Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," as the proverb of repute goes. A number of studies conducted in the past few years strongly oppose this idea; studies that tend to define what an idealistic beauty is, to distinguish what makes someone appealing in the eyes of others and outline an objective standard for beauty, which seemingly involves facial symmetry, waist-to-hip or waist-to-chest ratio, body proportion, etc. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, beauty is the quality in a person that gives pleasure in the mind. "Perception and Deception: Human Beauty and the Brain" is a famous article published in April of 2019 AD, which is written by Daniel Yarosh, a retired researcher in the field of Behavioral Sciences located in New York, in which the author states beauty standards are set by human nature to seek reproductive health in others. Sculptures, murals and artworks portrayed curvaceous, thickset silhouettes, thousand years ago. In the past 20th century, thin, waif-like models occupied the pages of latest fashion magazines, which had drastically changed the idealistic beauty standards set in the society then. Whereas, shapely backsides are now glorified and acknowledged with "likes" on social media, which showcases that standards of beauty evolve over time. 
In today's world, social media is seen as the place where people decide what is beautiful. In the past, newspapers and TV were important for trends, but now social media is more important because of technology. A study by Kepios showed that in April 2024, there were 5.07 billion social media users worldwide, which is 62.6% of the total population. This results in the reconcilable differences and disharmony in social media. Following this, the Indian Express, a well-known Indian newspaper in English, recently published an article about Prachi Nigam, a 15-year-old student who achieved first place in the 10th grade UP Board exams with a score of 98.50%. After her marks and photo went viral on social media, she became the target of online bullying and criticism about her looks. Many people gave her unsolicited advice. Reporters from news channels even visited her home, where she expressed her regret about being the top scorer due to the negative attention she received. This situation highlights the societal expectations and pressures related to physical appearance, as well as the harsh realities of social media interactions.
 
The unrealistic beauty standard also leads to objectification. For instance, beautiful student accounts are a common sight at universities across Indonesia. These accounts showcase photos that adhere to certain beauty standards set by the students themselves, garnering likes and comments from followers. With a growing number of followers, these accounts are able to make money through sponsored posts. However, this trend of posting selected student photos is criticised for treating women as mere objects for profit. Immanuel Kant's concept of objectification, as outlined in 1797, describes this devaluation of individuals into objects. This objectification can have negative effects on one's mental health, leading to self-surveillance issues. Feminist theory argues that women who experience visual objectification internalise these standards and base their self-worth on physical appearance. The photos shared on these student accounts promote an unrealistic beauty standard perpetuated by social media. 
A recent study conducted by the Dove Self-Esteem Project, which involved surveying over 1,000 girls aged 10-17, found that 50% of girls believe that harmful beauty advice on social media leads to a decrease in self-esteem. Additionally, 90% of girls admitted to following at least one social media account that made them feel less attractive. The report highlights how many girls struggle to meet the unrealistic beauty standards portrayed on social media.Examples of harmful beauty standards and advice online include hashtags like #Thinspo, which glorifies extremely thin bodies while discouraging eating. Moreover, normalising costly and risky procedures like fillers, injectables, butt lifts, breast augmentation, and nose jobs can have detrimental effects on young people's body confidence. Statistics from the National Eating Disorders Association reveal that 5.2% of females meet the criteria for disorders like anorexia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. Negative body image affects individuals of all ages, with 31% of teenagers and 35% of adults experiencing feelings of depression or shame due to their body image perception.Body image is influenced by various factors, including societal standards, media representation, and personal experiences. Low self-esteem can lead to detrimental effects on a person's life, as individuals may feel unworthy and struggle to pursue new opportunities in their personal and professional lives.
<h3> </h3>
Moreover, the impractical and unrealistic beauty standards develop various mental and physical health problems including depression, eating disorders, etc. The societal pressure and provocation to look a certain way that makes one fit onto an objective standard of beauty can be staggering for many individuals. Thus, it is crucial for society to challenge existing toxic beauty standards and promote body positivity. Such milestones can be achieved by presenting diverse culture, body shapes, beauty, etc. in the media, educating the youth about its negative impacts. The creation of a new culture, which values inner beauty and individuality can help combat the harmful effect of toxic beauty standards and promote a healthier attitude towards the body. We all can work together towards building a compassionate and inclusive society where everyone feels worthy and beautiful.
<h3> References: </h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Foy, C., & Foy, C. (2023, June 9). Unrealistic beauty standards, mental health, and their Eye-Catching relationship. FHE Health. https://fherehab.com/learning/beauty-standards-mental-health</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Syarifah, M., Nurjanah, D. P., Atikah, N., & Syarif, A. Z. M. (2022). Deconstruction of Women’s Beauty Standard on Social Media: An Analysis Corresponding author*. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361843120_Deconstruction_of_Women's_Beauty_Sta</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Syarifah, Ma'Isyatusy & Nurjanah, Dewi & Atikah, Nur & Syarif, Ahmad. (2022). Deconstruction of Women's Beauty Standard on Social Media: An Analysis Corresponding author*. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Author, D. (2022, October 31). Toxic beauty standards on social media: The stats – Dove. Dove. https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/campaigns/social-media-and-body-image.html</li>
</ul>

REFLECTIONS ON BEAUTY STANDARDS: NAVIGATING SOCIAL MEDIA REALITIES AND SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS

reflections-on-beauty-standards-navigating-social-media-realities-and-societal-expectations

Grade X, the final year of school life, the Last year of the long journey, and the ending of this will bring an end to a lot of things. These days will never come back again and all the fun memories we had, soon will be called the unforgettable memories of school life and these thoughts scare me. All the stupid fights for foolish reasons, making fun of classmates, I’ll never forget these ten years I have spent with a bunch of my idiot mates and superb mentors. We’ll always cherish where we spent our childhood and this year will soon end leaving both tears and happiness in everyone’s eyes. Once just remember your memories of the last phase of your school life with those superb friends and humble teachers. It’s just amazing. “School may be annoying, hard, and full of challenges but you will miss it when it comes to an end,” said a student from grade 10 “Taj Mahal.”
 Grade 10 is a crucial year in a student’s academic journey. It defines your 13 years of struggle, devotion, and hard work. Grade 10 students face unique and eccentric challenges in their academic journey as they tackle the national-level board exams. It’s a challenging journey, isn’t it? But the students are facing tons of academic consequences. Grade 10 often introduces an increase in workloads and assignments compared to previous grades. Students are expected to manage their several subjects with their projects, assignments, and exams. Difficulty in grasping new ideas and concepts may be one of the foremost reasons that can lead the students to fall behind in the class. Likewise, Grade 10’s curriculum is considered the most difficult one with the advancement in various subjects like mathematics, science, etc.  Similarly, the students are also facing time management problems. Poor time management can lead to procrastination and missed deadlines which can increase the stress and anxiety in the students. Lack of motivation also plays a pivotal role here. 
 “Family’s expectations as well as societal pressure is increasing day by day this year. However, I should do my best in the board exams. I am planning to follow different kinds of studying strategies this year. This is the closing year of my school journey. I want to thank my teachers, mentors, and friends for making my journey memorable,”said moon joshi from Grade 10 “Taj Mahal”.
 According to the grade 10 students, some of them are forethoughting to study 24/7 with no distractions, some are drafting their timetable whereas some are planning to throw away their gadgets to improve their academics. And also procrastination. Students should learn strategies for their improvement. Students should be able to break their larger assignments into smaller manageable tasks. Utilising planners or digital calendars can also help students. One should daily revise the chapters so that they shouldn’t panic at the last minute of exams. Students should be reminded that it’s okay to ask for help if they are needed without any hesitations. They can seek support from their tutors and classmates. Parents and Teachers should encourage students to engage in the activities they enjoy, sufficient sleep, and practice stress-reducing exercises. 
 Navigating the academic challenges for grade 10 students needs effective strategies. As a student of grade 10 I  can clearly state that with the right support and mindset, Grade 10 can be a beneficial, gratifying, and innovative year in academic journey. 
 (Views and ideas were taken from the students of grade X)

NAVIGATING ACADEMIC CHALLENGES: STRATEGIES FOR GRADE X STUDENTS

navigating-academic-challenges-strategies-for-grade-x-students

<h4 style="text-align: left;">“Health is Wealth”</h4>
 Without a question, the sweetest fruit on the tree of life is good health, so is the foundation of eternal happiness. Even if we buy all the food in the world, our poor health will prevent us from eating. Our lives are built on the foundation of our health. Its importance goes much beyond the absence of disease; mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being are all included. This article talks about the structural problems and underlying flaws in our healthcare system, illuminating the intricacies that lie in the way of fair access, high-quality treatment, and long-term solutions.
 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a noble goal aimed at ensuring that all individuals and communities receive the quality health services they need without suffering financial hardship. UHC makes sure that one is safe from facing financial hardships in accessing necessary health treatments, regardless of their socioeconomic level. It encourages equity and equal chances for everyone to live healthy lives. Nepal's commitment to UHC offers a starting point for rethinking the purpose and organisation of the health system and an opportunity to introduce the quality of care agenda into policy discourse. Expanding service coverage without quality will likely not result in improved health or financial risk protection—outcomes that are necessary to justify the substantial resource investment made towards achieving UHC. The agendas for universality and quality of care can and should be synergistic. The Commission recommends ensuring universal access to care with a minimum quality guarantee, and Nepal has already taken some steps in this direction: the 2017 National Health Insurance Act1 and the forthcoming National Health Institution Quality Authority Act2 provide the legal framework towards this goal3.
 The number of health facilities registered in Nepal is highlighted in the Department of Health Services' (DoHS) Nepal Health Facts Sheet 2023. According to the fact sheet, there are a total of 14,313 health facilities that provide services and are registered under the reporting mechanism of DoHS. These comprise the Basic Health Service Center (BHSC), health posts, public hospitals, primary healthcare centres (PHCC), and non-public facilities. With the goal to guarantee fair financial management and accomplish universal health coverage (UHC) in Nepal, the government of Nepal recently approved a new ten-year health finance plan. The National Health Financing Strategy 2080- 2090 includes strategic interventions to expand fiscal space for health, strengthen social protection, improve resource generation, and improve health financing governance, accountability, and transparency in the health sector.
 Over the past twenty years, Nepal has made significant progress in improving the health of its people, especially in the areas of life expectancy, mother and child survival, and the prevention of infectious diseases. From 539 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1996 to 151 in 2013, maternal mortality decreased. The under-five mortality rate (U5MR) decreased from 118 per 1000 live births to 33 between 1996 and 2022, while the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) decreased from 50 per 1000 live births to 21. Additionally, the percentage of children stunted decreased from 57 to 25 percent (Table 2.1). By 2022, the total fertility rate has dropped from 4.6 in 1996 to 2.1, the replacement level. Even if there is progress in the health sector according to the different websites, the health system of Nepal has faced several criticisms. Low insurance penetration is one of the greatest issues facing Nepal’s insurance sector. In Nepal, insurance penetration was only 1.69% in 2020, compared to a global average of 7.23%3, according to a report by the Insurance board. This indicates that a sizable section of the populace still lacks insurance, making them susceptible to monetary shocks brought on by illnesses, mishaps or natural catastrophes. A comprehensive strategy that includes workforce development, healthcare infrastructure improvements, financial changes, and public health initiatives is needed to address these shortcomings. In order to enhance health outcomes for the people of Nepal, cooperation between government institutions, civil society organisations, and foreign partners is essential.
 The 753 local governments (rural and urban municipalities) are responsible for the provision of primary health services (Department of Health Services, n.d.). It was hoped that these changes could contribute to making the health system more responsive to local needs and more accountable to citizens. In practice, however, the shift from a highly centralised health system to a more decentralised model under federalism has faced both structural and operational issues including infrastructural weaknesses, a shortage of skilled staff, health worker absenteeism, poor accountability, delays in procurement and a lack of coordination(Vaidya et al., 2020). In addition, there has been confusion about the mandates, roles and responsibilities of the different levels of governance, and the lines of reporting between them (Thapa et al., 2018). However, no previous study has systematically explored key health system stakeholders’ perspectives on the opportunities and challenges for the health system resulting from federalisation.
 Subsequently, Nepal's transition to a federal government has opened up prospects for better health care, much more work has to be done and continued efforts to reform the health system are still needed. Participants recognized several important opportunities to enhance Nepal's health system, including the devolution of power and resources, the adoption of new health policies, and expanding resources (finance, health staff, supplies, and health information system). The system is still changing, so it might take some time to fully reap the rewards of federalization.10
 References:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">National Health Insurance Act, 2074.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Health Institution Quality Management Authority Act, 2074.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In Nepal, health insurance for all. (2017). [Dataset]. In the Forefront Group. https://doi.org/10.1377/forefront.20171027.743636</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Department of Health Services. (n.d.). http://dohs.gov.np/</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">गृह पृष्ठ - Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. (2024, May 14). </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vaidya, A., Simkhada, P., & Simkhada, B. (2020). The impact of federalization on the health sector in Nepal: new opportunities and challenges. Journal of Nepal Health Research Council, 17(4), 558–559. https://doi.org/10.33314/jnhrc.v17i4.2217</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thapa, R., Bam, K., Tiwari, P., Sinha, T. K., & Dahal, S. (2018). Implementing federalism in the health system of Nepal: Opportunities and challenges. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 8(4), 195–198. https://doi.org/10.15171/ijhpm.2018.121</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. https://www.moljpa.gov.np/</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rushton, S. et al. Overcoming the challenges facing Nepal’s health system during federalisation: an analysis of health system building blocks. Health Res Policy Sys 21, 117 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-01033-2</li>
</ul>

THE SICKNESS IN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

the-sickness-in-our-healthcare-system

Contraceptives are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy by interfering with the process of fertilisation or implantation of the fertilised egg. Contraceptives were first invented by Gregory Pincus and John Rock, with help from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America in the 1950s which became publicly available in the 1960s. A wide range of contraceptive methods, including hormonal pills, intrauterine devices, and barrier techniques like condoms, are used to prevent unintended or undesired pregnancies. Beyond its main purpose of preventing conception, contraceptives often offer additional benefits, such as controlling menstrual cycles, easing the symptoms of illnesses like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or even lowering the chance of developing specific cancers. The world of contraceptive options is not without its controversies and complexity, though, since the variety of contraceptive options can have varied dangers and adverse effects. Furthermore, while contraceptives can have major advantages for both men and women, it's crucial to understand that women are typically more likely than males to experience certain risks and adverse effects due to its use. 
Women can pick from a variety of contraceptive methods, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, patches, injections, and vaginal rings, function by adjusting hormone levels to prevent ovulation. These contraceptives primarily work by suppressing ovulation to prevent the release of an egg from the ovary or by thickening the cervical mucus which prevents the sperm from meeting with the ovary. Furthermore, intrauterine devices (IUDs) offer long-term protection by releasing hormones or forming a physical barrier to sperm. Barrier measures such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps provide instant protection and are hormone free (Contraception | CDC, n.d.). Women can also choose permanent sterilisation procedures such as tubal ligation and minilaparotomy. 
The use of contraceptives by women does help to control undesired pregnancies but also causes several effects in their bodies including hormonal imbalances and health implications. Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, and injections can induce side effects such as irregular menstrual periods, mood swings, and nausea, and many more. Some women may gain weight. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may also affect bone density. Some women may experience irregular bleeding or spotting, particularly during the initial months of use. Furthermore, hormonal contraceptives can raise the chance of blood clots, especially in women who smoke or have other risk factors. 
According to a survey conducted in Uganda that is PMA2020’s sixth cross-sectional survey and a follow-up survey conducted 1 year later, about 23% of the hormonal and IUD contraceptive users reported to have got severe side effects due to the use of hormonal and IUD contraceptives (Zimmerman et al., 2021). The number might seem less, but the fact that even a small percentage of risk is capable of changing a person’s life has to be considered.  
In conclusion, individuals must carefully examine the potential negative effects of contraceptives before beginning to use them, and they should prioritise receiving guidance from healthcare specialists. While contraception is extremely beneficial in preventing unplanned births and supporting reproductive health, it also carries dangers and side effects that differ from person to person. Consulting with a doctor provides specialised assistance adapted to individual health needs, ensuring the selection of the most appropriate contraceptive technique with the fewest dangers. Furthermore, healthcare practitioners can provide crucial guidance on managing and reducing potential side effects. Plus, couples can use male contraceptives such as condoms, which is a much safer contraceptive option, for stopping conception. 
<h5>References:</h5>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h5>Contraception|CDC.(n.d.).https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h5>Zimmerman, L., Sarnak, D., Karp, C., Wood, S. N., Ahmed, S., Makumbi, F., & Kibira, S. P. S. (2021).</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">
<h5>Association between experience of specific side-effects and contraceptive switching and discontinuation in Uganda: results from a longitudinal study. Reproductive Health,reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/</h5>
</li>
</ul>

CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTS ON WOMEN'S HEALTH: A DETAILED ANALYSIS

contraceptive-effects-on-women-s-health-a-detailed-analysis

<h >Everyone in this world has a certain Phobia. Phobia differs in every person. Phobia is an irrational fear of any kind. I also had a phobia, Mass Phobia to be precise. Mass phobia is the fear of crowds. I was also very scared to speak in front of a crowd. I couldn't perform well in the classroom because of this phobia. My life was very hard until I decided to overcome my phobia. </h1> I dared myself to participate in different activities so that I could encourage myself to overcome this fear. In the past, I was very scared and I used to get nervous all the time whenever I had to present something in front of my class. Participating in SQC turned out to be a pivotal point in my life. My friends and I went to different places where we had to present different presentations in front of unknown people. That was when my confidence got a much needed boost.&nbsp; My friends were also instrumental in helping me overcome my fear as they encouraged and helped me. Besides, our school also came up with different presentations and programs such as school leadership programs (SLP) which actually helped&nbsp; students on how to face the fear of mass phobia. These were just the reference for me to fight against it. It is never an easy task to find out your problems and change them. For me it was a great accomplishment. After participating in all these activities, I finally was able to overcome my fear of speaking in front of mass. After all this,&nbsp; I can finally see changes in myself. I am no more ' The Shy Binisha' everyone used to know. I can feel my confidence increasing every day. My participation in different extra-curricular activities has increased. It has dramatically affected my studies and my life as a whole for the better. Therefore, I am very grateful for taking this step. If you are someone with such fear, take the first step. Overcome your fear. I promise it is worth your while.&nbsp; <div> </div>

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How I Overcame My Phobia

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CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECTS ON WOMEN'S HEALTH: A DETAILED ANALYSIS