Sunday, 30 April 2017

Descriptive

UNEMPLOYEMNT IN INDIA
In the good, old, golden days when the population of the world was smaller, there was hardly a person who was not employed in some way or other to earn a living. But this situation no longer exists. In those days most people lived in the rural areas and depended on agriculture and cottage industries. But industrial civilization brought about a change in the situation. It introduced machines, and as a single machine can do the work of many men, it naturally threw many persons out of employment. No doubt, this industrial civilization has greatly increased the wants of and opened up many new opportunities for employment. But this increase in scope for employment has not been able to absorb the men discharged.


However, the automation of works has complicated the unemployment problem in India. The highly sophisticated machineries are run by skilled and trained people. On one hand, the skilled people get employed in these large industries. But, the large masses of unskilled Indians finds it hard get a job that suits their skills.

The population of our country is ever-rising. The abnormal rise in population has intensified the problem of unemployment in India. That is why the problem of employment has been getting more and more acute every year.

It is the responsibility of the State to provide work to the people. But the number of the unemployed persons in India is increasing at an alarming rate. More than one-third of the total population still lives below the poverty line. The number of registered unemployed, not to speak of those whose names are not in the register is quite shocking. The number of job seekers also on the register of employment exchanges is increasing by leaps and bounds. There are three classes of employment here. In the villages those people who live on agriculture work for four or five months in a year, idle away the rest of the time. During that period they practically remain unemployed. In the towns and cities there is another class of unemployed people who find no employment in the factories due to the setting up of big machines there. Lastly, there are a large number of educated people who are unemployed. The masses, the uneducated and even the illiterate adopt some way or the other by means of which they can earn their living. The educated, however cannot do this.

Problem of employment among educated youth is a serious one. For every vacancy, there are dozens of applicants. Out of many candidates who are interviewed, only few gets the job. A student dedicates several years of his life in studies. It is a worry-some condition that even after getting Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree, these youth population of India are facing unemployment problem.

Solutions: The solutions for unemployment problem in India are given below:
1. The villages should become self-sufficient in their economy and the villagers would not run to the cities in search of jobs. This would ensure that the large-cities are not overcrowded with huge population. It would help maintain the balance between the job/vacancy and the job seekers.

2. The system of present education should also be changed radically. Instead of giving only theoretical education the students should be given vocational training, so that they can start some work after they finish their education. These institute prepares a student with skill and knowledge for a particular trade. There is growing demand for skilled people in various industries.

3. The country should promote industrialization so that more job opportunities can be created for the workers. The focus should be on heavy industries that employs thousands of man-powers of varied skills.

4. Last, but not the least, to solve the problem of unemployment in India, the growth of population must be checked and the family planning programmes must be properly implemented.

ESSAY TOPIC-2 - DEMONETIZATION
“Demonetization is the withdrawal of a particular form of currency from circulation.” Through demonetization the old currency is replaced by the new currency or a currency circulation is blocked. There are multiple reasons why a country demonetizes its currency, some reasons include to check the inflation, to curb the corruption and to promote the cashless transactions.
Recently the Indian government decided to demonetize the biggest denomination notes i.e. 500-1000 Rupees notes, this step has been declared as a master stroke for the Indian economy by various experts. This is not the first time that India has demonetized its currency, earlier it was done in 1946 with the complete ban of Rs 1000 and Rs 10000 notes to deal with the unaccounted money i.e. black money. Second time it was done in 1978 by Government headed by Morarji Desai, when Rs 1000, Rs 5000 and Rs 10000 notes were demonetized. The main objective of this step is to unearth the black money, to curb corruption, counterfeit currency as well as terror financing. This step is considered as the biggest cleanliness drive against the black money in the history of Indian economy. As per RBI, 87% transactions in India are cash transactions and this loophole is used by corrupted people to build a parallel economy with unaccounted money. This parallel economy helps in terror financing which in turn hampers the growth and development of country. Currently high- values notes account for total value of 86% of the notes in circulation in India. It is expected that this step will help in reducing the fiscal deficit of India and promote the cashless economy in India which can be easily monitored. There are many cons of demonetization also, for instance, it creates panic among the common man. Local traders and shopkeepers are facing problem. It is expected that it will affect the SME sector in India.
Demonetization step of central government will surely result into something good and help in reducing the black money. It will surely bring the clear view of every transaction within the country and promote cashless transactions. This step will affect general people to some extent but for the benefit of future generation such decisions are inevitable. We should welcome such brave step of Indian government which will curb black money to some extent.
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...LETTER WRITING-1
Write a Formal Letter to the Principal requesting him to increase security for women in the college.
From,
ADDRESS
DATE.
To,
The Principal,
ADDRESS OF COLLEGE
Subject: Request for increasing security for women in college
Dear Sir,
I, the undersigned, am writing this letter to you to request you to hike the security for women in the college. I am a student of your institution and am pursuing B.Sc. I am voicing out such a concern on behalf of all the other female students of the college.
Given the current scenario in the Indian diaspora and numerous untoward incidents that are being reported almost daily, I believe that women’s security is an issue that needs to be tackled effectively at the earliest. Most of the female students in the campus travel from faraway suburban areas and often stay back in the college campus even after the lectures are over because they participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. As such, it is imperative that the surveillance be increased for women in the college lest we face undesirable consequences.
This is why I earnestly request you to take some action as soon as possible. I would be highly obliged if you would do the needful and heighten the security in and around the college campus for all the females. I thank you in anticipation.
Yours truly,
NAME
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ESSAY TOPIC...

Online Education in India
Education is the basic foundation of a student’s life. It shapes his overall personality and demeanor. Thus it is important that everyone has access to good education. With the growing popularity of electronic media, conventional methods of teaching are slowly and steadily being replaced by modern technology. With simple blackboards changing to interactive whiteboards, we are assured that change is on its way. This brings us to another important facet of education in a country like India – online education.
Online education is considered to be the means of attending classes via the internet. Many companies and start-ups provide online platforms to study on. These include MeritNation, Testbook, Toppr, Simplilearn, Ufaber, Intellipaat and Learnsocial among others.
Also known as distance learning, online education provides students with the advantage of studying in an atmosphere in which they are comfortable. This is especially beneficial for those individuals who are burdened with family responsibilities at a young age and those who barely have the time to attend a formal institution.
On the other hand, however, online education hinders the process of socialization. Limited contact with peers and restricted interactions with teachers can confine one’s horizons. The guidance that can be given through a direct, face-to-face conversation is often dwindled by the boundaries of the virtual world.
To add to this, internet penetration in India is very low. So it is not possible for people who really need this kind of education to actually benefit from it. This becomes the responsibility of the government then to ensure that the internet and consequently online education is made available to the remotest parts of the country.
Ultimately, just like there are two sides to a coin, online education has both advantages and disadvantages. It depends on an individual and his circumstances to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa.
And that is probably why Heidi-Hayes Jacobs has said, “Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or an event.” The education scenario in India must take such suggestions in its stride to better its service and quality.

Essay - Genetically Modified Crops Boon or Bane ?
Genetically Modified Crops Boon or Bane?
Overview
What is genetic modification ?
Bt-Cotton, the first genetically modified crop and its commercialisation.
Bt-Brinjal and Bt-Mustard were banned.
Commercialisation of genetically modified crops in different countries.
Lack of evidence against any negative effects does not rule out the risks involved in GM crops.
Is there any allergic reaction for GH crops ?
Environmental issues involved in GM crops.
Some important features of GM crops.
Advantages of GM crops.
Genetic modification is a process which involves altering the DNA of an organism. DNA is a factor which defines the characteristics of an organism. Insertion of a foreign gene in a plant's own original gene can change its characteristics by making it resistant to disease e.g. Genetic engineering provides a quicker and more precise way to achieve some desirable traits, what farmer over years have tried through hit and trial method by breeding crops. The technology is often referred to as 'genetic engineering' or 'recombinant DNA technology' or `modern biotechnology'. Crops which are produced from this technology are often called as GM crops.

In India Bt-Cotton was the first crop which was approved for commercial cultivation in India. 'Be in Bt-Cotton stands for Bacillus thurigiensis. It is a bacterium which occurs inside catterpillars, vtrious types of moth and butterfly. This is inserted in plant genes to make it pest resistant. Bayer Crop Science was the first company in 1985 to develop genetically modified tobacco. The crop was never commercialised. But it was used to test genetic modification as it was not a part of food supply. India's tryst with Bt-Cotton started in 2002.

This GM crop variety developed by Monsanto, provided immunity against pink bollworm. The introduction of Bt Cotton revolutionised the cotton growing areas. As the acreage for cotton crop grew by almost 65% between 2002-03 and 2014-15. Bt-Cotton now claims over 95% of cotton acreage. Genetic Engineering Approval Committee gave the nod for commercialisation of GM crops in India. Till date Bt-Cotton is the only crop which has been commercialised.

Bt-Brinjal which was given green light for commercialisation in 2009, was put under indefinite moratorium, citing its adverse implications. Similarly, Bt-Mustard which was developed in laboratories of Delhi University was banned by Genetic Engineering Approval Committee. Amidst all these issues, in 2016 Monsanto a MNC specialist in agrochemical technology threatens to leave India.

In late 2015, government had expressed intention to cap the prices of Bt-Cotton seeds. In a litigation in Delhi High Court, challenging government's decision, the court refused to put a stay order on the same. The issue got stretched further citing failure of Bt-Cotton. Bt-Crops has two genetic strands, BG-1 and BG-11 (BG-Bollgard). They provide resistance from pests and herbicides. But a recent study showed that BG-11 gene was unable to prevent pest attack and therefore, its commercial production be revoked.

Genetically modified crops were first commercialised in 1996 in countries like USA, Argentina, China, Mexico etc. On one side it has various advantage while on the other there are various health and environmental concerns associated with GM crops. Studies done at Environmental Protection Agency, USA has suggested that after toxicology study done there was no side effects of Bt-Crops on mammal. Bt-Toxins were used in laboratory mouse to observe any ill effects but the conclusion resulted in negative reports, suggesting no harmful effects.

The same reports were also verified by World Health Organisation and International Council for Science. However, lack of evidence against any negative effects does not mean that GM crops are without any risks. Scientists are of the view that the food safety assessment should be done on case by case basis.

Another concern related to human health was the alle
rgenicity studies. Genetic engineering in foods may lead to allergic reactions in certain individuals. Tests done by Food and Agriculture Organisations and World Health Organisation concluded that on the basis of bioinformatics, there was no concern regarding allergenicity. Also, studies done on its digestibility has suggested that gastric juice were able to digest the Bt-toxins. As most allergenics resists digestion therefore, a negative test result on Bt-Crops suggested that they were easily digestible and had no allergic reactions.

Environmental concern is the greatest of all concerns related to GM-Foods. The prime concern is the phenomenon of Outcrossing'. Cross-pollination of genes of GM crops with conventional crops may have adverse effect on stability and safety.

According to World Health Organisation, other environmental issues includes: persistence of gene in the ecology even after the crop has been harvested. Also, the susceptibility of non-target organisms e.g. insects, which are not pests, to get exposed to GM crop's, gene. Also in the process, the stability of the gene may get hampered after engineering. It may also lead to loss of diversity in gene pool which occurs due to natural cross-pollination.

An artificial intervention may confine the gene pool. Also, some study has shown that with time, they also become resistant to pesticides thereby requiring more chemical pesticides, fertilizers etc for its effectiveness.

Some other concerns vis a vis GM crops are the following
The seeds of GM crops requires permission for breeding and are costly for small farmers to procure. Therefore, legal and economic issues are involved.

GM crops have shown unusual taste and do not taste natural as compared to other conventional food.
MNC's involved in genetic modification have monopolistic tendencies and can affect economic policy of government by lobbying.
GM crops, on the other hand have various related advantages. The greatest advantage as pointed out by its ardent supporters is that they are disease and pest resistant. It therefore, makes the task of farmer relatively easier. Also, it has been shown that as a result of its pest resistance properties, less use of chemicals takes place thereby making it more environment friendly.

Other benefit of GM crops is conspicuous by its increasing acreage. The production of crops per unit area is more as compared to traditional crops. This makes GM crops more attractive proposition for farmers. Also, it has been suggested that with modifications, they can also be made more nutritious.

Moreover, they can also be made to thrive in poor or adverse climatic conditions. Their shelf life can be increased by prolonging its ripening time. Also there can be option to change the flavour of crops. As they can be grown on marginal lands, they can also be a drivers to ensure food security in food starved regions, like Africa.

The debate on the usage of GM crops is currently unfolding itself. Till that time, the best option with us is to restrict its applications for human consumption. All the stakeholders should be brought onboard before any concrete step is taken in this direction. GM crops have many advantages but these alone should not be the driving factor for approving it in food supply sector.

Difficult Words with Meanings :
Bollworm a larva that feeds on seeds of the bolls of cotton
Acreage extent or area in acres
Moratorium a suspension of activity or a time when particular activity is not allowed
Agrochemical any chemical used in agricultural production
Allergenicity causing allergic sensitisation
Bioinformatics the retrival and analysis of biochemical and biological data using mathematics and computer science
Outcrossing to cross (animals or plants) by breeding or individuals of different strains but, usually of the same breed
Pollination the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigm
Monopolistic an advocate of monopoly
Conspicous easily seen or noticed
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