Ports are vital hubs in the global supply chain, facilitating the movement of goods across continents. Efficient port operations are crucial for minimizing delays, reducing costs, and enhancing overall logistics performance. Technology plays a transformative role in modernizing and optimizing these operations. Aden Wong, a leading logistics expert based in Singapore, provides valuable insights into how technology is revolutionizing port operations. In this article, we will explore the various technological advancements and their impact on port efficiency and effectiveness.

The Importance of Technology in Port Operations

The integration of technology in port operations is essential for several reasons:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Automates routine tasks, reducing manual labor and increasing speed.
• Improved Accuracy: Minimizes errors in data entry and cargo handling.
• Real-Time Visibility: Provides real-time tracking and monitoring of goods.
• Cost Reduction: Lowers operational costs through automation and optimized resource usage.
• Safety and Security: Enhances safety measures and reduces the risk of theft or damage.

Aden Wong emphasizes that embracing technological advancements is key to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving logistics industry.

Key Technological Advancements in Port Operations

1. Automated Container Handling Systems

Automated container handling systems, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated stacking cranes (ASCs), have revolutionized cargo handling in ports. These systems can move and stack containers with precision and speed, reducing reliance on manual labor.
Aden Wong Tip: Invest in automation technologies to enhance cargo handling efficiency and reduce operational costs.

2. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT devices enable real-time monitoring and management of port operations. Sensors can track the condition and location of cargo, monitor equipment performance, and provide data on environmental conditions.
Aden Wong Tip: Implement IoT solutions to gain real-time visibility into port operations and improve decision-making.

3. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain offers a secure and transparent way to manage and record transactions and documentation. It enhances the traceability of goods and reduces the risk of fraud.
Aden Wong Tip: Use blockchain technology to streamline documentation processes and improve the security of transactions.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning can optimize various aspects of port operations, from predictive maintenance of equipment to intelligent cargo routing. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and make informed decisions.
Aden Wong Tip: Leverage AI and machine learning to optimize operations and enhance predictive capabilities.

5. Digital Twin Technology

Digital twin technology creates a virtual replica of port operations, allowing for real-time monitoring and simulation. This helps in optimizing processes, predicting potential issues, and planning for future scenarios.
Aden Wong Tip: Adopt digital twin technology to gain a comprehensive view of port operations and improve strategic planning.

6. Drones and Autonomous Vehicles

Drones and autonomous vehicles can be used for surveillance, inspection, and cargo delivery within port premises. They enhance efficiency and reduce the need for manual intervention.
Aden Wong Tip: Utilize drones and autonomous vehicles to improve operational efficiency and enhance safety.

7. Advanced Analytics and Big Data

Advanced analytics and big data tools can provide insights into port operations, helping to identify inefficiencies and optimize processes. These tools can analyze historical data to forecast demand and plan resources accordingly.
Aden Wong Tip: Implement advanced analytics solutions to gain actionable insights and drive continuous improvement.

Benefits of Technology in Port Operations

The adoption of technology in port operations offers numerous benefits:

• Increased Productivity: Automation and real-time monitoring streamline operations and increase throughput.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces labor costs and optimizes resource usage, leading to significant cost savings.
• Enhanced Accuracy: Minimizes errors in cargo handling and documentation, improving overall accuracy.
• Improved Safety: Enhances safety protocols and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Better Customer Service: Ensures timely delivery of goods and improves customer satisfaction through reliable operations.
• Sustainability: Implements eco-friendly technologies and practices, reducing the environmental impact of port operations.

Challenges in Implementing Technology and How to Overcome Them

1. High Initial Investment

The cost of implementing advanced technologies can be high, posing a barrier for many ports.
Solution: Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to justify the investment and explore financing options or partnerships to share the costs.

2. Integration with Existing Systems

Integrating new technologies with existing legacy systems can be complex and challenging.
Solution: Choose technologies that offer compatibility with existing systems and work with experienced vendors to ensure smooth integration.

3. Skill Development and Training

Adopting new technologies requires a workforce skilled in operating and maintaining these systems.
Solution: Invest in comprehensive training programs to upskill employees and ensure they are proficient in using new technologies.

4. Cybersecurity Risks

The increased use of digital technologies exposes port operations to cybersecurity threats.
Solution: Implement robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, firewalls, and regular security audits, to protect against cyber threats.

5. Resistance to Change

Employees and stakeholders may resist adopting new technologies due to fear of change or job displacement.
Solution: Foster a culture of innovation and communicate the benefits of technology adoption clearly. Involve stakeholders in the decision-making process to gain their buy-in.

Future Trends in Technology for Port Operations

The future of port operations will be shaped by several emerging technological trends:

1. 5G Connectivity

5G connectivity will enable faster and more reliable communication between devices, enhancing the performance of IoT systems and real-time data applications.

2. Autonomous Ships

Autonomous ships will revolutionize maritime transport, offering increased efficiency and reduced human intervention.

3. Green Technologies

Sustainable technologies, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, renewable energy sources, and energy-efficient infrastructure, will become increasingly important in reducing the environmental impact of port operations.

4. Collaborative Robotics

Collaborative robots, or cobots, will work alongside human workers, enhancing efficiency and safety in cargo handling and other tasks.

5. Advanced Simulation and Virtual Reality

Advanced simulation and virtual reality tools will enable better training, planning, and management of port operations.

Conclusion

Technology plays a pivotal role in transforming port operations, driving efficiency, accuracy, and safety. By embracing advancements such as automated container handling, IoT, blockchain, AI, digital twins, drones, and advanced analytics, ports can optimize their operations and stay competitive in the global logistics landscape. Aden Wong insights highlight the importance of these technologies in achieving effective and efficient port operations. As the industry continues to evolve, staying abreast of emerging trends and overcoming implementation challenges will be key to leveraging the full potential of technology in port operations.

In an industry where consumer preferences and operational dynamics are continuously evolving, Bhojras Foods Nandanvan Nagpur stands out as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. By aligning its operations with modern trends and consumer demands, Bhojras Foods is making significant strides in both the food and hotel sectors.

Sustainable Practices

Bhojras Foods is deeply committed to sustainability, a trend that is increasingly shaping the food and hotel industries. The company sources its ingredients locally, ensuring fresher products and supporting local agriculture. This practice not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also boosts the local economy. Furthermore, Bhojras Foods employs zero-waste initiatives, utilizing every part of the ingredient and adopting biodegradable packaging to minimize environmental impact.

Health and Wellness Focus

Health and wellness are at the forefront of consumer preferences today. Bhojras Foods Nandanvan Nagpur addresses this by offering a wide range of health-conscious options. Their menu includes organic, gluten-free, and vegan dishes that cater to various dietary needs. By incorporating superfoods and nutrient-dense ingredients, Bhojras Foods meets the growing demand for meals that promote better health and well-being.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

The food and hotel industries face several challenges, including labor shortages and rising costs. Bhojras Foods addresses these issues through strategic initiatives such as employee training programs and competitive compensation packages to attract and retain skilled workers. Additionally, the company uses data analytics to optimize supply chain management, reducing waste and controlling costs effectively.

Enhancing Guest Experiences

In the hotel industry, guest experience is paramount. Bhojras Foods extends its commitment to quality and innovation to its hotel partnerships. By offering unique dining experiences, such as themed dinners and chef’s table events, Bhojras Foods enhances the overall guest experience. These initiatives not only attract more guests but also encourage repeat visits, thereby boosting hotel occupancy rates and revenue.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Bhojras Foods is well-positioned to continue its growth and innovation trajectory. The company's focus on sustainability, health, and technology aligns with broader industry trends, ensuring its relevance in the competitive food and hotel markets. As consumer preferences evolve, Bhojras Foods remains adaptable and committed to delivering exceptional products and experiences.
In conclusion, Bhojras Foods exemplifies how modern food and hotel businesses can thrive by embracing sustainability, leveraging technology, and focusing on health and wellness. By addressing industry challenges proactively and continuously innovating, Bhojras Foods sets a high standard for others to follow.

Disclaimer: this is a DIY method for superficial wounds only.
The first time I did this was last summer, less than 48 hours before I was supposed to go on holiday where it was absolutely scorching, I was on Epiduo, forgot that waxing your face is a big no-no and lifted the skin on half of my face. I’d accidentally lifted my skin about six months prior and those wounds are still visible today, over 1.5 years later, so I was panicking. But I did some googling and hence, developed my method for recovery. Flash forward to about 48 hours later, I met my friend at the airport, asked her how the scarring was and she replied, “Where?” I checked the mirror and sure enough the wounds that had been pink and glistening two days ago, and scabbing up until just 12 hours prior were nowhere to be seen.
I’ve since used a modified version of that method to treat my skin when it’s particularly dry and flaky, so dry that no amount of moisturiser was enough, and just yesterday when I woke up with benzoyl peroxide burns on my face and all over the underside of my chin. Well, it is now 24 hours later and I can confirm that the burns have almost entirely faded!
All you need is some aloe vera gel and petroleum jelly.
If you’re using a cleanser during this time, make sure it’s very gentle with no AHA or BHA in it, like Cetaphil’s gentle skin cleanser. For the aloe vera gel, you want it as pure as you can find it. Make sure it doesn’t have anything extra added such as an oil, or any sort of fragrance or colouring, such as the Lifeplan Aloe Vera Gel. Similarly, if you’re using Vaseline for the petroleum jelly, use the original formula. I would recommend generic petroleum jelly though which is far cheaper too.
All you need to do is cleanse your face and then, with your face still wet, generously apply some aloe vera gel, mixing it in with the water on your face. Keeping the area moist is vital for optimal healing and to prevent PIH, think hydrocolloid blister plasters, and while aloe vera has soothing properties and is hydrating, it is not moisturising. You need to add moisture for the aloe vera to hydrate the skin with. Then, no need to wait for it to dry, just apply a bunch of petroleum jelly on top to lock it all in and that’s it! You’re good to go!
If I feel my face get a bit dry beneath the jelly, I’ll go in on top with some more water and aloe and mix it in, or repeat the process again. Mixing the aloe with water also has the added benefit of greatly reducing any irritation the aloe alone may cause, as I personally find it drying and irritating whenever I use it in its undiluted form.
I would recommend trying to stay at home for at least the entirety of the whole first day, preferably the first two days so that you don’t have to worry about how your face looks with all this on, you really want to be heavy-handed with this, but also to protect your skin from the sun, the wind, the heat, the cold, the pollution… the outside world is currently your enemy unfortunately.
If it’s just not possible though—I had to leave the house to do a 4 hour long exam yesterday after waking up with chemical burns myself!—then your next best option is to just go in with a load of oil blotting sheets before you leave, just until your face is sufficiently matte enough, along with an SPF on top (you’ll probably need to blot again after this). Another alternative is just going in with a hydrating moisturiser on damp skin, along with an SPF, followed by a layer of petroleum jelly for protection + oil blotting sheets but I would only recommend this as a very temporary solution if you really can’t get the previous method to work for you, and after you’ve let the aloe + water do its thing for a while already.
If you CAN stay at home and your wounds are mild-moderate, then there’s also the original, unmodified method I employed. The first time I did this when my skin lifted, the steps I detailed above were just what I did when going to bed. In the morning however, after putting on the aloe gel, rather than going in with a layer of petroleum jelly, I proceeded to fill a spray bottle with a 1:3 water to aloe ratio, shook it up and spent the next day and a half (until the night before the flight) at home, spraying my face with the water-aloe mixture whenever I felt my skin was the slightest bit not wet until bedtime. It was messy but I had nothing else to do and nothing left to lose and it did end up working.
Anyways, I hope this helps someone. Let me know how it goes!

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Welcome to our roundup of the top 1911 leather magazine pouches on the market. If you're looking to keep your magazines organized and secure while on the range, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the best options available, focusing on durability, style, and practicality.

The Top 6 Best 1911 Leather Magazine Pouches

1. 1911 Mag Pouch for Organized Gun Access - Experience ultimate organization with the Benchmaster Single Stack 1911 Mag Rack, a lightweight and durable solution designed specifically for 1911 guns.
2. Universal Single Mag Holder for 1911 Compensators - Experience unbeatable durability and custom-fit retention with the C&G Universal Single Mag Holder, expertly crafted by veteran & law enforcement professionals for optimal 1911 compatibility.
3. 1911 Leather Magazine Pouch for Remington, Winchester Rifles - Hunter's American Full-Grain Leather Rifle Clip Holder offers a durable solution for rifle enthusiasts, accommodating various rifle clip styles for a perfect fit.
4. Adjustable Black Leather Magazine Pouch Holster - LockLeather's black ambidextrous OWB magazine holster ensures secure adjustability, perfect for 1911 single and double stack mags.
5. Vintage 1916 Officer's Leather Holster Set and Magazine Pouch - Experience a touch of history with this expertly handcrafted, premium leather 1916 M1911 .45 holster and mag pouch set, complete with a beautifully replicated brass buckle, making it a must-have for World War enthusiasts.
6. Stylish Cowhide Leather Magazine Holder - Stylish leather magazine holder, crafted with real cowhide, featuring a portable design with leather handle and belt loop, perfect for organizing magazines and documents on shelves or in the car, backed by 4.4-star rating and 85 reviews.

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Reviews

🔗1911 Mag Pouch for Organized Gun Access

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The Benchmaster 1911 Rack has made my life so much easier. With its quick access feature, I can get my hands on the right magazine every single time. I love how it keeps my magazines securely held in place whether they're loaded or unloaded.
The durability and build quality of this rack is impressive, and it's light enough to take with me when I travel yet sturdy enough to handle the wear and tear of everyday use. Its moisture-resistant design ensures my mags stay protected in any weather conditions. On the flip side, the price tag seems a bit high for this particular product, but after using it, I must say it's worth the investment.

🔗Universal Single Mag Holder for 1911 Compensators

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Imagine this: after a long day at the range or simply enjoying your time at home, you're done with holstering and retrieving your magazines. You reach for your trusty mag holder - a solid, reliable, and convenient accessory that's been your reliable companion for months. But suddenly, it's gone. You need a new one. Fast. Enter C&G's Universal single mag holder.
This is the kind of mag holder that makes you say, "I never knew I needed this until now! " It's a game-changer, designed to hold your magazines in place, making your life easier and hassle-free. The C&G's Universal single mag holder is made with high-quality materials, ensuring it lasts long, stays sturdy, and remains a reliable tool in your arsenal.
The Universal aspect of this product is a testament to its versatility, as it fits almost all pistols or mags. And let's talk about the fit - it's made for a purpose and designed to ensure that your magazines stay where they should. No more fumbling or worrying about your magazines falling out when you need them most.
But what about the looks? Well, let's just say it's not an eyesore. It manages to blend form and function, seamlessly becoming a part of your daily arsenal. The fact that it's made in America by the best professionals in the field is a cherry on top.
However, like any other product, it does have a small downside. The clip might take some getting used to, as it's a little bigger and wider than what most users would prefer. But it's a small cost to pay for a product that performs so magnificently.
In conclusion, the C&G's Universal single mag holder is a top-notch product that delivers on its promises. It's a reliable and efficient accessory that makes holstering and retrieving your magazines a breeze. It might have a minor issue with the clip size, but overall, it's a must-have for anyone who wants to ensure their magazines stay secure and easily accessible.

🔗1911 Leather Magazine Pouch for Remington, Winchester Rifles

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I recently tried out the Hunter 27-152 Belt Magazine Pouch for Remington 740, 742, Winchester 88, and was quite impressed by its functionality and build quality. This pouch proved to be a reliable and stylish accessory for my hunting gear. The leather brown color added a touch of elegance to my setup, and it has held up well over time.
The one minor issue I encountered was that it only fits one magazine at a time, which might not be ideal for those who need to carry two or more mags frequently. However, when considering the convenience and durability this pouch provides, I think it is a worthy addition to any hunting enthusiast's gear collection. Overall, I'm glad I made the investment and would highly recommend giving it a try.

🔗Adjustable Black Leather Magazine Pouch Holster

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The Urban Carry LockLeather OWB Single Magazine Holster Ambidextrous Black was a game changer in my daily carry system. With its sleek and comfortable design, I could easily move around without the holster getting in the way. The adjustable leather fit perfectly and allowed for smooth and easy magazine swaps. I particularly appreciated the ambidextrous feature that made life all the more convenient for a right-handed shooter like myself.
However, the only downside I encountered was the fact that the magazine holder wasn't caliber-specific or double/single stack specific. This meant that I needed to pay extra attention whenever swapping magazines to ensure that the fit was perfect. The holster also had a slightly stiffer leather feel compared to others, but this didn't significantly hamper its usability.
Overall, the Urban Carry LockLeather OWB Single Magazine Holster Ambidextrous Black has been a reliable choice for my every day carry system. Its sleek design, comfortable fit, and ambidextrous features make it a standout choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile magazine holster.

🔗Vintage 1916 Officer's Leather Holster Set and Magazine Pouch

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As a leather enthusiast, I was thrilled to try out this set of World War era leather accessories. The Officers Leather Belt Set stood out for its premium leather quality, with the M1916 1911 . 45 Holster and Leather. 45 Mag Pouch both expertly crafted to resemble their original counterparts.
One thing that immediately caught my eye was the beautifully reproduced brass belt buckle, which added a touch of authenticity to the set. However, I did find that the leather holster could be a bit tricky to thread through the belt. Other than that, this leather set was a comfortable and attractive addition to my daily carry.

🔗Stylish Cowhide Leather Magazine Holder

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A stylish leather magazine holder that's reminiscent of a trendy handbag, this rectangular-shaped accessory is perfect for any living space. Crafted from quality leather with synthetic fabric inside, it's firm, long-lasting, and versatile. The dark brown and white cowhide exterior, paired with a brown inner lining, adds a sophisticated touch to your interior while the leather handle in a belt hook and loop design makes it easy to transport.
Though some users have reported receiving defective products with incorrect coloring, the majority of reviewers are thrilled with the product's overall look, sturdiness, and ability to store magazines and other documents. Easily portable, it measures 15 inches in height by 5 inches in width by 17 inches in length and fits seamlessly into various settings, including at the office or on a vacation.

Buyer's Guide

When it comes to selecting the right 1911 Leather Magazine Pouches, there are several factors you need to consider. This guide will help you understand the important features and considerations to make an informed decision. Remember, the goal is to find a pouch that fits your handgun and your personal style, while providing the necessary protection and convenience.

Pouch Design and Material

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The design and material of the pouch are crucial factors to consider. High-quality 1911 Leather Magazine Pouches are typically made from genuine leather, offering durability and a natural aesthetic. The material should be both soft and rugged to ensure the pouch can withstand daily use without breaking or tearing.

Size and Compatibility

Ensure the pouch is the right size for your specific 1911 handgun and magazines. Check the diameter and overall length of the pouch to guarantee a proper fit. A good-quality pouch will be designed to accommodate different magazine sizes and handgun models.

Secure Mag Pouch Fitment

The pouch should have a secure fit for your magazines, minimizing any potential movement or rattling during use. Look for pouches that feature reinforced stitching around the magazine compartment and retention straps or fasteners to keep things stable.
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Retention and Release

A good magazine pouch should be easy to use and secure your magazine in place without any hassle. Test out the magnetism or retention system of the pouch by attempting to remove the magazine, then reattaching it to check for a smooth and reliable release.

Practical Considerations

• Consider the placement of the pouch on your body. Some users prefer pouches to be attached close to the handgun, while others want them farther away to better accommodate their movement.
• Think about your primary shooting hand when selecting a pouch. A pouch may be designed for left- or right-handed use or have adjustable attachments for increased flexibility.
• Consider the aesthetic of the pouch. Some shooters prefer a more traditional, understated look, while others may opt for more flashy or decorative designs.

Final Thoughts

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When purchasing a 1911 Leather Magazine Pouches, it's essential to consider factors such as the pouch's design, material, and compatibility with your specific handgun. Also, keep in mind your personal preferences and shooting style. By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect magazine pouch for your needs and style.

FAQ

What are 1911 Leather Magazine Pouches and why are they important?

1911 Leather Magazine Pouches are specifically designed to securely hold magazines for 1911-style handguns. They are important because they offer a practical and convenient way to carry spare magazines while on the go, ensuring that users always have an extra mag when needed.
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What materials are these pouches made of?

1911 Leather Magazine Pouches are typically made of top-grain leather, which is known for its durability and premium quality. Some manufacturers may also use other materials, such as nylon or synthetic materials, for added strength or specific features.

Are these pouches available in different colors and styles?

Yes, 1911 Leather Magazine Pouches are available in various colors, styles, and patterns to accommodate individual preferences. Some popular options include black, brown, tan, or even custom or designer patterns for those who want a more personalized look.

How should I properly attach the pouch to my 1911 handgun?

The pouch should be attached securely using the provided belt loops or snap straps. Make sure the pouch is positioned in a way that allows easy access to a spare magazine when needed.

Are 1911 Leather Magazine Pouches compatible with all types of 1911 handguns?

In general, 1911 Leather Magazine Pouches are compatible with most 1911-style handguns. However, it's always a good idea to check compatibility with the specific model you have before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

How do I care for and maintain my 1911 Leather Magazine Pouch?

To maintain the quality and longevity of your leather magazine pouch, it's essential to clean and condition it regularly. Use a high-quality leather cleaner and conditioner, and avoid exposing the pouch to excessive moisture or sunlight.

Are there any other alternatives or additional accessories that I can use with my 1911 Leather Magazine Pouch?

Yes, there are alternatives to leather magazine pouches, including nylon or synthetic options. Additionally, some manufacturers offer holsters or accessory kits that can be used in conjunction with the magazine pouch for even more versatility.
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The profusion of identical green tents at this spring’s anti-Israel protests struck many as odd. “Why is everybody’s tent the same?,” asked New York mayor Eric Adams. Like others, the mayor suspected “a well-concerted organizing effort” driving the protests. More recent reporting shows a concerted push behind the Gaza protest movement. But it is not as simple as a single organization secretly rallying protesters or buying tents. Instead, the movement’s most determined activists represent a network of loosely linked far-left groups. Some are openly affiliated with well-known progressive nonprofits; others work in the shadows.
The movement also draws on diverse but generous sources of financial backing. Those funding streams may soon be augmented by the federal government. As I chronicled last year in a Manhattan Institute report, “The Big Squeeze: How Biden’s Environmental Justice Agenda Hurts the Economy and the Environment,” the administration’s massive program of environmental justice grants seems designed to prioritize the funding of highly ideological local groups. The Inflation Reduction Act, for example, earmarks $3 billion for “environmental and climate justice block grants” intended for local nonprofits. Today, hundreds of far-left political groups include language about environmental issues and “climate justice” in their mission statements. If just a fraction of planned grants flows to such groups, the effect will be a gusher of new funding for radical causes.
As the Gaza protests spread across U.S. college campuses, many observers noted an eerie uniformity among them. From one campus to the next, protesters operated in disciplined cadres, keeping their faces covered and using identical rote phrases as they refused to talk with reporters. The Atlantic noted the strangeness of seeing elite college students “chanting like automatons.” Students held up keffiyeh scarves or umbrellas to block the view of prying cameras and linked arms to halt the movements of outsiders. At Columbia University and elsewhere, protesters formed “liberated zones,” from which “Zionists” were excluded. Around the edges of the encampments, the more militaristic activists donned helmets and goggles and carried crude weapons, apparently eager to mix it up with police or counter-protesters. We’ve seen these tactics before—notably during the “mostly peaceful” Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, when full-time agitators helped ignite riots, set up a police-free (and violence-plagued) zone in Seattle, and laid nightly siege to Portland, Oregon’s federal courthouse.
In a remarkable work of reporting, Park MacDougald recently traced the tangled roots of organizations backing pro-jihad protests, both on and off campuses. These include Antifa and other networks of anonymous anarchists, along with “various communist and Marxist-Leninist groups, including the Maoist Revolutionary Communist Party, the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), and the International ANSWER coalition,” MacDougald writes. Higher up the food chain, we find groups openly supported by America’s growing class of super-rich tech execs or the anti-capitalist heirs of great fortunes. For example, retired tech mogul Neville Roy Singham, who is married to Code Pink founder Jodie Evans, funds The People’s Forum, a lavish Manhattan resource center for far-left groups. As the Columbia protests intensified, the center urged members to head uptown to “support our students.” Following the money trail of other protest groups, MacDougald finds connections to the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Ford Foundation, and—surprising no one—the George Soros-backed Tides Foundation.
Of course, the current wave of anti-Israel protests also involves alliances with pro-Hamas organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine. Last November, Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies testified to the House Ways and Means Committee that SJP and similar groups have deep ties to global terrorist organizations, including Hamas.
For many keffiyeh-wearing protestors, however, a recently professed concern for Palestinians is just the latest in a long list of causes they believe justify taking over streets and college quads. In Unherd, Mary Harrington dubs this medley of political beliefs the “omnicause,” writing that “all contemporary radical causes seem somehow to have been absorbed into one.” Today’s leftist activists share an interlocking worldview that sees racism, income inequality, trans intolerance, climate change, alleged police violence, and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts all as products of capitalism and “colonialism.” Therefore, the stated rationale for any individual protest is a stand-in for the real battle: attacking Western society and its institutions.
In the U.S., this type of general-purpose uprising goes back at least to the riots at the 1999 meeting of the World Trade Organization in Seattle. In those protests, mainstream liberal factions—including labor unions and environmentalists—were joined by “black bloc” anarchists and other radicals eager to engage in “direct action” against police. That pattern—relatively moderate demonstrators providing a friendly envelope for hard-core disruptors—formed the template for many later protests: the Occupy Wall Street encampments in 2011, demonstrations following the police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014, 2016’s Standing Rock anti-pipeline movement, and of course, the calamitous summer of 2020.
These uprisings were not entirely spontaneous. In some cases, activists spend months planning mass actions—for example, against economic summits or political conventions—and can recruit street fighters from across the country. In others, an event, such as George Floyd’s death, sparks popular protests involving neophyte demonstrators. Those attract far-left activists, who swoop in to organize and expand the struggle, often tilting it toward more radical action.
That has certainly been the case at the college Gaza-paloozas. At Columbia, the New York Times spotted a woman old enough to be a student’s grandmother in the thick of the action as protesters barricaded that school’s Hamilton Hall. The woman was 63-year-old Lisa Fithian, a lifetime activist, who Portland’s alternative weekly Street Roots approvingly calls “a trainer of mass rebellion.” A counter-protester trying to block the pro-Hamas demonstrators told NBC News, “She was right in the middle of it, instructing them how to better set up the barriers.” Fithian told the Times she’d been invited to train students in protest safety and “general logistics.” She claims to have taken part in almost every major U.S. protest movement going back to the 1999 “Battle in Seattle.”
America’s radical network has plenty of Lisa Fithians, with the time and resources to travel the country educating newcomers about the “logistics” of disruptive protests. And these activists appear to have played key roles in the college occupations. The New York City Police Department says nearly half the demonstrators arrested on the Columbia and City University of New York (CUNY) campuses on April 30 were not affiliated with the schools. One hooded Hamilton Hall occupier—photographed scuffling with a Columbia custodian before getting arrested—turned out to be 40-year-old James Carlson, heir to a large advertising fortune. According to the New York Post, Carlson lives in a $2.3 million Park Slope townhouse and has a long rap sheet. For example, in 2005, he was arrested in San Francisco during the violent “West Coast Anti-Capitalist Mobilization and March Against the G8.” (Those charges were dropped.)
For a quarter-century now, Antifa and other anarchist networks have worked to refine tactics and share lessons following each major action. At Columbia, UCLA, and other schools, authorities found printouts of a “Do-It Yourself Occupation Guide” and similar documents. The young campus radicals are eager to learn from their more experienced elders. And, like the high-achieving students they are, they follow directions carefully. MacDougald asked Kyle Shideler, the director for homeland security and counterterrorism at the Center for Security Policy, about the mystery of the identical tents. There was no need for a central group to distribute hundreds of tents, Shideler said. Instead, “the organizers told [students] to buy a tent, and sent around a Google Doc with a link to that specific tent on Amazon. So they all went out and bought the same tent.”
In other words, America’s radical class has gotten very skilled at recruiting and instructing new activists—even from among the ranks of elite college students with a good deal to lose. How much more could this movement accomplish with hundreds of millions in federal dollars flooding activist groups around the country?
From its first week in office, the Biden administration has trumpeted its goal to funnel more environmental spending toward “disadvantaged communities that have been historically marginalized,” partly by issuing grants to grassroots organizations. Previous environmental justice (EJ) grant programs were small in scope. But, with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022, a huge pool of grant money became available. EPA administrator Michael Regan told reporters, “We’re going from tens of thousands of dollars to developing and designing a program that will distribute billions.”
More than a year and a half later, it remains hard to nail down just where the Biden administration’s billions in EJ grants will wind up. Money is being distributed through a confusing variety of programs, and the process of identifying recipients is ongoing. To help outsource the job of sifting through proposals, the EPA last year designated 11 institutions as “Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers.” These groups are empowered to make subgrants directly to community organizations, under streamlined EPA oversight. In all, the Biden administration has entrusted these outfits with distributing a staggering $600 million in funding. The money is expected to start flowing this summer.
The EPA’s grantmakers include a number of educational institutions and left-leaning nonprofits. For example, the EPA chose Fordham University as its lead grantmaker in the New York region. Fordham, in turn, lists as partners two nonprofits that oppose immigration enforcement. (One, the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, states on its website: “NJAIJ believes in the human right to migrate, regardless of citizenship or political status.”) Neither group claims expertise in environmental issues. Given that the IRA’s eligibility requirements for EJ grants are extremely vague, however, perhaps that’s not a problem. Almost any activity that could help “spur economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities” (in the words of Biden’s EJ executive order) might qualify.
Perhaps the most prominent—and problematic—EPA grantmaker is the Berkeley, California-based Climate Justice Alliance. The CJA is a consortium of mostly far-left activist groups. It describes its mission as working for “regenerative economic solutions and ecological justice—under a framework that challenges capitalism and both white supremacy and hetero-patriarchy.” The group is a vigorous proponent of the omnicause, embracing almost every left-wing concern as a manifestation of climate change. For example, the CJA website proclaims: “The path to climate justice travels through a free Palestine.” MacDougald notes that the Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, one of CJA’s affiliated groups, “organized an illegal anti-Israel protest in the Capitol Rotunda in December at which more than 50 activists were arrested.”
The CJA website also includes a section dedicated to the cause known as Stop Cop City. It refers to an effort to halt the construction of an 85-acre police and firefighter training center outside Atlanta. Rag-tag activists from around the country have gathered around the facility since 2021. They have repeatedly battled with police—sometimes with fireworks and Molotov cocktails—and used bolt cutters to enter the site and torch construction equipment. (CJA’s Stop Cop City page features a cartoon illustration of three childlike activists; one brandishes bolt cutters.) The group also backs a legal defense fund for activists arrested in attacks on the training center or in other protests. For those looking for more inspiration, CJA links to an interview with former Black Panther and self-described revolutionary Angela Davis.
The Alliance is not an ideological outlier in Biden’s EJ coalition. On the contrary, when the White House assembled its White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC), a panel of outside experts meant to provide “horizon-expanding EJ advice and recommendations,” it chose CJA co-chair Elizabeth Yeampierre to help lead the committee. Like other members of the panel, she sees environmental issues through an ideological, not a scientific, lens. “Climate change is the result of a legacy of extraction, of colonialism, of slavery,” Yeampierre told Yale Environment 360. As a group, radical EJ activists tend not to focus on pragmatic ways to reduce pollution and carbon emissions; for them, the real goal is overturning what they see as an exploitative economic and political system. Since these are the voices the White House chose to help shape its EJ policies, we can assume this worldview will dominate grantmaking decisions.
In February 2023, House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer, along with fellow committee member Pat Fallon, wrote to EPA administrator Regan asking for more information on the EPA’s grant programs. They noted that the EPA’s own studies of EJ grants issued in previous years showed sloppy supervision. According to an EPA report, an earlier version of the program funded projects that did “not logically lead to the desired environmental and/or public health [result].” Without better oversight and more clearly defined goals, the congressmen wrote, the EPA’s EJ grant machine risks becoming simply a “slush fund for far-left organizations.”
Since then, the administration has done little to reassure skeptics. To the contrary, the EPA has put at least one far-left organization—CJA—in charge of distributing $50 million in grant money. No doubt, many of the EPA grants will go to worthwhile projects. But money is fungible. A group that gets a large grant to, say, clean up dirty parks or teach children about recycling will also be able to hire more staff and divert more resources to political action.
With graduation behind them, most of the anti-Israel college protesters have stowed away their keffiyehs and moved on to summer vacations or internships. But the peripatetic activists who helped guide and intensify those uprisings are doubtless already planning their next actions. After all, two political conventions are looming. This fall, the college protests will likely flare up again, though by then perhaps focused on a different facet of the omnicause. And, with hundreds of millions in fresh funding flowing through the activist ecosystem, the groups that quietly nurture extremists—like those who firebombed “Cop City,” or who chant “Intifada Revolution!,” or who block bridges in the name of “climate”—will be more emboldened than ever.
A Slush Fund for Radical Protesters? City Journal (city-journal.org)
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Welcome to the Battery Megathread, where you can find information and get assistance with any battery-related issues your Pixel might be facing. All battery-related posts made outside this megathread will be removed.
Before you make a comment, try these troubleshooting tips:

Stay up to date with the latest version of Android and your apps.

Although some people may argue that a system update ruined their battery life (and occasionally this is the cause), it's always a good idea to make sure you device is running the latest version of Android (check anytime in Settings > System > Advanced > System update > Check for update). Security patches and major updates bring fixes not only for battery-draining bugs, but also protection against viruses and malware that may be stealing your charge, or worse. Individual app updates may also provide performance improvements to your battery.

Check for power-hungry apps.

Despite battery-saving features like Doze, some apps may still be able to drain away your charge undetected. Try the following steps to identify any power-hungry apps.

• Make sure that the "Apps consuming battery" notification is enabled, and wait a few minutes to see if it appears. (Find the toggle in Settings > Apps & notifications > See all ___ apps > More options (the triple dot) > Show system > Android system > Notifications > Other)
• Check the battery usage of your apps in Settings > Battery > More options (the triple dot) > Battery usage. Remember that battery life may be reduced with usage of certain features (location, Bluetooth, etc.) and apps (gaming, video, etc.).
• Turn on battery optimizations for all apps, (Under Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access > Battery optimization, and tap each app to change it to Optimize), and also enable Adaptive Battery, which limits rarely used apps (Under Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery).
• Force stop or uninstall any new apps and monitor battery life. (You can do this by going into Settings > search for appName & select appName)
• Temporarily disable all installed apps with Safe Mode, to see if an existing/updated app is the problem. (Enter Safe Mode by pressing & holding the power button, and then pressing and holding Restart, and finally tapping OK. To exit Safe Mode, restart your phone as normal. You may have to sign into some apps again.) If your battery life improves, use the aforementioned methods on older apps.

Investigate battery intensive features.

Some functions on you phone may use more power than you expect, especially in different scenarios. Take a look at this list for a few possibilities:

• Bluetooth is notorious for its high-energy usage, especially when actively transferring data. Turn it off if it's not needed, and if you do, consider looking for Bluetooth Low Energy devices, which need much less power.
• Location also uses quite a bit in order to pinpoint your position. Turn off Wifi/Cellular data/Bluetooth location accuracy (Settings > Security and Location > Location > Advanced > Battery saving > Google Location Accuracy) or turn Location off completely.
• Cellular can also drain your battery when the signal is weak. At these times, more electricity is needed to stay connected, no matter if you're in the forest or underground. If you don't require a cellular connection (for example, if you have Wifi Calling), put your phone into Airplane mode and re-enable Wifi/Bluetooth if needed.

Contact Google Support.

Google's dedicated Pixel support team may be able to help diagnose and fix your issue. Find them in Settings > Tips & Support, or just ask your Google Assistant "troubleshoot my battery".

IF ALL ELSE FAILS, factory reset your phone.

Sometimes wiping your phone is all that's needed to bring your battery back to life. Google Drive and Google Photos do a decent job with keeping your apps and data (check in Settings > Google > Backup > Back up now and check Google Photos > sidebar (the three lines) > Settings > Backup and sync), but please personally make sure that everything is backed up to something off your phone. To wipe your phone, follow the steps here.
This megathread will be replaced on the 1^st of each month at 10:00 UTC. If the month is wrong, search for the latest one here. To return to the Superthread, click here.

I've been reading this Reddit thread about microplastics found in male testicles and it makes me wonder about the role that microplastics can hypothetically play in helping reduce human and animal overpopulation. This is a thought experiment so I am not advocating anything.
Most people in that thread do not seem concerned about microplastics. There also isn't any hard evidence that microplastics cause any health problems, but it may take time before science overcomes lobbying. In that time there is an opportunity to dump as much microplastics on the planet as possible in order to accelerate depopulation and make the planet inhospitable for life. This would be very hard to reverse or clean up given microplastics are so small e.g. most of the microplastics in the ocean are synthetic plastics from car tires.
Microplastics including PFAS, phtalates etc are endocrine disruptors and there seems to be a significant amount of evidence that they cause depopulation, but it's easy to simply raise the burden of evidence to buy more time in order to cause as much depopulation as possible.
One Redditor in that thread even suggests that there is a conspiracy by the elites to depopulate life with microplastics. There probably should be. We can all contribute to this. Obviously if we are rich and powerful, we can do more than if we are ordinary people, but even ordinary people can contribute to microplastic pollution. Spreading microplastics is not violent, so I am not advocating violence. Furthermore, spreading microplastics can be legal, and plastics can be disposed of legally and still cause pollution.
Some arguments against this idea is that plastic pollution may cause suffering e.g. if someone gets cancer. Many believe that microplastics are to blame for the sudden increase in colorectal cancer among young people. We also need to consider the amount of harm and violence caused by procreation. Procreation is an act of violence. When someone procreates, they create a predator who goes out into the world and rapes and kills others (e.g. lions eat zebras, humans eat cows etc), so forcing sterilisation seems noble in comparison. How is it not noble to prevent both the birth of a predator who will torture and kill others as well preventing the birth of prey who will become the victim of the predators?

Seeing a car recall can be alarming, but it's actually a positive step. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regularly issues recalls to ensure vehicles meet safety standards. In 2023 alone, the NHTSA reported over 34 million vehicle recalls in the United States.
Recent recalls have involved a variety of issues. For instance, Honda Ridgeline trucks have been recalled for faulty rearview cameras, while Ford Escapes face a software issue that could cause power loss. Additionally, BMW has recalled some new models for a seatbelt problem, and Tesla addressed a faulty seat belt warning in over 125,000 cars.
NHTSA recalls are crucial for several reasons. First, fixing these issues reduces the risk of accidents and injuries for drivers and passengers. Second, recalls prompt manufacturers to address problems and improve future vehicles. Third, knowing your car is safe gives you peace of mind while driving.
You can easily check for recalls by entering your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website. Repairs for recalls are typically free at dealerships. Don't delay! Getting your car repaired as part of a recall benefits everyone on the road.

When you're a cop, you don't have the luxury of feeling things. You have to do the job.
Welcome Earthers to our final discussion of Leviathan Wakes. And what an ending it was! If you want to catch up on any previous discussions, you can find the schedule here and marginalia here. Otherwise let's dive in!
Chapter 48: Miller – Miller and crew arrive at Eros. Protogen’s involvement with the station has become public knowledge (and surprisingly it wasn’t Holden that told everyone) which has shifted the blame to the corporation and put the Earth-Mars war on hold. Miller and the OPA team strategically place fusion bombs on Eros and their return transport arrives, but Miller tells Diogo he’s staying behind. The next day, he heads to the outside of Eros and awaits the Nauvoo’s impact, with the Eros’ feed and his imaginary Julie keeping him company. But just before the collision, Eros shouts, “Don’t you fucking touch me!” and dodges out of the way!
Chapter 49: Holden – Understandably, everyone on the Rocinante is like WTF just happened!? Naomi explains that it can’t be magic because whatever Eros just did to move seven thousand trillion tons of rock wasted energy which they can see. So you know, just really fucking advanced science, but not magic! Eros then disappears off the radar but continues to move towards Earth at high speed. Holden and the UNN Escort Vessel agree to temporarily put their differences aside and chase Eros. Holden calls Fred and says this is a great opportunity to get everyone to work together before they all turn into vomit zombies. Fred tells Holden to call Miller and get the remote detonation codes to the bombs on Eros to maybe buy them some time.
Chapter 50: Miller – Miller tells Holden he’s still on Eros, somehow not feeling the insane movement and just hanging out upside down like a bat. Of course Holden wants to rescue Miller, but he’s like, “No bro, you get why I’m here,” and Holden drops it. Miller decides the best bet is to take the fusion bombs inside Eros to whatever is controlling it. Naomi sets him up a dead’s man switch, so now Miller has to somehow drag these heavy ass bombs around without ever lifting his finger off a button for more than 5 seconds. Miller tells Holden his last wish is to find Julie’s parents and figure out their link to Protogen, and then heads into Eros.
Chapter 51: Holden – Eros continues to travel faster and faster, and it is impossible for the Rocinante to keep up without causing serious physical damage or killing everyone on board. Fred calls and says that Earth has forgiven him after learning that he had nothing to do with Eros and, in fact, Protogen hated him. Holden doesn’t have the patience to congratulate Fred on his personal gains since his organs are about to explode. Fred says that Earth is going to launch its entire nuclear arsenal at Eros, but needs the Rocinante to bounce a laser off it so they can use its targeting system to guide their missiles. This means the crew would need to put the ship on autopilot and sacrifice themselves, which Holden isn’t super keen to do. He tells Fred he’ll think about it, but then immediately stops the ship because he refuses to let his crew (especially Naomi) die. Naomi heard everything Fred said and isn’t pleased with Holden’s decision. But no fear, he has a back-up plan! If they turn back on the OPA freighters attached to Eros, they can use their transponders to track Eros. The nukes are successfully launched and everyone’s happy until Miller calls sand says there’s a problem.
Chapter 52: Miller – It’s a struggle, but Miller manages to get into Eros which is now filled with human corpse crust and luminescent dots in the air. He realizes that to find whatever is powering the ‘ship’, he should use temperature to guide him to the hot spot. As he progresses deeper, he hears Eros talk about taking the ‘razor back’ and Miller has the biggest lightbulb moment – Julie is alive and she’s the brain of the protomolecule!
Chapter 53: Holden – Miller tells Holden to check all his vitals to clear that he’s not physically going crazy before dropping the bomb that Julie is the one driving Eros to Earth. He argues that the original protomolecule was meant to infect single-celled organisms. It is now being forced to improvise as it’s infected much more complex creatures so is using Julie and her brain as a template. Miller doesn’t think the protomolecule wants to wipe out humanity, since humans didn’t even exist when it was first launched, so if he can only speak to Julie (or what’s left of her), he can convince her to take Eros away from Earth. He agrees that if he can’t get through to her with words, he’ll use the bomb and blow up Eros, but he needs Holden to buy him some time. Naomi comes up with a plan to deflect the missiles in an arc shape and trick the UNN to not realizing what’s happening. They pitch their plan to Fred who immediately rejects it, but Holden offers him the protomolecule sample in exchange which is too good to pass up. Holden tells Miller the plan is on and that they should take Eros to Venus.
Chapter 54: Miller – Miller is looking for Julie while trying not to go insane. Visions of Holden, Havelock and Muss guide him to the backup environment control room where he finds Julie’s body. He wakes her up, introduces himself and explains the situation. Miller removes his suit helmet, letting the protomolecule infect him, and convinces Julie to head to Venus.
Chapter 55: Holden – Holden wakes up from a nightmare to a call from the UNN ship. They’ve learned about the deflected missiles and the Rocinante is in big trouble. McBride tells Holden he’s got ten minutes to deactivate the false transponders or else she’s shooting them down. Before a battle can break out, Eros reappears on the radar and everyone can see it’s heading away from Earth. It crashes into Venus, saving all of humanity from becoming vomit zombies (for now at least).
Epilogue: Fred – After the Eros crash, tensions are still high among Earth, Mars and the Belt. Fred is about to deliver a speech with the aim to establish peace between all parties. The protomolecule is NOT dead things are happening on Venus, like two kilomtere high crystal towers. So Fred’s hidden sample is the best option for finding a solution to protect humanity. Holden appears and asks if Fred can help him and his crew get amnesty and keep the Rocinante. He also wants Fred to talk about the real Miller and not turn him into a heroic Belter icon. Before his speech, Fred is tempted to go Holden’s way but ultimately labels it a “noble way to fail,” and carries on with his original plan, using Miller’s sacrifice as a tool to try and unite humanity.

So...this is likely going to be a long post, I apologize in advance as I kind of just have a lot of my mind to expand upon.
I am a 33 year old male, I first got Covid in late December 2023. It was rough, What complicates this for me is that I didn't feel good before Covid. For years I dealt with major fatigue issues, what some would consider similar to adrenal fatigue type symptoms, low blood sugar feelings every day, anxiety, all kinds of weird stomach/chest sensations, lack of energy, heat sensitivity, anxiety and more. The only things I previously had been confirmed to have that could have contribued to this were low Vitamin D and a hiatal hernia. Over the last few years I've had a batery of heart tests, stomach tests, all never really found much other than the hiatal hernia.
Covid was rough on me for sure. Had the worst cough I've ever had for weeks. Though oxygen remained normal, the worst muscle pains I've ever had, and stomach issues, frequent bowel movement. In the weeks following Covid I felt like my hiatal hernia had been made worse as I was just noticing symptoms in there more. I also feel sleepy way more than I did before Covid. The coughing stopped, but I dont know that any of it totally went away, there were periods of time where I forgot I had Covid and even thought I was totally over it a few times, but right now I am reconsidering it.
The last few weeks I have really been just not been feeling rough..and its nothing new to me totally but it all feels worse.
Muscle pains and soreness...I dont have horrible muscle pains, but I have pains that are just there that I didnt notice before, arms, legs, ribs, back, chest. Now weird feelings werent new to me, but its all so much more noticeable after Covid. Its almost like...My muscles are all just a little heavy/sore, like if I want to go on a walk, its like starting an old car, something at 33 I dont think is the norm, just sitting here typing this paragraph I've noticed a strain/muscle pain in my left knee, upper thigh, fingers, and left wirst. They are low on the pain scale like 2 or 3 out of 10, but they are there. It is similar to the muscle feelings you get when you are sick but not quite on that scale, just a lower level daily 24/7 version of it.
My hiatal hernia has felt so much worse in the last few weeks. I am noticing so much more pressure around it, its almost like a baby kicking in my lower chest/upper stomach when I move positions or lean wrong, or strain. I've had lots of nausea last few weeks also going along with it, it also goes along with the low blood sugar feelings I get which are fixed by foods (not sugar), and sometimes its hard to tell if I am sick or hungry or what.
Along with the theme of stomach issues, and this one gets a little more graphic...I haven't been normal with bowel movements since I had Covid. Atleast my usual. I was..pretty regular pre-covid. Every couple days, maybe once a day, but it was..simple..relatively the same...Since I had Covid, its extremely irregular, much more frequently it can be more diahhrea like, usually very soft, sometimes multiple times a day which used to be extremely rare for me, and where I used to be able to hold it before, it seems to come on much more suddenly for me now.
For a weird one, I feel like my anxiety is worse again since Covid...now I had anxiety for years which was actually caused by all the strange symptoms I had over the years. But it had been maintained and stable before Covid. Now it feels like any adrenaline release at all absolutely screws up my body. Good or bad energy. Watching a sporting event and getting excited = feeling bad...Even gaming...I am an eSports compeititor, mainly with sim racing, but I enjoy other games. I've noticed that if I play a game like Fortnite now, when I get done if its a tense game, I am borderline panic attack and my body freaking out for literally no reason, and it comes on out of nowhere once i'm done. Fortnite seems to do it worst of all games.
There are more things im sure I am forgetting but its very late, and this really hit me today that maybe somehow Long Covid is playing up all of these things after all. I did have an episode of my heart racing last month and they said it was POTS..I had an EKG while it was going, EKG was normal, Chest XRay was normal...I dont necessarily believe it was POTS but I also cant rule it out as I have had other POTS like symptoms before.

Hi! I’m looking for your thoughts and if anyone has experienced what I’m going through these days. I have severe gas that worsens in the early morning and wakes me up while sleeping. The gas is constant all day regardless if I’m eating or not. I burp up gas pretty much all day long. It doesn’t stop.
This constant gas can cause heart palpitations that I believe is from a small hernia that I was diagnosed with a few years ago. I’ve had all of the tests from echo cardiograms to endoscopy tests. Only the endoscopy showed I have some redness from GERD in my stomach and esophagus. Nothing serious. I was subscribed PPI’s and H2 blockers but those made me worse. Not really on anything now besides the occasional Tums and GasX. Nothing really seems to work.
I've been experiencing these symptoms for years and have consulted three gastroenterologists, but none have been able to help. One diagnosed me with SIBO, so I took Xifaxan and changed my diet, and a follow up SIBO test came back negative but the severe gas remains. Interestingly, I rarely get heartburn; instead, I suffer from severe gas throughout the day, originating from my stomach. The gas isn't alleviated by Tums, GasX, Mylanta, or Pepto-Bismol. I find that keeping my stomach full helps reduce the discomfort, but that's not a solution. Dietary changes have been ineffective, and I feel pain in the mid-abdomen, around the small intestine area just below the rib cage from time to time. I don't know what to do. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks for reading.

When it comes to flooring options, few materials offer the perfect blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and affordability like Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. Over recent years, LVP has emerged as a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike, thanks to its versatile design options, water resistance, and easy maintenance. This blog will delve into the world of LVP flooring, exploring its various types, benefits, and why it might be the best choice for your home.
What is LVP Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is a type of vinyl flooring designed to mimic the look and feel of natural wood. Unlike traditional vinyl flooring, which comes in sheets, LVP is manufactured in planks that resemble hardwood floors. This resemblance is not just in appearance but also in texture, with many LVP products featuring realistic wood grain patterns and textures.
LVP flooring is made up of multiple layers, including a top wear layer that protects against scratches and stains, a photographic layer that gives the flooring its realistic look, and a core layer that provides durability and water resistance. This layered construction makes LVP a highly resilient flooring option that can withstand heavy foot traffic and moisture.
Types of LVP Flooring
There are various types of LVP flooring, each catering to different aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Some of the most popular include:

• LVP Plank Flooring: In LVP plank flooring, planks are designed to look like individual wood boards, offering a traditional hardwood appearance.
• LVP Tile: For those who prefer the look of stone or ceramic, LVP tiles can mimic these materials while providing the benefits of vinyl.
• White Oak LVP: A trendy option, White Oak LVP offers a light, airy look that complements modern and Scandinavian design styles.
• Waterproof LVP Flooring: This variant is specially designed for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, ensuring that your flooring remains pristine even in wet conditions.

Benefits of LVP Flooring
The rise in popularity of LVP flooring is no accident. Here are some of the key benefits that make it a top choice for many:

• Durability: LVP flooring is incredibly durable, thanks to its multi-layer construction. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for busy households.
• Water Resistance: One of the standout features of LVP flooring is its water resistance. Waterproof LVP flooring is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where moisture can be an issue.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With advancements in printing technology, LVP can convincingly mimic the look of natural wood and stone. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of oak or the sleek look of marble, there’s an LVP option for you.
• Easy Maintenance: Unlike hardwood, LVP doesn’t require regular sanding or sealing. It’s easy to clean with just a broom and a damp mop, making it a low-maintenance option.
• Affordability: LVP flooring offers a cost-effective alternative to hardwood and stone, providing a high-end look without the hefty price tag.

Choosing the Best LVP Flooring
Selecting the best LVP flooring for your home involves considering several factors, including your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Consider Your Lifestyle: If you have pets or children, look for LVP flooring with a thicker wear layer for added durability. Waterproof LVP flooring is also a great choice for high-moisture areas.
• Aesthetic Preferences: Decide on the look you want to achieve. White Oak LVP, for example, offers a light and modern appearance, while darker wood-look planks can provide a more traditional feel.
• Budget: LVP flooring is available at various price points. Determine your budget beforehand and look for options that offer the best value for your money.

Installing LVP Flooring
One of the advantages of LVP flooring is its ease of installation. Many LVP products feature a click-lock system, allowing you to install the flooring without the need for nails or glue. This makes it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. However, if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, hiring a professional installer can ensure a flawless finish.
Here’s a basic overview of the installation process:

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Remove any old flooring and repair any damage to the subfloor.
2. Acclimate the Planks: Let the LVP planks acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours before installation.
3. Plan the Layout: Measure the room and plan the layout of the planks. It’s important to stagger the seams to create a more natural look.
4. Install the Planks: Start from one corner of the room and work your way across. Use the click-lock system to secure the planks together, ensuring a snug fit.
5. Trim and Finish: Once all the planks are in place, trim the edges to fit and install any necessary molding or trim to complete the look.

LVP Flooring in Bathrooms
Bathrooms present a unique challenge for flooring due to the high levels of moisture. Fortunately, LVP flooring is an excellent choice for bathrooms. Its waterproof properties ensure that it won’t warp or buckle when exposed to water, making it a durable and practical option.
When choosing LVP for your bathroom, look for products specifically labeled as waterproof. These products often have a thicker wear layer and additional sealing to prevent moisture from seeping through. Additionally, consider the texture of the flooring. A textured surface can provide extra grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls in wet conditions.
Maintenance Tips for LVP Flooring
Maintaining LVP flooring is relatively straightforward, but following a few simple tips can help keep it looking its best for years to come:

• Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface. Use a damp mop with a mild cleaner to keep the flooring clean.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the wear layer. Stick to products recommended by the flooring manufacturer.
• Protective Pads: Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents. Consider using area rugs in high-traffic areas for added protection.
• Immediate Spill Cleanup: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining. Although LVP is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture can still cause damage over time.

Conclusion
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring offers a versatile, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for any home. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your living room, kitchen, or bathroom, LVP provides the beauty of natural wood and stone without the high cost and maintenance. Its water resistance, ease of installation, and wide range of styles make it a top choice for modern homeowners. By considering your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget, you can find the perfect LVP flooring to enhance your home’s interior. So, take the plunge into the world of LVP flooring and enjoy the perfect blend of style and functionality.

I figured I would tell my story to the void to help me cope somehow.
It all started on April 29, 2024, with what was supposed to be a routine ultrasound for my 12-week pregnancy. From the moment they wouldn’t let me see the ultrasound and only took pictures of the baby’s head, a sinking feeling settled in my chest. Something was wrong. On May 3, my fears were confirmed when I was instructed to see another ultrasound specialist due to concerning findings from the initial scan. My husband and I tried to stay optimistic, hoping against hope that any issue might resolve itself or require only minor surgery after birth.
On May 4, we found out we were having a boy. We shared the joyous news with a few close friends and family. This was our first child, and the anticipation was overwhelming. But by May 13, I was bracing myself for the worst, determined not to cry no matter what the doctor said. My best-case scenario was that our baby had a condition where the bowels were growing outside the body, which could be corrected with surgery after birth. The reality was far more devastating.
The doctor told us the head and upper extremities appeared normal, but a large cystic structure dominated the lower abdomen, likely the bladder, with umbilical vessels entering and surrounding it. At 14 weeks, our baby was measuring at just 12 weeks, possibly due to the cyst. Worse still, the spine appeared truncated at the lumbar area, with no sacral spine, causing one leg to grow normally while the other was significantly shorter.
As the doctor explained and showed us the images, my resolve crumbled. Tears silently streamed down my face. I felt embarrassed by my inability to hold them back, even though it was perfectly reasonable to feel such heartache. Isn’t it silly to feel embarrassed in such a moment of profound grief? My husband hugged me tight, reassuring me that we could get through this together. It took all my strength to compose myself enough to leave the room.
Walking through a waiting room full of other pregnant women, I felt their sympathetic gazes piercing through me. I hurried out of the office, my heart heavy with sorrow, and finally broke down completely in the car, the weight of our reality crashing down on me. I'm a very prideful person; I don't like showing my weakness to anyone. My husband has only seen me cry a handful of times (I'm in therapy working on this).
In the solitude of the car, I let it all out—the fear, the sorrow, the overwhelming sense of helplessness. This journey, which began with so much hope, had turned into a heart-wrenching ordeal.
Making the call to my OBGYN to schedule the termination was to say the least difficult. Due to the stage of my pregnancy, I would need to be referred out to have this done. When I found out I would have to travel 2.5 hours from my area to have this done, enraged me. I was told that was the only place they could refer me to, they had one place that was in my area but they no longer had a contract with them. I had to get my insurance and husband to fight for me to have the procedure closer. I was finally able to schedule the termination closer to home thanks to the insurance, though it took some time. So my schedule date is June 3rd & 4th, I made sure to keep myself busy and not think about it. I have to admit that after hearing the diagnoses of the pregnancy, I let everyone know I was going MIA from social media and overall communication in general. Everyone gave me the space I needed to heal from this. As the days get closer, the sadness comes in waves but so does the peace knowing that he wont be suffering anymore.
Thank you for reading this.

Hello travelers!
So my wife and I booked a last minute cruise to Iceland and Norway through NCL this June. We're a family of four, with 3-year-old and 8-month-old boys.
Our Itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 - Reykjavik (Embarkation) Day 2 - Grundarfjordur Day 3 - Akureyri Day 4 - Sea Day Day 5 - Kristiansund (Norway) Day 6 - Trondheim (Norway) Day 7 - Alesund (Norway) Day 8 - Sea Day Day 9 - Husavik Day 10 - Isafjordur Day 11 - Reykjavik (Debarkation)
We're arriving one day before and staying one day after the cruise in Reykjavik.
I was looking for some general tips and advice as to our Itinerary. Looking at the excursions offered directly through NCL (as well as privately through other companies), I feel like what's available isn't really something the kiddos would appreciate or enjoy. Don't think it's a good idea to book many of those excursions for two main reasons:

1. Many are 3-8 hour long tours, something little kids would probably hate. While ours are generally well behaved and we've traveled extensively with them on multi day, hour long trips, that's usually in the comfort and privacy of our own cars. Also, these tours involve either clamoring onto boats for nature or wildlife watching, moderately difficult hikes, or really long drives. Stuff I think our kiddos might be over with in the first 20 minutes lol.
   
2. We want to be considerate of everyone else! There are likely many others on these tours, and don't want to subject them to our kids' potential tantrums, where they are stuck with us for hours. We understand little kids can be stressful, and we're already "intruding" on many people's vacation by simply coming along on the cruise, so we want to limit our impact on others' holiday as much as possible.
   

Some questions/advice sought are:

• As it relates to the Icelandic ports, are all these ports generally easy to walk around and explore on foot immediately following getting off the ship? We're considering maybe doing our own thing rather than booking tours, and simply walk around leisurely and poke around these ports. Is this feasible to do given our Itinerary?
  
• We are wanting to travel lightly, and are debating leaving our car seats behind. I understand Iceland's laws as they relate to child seats. Are taxis or other car transport services easy to book, and how difficult is it to request appropriate child seats? Good idea to leave the car seats at home, or bite the bullet and bring em with us?
  
• Given our Itinerary, anything special or interesting for little kids that stick out at any or these ports? Any recommendations of tours, sights, or experiences would be great!
  

Transformers are vital components of electrical power systems, responsible for transmitting electricity between circuits via electromagnetic induction. Their material composition plays a crucial role in their efficiency, performance and longevity - therefore this blog will explore key materials used in making transformers while offering insight into why each is chosen and its functions.

Transformer Core Materials

A transformer core is typically constructed out of laminated silicon steel, chosen for its excellent magnetic properties and electrical resistance. Lamination helps reduce eddy current losses that cause heating or energy loss; its silicon content improves efficiency by decreasing hysteresis losses that occur when its magnetic field changes direction.

Windings

Transformer windings, or coils of wire used to conduct the electrical current, typically consist of either copper or aluminium wire coils insulated against short circuits for safe operation and reduced energy loss. Copper's superior electrical conductivity favours it over its lighter and cheaper aluminium equivalent; both materials should be properly insulated to prevent short circuits and ensure safe operations.

Insulation

Insulation in transformers is essential in providing electrical isolation between windings and the core, as well as between windings themselves. Paper, varnish and synthetic polymers are often employed for this purpose; Kraft paper and pressboard may also be utilised due to their excellent dielectric properties and mechanical strength - two properties which help ensure its continued performance under high voltage conditions.

Transformer Oil

Many larger transformers, particularly ones from larger factories, are filled with transformer oil for multiple reasons: insulation, cooling and protecting its internal components from overheating as well as dissipating heat produced by core and windings, thus helping prevent overheating and prolonging its lifespan. Mineral oil remains the standard option; however, newer synthetic and biodegradable oils have gained in popularity as their environmental advantages make them attractive alternatives.

Tank and Conservator

Transformer tanks and their oil are typically constructed of high-grade steel to provide strength and durability against external environmental factors. Conservators - an additional feature found on some transformers made out of steel - serve to manage the expansion/contraction of transformer oil as temperature changes occur.

Bushings

Bushings are insulated devices designed to facilitate the safe passage of electrical conductors through a transformer tank. Common materials for bushing construction include porcelain and epoxy resin composite materials - selected based on their high dielectric strength and mechanical robustness to provide reliable performance under various electrical stresses.

Conclusion

Transformer construction materials must meet specific electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. Silicon steel, copper, aluminium and various insulating materials such as transformer oil are integral parts of their successful functioning - as are silicon steel's thermal properties and mechanical characteristics.
By understanding their roles within transformer design we can appreciate the engineering prowess behind such essential electrical devices. No matter, if you are an industry professional or an enthusiast, knowing the components used, enhances your understanding of electrical power systems in general.
Stay tuned to the Makpower transformer blog for in-depth knowledge about transformers and their other services. Transformers are vital components of electrical power systems, responsible for transmitting electricity between circuits via electromagnetic induction. Their material composition plays a crucial role in their efficiency, performance and longevity - therefore this blog will explore key materials used in making transformers while offering insight into why each is chosen and its functions.

Transformer Core Materials

A transformer core is typically constructed out of laminated silicon steel, chosen for its excellent magnetic properties and electrical resistance. Lamination helps reduce eddy current losses that cause heating or energy loss; its silicon content improves efficiency by decreasing hysteresis losses that occur when its magnetic field changes direction.

Windings

Transformer windings, or coils of wire used to conduct the electrical current, typically consist of either copper or aluminium wire coils insulated against short circuits for safe operation and reduced energy loss. Copper's superior electrical conductivity favours it over its lighter and cheaper aluminium equivalent; both materials should be properly insulated to prevent short circuits and ensure safe operations.

Insulation

Insulation in transformers is essential in providing electrical isolation between windings and the core, as well as between windings themselves. Paper, varnish and synthetic polymers are often employed for this purpose; Kraft paper and pressboard may also be utilised due to their excellent dielectric properties and mechanical strength - two properties which help ensure its continued performance under high voltage conditions.

Transformer Oil

Many larger transformers, particularly ones from larger factories, are filled with transformer oil for multiple reasons: insulation, cooling and protecting its internal components from overheating as well as dissipating heat produced by core and windings, thus helping prevent overheating and prolonging its lifespan. Mineral oil remains the standard option; however, newer synthetic and biodegradable oils have gained in popularity as their environmental advantages make them attractive alternatives.

Tank and Conservator

Transformer tanks and their oil are typically constructed of high-grade steel to provide strength and durability against external environmental factors. Conservators - an additional feature found on some transformers made out of steel - serve to manage the expansion/contraction of transformer oil as temperature changes occur.

Bushings

Bushings are insulated devices designed to facilitate the safe passage of electrical conductors through a transformer tank. Common materials for bushing construction include porcelain and epoxy resin composite materials - selected based on their high dielectric strength and mechanical robustness to provide reliable performance under various electrical stresses.

Conclusion

Transformer construction materials must meet specific electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. Silicon steel, copper, aluminium and various insulating materials such as transformer oil are integral parts of their successful functioning - as are silicon steel's thermal properties and mechanical characteristics.
By understanding their roles within transformer design we can appreciate the engineering prowess behind such essential electrical devices. No matter, if you are an industry professional or an enthusiast, knowing the components used, enhances your understanding of electrical power systems in general.
Stay tuned to the Makpower transformer blog for in-depth knowledge about transformers and their other services.

There's probably nothing new here that you're not aware of, but the tone of the writing was pleasing to me, and might be for you, as well.

Link to article

Interwoven with the concept of neurodiversity is an ongoing shift that embraces a social model of disability. It posits that many of the disabilities neurodivergent people experience are not caused by “something wrong” in the brain, but reflect the friction that arises when a neurodivergent person moves through a neurotypical world. The barriers they face, then, should be reduced, and if possible removed, by making society more accommodating.
“There has absolutely been a change of ethos and tone,” says Professor Francesca Happé of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London. “We no longer talk about curing or treating autism, for example, but we do try and improve the things that go along with it, like anxiety and depression, bad sleep and epilepsy, intellectual disability and language impairment.”
[...]
[Talking about some people arguing for avoiding vaccinations because autism is worth than sick / dead children] “It was a real moment of understanding the stigma attached to autism,” says Botha. “One of the most powerful things that neurodiversity has done for neurodivergent people is give us a way of conceptualising ourselves as fundamentally worthy, regardless of how disability is perceived by others.”

First of all let's get to mindset part of it
See if u do something just to get women u will soon be lost ur true self and worst case scenario that hobby will be your only personality . But if u do it to improve and to reach your genetic potential u will be happy
Most important 3 things Diet Exercise Water
Fix these
so let's start with face
Lean maxxing the law
1 So reducing body fat
2 removing bloating by drinking loads of water and reducing sodium
3 using Gua sha , facial exercises for lymphatic drainage
4 there are some exercises u can find for hyoid bone i will link it later
This will make ur facial structure come out u never knew existed
And let's go to skin
Find ur skin type and for beginners start using
Edit : check Indiaskincareaddicts for product recommendations
1Sunscreen
2Cleanser
3Moisturizer
According to your skin type
And drink lots of fking water 🌊💦
If u have any specific issue like acne pls get it treated if it's a lot cz acne scars don't go the gaddhe
-For acne
1Don't touch your face
2Change bed sheets, pillow case frequently
3 avoid chocolate
Hair
Check ur face type and hair type and find in Pinterest it does help but don't always blame ur barber cz khud ke Baal and face PR depend karta kya theek dikhega u should try a bunch of haircut to know what suits u . And it's about ur face too
Hair fall
1Check if ur family has history of male pattern baldness if there is then pls go to doc and get it treated
If u don't have this then
2Pls check if u don't have any kind of deficiency
3And vegetarians a lot of time have b12 ki kami so u can check that
4And it can be caused due to hard water so yeah u have to get a filter for it if ur location has very high tds
4And u can shift to rosemary oil it's good
Fashion
This is very specific thing but on a good physique and frame all of clothes look good . But u can learn about it try finding some influencer whom u like i will link some below . And u can use Pinterest too
Teeth
For teeth u can start with a floss and tongue cleaner as a extra step
Whiting strips are also there if u have them yellow
And if ur teeth are crooked then u should try getting it fixed by doc
Height
Umm yeah it does matter but u can't change it so hard pill to swallow
But u have to accept it
But u can do some things to make u appear look taller
1 Rule of thirds
2 Wearing same colour top and bottom so u look like a straight line
3 And heels yeah shoes with a Lil thicker sole
People who don't belong to this post 1 people who do virtue signalling 2 people who think personality is what matters 2 people who come here to say nah it's over, mog . etc new gens . Just tell full form of psl if u know that much
For mods
Bhai main ek jagah comment kiya tha and then dm aaye the khub se so i thought making a post of it . And i kinda wanted to help and i did had some info on it so i shared it . Why not in Indian teenager cz idk i don't like them . Sorry again
Links
Hyoid bone -https://youtu.be/lMPjZCK_88Y?si=688XjERroavkMOnM
Gua sha -https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz6Z3ZnLYCk/?igsh=MTU1aGc4MDN3MjJibQ==

Suprabhat, Vannakam, Adab and Welcome to the 2024 LOK SABHA GENERAL ELECTION THUNDERDOME.
NO RULES, NO LIMITS, ONLY CHAOS.
THE CAGE -
India is a parliamentary democracy that follows the first-past-the-post voting system, similar to the standard Westminster System. The Lower House of the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha) consists of 543 seats representing 543 constituencies that send 1 Member of Parliament (MP) each. These 543 MP's then choose a prime minister via simple majority.
For each constituency, a political party gives a ticket to a single Candidate. The Candidate with at least a plurality of votes in a constituency represents that Constituency in parliament as a member of the party.
There are no party level primaries in India, the candidate for a constituency is decided by the party high command and only one person from a party can be on the ticket for a particular seat. You can contest multiple constituencies though from the same party as both Narendra Modi (2014 BJP Candidate for both Varanasi and Vadodara) and Rahul Gandhi (2024 Congress Candidate for both Rae Bareili and Wayanad) have done. If no existing political party gives you a ticket, you can contest as an Independent Candidate or form your own party and contest as a member of your own party.
The government can be formed by the party or the alliance that has a simple majority of MP's. When no single political party has a majority of MP's, an alliance of various parties can be formed that contains the majority of MP's. This is called a post-poll alliance, where the parties contest elections separately but might come together after the elections in order to form the government or be part of the government. However there is also the pre-poll alliance where political parties join or form an alliance before the elections.
THE DATES -
THE RESULTS -
EXIT POLLS -
THE FIGHTS -
Economy & Employment:
The incumbent BJP-led NDA government makes the positive case of economic growth and development under its decade long tenure. It points to strong rejuvenated GDP growth with relatively low inflation, rising wages, a growing middle class, stable macroeconomic positioning, strong spending, slashing of multidimensional poverty, a strong and well administered welfare state, expanded free trade, sharp reduction in regulation, increase in select manufacturing and industry, a revitalized finance sector, and a thriving service market.
The government points to the large-scale infrastructure development undertaken, expanding roadways, delivering expansive electrification, and provisions of basic utility services. They point to the stagnation and policy paralysis observed under the tenure of the last Congress government (UPA 2), and further make point to the opposition's alleged proposed populist economic programs as untenable and unfeasible. They make the case that the opposition has leftist economic policies that are not grounded in economic reality.
The INC-led I.N.D.I.A opposition on the other hand, makes the negative case against the incumbents, pointing to large scale youth unemployment, even among educated youth. They point to an alleged inability of the government to tie growth to employment. They allege a failure of manufacturing capacity and sufficient industrialization of the economy, highlighting the lack of sufficient private capital inflows. They criticize the growth figures of the economy by casting doubt on the government's statistics, and focusing extensively on growing wealth inequality, alleging that growth only occurs for the rich billionaire class, with minimal relief for the poor, targeting specific attacks against domestic industrial magnates, Adani and Ambani. They allege favoritism on the part of the incumbent government towards their select base, highlighting the state of Gujarat as being prioritized over other states.
In making their positive case, they propose a more inclusive and redistributive model of growth, proposing heightened subsidization programmes, more welfare and support programmes, higher taxation on the wealthy and corporations, leveraging private capital inflows for infrastructure development, and prioritizing equitable growth through a caste census, developing corrective policies for inequalities between castes.
They aim to solve the employment crisis through expanding roles in state enterprises and filling government vacancies, alongside expanding labour intensive industries like manufacturing and mining, whilst pointing to high growth rates of the economy as well as committing to expand manufacturing through reforms and subsidy platforms like the PLI, FAME etc., further claiming that increased infrastructure spending will lead to crowding in effect thus enabling faster industrialization.
Social Justice:
The issues of social equity and justice have become major cornerstones of both the incumbent and opposition electoral platforms. This is most prevalent through the forthcoming section on sectarianism, but also focuses on key issues regarding class equality and - most importantly - caste-based discrimination.
The incumbent BJP-led NDA government point to their solid track record of universal poverty alleviation, targeted successful welfare and affirmative action programmes. The INC-led I.N.D.I.A opposition on the other hand, point to growing wealth inequality and apparent institutional and systemic discrimination against underprivileged caste communities in academia, employment, governmental programmes, courts, the military, etc. They allege that the government has not committed to taking resolute and definitive action against casteism through corrective policy.
This all boils down to the Reservation system, a large scale, affirmative action initiative, conducted through a systematic quota-based policy of allotment of institutional positions in education, governmental employment, schemes and programmes, direct political representation, etc.
With reservations estimated to have hit 59.5% of Central Government Institutional positions, there are now broader calls to expand the scale and scope of this drive. The opposition wanting to break the cap limits and even introduce this system into the private sector to potentially induce parity, while the government commits to more modest hikes of upto 62.5% while playing into incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi's identity as a member of an underprivileged caste community.
While the opposition campaigns on removing limits to the quota system to deliver equity, the government alleges these commitments to be populist and detrimental, while alleging that the opposition seeks to potentially appease its Muslim voter base by introducing expanded reservations for Muslims, thereby allegedly sabotaging the disadvantaged Hindu lower castes, and redistributing their wealth to Muslims, in a bid to gain their votes.
Communalism:
Both the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and the INC-led I.N.D.I.A opposition have framed communalism as a lynchpin issue of the Election. The incumbent government points to alleged casteist and bigoted rhetoric against select caste groups and Hindus. They allege the opposition panders to minorities for their votes, whilst not delivering on the real issues. They allege the opposition seeks to drive up divisiveness and shared social harmony in India. They further allege that the opposition engages in divisive rhetoric on key issues of Hindu-Indian culture like that of the Ram Temple, in ways that contradict the spirit of the Indian State.
The opposition on the other hand, accused the incumbent government of being bigoted against minority communities, from the large Muslim community, to the lower caste communities of Indian society. They allege use of hateful and divisive rhetoric against these communities, and point to select controversial government positions and policies on issues like the Ram Mandir, the controversial CAA-NRC laws, the proposed Uniform Civil Code, among others. They further allege institutional degradation of key offices including policing, academia, and the military in discriminating against minority groups.
Institutional Independence:
The INC-led I.N.D.I.A opposition alleges institutional degradation and capture of various independent governmental entities by the incumbents. They point to the use of Executive, Investigative, Anti-Corruption, Enforcement, & Tax authorities against opposition figures and media as evidence, highlighting specific cases of the detaining and arrest of two sitting opposition Chief Ministers, and the resignation of one. They highlight alleged selective targeting of opposition figures for raids, charges, and arrests, creating an alleged environment of impunity for the government. The opposition alleges heightened and blatant partisanship of members of the Judiciary in support of the incumbent government. They also allege illegitimate freezing of campaigning funds, crackdowns on press freedoms via capture of media institutions, and also critically alleges institutional capture of the Election Commission, casting doubts on election results primarily critiquing India's Electronic Voting Machines (EVM).
The Government rebukes these claims as part of a strong anti-corruption drive, highlighting a drop in governmental corruption cases since the previous Congress government (UPA 2, infamously riddled with such allegations). The government frames the opposition parties as corrupt and power-hungry, while further disparaging the opposition's alleged unfounded attacks on Indian institutions, apparent partisan attacks on the judiciary and critiquing apparent unfounded claims of election denialism.
THE FIGHTERS –
The election is primarily clash between two large coalitions, and their leading parties. On one side, you have the incumbent government of the BJP-led NDA, or National Democratic Alliance, and on the other, you have the opposition INC-led I.N.D.I.A, or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, a new mega coalition of more than 35 parties, with a few unofficial supporters too.
The following is a list of some key players in each of the alliances and is by no means a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all involved factions.
The incumbent NDA includes:

1. BJP – The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party - "Indian People's Party") is a Hindu nationalist party committed to Hindutva ideology, promoting Hindu culture, opposing Muslim immigration, and creating a nativist country wherein India embraces a fundamentally Hindu social fabric. The BJP government under Modi undertook strong reformist policies in promoting liberalization of the economy through aggressive regulatory reforms, furthering free trade through FTAs and privatization of underperforming state assets. They took aggressive stances on defense and counterterrorism against Pakistan and China, while pragmatically engaging other nations despite criticism on some foreign policy moves for being 'wolf warrior-esque'. They uphold a strong nationalist domestic and foreign policy, that simultaneously does not retreat from globalization. On National Security, they aim to make India a regional power with a strong emphasis on modernization & indigenization of military administration and technology, while also reducing bureaucratic and manpower burdens through varied recruitment windows.
   
2. JD(U) - The JD(U) (Janata Dal (United) – “People’s Party (United)”) is led by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and has been in power in the eastern state of Bihar since 2005. It was formed after a series of splits and mergers in the Janata Dal in the 90s. It is credited with doing good work in the state on roads, electricity, and water, however it has failed to provide jobs & spur manufacturing. This, combined with its leader frequently switching between rival alliances, is causing anti-incumbency.
   
3. TDP - The TDP (Telugu Desam Party – “Party of the Telugu Land") follows a pro-Telugu ideology. It was founded as an alternative to the Congress hegemony, by emphasizing Telugu regional pride and serving as the party for farmers, backward castes and middle-class people. Since the 1990s, it has followed an economically liberal policy that has been seen as pro-business and pro-development as well as populist welfare measures.
   

The opposition I.N.D.I.A includes:

1. INC - The INC (Indian National Congress) is a big tent social-democratic/democratic-socialist party with its foundational pillars being equity, equality, and egalitarianism. They take broad commitments to secularism and class equality to be principal positions. The INC under Rahul Gandhi has taken strong positions on caste issues, shining light on inequities from past and current discrimination, and proposing active policy interventions. While the INC also holds a free-market/pro-liberalization consensus, they emphasize growing social and wealth inequality and seek inclusive and redistributive growth with strong state intervention. They also see some proposed liberalizing reforms to further inequality and take an 'anti-corporatist' position. They take a slightly less strong position to Indian foreign policy, stressing a more diplomatic approach (with minimal variance on actual positions to the incumbents). They embrace globalization in part, while emphasizing India's need for domestic development. They aim to industrialize India rapidly through stimulating private investment and aim to subsidize both supply and demand. They seek to maintain the Indian military with a focus on highly trained soldiers. They pioneered multi-alignment as the foreign policy for India.
   
2. AAP - The AAP (Aam Aadmi Party – “Common Man's Party"), part of INDIA coalition, currently holds power in two key states - Delhi and Punjab. Its chief figurehead and leader, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under an alleged liquor scam in the run up to elections. Barely a 10 year old party it has expanded very quickly to many states, running two of them, and now has national party status by the Election Commission of India (ECI). It leans centre-left to centre-right, with some play of soft Hindutva, while its economic platform comprises heavy spending in education, health, and free schemes of water and electricity. They rose to power on an anti-corruption program in 2013 and continues to have it as its central plank.
   
3. CPI(M) – The CPI(M) (Communist Party of India (Marxist)). They commies lol. The CPI(M) is one of the larger and more mainstrean communist parties in India. Since they operate within the Indian republic's constitution they have adopted more Indian characterisrics. They are primarily against privatisation in the public sector and in favour of universal education and healthcare. Their base has traditionally been in Kerala, one of the more developed states in India in terms of income levels and HCI. they're in favour of private sector reservations and in recent years have also been pro-FDI They promise non-aligned foreign policy, but largely are very anti-US and pro-China. They promise to restore Article 370 and oppose forceful seizure of land by government. They're one of the most influential parties in India due to a strong cadre and student union ecosystem. They've had an effect on the farmers protests as well as economic positions of the INDI Alliance.
   
4. DMK - The DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam - “Dravidian Progressive Federation") is a big tent broad left-wing party that is foundationally Dravidian (primarily Tamil) Nationalist, with strong emphasis on social equity and caste issues, while being staunchly secular and atheistic, and interventionist, statist, heavily welfarist, and industrialist in economic policy. They are primarily a regional party operating in the state of Tamil Nadu, led by M.K. Stalin, the state's current Chief Minister.
   
5. RJD - The RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal – “National People’s Party”) is a caste-based (Muslims & Yadavs) political party in the Indian state of Bihar, which it ruled from 1990 to 2005. Its rule was one of extreme lawlessness & anarchy. It was called the “Jungle Raj”. Between 1990 & 2000, Bihar's per capita income and power consumption fell off a cliff due to mismanagement. Its CM, Lalu Prasad, was convicted of corruption in 2013.
   
6. SP - The SP (Samajwadi Party – “Socialist Party”) believes in creating a socialist society that operates on the principle of equality. Although the party previously ran on an anti-computer, anti-English, and anti-machinery platform, under its new national president Akhilesh Yadav, the party has made a 180° turn. Now, the Samajwadi Party declares itself to be the party of infrastructure while maintaining its commitment to social justice, with a special focus on teaching computer skills. The party's main base is in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which is the most populated state in India, with a population of 230 million. The only negatives associated with the party are the rampant dynasticism within its ranks and its perceived soft stance on law and order issues.
   
7. JMM - The JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha – “Jharkhand Liberation Front") currently runs the govt of eastern state of Jharkhand. The party has historically centred tribal rights as its central plank and agitated for a new tribal state separate from Bihar until 2000, when their demands were met. It leans centre-left to left with their key issues being tribal control of land, mineral and mining rights, addressing issues of rehabilitation of tribals. The party is primarily run by the Soren family, with Champai Soren being its chief minister candidate in the current government after the last chief minister Hemant Soren was arrested by enforcement directorate. JMM is in alliance with the Indian national congress in the state, and part of the INDIA coalition for the Lok Sabha elections. They face charges of corruption and the image of dynastic politics.
   

The “It’s Complicated”, Unaligned, Split, and/or other Supplementary Parties include:

1. TMC - The TMC or AITC (All India Trinamool Congress) is a Bengali political party ruling over the state of West Bengal since 2011. It is led by Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. It is a center-left, welfarist, Bengali Nationalist party. It has been criticized for using heavy-handed authoritarian tactics against opposition leaders in the state, corruption, and political violence. It is credited with ending 34 years of communist rule in the state. West Bengal under the AITC has registered subpar economic performance and is largely stagnant. Pertinent to note Mamata used to be Congress leader till 1998, and AITC, in spite of being sympathetic towards the I.N.D.I.A. alliance at the national level, is fighting the Congress-Left alliance in West Bengal on all 42 seats.
   
2. AIADMK - The AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam – “All India Anna Dravidian Progressive Federation") is a broad centre-left/left-wing party adhering to foundational Dravidian philosophy, while emphasizing Tamil identity. Traditionally being less ethno-nationalist than their sister opposition party the DMK, they adhere to broad welfarist left-wing populism, focusing on social justice and communal equity, while being less economically statist than the DMK. They also focus primarily on Tamil Nadu as a regional party, currently led by Edappadi Palaniswami.
   
3. Shiv Sena - The Shiv Sena (“Army of Shivaji”) was founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966 as a populist, xenophobic party, although the party gradually added Hindutva ideology to its anti non-Maharashtrian plank. It was the long time senior partner to the BJP in Maharashtra till Narendra Modi's popularity caused a change in the dynamics. After power sharing talks with the BJP failed in 2019, the Shiv Sena switched alliances to join hands with their long time rivals in Congress and NCP in an arrangement that made Bal Thackeray’s son Uddhav Thackeray the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. In 2022 again, The Majority of Shiv Sena politicians led by Eknath Shinde rebelled against the top leadership to ally again with the BJP, taking control of the party and toppling the Uddhav Thackeray government. The splinter group led by Uddhav Thackeray is called SS (UBT) and it is allied with the Congress in the INDIA Alliance.
   
4. NCP – The NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) were founded in 1998 by Sharad Pawar and a few others who left the Congress in 1998 after Sonia Gandhi was made Congress president. Despite it's formation, the NCP was a long term ally of the Congress sharing virtually the same ideology. In 2023 however, like the Shiv Sena, In a rebellion led by Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, a Majority of NCP politicians switched alliances to support the BJP and took control of the party. Like the Shiv Sena, the Splinter group led by Sharad Pawar and his daughter is called NCP (SP) and it's allied with the Congress in the INDIA Alliance
   
5. YSRCP - The YSRCP (Yuvjana Sramika Rythu Congress Party – “Youth, Labour, & Farmer Congress Party”) was founded by the son of an old congress Chief Minister after he was denied the role of Chief Minister after his father. It's a populist centre-of-left party with strong focus on welfare schemes and cash benefits. It's mired in controversy due to its dynastic nature, its ties to Christian Fundamentalism and American Missionaries targeting the marginalized.
   
6. BRS - The BRS (Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi – “Indian National Council”) was formed originally with a single-point agenda of creating a separate Telangana state with Hyderabad as its capital. They are largely neoliberal and are credited with rapid economic growth in Telangana.
   
7. BJD – The BJD (Biju Janata Dal – “Biju’s People’ Platform”) was formed by Naveen Pattnaik the son of the former CM of Oddisha, Biju Pattnaik. It’s a Odia regional party with a strong focus on poverty upliftment through welfare policies and equitable economic growth.
   
8. BSP - The BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party - "Majority Community Party") is a center-left party in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which was started to uplift Dalits and other marginalized communities in India by Kanshi Ram. Its current party president is Mayawati. BSP is considered as one of the biggest parties in India as per vote share, although it's currently in decline. At its height, this party had a strong base in many states across north India, but now it's only limited to the state of Uttar Pradesh, which is one of the largest states in India with a population of 230 million. There are strong suspicions of BSP working in secret with BJP, and maybe that's why the party is not fighting this election enthusiastically. Although they can still make the competition interesting on a few seats in UP.
   

OTHER KEY ISSUES -

1. Political Dynasticism:

Although dynastism is thought to be a good fix for internal chaos in a party, the current political leader of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi, is a fourth-generation dynast who has to carry the political baggage of everything which went wrong during the rule of his grandmother and great-grandfather.
Also because one family has been controlling the Congress for decades, it has caused various state-level leaders to either form their own party or join another one. They see no future in the Congress anymore because the door to leadership is always closed for them. This has destroyed the ground level cadre of Congress party in many key states.
Rahul Gandhi’s privilege combined with the lack of any real political acumen so far has led to the INC taking damage due to is infamy.
Nepotism and dynastic politics has been a key issue throughout the last 10 years as BJP positions itself as the ‘common man’s party’

1. The Ram Mandir:

A land dispute originating from the alleged destruction of a Hindu Temple, replaced by a Mosque built allegedly atop the site (the Babri Masjid) in the 16th century allegedly by Mughal Empror Babur in present day Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the proposed birthplace of the Hindu deity Lord Ram.
Following a century of sporadic conflict, from 1853 to 1949, a revivalist movement in the 1980's would lead to rising communal tensions, culminating in the 1992 destruction of the Ram Temple by Hindu Nationalists and devotees.
The legal conflict over the land would continue until 2019, when the Supreme Court of India issued the controversial ruling that the land be handed over to government trust for the construction of a Ram Temple, with seperate land being allotted to the local Muslim community for construction of a Mosque.
Almost all elements of the dispute remain mired in controversy. From the historical and religious associations of Ayodhya with Ram, the existence of a definitively Hindu structure, the alleged deliberate destruction of the said temple, the times and events of construction and use, the participants, planning, and events of the 1992 destruction, the ASI Archeological Surveys that served as key evidence for the Supreme Court being tampered and politicised by both sides of the politcal aisle, the legality of the ruling itself, and other surrounding issues regarding justice against those alleged to have partaken in the destruction of the Babri Masjid.

1. Foreign Policy:

The BJP is campaigning on building a multi-aligned foreign policy where India is seen as the world’s friend as well as an upcoming regional power. This was at its peak during India’s G20 presidency. Many Indians claim the rise of India’s global stature is an electoral issue. This can be seen in the popularity of the government’s anti-terror operations in both Pakistan and beyond. The resurgence of an interventionist foreign policy has proven to be popular in projecting the strongman image of Modi. The country’s commitment to it’s strategic autonomy and multi-alignment have been a fixture right since Nehru.
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