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Poland to bring total ban on abortion

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The European country of Poland, which is a conservative country, is set bring in a total ban on abortion.

The abortion law in Poland is one of the strictest in the continent of Europe.

The new move means the country will witness a tough protest on this matter in the near future itself.

 At present, Poland only allows abortion in cases of rape or incest, if the mother’s life is at risk, or if the featus is seriously compromised.

The new legislation intents to limit the provisions to cases of foetal defects.

Several human rights organisations have raised their voice against the move. They have appealed for the intervention of the progressive world against the move.

They have also urged the political community to reject the move to dilute the abortion law in the country of Poland.

It was a mass protest that dismissed a similar attempt to dilute the abortion law. Then also, that was attempted by the ruling.

This time also, the move is backed by the ruling party.

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Over 70 artefacts damaged in Berlin

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As many as seventy artefacts have been damaged in the Germany city of Berlin in one of the biggest attacks the city has ever witnessed since the end of the Second World War.

The damage has been made by spraying with an oil liquid.

The damage has been made on the artefacts installed in the Museum Island of Berlin, which is a UNESCO world heritage site

There are as many as five popular museums in the Island.

Actually, the attack has been committed on the day in which the country was celebrating the anniversary of its reunification.

There are speculations that the attack has been committed by the supporters of a far-right conspiracy theory.

Lately, Attila Hildmann, who is one of the chief proponents of conspiracy theories about Covid-19, has claimed that one of the five museums, the Pergamon Museum, is home to the “Throne of Satan”.

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Sea- A poem on suicide myth

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Further from far

the sky and water melt into unison

the blue sky high and the sparkling blue beneath

soft water, silk to my toes, thick golden land beneath,

my heart merry.

Water, the water wet my feet, smooth batter beneath,

sweet smell of water fading.

Sky turns shades deeper, sinking to the shades below

the waves upon my feet soft no more,

wash silt up to my ankle,

beneath melting under my feet.

The winds, the voice of a stranger,

waves wash ashore,

with waves gone is the ground.

My feet seek the thick golden, but it melts into oblivion

waves crash onto boulders

the water, the same, no more

waves splinter the gravel

golden no more, murky brown mud.

I hold on with all my might,

murky mud just melts away

shaken, I turn around to run

waves hunt me down

ocean waves push me to the ground.

My feet feel muddy water beneath,

my heart seizes,

the deep ocean, I struggle to swim

my lips freezing, call out, but, muffled with salty murky water

I gasp for air, but in vain

eyes with pricking hurt see,

behind me dear ones merry, soft water, blue sky, sea gulls and kites

before me, ocean has long unleashed the storm

struggle to be back ashore.

Winds howling, the circle is closing in

my scream smothered again,

now darker deeper waters

struggle, fight like never before

freezing…frozen

limbs numb, sinking, deeper darker,

through the struggle, I hear from past

“we’re strong folks, we swim our way through,

Oh, sweet smell of sea, ocean so calm,

only fools can’t swim, only the weak will drown”

I know I fought, only I know, it was a storm

About the poem “Sea”

The poem “Sea” is a fictional account that attempts to depict the struggles of a person who is experiencing mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. The experience may vary. Not all suicides are reported to have underlying mental health issues and not all those who suffer from mental health conditions die by suicide. Mental health condition is not specified in this poem, however ’fifty to ninety percent of those who completed suicide did so during a depressive episode’. ‘Ninety percent of people who either attempted or completed suicide had some psychiatric disorder at the time, although only about half are diagnosed prior to suicide’ (Butcher et al). The harrowing experience has been compared to drowning in the ocean. Stigma and few myths about suicide have been portrayed.

Friends and family could also play a vital role in suicide PREVENTION. Please LISTEN to your dear ones, allow them to express their emotions and concerns, encourage them to seek professional aid.

The main elements are – sea/ocean/water and sand/beneath/ground. Sea is depicting – mental health of the person and perception of life. Sky and seashore – depicts more of what happens around him. Ground – resources for coping, health, and capacity to withstand or survive the turmoil (does not intend the person is weak or failing). There is much overlap in what these elements depict. (combination of these aspects)

[further…merry]. The individual’s life is initially portrayed as being happy, having vitality, person is healthy now. Contrary to the misconception that only a person deprived in all spheres of life would be at risk. {The sea is described as seeming benign and ground as thick.}

[water, the water…shades below] – person does not realise at this point but does feel that something is amiss and different from how it used to be.

[the waves…under my feet] [winds voice…brown mud] gradual deterioration of one’s mental health. Resources are fast depleting, {winds sound like stranger as the person is now experiencing something unknown and eerie; the water has more force, sand is less thick}

[hold on…push me] person is in turmoil, trying to cope with the difficulties. The person does try to seek some help, unfortunately it is too late (doesn’t imply that seeking help at a later stage is futile, but ‘earlier the better’ adage applies)

[muddy water…vain] the person is suffering and struggling. Mental health issues and other stressors compounded cause much agony and despair. [muffled-] The condition (eg. depression) in-itself makes it more and more difficult to get help.

[eyes…storm] to the outside world, everything may seem perfect (kites, merry) but some people may be truly suffering and struggling through a “storm” with regard to mental health. Their struggle and turmoil are often discounted, they are unjustly accused of being ‘ungrateful’ and ‘selfish’.

[back ashore…darker] further suffering and struggle. [I hear from past…] this is about the stigma and insensitive attitude in society, those who die by suicide are thought of as weak/ foolish”. The word ‘struggle’ has been repeated to emphasise that, the person does struggle a lot and try their best and are not weak. “society” would see life only from their naïve perspective and not that of the suffering person. (not that suicide should be glorified, but such an insensitive environment would deter people from seeking help and also add to their suffering. (This is also true for stigma on mental health in general).

Help protect rather than condemn.

About SUICIDE

Warning signs (National Institute of Mental Health And Neuro-Sciences)

Talking about ending life, talking about feeling guilty, about having sinned, about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, about being a burden to others. Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

Behavioral signs-Using alcohol or drugs more often. Often being anxious, restless, agitated-angry. Feeling sad and dejected. Isolation/withdrawing from family and friends (usually outgoing). Sudden reduction in social media usage / excess usage. Changing eating and/or sleeping habits. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge. Displaying extreme mood swings. Preparatory behaviours- Giving away important possessions. making lethal means available.

Myths (PsychologyToday, Dr.Louise)

Myth: Talking about suicide will encourage more suicides.

Truth: Talking about suicide would reduce the stigma and encourage people to seek treatment.

Myth: “They are saying this to get attention, they will not act on it.”

Truth: Do not disregard the possibility of suicide.

Myth: A person will not make another suicide attempt if they survived it once.

Truth: another attempt may be made.

Myth: Suicide is an act of selfishness.

truth: Many people who attempt suicide feel like they are a burden, family and friends will be better off without them. It is difficult for them to imagine that the things will get better.

Myths: There is nothing that you can do to help a person who is suicidal.

Truth: Listening and offering emotional support is helpful. Professional help may be required. If your dear ones feel suicidal do not keep it a secret, get help for them.

Myth: suicidal ideation will never exist in the absence of diagnosed mental health condition

Truth: Any severe life stressors could be precursors to experiencing suicidal ideation, though former may increase risk.

Some suicide prevention tips recommended by a suicide prevention resource center:

1. be a good listener and encourage the person to share their feelings and concerns

2. acknowledge the suffering of the person

3. do not discount their feelings

4. do not be afraid to ask about their suicidal feelings

5. encourage them to seek the service of mental health professional

6. try to reduce the amount of time they are left alone and reduce access to lethal means.

If you are suffering, please acknowledge your own suffering. Suicide hotlines are available.                      Keep an account of those who can be contacted for help. Reach out for help. Seek professional aid.

Maithri (Kochi)- 0484 – 2540530

Written By: Divya Padmakumar and Nayana Binuraj Antony, M.Sc. Psychology, 2nd year students, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi

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An Exceptional Businessman: Shareef Muhammed

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“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Only a determined entity can persist in the face of perils. Shareef Muhammed, Chairman and Managing Director of Cubes International Group, is the living example of this proverb.

Hailing from a small town in Thrissur, Kerala, Shareef’s entrepreneurial journey commenced with an initial capital of dreams. He invested substantial hard work to build his empire, and the result is the successful, strong illustrious Cubes International Group.

Born to a simple middle-class family, Shareef kickstarted his career in a Qatar-based construction firm in 2011. He saved his earnings from back then, intending to invest in his own business. He invested his two-year worth savings in the business. He received much disdain in his earlier days when conversing about his dream business. But that didn’t get the better of him. He had his eyes set on the result and stood focused until he achieved it. Faith in oneself and one’s enterprise is the foundation stone to business success. Nine years from then, today, building the eight verticals of Cubes International Group has helped Shareef prove his naysayers wrong, proving his worth as a business leader.

Inception

In the early days of business, Shareef was still an employee in a Qatar-based construction firm. At a time when his company required manpower for completion of a particular project, Shareef took the initiative and provided 10 labourers for the job. He invested his earnings as a capital investment for his dream business. Balancing work and business were quite difficult for Shareef, but never once did he give up on his dreams. His struggle went on till 2013. In the same year, he began working for a vehicle leasing firm. It was then that he realised where his true business strengths lie. The vehicle leasing company he joined was providing commercial vehicles for construction purposes. Shareef saw an opportunity there as the firm needed drivers. He could successfully manage to provide three hundred drivers for the project. The Turkey-based company invited Shareef to be a subcontractor with them and at that moment, his story shifted tracks from struggles to success. The jump from 300 to 1,300 drivers was in no time. His determination and dedication towards his work eventually led him to set up his own business in Kerala. The groundwork for Cubes International Logistics started in 2017 and the firm started functioning in full-fledged in 2018.

An ardent person, Shareef says that his mother is his biggest inspiration. He lost his father at a very young age and the strength his mother displayed in raising him gave the grit in life. Taking his mother’s advice and his love for Kerala to heart, he opened more firms here. The years that followed made Shareef realise the business potential in Kerala. Shareef credits his success to his team members.

Business Verticals

A down to earth and resilient personality, Shareef is admired and is considered as an honest leader by his team and dear ones. In just a year, he expanded his vertices under the parent company, Cubes International Group. He oversees and manages the operations of Cubes International Developers, Cubes International Logistics, Cubes International Facility Management, Cubes International Management Services, Cubes Trading and Contracting, Cubevo International Trading, Psycho Designs and Cascade Foodstuff Trading. Exploring the business sectors from construction facility to consulting and management to FMCG, which is the latest add on to the cubes family, Shareef operates his business in UAE, Qatar, India and the USA.

Managing a business in various verticals has helped Shareef to understand business in-depth and gave him the freedom to experiment with new ideas. During the tough times of Covid-19, one business that was not much affected was the Logistics. As the export via airways came to a standstill due to the spread of Covid-19, Shareef and his team members recommended their clients to export perishable goods via ship.

Although when one business was in the dynamic phase, on the other hand, the construction business faced a downfall. Cubes International Group’s construction wing focuses on building premium resorts, hotels and apartments. It is based on a concept-design-build format that integrates architecture design as well as construction.

Based on the enquiries Shareef received, he sees potential in residential apartments in the coming years. Therefore, he along with his team members are planning to expand and explore more into the construction sector to deliver fine outcomes to their customers. 

Cubes International Group is also into trading coconut, coir and allied coconut products under the brand Cubevo International Trading.

The Success Mantra

Shareef credits all his success to his team. Shareef knows how to not let stress related to finance or business affect him. His team members are no less than a family for him. Whenever a problem arises, they will all sit together and discuss, as it happens in the home.

What’s Next!

Speaking about the future endeavours of Cubes International Group, Shareef says that the next focus is U.S expansion. Along with that, he also looks forward to exploring more possibilities in the construction and logistics sector as he feels that it has a wide scope in the coming years. After setting up the base in the Fast-Moving Consumers Goods (FMCG), Cascade Foodstuff Trading in UAE and registered Cubes International in the USA, Shareef hopes to explore the business potential in the respective cities. As of now, the Cubes family has operations in UAE, Qatar, India and the U.S. Taking challenges with a smile and keeping patience has always paid off Shareef in his entrepreneurial journey.

A piece of advice to the aspiring entrepreneurs

A self-proclaimed and honest entrepreneur, Shareef admits that he is still a learner. Every day is a new chapter to him. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to listen to their heart and be determined to put in their best efforts.

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Belgium: Princess Delphine meets her half brother for the first time

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In a surprise move, Belgium Princess Delphine has met her half brother, King Philippe, personally for the first time in her life.

The princess was an illegitimate child of former King Albert.

It took years for the princess to make the king accept her as his child. It was made possible with the help of a lengthy legal battle.

The meeting, thus, has attained huge media attention. It has been an emotion filled function.

It has been like a reunion of two beautiful souls.

The royal family has given a warm welcome to the princess.

The princess now shares the same royal status as her half brother, who is the legitimate child of former King Albert.

The function has invited wide public attention. Many have taken to social media platforms to share their opinion regarding the meeting.

Most of them have shared positive views about the meeting.

The meeting has been aggressively covered by International media houses.

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Vatican prosecutes two priests in a case of alleged sexual abuse

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As many as two priests have been prosecuted by Vatican in a case of alleged sexual abuse, upholding its assurance that the city state will not take the issue of sexual abuse lightly.

This is the first time the city state has taken up a case like this.

One of the two who has been implicated in the crime is accused of sexually assaulting an alter boy. The other is charged with covering up the alleged assault.

Both the charges are very serious in nature.

Notably, the accused priests have not responded to the allegations levelled against them in the court.

At present, the Catholic community, which is the most respected community in the country, is in a crisis. It is only the leadership of the community which can save the community from this danger.

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Italian woman booked over Vatican’s complaint

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A thirty-nine-year-old Italian woman has been booked on the charges of embezzlement over the complaint filed by Vatican.

She was an employee of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a senior Vatican official who was recently demoted over a similar charge.

The arrest has been made after an Interpol warrant was issued against her in connection with this matter.

 The woman has denied the charge levelled against her. She has admitted that she received a payment of €500,000 from Cardinal Becciu.

She has defended her stand, by saying that the payment was made to her to provide parallel diplomacy to help missionaries in conflict areas.

The Cardinal has also supported the argument raised by the woman.

Like the woman, the demoted church official has also denounced the allegation that was levelled against him.

The allegation has severely damaged the reputation of the Vatican administration. The administration needs to do an herculean task to erase the damage made by the latest development.   

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Belarus gives free hand to police to deal with protest

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In a shocking move, the tainted leadership of Belarus has given free hand to the police force to handle with the protest – emerged in the country since the disputed election.

The police have been awarded the right to use lethal force against the protesters who has extended their support to the anti-government movement in the country.

The tainted election is the triggering point of the issue in the country.

The election, which was denounced as unfair by the opposition, awarded a huge victory to President Alexander Lukashenko.

Several human rights organisations have exposed the unfair attitude of the country towards the protesters. They have published reports on how much improperly the situation has been handled by the country. As per a report submitted by a human rights organisation, the protesters have even been threatened with serious violence by the police.

Many western countries have warned that they would impose severe sanction against the country, demanding that the country should pave way for a free and fair election as soon as possible.

The strength of the present Belarus leadership is the support it gets from Russia. Russia has extended enormous support to the tainted leadership of Belarus.

It is yet to be seen how the things will evolve.

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Turkey reenters into energy dispute with Greece

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The European country of Turkey has reentered into a serious energy dispute with its European neighbor, Greece.

Turkey has once against sent its research ship to the disputed waters located near Greece.

Earlier, it withdrew the vessel after the presence of the ship had triggered a dispute.

The disputed waters in the Mediterranean situated near Greece and Turkey is claimed by Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.

It was for the task of surveying that the vessel was sent to the disputed waters last time.

At this moment, it remains unclear why the ship has been sent to the disputed territory this time.

It was after the three European countries reached an agreement that the issue was put to rest at least temporarily.

Other western countries like Germany and France is expected to interfere in the issue.

As per the latest statement released by the Turkey government, the ship will remain in the disputed water for at least ten days.

It is learned that the ship has been sent as part of the research program launched by the Navy force of the European country of Turkey.

There are rumors that at least two other ships will be sent along with the said ship this time to support the research activity.

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India enters advanced stage of unlock phase

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As the Asian country of India, which was the first country which introduced a tough lockdown, has reached the advanced stage of the unlock phase, it has offered several relaxations, especially to its entertainment industry (the rapidly growing industry).

Days after the introduction of certain relaxations, an Internationally acclaimed beauty contest has been organised in the country.

The third edition of globally acclaimed beauty contest Manappuram Mrs South India has been organised at SAJ Earth Resorts in the southern state of India, Kerala.  

It is one of the few Internationally acclaimed beauty contests from the Asian region.

Deepa Lal from the Indian state of Kerala has won the Manappuram Mrs South India 2020 title. Candida Andrade Halgekar from the Indian state of Karnataka has been awarded the first runner up title of the Mrs South India, and Dr. Bhavna Rao from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu the second runner up title. 

This is the first time a beauty event has been organised in this part of the world since the Covid-19 lockdown. Moreover, this is the first time the possibility of the virtual mode has been fully explored.

The winners of the contest have been crowned by the founder of SCAAS, Mrs Shiney Justine.

At least eight women from the four South Indian states, such as Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, have participated in the Mrs South India.

The franchisee holder of this year’s Mrs South India contest is Shiny Justine, who is the founder of SCAAS.

The contestants from outside the state of Kerala, who were selected to participate in the Mrs South Indian contest, have participated in the event virtually through the digital platform, which has been arranged by the organiser.

In the beauty contest, not only the physical beauty of the contestants has been gauged, but also their intelligence, talents and social commitment have also been measured. 

The winners have been selected by the judging panel comprised of several acclaimed personalities in the fashion and modelling industry such as Lakshmi Menon (model), Archana Ravi (model), Hari Anand (designer) and Dr. Sajimon Parayil (actor-cum-designer).

The traditional saree round and red gown round are the two main rounds in the Mrs South India.

The online grooming session of the contest began on 23rd September itself. The grooming has been handled by a team of experts in the industry.

The physical grooming session has been conducted at SAJ Earth resorts, Kochi. 

Mrs South India: Sub-Titles Winners 

Mrs Personality: Aswathi Renjith

Mrs Ramp Walk: Candida Andrade Halgejkar

Mrs Talent: Dr. Bhavna Rao

Mrs Glamorous Look: Deepa Lal

Mrs Viewers’ Choice: Kajal Rawtani

Mrs Social Media:  Dr. Shiji Rineesh

The winners of the contest have been crowned with the golden crowns designed by Parakkat Jewellers.

Manappuram Finance Limited and DQ are the main partners of the event, jointly organised by SCAAS and Pegasus – which has around 20-year experience in the fashion industry. SCAAS, SAJ Earth Resort and Convention Center and Medimix are the powered by partners.

It is a proud moment. Pegasus is the first organiser which has excluded the infamous bikini round from its beauty contests. The company has carved a unique position in the fashion industry with its values. Miss South India, Miss Queen of India, Miss Asia and Miss Glam World are the other main beauty brands owned by the company.

The event is conducted to showcase the rich culture, tradition and values of this part of the country and to promote tourism.

It is a notable fact that Pegasus, which is known for its deep respect to the concept of women empowerment, is governed by two women.  

Winners of Mrs South India naturally win the opportunity to represent the region in several national and International beauty contests, such as Mrs India Global.  

Unique Times, Juzt Shine Family Fitness, ZOLA, Kalpana International, Parakkat Resorts, The Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Vee Kay Vees, UT TV, Buckler Paints and Beau Aesthetica are the event co-partners.

Kajal Rawtani (Telangana), Candida Andrade Halgejkar (Karnataka), Dr. Bhavna Rao (Tamil Nadu), Inku Rahmath L (Kerala), Deepa Lal (Kerala), Shiji M Rineesh (Kerala), Mary Jothi (Kerala) and Aswathi Renjith (Kerala) are the contestants of the Mrs South India 2020.

Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the regional title winners of each state were selected to participate in the contest – organised to provide a platform for exceptionally talented women from the southern region of the country.

Notably, during the event, the organiser has strictly followed the Covid-19 protocol and directives, released by the authority to contain the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.

In honour of healthcare workers who are the frontline fighters against the country’s battle against the Covid-19 crisis, during the selection round of the event, heath workers were given priority.

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