Tag: india

Heatstroke. Future concern?

On By Ashish kumarIn Articles10 Comments

The rapid change in the world for the past few decades has made life easier but at the same time has affected Earth as well. The Blue Planet where we all live has changed rapidly, particularly in climate change which must be a major concern for all living here. Climate change along with global warming is rapidly changing the weather throughout the world and their impact on day-to-day living is now being felt and experienced. Fluctuating temperatures and untimely rainfall including typhoons, floods, earthquakes, etc. are being reported frequently causing damage to lives and property.

Out of several consequences of climate change, one of the major is the heatstroke which is being reported every year. The number of cases and deaths due to heatstroke has increased in the past few decades, questioning whether this is the future. Heatstroke should be a serious concern as it is not only an illness but it is a fatal illness.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke, also known as Sun-stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). It’s usually the result of overexertion in hot, humid conditions.

Some of the symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness, weakness, agitation, behavioral changes, nausea, vomiting etc. Untreated, heatstroke can lead to organ failure, a coma, or death.

What does data indicate?

According to a recent study,

More than 5 million people die each year globally because of excessively hot or cold conditions, a 20-year (2000-2019) study has found – and heat-related deaths are on the rise.

The same study reveals that the highest heat-related excess death rate was in Eastern Europe.

Let us look at  the heat-related deaths in the USA which are given below:

YearHeat-related deaths
2004297
20181008
20211600
20221714
Source: https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-people-die-from-extreme-heat-in-the-us/

Adults in the age group of 55-64 years were exposed more to heat-related deaths accounting for 20% of the heat-related deaths that occurred between 2018 to 2021 in the USA.

Heatstroke deaths are reported every year and India is no more out of the list. Let us look at some of the data on heatstroke deaths:

YearHeatstroke deaths
20151908
20161338
20171127
2018890
20191274
2020530
2021374
Source: NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau)

India recorded the highest number of deaths in 2015. For the past few years, the number of deaths has reduced but whether it will continue to reduce in the coming years is questionable considering the rapid climate change in the country.

Let us look at some of the latest cases of Heatstroke in India:

Matter of concern

Heatstroke must not be ignored as it is fatal. It is a condition when our body cannot cool itself down and hence requires emergency treatment and if not treated, can lead to death. Heat is the most lethal amongst all types of extreme weather and heat exposure is worsening with increased global warming.

Although, exposure to heatstroke can be treated. Treatment is a permanent solution or a temporary one? With rapid deforestation and infrastructure construction, we are causing a natural imbalance on Earth in every aspect. Climate change is the result of these imbalances and heatstroke is the result of climate change.

Human future cannot be secured with a natural imbalance on the Earth which humans must think. Heatstroke is not a sudden addition to the list of lethal illnesses but it is a consequence of our immaturity towards nature and if this persists, our future is not bright.

Share your opinion. Have a nice day!

-Ashish Kumar

COVID third wave and community spread…

On By Ashish kumarIn Articles33 Comments

New year 2022 witnessed sudden surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant. The sudden rise in the cases across the world showed that Corona is not yet over. Living in the COVID-19 era has seen various changes throughout the world since the outbreak of the virus. With over 360 million cases reported so far and over 5.5 million deaths across the globe, Corona virus had created startling impact on the lives of many.

PC: Google

Worldwide, total number of cases reported on 21st January 2021 was 37,74,254 which is the highest no of cases reported on single day since COVID made its debut. In fact, for the past 10 days, the total no of cases reported worldwide is over 3 million per day. However, death toll is less than second wave, as of now. USA has reported more than 500,000 cases per day for almost a month now whereas United Kingdom is also witnessing around 100,000 cases on daily basis. France reported over 500,000 cases on 25th January 2021, the highest no of cases reported on single day since the outbreak of the virus.

As far is India is concerned, the total number of cases reported on daily basis is over 250,000 since 14th January 2021 whereas no of deaths on daily basis is less than 1000. Highest no of cases reported in India during third wave is 347,254 which was reported on 20th January 2021. The active cases in India have gone over 2.2 million. Whether this is the peak or peak is yet to come? Some studies states that peak has not yet arrived. Also, the no of hospitalization is less so far in third wave but whether it will be less in coming months? One study shows that the third wave may witness more lethal cases in March to May 2021.

Let us look how quickly the cases in India has increased based on the cases reported on daily basis.

DateNo of cases reported
21st December 20216,317
25th December 20216,987
30th December 202116,764
4th January 202258,097
6th January 20221,17,600
12th January 20222,47,417
21st January 20223,47,254
23rd January 20223,06,064
26th January 20222,86,384
Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/india/

The above statistics indicate how rapid is the spread of corona in India. The positivity rate in India is over 19% now. This raises one important question, is Community spread of Corona started?

Initially, major cities like Mumbai/New Delhi and other metro cities witnessed rapid surge in Corona cases in third wave. Although, the no of cases reported in major cities has dropped but the overall cases throughout the country remains a concern due to high positivity rate.

In a recent weekly bulletin published by INSACOG on 10th January 2022, mentions that Omicron is now spreading through community transmission. In the third year of COVID era, India has acknowledged of community transmission. The spread is expected due to internal transmission, not from foreign travellers. The threat level in India is ‘high” and remains unchanged, the INSACOG report said. The said INSACOG weekly bulletin can be viewed at https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/INSACOG%20WEEKLY%20BULLETIN%2010-01-2022.pdf

PC: Google

Community transmission is a stage where it becomes difficult to establish, if not impossible, who is passing the infection to whom. In simple terms, it is a stage where it becomes difficult to establish the chain of infections, or determine who infected whom. This has implications for deciding containment strategies and response measures to deal with the epidemic.

What does it mean to have community transmission? This is a matter of concern for everyone as the threat level is “high” and hospitalization may increase in near future. It is of utmost importance that we should stay safe keeping social distancing norms.

As the fight with Corona is still going on, a collective effort is required to win…Stay healthy… Stay safe…

–Ashish Kumar

2021 – Year in Review

On By Ashish kumarIn Articles43 Comments

Every new year is full of excitements and new hopes. We all wish for the best in the coming year and same was wished when we landed in the year 2021. The bad experiences of Corona virus in 2020 leading to so many deaths across the globe, we all prayed and hoped that 2021 should be different. Now we are landing in 2022, what we hoped and what happened in 2021 is different because of the deadliest 2nd wave of Corona virus leading to loss of lives of millions across the globe.

PC: Google

If we compare 2020 and 2021, both seems identical to many aspects, particularly to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, many restrictions were relaxed including nation-wide lockdown, as compared to 2020. When things were coming to normal, sudden surge in Corona cases in the month of March and April 2021, reaching peak in May which witnessed more than 400,000 cases per day in India. Many lost their lives due to the “deadliest virus”. Fear factor, scary moments were common in those months till the cases started to fall. Those who survive are lucky and those who didn’t contract with the virus are also lucky. The importance of life was re-understood and re-written.

PC: Google

As 2021 is witnessing its end, Omicron, the new variant of Corona virus had knocked the door in India and other parts of world. Slowly, the number of cases is increasing. The casualties due to Omicron variant is yet to be established but it is a matter of concern as of now.

 Let us look at some of the important events in 2021:

  • COVID-19 cases crossed 100 million worldwide on 26th January 2021.
  • The Great Resignation witnessed millions of employees resigning from their jobs.
PC: Google
  • United States calling its troops back from Afghanistan after 20 years. This resulted in Taliban returning to power in Afghanistan.
  • In December 2021, Russia becomes the fifth nation to surpass 10 million Covid-19 cases after USA, India, Brazil and The UK
  • In December 2021, USA becomes the first country to surpass 50 million COVID-19 cases.
  • Total deaths due to COVID-19 crossed 5 million in November 2021.
  • Tokyo Olympics 2020 was successfully held between 23rd July to 8th August 2021.
  • India made its highest medal tally in an Olympics with 7 medals. Neeraj Chopra winning Gold medal in Javelin throw.
  • Air India was acquired by Tata Group in October 2021. In this historical deal, Government of India sold its 100% stake to Tata group.
  • Record 100 Crores (1 Billion) vaccination was completed in India in October 2021.
  • India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Bipin Rawat passed away along with 12 others in a chopper crash in December 2021.
Pic: Gen Bipin Rawat
  • Inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor (Phase I) in Varanasi in December 2021.
  • Legendary actor Dilip Kumar died at the age of 98 in July 2021.
  • Sunderlal Bahuguna, Indian Environmentalist, well known for Chipko Movement passed away in May 2021.
  • Three farm bills were repealed by the Govt of India in Winter session of parliament.
  • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.

Mainly, 2021 will be remembered for the deadliest COVID-19 virus and the casualties it caused. The year was on the path of 2020. With some changes in the restrictions and offices being opened, travelling allowed, 2021 saw more relaxations in restrictions as compared to 2020.

As 2021 is coming to end, let us hope the coming year should be different from 2020 and 2021. Let us pray that 2022 should end on different note.

PC: Google

As the risk of third wave in India is not yet over, stay safe, take enough precautions and stay happy. Stay healthy…

–Ashish Kumar

Happy Diwali

On By Ashish kumarIn Uncategorized43 Comments

Diwali, the festival of lights has marked its entrance with new energy and enthusiasm. One of the biggest festivals celebrated throughout India, Diwali is the celebration of happiness and justice. Cheer up for the diyas and lanterns to fill the night with positive lights. On this auspicious day, I wish everyone a prosperous and cheerful Diwali. 🙂

The festival is celebrated on the occasion when Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. This festival is celebrated with friends and family and the entire nation is in celebration mood. Meeting friends, family members, Lakshmi pooja, sweets distribution, burning crackers etc. are common in Diwali.

Happy Diwali

May this Diwali, all the negativities should be burned and a new positive beginning should start. The light of happiness and peace should keep illuminating in everyone’s life. Wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali. May Maa Lakshmi give you all the wealth and happiness in life. Once again, Happy Diwali everyone… 🙂 Enjoy, Stay safe, Stay Blessed and Stay Happy… 🙂 🙂

–Ashish Kumar

The Era of Resignation…

On By Ashish kumarIn Articles16 Comments

Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over completely. Over 5 million deaths reported so far, this pandemic changed the living normal. The consequences of this pandemic are visible since its outbreak which includes death, loss of job, fear to go out of home, salary cuts, economic breakdown etc. Amongst these consequences, one major consequence being observed in 2021 is the “voluntary resignation” in many countries.

There was a Great Depression in 1930s, Great Recession was witnessed in 2007-08 after the fall of Lehman Brothers and now, Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed what is being termed as “The Great Resignation”. The term Great Resignation was likely coined by Anthony Klotz, a professor of management at Mays Business School of Texas A&M University, who predicted this mass exodus in 2021.

In March 2021, Microsoft published a research work, The 2021 Work Trend Index. The research work predicted around 41% of the workforce are considering leaving their employer in 2021.

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 million American quit their jobs in June 2021, 4 million Americans quit their jobs in July 2021. Resignations peaked in April and have remained abnormally high for the last several months. August 2021 statistics is similar. Record 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs in August 2021. This massive resignation statistics substantiates the term “The Great Resignation”.

Tech firms, hotels, restaurants and healthcare sectors witnessed the maximum resignation as these sectors require more in-person interactions.

The statistics is of USA, but European countries are also witnessing resignations on large scale. Germany witnessed the highest resignation in Europe, accounting for 6% of workers leaving their jobs this year. This was followed by UK with 4% and the Netherlands wit 2.7% of workers leaving their jobs. One-third of the companies in Germany are short of skilled workers. Amongst the member countries of OECD, 20 million workers have not returned to work post pandemic.

Many garment workers in Vietnam left their job. Such kind of mass voluntary resignation and that too on such scale is rarely observed. We have often heard of termination of employment at mass level but this time it is “The Great Resignation”.

Resignation

Indian Scenario

The “Great Resignation” witnessed by few countries, what impact it can have on India? Does India sooner or later witness such kind of resignation? The Indian IT sector, hotels, restaurants, health care employs a lot of working population and if this happens in India, these sectors will suffer the most.

Few experts state India had started witnessing the Resignation era and if not, the resignation era will be coming sooner or later. Although, the attrition rate in Indian Tech sector is increased to 21%, it is a matter of concern if India is moving ahead toward “The Great Resignation”?

Causes of Resignation

Decoding the causes of this “Great Resignation”, employees have started giving more importance to their life and family than their work. Some of the causes of resignation includes:

  • Fear Factor: Covid-19 pandemic had instigated a sense of fear among the employees. Many lost their colleagues and family members due to the pandemic. Those who were not able to give time to their family due to their jobs, they are considering spending more time with their family and take care of them.
  • Salary cuts and more work: Many companies cut down the salary of their employees, ranging from 10% to over 50%, while no relaxation in the work performed. This means employees were working on less pay and work more, leading to no proper rejuvenation. Many times, they were forced to work on holiday without extra compensation. Companies used this as a tool to make their business as they were not terminating the employees but started taking much more work with salary deduction. This became a demotivating factor to continue to work.
  • Work-Life Balance: “Work-Life Balance” is a term generally observed in books but not in reality. Most of the employee work more than their scheduled working hours. Many times, employees are forced to work after the working hours as they get some “urgent work” post their working hour is over. Late sitting has become a common phenomenon in most of the companies and in India, late sitting is natural. This leads to untimely day to routine which may results in health complications.
  • Giving importance to hobbies: Hobbies are generally kept aside by a normal employee. The pandemic taught many to utilize their hobbies and monetize it for their living. Many focussed on their hobbies and left their job.
  • Start up and Entrepreneur: Many considered to open their own firms from and become an entrepreneur. Many decided to become a full-time freelancer.
  •  Giving importance to life rather than job: “Life is more important than job”, this has been realized by the employees who were “workaholic” in the past. The pandemic taught them to focus on their life, family and their children. Remember, when an employee used to meet their friends or relatives on weekends only, when an employee had to beg for leave for attending a marriage function etc. Employee realized that all these are important in life to live a happy life.
  • Flexible work:  Employee need flexible working environment and hours. They are looking for such a job which can take care of this need.
  • Remote work vs Base Location: Many employees changed their location and settled with their family. They want to stay with their family and organizations are not allowing employees to work from the location of their choice. This has resulted in many resignations as well. Companies want employee to stay at the base location irrespective whether their work require their presence or not. Work from home became a new normal but work from remote location has not yet. As per the work profile, if it does not require employees to go to office, then also they are forced. This creates a sense of dissatisfaction and employees are reluctant to accept the same resulting into resignation.
  • Empathy: Empathy is rarely observed in corporate world. This is one of the main reasons of resignation at this level. Employees are willing to work but in return they want their company to understand their point of view too which is rare.

Job is important and those who survived the Covid-19 virus, they will value life more than anything including job. The Great Resignation is also called as “The Worker’s Revolution”. Whether this Great Resignation will continue, or end is a question itself.

– Ashish Kumar

References:

  1. https://hbr.org/2021/09/who-is-driving-the-great-resignation
  2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lucianapaulise/2021/07/21/the-great-resignation-microsoft-predicts-41-attrition/?sh=537534342d4d
  3. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/hybrid-work