robert Rodriguez and released on 8 February 2019 in India. It is based on the Japanese manga artist Yukito Kishiro’s 1990s series Battle Angel Alita and its 1993 original video animation adaptation, Battle Angel. Alita is a cyborg who awakens in a new body with no memory of her past and sets out to uncover her destiny. It belongs to the genre of science fiction. The movie was set 300 years after the fall or the big war.


In my opinion, the movie was good enough to be entertaining but not good enough to be talked about for a long period of time. Even though they claim it’s a sci-fi movie, there are a few scenes which would pass for a romantic movie. Alita has the need/drive to find her own self, her own identity but during the end, she aspires to avenge Hugo, her boyfriend who was brutally murdered by Nova, who resides in Zalem.


Alita is someone who is drawn to violence without any hesitation. She was alive even after the span of 300 years. Her brain was intact which shocked Dr. Ido and he realised that she is a warrior from United Republic of Mars (URM) who was considered the enemy and therefore he tried his best to keep her away from danger. Her mission was to end Nova from Zalem but she and her other team mates failed to do so and now, 300 years later, she swore to complete her mission.


In the iron city, where she resides, there’s a play called motorball which can get pretty rough and If one manages to win the final round or become the championship, they are sent to Zalem which the other people, the common citizens don’t even dare to imagine.


Nova isn’t someone who is used to losing, so he hired vector and a cyborg known as Grewishka to end Alita but she was strong enough as her technology was very advanced (URM Technology), so she emerged victorious.


The character I liked the most was Alita. How, even though she remembered nothing, she still longed to know where she belonged, who she was, her past and unraveling truths about her self. It shows how much important it is to have an identity for oneself and to be able to remember who you are.


I, also liked the character of Dr. Ido, who was hesitant to let her out into the real world at first but later realized that one cannot be kept from their destiny for long, no matter how much they try. He was from Zalem originally but never failed to show his humanity by helping Alita.

Conclusion:
I would recommend this sci-fi movie to an amateur or a beginner who developed new interest in sci-fi movies.
I rate this movie a 7.4/10

ALITA : BATTLE ANGEL

Movie review:

Introduction:
Alita, a female cyborg is revived by cyber medic expert Dyson Ido and she sets out to learn about her past and true identity. The main cast is Rosa Salazar as Alita, Christoph waltz as Dr. Ido and Keean Johnson as Hugo. It was directed by Robert Rodriguez and released on 8 February 2019 in India. It is based on the Japanese manga artist Yukito Kishiro’s 1990s series Battle Angel Alita and its 1993 original video animation adaptation, Battle Angel. Alita is a cyborg who awakens in a new body with no memory of her past and sets out to uncover her destiny. It belongs to the genre of science fiction. The movie was set 300 years after the fall or the big war.

In my opinion, the movie was good enough to be entertaining but not good enough to be talked about for a long period of time. Even though they claim it’s a sci-fi movie, there are a few scenes which would pass for a romantic movie. Alita has the need/drive to find her own self, her own identity but during the end, she aspires to avenge Hugo, her boyfriend who was brutally murdered by Nova, who resides in Zalem.

Alita is someone who is drawn to violence without any hesitation. She was alive even after the span of 300 years. Her brain was intact which shocked Dr. Ido and he realised that she is a warrior from United Republic of Mars (URM) who was considered the enemy and therefore he tried his best to keep her away from danger. Her mission was to end Nova from Zalem but she and her other team mates failed to do so and now, 300 years later, she swore to complete her mission.

In the iron city, where she resides, there’s a play called motorball which can get pretty rough and If one manages to win the final round or become the championship, they are sent to Zalem which the other people, the common citizens don’t even dare to imagine.

Nova isn’t someone who is used to losing, so he hired vector and a cyborg known as Grewishka to end Alita but she was strong enough as her technology was very advanced (URM Technology), so she emerged victorious.

The character I liked the most was Alita. How, even though she remembered nothing, she still longed to know where she belonged, who she was, her past and unraveling truths about her self. It shows how much important it is to have an identity for oneself and to be able to remember who you are.

I, also liked the character of Dr. Ido, who was hesitant to let her out into the real world at first but later realized that one cannot be kept from their destiny for long, no matter how much they try. He was from Zalem originally but never failed to show his humanity by helping Alita.

Conclusion:
I would recommend this sci-fi movie to an amateur or a beginner who developed new interest in sci-fi movies.
I rate this movie a 7.4/10

DARK HUMOR

BY: VAIBHAVI MENON

Black comedy, also known as black humor, dark humor, dark comedy, morbid humor, edgy humor, or gallows humor, is a style of comedy that makes light of subject matter that is generally considered taboo, particularly subjects that are normally considered serious or painful to discuss. Writers and comedians often use it as a tool for exploring vulgar issues by provoking discomfort, serious thought, and amusement for their audience. Thus, in fiction, for example, the term black comedy can also refer to a genre in which dark humor is a core component. Popular themes of the genre include death, violence, slavery, genocide, discrimination, disease, and human sexuality.

Black comedy differs from both blue comedy—which focuses more on crude topics such as nudity, sex, and bodily fluids and from straightforward obscenity. Whereas the term black comedy is a relatively broad term covering humor relating to many serious subjects, gallows humor tends to be used more specifically in relation to death, or situations that are reminiscent of dying. Black humor can occasionally be related to the grotesque genre. Literary critics have associated black comedy and black humor with authors as early as the ancient Greeks with Aristophanes. Does dark humor make you laugh? You know, all those jokes about painful or taboo subjects such as death, disease, deformity, or sexuality? Well, researchers say that if you appreciate or indulge in dark humor, also known as morbid humor, black comedy or gallows humor, you are probably not just a genius, but also show lesser aggression and are less negative. Not everyone has the nerves or intelligence for morbid humor. You need the nerves because you are making fun of taboo subjects, and getting others to laugh along with you. And intelligence, because understanding dark humor demands astuteness since it is not as easy to understand as your regular everyday jokes. It requires unraveling intelligent word play, and also demands better emotional control so that you can distance yourself from the content and enjoy the joke! When you try to unravel a single word’s multiple meanings, you are pitting your brain’s left and right hemispheres against each other. Top that with trying to disentangle complex emotions about taboo subjects, as well as laugh at them – and you are right out of your emotional comfort zone! From high profile comedians to teens on TikTok, dark humor is a form of comedy utilized across all media platforms. It can bring people together to make light of an unfortunate situation and it can isolate those at the brunt end of the joke. The idea of dark humor is controversial at its core, especially considering that its subjects are often disputed. The harsh and edgy jokes are meant to poke fun at otherwise not humorous situations. 

One of the biggest components of dark humor is the ability of the user to draw on personal experiences, especially difficult ones, to bring levity to it and connect with others that have similar experiences. Race- or gender-based jokes can be funny when made by a person within the demographic of which they are making fun.  When a joke is made at the expense of others, it crosses the line and becomes offensive. This includes using slurs to describe marginalized groups. When the use of a slur is the only punchline, it is best to rethink the joke.  A good way to judge whether a joke relies solely on insulting a group is whether or not the person would make the same comment in front of those they are describing. If there is any hesitance in whether one would want another to hear or see it, then the joke should not be made in the first place. When making edgy commentary about a friend or family member, it is important to check with them first. Losing relationships is not worth a few laughs at the expense of a loved one.