Tag: blogging

Story of the two most expensive spices

• Saffron

One pound of saffron costs you $5000. It is the most expensive spice next comes vanilla. Saffron is a complicated spice to harvest. Harvesting saffron needs a lot of hand work to pick up the flowers, separate the saffron that is the dried stigma or the female part of the flower. Saffron comes from the saffron crocus flower and each flower has 3 stigmas. The yield of saffron is very low. One pound of saffron requires 170000 flowers. These flowers bloom over a six week period from late September to early December. There is a specific time to day to harvest them. High relative humidity and sunlight can break the chemical structure in the saffron. Early morning is preferably the best time to harvest them.

90% of the world’s saffron is grown in arid fields in Iran. It is so because workers are available and for cheap. But it’s mostly like slavery. Most workers are women getting five dollars a day. Not only Iran, it’s grown in Morocco, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Afghanistan, India and even in United States. Though many Americans have never eaten saffron, the US imports large amount of saffron. Saffron has a resistance to cold weather.

Over centuries saffron has proven useful in many situations. Most commonly used in cooking. Middle east Asian countries have a lot of food containing saffron. When saffron is broken down it creates a golden dye. Which is how when used in cooking it gives a different kind of colour and taste and smell to it.

Saffron contains some chemical components which are really expensive like picrocrocin, crocin and safranal. These are the main components responsible for the taste, smell and colour.

People have tried passing turmeric, red marigold petals, and lily flower stigma as saffron. But the flavour and dye is totally different. In large quantities, saffron can be a potent happiness inducing narcotic. Research suggests it may help reduce the symptoms for Alzheimer’s, depression and PMS.

• Vanilla

From ice cream to cakes and even perfume, vanilla is the go-to flavour of the world. In recent years, the price of natural vanilla has shot up. At one point it was more expensive than silver by weight. 80% of the world’s vanilla is grown in the perfectly suited climate of the north east region of Madagascar. It’s the country’s primary export crop. In 2014, vanilla was $80 a kilo. Three years later it was $600. Today its around $500. The price rise is due in part to global demand. The trend of eating naturally means that food companies have shunned synthetic flavouring in favour of the real deal.

Price fluctuations affect producers of agricultural commodities everywhere but vanilla is particularly volatile. In just a few weeks the price can jump or plummet by over 20%. Liberalisation is one reason for such movements. The Malagasy government once regulated the vanilla industry and it’s price. But now the price is negotiated at the point of sale which makes for a freer market but a more volatile one. It’s also a tiny industry. A single cyclone can knock up the entire crop within Madagascar. It’s also a difficult and delicate crop to grow.

Vanilla is an orchid that needs to be hand pollinated. This is a really labour intensive practice. It takes roughly six months to grow it on the vine and then six months of manual post harvesting. The interesting thing about vanilla is that it needs to be taken off the vine when it is almost rotted!

The growers have to contend with another problem. Thieves are targeting vanilla crops. So Malagasy now have to sleep out in their vanilla fields. They can’t rely on those who are changed from the state to protect them or their crops. Some farmers have resorted to harvesting the beans before they’re ripe but this produces a poorer quality vanilla and ultimately pushes down the price. The combination of deteriorating quality and high prices is having an effect. The vanilla price bubble may burst. If the price continues to stay high there’s a number of scenarios that will play out. Continuation of current situation will cause an unstable market. Otherwise the corporate sectors step in, try to regulate the market in some way that may stabilise prices and also quality. Or the market may crash out.

Big buyers that provide vanilla are now working directly with farmers in a bid to gain greater control over quality. Other companies have started to look elsewhere for their natural vanilla. Indonesia, Uganda and even the Netherlands are growing the crop. For a century Madagascar has enjoyed a near monopoly on vanilla. But this industry maybe in line for radical overhaul.

Thank you for reading. Have a nice day!🌼

Bermuda triangle and other mysteries

•Bermuda triangle

The Bermuda triangle is a region of the Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and Florida, where ships and planes have mysteriously disappeared. Vincent Gaddis, who wrote about the disappearance named the region: ‘the deadly Bermuda triangle’.

The legend of the Bermuda triangle was uncovered when E.V.W. Jones, a reporter penned an article on a strange occurrence he had stumbled across. It seemed that an unusual number of planes and ships had been disappearing in the ocean between Florida and Bermuda. Over the years more than 200 separate mysterious disappearances have been attributed to the Bermuda triangle. No trace was ever found of the crafts or their passengers. The disappearance of Flight 19, ranks at the very top of Bermuda triangle lore. In 1945, five Navy planes vanished while on a routine training mission over the Atlantic. The media really went over board putting forward theories as to what might have happened at Bermuda triangle. The theories range from attacks by sea monsters to freak killer waves and kidnappings by aliens. However, later studies reveal that most of the incidents have been inaccurately reported and many agencies have declared the number and nature of disappearances in the region is similar to any other area of the sea.

•Islands that vanished mysteriously

Have you heard of the Aurora islands? Even if you have, you are unlikely to ever see them, for they have vanished from the face of the Earth! The story begins in the 18th century when the captain if the ship sailing in the South Atlantic waters saw three small islands called the Aurora Islands after the name of the first ship. They soon became a common landmarks for the Spanish ships that routinely went to south America and then suddenly, the islands disappeared!

Since most islands are produced through volcanic activity, they can appear and disappear just as quickly over time and leave no trace for sea explorers to find. This maybe the explanation why another phantom island, Isla Grande, which lay just to the North of Aurora islands, has now vanished too. However, this explanation does not hold good for the disappearance of islands called Davis’ Land. There is even an island named the Isle of Brasil, which keeps appearing off and on near the coast of Ireland.

• Uniqueness of Stonehenge

On the misty green plains of Salisbury, in southern England, stands one of the most mystical of the megaliths- Stonehenge. The beauty of these stones take one’s breath away. The 3.96 meters high stones are unique in that unlike the other megaliths, each stone has been artificially shaped into a curve. As a result, when they were assembled, they formed the outer line of a circle, when seen from above. At the same time, each stone has a slight bulge, so that when seen from below, they appeared to be in a straight line! Amazing isn’t it?

The astonishing scale and beauty of the stones, the great care and labour in construction and the mystery that surrounds their original purpose are just some of the reasons why Stonehenge is one of the most popular sights in England. Stonehenge is a magical experience indeed.

Thank you for reading. Have a nice day!

Should commercial surrogacy be banned in India?

Commercial surrogacy is the process by which an individual or couple pays a fee to a woman in exchange for her carrying and delivering a baby. At birth the child, homo-sexual couples, and single people who wish to be parents are the most common types of people who seek surrogate mothers.

Commercial surrogacy has been legal in India from 2002 onwards but due to unethical practices, a bill has been approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2016. This one lapsed when Parliament adjourned without taking the measure for a vote.

The new proposal came in 2019 that is to ban commercial surrogacy. The Indian minister of health has called the 2019 bill a “need of the hour” citing a rough estimate that between 2000 to 3000 unregulated clinics currently operate in the country. Under the new law anyone who performs or promotes this would be punished with up to 10 year of imprisonment and a fine up to one million rupees. The surrogacy bill’s provision restricting surrogacy to married heterosexual couples within strict age ranges also discriminates against members of L G B T community, older couples and unmarried people who might seek to have a child. The bill goes against the principles of equality provided under Article 14 of the Indian constitution.

Regulation, not ban, is needed. The commercial surrogacy in India needs a regulation and stricter rules that could ensure good care and pay to the woman alone and not agents or others. Good clinical facilities for the surrogate mother and a healthy environment where she could stay safely before and after delivery could lessen exploitation. There is no provision in the law about the custody of the child if the couple later refuse to accept it if the child is mentally challenged or born with a defect. People who hire surrogates have a need to do so due to medical reasons. It is not their choice. Regulation on this practice is very much needed and must be done to close loopholes due to which exploitation of surrogate mothers is taking place.

Indian society is yet to progress so much as to accept surrogate motherhood. The woman who rents her womb even if for the cause of humanity towards an unfortunate couple will never be accepted in society when she goes back to her normal life. People will look down on her and she may probably not be able to find a husband, if she was unmarried at the time of surrogacy. We need to be broad-minded and accept these women and respect their choice of renting their wombs.

Giving women a safe and free environment for surrogacy can help in curbing the evils attached and the industry could do well along with giving good money to such poor women so that they can make their lives better as well as give prosperity to their families.

Thank you for reading. Have a nice day!

Are Gandhian principles relevant today?

Gandhiji was a national leader of India who forced the Britishers to leave India without resorting to violence. He is regarded both as a transformational leader and a leader of the masses. Every year on 2nd October, we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary and recall his principles and philosophies. It is a fact that Gandhiji adhered to his principles of non violence, truth and satyagraha with utmost sincerity to achieve his goals. Many people argue that all his principles hold good in today’s world. We all have moved years ahead with lots of changes in lives, innovations in science and technology, vivid variety of lifestyles. Here the point is if the principles and ideologies of Gandhi are still relevant or practical in modern world or not.

YES

•Gandhiji’s principle are valid and everlasting His principles are based on truth and non-violence are the base of civilized human society. He practically proved to the whole world that a war can be fought without indulging in violence. In modern world violence is increasing rapidly. Nuclear weapons and terrorism are becoming common these days. More and more People are resorting to violence and divided into religious and ethnic compartments. We need guidance and the direction to save the world from this desperate situation.

• Gandhiji is an inspiration to international leaders also.

Gandhian principles are followed not only by national leaders but also by some eminent foreign leaders like Dalai Lama, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela etc.

• Gandhi’s principles of economic independence valid even today

Even today, our Prime minister has launched a programme ‘Make in India’ which very much reflects Gandhiji’s principles of spinning Khadi and giving employment to thousands of poor people.

NO

• Violence multiplies on being non-violent

In today’s era, violence can best be answered by violence. Those who remain silent when treated with violence suffer even worse if they do not fire back in the same way.

• Modern culture outplays Gandhian swawlambi philosophy

In today’s modern world, trends and fashion have taken a new shape and so people wear trendy outfits and by no means they are restricted to use self made khadi clothes as part of ‘Swawlambi’ philosophy of Gandhiji.

• Principle of truth not valid today

In a world where money is the most important part of life, big business houses and capitalists thrive on lies to make huge profits. Advertising agencies most of the time try to cheat people by projecting false claims. Today values and meaning of the success are far more different from the values of Gandhiji.

To conclude we can say that some of Gandhian principles are relevant even today, though some of them have become outdated and irrelevant. The principle of non violence cannot be ignored. Gandhiji’s vision cannot be ignored as they form the very base on which a new generation of decision makers must adapt in order to compete on the global level. If the energy of the youth can receive honest and selfless motivation and direction from the experienced then India can surely progress. Gandhi’s vision should not be lost in religious, political and emotional fervours. It must be reorganized and reconstructed for a brighter and logical future.

Thank you for reading. Have a nice day! 🌼

Should writers and artists have an unrestricted right to expression?

Freedom of expression means the right to express one’s own conviction and opinions freely by word of mouth, by writing, through painting or any other mode. In modern times it is widely accepted that the right to freedom of expression is necessary in a democratic society and this right must be safeguarded at all times. Liberty to express opinions and ideas without hindrance and especially without fear of punishment plays a significant role in the development of society. It is one of the most important fundamental liberties guaranteed against state suppression or regulation. However, this freedom needs to be tempered so that it does not hurt the sentiments of others.

• ‘Freedom of expression’ originally guaranteed by the Indian constitution Prior to 1972, Article 19 (1) of the Indian constitution guaranteed this freedom of expression. However, after 1972, Indian politicians felt this should be restricted as they feared that they will be ridiculed or otherwise harmed politically if it remained unrestricted. So, they enacted laws to limit the freedom of expression on various grounds under the garb of law and order, national security and other noble objectives.

• Restriction to freedom of speech causes suffering Many writers, speakers, cartoonists etc. belonging to different castes, creeds and social positions have suffered and are suffering due to the restrictions imposed by law. On most occasions they have been charged and arrested, causing them mental anguish and physical/financial suffering.

• Freedom of expression should be protected Important justifications for freedom of expression and speech are that they assist in the discovery of truth, help an individual to attain self fulfilment etc. ultimately results in the welfare of society and state and strengthen the capacity of an individual in participating in decision making in a democracy.

However, no freedom is absolute and unrestricted. It is necessary to exercise freedoms in order to have a democratic society, but their limitations are also needed for the maintenance of the democratic society. So, the freedom has to have suitable restrictions.

Thank you for reading. Have a nice day!

Generation Gap.

From “Meri sapno ki raani kab aayegi tu” to “Akela hai mister khiladi, miss khiladi chahiye” and then stopping at “chale jab tu latak matak, londo ke dill patak patak” we all felt the gap between these trends. This is what a generation gap is. It is an ongoing topic, like when there’s nothing to talk about, you start taking about the difference between you and your father’s generation have. And also it’s a story of every house. Both the generation are only good in there own explanation but neither of them can console each other. So, let us try to understand them first.

Every generation has got it’s particular name according to the year they were born such as Boomers or Gen X, Millennials or Gen Y and Gen z. But, let’s talk practically, the only difference between these generation are of perception and there mentality.

Since, the Gen X or the generation our parents belong to, was a complicated generation. Gen X includes post independence period which was developing period for india. For them, all that matters was to prove yourself and also about the upbringing which should be strong both physically, mentally and financially. They belongs to an era of freedom fighters, not of fairytale stories. There strugglers were real. They were the official “work hard, not smarter” type of generation. They use to get inspired or judged by the image of  freedom fighters, that’s why there was no chance of understanding among them. So, depression and mental breakdown were not for them to be understood, and also we can’t just blame them for this because for a generation, it’s type of  environment matters a lot. They were the one who were introduced by the indian culture and also wasn’t allowed to have discussion on it. So, are they Worthy for our hate?

Now, let’s talk about Mellennials or Gen Y, which belongs to your older brothe, rs and sisters. The one who is actually working in the society. This generation was blamed to be the destroyer of our culture or “Sanskriti”. But, what they actually did was, they brought change in the society. Like, this generation has only heard about the freedom fighters, but, was not inspired by them. They had there own sight, a sight of a better place. We can’t say that their struggles were not real, but they also didn’t have to start anything. All they have to do was to show a better way of development. They changed the society thinking about the third gender, regarding LGBTQ+ community, Racism, environmental crisis, crimes against womens, etc.. Actually, this generation has not destroy the following culture but it has improvised it for the betterment of the society and also made each other aware about the physical and mental health. It is only because of this generation the coming generation will be seeing an ongoing development throughout there life, but, also has introduced many types of problem to the society. As every work has it’s side effects. So, what’s wrong with that??

Now, we will talk about Gen Z or our generation. This generation is very much aware about the past and the present condition and also has habit of changing everything. Till now this generation has also done some kind of development in making things easy and handy to the society. And also working on bringing equality in the society. This generation is the most developed one’s among others with morden gadgets and a lot more. But, still there’s a lot left to prove for this generation infront of there fellow generation, which they are already dreaming of. For that we also can’t blame this to them cause they are the ones who is going through the climatic problem and scarcity of resources. So, they don’t only have to overcome it but also come up with a long lasting solution. Let’s hope and leave the rest on them.

Since, we have already discussed about all the three types of generation which is presently existing in this society.  So, whom do you think has won? Boomers or Mellennials. Actually, we don’t know because even if Mellennials won today, someday Gen Z will prove them wrong and Boomers are already an outdated version in the society. That’s why I said it’s always an ongoing topic because the debate will continue in every generation. And one more thing is clear that every generation has it’s own struggle to overcome and we shall not compare them.

At last always remember that:
“There’s no generation
     actually happy for or from
             upcoming generation”

So, drop down your views on this topic and Let’s discuss more about it. Man! It’s a long debate.
See yaa.

Don’t let the desire of a successful future destroy your present

Vaishali Singh ( Cheenu Singh Rathore)

This four lettered word “LIFE” is the synonym of living and nothing else, don’t waste it about thinking over the things which have either happened in the past or more likely have not even happened yet, this is a constantly changing world, everything is temporary in this world even you and me, we are perishable, then what are you doing why are you wasting your life over thinking of the things which are just confined within your mind doors, they are not reality they just exist within in your mind most of the problems you have in your life have originated from overthinking, be in now and enjoy this moment, live this moment because this moment is life, don’t take it too seriously, don’t put too much pressure on your mind, don’t let the desire of a successful future destroy your present, if you think that a sad present can give you a beautiful life then you’re wrong because life is now and if you can’t make yourself happy being in this moment then how can you expect it from yourself that attaining a certain goals will make you happy? If something doesn’t satisfy you today then how can you think that it will give you a beautiful and peaceful life, most of the people destroy their life either thinking about their past or caring about their uncertain future, we human being have only 5 senses, we can never analyse what’s going to happen in the future the only thing which is in our hand is to take actions but we can never predict the result of our actions and most of times the way we perceive our future is not exactly how it turns out to be, now the current scenario of world is a good example of the uncertainty of life, no one knew that this would happened in the beginning of 2020 all of us had a tons and tons of plans for our new year but our plans got failed they turned out to be something called “LOCK DOWN” we are at our home today, probably many of us had a lot of plans and wishes with our family, or friends but today it’s not safe to step out of our homes unnecessarily, this is life man, this is the reality and nothing can change the fact no matter how many plans you make, no matter how much time you waste in figuring out your life, at the end you will have even more questions than before. So live your life instead of worrying.