Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal during an event organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The launch ceremony showcased the government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of underprivileged communities and extending credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections.

Interacting with Beneficiaries

During the event, PM Modi personally interacted with beneficiaries from various states who have availed themselves of schemes like NAMASTE, VCF-SC, VCF-BC, and ASIIM. These schemes cater to individuals from Scheduled Castes, backward classes, and Safai Mitras, providing them with essential support for economic upliftment. The interaction highlighted the government’s dedication to placing the underprivileged at the forefront of development initiatives.

Distribution of Ayushman Health Cards and PPE Kits

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment distributed Ayushman health cards and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to sewer and septic tank workers (Safai Mitras) under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) program. The Ayushman health card, issued under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), grants beneficiaries access to cashless healthcare services at empanelled hospitals. The PPE kits ensure the safety of frontline workers, providing them with necessary protection against health hazards and infections.

PM Modi’s Address

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of reaching out to marginalized communities and ensuring their inclusion in the nation’s development process. He stressed the significance of initiatives like PM-SURAJ in providing financial assistance directly to beneficiaries, eliminating middlemen and commissions.

Empowering Marginalized Communities

PM Modi spoke about various initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized sectors, such as doubling assistance to the SC, ST, and OBC communities, increasing scholarships for youth, and promoting entrepreneurship through schemes like Mudra Yojna and Standup India Scheme. He mentioned that the government has spent nearly Rs. 1.60 lakh crore for the welfare of the SC community this year alone.

Focus on Education and Entrepreneurship

The Prime Minister underscored the commitment to education by citing increased scholarships for youth belonging to the marginalized section of society. He mentioned measures taken by his government, such as the reservation of 27% seats for the OBC in the all-India quota of medical seats, and support through the National Overseas Scholarship for underprivileged students pursuing Master and PhD degrees abroad. Additionally, he noted the heightened funding for National Fellowship, particularly for students pursuing PhDs in science-related subjects.

PM Modi also acknowledged the development of Panch Teerths associated with the life of Babasaheb Ambedkar and the constitutional status granted to the National Commission for Backward Classes.

He also cited the Mudra Yojna, which has disbursed financial assistance totaling around Rs. 30 lakh crore to the poor, including those from SC, ST, and OBC communities. He also mentioned the launch of the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission to foster innovation and self-reliance within marginalized communities.

Women vulnerable to alcohol abuse

Women are more vulnerable to many sided health hazards of alcohol. According to the WHO status report on health and alcohol, “there is evidence that women may be more vulnerable to alcohol-related harm from a given level of alcohol use or a particular drinking pattern.

omen are more vulnerable to many sided health hazards of alcohol. According to the WHO status report on health and alcohol, “there is evidence that women may be more vulnerable to alcohol-related harm from a given level of alcohol use or a particular drinking pattern. The vulnerability of females to alcohol-related harm is a major public health concern because alcohol use among women has been increasing steadily in line with economic development and changing gender roles and because it can have severe health and social consequences for newborns….

However, for health outcomes such as cancers, gastrointestinal diseases or cardiovascular diseases, the same level of consumption leads to more pronounced outcomes for women.” The vulnerability of women may be explained by a wide range of factors. For example, women typically have lower body weight, smaller liver capacity to metabolize alcohol, and a higher proportion of body fat, which together contribute to their achieving higher blood alcohol concentrations than men for the same amount of alcohol intake. Women are also affected by interpersonal violence and risky sexual behaviour as a result of the drinking problems and drinking behaviour of male partners. Moreover, alcohol use has been shown to be a risk factor for breast cancer.

Also many societies hold more negative attitudes towards women’s drinking alcohol than men’s drinking, and especially towards their harmful drinking, which, depending on the cultural context, may increase women’s vulnerability to social harm. Finally, women who drink during pregnancy may increase the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and other preventable health conditions in their new-borns. In some cultures women have been protected from alcohol consumption by strong traditional values. For example, in the WHO region which includes India and nearby countries only 5 per cent of women consume alcohol whereas in the WHO region where the USA and nearby areas are included, more than 50 per cent of women consume alcohol. Imagine the public health and social disaster that could result if alcohol consumption by women in India reaches the level of the USA. Yet, promoting alcohol consumption among women as a sign and symbol of liberating modern trends is widely practiced in India. According to the WHO, alcohol consumption in adolescents, especially binge drinking, negatively affects school performance, increasing participation in crime and leads to risky sexual behaviour. The WHO quotes growing scientific evidence that has demonstrated the special harmful effects of alcohol consumption prior to adulthood on brain; mental; cognitive and social functioning of youth and increased likelihood of adult alcohol dependence and alcohol related problems among those who drink before physiological maturity. The WRVH says especially in the context of youth violence that drunkenness is an important immediate situational factor that can precipitate violence. In a Swedish study on youth-violence, about three-quarters of violent offenders and around half the victims of violence were intoxicated at the time of the incident. Several surveys indicate high end rapidly increased consumption of alcohol amongst youth. What is particularly worrying is high consumption at a very tender age which is likely to be very harmful for the brain and also lead to much higher risk of alcohol dependence in later years.

For example, in the UK, binge drinking thrice or more a month is reported among 33 per cent of adolescents in the 15-16 age groups. Binge drinking levels affecting between 25 to 40 per cent of youth are quite common now. Among elderly people the possibility of alcohol reaching and affecting sensitive organs including brain, liver and muscles is higher compared to younger people. The WRVH report says that reducing the availability of liquor can be an important community strategy to reduce crime and violence as research has shown alcohol to be an important situational factor that can precipitate violence. In a 4-year study conducted in New Zealand, crime rates in situations of high and low availability of alcohol were compared.

This study revealed that crime rates fell significantly for two years in areas of reduced alcohol availability. According to a report prepared by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, USA (NCADD), alcohol and drugs are implicated in an estimated 80 per cent of offences leading to incarceration in the USA such as domestic violence, driving while intoxicated, property offences, drug offences and public order offences. Alcohol is a factor in 40 per cent of all violent crimes and according to the Department of Justice, 37 per cent of about 2 million convicted offenders currently in jail report that they were drinking at the time of the event. Alcohol, more than any illegal drug, was found to be closely associated with violent crimes including murder, rape, assault, child and spousal abuse.

About 3 million violent crimes occurred each year in the USA in which victims perceived the offenders to have been drinking and statistics related to alcohol use by violent offenders show that about half of all homicides and assaults are committed when the offender, victim or both have been drinking. This report by NCADD points out that alcohol is often a factor in violence where the attacker and the victim know each other. Two thirds of victims who were attacked by an intimate (including a current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend) reported that alcohol had been involved. More than 1 million are arrested for driving while intoxicated in a year in the USA. Drinking and drugged driving is the number one cause of death, injury and disability of young people under the age of 21.

Keeping in view all health and social impacts it is clear that the high levels of consumption of alcohol and various intoxicants is very harmful. In developing countries like India as well in some of the poorest countries and regions, millions of families are being devastated economically too because of the consumption of alcohol and intoxicants, both in terms of the money they pay for intoxicants and also in terms of the ruin of health. The various stages of the cycle of manufacture, sale and consumption of various intoxicants also involves very heavy ecological costs. Hence there is a very strong case for public campaigns being carried out with continuity and sincerity in rural as well in urban areas to reduce the consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants as much as possible

Bharat Dogra

Source: The Statesman, 16/03/24

CUET UG Exam Preparation Tips 2024 for English Language Paper

With the class 12 board exams drawing to a close, students across the country are gearing up for the next big step: the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2024 entrance exams for college admissions.

It is not just another run-of-the-mill exam; it is a national level event that opens doors for the aspiring college-goers to over 250 prestigious central, state, deemed, and private universities across India. Scheduled to take place between May 15 and May 31, 2024, the hybrid examination format proposed for CUET (UG) 2024 combines both computer-based testing and pen-and-paper methods, catering to the diverse needs of test-takers.

Today, The Telegraph Online Edugraph will shed light on effective preparation strategies for cracking the CUET (UG) 2024 English Language exam. For delving into its nuances, we reached out to Dr Madhumita Barua, Assistant Professor in English at Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata. With 17 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate level and 12 years at the postgraduate level, Dr Barua offers invaluable seasoned insights for students aiming to excel in the CUET (UG) 2024 English Language subject paper.

We asked Dr Barua for effective time management tips considering that students will need to attempt at least 40 out of 50 questions in a 45-minute duration. Our learned academic observed, “time management is paramount in the CUET UG 2024 English Language section. 35-40% of the questions are comprehension based. These take more time, but that doesn't mean there will be different passages for every question. From each passage, 4-5 questions are set. If a student reads one passage carefully she/ he can attempt 4-5 questions in no time at all!"

Further, the Reading Comprehension section, with its diverse range of passages from factual to narrative and literary, demands a multifaceted approach, emphasised Dr Barua. She underscored the value of exposure to varied literature beyond textbooks, recommended “solving question papers from previous years”, and developing familiarity with different writing styles.

While navigating the objective type questions in the Verbal Ability section, Dr Barua advised students cautious deliberation to avoid falling into traps of similarity among options. With a keen eye for context and reasoning, test-takers can enhance their accuracy and efficiency. “Sometimes adopting a process of elimination is necessary to find out the correct option,” she said incisively.

Tackling the Rearranging the Parts section often poses a unique challenge for many students. For excelling in this aspect of the exam, Dr Barua suggested, “reading the parts repeatedly” since getting the sense is the key. Also, “having a knowledge of correct English syntax is necessary for this part,” she added.

As for avoiding the common pitfalls associated with the Choosing the Correct Word section, drawing on her years of experience, Dr Barua urged the exam-takers to “focus on the question, not make silly mistakes in a hurry and eliminate the wrong options thereby.”

The Synonyms-Antonyms as well as the Vocabulary sections can sometimes be tricky due to nuances in language. For vocabulary enrichment, active engagement through word games, frequent dictionary consultation, and usage in daily communication is key. Moreover, Dr Barua stressed the need for discernment in tackling Synonyms and Antonyms. “Sometimes the words are given in pairs, such as, ‘Hinder : Assist’ and ‘Resolute : Determined’-- however, the relationship between the two pairs of words are not the same,” she observed. She encouraged students to decipher the distinct relationships between words.

As students gear up for the CUET UG 2024 English Language paper, Dr Barua offered a final word of advice: embrace the breadth of the English language beyond the syllabus. From practising figures of speech to idiomatic expressions, exploring diverse sources such as news bulletins, documentaries, and movies, to maintaining composure of mind and strategic time management is the recipe for success!

Remember, dear students, preparation is key, but so is confidence. Believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and tackle each question with a cool head and a steady hand. You've got this!

Monday, March 11, 2024

2023 Deadliest Year for Migrants: UN-IOM

he year 2023 has been the deadliest year on record for migrants, with at least 8,565 deaths documented by the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Missing Migrants Project. This tragic figure represents a 20 percent increase compared to 2022, underscoring the urgent need for action to prevent further loss of life.

Remembering the Lives Lost

As the Missing Migrants Project marks its tenth year, IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels emphasized the importance of remembering the lives lost and the impact on families and communities. The alarming figures serve as a reminder of the need for greater action to ensure safe migration for all.

Data on Migrant Deaths 2014-2023

The total number of migrant deaths in 2023 surpassed the previous record year of 2016, which saw 8,084 deaths. Since the inception of the Missing Migrants Project in 2014, slightly more than half of the deaths were a result of drowning, with nine percent caused by vehicle accidents and seven percent by violence.

Deadliest Migration Routes

The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants on record, with at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances in 2023, the highest death toll in the region since 2017. Unprecedented numbers of migrant deaths were also recorded across Africa (1,866) and Asia (2,138), with most deaths in Africa occurring in the Sahara Desert and the sea route to the Canary Islands, and hundreds of deaths of Afghan and Rohingya refugees recorded in Asia.

Challenges in Data Collection

Since its establishment in 2014, the Missing Migrants Project has documented more than 63,000 cases worldwide. However, the true figure is estimated to be much higher due to challenges in data collection, particularly in remote locations and on maritime routes where boats may disappear without a trace.

Importance of the Missing Migrants Project

The Missing Migrants Project serves as the sole indicator measuring the level of ‘safety’ of migration in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Its upcoming report will provide detailed analysis of missing migrants data from 2023 and key facts and figures over the last ten years.

About IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the principal United Nations Related Organization working in the field of migration. Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization thta works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 175 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in 171 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Quote of the Day March 11, 2024

“If you can’t excel with talent, triumph with effort.”
Dave Weinbaum

“यदि आप प्रतिभा के साथ उत्कृष्टता प्राप्त नहीं कर सकते हैं, तो प्रयास से विजयी बनें।”
डेव वीनबाउम

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