Thursday 28 December 2023

Eco-Industry: Pioneering Sustainable Practices for Tomorrow's World

 In a world where the environment needs a helping hand, industries are stepping up to the plate, and making big changes to become more eco-friendly. This transformation is not just a trend but a commitment to creating a better, greener future. Let's explore how these changes are happening and why they matter.

Green Manufacturing and Cleaner Technologies

Industries are reimagining the way they make things by adopting green manufacturing practices. This means they're using cleaner technologies and brainstorming new ideas to ensure that their production processes don't harm the environment. It's like giving Mother Earth a breather while still keeping the wheels of industry turning.

Smart Energy Moves

Ever wondered where the energy to power industries comes from? Well, now industries are finding smarter ways to use energy. They're turning to renewable sources like the sun and wind, and using technology that doesn't pump out harmful pollutants. This not only helps fight climate change but also makes good economic sense by using energy more wisely.

Reducing, Reusing, Recycling

Imagine if instead of throwing things away after using them once, we found ways to use them again. Industries are doing just that. They're reducing waste and recycling materials throughout a product's entire life. This isn't just about being eco-friendly.It's about finding better ways of doing things that benefit both the environment and the industries themselves.

Companies with a Heart

It turns out that industries aren't just interested in making money, they care about the environment and society too. They're making sure the materials they use are sourced responsibly, and they're being careful about how they make and distribute their products. This doesn't just impact their bottom line.It also has a positive effect on the communities where they operate.

Technological Wizards

Technology is playing a superhero role in making industries more efficient. Smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are the tech wizards at play. They're helping industries streamline processes, reduce waste, and, most importantly, be kinder to the environment. It's like industries are getting a digital makeover for a greener world.

Water Warriors and Waste Busters

Water and waste management are becoming big priorities for industries. They're using better methods to use water wisely and treating industrial wastewater to protect our water resources. Industries are also taking responsibility for their impact on local communities by creating jobs, supporting community programs, and making sure their operations benefit society as a whole.

Government and Global Green Rules

Governments and international organizations are like referees making sure everyone plays fair in the green game. They're setting rules to encourage companies to be more environmentally friendly. Industries are paying attention to where they get their materials and how they distribute their products to make sure they are part of a sustainable supply chain.

Shaping Tomorrow and Today

In wrapping up this journey into the world of eco-friendly industries, it's clear that the shift towards sustainability is not just a buzzword but a meaningful change. Industries are transforming into eco-warriors, paving the way for a greener, more balanced future. By embracing green manufacturing, smart energy solutions, and social responsibility, they're not just changing their practices.They're becoming pioneers of a sustainable tomorrow. As we all hop on this eco-friendly train, let's celebrate the positive impact these changes are having on our planet and communities. Together, we're shaping a brighter, greener, and more sustainable tomorrow.

 

Samarprita

1st-year MCOM,

Christ University, Bangalore, Karnataka

 

Friday 15 September 2023

Gender Equity - Paving the Path to Gender Equality

 

Gender equity serves as the strategic pathway towards the attainment of gender equality, an issue that stands out as one of the most prominent and pressing challenges of the 21st century. It's worth pondering why gender has become such a focal point in contemporary discourse and when this transformation began. Our current era is marked by a societal shift, transitioning away from the patriarchal foundations that once dominated to an emerging egalitarian society where every individual plays a vital role. This shift is inherent to the broader transformation from an agrarian society to a technologically advanced one, a process that unfolds gradually over time.

The evolution of this gender-related issue parallels the broader societal transformation. It reflects the understanding that a society where half of its population is denied opportunities cannot truly thrive. As education becomes more widespread, people come to recognise the paramount importance of gender equality.

However, the pursuit of gender equality is an extensive and intricate endeavour. It necessitates the implementation of a strategy known as gender equity. This approach acknowledges and confronts existing disparities, biases, and disadvantages faced by individuals of different genders, all with the ultimate objective of leveling the playing field and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their gender.

Gender equity tackles flaws in our societal framework by recognising existing inequalities and providing tailored support to facilitate the necessary changes. It champions fairness in the treatment of individuals, irrespective of their gender, and actively dismantles barriers that hinder individuals from realising their full potential due to gender-based discrimination. This often involves revising policies, altering practices, and challenging attitudes that perpetuate gender disparities.

Moreover, gender equity strives to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered. It takes into account the concept of intersectionality, recognising that individuals may experience various forms of discrimination or privilege based on factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status. This approach ensures that equity efforts are comprehensive and inclusive, addressing multiple layers of societal bias.

In conclusion, gender equity operates as a strategic component within the broader framework of gender equality. By implementing gender equity measures, societies make significant strides towards achieving gender equality, thereby ensuring that everyone enjoys equal opportunities and rights, irrespective of their gender.

Dr. Sumitra Mohanty,

Coordinator, Research, Documentation & Communication Dept.,  PECUC

Wednesday 2 August 2023

Planting trees can be a solution for reducing global warming

 

The threat of global warming is well known to all. The destruction it is bringing to the earth’s biodiversity is immense and incalculable. Some of its effects can be seen in the rising heat wave, changing weather patterns, flash floods, an increase in the frequency of cyclones, the loss of marine and coastal ecosystems, etc. All these things pose serious threats to humans as well as other life forms on Earth. Global warming is primarily caused by human activities such as deforestation, the burning of fossil fuels, and industrial processes. These activities release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, tapping heat and leading to an increase in global temperature.

Planting trees can be helpful in reducing global warming and mitigating the effects of climate change. Trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and storing it as biomass. Trees act as a natural carbon sink, and as they grow, they clear the air of carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and slowing down global warming. Trees also provide shade and transpire water through their leaves, which cools the surrounding air. Planting trees can also help preserve and enhance biodiversity. It also contributes to soil health by promoting nutrient cycling and preventing erosion. Trees also help regulate the water cycle by intercepting rain, reducing runoff, and promoting groundwater recharge. This helps mitigate the impact of floods and droughts, which can be intensified by climate change.

Though planting trees is beneficial, it is also not a standalone solution to global warming. To successfully address the effects of climate change, planting trees can be a part of a comprehensive strategy that focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, forest conservation, sustainable land use, renewable energy transition, etc. Planting trees should be a part of this broader integrated approach to creating lasting impacts on mitigating climate change and preserving the planet for future generations.

 

Dr. Sumitra Mohanty, MA, PhD

Coordinator, Research, Documentation, and Communication Dept

People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC)

Wednesday 21 June 2023

Yoga's Transformative Power

 

Finding a sense of peace and balance becomes crucial in a world that moves quickly and continuously demands our attention. Here comes yoga, a discipline that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga offers a route to both physical and mental wellness through a series of positions, breathing exercises, and meditation. It improves posture, flexibility, and strength while calming the mind and body. Yoga cultivates attention, self-awareness, and inner tranquilly in addition to its physical advantages. It promotes peace and a deep sense of tranquilly by inspiring us to connect with both our inner selves and the environment around us. Take use of yoga's transformational potential to live a beautiful, centred life.

                                              

Aryan Rout,

BBA 2nd year, Sec- B,

Centurion University of Technology & Management,

Bhubaneswar, Odissa

Thursday 1 June 2023

Preventing tobacco use among young people a critical public health goal

 

Tobacco use has been a significant public health issue for decades, and it has a profound impact on youth and children. Despite the well-known health risks associated with tobacco use, many young people continue to smoke or use other tobacco products. The use of tobacco products has a profound impact on the health and well-being of young people. Tobacco use is a significant public health concern in India, contributing to a high burden of diseases and premature deaths. According to data from the Global Burden of Disease study, in 2019, tobacco use accounted for an estimated 1.3 million deaths in India.

Here are some of the specific ways that tobacco use can impact youth and children:

·         Nicotine, the primary addictive substance in tobacco, is highly addictive, and young people are particularly vulnerable to its effects. In fact, research has shown that 90% of adult smokers started smoking before the age of 18. Once addicted, it can be very difficult to quit.

·          The brain continues to develop well into young adulthood, and tobacco use during this time can have a negative impact on cognitive function, memory, and attention span.

·          Tobacco use is associated with a range of chronic diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses like emphysema and bronchitis.

·          Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

On 31 May 2023, WHO and public health champions around the world will come together to celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This year’s theme is “We need food, not tobacco”. The 2023 global campaign aims to raise awareness about alternative crop production and marketing opportunities for tobacco farmers and encourage them to grow sustainable, nutritious crops. The growing food crisis is driven by conflicts and wars, climatic shocks, and the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural causes like the choice of crop also have an impact, and a look into tobacco growing reveals how it contributes to increased food insecurity:

  • Across the globe around 3.5 million hectares of land are converted for tobacco growing each year. Growing tobacco also contributes to deforestation of 200 000 hectares a year.
  • Tobacco growing is resource intensive and requires heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers, which contribute to soil degradation.
  • Land used for growing tobacco then has a lower capacity for growing other crops, such as food, since tobacco depletes soil fertility.
  • Compared with other agricultural activities such as maize growing and even livestock grazing, tobacco farming has a far more destructive impact on ecosystems as tobacco farmlands are more prone to desertification.

Any profits to be gained from tobacco as a cash crop may not offset the damage done to sustainable food production in low- and middle-income countries. The intensive handling of insecticides and toxic chemicals during the cultivation of tobacco contributes to many farmers and their families suffering from ill health and the child labour that is often woven into tobacco cultivation interferes with the right to education .Nine of the 10 largest tobacco cultivators are low- and middle-income countries, and 4 of these are defined as low-income food-deficit countries. Land used to grow tobacco could be more efficiently used to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 – zero hunger.The 2023 WNTD campaign calls on governments and policy-makers to step up legislation, develop suitable policies and strategies, and enable market conditions for tobacco farmers to shift to growing food crops that would provide them and their families with a better life.

Preventing tobacco use among young people is a critical public health goal. Here are some strategies that can help prevent tobacco use and intervene when it does occur:

·         Educating young people about the dangers of tobacco use and the negative impact it can have on their health can be an effective way to prevent them from starting.

·         Creating smoke-free environments, such as schools, parks, and public spaces, can help reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

·         Complete ban of designated places for smoking in public places.

·         Restricting access to tobacco products by raising the minimum age to purchase or use tobacco upto 21Years , as well as increasing taxes on tobacco products, can help reduce use among young people.

  • Banning the sale of single sticks of cigarettes so that they will be more expensive for children and youth will reduce their use.
  • Regulation of tobacco depletion in OTT Platform

Tobacco use is a significant public health issue that has a profound impact on the health and well-being of young people. Preventing tobacco use among young people should be a priority for public health officials, educators, parents, and the community at large. By raising awareness, creating smoke-free environments, restricting access, and providing cessation resources, we can help reduce tobacco use among youth and prevent the negative health consequences associated with it.

Anuradha Mohanty

Executive Director, PECUC

anuradhabbsr2015@gmail.com

Wednesday 31 May 2023

We need food, not tobacco - World No -tobacco Day,2023

 

He is not getting a sufficient meal a day. He could not look into the helpless eyes of his mother. So he went outside to spend some time with his friends. They couldn't supply him with food, but tobacco, the cheapest. At a very young age, he suffered from oral cancer. He sold his properties for treatment and got cured. Now he has a family with a wife and two children. He is a trolley puller. Now they strive for food, not tobacco.

India bears three-fourths of the burden of the world's tobacco. 267 million users are in India. 21.4% use smokeless tobacco, out of which 29.6% are men and 12.8% are women. 7.7%use bidis. 30.2% of adults are second hand smokers. Smoking causes cancer of all sorts, especially oral cancer and lung cancer. 1.2 million people die every year in India due to tobacco and its effects. 90% of oral cancers are due to smoking.

The hunger situation in India is very precarious. In 2021, the position of India was 101 out of 121 countries, and the position of malnutrition was 107 out of 121 countries. 224.3 million people are undernourished. Child wasting is 19.3%, which is worse than 2014 (15.1%).

Smoking not only causes cancer and TB, it is also associated with CV, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. Lack of food may aggravate the situation earlier, causing a loss of income due to the loss of human capital of the smoker and the family members as caretakers. Women are thrown out of the family. So tobacco can never be a substitute for food. 13.3% of people smoke in public places. Let us take a vow to totally eradicate it by making some amendments to the law and enforcing them with all honesty.

Tobacco is less precious than life.

 

Dr. Minakshi Panda, PhD

Retd. Prof. of Political Science

Chairman, PECUC


Monday 17 April 2023

Theories of health- On the eve of Platinum Jubilee celebration of WHO

 

All down the ages, people use different concepts to explain health issues which is popularly known as the Theories of health. In the ancient age, the influence of the evil spirit, witchcraft, and the wrath of a vengeful God, was treated to be the cause. Ancient Greeks and medieval Europeans treated it due to the possible imbalance of Phlegm, choler, or yellow bile, blood, and black bile. Subsequently, the theory of contagion for the leper and other skin diseases came into focus. Till 1800, cancer and mental health were treated to be contagious. 

Up to the mid of 19th century, miasma theory continued which explains that diseases grow out of rotting organic matter which was supported by malaria. The germ theory was very ancient and couldn't dominate till the discovery of microscopic organisms. In the late 19th century Henle-Koch postulated metabolism, hormones biochemical causes of diseases. Sigmund Freud explained mental, emotional and emotional personality with the health of human beings. 

Environmental pollution both by human beings and natural has created many types of virus in the air causing pandemics like CORONA and many more virus-caused diseases. The emotional imbalance caused has provoked them to take tobacco, alcohol, and other addictives causing recurring illnesses. 

The definition of health has gone beyond the mere absence of diseases to a complete well-being of an individual. The definition is given by WHO on 7th October 2011 as "A state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". The three dimensions of the definition constitute (1) the absence of diseases or impairment (2) a state that allows the individual to adequately cope with all demands of daily life (including the absence of disease and impairment). (3) a state of balance and equilibrium that an individual has established within himself and his social and physical environment.  

From a handful of imaginary witches to its social and physical environment- the base is getting wider and wider involving more and more people in it in varieties of ways. So the solution only lies with us. What is required is an attitude of honesty in everything we do and think.  

 

 Dr. Minakshi Panda,

Retd. Prof. of Political Science,

Chairman, PECUC