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Today's Words: Guidon, Ethnocentric and Pemmican

Guidon (gahyd-n) Noun a small flag or streamer carried as a guide More about Guidon First recorded in 1540–50. Borrowed directly from French; equivalent to the Italian guid(are), “to guide" + -one, noun suffix. Examples of Guidon The soldiers rallied around their unit’s guidon during the parade. The guidon fluttered wildly in the wind as the captain carried it. Ethnocentric (eth-noh-sen-trik) Adjective demonstrating a belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture More about Ethnocentric First recorded in the 1860s; combines ethno + -centric  Originated as a technical term in social sciences. Examples of Ethnocentric The student’s ethnocentric views limited his understanding of global issues. The curriculum was revised to address its ethnocentric bias, ensuring it represented a broader range of cultural viewpoints. Pemmican (pem-i-kuhn) Noun dried meat pounded into a powder and mixed with fat and dried fruits More about Pemmican First recorded in 1735–45.
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Today's Words: Per Se, Poseur and Battologize

Per Se (per sey) Adverb by, of, for, or in itself; intrinsically More about Per Se First recorded in 1565–75. From the Latin per sē, meaning “by itself.” Examples of Per Se I don’t hate working from home per se, but I miss the office environment. The movie wasn’t a horror film per se, though it had some scary moments. Poesur (poh-zur) Noun a person who attempts to impress others by assuming a fake manner More about Poesur First recorded in 1880–85; combining pose1 + -eur.  From the French verb poser, meaning to “affect an attitude or pose.” Examples of Poesur At the art gallery, the poseur stood in front of paintings, making pretentious comments he clearly didn’t understand. Although she talked about social justice, her lack of real action made her seem more like a poseur than a genuine activist. Battologize (buh-tol-uh-jahyz) Verb to repeat (a word, phrase, mannerism, etc.) excessively More about Battologize First recorded in 1625–35; combining battolog(y) + ize Examples of Battologiz

Veganism is a Social Justice Movement for Animals

Veganism is often misrepresented as a diet, but it is actually a social justice movement for animals driven by ethics. A plant-based diet is one part of veganism, along with not wearing animal products like leather, silk, and wool, not using animal-tested products, not supporting animal rides/zoos, etc. The most affordable one: When it comes to diet, it is about excluding animal products and not necessarily including plant-based alternatives. In simple terms, a plant-based diet is essentially a vegetarian diet minus dairy and honey, which is the most affordable one and available all across India. Opt for traditional meals that are vegan: For people transitioning to plant-based diets, I suggest that they opt for traditional meals that are vegan by default, or easily customizable just by excluding dairy items such as idli/dosa sambhar, North Karnataka meals, roti dal/sabzi, litti chokha, rice dishes, ragi mudde sambhar, chats without curd, thepla sabzi etc.  Look for traditional replac

Ratan Tata's Inspirational Quotes

"None can destroy iron, but its own rust can! Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can." "Take the stones people throw at you and use them to build a monument." "I don't believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right." "The strongest thing I ever did was to show my emotions to the world." "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take." "Ups and downs in life are very important to keep us going because a straight line even in an ECG means we are not alive." "I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that I'm going to be positively surprised." "If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together." "The only way to win is to not be afraid of losing." "The greatest failure is not to try." "I don't believe in leaving things to luck. I believe in hard work and preparation.&qu

What We Don't Learn From Others?: Ajay Mehta

Bengaluru: Ajay Mehta is a former Airforce personnel turned entrepreneur owning the Pune-based Amey Enterprises specializing in fire and safety equipment. The firm was incepted in 2009 and, over some time has evolved into one of the reckoned business names engaged in the realm of manufacturing, supplying, trading and providing service, a comprehensive consignment of fire detection tubes, vehicle fire protection, automatic fire impression systems, gas flooding system, customized systems and annual maintenance contracts of fire systems. From Jamkhandi to Chennai, Jamnagar...Pune: Ajay Mehta is a native of the historic Jamkhandi town in the present Bagalkot district. He did his PUC at the BHS Arts and TGP Science College in Jamkhandi from 1985-87. Later he moved to Chennai for his training at the Mechanical Training Institute of the Indian Air Force (MTI), from 1987-90. He joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) after his formal training at MTI Chennai and served until 2007, working in Chennai

Today's Words: Gumbo, Subsume and Fulvous

Gumbo  (guhm-boh) Noun a stew or thick soup, usually made with chicken or seafood, greens, and okra More about Gumbo First recorded in 1795–1805. From the Kimbundu, and the Louisiana French gombo, meaning “a stew or soup.” Examples of Gumbo Grandma’s gumbo recipe has been passed down for generations and remains a family favourite. I couldn’t resist ordering a bowl of gumbo when I saw it on the menu at the New Orleans restaurant. Subsume (suhb-soom) Verb More about Subsume to consider or include something as part of a more comprehensive one First recorded in 1525–35. From the Medieval Latin subsūmere, combining sub-, “under, below, beneath,” + sūmere, “to take.” Examples of Subsume As the new policy unfolds, specific cases subsume under broader regulations. The project’s minor details were eventually subsumed into the larger scope of the final report. Fulvous (fuhl-vuhs) Adjective tawny; dull yellowish-gray or yellowish-brown More about Fulvous First recorded in 1655–65. From the Latin

Kerala Government Demands Seamless 24/7 Access Through Critical Tiger Reserves

Bengaluru: Be it Bandipur or Nagarahole, the Kerala government always demands seamless 24/7 access through these critical tiger reserves to facilitate transport and trade. Now, there is a fresh demand to expand a bridge and allow 24/7 traffic, to increase commercial activity through the Mysore Mananthavady state highway. Apex Court restricts road traffic: It should be noted that the honourable Supreme Court had restricted road traffic between 9pm to 6pm in NH766, traversing through the core of Bandipur to Kozhikode. Seeking the expansion of a bridge in Dodda Byran Kuppe range: Though there is an existing 6pm to 6am ban on vehicular movement in Nagarahole tiger reserve, the Kerala government has written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking the expansion of a bridge in Dodda Byran Kuppe range to expedite 24/7 traffic on the Mysore- Mananthavady road. Pressing for unfettered traffic for the past 20 years: The existing bridge (near the defunct Balle elephant camp) cannot b

South Goa Safe, Peaceful and Tailor Made for Business: Harvinder Singh

Bengaluru: Harvinder Singh from Moradabad city of Uttar Pradesh has shifted to Palolem Beach in South Goa from New Delhi along with his wife Monica and son. He lived in New Delhi for 15 years working in an administrative position while his wife Monica, an Optometrist, ran a clinic and optician shop before planning to shift from there. Thanks to lockdown and COVID-19: If the onslaught of COVID-19 devastated any number of lives and families, the same pandemic has turned out to be a game changer for many of them and Monica-Harvinder Singh's family is one such of them. They were fed up with the steep increase in pollution in Delhi and pondering over moving out.  Both of them, practically with no prior experience in the hospitality or food business plunged into tasting success in the adventure and are now sailing on the success ship. Not too cold or too hot: On why they chose Goa for their new venture, Harvinder Singh pointed to the friendly climate of Goa, which is not too cold or t

Today's Words: Strafe, Impermeable and Ergatocracy

Strafe (streyf) Verb (slang) to reprimand viciously More about Strafe First recorded in 1910–15. From the German strafen, meaning “to punish.” Examples of Strafe The teacher was unhappy with the test results and strafed for several minutes. When our team missed the deadline, our manager strafed in an email. Impermeable (im-pur-mee-uh-buhl) Adjective impassable More about Impermeable First recorded in 1690–1700; formed from im-2 + permeable.  Ultimately from the Late Latin impermeābilis, meaning “inscrutable or impenetrable.” Examples of Impermeable The raincoat was made from an impermeable material that kept me completely dry in the storm. The mountain’s cliffs appeared impermeable, deterring any attempt to climb them. Ergatocracy (ur-guh-tok-ruh-see) Noun government by the workers More about Ergatocracy First recorded in the 1920s. From the Greek ergatēs, meaning “a workman,” + -cracy.  Examples of Ergatocracy Under an ergatocracy, decisions are made by the collective workforce. Criti

Today's Words: Denigrate, Savvy and Gavage

Denigrate (den-i-greyt) Verb to belittle; attack maliciously More about Denigrate First recorded in 1520–30. From the Latin dēnigrātus, meaning “to blacken.” Examples of Denigrate The politician tried to denigrate his opponent by spreading false rumours about his personal life. Critics often denigrate modern art, claiming it lacks the skill of traditional techniques. Savvy (sav-ee) Adjective experienced, knowledgeable, and well informed More about Savvy First recorded in 1775–85. From the Latin sapere, meaning “to be wise, taste.” Ultimately derived from the Spanish sabe, meaning “to know.” Examples of Savvy The savvy investor knew exactly when to buy and sell stocks. You need a savvy approach to handle such a complex situation. Gavage (guh-vahzh) Noun forced feeding, as by a flexible tube and a force pump More about Gavage First recorded in 1885–90. From the French gav(er), meaning “to stuff,” and from the Old French dialect gave, “gullet, throat,” + age2 Examples of Gavage Researcher

Thanks To COVID-19; Delhi Couple Settle Down In Goa

Bengaluru: Many people from across the country aspire to move to the country's capital to make a career, and business and gradually settle down. Contrary to this popular trend here is an instance of a Delhi-based couple migrating to Palolem Beach in South Goa to run a Cafe, Bar and Restaurant. Monica and Harvinder Singh are from New Delhi and have lived there for more than 15 years before shifting to Goa after the first wave of COVID-19. COVID-19 restrictions derail normal life: They are a three-member family including their son. Monica is an Optometrist. Recalling the reasons for travelling down South, Monica says-"After the first wave of COVID-19 the situation changed adversely in Delhi. I had a clinic and optical shop but could not open it due to the restrictions. I was paying a huge rent for the same but in no position to function and likewise rent of the house was no less. Hence, it had become difficult to keep going as the savings dwindled and there was no revenue worth