THE VAULT

Rahiman Paani Raakhiye, Bin Paani Sab Soon: The Importance of Water and Conservation Efforts This doha by Rahim Das has been reminding us of the pricelessness of water for centuries. Water is the foundation of life; without it, everything becomes barren and lifeless. Water is essential not only as drinking water but also for agriculture, industry, ecology, and human health. On a global scale, water scarcity has become a serious crisis, and there are fears that its horrors will intensify in the future. In this article, we will discuss the importance of water, the dangers of future scarcity, the Indian government’s efforts for water resource conservation, and a comparison with the global level. The Importance of Water Water is the essence of life on Earth. It constitutes 60% of the human body and is necessary for the existence of all living beings. In agriculture, 70% of water is used, which forms the basis of global food production. Water also plays a significant role in industries, suc...

Introduction India’s public sector banks (PSBs) serve as the cornerstone of the nation’s financial infrastructure, catering to vast populations and fueling economic development. Yet, underlying this apparent resilience is a growing human resource (HR) crisis that undermines efficiency, innovation, and employee morale. In fiscal year 2024-25, PSBs face persistent issues such as pervasive micromanagement, burdensome administrative controls, and unattainable performance demands, resulting in widespread workforce exhaustion and diminished output. This analysis draws on data from authoritative sources like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), government reports, and scholarly studies to dissect these problems. It also outlines practical, evidence-based reforms to foster a healthier, more productive environment. The Core Challenges: A Data-Driven Examination Micromanagement and Multi-Layered Administration A hallmark of PSBs is the entrenched culture of micromanagement, amplified by excessive hi...

From childhood, I have witnessed various forms of Shakti worship during Navratri. My father would observe both Navratris—Chaitra and Ashwin (Sharadiya)—by subsisting entirely on fruits and performing continuous worship day and night. For me, in my childhood, the significance of Navratri was about new clothes, sweet food, and a festive atmosphere. But as I matured, I began following in my father’s footsteps by reciting the Durga Path, though even a single day without salt was unbearable for me. My father became a vegetarian when I was 7 years old, but he never forbade us from eating non-vegetarian food. My grandmother used to tell me that my grandfather, who passed away before I was born, would consume fish after performing the recitation during Sharadiya Navratri. In Mithila, fish is a staple in every household. Consuming aquatic creatures was never prohibited. Every auspicious occasion begins and ends with fish. Anyway, when I was in college, I engaged in a lot of debates. And for any...

In our hyper-connected world, where smartphones buzz with notifications and endless scrolls promise instant gratification, a simple question arises: Can intermittent use of mobile phones help us achieve peace in life? The answer is a resounding yes. By shifting from constant connectivity to mindful, sporadic engagement, we can reclaim mental clarity, reduce stress, and foster deeper connections with ourselves and others. I have tried to explore the profound harms of excessive mobile phone use and provide practical, evidence-based strategies to curtail it, ultimately guiding everyone toward a more peaceful existence. The Hidden Dangers: How Excessive Smartphone Use Erodes Our Well-Being Excessive smartphone use isn’t just a habit—it’s a pervasive force that undermines our health, happiness, and productivity. Research consistently links prolonged screen time to a cascade of negative effects, turning what was meant to be a tool into a tyrant. On the mental health front, overreliance on sm...