The era of the digital revolution is known for its random connectivity. In this era, it is very easy to get connected to anyone in the world. You just have to use a mobile phone and you can call, message, and video call anyone in the world. Transfer of money and banking is at its apex in terms of convenience than at any time in history. In this era of digital empowerment, the question is how significantly have these devices affected us? How have generations changed because of these devices? What are the significant ramifications for the same? The security issues and threats with increasing usage of digital empowerment the matters of equal concern. The increasing diversity here is also a matter of interest. Thus this blog shall deal with the fundamentals of digital empowerment and suggest suitable programmes to make your life easier. 

Digital empowerment: A change  

Mobile in your hand nowadays means a lot. It means medical facilities, insurance, education, and emergency services are now in your pocket. It used to be a tradition to stand hours in line to see one’s result until it got digitalized. The data entries are now digital. Digi locker is now carrying all your necessary documents. In this era, if you don’t know the basics of computers, then you can’t be competitive at all. This change is evidence of a revolution that took place. Our country is now digitally empowered and is contributing to making the earth into a global village.  

This change is the result of a series of technological productions that took place in India. Moving from phones with keys to smartphones is something that makes GEN Z Unique. Gen Z is now engaged with such devices that have become a significantly important part of their life. Data suggests that the total population that uses Facebook is 2.9 billion. The population using Instagram is 2 billion. 800 million are Snapchat users. The average time spent on screen is on an average is 7 hours. The population here is even more than the population of some nations. The attention that they get from these populations has provided them with phenomenal monetary gain. This has made these companies dealing with digital technology more powerful authorities in the world. 

How is it a “ Do dhari talwar”?  

“ Do dhari talwar” refers to a sword that is enshrined on both sides. It means digital technologies have both kinds of capacities. On one hand, it is one of the reasons for a safe environment. On the other hand, it has certain threats which are dangerous to our society. For instance:- The technological revolution has  a lot of benefits, some broader aspects are:- 

1. You can get any emergency services on you hands 
2. Millions of startups are completely dependent on digital platforms 
3. Education and health have significant contributions of Digital platforms. 
4. Agriculture is also now digitalized with a lot of digital initiatives. 
5. Millions of jobs depend on this digital world 
6. Crypto currency completely depends on a digital ledger. 

However, it has certain ramifications which we can’t ignore. Such as:- 

1. Online bullying and trolling are now a significant topic of discussion 
2. The monetary loss because of fraud nowadays is very common to see. 
3. Child abuse and illegal trading is also supported through a digital platform 
4. The addiction to social media is creating another level of psychological problems. 

Thus this was just a glimpse of two sides of this digital world. The most viable argument which is provided here is that it is just a tool. Just like a knife, where you can use it to chop the vegetables or to harm yourself. The need is just the care and awareness. Thus it is high time that we make the grassroots of society aware of the efficient use of Digital technology. 

Digital Tools You Must Know! 

1. Digi locker:-

You can download any officially issued document such as a 10th mark sheet, driving licence etc. It is also a shred of valid and acceptable evidence nowadays. This will also provide you with some cloud space to store your required external documents. 

1. Google Analytics:

It provides the analysis of web traffic and also analyzes your content accordingly 

2. WordPress:-

A famous tool which you can youse to make your blogging website. 

3. Microsoft Clipchamp:-

It will provide you to edit your videos with advanced tools 

4. Microsoft list:-

Helps to maintain the database of the employees in any organization. 

Thus in a nutshell we must conclude that Digital empowerment is a revolution in today’s era. Gone are the days when you need to step outside for your essentials. With this revolution, everything will be at your doorstep. 

 References

Images* freepik images

https://www.education.gov.in/nep/digital-empowerment-online-education

The post Digital empowerment: The “do Dhari Talwar” in your hand!  appeared first on DU Times.

The previous blog dealt with the basic evolutionary aspects of cryptocurrency. This currency interestingly has its functioning and mechanisms to work. The technology in which it works is referred to as blockchain technology. It works on peer-to-peer connections. This technology can also be used in health, education etc. wherever we need to deal with data.  

Blockchain technology behind cryptocurrency

Blockchain is a distributed ledger that contains all the data of transactions that you do with cryptocurrency. A ledger is a public place where the record of transactions exists. For instance: – If any transaction is conducted, every system that contains that ledger will record the transaction thus limiting any fraud here as every node will include it.  This is like the record book that banks keep but here it is completely decentralized and isn’t controlled by any authority. In other words, it works on the common consensus of users to use cryptocurrency. Those who maintain such ledgers are known as miners who get payment in the form of cryptocurrency only. 

There is a specific block that gets created with a public and a private key. Each block will contain the data of your transaction.  Public keys will be visible on the platform and private keys will be with you to match your identity there. It’s a kind of signature there that you use. Each block relates to the previous block with a specific code thus any alteration will tend to alter the entire chain there. This prevents any fraud there and makes it a safe platform for transactions.  

With this technology, the transactions can be done even by transcending the borders of countries. The number of cryptocurrencies is fixed beforehand thus making transactions depending on the demand and supply of the market. To use cryptocurrency using this technology, one must have a digital wallet that will store the public and private keys. 

Investment

 Because these cryptocurrencies are fixed in number, it depends on market demand and supply. For instance, when Tesla declared that it would accept Bitcoin as a medium of payment, the demand for Bitcoin suddenly increased. Thus, its value increased significantly. Thus because of the tendency of market fluctuations, it makes it an important platform to invest in and diversify our portfolio. 

Types of cryptocurrencies 

In 2024 nearly 8985 cryptocurrencies were active. Thus, making it a volatile platform for investment. The major and popular cryptocurrencies include: – 

1. Bitcoin 

It was the first well-known cryptocurrency introduced in the market in 2009. It started with an idea to have digital currency thought by Satoshi Nakamoto and was released in open-source software. There is a total of 21 million bitcoins existing in the market. Many countries also accept it as a medium of exchange. 

2. Ethereum 

• It is also an open-source cryptocurrency that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (Daps). It uses its cryptocurrency, Ether, as a means of payment for transaction fees and services on the Ethereum network. 
  

  3. Litecoin 

  

•  It is also similar to bitcoins working on the same line but with faster transaction confirmation times.

4. Ripple 

International money transfers seem to be very costly through banks. Thus, ripple makes it easier cheaper and faster international money transfers through cryptocurrency. Ripple can be used to transfer any currency, including USD, EUR, and Bitcoin, and it can also be traded on digital currency exchanges. 

The legal status of Cryptocurrency in India 

The legal status of such a currency because of its decentralized nature is somewhat ambiguous. Earlier RBI issued several notices to investors regarding the risk involved in Bitcoin as it is not legal tender However in 2018 Supreme Court struck down the decision of RBI which bans financial institutions from dealing with Cryptocurrency. Also in 2022, the government imposed 30 per cent taxation on the income from cryptocurrencies. Also, the government is planning to have Central Bank Digital currency in future.  

Challenges involved regarding investments in cryptocurrency 

1. Investments in cryptocurrency should be with the known fact that the market here is volatile here. It means risk calculation plays a vital role when we want to invest here. Thus, heavy amounts or amounts of loan must not be invested in the market without prior calculation of risk 
2. There is apprehension of fraud as crypto wallets are suspectable to hacking attacks. Thus, one must use a secure wallet while engaging in such transactions 
3. The maintenance of such programs requires heavy machinery and powerful computers. It leads to huge electricity consumption that is sometimes considered as not good for the environment. 
4. Also, there is a lack of regulation. Thus, the government and legal apparatus will not be responsible here for any kind of loss through mechanism. 

In a nutshell 

Thus, in a nutshell, we can conclude that cryptocurrency is a status that is ambiguous in India. Although it is not a legal tender investments in cryptocurrencies are something completely legal and constitutionally guaranteed right. However, investments here must be based on proper risk calculations. 

References

Freepik, pexels, https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/cryptocurrency-9

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The story revolves around three working-class classmates, Samuel (Itzan Escamilla), Nadia (Mina El Hammani), and Christian (Miguel Herran), who are offered scholarships to attend Las Encinas after a strange disaster destroys their former school. Las Encinas is a prestigious private school where many of the country’s upper crust send their children. The arrival of these three strangers enrages other students.

While “Elite” focuses on the murder investigation behind a student’s death, the show truly revolves around the lives of the main characters prior to the incident and how relationships were formed and destroyed. Although this show was not made expressly for LGBTQ audiences, it does include two powerful gay stories. One couple’s journey delves into the ramifications of coming out for people from different religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Of course, there are circumstances in “Elite” that are Hollywood’s go-to for young love stories. The show bravely explores sexuality, providing new meaning to familiar teen drama cliches. One of them is Nadia, Guzmán, and Lu (Danna Paola), in which your classic bad guy (Guzmán) is challenged by his not-so-official girlfriend (Lu) to win over the uptight new girl (Nadia). Carla and Polo, two wealthy youngsters who have been dating since middle school and are practically married, are another example. When they try to liven things up with one of the new guys, Miguel Herrán’s character Christian, the three end themselves in a polyamorous relationship.

‘Elite,’ a new Netflix drama, tackles Islamophobia in Europe as well. Nadia, played by Mina El-Hammani, is an intellectually driven Muslim-Palestinian girl who is harshly mistreated by her school peers because of her faith and origin. The teenagers are not only attempting to figure out who they are while navigating high school, but they are also coping with stereotypes and obligations. When Nadia defends her hijab after the school’s principal tells her she faces expulsion if she continues to wear it, it is one of the most dramatic scenes in the series. Nadia wears it throughout the series and explains how important it is to her, despite the fact that she obeys and takes it off during school hours.

Another issue that was highlighted was about STDs which was conveyed in a clear and understandable manner. Marina was a free-spirited affluent girl who was more welcoming of strangers than her upper-class family and brother, Guzmán, before her tragic death.

Marina, on the other hand, had a secret that she ultimately revealed to everyone: she was HIV positive but undetectable, so the virus couldn’t spread. Despite her difficulties with that aspect of her life at the start of the series, it’s commendable to watch how she eventually accepts her diagnosis. Her character also serves as a reminder to viewers that the disease can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or economic background.

Toxic masculinity is another theme explored in “Elite.” We know that Guzmán is not only the most popular boy in school but also the toughest of the new “outsiders” as soon as we meet him. He embodies all of the traits of a privileged villain: he is dominating, manipulative, and violent. As the show progresses, though, we get to glimpse more of Guzmán’s layers. It also helps that Miguel Bernardeau offers an outstanding portrayal in the part, displaying the classic bad guy humanising qualities that few TV villains possess.

According to the most recent data for Spain, there are 1,378 politicians accused of corruption. But it’s not just crooked politicians in Elite; there’s also a teacher who takes a bribe from a student in exchange for a faster adoption procedure with his wife. In addition, the school director fails to report a brawl in which his son was involved.

The series itself does not fully depart from today’s entertainment in terms of hegemonic culture, since it still features a high school drama plot, love, and rich students. However, it also brings to light parts of society that are rarely seen in mainstream entertainment. Many of these elements are subtle and rather mainstream, making the series far more compelling and successful.

The post A must watch Netflix’s ‘Elite’ is a cross between various shows. appeared first on DU Times.

The five-page circular was addressed to all the heads of CBSE affiliated schools. It is sectioned into 5 parts with a detailed explanation of the scheme.

• Special Scheme for 2021-22

The academic session will be divided into two terms with approximately 50% syllabus. The syllabus will have a systematic approach with the interconnectivity of concepts and topics by the Subject Experts. The Board will conduct examinations at the end of each term based on the bifurcated syllabus.

The syllabus will be rationalized similar to that of the last academic session to be notified in July 2021. An effort by the Board will be made for a credible and valid distribution of marks in Internal Assessment/ Practical/ Project work.

• Details of Curriculum Transaction

The school will continue online classes till the authorities permit an in-person mode of teaching in schools. Schools will create a digital student profile retaining all their assessments throughout the year. The Internal Assessment marks will be uploaded on the CBSE IT platform. The guidelines will be released along with syllabus rationalization later in July.

Classes IX-X: Internal Assessment (throughout the year-irrespective of Term I and II) would include the 3 periodic tests, student enrichment, portfolio and practical work/ speaking listening activities/ project.

Classes XI-XII: Internal Assessment (throughout the year-irrespective of Term I and II) would include end of topic or unit tests/ exploratory activities/practicals/ projects.

• Term I Examinations

At the end of the first term, the Term I Examination will be conducted between November-December 2021 with a window period of 4-8 weeks for schools situated in different parts of the country and abroad.

The Question Paper sent by CBSE will have Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) including case-based MCQs and MCQs on the assertion-reasoning type. The duration of the test will be 90 minutes. The exams will be conducted under the supervision of the External Center Superintendents and Observers appointed by CBSE. The responses of students will be captured on OMR sheets. The scanned OMR sheets will be directly uploaded to the CBSE portal and evaluated. The marks obtained will be uploaded by the school on the very same day. Marks of the Term I Examination will contribute to the final overall score of
students.

• Term II Examination/ Year-end Examination

At the end of the second term, Term II or Year-end Examination will be held around March-April 2022 at the examination centres fixed by the Board. The paper will be of 2 hours duration and have questions of different formats (case-based/ situation based, open-ended short answer/ long answer type).
In case the situation is not conducive for normal descriptive examination a 90 minute MCQ based exam will be conducted at the end of Term II also. Marks of the Term II Examination would contribute to the final overall score.

• Assessment / Examination as per different situations

A. In case the situation of the pandemic improves and students can
come to schools or centres for taking the exams. Board plans to conduct Term I and Term II examinations at schools/centres and the theory marks will be distributed equally between the two exams.

B. In case the situation of the pandemic forces complete closure of schools during November-December 2021. The Term-I MCQ based examinations will be conducted online/offline at home but Term-II will be conducted at schools/centres. The weightage will be reduced for the Term I examinations and the weightage of Term II examinations will be increased.

C. In case the situation of the pandemic forces complete closure of schools during March-April 2022. In that case, Term I exams will be held at schools or centres. The weightage of marks of the Term I examination will be increased to provide year-end results of candidates.

D. In case the situation of the pandemic forces complete closure of schools and Board conducted Term I and II exams will be taken by the candidates from home in the session 2021-22. Results would be computed based on the Internal Assessment / Practical /Project Work and Theory marks of Term-I and II exams taken by the candidate from home in Class X / XII.

Also read: Wouldn’t it be great to have a six-month vacation twice a year?

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Prof Joshi, Acting VICE Chancellor of the University Of Delhi said that this department of DU is very old and there was some shortage in it. There is a need to expand its scope. Currently, under this department, BA Honors Music, MA Music, MPhil Music, PhD program is taught under degree program. Whereas Sangeet Shiromani Diploma Course, Two Year Diploma (Harmonium) and Short Term Certificate Courses are taught under the Diploma Program.

Prof PC Joshi, also mentioned that there is a plan to the makeover of two departments, Persian Department and Music and Fine Arts Department. Under this scheme, preparations have been started to increase the scope of the Persian department. Through this, the students will focus on teaching the culture, language of countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will assist in this.

There are plans to add drama, theatre, sculpture, painting as well. NSD(National School of Drama) is a reputed institute. There is no such education, but there is an effort to make the students proficient in drama and theatre.

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