Education

Indian Laws that Everyone Should Know

Last Updated on January 16, 2021 by Sri Nik

You can’t fight for your rights if you don’t know what they are. Know basic rights and Indian laws that everyone should know.

The Indian constitution itself is the longest written constitution of any country on the earth. Shockingly, there are many loopholes that are being taken for granted. But still, one should not forget that laws are created to safeguard the public.

The Government of India keeps trying to bring new laws and rights to tackle the problems of society. By doing so, it empowers the citizens.

I’m not here to state the 7 Fundamental rights of Indian citizens recognized by Indian constitution. But there are many other good laws and rights that every Indian should know. Regrettably, we are not aware of these good guidelines.

I hereby take extreme pleasure in bring you some interesting Indian laws and rights that every Indian citizen should be aware of.

Kissing & Hugging in Public is Not a Crime

Both the Delhi High Court and the Apex court clarified that that kissing in public is not a criminal offence but a delicate task. The Section 294 (a) of Indian Penal Code states punishment up to 3 months for creating an obscene act in public places.

Interestingly, the word “obscene” remains undefined. The public decency and morality in society is fast changing subject. And thus, the Apex court remarks on the very difficult question of what constitutes obscenity.

Police Officer Can’t Refuse to Register an FIR

Consider FIR registration as a legal right. If you are reporting a crime or any mishappening, no police officer can refuse an FIR registration. If the police deny your request, you can complaint to the nearest judicial magistrate.

Non-registration of an FIR leads to not less than 6 months of imprisonment for the police officials.

Delhi Police Accepts eMail Compliant as an FIR

In Delhi and NCR region, a woman can file lodge an FIR at any police station irrespective of the crime jurisdiction area. The Delhi Police has given more liberty in case of filing an FIR.

It can be done online via an email or registered post to the Station House Officer. Recently, many states are following this e-FIR (online submission of FIR) including Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Goa, Odisha etc.

Only Women Officers Can Arrest Women Before Sunset

Under all circumstance, only women officers can arrest women. In fact, a woman constable should be present in the police station all the time.

Here, the women have got an absolute right to say NO when only male police officers are present for the said arrest. Unless, they get a written permission from the magistrate, a male officer can’t arrest a woman.

No women can be arrested and taken to custody (police station) between 6 PM and 6 AM.

No Detention Beyond 24-hours

No person can be detained for longer than 24-hours after the arrest. He or she has to be produced before the Magistrate or Judicial Authority. The Preventive Detention Act 1950 protects the accused from being trapped into wrongful detention.

LPG Cylinder Fire with 40 Lakh Risk Cover

Domestic LPG cylinders usage come with 40-lakh insurance coverage. In case of any unfortunate event due to cylinder explosion, the LPG consumers can inform the concerned gas agency to complete the formalities of Third-Party Liability insurance for getting compensation.

One can Drink Water & Use Washrooms at Any 5-Star Hotel

As per the Indian Sarais Act 1867, any person can walk into any hotel, drink potable water and use its washroom even in a 5-star hotel. These establishments can’t deny your entry for use of restroom facility.

Single Male Can’t Adopt a Girl Child

Under New Adoption Regulations 2017, a single male and live-in couples can adopt a girl child. The couples should have at least 2-years stable marital relationship.

Moreover, the minimum age difference between the child and adoptive parents shall not be less than twenty-five years. Post 55 years, adoption is not allowed.

Live-in Relationship is Not Illegal

It’s not a crime to live together. The live-in relationship and even the newborn is considered to be a legal child and thus have the full right in the assets of his/her father.

Un-married Couples Allowed to Book Hotels

There’s no law that prohibits the unmarried couple from staying together in a hotel across India. It’s neither illegal nor a criminal offence. When a live-in relationship between two adults is not an offence, the sharing of a hotel room is totally legal.

Drunk Driving Penalty

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered to be a criminal offence. As per the Section 185 of Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and 2019, if the driver’s alcohol concentration exceeds 30mg per 100ml of blood in a test by Breath Analyzer, he or she can be levied a penalty of ?10000 and or six months imprisonment.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered to be a criminal offence.

No Penalty for the Same Traffic-Related Offence till Mid-Night

The Motor Vehicle Act 1988 prohibits the traffic police officer to snatch the key from car or motorcycle. It’s illegal and you have the right to file a legal proceeding against the concerned traffic police officer.

According to the law, a SI or higher ranked officer has the right to demand your vehicle papers. You can’t be fined multiple times the same offence till mid-night.

For example, riding without a helmet will attract ?1000 penalty. If you are caught again for riding without helmet on the same day till midnight, you don’t need to be fined again.

Similarly, if there’s any surgery up from the neck, helmet wearing is not mandatory.

No Company can Terminate a Pregnant Woman Employee

As per the Maternity Benefit Act 1961, no company can terminate a pregnant employee if she has worked for more than 6 months at the same place.

If an organization employs more than 10 persons, the female worker is entitled to get 12 weeks of salary and a medical bonus of ?3500 rupees. The recent Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017 has increased the paid maternity leave from the existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

No Mutual Divorce Before 1-Year Period

Indian Laws that Everyone Should Know no mutual divorce before 1 year

The divorce petition cannot be registered within a year of marriage. That’s the reason, to apply for a mutual consent, the couple must have lived separately at least one year. Only in some dire cases, the court can grant divorce within 6 months.

Free Legal Aid to Every Woman & Child

As per the Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act 1987, every woman is entitled to get free legal aid in civil and criminal matters. An advocate can always be accompanied to ensure access to justice.

If the person wants to get free legal services then one needs to approach legal services institution. One can even apply it online at NALSA’s website.

Equal Inheritance Right to Daughters

Inheritance Right Indian Laws that Everyone Should Know

It’s to be noted that daughters had a right on the father’s property under The Hindu Succession Act 1956. The new addition of inheriting the ancestral property comes with a landmark judgement.

The Supreme Court ruled in favour of daughters that they will have an equal birthright to inherit the ancestral property of their parents.

Police Can’t Say: “I’m Not on Duty”

As per the Police Act 1861, a police officer is always on duty. This is irrespective of whether he/she’s in uniform. The police personnel can’t give a lame answer that he’s not on duty.

In fact, some states like Karnataka police should always be in uniform (no casual dress) during duty hours. This includes visiting the scene of offence and addressing the media.

Make Every Day Earth Day and End Plastic Pollution

Last Updated on February 16, 2021 by Sri Nik

Make Every Day Earth Day and End Plastic Pollution.

Why do We Celebrate Earth Day?

For the last 48 years, people from all over the world are showing interest in saving the natural assets of their planet. Inspired by US Senator Gaylord Nelson and Harvard student Denis Hayes movement, citizens across the world started taking interest in celebrating the Earth Day as an annual event.

Every April 22 becomes a platform to demonstrate the campaign of environmental protection. As per the Earth Day Network, the Earth Day 2018 theme is End Plastic Pollution. It is meant to save earth from plastic pollution. You read it right. We need to look at the ways to limit plastic usage.

Interestingly as a way to prepare for International Mother Earth Day, people are busy signing petitions and planting trees. Some volunteer cleaning up garbage in neighbourhoods, parks and roads around the city.

No doubt, it is a good idea to get out and help clean up a little bit. Why only on April 22nd? Understand Earth Day is more than just a single day!

Ahem Black Friday, businesses started rolling out eco-friendly brands and promoting alternative ideas. On the contrary, you don’t need to BUY but still can contribute to Earth Day. There are lots of easy and fun ways to make every day earth day.

Exciting & Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day:

There is no Planet B. Let us start now, find some exciting ways to show our love to the planet. And let us not stop reconnecting with nature.

1.Ditch Your Car and Save a Fortune:

Image Credit: Roman Boed via Flickr Creative Commons

Based on the situation, opt for two wheels instead of four. You can actually take a walk or ride your bike or set up a carpooling group. Take the bus or train than driving alone in your car. One can even roller blade or skateboard. Isn’t it fun?

2. Switch to Reusable Water Bottles:

Image Credit: Mr.TinDCn Via Creative Commons

It is estimated that humans buy about 1,000,000 plastic bottles per minute in total. Only about 20% are recycled leaving the carbon footprint as it is. Ditch bottled water and get a water pitcher filter to keep planet Earth and your wallet green.

Moreover, it is always safer to ditch the plastic and start using glass or stylish steel bottles for storing and serving water.

3. Bring Your Own Shopping Bags:

Image Credit: Alamy

It’s alarming to know that plastic bags and other plastic garbage is thrown into the ocean kills as many as 1,000,000 sea creatures a year.

When we buy perishable food and drink (including vegetables), most of the time the seller packs them in plastic bags and finally in one big plastic bag. This is one of the many activities that we come across in our daily life.

Of the 4 trillion plastic bags used, only 1% is returned for recycling worldwide annually. As a green initiative, many grocery stores and supermarkets have started using biodegradable plastic bags at the checkout counter and are charging them.

Instead of carrying reusable shopping bags is a healthy practice and helps end plastic pollution.

4. Say Goodbye to Disposable Plastics:

Earth Day activity avoid disposable plastics

Image Credit: Klaus-Dieter Thill / EyeEm @ gettyimages

Over 500 billion disposable cups, equivalent to 80 million trees, are thrown out every year.

Similarly, half a million straws are used. That’s a tip of disposable plastics. From the straw/stirrers to disposable spoon and glass, fork and razor, everything has plastic in it. Anything that has a disposable label on it, eventually end up in the trash.

I think it’s a good idea to use coffee mugs instead of disposable ones for your daily dose of coffee. Always opt for non-disposable plates, bottles, cutlery, and napkins to keep the trash minimal.

Similarly, it is always beneficial to purchase products with less packing or no packing altogether to help reduce avoidable single-use plastic footprint. That’s a good idea and makes a big difference.

5. Say Yes to “Second-hand” Stuff:

Image Credit:

Tired of looking at the old stuff or unwanted clutter? Instead of throwing them away, post it on a second-hand website.

There are many websites such as Amazon, Swappa, Craigslist, eBay etc that lets you buy and sell your old stuff for big bucks. It can be anything from furniture to clothes, to used electronics and much more.

Economics of market equilibrium exists everywhere. Remember, there are a lot of persons who can’t afford to have basic necessities. Keep closets clutter-free by keeping a donation bin nearby. Drop clothes or shoes that you don’t wear often in the bin. When it is full, donate contents to your favourite local charity.

You can drop off your second-hand goods at a Red Cross shop near you. Or you can even donate them to co-workers or local charities. Turning your trash into treasure and giving hope and second life to those in need is a great way to give back to society.

A clothing swap is an incredible money-saver idea. At the same time, it is considered to be an act of environmentalism.

6. Start a Compost Bin:

Image Credit: www.pbs.org/nature/

Instead of throwing out kitchen waste, it is a good practice to turn them into a soil conditioner and protecting the environment.

Collect all your food trash (fruit and veggie scraps, eggshells, tea leaves, newspaper, cardboard, wood chips etc leaving out meat and dairy products) in a closed compost bin. Turn the mixture every few days or so. The end result of composting is organic fertilizer.

Composting is a simple and economical way to cut down on yard and kitchen waste; thereby reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. It is the best way to recycle and the whole process reduces the volume of the garbage by over 40%.

7. Start a Vegetable Garden:

Image Credit: www.pbs.org/nature/

When it comes to being green, nothing comes much closer when you start your own beautiful garden bed . Spring is the perfect time to start a vegetable garden. It doesn’t matter whether it is your own yard or a balcony garden.

Start small and expand as you gain experience. Beginning gardeners would be wise to start with low-maintenance vegetables like tomatoes that your family enjoys the most. Then one can expand their portfolio with squash and beans.

If you have relatively small space, then take up herbs in pots. You can even signup for a community garden plot to grow your own luscious tomatoes. Growing your own food is both fun and rewarding.

This could be a great learning experience for your children too. In fact, they will love getting their hands dirty.

8. Plant a Sapling or Adopt a Tree:

Planting saplings is investing in the future. Undoubtedly, this is the long-lasting act to celebrate Earth Day that we live in. Pick the right spot and plant a tree. You can even adopt a tree and feed it regularly for the next two years.

The plant will grow alongside your children. Remember, it serves you for the rest of life.

9. Feed the Birds & Get Connected:

Image Credit: Anderson Lange via Flickr Creative Commons

Nothing is more beautiful than feeding birds in your back yard. You don’t need to build a bird feeder for it. Just scatter black-oil sunflower seeds or bread crumbs on the ground or on a large surface. Why not place dishes or shallow pans that attract birds to make them drink water.

If you don’t have space in your back yard, then visit the nearest park and feed the birds. Just realize that you are connected and interdependent.

10. Go Solar, And Encourage Others:

Image Credit: IWMI Flickr Photos via Flickr Creative Commons

It can never be more economical than transition of solar power into free renewable electricity. Every single hour the Sunbeams on Earth energy is sufficient to satisfy global energy needs for an entire year.

The advantage of going solar is contagious and sets a good example.

Just figure out how to harness the power of the sun for something good and encourage others.

There are many ways to save electricity on a daily basis. Turn off lights when you are not using them. It is a simple and old-fashioned way to save electrical charges and of course the Mother Earth.

11. Get Outside & Enjoy the Nature:

Image Credit: auremar, Fotolia.com

It is time to start to get outside and enjoy the best of nature. Though polluted, Earth is still the beautiful planet on this solar system to explore. It provides ample opportunity to get rid of the stresses of everyday life. Engage each of your senses when outside.

Don’t just sit in the house. Try to reconnect with nature as you like. Go for a hike or rock climbing. Ask your kids to join a nature walk. Plan a picnic with your near and dear ones. Enjoying the outdoors offer many physical, mental health and social benefits as well!

Why Environmental Protection? There is No Planet B:

Explore the world around you. Remember to look up at the stars. Look how they shine for you. Take some time to take in where you are. Saving the planet sounds huge. It’s more than just turning off the lights.

But do remember simple things can make a difference. Take one small step forward right now.

As individuals, we have the potential to make a big difference. Let’s work together to make the planet earth a sustainable and debris-free. Develop a deep bond with the planet Earth to refresh your soul.

I know this might surprise you, but there’s no Plant B. Let’s start NOW and make every day earth day.

P.Obul Reddy Public School Celebrated Silver Jubilee

Last Updated on February 16, 2021 by Sri Nik

On 21st November 2014, Andhra Mahila Sabha P.Obul Reddy Public School celebrated its 25th anniversary. The students had been preparing for this event for a month in advance.

Former pupils and parents were invited to come along to the silver jubilee celebrations of one of the reputed schools in Hyderabad city of Telangana.

The joyous 25th annual day was meticulously planned and executed by the school principal, Ms Anjali Razdan. The administrative staff, teachers and other volunteers really took the time and their efforts are truly a labour of love.

Obul Reddy Public School – AMSPORPS – Humble Journey:

The silver jubilee celebrations officially began in the wonderfully decorated auditorium of Sri Sathya Sai Nigamagamam. The head boy, Arjun Kishore Lalwani and the head girl, Komali Sanjana gave a welcome speech. This was followed by the annual report submitted by the Principal Ms Anjali Razdan.

She addressed the special guests, parents, press media, the tiny-tots and all the students. She spoke about the humble journey of the school that started with 30 students in 1989. By the way, the school has constantly made its way to an exhilarating 2800 students in 2014.

A Pitch “Perfect” Show:

Pranav and Mrinalini being the perfect anchors continued the enthusiasm throughout the show. It was an amazing evening with different cultural events. This included the tiniest of the school to the eldest of the school.

The special attraction of the evening being “The World Tour of Chota Bheem“. This single concept involved around 500 and odd children who tapped their feet in rhythm to the different dance styles around the world.

I could see an awe-struck auditorium which was resonating to applaud once the event is over.

The parents were mesmerized to see their kids performing so well on stage. Children were at their best and the parents enjoyed the event to the fullest.

Student Recognition:

Important recognition’s were awarded on this special day such as Master Nishith (for his brilliant performance in skating) and Master Sarayu (for her exemplary flying performance in gymnastics).

Personally, I can feel how the parents brag about their baby’s first word and their first steps.

A parent has a special glow when his son or daughter makes him proud. He’ll be there with a camera or video camera or whatever loaded – it’s a parental pride.

One thing I need to add here.

The guests and parents had also set an exemplary performance by not intruding with their video cameras & camcorders (don’t say that they don’t have parental pride!). The media was doing their job by covering every nook and corner of the auditorium.

Chief Guest Eloquent Message at Obul Reddy Public School:

Dr T Rajaiah at Obul Reddy Public School

Dr T. Rajaiah, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, was the honourable chief guest of the function. His 10 min speech was truly emotional as he spoke about his wonderful teacher who had inspired him to be a doctor from a school drop-out.

One could sense how his steady words resonated with people who gathered on that special day to be a part of the prestigious school.

Time seemed to fly by and before everyone knew it was at the end of the event, our hero Chhota Bheem returned to India after the world tour.

The theme lifted the crowd’s spirit with the song “I Love My India” and the famous quote of Rabindranath Tagore ~ Where the mind is without fear.

The Head Mistress (Ms Udita) delivered a vote of thanks congratulating students and parents for their love, hard work and dedication towards the school.

Celebrating a Milestone!

Throughout its 25-year history, AMS P Obul Reddy has produced many outstanding achievements. It’s always great and unforgettable experience that I started a wonderful chapter in my life at AMSPORPS that lead to many new friendships and a beautiful family.

Let us pray for another twenty-five incredible years and more.

Animal Alphabets – A Fun Way To Teach Your Kids ABC

Last Updated on June 24, 2020 by Sri Nik

Animal Alphabets is a creative and engaging way that kids love.

Are you looking for innovative ways to teach your kids ABC? In fact, every educator (and parent) wants to try innovative learning techniques and educational technologies so that children love learning.

Step away from the traditional methods and start learning the ABC’s in fun ways! Whether your child is 6 months or 6-year old, I would say make learning lovable.

And have fun with it.

Teaching the Alphabet!

The first task in teaching kindergarten children is how to recognize the letters of the alphabet. It is proved that alphabet activities can help preschoolers in a great way.

They are helping tools for your child to recognize the letters and sounds of the alphabet.

No doubt all children learn and develop differently. However, we can always help by inculcating a positive environment with the right set of tools.

To Make a Better Bet, Use Trial and Error:

While all children develop differently, we can always help them along in a positive environment and with the right tools in place. Ultimately, you have to find what works best for your child and stick with it.

As learning is intangible, there is a great demand to create an innovative learning environment. To that end, Alphabetimals has tried to design a learning environment and came up with Animal Alphabets.

Alphabetimals is the funniest way to make them learn alphabets. Last night when I showed this cute website to my 6 yr old son, he was really elated.

I’m sure this will be a huge hit among small kids too who are trying to learn English alphabets.

Hey, I’m confident it can benefit you as well.

Also Read: P.Obul Reddy Public School Celebrated its Silver Jubilee

Animal Alphabets – Alphabetimals

Alphabetimals is a short form of alphabets plus animals. This Animal Alphabets website has good resources making it quite interactive with kids through sounds and pronunciations.

To be frank, I’m excited to show the same to my blog readers. You can make your tiny tots learn alphabets with these animal cartoons.

You can even spell out any word and get your name printed in this unique style of animal alphabetical font.

If you have considerable time, then spend a couple of minutes on alphabet colouring pages (that’s the real art for kids).

Hey, it’s my name in alphabetimal font:

Patrick O’Toole, the creator of the website, could have included more animals to create awareness among the coming generation. This would surely help them to protect animals that are on the verge of extinction.

Just remember to incorporate fun learning into all the games and daily activities that you can. It doesn’t need to be a special educational activity. There’s nothing wrong in having a ton of different resources.

The more the children play with alphabets in a variety of multi-sensory ways, the better it is.

Incidentally, the Alphabetimals website provides a good number of materials including Photo Safari, colouring books, and pages, picture dictionary, reusable wall stickers, posters, flashcards etc.

One can even unlock the Alphabetimals stuff via Apps on the Android, iPhone and iPad devices.

Animal Alphabets – Here is the ABC song for you:

Image: Joanne Liu via Flickr Creative Commons

Group Discussion – Tips & Tricks

Last Updated on May 27, 2017 by Sri Nik

Group discussion is a non-formal friendly discussion that takes place in a group with the participation of each and every member comprising the group.

Group Discussion – Innovative Assessment:

Whenever two or more persons happen to be together, a conversation or a talk or a discussion is bound to take place between them.

The topic of conversation may range from any political matter to any common matter, from any scientific issue to any social issue, from looting and arson to any natural calamity and so on.

Automatic Exchange of Information:

Whatever may be the topic, persons participating in the Group Discussion share their views, ideas, and opinions with other participants. This happens with every participant. None would be interested in sitting idle. GD allows active involvement by everyone.

Even if a few are listeners, they voice out their opinion in the later stage. This gives ample scope to Exchange Information. Some come out with pieces of suggestion and others add their own to them. Thus, a discussion or healthy conversation proceeds on.

A group discussion that is conducted with the purpose of selecting a candidate for a job, course, etc, is precisely a friendly conversation that proceeds in an informal manner.

However, it should be done within the bounds of decency and decorum and, of course, time limit, if any. It takes place with the participation of each and every member comprising the group.

Also Read: 5 Tips to Shop Smartly and Make the Best of Online Sales

Group Discussion as Filtration Tool:

In recent times, a group discussion is increasingly being considered as an important tool for the selection of candidates. Management institutes have made it a compulsion to participate in group discussion.

Many government undertakings, private companies, multinational corporations, selection boards, and other recruitment and consulting agencies have started opting group discussion as the best tool to filter the candidates.

Tips and Tricks to Help you Succeed in GD:

Image: Success Criteria for Group Discussion

While participating in a GD, one should stick to some Do’s and Don’ts that help you prepare well for. Here is a list of simple tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:

Make yourself comfortable in formal dressing.
Have an eye-contact with the group.
Think well before you speak so that your thoughts are sensible.
Be natural, clear and precise.
Have a solid point for every point you make.
Express your thoughts using facts and figures or simple quotes.
First of all, it’s a discussion group. Be open-minded and don’t cut them. Learn to respect other’s opinion.
Be a dynamic participant with rational and logical thinking.
Be smarter and raise an objection only when you have a solid reason to get the point across.
Provide a meaningful direction.

Learn How to Discuss a Topic in a Group:

Video: Learn English with Rebecca

To Finalize:

Despite conducting many scrutiny tests such as written test, IQ test, reasoning test, behavioral test, Group Discussion is still considered as an important tool for finalizing the candidature admission.

Earlier, group discussion was only limited to certain traditional societies but now it is practiced all over the world.