Category: Blogs

“What Are The Odds?”- The Secrets Behind Coincidences

Ever happened that you decided last minute to wear a shirt, and you step outside and the sky is in the shades of your shirt? Or you were randomly thinking about someone, and they approached you out of the blue! Or you saw this reel of Ramen and your best friend in the evening says “Let us go have Ramen.” Coincidences! All sweet little coincidences! Coincidences feel like a cheeky little surprise by the Universe.

We all experience these little moments and honestly, they bring us joy! Plasters a smile on our faces for the rest of the day. The weirdest coincidences will happen and we will be left to think “How did that even happen” all day.

Scholars, Spiritualists, and Normal people, all have thought about and tried to apply some logic to coincidences. To have something to back up the crazy experience.

Although the question “What are the odds?” has become synonymous with coincidences, they are more than just unexpected events. Despite the variety of experiences in the boat marked “coincidences,” we are tempted to gather them for reasons that go beyond mere oddity.

No Coincidences In Opinions

If you throw the question “What do you think about…?” there will be at least 7-8 different explanations, theories, and analogies of the same concept. The concept of coincidences is no different.

Some have an opinion that these little moments are a sign or message from above- a warning of some sort. If we think hard enough, we will find some connection or message hidden.

On the other hand, some believe that they are just us connecting two dots subconsciously. It is our mind that leads us from point A to point B forming a connection.

“The world is so unpredictable. Things happen suddenly, unexpectedly. We want to feel we are in control of our existence. In some ways, we are, and in some ways, we’re not. We are ruled by the forces of chance and coincidence.” – Paul Auster

Scientifically Speaking

Because everything has a scientific point of view, many researchers and mega minds have tried to find a meaning behind coincidences. Today’s experts think coincidences have no deeper significance. However, we all experience them and tend to give these amazing combinations of events a profound meaning.

According to a study by mathematicians Diaconis and Mosteller, Coincidences are “a surprising concurrence of events, perceived as meaningfully related, with no apparent causal connection”.

Similarly, another study describes it as “Extremely improbable events are commonplace but humans aren’t great at reasoning objectively about probability as they go about their everyday lives.”

The Everything Happens For A Reason Theory

The universe is one big system. It runs on its plans and pathways taking all of us together. The things happening in our lives- finding a long-lost pen, seeing someone on the road, noticing a stranger, and more. Every incident that happens to us, big or small, is a part of the universe’s plan and all we do is simply walk on it.

That’s the theory in an instant. Every day we’ve spent, and every mountain we have climbed led us to this particular moment in our lives.

What crosses people about this theory is that it leaves no room for free will and being in control of one’s own life. It is disheartening to some to know that whatever decisions they take in life, whatever paths they choose, were already decided. And whatever their life becomes, good or bad, it is bound already.

Universe Sending Messages

Many people think that these connections promote psychological development and change, allowing you to individuate and become who you are. They think that coincidences convey personal messages to them.

People who are more interested in statistics tend to believe that coincidences are simply unexpected but predictable happenings that stand out because they surprise us.

Both explanations absolve us of responsibility: either unusual forces are at work, or the cosmos is acting irrationally. Even with all these explanations, coincidences stay a mystery for most people.

The Unus Mundus

The power of synchronicity caused meaningful coincidences. They may be seen as glimmers of the unus mundus, or “one world.” Another one of Carl Jung’s concepts. The idea that reality has an underlying structure and order, a network that connects everything and everyone, is known as the unus mundus theory.

For Jung, synchronicity included ESP, telepathy, and ghosts in addition to coincidences. And current study indicates that those who believe in the supernatural are also more prone to experience frequent coincidences.

This is the problem with trying to explain coincidences in a way that goes deeper than chance: it can easily drift into the paranormal.

“It is such a complex matter we live within, it is impossible to track logic and decision making really, so therefore each choice can actually only be seen as coincidence.” – Alva Noto

In the end, you choose what you want to believe in. Whether you want to believe it is the universe giving you signs for the future, or they are just subconscious. But you will surely notice even more coincidences now, after reading about coincidences. Happy exploring!

October 27, 2022
Vaping Vs Smoking – The New and Newer Ways of Addiction

They say the media or cinema is explicitly the mirror of society. Whatever is shown on screen, has its roots in the real world. If we take a glance at the newest series or movies, there are two things extremely common. Sensual content and some kind of alcohol abuse- particularly smoking or vaping. It’s time for another battle- Vaping vs Smoking.

Smoking, and its later cousin Vaping, has increasingly grown popular among youth. Even after countless warnings, the rise in the usage of vapes is alarming.

The real question is, why is it so appealing to youth?

What is Vaping?

An electronic cigarette, often known as a “vape,” is a device that warms a liquid to produce vapor that you inhale. Vape Pens, e-cigarettes (like JUUL), and hookahs are a few examples of vaping equipment. There are still several health hazards associated with vaping, although it seems to be a healthier option than smoking cigarettes.

The aerosol that is inhaled when using a vaping device often contains nicotine (though not always), flavorings, and other substances. They can resemble Cig-a-likes, cigars, pipes, or even everyday objects like pens or USB memory sticks.

The Battle Of Lungs- Vaping Vs Smoking

Many individuals feel that vaping is safer than smoking, but this isn’t always true, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Vaping may be dangerous, according to growing data.

Both smoking and vaping are harmful to people’s health. The evidence that is currently available suggests that smoking is more dangerous than vaping. This does not imply that vaping is secure, though.

Nicotine, which is known to delay brain development in fetuses, young children, and teenagers, can be found in high concentrations in e-cigarettes. Additionally, vaping releases harmful substances like diacetyl, chemicals that cause cancer, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Contrary to vaping, which is relatively new, allegations that smoking is harmful to human health are thoroughly supported by years of research. About 480,000 persons have lost of lives due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) every year in the United States.

There are more than 7,000 compounds in second-hand smoke. Around 70 of these hazardous substances are cancer-causing. While containing fewer toxins than cigarettes, according to the AHA, vaping liquids are not completely safe.

The difference between smoking and vaping is that smoking delivers nicotine by burning tobacco, which can cause smoking-related illnesses, and vaping can deliver nicotine by heating a liquid in a much less harmful way.

Reaching The Target

There are public service announcements, posters, and protests everywhere about smoking or vaping side effects everywhere. There is a slim chance of someone saying they haven’t ever come across such warnings.

So the real question is, how do these vape pens or other smoking techniques reach their targets? What makes these vapes so appealing that young people can’t seem to keep their hands off these nicotine bombs?

E-cigarette businesses boosted their investment from $6.4 million to $115 million between 2011 and 2014. E-cigarette use among high school students rose from 2% to 13% within the same period. Youth e-cigarette use may be increasing due to exposure to e-cigarette marketing. Roughly 69% of high school and middle school kids have seen advertisements for e-cigarettes in retail stores, online, in magazines and newspapers, or on TV and in movies.

These ads connect vapes and smoking in general to features and feeling appealing to youth. Emotions are the correct way to get to the hearts of young people. These ads associate vapes with a strong emotional appeal like happiness, friendships, good college life, success, and even “being cool.”

What happens is young people are exposed to these commercials and ads and cigarette companies take advantage of their impressionable minds. Instilling the idea that one can achieve certain things with the use of these vapes. They will be popular and they will have a bigger social circle.

Vaping As An Aid To Quitting?

Many are under an impression that vapes provide a lesser percentage of nicotine while giving the same burn one would feel through cigarettes. While e-cigarette companies frequently promote their products as an effective way to stop smoking, the FDA does not accept this claim (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). E-cigarettes have not been approved as a smoking cessation aid because insufficient data is demonstrating their efficacy in assisting smokers to quit.

A survey discovered that 80% of smokers who switched to e-cigarettes as a start to quitting smoking continue to use them even a year later. In other words, the decision to transition to e-cigarettes is simply an attempt to replace the addiction with a behavior that is seen as more fashionable.

Quitting Cigarettes

If you are someone going through or want to start the process of quitting, you should know that it is never too late. No addiction is stronger than your willpower. You can approach resources for help and can achieve your goals in no time!

“Replacing the smoke on your face with a smile today will replace illness in your life with happiness tomorrow. Quit now. Eliminate tobacco from your life before it kills you! We need to burn calories daily, not tobacco!”

October 26, 2022
The Invention That Could Make 3D Glasses a Thing of The Past

3D movies allow our imaginations to run wild, resulting in visuals that are almost tangible. “3D” now provides more distinctive and interesting experiences than ever before. But who invented the term and where did they originate from?

The ingenuity and epoch of 3D

While the usage of 3D technology is becoming increasingly popular, they have really been around for quite some time. Charles Wheatstone invented the stereoscope in 1838, based on the concepts of stereopsis, or the capacity to detect depth. It was a large machine that resembled a flat board with mirrors or lenses protruding from it, yet it was a technological marvel for its day.

While most people believe that 3D movies were invented in the last 40 or 50 years, you may be surprised to learn that the first 3D film was released in 1922. Since then, 3D technology has shifted in and out of favor every few years. The biggest boost in 3D popularity came from James Cameron’s Avatar film. With the explosion of popularity in the twenty-first century, 3D technology appears to be here to stay, with nearly every movie available in both digital and 3D in most theatres.

Hate 3D glasses but love 3D effects?

Watching films in 3D has become a regular part of our movie-going experience, thanks to high-profile blockbusters like Avatar and Gravity—and for good reason, as 3D adds depth and excitement that traditional filming cannot match.

Unfortunately, the 3D experience can also bring about headaches, both literal and metaphorical. Attempting to fit 3D glasses over your eyes may be difficult, painful, and impracticable for many individuals

This prototype might have us saying Sayonara to 3D glasses!

Do you dislike 3D glasses yet enjoy 3D effects? One Disney innovation might be the answer you’ve been looking for!

We’ve looked at some of Disney’s most astounding technology, including patents that suggest what the parks’ future may look like. But now we’re looking at a unique patent that might add 3D effects to your park experience in a whole new way.

In 2022, we got to examine Disney’s application, which they dubbed a “continuation” of a previous patent submitted in 2020. The invention relates to showing 3D graphics in a physical set in order to create an AR or VR-like experience WITHOUT the usage of glasses.

In discussing the necessity for the invention, Disney mentions a variety of situations in which it is “desirable” to produce visual presentations to engage viewers. They point out that at a theme park, for example, there may be rides or walk-through experiences where people are amused by a virtual impact. However, the set or experience might be improved if they could make a display with 3D pictures, and it would be even better if that display could be done without requiring the guest to wear any type of special equipment.

This is all about developing a visual effect system that enables the generation of virtual pictures that are observable from particular eye boxes, according to Disney’s continuation of its prior patent. All of this would be linked to a system that could track the viewers’ gaze.

Essentially, it might allow virtual pictures (such as those seen with 3D glasses) to be retroreflected to specific places, eliminating the need for 3D spectacles. To get things perfect, the visitor would be positioned (maybe on a ride vehicle seat or in a certain standing point), and eye or face location sensors would establish the location of the viewers’ eyes

After determining where the viewers’ eyes are, the system will project left and right pictures of an AR item, and the guest will see the AR object with the correct dimensions for where their eyes are, while simultaneously observing the actual space. So, given the right vantage point, the actual area would be supplemented with virtual items!

To make things work, the system includes a projection screen and a beamsplitter.

October 26, 2022
After the 9/11 Attack, How the US Strengthen Its Life-Saving Policies?

Terrorism did not begin on September 11, 2001, but that ill-fated day changed the world. The attacks on the United States, which killed nearly three thousand innocent people, demonstrated that terrorism had evolved into a global phenomenon capable of causing massive pain and destruction anywhere. Because of the magnitude of the attacks, no one could remain on the sidelines. Because the impact of terrorism was felt everywhere, the fight had become global.

Terrorists mock the human values we share and strive to uphold. Peace, equality, tolerance, and dignity for all are universal values that transcend national boundaries. They are the adhesive that holds us together. We must unite as nations and peoples of the world to protect our common humanity.

Aftermath of 9/11

With 9/11 marking its 21-year mark this year, there is a chance to consider how the world and the United States have changed throughout this generation. Any assessment attempting to weigh the costs and benefits of US national security responses and approaches across four US administrations, however, will only provide a partial picture.

The protective actions taken over the last 21 years have resulted in significant gains in domestic security—but these gains have come at a high human, financial, and strategic opportunity cost.

The global anti-terrorism framework

Long before that fateful September morning ten years ago, the United Nations was preoccupied with the issue of terrorism. For decades, the Organization has brought the international community together to condemn terrorist acts and to create an international legal framework that allows states to combat the threat collectively. Sixteen international treaties have been negotiated at the United Nations and related forums, addressing issues as diverse as plane hijacking, hostage taking, terrorism financing, explosives marking, and the threat of nuclear terrorism.

Shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Security Council took even more forceful action, recognizing that terrorism would continue to pose a serious threat to international peace and security in the new millennium. It passed a comprehensive resolution outlining the next steps in the fight against terrorism. This resolution calls on all UN Member States, individually and collectively, to deny terrorist haven and financial support, and to work together to bring them to justice.

Following Security Council resolutions focused more on prevention, noting, for example, that extremists were using the Internet to recruit people and incite terrorist acts. The Council began to emphasize the importance of counter-terrorism measures that are consistent with states’ international legal obligations, including human rights law.

A comprehensive anti-terrorism response

Over the last decade, the United Nations has built on previous experience to assist states in adapting to an evolving threat that frequently involves new technologies. Although I believe we are on the right track, much more progress must be made at the national, regional, and international levels.

Individual countries have made significant progress, but success is measured in relative terms, and significant disparities remain. While some countries can spend billions of dollars to combat terrorism, others struggle to implement even the most basic measures required to protect their borders and bring terrorists to justice.

When a large proportion of a country’s population is impoverished, it is unsurprising that scarce resources are directed toward development rather than counter-terrorism. We recognize this and frequently propose approaches that protect the country’s economic and developmental interests while also enhancing its security.

To be honest, preventing terrorist attacks is a challenge for everyone, even for countries with abundant resources and skilled personnel. Most nations’ implementation of the long list of measures envisioned by Security Council resolutions and the Global Strategy will be patchy at best.

The current scenario in the USA

Today, the United States is less vulnerable to foreign terrorist attacks at home, but it faces increased domestic terrorist threats. America’s global efforts to promote freedom and democratic governance have failed. Since 2005, global freedom has stagnated and deteriorated, and the significant stresses on America’s democratic system have increased dramatically.

The strategic ledger that accounts for 21 years of work is decidedly mixed. There have been undeniable gains and signs of progress, but they have come at a high price and have frequently spawned new challenges. There are, however, lessons to be drawn as the United States considers a national security strategy for the next two decades

Gains and indicators of progress

Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United States has made significant progress in securing the country from terrorism. Nonetheless, work continues as the country’s terrorist threats have evolved over the last ten years and continue to change.

Following 9/11, the federal government acted quickly to create a security framework to protect the country from large-scale attacks directed from abroad, while also strengthening federal, state, and local capabilities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic threats and disasters.

• The United States is less vulnerable to threats from foreign terrorist networks

The 9/11 attacks killed 2,977 people, the highest single death toll from a foreign attack on America. Since then, 107 Americans have died as a result of Salafi-jihadi terrorist attacks in the United States.

Following 9/11, no other major foreign terrorist attacks occurred within the United States. This is the result of several lines of work.

The United States established new agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Directorate of National Intelligence, and the National Counterterrorism Center. It also significantly increased resources for intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Furthermore, to restore trust in air travel, the United States implemented new security procedures. It developed new military and intelligence capabilities that aided in the thwarting of numerous plots and the capture of terrorist operatives and leaders, most notably Osama Bin Laden in 2011.

The United States significantly increased its capacity to track and disrupt terror finance networks, and it adapted its approaches to counter terror threats in the cyber realm, staying ahead of rapidly changing technologies. US military and intelligence agencies formed or strengthened counterterrorism partnerships around the world, allowing the US to accomplish more than it could on its own.

These military, intelligence, and law enforcement efforts resulted in a significant improvement in domestic security. However, some of these initiatives had significant financial, moral, and strategic opportunity costs.

• America recognized the need to redefine national security

After a few years of the initial US policy response to the 9/11 attacks, many political leaders, policymakers, and analysts began to recognize the limits of a military-centric approach, with many calling for prioritizing diplomacy, economic tools, and political and ideological engagement. This growing recognition resulted in modest reforms, but the main structures and resources devoted to so-called “hard” security remained in the spotlight. Attempts to incorporate “smart power” as a central concept in US national security have failed to produce the expected and desired results. Too often, the United States repeated past patterns of behavior by failing to effectively use foreign assistance and other related tools to achieve U.S. policy objectives

Added to this, customs and immigration policies implemented in the aftermath of 9/11 have been mixed at best, and they require careful ongoing scrutiny. As the United States tightened restrictions and imposed new requirements on foreigners wishing to enter the country in the years following 9/11, discussions of immigration policy shifted significantly away from comprehensive reform. Some programs, such as the US-VISIT biometrics collection initiative, became part of a larger biometric entry-exist program, whereas others, such as the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), was scaled back and then discontinued in response to criticism of their effectiveness and illiberalism. Other international customs inspection programs, such as the Container Security Initiative, have also been implemented at ports of entry worldwide, from Dubai to Shanghai.

Conclusion

America’s post-9/11 foreign policy yielded some significant successes, most notably the averting of a major foreign terrorist attack on the US. However, these more positive outcomes came at a high strategic, material, and human cost, including the emergence of several conflicts and foreign policy crises that will not be resolved anytime soon.

October 18, 2022
Instead of Gen Z vs Millennials, Is It Them Vs Distraction?

Oh, let’s read this article. Wait! This ad seems good. Oh! Has someone messaged me? Why does no one message me? Wait! Did that wall always have that black mark? I need to paint my walls. Maybe I should make a Pinterest mood board for my new room decor! What is this you ask? Just a visual representation of a distracted mind. Constantly driven to distractions, on its journey.

This seems to be increasingly happening in the minds of Gen Z and Millennials.

Gen Z and Millennials. Terms every person who has the slightest access to the interwebs has heard or seen. But what are they? Are they rivals or long-lost siblings? Both in a way. A Millennial is anyone born between 1980 and 1995. A member of Gen Z is anyone born between 1996 and the early-mid 2000s. The main differences between the two are based on their content exposure, upbringing, and values. These little differences make up an entire culture respective to each generation with rules and ways of living of their own.

Even though are 2 generations altogether, they share a fair bunch of similarities. One of them is- Attention Span. Statistically speaking, the normal attention span of a healthy teenager or adult is around 5-6 hours. But recent studies have something different to reveal. The average human has an attention span of just 8.25 seconds according to recent studies – 4.25 seconds less than in 2000.

The Cause And The Effect

A very “parents” reply to this, but, these generations grew up with a smartphone, and it is estimated that 96% of Generation Z own a smartphone. The importance of cell phones in Gen Z’s lives is seen in how they feel about owning one. Owning a smartphone is having the whole world at the tip of your fingers. You can hop onto any train of thought and your phone will have an answer for it.

With smartphones, comes the smart lifestyle that Social Media fuels. Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) culture later plays its role in constantly bugging minds into thinking they are missing out on something.

According to a survey, 82% of Gen Zs and Millennials indicated that social media had hindered their ability to focus on their academic work. Additionally, it was discovered that only 56% of men but 3 in 4 female respondents agreed that social media had influenced them to compare themselves to others.

One of the common causes of such distraction is overexposure. When there is one plate in front of you with one type of biscuit, you will eat it readily. But when there are 28 plates with 369 biscuit options, the human brain starts to wander. Similarly, while living their lives, Gen Zs and Millennials. are exposed to multiple sources of entertainment, education, and pass time. This results in them being caught up with where they wish to go for 4 of the 5 options they have.

The Do-It-All Culture

This could be blamed on the upbringing of Millenials or Gen Z, but the way people look at work today is different and borderline unhealthy. Gen Z and Millennials spent their years being pressured through academics into careers that they have to be good at everything. No excuse, No concessions.

This upbringing probably has imprinted itself on their brains resulting in the Do-It-All culture. Under this, one tries to do everything at once, in an attempt to feel productive. And end up doing neither of the tasks perfectly. Through the millennial years, they never learn to give adequate attention. Task 1 is at hand, but the mind is already planning the footsteps of task 34.

The Do-It-Later Culture

Totally in contrast to the above, a result of overexposure to resources. The Do-It-later Culture is when it is well-known that a task is pending. But having access to so many resources and aids, the mind lets itself relax. Thinking “I will do it. Promise. Just. After watching this”. Because there is bottom-line confidence that even if distracted and procrastinating, the work will be completed now or later.

Studying Behavior

According to recent data from Omnicom Media Group and Snap Inc, covid-19 increased video use across applications, including social media (61%) and streaming, both within the platforms themselves (56%) and within streaming apps on phones (52%). Users watch videos of some kind more than half the time they are using applications like Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, which do not focus on videos.

Unsurprisingly, both groups boosted their overall video consumption on smartphones, with Millennials watching 51% more and Gen Z 67% more.

Looking at these numbers and facts, one thing is clear- the next generation the world will get to see will be completely unique. In terms of their work culture, values, practices, and so on. We might witness that in the coming years, the world is completely changed in terms of its functioning and lifestyle. Gen Z and Millenials may not win the battle among themselves, but will definitely win one by developing a new culture.

October 16, 2022
Nothing To Hide But Everything to Fear: Teenagers Towards Digital Freedom

When it comes to the dangers of social media, cyberbullying and sexual predators get the most attention. However, digital freedom has many more subtle or hidden dangers that are influencing a whole generation of teenagers as they grow into young adults.

With 89% of teenagers owning a smartphone and 70% using social media multiple times daily, these digital threats affect celebrities. Indeed, 38% of young people reported that social media has a negative impact on their self-esteem.

The Advantages Of Social Media

Teens can use social media to create online identities, communicate with others, and build social networks. These networks can provide valuable support to teens, particularly those who are excluded or have disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Teens use social media for entertainment as well as self-expression. Furthermore, the platforms can expose teenagers to current events, allow them to interact across geographic boundaries, and teach them about a variety of topics, including healthy behaviors. Teens may benefit from social media that is amusing or distracting, or that provides a meaningful connection to peers and a large social network.

Why Should You Be Concerned? Contextualizing Digital Freedom To Youth

Did you know that over 210 million people worldwide are addicted to social media and the internet? While you may wish to blame your adolescent for lacking self-control, it’s essential to understand what they’re up against. Thousands of Ph.D.-level researchers are working on social media platforms to determine what level of digital freedom is appropriate for the youth. The platform earns more money the more time your teen spends on social media.

Social Media’s Immediate Dangers

Here are some of the potential risks that your teen may face while using various social media channels:

1. Inappropriate, upsetting, or adult-themed content exposure

Of course, you don’t want your adolescent exposed to adult-themed or pornographic content. The danger of social media is that this material can be sent to your child by strangers or trusted sources. Even if your child’s social networking sites are restricted to known friends or their profiles are set to private, they may still be at risk.

2. Teenagers with dubious judgment

In teenagers, the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for good judgment) is still not fully developed. Poor judgment combined with easy access to a global audience can lead to some terrifying scenarios

3. Oversharing in inappropriate and dangerous ways

Even being emotionally vulnerable with the wrong person can have disastrous consequences for someone who suffers from low self-esteem or depression. We lose control of the information we share on the internet.

4. Cyberbullying

59% of US teens have been bullied or harassed online, with Instagram being the most popular platform for bullying. In addition, one in every five young people has skipped school due to cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has been linked to teen depression and can even lead to increased vulnerability and depression later in life.

5. Constantly comparing their relationships to all the “ideal” relationships

Teens seeing online can lead to a distorted understanding of what relationships are supposed to be like. Relationships are messy, complicated, and often boring.

Social media can be beneficial. It allows your teen to stay in touch with friends while boosting self-esteem if used correctly. However, there are risks associated with social media. A certain level of digital freedom must be observed, which you should discuss with your child. Make sure that social media is a tool that your family uses, not one that your family uses.

October 13, 2022
Urbanization Causing Biggest Floods: Better Lifestyle, But At What Cost?
Floods! Huge waves crash toward you, not caring if it is a forest, bare land, or a well-established urban colony. Floods are a terrifying natural calamity the world could go through. Causing loss of family, homes, documents, and hope.

According to statistics, a small flood occurs once every two years, and a moderate flood once every five years. A massive surge is predicted to occur only once in fifty or a hundred years.

But this same year, the world has seen several scarring floods, affecting thousands of people. Why are so many parts of the world facing such severe floods all at once? These floods are to be called “Urban Floods.”

What are Urban Floods?

Urban Floods have more to them than “water overflow in urban areas.” With the significant growth in urbanization and urban living plans and spaces, flood risks have increased by 1.8 to 8 times. The reason is the excessive water logging caused by developed areas. The excess water has nowhere to go. The water is then clogged and blocked in drains and sewage systems with no proper cleaning and channeling system.

The clogged water is bound to overflow with the smallest amount of rain, which can lead to disastrous events like floods and hurricanes. The inadequate infrastructure seen in most urban neighborhoods is a threat to every person residing in these areas. Half of the lakes have vanished over the past few decades thanks to reclamation for real estate. Up to three-fourths of all lakes in the urban district are destroyed by illegal encroachments. These water bodies are significant catchment sites for incoming rainfall, making this a huge problem.

Bengaluru Floods, 2022

India’s IT hub is always affected every year due to floods triggered by rains. Bengaluru received around 18 cm of rainfall and even more in other areas. Thunderstorms and heavy rains occur in a shear zone encompassing southern Karnataka. The opposing wind flow brings heavy rain-bearing clouds to the zone.

The floods hit the city of Bengaluru on August 30th. The rains were so heavy, people were stuck in traffic in the busier areas of the city for over five hours. Companies suffered huge losses due to poor administration in the city.
- The crisscross drainage system of Bengaluru is old and decayed at this point. When an infrastructure in such condition receives 18 cm of rainfall, it exceeds its capacity to channel water, clogging, and floods.
- The waste generated after construction and demolition is often dumped in rivers and lakes, which causes the lakes to lose their connectivity to bigger water bodies.
- Urbanization in an unplanned and impulsive manner leaves the city with increased paved surfaces. Around 78% area in the city is paved. Urbanization has led to serious environmental degradation. Vegetation depletion can further lead to soil erosion.
California Floods, 2022

Strong winds and flooding rains struck southern California, causing flash floods that spread to sections of western Arizona. Winds as high as 109 mph made trees and power lines fall. California is also warned of more flooding, heavy rains, and flooding in the next weeks. The state is already prone to catastrophic “mega-fires” that destroy acres of vegetation and towns.
- Urbanization has led to the cutting of thousands of trees in the California region. That land is where they construct the urban and suburban colonies of California.
- Urbanization has resulted in up to 1.4 K decreases in daytime air temperature and up to 1.7 K rises in nighttime air temperature.
Africa Floods, 2022

Floods hit Africa earlier this year in April. The calamity caused the death of 400 people and displaced more than 40,000 people. 12,000 houses were destroyed in the southeast part of South Africa.

Through flood hazard maps, it was seen that the houses were in proximity to waterways/rivers.
- Construction of living spaces near canals without following building codes set by urban planners leads to more such damages in flood-like situations.
- The uncontrolled release of dams for construction and other urban purposes right before high rainfall contributed to the occurrence of floods.
Any Solutions?

Networks and organizations are working towards helping cities and regions identify, plan and implement projects to increase resilience to urban flooding impact.

Focus Areas-
- Governance and holistic water management
Encouraging public involvement and participation in a complete and integrated water management plan to control urban flooding.
- Measuring and monitoring urban flooding
Supporting and assisting cities affected by urban floods is as essential—faster actions with measures like rescue operations and response strategies.
- Flood reduction
Promoting the sustainable drainage, storage, entry, return, and integration of water in urban ecosystems to help cities prepare for floods (blue-green infrastructure).
October 12, 2022
World Mental Health Day 2022: Ways to Cure Empty Feelings and Identity Crisis

As residents of the 21st century, prioritizing mental health should be no breaking news. Taking a few minutes from our busy days to spend with yourself is all your mind needs at times. World Mental Health Day takes efforts to organize support for mental health and increase awareness of global challenges.

The 10th of October is known as world mental health day every year. The world federation for mental health started the program for mental health in 1992. The federation has been advocating the importance of mental health for 62 years. They produce research papers and educational material for the general public with the aim of increasing mental health awareness.

This Year’s World Mental Health Day

The theme- Make Mental Health & Well-Being For All A Global Priority– speaks about how mental health is for all. As a society, we can move towards a mentally sound world by joining hands. Prioritizing and including mentally beneficial activities should be a common practice globally, which is the focus of this year’s theme.

Avoiding mental health cures is a never-ending fall

As the world goes through a pandemic, it is more important than ever for people to go out seeking mental health services. The pandemic has affected all of us, in ways that can go unnoticed.

The whole mentality around mental health needs to be changed. Seeking help doesn’t mean someone is “crazy”. That is what this year’s theme wants to highlight for mental health and seeking help to be prioritized and normalized.

Changing Perspectives

There is a certain stigma around mental health. Making it some type of taboo to even discuss. If a person talks about their latest therapy session, they will face rolled eyes. If a child voices their need to seek help, they will be told to concentrate on their studies.

Getting your hand’s dirt to clean your mind

This perspective needs to be changed. Therapy at any stage of life is valid. At any stage, taking time out for yourself doesn’t mean you are lonely. Refusing to do something in the foresight of your mental health is not being selfish.

If this perspective changes, several severe illnesses might be checked and properly diagnosed before it is too late. Many will lead a life not feeling a weight on their chests. People will feel free from previous guilts, traumas and incidences.

Ways To Ensure Mental Well-Being

Mental well-being is an integral part of our overall health. It’s the knowledge that we are separate from our problems and the belief that we can handle those problems. Mental health is something one can work on just like physical health. like there are physical workouts, there are several mental health exercises to perform.

Well being through creativity

1. Connect with people

Maintaining healthy relationships with people can act as an escape for your mind. Spending time with people you trust builds a sense of belongingness and self-worth. A close-knit circle gives you emotional support and an opportunity to support others.

2. Music

Music is a healer. There is music out there that will speak to you and help you deal with a lot of issues. Listening to happy tunes increases creative thinking and brain power.

3. Learning New Languages

Languages are a source of communication. A way for you to express yourself better and effectively. Numerous studies have shown that bilingualism can increase creativity, visual-spatial skills, and memory levels.

4. Change A Little Thing In Your Routine

Sometimes the mind gets bored of how monotonous things go, which can result in lethargy. Choose a different errand route, and change your daily music playlist. Change your mode of transport. Just a little change makes a lot of difference.

5. Help Others

People don’t understand the power and satisfaction behind helping others. It can be assisting someone with their attire or helping others with life crises. Any amount of kindness brings happiness to both sides.

Treat people with kindness.

6. Mindfulness

Possibly the best thing one can do is, live in the moment. Focus on the task in front of you or the day you are living. Regretting the past won’t change it, and stressing about the future won’t

Living in the moment helps you appreciate your surroundings and enjoy life.

_{Pictures credit:}_{Michael Driver (UK) & Pedro Gonçalves (Brazil)}

October 10, 2022
The Curious Case of India’s Personal Data Protection Bill

We are more than just citizens today. We are netizens. With our digitized lives, we rely on the internet for everything from random queries to daily payments. The country has nearly 450 million Internet users and a growth rate of 7-8%. India is well on the path to becoming a digital economy with a large market for global players. Data being constantly shared and received mustn’t fall into the wrong hands. India’s Personal Data Protection Bill focuses on making data sharing safe and secure.

What is the Data Protection Bill?

As India’s first attempt to legislate the issue of personal data protection, the Bill aims —

“To provide for the protection of the privacy of individuals relating to their data, specify the flow and usage of personal data, create a relationship of trust between persons and entities processing the personal data, protect the fundamental rights of individuals whose personal data is processed, to create a framework for organizational and technical measures in the processing of data, laying down norms for social media intermediary, cross-border transfer, accountability of entities processing personal data, remedies for unauthorized and harmful processing, and to establish a Data Protection Authority of India for the said purposes and matters connected in addition to that or incidental thereto.”

The Bill mandates users and citizens to provide the government with any non-personal data when demanded. The Bill asks for a Data Protection Authority to form, which will be in charge of definition-making, reviews, and audits.

The Bill states penalties worth as high as Rs. 5 Crores or 2% of worldwide turnover for minor violations and Rs. 15 Crores, or 4% of worldwide turnover for more severe violations. The company’s executive may also face legal trials and jail time for up to three years under the law.

The Bill has three main categories-

• Personal Data- Data that contains confirmation details like name, address, etc.

• Sensitive Personal Data (SPD)- Data that contains critical information like financial status, sexual orientation, biometrics, etc.

• Critical Personal Data- If stolen, data can be a national issue of concern like military or national security, confidential information, etc.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology gathered a committee to study the issue of data protection. The committee after analysis and discussion submitted the draft for the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018 in July 2018. The Cabinet Ministry of India after further observations approved the draft as the Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 on the 11th of December 2019.

Why is Such A Bill Necessary?

The reality is that almost every single activity undertaken by an individual involves some sort of data transaction. The data or information gathered should be used for the intended reasons. It became necessary to establish authority for those who collect, store, and process personal data. In addition, rights for people whose data is held.

Not quite long ago, external and domestic consumer customers expressed concern about the country’s data protection and privacy regulations as being ineffective. A few incidences have questioned the data protection and privacy regulations in India, embarrassing the outsourcing sector.

Data Protection Laws can help enforce cybersecurity and give an internet experience without any kind of infringement. Recently, users witnessed many WhatsApp hacks and data leaks have users. One more issue is spreading fake news about national security threats and other instances. Enforcement laws can curb such instances.

Data Protection Around The World

Globally, there are several contrasting and similar Data Protection Laws, models, and approaches.

In Europe, the right to privacy is fundamental freedom intended to uphold one’s dignity. The European Charter of Fundamental Rights (EU Charter), mentions the right to privacy. Along with the right to the protection of personal data. EU GDPR or the General Data Protection Regulation was initially more of global law for data protection. It was for associations that dealt with processed data on a global basis.

In the US, privacy protection is essentially a “liberty protection” i.e. protection of the personal space from the government. There are no official laws at the federal level in the country. But, there are some federal legislations that protect data more generally. Several US states have adopted their data-related legislation due to the transfer of power to the state level. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides robust privacy rights and consumer protection.

Brazil has the General Data Protection Law ( Brazil’s Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados). It specifies the terms “personal data” and “public data,” and lays down specific obligations, applied to all areas of the nation.

The United Kingdom’s Data Protection Act 2018 has already implemented the requirements of the EU’s GDPR into UK law from 01 January 2021. It was dissolved thanks to Brexit, in 2021 and new regulations will apply thereafter.

Criticism

The Indian Bill tabled in 2019, however, faced a lot of criticism both from companies and the citizens of the country. Critics pointed out that the Bill had a lot of loopholes and open-ended definitions that may result in the state intruding on a person’s private life.

Critics observed that through this Bill, the government can “at any time access private data or government agency data. On grounds of sovereignty or public order.” The bill needs to be revised and respect the fundamental Right to Privacy.

The Government took the criticism into a review which led to withdrawing the Bill in Lok Sabha. The Bill is currently under scrutiny and a revised draft will soon be submitted for the Personal Data Protection Bill.

Improvements

The prime focus of the revised Bill should be to find a balance between securing data and data privacy. Data Localization is a crucial step but should be initiated with organic categorizations and solutions.

New Personal Data Protection Bill will be introduced in next Parliament session: Center informs SC during WhatsApp Privacy Policy hearing.

October 4, 2022
Live Service Games Keep Players Looped With Constant Upgrades

A decade ago, our most advanced game was a ball bouncing between two sticks. Today, gaming is a leading industry with new developments almost every other day. In the mid-2000s, gaming services focused on increasing player retention. They wanted players to be engaged even when they have cleared levels. That’s how ‘Live Service Games’ were created.

What is Live Service Gaming?

Live service games are unique kinds of video games made to keep players interested and playing for as long as possible. This means that companies develop a game they can upgrade for years to come rather than creating one game and moving on to the next.

DOTA 2, Valorant, and Fortnite are examples of such live service games. They are constantly upgraded with new stages and worlds for high engagement. The player will constantly be introduced to new worlds, tasks, and obstacles to tackle.

Keeping games going for longer instead of ending them and transitioning to a sequel is swiftly becoming the norm instead of the exception. With brief titles, constant updates allow games to be in the public eye for longer. Resulting in catching the attention of existing and potential players.

How Do They Profit?

Live Service Games don’t require an initial cost of cash and instead generate their revenue via subscriptions or in-game purchases. It has been shown that Games as a Service keeps players more interested for a longer period and enables video games to be monetized even after they are published.

People often keep YouTube live streams while playing these games. The streaming game community is strong with thousands of users watching and streaming online games.

Live service games are quite a controversial topic because game developers have been charged with utilizing deceptive tactics to get players to spend money. Some have even compared the use of loot boxes to gambling.

October 4, 2022