In a world where relationships between humans and animals are getting more interdependent, there are emerging pressing demands to ensure optimal animal welfare. 

Domestic and wildlife animals have their importance in the contexts in which they live.  China started to hunt sparrows because of anticipation of the harvest being harmed. Later they realized that many birds there were an essential part of the pollination process for the plants. The entire ecosystem works in an integrated way where animals play a crucial role in it. 

Despite the inescapable position of animals in the ecosystem, the apparent reality shows that animals nowadays do not have their fundamental rights. Every being on the planet playing an important role in human existence must be preserved for our own sake. When they can’t get substantial food and a place to live, it can have some catastrophic consequences for the ecosystem. There are a lot of legal frameworks that have already been established.  

The Many Faces of Animal Abuse 

The cruelty towards animals can have a variety of ways. The Act enumerates different variants of cruelty to animals under Section 11 as the following actions: 

1. a) Beating, kicking, overriding, overloading, torturing and causing unnecessary pain to any animal.
2. b) Using an old or injured or unfit animal for work (the punishment applies to the owner as well as the user).
3. c) Administering an injurious drug/medicine to any animal.
4. d) Carrying an animal in any vehicle in a way that causes it pain and discomfort.
5. e) Keeping any animal in a cage where it doesn’t have a reasonable opportunity for movement.
6. f) Keeping an animal on an unreasonably heavy or short chain for an unreasonable period.
7. g) Keeping an animal in total and habitual confinement with no reasonable opportunity to exercise.
8. h) Being an owner failing to provide the animal with sufficient food, drink or shelter.
9. i) Abandoning an animal without reasonable cause.
10. j) Willfully permitting an owned animal to roam on streets or leaving it on the streets to die of disease, old age or disability.
11. k) Offering for sale an animal that is suffering pain due to mutilation, starvation, thirst, overcrowding or other ill-treatment.
12. l) Mutilating or killing animals through cruel manners such as using strychnine injections.
13. m) Using an animal as bait for another animal solely for entertainment.
14. n) Organizing, keeping, using or managing any place for animal fighting.
15. o) Shooting an animal when it is released from captivity for such purpose.

However, despite of presence of law, the continuous humiliation of animals is quite apparent in Indian society. Digs being the victims of cracker attacks during the festival of Diwali are quite common nowadays. The sound, light, and air pollution for which humans are mostly responsible, are making animals and birds the victims of it. Thus it is high time that we move toward an animal-friendly environment through a variety of ways. 

The Plight of Animals: Common Issues 

Animals can have a variety of issues that never remain in the limelight. These issues are mainly responsible for the intense plight of animals in this present era. The problems can include:- 

Lack of available shelter: 

Domestic animals such as dogs, cows and buffaloes can easily be witnessed lying naked on the roads. In an era where Delhi faces 50 degrees of summers and 20 degrees of winters, these extreme temperatures became a sin for shelter-less animals. This is also with cases of stray dogs where they continue to suffer by witnessing the pets enjoying themselves in their drawing rooms. Deforestation also leads to the loss of habitats of a lot of wild animals. 

Humiliation 

Animals are the most genuine victims of humiliation by humans. Suffering crackers and stones and tolerating harassment are accepted as a common phenomenon for animals. 20,000 deliberate and cruel crimes against animals have occurred in India in the last ten years, according to FIAPO research. This indicates that five stray animals are violently killed per day on average. According to the analysis, the actual number may be at least ten times higher, meaning that 50 animals die every day and that two creatures are killed needlessly in our nation on average every hour.   

Pollution and waste 

A significant amount of pollution in the nation affects the livelihood of animals phenomenally.  Plastics when consumed by cattle can cause cancerous diseases and injuries to the internal organs of the animals. Sound pollution can affect normal mental conditions and create an achy environment for them. 

Roadmap Ahead: Securing Animal Protection 

1. Stringent laws: The government must execute the punishments involved in violation of laws securing animals’ rights in India. Although words are there people find it very easy to exploit any animal there. Thus, we require stringent laws to secure animals from cases of harassment. 
2. Animal habitats:- We can create special animal habitats specially for street animals. This can help them to deal with extreme climatic conditions. 
3. adoption promotion:- We can adopt domestic animals such as dogs and cats from the streets. Street dogs are well trained to protect themselves in this region and thus are a viable option to be pets. 
4. Increasing veterinary hospitals:- There are just 10611 veterinary hospitals which is too low for the treatment of lakhs of animals. Thus we need many more animal hospitals to ensure their better health 

Thus, in a nutshell, we shall conclude that a society that advocates ‘ahimsa’ and ‘vasudhaiv kutumbakam’ as its morals, must ensure a dignified position for animals in this society. Once every component of the ecosystem is balanced, then only we can ensure good and healthy human survival.   

References

pexels

https://www.outlookindia.com/national/crimes-against-animals-compassion-to-be-inculcated-since-early-years-to-prevent-animal-violence-weekender_story-271285

https://www.animallaw.info/article/overview-animal-laws-india

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When we are concerned about human rights, the word human is inclusive of all genders. However, when women felt that their concerns were different and they required limelight they started with the feminist movement. When the LGBTQI+ group felt that they had some special concerns which world must know, they had their movement. However, men’s rights remain under vain.

Thus transcending the boundaries of human rights, this movement arose with the need for equality in all societies of the world. Now this time is signalling that in a similar fashion that these movements get highlighted in the world forum, men got under the veil.  

Generally, it is the men, who are blamed for inequality because of apparent historical reasons. This seems quite apparent that it is true that men dominate other genders just based on their gender identity. However, this generalization that all men have a single cup of tea doesn’t give viable grounds to argue.

Now society is becoming aware of the topics inclusive of men’s rights, sexual harassment with little boys and men, the burden of being the sole income generator, anxiety about not crying in public places and the increasing notion of their toxic masculinity. This is a fact that India is indeed a patriarchal society. However, men can not be the victim in a patriarchal society is not a valid argument to have. The apparent cases of violation of men’s rights are the evidence for this pseudo apparatus in society. 

Cases suggesting the need for men’s rights and dignity

1. The rule of providing maintenance after divorce sometimes makes men victim of it. Fortunately, maintenance is a gender-equal law under the Hindu Marriage Act. However, ground reality somewhere does suggest that there is a need for more execution of these laws. Men are always expected to be a generator of income in the society.
2. Thus this is a subject that requires further scrutiny, how much viable to reform laws in developing society. Women are now equal earners too and we need to consider this as well to have a new perspective in the society and legal apparatus. 
3. “Don’t cry like a girl” is something which is a proverb in Indian households From a very early age, men are emotionally conditioned to not cry. This is something that damages to natural state of emotions. As tears are not correlated with any gender. This kind of masculinity has been engulfing the natural emotions of males for centuries. 
4. The pressure to be the sole earning member of the family is something men worry about. One of the repercussions of a patriarchal society is that if males don’t earn, they are in the spotlight of society. Such victimization of males here makes them vulnerable to poor mental health. 

Men’s sexual harassment is a topic that has failed to be the topic of debate in public platforms. However, the ground reality is sexual harassment is a heinous crime that doesn’t have any concern of gender. Thus, it makes a lot of victims silent about the sexual harassment of males. There is no strict law in India protecting men’s sexual harassment and post-crime procedures are not equally stringent. 

Thus, men’s rights are something that remains in vain. This society needs to understand the very natural fact that violation of rights is something gender neutral. Thus, men require equal protection of the law regarding the same. 

Reforms we need to protect men’s rights 

1. The legal process needs reform with time which should be sympathetic to men. Laws for sexual harassment should be equal for men too to have the required justice there. 
2. Educating people to make tears a normal phenomenon is a substantial reform that we need. We must make crying a normal process for men to remove the psychological burden on them. 
3. Handling the financial pressures also needs equal distribution in families. Educating couples regarding their reformed roles through a variety of measures is what we need now.  
4. The International Men’s Day on November 19 must require equal attention at the world forum 

In a nutshell, we must conclude here that our society requires urgent reforms to protect men’s rights. Patriarchy is a concept different from masculinity. Thus, we can be called a civilized society when we tend to have a healthy balance between masculine, feminine and other components of society in an equal manner. 

References and sources

Freepik images, https://ijirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SEXUAL-HARASSMENT-OF-MEN-A-CRIME-THAT-IS-A-REALITY.pdf

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In an era of the Digital world and online transactions, Cryptocurrency is a term that has been in the limelight in the market since 2010. Initially, this was an ambiguous term which was very difficult to understand. It was understood as a platform of investment that suddenly erupted from the air however it is far from reality. It has its history and its special process of transaction. What is cryptocurrency? Why is it in the limelight? How it works? How safe is it for investments? The series of blogs shall cover the basics of cryptocurrency that evolved. First, we shall delve into its evolution to understand why it came into the market. Then we shall move towards its fundamentals and its social aspects. We shall cover this complex phenomenon easily in some series of blogs.  

Evolution of cryptocurrency 

In any economy, the production and distribution of material wealth is something to be considered as the primary goal. Everyone here requires a variety of material goods but cannot produce everything. Thus, we tend to get involved in the exchange process. This exchange process has its stages: – 

Barter system: –  

When the economy was in its initial stage people used to exchange goods and services in return for goods and services. It means that If I need a cat and I have shoes then I must find a person who needs shoes and is ready to give his cat in exchange. It seems to be a very difficult and time-consuming task that demands a further revolution in the market. 

Entry of metal coins 

Thus, we tended to find some representations of the value of goods that can be carried. No one has the time to find a person who needs a cat. Thus, we found some metal coins which can act as denotations of value paid. These metals, since they are limited in numbers, can have their value which can equate to the value of goods and services and thus can be exchanged altogether. It was also a decentralized system used for the transaction process. 

Evolution of banks and currency notes.

Then with time, institutions such as banks evolved which led to the generation of currency as legal tender. It means that a place will be specified where everyone can put their money and can withdraw on demand in case of ‘demand deposits’. The method of transaction here changed to currency notes and coins which themselves have no value. They are valuable just because the government claims that they are valuable. As in the case of demonetization, if one day the government claims that from now on this note is not a legal tender, that currency will lose its value. 

Currency notes, depending on the demand and supply of goods and services, international trade and the overall economic situation of a nation, can gain and lose their value.

Currently, because of the strong economic and political dominance of the USA, US dollars are taken as the standard for whether the currency of a nation has appreciated or depreciated and in what ratio. However, this trend is now changing and the Chinese yen, Russian rubles and Indian rupees are also in the limelight for standardization to decrease the polarization towards the USA.  

Thus, it is the bank here that keeps the record of transactions, and they are under the control of the Central Bank. Central banks work under the government thus making the transactions and value of money depend on the system working there. 

Rise of cryptocurrencies 

One of the major problems with using the currency (legal tender) and banking system here is that they have control of our money. Banks have complete data that shows how much money I have, where I am spending it and how much raise I am getting. Even in some special cases, if the government wants it can restrict its uses. It means till now, we have just earned and given our money to a centrally controlled system to keep it safe and tend to use it as per our requirements. 

However, such kind of transactions have created a sense of dissatisfaction among the wealth holders. The problem is that if I have earned the money, why should a system have control over it? Thus, it leads to the emergence of a need for a decentralized system to control the money we have. 

After the sudden dissimilation of computers, it created an idea why not have a system of records that would work on Unanimous Consensus.

It means rather than providing records to banks let’s have a unanimous record of transactions and a decentralized system that will entirely work based on demand and supply. Here the government will not have any control and we can freely use this currency as per the market principles. 

Here is the place where cryptocurrencies are raised. This is the same principle that follows and solves this raised problem. 

What is cryptocurrency? 

In an era of this digital world, we created a system where we hold a form of digital and decentralized currency known as cryptocurrency. It works with cryptography to maintain security. Cryptography is a field of study where we convert plain text to a code or cypher text that we can’t understand with our known language. Thus, programmed language ensures the security of data in public spheres.

It means if we have done any transaction with this currency. When it tends to get stored publicly it will have a specific code that will contain the data for security here. 

Just like UPI payments in India, these kinds of currencies are accepted as a medium of payment in many countries. It is somewhat the same, however, the difference is that Upi payments happen through banks which are centrally controlled whereas cryptocurrency is a decentralized medium of transactions. Many such currencies exist such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin etc.  

In a nutshell and way towards part 2 

This is an aspect that does require some detailing to have an insight.  In this blog first, we had a glimpse at why the need for cryptocurrency arose and how it evolved. Thereafter we have understood what this cryptocurrency is. However nowadays it is a platform of investment. So, what made it a platform of investment? What is the technology behind it and how viable is it to invest? All such aspects shall be covered in the next part of the blog provided below: – https://www.dutimes.com/what-is-cryptocurrency/

References

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

The post What is cryptocurrency? 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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Celebrating a Visionary Thinker

Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya was an Indian politician, a proponent of integral humanism ideology and leader of the political party Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the forerunner of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Upadhyaya started the monthly publication Rashtra Dharma, broadly meaning ‘National Faith’, in the 1940s to spread the ideals of Hindutva revival.

Upadhyaya is known for drafting Jan Sangh’s official political doctrine, Integral humanism,Upadhyaya is known for drafting Jan Sangh’s official political doctrine, Integral humanism, by including some cultural-nationalism values and his agreement with several Gandhian socialist principles such as sarvodaya (progress of all) and swadeshi (self-sufficiency).

Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya was a visionary philosopher, sociopolitical thinker, and a pivotal figure in Indian political history. As a co-founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), his philosophy of integral humanism laid a unique foundation for India’s political and social framework. The seminar aimed to illuminate his ideas and explore their applicability in today’s rapidly changing socio-political environment.

Distinguished Guests and Thought-Provoking Insights

The seminar featured prominent speakers, including Chief Guest Professor Inder Singh Thakur, Director at the Centre for Deen Dayal Upadhyay Studies, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Mahesh Chandra Sharma, President of Ekatm Manavdarshan Anusandhan Evam Vikas Pratishthan and former Rajya Sabha member. Dr. Rama, Principal of Hansraj College, served as the event’s patron.

• Dr. Mahesh Chandra Sharma’s Address

Dr. Sharma’s keynote address provided a rich tapestry of historical context, emphasizing Pt. Deendayal’s critique of Western individualism contrasted with the collectivist ideologies of communism and socialism. He highlighted Pt. Deendayal’s advocacy for “aatmavad,” a philosophy rooted in self-awareness and spiritual values unique to Indian tradition. Dr. Sharma urged the audience to actively champion Pt. Deendayal’s teachings, emphasizing their potential to shape national policies that resonate with India’s cultural ethos.

“Pt. Deendayal’s philosophy is not just a relic of the past but a dynamic framework that addresses contemporary challenges. By embracing his vision, we can foster a society that values responsible citizenship and cultural integrity,” Dr. Sharma asserted.

• Prof. Inder Singh Thakur’s Reflections

Prof. Thakur’s engaging speech drew parallels between Pt. Deendayal’s vision and today’s socio-political landscape. He underscored the cohesive foundation that Pt. Deendayal’s ideals provide for a unified India, stressing their enduring relevance. Prof. Thakur highlighted the need for individuals to internalize these principles, seeing them as guiding lights for nurturing responsible citizenship and preserving India’s rich cultural legacy.

“Pt. Deendayal’s principles are more than historical artifacts; they are beacons for contemporary society, guiding us towards a future where Indian values and unity prevail,” Prof. Thakur noted passionately.

Seminar Themes and Discussions

The seminar’s central theme revolved around understanding and propagating Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya’s ideals in contemporary times. Discussions focused on how his philosophy of integral humanism, which advocates a balanced approach to individual and collective well-being, can guide modern policies and societal norms.

Participants engaged in lively debates, exploring how Pt. Deendayal’s ideas could address current issues such as economic inequality, cultural erosion, and political fragmentation. The seminar highlighted the practical applications of his thoughts in fostering a holistic development model that aligns with India’s spiritual and cultural values.

Conclusion and Impact

The national seminar on “Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay: His Ideals and Contemporary Relevance” was a significant intellectual event that underscored the lasting impact of Pt. Deendayal’s philosophy. The insights provided by Dr. Mahesh Chandra Sharma and Prof. Inder Singh Thakur enriched the understanding of his ideals among attendees, encouraging a deeper engagement with his teachings.

The seminar concluded with a call to action for participants to integrate Pt. Deendayal’s principles into their personal and professional lives. By doing so, they can contribute to a society that upholds the essence of Indian ethos and meets the demands of the contemporary world.

In a time of rapid change and global influence, the seminar at Hansraj College reaffirmed the timeless relevance of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision. It inspired attendees to reflect on and adopt his philosophy, ensuring that his ideas continue to guide India’s path towards a harmonious and prosperous future.

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