World before corona and after!

COVID-19! Corona Virus Disease 2019! It is a widely spread disease which is harming the valuable lives of people. This disease is an infectious disease caused by a coronavirus. The symptoms of this disease include high fever, dry cough, tiredness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain.
Before this pandemic, our lives were going very smoothly, everything was perfect as it should be. We all were living our lives the fullest, students were dealing with their studies or were preparing for exams, fresher were exploring jobs, few were busy and focusing on their career, few were living their daily routine, and many more.
We’ve never seen such days when the whole country is locked, even our parents have never faced such scenario in their previous lives, and not even our grandparents have seen the whole World locked for so many days.
Life before Corona was so easy for us to live, we don’t have to wash our hands for several times in a day, there was no compulsion for wearing masks all time, we used to greet others by shaking a hand or by giving hug, we enjoyed the parties with our friends and family, went for outings, used to go for long drives and experiencing the cold wind, we used to go for dinner or lunch, there were a lot of things we did before this disease came.
Now, when we have to be aware and have to be safe, we are not supposed to do the things as we used to do. We can’t roam without wearing masks, can’t gather with lots of people.
All have seen many dreams for the day of their wedding; everyone wants to celebrate the day with all the friends, family and society. For a few more days, these dreams can’t be fulfilled as there is no fixed time when this problem will end.
Schools and Colleges are closed, studies are not on the track, no one knows when this all will be perfect as it was. Still, the teachers are making efforts every possible to teach their students.
As we all know, now the lockdown is over, but still, the problem is not yet solved. The positive cases are still increasing very rapidly, which is not good for anybody. We are allowed to go out, but not allowed to touch anything. We can celebrate, but only with few people. The things are changed, The ways of living are changed.

To get more information about the disease. Please go through this link.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses#:~:text=symptoms

Ring of Fire: Mystery of the dark sky

Solar eclipse captured by a professional photographer.
An image of a solar eclipse captured on a camera.

Nature has hundreds, thousands, and many more of underlying mysteries unsolved. It has left us astonished, including the researchers, scientists, and even us, while endorsing the creation of the beautiful environment around us. Let us decode the riddle all about the ring of fire. Ring of fire may confuse you with the area in the Pacific Ocean, but here it’s about the solar solstice.

This year, you will observe one of the rarest eclipses, the ring of fire. But what is the solar solstice, you might have come across this term while you’ve studied environmental science in your childhood. The word originated from the Old French solstice and from the Latin sōlstitium where sōl means the Sun and sistō refers to stand still. The solstice happens two times every year in June and December when the Sun arrives at its one of the unique positions in the sky as we can see from the North Pole or the South Pole. Solar Eclipse, on the other hand, refers to when the Moon is directly between the Sun and the planet Earth, which usually occurs twice in a year and can go up to 5 of them in a year occasionally.

The most significant thing is that how do you observe this spectacular event. During this occasion, wearing proper eye protection is a must, or else it can cause retinal burns. Even a slight revelation to this light can destroy cells in the retina: vision, one of the essential senses through which we can watch the world around us through the brain, you cannot risk to lose it. We can use a pinhole projector, which can be your next science-related DIY project, as one of the methods to observe it properly. There are other methods like telescope attached with solar filters, or you can even watch them online when the various astronomical organisations broadcast it around the world.

We always had a desire to look into the Sun directly in the sky and go blank for a while, unable to see things for the next few minutes. But this opportunity allows us to see the Sun in its most enthralling form. On June 21, 2020, the first solar eclipse in the year full of events like the recent pandemic, which affected everyone directly and indirectly. Now when Mother Earth has been recovering to its fullest, this will be one of the most awaited moments of the year to capture and create some positive memories. You can check the path of the eclipse on the official NASA site mentioned below.

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2020Jun21Agoogle.html

Eclipses have occurred several times throughout the history of humanity. There are several myths which leads to a reason that some of us take it in a positive manner or vice-versa. In the end, it teaches us the fact that there is always a way to light after every darkness, no matter how deep or bad memories do you go through, there is still a way to recover from it. In the 21st century, where science and technology are advancing day by day, but watching out nature’s fantasies, is what still keeps us connected to the field of astronomy, history, and beliefs and can be a motivational factor for the growth of a positive character within you.

world’s largest vaccine manufacturer invests usd 100 million to develop potential Covid-19 vaccine

According to a company official of , the world’s largest producer of vaccines, the Serum Institute of India , is planning to invest USD 100 million on a potential vaccine for COVID-19,  being developed at Oxford University. The organization established in Pune, has collaborated with AstraZeneca, a British bio-pharmaceutical corporation mammoth, to ensure a stable supply to India and other low- and middle-income countries of the AZD1222 vaccines.

“Our manufacturing facility is ready and we plan to start production in two months. We are spending more than USD 100 million for this facility. Till the trials are completed successfully for safety and efficacy, vaccines will not be distributed either in India or anywhere else in the world,” Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer, Serum Institute of India (SII), said.

With high hopes the company is planning to mass produce up to a million units, and is planning to stockpile the same at personal risk. According to the company when it comes to determine how many units India is likely to get in the first phase, they commented that it might be too early too comment. “However, if the vaccine trials succeed, India will gain access to the doses as it will also be the requirement of the Government of India. And we are certain that everybody will respect if the substantial volumes go to India,” he added.

According to their website, Serum Institute of India was founded in 1966 by Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla with the aim of manufacturing life-saving immuno-biologicals, which were in shortage in the country and imported at high prices. Thereafter, several life-saving biologicals were manufactured at prices affordable, and now is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally (more than 1.5 billion doses) which includes Polio vaccine as well as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hib, BCG, r-Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccines. It is estimated that about 65% of the children in the world receive at least one vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute. Vaccines manufactured by the Serum Institute are accredited by the World Health Organization, Geneva and are being used in around 170 countries across the globe in their national immunization programs, saving millions of lives throughout the world.

Serum Institute of India is ranked as India’s No. 1 biotechnology company, manufacturing highly specialized life saving biologicals like vaccines using cutting edge genetic and cell based technologies, antisera and other medical specialties.

Serum Institute of India also has plans and is working on developing a vaccine with USA based firm Codagenix, Poonawalla recently said that at present, the firm is undergoing pre-clinical trials (animal trial phase) and hope to progress to the human trial phase by September/October.

“The aim is to make the vaccine over the next 1.5-2 years to help combat the novel corona-virus. With the combined efforts of our partner Codagenix, we are optimistic that we will be able to provide a viable and effective vaccine for mass use,” Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer, Serum Institute of India (SII), said.

SII along with Oxford and Codagenix is also working with an Austria-based firm, Themis and two other promising candidates to develop an effective and affordable vaccine for COVID-19.At least half a dozen attempts to build a coronavirus vaccine are underway worldwide but the ones in Oxford are considered one of the most assuring and promising ones.   A vaccine will be a much needed intervention that can bring the loss of lives caused by the infections, to a complete halt.

Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/serum-institute-investing-usd-100-million-on-potential-covid-19-vaccine/articleshow/76288408

The Land of temples

Welcome everyone, so Today, we are going to know about the land of temples, in India, the states have other names likewise the land of temples is Odisha Because, in Odisha there is many temples, also Odisha is not only famous for temples, but for other objects which we will know following on this study.

Odisha also known as Orissa, is located in Eastern India with the neighboring states with West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, and Andra Pradesh. The ancient name of Odisha was Kalinga, which was after the name of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. In Odisha, there are many temples to witness the beauty of the architect made in the ancient time. In India, it represents the multiple ethnicities, the diverse religion.

The main temple in Odisha, Jagganath Temple which is located in Puri which is famous all over the world, Sri Jagannatha Dhama is the other name of Puri, also famous Rath Yatra which is witnessed by millions of the people. It has a 1078-year-old huge structure with a great architecture design. You might know or may not know that the flag which is tied above the temple is changed every day with other design.

The design is never repeated and also the flag which is tied is triangular always flies in the opposite direction of the wind. To change the flag one priest always climb at the time of evening every day without any help or ladder to tie up a new flag. This is the most surprising fact that I have ever known.

Another surprising thing is that no bird fly above the temple. Yes, it’s true above the temple no birds you can see flying also you can test it by going to that place.

In the temple, the food is always made every day and the most extraordinary thing about the food is doesn’t get waste not a single day or a single bite, and the food every day is made with the equal quantity, and the people every day they can eat the food with a great taste, another thing is the food is always made in a different method it means the pots are placed over one another and are cooked using only firewood.

So there are many surprising things you will witness when you visit that place.

Then other temples are in the capital of Odisha that is Bhubaneswar.

The Bhubaneswar is known to be dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Bhubaneswar, there are many types of temples with beautiful architecture.

Some temples are:-

The first one is the Lingaraj Temple which is the largest temple in Odisha. It is height of about 180 ft (ca. 55 m) and another one 150 ft (ca. 46 m). The temple is believed to be made during the 11th century.

The second one is Ekamra Kshetra is one of the biggest religious places in Odisha which draws thousands of guests from all spots of the world. It is the symphysis of a multi-religious system consists of Bhraminical, Buddhist and Jain.

The third one is Konark which is built in the 13th century located near Puri, which is also recognized as The Sun Temple. It is listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, it also has a beach name as Chandrabagha beach which is the cleanest and beautiful beach in Odisha.

So these are the important places of Odisha. I wish you all loved this article and let me know in the comment have you been attended Odisha or not! Thank you for viewing this piece and have a nice day!

Traditional learning can’t be replaced by virtual learning

In such times, Virtual classes are the only practice that can help the student to learn without any deterrent. In such a situation of the pandemic, there is no other alternative for now. Most of the institution has adopted for virtual learning via email, video conference through zoom meeting, google meet, Webex, Microsoft etc which is a great step initiated as of now. But in my opinion, traditional learning cannot be replaced. Since there is no direct interaction between a student and a teacher which cause a lot of distraction. Reason being the teacher cannot ensure the focus of the student. Virtual classes have their own benefit you don’t have to worry about waking up early and one can learn according to their comfort zone. Since a student can study in the comfort of their homes. Virtual classes make us able to watch recorded lectures as many times we want which helps us clear our doubts. Virtual classes save time and money but it cannot provide the environment same like classroom learning. One has to ensure good internet supply and interface but not every student has these facilities. As of now, there is some locale where there is lack of internet services. Class learning doesn’t only make learning easier but it also promotes focus, self-disciplined and punctuality in your life, since one has to wake up early to attend the classes on time. Classroom learning offers direct interaction and helps to upgrade their skills and teach them how to peacefully live in a society. But according to this situation, Virtual learning is really important as of now schools and institutions are shut down. In the situation of global health crisis, it is the only way left so the student can keep social distancing and complete their syllabus on time. Switching learning is great for now since it enables the student to be productive as of now. Both ways have their own pros and cons. In virtual learning, there is a lack of understanding between student and teacher. Classroom learning includes conflict resolving skills, presentation skills it boosts up your confidence in front of peers, develops Leadership skills and teaches them to get along with the student from different cultural backgrounds. Classroom teaching is valuable in shaping their communication skills, listening skills and boosting up their confidence. Students experience social interactions with peers and establish rapport with teachers which help develop socially. Classroom learning enhances the critical thinking skills of students in live group discussion. Teachers can modify their teaching practices based on the observation that student is getting what they are taught i.e. classroom activities and interactions can help learners. At the same time, students can get their doubts clarified immediately which is not in the case of virtual learning. since there is a lot of distraction in virtual classes. As of now, we should be grateful that virtual learning is helping the student to be productive in this crisis. Since in the time of emergency virtual learning is a good alternative to traditional learning but cannot be replaced by traditional learning.Since Classroom learning has certain extra advantages that virtual learning cannot replace.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comment below and have a wonderful day.

Death penalty on sexual VIOLENCE in India…..

“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars”. – Martin Luther King

This article is widely based on the ‘Death Penalty India Report (DPIR)’, which was released on 6 May 2016 and contains the findings of Death Penalty Research Project . The DPIR is divided in two volumes of which one contains the quantitative information regarding the prisoners sentenced to death, their nature of crimes, socio-economic backgrounds and of course their legal representation. The second contains the experience of prisoners in police custody, through the trial and appeal process, and impact on their families.

Let’s understand what is death penalty with the help of current examples:-

Death Penalty/Capital Punishment for sexual violence is a government sanctioned practice whereby a person is put to death if he/she is accused for sexual violence with a person and then killing him/her. The recent examples to show the case of death penalty are:-

1. The Priyanka Reddy Case of 2020, she was firstly ganged rape by four men and was burned to ashes. The police officials didn’t thought twice and encountered the covicts on the spot.

2. The Delhi Gang Rape Case of 2012, the victim was gang raped by six men, of one was a juvenile and 4/6 were hanged to death in February 2020 and remaining 2 committed suicide behind the bars.

3. In 2018, six men were convicted of abduction, confinement, rape and murder of an eight year old girl in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.

4. Madhya Pradesh also has a problematic constitutional practice where prosecutors are being incentivised to get the death penalty- a prosecutor that get a death sentence in sexual violence case gets more points, and there are rewards for being the best prosecutor.

One of the main surprise is that of the state-wise data of using death penalty. Be it Jammu and Kashmir or Central India or the Northeast, there is a very little use of death penalty. The popularity of death penalty, is driven in this decade at least, by concerns of terrorism and sexual violence. With all countries having death penalty, the burden of which falls on the poorest and most marginalized sections of our society.

All political parties are complicit in developing this terrible, counter-productive narrative, and feeding this public frenzy that sexual violence is best handled by punishing people more harshly. It is really very easy to villianise four people or a hundred rapists instead of asking a more broader question of “what in our society produces sexual violence? “

The proportion of death sentences imposed for sexual offences has consistently increased from 18 per cent in 2016, to 60 per cent in 2020. Ignoring documented research on the issues, and pronouncing death sentences on offenders does little beyond satisfying the retributive instinct of the public. However, seeking quick fixes within a broken criminal justice system only enables the state to give an easy, but inadequate cop-out for the state as a response to violent crimes.

Therefore, to conclude it would be rightly said that without taking proper readings and documents and not seeing the cases of sexual violence with utter disgrace and just killing the convits is wrong.

Refrences/Sources for Data:-

Project 39A by NLU, Delhi.

Words with Dear Coffee

Ah coffee! As soon as I let this word out of my mouth, what is left behind is that rich aroma and the bittersweet flavour of it, still lingering on my taste buds.
Such a bliss right.

Some of you may agree while the others might not. For some of us, coffee is like our essential, we need it everyday at a particular time else we can’t function normally. And that’s perfectly normal too cause coffee is believed to be therapeutic for both mind and body. But when we talk of the other lot of people, they keep switching between the two main beverages; tea and coffee and evidently so aren’t obsessed with the either. And the last category includes those for whom further reading of this article is not advised (pun intended).

Source : Google

Ever tried having your spesh flavoured coffee right in the morning in a tranquil setting, maybe your balcony or backyard or garden and as you take the first sip and allow yourself to be drown into the flavours, try and feel the calmness within. Immerse yourself fully into the surroundings, pay attention to the soft chirping of the birds and the slight flutter of the cool morning breeze as the first rays of sunshine emerge and hit your face.
‎ Oh thenyou can hear yourself talking to your beloved coffee, subconsciously, having mindful coversations with it, exchanging words with your “Dear Coffee” as people often do under the salutation “Dear Diary” while journalling down. You’ll find yourself reminiscing sweetly about the last vacation or the details of the next impending assignment with a furrowing brow or fantasising about having xyz in your breakfast or maybe even sharing your sorrows over the last argument that you had with your close one.
You will soon hit upon the realisation that coffee often becomes a medium of exchange of words in the form of thoughts but only when you truly savour it. I have spent kaa-fi time over having words with my coffee. Have you?
My coffee helps me survive through the weekdays and yet joins me in on the weekends when I have nothing to do but just relax. Thanks to our coffees that we have been acting like binge-watching maniacs to survive this prolonged monotonous lockdown.


Speaking from personal experience, I feel the best kind of conversations take place and quite organically over a cup of coffee. In the above paragraphs, I laid emphasis on having words with coffee alone in the comfortable silence with just yourself but here let’s have an insight into how coffee helps strengthen bonds with our close ones. Coffee quite naturally becomes the conduit of conversations, let’s understand how.
We don’t really just crave the bitter, sweet taste of coffee but also of the hearts while taking in the experience of the precious people we sit with, whenever we have coffee with them. Cause in the innermost deeper levels, all of us crave good company and meaningful conversations. To just sit down with another person and talk for hours is much more fulfilling than anything else given that the person is someone who understands us and I think coffee just simplifies this soothing process to a great deal.
When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with your loved one?! Think and ponder. Also recall that the first meeting between a couple-to-be, the first signs of the fresh brewing romance, those first few words of getting to know each other even as great pals are all discussed with coffee at a coffee shop date. Ever wondered why so? Because you never know exchanging WORDS WITH COFFEE might actually seal the deal? Give it a thought. And I’m pretty convinced that after reading this article you would never underestimate the magic, the transformative power; a coffee beholds within itself rather you’d prefer to open yourself to this blissful feeling of having words of love with coffee.
☕♥️

WORLD WAR III

World  War III  refers to the next possible military conflict to happen in the world. The world war III fears have sent the whole world into pandemic. These  could be the  possible countries involved in World War III.

US-CHINA

There  has been an ongoing conflict between the two countries, over becoming the most powerful country. The trade   war is going as the US has for long accused China of unfair practises , mad made imports expensive with the intention to promote buying of American products. China is under the impression that US wants to curb it’s growing power. However, it’s now been said that the trade war has taken a new form of destruction named Coronavirus.

Is Coronavirus Different Form Of World War III?

During the first two wars, war was  basically associated with nuclear weapons, missiles .But the spread of coronavirus have proved how world war  can be started without strong nuclear weapons, but with Virus. As compared to before , now the enemy is invisible  which can be considered as master stroke by China. The virus has reported to have come from the wet food market of the Chinese City, Wuhan. But the conspiracy theory by scientists show that the virus was a manmade invention in Labs , so that it could replace US by becoming the  next superpower in the world.

Global Institution like WHO(World Health Organization) was formed at the time of previous world wars, in order to control the situation arising in case of an emergency.  Back in January 2020,when the condition of China made everyone around the world panic, WHO declared this situation as emergency  and  went against the decision to ban international flights from and to the city of Wuhan. Had it not  been for this mistake, the world would have been saved .It was later that WHO declared that the pandemic has originated from the Chinese city , Wuhan. This decision was taken  under a  lot of pressure from all over the world specially USA  ,in fear of losing ties with the most powerful nation.

US-NORTH KOREA

The relation between the two countries , primarily involved around the use of  nuclear weapon, missiles  and the  continuous threats to strike US. US has had meeting with North Korea thrice last year, to discuss not only  about the banning of their nuclear program, but also to ban their chemical and biological weapons. North Korea recently described nuclear forces as “high alert operation”, sending clear indications to Trump of it’s ability to attack anytime.

US-IRAN

Donald Trump attacked Iran’s most powerful  leader, General Qasem  Soleimani by making an airstrike at the Baghdad airport. In his defence, Trump said that he did this to make the world a safer place .As retaliation, Iran launched dozens of missiles at US forces in Iraq. People all over the world were concerned about the  tention between the two countries, following threats by Donald Trump to unleash $2 trillion worth of military equipment.

INDIA-PAKISTAN

History is proof of the bitter relations between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Right after the partition, there have been issues , conflicts and wars over the land. And on top of all this, the growing relations of India with US,  has put Pakistan in a state of fear .

That’s the way, the Street Smart way!

All of us might be aware of the general meaning of this word “street smart” but let us now try and understand what deep notions does it have. Okay, so if we stick to the basic meaning which is that being a street smart means that you are aware of the circumstances and situations encircling you and are able to rightly interpret the thoughts and intentions of the people who are surrounding you through your instinct-driven judgements.
Furthermore, you have that ability to trust your gut and that is the reason why you don’t get tricked or played on easily and hence you respond much more effectively to the menacing state of affairs, often caused in an urban environment. As a result of which, you often bypass and tend to cross over so many of the hurdles which could have otherwise trapped you but because of your presence of mind and your streetsmart attitude, you managed to escape. Bravo! And all these incidents instill mammoth amounts of confidence within you which keeps upping your street smart game and you pave the path towards your own success.



Okay so this was a brief introduction about how the life of a street smart functions but now the question arises that how do you become one yourself?
It’s easy but requires regular practice. You just need to allow yourself to be vulnerable whilst maintaining strong grip at your vigilance at the initial stages and be open to experiences, of all kinds cause as they say you don’t know it unless you experience it. Now consider an example; if someone is trying to emotionally manipulate you by the the usage of sweet tones, you might get swayed away once or even twice, given that you trust too easily but not the third time. Why? Because you would, quite naturally, become alert and attentive enough to fall into the trap again. Works like a vaccine you see, immunity develops on its own upon exposure to disease.
So my dear, wisdom lies in letting yourself being exposed to uncomfortable situations that make your adrenaline rush, constantly putting yourself to tests and then evaluating your result later on. That’s how you monitor selfgrowth. Now if you keep shielding yourself by continuing to stay in your bubble, then you are highly likely to get tricked one day or the other because you just won’t know how to deal with those situations or those people, in general because you never taught yourself that and there’s no way to avoid them.
About being streetsmart, know that it’s a self learnt thing and there are so many situations out there to teach you that, you just have to be open to learning. Isn’t it simple? Speaking from personal experience, I became street smart quite organically because I absorbed everything from my surroundings, trusted my gut, followed my heart and then shapeshifted accordingly. You can try it yourself. After all life’s too short and being a street smart makes it worthwhile and interesting.

Legality of the Lockdown

On 24 March, 2020, our hon’ble Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi declared 21 days lockdown which kept on extending further as the number of COVID 19 cases in India kept on increasing. Certain guidelines were laid down at both, centre and the state levels. As you would have observed that there were instances where some state governments issued guidelines in addition to what was issued by by the central government. Ever wondered whether imposing such a lockdown was legal or not? Well, by the time you get to the end of this article you will have a basic understanding of how it works. So keep reading.

The legality of such actions taken at different levels can be derived from the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DMA) which aims “to provide for the effective management of disasters and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”

The Act provides for the establishment of Disaster Management Authorities at the Centre, State and District levels of which the Prime Minister, Chief Minister and the District Magistrate/Collector/Deputy
Commissioner respectively shall be the ex-officio Chairperson. Such authorities have the responsibility for laying down the policies, plans and guidelines for ensuring timely and effective response to disaster. But how does the law define the term “disaster”? Is the term “lockdown” defined in Indian Law? If yes, what does it mean and if no how and who gets to decide what it means? These are some of the obvious questions that might arise.

It is to be noted that, although, the term “Lockdown” has not been defined under Indian Law, it can be elucidated from the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1987 which “gives power to centre and state governments to take necessary actions to contain the outbreak of an epidemic even if such steps are not mentioned in the law practice or theory.” As we all know that scientists from around the world have still not found a credible vaccine for the same and considering India’s health care facilities, there would not have been enough resources to treat people if the number of people affected would have become large. Since the novel coronavirus is contagious, lockdown was a need of the hour to contain its outbreak.

But as mentioned earlier, the lockdown was inposed under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 , so it is essential to understand the meaning of the term “Disaster” which is defined as

“a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or gave occurrence in any area arising from natural or man made causes, or by accident or negligence, which results in substantial loss of life or human suffering or damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage to, or degradation of, environment, and is of such a nature or mangnitude as to beyond the coping capacity of the community of the affected area.”

Section 2 (d), Disaster Management Act, 2005

Technically, if one goes by the definition, COVID-19 does not fall within the definition of “disaster” as per the Act, as it is a pandemic, not any calamity, mishap or catastrophe. So, as per the definition, lockdown which was imposed to contain its outbreak, cannot be imposed under the Act. But that happened; it was imposed under the Disaster Management Act. You might be by now contemplating as to how did that happen? How is that legal?

This was possible because the Ministry of Home Affairs declared COVID-19 as a “notified disaster” thus bringing it within the purview of section 2(d). This was done to increase the scope of its administrative powers so that quick actions could be taken.

You might also be aware that any action taken by the government must be in consonance with the Indian Constitution and some of you might have suffered from the restrictions on movement as a consequence of the lockdown. You might already have some idea about the fundamental rights that are guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution of India. Yes, you are right! I am talking about Article 19 in Part III of the Indian Constitution. Many might have felt that the lockdown infringed their right to assemble peacefully wothout arms [Article 19 (1) (b) )] ; right to move freely throughout the territory of India [Article 19 (1) (d)] ; right to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business [Article 19 (1) (g)]. Many of you might thus say that its against the constitution, hence, illegal. But it is important to note that, these rights aren’t absolute, they are subject to reasonable restrictions as per the latter part of the Article. Hence, lockdown being a reasonable restriction, for public health and safety, is legal.