The ICC nominated Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for his recent test cricket series against Australia. Other nominations include England’s Joe Root and Ireland’s Paul Stirling.
‘Dard Ka Saudagar Dewakar’ says Javed Akhtar – Dr Dewakar Goel
Author and Professor (Dr.) Dewakar Goel is that admirable personality who knows the art of turning the stones into precious gold, which he encountered in his long unconquerable, unmatchable and incredible journey!
Key Points of The Union Budget 2021-22
The Union Budget 2021-22 has come at a time when India’s economy is striving to recover from the consequences of the lockdown induced by Covid-19. It was put forward by Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman at Parliament on Monday. She said the new budget covers six concerns – from healthcare to infrastructure. Addressing the audience at the event, Sitharaman announced a total amount of around Rs 2 lakh crore to be spent on healthcare. Apart from that, Rs 35,000 crore for the Covid-19 vaccine and Rs 1.10 lakh crore outlay for railways. She said that the government targets to complete 11,000 km of national highway infrastructure this year. Sitharaman also announced that senior citizens have been saved from income tax under certain conditions and said new rules will be notified for removal of double taxation for Non-Residential Indians. She also conveyed a reduction in the time period of tax assessments among other measures. Sitharaman further said that the government is determined about farmers’ welfare. She added that the procurement of crops like paddy, wheat, pulses and cotton has jumped multifold in the last six years. A summary of annual economic development across the country during the financial year 2020-21 has been provided in the annual document by the Ministry of Finance under the guidance of Chief Economic Advisor KV Subramanian. It was Sitharaman’s third budget under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a significant step taken by the government, this year’s Budget was paperless. For the first time since independence, the papers did not get printed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the nation after the Budget announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it covers an “all-round development.” “From Covid-related reforms to Atmanirbhar resolve, we moved ahead with this mantra in Budget 2021. It’s an active and not a reactive budget,” he added, congratulating the Ministry of Finance.
What shamed our country? On its 72nd Republic Day.
Mismanagement, miscreants or the machination…? Not to mention those who underplayed their part, the IB and the Police. While we are busy playing ‘Pass the buck’, and flaying aimlessly, left, right and centre. I wonder what led thousands of determined miscreants towards the Lal Quila. It is much more than what meets the eye. Let us not fathom the incident just by the tip of the iceberg. It would be farfetched to believe that the actual protesting farmers who braved out the harsh conditions relentlessly for sixty days went berserk on the ‘Republic Day’ to destroy what they had struggled and strived to build so far. How does one ingest the idea that after all that they went through, they would destroy it overnight? It is just too fantastic to believe. The government had nothing to lose except face for failing to come up with a solution despite ten rounds of dialogues. It is not the MSP. The government feels their turn around would give a booster to the dying opposition parties. A fact they cannot allow or acquiesce. The farmers have already held on to the protests longer than anyone had expected. Creating a deadlock, they cannot undo. Their withdrawal would shatter their unity, integrity, and solidarity once for all. They can only spurn the proposal. In this ‘Catch 22’ situation, the farmers enjoying the growing sympathy of the nation. A worrying factor for many. Now the ominous questions from the remains of the day are: 1. Has the government accomplished what it had failed to achieve after ten gruelling rounds of dialogues? 2. Was it the wary partners, desperate to find a reason to wash their hands off the movement? 3. Is it the third front, who is now scavenging the outcome for their political nourishment and enjoying the crack in the impregnable Modi government for its failure to manage? While sympathizing with the farmers. However, as citizens, we all have certainly lost something. As our day as reverent as January 26th stands ashamed. Article By: Bobby Geroge, The Literature Times
Plan Your Diet Like an Expert | Book Review | The Literature Times
Since time immemorial, looking attractive and being fit has always been one of the dominant issues in the minds and hearts of human beings. In light of that, the fashion and beauty industry has been blooming at large and will continue to be so. This, coupled with the prospect of being slim and fit, has always been a prerequisite for a person to look good both on a physical as well as psychological level. But, due to a lack of proper knowledge and guidance, people are misled, and their dreams are not achieved. Eventually, they either lose patience or heart, and they leave the path they had undertaken with zeal. Akanksha Sharma’s book, “Plan Your Diet Like An Expert,” comes as a lifesaver for the many caught in this struggle. “Plan Your Diet Like An Expert” is like a guide for all the people who struggle to get in better shape and boost their confidence. Through her experience and knowledge, Sharma and practical applications of the solutions, she shares guide the readers. At the same time, she also clears many questions that the readers could have and opens their eyes to the myths that may have been clouding their brains because of hearsay and lack of access to the right knowledge. She begins the book on a very personal note, and through the references of her experiences, she gives a pragmatic approach to the burning issue in question, getting fit by following healthy ways. These are the facts that make her work relatable for many at a personal level, at the same time making it practically applicable also. Sharma does not jump into instructing the readers as to what diet they should follow or lay down rules to be followed to lose weight. In “Plan Your Diet Like An Expert” she prepares the foundation the right way; by preparing the readers on a mental level by making them diagnose and understand how their bodies are and how they should approach them. At the same time, she shares clever tricks and hacks to make the journey a happy one instead of one filled with striving or struggling. Hence, the fear of most of the readers is removed, and they are ready to work on themselves with enthusiasm. By the time they are through with the book, many of their misunderstandings would be cleared, and they would be in a different state of mind in comparison to the beginning. Sharma also shares a sample diet plan towards the end, and altogether, this ensures that the readers are ready to participate in the journey that lies ahead. The language that the author uses in “Plan Your Diet Like An Expert” is easy for any reader to understand. Sharma avoids using jargon or any terms that would drive the reader away before even initiating. This makes the book more of a guide and a bedside reading, which the readers can read and get motivated to work on themselves the following day. The author may not be present herelf but “Plan Your Diet Like An Expert” becomes a document of her omnipresence for every one who looks for the right guidance. Apart from this, the author doesn’t digress or waver from the central issue in focus and makes sure that it reaches the readers without testing their patience. In addition, she also updates the readers’ knowledge other than just telling them the facts straight away. This makes the foundational understanding of the readers strong as they can continue to read more books or research in the right direction. Wherever needs are, Sharma gives the details in theory and bullet points form as per her discretion. She shares experiences from her journey and also from the journey of the many others who achieved their goals under her guidance. At the end of every chapter, the author shares a summary of all that the readers have learnt, which is a sort of brushing up of their facts and a revision. Recommending this book to any particular kind of readers would imply doing injustice to the readers themselves. Being healthy, staying fit, and doing this the right way is essential for everyone irrespective of any factors. The readers can read this book for themselves or learn things for their loved ones or just update their existing knowledge. People’s current lifestyle sometimes makes them opt for unhealthy habits, and the year 2020 has made people realize the meaning of being healthy and fit. Therefore, all readers, men or women, should get their hands on “Plan Your Diet Like An Expert” by Akanksha Sharma and update their knowledge, which would be helpful at any juncture of their lives. Even people who do not read books should take this book and keep it as a friend for life and plan their diets like a pro.
BMC allows different educational boards in Mumbai to perform examinations
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has allowed various state, national, and international educational boards to physically conduct examinations in the city according to their timetable while complying with all guidelines for coronavirus prevention. Earlier, citing fear of a second COVID-19 surge, last month the BMC deferred until January 15 the opening of Mumbai schools and colleges. It has now agreed, however, to encourage the boards to conduct their tests, as failure to do so could result in students losing a year, the BMC said in its order released late Tuesday night. From January 18 onwards, they were permitted to conduct examinations, a BMC official said on Wednesday.
KGF 2 All Set To Break Box Office Records | Teaser Released
K.G.F: Chapter 2 is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language period action film written and directed by Prashanth Neel. The film is a sequel to the 2018 film K.G.F: Chapter 1 and stars Yash, Sanjay Dutt, Srinidhi Shetty, Raveena Tandon, and Prakash Raj. Initially scheduled for theatrical release on 23 October 2020, the film was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. The film will be dubbed in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi languages. Prashanth Neel, worked on the film’s screenplay after the release of Ugramm (2014), and development of the film began in early 2015. However, he decided to split the film in two parts, as the narration of this story is in non-linear format, and the decision to split the film into two parts, also had to with the commercial prospects. In an interview with The Times of India, on October 2018, he added “The scale of the project is huge and we had a scope for a beginning, an interval and an end for both parts, so it made sense for us to release it as two parts”. As for the decision to make it as a multilingual, he says that it was because the film is based on a unique idea and has a universal theme. Prashanth Neel decided to rope in composer Ravi Basrur and cinematographer Bhuvan Gowda as a part of the technical crew for the second part of the film. On December 2020, Prashanth Neel confirmed that there is no third instalment in the KGF franchise.
Bird Flue affirmed in 7 states; check results of Delhi, Maharashtra tests anticipated
Strains of the influenza virus that primarily infect birds, but can also infect humans. This type of flu is most often contracted by contact with sick birds. It can also be passed from person to person. Symptoms begin within two to eight days and can seem like the common flu. Cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, headache and shortness of breath may occur. The disease can carry a high mortality in humans. Some antiviral drugs, if taken within two days of symptoms, may help. The Center on Sunday referenced hen influenza episode has been affirmed in seven states — Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, while check results are in any case anticipated for Delhi and Maharashtra tests. No examples have been affirmed idealistic in wild fowls from Balod region, Chhattisgarh which had been inspected before, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying referenced in a public statement. Control and regulation have been refined in each the influenced areas of Kerala. Post operational observation, program pointers have been given to the state. Then, the focal gatherings molded for checking the situation inside the influenced regions of the country are visiting the influenced sites. One of the focal gatherings arrived at Kerala on January 9 and is by and by observing the focal point sites and leading epidemiological examination. Another focal group arrived at Himachal Pradesh on January 10 and is attempt overview inside the influenced territories. The Center has mentioned states to build awareness among the numerous public and avoid the unfurl of deception concerning avian flu.
Vandana Shiva fights patents on seeds to make farmers independent from Monsanto and Nestlé
Vandana Shiva, the Indian scientist and activist stands for social justice and uncompromising sustainability. The Alternative Nobel Prize winner gained worldwide attention through her fight against the agricultural giant Monsanto. But Vandana Shiva does not only want to give the seeds back to the farmers who grow them. She is a well-known critic of globalisation, speaks out publicly against the concentration of wealth and fights for better coexistence on earth. Before Vandana Shiva became a world-renowned social activist, she studied physics in India and Canada. As early as the 1970s, she became involved in the first Indian environmental movement, the Chipko movement. It was mainly supported by Indian women who were fighting against commercial deforestation. In the 1980s, two major events finally led her to look into agriculture. Several tons of poisonous gas escaped into the atmosphere from a US pesticide factory in Bhopal, India. The worst chemical accident in history occured, killing thousands of people. Also, riots broke out in Punjab, a predominantly agricultural area. Industrial fertilizer, pesticides and new seeds from the USA promised higher yields for the local farmers, but at the same time led to dependence on large corporations and fatal environmental damage. Shiva: Seed protection and diversity As a critic of globalization, Shiva was active against the monopoly position of transnational agricultural corporations like Monsanto, which were trying to exert increasing influence on Indian agriculture. In her home village of Dehadrun, she founded the institute “The Research Foundation for Science Technology and Ecology”, which observes the influence of the world market on Indian farmers. In 1991 Shiva founded the organization Navdanya, which stands for the protection of biological diversity of seeds. Navdanya collects regional varieties and saves them from extinction. In addition, the organization promotes organic farming methods and protects farmers from dependence on patented seeds. The seeds to those who grow them What is happening in agriculture, Shiva calls bio-imperialism. Companies make seeds their property by making them easier to patent through the use of genetic engineering. She strongly criticizes this practice: “SOME WESTERN COMPANIES REMIND ME OF A DOCTOR WHO PERFORMS A C SECTION AND CLAIMS HE ALSO MADE THE CHILD” The preservation of indigenous seeds in the hands of local communities and chemical-free agriculture with local markets are among Vandana Shiva’s most important goals. Her vision of an ideal agriculture is based on fair trade and solidarity-based commerce, as well as on biodiversity and organic farming. For her commitment to environmental protection, women’s rights and sustainability, she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, considered the Alternative Nobel Prize. Oneness vs the 1% But Vandana Shiva’s activism is not only focused on agriculture: In 2019 she published her book “Oneness vs The 1%“. The 1%, that is the symbol for the concentration of wealth according to the rules of neoliberal economies. She calls billionaires like Bill Gates bio-pirates, who act mainly in their own interests. Their engagement serves primarily to acquire resources and to collect and sell data. In an interview she makes it clear: “THEY CAUSE ALL THIS DESTRUCTION IN THE NAME OF FEEDING THE WORLD, BUT HAS THE WORLD BEEN FED? WE NEED TO TAKE A STEP BACK TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUE MEANING OF ECONOMY AND ECOLOGY”. Vandana Shiva: The earth belongs to all of us, not to corporations like Monsanto On the occasion of this year’s Earth Day, her organization Navdanya called for making peace with the earth. A global economy based on the myth of limitless growth and appetite for the earth’s resources, as corporations like Monsanto practice, is at the root of the current health crisis and future crises. It is important to learn to adequately protect the rights and ecological spaces of different species and peoples again. We must move from an economy of greed, competition and violence to an economy of care: for the earth, for the people and for all living species. In an online interview with Right Livelihood College, Vandana Shiva talks abouther visions for the future. In her opinion, one of the many reasons for the current crisis is our lack of respect for the environment. People should stop focusing on consumption in order to become true earth-citizens. When Vandana Shiva was asked about long-term changes for the time after the crisis, she says: “WE HAVE TO REALIZE THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE ON THIS PLANET AND THAT WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS OTHERS. WE HAVE A DUTY NOT TO TAKE MORE THAN OUR SHARE, BECAUSE WHEN WE ARE ALL CONNECTED, WE ALL HAVE A SHARE.”
Spain introduces wealth taxes to secure health care & welfare state
The progressive government in Spain is introducing wealth taxes. The Corona pandemic of 2020 hits Spain harder than almost any other country. In order to maintain the health care system and the welfare state, the government is now increasing the taxes paid by the super-rich and large companies. Spain is particularly badly affected by the Corona pandemic. More than one million Spanish people have already become infected with the virus in 2020, and almost 35,000 have died of it. Hospitals are reaching the limits of their capacity. Therefore, the country has recently declared a health emergency again. The economic consequences of the Corona crisis are also affecting the population in Spain: the unemployment rate rose to over 16 percent in the summer, and the GDP is expected to collapse by 11.2 percentage points in 2020. Left-wing government announces taxes for super-rich and large corporations To combat the crisis, the Spanish government is now focusing on higher taxes for super-rich and large companies. The government, made up of the social democratic PSOE and the left-wing Party Podemos, has announced the introduction of taxes on the rich. Large companies will have to pay more through an increase in corporate income tax, the tax on corporate profits. For the super-rich, the income tax will be raised: they are to pay a wealth tax on annual incomes of 200,000 euros or more. Large fortunes will also help to finance the Corona crisis. Private assets will be taxed from a value of 10 million euros. Wealth tax to secure Spain’s welfare state The Spanish government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wants to use the additional revenues for the welfare state. The Corona pandemic of 2020 has put the welfare state in financial trouble. The new wealth taxes will help to finance the strained health care system. 150 percent more healthcare expenditure is planned for this purpose. There are also plans to provide financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in order to secure jobs. Only four European Countries have a wealth tax Today, only four European countries have a wealth tax: Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium. Meanwhile, the OECD countries collect an average of 5.6 percent of their taxes from wealth. In Great B
