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Showing posts from June, 2023

India's Unfinished Agenda: Setting Up a Semiconductor Fab

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India has been striving to set up a semiconductor fabrication plant (fab) for many years, but so far, all attempts have failed. The government's 2022 Semiconductor Mission is a laudable initiative, but it is important to understand why earlier attempts failed and examine alternate approaches. One of the main reasons for the failure of earlier attempts is that India is way behind China on the fab journey. China has invested heavily in the semiconductor industry, and now has a thriving domestic fab ecosystem. India, on the other hand, has not made the same level of investment, and as a result, does not have the necessary infrastructure or talent pool to support a fab. Another challenge is that setting up a fab is a very capital-intensive undertaking. The cost of building a fab can run into billions of dollars, and it can take many years to recoup the investment. This makes it a risky proposition for companies, especially in a country like India where the market for semiconductors is

Xi Jinping and Antony Blinken agree to stabilize ties

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met on Saturday in Bali, Indonesia, for their first face-to-face talks since October. The two leaders agreed to stabilize ties between their countries, which have been strained in recent years. In a joint statement, the leaders said that they had "candid and constructive" discussions on a range of issues, including the war in Ukraine, climate change, and economic cooperation. They also agreed to hold more regular high-level meetings. "We agreed that the world's two largest economies and major stakeholders have a responsibility to manage our differences responsibly," Blinken said after the meeting. "We are committed to working together to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict." Xi Jinping said that China and the United States should "respect each other, coexist peacefully, and seek common ground while putting aside differences." He also called for the two cou

Leadership in the Face of Climate Change: The Need for Bold Action

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The world is facing a climate crisis. The evidence is clear: temperatures are rising, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, and they are only going to get worse if we do not take action. Leadership is essential to addressing the climate crisis. We need leaders who are willing to take bold action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean energy economy. We also need leaders who are willing to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. However, leadership is not easy. There are many complexities involved in addressing the climate crisis. One of the biggest challenges is the issue of responsibility. Developed countries have historically been the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, but developing countries are now emitting more greenhouse gases than ever before. This raises the question of who should pay for the costs of clima

The Universal Basic Income Debate

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The idea of a universal basic income (UBI) has been around for centuries, but it has gained renewed attention in recent years as a potential solution to the challenges posed by automation and rising inequality. A UBI is a government program that would provide a regular, unconditional income to all citizens, regardless of their employment status. The amount of the UBI would vary depending on the proposal, but it is typically estimated to be between $1,000 and $2,000 per month. Proponents of UBI argue that it would provide a number of benefits, including: Reducing poverty and inequality Increasing economic security Boosting economic growth Improving health and well-being Reducing crime Opponents of UBI argue that it would be too expensive, that it would discourage people from working, and that it would create a disincentive to save. The debate over UBI is likely to continue for some time, but it is a serious proposal that deserves careful consideration. Here are some of the key arguments

U.S. Re-Enters UNESCO After 12-Year Absence

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The United States has re-entered the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after a 12-year absence. The decision was announced by President Joe Biden on June 16, 2023. The United States withdrew from UNESCO in 2011, citing concerns about the organization's management and its alleged bias against Israel. However, the Biden administration has argued that the United States can have a greater impact on UNESCO from within the organization. "The United States is a founding member of UNESCO, and our participation is essential to advancing our shared values and priorities," Biden said in a statement. "By rejoining UNESCO, we can work with our allies and partners to promote peace and security, protect human rights, and advance science, education, and culture." The United States' re-entry into UNESCO is a significant development. The organization has a wide range of activities, including promoting education, protecting cultural heri

Uniform Civil Code: A Lofty Goal, But Difficult to Achieve

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A uniform civil code for the entire country is a lofty goal, but it is one that has been difficult to achieve. The idea of a uniform civil code has been debated for many years, and there are strong arguments on both sides of the issue. Those who support a uniform civil code argue that it would promote equality and justice for all citizens. They point out that the current system of personal laws, which are based on religious beliefs, can lead to discrimination against women and other vulnerable groups. For example, under some personal laws, women are not allowed to inherit property or divorce their husbands. Those who oppose a uniform civil code argue that it would violate the freedom of religion. They believe that people should be free to follow their own religious beliefs, even if those beliefs lead to different rules about marriage, divorce, and inheritance. They also argue that a uniform civil code would be difficult to implement and enforce. The 22nd Law Commission of India, which

Strengthening the ICDS Scheme: A Key to Improving Child Development in India

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The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme is a government-run program that provides early childhood care and education, nutrition, and health services to children under the age of six years and their mothers. The scheme was launched in 1975 and has since been implemented in all states and union territories of India. The ICDS scheme has been successful in improving the nutritional status of children and reducing child mortality rates. However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed in order to strengthen the scheme. These challenges include: Inadequate funding . The ICDS scheme is funded by the central government and the state governments. However, the funding is often inadequate, which has led to a shortage of staff, equipment, and supplies. Poor quality of services . The quality of services provided under the ICDS scheme varies from state to state. In some states, the services are of good quality, while in others, the services are of poor quality. Low

The Need for a More Gender-Inclusive Approach to Medicine

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The medical field has traditionally been male-centric, with research and treatment often focused on the male body. This has led to a number of challenges for women's health, including: Underrepresentation of women in clinical trials . Women are often underrepresented in clinical trials, which means that there is limited data on how medications and treatments affect them. This can lead to women being prescribed medications that are not safe or effective for them, or being denied treatment altogether. Gender bias in diagnosis and treatment . Women's symptoms are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, and they may be less likely to receive the same level of care as men. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, which can have serious consequences for women's health. Lack of research on sex-specific health conditions . There is a lack of research on sex-specific health conditions, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and pregnancy-related complications. This

Next Finance Commission Faces Tough Task of Balancing State and Central Needs

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The next Finance Commission (FC) will be appointed in the coming months. It will have a tough task of determining how much of the Centre's tax revenue should be shared with the states (the vertical share) and how to distribute that among the states (the horizontal sharing formula). The FC will need to balance a number of competing factors. On the one hand, it needs to ensure that the states have sufficient resources to meet their basic needs, such as providing education and healthcare. On the other hand, it needs to be mindful of the fact that the Centre has a responsibility to ensure fiscal stability. In recent years, the states have been facing a number of fiscal challenges. This is due to a number of factors, including the slowdown in economic growth, the rising cost of public services, and the increasing burden of debt. As a result, many states have been forced to cut back on spending on essential services. The FC will need to find a way to address these challenges. One option

Cyclone Biparjoy: Gujarat on high alert, over 74,000 evacuated

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Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district on Thursday evening, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kutch and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, and an orange alert for other coastal districts of Gujarat. Over 74,000 people have been evacuated from coastal areas of Gujarat in anticipation of the cyclone. The Gujarat government has set up 1,200 relief camps in these areas. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Rajkot districts. The wind speed is likely to reach 120 kilometers per hour in these areas. The cyclone is expected to weaken as it moves inland, but it is still likely to cause heavy rains and strong winds in other parts of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Surat. The Gujarat government has urged people to stay indoors and avoid venturing out unless necessary. The government has also asked people to keep

India's Law Commission Calls public and religious bodies’ for Views on Uniform Civil Code

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The Law Commission of India has called for fresh suggestions from public and religious organizations on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The UCC is a proposed code that would replace the personal laws of different religious communities in India. The Law Commission has said that it is seeking views on the following aspects of the UCC: The scope of the UCC The need for a UCC The possible contents of a UCC The challenges in implementing a UCC The Law Commission has invited suggestions from the public and religious organizations by June 30, 2023. The UCC is a controversial topic in India. Some people believe that it is necessary to have a common set of laws for all citizens, regardless of their religion. Others believe that the UCC would violate the religious freedom of minority communities. The Law Commission has said that it will consider all the suggestions received before making a recommendation to the government. Background The idea of a Uniform Civil Code has been debated in India for m

Mauritius Government Clarifies Angel Tax Rules

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The Mauritian government is seeking clarity on the angel tax rules that were recently introduced by the Indian government. The angel tax is a 3% tax that is levied on investments made by angel investors in startups. The Mauritian government is concerned that the angel tax could discourage angel investors from investing in startups in Mauritius. This could have a negative impact on the Mauritian startup ecosystem, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. The Mauritian government has written to the Indian government seeking clarification on the angel tax rules. The Mauritian government is hoping that the Indian government will provide exemptions for angel investments made in Mauritius. The angel tax has been criticized by many industry experts. They argue that the tax is unfair and will discourage investment in startups. The angel tax has also been criticized for being difficult to comply with. The Mauritian government is hoping that the Indian government will clarify the angel ta

Consumers Breathe Sigh of Relief as Inflation Falls

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Inflation in India eased to a 25-month low of 4.25% in May from 4.70% in the previous month, government data showed on Tuesday. The fall in inflation was driven by a decline in food prices, which fell to 2.15% in May from 3.64% in April. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been closely monitoring inflation and has taken a number of steps to contain it. In May, the RBI raised the repo rate by 0.40% to 4.40%. The RBI has also announced a number of measures to boost economic growth, which is expected to help contain inflation in the coming months. The fall in inflation is a welcome relief for consumers, who have been facing rising prices for essential goods and services. However, it remains to be seen whether the fall in inflation is sustainable. The RBI will continue to monitor inflation closely and take appropriate action to ensure that it remains under control. Here are some of the factors that contributed to the fall in inflation in May: Decline in food prices : Food prices fell to 2.

UPI to Go Global: India in Talks to Take Payment System to Gulf Countries

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The Indian government is in talks with several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, to expand its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system. UPI is a real-time, instant payment system that allows users to transfer money between bank accounts without having to enter any additional information. It has been a huge success in India, with over 2 billion transactions processed in the first half of 2023. The government believes that UPI could be a game-changer for the Gulf region. The region is home to a large number of Indian expatriates, who often face high fees when sending money back home. UPI could help to reduce these fees and make it easier for Indian expatriates to send money to their families and friends in India. The government is also hoping that UPI could help to boost trade between India and the Gulf countries. Currently, trade between the two regions is worth around $100 billion per year. The government believes that UPI could help to increase this figure by making

India's GDP Touches ₹3.75 Trillion Mark in 2023

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India's gross domestic product (GDP) has touched the ₹3.75 trillion mark in 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. The growth rate for the current financial year is estimated to be 8.7%, which is higher than the earlier estimate of 7.5%. Speaking at a press conference, Sitharaman said that the Indian economy is a "bright spot" in the global economy. She attributed the growth to the government's policies, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The PMJDY has provided financial services to over 400 million people, while the PMKVY has trained over 35 million people in various skills. The GST has simplified the tax regime and made it easier for businesses to operate. Sitharaman also said that the government is committed to reducing the fiscal deficit to 3.3% of GDP in the current financial year. She said that the government will take steps to boost reven

The Crew Motorfest Release Date Announced for September 14, 2023

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Ubisoft has announced that The Crew Motorfest will be released on September 14, 2023. The announcement was made during Ubisoft Forward, a digital event that showcased upcoming games from the publisher. The Crew Motorfest is an expansion to the open-world racing game The Crew 2. It will feature new vehicles, events, and challenges. Players will be able to explore a new region of the United States, called Motornation, which is based on the American Southwest. The expansion will also introduce a new game mode called Motorpass. Motorpass is a seasonal progression system that rewards players with new vehicles, cosmetics, and other items. The Crew Motorfest is available for pre-order now. Players who pre-order the expansion will receive the Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400, a high-performance electric vehicle. Here are some of the new features that will be included in The Crew Motorfest:New vehicles: The expansion will add over 50 new vehicles to the game, including classic muscle cars, modern sport

Ubisoft Announces xDefiant Open Beta and Release Window

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Ubisoft announced today that its upcoming free-to-play shooter, xDefiant, will enter open beta later this summer. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. xDefiant is a team-based shooter that combines elements of first-person shooters, third-person shooters, and hero shooters. Players will choose from a variety of classes, each with their own unique abilities, and battle it out in objective-based matches. The game's open beta will begin on August 5th and will run for two weeks. During the beta, players will be able to access all of the game's maps and modes. They will also be able to progress through the game's battle pass and unlock new cosmetics. Ubisoft also announced a roadmap for xDefiant, which includes plans to release new maps, modes, and operators on a regular basis. The first new map will be released in September, followed by a new mode in October. Two new operators will be released in November. xDefiant is cu

Bodycam Footage Captures UFO Falling From Sky, Minutes Later Family Reports Aliens in Backyard

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Body Cam Footage Captures UFO Falling From Sky, Minutes Later Family Reports Aliens in Backyard A police officer in Florida captured footage of a UFO falling from the sky on his body cam. The incident occurred on June 8, 2023, in the city of Miami. The officer was responding to a call about a suspicious object in the sky when he saw the object fall from the sky and land in a nearby backyard. The officer approached the backyard and saw a family standing there. The family told the officer that they had seen the object fall from the sky and that they had also seen aliens in their backyard. The officer did not see any aliens, but he did take a report from the family. The footage of the UFO falling from the sky has been released to the public and has sparked a lot of speculation. Some people believe that the object was a UFO, while others believe that it was a weather balloon or a drone. The family who reported seeing aliens in their backyard has not been identified. This is not the first t

The Iron Sheik, WWE Legend, Dies at 81

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Professional wrestling legend The Iron Sheik passed away on Monday at the age of 81. The cause of death has not been released. The Iron Sheik, whose real name was Khosrow Vaziri, was born in Tehran, Iran in 1940. He began his professional wrestling career in the early 1970s and quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers in the world. He was known for his aggressive style and his signature "camel clutch" submission hold. The Iron Sheik won numerous championships throughout his career, including the WWF World Heavyweight Championship and the Intercontinental Championship. He also wrestled in Japan, Mexico, and the United States. The Iron Sheik retired from professional wrestling in 1991, but he remained a popular figure in the wrestling world. He appeared on numerous television shows and movies, and he even hosted his own talk show for a short time. The Iron Sheik was a true pioneer in professional wrestling. He helped to popularize the sport around the world and he inspi

Kurt Angle's Bloodline Saga: The Best WWE Storyline in Years

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Kurt Angle's return to WWE in 2022 has been one of the most talked-about storylines in recent memory. The Olympic gold medalist has been feuding with the Bloodline, Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso, since his return, and the matches have been some of the best WWE has seen in years. Angle and Reigns first met at WrestleMania 38, where Angle challenged Reigns for the Universal Championship. The match was a classic, with Angle giving Reigns everything he could handle. In the end, Reigns retained the title, but Angle showed that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Since then, Angle has continued to feud with the Bloodline. He has faced off against Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso in singles matches, and he has even teamed up with Riddle to take on Reigns and Uso in tag team matches. The matches have been all-action, and they have helped to elevate Angle to the status of main event star once again. Angle's feud with the Bloodline is not only entertaining, but it is

Roman Reigns Was Upset With Embarrassing Storyline With Baron Corbin

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WWE superstar Roman Reigns was reportedly upset with the embarrassing storyline he was involved in with Baron Corbin. The storyline saw Corbin, a mid-card heel, constantly taunt and belittle Reigns, the top babyface in the company. The storyline culminated in a match between the two at WrestleMania 35, which Reigns won. However, the match was not well-received by fans, who felt that it was beneath Reigns' status. According to a report by Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Reigns was not happy with the way the storyline was handled. He felt that it made him look weak and foolish, and that it damaged his credibility as a top star. Reigns is not the first superstar to be unhappy with a storyline they were involved in. In recent years, other stars such as John Cena and Randy Orton have also expressed their displeasure with storylines that they felt were not in their best interests. It is important for WWE to be careful about the storylines they put their top stars in. If th

Alaves vs Eibar: La Liga Relegation Battle Preview

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Alaves and Eibar will face off in the final La Liga matchday of the 2022-23 season on June 8, 2023. The match will be played at the Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Alaves are currently in 19th place in the La Liga table, while Eibar are in 20th place. Both teams are already relegated to the Segunda División for the 2023-24 season. Alaves have won just two of their last 10 La Liga matches, while Eibar have won just one of their last 11. Both teams have conceded over 50 goals this season. The match is likely to be a close one, but Alaves are the slight favorites to win. They have a better home record than Eibar, and they have won their last two home matches against Eibar. Here are some betting tips for the match: Alaves to win at 2.25 odds Over 2.5 goals at 2.00 odds Alaves to win and both teams to score at 3.25 odds Prediction: Alaves 2-1 Eibar

Taylor Swift and Diljit Dosanjh Caught Being Touchy in a Restaurant

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American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh were recently spotted being touchy-feely in a restaurant in Los Angeles. The two were seen laughing and talking animatedly, and at one point, Swift even put her arm around Dosanjh's waist. The photos of the two went viral on social media, and many fans were quick to speculate about the nature of their relationship. Some fans believe that the two are dating, while others believe that they are simply close friends. Dosanjh has since responded to the photos, saying that he and Swift are just friends. He said that they met at a party and hit it off, and that they have been hanging out ever since. "We are just friends," Dosanjh said. "We met at a party and we just clicked. We have been hanging out ever since." Swift has not commented on the photos or Dosanjh's statement. The photos of Swift and Dosanjh have sparked a lot of conversation online, and it remains to be seen what the true nature

Samsung Galaxy F54 5G: A Solid Mid-Ranger

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      The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is a new mid-range smartphone from Samsung. It features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Exynos 1380 chipset, built on a 5nm processor, octa-core CPU configuration consisting of 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, the Galaxy F54 effectively handles tasks, and a 6,000mAh battery. The phone also has a triple-lens rear camera system, consisting of a 108MP main sensor, a 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. On the front, there is a 32MP selfie camera. The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a good balance of features and performance. The display is bright and vibrant, the processor is powerful enough for most tasks, and the battery life is excellent. The camera system is also capable of taking good photos in most conditions. However, there are a few areas where the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G could be improved. The charging speed is slow, and the phone does not come with a fast ch

Honda Elevate Offers a Stylish and Feature-Packed Alternative to the Creta and Seltos

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     Honda has unveiled its new mid-size SUV, the Elevate, in India. The SUV is expected to be launched in India in August 2023 and will be exported to other markets as well. The Elevate is a ground-up new model and will be the first SUV to be launched by Honda in India since the BR-V in 2016. The SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The Elevate gets a number of features that are expected to be segment-leading. These include: A free-standing 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen A Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking A single-pane sunroof The SUV will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine that will be mated to a CVT automatic transmission. The engine is expected to produce around 130bhp and 170Nm of torque. Honda has not yet announced the prices of the Elevate, but it is expected to be priced at

How Climate Change is Making Allergies and Respiratory Problems Worse

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Climate change is a global issue that is having a significant impact on the environment and on human health. One of the most concerning effects of climate change is its impact on allergies and respiratory health. Allergies are caused by the body's overreaction to certain substances, such as pollen, dust mites, and mold. When these substances come into contact with the body, they trigger an immune response that can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and wheezing. Respiratory health refers to the condition of the lungs and airways. Respiratory problems can range from mild to severe, and can include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Climate change is increasing the risk of allergies and respiratory problems in a number of ways. First, climate change is leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons. This is because warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons are allowing pollen and other allergens to thr

“Spare the rod and spoil the child”: Time to change the law

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The Indian legal system has long relied on corporal punishment as a means of disciplining children. However, there is growing evidence that this practice is ineffective and harmful. A recent study by the Indian Council of Child Welfare found that children who are corporally punished are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and delinquency. The study also found that corporal punishment is not an effective way to deter misbehavior. In fact, it may actually make children more likely to misbehave in the future. These findings are consistent with research from other countries. A study by the American Psychological Association found that corporal punishment is associated with increased aggression, decreased prosocial behavior, and lower cognitive ability. The evidence is clear: corporal punishment is harmful to children. It is time for India to change its laws and ban this practice.

Citizen Activism That Is Missing From the Wrestling Ring

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The recent protests by wrestlers against their federation chief have highlighted the absence of citizen activism in India. The protests, which have been going on for over four months, have failed to gain the support of the wider public. This is a worrying trend, as it suggests that people are becoming increasingly apathetic about social issues. There are a number of reasons why citizen activism has declined in India. One reason is the rise of social media. In the past, people had to rely on traditional media outlets, such as newspapers and television, to learn about social issues. However, social media has made it easier for people to get their news from a variety of sources. This has led to a fragmentation of the public sphere, making it more difficult to mobilize people around common causes. Another reason for the decline of citizen activism is the increasing economic inequality in India. The gap between the rich and the poor has widened in recent years, and this has made it difficul

World Environment Day 2023: A Call to Action

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World Environment Day is an annual event that is celebrated on June 5th. It is a day to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment and to take action to reduce our impact on the planet. The theme for World Environment Day 2023 is " Preventing Plastic Pollution ." This is a critical issue, as plastic pollution is a major threat to our oceans and marine life. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, where it can entangle and kill marine animals, or break down into smaller pieces that can be ingested by fish and other ma rine life. There are many things that we can do to prevent plastic pollution. We can reduce our use of single-use plastics, such as straws, bags, and utensils. We can also recycle plastic whenever possible, and compost food scraps and other organic materials. World Environment Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our environment. By taking small steps each day, we can make a big differ