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Lockdown failed altogether

 Social Concern by Malay Kumar

For the past few months, the entire world is suffering due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Different countries try to apply different guidelines to protect their countryman from Covid-19. But, their different approach reacts differently. They succeeded at times, at times failed. But they somehow managed to remain in line to tackle the novel coronavirus. India has done just about the same thing. They could survive at one point but they just collapsed completely in the past month.

There is a solid explanation that except China, no other COVID-19 affected country consists of the same population that India has. It's complicated for the Indian Government to monitor 1.3 billion people at a same time. But even lockdown created a problem for them in the past month. For the past few weeks, the Indian government permits its states to announce the lockdown as per their requirements. Therefore Indian states have decided to lock them down two days every week. This is where the main problem is created. People have forgotten that they have not yet been completely freed from the grip of Covid-19. 

Pictures of the days before and after the lockdown are normal, looks like nothing happened. Those days a huge crowd gathered at the street and market. Somewhere they are wearing masks, but somewhere there is no use of masks. Every store is open. In some places, there is no sign of social distancing. Even police are not there in every major place. At one stage everything was under control. Polices are there everywhere, but it seems like they have given up. 

Another strong reason is allowing some trains to bring back daily workers from other states. Well I know sounds look a little awkward but trust me I am not against it. I want all of them to come back home. But, this is not the right time to bring them home. Since the impact of the lockdown is not the same as before, these people had to be brought back in the first couple of phases of the lockdown. Because then the roads were empty. So there was no chance of the virus spreading. 

The coronavirus is currently growing at an incredible pace with the arrival of externals. At present we have nearly 37 lakhs confirmed cases (4.2 crore people tested as of 30 August), where nearly 28.5 lakhs have recovered successfully and nearly 66 thousand have expired. As per the reports, Maharashtra suffered the most with almost 8 lakhs confirmed cases. Therefore the entire situation demands that India's lockdown turns into a great tragedy. 

A Complete breakdown of Bengal

We have already passed half the time of 2020. But trust me except for the first few weeks we have not yet relief for a single day. Since then we all are Continuously fighting to stay alive. We did not understand that we have to fight for existence so early in our life. We all are so tired that we can not fight anymore, but you know when you start running on a track, quit is not an option. Either you will win it or lose it. The only difference is you can measure your running track before you start running and also you know how long you have to run but, here that option not even exist. 

At the moment we are going through a very tough time. I stay in the state of West Bengal and there is no end to the problems in my state. It all started with the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus, followed by Aamfan storm and many more. Due to this COVID-19 pandemic, our financial and health system completely broke down. Even our educational system getting hugely affected due to this as every school, college, and university remains closed for such a long time. Still, we don't know when we will get back to our normal life. The death toll also increases with it. 

Novel Coronavirus completely swallows this state even after our doctors continue the effort. As of now, we have 70,188 confirmed cases here in West Bengal where 48,374 recovered and the death toll reaches 1,581. Almost every single hospitals are full of COVID-19 patients. With the outbreak of coronavirus, we face another catastrophe called Amphan storm. The government of West Bengal reported a loss of $15.38 billion due to this extremely dangerous cyclone Aamfan. The cyclone left devastation in both the state's 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East Midnapur districts, West Midnapur. Although as a recovery Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 1,000 crore as "advance assistance" for the Amphan-hit state. 

All in all, the condition of this state at the moment is very deplorable. I can't say for sure when we will get rid of it. I just hope that soon we can overcome this situation and everything will be the same again. But as of now please stay home, stay safe and maintain social distance. 

Mumbai fights Coronavirus

Social Concern by Malay Kumar

Every single person is wondering about the COVID-19 pandemic. The whole Mumbai City has become a battleground due to Novel Coronavirus. The number of Covid-19 positive patients are gradually increasing in every single hospital. Most people have a hard time accepting this lockdown at the beginning. So, it was a challenge for the police to make them understand the situation. Luckily they are not stepping out now. But, still, due to lack of awareness, few people only take protection like maintaining social distraction, using face mask just for fear of the police that makes police's job very difficult. 

Dharavi slum in Mumbai, considered to be one of Asia's largest slums with almost 700k population. During the lockdown period, coronavirus is likely to spread rapidly in this slum area. Maintaining social distinction is almost impossible here as there is likely any gap between two rooms. But still, Mumbai police fighting hard to keep them away from this virus. To reach every corner of Dharavi slums drone turning out to be very helpful for the Mumbai police. But even after so much effort, the slum was not saved from the Coronavirus. Today Dharavi reports 25 new cases therefore tally climb up to 2,068. But, the only good news is since the past few daysdays, Dharavi has not reported a single death due to Coronavirus, therefore the death toll of Asia's largest slum stays at 77 according to the BMC. 

In Mumbai, the total number of positive cases is 58,226 with approximately 27,000 recovered and 2,182 deceased. Also, Maharashtra remains the only state in the country where Covid-19 confirmed cases gone pass one lakh (1,07,958). Although the Mumbai police have said they can now control it, but the situation is almost out of hand. The vaccine alone can save their lives. There is one strong reason behind this virus spread, because of the company and factory shutdown, the workers have already begun moving towards their home. A few people also don't know their addresses, even they don't know how to reach there. The overall scenario indicates that the police in Mumbai have to overcome an uphill task to control the whole situation. 

Two private hospitals in Mumbai have been sealed after positive tests for the novel coronavirus by some of their medical staff including doctors and nurses. Plus, 3 other hospitals in India's financial capital Mumbai close their doors for the new patients because of concern about medical stuff and doctors. Although I named this blog as 'Mumbai fights Coronavirus' but I am not sure how much fights Mumbai able to produce, as the city is struggling in the fight against the novel coronavirus. So, please stay safe and spread awareness as much as you can to protect our nation. 

Freshness in the air

Social Concern by Malay Kumar

During this nationwide lockdown, not only we all are feeling bad but also hoping for its end. Honestly speaking I am also hoping for the same. Now we all are constantly fighting against the Novel Coronavirus by staying at our house. As there is no specific medicine for Covid-19 hence maintain social distancing remain the only solution of it. In this critical period, we all are not only thinking about how to get rid of it but also continuously blaming China for Coronavirus. In one way that is correct because there is plenty of problems that have been created due to this lockdown. 

In India, we are going to complete the fourth phase of lockdown at the moment (already started on 18th May). Although the fourth lockdown is completely different from the previous three, as India did not apply for a complete lockdown. That is why this lockdown will keep several shops open, public and private transport will be open but it will be following the guidelines of the government. But, the tragedy is COVID-19 positive cases are still increasing day by day. As of now, we have an overall 1,75,000 positive cases here in India out of which 83,000 recovered and the death toll stands at 5,000. Since we don't have any vaccine therefore this number will surely increase in the future.

China, the United States (USA), the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Spain are some of the other countries which affected the most. On 24th March India announced for 21 days complete lockdown. It already extended thrice, 1st on 15 April followed by May 4 and now on May 18. The moment 1st lockdown began we realized that in the next few months, nothing good would happen. Am I correct? Most people answer yes. That's the right response, but 90%. We are all suffering from the virus issue in India at the moment, but we know this problem will be solved one day with the advent of medicine. But apart from this, our country has a permanent issue that is almost impossible to solve, and that is pollution. India has been plagued by this problem for many years.  

Since in the first three lockdowns both public and private transport was completely closed, air traffic down, all the factories closed, no shops were open and only a few are allowed now, therefore the pollution level is mostly under control. If we want to discuss the pollution, we should be surprised to hear that in 2019 India ranked 5th among the world's most polluted countries list with an avg of 58.8 Air Quality Index (AQI). In 2018 the AQI was even higher. Also, you will be very scared to know that not only Ghaziabad (AQI: 110.2) ranked no 1 but also twenty-one cities from India are on the list of the first thirty world's most polluted cities. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills nearly 6 million people globally each year. Also, air pollution alone kills almost 1.2 million people annually in India according to the World Economic Forum. A few weeks back USA Today claimed, the air in New Delhi is so toxic it can be seen from space. A street vendor just before the lockdown said: "sometimes I think I should pack my bags and leave Delhi for once and for all." For the last few years, Delhi is known as the world's most polluted country capital. 

But even if it is temporary for lockdown, this problem has been solved. Mumbai and Delhi have seen their pollution rates drop dramatically by 40-50% due to lockdown. India Today Data Intelligence Unit (DIU) researched AQI and noticed that no city in the country had poor air quality between the lockdown timeframe. Now you can take a deep breath as it is as fresh as ever. 

Current AQI for some major cities in India -  Guwahati (30), Mumbai (40), Bangalore (54), Kolkata (63), Kerala (63), Chandigarh (64), Hyderabad (66), Chennai (70), Pune (73), Rajasthan (81), Delhi (81), Ahmedabad (113)

Others Blog :

 The outbreaks of Novel Coronavirus

 How online shopping kills local stores

How online shopping kill local stores?

Social Concern by Malay Kumar

In today's world, we are upgrading ourselves every single day. From local shops to shopping malls, then shopping malls to the branded showroom and in now these days we don't have enough time to go to the market and purchase. Because we all are too busy to manage time for us. Thus, in these present times, we are doing what exactly others are doing.

Now the question is how online shopping business-killing local small businesses. The answer is yes. This present-day around 71% of internet users are preferring online shopping in our country and no doubt that this number will increase in the future. Surprisingly, men have more online shoppers than girls in India. Because people are concentrating online shopping, not because of time but the price also. In today's world, people want more good products at less price. For all of us, time and price both are vital and if we get both at the same place then it is an obvious thing that we will purchase our products from an online shopping site not from a local shop. Now in these days, the online shopping rate is increasing tremendously. I am also a part of it, as I like to save time as well as price also.

As online shopping has become very easy these days, that's why most people prefer it over retail shops. Let's discuss what people think before they make an order through online sites. 

a) Firstly, everyone thinks the price first, as it is crucial for all. Normally people get a huge discount on almost every product. Also, sometimes they receive additional cashback as per the offer.

b) Secondly, people think about time. To go to the market and shop takes so much time. As proper time management is a common challenge in our life, so we all think about how it can be saved. If we purchase through an online shopping site we can save our time easily.

c) To make our shopping easy and hassle-free those sites are also upgrading day by day. We get so many options regarding payment during the order as if we want to pay through cash or card both options are available there. Plus E-commerce apps make things easy for us.

Also, these days people get the facility of monthly installment on selected products. But, these options are not available in our retail shops. Also, those e-commerce apps are giving good customer service including quick return-refund policy, replacement policy, etc. Besides, in online shopping people can see a thousand of products before they decide which products they should choose before making an order. These options are not available in offline stores.

But, that does not mean that we don't need local stores anymore. We have good value for both. But, in this modern age as people love to upgrade themselves, therefore, they are focusing online shopping more than the shops, it's kind of a 60 - 40. Please mention in the comment section what you choose between these two? 

Lockdown 3.0

Social Concern by Malay Kumar

Most probably everyone started this year by saying goodbye to 2019 and offering a warm welcome to 2020 just like other regular years. As usual, this year's first day was also spent with much joy gathering friends, family, and so on. 2020 was important for everyone for their reasons. This year may be a turning point for certain people for their studies, jobs, or even for their lives. Those people started with their vision this year. Though the first few days were completely normal, it did not take too much time to change the situation for the whole world. 

It was Thursday, 30th January 2020, and the state was Kerala. Where a man was sick and as a result of this he was tested positive for COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). Many of this country's population were completely unaware of this virus where some of them didn't even get the name here. But, it is a fact that on that day, the most dangerous virus entered India. The number of days the Indians have spent till now after that incident is not natural. Slowly this virus starts to spread among the population, with more population being infected by the rise in Coronavirus. And now it has become a major headache for the country. 

At first, 5 to 10 people a day were affected, then this number rapidly increased. Nearly 500 reported positive cases of Coronavirus found in India within a very short period, out of which 450 are active cases. As a result of this, India observed a 14-hour "Janata Curfew" under our honorable prime minister Narendra Modi on 22nd March 2020. Two days later the government of India announced nationwide lockdown for the next 21 days to protect the country from Novel Coronavirus, affecting the entire 130 crore population of India. 

We are in the most difficult period of our life, where everything is under restrictions. During this complete lockdown schools, colleges, offices, bus, train, flight ✈, cinema halls, temples, shopping malls, even local stores remain closed excluding raw vegetable shops. Only emergency services like the health department including medical stores remain open. People can understand it will affect our economy heavily but we don't have any other options but to stay at home and keep avoid public gathering. As there is no particular medicine for COVID-19, therefore social distancing considers only remedy for this. 

To make sure that people get enough food in this crisis period, both state and the central government already announce the ration package for the economically weaker section. In addition to this, govt already spent a huge amount of money on making the quarantine center. Plus all Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff are continuously fighting to protect people from Coronavirus. But despite all the efforts, the government could not stop Coronavirus from spreading. Prime Minister Narendra Modi then agreed to extend another 19 days of nationwide lockdown.

In the next few days, we will be completing 40 days of long lockdown but still more than 34,800 confirmed cases already identified in our country, of which nearly 24,600 are active cases, where we have lost more than 1,150 people due to COVID-19. That's because of almost 1700-1800 people are getting affected every single day nowadays. This extended nationwide lockdown, as per the order of the Indian government, is effective until 3rd May. Still, our most complicated condition demands that this lockout is extended once again. We all hope the GOI (Government of India) will once again take the right step to stop the virus and hopefully, we can see one more lockdown as a "Lockdown 3.0."

The outbreaks of Novel Coronavirus

Social Concern by Malay Kumar

Novel Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that can cause animal or human disease. It can spread from human to human. There are also many people carrying this virus but have no signs. That makes the situation even more difficult to control for the medical team. But people who have the symptoms can easily be caught by the medical test. 

The Coronavirus source is thought to be a common market in China's city of Wuhan. Where animals, such as fish, birds, bats, etc. are sold. There is a considerable risk the virus will travel from such animals to the human body. Though the exact source has not been identified yet, it is believed to be bats. Bats are also the cause of other viruses such as HIV, rabies, and so on.

The first people tested positive for Novel Coronavirus was a 55-year-old on Nov 17, 2019, according to China. Nearly 83,000 cases have been reported in China since. The  outbreaks in India first came when  on January  30th, 2020, a student from Kerala who had tested positive for Coronavirus  (COVID-19). However, he is recently recovered and released by the hospital after  the treatment. Yet, nearly 14,500 cases of COVID-19 has been found in India until now. Where we have lost more than 475 people so far. West  Bengal (affected - 255 till date) records the first positive case of coronavirus in March where an 18-year-old  man came back from England. He is also  recovered recently and sent home quarantine. 

Ever since the Coronavirus outbreak comes out, it's becoming a major headache for the entire world as people are getting affected by this dangerous virus from almost every part of the globe. Now the question is there any medicine to prevent it? The answer is no, not yet. However, those who are affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. 

Any individual can catch Novel Coronavirus from people who have the virus because the disease can spread from person to person through nose or mouth spreading small droplets. Such droplets can hit anything. Some people then catch Coronavirus by touching the objects or surfaces concerned. Therefore it is important to stay at least 1 meter away from a weak person.

The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, and so on, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO also adds some patients may have pain, nasal congestion, etc. If someone has these symptoms then they should contact the doctors. Also, if you think you've got the virus you can isolate yourself by staying at home and completely avoid public gathering as this is the only way you can protect yourself.

The most important jobs are to stay at home, avoid public transport and wash your hands properly. Also, use hand sanitizer and mask for protection.

COVID-19 : Symptoms and Solutions

Social Concern by Malay Kumar

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a completely unknown virus to all of us before the outbreak started in Wuhan, China (November 2019). The main reason for this disease is the most recently discovered Coronavirus.

Now let's talk about its Symptoms and Solutions -

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may feel pains, nasal congestion, sore throat or diarrhea also. Generally, those symptoms are started very slowly. Also, some people get infected but do not have any symptoms and because of that, they do not feel unwell. But, most of the affected people do have those symptoms. Around 70 - 80% of people recover from the disease without any special treatment. But they need to follow some restrictions. 

Few people get affected by Coronavirus become severely ill and have trouble breathing. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should take medical attention for the recovery. 

You can reduce your chances of being affected by COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions -

I) Maintain social distancing, avoid organizing and participating in large gathering especially at the time of marketing. 

II) Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Or you can use sanitizer also to protect yourself. Because it kills viruses that may be on your hands.

III) Maintain at least 1-meter distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or having fever or even normal people to avoid any kind of infection. 

IV) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Because hands touch many areas and can easily pick up viruses. Thus hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Make sure you, and the people around you, maintain a good distance. Also, everyone should use a mask to protect themselves, as it will cover the mouth and nose. Also, use tissue paper while coughing and dispose of it after using it. 

As there is not any particular medicine therefore people should stay at home to avoid any contact with other people. So, please don't go away. If you feel unwell kindly take medical attention. This will also protect you and prevent the spread of viruses. Please Co-operate with the government by staying at home. 

Other Blog:

1) Why Plastic Carry need to be banned?

2) What impact does NRC have on people?

3) NRC kicks at both ends

4) Bishnupur: The city of Terracotta temple

5) Mukutmanipur: A place to visit

What impact does NRC have on people?

Social Concern by Malay Kumar

NRC (National Register of Citizens) has a very strong impact on people in India, especially in Assam. People protesting almost everywhere against it ever since NRC implemented by the central government. Also, the Indians are not taking the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) positively although it was cleared by the Parliament of India in December 2019.

People are also worried about the problematic National Register of Citizens which demands that every individual submit documentation to be enrolled as Indian citizens. Although we all know that you don't have to worry about the CAA or the NRC if you are an Indian resident and you have all the valid documents regarding your citizenship. Even though you belong to the Muslim community. Because as long as you have the proof of citizenship you are not in a bothering position. 

Protesters believe that the nationwide NRC is as same as the exclusion of Muslims in our country. In CAA, it is mentioned that people coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh on or before December 31, 2014, are invited to submit their documents and become a part of Indian citizens. But not everyone is eligible for it. People belong to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Farsi or Christian communities are eligible for fast-track citizenship. 

But what will happen to those Muslim people who already came to our country at that period? If those people were unable to submit their supportive documents for becoming a part of Indian citizenship then they will be treated like some other communities, but if they somehow manage their documents. And want to become a part of our country. Will, our government gives them the right to become a permanent resident of India? That is the problem they have in mind. 

In the last few months, there has been confusion in the NRC across several parts of the country.

In Gourbazar (Birbhum district of West Bengal) violence broke out on January 22. On that day, a large crowd of people, mainly women, had surrounded the home of 20-year-old Chumki Khatun, who works with an NGO named 'Internet Saathi' that focuses on women's empowerment. Tires were set up alight in front of it, according to local police officials. Chumki Khatun and her family were forced to be taken away by police and sheltered at the police station.

The violence occurred in various angel in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, where 5 trains buried with 3 railway stations. Many railway property, including railway tracks, ticket counter have also been destroyed by protestors. 

Where in Assam many of the families are worried about being separated from their loved ones, particularly those who can not make it to the final list. They are afraid that their relatives will be kept in camps. 

As per the latest updates, the central government mentioned that "people will get several opportunities to prove their Citizenship".

NRC kicks at both ends

Social Concern by Malay Kumar

Ever since the Citizen Amendment Bill (CAB) came into power in November 2019, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) remains as the latest controversial topic in our country. So, let's talk about it and how it is related to the CAB? 

In 2021 the Indian government is planning to introduce the National Register of Citizens for the entire country. Also, it gets updated every ten years. But, considering the huge population of our country it is proving to be a tough ask for the government. In almost every nation, whenever the government made any major changes (amendments) in its rules affect the people, if that change occurs in a country that holds records as the world's second-largest population, the changing sound never looked good.

The government should check their external factors more than the internal problem. Because the only way you can stop the refugees to come to our country without any valid reason is to stop them from where they are entered. Yes, I am talking about the border area. So, the government should focus on the tightness of its security system, especially in that particular area. 

Now the question comes out what will happen with those people who already entered. Are they removed? For me the answer is No, you can't. you can not do anything with them. What you can do is to ask them to produce all necessary documents as it is required to become an Indian citizen. Even if they failed to submit it, still you cannot send them off from where they came. 

As there might be a situation wherein a family some members have all the required documents but some don't have that what will happen then? Are those family members going to be split because of some paper? or the Indian government give them a chance to register themselves as a country citizen? 

In 2020 as the Indian economy is not rising that much so it is not insignificant to take a survey and make a clear database of the exact number of Indian citizens and foreigners in the country. 

But that does not mean that you can ask some people to leave the country as they failed to produce some necessary documents. There are plenty of people in our country who do not have all the documents. As a result of NRC, they are opposing the ruling party by destroying the government's property. We all know how some people have burned down the railway compartment and damaged some platforms. 

Whatever the intention is as so many people are coming out on the street to protest against the CAB and NRC, that means the central government's move is proving to be a massive blunder. People protest almost everywhere, some football fans staging a protest against the NRC and CAB or CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) even during some ISL matches. The ruling party (Bhartiya Janata Party) loses so many members as a result of this. They may have had the right intention but the way they are doing this is not right. Therefore, we can easily say they too are kicked by the NRC. 

As it is a controversial topic, so you are encouraged to write your views in the comment section whether you like them or not. Also, let me know your thoughts as well. 

My other Blog's

Why Plastic Carry bags need to be banned?

Mukutmanipur: A place to visit

Bishnupur: The City of Terracotta temple