#Health Summit in India

[apacnewsnetwork0]

APAC is organising the 10th National HealthTech Innovation Conclave in New Delhi. This healtech summit in India will provide insights on how to tackle the hurdles hindering the digital transformation in healthcare. Join us in discussions that will unravel the concept of Health 4.0.

[mpoweringlifescience]

Innovating Healthcare Startups in India

Discover groundbreaking healthcare startups in India at mPowering Life Science. Stay at the forefront of innovation in the Indian healthcare industry and explore promising ventures transforming the landscape. 

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazil’s BRICS Balancing Act Is Getting Harder

The bloc’s expansion is amplifying its anti-Western tendencies, creating strategic risks for Brazil.

Since Brazil co-founded the BRICS in 2009, Brazilian analysts and politicians have largely agreed that membership brought tangible benefits to the country—including closer ties to China. But as this year’s summit approaches, the costs are adding up. The meeting in Kazan, Russia, will occur as the invasion of Ukraine, more than halfway through its third year, continues to cloud Vladimir Putin’s reputation.

BRICS membership (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) helped solidify Brazil’s status as an emerging power, a narrative that has held up remarkably well despite economic stagnation during the last decade. It also guaranteed Brazilian leaders regular facetime with China’s political leadership and bureaucracy, which became the country’s top trading partner in 2009.

The countless intra-BRICS meetings on areas ranging from defense and health to education and the environment helped Brazil’s bureaucracy, largely ignorant about China until recently, adapt to a less Western-centric world. Perhaps most importantly, however—and often overlooked by Western analysts—is that Brazil found common cause with other BRICS members in seeking to actively shape the transition towards multipolarity, which they regard not only as inevitable but also desirable and a development that will help constrain Washington.

Meanwhile, the costs of BRICS membership were largely seen as negligible, so neither center-right president Michel Temer (2016-18) nor far-right president Jair Bolsonaro (2019-22) questioned Brazil’s membership. On the contrary, by the end of his government, Bolsonaro was a pariah in most of the West, but thanks to the BRICS grouping, he avoided complete diplomatic isolation. After all, it was only during encounters with fellow BRICS leaders that the former right-wing president could be sure not to face uncomfortable questions about his handling of the pandemic, deforestation or his unfounded allegations about electoral fraud.

Recent developments in the BRICS grouping, however, have the potential to undermine this relatively broad consensus in Brazil vis-à-vis the benefits of membership. Until last year, Brazil had, along with India, successfully prevented the bloc’s expansion, promoted by Beijing since 2017. Both Brasília and Delhi feared a loss of the grouping’s exclusivity and a loss of capacity to control intra-BRICS dynamics, having worked to fend off efforts by China and Russia to include anti-Western language in the summit declarations. Symbolizing the growing rift between an anti-Western bloc and another that opts for multi-alignment (or non-alignment), Russia often seeks to portray BRICS as a counterweight to the G7, while President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva likes to insist that BRICS is “not against anyone.”

Continue reading.

[theherdofturtles]

Fandom: Hetalia Prompt: Social Anxiety Rating: G Word Count: 3,755 Part of the England and India series. On the last day of the World Health Summit India runs into someone unexpected. @badthingshappenbingo

[groupfazza]

سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد : ضمن القمة العالمية للحكومات منصة صناعة المستقبل والتجمع الحكومي الأكبر، كرمنا الفائزين “بجائزة تكنولوجيا الحكومات” ... تعكس الجائزة نهج الإمارات وتوجهاتها بتحفيز الطاقات ودعم الجهود لتأسيس جيل مستقبلي من الخدمات الحكومية التي تسهل حياة الناس وتحتفي بأفضل الحلول المبتكرة عالمياً في التطوير الحكومي.

____________

‏شملت قائمة الفائزين بجائزة تكنولوجيا الحكومات:

‏- فئة التحول الرقمي الشامل: “بطاقة العائلة الرقمية” من وزارة التنمية الرقمية والابتكار وصناعة الطيران في كازاخستان.

‏- فئة الخدمات الحكومية المدعومة بالذكاء الاصطناعي: مشروع “iRASTE” من وزارة النقل البري والطرق السريعة في الهند.

‏- فئة الخدمات التعليمية: مشروع مخرجات التعليم من وزارة التعليم في جمهورية غانا.

‏- فئة خدمات الرعاية الصحية: مشروع منصة الخدمات الصحية من وزارة الصحة الإندونيسية.

___________________________________

H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed : During the World Governments Summit, we proudly celebrated the recipients of The GovTech Prize. This prestigious award epitomizes the UAE’s dedication to fostering talent and acknowledging innovative solutions designed to improve the quality of life for people globally. It underscores the significance of pioneering in the development of human-centric government services, setting new benchmarks for excellence and innovation.

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Winning Projects:

- Kazakhstan’s Digital Family Card - Inclusive Digital Transformation category.

- India’s iRASTE - AI-powered Government Services category.

- Ghana’s Education Outcomes Project - Educational Services category.

- Indonesia’s Health Services Platform SatuSehat - Healthcare Services category.

Tuesday, 13 February 2024 الثلاثاء

[royalpain16]

THE SECOND ANNUAL SUMMIT WILL UNVEIL THE FIFTEEN 2023 EARTHSHOT PRIZE FINALISTS WHO ARE TRAILBLAZING CLIMATE SOLUTIONS TO REPAIR OUR PLANET BY 2030

The Earthshot Prize and Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced they will co-host the second Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit on September 19, 2023, in New York City with the founder of The Earthshot Prize, Prince William, expected to attend.

Held during New York Climate Week and the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, the Summit will convene previous Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists with policymakers, global business leaders, philanthropists, and climate activists to scale their innovative solutions.

At the Summit, The Earthshot Prize will reveal this year’s 15 Finalists and introduce their groundbreaking climate and environmental solutions to repair our planet this decade on one of the biggest international stages.

To help drive meaningful change, and accelerate the collaborations and investments needed to scale those solutions, the Summit will connect the new and previous Earthshot Prize Finalists and Winners with forward-thinking business leaders, philanthropists, and governments already working to regenerate the planet. September’s Summit begins the countdown to The Earthshot Prize’s third annual Awards ceremony in Singapore, where, on November 7, 2023, five of the 15 Finalists will be awarded a catalytic £1 million to scale their cutting-edge solutions.

Alongside Prince William, Michael R. Bloomberg, Global Advisor to the Winners of The Earthshot Prize, will address the assembled guests. Other featured speakers will include policymakers, business leaders, climate innovators, and previous Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists. The full agenda will be announced in due course

Founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2020, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize to discover, accelerate, and scale ground-breaking solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory toward a stable climate where communities, oceans, and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030.

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize recognizes Finalists and Winners across five challenges, or ‘Earthshots’: Protect and Restore Nature, Clean our Air, Revive our Oceans, Build a Waste-free World, and Fix our Climate. The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism and will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet

The inaugural 2021 Earthshot Prize Finalists have already driven incredible impact with more than 1.5 million people benefiting directly from their solutions. Over 7,000 hectares of land and almost 2.1 million hectares of ocean have been protected or restored, while over 35,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been reduced, avoided, or sequestered. The 2022 Finalists, announced this past autumn, are well on their way to creating similar impact.

To help accelerate the work of the inaugural Finalists at last year’s Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, Bloomberg Philanthropies committed more than $20 million through direct grants, co-funding, and other efforts to support the success of the inaugural Finalists and Winners of The Earthshot Prize 2021, including:

Scaling Takachar’s technology, which reduces smoke emissions from agricultural waste by up to 98%, through a pilot program in villages in the state of Punjab and Haryana, India.

Supercharging Pristine Seas’ 30×30 ocean protected goal through funding major ocean expeditions, helping establish more marine protected areas, and enhancing diplomacy and advocacy efforts. Pristine Seas has already helped establish 26 marine reserves worldwide, across an area over twice the size of India.

Scaling Coral Vita’s research capabilities to identify new restoration sites and monitor both restoration progress and local marine health after installation. Coral Vita’s cutting-edge methods to grow coral up to 50 times faster than nature can help replant our oceans and give new life to dying ecosystems.

Expanding the capacity of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs and Blue Map App to scale its data, research, and reporting capabilities.

Convening at least ten North American and European cities in partnership with C40 and NRDC to accelerate efforts to address food waste and food insecurity by sharing best practices from and helping to scale the City of Milan’s Local Food Waste Hub initiative, which currently provides about 260,000 meals to those most in need, to other cities.

As a mayor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Michael R. Bloomberg has long been a global leader in the fight against climate change. He has committed more than $1 billion to efforts across the world to mobilize cities and local leaders to reduce emissions, improve air quality, advance the global transition to clean energy, protect and preserve ocean ecosystems, and help unlock billions of dollars in sustainable finance.

Bloomberg helps lead a number of efforts including the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, America Is All In Coalition, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Climate Finance Leaders Initiative, and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero.

“To effectively tackle the climate crisis, we need to invest in innovative solutions and new ideas that can accelerate global progress and help repair the planet. This year’s Earthshot Prize Finalists are great examples of the kind of bold action and creative thinking we need, and our team is looking forward to working with Prince William to support them as they expand their ambitions.”

Michael R. Bloomberg, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, Founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, and 108th Mayor of New York City

“The Earthshot Prize scours the world to find entrepreneurs and innovators who exemplify the power of human ingenuity to address our most significant climate and environmental challenges. Our next class of Finalists are on the cutting-edge of some of the most exciting ideas and technologies, and with the support of our Global Alliance Partners and the global community gathering at the UN General Assembly, they have the potential to transform communities around the world for the better. By spotlighting the incredible work of our 2023 Finalists at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, we hope to inspire a wave of positive change and unlock a more sustainable and resilient future.”

Hannah Jones, The Earthshot Prize CEO

[kiddotarot]

❤️

DOB; 6 Dec 2005

Mumbai,India 11:53 am

THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING

PAST LIFE READING ❤️

This is your chart from astro seek

Emotions = your soul follow different path in past life in this birth soul has to balance two energies to bring some changes and made them useful because it's in aquarius sign .your soul have deep emotional needs in this lifetime something innerwar going on from past life karmas when its got detached from or cold like when you try to get into relationship and you're soul ask for freedom. To make this Less effective you like to get social or like to interact stranger.And you want a mother who gives you chance or freedom to develop your boundaries.

Meaning = you can be interested in books of philosophies in this life time .your soul have answer but you need to understand the question first and solve the patterns . Sun in sagittarius Push you to spread your knowledge like you fell you can tell people and give them knowledge and solutions. And your karma can be in this lifetime to understand deep meaning of life may be you still search It.

Past life vibration = you soul can be ignored Most of the life times so in this life time may be you try too hard to be perfect or to shine but just dont kil your creativity for it . In your past life you can also have very serious health condition or you can be a person who work in health feild in past life so you can be crave for help others in this lifetime.

Will power = your soul already learned How to manifest whatever you visualize its going to manifest . And your soul suffer some kind of powerlessness and like you are help less cause your soul summited its will power to god do in this lifetime you have chance to take important desicions. Life path = you need to utilize your your inner resources to develop your security in psychic level . Evaluation and transformation is Always a challenge for you in past life in this life you have to move on and make youreslf calm and detached.

Past-life childhood = again in your past life you may be lived in other expectations and you may be faced a lot of difficultes too as result you can suffer from making your self image positive and strengthfull in this life time.

Father = your father can be strict or unavailable for you in your pastlife in this life you have to fight with this fellings and take a father role for yourself.

Karma = you are carring emotional burden and because of this you can manifest illness which is linked through mind and body Like psychologically related like stress. Try to leave your emotions here dont carry them let them go .

Healing = your healing came from connection with Divine or yourself let go past and heal it.

Feedback is required for my improvement

[unhonestlymirror]

Ukraine will not be represented at the G20 summit in India

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine explained this by the fact that Volodymyr Zelensky does not like spicy food.

SRIA NEWS

[mariacallous]

In 2001, Goldman Sachs banker Jim O’Neill created the acronym “BRIC” to refer to Brazil, Russia, India, and China—countries he predicted would soon have a significant impact on the global economy. In 2006, Goldman Sachs opened a BRIC investment fund pegged to growth in these four nations. The moniker captured the global excitement about emerging powers at the time and transformed into a political grouping in 2009, when leaders of the four countries held their first summit. South Africa joined a year later.

BRICS as a political body has faced countless critics and doubters from the start. Analysts in the Western press largely described the outfit as nonsensical and predicted its imminent demise. In 2011, the Financial Times’ Philip Stevens announced it was “time to bid farewell” to the “BRICS without mortar.” A year later, another columnist at the paper, Martin Wolf, asserted that BRICS was “not a group” and that its members had “nothing in common whatsoever.” BRICS has also been described as a “motley crew,” “odd grouping,” “random bunch,” and “disparate quartet.” In 2015, Goldman Sachs decided to close the BRIC fund (which never grew to include South Africa) due to its low returns.

BRICS member countries have numerous differences and disagreements. While Brazil and Russia are commodity exporters, China is a commodity importer. Brazil, India, and South Africa are democratic countries with vibrant civil societies, but China and Russia are autocratic regimes. Brazil and South Africa are nonnuclear powers, in contrast to China, India, and Russia, which boast nuclear arsenals. Perhaps most seriously, China and India face an ongoing border conflict.

And yet, despite their differences, not one BRICS leader has ever missed the group’s annual summits. (Meetings took place virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.) Instead of unraveling, diplomatic and economic ties have strengthened, and BRICS membership has become a central element to each member’s foreign-policy identity. Even significant ideological shifts—including the election of right-wing populist leaders such as India’s Narendra Modi in 2014 and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro in 2018—have not significantly altered countries’ commitment to the club.

Yet as BRICS approaches its 15th summit in Johannesburg this August, the grouping is experiencing an unprecedented disagreement over enlargement. The outcome will be a test of BRICS identity in the face of rising Chinese influence.

Despite the many disagreements and tensions among them, BRICS members have more in common than Western analysts often appreciate. The strategic benefits the outfit produces for its participants still far exceed its costs. Four aspects stand out.

First, all BRICS members see the emergence of multipolarity as both inevitable and generally desirable—and identify the bloc as a means to play a more active role in shaping the post-Western global order. Member states share a deep-seated skepticism of U.S.-led unipolarity and believe that the BRICS nations increase their strategic autonomy and bargaining power when negotiating with Washington. As Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in opening remarks at the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 1, the concentration of economic power—presumably in the West—“leaves too many nations at the mercy of too few.”

Second, the BRICS grouping also provides privileged access to China, a country that has become enormously relevant for all other members. Brazil and South Africa in particular, which had only limited ties to Beijing prior to the group’s founding, have benefited from BRICS as they adapt to a more China-centric world. It’s not just the summits attended by heads of state: Ministers and other officials frequently gather to discuss issues such as climate, defense, education, energy, and health. And, largely under the radar, the grouping has organized countless annual meetings—in some years more than 100—involving government officials, think tanks, universities, cultural entities, and legislators. BRICS membership also granted countries a founding stake in the Shanghai-based New Development Bank (NDB), created during the fifth BRICS summit in 2013.

Third, BRICS members have generally treated each other as all-weather friends. The group has created a powerful diplomatic life raft for member countries that temporarily face difficulties on the global stage: Fellow BRICS states protected Russian President Vladimir Putin from diplomatic isolation after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and stood by Bolsonaro when he found himself globally isolated after his close ally Donald Trump’s failed reelection bid for the U.S. presidency. After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin could again rely on the other BRICS countries to provide him explicit diplomatic and economic support (China), help circumvent sanctions (India), participate in military exercises (South Africa), or embrace his narratives about the war (Brazil). Without BRICS support, Russia would find itself in a far more difficult situation today.

Finally, being a member of the BRICS creates considerable prestige, status, and legitimacy for Brazil, Russia, and South Africa, which for years have stagnated economically and are now anything but emerging powers. Even as Brazil has fallen behind in its share of global GDP, analysts continue to describe it as an emerging power—which facilitates investment and allows the government in Brasília, the capital, to punch above its weight diplomatically. That some 20 countries are now seeking membership in the group only confirms the notion that the BRICS seal remains powerful.

It is precisely on this last issue that the grouping is facing its biggest disagreement since its inception 14 years ago. Beijing, which does not need to preserve the grouping’s exclusivity to retain its global status, has for years aimed to integrate new members and slowly transform the bloc into a China-led alliance. Since 2017, when it presented the “BRICS Plus” concept—a mechanism to bring countries closer to the outfit before eventually granting them full membership—Beijing has sought to put expansion on the agenda. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expansion has also been of interest to Moscow, as it could help create a Russia-sympathetic bloc to counter Western attempts to isolate the country.

Brazil and India, on the other hand, have long been wary of adding new members to BRICS, as they have less to gain from a diluted club that includes smaller powers. Both Brasília and New Delhi fear that expansion would entail a loss of Brazilian and Indian influence within the group. In their eyes, new members would join largely to gain easier access to Beijing, making BRICS positions more China-centric and potentially less moderate. This explains why Jaishankar recently cautioned that deliberations on expansion were still a “work in progress,” and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said that “BRICS is a brand and an asset, so we have to take care of it, because it means and represents a lot.” South Africa, which traditionally has the least influence within BRICS, has sought to hedge its bets.

There is no formal application process—or specific criteria—to become a BRICS member. Some countries have simply been added to the list of potential future members after an informal expression of interest. But in last year’s BRICS summit declaration, member countries vowed to promote “discussions among BRICS members on BRICS expansion process” and stressed “the need to clarify the guiding principles, the standards, criteria and procedures.” The debate about BRICS expansion is not directly related to the NDB, which in 2021 added Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay as new members and announced that at least 30 percent of loans would be provided in the currencies of member states rather than the U.S. dollar.

In theory, each BRICS member has a veto over the group’s decisions, which explains why yearly summit declarations have often been vague. In practice, the grouping’s profound asymmetries—China’s GDP is larger than that of all other members combined—creates informal hierarchies. South Africa’s 2010 accession was led by China to bolster Beijing’s engagement on the African continent. It also made the IBSA grouping (of India, Brazil, and South Africa) superfluous. If killing IBSA was a desired side effect of South Africa’s BRICS membership—to show that three large democracies in the developing world discussing can’t discuss the future of the global south without China—Beijing succeeded: The 10th IBSA leaders’ summit, scheduled to take place in 2013, has been postponed indefinitely.

China and Russia may therefore succeed, despite Brazilian opposition and Indian skepticism, in adding new members to the club, particularly since Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva—to his advisors’ chagrin—recently expressed support for inviting Venezuela to BRICS during improvised remarks.

Disagreements over whether to expand BRICS are about more than exclusivity and status. Several potential accession candidates—such as Iran, Syria, and Venezuela—have largely pursued an anti-Western foreign policy. Their integration could complicate Brazil’s and India’s efforts to preserve a nonaligned strategy amid growing tensions between the West and the Beijing-Moscow axis.

The key to BRICS’ success since 2009 has been its capacity to circumvent internal disagreements and focus on unifying themes, such as the desire to build a more multipolar world and strengthen south-south relations. India-China ties are notoriously fraught and, despite New Delhi’s decision to help Moscow export its oil, India has systematically sought to reduce its dependence on Russian weapons and increased its arms purchases from Europe. The status quo may be the best BRICS can achieve without exposing its rifts. While Russia has long attempted to position the BRICS grouping as an anti-Western bloc, Brazil and India have steadily sought to prevent Moscow from doing so.

The uncertainty about how the South African government in Pretoria should handle hosting the upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg reflects the dilemmas it and Brasília currently face in the context of growing tensions between Moscow and the West. Since South Africa is a party to the Rome Statute, the founding charter of the International Criminal Court (ICC), it would be obligated to arrest Putin—whom the ICC has indicted—if he attends. For months, South Africans have debated how to handle the delicate situation. As former South African President Thabo Mbeki recently pointed out: “We can’t say to President Putin, please come to South Africa, and then arrest him. At the same time, we can’t say come to South Africa, and not arrest him—because we’re defying our own law—we can’t behave as a lawless government.”

While hosting Putin without arresting him would strain South Africa’s ties to the West, not hosting him—or organizing the summit elsewhere—would dilute BRICS’ commitment to being all-weather friends. The most likely scenario is that South Africa finds a legal loophole to host Putin without detaining him—representing a diplomatic triumph for the Russian president.

Still, it is largely a lose-lose dilemma for South Africa, and means that being part of BRICS has started to have a tangible cost for the country by negatively affecting its ties to the United States and Europe. Pretoria has already had a taste of this: After South Africa drew closer to Russia after its invasion of Ukraine—including by allegedly supplying Moscow with weapons—the G-7 decided not to invite it as a guest to a recent summit, for the first time since South African President Cyril Ramaphosa took office in 2018. Unless the Russia-Ukraine war ends soon, Brazil—which has also signed the Rome Statute and is slated to host the G-20 summit in 2024 and the BRICS summit in 2025 —will soon face the same problem.

For all its ongoing challenges, BRICS generates many benefits for its members and is here to stay. Yet if the group announces the inclusion of new members during the upcoming summit in Johannesburg, it would be simplistic to interpret it as a sign of strength. Rather, expansion should be read as a sign of China’s growing capacity to determine the bloc’s overall strategy—and may reflect the emergence not of a multipolar order, but of a bipolar one.

[rajiasacademy1]

Daily Current Affairs and Editorials For UPSC

There cannot be any compromise on updating current affairs daily and also reading editorials regularly while preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The UPSC exam is structured in a manner that applicants must have a good understanding of national, as well as international happenings, with the ability to analyse the very developments. This surely requires a good understanding of daily current affairs as well as editorials for it to build a balanced outlook on key issues. If you want to pass UPSC, then it is highly important to know how to handle daily news and editorials strategically. In this section, we will be covering daily current affairs and editorials for UPSC, how they can be used in a productive manner, and even resources such as Raj IAS Academy, which can be helpful for UPSC preparations, by providing focused material on the topic.

Importance of Daily Current Affairs and Editorials for UPSC

Relevance to the Syllabus: The UPSC prelims and mains syllabus covers a vast number of subjects such as Indian Polity, Economy, International Relations, Environment, and Science & Technology. Current affairs have an immediate impact on the questions asked in the exam. Editorials and news analyses further your understanding of these issues.

The answers given by the candidates while answering mains of UPSC examinations involve applied analytical thinking. Various stands are presented for editorials so you have to weigh the pros and cons of the same different approaches towards crucial issues.

In mains, answers are graded not only on knowledge but also on structure, relevance, and insight. Reading editorials helps you improve how you present arguments, so you can write well-rounded answers.

Interview Preparation: In the interview stage of UPSC, questions are asked to test the opinions on recent events, governance issues, and more. Reading current affairs regularly helps you reply confidently and thoughtfully during interviews.

General Knowledge Boost for Prelims: In the preliminary exam, multiple-choice questions are asked. Many of them are based on recent developments. Strong current affairs help you in getting a good score in the preliminary exam.

Key areas to concentrate for UPSC current affairs

UPSC Current affairs questions are not based randomly. They generally question topics from specific fields only. The main focus for study can be in these heads below:

National Affairs: It includes all kinds of government policies, bills, acts, national security and social issues. Welfare schemes and the landmark judgments from the Supreme court along with any other change in policy have their value.

International Relations: In regard to UPSC, one has to follow regarding neighbouring countries of India, international organisations like UN, WTO etc, and global arrangements.

Economics: The major topics are budget, inflation, taxation, banking reforms, and trade policies. Economic editorials tell a complicated subject so that you understand the policy of the government.

Environment and Ecology: The urgency of sustainability requires UPSC to include climate change, biodiversity, and environmental policies in its questions. International summits, agreements, and environmental actions taken in India need to be known as a matter of great importance .

Science and Technology: The latest discoveries, particularly any unique ones specific to India, need to be in your knowledge repository. Space missions, nuclear technology, biotech, and digital progress are some important areas that relate to both prelims and mains.

Social Issues: Be on the lookout for editorials on health, education, gender issues, and other India's social issues.

How to Properly Integrate Daily Current Affairs and Editorials into Your UPSC Preparation

Choose the Right Sources: You can count on The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and Raj IAS Academy's daily current affairs updates. These sources give you reliable information and insightful analysis that are aligned with the UPSC syllabus.

Make Notes Systematically Every day, important subjects must be written upon. Digital note apps such as OneNote or Evernote that organise notes based on the topic in which they are created can make revision easy.

Pay attention to "Why" and "How": Very often, UPSC questions focus on the rationale behind issues. Once you read an editorial, try to find out why that particular thing happened, what it meant, or how possible solutions were offered. For example, do not read about climate change policies alone; analyze why these policy changes could be so impactful and challenging.

Editorials for Essay and Ethics Papers: Editorials are very useful for subjective answer papers-the UPSC essay and ethics papers. They will help you sound better-rounded arguments and authenticate your views on recent examples.

Practice Answer Writing: With an understanding of the issues arising from current affairs and editorials, you will write practice answers. Suppose you have read an editorial about health reforms. Take the editorial and write a sample answer on health problems in India. Constant practice will ensure your clear articulation of ideas when the exam time arrives.

What Raj IAS Academy can do for your UPSC Current Affairs preparation

Raj IAS Academy provides current affairs content only with UPSC exam's syllabus in mind. Here's how they help to streamline your preparation process,

Daily Current Affairs Summaries: Raj IAS Academy brings you the curated and compiled daily current affairs so that you need not browse through long hours over unwanted articles that are cluttering your mind with garbage information. The summary it brings is very concise but encapsulates all important facts, events, and updates.

In-depth editorial analysis for the students further, Raj IAS Academy provides in-depth editorial analyses on the key topics. Beyond mere facts, it throws light on better understanding background, implications, and solutions for the important issues.

Monthly Compositions and Revision Notes: Monthly compositions of current affairs are very useful for revision. The Academy classifies topics according to subjects so that the papers may be swiftly referenced and effectively revised near the date of examination.

Answer Writing Practice Raj IAS Academy provides answer writing practice. It uses current affairs-based questions to hone your ability to present well-rounded and structured answers. You get regular practice along with real-time feedback that enables you to refine your writing and critical thinking skills.

Mock Tests and Practice Papers: In order to get yourself assessed for the pretests, the academy provides mock tests along with the practice papers in its system. Mock tests which require you to note all current events happen during this session, in other words it gets you acclimatised with UPSC question paper as well boosts your time management also. Proper preparation strategy which might include authentic sources, efficient note-making, and adequate practice may help improve one's performance in the examination. Tailored support by Raj IAS Academy provides one with quality current affairs, editorial insight, and practice sessions that will increase readiness for UPSC. Start doing daily current affairs and editorials in your routine and set yourself up to win at the UPSC level.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. ("Max Life"/ "Company") has launched the 4th edition of its retirement survey, India Retirement Index Study (IRIS)*, conducted in partnership with KANTAR, the world's leading marketing data and analytics company. The IRIS 4.0 reveals that Urban Indias retirement preparedness has increased from 47 points in IRIS 3.0 to 49 points in IRIS 4.0, driven by greater awareness and proactive steps in both health and financial planning. Urban Indian working women scored 50 on the retirement index, 1-point higher than men. The latest edition introduces two new segments - Double Income No Kids (DINKs) and Gig workers+. DINKs align closely with the overall Indian population, with an index score of 49 points, indicating strong health and financial preparedness. In contrast, Gig workers score only 46 points, reflecting lower readiness across the cohort.From L to R - Amit Kukreja, Prashant Tripathy, Naina Lal Kidwai and Subrata Chaudhuri The India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) continues to be a key initiative in Max Life's mission to make India retirement-ready. This year, the study was launched at the "India Retirement Insight Summit," an exclusive event in partnership with CNBC-TV18. The summit featured engaging panel discussions and fireside chats that explored the concerns, triggers, and challenges shaping India's retirement landscape, with a focus on the financial well-being of urban Indians. Prominent industry leaders including Naina Lal Kidwai, Amit Kukreja, Subrata Chaudhuri, and Asheesh Gupta, along with sports icon Saina Nehwal and Public Speaker & Content Creator Ankur Warikoo, shared valuable insights on the evolving dynamics of retirement planning in India. The IRIS 4.0 findings highlight that a growing number of urban Indians believe that the retirement planning should start early. 44% Indians consider the right age to start planning for retirement is before 35 years, increasing from 38% in IRIS 3.0. 93% of the respondents above 50 years of age regret delaying retirement planning. Encouragingly, 63% respondents have already begun investing for retirement, leading to reduced concerns about meeting both basic and luxury needs, as well as securing their children's futures. A notable 68% of urban Indian working women have begun investing for retirement, a 7-point increase from last year. The study also highlights regional opportunities in retirement planning across India, with the East zone leading in overall preparedness, the West zone showing financial and health progress but needing emotional focus, and the North and South zones improving in health preparedness index. As per IRIS 4.0, 97% urban Indians are aware of Life Insurance as a suitable financial product, with 67% already invested in life insurance as the ideal financial product for retirement, and 37% have invested in health insurance. However, 31% urban Indians are not aware about the retirement corpus needed to sustain current lifestyle, with only 27% urban Indians expecting their savings to last between 5 to 10 years, and 30% worry about exhausting funds within just 5 years.Prashant Tripathy, CEO and Managing Director, Max Life said, "Preparing for retirement is a critical priority for the future of Indians, especially as life expectancy rises with advancements in healthcare, emphasizing the need for long-term financial planning. The IRIS 4.0 study reveals that although Urban Indias retirement index has improved with positive gains in the Financial and Health indices, 1 in 3 Indians still feel underprepared. This year, we also focused on Gig workers due to the rapid growth of Indias gig economy, and found that they lag with a lower retirement readiness. This signals a huge opportunity area to bring the cohort at par with the national average through focused interventions." He adds, "Today, more urban Indians recognize the importance of starting retirement planning early, with a growing preference for life insurance as a savings tool-2 in 3 are investing in these products for retirement.

Notably, urban Indian working women are taking the lead in investments, actively securing their financial futures. These trends highlight a positive shift towards proactive retirement planning and financial independence among urban Indians." Soumya Mohanty, MD and Chief Client Officer, South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar said, "India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) 4.0 delivers sharp, data-backed insights into the retirement preparedness of urban Indians across varied demographics. By focusing on key indicators-financial, physical, and emotional readiness-the study offers a clear view of the nations retirement outlook. Our partnership with Max Life highlights our shared goal of enhancing financial security for Indians, ensuring they are well-prepared for their retirement years."Key findings from the India Retirement Index Study 4.0Metros Lead in Retirement Preparedness, Awareness Grows Across Indian Cities In IRIS 4.0, Metros have taken the lead in retirement planning, with an overall index score of 50. This is driven by positive indices of Finance (51), Health (49), and Emotional (60). Notably, 42% of Metro residents engage in regular physical activities, contributing to their confidence in being fit and healthy during retirement. Tier I and Tier II cities have also made progress. Tier I cities have an overall index score of 49, with improvements in Financial (54) and Health (45) indexes. Tier II cities have increased their financial index from 50 to 53 that has helped increase the overall index to 47. However, their emotional index remains at 60, indicating a need for further focus on emotional well-being.Regional Differences highlight need for comprehensive retirement planning across India The IRIS 4.0 study's zonal insights reveals varying regional preparedness, emphasizing the need for comprehensive retirement planning across India. The Eastern zone continues to lead in retirement planning with 54 points, excelling across all sub-indices where the regions Finance Index stands at 57, Health Index at 51, and Emotional Index at 62, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to retirement preparedness. The West zone has made significant strides, particularly in finance and health. The regions Finance and Health Index has increased by 3 points each to 53, and 46 points respectively. However, the Emotional Index remains at 57, indicating a need for further focus on emotional well-being. The North zone has shown substantial improvement in health preparedness, with the Health Index increasing by 5 points to 45, while the South zone has seen slight increase in Health Index rising to 45.Urban Indian Working Women Lead the Charge in Retirement Preparedness A deep dive into the retirement readiness of urban Indian working women reveals a remarkable shift: they are now better than men by 1-point in overall retirement preparedness, boasting a retirement index of 50. Financially, urban Indian working women are keeping pace with men, with 66% being confident that their current investments will ensure a financially secure retirement life. Health wise, 48% urban Indian Working Women feel confident that they will be fit and healthy in their retirement years.DINKs Show Stronger Retirement Readiness Compared to Gig Workers Insights into retirement preparedness reveal stark differences between DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) and Gig workers. DINKs align closely with the overall Indian population, boasting an IRIS index score of 49, indicating strong health and financial preparedness. In contrast, Gig workers score only 46, reflecting lower readiness across the board. Their financial index lags 4 points behind the national average (48 vs. 52), and health readiness is also lower at 44 compared to 46 overall. Gig workers feel less secure, with 76% being highly worried about providing for family's basic needs during retirement - this is 70% for the overall urban Indian respondents. Similarly, 77% Gig workers are worried about providing for luxury expenses in retirement - this is again 70% for the overall urban Indian respondents.

Securing their children's future is a major worry with 75% Gig workers expressing worry about it.7 in 10 Urban Indians Embrace Retirement Optimism Amidst Growing Concerns Urban India exudes optimism about retirement, with over 70% linking it to positive experiences like a stress-free life, quality family time, and greater independence. However, 27% express concerns about challenges such as declining health, boredom, and loneliness. While 55% of the respondents stay in Nuclear families, but out of them 93% plan to stay with their children post-retirement. Additionally, 55% feel confident in the support of family and friends, yet a striking 82% are worried about how changing environmental factors may impact their retirement lifestyle.Reliance on Family Wealth Hinders Proactive Retirement Planning Amidst Growing Need for Financial Guidance A significant reliance on family wealth and children as safety nets is hindering proactive retirement planning for many urban Indians, with 42% depending on family wealth and 41% looking to their children for financial support in retirement. Moreover, the data underscores an urgent need for trusted financial advisors, as 31% of urban Indians report feeling a lack of guidance on their retirement journey. This gap in support highlights the necessity for accessible, expert advice to empower individuals in making informed decisions about their financial futures.Urban Indians Shift Towards Wellness, Envisioning a Healthier Retirement Urban Indians are increasingly prioritizing wellness over mere prevention, with 83% envisioning a healthy retirement. Confidence in achieving fitness during their golden years has surged to 47%, up from 38% in the above cohort of respondents. This proactive approach to health is further highlighted by the rise in health insurance purchases, now at 50%, compared to 44% previously. This trend emphasizes the growing importance of wellness in ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling retirement.National Pension System Gains Traction as 9 in 10 Users Trust Its Safety and Reliability The National Pension System (NPS) is gaining traction as a trusted investment choice, with over 90% of respondents considering it as a 'safe and reliable' product. Awareness has surged, especially in Tier II cities (78%), where NPS ownership now stands at an impressive 25%. Both the East and South zones show robust awareness (74% and 72%, respectively), with East and West zone leading in ownership (26% and 22%, respectively) as well. Top sources of NPS awareness include TV Commercials (62%), News Articles (39%), and Colleagues/Family/Friends (37%). On the other hand, the key factors driving NPS adoption include attractive returns (57%), lifelong income (40%), and better tax saving option (36%). Despite this positive outlook, challenges such as handholding and lack of complete product understanding still limit broader adoption.Read more about the India Retirement Index Study at - www.maxlifeinsurance.com/iris-india-retirement-study-index* The India Retirement Index Study assesses urban Indias preparedness to live a healthy, peaceful, and financially secure retired life. For the 4th edition of the digital study, 2,077 respondents were surveyed across 28 cities in India. The index is composed of three sub-indices measuring health, financial, and emotional readiness for retirement, on a scale of 0 to 100.+ Gig Workers respondents are white-collar Gig workers who are defined as people working temporary jobs, typically in the service sector as an independent contractor or freelancer. In this survey, the average age of Gig workers was 38 years.About India Retirement Index Study India Retirement Index Study is an annual retirement study by Max Life conducted in partnership with KANTAR. The survey aims to understand the retirement readiness of Urban India, with insights into awareness, aspirations and challenges of consumers during retirement and its planning. India retirement index is the degree to which Indians feel prepared for tomorrow's retired life on a scale 0 to 100.

It is based on how prepared India is for a healthy, peaceful & financially independent post-retirement life.About Max Life Insurance Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of the Max Group. Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions, through its multi-channel distribution including agency and third-party distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2023-24, Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 29,529 Cr. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.maxlifeinsurance.comAbout Kantar Kantar is the world's leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world's top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. To know more, visit www.kantar.com. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. ("Max Life"/ "Company") has launched the 4th edition of its retirement survey, India Retirement Index Study (IRIS)*, conducted in partnership with KANTAR, the world's leading marketing data and analytics company. The IRIS 4.0 reveals that Urban Indias retirement preparedness has increased from 47 points in IRIS 3.0 to 49 points in IRIS 4.0, driven by greater awareness and proactive steps in both health and financial planning. Urban Indian working women scored 50 on the retirement index, 1-point higher than men. The latest edition introduces two new segments - Double Income No Kids (DINKs) and Gig workers+. DINKs align closely with the overall Indian population, with an index score of 49 points, indicating strong health and financial preparedness. In contrast, Gig workers score only 46 points, reflecting lower readiness across the cohort.From L to R - Amit Kukreja, Prashant Tripathy, Naina Lal Kidwai and Subrata Chaudhuri The India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) continues to be a key initiative in Max Life's mission to make India retirement-ready. This year, the study was launched at the "India Retirement Insight Summit," an exclusive event in partnership with CNBC-TV18. The summit featured engaging panel discussions and fireside chats that explored the concerns, triggers, and challenges shaping India's retirement landscape, with a focus on the financial well-being of urban Indians. Prominent industry leaders including Naina Lal Kidwai, Amit Kukreja, Subrata Chaudhuri, and Asheesh Gupta, along with sports icon Saina Nehwal and Public Speaker & Content Creator Ankur Warikoo, shared valuable insights on the evolving dynamics of retirement planning in India. The IRIS 4.0 findings highlight that a growing number of urban Indians believe that the retirement planning should start early. 44% Indians consider the right age to start planning for retirement is before 35 years, increasing from 38% in IRIS 3.0. 93% of the respondents above 50 years of age regret delaying retirement planning. Encouragingly, 63% respondents have already begun investing for retirement, leading to reduced concerns about meeting both basic and luxury needs, as well as securing their children's futures. A notable 68% of urban Indian working women have begun investing for retirement, a 7-point increase from last year. The study also highlights regional opportunities in retirement planning across India, with the East zone leading in overall preparedness, the West zone showing financial and health progress but needing emotional focus, and the North and South zones improving in health preparedness index. As per IRIS 4.0, 97% urban Indians are aware of Life Insurance as a suitable financial product, with 67% already invested in life insurance as the ideal financial product for retirement, and 37% have invested in health insurance. However, 31% urban Indians are not aware about the retirement corpus needed to sustain current lifestyle, with only 27% urban Indians expecting their savings to last between 5 to 10 years, and 30% worry about exhausting funds within just 5 years.Prashant Tripathy, CEO and Managing Director, Max Life said, "Preparing for retirement is a critical priority for the future of Indians, especially as life expectancy rises with advancements in healthcare, emphasizing the need for long-term financial planning. The IRIS 4.0 study reveals that although Urban Indias retirement index has improved with positive gains in the Financial and Health indices, 1 in 3 Indians still feel underprepared. This year, we also focused on Gig workers due to the rapid growth of Indias gig economy, and found that they lag with a lower retirement readiness. This signals a huge opportunity area to bring the cohort at par with the national average through focused interventions." He adds, "Today, more urban Indians recognize the importance of starting retirement planning early, with a growing preference for life insurance as a savings tool-2 in 3 are investing in these products for retirement.

Notably, urban Indian working women are taking the lead in investments, actively securing their financial futures. These trends highlight a positive shift towards proactive retirement planning and financial independence among urban Indians." Soumya Mohanty, MD and Chief Client Officer, South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar said, "India Retirement Index Study (IRIS) 4.0 delivers sharp, data-backed insights into the retirement preparedness of urban Indians across varied demographics. By focusing on key indicators-financial, physical, and emotional readiness-the study offers a clear view of the nations retirement outlook. Our partnership with Max Life highlights our shared goal of enhancing financial security for Indians, ensuring they are well-prepared for their retirement years."Key findings from the India Retirement Index Study 4.0Metros Lead in Retirement Preparedness, Awareness Grows Across Indian Cities In IRIS 4.0, Metros have taken the lead in retirement planning, with an overall index score of 50. This is driven by positive indices of Finance (51), Health (49), and Emotional (60). Notably, 42% of Metro residents engage in regular physical activities, contributing to their confidence in being fit and healthy during retirement. Tier I and Tier II cities have also made progress. Tier I cities have an overall index score of 49, with improvements in Financial (54) and Health (45) indexes. Tier II cities have increased their financial index from 50 to 53 that has helped increase the overall index to 47. However, their emotional index remains at 60, indicating a need for further focus on emotional well-being.Regional Differences highlight need for comprehensive retirement planning across India The IRIS 4.0 study's zonal insights reveals varying regional preparedness, emphasizing the need for comprehensive retirement planning across India. The Eastern zone continues to lead in retirement planning with 54 points, excelling across all sub-indices where the regions Finance Index stands at 57, Health Index at 51, and Emotional Index at 62, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to retirement preparedness. The West zone has made significant strides, particularly in finance and health. The regions Finance and Health Index has increased by 3 points each to 53, and 46 points respectively. However, the Emotional Index remains at 57, indicating a need for further focus on emotional well-being. The North zone has shown substantial improvement in health preparedness, with the Health Index increasing by 5 points to 45, while the South zone has seen slight increase in Health Index rising to 45.Urban Indian Working Women Lead the Charge in Retirement Preparedness A deep dive into the retirement readiness of urban Indian working women reveals a remarkable shift: they are now better than men by 1-point in overall retirement preparedness, boasting a retirement index of 50. Financially, urban Indian working women are keeping pace with men, with 66% being confident that their current investments will ensure a financially secure retirement life. Health wise, 48% urban Indian Working Women feel confident that they will be fit and healthy in their retirement years.DINKs Show Stronger Retirement Readiness Compared to Gig Workers Insights into retirement preparedness reveal stark differences between DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) and Gig workers. DINKs align closely with the overall Indian population, boasting an IRIS index score of 49, indicating strong health and financial preparedness. In contrast, Gig workers score only 46, reflecting lower readiness across the board. Their financial index lags 4 points behind the national average (48 vs. 52), and health readiness is also lower at 44 compared to 46 overall. Gig workers feel less secure, with 76% being highly worried about providing for family's basic needs during retirement - this is 70% for the overall urban Indian respondents. Similarly, 77% Gig workers are worried about providing for luxury expenses in retirement - this is again 70% for the overall urban Indian respondents.

Securing their children's future is a major worry with 75% Gig workers expressing worry about it.7 in 10 Urban Indians Embrace Retirement Optimism Amidst Growing Concerns Urban India exudes optimism about retirement, with over 70% linking it to positive experiences like a stress-free life, quality family time, and greater independence. However, 27% express concerns about challenges such as declining health, boredom, and loneliness. While 55% of the respondents stay in Nuclear families, but out of them 93% plan to stay with their children post-retirement. Additionally, 55% feel confident in the support of family and friends, yet a striking 82% are worried about how changing environmental factors may impact their retirement lifestyle.Reliance on Family Wealth Hinders Proactive Retirement Planning Amidst Growing Need for Financial Guidance A significant reliance on family wealth and children as safety nets is hindering proactive retirement planning for many urban Indians, with 42% depending on family wealth and 41% looking to their children for financial support in retirement. Moreover, the data underscores an urgent need for trusted financial advisors, as 31% of urban Indians report feeling a lack of guidance on their retirement journey. This gap in support highlights the necessity for accessible, expert advice to empower individuals in making informed decisions about their financial futures.Urban Indians Shift Towards Wellness, Envisioning a Healthier Retirement Urban Indians are increasingly prioritizing wellness over mere prevention, with 83% envisioning a healthy retirement. Confidence in achieving fitness during their golden years has surged to 47%, up from 38% in the above cohort of respondents. This proactive approach to health is further highlighted by the rise in health insurance purchases, now at 50%, compared to 44% previously. This trend emphasizes the growing importance of wellness in ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling retirement.National Pension System Gains Traction as 9 in 10 Users Trust Its Safety and Reliability The National Pension System (NPS) is gaining traction as a trusted investment choice, with over 90% of respondents considering it as a 'safe and reliable' product. Awareness has surged, especially in Tier II cities (78%), where NPS ownership now stands at an impressive 25%. Both the East and South zones show robust awareness (74% and 72%, respectively), with East and West zone leading in ownership (26% and 22%, respectively) as well. Top sources of NPS awareness include TV Commercials (62%), News Articles (39%), and Colleagues/Family/Friends (37%). On the other hand, the key factors driving NPS adoption include attractive returns (57%), lifelong income (40%), and better tax saving option (36%). Despite this positive outlook, challenges such as handholding and lack of complete product understanding still limit broader adoption.Read more about the India Retirement Index Study at - www.maxlifeinsurance.com/iris-india-retirement-study-index* The India Retirement Index Study assesses urban Indias preparedness to live a healthy, peaceful, and financially secure retired life. For the 4th edition of the digital study, 2,077 respondents were surveyed across 28 cities in India. The index is composed of three sub-indices measuring health, financial, and emotional readiness for retirement, on a scale of 0 to 100.+ Gig Workers respondents are white-collar Gig workers who are defined as people working temporary jobs, typically in the service sector as an independent contractor or freelancer. In this survey, the average age of Gig workers was 38 years.About India Retirement Index Study India Retirement Index Study is an annual retirement study by Max Life conducted in partnership with KANTAR. The survey aims to understand the retirement readiness of Urban India, with insights into awareness, aspirations and challenges of consumers during retirement and its planning. India retirement index is the degree to which Indians feel prepared for tomorrow's retired life on a scale 0 to 100.

It is based on how prepared India is for a healthy, peaceful & financially independent post-retirement life.About Max Life Insurance Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of the Max Group. Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions, through its multi-channel distribution including agency and third-party distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2023-24, Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 29,529 Cr. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.maxlifeinsurance.comAbout Kantar Kantar is the world's leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world's top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. To know more, visit www.kantar.com. [ad_2] Source link

[12digitalmarketing]

For over 50 years, Robert Bernstein has devoted his career to treating children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of cognitive challenges. Rob’s book, “Uniquely Normal: Tapping into the Reservoir of Normalcy to Treat Autism” consisting of 27 case studies has won six awards in the fields of “Psychology/Mental Health”, “Parenting and Health” and “Autism Assessment and Treatment”. The foreword is written by Temple Grandin.

He is an International consultant for autism treatment in the USA, UK, and India. Robert has expanded to using his cognitive approach with autistic individuals of all ages. Robert's work has grown to holding positions of leadership, speaking, and consulting as well as writing. He is on the Board of Directors of Westchester ARC and the US Autism Association (USAA). He hosts a monthly webinar with the US Autism Association and has conducted webinars hosted by the Autism Research Institute. His podcast "Uniquely Normal" is available on Apple, Google, and Spotify Podcasts.

Robert is an international consultant working with autistic children in schools, including school districts and SEPTA groups across the USA, UK, and India. He has appeared on Dateline NBC and hosted "Educating Your Child," a call-in radio show. Robert has also conducted dozens of seminars and presentations on autism for educators, parents, and the general public, including the USAA, the India Autism Center, the International Autism Conference hosted by CADRRE, the India Inclusion Summit, PESI, and the New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

BRICS expansion would be a sign of China’s growing influence

Tensions within the group continue to simmer, but it is here to stay

SINCE ITS transformation from an investment category into a political club in 2009—when the heads of state of Brazil, Russia, India and China held their first summit—the BRICS grouping has faced countless critics and doubters. Numerous Western analysts pointed to the many differences and disagreements within the group and expected it to have only a limited impact on global affairs.

Yet, defying such expectations, member countries embraced the BRICS grouping and no leader has missed its annual summit over the past 14 years (summits took place virtually during the pandemic). Even significant ideological swings in member countries such as India or Brazil have done little to alter their commitment to the club, and the BRICS, which invited South Africa to join in 2010 (hence the capital S), have become something far more important than a yearly photo-op.

In addition to a development bank created in 2014—which has extended more than $30bn in loans so far and which added Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as new members in 2021—being a BRICS member involves countless meetings among ministers (in areas such as defence, climate and health) and regular encounters that involve legislators, government agencies, think-tanks and scholars in numerous areas to promote a broader dialogue. It is no exaggeration to say that the BRICS grouping has become an important element of its members’ foreign-policy identity.

Continue reading.

[theherdofturtles]

Going to do a previous day twice hope nobody minds...

Solely focused on India and history. @hwsasiaweek

Description: Grief is a complicated thing, and India experiences some of the complications at the World Health Summit.

[thellawtoknow]

Environmental Justice: Ensuring Fairness in the Fight for a Sustainable Future

Environmental Justice: Ensuring Fairness in the Fight for a Sustainable FutureWhat is Environmental Justice? The History of Environmental Justice Key Issues in Environmental Justice Achieving Environmental Justice The Role of Individuals in Promoting Environmental Justice Examples of Environmental Justice in Action1. Flint Water Crisis (Michigan, USA) 2. Standing Rock Protests (North Dakota, USA) 3. Cancer Alley (Louisiana, USA) 4. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (India) 5. Mauna Kea Protests (Hawaii, USA) 6. Coal Ash Pollution in North Carolina (USA) 7. Chevron-Texaco in the Ecuadorian Amazon 8. Air Pollution in Urban Areas (Worldwide) 9. Climate Change and Pacific Island Nations 10. Water Access in Detroit (Michigan, USA) Conclusion Environmental Justice: Ensuring Fairness in the Fight for a Sustainable Future Environmental justice is a crucial concept at the intersection of environmentalism, social equity, and human rights. It focuses on ensuring that all people, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, have equal access to a healthy environment and are not disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards. As the world grapples with climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, the pursuit of environmental justice becomes an urgent call to action.

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of environmental justice, its historical development, key issues, and the ongoing efforts to achieve it. What is Environmental Justice? Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental laws, regulations, and policies. It aims to rectify situations where marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by environmental problems. Such problems include exposure to toxic waste, air and water pollution, and the degradation of natural resources that sustain these communities. The concept also demands that everyone—irrespective of wealth or status—enjoys the benefits of clean air, water, and land. Moreover, communities should have a say in the decisions affecting their environment. This means involving them in the planning processes related to industries, land use, and natural resource management in their area. The History of Environmental Justice The modern environmental justice movement traces its roots back to the early 1980s in the United States. A key moment occurred in 1982 in Warren County, North Carolina, where a predominantly African-American community protested against the siting of a hazardous waste landfill in their neighborhood. This event highlighted the tendency to place environmental hazards in economically disadvantaged and minority communities, sparking nationwide awareness of environmental racism. In 1991, the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit further solidified the movement. This gathering produced the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice, a guiding document that continues to influence activists and policymakers worldwide. Since then, the movement has grown, both in the U.S. and globally, expanding its scope to encompass issues such as climate justice, water rights, and the fair distribution of green energy resources. Key Issues in Environmental Justice - Environmental Racism Environmental racism refers to policies and practices that disproportionately affect minority and low-income communities with environmental hazards. These communities often suffer from increased exposure to pollutants, lack of access to green spaces, and a higher incidence of health problems like asthma, cancer, and developmental disorders. - Climate Change Vulnerable communities bear the brunt of climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and food insecurity. Indigenous populations, coastal residents, and low-income groups face greater risks from climate-related disasters. The unequal distribution of resources to mitigate and adapt to climate change exacerbates this issue, making climate justice a key component of environmental justice. - Pollution and Public Health Industrial sites, waste disposal facilities, and agricultural operations are often located near disadvantaged communities, leading to increased pollution and health risks. Exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and poor air quality can lead to severe health problems, including respiratory diseases, cancers, and birth defects. - Access to Resources Environmental justice also encompasses the fair distribution of natural resources, such as clean water, fertile land, and energy. Many indigenous and rural communities are denied access to these essential resources, either due to political marginalization or land exploitation by corporations. - Green Gentrification As urban areas develop more green spaces and environmentally friendly infrastructure, housing prices can rise, pushing out the original, often lower-income residents. This process, known as green gentrification, underscores the importance of ensuring that sustainable urban development benefits everyone. Achieving Environmental Justice Efforts to achieve environmental justice involve a mix of grassroots activism, legal reforms, and international agreements. Here are some of the key strategies: - Community Engagement Empowering communities to participate in environmental decision-making is a fundamental aspect of environmental justice. Public hearings, environmental impact assessments, and participatory planning processes allow local residents to voice their concerns and preferences. - Stronger Regulations Governments can enact and enforce environmental laws that protect vulnerable communities from disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards. This includes strict regulations on emissions, waste disposal, and industrial zoning. - Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Addressing climate change in a way that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable populations is essential for environmental justice. This means investing in renewable energy, green jobs, and climate adaptation strategies that benefit marginalized communities. - Corporate Responsibility Corporations, especially those in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture, play a significant role in either perpetuating or addressing environmental injustice. Holding businesses accountable for environmental damage and pushing for sustainable practices can make a profound difference. - Global Cooperation Many environmental justice issues transcend borders, requiring international collaboration. Global agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address environmental justice at a planetary scale, aiming to reduce inequalities in climate impacts and resource access. The Role of Individuals in Promoting Environmental Justice While governments and corporations bear much of the responsibility, individuals can also contribute to the movement for environmental justice. Supporting policies that prioritize sustainability and equality, participating in local environmental initiatives, and raising awareness about environmental justice issues are all ways to foster positive change. Moreover, consumers can make informed choices by supporting businesses that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, and by reducing their own environmental footprints through mindful consumption, recycling, and energy conservation. Examples of Environmental Justice in Action Environmental justice is not just a theoretical concept; it manifests in real-world situations where communities fight for fair treatment and access to a healthy environment. Here are some notable examples where environmental justice issues have come to the forefront: 1. Flint Water Crisis (Michigan, USA) One of the most widely publicized cases of environmental injustice occurred in Flint, Michigan, where a predominantly African-American and low-income population suffered from lead-contaminated drinking water. In 2014, in a cost-saving measure, the city switched its water supply to the Flint River without properly treating the water, which caused lead to leach from aging pipes. The health consequences, including widespread lead poisoning, primarily affected children and vulnerable populations. This crisis highlighted systemic failures in governance and the unequal protection of public health, which are central to environmental justice concerns. 2. Standing Rock Protests (North Dakota, USA) The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) exemplified a struggle for environmental justice. The pipeline, intended to transport crude oil, was routed near the tribe’s water supply and sacred sites without proper consultation. The tribe, along with thousands of supporters from across the globe, argued that the pipeline threatened their land, water, and cultural heritage. The protest became a powerful symbol of indigenous rights and environmental protection, raising awareness of how Native American communities often face environmental hazards without adequate legal protections. 3. Cancer Alley (Louisiana, USA) Along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans lies an area known as "Cancer Alley" due to the alarming number of chemical plants and oil refineries concentrated there. These facilities have been linked to high rates of cancer, respiratory issues, and other health problems among residents, most of whom are African-American and low-income. The disproportionate exposure to hazardous chemicals in this region highlights the intersection of environmental justice, industrial pollution, and racial inequality. 4. Bhopal Gas Tragedy (India) In 1984, the Bhopal disaster occurred when toxic gas leaked from a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide (now a subsidiary of Dow Chemical) in Bhopal, India. Thousands of people died in the immediate aftermath, and hundreds of thousands more suffered from long-term health complications. The majority of the victims were poor, and the Indian government and Union Carbide faced criticism for their slow and inadequate response to the crisis. The Bhopal gas tragedy is a glaring example of how industrial negligence and lack of accountability can lead to severe environmental injustices, particularly in low-income and marginalized communities. 5. Mauna Kea Protests (Hawaii, USA) In Hawaii, the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Mauna Kea, a mountain considered sacred by Native Hawaiians, became a contentious environmental justice issue. While the telescope was designed to advance scientific discovery, Native Hawaiians opposed its construction on grounds that it desecrated sacred land and violated their cultural and spiritual rights. The protests underscored the tension between scientific progress and the rights of indigenous peoples to protect their land from environmental exploitation. 6. Coal Ash Pollution in North Carolina (USA) In North Carolina, communities living near coal ash disposal sites faced significant environmental health risks due to contamination of groundwater with heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury. Coal ash, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants, contains toxic substances that can leach into soil and water, posing severe health risks to nearby residents. Many of these disposal sites are located near low-income, rural communities, making this an environmental justice issue where corporate interests clash with the right to a safe living environment. 7. Chevron-Texaco in the Ecuadorian Amazon Indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon have been engaged in a decades-long legal battle against Chevron-Texaco for polluting their lands and waterways. From the 1960s to the 1990s, the company’s oil drilling operations dumped billions of gallons of toxic waste into the rainforest, contaminating water sources and causing widespread health issues such as cancer and birth defects. Despite winning a multibillion-dollar judgment in Ecuadorian courts, the affected communities have struggled to enforce the ruling. This case highlights how environmental justice issues are often global in scale and how marginalized groups struggle for accountability from multinational corporations. 8. Air Pollution in Urban Areas (Worldwide) In many large cities around the world, poorer communities often live closer to highways, industrial zones, or waste disposal sites, exposing them to higher levels of air pollution. In cities like Los Angeles, London, and Beijing, low-income and minority populations disproportionately suffer from the health effects of air pollution, including asthma, lung disease, and premature death. These communities are less likely to have access to healthcare, green spaces, or cleaner transportation options, making air pollution a significant environmental justice issue. 9. Climate Change and Pacific Island Nations Small island nations in the Pacific, such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands, are at the frontline of climate change impacts, facing rising sea levels that threaten to submerge their lands. These nations contribute very little to global greenhouse gas emissions but are disproportionately affected by climate change. Their struggle for international support and adaptation funding underscores the global dimension of environmental justice, where the most vulnerable are least responsible for the problem but suffer the most severe consequences. 10. Water Access in Detroit (Michigan, USA) In Detroit, thousands of low-income residents have had their water shut off due to unpaid bills, leading to public health crises in a city already facing economic hardship. Activists argue that access to clean and affordable water is a human right, and shutting off water disproportionately affects the poor and African-American residents. The situation in Detroit reflects broader concerns about the privatization of essential services and the intersection of race, poverty, and environmental justice. These examples illustrate that environmental justice is a multifaceted issue that touches upon race, class, and economic inequality. Communities across the globe, especially those historically marginalized, are fighting to protect their environment and their right to live free from harm. As these cases show, environmental justice is not only about protecting the planet but ensuring that everyone, particularly the most vulnerable, is included in the fight for a healthier, more equitable world. Conclusion Environmental justice is an essential framework for ensuring that all people, especially the most vulnerable, can live in a healthy environment. As environmental challenges like climate change and pollution grow more urgent, addressing these issues through the lens of justice is not only morally imperative but essential for achieving long-term sustainability. By embracing equitable policies, encouraging corporate responsibility, and engaging communities in environmental decisions, we can move toward a world where environmental protection benefits everyone. https://youtu.be/60zKOgRodjE Read the full article