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Earth Day 2025: History, Theme, Significance, Wishes and Quotes

Earth Day 2025: History, Theme, Significance, Wishes and Quotes

🌍 History of Earth Day
The first Earth Day was observed on
April 22, 1970
, following a growing public awareness about pollution and environmental degradation in the United States. It was initiated by
Senator Gaylord Nelson
, who aimed to channel the energy of student anti-war protests into environmental awareness.
The event saw 20 million Americans take to the streets to demand environmental reform — making it the largest civic event of its time. Over the decades, Earth Day has evolved into a
global movement
, observed in more than 190 countries and supported by
EarthDay. org
, which continues to drive change through education, activism, and innovation.
🌱 Earth Day 2025 Theme
Earth Day 2025 Theme Revealed: Our Power, Our Planet – A Global Call for Climate Action
🌏 Significance of Earth Day
Earth Day isn't just symbolic — it's a catalyst for change. Its significance lies in:
Raising
environmental consciousness
among all age groups
Encouraging
policy reforms
that promote sustainability
Inspiring
climate action
, reforestation, clean energy adoption, and waste reduction
Reminding us that the
health of the planet
is directly linked to our own health
Earth Day is a global check-in — a moment to reflect, act, and renew our promise to future generations.
💌 Earth Day 2025 Wishes
🌿
Happy Earth Day 2025! Let's treat our planet like our home — because it truly is.
🌎
May this
🍃
One Earth, one chance. Let's make it count. Happy Earth Day!
🌍
Breathe in the beauty, exhale gratitude. Celebrate Earth Day with heart and action.
🌱
Let Earth Day 2025 be the start of your green journey. Every small act matters.
💬 Inspirational Earth Day Quotes
The Earth is what we all have in common. — Wendell Berry
We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. — Native American Proverb
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. — Albert Einstein
The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. — Robert Swan
It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the world in which we all live. — Dalai Lama
🌟 Quotes to Inspire Action on Earth Day
Small changes, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.
Plant a tree today — grow a future tomorrow.
Nature doesn't need us, but we need nature.
Be the green you want to see in the world.
Sustainability isn't a trend — it's a necessity.
🌐 How You Can Make a Difference This Earth Day
Here are simple but meaningful ways to participate in Earth Day 2025:
Avoid single-use plastics
Plant a native tree or garden
Support local eco-friendly businesses
Educate others on climate and sustainability
Reduce water and energy usage at home
Volunteer for a community clean-up
🧠 Final Thoughts
Earth Day 2025
is more than a celebration — it's a call to action. In a time of climate uncertainty and ecological stress, your voice, your choices, and your actions can make a lasting impact. Whether it's skipping plastic bags, riding a bike, or planting a tree — the Earth needs all of us, now more than ever.
Let's celebrate this Earth Day with purpose, passion, and a promise to protect our only home — planet Earth. 🌏
By MK Singh.
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Marketing to a lonely planet
Marketing to a lonely planet

Time of India

time20 hours ago

  • Time of India

Marketing to a lonely planet

Remember, Airtel's 'har ek friend zaroori hota hai' . Or Bagpiper's 'jab mil baithenge teen yaar…' that celebrated the unbreakable bonds of friendship . Once considered an impregnable fortress, that castle called friendship is under threat as a "friendship recession" hits the world. In an increasingly interconnected world, a silent epidemic is taking root, threatening the very fabric of human well-being; a profound decline in close personal relationships. A recently released report by Rediffusion Consumer Lab shed light on this global phenomenon, revealing a stark reality that extends from bustling American cities to communities across India and beyond. The data paints a concerning picture. In the United States, the percentage of adults reporting no close friends has quadrupled since 1990, now standing at a striking 12 per cent. Even more dramatically, the time Americans dedicate to friendships has plummeted from a weekly average of 6.5 hours between 2003-2014, to a mere 2.75 hours by 2021. This isn't an isolated American trend. The report emphasises it as a widespread global issue affecting both developed and developing nations. The causes of this decline are multifaceted, woven into the fabric of modern life. Urban sprawl, the rise of remote work, and the shrinking of public spaces where casual interactions once thrived, all contribute to this downfall. Perhaps most notably, the seductive convenience of digital communication and the pervasive influence of social media platforms like doomscrolling on Instagram and TikTok play a significant role too. While these platforms offer an illusion of widespread connection, the report suggests they often foster "shallow" ties rather than the deep, intimate bonds essential for human flourishing. Only a small percentage of close friendships are formed purely online, indicating that virtual connections rarely replace the quality of face-to-face interactions. Santosh Desai, chief executive officer of Futurebrands and founder of Think 9 Consumer Technologies says, 'Friendship has become more complex. There is a certain expectation that you have from friends, and when you mix these two things –friendship which has a dynamic of its own and then the social media where that friendship gets presented– it complicates things because it introduces an element, which for the lack of a better word can be called, political, where you have to figure out what does that person think about me.' Desai adds that this is the reason why one often finds a lot of young people using therapy speak, like 'red flag', 'toxic' and so on. The result: friendship from being a place that was simple and uncomplicated is now a complex web, to put it mildly. 'There was a time, where one could be themselves, let their head down and was a counter point to the complexity of adult society where you are expected to play roles. That is no longer as easy,' Desai sums it up. Given this backdrop, would an ad like Airtel's Har Ek Friend work in today's context? Airtel Har Friend Zaroori Hai, Yaar Veteran creative director Agnello Dias , who was associated with the creation of the Airtel ad, more than 14 years ago, states, 'I'm not entirely sure if we are in an era of superficial relationships." He partly concedes that while the essence of friendships may be diluted, it continues to be relevant, "not necessarily because people like the ad, but because people continue to like their friends". The Rediffusion Consumer Lab study, however states, this "friendship recession" is far more than a social statistic; it carries significant consequences for mental and physical health. Social scientist Richard Reeves starkly warns that "loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day," a comparison that underscores the severe health implications of lacking meaningful connections. The absence of close friends is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and even a heightened risk of premature mortality, rivaling the dangers of smoking or obesity. Sandeep Goyal , managing director, Rediffusion, feels that this presents an opportunity for brands to foster community and engagement by leveraging closed communities or forums to encourage discussions and build a sense of belonging using social media effectively. 'One should encourage customers to share their experiences, promoting authenticity and social proof or use polls, Q&A sessions, or contests to engage audiences and stimulate conversations,' he says. The report also delves into the nuances of friendship across genders and cultures. It highlights that while women often form friendships based on personal support and reciprocation, male friendships frequently revolve around shared activities and a sense of loyalty, often expressed less overtly emotionally. Cultural norms, particularly the collectivist nature of East Asian societies versus the individualism of Western Europe, also influence how friendships are formed and maintained, with some Asian countries showing higher rates of social isolation. Desai argues. 'I would struggle to correlate that with the Indian reality. Friends are still a very important part of you. If you want to just look at the whole going-out phenomenon. The post Covid boom that happened in people going out hasn't abated. It's evident from the fact that we see so many new kinds of places opening and there is so much excitement happening in the out-of-home consumption space.' Reversing this trend As Harvard 's Carolyn Bruckmann suggests, in the report, this reversal in relationships requires both structural and individual efforts. It calls for a conscious resistance to the forces that make solitude the default and a renewed commitment to nurturing genuine connections. The report concludes with a powerful message: friendships are not a luxury but a fundamental necessity for happiness, health, and a sense of belonging. The challenge now is to reclaim the art of friendship, one intentional step at a time, to rebuild the bonds that truly sustain us.

What really happens to your social security check after your spouse dies — here's the shocking truth
What really happens to your social security check after your spouse dies — here's the shocking truth

Time of India

time2 days ago

  • Time of India

What really happens to your social security check after your spouse dies — here's the shocking truth

When a spouse passes away, the grief is immediate—but the financial ripple effects can be long-lasting. For millions of American retirees, Social Security isn't just a monthly deposit, it's the backbone of household income. Understanding exactly how survivor benefits work can make the difference between financial stability and a sudden, painful shortfall. When a spouse dies, the grief is overwhelming — and then, just as the fog settles, financial reality strikes. One of the most pressing questions for retirees is: What happens to our Social Security benefits now? The answer isn't simple, but it's critical for every couple to understand long before tragedy strikes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experts Warn If You See This Bug In Your Yard, Do This Quickly Survivor benefits: Who qualifies and when Social Security survivor benefits aren't automatic. They follow a detailed set of rules. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) , a surviving spouse may be eligible if: They are 60 or older (or 50 if disabled). They are caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child. The marriage lasted at least nine months , with some exceptions for accidental or military deaths. Divorced spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Remarriage can complicate things: if you remarry before age 60, you generally lose eligibility, but remarriage after 60 (or 50 if disabled) does not disqualify you. Live Events ALSO READ: IRS reportedly says $1,390 stimulus checks for eligible Americans are on the way: here are all the details This distinction is often misunderstood. I once interviewed a widow in Florida who had unknowingly remarried at 59, only to discover she had forfeited her survivor benefit — a decision that cost her more than $200,000 in lifetime payments . How much of your spouse's benefit can you keep? Here's where the financial shock sets in. You don't keep both checks. You'll receive the higher of the two benefits, but never both at once. At full retirement age (FRA) , you can receive 100% of your late spouse's benefit . If you claim between age 60 and FRA , you'll receive 71.5% to 99% of that amount. If you're caring for a child under 16 or disabled , you'll receive 75% regardless of your age. This means the surviving spouse effectively loses one paycheck — often the smaller one, but sometimes a critical chunk of household income. ALSO READ: Social Security August 20 retirees checks: Who qualifies, how much SSA will pay, complete details explained Consider this example, provided by the National Academy of Social Insurance (2024) : If one spouse earned $1,200 monthly and the other $600 , the household received $1,800. After one spouse dies, the survivor receives $1,200 — a 33% drop in income overnight. If both earned around the same ($1,200 each), the surviving spouse still keeps only $1,200 — cutting household income in half. For many retirees, this is where financial strain begins. The overlooked "widow's penalty" Financial planners call it the 'widow's penalty' — the trap where income falls but taxes don't shrink proportionally. When one spouse dies, the survivor often moves from a married filing jointly bracket to a single filer bracket , which carries higher tax rates at lower income thresholds. In practice, this means that a widow who once paid 12% on combined income may suddenly find herself paying 22% or more on the survivor benefit , even though her income is now lower. According to a 2023 Congressional Budget Office report, the median surviving spouse sees a 25%–30% drop in disposable income within the first year. The $255 lump-sum death benefit It sounds almost insulting, but it's part of the rules: the SSA provides a one-time $255 payment to the surviving spouse (if they lived with the deceased or were already receiving benefits). This benefit was set in 1954 — and has never been adjusted for inflation. At today's cost of living, it barely covers a utility bill. Real-life implications: Why planning matters Many couples mistakenly assume that between two Social Security checks and savings, they'll be fine. But the loss of one benefit check — combined with higher taxes, rising medical costs, and inflation — can quickly destabilize a household. When I spoke with financial advisor Jane Bryant Quinn , she emphasized that survivor benefits are one of the least understood parts of retirement planning. 'Couples think about how much they'll get together, but rarely about what happens when one is gone,' she said. 'That's where the gaps appear, and where hardship begins.' Planning strategies include: Delaying the higher earner's benefit until age 70, so the surviving spouse inherits a larger monthly payment. Diversifying retirement income through annuities, pensions, or investments to avoid overreliance on Social Security. Reviewing tax strategy in advance, since single-filer penalties can erode survivor benefits. Key takeaways for retired couples You don't keep both benefits — the survivor keeps the larger of the two. Survivor benefits vary by age — 71.5% to 100% of your spouse's amount. The widow's penalty is real — lower income but potentially higher taxes. Plan in advance — delaying benefits and diversifying income can protect the survivor. Don't rely on the $255 payment — it's symbolic, not a safety net. When a spouse dies, Social Security can be both a lifeline and a rude awakening. Survivor benefits help, but they rarely replace the stability of two checks. Every couple should sit down before retirement and run the numbers — not just for the years they'll share, but for the years when one may have to face the bills alone. FAQs: Q1: What happens to Social Security when a spouse dies? The surviving spouse keeps only the higher benefit, not both checks. Q2: Who qualifies for Social Security survivor benefits? A spouse age 60 or older, age 50 if disabled, or any age if caring for a child under 16. Q3: How much of my late spouse's Social Security can I get? You can receive 71.5% to 100% of your spouse's benefit, depending on your age when you claim. Q4: What is the widow's penalty in Social Security? It's when income drops after a spouse dies, but taxes often rise because you file as single. Q5: Does Social Security give a death benefit? Yes, there's a one-time $255 payment, but it hasn't changed since 1954 and offers little help today.

What is an impasse?
What is an impasse?

The Hindu

time3 days ago

  • The Hindu

What is an impasse?

'The new chap we've hired leaves home at 6:45 to be in time for work. He makes use of different transportations to get here. First,…' 'Not transportations. You have…' 'He takes the train, bus and….' 'I understand, but you cannot say 'transportations'. Transportation is an uncountable noun. The plural is 'transportation' and not 'transportations'.' 'I see. So, if someone uses a bus, an auto and a train to get to…' 'Then, you talk about the different modes of transportation the person uses. For example, Jai uses several modes of transportation to get to office. What mode of transportation do you use?' 'My scooter. It's been my mode of transportation for over five years now.' 'In the past, when we went to my father's village, we had to use several modes of transportation. Including a bullock cart.' 'Those were the days! By the way, how do you pronounce i…m…p…a…s…s…e?' 'There are several ways of pronouncing the word. One way is….' 'Let's not get into that! What's the simplest way?' 'The Americans pronounce the 'i' in the first syllable like the 'i' in 'hit', 'bit' and 'kit', and the 'a' in the second, like the 'a' in 'ant' and 'apple'. They pronounce the word im-PASS with the stress on the second syllable. Do you know what impasse means?' 'Doesn't it mean dead end?' 'Very good! When you say that your discussions have reached an impasse, you're suggesting you have reached a dead end. No progress can be made because the two of you don't agree on anything.' 'It's a deadlock. There's no point in discussing the matter further because no progress is possible. Moving forward just seems impossible.' 'That's right! It's a stalemate. Here's an example. The rest of the world was stunned when the two countries found a way to end their impasse.' 'If we are to overcome this impasse, we both need to be willing to make certain concessions.' 'That's a good example. Neither side was optimistic of an outcome. They expect the impasse to continue for another decade.' 'That doesn't sound good! Anyway, what's happening with your idea of buying an independent house? Are you making any progress?' 'Not really! I'm seriously considering dropping the idea. I'll just stay here and…' 'But why? I heard that you saw a couple of houses. What happened? Didn't you…' 'I saw three, actually! They were all pretty old, and in a state of disrepair.' 'Disrepair? You mean 'repair', don't you? Does the word 'disrepair' even exist?' 'There's a big difference between 'repair' and 'disrepair'. When you say that the monument has fallen into disrepair, what you mean is that the monument is in bad shape.' 'The building probably looks shabby — with the paint peeling off, the walls crumbling, the roof leaking, and the…' 'Stop, stop! You get the picture. Here's an example. Leaving the car in the garage for six months resulted in disrepair.' 'According to an article I read recently, many of the monuments in our city are in disrepair.' 'I'm sure that's true of many monuments across the country. What I'm worried about are the old flyovers in our city. Many of them are in a state of disrepair. Yet the government is doing nothing about the problem.' 'Politicians don't solve problems. They create them.' upendrankye@

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