“A life lived in fear is half lived.”
Anonymous
“डर में जीना आधा जीवित रहने जैसा है।”
अज्ञात
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Quote of the Day
Current Affairs- September 24, 2023
INDIA
- Mobile Internet service was restored after 140 days of suspension in ethnic violence-hit Manipur.
- Agriculture scientist Swati Nayak became the third Indian agriculture scientist to win the prestigious Norman E. Borlaug Award for 2023.
- An online self-learning course in Indian Sign Language and a dictionary containing 10,000 ISL terms were launched on the International Day of Sign Languages.
- India achieves Sanitation milestone as 75% Villages are now ODF Plus under Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen.
- 6th Edition of the ‘NeSDA – Way Forward Monthly Report for States/UTs’ were released.
- The National Health Authority (NHA) is organising ‘Arogya Manthan’ to celebrate 5 years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and 2 years of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
- The maiden edition of ‘Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav’ or Indian Lighthouse Festival was inaugurated in Panjim, Goa.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
- PhonePe announced the launch of Indus Appstore developer platform, as a Made-in-India app store.
- I-T department asked taxpayers to respond to its intimation regarding outstanding demands of previous years.
- TATA Projects has been awarded a contract by Micron Technology to construct the semiconductor assembly and test plant in Sanand, Gujarat.
- TRAI has issued recommendations for bolstering telecom infrastructure in Northeast.
WORLD
- Over 300 leading Uighur intellectuals have been jailed since Xi Jinping came to power in 2013: Rights Groups.
- 95 million Pakistanis are under poverty and Poverty in Pakistan shot up to 39.4% as of last fiscal year says World Bank.
SPORTS
- The opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games was organised at Hangzhou, China.
- Afghan women arrived for the first Asian Games since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan.
Current Affairs-September 25, 2023
INDIA
- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education: Multiple entry, exit option in higher studies may not suit India.
- The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) discussed the Navy’s proposal for acquiring a second Vikrant-like aircraft carrier.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off nine Vande Bharat trains connecting religious and tourist destinations across 11 States.
- Parliamentary Standing Committee asks government to monitor activities of ESIC.
- Goa government recently approved the ‘Goa State Shack Policy 2023-2026’.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
- Moody’s Investors Service flagged concerns about security and privacy vulnerabilities in centralised identification systems such as India’s Aadhaar.
- FPIs outflow in equities crosses Rs 10,000 crore mark in September on rising US interest rates.
- Under Centre’s Agro Processing Clusters scheme, only 2 out of 70 projects complete.
WORLD
- NASA’s first asteroid samples land on earth after release from spacecraft.
- China bars 3 Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh to travel for the ongoing Asian Games.
- The Indian and US armies will kick-start a two-week war game in Alaska.
SPORTS
- Max Verstappen wins the Japanese Grand Prix; his 13th win secures team title for Red Bull.
- Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls Team wins the first medal for India, a silver at Asian Games 2022.
- Ramita, Mehuli Ghosh, and Ashi Chouksey secure Silver Medal in the 10m Air Rifle Women’s team event at Asian Games.
Will social media end society as we know it?
or humans to exist as a society there must be harmony among people even when they disagree on most topics. At the very least there must be laws to ensure peaceful co-existence and enforcement of those laws including appropriate punishments for violators.
Next in order of priorities come trade, infrastructure, education, employment opportunities, healthcare, etc. The key to achieving this harmony is for every member of society to behave in a civilized way and that means being diplomatic and careful in what one says. We human beings are continually thinking of something every moment, both good and bad. It can be driven by our senses such as thoughts of food, music, physical pleasure, etc. or spiritual thoughts. It can be driven by envy, joy, sadness and worry for loved ones.
However, we cannot express every one of those thoughts to others because such sharing can not only reveal who we really are but can also lead to unpleasant situations or unnecessary distractions. Our society is almost like a circus where we perform like trained animals and control our natural instincts. We are trained to be polite, inoffensive, in control of our emotions, wellgroomed and clean in public appearance, soft-spoken in our conversations and to think before we open our mouths.
Any kind of physical altercation is forbidden even when the other person is saying something that is insulting or provocative. If one does not like circus animals and really wants to see how animals behave one must go to the jungle where they roam free following their instincts.
They fiercely protect their territories, hunt other animals for food, kill other animals if threatened and the air is full of their roars and growling. There are no forces to control them. Human beings might become just like those animals if they do not follow the protocol of society. In fact, primitive human species were just like animals before they gradually became “social”. With the advances in technology, especially telecommunications, came social media.
The technology itself is mind-boggling. A small hand-held device, called a smartphone, provides the entire universe at one’s fingertip. It is not just a phone, but a device to store a telephone directory, to transmit video and photos, to communicate in writing (texting), to provide a portal for the internet and also a camera, an alarm clock with timer, an electronic key, a gaming machine, a calculator, a weather gauge, a GPS navigator; it can probably do a host of other functions I do not even know.
Among numerous conveniences a smartphone offers is the possibility of interacting with a group of people one knows – either large or small – individually or in a simultaneous group communication; furthermore, such communications can be done almost instantaneously. There is no need to log on to a computer, look for email addresses or phone numbers or wait for some other tasks. Finally, one can use an alias and remain anonymous to protect one’s privacy. Facebook was my first experience in social media. Initially, it was exciting to find long-lost friends and relatives and re-establish connections with them, including exchanging photos after years if not decades.
There was also a temptation to see how large a group of friends I could establish and how many would respond favourably to my posts. Perhaps I had a hidden desire to be popular. After a while I realized that there were not a whole lot of commonalities in my life with the lives of my Facebook friends and not much to talk about because lives have progressed along different paths and people also change with time. While I temporarily enjoyed the nostalgia, I inadvertently disclosed lots of information about my personal life to not just my friends but also to Mark Zuckerberg and the company. I got out of Facebook. I never developed any interest in Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, Tik Tok and all other such means of social interaction.
I gradually became aware of the detrimental effects of social media on people, especially young kids. The main problem is that one can write one’s deepest thoughts about any given subject. One does not need to think about it too much. It is addictive and hence disruptive because it takes one away from useful tasks. While it can be used to organize a team for a good cause, it can also be used for organizing destructive activities such as protests, riots, bullying and criminal activities. An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.
It can be dangerous to young kids both emotionally and physically. One can be exposed to the dark side. They can try daring acts for the sake of publicity and popularity which can lead to injury and death. Addiction to social media can lead to isolation and social awkwardness because kids may find interaction through social media more enjoyable than personal communications. Secondly, social media allows people to express their intimate thoughts on any topic instantaneously to everyone in the world without much thought about the consequences. The results could be destructive. Some people can get offended and angry; the resulting animosity can destroy long-term friendships.
Family secrets might be revealed resulting in embarrassment if nothing else. Gossip, conspiracy theories and misinformation can spread and become “viral”, affecting a large portion of the population. Postings filled with hatred about race, sexual preference or political affiliation can lead to bad feelings if not violent behavior. The reason so many people came to hate Donald Trump was his tendency to tweet his raw innermost emotions almost on a daily basis without taking time to think about how his comments would impact all people and not just his base.
Social media can also be used directly for anti-social purposes; for example, a recent trend is to post antimarriage messages and memes advocating all the benefits of single life. Unlike other means of communication in the past, there is a sense of empowerment among users of social media because they believe that they can hide behind aliases. As a result, nothing is sacred or off-limit. Social media also encourages an easy path to popularity and fame and has led to the concept of “influencers” who can also earn big money depending on their activities and how many followers they have. Unlike verbal comments over the phone, any message on social media is permanently recorded; they can be deleted but leave an electronic track behind.
Furthermore, one has no control over messages once they have been communicated and the receptors can relay them to any number of people all over the world. Not only personal financial and health information but politically sensitive information or even national security secrets can inadvertently leak out, providing hackers with a gold mine. Dominance of social media will make society less friendly and more confrontational; more preoccupied with conspiracy theories and misinformation. This might be the beginning of the end of human society as we know it. However, I do not think that humans will go back to being animals.
The grand finale would be for AI to take over because every communication would be documented and electronically traceable, which AI can process in milliseconds. AI will know how everyone thinks and feels. We will just pretend to live in a make-believe society which will no longer be in our control.
BASAB DASGUPTA
Source: The statesman, 24/09/23
Harvard University Rowland Fellows Program 2024
The renowned Rowland Institute at Harvard University actively seeks the most exceptional young experimentalists in all areas of science and engineering. Through the esteemed Rowland Fellowship 2024, individuals are provided with a remarkable opportunity to establish their own independent research program within the intellectually stimulating environment of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Successful applicants must have completed their doctoral degree prior to commencing their Fellowship term, ensuring a strong foundation for their research pursuits.
The Harvard University Rowland Fellowship 2024 offers a conducive environment for cutting-edge research, encouraging innovation. With ample funding for equipment, postdocs, undergraduates, and operations, the Fellowship ensures seamless progress. Collaborating with expert staff scientists and engineers, Rowland Fellows can create and construct novel experimental setups. Access to state-of-the-art research equipment is facilitated across various facilities within the Institute and Harvard University. Experience the flexible and dynamic atmosphere of the Rowland Institute at Harvard the Rowland Fellowship, driving groundbreaking research.
The Rowland Fellows Program at Harvard University offers a transformative opportunity for aspiring researchers. Designed to nurture high-risk, high-reward projects, the program empowers Fellows to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. With access to cutting-edge resources and collaboration with esteemed scientists, the program provides a launchpad for innovative careers. Rowland Fellows are supported in their pursuit of groundbreaking research across various disciplines. Join the prestigious ranks of Rowland Fellows at Harvard University and unlock your potential to make significant contributions to the scientific community. You can also apply for Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program 2024 in Canada
Short Summary of Rowland Fellows Program 2023:
- Fellowship Host Country: United States
- Host University: Rowland Institute at Harvard University
- Course Level: Postgraduate (various disciplines)
- Value: Generous funding and support
- Eligibility: Open to international students
Benefits of Rowland Fellows Program 2024
- Access to world-class resources and facilities at Harvard University, a renowned institution for academic excellence.
- Generous funding and financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs.
- Mentorship and guidance from distinguished faculty members and renowned experts in various fields.
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking with fellow Rowland Fellows and scholars from diverse backgrounds.
- Exposure to cutting-edge research projects and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
- Professional development and career support, including workshops, seminars, and networking events.
- Possibility of publishing research findings in prestigious academic journals and presenting at conferences.
- Integration into a vibrant academic community that fosters intellectual growth and encourages innovation.
- Access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular resources and opportunities at Harvard University.
Check Microsoft Research Fellowship Program 2023-24
Eligibility Criteria of the Rowland Fellows Program:
- Applicants should have a strong academic background, typically with a doctoral degree or equivalent in their field of study.
- Candidates must demonstrate exceptional research potential and a commitment to pursuing groundbreaking research in their chosen field.
- The program is open to both domestic and international students from around the world.
- The program encourages applicants from diverse disciplines and seeks individuals with a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.
- The fellowship is primarily aimed at early-career researchers, typically within a few years of completing their doctoral degree.
- Proficiency in the English language is essential for effective communication and participation in the program.
Deadline:
The application deadline to apply for the Rowland Fellowship 2024 is August 20, 2023.
Check World Bank Junior Professional Associates Program
How to Apply for the Rowland Fellows Program 2024:
To apply for the Rowland Fellows Program at Harvard University, follow these steps:
- Review Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, including holding or being in the process of completing a Ph.D. and having an experimental focus in a scientific or engineering field.
- Prepare Application Materials: Gather the necessary documents, including a CV/resume, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal outlining your proposed project.
- Visit the Program Website: Go to the official Rowland Fellows Program website to access the online application portal and familiarize yourself with the program details and requirements.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form, providing your personal information, academic background, and research interests. Upload the required documents, including your CV, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and research proposal.
- Submit the Application: Double-check all the information and documents before submitting the application online. Ensure that you meet the application deadline, as late submissions may not be considered.
Stomach this: Editorial on the global hunger crisis and India’s grim picture
n a country where 800 million survive on government rations, a reduced allocation to the PM Poshan scheme in this year’s budget represents a clear lack of political concern
Is the world losing its battle against hunger and malnutrition? A recent statement by the head of the United Nations-backed World Food Programme revealed that a shocking 783 million people — one out of every 10 human beings on the planet — go to sleep hungry every night. This alarming figure is not an exception; around 811 million people were victims of hunger in 2020 as the pandemic pushed more people into poverty. That embedded inequality and the Covid-19 pandemic have had a deleterious impact on the efforts to reduce hunger is not surprising but the global food crisis has also been aggravated by conflict. For instance, together with Russia, Ukraine accounted for about one-quarter of global wheat exports in 2019 but the invasion by Moscow and the subsequent blockading of Ukraine’s ports have led to a steep increase in the price of foodgrains worldwide and intensified the crisis in poorer countries. Libya, for instance, imported 88% of its cereals from the two nations now locked in battle. This begs an important question. At a time when geopolitical co-operation has taken centre stage and multilateral fora like BRICS and G20 are being projected as platforms capable of resolving several knotty issues, why is the international community or geopolitical blocs failing to work out ways of addressing the challenge of global hunger? The question is relevant because there are precedents of international cooperation addressing food shortages. The decline in the total number of people afflicted by hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean, from 69 million in 1990-92 to 37 million in 2012-14, was largely due to the efforts of organisations like the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, underscoring the potential of regional blocs in tackling hunger and malnourishment effectively.
India’s picture continues to look particularly grim in this context. According to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, 973.3 million people in India were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2020. The Global Hunger Index of 2022 also classifies India’s level of hunger as “serious”. In a country where 800 million survive on government rations, a reduced allocation to the PM Poshan scheme in this year’s budget represents a clear lack of political concern. Governments — including India’s — need to tackle hunger with a localised, piecemeal approach if the goal to eliminate global hunger by 2030 is to be met.
Monday, September 18, 2023
Quote of the Day September 18, 2023
“There is no pleasure in life equal to that of the conquest of a vicious habit.”
Anonymous
“अपनी खराब आदतों पर जीत हासिल करने के समान जीवन में कोई और आनन्द नहीं होता है।”
अज्ञात
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