Iran is one of the most populous countries in West Asia. There are 100 females for every 101.89 males. Women are seen as second class citizens in this country.

Women in Iran seen as second class citizens?

Pink T-Shirt Day, also known as Pink Shirt Day, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the issues of bullying, discrimination, and harassment. Many countries celebrate the day either on the second or third Thursday of February.

Pink T-Shirt Day, also known as Pink Shirt Day, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the issues of bullying, discrimination, and harassment. Many countries celebrate the day either on the second or third Thursday of February. Why & When Pink T-Shirt Day Started? Canada was the first nation to celebrate Pink T-Shirt Day in 2007. A group of students from Nova Scotia organised a protest to support a fellow student, bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. The students bought and distributed pink t-shirts to their classmates to show solidarity and raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying. Since then, Pink T-Shirt Day has become a global movement, with individuals and organisations wearing pink shirts as a symbol of their commitment to promoting kindness, inclusion, and respect. Many schools, workplaces, and community groups organise events and activities on Pink T-Shirt Day to highlight the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments for all people. When is Pink T-Shirt Day 2023? Pink T-Shirt Day 2023 is on Wednesday, February 22. Why is Pink Shirt Day important? Pink Shirt Day is important because it raises awareness about the harmful effects of bullying, discrimination, and harassment. It promotes kindness, inclusion, and respect. Bullying, discrimination, and harassment can have severe and long-lasting impacts on people's mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. These issues can also hurt communities and society by creating divisions and promoting hate. Pink Shirt Day provides an opportunity to start conversations about these issues and encourage people to take action to create safe and welcoming environments for all people. It sends a message of solidarity and support to those who have experienced bullying, discrimination, or harassment and helps to build a culture of kindness and respect.

Pink T-Shirt Day 2023: History, importance and why do we celebrate it?

International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on February 21st to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It was first observed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2000, following a resolution adopted at the 30th General Conference in November 1999.

International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on February 21st to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It was first observed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2000, following a resolution adopted at the 30th General Conference in November 1999. The day intends to raise awareness for preserving and promoting mother languages essential for a community's culture, identity, and history. It also aims to encourage the use of mother languages in education, media, and everyday communication and to support language preservation and documentation efforts. Each year, International Mother Language Day has a theme that focuses on a different aspect of multilingualism and linguistic diversity. The theme for 2023 is "Indigenous Languages Matter for Development, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation." People celebrate the day in many countries through various events, such as language and cultural festivals, seminars, and workshops. UNESCO also recognises individuals and organisations that have contributed significantly to linguistic and cultural diversity with the International Mother Language Award. Here is some sample International Mother Language Day wishes: On this International Mother Language Day, let's celebrate and embrace the diversity of our world's languages. May we continue to preserve, promote, and appreciate unique linguistic and cultural heritage amongst our communities. Happy International Mother Language Day! May we always remember the importance of our mother tongues and use them to bridge cultural divides, foster understanding, and build a more inclusive and peaceful world. I wish you a meaningful International Mother Language Day! Let's honour and cherish the languages that connect us to our roots, shape our identities, and enrich our lives. Happy International Mother Language Day to all! May we recognise the value of multilingualism and encourage the learning and use of different languages as communication means for education and empowerment. On this International Mother Language Day, let's commit to breaking down linguistic barriers and promoting a world where all languages are respected, valued, and heard. Happy celebrations! Here are some quotes related to International Mother Language Day: "The limits of my language mean the limits of my world." - Ludwig Wittgenstein. "A different language is a different vision of life." - Federico Fellini. "The more languages you know, the more you are human." - Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. "Language is not just words. It's culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is." - Noam Chomsky. "One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way." - Frank Smith. "A language is not just words. It's a culture, a tradition, a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is." - Rita Mae Brown. "The preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures." - Cesar Chavez. "The best way to learn about another culture is to read its literature." - Amos Oz. "Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savour their songs." - Nelson Mandela. "To have another language is to possess a second soul." - Charlemagne. Why is International Mother Language Day Important? International Mother Language Day is important for several reasons: Promoting linguistic and cultural diversity: International Mother Language Day raises awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic and cultural diversity. It recognises that every language represents a unique cultural and social identity that deserves to be valued and preserved. Encouraging multilingualism: The day promotes the learning and use of multiple languages, which is essential for effective communication, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Encouraging multilingualism can also help promote social integration, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human rights. Preserving endangered languages: Many languages around the world are endangered, with some facing the risk of extinction. International Mother Language Day helps to draw attention to the need to preserve endangered languages and support language revitalisation efforts. Celebrating language diversity: The day is an opportunity to celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of our world. It provides a platform for people to share their language and cultural traditions, build bridges across communities, and strengthen their sense of belonging. Improving education: Promoting mother languages can also lead to better education outcomes, especially for children. Research has shown that learning in one's mother language can improve cognitive development, critical thinking, and learning outcomes. In summary, International Mother Language Day is important because it recognises the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity, promotes multilingualism, supports language preservation, and celebrates the rich and varied languages and cultures of our world.

International Mother Language Day 2023: Know History & Importance, Share Wishes, Messages and Quotes to All

Kiss Day 2023: We are all aware that Valentine's Week occurs during the second week of February. It also helps you to profess your love to the person having a particular place in your heart.

Kiss Day 2023: We are all aware that Valentine's Week occurs during the second week of February. It also helps you to profess your love to the person having a particular place in your heart. People create many arrangements during the week to delight their partner or other significant other. Kiss Day 2023 is coming soon. To help you, we have some emotional wishes you can send to your loved one. If you want Kiss Day 2023 greetings, we've got you covered. The goal of National Kissing Day is to strengthen your relationship. Kisses are used to express affection and are used to show commitment and intimacy. They enhance your link with your companion and promise you that you will be there for each other in good and bad times. On this day, finding a warm, private spot to share a passionate kiss with your partner is a great experience. Kiss Day 2023: Date When will kiss day 2023 be celebrated? Kiss Day is the last day of Valentine's Week and a day before Valentine's Day. Like every year, couples will observe Kiss Day on February 13, 2023. Kiss Day 2023: Significance Kiss day holds great importance in Valentine's Week. Happy Kiss Day 2023 status might add to the significance and splendour of this momentous day. Simple gifts and activities such as vows, chocolates, teddy bears, and offerings will be utilised to initiate relationships. It has been a routine to celebrate love for an entire week rather than just one day. Let's move on to more visible physical expressions of affection, such as hugs and kisses. We've compiled the best Kiss Day 2023 Status for you to send to your significant other in this article. Kiss Day 2023: Wishes, Quotes & Messages You have the power to heal my heart with a kiss. A kiss is my favourite way that you may offer me that you love me. Happy 2023 Kiss Day! Happy Kiss Day, my sweetheart! May our relationship grow over time. Let's enjoy a wonderful day together. Sending many kisses your way. The best way to display how much I care about you is by kissing. Happy Kiss Day, wife in 2023! Your tender kisses feel like a drop of rain on my delicate heart. My only hope on a lost island is your love. Happy 2023 Kiss Day! Although I could write a thousand words to express my love for you, you and I both know that a simple kiss can say much more. You had a happy 2023 Kiss Day!

Kiss Day 2023: Date, importance, significance, Wishes, Quotes, Messages, All You Need to Know About Kiss Day

Black History Month 2023: February is Black history month. Originating in the United States, the annual observance is a four-week-long celebration. Black history month sheds light on the contributions of African-Americans to society in the last 400 years. Historians and the general public neglected the history and importance of African-Americans until the early 20th century. Carter G Woodson, the father of Black history, celebrated the first celebrations of Black history in the second week of February 1926. The week encompassed the birthdays of two significant men who helped abolish slavery in America- President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Later, the one week became a month, and today, we celebrate Black history month, honouring African-Americans and their contribution to the world.

Here's everything you need to know about the history, importance, and reasons behind the celebration of Black History month in February. If you're looking for Black history month quotes and facts, you are in the right place.&nbsp;

<h2>Black history month: History &amp; Importance</h2>

&nbsp;The Father of Black History, Carter G Woodson, was amongst the top scholars who encouraged African-Americans across the United States to rewrite themselves into the history books. Woodson laid the foundation of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915. The association researched and spread awareness about the achievements of African-Americans and the African diaspora. Within a few years, Black history week became Black history month.

African-American teachers, especially women, played a significant role in shaping Black history month. They established history clubs and hosted lectures to spread awareness. In 1986, the United States congress officially recognised Black history month. Every president since Ronald Reagan issued a Black history month statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Black history month 2023: Facts</h2>

Here are some interesting facts about Black history month 2023.&nbsp;

The theme for Black history month 2023 is 'Black resistance.' It observes the "historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings," according to asalh.org.&nbsp;

Canada also recognises February as Black history month. However, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Ireland celebrate it in October. In 2014, Ireland only became the fourth nation to celebrate Black history month.&nbsp;

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of African-Americans in the United States is 48.2 million.

<h2>Black history month 2023: Quotes</h2>

Here are a few quotes for Black history month 2023 from African-American legends who engraved their names in history's golden pages.

"I refuse to accept the view that humankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. I believe unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." - Frederick Douglass

"We all have dreams. To make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort." - Jesse Owens

"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear." - Rosa Parks

Black History Month 2023: February is Black history month. Originating in the United States, the annual observance is a four-week-long celebration. Black history month sheds light on the contributions of African-Americans to society in the last 400 years.

Black History Month 2023: February is Black history month. Originating in the United States, the annual observance is a four-week-long celebration. Black history month sheds light on the contributions of African-Americans to society in the last 400 years. Historians and the general public neglected the history and importance of African-Americans until the early 20th century. Carter G Woodson, the father of Black history, celebrated the first celebrations of Black history in the second week of February 1926. The week encompassed the birthdays of two significant men who helped abolish slavery in America- President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Later, the one week became a month, and today, we celebrate Black history month, honouring African-Americans and their contribution to the world. Here's everything you need to know about the history, importance, and reasons behind the celebration of Black History month in February. If you're looking for Black history month quotes and facts, you are in the right place. Black history month: History & Importance The Father of Black History, Carter G Woodson, was amongst the top scholars who encouraged African-Americans across the United States to rewrite themselves into the history books. Woodson laid the foundation of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915. The association researched and spread awareness about the achievements of African-Americans and the African diaspora. Within a few years, Black history week became Black history month. African-American teachers, especially women, played a significant role in shaping Black history month. They established history clubs and hosted lectures to spread awareness. In 1986, the United States congress officially recognised Black history month. Every president since Ronald Reagan issued a Black history month statement. Black history month 2023: Facts Here are some interesting facts about Black history month 2023. The theme for Black history month 2023 is 'Black resistance.' It observes the "historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings," according to asalh.org. Canada also recognises February as Black history month. However, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Ireland celebrate it in October. In 2014, Ireland only became the fourth nation to celebrate Black history month. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of African-Americans in the United States is 48.2 million. Black history month 2023: Quotes Here are a few quotes for Black history month 2023 from African-American legends who engraved their names in history's golden pages. "I refuse to accept the view that humankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. I believe unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." - Martin Luther King, Jr. "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." - Frederick Douglass "We all have dreams. To make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort." - Jesse Owens "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear." - Rosa Parks

Black History Month 2023: Why do we celebrate it in February month? History, Importance, Facts & Quotes

The first time the omicron variant breached Hong Kong’s coronavirus defenses, in late 2021, the city stamped it out, cementing its status as one of the world’s most formidable redoubts of “zero COVID.”

But a few weeks later, omicron came to the metropolis again, this time causing an outbreak among cleaners at a public-housing estate that spiraled out of control. The conflagration of resulting cases is now killing people at a rate exceeding that of almost any country since the coronavirus emerged.

Over the entire pandemic, Hong Kong’s death toll per capita, once far lower than those of Western nations, is no longer exceptional. A month ago, Americans had died from COVID at 90 times the rate of people in Hong Kong. By Monday, the cumulative American toll was 3 1/2 times as high.

As the United States braces for its own, less punishing rise in cases, and mainland China battles its biggest outbreak in two years, scientists have looked to Hong Kong for clues about the threat omicron poses in an entirely different setting: a dense city where people were not only largely untouched by previous infections, but whose oldest and most vulnerable residents were also largely unvaccinated.

Several critical lessons emerged, health experts said.

In the era of omicron and its even more infectious subvariant, BA.2, vaccinating a broad swath of the population remained important, scientists said. But inoculating as many older people as possible had become far and away the top priority.

That message, they said, was most pressing for China, where vaccinations in older age groups also appear to be lagging and there is little immunity from earlier infections.

But it was relevant again in the United States, too, where subpar vaccination and booster rates among older people have left scientists concerned about a potential surge of BA.2 cases. Partly because so many more Americans have been infected and killed by the coronavirus during earlier waves, scientists do not expect the United States to face as serious a situation in the coming months as Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s dreadful outbreak also signals the perils of trying to eliminate the virus without a plan for what would come next, health experts said. Omicron’s high transmissibility, they said, made outbreaks almost inevitable.

Hong Kong, which along with mainland China had been among the last holdouts of a strategy of tight restrictions and border controls to eradicate the virus, was left vulnerable by how few of its residents had any immunity from prior infections: Before the omicron surge, scientists estimated that only 1% of Hong Kong’s population had contracted the virus.

Those low levels of immunity can leave places vulnerable to waves of cases, as more contagious variants sneak in or restrictions are lifted. But governments can still prepare for those waves, said Dr. Gabriel Leung, dean of medicine at the University of Hong Kong.

Less than one-quarter of people aged 80 and over in Hong Kong had been given two doses of a vaccine before omicron surged, compared with more than 90% of people in Singapore and New Zealand.

Because of the number of unvaccinated older people in China, scientists said, it might also have some difficulty lifting “zero COVID” restrictions. More than 87% of China’s population have been vaccinated. But just over half of people 80 and older have had two shots, and less than 20% of people in that age group have received a booster, Zeng Yixin, a vice minister of the National Health Commission, said Friday.

“I don’t think it’s quite ready for the transition,” Leung said.

A number of Asian and Pacific countries had largely kept the virus at bay for two years, only to face omicron outbreaks because the virus was so contagious and their populations had avoided earlier infections. But high vaccination rates, including among older people, have helped many of those countries avoid more devastating surges.

In South Korea, for example, where 87% of people are vaccinated and 63% have booster shots, the cumulative death toll per capita is one-tenth of America’s, even though South Korea has recorded more than three-quarters as many cases as the United States over the entire pandemic.

Health experts said that Hong Kong’s difficulties vaccinating older people resulted from a combination of complacency, given the city’s earlier success in containing the virus, and unfounded fears that older people and those in poor health faced particular risks from vaccines.

The city has now vaccinated 39% of residents aged 80 and above, despite having inoculated almost two-thirds of 12- to 19-year-olds.

Many people in Hong Kong have been given the Chinese vaccine Sinovac, which appears to offer relatively little protection from omicron infections but a better defense against severe disease. Scientists noted that almost 90% of people who died during the latest wave were not fully vaccinated, suggesting that getting shots to the most vulnerable is more important than the particular brand.

“The problem in Hong Kong is, we haven’t succeeded in vaccinating our most vulnerable population — the elderly, especially those staying in elderly-care homes,” said Dr. Siddharth Sridhar, a clinical virologist at the University of Hong Kong. “And as a result, we are in a very bad situation.”

The United States has vaccinated many more of its older residents than Hong Kong but fewer than Western Europe and has seen a high death rate. And as immunity from early vaccinations wanes and booster shots become critical for shoring up protection against omicron among older people, the United States finds itself exposed on that count, too. About 41% of people 65 and over have not received a booster shot.

Unlike other parts of Asia that had gradually lifted restrictions in recent months, Hong Kong was not ready for its defenses to fail, scientists said.

“From the government’s point of view, there was such a strong fixation on ‘zero COVID’ that as long as that worked, vaccination was not necessarily the priority,” said Ben Cowling, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong.

Many older residents and their families adopted the same view, public health experts said. If Hong Kong’s rigid social-distancing measures and careful border controls were going to keep the virus out anyway, the conventional thinking went, was getting a vaccine worth the trouble?

“If you’re telling people that the disease is never going to get in, then there’s less of an incentive to go and get vaccinated,” said Dr. David Owens, a family doctor in Hong Kong. “To an extent, the messaging around elimination confounded the need to vaccinate.”

Cowling, of the University of Hong Kong, said that his city could have responded in one of two ways to signs that cases would surge: either double down on “zero COVID” through measures like building better quarantine facilities for overseas arrivals, or acknowledge that outbreaks are unavoidable and raise vaccination rates.

“Zero COVID is a really good strategy if you can stay at zero,” Cowling said. “But as we found in Hong Kong, it doesn’t last forever.”

Hong Kong eventually took steps to persuade older people to become vaccinated, once earlier inducements like vaccine passes proved ineffective. In January, the government announced that it would ban unvaccinated people from restaurants that serve dim sum, which are popular among older residents. But it was too late.

With cases and deaths now declining, Hong Kong announced Monday that it would lift certain restrictions.

Singapore began abandoning “zero COVID” policies in the summer. Dr. Ooi Eng Eong, an infectious disease expert at Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, said that it took a wave of the delta variant to raise vaccination rates and disabuse people of the notion that they did not need protection.

Now, cases in Singapore have surged, but deaths are relatively low.

“It’s so much more transmissible that I think wearing a face mask and all — that helps but not to the extent that it has impacted the epidemiology,” Ooi said of omicron. “The trends are really driven by vaccination.”

Still, even after five or six waves of the pandemic, the reasons that some countries have succeeded while others have suffered remain unclear.

Japan, for example, has tamped down on cases throughout the pandemic without resorting to full-fledged lockdowns, scientists said.

The country benefited from its government sharing sound public health advice early in the pandemic. As much as residents tired of precautions, they largely took the advice seriously, said Taro Yamamoto, a professor at the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Nagasaki University.

Roughly 80% of people in Japan have had their initial vaccine series. But even though the country is lagging in administering booster doses and had a surge of omicron infections, death rates during omicron have remained considerably lower than in nearby South Korea.

“Partly it’s a mystery,” Yamamoto said. “We cannot explain it all.”

The first time the omicron variant breached Hong Kong’s coronavirus defenses, in late 2021, the city stamped it out, cementing its status as one of the world’s most formidable redoubts of “zero COVID.

The first time the omicron variant breached Hong Kong’s coronavirus defenses, in late 2021, the city stamped it out, cementing its status as one of the world’s most formidable redoubts of “zero COVID.” But a few weeks later, omicron came to the metropolis again, this time causing an outbreak among cleaners at a public-housing estate that spiraled out of control. The conflagration of resulting cases is now killing people at a rate exceeding that of almost any country since the coronavirus emerged. Over the entire pandemic, Hong Kong’s death toll per capita, once far lower than those of Western nations, is no longer exceptional. A month ago, Americans had died from COVID at 90 times the rate of people in Hong Kong. By Monday, the cumulative American toll was 3 1/2 times as high. As the United States braces for its own, less punishing rise in cases, and mainland China battles its biggest outbreak in two years, scientists have looked to Hong Kong for clues about the threat omicron poses in an entirely different setting: a dense city where people were not only largely untouched by previous infections, but whose oldest and most vulnerable residents were also largely unvaccinated. Several critical lessons emerged, health experts said. In the era of omicron and its even more infectious subvariant, BA.2, vaccinating a broad swath of the population remained important, scientists said. But inoculating as many older people as possible had become far and away the top priority. That message, they said, was most pressing for China, where vaccinations in older age groups also appear to be lagging and there is little immunity from earlier infections. But it was relevant again in the United States, too, where subpar vaccination and booster rates among older people have left scientists concerned about a potential surge of BA.2 cases. Partly because so many more Americans have been infected and killed by the coronavirus during earlier waves, scientists do not expect the United States to face as serious a situation in the coming months as Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s dreadful outbreak also signals the perils of trying to eliminate the virus without a plan for what would come next, health experts said. Omicron’s high transmissibility, they said, made outbreaks almost inevitable. Hong Kong, which along with mainland China had been among the last holdouts of a strategy of tight restrictions and border controls to eradicate the virus, was left vulnerable by how few of its residents had any immunity from prior infections: Before the omicron surge, scientists estimated that only 1% of Hong Kong’s population had contracted the virus. Those low levels of immunity can leave places vulnerable to waves of cases, as more contagious variants sneak in or restrictions are lifted. But governments can still prepare for those waves, said Dr. Gabriel Leung, dean of medicine at the University of Hong Kong. Less than one-quarter of people aged 80 and over in Hong Kong had been given two doses of a vaccine before omicron surged, compared with more than 90% of people in Singapore and New Zealand. Because of the number of unvaccinated older people in China, scientists said, it might also have some difficulty lifting “zero COVID” restrictions. More than 87% of China’s population have been vaccinated. But just over half of people 80 and older have had two shots, and less than 20% of people in that age group have received a booster, Zeng Yixin, a vice minister of the National Health Commission, said Friday. “I don’t think it’s quite ready for the transition,” Leung said. A number of Asian and Pacific countries had largely kept the virus at bay for two years, only to face omicron outbreaks because the virus was so contagious and their populations had avoided earlier infections. But high vaccination rates, including among older people, have helped many of those countries avoid more devastating surges. In South Korea, for example, where 87% of people are vaccinated and 63% have booster shots, the cumulative death toll per capita is one-tenth of America’s, even though South Korea has recorded more than three-quarters as many cases as the United States over the entire pandemic. Health experts said that Hong Kong’s difficulties vaccinating older people resulted from a combination of complacency, given the city’s earlier success in containing the virus, and unfounded fears that older people and those in poor health faced particular risks from vaccines. The city has now vaccinated 39% of residents aged 80 and above, despite having inoculated almost two-thirds of 12- to 19-year-olds. Many people in Hong Kong have been given the Chinese vaccine Sinovac, which appears to offer relatively little protection from omicron infections but a better defense against severe disease. Scientists noted that almost 90% of people who died during the latest wave were not fully vaccinated, suggesting that getting shots to the most vulnerable is more important than the particular brand. “The problem in Hong Kong is, we haven’t succeeded in vaccinating our most vulnerable population — the elderly, especially those staying in elderly-care homes,” said Dr. Siddharth Sridhar, a clinical virologist at the University of Hong Kong. “And as a result, we are in a very bad situation.” The United States has vaccinated many more of its older residents than Hong Kong but fewer than Western Europe and has seen a high death rate. And as immunity from early vaccinations wanes and booster shots become critical for shoring up protection against omicron among older people, the United States finds itself exposed on that count, too. About 41% of people 65 and over have not received a booster shot. Unlike other parts of Asia that had gradually lifted restrictions in recent months, Hong Kong was not ready for its defenses to fail, scientists said. “From the government’s point of view, there was such a strong fixation on ‘zero COVID’ that as long as that worked, vaccination was not necessarily the priority,” said Ben Cowling, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong. Many older residents and their families adopted the same view, public health experts said. If Hong Kong’s rigid social-distancing measures and careful border controls were going to keep the virus out anyway, the conventional thinking went, was getting a vaccine worth the trouble? “If you’re telling people that the disease is never going to get in, then there’s less of an incentive to go and get vaccinated,” said Dr. David Owens, a family doctor in Hong Kong. “To an extent, the messaging around elimination confounded the need to vaccinate.” Cowling, of the University of Hong Kong, said that his city could have responded in one of two ways to signs that cases would surge: either double down on “zero COVID” through measures like building better quarantine facilities for overseas arrivals, or acknowledge that outbreaks are unavoidable and raise vaccination rates. “Zero COVID is a really good strategy if you can stay at zero,” Cowling said. “But as we found in Hong Kong, it doesn’t last forever.” Hong Kong eventually took steps to persuade older people to become vaccinated, once earlier inducements like vaccine passes proved ineffective. In January, the government announced that it would ban unvaccinated people from restaurants that serve dim sum, which are popular among older residents. But it was too late. With cases and deaths now declining, Hong Kong announced Monday that it would lift certain restrictions. Singapore began abandoning “zero COVID” policies in the summer. Dr. Ooi Eng Eong, an infectious disease expert at Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, said that it took a wave of the delta variant to raise vaccination rates and disabuse people of the notion that they did not need protection. Now, cases in Singapore have surged, but deaths are relatively low. “It’s so much more transmissible that I think wearing a face mask and all — that helps but not to the extent that it has impacted the epidemiology,” Ooi said of omicron. “The trends are really driven by vaccination.” Still, even after five or six waves of the pandemic, the reasons that some countries have succeeded while others have suffered remain unclear. Japan, for example, has tamped down on cases throughout the pandemic without resorting to full-fledged lockdowns, scientists said. The country benefited from its government sharing sound public health advice early in the pandemic. As much as residents tired of precautions, they largely took the advice seriously, said Taro Yamamoto, a professor at the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Nagasaki University. Roughly 80% of people in Japan have had their initial vaccine series. But even though the country is lagging in administering booster doses and had a surge of omicron infections, death rates during omicron have remained considerably lower than in nearby South Korea. “Partly it’s a mystery,” Yamamoto said. “We cannot explain it all.”

High death rate in Hong Kong shows importance of vaccinating the elderly

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a festival celebrated by the Hindus and Jains. According to the Hindu calendar, this auspicious festival falls on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha.&nbsp

This festival is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. One might also find it interesting that on this day, Ved Vyas commenced writing the Mahabharata.

This year it is being observed on April 18.

Hindus believe that the day of Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious one for buying gold and jewellery. One anticipates good fortune and success in financial areas while shopping or investing in gold during this time.

While Pandavas were in their exile, it was on this holy day that Lord Krishna blessed them with the Akshaya Patra or the vessel that never goes empty. Several notable personalities including Basaveshwara, Ramanujacharya, Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Chinmayananda were all born on Akshaya Tritiya.

Once Sudhama, the childhood friend of Krishna wished to meet Krishna later in his life after having fathered several children and suffering in poverty. Sudhama knew that Krishna always liked beaten rice (poha). Therefore he bundled some of it in a cloth and hung it on his back during a long and tedious journey to Krishna’s abode. Krishna gave his friend a royal welcome and had three mouthfuls of the poha that Sudhama got for him.

Sudhama did not ask for any favour during that time and thus returned home. To his utter surprise, the entire household was found transformed like a heaven overflowing with all wealth and prosperity that would suffice for more than a lifetime. Thus, it was on Akshaya Tritiya that Krishna blessed his poor devotee with such an incomparable wealth.

The auspicious timings for purchasing gold are as follows:

Morning 5.57 am to 9.09 am 
Morning 10.45 am to 12.21 pm 
Afternoon 3.33 pm to 06.45 pm 
Evening 8.08 pm to 12.20 am

Hindus believe that the day of Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious one for buying gold and jewellery.

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a festival celebrated by the Hindus and Jains. According to the Hindu calendar, this auspicious festival falls on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha. This festival is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. One might also find it interesting that on this day, Ved Vyas commenced writing the Mahabharata. This year it is being observed on April 18. Hindus believe that the day of Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious one for buying gold and jewellery. One anticipates good fortune and success in financial areas while shopping or investing in gold during this time. While Pandavas were in their exile, it was on this holy day that Lord Krishna blessed them with the Akshaya Patra or the vessel that never goes empty. Several notable personalities including Basaveshwara, Ramanujacharya, Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Chinmayananda were all born on Akshaya Tritiya. Once Sudhama, the childhood friend of Krishna wished to meet Krishna later in his life after having fathered several children and suffering in poverty. Sudhama knew that Krishna always liked beaten rice (poha). Therefore he bundled some of it in a cloth and hung it on his back during a long and tedious journey to Krishna’s abode. Krishna gave his friend a royal welcome and had three mouthfuls of the poha that Sudhama got for him. Sudhama did not ask for any favour during that time and thus returned home. To his utter surprise, the entire household was found transformed like a heaven overflowing with all wealth and prosperity that would suffice for more than a lifetime. Thus, it was on Akshaya Tritiya that Krishna blessed his poor devotee with such an incomparable wealth. The auspicious timings for purchasing gold are as follows: Morning 5.57 am to 9.09 am Morning 10.45 am to 12.21 pm Afternoon 3.33 pm to 06.45 pm Evening 8.08 pm to 12.20 am

Akshaya Tritiya 2018: Significance, importance and timing

Observed on March 29, Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of sage Mahavir, which is celebrated by the Jains across the country.&nbsp

Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th and the last Jain sage who established the core tenets of Jainism.

Lord Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama, that is situated in Vaishali district in Bihar, during 599 BC, on the thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra month.&nbsp

It is believed that he belonged to a royal family of the Ikshvaku dynasty and his parents were King Siddartha and Queen Trishala. Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important religious events for the Jains as he was the founder of Jainism.

This festival is celebrated widely by the Jain community in memory of the last spiritual teacher of the religion.&nbsp

A procession is called with the idol of Lord Mahavira called the Rath Yatra.&nbsp

Reciting stavans or Jain prayers, statues of the lord are given a ceremonial bath called abhisheka. The last Jain Tirthankara taught ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment) to his disciples and his teachings were called Jain Agamas.&nbsp

It is believed that the saint attained moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) at the age of 72. Devotees also chant his prayers and teaching on this day.

Observed on March 29, Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of sage Mahavir, which is celebrated by the Jains across the country.

Observed on March 29, Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of sage Mahavir, which is celebrated by the Jains across the country. Mahavir, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th and the last Jain sage who established the core tenets of Jainism. Lord Mahavir was born in Kundalagrama, that is situated in Vaishali district in Bihar, during 599 BC, on the thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra month. It is believed that he belonged to a royal family of the Ikshvaku dynasty and his parents were King Siddartha and Queen Trishala. Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important religious events for the Jains as he was the founder of Jainism. This festival is celebrated widely by the Jain community in memory of the last spiritual teacher of the religion. A procession is called with the idol of Lord Mahavira called the Rath Yatra. Reciting stavans or Jain prayers, statues of the lord are given a ceremonial bath called abhisheka. The last Jain Tirthankara taught ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity) and aparigraha (non-attachment) to his disciples and his teachings were called Jain Agamas. It is believed that the saint attained moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) at the age of 72. Devotees also chant his prayers and teaching on this day.

Mahavir Jayanti 2018: Date, History and Importance

Some months ago, my friend&rsquo;s young son asked me about Hanuman, the secrets behind his prowess, especially his amazing size-reduction abilities.&nbsp;

His father gave me a nod of approval, &lsquo;Aunty does know something about history for children.&rsquo;

This one short exchange encapsulates the challenges facing history, especially how it is shaped and narrated for younger readers. At first glance, there is everything wrong in the above exchange; the two statements contradict each other. But then understanding may, and indeed does, come from mistaken notions.

First, of course, there is the clear difference between myth and history. Latter is more exact, the rational subject of study, almost like a science with its belief in evidence and argument. And then there&rsquo;s also the play of imagination. Myths, on the other hand, are ancient tales that have travelled. The strange thing is that history can and indeed does tell us about how myths travel or changed shape through the centuries, why some myths and figures became popular, while others perished by the wayside.&nbsp;

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<h5>There are many sides to a story, and history is never just one story.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

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When it comes to history, and the way it might be told to the younger&nbsp;reader, I might then begin by saying: Don&rsquo;t disbelieve everything, argue your way out.&nbsp;

Doing so especially matters in this age of the Internet, when WhatsApp and other social media has made almost everyone an armchair historian; expert of facts (verifiable or otherwise) available at the mere tap of a button. Images are expertly edited, photoshopped so to be passed off as truth &ndash; irrefutable, definite historical truth. Certain kinds of photos, of course, are ineluctably more popular, for example, those used to discredit any opponent/enemy and/or to demonstrate chest-thumping patriotism.&nbsp;

Some months ago, a photo held up on television by a prominent political party spokesperson showed two Indian soldiers holding up the national flag on a mountain peak, that was passed off as Siachen. This was sad and grotesque in every measure. For one, patriotism hasn&rsquo;t anything ever to do with photoshopping. And then, the original is the well-known 1945 photo taken by Joe Rosenthal of US soldiers on Iwo Jima in the Pacific, during World War II.

One doesn&rsquo;t really need to be an expert to figure out if something&rsquo;s been photoshopped. It is as easy to photoshop something as it is to disbelieve the effort. But the example above might make us think, for example, about the photo&rsquo;s history (even if it a &lsquo;false&rsquo; one), when and why was it taken. Such a thought exercise, coupled with the search for evidence and clues, might lead us down to the present, make us ask why such an exercise relating to photoshopping history was even necessary. &nbsp;

It&rsquo;s as necessary then, almost as a counter to the first rule to: Disbelieve everything, and to trust the evidence you glean for yourself.&nbsp;

But this leads us in turn to evidence itself &ndash; which sadly, is indeed easy to concoct. Photoshopping is just a small part of this. A search on the Internet shows up the many pseudo-history sites that spread hatred; stories of the past being nothing but an endless series of conspiracies, conquests and battles; of humiliations heaped and then avenged. &nbsp;

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<h5>There are always new narratives, there is always new evidence that emerges. It&rsquo;s vital to remember how this &lsquo;evidence&rsquo; is used.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=There are always new narratives, there is always new evidence that emerges. It?s vital to remember how this ?evidence? is used." target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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What then is evidence all about? How does one gather evidence &ndash; and does anything in the past, that which is gone, offer up credible evidence? This is where context comes in, and imagination too. For example, one might imagine a time in the future, with someone looking back to our own era. Evil does exist and people find reasons of all kinds to commit evil. Then there are nuances to it too. What makes such systems of tyranny develop? &nbsp;These may, in turn, give rise to other systems that turn out to be even more so. &nbsp;

It is important than to see what lies beneath. And the context.&nbsp;

It is assumed that history is a dry subject; a series of unequivocal statements and dates of the past. But understanding the context also reveals history&rsquo;s vibrancy. There are many sides to a story, and history is never just one story. It is never a story about kings and tyrants, though for a while they did get to write their side of history.&nbsp;

Just as there is a many-sidedness to history, it is an ever-changing subject. There are many perspectives to it, many schools of thought &ndash; which makes it a lively subject, never dull, never really about the dead (pun intended). There are always new narratives, there is always new evidence that emerges. It&rsquo;s vital to remember how this &lsquo;evidence&rsquo; is used.&nbsp;

And while there is new evidence, it is especially important to distrust it - the newer it looks, the more one might distrust it till proven. (Especially yes, when it comes to photos).&nbsp;

For example, it is possible to show stones as evidence across the sea to represent Rama&rsquo;s mythical bridge, but this should only make us ask questions. Not just whether it&rsquo;s possible for a bridge to last for aeons and centuries, but how does something show up in satellite imagery; as students of history, stories like this must make us go into the past in various ways &ndash; whether it&rsquo;s geological history, climatic change, and about the Ramayana itself.&nbsp;The many versions of it, the ones written in the different Indian languages, and the versions of women and other marginalised groups. It might make us ask if symbols are more important than the stories themselves.&nbsp;

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<h5>History must make us ask all the right questions; questions that matter to the present, while they draw on the past. &nbsp;</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=History must make us ask all the right questions; questions that matter to the present, while they draw on the past. ?" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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History then isn&rsquo;t just one story, but many stories that exist concomitantly. This makes the past, a fully lived in time-period, a constantly changing place, full of mysteries, of heroes known and unknown. Faced with the immensity of such discoverable riches (of knowledge), violence and hatred seem forces to be countered, for it is, yes about context and what made for this context. History must make us ask all the right questions; questions that matter to the present, while they draw on the past. &nbsp;

It&rsquo;s not a hand me down&nbsp;subject, but the one that makes us not just question things like a science but it seeks empathy and imagination &ndash; as with the humanities. History might yet help us understand ourselves better, and understanding the past is just a step toward a better, more humane future. It&rsquo;d be nice to start early, it makes the work of history writers that much more challenging and at times, inspiring.&nbsp;

History might yet help us understand ourselves better, and understanding the past is just a step toward a better, more humane future.

Some months ago, my friend’s young son asked me about Hanuman, the secrets behind his prowess, especially his amazing size-reduction abilities. His father gave me a nod of approval, ‘Aunty does know something about history for children.’ This one short exchange encapsulates the challenges facing history, especially how it is shaped and narrated for younger readers. At first glance, there is everything wrong in the above exchange; the two statements contradict each other. But then understanding may, and indeed does, come from mistaken notions. First, of course, there is the clear difference between myth and history. Latter is more exact, the rational subject of study, almost like a science with its belief in evidence and argument. And then there’s also the play of imagination. Myths, on the other hand, are ancient tales that have travelled. The strange thing is that history can and indeed does tell us about how myths travel or changed shape through the centuries, why some myths and figures became popular, while others perished by the wayside. There are many sides to a story, and history is never just one story. × When it comes to history, and the way it might be told to the younger reader, I might then begin by saying: Don’t disbelieve everything, argue your way out. Doing so especially matters in this age of the Internet, when WhatsApp and other social media has made almost everyone an armchair historian; expert of facts (verifiable or otherwise) available at the mere tap of a button. Images are expertly edited, photoshopped so to be passed off as truth – irrefutable, definite historical truth. Certain kinds of photos, of course, are ineluctably more popular, for example, those used to discredit any opponent/enemy and/or to demonstrate chest-thumping patriotism. Some months ago, a photo held up on television by a prominent political party spokesperson showed two Indian soldiers holding up the national flag on a mountain peak, that was passed off as Siachen. This was sad and grotesque in every measure. For one, patriotism hasn’t anything ever to do with photoshopping. And then, the original is the well-known 1945 photo taken by Joe Rosenthal of US soldiers on Iwo Jima in the Pacific, during World War II. One doesn’t really need to be an expert to figure out if something’s been photoshopped. It is as easy to photoshop something as it is to disbelieve the effort. But the example above might make us think, for example, about the photo’s history (even if it a ‘false’ one), when and why was it taken. Such a thought exercise, coupled with the search for evidence and clues, might lead us down to the present, make us ask why such an exercise relating to photoshopping history was even necessary. It’s as necessary then, almost as a counter to the first rule to: Disbelieve everything, and to trust the evidence you glean for yourself. But this leads us in turn to evidence itself – which sadly, is indeed easy to concoct. Photoshopping is just a small part of this. A search on the Internet shows up the many pseudo-history sites that spread hatred; stories of the past being nothing but an endless series of conspiracies, conquests and battles; of humiliations heaped and then avenged. There are always new narratives, there is always new evidence that emerges. It’s vital to remember how this ‘evidence’ is used. × What then is evidence all about? How does one gather evidence – and does anything in the past, that which is gone, offer up credible evidence? This is where context comes in, and imagination too. For example, one might imagine a time in the future, with someone looking back to our own era. Evil does exist and people find reasons of all kinds to commit evil. Then there are nuances to it too. What makes such systems of tyranny develop? These may, in turn, give rise to other systems that turn out to be even more so. It is important than to see what lies beneath. And the context. It is assumed that history is a dry subject; a series of unequivocal statements and dates of the past. But understanding the context also reveals history’s vibrancy. There are many sides to a story, and history is never just one story. It is never a story about kings and tyrants, though for a while they did get to write their side of history. Just as there is a many-sidedness to history, it is an ever-changing subject. There are many perspectives to it, many schools of thought – which makes it a lively subject, never dull, never really about the dead (pun intended). There are always new narratives, there is always new evidence that emerges. It’s vital to remember how this ‘evidence’ is used. And while there is new evidence, it is especially important to distrust it - the newer it looks, the more one might distrust it till proven. (Especially yes, when it comes to photos). For example, it is possible to show stones as evidence across the sea to represent Rama’s mythical bridge, but this should only make us ask questions. Not just whether it’s possible for a bridge to last for aeons and centuries, but how does something show up in satellite imagery; as students of history, stories like this must make us go into the past in various ways – whether it’s geological history, climatic change, and about the Ramayana itself. The many versions of it, the ones written in the different Indian languages, and the versions of women and other marginalised groups. It might make us ask if symbols are more important than the stories themselves. History must make us ask all the right questions; questions that matter to the present, while they draw on the past. × History then isn’t just one story, but many stories that exist concomitantly. This makes the past, a fully lived in time-period, a constantly changing place, full of mysteries, of heroes known and unknown. Faced with the immensity of such discoverable riches (of knowledge), violence and hatred seem forces to be countered, for it is, yes about context and what made for this context. History must make us ask all the right questions; questions that matter to the present, while they draw on the past. It’s not a hand me down subject, but the one that makes us not just question things like a science but it seeks empathy and imagination – as with the humanities. History might yet help us understand ourselves better, and understanding the past is just a step toward a better, more humane future. It’d be nice to start early, it makes the work of history writers that much more challenging and at times, inspiring.

Lord Hanuman, History, and why children should be encouraged to ask questions

Vice President Hamid Ansari today left for Mongolia leading an Indian delegation to the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit.&nbsp;The two-day ASEM Summit will be held in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia from tomorrow. 
 
The theme for the Summit is &quot;20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity&quot;.&nbsp;At the Summit, India&#39;s efforts would be inclined towards more successful outcomes and the building of a resilient and multidimensional web of interconnectivity between the two continents - Asia and Europe, officials said ahead of the meeting. 
 
ASEM comprises of 53 entities - 51 countries from Asia and Europe and two regional bodies - the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat.&nbsp;It represents around 62.3 per cent of the world&#39;s population, 57.2 per cent of the global GDP and almost 60 per cent of the world&#39;s trade. 
 
ASEM is a unique platform that serves to bridge the two continents of Asia and Europe for constructive partnership and exchange, under the three key pillars of political dialogue, economic collaboration and socio-cultural exchanges, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. 
 
The 11th ASEM Summit assumes special importance in view of the fact, that 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the dialogue forum, officials said.&nbsp;Since the Summit is the first ever international event of such stature that Mongolia is hosting, the participation of Vice President Ansari signifies the importance India attaches to its strategic partnership with Mongolia, they said. 
 
Ansari will also hold bilateral meetings with a few other participating leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. 
 
(PTI)

India signals the importance it attaches to its partnership with host Mongolia by sending its VP

Vice President Hamid Ansari today left for Mongolia leading an Indian delegation to the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit. The two-day ASEM Summit will be held in Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia from tomorrow. The theme for the Summit is "20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity". At the Summit, India's efforts would be inclined towards more successful outcomes and the building of a resilient and multidimensional web of interconnectivity between the two continents - Asia and Europe, officials said ahead of the meeting. ASEM comprises of 53 entities - 51 countries from Asia and Europe and two regional bodies - the European Union and the ASEAN Secretariat. It represents around 62.3 per cent of the world's population, 57.2 per cent of the global GDP and almost 60 per cent of the world's trade. ASEM is a unique platform that serves to bridge the two continents of Asia and Europe for constructive partnership and exchange, under the three key pillars of political dialogue, economic collaboration and socio-cultural exchanges, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The 11th ASEM Summit assumes special importance in view of the fact, that 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the dialogue forum, officials said. Since the Summit is the first ever international event of such stature that Mongolia is hosting, the participation of Vice President Ansari signifies the importance India attaches to its strategic partnership with Mongolia, they said. Ansari will also hold bilateral meetings with a few other participating leaders on the sidelines of the Summit. (PTI)

Indian Vice President heads to Mongolia for 11th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit

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