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Showing posts from December, 2024

The Caste Puzzle: Is India's Social Hierarchy Rooted in Religion or Economics?

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  The caste system, often regarded as a hallmark of Indian society, has a complex origin rooted in history, culture, religion, and economics. It has significantly shaped the country's social, economic, and political landscape. Various scholars, including D.D. Kosambi, Louis Dumont, and R.S. Sharma, have studied its evolution to understand its multifaceted nature. This study explores the caste system's origins and evolution while analyzing prominent scholars' perspectives and critiques. Definition and Framework of Caste Caste is traditionally understood as a hereditary social group tied to specific professions and practices. It is often defined by hierarchical relationships that determine social status. Louis Dumont, in Homo Hierarchicus , highlighted the caste system as an interdependent structure deeply entrenched in Hindu religious ideology, emphasizing concepts of "purity" and "impurity." According to Dumont, caste operates as a social and relig...

Do Women Need Special Treatment Online, or Just Better Skills?

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As the digital world continues to grow, so do the challenges faced by women online. One in five women report experiencing harm in digital spaces, often in the form of abuse, threats, or cyberattacks. Despite initiatives like the UK’s Online Safety Act, gaps remain in addressing these risks effectively. Research by Magdalene Ng and colleagues at the University of Westminster highlights gender disparities in online safety practices and access to digital security tools. This article explores six actionable steps to make the internet safer for women, supported by research, statistics, and recommendations. 1. Encourage Community Support Community-based NGOs such as End Violence Against Women play a pivotal role in safeguarding women’s online safety. Studies reveal that women are twice as likely as men to seek face-to-face advice for digital safety concerns. Key Statistics Method of Seeking Advice Women Men Consulting family and friends ...

Heart Disease in Women: Obesity or Awareness to Blame?

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A recent study conducted by PGIMER, Chandigarh, reveals alarming insights into the prevalence of obesity and its impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among women in Chandigarh. Speaking at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event held in Chandigarh, Dr. Neelam Dahiya and other health experts emphasized the urgent need to address this growing health crisis. Key Findings from the PGI Study Metric Statistic Women with CVD who are obese 44% Women under 50 years with CVD 15% Women under 40 years with CVD 10% Women consuming adequate fruits/vegetables daily 1% Women advised to reduce salt intake 47% Women counseled on smoking cessation Less than 30% The study conducted over three years highlights that 44% of women diagnosed with heart disease are obese. Poor dietary habits were noted, with only 1% of these women consuming adeq...

"Empowered or Oppressed? The Dual Reality of Women in India"

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  Women have been integral to India’s culture and society since ancient times. However, their status has often been debated and remains a concern in modern India. Despite significant progress in recent years, women in India still face numerous challenges that hinder their full participation in society. Progress and Achievements India has made commendable strides in empowering women through targeted policies and programs. These initiatives have improved health, education, and economic participation. Key Achievements 1.        Education : The literacy rate among women has increased from 53.67% in 2001 to 70.3% in 2021 (Census of India). This growth reflects the effectiveness of schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and mid-day meal programs. 2.        Workforce Participation : Women’s workforce participation has increased to 22.3% in 2022 (World Bank). Additionally, women are occupying leadership roles in polit...