Do you think that the farmers protest at Haryana border is something that can be justifiable?

Inedible but digestible Stickers: Why fruits have a vignette! 

The morning ‘Apple’ had a sticker on it. Haven’t you noticed? Well, know how your favourite fruit was grown and where so that you can make your fruit shopping more fruitful.

 

Have you ever stopped to read the fine print on stickers affixed to fruits and vegetables and wondered what those number convey?

The label has a PLU (Price look-up) code printed on it, which contains important information regarding how the fruit was grown. It is generated by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).

Let me decode the numbers for you!

A five-digit number beginning with 9, implies that the fruit was grown organically and is best.

A Four digit number, beginning with 3 or 4 implies that the fruit was grown conventionally and includes pesticides in low amount but aren’t harmful. Whereas a five-digit number with 8 as it’s first digit means that fruit was grown with genetic modification and has negative impacts on health.

Know about the country your food was grown in!

You can discover, “The Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)” from PLU codes or signs placed near bins of produce in stores. It helps you to get information from the retailer where the fresh produce was grown.

At the end of the day, you’ll need to do your own research. You can look up the PLU codes on the IFPS website to satisfy your super curious mind.

Well, there are so many stuffs around us and we don't really care to know even the 'Little' things . Try discovering such stuffs and know the unknowns around you.

Reality and movies?

There are moments when the realism on screen is so wonderfully complex yet simply presented that you laugh , cry , move and grow with the charachters. There is however an important question to ask oneself on what comprises as a story and the process of creating movies based on real life . Real life inspired movies evoke emotions and heighten human feelings but is there overcompensation for creativity by picking up anecdotes from lives , war ,and battles ? Is the idea of a biopic or a movie like Uri so appealing that there is hardly any space for other films left . The brutal way in which filmmakers today takeover someone's loss, tragedy or shock and create a business around it is heartbreaking more often than less. Yes some biopics are truly moving and a absolutely beautiful but is it truly a celebration of life or a success formula. With recent events in the lives of the army at Galwan where more than 20 soldiers were martyred in a court somewhere filmmakers were getting copyright patents finalised. Is this commodification of lives truly what viewers intend to see, most wouldn't. It doesn't mean that real life incidents shouldn't be displayed, they deserve the attention and representation but they have to remain to be art .It is extremely essential for the things around us to be portrayed, reflected and represented but it in no way means that every incidents as soon as it happens need to be processed into a film before those who have suffered have even processed that grief. It is a voluntary act to be comfortable with letting the world see you through your biopic but shouldn't creative realism transcend the over use of people's lives and move towards a more content generated wave of cinema that we see today. Today more and more filmmakers want to let content drive their films and not the larger than life fantasy. So its it's an act of introspection that a film enthusiast has to do , towards the kind of stories that they seem important and want to see while at the same time being sensitive to what those films represent .

Taking a strict action against the country's online security matters, India has recently banned around 59 Chinese origin apps which included popular apps like TikTok, Cam Scanner, Xender etc.

This has triggered a sort of digital cold war between the two countries who are already having tension on the borders. 

Weibo was one such app to be banned by the Indian Govt. To give momentum to the drive, The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi has deleted his personal Weibo account.

PM Modi's Weibo account was created back then in 2015 and he was quite active on the platform with around 100 posts and 200,000 followers.

It is to be noted that China has negligible presence on Non-China based apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp etc.

PM Modi was one of the few international leaders who was using this platform apart from some of the Chinese leaders.

 

The government of India on Monday, June 28, 2020 announced yet another astounding news across the country. All Chinese app which are available for android as well as iOS users will be banned, effective immediately, as a result of which a day later, one of the most installed apps; Tik Tok has been taken down from Google Playstore and Apple’s Appstore.

Considering the uproar against Tik Tok which was a result of the CarryMinati’s video which has been eradicated from the popular platform of YouTube, titled “YouTube vs Tik Tok.” The war between content creators comparing the mediums and unity within the community while CarryMinati’s video was reported for harassment and cyberbullying. Following this, the content was critically analysed on the app and hence, brought on a huge negativity on the platform. All this while the apps functionality was also analysed which revealed the Chinese apps were engaged activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and of India, Defence of India and security and state of public order.

For those who have installed the app “Tik Tok” have received an alert which read “Dear users, we are in the process of complying with the Government of India’s directive to block 59 apps. Ensuring this privacy and security of all our users in India remains our utmost priority.” It has also been claimed by some users that they’ve been facing difficulty whilst scrolling through their feed or they’re unable to it at all and some are even unable to upload videos and a pop-up flashes “network issue.” One explanation to this can be that the telecom operators must have blocked Tik Tok until the government’s next order.

This has also resulted in a moment of cheer for Carry’s fans who had helped trend a hashtag fancied in his name #justiceforcarry  following the removal of the video. Many also felt that the 21-year-old YouTuber predicted the End of Tik Tok.

According to the Digital Forensics, an Open Technology Fund contracted Cure53, which a Germany based cybersecurity firm, examined the Chinese apps by disuniting the app and determining its capabilities. The researchers investigated the Android version of the app, used in smartphones manufactures by Oppo, vivo etc. as in iOS does not allow the type of “superuser” surveillance to be conducted. Although it wasn’t possible to assess the apps functionalities due to the code designed to thwart the attempts to dissect the app, It managed to expose that the code manages to open a back door to the users phone, this, in turn grants the developer of the app tantamount right to the users phone, allowing to download any software, modify files and, install a program to log key strokes, have access to all the messages as well as pictures and even allows them to turn on the microphone as per their will.

This study was reported in the United States of America.

In India, the recommendation of the intelligence agencies backed by the National Security Council Secretariat supported the take of the decision which could be detrimental to the country’s security, a report which was claimed by an unnamed government official. The Ministry of Information Technology received complaints from various sources regarding the misuse of some application in transmission of data in an unauthorized manner to servers with location outside India. The Indian Intelligence agency red flagged these Chinese apps as it challenged the privacy concerns of the users. They were left with two choices, either advice people to not to use the apps or ban the use of it once n for all.

Official press released on the ban of these apps, the Ministry of Information Technology claimed, “invoking it’s power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 and in view of the emergent nature of threats has decided to block 59 apps ( see Appendix) since in view of information available they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.” Adding to their statement, “upon receiving of recent credible inputs that such Apps pose threat to sovereignty and integrity of India, the Government of India has decided to disallow the usage of certain Apps, used in both mobile and non-mobile Internet enabled devices. This move will safeguard the interests of crores of Indian mobile and internet users. This decision is a targeted move to ensure safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace.”

The step has proved to the assurance that India is not only on the verge but it is going to prove it is “atmanirbhar.” The ban on the applications also imply the intensive invasiveness is unacceptable by India and that the relation between the two countries cannot be mended. India has officially made it’s relations with the country loud and clear.

The list of the apps banned is as follows-

#dbdbdb ; border-left:1px solid #dbdbdb ; border-right:1px solid #dbdbdb ; border-top:1px solid #dbdbdb ; vertical-align:top"> Tik Tok Shareit Kwai UC Browser Baidu map Shein Clash of Kings DU battery saver Helo Likee YouCam makeup Mi Community CM Browers Virus Cleaner APUS Browser ROMWE Club Factory Newsdog Beutry Plus WeChat UC News QQ Mail Weibo Xender QQ Music QQ Newsfeed Bigo Live SelfieCity Mail Master Parallel Space

#dbdbdb ; border-left:none; border-right:1px solid #dbdbdb ; border-top:1px solid #dbdbdb ; vertical-align:top"> Mi Video Call – Xiaomi WeSync ES File Explorer Viva Video – QU Video Inc Meitu Vigo Video New Video Status DU Recorder Vault- Hide Cache Cleaner DU App studio DU Cleaner DU Browser Hago Play With New Friends Cam Scanner Clean Master – Cheetah Mobile Wonder Camera Photo Wonder QQ Player We Meet Sweet Selfie Baidu Translate Vmate QQ International QQ Security Center

Do you think the remark made by the former PM Singh in the context of Spread of Disinformation about the face-off is true?
In his first remarks on the Ladakh face-off, former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said PM Narendra Modi must be mindful of the implications of his words and cannot allow China to use them as a vindication of its position.
The former PM "reminded the government that disinformation is no substitute for diplomacy or decisive leadership. The truth cannot be suppressed by having pliant allies spout comforting but false statements."
"We call upon the Prime Minister and the Government to rise to the occasion, to ensure justice for Col. B. Santosh Babu and our jawans who have made the ultimate sacrifice and resolutely defended our territorial integrity," said Singh.

"To do any less would be a historic betrayal of the people’s faith," said the former PM.
Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in a brutal attack by the Chinese military in eastern Ladakhs Galwan Valley on June 15.

The Trade war between US and China creates a need of self-dependency on Global Production.Many of the Chinese neighbouring Countries including India takes a audacious action by reconstructing their own supply chain.The virus will accelarate a change that was a already driven by market forces as rising wages and costs in china will cause lower-value manufacturing.While the US trade network with china was diaphanous but recent virus situation create of omnious relations between them but increasing disparity between them will help US to create good economic strategy that will help to strenghten the relations with countries like India,Australia,New Zealand,Japan and South Korea.Many Companies in china have been adopting "China Plus One" manufacturing strategy to bring chinese production on its peak.China Plus One is creating a baffling situation for global manufacturers as chinese low cost production facilities to global producers.The US has three alternatives ahead. First, is to expand the scope of technology restrictions on China.Second, is to outcompete China by dramatically boosting US high-tech capabilities by pouring fresh investments into education, basic research and support sectors of the industrial setup as used to be the case in the Cold War.Third, is to continue to push China, using the existing weapons of tariffs and diplomacy, to modify the parts of its behaviour that the US finds unacceptable.The developments relating to deglobalisation and decoupling offer opportunities for India and New Delhi would be wise to pursue them. Notwithstanding the slogan of “Aatmnirbharta” (self-reliance) that has come in the wake of COVID-19, foreign direct investment and foreign trade remain the two key requirements to pull India out of the poverty trap.In the end, the biggest force diluting china's position in the global supply chain will likely be the long, slow evolution of global trade.

WHAT IS G-7

The Group of Seven, as the G-7 expands to, is an intergovernmental organisation formed in 1975 to discuss and exchange ideas on a range of issues such as global economy, security and energy. G-7 presently has one the most advanced economies of the world i.e. US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Canada & Italy. 

 

EXPANSION

•US President Donald Trump described G-7 as “very outdated group of countries”, and wants it to be rechristened into G-10 or G-11 by including countries such as India, Russia, South Korea & Australia to the G-7. 

•Trump discussed the plans of expanding G-7 with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

 

WHY IS IT CONTROVERSIAL 

*Russia was earlier a part of the group but was removed after it annexed Crimea in Ukraine in 2014 with which G-8 became G-7. Trump wants Russia to be readmitted to the group, because “a lot of the things we talk about have to do with Russia”

*On the decision to invite Australia, India, South Korea to the G7, China said any attempts to seek a 'small circle' against it is 'doomed to fail'.

 

INDIA’S PARTICIPATION IN G-7 

•India was invited as a "Biarritz partner country” for the 45th G7 summit by French President Emmanuel Macron & India attended the G7 summit after, almost 15 years. 

•India attended the summit was in 2005 as well,  when PM Manmohan Singh had represented India at the summit on the invitation of the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

 

NEXT G-7 SUMMIT

The 46th G-7 summit, which was earlier supposed to be held at Camp David in the United States from June 10-12, has been postponed by US President Trump to September 2020. 

 

Josh Frydenberg, the first treasurer in around three decade to preside over a recession remarked that a recession was an inevitable reality after national accounts show the gross domestic product falling by 0.3% in the March quarter. A report was released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The nation had a successful growth which was hampered by the recent coronavirus crisis and the impact of wildfires that Australia has been facing. Over the past twelve months the growth rate was only 1.4% , the weakest performance since the global financial crisis.

While Frydenberg said the contraction in Australia was less severe than many other countries battling the economic shock associated with the coronavirus pandemic, he warned people to brace for “difficult days ahead” because the June quarter results would be worse than the impact felt in March. According to Frydenberg “an economist’s version of Armageddon” was avoided during the pandemic in Australia.This was a result of the public health restrictions accompanied by significant income support which led to the  successfully flattened the curve of Covid-19 infections.The impact of the bushfires and the pandemic indicates a household consumption fall by 1.1%, a first since December 2008 according to the national accounts. The government is set to provide an extensive update on the matter by July end.

Frydenberg said the government would provide its own comprehensive economic update in late July after the review of the wage subsidy job-keeper. The wage subsidy is first of tis kind Australian policy to support businesses and workers through the coronavirus crisis. The rolling out of assistance also led to the rise of disposable incomes during the quarter, by a 6.2% .The government is looking at possible modifications in the wage subsidy policy, hinted Frydenberg. There are prospective wage reductions ahead from a flat payment of $1,500, or  provisions of differential rates depending on a worker’s income.

The social distancing restrictions and travel bans introduced February and March paved way for a spending pattern change. With hoarding and increased consumers spending on goods anticipation of a lockdown of all non-essential services spending on services fell 2.4% ,while the hospitality industry saw a major loss during the March quarter .This prompted the household saving-to-income ratio to rise two points from the December quarter to 5.5%.

A 3.9% fall in imports of consumables, with services imports crashing by 13.6% the pandemic has created tremors in the Australian economy.Goods exports were down 0.7% and services exports plunged by 12.8%, impacted by the the travel ban on education-related travel and tourism.Elective surgeries are rendered postponed by most and consumers fear of healthcare facilities proving fatal have also triggered a 0.1% fall in spending on healthcare and social assistance.

Government expenditure was up 1.8% in the quarter and 6.2% in the year, stimulated by the bushfire relief packages measures for COVID-19 making the government spending profitable for the economy.While Frydenberg feels the situation could be worse , Labor claimed the need for government responsibility .The shadow treasurer, Jim Chalmers, was quotes saying “the economy was weak before the virus hit, with below-trend growth, stagnant wages and paltry business investment.”

 

 

What do you think of PM modi attending the NAM movement and Indias alignment?

1. Australia welcomes probe resolution of WHA and promises to offer monetary assistance
2. China reacts over Australia negative remarks and asks to stop political manouver .
3. WHA elects 34 new members including India for executive board for 3 year term.
4. India in top contender list for Director post of executive board - WHA
5. USA hints WHA over stopping of funding if probe donot goes seriously 
6. INDIA agrees to increase its monetary contribution in WHA inspite of USA remarks.

1. China agrees on probe of Covid19.
2. Taiwan not invited by WHO to attend delegate introduction.
3. Issue of Taiwan neglected not in list of WHA essentials. 
4. WHA decides to set new credential goals.
5. Union of India calls for inclusive approach on probe of Covid19  China backs the call.

 

In this time of pandemic Modi’s financial package of ₹21 lakh crore will help poor or will it lead to more debts for them ??

Apart from learning sudh Hindi and words  like atmanirbhar and PracharasabhaI I learnt one more thing about lockdown 4.0, we will have to accept corona virus as a part of our live now. On Tuesday PM Narendra Modi confirmed there will a fourth lockdown but this fourth lockdown will be completely different from the three lockdowns. This week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a six-hour video call with several chief ministers and asked for states' input on this matter.

“Normalcy on ground” will be the main focus of lockdown 4.0. For how long will we hide from the virus and stay at home? We have to move on from the virus and take precautions and lead our live. Yes, I know everything won’t be the same again. We will see everyone wearing masks and going to work now, we will see everyone in metro trying to maintain social distance and wearing masks and using sanitizers, we will see empty play grounds, the lines will look quite long because of one meter gap between customers, the fear of Coronavirus will still be there. I know the fear of Coronavirus won’t go until a vaccine is found. But there’s a silver lining to Coronavirus it made us see our real heroes, the doctors who are risking their lives to save their patients, the police who are hard on public just to keep them safe, the sanitary workers who are cleaning roads  for us and there are many more heroes we never realised to thank before Coronavirus.

Do you think that allocations done to MSME sector is sufficient to revive the economy.

Do you think India dropped to rank 142, two points below its 2019 rank, in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index because of the influence of the government and the Hindutva ideology ?

Atal Pension Yojana, the flagship security scheme of the government has completed five years of successful implementation. The total enrollment stood at 2,23,54,028. Do you think Atal Pension Yojna was successfully implement?

“Every Indian should be vocal for the local…. Today’s local brands were once local too but when the people started supporting them, they became global.” Stated by the honorable Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi addressed the nation March 12,2020 at 8PM. Within the speech, it was indicated that Lockdown 4.0 will contain new forms and rules, with certain relaxations to be provided, keeping in mind to follow the notions of social distancing, the government is planning to resume the public transport facilities to gradually facilitate the movement of citizens. While the decision may seem practical to boost start the economy, practically it’s asking to choose between life and livelihood. 

 

He announced the release of a package of Rs 20 lakh-crore which roughly sums up to 10% of India’s GDP. The aim of this package is to boost the stalled economy of India by reforming the land, labour and liquidity laws. The package will assist various sections of the industry, to name a few; cottage industry, agricultural industry (farmers), labourers, Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s), The details of which would be disclosed by the Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman on May 13, 2020 at 4PM. The Prime Minister gave a call for a strong and independent India and referred this as “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” He also pointed out the 5 pillars on which the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” would rest on, are given as under-

 

1.Economy

2.Infrastructure

3.Technology-Driven System

4.Vibrant Demography

5. Demand

 

He not only spoke of the financial package but exhorted people to change their mindsets and turn local brands into global brands. The financial package is equivalent to 10% of the GDP of the country, this is more than that of some countries like Germany and France which is at 10.7% and 9.7% respectively.

 

India is close onto touching the 10,000 mark of positive cases of covid-19 while the latest analysis claim there have been 359 more positive cases of the virus have arisen in the last 24 hours. The scientists unanimously reached to an agreement that the virus would continue to have an effect on the society for 2 years to come. Maximum precautions maybe taken to, but the truth still lies in the fact the one whose immunity maybe weak will be drastically affected by the virus which may even result in death while those having a strong immune system will act as carriers. The worst affected category of people are the migrant laborers, with absolute uncertainty about the jobs. This section of the society has been trying to rush back to their hometowns ever since the commencement of the lockdown.

 

The above stimulus would turn the pandemic emergency into an opportunity to make India a globally competitive economy. This would not only increase the effiency in various sectors but also ensure quality. The PM stated that life cannot be held hostage to the coronavirus and there is a need to work towards targets while exercising due caution in daily life.

Do you think that UGC guidelines to open Universities in July is a correct decision .

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on 12th May, highlighting how large number of casualties have occurred not just in India, but worldwide as humongous number of people have lost their lives due to a single small virus.

   Mr Modi announced a Rs 20 lakh crore economic package to deal with the market slowdown due to the unexpected virus which would "empower different sectors of the society. "

 It is expected to help India become self-reliant and effectively deal and overcome Covid19. The details of the package will be given later Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman.

 Being self reliant could provide a good boost to our falling economy. It's highly essential to use indigenous products and be proud of it. During these last couple of months, India has learnt the importance of expanding and supporting local manufacturers, businesses and markets also to make our unprivileged working population, financially stable. If India would have focused on Self-reliance earlier, we would have managed the crisis better. Even though we lack resources, Mr Modi thinks that the talent India possess can lead to India making the best products.

   In his meeting with the chief ministers on Monday, PM Modi had indicated that the lockdown could be extended but would vary from the previous ones in relaxations and in reach.

  Expressing condolences for the victims, he said that India can move forward while dealing with the virus and help contribute in saving the world from this gripping situation.

In the end PM also mentioned that the announcement for Lockdown4.0 will be made before 18th May but this time it will be very different from last three times.

Do you think that Indian agriculture is still not able to take advantage of globalisation?

1.Do you think that Indian history is well documented?
2. Do you think left leaders has played major role in documentation?

The Indian Political system has ethics in its base ..its of the people for the people and by the people .

As soon as the Indian Railways were given permission to resume services keeping in mind the need for social distancing, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow local train services in Mumbai to resume for essential services staff.
 The number of cases is continuously rising in Mumbai, making it the Number 1 city in India to report the highest number of casualties. In such scenarios, it would be absurd to put the lives of many in danger and increase the workload on the police force which is already exhausted and flabbergasted.
  The CM said that the employees and people engaged in essential and emergency services should be given entry in local trains based on identity cards. But do you think the limited resources the country's Police force is equipped with, can afford the time and energy to check IDs and then let people board the trains? 
    The country is already facing backlash for allowing liquor stores to operate in the name of needed revenue and has observed a spike in the number of cases being reported every single day. Another mistake could be fatal not only to the centre, but also the State Government's credibility.

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between Government of India and Government of Japan to constitute India-Japan Steel Dialogue to strengthen cooperation in steel sector, Do you think this would benefit India for a Very Long-term or not?

According to some Educational Leaders in India, Social and economic vulnerability, hazard intensity and high population were the major reasons for the displacement in India, Do you agree?

In his first speech at the UN General assembly, Imran Khan Niyazi the "selected" PM of Pakistan went on to to speak for 45 minutes, in which most part of it was devoted to Human Rights , Equality and Justice in context to how he wants to make Pakistan a state where everyone Muslim or Non Muslim will get equal rights and have equal say like other Muslims . Imran khan keeps reminding us of "Riyasat-e-Medina" where everyone was equal and had equal rights he also repeats this one example of how a jew was brought to justice and expresses his urge to make Pakistan modern day Medina but what happened at #karachiBeinnale  where artist Adeela Suleman who installed art by the name of "Killing fields of Karachi" where she highlighted how the Infamous encounter master of Karachi , Rao Anwar went on to kill 444 people alot of them who were Balochistani . When the artists with Anti PTI human right activists Jibran Nasir was doing a press conference against the destruction of Installation , a person who claimed to be "DG Parks " ( some post in security agency ) came and tried to stop it , according to what he said to the media these people were showing the wrong picture of Pakistan to the world. The real question is to PM Khan who till now was accusing Modis India of curtailing freedom of speech but seems like he needs to look in his own den first .