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A Political Problem

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Vital to waive vaccine patents?

The Biden administration on Wednesday threw its support behind a controversial proposal to waive intellectual property protections for corona virus vaccines, with liberals framing it as a necessary bid to speed the shots to billions in the developing world, while the drug industry warned of devastating effects to vaccine production.

Similar proposals last year were met with immediate criticism from pharmaceutical companies and Western nations including the EU, UK. For months, proponents of the proposal have argued that the need to waive intellectual property protections was urgent given the growth of Covid cases in low- and middle-income countries, which have been largely left without the huge shipments of vaccine Bhoomika Mohan already purchased by wealthy countries.

But patents alone don’t magically produce vaccines.

According to The Washington Post, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said the United States will now move forward with international discussions to waive the protections for the duration of the pandemic. U.S. officials helped block a World Trade Organization proposal that was introduced last year to stop enforcing patents for coronavirus-related medical products.

Dozens of developing countries have pushed for the proposal, arguing that it would allow them to rapidly produce their own generic vaccines, rather than wait months or years for sufficient doses.

This is a global health crisis, and the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic call for extraordinary measures. The Administration believes strongly in intellectual property protections, but in service of ending this pandemic, supports the waiver of those protections for COVID-19 vaccines,” Tai said.

May 31, 2021

The benefits of securing a patent include:

m Barrier to entry: ability to stop others from selling a competitive product, m Increased profits and prices: because you can stop others from selling a competitive alternative, you can charge more for your product, and m Leveled playing field: a patent can stop large companies from competing against you.

If there is a large enough demand for a patented invention, the patent can be used to prevent others from selling their version of the patented product. If someone else was able to introduce their own version of the patented product, prices would drop.

Fortunately, or unfortunately in this case the patent prevents them from introducing their version of the patented product. They would be infringing and would be liable for damages and could be enjoined by a court of law.

Experts suggested the earliest the world could expect to see additional capacity flowing from the waiver — if it’s approved at the World Trade Organization — would be in 2022.

Medicines and other inventions are covered by patents which provide legal protection against being copied, and vaccines are no exception.

Patents give makers the rights to their discoveries as well as the means to make more money from them which is an incentive to encourage innovation.

But these are not normal times.

Last autumn, developing nations led by India and South Africa proposed to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the patents on vaccinations and other Covidrelated items should be waived.

They argued that, given the extreme nature of the pandemic, the recipe for the life-saving jabs should be made widely available so they could be produced locally in bulk by other manufacturers.

While the waiver cannot be put into place until other >P05 P-03

CHIEF EDITOR: Karamvir Kamal PUBLISHER: Virender Dhian SR. DEPUTY EDITOR: Dheeraj Kale SUB EDITOR: Bhoomika Mohan LAYOUT: Yasir Arafat

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inside

ASSOCIATE WRITERS: Nishica Chaudhry, Sajeeda Feroz, Bhuvaneswaran P, Akshinta Das, Anmool Madaan, Elsa Lycias Joel

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A Political Problem

Shades of Grief in Cinema

Losing the battle for life Indian healthcare system breathes it’s last

Volume VI Number III For the fortnight May 16 to 31, 2021 published on 1st & 16th of every Month Printed & Published by Virender for and on behalf of Karamvir Kamal (Owner) from 2569, Street No. 2, Jawahar Colony, N.I.T, Faridabad, Haryana and printed at Joy Printers, 3G-142, N.I.T. Faridabad-121001, Haryana. Editor Karamvir Kamal* (responsible for selection of news under PRB Act 1867), RNI No. HARENG/2016/67803.

Losing The Battle For Life

The Indian healthcare scenario presents a spectrum of contrasting landscapes. The resurgence of coronavirus cases has caught India’s creaking healthcare system flat-footed again, with reports of shortages in critical-

'DON'T LET ANYONE STOP YOU'

India heard Rahul Gandhi say "If somebody is harassing you, if somebody is not giving you what is your due, you have to face P-08

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Job Prospects after COVID

To generate livelihood for the skilled employable youth during this uncertain times, needs a strategic and futuristic vi- P-14

Women : The Creation of P-16 Thy's Shadow

West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of Indiaalong the Bay of Bengal. With over

Mothers' Day Out

A Political Problem

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Cooking, washing, cleaning, bringing up kids and taking care of the impulses of the family, women are required to dominate at all these positions inside a

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Rallies, voting polls, political parties, elections, opposition parties yelling at each other-

Shades of Grief in Cinema

At a time when the entire P-27 world seems to be mourning the loss of their loved ones, May 31, 2021

...WHO members agree (at which point manufacturers can presumably start production without any licensing agreements), more and more countries that were previously opposed to the dealare also now indicating their support.

Why is patent protection important to drugmakers?

m Medicines are incredibly expensive to develop. Most experimental drugs fail at some point during the years of laboratory, animal, and finally human testing. m Averaging in the cost of those flops, it typically costs over $1 billion to bring a drug from discovery to regulatory approval. Without the prospect of years of sales without competition, there's far less incentive to take that risk.

The key argument from vaccine producers and their home countries is that waiving patents alone wouldn't solve much. It would, they say, be like handing out a recipe without the ingredients or instructions.

The patent covers the bare bones of the blue print but not the precise production process.

That's crucial here. Vaccines of the mRNA type - such as Pfizer and Moderna - are a new breed and only a small number of people unMay 31, 2021

derstand how to make them.

Even though the US has agreed, and France and many other countries support it, the decision is up to the 164-member World Trade Organisation, which administers complex trade rules among nations.

And all of them would have to agree for it to happen. Because a single 'No' would lead to a rejection of the proposal. So, the decision to waive the vaccine-related patents has to be unanimous.

If waivers are approved, vaccine developers would then have to share their know-how for the very complex manufacturing.

If IP protection is waived, perhaps some immediate relief in terms of production and distribution could follow if more manufacturers in emerging economies can join in and allocate resources to vaccine production immediately.

However, in addition to waiving legal protections, manufacturers in emerging economies need to be supported with the technology to actually produce the vaccines. This may be particularly true of the newer mRNA vaccines such as those from Pfizer and Moderna, which are difficult to manufacture, but may equally apply to adenovirus vaccines such as the one produced by AstraZeneca.

This type of waiver has never passed before. A decision that comes closest to is from

two decades ago when WTO members had passed a temporary waiver allowing poor countries to import cheap generic drugs for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria amid health crises.

At the time of writing, 44% of the US population and 51% of the UK population are vaccinated, but these percentages are woefully much lower in many developing economies with India at 9.4% and all of Asia and Africa at 4.4% and below 1% respectively.

The intent behind the push for the waiver is of course well intended – to remove any bottlenecks due to intellectual property protections and ramp up the production and distribution of these vaccines in the rest of the world.

The question remains as to whether the bottlenecks in COVID vaccine production are due to intellectual property protection. Typically, we think of patent protection leading to high prices and reduced output as monopolies tend to set prices well above the marginal cost of production to maximise profits.

"A waiver is the simple but the wrong answer to what is a complex problem,” said the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations. “Waiving patents of COVID-19 vaccines will not increase production nor provide practical solutions needed to battle this global health crisis.”

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Nishica Choudhary The Indian healthcare scenario presents a spectrum of contrasting landscapes. The resurgence of coronavirus cases has caught India’s creaking healthcare system flat-footed again, with reports of shortages in critical-care beds, oxygen, delays in testing and hospitals turning away critically ill patients pouring in from across the country. With the rapid pace of change currently being witnessed, this spectrum is likely to widen further, presenting even more complexity in the future.

This deadlier phase has stressed out India’s health infrastructure and the improvements made in the last year. Scarcity of testing kits, vaccines, hospital beds, medical oxygen, etc. have been reported from several states. But disruptions would be a mild word in the context of the developments in the major Indian cities, including the national capital Delhi, as the second wave of the pandemic, exposed the massive gaps in health infrastructure, despite the heroic efforts of the medical personnel to make the best of what was available.

Health experts had for long warned about the consequences of underfunding the country’s health infrastructure. But the recent surge has exposed India’s health preparedness even more than the most pessimistic forecasts.

Large and unrestricted religious and political gatherings and open flouting of rules about wearing masks and social distancing have contributed to the current crisis.

“There is no easy solution to address the shortage of health personnel at this stage. This is the result of decades of neglect of public health in the country. There is a shortage of all categories of staff. We need primary care doctors and nurses. We have to re-purpose the existing personnel," said Lalit Kant, a scientist and former head of epidemiology and communicable diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Health institutions should come together and draw up a plan for serving the poor. This decision would go a long way in strengthening the public health system as it would act as a bridge between the economic inequalities existing in our country. The phenomenon of rapid growth of private health sector has resulted in a situation where a large share of health infrastructure has come under the private players, the result of it is that these institutions have become commercial units and the social-welfare objective has taken a backseat.

Among other health related problems exP-06

Indian Healthcare System Breathes It’s Last

isting in India, access to quality health care is a major issue. This may be addressed by collaboration between State Governments and private players, this would ensure that poor get their due from private institutions when government facilities prove insufficient or the government is unable to provide the necessary access to quality health care.

Of course, no country can fully protect itself from pandemics of such a massive dimension with the virus mutating and transmitting even faster than in the first wave. But unfortunately,

unlike the first phase, when the country was caught unprepared by the pandemic, the disaster in the second phase was human-made, wrought by the lack of any preparedness, whether it be in ensuring adequate raw materials for vaccines, containers and canisters for transporting oxygen, personnel for virus testing or adequate medicines, beds and other facilities.

A callous attitude to health by the central and state governments has been a historical May 31, 2021

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factor. The low government spending on health in India ensures that almost 70% of health spending is out-of-pocket spending by individuals, one of the highest in the world.

Thus, it is no surprise that an index of effective coverage of universal health services in 204 countries for 1990–2019 showed that India’s effective coverage of universal health services was only 47, as compared to 51 in Bhutan, 54 in Bangladesh, 65 in Brazil, 70 in China and Iran, 73 in Cuba, 82 in the US, 86 in Germany, 91 in France and 96 in Japan.

So universal health coverage in India is not only half that of major rich economies, it is also lower than of countries with even lower development than India in many cases.

Challenges to Healthcare in India

Awareness or the lack of it

Why is the level of health awareness low in the Indian population?

The answers may lie in low educational status, poor functional literacy, low accent on education within the healthcare system, and low priority for health in the population, among others.

The message is clear – we must strive to raise awareness in those whom we work with and must encourage the younger generation to believe in the power of education for behaviour change.

Access

Physical reach is one of the basic determinants of access, defined as “the ability to enter a healthcare facility within 5 km from the place of residence or work” As thinkers in the disciplines of community medicine and public health, they must encourage discussion on the determinants of access to healthcare. Leaders should identify and analyse possible barriers to access in the financial, geographic, social, and system-related domains, and do our best to get our students and peers thinking about the problem of access to good quality healthcare.

Affordability or the cost of healthcare

Quite simply, how costly is healthcare in India, and more importantly, how many can afford the cost of healthcare?

It is common knowledge that the private sector is the dominant player in the healthcare arena in India. Almost 75% of healthcare expenditure comes from the pockets of households, and catastrophic healthcare cost is an important cause of impoverishment. Added to the problem is the lack of regulation in the private sector and the consequent variation in quality and costs of services.

The solutions to the problem of affordability of healthcare lie in local and national initiatives. Nationally, the Government expenditure on health must urgently be scaled up, from <2% currently to at least 5%– 6% of the gross domestic product in the short term.

This will translate into the much-needed infrastructure boost in the rural and marginalized areas and hopefully to better availability of May 31, 2021

healthcare– services, infrastructure, and personnel.

Accountability or the lack of it

Being accountable has been defined as the procedures and processes by which one party justifies and takes responsibility for its activities.

While unreasonable expectations may be at the bottom of much of the stress, it is time for the profession to recognize that the first step on the way forward is the recognition of the problem and its possible underlying causes. Ethics in healthcare should be a hotly discussed issue, within the profession, rather than outside it.

Communication is a key skill to be inculcated among the young professionals who will be the leaders of the profession tomorrow.

Suggestions for Better Infrastructure

m Health Policy budgets should include and integrate infrastructure plans. Mere request for infrastructure funding may face opposition because they are generic in nature and do not have the effect of directly addressing health problems which are overt in nature such as prevention of spread of infectious diseases, maternal and child health etc. m Geo-coding: It involves the introduction of data systems for monitoring health status. Such systems would allow entities at all levels to have a geographic information system capable of showing diseases portrayed through maps, risk of spread of diseases, environmental hazard and service delivery. m A substantial increase is needed in the number of medical education institutions and the government should make provisions for better quality of medical professionals to serve the masses.

Conclusion

Given the inability to make available the needed funds for basic healthcare, the Government of India has sought to compensate by giving a larger role to the private sector in the health sector and pushing health insurance schemes.

It has to be remembered that education and healthcare are two sectors which must be given more and more importance by the government because of our dependence on service sector.

There are no ready-made solutions or exact steps which can guide us to improve the healthcare facilities and nutritional level of people, but rather there is need to take action from different angles. Diversion of more monetary resources towards the healthcare is an extremely necessary but insufficient step, unless there is a motivation among the healthcare professionals towards serving the people even the diverted funds would not yield extraordinary results. The government must focus on the healthcare infrastructure both qualitatively as well as quantitatively. A more comprehensive, coordinated, and integrated approach would yield more fruitful results and bring radical changes in our healthcare system.

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'DON'T LET ANYONE STOP YOU' Elsa Lycias Joel

India heard Rahul Gandhi say "If somebody is harassing you, if somebody is not giving you what is your due, you have to face them and challenge them" at the Bharathidasan college for women in Puducherry. India watched him teach some moves of Aikido, a form of martial art to the students of St. Teresa College for Women in Kerala after asserting 'women are much more powerful than men are but they fail to understand their power.' India feels 33 percent reservation in government jobs for women and the passage of Women’s Reservation Bill securing 33 percent seats in Parliament is possible only with Rahul at the helm. True to the quote "When thou doest P-08

alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret..." Rahul attempted an actual action to assuage the fears and misery of Nirbhaya's family. When parties and leaders won't miss an opportunity to paste their photos or symbols on stuff they donate, thereby flaunt the philanthropy, here existed a leader who pleaded with the recipients of his goodwill that his act remains a secret. CongressDMK alliance is a good sign especially for women because Muthuvel Karunanidhi ensured his progressive social policies made way towards significant social development in TN. For instance women’s welfare measures such as the Anjugam Ammaiyar Intercaste Marriage Assistance Scheme, Dr. Dharmambal Ammaiyar Memorial Widow Remarriage Scheme, Moovalur Ra-

mamirtham Marriage Assistance scheme, EVR Nagammaiyar Memorial Free Graduate Education for Girls Scheme and the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Memorial Maternity Assistance Scheme were initiated and implemented successfully.

An endearing leader...

Tamilnadu is buzzing ever since Rahul Gandhi set foot here because he represents a hopeful future for 'Bharat Mata' as a whole. Whatever he did with whoever, he looked more than endearing with gestures that revealed who he is and what he will be.

He could blend effortlessly and his desire to make society more fair and equitable, with economic possibilities for all, was visible in May 31, 2021

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his conversations and programs. In terms of leadership style, Rahul has introduced "charisma" into the political equation. More so, elections look like they are based more on the individual than the political party.

Education solves all problems

Educational institutions welcomed him with ease. Rahul interacted ever-so-casually with students to hear from them, find out what they’re interested in, because he believes that most of the problems are going to be solved by young minds. In his every move he was setting an example and he certainly looked like an important symbol of progress. It wasn't an abstraction as Rahul witnessed the students in action, some impatient with events/things not in their control, few angry over losses and many sad about the existing structural inequities. He recognized a part of him in them and he took it on him to help them understand more about how government works and explained how difficult it is to move this society forward without the right leadership. Without fear, he felt free to describe what he truly thought about a whole range of issues and that's Rahul for TN. What's more adorable was that, amidst withering criticism from the BJP, Rahul remained calm and composed even as he discussed different points of power, levers and fasteners throughout our society that help determine one's directiontowards real democracy.

"Education is not a financial commodity"

At Xavier's college, Tirunelveli the congress president made it clear that the real significance of what we do and achieve on the educational front must be reflected, not in statistics, but in the experiences of individual Indians, young and old, whose lives are supposed to be shaped by new educational programs and policies which should be formulated in tune with the needs and demands. Yet for the progress if any, we still face enormous problems in education: stubborn, lingering, unyielding problems because the policies are drafted by those who aim to use education as a “means for ideological indoctrination". Interactive sessions highlighted Rahul's skills as a good listener.

Patiently did he listen and with all due honMay 31, 2021

esty he clarified doubts and instilled hope.

Definitely, connections that tie the government and the governed are primarily widespread public pessimism about the ability of the ruling government, at pretty much every level was heard and seen. Rahul's extempors and the manner in which he responded to the 'Educators Meet' stood in vivid contrast to Modi's constant uptalk as he reads from a teleprompter, staccato clauses and Twitter outbursts. The soul of his sentences - the resonance and depth took people back to the good old days of Kingmaker Kamarajar when he said education is not a financial commodity and hence should be available to everyone. He reiterated that noble professions like farming, education and healthcare being turned into financial commodities for the benefit of a handful of cronies has led to drastic changes in how our society perceives the role of food,knowledge and health in human life. A true leader like Rahul knows and understands that a country’s identity is the fusing of millions of disparate stories into a singular vision- a welfare society. Gujarat burns again and it's never a model state.

The famous push-ups

In Mulagumodu, the hamlet of the Bruges lace Rahul was modish, making friends with students, weaving an intricate lace with love, dance, Aikido, push-ups and promises.

Compelling and inspiring were Rahul's mannerisms. Intimidated by this man's camaraderie, the miserable Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission to restrain Congress MP Rahul Gandhi from campaigning in vain. Thus, a genuine reply to a student who was concerned about the lack of freedom of expression in today's India looked like a threat to national security but not the disappearance of rafale files or student groups like ABVP that inflict violence on students and practice goondaism by people in the disguise of leaders.

Rahul cooked in style

'Big moment' with the Chefs of the Village Cooking Channel (VCC) was the acme of RaGa's visit. Whether it's the way he transformed into one of them to become a hands on cook or the way he pronounced the ingredients in tamil or the manner in which he made them feel that he had a connection with them listening to their dreams and helpP-09

national ing them grow wings by offering to introduce his friend Sam Pitroda or showing his humorous side, RaGa did it in style with no pretence whatsoever. As opposed to the PM who tried to woo the tamilians by trying his best in vain to utter a few couplets that did nothing but give enough content for memes and jokes in Tamilnadu, Rahul brought back Tamilnadu's spirit and it's sense of optimism. Any vision is worth little if a leader doesn't have the character--the wisdom and heart to see through people's eyes, hear between words and beyond what was spoken. Just a Few Educational institutions hours with the village chefs welcomed him with ease. and their voices played into Rahul's deep sense of Rahul interacted Tamilnadu's history and his ever-so-casually with belief in the promise of students to hear from democracy. Seated beside them, find out what them as they relished the they’re interested in, because he believes that mushroom biryani, Rahul most of the problems are discussed big ideas. We aren't in an age where no going to be solved by popular leader can any young minds. In his longer mingle with his felevery move he was low citizens, either to stir setting an example and them or learn from them. he certainly looked like Remember the 'Big Drama' an important symbol of enacted by A Shah who visprogress. ited a Dalit family in Peretapalli in Nalgonda district in 2017 with a troop of media persons? According to reliable sources Shah's food was prepared in the mango orchard of an upper caste landlord in a neighbouring village. Another similar wily act of Shah at West Bengal’s Bankura in 2020 during his visit to a tribal family's house was disclosed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. These days, any such gestures by the BJP are more likely to be staged than genuine. For the BJP-AIADMK alliance in Tamilnadu, this election has been a combination of 'ache din aane wale hai' promises or DMK pummelling and new Rahul Gandhi bashing.

Many a time, they were confused as to which approach should take primacy. With Rahul's courage and integrity that I think is the hardest and most demanding kind, I believe that neither line would work to optimum efficacy.

Rahul displays solidarity with farmers

After watching Jallikattu in Madurai, RaGa assured the people of being one with them when it comes to protecting the culture and language of Tamilnadu. Shaking hands, acknowledging smiles and gestures, that was part of how he managed to maintain perspective and take his work seriously, or running for victory seriously, but not take himself too seriously. Rahul Gandhi had a valid point on the sport and he made it only after watching it in person. Yes, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh was Environment minister in 2011 when the Ministry issued a notification banning the use of bulls as performing animals and that will never downplay Rahul's display of support to farmers. Just so the BJP believes and asserts that the party Supremo P-10

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can't be held totally responsible for a minister's decision or tweet, it would be wise on their part to think at least once before accusing others of double standards. Having discovered it's oxygen supply is shut down by voters of TN, BJP seems to be on a desperate search for relevance. It's attempt to pooh pooh Rahul Gandhi's charisma should be perceived in this light. There cannot be a better example of duplicity than AIADMK's claim that their alliance with BJP is only "electoral". Mr. Chief Minister you can't sail safe and untroubled with a partner who has a different ideology or destination in mind.

"One tax, minimum tax"

At the gathering of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) representatives in Coimbatore, RaGa's solidarity was unmistakable. People await a restructured/ reconceptualised Goods and Services Tax (GST) and ‘one tax, minimum tax’. From Skill India, Digital India, Make in India, Atmanirbhar [Bharat], entrepreneurs ended up nowhere which means out of 7.5 crore small entrepreneurs, almost 30% of enterprises are dead. After ruling for 7 years in succession, the BJP is expecting the voters to swallow two things: One, economic reforms and two, it's image of being pluralistic. Tamilnadu rejects both. Accusing the present ruling party of superimposing the GST, RaGa made it clear BJP's GST is designed to help large businesses. It's not a secret that the affluent have creamed off reforms that the Modi government has effected. Therefore Mr. Prime Minister, what kind of economic reforms and for whom?

India- an ailing democracy

Cameras have a way of capturing what a thousand words cannot.

TN has seen and heard Rahul like never before. As far as the people of TN are concerned, Rahul is the much needed fillip to our ailing democracy. Unlike BJP-AIADMK leaders whose proclamations underline that they are not willing to be active participants in any questioning of the principles underlying farm laws, poverty, corruption, alcohol prohibition or human rights and possible impact upon a highly unhealthy and unequal society, Rahul is willing to rectify failures/ shortcomings and reform government-a long overdue task.

Above all, Rahul admits all pogroms and riots are wrong.

The sun has risen

Rape, harassment and other forms of violence against women appear to have risen in India, blatantly after the ruling government and it's allies make every effort at moral policing. The audacity of blaming victims stems from the fact that BJP considers Manusmriti as a source of law. DMK that rests on the dravidian ideology will undoubtedly fare better with Congress by it's side. The sun has risen from the beautiful south to throw some light on other parts of India as well.

Dear Rahul, as you know women's welfare and safety is a concern and much more work remains. Women are capable of creating history and future with formidable grace, for sure. But 'don't let anyone stop you'.

Eventually, a vigorous and vigilant government is the sine qua non of a healthy democracy. Tamilians know it better.

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March 2021, spoke of the country’s geo-economic potential, the need for economic security and cooperation.”, but have ever since contradicted their statements.

If the belief that army chief had stated was true, then the about-turn on the Indian import would never take place. There have been many instances that prove economy for Pakistan has always been secondary.

So where does this notion come from?

Pakistan Bans Indian Import Sejal Seth The about-turn of Prime Minister Imran Khan and his cabinet did not come as a shocker. The bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan has always been a matter of concern.

Pakistan’s ban on Indian Import is just another mechanism to get back at India, and the demand for Kashmir. The geo-politics has been so hugely concentrated upon that importance of geo-economics has comprehensively diminished. While, Kashmir has always been the conflict of interest between the two, trade is just being used as a pawn by Pakistan, to get back at Kashmir.

A day after Pakistan’s new finance Minister Hammad Azhar declared to lift a two year old ban on Indian imports; Pakistan’s cabinet had blatantly rejected the proposal of economic coordination committee (ECC).

According to a report by Dawn, the 16th agenda of ECC mentioned, the lifting up of ban on cotton and sugar import on India.

The about-turn of Prime Minister Imran May 31, 2021

Khan and his cabinet did not come as a shocker. The bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan has always been a matter of concern. Pakistan’s hostility can clearly be seen, after they declared India’s decision to revoke special autonomous status of Kashmir, as illegal.

According, to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, "As a party to this international dispute, Pakistan will exercise all possible options to counter the illegal steps."In the year 2019 the Pakistani government imposed a ban on Indian Import, as a result of India revoking Article 370 and 35 A from Kashmir. In reality Pakistan’s Move is a new way to get its demand for Kashmir, fulfilled.

The linking up of trade with the resolution of Kashmir dispute is just beating up a dead horse; especially at a time when the sugar prices in Pakistan are at a peak and the cotton produce is just depleting, fostering geopolitics shouldn’t be of a concern.

A report by the print stated that “Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, while speaking at the inaugural Islamabad Security Dialogue in

Pakistan has just been beating around the bush. The Cold war is an outstanding example to Pakistan’s “palpable demands”. Pakistani’s sought demand from Americans, in order to defeat India, instead of saving a drowning economy.

Since 1958 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided Pakistan with more than 22 loans, in a hope for implementation of the structural reforms, which would perhaps build up the economy, but has never been implemented.

Where India is the world’s largest producer of cotton and the second largest sugar producing country, the Pakistani government’s claim on India being affected by the trade relations seem vague.

The downgrading bilateral trade and diplomatic ties brings no damage to Indian economy. Pakistan is the 48th trading partner of India, where as the 6th position in their trading partners list is backed by India.

Pakistan has always been on the radar.

The ban on import took place after India imposed 200% tariff (unlisted) on import from Pakistan. While consecutive Uri (2016) and Pulwama attacks (2019), lead to, India removing Pakistan from the list of most favored nations.

They are so engrossed in wanting Kashmir to be a part of Pakistan that they blatantly ignore the fact that the sailing and sinking of their economy depends upon them. "For durable peace and stability, it is essential that we resolve all bilateral issues with negotiations, through dialogue, especially the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir, which is also essential and pending and a long standing issue before the United Nations," said Aftab Hassan Khan on Pakistan Day Celebrations.

In the year 2003, India and Pakistan did sign a ceasefire agreement, after the Kargil war, but the clear violation of 14,000 ceasefires ever since 2006, show how desperate Pakistan is to get Kashmir.

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Mothers' Day Out

By Virika Shah This present mother's day how about we celebrate and embrace the embodiment of all mothers who have been effective in adjusting both their professional and motherhood!

So here's a message to every one of the chauvinists, that woman can be both a decent mother and have a career.

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Cooking, washing, cleaning, bringing up kids and taking care of the impulses of the family, women are required to dominate at all these positions inside a family. To such an extent that our society doesn't see a woman's obligations towards her home go inseparably with her having a thriving profession. You can either be a decent mother or have a fruitful vocation, so pick one, women are told. Be that as it may, is this really true? Are women with prospering vocations awful mothers and the other way around? Or on the other hand is it simply an idea that society has been hawking to hold women back from understanding that they can do both, if just they have sufficient support from their family?

We have glorified the penances that women have been making for their families for ages

so much that they have wound up turning into a standard. Our Indian patriarchal society anticipates a woman, particularly a mother to change and relinquish her profession since that is both egotistical and lost by them. It's anything but a woman's responsibility to be a provider for her family. Numerous individuals accept that utilized women burn through the entirety of their cash on themselves, and accordingly their business is viewed as a conceited demonstration, which comes at the expense of "ignoring" their children.

Our families are our wellspring of solidarity. We look for support from them in each choice that we make. Suppose they peer downward on you for representing yourself?

In any case, this precisely is the situation that numerous mothers need to persevere through even today. Not exclusively do working mums face reaction from their families for focusing on their vocation, but at the same time are marked as an inadequate moms of course.

Let's build this clear, for the last time, nurturing doesn't work by a rulebook. A functioning mother can bring up an effective child.

Continually being around your kid is certainly not a privilege to imparting a solid attach to your kid. Other than it is significant for kids to see their mothers work and live on their May 31, 2021

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own terms. That is one way we can help them break liberated from the man centric attitude.

Indeed, consider the big picture, if a mother will not remain at home for 24 hours per day, her kids will not soak up the 'everythingserved-on-a-platter' culture exceptionally predominant among Indian families.

It takes two to bring toddler into this world.

Why should just one parent be answerable for raising one? the equivalent goes for family tasks. For what reason must women play out all the neglected work at home? Would it be advisable for them to betray their latent capacity and abilities just in light of parenthood? In the event that at all parenthood blocks women's vocations, it is so on the grounds that most women don't have a solid emotionally supportive network to back them up. Give a skilled mother all the help that she needs and you will observe her expert parenthood and her profession simultaneously.

Obviously, altogether laying the fault on individuals around us isn't the arrangement. As a child, support your mom on the off chance that she decides to hit back the street years into marriage and parenthood, and battle for her if need be. We, as a family ought to never deprecate the women in the family as unequipped for satisfying their cravings. In the event that a woman can deal with a kitchen well, she can likewise maintain a business, or be a decent representative, on the off chance that she needs to! All she needs is our support.

Here is a list of offbeat careers for moms who wants to kick-start their career post motherhood:

Blogging

If you have a flair for writing and completely love being on social media platforms, this is the field you must explore even further.

Blogging is a vast sphere and offers a wide variety of areas for you to play in. There is entertainment blogging, fashion blogging, family/relationship blogging, travel blogging and many other areas that you may find interest in. Moreover, there are many platforms you can promote your blog through, till you begin to monetize it

Story-telling

As unconventional as this may sound, it actually offers a wide variety of opportunities that you can explore. From starting an online library to holding home sessions of storytelling to puppetry - you can make this as interesting as you want. This work is the most May 31, 2021

loved by children in the age group of 5-10 years who have (mostly) limited reading skills and have their imagination alive. The initial investment would include a few books and a great deal of social media interaction to popularize yourself.

DIY Artist

Who does not like putting waste lying at home to good use; and, if you can make it easier by giving a step-by-step demo online, it can be a great success. YouTube is your best bet to create a platform where you can showcase your ideas and get maximum hits to start monetizing

Social Skills Enhancement

I can hear you saying “really?” Believe me, this is a thing which is rapidly catching on.

Now, this is a vast area that would need some very nuanced skills and a great deal of patience for it to flourish. This would mainly take a whole lot of word of mouth to find acceptability. This entails enhancement of skills like writing, calligraphy, table etiquette, social and public speaking. You may have to self-design your course as per the personalized requirement of your client. Starting with younger children and taking it upwards would benefit hugely

Event Management

It may sound like a huge investment but if you start small you can gradually step up.

Events like social gatherings, book reading/launches, heritage walks, food walks and the likes can be easily managed. Again, the key is to have a strong network of likeminded people who would be willing to place their trust in you. Understandably, there is a

lot of competition presently, so getting hold of a few veterans in the business is a major plus

Fitness Training

Most women work very hard to get back in shape post having a baby. And like you, they are willing to spend as much time to get back in shape as you are. What better way to help them while helping yourself? If you are a fitness lover, a small course in yoga or Zumba will help you head start. Your social media links can help you get the required clients in your vicinity and you can begin by turning a space in your home into your gym. An investment in a few basic equipment like mats and exercise balls can get you rolling initially

Baking

You may feel it is common enough to find any market but you would be surprised to know how much you can flourish in this area as well. Not just cakes but other baked products and bread are much in demand, always!

And as far as cakes are concerned, you can keep enhancing your skills in the areas of macaroons making, sugar arts, icing skills and the works. An initial spend on a decent course will give you the necessary nudge and believe me there is no looking back. To begin with, use your own kitchen and then expand further as the business grows much as these offbeat professions look lucrative, they are a lot of hard work too. But with the availability of time flexibility, you can tend to your work and handle your family with equal ease.

Now, without much worry, take the lead into your favourite arena and make your mark - because you can!

So, look up, find and shine with purpose; everything you’ve been looking for is inside you!

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Job Prospects after COVID-19

By Akshinta Das

To generate livelihood for the skilled employable youth during this uncertain times, needs a strategic and futuristic vision. Even though we need to bridge the skill gap, it needs unification of the job along with job seekers, which eliminate the odds which are posed the crisis.

While bridging a gap between education and employability, enormous plans made for skill developmental of rural as well as urban youths are made in the national levels. Even though the skill-gap has reduced to an extent, the current crisis of COVID has posed a problem for youths across the country to get a proper livelihood.

Employment problems due to COVID-19 P-14

Employment and livelihood worldwide has taken a stance since the pandemic. Let us look at the impact of COVID-19.

m According to the ILO (International Labor Organization) Monitor third edition: COVID-19 and the world of work(29 April 2020), the global losses of working hours in the first half of 2020 is equal to 305 million jobs. m People have been involved in a largescale reverse migration around the globe, without a steady flow of income, meeting and fulfilling the needs of the family is a serious concern. m People who are residing abroad have now come back to India, while more citydwellers have migrated to their native place, but people in villages and peri-urban setup, mitigates heavy and expenses that incur in metros and top tier cities. m Companies now are dealing with

‘Work from home’ culture, and working on optimum output, sticking to a time-bound schedule, coordination of the team, and most important: data security and privacy.

What are the main COVID affected sectors?

The pandemic- affected sectors are:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Food service Travel Retail Door to door sales Recreation Fitness Wellness Real Estate

Job sectors where hiring will increase due to COVID-19 There has been an increase in hiring for these industries like: 1.

Corporate services

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2.

Legal services 3.

Public safety 4.

Software and IT services There is a constant need and demand for niche job skills and corporates are hiring talent to select roles that require specialized certificates in niche skills. Most of the openings are entry-level position, which is good for fresh graduates.

During this post COVID-19 world, business look to build processes online, few business models even evolve to leverage the digital medium.

This will give rise to:

1.

2.

3.

Web developers Cloud computing specialists Cyber-security professionals

This, in turn will cause a demand for data used in daily basis and the demand for: 1.

Data Scientists 2.

Machine learning 3.

AI specialists These people will need to market their service online, which causes an increase in the demand for: 1.

Digital marketing professionals 2.

Social media marketers 3.

Content managers 4.

Ads specialists

COVID-19 and the Film and TV industry

COVID-19 has left the entertainment industry reeling. The film industry is vulnerable as both the production and consumption of its output requires large groups of people to gather in a small space.

Globally, the entertainment industry includes amusement parks, theatre productions, sporting and live events and trade shows. The pandemic has obviously affected revenues as well as the employees of these sectors.

COVID-19 and the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is experiencing its third price collapse in 12 years. After the first two shocks, the industry rebounded, and business as usual continued. This time is different. The current context combines a supply shock with an unprecedented demand drop and a global humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the sector’s financial and structural health is worse than in previous crises. The advent of shale, excessive supply, and generMay 31, 2021

ous financial markets that overlooked the limited capital discipline have all contributed to poor returns. Today, with prices touching 30-year lows, and accelerating societal pressure, executives sense that change is inevitable. The COVID-19 crisis accelerates what was already shaping up to be one of the industry’s most transformative moments.

While the depth and duration of this crisis are uncertain, our research suggests that without fundamental change, it will be difficult to return to the attractive industry performance that has historically prevailed. On its current course and speed, the industry could now be entering an era defined by intense competition, technology-led rapid supply response, flat to declining demand, investor scepticism, and increasing public and government pressure regarding impact on climate and the environment. However, under most scenarios, oil and gas will remain a multi-trillion-dollar market for decades. Given its role in supplying affordable energy, it is too important to fail. The question of how to create value in the next normal is therefore fundamental.

To change the current paradigm, the industry will need to dig deep and tap its proud history of bold structural moves, innovation, and safe and profitable operations in the toughest conditions. The winners will be those that use this crisis to boldly reposition their portfolios and transform their operating models. Companies that don’t will restructure or inevitably atrophy.

A troubled industry enters the crisis

The industry operates through long megacycles of shifting supply and demand, accompanied by shocks along the way. These megacycles have seen wide swings in value creation.

After the restructurings of the early 1980s, the industry created exceptional shareholder value. From 1990 to 2005, total returns to shareholders (TRS) in all segments of the industry, except refining and marketing companies, exceeded the TRS of the S&P 500 index. Oil and gas demand grew, and OPEC helped to maintain stable prices. Companies kept costs low, as memories from the 1980s of oil at $10 per barrel (bbl) were still acute.

A new class of supermajor emerged from megamergers; these companies created value for decades. Similarly, the “big three” oil-field service equipment (OFSE) companies emerged. Political openings and new technologies created opportunity for all.

From 2005 to January 2020, even as macro tailwinds such as strong demand growth and effective supply access continued, the global industry failed to keep pace with the broader market. In this period, the average of the oil and gas industry generated annual TRS growth about seven percentage points lower than the S&P 500 (Exhibit 1).

Every sub segment similarly underperformed the market, and independent upstream and OFSE companies delivered zero or negative TRS. The analysis excludes companies that were not listed through this period (including some structurally advantaged national oil companies, and private companies).

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Women : The Creation of Thy's Shadow Nikita Bararia West Bengal is a state in the eastern region of Indiaalong the Bay of Bengal. With over 91 million inhabitants, it is the fourth-most populous state and the fourteenth-largest state by area in India.

Facing the ignominy of having the second largest number of cases of crime against women, West Bengal is facing a big challenge to tackle the issue as it lacks basic infrastructure including protection officers.The state has only 21 women protection officers, all on contractual basis, for the entire state and that too without any support staff or basic infrastructure.

"It is true that we have only 21 women protection officers. We need more women protection officers. We do feel that infrastructure and support staff need to be increased. But that's a time bound process, which also needs clearance from finance department," Women Development & Social Welfare Minister Sashi Panja told PTI. According to NCRB’s data of 2014, published in 2015, out of the 3,37,922 incidents of crime against women in the country, West Bengal has the second highest number of cases of crime against women at 38,299.

Uttar Pradesh stood first with 38,467 cases.And in terms of rate of crime against women, Bengal stood second with 85.5 per cent with Rajasthan topping the chart with 91.4 per cent.

While a decade has passed since the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005, was passed, but with lack of basic infrastructure and manpower, P-16

justice seems to be elusive for the women who are victims of domestic violence.

PWDVA was enacted primarily to deal with those assaulting or making life of women miserable, by such conduct even if it does not amount to physical ill-treatment.

The act also has provisions which provides the woman to seek relief such as protection, shelter and medical facilities, activists say.But due to lack of proper infrastructure, women who are victims of domestic violence find it tough to get justice due to pro-

cedural delays, they say.Some of the women protection officers who spoke to PTI on condition of anonymity pointed out their helplessness due to huge pressure of cases."We receive so many cases per month. And I have to tackle all the cases of the district singlehandedly. It takes a heavy toll on us. We are not even provided with a peon in many cases to help us in our job," a woman protection officer said.

Another officer said that recently they were provided with computers but without May 31, 2021

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any proper Internet connection.

Most of the districts have only one-woman protection officer, barring few such as Kolkata, which has two.State Women Commission chairperson Sunanda Mukherjee said, "The state should take steps to increase the status of women protection officers and increase their number," she said.

The Opposition parties came down heavily on the TMC government on the lack of infrastructure in tackling domestic violence against women.

According to NCRB data in 2012, Bengal accounted for 12.7 per cent of all crimes committed against women, including rape, in the country. Bengal reported 2,363 rape cases in 2011.

Here are a few that are breaking new ground and improving the lives of women, and encouraging them to think big, both in urban and rural areas.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana

Launched on January 22, 2015, in Panipat,

Haryana, it aims to generate awareness and also improve the efficiency of welfare services for the girl child. The initial aim of the campaign was to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) but has come to include gender-biased sex-selective eliminations, and propagating education, survival, and protection of the girl child.

urban and rural areas.

Under the scheme, assistance is provided for construction of new hostels and expansion of existing ones. The working women hostels are available to any woman provided her gross income does not exceed Rs 50,000 per month in metropolitan cities and Rs 35,000 per month in any other place.

Under the purview of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the government launched Mahila-E-Haat in 2016. It is a bilingual online marketing platform that leverages technology to help aspiring women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and NGOs to showcase their products and services.

Falling under the ambit of the Beti Bachao BetiPadhao scheme, the SukanyaSamriddhiYojana is a government-backed savings scheme for girl children. The account can be opened at any India Post office or a branch of an authorised commercial bank anytime between the birth of the girl child and till the age of 10 by a parent or guardian.

It is also the responsibility of the individual who is the victim that they have filed a FIR and taking right legal actions against it.

If we step back then these kind of acts cannot be stopped, both the victim and the legal authorities should take actions carefully correctly and immediately.

Mahila-E-Haat

Working Women Hostel

The government launched the Working Women Hostels to ensure availability of safe, convenient accommodation for working family, along with daycare facilities for their children, wherever possible in urban, semi-

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

WHO gives 100 oxygen concentrators to Haryana

Gurugram/ World Health Organisation (WHO ) has in first phase given 100 Concentrators to Haryana, which were presented to Haryana CM Manohar Lal during his stay in Gurugram by National Profession Officer-cum Regional Team Leader North Dr Vishesh at Gurugram.

Manohar thanked the WHO for this help and said that Haryana state is following the guidelines of WHO in combating the pandemic. He hoped that the WHO would keep on helping Haryana in terms of providing medical equipments and also continue guiding for tackling the pandemic in more effective ways.

While assuring the Haryana CM Mr Manohar Lal for all help , Dr Vishesh said that WHO stands in solidarity with the people of India in this crisis and our sympathies are with the families that have lost their loved ones. He said, “We will continue to work with the Union government and state governments to end the pandemic”. He told that WHO is supporting India to fill critical gaps in the availability of oxygen, testing kits, and hospital beds and it procured 1.2 million respirator masks (KN95), 4000 oxygen concentrators, 424 medi-beds, 128 tents for auxiliary health facilities, 1.2 million reagents and 400,000 PCR test and swab kits to support May 31, 2021

testing capacity across States and Union Territories. Out of these, 100 oxygen concentrators have been handed over to Haryana.

He further apprised that WHO has a network of over 2600 technical officers supporting the government in elimination of TB and NTDs, immunisation and NCD programme covering all states and UTs. These teams were repurposed last year to support the pandemic.

In the recent surge, they are redeployed again to support state governments in responding to the second wave. In addition, WHO continues to support efforts to accelerate vaccination for COVID19.

Dr Vishesh assured Mr Manohar Lal that WHO will continue to work closely with Central and State governments, district officials, partners, health care and frontline workers and volunteers, and communities for rapid scale-up of active case detection, real time epidemiological/situational monitoring and assessments, augmenting supply of resources to ensure equitable access to testing kits, medicines, vaccines, and lifesaving consumables and in communicating evidence based messages for preventing the disease.

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politics

A Political Problem

By Simran Handa

Rallies, voting polls, political parties, elections, opposition parties yelling at each other- these are things that people associate with politics. None of that is wrong, these things are very much a part of politics, however, is that all that there is to it?

And what difference does it make if someone doesn’t care about it? Things get heated and friendships end up falling apart over opposing political views. Wouldn’t it just be better to not get political altogether? Why can’t we all just put politics aside and get along?

What is politics?

Politics is an umbrella term, so let’s break it down to better understand what it means. In a book titled What Is Politics, The Activity and Its Study, the author, Adrian Leftwich describes two ways of approaching politics. According to him, we can look at politics as an arena or as a process.

When we look at politics as an arena, we see the government, how it functions, and the public affairs that take shape because of the government. But when we look at politics as a process, we look at the impact that the government has on us. It looks at compromise, consensus, power, and distribution of resources.

In this way, we can describe politics as a system through which people live their lives.

So everything we have or don’t have access to, right from P-18

roads, water, electricity, the food we get to eat and where we get to live, is all a result of politics. The education we receive, the societal norms that we are expected to follow whether or not we agree with them, the rights we have or don’t have, is all a result of politics.

Politics also defines power. A person in a position of power makes decisions, sets agendas, and controls the majoritarian ideology of a nation. Defining politics as something limited to parties and rallies limits the extent of control that it has over our lives. By doing so, we alienate politics as something that exists outside of society.

What does it mean to be apolitical?

Being apolitical, by definition, means not being involved/interested in politics, or being politically neutral/unbiased. This wouldn’t be an issue if, as discussed, everything wasn’t political to begin with. However, for a moment, let’s consider that this is not an issue. Everything is political, so what?

When one says that politics doesn’t matter to them, they essentially mean that whatever is happening in their country and in the world, already suits them. Everything works out in their favour, they do not lack any necessary resources; they do not have to fight for their rights or challenge any norms. Hence, they are coming from a place of privilege.

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Take the ongoing farmers’ protests, for example, the farmers wouldn’t call themselves apolitical. Things are not working out in their favour and they are anything but privileged.

They are protesting and that means they are political. They are taking a stance against the unjust Farm Acts of 2020 and are fighting for their rights.

The issue with coming from a place of privilege and not recognizing it is, that by doing so, the imbalance of power goes unaddressed.

Privileged people have the option of ignoring politics, while others do not.

Also, privileged doesn’t just mean wealthy.

Anyone that belongs to a certain social majority like heterosexuals, gender conforming individuals, religious majorities, people without physical/mental disability and more, is also partly privileged. The point is to recognize our privilege, no matter how big or small it may be.

How to become politically aware

Recognizing our privilege is a good start.

By doing that, we can come to terms with the issues that we do not face while there are millions who do and vice versa; and believe it or not, the next best thing to do would be just talking to people. We don’t have to go around asking others what their preferred political party is. We can instead learn first-hand accounts of the problems that people in our lives face.

For instance, if men want to learn how unsafe women are, they just have to ask a woman they already know because according to a report released by WHO in March 2021, 1 in 3 women (736 million) have been victims of physical/sexual violence.

We can also do our own research online.

However, that has its drawbacks, as false or half-baked information is highly prevalent on the internet. This is where we might have to cross-check things for ourselves because if a video about feminism ends with the person saying that they are an ‘equalist’, a quick google search can tell us that feminism is about social, political and economic equality of the sexes.

But not everyone is comfortable talking about serious issues, and even doing our own research might seem exhausting. So as a last resort, we could put all of that aside and try to look at how we feel when we watch movies or tv shows. When we watch our favourite characters in a show being subjected to any form of oppression, we feel empathetic towards them. We want them to come out of it May 31, 2021

Is privilege the only thing to blame?

and we want them to be treated equally. Similarly, we can relate issues we see in movies or tv shows to real life and think about our stance accordingly. This is a very watereddown way of looking at the larger issues prevalent in our society, especially if the show is fictional, but it is better than not thinking about things at all

Forming an opinion

All the things above can get us in touch with the world. Once we have a better understanding of the issues prevalent in the society, we can then look at the things that we feel strongly about. This can help us form opinions and understand where we stand politically.

We can ask ourselves questions like: Should the present social, economic and political systems be protected? Or should there be a change based on the injustices? Should things like healthcare, housing and access to clean drinking water and food, be available to everyone? Should people of the LBGT community have the same rights as everyone else?

Or to make things easier, we could instead take a Political Compass Test online. These tests have questions about social, economic and political worldviews. They can make us think about a subject that we had never thought about before. By doing so, we can expand our political awareness and get a fair idea of where we stand in the political spectrum. The goal here is to understand what our pre-existing belief systems are and then review it. The more open we are to learning, the more we can understand how much we don’t know.

We cannot ignore that our education system is also largely at fault for not making us politically aware. We learn a lot of things in school, of course, but not much about the different political ideologies and social issues.

Civics/Political Science is a part of a lot of school curriculums but it teaches us nothing more than the electoral system and how the government functions. While these things are also extremely important to learn about, it is, as previously mentioned, known as looking at politics as an arena. Hence, it is not surprising that for many, politics is nothing more than a bunch of people making noise.

We learn about political ideologies and the study of politics only if we choose the humanities or economics stream after high school.

Most often, people who choose science related streams learn little to nothing about politics from there on. In most Indian colleges, there is no option to mix and pick subjects of our interest.

This shows that most people don’t get the exposure to learn about the world, and while privilege certainly has a role to play in it, it is not the only thing at fault here. However, we know now that the education we receive is a result of politics as well. We do not have control over what we are taught in school, but it’s never too late to learn what we couldn’t.

Our role in society

We may not be able to pick the socio-economic backgrounds that we come from, but as long as we recognize our privilege, understand that there is always room for learning new things and unlearning what we thought we knew, there is hope for change.

We have to understand our responsibilities, take a stand and exercise our right to vote by making an informed decision. Voting especially cannot be taken lightly. We don’t have to vote for a party because someone we know is voting for them. Given the current situation with the pandemic and the plight that our country is in, it is more important than ever to be able to tell competent political candidates apart.

We all want to go out again and overcome the pandemic, but we have to realize that the poor management of this situation is also a result of politics. Being apolitical is not the way to go, and while it may take some work forming political opinions, it is better than being tone deaf towards the society.

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What Now?

The Question on Every College Graduate’s Mind

Saundarya Jain When we graduate from college, we are expected start figuring our life out: acquire a skillset, begin earning money and build a solid footing for our future. This transition that comes with immense responsibility is extremely nervewracking, yet we look forward to making the best of it.However,what happens to this idea ofstepping into adulthood during our 20swhen it collides with the dismal realities of a pandemic?

Many college graduates seeking a job presently are bound to be disappointed, given the grim condition of the Indian economy. According to Financial Express, all-India unemployment rate has hit its fourth-month high at 7.97%, with joblessness in urban areas peaking to a staggering 9.78%.

22-year-old Simrat, who graduated from National Institute of Fashion Technology, P-20

For people in their 20s, the pandemic has replaced the promise of freedom with a morbid sense of foreboding Bhubaneswar last year, has not been able to acquire a job along with most of her peers.“The design industry is not really very important during a pandemic. Nobody wants to hire,” she says. Simrat is one in many countless graduates who are struggling harder than ever to locate employment because their respective field is witnessing faltering growth. 23-year-oldShozab, a media graduate from Mumbai, aims to pursue

a career in advertising but feels despondent about his prospects as, he mentions, growth in the advertising sector will restore to 2019 levels in 2022. He explains, “If the industry doesn’t expand, it means less opportunities and money for me. Advertising is already criminally underpaid. With the 2nd wave (of Covid-19), it is getting worse now.”

In addition to this, certain employers are taking undue advantage of this situation by hiring students fresh out of college, without providing any remuneration. Nitant, who is in the final year of his MBA,expresses his concerns about the unpredictable odds of getting placed at a company. He mentions, “Many companies have either declined to come or have postponed. A few companies are offering remuneration far lower than normal market offerings,” and describes this as an “advantage for freshers.” 21year-old N. from Kerala, who has specialized in product design from Noida, hascome across multiple such offers of unpaid work and raises her concern about this trend, “There is absolutely no value for any job anymore. Since most college students are at home and jobless, they are ready to work as unpaid interns. Consequently, companies prefer to hire five unpaid interns over a paid employee.”

Unfortunately, Covid-19 has not only severely impacted employment prospects but also the quality of learning, which has been deteriorating ever since education transitioned to an online mode. Online education is specifically testing for courses that require creative and hands-on application of learning such as in sciences, design, media, etc. N. expresses her displeasure at paying full fees for online classes as they “were absolutely useless, especially for a stream like product design, since it's a practical subject.” NIFT graduate Simrat who is now pursuing her masters exclaims, “How does one learn design online?” Shozab echoes the same sentiment and finds it “irritating that his potential is being curtailed” due to low productivity of online learning.

Moreover,students who want to pursue their masters abroad face an uphill task. One of the most challenging process is to acquire documents and perform necessary formalities as adMay 31, 2021

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ministration offices in most colleges are not functioning. Aditi, from Mumbai, had to defer her admission offer from University of Liverpool in UK, after being compelled to drop an year due to circumstances ensuing from the spread of Covid-19.“This was a very difficult decision for me since I’ve already taken a gap year before. I have to submit my degree certificate to my post-grad university, but I haven’t received it yet, and college offices are shut, so I can’t find out information regarding a provisional degree certificate, either.” She further adds, “It’s a lot of waiting around and feeling quite helpless because what else can I do other than wait? My post-grad related work like visa, accommodation, etc. can continue only once I have my degree certificate.”

N. mentions she had to apply to universities for post-graduation with screenshots from online portals because her college could not send her scanned documents in time.“If I have to submit by documents before the deadline, I'll have to travel all the way to Delhi from Kerala to get my marksheets,” she says.

Applying for post-graduation courses is a strenuous undertaking during normal conditions but the pandemic has further aggravated the pressure that comes with it. The uncertainty connected to the future is plaguing everyone at a mass level. “My mind has not been clear for a while. Should I think of the future or care for the present?” wonders Simrat. Similarly, Neha, a bio-technology graduate, who is preparing for herMasters entrance exams finds the process very “anxiety inducing.” She expresses her concerns about the pandemic, ”Someone or the other I know is losing a loved one. I just can't seem to shake the worry I feel for my parents.

As I have it easier than most people, I am grateful. But the whole isolation has sucked the life right out of me because it's been going on for so long.” She also reveals she is worried about what's going to happen next, if she will ever get a chance at a regular college life again. “I had some sort of hopes about how my 20s were going to be. This is not a promising start,” she remarks. Aditi also voices similar concerns, “If things don’t improve, I will have to begin my

Govt.'s chaos & Corona deaths Prasad Shivaji Joshi

The father of a friend started having trouble in breathing. The corona was reported to be positive as expected after testing. The body was attacked by a formidable but invisible enemy named Corona.

The search for a bed with oxygen facilities began to defeat him. It took half an hour to travel from the village to the district.

My friend was disturbed to see that, his father struggling in such a way that he could get treatment in the old age of his life. After widespread rejection, it was finally decided to move to a neighboring district place. Destiny was really testing the patience. Eventually the bed was found and treatment began. Unfortunately, treatment could not save his life. Covid-19 defeated the body of the friend's father was defeated and he died.

The situation is the same in every city in the state with a slight difference. It is shocking to see the daily posts of tributes on social media.It is true that death is not and May 31, 2021

will never be missed. But the worst thing is, patient lost his life only because he could not get treatment within the time. The struggle to survive should be stopped on the steps of the hospital.

In Maharashtra, Beds with oxygen facility are not available to patients.

There is a huge shortage of remedicivir.

In short, it seems to be the completely collapsed system of government in the state. Unfortunately, citizens of the state experiencing the worst time ever.

This is because of the lack of strategy.

Government officials & functioneries interested only in imposing the Lockdown. But the Lockdown is not the only way to defeat a formidable enemy like Corona. The most important rea-

national

studies online, which I hope isn’t the case, since that will affect my overall experience.”

The present is laden with so muchuneasiness that it is inevitably difficult to think straight. At a period when young adults should be able to experiment with their abilities and overcome inhibitions, they are weighed down by not onlyunpredictable external factors but also several apprehensions and inner disquiet. Many in their 20s who aspire to work towards being independent now find themselves bound by countless restrictions.It seems like the pandemic has snuffed the hope and exuberance of youth and replaced the promise of freedom with a morbid sense of foreboding.

As the secondwave of the pandemic in India progresses towards its peak, it’s difficult to say whether things will get easier or more bleak.

While collective angst is a sign of the times, it is also, if you look at it with all the hope you can muster, a window into oneanother’s suffering; a resounding message that you are not alone in your experience of being a 20-something,sorely let down by how life is unfolding.

son for this plight is the common public's distrust on the government's health system.

This means that if you are admitted to a government hospital, there is no guarantee that the patient will be taken care of properly.

Especially in rural areas, the picture is dire. A telephone call from a local MP or MLA is required to get treatment at a government hospital. It is not possible to get proper treatment without s u c h phone.

T h e Covid 19 has done the most damage to the health and education sectors. The education sector is literally in shambles. The schedule of teaching and examination has completely deteriorated. No matter how much online education is booming, it will never be able to match the actual teaching. The fact will come out especially in rural areas. In a family where there is only one mobile phone, online tu-

toring will be a mirage.

Basically, there is a huge lack of infrastructure required for online education.

In such a situation, other options than lockdown should be considered. Due to continously Lockdown, retailers are now in a position to starve to death. Shopkeepers, business loans, debts and family responsibilities are the lifeblood of the retailers and day laborers.

To overcome this situation Government need to stregthen the health system on highest priority.

The help of NGOs would have been invaluable in strengthening the health system. In fact, it can still happen. There are many NGOs working on their own in this pandemic. They will be need to proper coordination with the government.

At the government level, Mumbai Police Commissioner Paramvir Singh writes a letter to the Chief Minister directly accusing the Home Minister of ransom. The state government got more involved in the Paramvir Singh issue while the people were swallowing the corona's monster.

In view of all this, the common man has to pay the price for the lack of strategy and the resulting chaos.

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hot topic

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Elections during a pandemic, was it necessary?

Aryan Jaiswal/ India is passing through the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Though the peak is yet to come, the fury has already stunned the world. Everybody is blaming someone or the other, while the lack of oxygen is taking scores of lives. Some blame the hubris of the government, others blame the traditions of religious festivals like Holi and Kumbha, and some the lack of human capital among Indians.

However, while India has become the Covid capital of the world, the country is at the same time busy in the assembly elections.

Over 100 million people have cast their votes in West Bengal.

Huge public meetings and long road shows have taken place in the state during the election campaign. However, most of these superspreader political dramas continue to be enacted in the politically crucial state, West

Bengal, which India’s ruling party BJP desperately wants to win. However, it is very unwise to expect that miracle again while going ahead with elections in several Indian states while the country is still under the grip of the pandemic.

The US also held its elections in November

Pollution: A life threatening problem

Bristi Adhikary/ It has always been a major unsolved problem to mankind. After the attack of pandemic, people residing metropolitan cities are getting fresh air to breath.

Around 1.7 million premature deaths in 2019 happened in India according to the study, due to toxic urban air.

The study shows that the death rate in India is on rise before the COVID pandemic.

Why is pollution a major problem? The first and foremost in India population is high. The birth rate is more than the death rate because of excellent medical advancement. Accordingly, every one desires a new home or in simple words a successful life to raise their standards in the society. Cluster of people gather and cut down the trees. Deforestation is another step towards pollution. Air pollution causes changes in climate due to which human suffer from cardio vascular system, respiratory infection, heart diseases, lung cancers etc. It depends on the degree of exposure and the individuals’ health status. Water pollution is the also a problem. Water is the ultimate source for life. India reports 12.4 lakhs death in a year. The most common sources that cause water pollution are Runoff from Agricultural Operations, Runoff and Nonpoint Source Pollution, Industrial Activities, Leakage from Underground Storage and Piping, Leaking Sewers, Vehicle Emissions, Landfill Leakage, Hazardous Waste etc. The disease-causing bacteria and pathogens are major cause of illness from the toxic drinking water. Cholera, giardia, and typhoid are some diseases human face.

Air pollution and water pollution are two major pollution problem now people are facing. Except these other types of pollution like soil pollution, radioactive pollution, noise pollution happens. WHO or World Health Organization has reported 4.2 million deaths per year.

With the coming of COVID, pollution has reduced world-wide. We all need to keep a check to the life threatening problem.

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2020, but the rallies were done virtually, conventions were called off, debates took place with a maximum of 100 people, and a record number of ballots were sent by post.

Thus, the question arises: Do developing countries need to engage in elections while struggling against an unprecedented pandemic, which is deadly and highly infectious?

Undoubtedly, the pandemic has made it very likely for increased bogus voting in India as many voters are afraid to come to the polling station. The identity checks of voters with masks have also become problematic.

Holding elections at the time of the Covid pandemic makes the politicians more likely to be exposed to corona virus. Since February 2020, at least 78 countries and territories worldwide have decided to postpone their national and sub national elections. But India has not.

Cricket: The Love Of The Nation

“In India, cricket is not a sport, it’s a religion. Sachin is the god of cricket.” As said by the Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh during his visit to India.

Despite the existence of so many castes and creeds and the country fighting over religious feuds and discriminations of various kinds, cricket is something that keeps India bound together. And this cricket is not limited just to the big stadiums and the country’s best players. You find the beauty of cricket on the streets in the evenings, where the kids dream of themselves playing for their country and their spirit is nothing less than that of the national players. It is the best family bonding time, every time a match is telecasted the whole family sits together to enjoy the match and share the emotion. It is not even the national sport of India, but still, it is a celebration and an emotion to many people.

From its embarrassing infancy to being the number 1 in world cricket, Indian cricket has come a long way.

Let’s see how and why cricket become the love of the nation The simplicity of the game: This game has a lot of simplicity attached to it because it can be played by everyone so people don’t think that this is a very complicated game. Though there are 22 players who play on field cricket just two players and a bat and ball can enjoy the game on the streets too.

Infrastructure: Though cricket is a game that can be played anywhere, there are proper stadiums and coaching centres where both kids and adults play. Also, every state of the country has a stadium. It has thus given wings to the earlier craze as it is open for everyone to learn.

Physical attributes: Games like basketball, football, hockey etc require a lot of physical fitness and height, and Indians do not engage in a very active lifestyle and aren’t very tall. But they do have the physical attributes required for cricket, which is why they understand and love it.

Role models: Some of the Indian cricketers are very popularly globally and are not taken lightly. They are an inspiration for many, people idolize them and look up to them. They wish not just to be actively involved in the game, but also want to play for their country.

Every generation of cricket has carried the legacy of the game and kept the bar very high. Adding on to that is the passion of the audience which makes cricket much more than just a sport.

May 31, 2021

issue

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Hold On To Water- If You Can!

Debasnata Nayak “Water is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's hydrosphere and the fluids of most living organisms. It is vital for all known forms of life, even though it provides no calories or organic nutrients.”This is the scientific definition of water. But for a common man water is equivalent to life.

When we talk about the importance of water, many daily life chores come to our mind such as washing clothes, cooking, gardening etc. But for washing clothes we have washing machines, for cooking we have cooks and even food delivering apps like Zomato and Swiggy. There is a saying that you don’t realize the importance of a thing until you don’t have the access to it. For a human, water is very important because 45%75% of an average human body composes of water. As we know Water protects and cushions vital organs. It helps to convert food into energy. It helps our body to absorb nutrients.

Huge populations of people all over the world don’t have access to water; even if they have the access they aren’t able to use it. About 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water and 3% of it is actually freshwater which is fit for human access. Out of which two-third is in the form of frozen glaciers and unavailable for human consumption.

According to a report of WWF, around 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Even after knowing all the facts some people act as educated illiterate and take clean drinking water for granted and don’t act wisely. Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 billion people—they are exposed to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other waterborne illnesses. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone. When we talk about India, from the northern Himalayas to the sandy, palmfringed beaches in the south, 600 million people - nearly half India's population - face acute water shortage, with close to 200,000 dying each year from polluted water.

May 31, 2021

“For every drop of water you waste, you must know that somewhere on earth someone is desperately looking for a drop of water!”

According to Wikipedia, “Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region. Women and children are worst affected — children, because they are more vulnerable to diseases of dirty water and women because they often bear the burden of carrying water for their families for an estimated 200 million hours each day. In India, we have witnessed the struggles women do to get water, let it be walking for more than 5KM on a hot scorching day on heated sand, or stand in a long queue for more than 2 hours compromising an eight-hour sleep.It is really unusual to know that feminism can be drawn here too, well me being a girl it’s obvious to add a feminist touch to my article. Well I’m not going to exaggerate the women point; I’ll keep it short and add the impact on environment too.

So getting back to the point, for a woman, water crisis is very personal. Adding to the time spent collecting water; millions spends a lot of time finding places to go. This makes an additional 266 million hours of time each day lost because they have no toilet at home. Helping young women to manage menstrual health is not just about providing appropriate facilities, but also includes addressing social norms.

When women are empowered with safe water

and toilets at home they are empowered to change their world.

In case of scarcity, plant life is adversely affected and there are always negative repercussions that end up affecting an entire ecological system. Plants start to undergo evolutionary changes in order to survive consistent water shortages.

What is the solution then?There are a lot of them which are being done by many countries, such as rain-water harvesting, educating the mass about the problem and how to control it, improving water sewage systems, Advance Technology Related to Water Conservation and etc.

We as responsible citizens can also contribute in prevention of water scarcity by: m Developing water filtration systems m Improving irrigation efficiency m Increasing water storage in reservoirs m Promoting water stewardship m Set up water conserving system like Rainwater harvesting m Reusing water after washing clothes for gardening. m Spread awareness through campaigns and social media.

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book review 'Mother killed by Brother's SEX', by Srikant Palapati is a prototypical story of an avaricious mother, abandoned family, and forlorn children trying to survive in a globally recognized city and cryptic title Justifying its genre "Mystery Thriller".

The story is narrated by Jessica, a 5 year old girl who makes this story even reliable and succeeds to amass the reader's sentiments. Susanna being a mother more than a woman facing down the chaos in her life, going through a personal crisis enters a world of prostitution.

What goes next and what the mysterious title of the book has to serve the infatuated readers, the book qualifies to answer to all these concerns of literary critic.

The book remains emotional and sympathetic throughout. It talks about various aspects of the vivacity of women, it talks about the struggle one faces and questions on women being sexually objectified for generations.

The rambling title keeps you engrossed in the story and the plot being slow-placed and convincing characters hook you on till the end.

Being in adultery has been taboo for ages,

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but also an alluring and intriguing subject for writers.

Book: Mother Killed By brother's Sex Author: Srikant Palapati Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers Prize: INR 199 Pages: 128

A Business Mind & Sinful Body

And Srikanth Palapati being ace in this chore touches the nerve and he seems to be succeeding in it. At some point, the characters of the book are questionable, a 5-year-old girl penetrating details of the story, Stalin, brother of Jessica being towed by his own mother into the murky hazy world of depredation. Also, the book talks about a mother who is nonexistent in literature. This is why this book is going to knock your sock off.

Where the story is fabulously scribbled, also we see the perspective of a male writer and the story gives the contemporary reality of sex work and sex worker.

You have an altogether more emotional, ulterior, and sympathetic rationale to read this book.

Rienieians's Tamer: An Off The Wall Approach To Sci-Fi Thfiller Harlongbi Rongphar, Author of 'Rienieians's Tamer' has written a fast-paced story of retaliation and vengeance set in the erratic socio-political milieu of New York.

Remarkably likable Protagonist of the story the Xonson Hathway is one of the vital characters along with a long line of meticulously written characters, each character playing a crucial role in the story. Many thanks to Author Harlongbi for bringing Xonson Hathway into our lives.

The nested story of the book has many facets, it talks about mythical or magical powers, villains, and heroes. The plot has a whiff of mystery and suspense, bringing out emotions such as revenge, friendship, and family sentiments.

The many involved emotions in a single-story make it an extremely entertaining and fascinating read.

The Prologue catches your scrutiny at first and the book be-

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comes a real page-turner. Managing multiple subplots that run parallelly can be an arduous task for an author but Harlongbi Ronglhar seems to be succeeding in it.

Bringing significant air of mysteriousness and inscrutability, the author can manage an infusion of antagonism with the right amount of ruthlessness.

Rienieian's Tamer grabs the reader and doesn’t let go. It keeps the readers immersed in the plot till the end with gripping/thrilling action scenes. The subtle plot and plausible characters will keep you turning page after page.

'Reinieians's Tamer justifies its genre 'sci-fi thriller' and at the same time can be called a unique approach to science fiction.

Where books of this genre can be called imaginary can also be labeled as tendrils of creativity.

This book has sure shot a hit and confidence to leave a mark in the industry for years to come.

Hats off to the author, Harlongbi Hongphar, on his maiden novel. You must have this book on your bookshelf.

A must-have and must-read, unquestionably!

Book: Harlongbi Rongphar Author: Harlongbi Rongphar Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers Prize: INR 309 Pages: 313 May 31, 2021

book review

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The lies we were promised

Nagini Cambampaty

Rarely does a story grip me to such an extent I actually miss my train stop on my daily boring commute! Immersive, exciting, and heart-wrenching, Lies We Were Promised is the debut novel from Rachel Ivan. Set amidst the murky world of child trafficking, the author deals with a difficult subject matter with ease and finesse, tackling the almost unthinkable fear of every parent on the planet.

The story is centered around Kerensa Oldfield, a 27 yr old accountant who lives a quiet life in London with her mother and younger brother embarking on a quest to find her estranged father, Kaian. A missing lineage that haunts her recurring dreams she is driven to find him. Long in the planning with meticulous research from a newspaper advert, she embarks on her mission.

Kerensa arrives in Chennai en route to Nagercoil, her father's native place. The sights and sounds of India enthrall her. Eager to absorb all that is around her we follow her journey with page-turning anticipation. We find Kerensa’s maiden voyage to Nagercoil filled with tribulations from the very first journey onwards. Upon arriving at Amma's guest house she encounters Vivien the owner and her son Samuel both intriguing characters with intriguing back stories. From here on-

GrowthBeats, a brand of GrowthBeats Communications hosted an online award show on 24th April 2021 at 3 PM IST which was telecasted live on Facebook.

Global Growth Accelerator Awards 2021 was envisioned to identify and recognize the talents which are albeit hidden from the limelight and have stormed through their success in respective fields in 2020.

The award show was an occasion to felicitate the achievers and give them pat on back for their motivational journey of achievements.

The Global Growth Accelerator Awards 2021 was hosted by Sumeet Kr Tyagi and Priyamegh Sharma.

The editorial and research team at GrowthBeats News assisted the jury to select the winners.

The winners of Global Growth Accelerator Award 2021 were presented with a title of Growthpreneur 2021.

Winners are Rashmi Jha – Art & Culture (Mithila Painting), Arjun Jaani –Business (NetMay 31, 2021

wards all is not what it seems.

An enigmatic character called Aruna befriends her, and the plot deepens. We are witness to brave Kerensa befriending enthralling characters along her journey who subsequently lead her into the murky world of locally trafficked children. Chance encounters with locals who hold very closely dark secrets grip the reader with force. After a futile trip to Chennai Kernesa finds herself battling the trauma of a short spate in Pulyam Prison. Here we find our protagonist bonding with fellow

Global Growth Accelerator Awards 2021 by GrowthBeats

women, also wrongly imprisoned. The evocative descriptions of the prison transport the reader to another unimaginable situation.

Wrongly accused of a crime she had not committed, Kerensa desperately seeks a way out.The reader can empathize with the earnest quest of Kerensa to search for her father through the author's eloquent depiction of her thoughts and fears. Rachel uses descriptions so vivid that we can easily feel Kerensa’s plight from the very get-go. Kerensa displays her intuition and emotional warmth to draw the reader in. The author's characterization is so well-rounded and the prose is beautifully written. In addition, what touched me more was the full description of the sights and sounds of South India, an elixir for the soul at a time where none of us can travel evoking such beautiful memories for me so vividly.

She weaves skillfully between scenes and characters seamlessly. Each chapter is from the viewpoint of different characters which hastens the pace of the plot. The interwoven stories are entrancing and carry the reader along a torrent culminating in an explosive crescendo. The story is so multi-layered and intricate, it is compelling reading.

I have loved reading this enthralling story of intrigue and social injustice and can highly recommend reading this.Now I am avidly awaiting a sequel. Enjoy this unputdownable debut novel. working & Community), Hemali Shah – Business (Chocolate House), Pooja Narula Sharma – Interior Designer, Rashida Burhanpurwala – Professional Training, Rinku Shah – Business (Health &Wellness), Shonell Thakker –Business (Digital Marketing), Tanish Agarwal – Business (Creative Designing), Harshita Dagha – Content Writer, Abhimanyu Kalbor – Digital Influencer (Food Blogging), Akash Soni – Digital Influencer (Food Blogging), Dr. Mitsu Chavda – Digital Influencer (Social Service), Saloni Panda – Digital Influencer (Food Blogging), Dr. Naresh Kalra – Education, Anuja S Monga –Occult Science, Lipiie Banerjee – Occult Science, Rihita Ranjan – Occult Science, Sakshi Duggal Kumria – Occult Science, Pawan Mulchandani – Photography, show was supported & sponsored by Shrikriti, Creative Partner: JP Designs & Prints, PR & Media Partners are My Media Markets & Fame Name Inc, UZI World Digital, The Asian Chronicle, India PR Distribution, Starter Reporter, True Speak, and Om Media Group.

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health

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throughout the body. Improved blood flow also indicates healthier organs and glowing skin.Yoga eases the body by reducing the strain. When the body relaxes, the pulse rate decreases. A low pulse rate indicates that your heart is strong enough to pump more blood in a span of fewer beats.Yoga improves oxygenation in the body and also lowers the heart rate. This results in higher cardiovascular endurance.Yoga involves a whole lot of controlled breathing. It entails filling your lungs to their full capacity, thus allowing them to work more efficiently.Yoga and Immunity go hand in hand. As yoga works towards healing and enhancing every cell in the body, your body automatically becomes more immune.

Thereby, increasing your immunity.

Effects on Mind

Yoga and its Effects Tanya Lath Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India.Yoga is an ancient art that connects the mind and body. It is an exercise that we perform by balancing the elements of our bodies. In addition, it helps us meditate and relax.Moreover, yoga helps us keep control of our bodies as well as mind.

Yoga gained popularity gradually and is now spread in all regions of the world. It unites people in harmony and peace.

Medical professionals and celebrities are P-26

also adopting and recommending the regular practice of yoga due its various benefits.Yoga is not just about bending or twisting the body and holding the breath.What they don't understand is that what they see as simply just another form of exercise will profit them in ways they never envisioned.

Effects on Body

Yoga teaches how to control and how to balance. With regular practice, your body will automatically assume the right stance. You will look both confident and healthy.Yoga improves your blood circulation. This means better transportation of oxygen and nutrients

When you are on your yoga mat, you focus on the practice. This means that all your focus is concentrated on the matter at hand, and your mind slowly drains out the stress and troubles that are plaguing it.Practicing yoga on regular basis uplifts your mood instantly as it leaves your mind with refreshing energy.A little twisting, bending and controlled breathing helps you overcome anxiety.Yoga enables self-awareness and betterment of health. Your self-esteem improves, and you become more confident and offers complete relaxation and more control. This gives your sexuality a much-needed boost.Yoga helps you relax your mind completely. It helps you work on unnecessary tensions, thus facilitating better sleep.

Effects on Life

Many hormones in the nervous system are stabilized when yoga is practiced on the regular basis. This helps you becomes more positive and you tend to look at life with refreshed and positive perspective.The controlled movements of yoga teach you how to render that self-control to all the aspects of your life. It will eventually result in better concentration and in less than eight weeks of yoga practice, you will find yourself more motivated.The breathing and meditation enable you disengage from your thoughts. This helps you calm down. With everyday yoga practice, you will notice how the calmness is no longer just a part of your practice – it becomes a way of life!

Yoga transforms your life and broadens your horizons in ways you can never imagine.

It is absolutely worth trying!

May 31, 2021

cinema

Shades of Grief in Cinema

With the mass-mourning we are experiencing presently, brilliant films will assist us in navigating through our grief Saundarya Jain At a time when the entire world seems to be mourning the loss of their loved ones, hope and normalcy due to Covid-19, no other film than Nomadland (2020) could have been more worthy of bagging the award for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars. Directed by Chloe Zhao, this film (streaming on Diseny+Hotstar ) follows the story of Fern, who is managing to live as a houseless person after the death of her husband. On her journey to nowhere, she encounters many nomads, which are played by real life counterparts of these characters. Fern becomes our window to their beautiful stories while we witness her wrestle with her own grief. Yet in no way is Nomadland a sad film. Nomadland grounds itself in the experience of being truly alive to the world and exemplifies, through its heartening perspective, that life and death are inextricably intertwined-- it’s only the mortality of our being that makes it all the more worthwhile. It is the sort of life-affirming cinema we needed to see and appreciate at such a tumultuous time because while making us come to terms with our grief, it also compels us to celebrate life.

Cinema has dissected grief in various forms, Nomadland being only one of many such films. The Tree of Life (2011) ponders over the religious questions of loss: if God made life, why did he also create death? Why did our creator instill so much love and conMay 31, 2021

sequently so much grief within us? This unmissable film employs breathtaking poetic imagery to raise many more such questions and renders a beautiful relationship among forces of nature, love and our mortal selves. A similar attempt is made, but at a much lighthearted level, by A Ghost Story (2017) as it also explores a unique take on loss of life: what happens to those who pass away? What if they are able to witness their loved ones grapple with the emptiness they have left behind?

In addition, there are several films which have portrayed grief in motion. In Manchester by the Sea (2016), a man loses his children in a fire. In Pieces of a Woman (2020), a woman’s baby dies moments after birth. In the French masterpiece, Three Colors: Blue (1993), a woman loses her family in a car accident. Consequently, these characters withdraw from the world, insolating themselves with numbness so that nothing can get in or out. They become so warped in their pain that they cannot differentiate between their selves and their loss. These films depict grief in its most realistic, mundane and agonizing version and reaffirm the power of cinema in mirroring life. All the three leading performances in the aforementioned movies are immensely resonating and will stay with you for long after the end credits have rolled.

The horror genre has also capitalized on the heart-wrenching and horrifying nature of grief. In the Australian psychological horror The Babadook (2014), a fictional bogeyman comes to life and disrupts the world of a

mother-son duo. In Ari Aster’s Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019), unhinged grief, with its roots in generational trauma, makes the characters vulnerable to destruction and evil forces. In Get Out (2017), the protagonist’s misplaced blame of his mother’s death exposes him to sinister manipulation. This brand of cinema paints a disturbing picture of unsolved grief, telling us that the more we struggle to run away from it, the more suffocating its hold on us will become. All of these films explore the overpowering nature of loss with a brilliant mix of classic and unconventional storytelling.

However, not all films on grief are this dramatic. Films like Up (2009), The Descendants (2011) and Piku (2015) ensure that we laugh through our tears. In Up, an elderly widower perseveres to fulfill a promise made to his late wife. In The Descendants, a man deals with the infidelity of a wife who has gone into a coma. In Piku, a road trip acts as a bridge between an ageing father and his daughter.

Rather than being disconcerting, these movies work as antidotes on our wounded hearts and convey that we must cherish our dear ones to the bone, while we still have time. They make poignant use of humor to mitigate the seriousness of loss through a wholesome take on life.

With the mass-mourning we are experiencing presently, these brilliant films will certainly assist us in navigating through our grief.

We will find our experiences resonated in these stories, stumble upon characters that feel as heartbroken as we do and, ultimately, feel less alone.

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haryana Sanitization to be done in every village: CM

CM, Manohar Lal has given directions to get sanitization done in every village of the state. The Chief Minister was presiding over the meeting of Deputy Commissioners and Nodal Officers here today to review the plans for conducting home screening and general health screening in the villages.

The Chief Minister said that 8000 teams have been formed to conduct door-to-door screening and health screening in rural areas of Haryana, out of which 1000 teams will start functioning in an active manner soon. The Chief Minister directed that within 10 days every person of every village should be screened and general health check-up done.

CM said that keeping in mind the increasing cases of COVID-19, arrangements have been made for the villages so that the infection can be controlled at the earliest. He said that refilling and home delivery of oxygen cylinders for COVID-19 patients who are in home isolation should be arranged on time. Patients, who have registered on the prescribed portal, should get the cylinder as soon as possible. For this, PCR facility should also be availed. He said that for the Home Isolation patients who do not have oxygen cylinders, the concerned Deputy Commissioner should ensure to arrange the cylinders at their level. Along with this, oxygen concentrators can also be used according to capacity.

He said that 20 vehicles each have been given from the police department in every district while 5 mini roadways buses each have also been converted into ambulances. Therefore, no patient should have any problem related to transport.

The Chief Minister said that if complaints regarding private hospitals charging more than the rate prescribed by the government for COVID19 patients are received then a case should be registered immediately.

He said that private hospitals will be given a sum of Rs. 1000 per person per day on admission of patients of Haryana. For this, it is mandatory for the hospitals to upload the patient's admission and discharge on gmdahrheal.com portal.

Health department analysing black fungus

In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that the Health Department has started analysing when black fungus cases arose due to Covid. It will be overcome soon. He appealed to the opposition to cooperate in this time of pandemic crisis. He said that it is not right to doubt the medical functioning. Therefore, one must get tested if they are any symptoms.

The Chief Minister said that if any problems or suggestions are brought to his notice, then he can put them on his twitter handle. It is being monitored for 24 hours and the problem will be resolved immediately. Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Amit Agrawal, and Principal Media Advisor, Vinod Mehta were also present on the occasion.

Pvt Hospitals won't be spared : strict actions against govt. doctors

Health Minister, Anil Vij said that Private Hospitals charging more than the fixed rate during COVID-19 pandemic will not be spared.

Also, strict action will also be taken against the government doctors who give prescription for purchasing medicine from outside even though medicines are available in hospital.

The Health Minister said in the presence of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister that some cases have come to notice where priP-28

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vate hospitals are charging more than the prescribed rate, which is intolerable in any condition. He elaborated that during COVID-19 when free treatment is being given in government hospitals, complaints of vate hospitals is unfortuovercharging in prinate.

Private hospitals should treat Covid patients with humanity without overcharging and cooperate in public interest.

Vij said that all medicines are available in government hospitals, but in some places doctors are getting medicines from outside. Strict action will be taken against such doctors.

Laying emphasis on the need for sanitization, he said that Section 144 should be strictly adhered to and shopkeepers who are not adhering to social distancing norms should not be allowed to open their shops. At the same time, he also instructed police officers to control the overcrowding in vegetable markets. He said that all the hospitals should update the data on the number of patients from urban, rural and other states.

The Health Minister instructed the Civil Surgeons to increase the testing in the districts and make necessary arrangements for the RTPCR and ensure that the test report is given as soon as possible. He also asked to ensure that the kit being given to patients in Home Isolation has all the items that the government has decided. He directed the DGP to ensure effective implementation of 'Thikri Pehra' in the villages during the 'Mahamari Alert, Surakshit Haryana'.

Wheat procurement has started at 396 mandis

Haryana government has started wheat procurement at 396 mandis / procurement centres in the state from April 1.

During the wheat procurement, about Rs 14693 crore has been paid directly into the account of the farmers.

Giving information in this regard an official spokesperson said that so far a total of 84.38 lakh tonnes of wheat has reached the mandis in the state. He informed that today 21314 tonnes of wheat has been procured by the State Procurement Agencies at the Minimum Support Price and so far 82.58 lakh tonnes of wheat has been procured. He informed that till date, 945897 J forms of 505256 farmers have been made. He said that instructions have been issued to all concerned that the wheat procurement in the mandis should be ensured on a daily basis.

Global tendering will be done for vaccine

Health Minister Anil Vij said that global tendering will be done for the purchase of Corona vaccine for the people of the state.

The Health Minister said that with this decision of the government, the vaccine will be made available for the citizens of Haryana over the age of 18 years soon. This is a major step taken by the Haryana government for the vaccine. He informed that free vaccine will be given to all citizens above 18 years of age in the state. Vaccination is very important to ensure robust protection against Corona and therefore the government will bring in the vaccine for citizens as soon as possible from wherever the vaccine is available across the globe.

Vij said that there is a need to review oxygen allocation. He has raised this matter in front of the Centre in a meeting of Health Ministers from across the country in a video conference. He elaborated that 700 MT oxygen is being given to 85000 active patients in Delhi and 258 MT oxygen is being given to more than 1 lakh active patients in Haryana.

May 31, 2021

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DHBVN halts public dealing

In view of increasing cases of COVID-19 pandemic, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has restricted public dealing in its offices. Now consumers can file online complaints of electricity including, excess billing, malfunctioning of meter or cable and cable failure.

Giving this information today, an official spokesperson said that consumers can register their complaints through toll free number 1912 or e-mail at 1912@dhbvn.org.in. The complaints filed through online medium are being monitored regularly and consumers will also be informed after resolving the complaints.

The spokesperson said that online billing facility has already been started by DHBVN. Under this, the consumer can receive a bill by giving a missed call from the registered mobile number. He said that DHBVN app can be downloaded from Google Play Store to pay the bill. Bill can also be paid online by entering the account number in this app. Apart from this, bill payment facility is also available on other apps.

Steady decline in cases due to lockdown

There is a steady decline in Corona cases due to the lockdown imposed in the state as the number of cases have fallen down from 15786 Covid cases on May 4 to 11637 cases on May 12.

The Health Minister said that the first dose of vaccine has been given to about 37 lakh people in Haryana while the second dose has been given to 8 lakh people. For this, the state needs more doses of vaccine so that the second dose can be administered on time. He said that the state is conducting corona tracing at a fast pace in rural areas and Covid Care Centres are being set up in hot spots. He said that at present 62 per cent urban and 38 per cent rural patients are under treatment in the hospitals of the state, so the information with regard to increased spread of Covid in the villages on social media is wrong. Teams have been constituted to conduct investigation with regard to corona in the villages and have 'theekri pehra' have also bee started as a precautionary measure.

The Health Minister said that there is a need to redistribute oxygen presently. Haryana has set up a system of preparing about 280 MT of oxygen in Haryana, so the state should be able to arrange its share of oxygen on its own and other states should be provided oxygen from its neighbours. He said that patients from Delhi and other states are also coming to Haryana and these patients are being treated. For this, additional beds are being arranged in districts and 500 bedded hospitals May 31, 2021

haryana are being constructed in Panipat and Hisar each. With this, about 2,600 beds are available in the hospitals of Haryana for admitting corona patients.

Vij said that about one lakh patients are under treatment in Home Isolation in Haryana and doctors visit the homes of these patients once in two days. Along with this, Home Isolation Kit is also being made available to all patients, which includes oximeter, ayurvedic and allopathic medicines, thermometer and other essential 15 items. Besides this, MBBS and PG students have been put on duty in hospitals and the Medical Association of India has also assured about providing services of doctors from Haryana.

50 isolation centres to n set up in villages

Taking note of the recent increase in the COVID infected patients in villages, Chief Minister, has directed all the Deputy Commissioners to set up Village Isolation Centres in 50 or more villages (if hotspots) in each district.

CM said that proactive steps are being taken so as to ensure each COVID patient is provided proper treatment. Manohar Lal elaborated that the Deputy Commissioners will set up Village Isolation Centres on priority in the hotspots of the district. He further added that the CEOs, Zila Parishads will be the Nodal Officer, DDPOs and BDPOs will assist the Deputy Commissioners in setting up these Isolation Centres. Besides this, the services of Gram Sachivs will be utilized to set up and supervise the Village Isolation Centres. Also, the services of Village Level Volunteers will be suitably taken for this purpose. On the supervision of these Isolation Centres the Chief Minister said that the daily supervision of the Village Isolation Centres will be done by the Gram Sachivs and local Village Committees set up by the BDPOs. The CEO, ZP will be the overall Nodal Officer for setting up of the Village Isolation Centres in the villages, he will send daily report to the State Headquarters in this regard.

He shared that in the first phase, 50 hot-spot villages will be identified by the CEO, ZP, DDPO and BDPO in consultation with CMO and DC. Buildings with the facility of toilets and electricity like schools, Panchayat Ghars or Community Centres may be converted into Village Isolation Centres.

CM said that the Village Isolation Centres should be well-equipped beds and beddings, triple layered masks and hand sanitizer with bottle dispenser, steamer, catering for the patients from the community or on hire basis, cleanliness and sanitation of these Centres and its toilets at regular intervals.

Health Department will provide essential medicines and medical equipments to these Village Isolation Centres and the Health staff will supervise the patients and shift the serious patients to Health Centres, said CM.

‘Thikhri Pehra’ makes a comeback in Hry

Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in rural areas, Haryana Government has once again decided to resort to age-old practice of setting up ‘Thikhri Pehra’/ community policing so as to keep a close vigil on the movement of people in and out of villages as well as ensuring containment of virus spread. While, last year too, the State Government had put in place the practice of ‘Thikhri Pehra’ which certainly proved to be an effective tool in the prevention of Virus spread in rural areas.

Divulging more details in this regard an official spokesperson said that an order to this extent has been issued from the Chief Secretary’s office to all the Deputy Commissioners that they may issue or enforce necessary orders regarding the performance of patrol duty by able-bodied adult male inhabitants of the village (Thikhri Pehra) to secure public P-29

haryana safety under the relevant provisions of the Punjab Village and Small Towns Patrol Act, 1918.

Instructions for prioritizing home delivery of oxygen

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Haryana V. Umashankar directed all Deputy Commissioners to continuously update the data regarding treatment of Covid patients in the hospitals of the district on the specified portal.

Addressing the Deputy Commissioners, V. Umashankar said that we have to make necessary arrangements so as to control Corona virus.

He said that home delivery of oxygen cylinder refill to Covid patients living in home isolation and patients suffering from other diseases should not remain pending for more than 12 hours in any case.

He further added that people should get cylinders as soon as possible so that there is no problem of any kind. He further added that such arrangements are to be made for the patients who have applied for cyclinder that those who have been given cylinder once the next cylinder is supplied on time. He said that it should also be ensured that the scheme regarding oxygen cyclinders is not misused. He elaborated that to ensure this it is very important to call the person from whom the application seeking cylinder has come so as to make sure that the cylinder has reached the right place or not.

10 'mini bus-ambulances' flagged off from Chd.

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After flagging off these 'mini bus-ambulances' from the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh, He said that the passenger seats of 110 mini buses of Haryana Roadways have been removed and has been replaced with beds to take serious patients of Covid-19 to the hospital immediately. Each district will be given 5 'mini bus-ambulances'. Each ambulance has 4 beds, two oxygen cylinders, masks, sanitizers, PPE kits and first-aid kits etc. In addition, every district there will one large AC buses which can be utilised as an isolation centre. He said that the state government is seriously striving hard to get the people of the state out of this pandemic.

67 held for black-marketing of oxygen, Covid drug

Haryana Police, in the past 18 days, has arrested 67 persons for blackmarketing of oxygen, oxygen cylinders and Remdesivir injections across the state.

Since April 23, a total of 33 FIRs were registered while 409 oxygen cylinders and 130 vials of Remdesivir were recovered from the arrested accused.

Director General of Police (DGP), Haryana, Manoj Yadava on Wednesday said that police teams have conducted raids in different districts following inputs on helpline numbers and arrested those indulging in black-marketing of oxygen and Remdesivir which is in high demand for treatment of coronavirus.

“A total of 13 FIRs have been registered in connection with blackmarketing of oxygen and oxygen cylinders in 7 different districts of Haryana and 19 accused persons have been arrested in these cases which led to the recovery of 409 oxygen cylinders. Similarly, 48 accused have been arrested who engaged in black-marketing of Remdesivir vials by lodging 20 FIRs against them in 11 different districts after the recovery of 130 vials from their possession”, he added.

In these hard times, police teams were working tirelessly to stop the black-marketing of oxygen cylinders and drugs. People can inform the police on black-marketing of Oxygen cylinders and Remdesivir by dialing mobile number 7087089947 and toll-free number 1800-1801314, he added.

Chief Minister inaugurates Control Centre

CM, Manohar Lal flagged off 10 'mini bus-ambulances' from Chandigarh. These 'mini bus-ambulances' will work to bring serious patients of Covid-19 to hospitals in Panchkula and Ambala. A total of 110 such 'mini bus-ambulances' have been prepared to cover the entire state.

Before flagging off these 'mini bus-ambulances' from Chandigarh, Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal interacted with the drivers of the ambulance and motivated them to work to deliver their best in this sensitive time of Covid. The Chief Minister explained to them that transporting serious patients to hospitals through ambulances during Covid-19 is not only a job but a service to the mankind. In the Roadways Department, the nature of job while working as a driver in roadways department is different from serving as a driver in an ambulance.

He said that mutual cooperation in this hour of pandemic crisis will definitely help to reduce the misery and pain of the people.

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Gurugram/CM, Manohar Lal, inaugurated the Integrated Command and Response Control Centre (ICRCC) at Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority's office at Sector-44. The said Centre has been inaugurated to make necessary and required arrangements to control the COVID-19 Pandemic as through this Centre COVID-19 patients would be ensured care through various means.

The patients can contact the District Administration through Whatsapp Chatbot (9643277788), COVID helpline number-1950. They can even contact the Administration on the state government’s web portal.

After launching the ICRCC, the Chief Minister reviewed the facilities in this Centre. During this time, he also reviewed the present COVID-19 cases status in Haryana and also directed the officers concerned to make concerted efforts to provide relief to all the infected patients.

Chief Executive Officer, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, Gurugram, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal apprised the Chief Minister that through ICRCC, the number of COVID patients would be analyzed.

An analysis would be made as to how many patients are there in an area that comes under Primary Health Centre and even further analysis would be done as in which house, how many COVID patients are there.

Later all this information can be obtained from the Centre’s dashboard.

May 31, 2021

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