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While the internet opens the doors to a new world, it comes with its own share of crimes Cyber crime as we know it, are crimes that take place in the digital world using a computer. These range from cyber bullying where users use social media and other platforms to bully a victim to hacking and phishing which can lead users to lose a lot of money and data.

It is good to be aware and proactive and protect yourself from such crimes online. Here are five

1. Install antivirus software on your system – While free ones are good, try and buy the original full version software as it not just protects your system from viruses it also prompts you if a website has malware or suspicious quick ways to do so content

2. Keep your details personal- Never reveal your age, address email ID, phone number or credit card details in a public forum Also try not to upload personal pictures online.

3. Stay away from strangers as much as possible - Social media is a thriving ground for criminals, so refrain from adding people you do not know.

4. Keep privacy settings at maximum-Most social media platforms have privacy settings. So ensure you only allow your friends to view your profile.

5. Report abuse-If anything seems fishy on a social media platform or anywhere on the Internet, report abuse. Almost all websites let you report content or people who might seem fishy.

Above all this, inform the cyber cell about any kind of cyber crime that you, or a friend encounter.

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Netiquette is a combination of the words internet and etiquette. It refers to the rues to be observed online. It applies to several aspects of the internet such as email online chat web comments and social media. There is no official list of rules, but there are a few that are followed by a majority of communities online. Here are a few

Respect others privacy- Do not share other personal details and photos without their permission.

Watch what you say- Do not let personal problems and banter spill into the digital world. Sort out issues amicably in the real world than indulge in inflammatory and offensive comments online.

Think before you post-Whether it is a meme or something you wish to say think twice before you post it online as everything you post is for the world to see and leaves a digital footprint

Think before reposting-just because someone has shared something on their profile, you need not repost it. Always check the legitimacy of the information before you post it Social media is filled with fake news.

Be a sport-Don't say anything inflammatory while playing multiplayer games online. Be a sport and accept defeat gracefully.

No ALL CAPS, please-Typing a sentence is ALL CAPS means you are shouting or yelling at someone. So whether it is social medias or an email remember never to use ALL CAPS.

Don't spam-Do you like it if someone spams you with forwards or links to pages that they want you to like and support? No? The same applies to others as well Do not spam users.

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The Internet is a verse in itself. As technology has progressed over the years, more and more people have been accessing the Internet. Earlier, it used to be only adults who browsed the net, but today children as young as five have access to the World Wide Web.

Content on the Web too has been evolving to keep pace with current trends; not to mention the boom of social networking platforms that has altered people's perception of the Internet.

While the Internet has a plethora of information to offer, has it had an effect on our social, physical and psychological well-being?

Pro: The Internet and video-calling have been a saviour for what would otherwise be close-to-nil social life for individuals, especially children. It has connected people from all over the world.

Con: Children today tend to lead a digital life. They have become far too comfortable with the features that video calling has to offer, that they do not even know their own neighbours. Not just now, but even during pre-pandemic times their use of the Internet was quite high.

Pro: One of the many things the Internet has given access to is free health and fitness sites and apps. Individuals who are shy to join a gym or simply can't afford it, can still learn exercises from professionals and be at the peak of health.

Con: People have become so addicted to the Web that screen time has increased significantly over the years. This addiction has also prevented people from stepping out, meeting others or simply going for a walk and play.

Pro: Recently there has been an emphasis on mental health and psychological well-being. The Internet has seen a rise in content such as meditation videos and websites that help people unwind and recharge right at home.

Con: Hate on social media is not new. It is all over, with trolls attacking individuals. This can leave a serious dent in the mental health of individuals, especially children who are still understanding and exploring the world around them.

Picture Credit : Google

Google search has been a part of all of our lives at least once. It is still the most widely used search engine that has answers to pretty much all the questions one can come up with. But every once in a while, the iconic Google logo looks different, based on the occasion. Do you know why and what it is called?

Doodle time

It's called the Google Doodle. Doodles are surprising and fun changes made to the Google logo to mark various occasions such as festivals and sporting events, and to celebrate the lives of famous people.

The concept of the doodle was born even before Google was incorporated. In 1998, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin played around with the corporate logo of the company to indicate their attendance at a festival in Nevada desert, the United States. They doodled a stick figure on the second 'o' from the Google logo to give people a message that the founders were 'out of office. And thus was born the idea of decorating the company logo to celebrate events.

In 2000, Dennis Hwang, who was then an intern with the company, was asked to create a doodle for Bastille Day. The doodle was so well received within the company and by Google users that Dennis was appointed Google's chief doodler and over time, a team was formed to create, illustrate and upload Google Doodles.

The company has created over 4.000 doodles till date.

You can be a doodler too!

If you have an idea for a doodle, or have any doodle to share, you can mail them to doodleproposals@google.com

The team will go through the proposals and get back to you if your idea is shortlisted.

Picture Credit : Google

The Union Ayush Ministry launched a mobile app called "Y-Break" on September 1, 2021. What is this app for?

"Y-Break" is nothing but a Yoga-Break app, a five-minute yoga protocol designed to help working professionals remain fit and healthy, and thereby increase their productivity. The aim of the app is to help them de-stress, refresh, and refocus through simple yoga asanas that can be done in five minutes.

Ever since the pandemic broke out in 2019, it has had a great impact on people, especially office-goers. We often hear of people experiencing stress and anxiety besides physical problems on account of their sedentary occupation. It is said that the Y-Break app has been developed keeping in view the working population as it is expected to give them some relief at the workplace.

How is it beneficial?

The Y-Break app intends to introduce people at the workplace to yoga. It promotes the idea of a five-minute break from work to practise yoga and feel refreshed. The Yoga-Break protocol consists of asanas, pranayama, and dhyana, and can integrate seamlessly with people's work routine.

Simple stretching exercises such as Tadasana, Urdhva Hastottanasana, Uttana Mandukasana, Kati Chakrasana. Ardha Chakrasana, and Bhramari Pranayama among others make up the protocol. Besides enabling people to perform stretching exercises and meditation with ease anywhere in just five minutes, the app will help create awareness about different yogic practices.

The mobile app was launched by Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations organised by the Government to commemorate the 75th year of India's Independence. The launch of the app has been termed as one of the significant initiatives of the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy).

Who developed the app?

The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNY), an autonomous body under the Ayush Ministry, has developed the Y-Break app, which is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

A pilot study to find the efficacy of the yoga protocol was undertaken in six major metro cities on a sample size of 717 participants aged 18 and above. Fifteen-day trials involving participants from private and government bodies were conducted by the MDNIY in collaboration with six leading yoga institutes of the country.

The participants were selected taking into consideration the various problems they were suffering from such as lower back pain, headache, anger, and stress. The study showed positive outcomes. It was also recognised that yoga break at the workplace enables one to relax completely.

Picture Credit : Google