It was the time of Assembly Elections in Assam. Bishnu Rabha, the revolutionary who need not require any introduction, even then, had already lost his first elections by a narrow margin. But, this time, Rabha’s victory was almost certain. However, with contemporary politics of 2023, when the parliamentary discussions result in quitting sessions in between with democracy almost becoming a myth, this incident between Rabha and his contender Bijoy Sarma from the Congress can never fade away. Bijoy Sarma and Bishnu Rabha had acted together in plays at the historic Ban Theatre in Tezpur. While campaigning in an ambassador car one day, Bishnu Rabha and Phani Sarma noticed a car with the Congress flag approaching from the opposite direction. It turned out to be Bijoy Sarma’s car. Rabha asked the driver, Bijit Saikia, to stop, and he and Phani Sarma got out to greet their fellow artist. Rabha asked, “How is your campaign going, Bijoy?” to which Sharma replied, “It’s progressing well, Bishnu da. I believe you will win this time.” Rabha, in his usual straightforward manner, concluded by saying, “As for me, I would rather see you succeed. Regardless of who wins, they should not betray the poorest and most neglected members of society. They have blessed us, and we must not squander it. You should know that my best wishes are always with you.” Bijoy Sarma offered betel leaves to his mentors and engaged in a conversation with them for almost thirty minutes. The camaraderie between these political rivals left the spectators bewildered and they stood there in astonishment. Bishnu Prasad Rabha was an extraordinary figure whose artistic brilliance and unwavering revolutionary spirit left an indelible mark on Assam’s cultural landscape. Through his multifaceted genius, Rabha reshaped the world of arts, challenging societal norms and advocating for social justice. As a visionary artist and revolutionary comrade, his contributions to literature, theatre, music, and activism continue to inspire generations, weaving a tapestry of revolution and literary genius. Rabha’s artistic brilliance transcended conventional boundaries, encapsulating diverse forms such as painting, music, dance, literature, and theatre. His paintings were vibrant tapestries, merging traditional motifs with modern techniques, depicting the rich heritage and folklore of Assam. Through his brushstrokes, Rabha breathed life into his canvases, capturing the essence of the oppressed, the marginalised, and the unheard. And among the different arts that Rabha made, the one that Assamese society can never look beyond is his portrayal of their Gurujona– Srimanta Sankaradeva. As a musician, Rabha’s compositions were an ode to the soulful melodies of Assam’s folk music. His heartfelt lyrics resonated with universal themes of humanity, telling the stories of the common people and transcending language barriers. Rabha’s music carried the weight of their struggles, offering solace and igniting sparks of resistance in the hearts of listeners. Of different songs that Rabha wrote and sung, the fact that Rabha Dibas of recent years have majorly played, ‘Parajanamar Subha logonot’ seems a lot unlikely to the identity Rabha carried and the identity, people, today, are bound to remember Rabha as. Beneath Rabha’s artistic creations thrived a profound revolutionary spirit that defied societal norms. He saw art as a powerful medium to challenge the established order, advocating for social justice and amplifying the voices of the oppressed. Through his art, Rabha became a beacon of hope, urging the masses to question existing power structures and strive for a more equitable world. His quote on the British Rule- “Raijye ase duiti patha, ekti kalo ekti sada rajyer jodi mongol chao, duiti patha boli dao” (There are two exploiters of the country, one is white and the other is brown. For the betterment of the country, we must destroy them both), was not merely critical of the British but also, of the then Feudal Lords in India) Theatre became Rabha’s platform for social commentary. His thought-provoking plays unmasked the hypocrisies of society, provoking introspection and inspiring action. His plays served as revolutionary manifestos, propelling the audience towards liberation. He was also the President of the Indian People Theatre’s Association (IPTA) Rabha’s commitment to the welfare of the masses extended beyond his artistic endeavours. Inspired by socialist ideologies, he actively participated in the struggle against colonialism and fought for the rights of the working class. Through his political activism, Rabha established organisations that championed the cause of the marginalised. He fought for land rights, education, and cultural preservation, recognising the interconnectedness between art and social progress. Rabha merged his artistic brilliance with his revolutionary spirit, becoming a vanguard of change and empowering the marginalised to reclaim their rightful place in society. Rabha also has to credit, the development of the film industry in the state. Being a member of the legendary trio of Jyotiprasad Agarwalla, Phani Sharma and Bishnu Prasad Rabha, his role in Joymoti, not only marked the introduction of Rabha in Films, but films, as a whole, to the people of Assam. Source: www.eastmojo.com

People from urban areas are buying honey from the market but many may not have seen bees’ everyday. We must remember that all depend on the survival of bees but the irony is that bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats, hummingbirds, are under threat from human activities. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day. Bees and other pollinators are fundamental for the health of ecosystems and food security. They help maintain biodiversity and ensure the production of nutritious food. There is no doubt that bees are under threat. Present species extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal due to human impacts. Close to 35 percent of invertebrate pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, and about 17 percent of vertebrate pollinators, such as bats, face extinction globally. If this trend continues, nutritious crops, such as fruits, nuts and many vegetable crops will be substituted increasingly by staple crops like rice, corn and potatoes, eventually resulting in an imbalanced diet. One of the career or business opportunities can be apiculture. Bee keeping or apiculture is the maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in man-made beehives. Honey bees in the genus Apis are the most commonly kept species but other honey producing bees such as Melipona stingless bees are also kept. Beekeepers (or apiarists) keep bees to collect honey and other products of the hive: beeswax, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly. Pollination of crops, raising queens, and production of package bees for sale are other sources of beekeeping income. Bee hives are kept in an apiary or "bee yard". The keeping of bees by humans, primarily for honey production, began around 10,000 years ago. Georgia is known as the "cradle of beekeeping" and the oldest honey ever found comes from that country. The 5,500-year-old honey was unearthed from the grave of a noblewoman during archaeological excavations in 2003 near the town Borjomi. Ceramic jars found in the grave contained several types of honey, including linden and flower honey. Domestication of bees can be seen in Egyptian art from around 4,500 years ago; there is also evidence of beekeeping in ancient China, Greece, and Maya. To promote beekeeping in India we have the National Bee Board and National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. Khadi & Village Industries Commission also promotes activities related to bees in the country. At KVIC through its Central Bee Research & Training Institute (CBRTI), 15 State Beekeeping Extension centers (SBEC), 100 registered institutions, Cooperatives and State Khadi and Village Industries Boards undertake training programs throughout the country. Few training includes Diploma in Beekeeping (6 months) for which required qualification is B.Sc (Biology/ Agri. / Forestry). There are other courses for which required academic qualification is either 10th pass or even without academic qualifications. Source: e-pao.net

In an era driven by technology and digital innovation, India has been steadily harnessing its vast potential to emerge as a new leading power in the area. Over the past few decades, India has witnessed a significant transformation in its technological landscape. The country's commitment to innovation, research and development, and digital connectivity has paved the way for remarkable advancements in various sectors. Initiatives such as ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’ have played a crucial role in driving technological growth and positioning India as a hub for digital innovation. With the power of ensuring that the last person in the queue can become a direct beneficiary of government schemes through the medium, importance of technology has risen manifold becoming an important tool of India’s development initiatives.  Administrative reforms, curbing corruption, tax transparency, self-certification, Digital India, DBT-JAM trinity are all areas that sound like technology has touched and brought significant changes to. One of the key drivers of India's technological ascent has been the rapid expansion of digital connectivity and internet penetration. With over 700 million internet users, India boasts one of the largest online populations globally. The advent of affordable smartphones and the availability of affordable data plans have contributed to the democratization of internet access, bringing millions of Indians into the digital fold. This digital revolution has opened up new avenues for e-commerce, digital payments, and online services, transforming the way people live, work, and interact. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to state that the 21st -century would largely be led by those superpowers that adequately exploit technology and data. India's vibrant start-up ecosystem has been a catalyst for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The country is home to numerous successful start-ups across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, and health tech. The availability of venture capital funding, supportive government policies, and a growing culture of entrepreneurship have nurtured a thriving start-up ecosystem. These start-ups are driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to India's emergence as a global technological powerhouse. In fact, one of the biggest and most revolutionary innovations in this journey has been the building of a cashless economy through the introduction of digital payment platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and mobile wallets which have revolutionized the way financial transactions are conducted in the country. Adoption of digital payments has not only provided convenience and security but has also played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion. Millions of unbanked individuals now have access to formal financial services, empowering the m to participate in the digital economy. India has recognized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in driving technological innovation and economic growth. The country has made significant strides in AI research and development, with numerous start-ups and research institutions actively engaged in cutting-edge AI projects. The application of AI and data analytics in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and transportation has the potential to revolutionize these industries, making them more efficient, sustainable, and accessible to all.  Additionally, the‘Digital India’ and the ‘Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’ campaigns aim to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The introduction of initiatives like Aadhaar, a biometric identification system, and Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), a unified tax platform, has streamlined processes, improved transparency, and facilitated ease of doing business. These initiatives have laid the foundation for a digital governance framework and have enhanced efficiency and accountability in government services. In addition, 1.8 lakh gram panchayats have been connected to the fibre network in this year alone, 5.2 lakh Citizen Service Centres have come up across the country providing 400 types of government services and more than 40, 000 compliance requirements removed to improve the ease of doing business. India's abundant pool of skilled workforce and emphasis on technology education has been pivotal in its technological growth. The country is known for its talented pool of engineers, scientists, and IT professionals who are driving innovation both within India and globally. Leveraging the same, the DBT was brought in as a governance reform for greater transparency and accountability through which 100% amount is reaching the beneficiary account with no involvement from any middlemen. Through the same, in one year alone, Rs. 44,000 crores have been saved due to the leakage proof system in place now. As India continues its march towards technological dominance, the possibilities are immense. The convergence of emerging technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G networks presents new opportunities for innovation and growth. The government's focus on strengthening cybersecurity and data protection measures will further boost investor confidence and propel India's technological journey. In conclusion, India's transformation into a technological superpower is a testament to its commitment to innovation, digital connectivity, and entrepreneurship. The country's vibrant start-up ecosystem, expanding digital infrastructure, and skilled workforce have positioned it at the forefront of the global technology landscape. With a conducive environment for innovation and a growing appetite for digital transformation, India is poised to continue its upward trajectory, shaping the future of technology and influencing global digital trends. Source: timesofoman.com

In a rapidly changing world, it is essential to adapt and evolve. The Green Revolution, which swept across the globe in the 1960s, brought with it new agricultural methods and a tremendous increase in crop production. As a recent study from Punjabi University Patiala highlights, these changes didn’t just impact agriculture – they set off a chain of cultural transformations that have shaped the lives of villagers in Punjab for the better. The study, titled Punjabi Cultural Transformation after the Green Revolution, focuses on Bhotna village in Barnala district, where the researchers observed a positive shift in the socio-economic fabric of the community. Balwant Singh, the lead researcher, points out that the basis of this cultural transformation lies in the economic arrangement of the province’s socio-culture, which has been significantly impacted by the Green Revolution. With agriculture as the main axis of Punjab’s economy, it is no surprise that new agricultural methods have had such a profound impact on the lives of the people. The study shows that Bhotna village has not only geographically embraced development but also socially evolved. The streets in the village are now paved, and 50% of the Jat families have transformed their old houses into modern kothis, showcasing the progress that has occurred in recent decades. The cultural changes brought about by the Green Revolution have allowed villagers to enjoy an improved quality of life, with better infrastructure and living conditions. It is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the Punjabi people, who have successfully navigated the challenges brought on by rapid change and emerged stronger for it. While it is essential to preserve and cherish our cultural heritage, we must also recognize that change is inevitable. The story of Bhotna village serves as an inspiring example of how embracing change can lead to a brighter future. Let us take this lesson to heart, and continue to work towards a more prosperous and progressive Punjab. Source: khalsavox.com

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, India has witnessed over the last few years a reinvigorated emphasis on ensuring that as many transactions take place through the digital means. This has made technology-based platforms extremely popular within different sections of society, especially the educated and urban classes. Though the shift to these digital platforms was a foregone conclusion, the same would happen so swiftly that it took everyone by surprise. Notwithstanding the presence of private Indian players like PhonePe, PayTM, RazorPay as well as international giants like GPay, PayPal, PayUmoney, etc the most successful and user-friendly interface has been that of BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) launched by the government of India. Adding a new dimension to the same, an even more advanced, effective, transparent and reliable platform called the e-RUPI was launched. Based on BHIM, the Reserve Bank of India and National Payment Corporation of India collaborated to develop a platform geared at utilizing SMS and QR code technology to seamlessly transfer funds to the bank account of the service provider. One of the major advantages of the platform is that the seamless one-time payment mechanism would enable users to redeem a voucher without swiping any cards or even be able to conduct all forms of Internet banking through a QR code. In a situation like the gloomy pandemic where distancing ourselves from one another has taken a form of its own, e-RUPI puts forth an interesting aspect of a contactless payment mechanism as well. Therefore, for a large population, e-RUPI appears to be the first step towards going digital in a responsible and transparent manner. Apart from the contactless aspect of the payment, which may become obsolete when the situation begins to normalize, one may begin to think how the e-RUPI would turn out to be any different/better than other forms of digital payment. Unlike how the amount to be delivered to the beneficiary by the government is sent across to the bank account of the said individual, e-RUPI ensures that the said allocated amount can be utilized only for the purpose with which the earmarked amount was given. Apart from being a safeguard mechanism to ensure that the amount sent across is utilized for the same purpose, the mechanism also renders the role of middlemen obsolete thereby reducing corruption within the peripheries of the framework. Interestingly, with the help of partner banks, government entities or corporate players may be able to generate their own e-RUPI vouchers and receive payments through the service provider centers. It is clear that the nation is way past the stage when technology was considered the right of only the most affluent classes. Through what is often referred to as the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan Yojana – Aadhaar – Mobile), various mobile applications were developed aimed at creating a more transparent framework through which the necessary subsidy or aid could be sent without the fear of middlemen wreaking havoc or stealing from the poor either. This has seeped in to the extent that the Indian government has been able to provide monetary benefits for up to 300 schemes via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) model. In fact, not just subsidy or aid transfer, even procurement of a record Rs. 85,000 crore rupees (850 billion rupees) has taken place through this technology, saving in total about Rs. 1.75 lakh crores that could have leaked ordinarily. The pilot project for the digital platform was implemented within the health sector where it met with spectacular results. An interesting case study with this regard was the situation of a non-governmental organization that wanted to contribute towards the vaccine procurement at a private hospital. Through e-RUPI, the organization would now be able to provide vouchers to a select number of people in need who would then be able to get vaccinated. This form of charity would be geared towards the selected goal i.e., vaccination and would not be used for any other purpose either. Many experiments were conducted with the e-RUPI as well, with multiple individuals, groups or organizations that were able to bear the treatment expenditure or buy medicines for other individuals. Essentially, anyone with a mobile phone (not necessarily a Smartphone) may now be able to make the payment for their essential goods and services verifiable through the SMS/QR code technology that would only be used for the intended purpose. Over the last decade, the rapid pace at which India has progressed in the field of digital technology has been nothing short of magical. The Indian population has taken to digital payments like fish takes to water, with a large number of monetary transactions at toll plazas, shops, account transfers, restaurants, etc. taking place via mobile phones alone. A large number of developing countries are aspiring to imitate the Indian success story when it comes to digital payments. Source: Saudi Gazette

Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has expressed his optimism that Bangladesh will be the key leader of the 4th Industrial Revolution. “We belief Bangladesh is going to be one of the leaders in the upcoming 4th Industrial Revolution. We don’t just hope rather we plan and we intend on Bangladesh being one of the key leaders of the 4th industrial revelation,” he told a webinar on Thursday night joining it from the USA. As part of Digital World 2020, the webinar titled ‘Embracing Digital Technologies in New Normal’ was arranged by the ICT Division. Joy said: “I believe this is completely possible. It is not it’s not just a dream, it’s possible. We don’t know what next big technologies going to be. But I can promise that some of those technologies will be from Bangladesh”. “We have the ability. We have proved that we can do it. We are now looking forward to next chapter of future technologies and the future,” he added. The prime minister’s adviser said Bangladesh wants to develop next-generation technologies now instead of hiring technology from other countries. “We are developing centre of excellence on 4th Industrial Revolution. We are focusing on research, not just focusing on technologies adapted by others. We want to become one of the leaders in the next generation of technologies,” he added. The government has set some goals for the development of the ICT sector to lead the revolution, he added. The focus is on artificial intelligence or AI, blockchain, Internet of Things, nano technology, biotechnology, robotics, and microprocessor and software designing, he said. Mentioning that the cyber security will play a curial role, he said “We have new cyber security law. We are setting up cyber security cells and national monitoring cells. All these initiatives will ensure online security in our country.” Referring to development in ICT sector, he said because of digitization, time and distance is no longer a factor as he joined the webinar from Washington, DC and some other joined it from different countries. Joy said the ICT sector played an important role in keeping going the wheels of economy during the Covid-19 pandemic. State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak presided over the webinar while ministers for ICT affairs from Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and other countries joined it. Source: BSS AH