Social Bubble: Welcome Development or Social Nightmare?

Countries grappling with COVID-19 lockdown measures are considering the concept of "social bubbles," where citizens select a small group to interact with on a regular basis. New Zealand, Scotland, and Belgium are implementing or considering the idea, but its effectiveness and feasibility in densely populated nations remains controversial. The system depends on trust, potentially complicating personal relationships, and experts restress the importance of careful implementation to prevent virus resurgence.

Lessons from the Past: Social Distancing and Pandemics

The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 infected a quarter of the world's population, with a death toll of 50-100 million. Social distancing during the pandemic highlighted its importance. Today, social distancing aims to reduce interactions and slow the spread of infections. Historical practices and proven scientific principles support this approach. Technology enables us to stay connected while adhering to public health guidelines. It is a collective responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable populations.

The Culture of Impatience and Instant Gratification: A Sociological Perspective

In today's society, instant gratification and impatience have become defining characteristics, influenced by rapid technological advancements. While providing convenience, they also foster entitlement and undermine resilience. This trend affects personal development, social dynamics, and professional settings, compromising genuine communication and sustained effort. Fostering patience, perseverance, and mindfulness is crucial to counteract these challenges and preserve fundamental values in our evolving society.

Can Memes Revive Political Satires and Cartoons?

Humour is the foundation of a cartoon and it is its limitation. Attempts to rationalise humour in terms of today's utilitarian social structure probably explain why political cartooning, and the genre of cartooning as a whole is a dying art. In a fast-paced environment such as the internet, memes emerged as a one-dimensional satirical illustration; they don’t engage with the issue and, therefore, their moral message and practical impact are limited. 

Procrastination & Creativity: How Delaying Tasks Can Boost Your Imagination

Procrastination is typically viewed as detrimental. However, studies by the University of San Francisco and others have revealed its beneficial role in creativity. They found that people who procrastinate often come up with more creative ideas, thanks to the brain's ability to make new connections during these periods. Historical figures such as Mozart and Abraham Lincoln are cited as examples of productive procrastinators. However, it is essential to strike a balance between procrastination and focused work time to prevent detrimental effects on mental health and productivity.

Values Are More Important Than Valuables

Singapore's PM's wife, Ms Ho Ching, sparked interest during a White House visit for carrying a dinosaur-themed pouch priced at SGD 14.80. Once mistaken for a fashion faux pas, it was later revealed the pouch was designed by Seetoh Sheng Jie, a 19-year-old student from Pathlight, Singapore's first autism-focused school. The pouches, typically selling 200 units every four months, sold out within a day and now require a two-month pre-order.

Celebrating World Environment Day: Honouring India’s Pioneering Tree Conservation Movements

World Environment Day encourages global action for environmental protection. The importance of this can be seen in historic Indian tree conservation movements, notably the Chipko Movement and the Amrita Devi-led Movement. The Chipko Movement in the 1970s saw villagers hug trees to prevent them from being felled. The Amrita Devi-led Movement in the 18th century involved a woman sacrificing her life for a tree, inspiring the Bishnoi community and becoming an enduring symbol of environmental conservation.

45 Million People in Servitude… Shocking!

The 2016 Global Slavery Index, published by Perth-based Walk Free Foundation, estimates that 45.8 million people are subject to some form of modern slavery in the world today. Vulnerability to modern slavery is affected by a complex interaction of factors related to the presence or absence of protection and respect for rights, physical safety and security, access to the necessities of life such as food, water and health care, and patterns of migration, displacement and conflict.

Food For Thought: Stopping Food Waste

As the global population increases, so does the pressing concern of food waste, with a third of globally produced food lost or wasted annually. France has emerged as a forerunner in battling food waste by banning supermarkets from disposing of unsold food and compelling restaurants to offer takeaway containers. Worldwide, food waste costs the economy $750 billion and is especially rampant in Asian countries. Solutions for food waste reduction can be found on individual, business, and governmental levels, and involve initiatives like efficient supply chains, waste reduction at the source, and donations to those in need.