You can do it baby đŸ¤ŸđŸ’Ż

Twelve-year-old Gwenyth has dark brown eyes and a fierce desire to change people’s negative perception of sharks. She attends West Oaks French Immersion school in Ontario, where she and about a dozen other kids who test as gifted, spend three days every other month exploring topics outside their usual curriculum. Most recently, they studied forensics, searching for clues, avoiding red herrings, and learning how scientists test for DNA evidence.

But it’s sharks that fascinate her. She’s determined to be a marine biologist some day and has given considerable thought to what she’ll need to achieve this. Her teacher, Mrs Ensing, who is optimistic about Gwenyth’s prospects, routinely tells her elite group that they can be anything they want to be.

Gwenyth likes her teacher but is troubled by this philosophy. ‘You can’t be anything,’ she says, ‘if you don’t manage to get the marks good enough, or if you have the wrong idea about it. There was a guy on YouTube who wanted to be a veterinarian and they made him watch a video of something happening to an animal and he fainted, so he didn’t get the job.’

Her skepticism is well-founded. A 2012 LinkedIn survey showed that roughly one in three adults are working at their ‘dream job’, which means that two in three are not. Gallup’s most recent State of the American Workplace poll came up with similar results when it concluded that 30 per cent of employees are ‘engaged’ in their work, while 52 per cent are ‘not engaged’ and 18 per cent are ‘actively disengaged’.

‘When you tell somebody: You can be anything,’ says Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University and author of Generation Me (2014), ‘that “anything” they’re thinking of is rarely a plumber or an accountant.’

Indeed, a 2011 survey of more than 5,000 children around the world revealed that while almost half of children in developing countries dreamed of becoming doctors and teachers, more than a quarter of American children aspire to such careers as professional athletes, singers and actors. When a grown‑up asks the inevitable: What do you want to be when you grow up?, most kids have an answer: video‑game developer; astronaut; back-up dancer for Rihanna. And many grown-ups will congratulate them for dreaming big, assuring them that, with hard work and a can-do attitude, they can be anything they want.

When your child is four or five, barring intellectual disabilities or severe behavioural diagnoses, anything does seem possible. A child shows an interest in art and we imagine his work eventually hanging in galleries. A talented runner, we think, might make the Olympics. Kids who love science are given microscopes and we begin to wonder if we should start saving up for college fees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Backing our hopes and theirs are the culture’s cheerleaders, led by viral convocation speeches and a steady stream of ‘overnight’ successes unveiled on reality shows and YouTube, all urging us to dream big and never give up.

Consider Steve Jobs’s commencement address to Stanford graduates in 2005. He was, of course, talking to the high achievers who had already earned a degree from a prestigious university. But with more than 22 million views on YouTube, his advice – ‘find what you love… Don’t settle’ – has resonated with the masses. Oprah Winfrey, whose own rags-to-riches tale gives her moral authority, insists that if we follow our passion, achievement will follow. Even Dr Seuss left us with Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (1990), which has become the go-to graduation gift for millions, assuring kids that their imminent success is ‘98 and ž per cent guaranteed’.

Andhra Pradesh is one of the most huge states in India both socially and fancifully. The southeastern state has a few spots, strict tourist spots, and landmarks. A great many pioneers visit the express each year as it has verifiable spots like Tirumala Venkateswara Temple the holy place of Lord Vishnu arranged on a peak.

festival of AP

Andhra Pradesh is one of the most visited Indian states on account of its enormous range of societies and celebrations. The province of Jasmines has a particular flavor with a social hardening. Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh have their own one of a kind scent that charges a great many adherents and visitors, alongside the neighborhood move structures like Kuchipudi.

12 Festivals In Andhra Pradesh

Here we are drilling down 12 most broadly watched celebrations in Andhra Pradesh. On the off chance that you are wanting to take a productive outing to Andhra Pradesh, at that point you may coordinate your timetable as per these celebrations to see the energetic culture rehearsed here. The excellence of these Andhra Pradesh celebrations is that they are completely celebrated with tremendous grandeur in the state making it an enormous incredible sight. Let us presently talk about in detail a portion of the acclaimed celebration of Andhra Pradesh that may intrigue you.

  1. Pongal – Observed At The Inception Of The Harvesting Season
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in almost every part of India

Pongal or Makar Sankranti is praised in pretty much all aspects of India. It is one of the well known reap celebrations of India. Individuals of Andhra Pradesh observe Pongal in an exceptional manner. They spruce up in old characters present in their folklore, and visitors are welcomed for the blowout and dispersed desserts.

  1. Ugadi – Celebrated As The New Year’s Day
Gudi Padwa in some parts

Ugadi otherwise called Gudi Padwa in certain pieces of India is a broadly praised celebration in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Individuals in Andhra Pradesh observe Ugadi as per the lunisolar schedule in Hinduism, Lots of flavorful desserts are made on the day like Puran Poli and Bhakshya.

  1. Vinayaka Chaturthi – Marked As The Birthday Of Lord Ganesha
most widely spread festivals of India

Broadly known as Ganesha Chaturthi in Maharashtra the celebration is one of the most generally spread celebrations of India set apart as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Individuals of Andhra Pradesh call it Vinayaka Chaturthi, Vinayaka is one of the titles gave to Lord Ganesha. On this terrific happy day, individuals of Andhra Pradesh adore The Lord with leaves, blossoms, shoe glue, vermilion, kheer, and so forth.

  1. Visakha Utsav – Amazing Cultural Festival In South India
one of those cultural festivals

This is one of those social and renowned celebration of Andhra Pradesh which is sorted out by the state government. The four-day celebration began in 1997. Individuals come in huge numbers to observe social shows, games, conventional artworks, a display of pieces of clothing, bloom shops, and a few legacy visits.

  1. Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam – The Festival Of Lord Brahma
vastly celebrated Hindu festival

This is an endlessly observed Hindu celebration at the Tirumala Venkateswara sanctuary in Tirupati. The celebration of Lord Brahma goes on for nine days consistently in October. It is accepted that Lord Brahma was the first to begin this celebration in the sanctuary. A few customs are followed during the nine merry days in Tirupati Tirumala Brahmotsavam. On the most recent day of Brahmotsav, an enormous group comes to observe the happiness scenes of the parade of Lord Venkateswara which pass by a few roads before arriving at the sanctuary.

  1. Lumbini Festival – Highlights Buddhist Culture
Buddhist festival

This Buddhist celebration is sorted out by the Department of Tourism of the state government in Andhra Pradesh. Buddhism had an incredible noteworthiness in medieval Andhra Pradesh so this celebration is an exertion of the legislature to feature the Buddhist culture. The Lumbini celebration is commended in the area of Hyderabad (presently the capital of Telangana) and Nagarjunasagar.

This three-day celebration sees the footfalls of thousands of guests consistently in the period of December and is one of the significant celebrations in Andhra Pradesh.

  1. Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival – Biggest Art Mela
dedicated to Crafts

This the greatest Art Mela in Andhra Pradesh devoted to Crafts, Food and Cultural Dances. The individuals of the Chittoor locale assemble at the Rayalaseema district to be a piece of extraordinary shows and presentations. In 2016 Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival was recorded in the best 5 Indian Food and Art celebrations.

  1. Deccan Festival – Dedicated to Hyderabad’s Art And Crafts And More

Deccan Festival is one of the most celebrated and well known celebration of Andhra Pradesh. It is a multi day long celebration celebrated in numerous significant places in Hyderabad. The celebration is devoted to Hyderabad’s specialty, food and culture. Numerous neighborhood fairs and shows are held at a few spots. Food celebrations are additionally celebrated to love to stunning cooking of this state.

  1. Christmas – Commemorates The Birth Of Jesus Christ

Christmas isn’t just a significant celebration for the individuals of Andhra Pradesh yet for the whole world. It is seen to recognize the introduction of Jesus Christ on Earth. The day delightfully begins tuning in to the congregation ensembles portraying the frightened deeds of Jesus.

Numerous melas and fairs are additionally composed during this time in the state. What makes the Christmas one of a kind in Andhra Pradesh is that the Syrian Christians watch this celebration with vivid umbrellas, very much brightened elephants, and heartfelt strict rhythms

  1. Diwali – The Festival Of Light

Diwali is another celebration celebrated with much eagerness in Andhra Pradesh. Otherwise called the Festival of Light, it is one of the most significant Hindu celebrations commended all around the globe on the new moon day known as Amavasya. During this astonishing time, you can discover a great deal of firecrackers. The claim to fame of the celebration is the delicious Diwali desserts of this state and the fairs which are directed at different spots. It is among the most well known celebrations of India.

  1. Maha Shivratri – A Festival Dedicated To Lord Shiva

Maha Shivratri is a celebration committed to Lord Shiva and is praised the evening of Krishna chaturdashi. Individuals quick on this day and visit the sanctuaries to offer their petition. A great deal of shows and exhibitions are sorted out in the sanctuaries around evening time. It is accepted to be perhaps the most seasoned celebration of Andhra Pradesh.

  1. Dussehra – Celebrates The Victory Of Good Over Evil

The celebration of Dussehra is prominently known as Vijayadashami and Dasara in the south. Vijayadashami is commended for 10 days where individuals offer their appreciation to Goddess Durga. Individuals of the state visit the sanctuary of Goddess Durga and wear lovely conventional clothing types. Another significant viewpoint which individuals of this state follow is to set up the ‘Bommala Koluvu’ at their homes. This is a delightful course of action of dolls and toys. This 10 days celebration is considered as one of the mainstream celebrations in October in India.

SHILLONG

Location

Shillong is a hill station in the northeastern part of India and the capital of Meghalaya, which means “The Abode of Clouds”. Shillong lies on the Shillong Plateau, the only major uplifted structure in the northern Indian shield. The city lies in the centre of the plateau and is surrounded by hills, three of which are revered in Khasi tradition: Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Diengiei, and Lum Shillong.

It is the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district. Shillong is the 330th most populous city in India with a population of 143,229 according to the 2011 census. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the British of Scotland. Hence, they would also refer to it as the “Scotland of the East”.

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is just 100 km from Guwahati, which can be accessed by road along NH 40, a journey of about 2 hours 30 minutes through lush green hills and the magnificent Umiam Lake in between.

History

The Shillong Municipal Board has a long history dating back to 1878, when a proclamation was issued constituting Shillong and its suburbs, including the villages of Mawkhar and Laban, into a station under the Bengal Municipal Act of 1876. Inclusion of the villages of Mawkhar and Laban (Lumparing, Madan laban, Kench’s Trace and Rilbong) within the Municipality of Shillong was agreed to by Hain Manik Syiem of Mylliem under the agreement of 15 November 1878. But, there is no trace of Shillong in the British era maps dating back to 1878, up to 1900.

Shillong was also the subject of the great earthquake that occurred on 12 June 1897. The earthquake had an estimated moment magnitude of 8.1. Twenty-seven lives from Shillong town alone were lost and a major part of the town was destroyed.

How to go

By air: Shillong Airport in Umroi is a small airport that is available for the flights and is located at a distance of 40 km from Shillong. Bus services are provided by Meghalaya Transport Corporation from the airport to the various cities of the state. There are regular flights from Shillong to Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and various other destinations.

 By rail: There are as such no proper rail lines in Meghalaya. Guwahati railway station is the nearest railway station situated at a distance of 105 Km from Shillong. The city is well connected to all other major cities of the country via rail medium. There are also taxi as well as bus facility for Shillong.

By road: Assam State Transport Corporation and Meghalaya Transport Corporation run buses from Guwahati to Shillong. The main interstate bus stand is located near to Guwahati railway station. Reasonable prices for different types of buses like AC, AC Sleeper, luxury and Volvo buses are available for Shillong. Some of the places nearby which you can visit are Cherrapunji and Jowai.

Places to visit

Umiam Lake: Umiam Lake, a mesmerizing man-made reservoir, is located at a distance of 15 kilometres north of Shillong which is the capital of the north-eastern Indian state of Meghalaya. The lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power. The scenic Umiam Lake is encircled by lush green East Khasi hills that form one of the best panoramic sights for nature-lovers in the country. The sunrise at the lake is a treat to watch and shouldn’t be missed. The Umiam Lake has a park adjoining it which is a hotspot for picnics and frequented by locals for a getaway from their busy scheduled.

 Elephant Falls: Named after an Elephant like stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists’ paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. The Britishers named this fall so owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, the stone disintegrated and was washed away due to an earthquake in 1897. Elephant Waterfalls is a superb place for spending some time in the midst of nature while capturing the incredible moments for your keepsake.

Police Bazaar: Police Bazaar is the major market of Shillong, and a popular shopping haunt for locals and tourists alike. In addition to an array of restaurants, hotels and big brand stores, the Police Bazaar also has a flea market section which is pocket-friendly and draws the maximum number of tourists owing to its traditional handicrafts stores, exquisite Meghalaya merchandise, regional apparels, junk jewellery and the like. The colourful market is thronged by shopping enthusiasts as well as foodies.

Laitlum Canyons: Perched on the East Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is a less explored but one of the most picturesque tourist and trekking destinations in Shillong. The canyons are located about 21 kilometers south of Shillong which is about a half-hour drive away. Literally, translating to ‘End of hills’, this exotic viewing site offers the best panoramic views of the whole of Meghalaya embraced by the majestic hills and valleys. The spot is secluded and serene, ideal for quiet and peaceful getaways. It can be visited by families, friend groups as well as couples. To catch this place at its best, visit Laitlum Canyons either during sunrise or sunset.

Shillong Peak: At the height of 6449 ft or 1965 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point of Shillong. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, the Himalayas, its waterfalls as well as of the Bangladesh plains. A telescope is available for tourists to get a bird’s eye view. Trekking up to this semi-circular Shillong Peak is highly recommended for the best views but it is often bounded by heavy fog.

Mawphlang: Mawphlang, home to Meghalaya’s Sacred Forest, is a beautiful village situated 25 kilometres away from Shillong, the capital city of the north-east Indian state of Meghalaya. The village lies in the district of East Khasi Hills and is famous for its sacred groves. The village is named Mawphlang as it is one of the several monoliths in the Khasi Hills. The name Mawphlang means Grassy Stone and is a land of legendary stories, sacrifices and unique culture. For the ones who want a glimpse of the tradition, culture and lifestyle of the Khasis that is fading away in the modern world, Mawphlang is the place to visit.

Ward’s Lake: A pretty artificial lake surrounded by gardens is an ideal evening get away! Also known as the Polok Lake, it is usually flocked by couples, picnickers and locals.

Don Bosco Museum: Hailed as Asia’s largest Museum of Indigenous Cultures, the Don Bosco Museum is the house of the beautiful culture and tradition of North East India. It is conveniently located in the Mawlai area, near the Police Bazaar. With its seven storeys, it rises into the skyline of Shillong and flaunts 16 laid out galleries that showcase artifacts, paintings, figures significant to the Northeastern culture. Not only do these provide a feast to the eyes of the visitors, but also give an insight into the lifestyle of the North-Eastern people.

David Scott Trail: Most popular trekking routes of Meghalaya, this path was originally laid by David Scott, a British officer as early as in the 1800s. It is still used to commute between Assam and Bangladesh.

Mawlynnong: Mawlynnong is a small village situated around 90 km from Shillong in the East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya and is also known as God’s own Garden. It was declared as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 by Discovery India which certainly which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Indian state. Mawlynnong village is a community-based ecotourism initiative where the entire community made collective efforts in making and maintaining the cleanliness of the village.

Why visit Shillong?

Rarest and friendly tribes: The Shillong population mostly belongs to the Khasi tribe, who are predominantly Christian. There are also a significant number of Assamese, Bengali and Nepali minorities. An interesting aspect of the Khasis is that they are a matrilineal society. Therefore the mother’s surname is passed on to the children and the youngest daughter inherits the ancestral property.

Can you imagine the celebration the birth of a daughter entails? And the special pampering the youngest daughter receives?

Thrilling peak: Located at a height of 1,496 meters above sea level, Shillong is a great destination and a treat for nature lovers. Situated 10 kilometers from the city, the Shillong Peak offers spectacular views of the city from a lofty height of 1,965 meters above sea level. Being the highest point in Shillong, it gives impressive views of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. On a cloudless day you will be able to view the majestic Himalayan peaks and the forever inundated Bangladesh plains in the distance. The Indian Air Force has its radar station here.

Cherapunjee: Meghalaya or the Abode of the Clouds is famous for Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, which are the wettest places on earth. This makes it a popular monsoon destination. Cherrapunji, which lies 15 kilometer to the east of Shillong, offers guest houses, resorts, cottages and home-stays for visitors. Eating in Cherrapunji is a great experience. You can enjoy the succulent Khasi cuisine like pork rice. Sohra Pulao, which is rice cooked with oil and vegetables without spices, should not be missed.

Living Root Bridges: Deep in the dense tropical forests of Meghalaya, and shrouded in cloud and rain for much of the year, are some astonishing natural wonders. Known as living root bridges, and preserved as UNESCO heritage site, these roots of ancient rubber trees or Ficus Elastica have been trained by the Khasi tribesmen, to grow in a tangled mess, which have then been intertwined and intermingled to form double and single decker root bridges that are intriguing the world. Strong as they are, the bridges take 10 to 15 years to become functional enough to hold the weight of more than 50 people at a time. The wonderful bridges are alive and still growing and thus get stronger over time.

Mawsmai Caves: Meghalaya has the longest cave system of India situated in the Jaintia Hills. Of them all, Mawsmai are easily the most favourite caves for many travellers, as it is one of the few caves one can explore without a guide. Just about 6 kilometers from the main town of Cherrapunji and an enchanting drive through golden autumnal grasslands, one finally reaches a thick grove. Mawsmai, the limestone caves, lie hidden beneath these trees! The cave has a wide opening but it soon gets narrower and is best avoided if one is claustrophobic, has health issues or weight problems.

The cave is a one way road, so the adventurous visitor enters from one end and goes out of the other. In the middle, there are places where you’ve to bend and squeeze yourself out. The channel gets narrower and the walking pace is slow, but there is no turning back! The cave is well lit with electricity and you can see each and every detail of the rock formation.

The colours and shapes come alive and you can interpret different figures for the fun of it. Rocks glint in the light as water drips down from the stone tips. It’s a marvel how these tiny drops change the appearance of hard rocks, working on them tirelessly for decades like a patient artist. With bats and insects flying around, tiny passages where one shrinks and crawls, shadows and shapes filling the air and the thrill of being inside a cave, the mere 150 meters of the cave length appears unending and hugely exciting.

So what are you waiting for? Pack up your bags and set out to seek the unknown!

NORTH KOREA AND SOUTH KOREA RELATIONS

Tension between North Korea and South Korea rose further when North Korea blowed  up the joint liaison office built for peace in the border town, Kaesong. This came days after North Korea threatened to close the office and the projects between the two countries. The office was a symbol of Inter-Korean Cooperation, and exploded with the motive to show that they’ll no longer cooperate with South Korea.

Seoul was accused of scattering leaflets and material, which were anti -North Korea. The leaflets seemed to have content oppressing against their supreme leader, Kim Jong-un. The material along with mini-radio, USBs were sent to make their citizens aware of their Government system and nuclear weapon programs. They wanted to convey the message that their Government is only concerned about their own comfort, and nothing else. This made North Korea angry about the cunning and treacherous behaviour from them. According to the spokesperson, these leaflets  poses serious environmental risks and endangers the private property. They even warned them about scrapping their military agreement. The destruction broke all the acceptance of   long term inter-Korean relations and peace. North Korea have even plans of deploying the deploying troops at the border. North Koreans  had cut their hotlines ,before exploding the office.

Photo of the liaison office getting blown out.

A day after the blow, South Korea’s Blue House commented this to be an senseless and unreasonable behaviour by North Korea, which have damaged the trust built by the two leaders. This whole non-lethal and dramatic action comes after, South Korea sided up with the US on sanctions. History has proven how North Korea pressurizes South Korea ,this time because over failing to extract concessions from the US. North Korea’s  relation with US went down after the second summit in Vietnam in 2019, as the disputed were regarding the number of sanctions to be lifted in return of Kim’s dismantling of nuclear complex. South Korea holds North Korea responsible for breaking the treaty of peace. South Korean President Moon was even called “the Mongrel dog: and accused him of being a US flunkey. South Korea have even after the explosion offered about maintaining cordial relations, but North Korea was not in a mood to do so.

It is very likely for North Korea to blame other countries for any kind of  failure. According  to reports ,more than 10 million citizens  of North Korea are struggling for basic aids of life, but North Korea have sealed all the borders ,in fear of the pandemic. This led to a stop to all the imports, making the lives of the citizen miserable. North Korea eventually is blaming South Korea for this downfall. All the actions were ultimately motive to end for US, attack on South Korea is just the soft target. History says that North Korea always have an incentive before it does crazy things ,or lethal attacks. This time since the US is busy handling its own problem, related to the Pandemic and the anti-racist protests ,North Korea thought of taking a blow against the South Korea.

The revival of Neanderthal: The Return of our ancestor

We, the homo sapiens, now are the most advanced creature compared to our ancestors after a long evolution history dated back around 15 million years ago. Humans belong to the order primates and class Mammalia with our other members like the well-known apes, gorillas, chimpanzees, macaques, orangutans, etc. which originated from 85 million years ago. You might have seen several illustrations of human evolution, as shown below.

The evolution of a man . Courtesy: Britannica Encyclopedia

If you are familiar with the biology subject, you may know the reason. Charles Darwin, the father of evolution in his book, The Origin of Species, mentions about the series of natural selection, the struggle to exist in the world, survive by making proper tools, variation, and changes in the body like shape, color, etc. As a result of mutation and many more factors like genetic recombination, We know the stages of human evolution right from Dryopithecus, Ramapithecus, Australopithecus, Homo Erectus, Homo Sapiens Neanderthals and finally Homo Sapiens Sapiens. The closest ancestors were Neanderthals. There were others in the timeline like Homo Habilus and many more, but now researches have found a way to revive the brain of a Neanderthal. By this we can know more about, let’s see how.

The Father of Evolution: Charles Darwin

Neanderthals with a big brain and vast muscular body in size compared to Homo Sapiens. Additionally, a large head was its specialty along with powerful jaws, hunters with the tools used by them were advanced when compared to their ancestors. The researchers at Basel, Switzerland, the neuroscientists specifically grew up small replicas or copies of the brain from stem cells along with the DNA of Neanderthals. We, being a modern man, still may share about 1 to 4 percent similarity in the genes compared to them. This theory holds as the genomes of a European family matched with the reference of a 2010 model of Neanderthal genome by Svante Pääbo, a geneticist.

The following finding helped to generate three-dimensional objects of brain tissues in a petridish used in laboratories. Organoids of these miniature-sized brains are commonly used to test the effects of drugs. This information may help us more to know about the previous lifestyle, the diet of a Neanderthal. Our ancestors had a problem of communication, maybe due to the absence of language as we use today effectively. These brains were grown from pluripotent stem cells using five cell lines to produce brain organoids, leading to single-cell RNA sequencing data to learn more about their cell composition in the past.

The miniature brain cells grown from the stem cells.

We still share some common characteristics with our ancestors, like hair and skin color. Neanderthals and Denisovans genomes were found in caves, depicting they lived around 80 to 120 thousand years ago. This researches in the future may help to find the proper treatment for cancer. Just imagine, for a while, the stem cells are a gift from nature. It’s unique, usually seen during the development of a baby child, and it can generate all different cells right from a muscle cell to the most crucial brain cells. They help to recover the damages formed in the tissues also. The science of cell being so small may amaze you, and it does.

For more details, refer to the PDF: https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/pdf/S2213-6711(20)30190-9.pdf

Humanity.

The basic etiquette of humans is decreasing day by day. Humanity is the basic etiquette, and we have seen people with no morale and no discipline. The survival of ordinary people is getting complicated. Not only humans simultaneously animals as well. Surviving has become a threat these days, not only through this novel COVID-19 but as a ordinary person. We have lost all the manners, discipline, responsibility towards the nation, being a responsible citizen in the society!! Our Indian cultural is going all in vain. Pardon for using such words but honestly this year is showing us how people have been all through this time. This year is showing us everything which we have took from the nature, Floods, cyclone, asteroids, Deadly virus day by day death of innocents due to this virus, deaths of our Martyr’s, death of our dearly celebrities, deaths of animal’s, starvation, unhygienic hospitals and clinics etc.,

A person is required to have a basic etiquette as a human that is humanity. Without this a human is no longer called a human. Humanity serves everything. Helping each other has become a deal. No one genuinely wants to help each other. Atleast in this pandemic show some humanity. Help people those who are surving through hard situation. If one has enough then definitely they should help the one in need and if you can’t do this then sorry to say this but you are pathetic. No one knows what one’s going through. Your little help may make someone’s day.

Basic help can make their part of life hassle free for sometime. People should have mutual understandings among themselves, they are sitting at home and having two times meal daily also the family members are healthy. People can help in several ways. Helping is what needed in this crucial time.

~We can help providing basic necessities of day to day life.

~ By donating through apps. Even the economy is declining so, government need funding!

~ The shopkeepers should reduce prices. Atleast in this time one should not look forward for their own profit.

~ Those who have renters, then you should not ask for arleast 2 months rent, how will they arrange in this difficult time.

~ Medication should be provided at low cost and treatments should be less costly.

~ By not disturbing and harming any animal. Living peacefully and let them live peacefully too.

~ By not asking any kind of fees from the school, tuition, institution, colleges etc.,

~ Lastly, promote students to the next class. As we couldn’t afford to risk our lives for the sake of examination.

If you can help through any of these things then you should surely come forward. Please consider this and ask you parents to look forward. Thanking you in advance!!

Migration and Economic Growth

Social Distancing and ‘stay home, stay safe’ became the mantras when the nationwide lockdown was announced on 24th March in an attempt to arrest the spread on Corona Virus. Due to this most of the employees were allowed to stay at home and do your job from your home. But there are a few sections of working people who depend on the daily wages like labourers working in factories, in the construction sector and so on. In this section, most of the peoples are from another state. These labourers are called a migrant worker. These were the migrant workers who provide support services to every supported themselves without jobs. And though government by declaring as it national disaster had made it obligatory for the employers to pay the wages as per the National Disaster Management Act, it is difficult to assess its implication. This is because, firstly, the administrative machinery to ensure compliance across the nation is far from adequate. Secondly, the income earned by the self-employed workers cannot be termed as wages, which mean that these workers would have to go without earning in piece-rated jobs, whose remuneration would differ depending on pieces made. And finally, the MSMEs or tiny enterprises are financially too fragile to release the wages without production. Perhaps only the domestic workers, whose contracts involve a significant personal component making them relatively indispensable, might have received their wages during the lockdown. By the end of the lockdown 1.0, the virus had made its appearance in urban areas where it was feared to flare faster due to the sheer density population, the use of common toilets, etc. 

A Challenge and an Opportunity

Harris-Todaro model of migration (1970) shows how rural/agricultural workers decide to migrate to urban/industrial spaces when the expected wage rate in the urban-industrial sector is significantly higher than their present wages in the rural sector. The expected wage is a ratio of the present urban wage rate and the ‘chance’ of finding a job. The latter being a ratio of the number of jobs available and the total number of aspirants, which includes those living in the urban sector and the new migrants. Naturally, if the ‘chance’ of finding a job is poor, the expected wage is low and the decision to migrate is put off. What plays an important role in changing this calculation is the presence of kin or a community in the urban sector. Availability of such support induces migration, which is a rational personal choice, by providing at least an initial base to a new migrant. And while every migrant may dream of a secure job in the formal sector, as more migrants flow in, they are compelled to settle in the unorganised or in the formal sector.

Economic Growth: Slowdown and Lock Down

Indian Economy has been going through a rough patch for a while. The GDP growth rate of the economy rate had slipped to 5% in the first quarter of FY20. The annual report of the RBI for the fiscal year 2018-19 shows a significant decline in every macro-economic indicator.

The US-China trade war could be an important exogenous factor affecting the economy. As we move beyond lockdown 4.0 there is a talk that ‘herd immunity’ might work better than social distancing. This is because virologists are warning us of a return of the virus within a year. So extending lockdown might not deliver much.

Importance of sports and games

Apart from studies, sports, and games play a pivotal role in developing the personality of the student. Sports and games bring up children with the confidence to take on the challenges in his competitive world. Sports and games build-up a good physique and a healthy mind. It transforms a blockhead into a blazing star. Sports and games are offered to the students at the primary level itself. These children take part in sports and games every evening. By playing throughout the evening, children receive an abundant amount of vitamin D from the sunlight. Thus they are protected from dangerous bone disease, Rickets. Sports like a running race, long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, javelin throw, hurdles, relay race, etc…games like kabbadi, Kho-Kho, volleyball, football, basketball, shuttlecock, cricket, etc.provide the students with entertainment as well as the exercise. Indoor games like chess and carrot and several asanas and mass drills also form the part of the curriculum.

Sports and games are meant to develop the togetherness and understanding among the sportspersons. As a matter of fact, the Olympics games we’re established as a mechanism of bringing several countries together under the roof of sports. Even between India and Pakistan, cricket is considered as a unifying factor as it contributes to a peaceful atmosphere between these two rival nations. The term “sportsman spirit” refers to the level-headedness of treating triumph and defeat equally. Instances like athletes involving in dope candles, the win at any cost attitude, and sliding the opponent players lead to the waning of sportsman spirit. The essence of sports and games is to nurture certain noble qualities that will help us to overcome culture, political, social, and racial obstacles. Thus sports and games play an important role in moulding the true citizens of the country.

“The important thing in sports is not winning but fighting well” – Pierre

Solar Eclipse myths busted: No harm in cooking and eating food

India set to witness an annular solar eclipse on Sunday, wherein the Sun will appear like a “ring of fire”. This is a rare celestial event when the moon comes in between the earth and the sun, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the moon.

Solar Eclipse myths busted: No harm in cooking and eating food

By- Martin

India set to witness an annular solar eclipse on Sunday, wherein the Sun will appear like a “ring of fire”. This is a rare celestial event when the moon comes in between the earth and the sun, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the moon

Representational Image

People who are living along the path annular eclipse passing through Anupgarh, Suratgarh, Sirsa, Jakhal, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Dehradun, Tapowan and Joshimath will be able to see the annular phase. However, people living in the rest of India can witness a partial eclipse.

But, mention of solar eclipse can’t be complete without a mention of the various myths associated with it. Some of which are associated with the food that we eat during the eclipse. However, cientists have busted the myths.

@Martin_photography

Professor M N Vahia, Dean School of Mathematical Sciences, NMIMS said there is no religious text that claims that eclipses are dangerous. They are mere superstitions created by people who are scared of the eclipses. “On the contrary we can even see how eclipses have been beautifully discussed in ancient literature”, he added.

“No scriptures recommend hiding away during its occurrence. One should have more faith and understanding about the working of the universes and not be carried away by superstitions”.

We are not that important.

Unlike the common belief, the sun does not send any special radiation during the eclipse. Even though we call it a Solar Eclipse, the sun is completely unaware of its occurrence. The sun is too big to be bothered about where the moon’s shadow falls.

“We are exaggerating our own sense of importance in the universe. Eclipse is a small drama and to the Universe it is an irrelevant phenomenon,” he said rejecting the false claims about impacts of eclipses on human life.

He also mentioned that we do not get to see many eclipses in our lifetime and hence one should not miss this rare opportunity that occurs every 18 years. We should not waste it by hiding in the house and staying hungry fearing myths being imposed on us.

“Eclipses are fantastic to see but it is not worth losing your eyes”, he cautioned about seeing the eclipse with naked eyes. The safest way of looking at the eclipse is through a pinhole cardboard by getting it projected it on the screen.

Myths!

Eclipses have been a source of anxiety for people everywhere and have even scared them. It may be common to feel anxious when you first observe an eclipse tomorrow, to see the sun disappear and that too not because of clouds.

What did Eclipse mean to different cultures?

Most cultures viewed it as a period during which the sun or the moon is being attacked by an animal or a demon.

Vikings, Koreans, Vietnamese, Chinese and many others imagined an animal eating the sun and excreting the sun from the other end. They used to think that there is a great animal in the sky. To threaten the animal, people even pelted stones at animals on earth, made noises, used drums to scare the demons run away.

Eskimos turned their utensils upside down to prevent bad influences from falling into their cooking. West Africans gathered in open spaces to urge the shadow to leave the sun.

American Indians thought the sun lost some of its power and hence sent burning arrows in the direction of the sun to rekindle it.

In Egypt, the King, a representative of the Sun made rounds of the city to assure people. Babylonians, Greeks, Romans considered it an omen and the month of eclipse was considered important. Armenians thought the sun was invaded by a black planet.

Japanese lit fires and displayed shiny jewels to compensate for the dulling of the sun.

A few, like Maoris of Assam considered eclipse as a good omen, means an imminent victory over their enemies, while most people around the world believed it a bad omen.

There are also evidences that at around 585 BC, an eclipse predicted earlier, occurred during a war between the Medians and the Lydians. They called off the war and declared peace.

Indian myths:

In Mahabharata’s Kurukshetra war, there are references of two eclipses Solar and Lunar that occurred within a gap of 13 days between each other – solar followed by lunar. One may find it unique but the fact is not. There are evidences that such event occurs every 800 years i.e Solar and Lunar eclipse succeeding each other within days.

Kolam tribes of India consider solar eclipse is the time when debt collectors come to collect the debts from the sun. The debt collector insists the Sun to pay off the debts since too many sins have occurred on earth. If the sun is completely covered, they feel happy, because the total solar eclipse means the debts have been completely paid off. If the eclipse covers only the top part of the sun then it is a bad omen for humans and if it covers only bottom part of the sun then it is bad sign for animals because their part of debt is not paid for.

Korku Tribe in Central India also thinks the eclipse occurs when the human sins overflow. There is a unique practice where they take a shaft used for grinding food, and place it vertically in a plate with water. As long as the eclipse is on, the rod remains vertical on its own, they say.

Later, eclipses have been used by people to collect donations to help the gods to fight the demons. There are records of huge donations made by rich people in earlier days which are actually a blessing to track the occurrence of eclipses centuries ago. These have been carved in stones, temple pillars, etc as records.

The oldest record of eclipse comes in Rig Veda. It describes how great Sage Arti saved the Sun from the Svarbhanu who tried to destroy him.

The notable change in colour of the solar disc during the entire process of the eclipse has been beautifully described in a passage in the Pancavimsa-Brahmana. It explains as Arti repelled its darkness, first the sun became a black sheep, then a silvery sheep, then a reddish one and with the arrow with which he set free its original appearance that was a white sheep.

This is nothing but the notable feature is the change in colour of the eclipse. One will find this pattern while witnessing the eclipse – first black, and since our eyes get used to the dullness it will start appearing silvery and bright, and as our eyes get set it appears reddish and eventually it regains its original colour.

Conventional Indian Myths:

The occurrence of eclipse is mentioned in Samudra Manthan – the churning of ocean by the Gods and the asuras. It occurred when the Gods and the Asuras wanted to be immortal by consuming nectar that is available under the sea, the sea had to be churned. Since neither of them had the power they came together to churn the sea.

However, when the nectar finally comes out the gods cheat, by sending a beautiful woman Mohini to distract the Asuras. Mohini distributes the Amrit among the gods, but one Asura, Rahu realises the trickery joins the gods and drinks the nectar. But before he consumed it, the sun and the moon realised and cut his head. As it was not quick enough – the head and body of the Rahu survived. Now people believe that forever revengeful Rahu tries to eat them up but since he is disembodied it comes through the other end as he gulps them down on eclipses.

It was in 499 AD Aryabhata realised that eclipse is all shadow and that there are no demons involved. He reinvented the idea that Rahu and Ketu are just points in the sky and hence they are two dark planets that cause eclipse.

Varahamihira converted Rahu and Ketu from mere myths to celestial bodies thus making it dark points in the sky. They are no more Asuras and are being worshipped as Navagrahas.

Studies show that the Earth, which used to take 400 days to complete rotation, has been slowed down by eclipses. Ancient record of eclipse helps to know about the movement of the sun, rotation of the earth and how it is slowing down over years and its impact.

Eclipses have always fascinated people from an earlier period. It may be just the shadow of the moon on earth but it is a remarkable experience to witness it.

“Eclipses are one of the spectacular events you can witness in your life time and therefore don’t miss the opportunity due to superstitions”.

@martin_christopher

“Just write it down. You feel much better.”

Writing is my favourite pastime. I have a habit of writing daily. It is that time of the day which I like the most. This is because I get a chance during this time to write down what is going in my mind freely without any interference.

As time is progressing, people are forgetting the traditional art of writing which involves a paper and a pen and are shifting towards digital writing which is achieved by means of some kind of device. But this form of writing can never replace the conventional method.

There are many benefits that you can get from writing, such as:

● You can express the thoughts that are hurting you emotionally through writing in a better way. You might not feel comfortable to speak to someone about your stress, but writing it down could be an effective way to get rid of it. Once, you finish writing you feel free from tension.

● Writing definitely improves your writing skills. But, along with that, it also boosts your imagination and creativity skills, as you think of new ways to present your ideas on a paper. Your vocabulary improves as you learn new words while writing.

● You can relive any moment of your life at any time if you have a habit of writing about your daily routine. You make many memories in your lifetime and can live them whenever you want to simply by turning back the pages and reading about your old memories.

● Writing brings clarity to your ideas. It helps you to communicate effectively. Your thought process becomes more clear and direct due to writing. This helps you to make better life decisions.

● Writing teaches you to be more determined and confident in your life. While writing, you get involved in a completely different world wherein you are the boss of your thoughts. You just focus on your writing and are least affected by other people or what’s happening around you.

● You feel so calm and peaceful once you finish writing. This is because you get a sense of accomplishment after writing and you are able to completely drain out all your thoughts onto a paper.

● Writing is a great exercise for your brain. It is the easiest workout through which brain cells are stimulated to think creatively. It also proves very useful to enhance your memory.

● Writing can also be a good career option. If you can present your ideas in a proper format and be innovative with them then you can become a successful writer, poet or author. This can be a good job since you are getting paid and gaining recognition by doing what you like the most i.e. writing.

Thus, writing has many advantages to offer. Even if you don’t actually like to write, then too you should try to take some time from your daily routine and invest it in writing. This will gradually evolve the interest for writing in you and you will start liking it.

So whenever, you are tired of using the digital devices and thinking of doing something new without any investment. The best thing that could be done is to take a piece of paper and a pen or pencil and start writing. Just keep writing without any fear of being judged by anyone.