15 Seconds of Reality: The Ripple Effect of Everyday Theft

Today, I want to address a pressing issue that often goes unnoticed but affects us deeply crime. I’m not referring to the headline-grabbing crimes that shock the nation, but the everyday crimes that quietly disrupt our lives. These so-called "minor" offenses, like snatching, teasing, or petty theft, may seem insignificant at first glance, but their impact can be profound and long-lasting. They expose uncomfortable truths about our society and our collective complacency towards wrongdoing. Could it be that our tolerance for these small infractions is paving the way for more severe and devastating crimes? Is our indifference contributing to a culture where crime is normalized?

Just yesterday, I had a jarring experience that brought these concerns into sharp focus. After leaving my office around 9 PM, I was walking down a busy street, engrossed in my phone while responding to an urgent message from my brother. In that fleeting moment of distraction, three men on bikes suddenly appeared from nowhere. Before I could even register what was happening, one of them snatched my phone from my hand. Instinctively, I tried to hold on, but the phone slipped from my grasp and fell to the ground. The entire incident lasted no more than 15 seconds—too quick for me to process, let alone catch a glimpse of their faces or the bike’s number plate. They sped off before I could even react.

In the immediate aftermath, I was left stunned, scrambling for answers on what to do when your phone is snatched. Here’s what I discovered, and what I believe everyone should be aware of:

Find Your IMEI Number

Every phone is assigned a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. This number is essential if your phone is lost or stolen, as it helps authorities and service providers identify your device. You can locate your IMEI number in your phone’s settings or by dialing *#06# on your device. It’s crucial to record this number and store it in a secure place. You may need it for insurance claims or to assist in recovering your phone.

Use a Phone Tracker

Several apps can help you track your stolen phone. Some of the more reliable options include TruthSpy and mSpy. These apps may or may not function when the phone is switched off, but they can be instrumental in recovering your device if used promptly.

Notify Your Service Provider and the Police

It’s vital to contact your service provider immediately to prevent your phone from being used for unauthorized activities that could place you in a vulnerable position. This step is especially critical if you have a postpaid connection, as it can help you avoid unwanted charges in your name. Additionally, filing a First Information Report (FIR) with the police is imperative. It not only aids in blocking the stolen phone but also strengthens your case for any potential claims or legal actions.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If your phone is insured, report the theft to your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you file your claim, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Ensure you provide all necessary documentation, including the FIR and the IMEI number, to support your claim.

Avoid Confronting Thieves

In the heat of the moment, your first instinct might be to chase after the thief or confront them. However, your safety should always come first. It’s often wiser to let go of the material loss and avoid escalating the situation. Remember, no possession is worth endangering your life.

This incident, though unsettling, serves as a stark reminder of the reality we live in. Petty crimes like these have become a daily occurrence for many, and it’s imperative that we remain vigilant. However, there’s a deeper issue at play—our society’s increasing tolerance of these "small" crimes. This tolerance may be laying the foundation for something far more troubling. As we become desensitized to these acts, we inadvertently create an environment where larger, more destructive crimes can thrive.

It’s time we take a stand—not just by protecting ourselves, but by addressing the root causes of this growing indifference. Stay vigilant, stay aware, and always prioritize your safety and well-being over material possessions.

The Aged Matriarch

The Aged Mother

By Matsuo Basho

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Certainly! This Japanese folktale, also known as "The Story of the Aged Mother," tells the story of a cold-hearted monarch who issues severe decrees, one of which orders the elderly to perish. A poignant narrative unfolds through Basho's words, illustrating the great love shared by a mother and her son.

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"The Moon and the Abandoned Old Woman" by Yoshitoshi, 1892

Once upon a time, at the foot of a mountain, there lived a poor farmer and his old widowed mother. They have little land to provide food, they are humble, peaceful and happy.

Shining's master was a cruel, yet heroic, degenerate leader who feared anything that indicated declining health or strength. This led him to post a negative message. A strict order was given throughout the palace to immediately kill all the elders. Those were strange times, and it was not uncommon for the elderly to be left to die. The poor farmer loved his old mother tenderly, and the order filled his heart with sadness. But no one thought twice about obeying the governor's orders, so the young men groaned and were eager to prepare for what was thought to be the best way of death.

When the work is finished, when the sun sets, they take a handful of white rice, the staple food of the poor, cook it, dry it, tie it in a square cloth and shake it. He had a bundle around his neck and a gourd filled with cold, sweet water. He then began the painful journey through the mountains, carrying his helpless grandmother on his back. The path is long and steep. The narrow path has been crossed and recrossed by many paths made by hunters and loggers. In some places he fell and got confused, but he didn't care. It doesn't matter which way. He went up blind. We continued to a high peak called Obatsuyama, "the mountain that abandons the elderly".

The old woman's eyes were not very sad, but when she saw him running erratically from one direction to another, her heart became sad. His son did not know that there were many ways up the mountain and that the return could be dangerous, so he reached out and broke a branch from the forest as they went, gently dropping a handful from each step to help them climb. , the narrow road behind them is often broken by small piles of branches. We finally reached the top. As his beloved's last duty, the weary and heartbroken young man quietly left his duty and quietly prepared a place of comfort. He gathered fallen pine needles to make a soft pillow and carefully placed his old mother on it. Hugh pulled his father's coat around his hunched shoulders and said goodbye with tearful eyes and a sad heart.

Mother's trembling voice as she gave the last command was full of unconditional love. "My son, don't close your eyes." he said "The mountain paths are full of danger. Look carefully and follow the path to the pile of branches. They will guide you on the wise way down." The boy's startled eyes looked back across the street, at his hands that were bruised, withered, scratched and dirty from work. His heart broke, he fell to the ground and cried. en loud voice: "O mother, I will not leave thee for thy goodness." We will follow the path of the branches together, we will die together!”

He picked up his bag again (the moon was shining) and ran in the shadow and moonlight to the little house in the valley. Beneath the kitchen floor is a walled and covered pantry that is hidden from view. The boy hid from his mother, giving her everything she wanted, constantly watching and fearing that she would be found. As time passed, he began to feel insecure as the governor kept sending stupid messages and orders that seemed to boast of his authority. He asked his men to give him a rope made of ash.

The whole government was afraid. Orders must be followed, but who in The Shining can make a rope out of ashes? One night, the boy was very sad and whispered this story to his mother secretly. "wait!" he said “I'll think about it. "I'll think about it." The second day he told her what to do. "Twin straw for making rope." he said "Then spread it on a flat stone and burn it on a windless night." He got the people together and did what he said. And when the fire was extinguished, a cord of ashes was placed on the stone.

The governor was pleased with the young man's intelligence and praised him, but demanded to know where his intelligence came from. "Alas! "You must tell the truth!" cried the farmer. Then he thanked him and told his story. The governor listened and pondered. He finally raised his head. "It's more than just a guy's ability to shine." He said a lot. I wish I had forgotten the famous saying, "Wisdom is in the crown of the eye!" At that time, cruel laws are abolished, traditions are resigned to the past and only legends remain.

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This story is featured in our collection of Short Stories to read when you have five minutes to spare.

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Panchayat Season 3 trailer has been released! Politics, competition, romance, and humor await

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The new season of Panchayat, created by The Viral Fever, directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, and written by Chandan Kumar, delves deep into the antics of Phulera residents as politics and rivalry reign supreme, resulting in comedic hardships and tribulations.

Photograph:(Twitter)

After weeks of teasing fans with glimpses of the new season, TVF and Prime Video finally dropped the highly anticipated Panchayat Season 3 trailer on Wednesday. The old cast has returned to Phulera Village, but this time they face new problems and enemies.

The new season of Panchayat, created by The Viral Fever, directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, and written by Chandan Kumar, delves deep into the antics of Phulera residents as politics and rivalry reign supreme, resulting in comedic hardships and tribulations.

The video depicts Sachivji's transfer to another district being cancelled, and an opposing group is now eager to battle for Panchayat elections.

Exciting news! The trailer for Season 3 of Panchayat is now live on Prime Video India's Instagram page. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of politics, rivalry, romance, and laughter. Check out the trailer here: Prime Video India's Instagram Page

The original cast comprising of Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, and Sanvikaa return and their characters get embroiled in matters of the heart and politics, and much more.

Audiences can watch Panchayat Season 3 on Prime Video starting May 28.

WhatsApp Rolls Out iOS Update to Block Profile Photo Screenshots

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is rumored to be rolling out a new feature aimed at enhancing privacy on iOS devices. According to a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, users will receive a message notifying them that screenshotting profile pictures has been disabled to protect privacy within the app.

Whatsapp

The feature is designed to prevent users from capturing and sharing profile pictures without the owner's consent. While it's still possible for individuals to use other devices to take photos of profile pictures, the in-app restriction is expected to significantly reduce unauthorized sharing. 

This upcoming feature aims to mitigate the risk of profile photos being misused or distributed without permission by blocking users from taking screenshots. Currently in the development phase, it is expected to be included in a future update of the app.

Additionally, WhatsApp is testing a new feature for Android called the "filter." This tool will allow users to quickly compile a list of their favorite contacts and groups from the chats tab, making it easier to access and prioritize important conversations. This enhancement is intended to improve the overall user experience by streamlining communication with preferred contacts and groups.

NASA's Plans for 'God of Destruction' Asteroid Apophis During its 2029 Close Encounter with Earth

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

As Apophis draws near, NASA's OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft stands ready to investigate the enigmatic 'God of Destruction.

During Apophis's near encounter with Earth, NASA's OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft will be poised to investigate the 'God of Destruction'.(Photo: Others)

In around five years, specifically on April 13, 2029, the near-Earth asteroid Apophis, affectionately called the 'God of Destruction', will embark on an extraordinary journey, venturing remarkably close to our planet. Gliding through space at just 30,000 miles (about 48,280 kilometers) away, this massive celestial body, spanning roughly 1,000 feet (305 meters) in width, will draw tantalizingly near, visible to the naked eye. This remarkable cosmic event holds the promise of a rare scientific opportunity eagerly anticipated by NASA researchers.

Against the backdrop of Apophis's impending close encounter, NASA's OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft stands ready to meticulously examine this enigmatic asteroid. Additionally, a fleet of miniature satellites from the "NEAlight" initiative, led by a team at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg under the guidance of space engineer Hakan Kayal, will play a pivotal role. These satellites are poised to gather invaluable data, revolutionizing our understanding of the solar system and bolstering planetary defense efforts.

Apophis, an object of fascination since its discovery in 2004, has long intrigued astronomers due to its substantial size and proximity to Earth's orbit. For 17 years, it held a prominent position on risk lists maintained by institutions like the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA's Sentry Risk Table, categorized as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA). Recent observations have allayed concerns, confirming that Apophis poses no immediate threat of colliding with Earth.

Despite the subsiding immediate danger, the impending rendezvous with Apophis in 2029 presents an unparalleled opportunity to study a relic from the ancient annals of the solar system. With a lineage dating back approximately 4.6 billion years, Apophis offers a captivating glimpse into the cosmic saga, promising insights that could reshape our understanding of celestial phenomena for generations to come.

Approaching Armageddon: Two Massive Asteroids Racing Towards Earth - Will They Collide?

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

NASA has confirmed that two asteroids, 2024 JB2 and 2020 JP10, are approaching Earth at high speeds. Should we be worried about them?

A 76-meter asteroid is set to make a close approach to Earth. (Image source: Reuters)

The US main space agency issued a warning that asteroids, one roughly the size of a building, are nearing Earth and will most likely pass by today (May 14). While asteroids flying by are not uncommon, the scorching speed with which these two are traveling has raised concerns.

But how deadly are these asteroids, and can they hit us? This is what we know.

1. The two celestial visitors, 2024 JB2 and 2020 JP10, measure 60-130 metres and 52-120 metres broad, respectively. The asteroid 2024 JB2 belongs to the Apollo group of near-Earth asteroids whose orbits coincide with Earth's orbit.

2. According to statistics from NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), asteroid 2024 JB2 is approaching Earth at an incredible speed of 63,683 kilometers per hour. The other space rock, on the other hand, is traveling at an incredible 90,000 kilometers per hour towards Earth.

3. According to NASA data, Asteroid 2024 JB2 will be 44.3 lakh kilometers distant from Earth while the other asteroid will be 72 lakh kilometers away.

4. The space agency regularly monitors known near-Earth objects using data from observatories across the world, including those financed by NASA, such as Pan-STARRS and the Catalina Sky Survey. Planetary radar projects, like as the Goldstone Solar System Radar Group, are also used to follow these objects, providing critical information about their size, speed, and trajectory for assessing future impact threats to our planet.

5. While the spotlight is on the two large asteroids hurtling towards Earth, another heavenly visitor is about to make a close encounter. This small asteroid, named 2024 JQ12, measures between 5 and 12 metres in width. According to predictions, it will pass within 800,000 kilometres of Earth during its flyby, travelling at a speed of roughly 11,000 km per hour.

6. According to NASA, most asteroids avoid Earth, but a small proportion are classified as 'Potentially Hazardous Asteroids'. These asteroids, which are larger than 140 meters, have orbits that put them within 75 lakh kilometers of the Earth's orbit around the sun. In February, a "stadium-size" asteroid measuring between 210 and 480 metres — roughly the size of New York City's Empire State Building — was categorized as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid.

7. According to NASA, asteroids are leftovers of our solar system's formation, which occurred around 4.6 billion years ago when enormous clouds of gas and dust crashed. The solar system is known to contain approximately 994,383 asteroids, each of which is unique.

8. According to NASA, asteroids that could cause a 'global disaster' if they collide with Earth are extremely rare. They would most likely need to be at least a km in circumference. Such bodies strike the Earth just once per 100,000 years on average. The last such deadly hit occurred 11 years ago in Russia, when an asteroid named Chelyabinsk smashed into Earth's atmosphere, generating energy equivalent to the detonation of around 500,000 metric tonnes of TNT.

9. Five years, on April 13, 2029, the near-Earth asteroid ‘Apophis’, nicknamed ‘God of Destruction’, will make an incredibly close approach to Earth, passing within approximately 48,280 kilometres, NASA says. This historic event which can be visible to the naked eye, will allow the agency’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft to study this 1,000-feet-wide celestial visitor up close.

Weighty Bonds: A Tale of Fat and Thin

Fat And Thin

By Anton Chekhov

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Chekhov often critiqued the hierarchical Russian society in "Fat and Thin," examining the friendship dynamics between two former classmates. A pivotal conversation reveals how societal status affects their relationship, reflecting broader commentary on social structure.

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Karl Witkowski, Pick a Hand, 1889

At the Nikolaevsky station, two friends met - one a fat man, the other a thin man. The fat man had just eaten at the station and his full lips shone like ripe cherries. He smelled of sherry and orange blossom. The thin man had just stepped off the train and was loaded with tote bags, packages, and boxes of duct tape. He smelled of ham and coffee grounds. Behind him appeared a thin woman with a long chin, his wife, and a tall schoolboy with a broken eye.

"Porfire," called the fat man when he saw the thin man. "Really? Dear man! How many summers, how many winters!"

"Holy holidays!" exclaimed the thin man in astonishment. "Misha! My childhood friend! Where did you fall?"

The friends kissed each other three times and looked at each other with tears in their eyes. Both were pleasantly surprised.

"My dear boy!" the thin man began after the kiss. "This is unexpected! It's a surprise! Come see me! Just as beautiful as before! So good, dear and dandy! Please me! Well, how are you? Did you marry your fortune? I am married , as you see... This is my wife Luise, her maiden name was Vantsenbach... of the Lutheran faith... And this is my son Nafanail, a third-grade schoolboy. This is my childhood friend Nafanya. We were boys at school together!"

Nafanail thought for a moment and raised his hat.

"We were boys at school together," continued the thin man. "Do you remember how they teased you? They called you Herostratus because you burned a hole in the school book, and I was nicknamed Ephialtes because I liked to tell stories. Oh—oh!... We were children!... Don't be shy, Nafanya. Approach him. And this is my wife, her maiden name was Lutheran Vantsenbach..."

Nafanail thought a little and ran after his father.

"How are you, my friend?" the fat man asked excitedly, looking at his friend. "Are you on duty? What level did you reach?"

"It's me, dear boy! I've been a university counselor for the last two years and I have Stanislav. The pay is bad, but it doesn't matter! He gives music lessons and I go... sculpts wooden cigarette boxes. Privately, we order. You know, I was a civil servant and now I have been transferred here to the same department as the General Secretary. I serve here. What about yourself? I take it you are already a civil lawyer? Huh?"

"No, dear boy, go over," said the fat man. "I have already become a private consultant... I have two stars."

The thin man was both pale and stiff, but soon his face twisted in every direction in the widest smile; sparks seemed to flash from his face and eyes. He staggered, doubled over, crumpled... Her carrier bag, bouquet of flowers, and cardboard box also appeared to shrink and crumple.

His wife's long chin continued to grow; Nafanail looked carefully and fastened all the uniform buttons.

"Your Majesty, I am... satisfied! You can say that a childhood friend has become such a great man! Ha ha!"

"Come, come!" the fat man frowned. "What is this shadow for? You and I were friends when we were boys, and this official insolence is unnecessary!"

"Merciful heavens, Your Majesty! What are you saying...?" The thin man smiled, writhing more than ever. "Your Majesty's gracious attention is like refreshing manna... This, Your Majesty, is my son Nafanail... my wife Luise, a kind of Lutheran."

The fat man protested, but the thin face expressed such sweet and lame respect that the privy councilor became ill and turned away from the thin man... and giving him his hand as he went away, Nafanail smiled at his leg and threw off his hat.

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This story is featured in our collection of Short Stories to read when you have five minutes to spare.

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Aurora Over India: Ladakh's Rare Encounter with the Northern Lights

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, graced Ladakh's skies at latitudes of 34-36°N, a rare sight for such southern regions.

Aurora borealis in Ladakh's Hanle area photographed:(Twitter)

Ladakh, India: In a remarkable celestial event, the aurora borealis, typically confined to polar regions, graced the skies of India in a rare display. The Indian Astronomical Observatory captured this extraordinary phenomenon above Mount Saraswati in Ladakh's Hanle region, marking a historic first for the country. Known as the Northern Lights, this luminous spectacle is a rare occurrence at lower latitudes like Ladakh's 34-36°N.

Despite its mid-latitude location, Ladakh experienced an intense G4 geomagnetic storm, classified by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center. This event, triggered by a coronal mass ejection, mirrors a similar occurrence in April 2023, emphasizing the dynamic nature of solar activity.

Explaining the phenomenon, Dr. Ravi A V Kumar, Scientific Officer of the Institute for Plasma Research Centre, elucidated the interplay between solar flares and Earth's magnetic field. These charged particles from the sun interact with the upper atmosphere, producing the vibrant colors of the Aurora. While awe-inspiring, solar flares can disrupt satellite communications and other technologies, underscoring the need for vigilance.

This rare celestial display extended beyond India's borders, captivating observers worldwide. From Russia to Germany and even Australia's southern territory of Tasmania, the aurora borealis and its counterpart, the aurora australis, mesmerized onlookers with their ethereal beauty. As humanity marvels at these celestial wonders, we are reminded of the intricate dance between Earth and the cosmos, a spectacle that transcends geographical boundaries and captivates the human spirit.

The Ada Effect: How One Woman Redefined the Boundaries of Science and Technology

Ada Lovelace's pioneering insights and visionary ideas continue to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Ada Lovelace: Alfred Edward Chalon's Portrait at the Science Museum.

Welcome to 'The Ada Effect: How One Woman Redefined the Boundaries of Science and Technology.' Join us on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Ada Lovelace, an extraordinary pioneer whose visionary insights continue to shape the landscape of modern technology. Ada's early years were marked by a unique upbringing in the Byron household, where she was exposed to a blend of artistic creativity and mathematical rigor. Despite the challenges within her family, Ada's mother, Lady Byron, ensured she received a rigorous education in mathematics and science, setting the stage for her future contributions.

Early Life and Education: Ada's upbringing in the Byron household exposed her to a unique blend of artistic creativity and mathematical rigor. Despite the tumultuous relationship between her parents, Ada's mother, Lady Byron, ensured that she received a rigorous education in mathematics and science. Ada's early fascination with numbers and logic set the stage for her future contributions to the field of computing.

The Influence of Charles Babbage: Ada's path crossed with Charles Babbage, the inventor of the Analytical Engine, a revolutionary mechanical computer design. Their collaboration, sparked by mutual admiration and intellectual curiosity, laid the groundwork for Ada's groundbreaking contributions to computer science. Together, Ada and Babbage explored the theoretical capabilities of the Analytical Engine and envisioned its potential impact on society.

The Birth of Computer Programming: Ada's most significant achievement came in the form of her extensive notes on Babbage's Analytical Engine. In these notes, Ada presented a series of algorithms, including an algorithm for calculating Bernoulli numbers. Her insights into the potential of the Analytical Engine to process symbols and perform complex tasks foreshadowed the concepts of modern computer programming. Ada's algorithm for the Bernoulli numbers is widely regarded as the world's first computer program, earning her the title of the first computer programmer.

Legacy and Impact: Despite her untimely death at the age of 36, Ada Lovelace's legacy continues to resonate in the field of computer science. Her visionary ideas and pioneering spirit laid the foundation for future generations of programmers and innovators. Ada's contributions to computing are celebrated worldwide, with numerous initiatives and awards dedicated to her memory. As we reflect on Ada's life and achievements, we are reminded of the power of imagination, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity in shaping the course of history.

Conclusion, Honoring Ada's Legacy: Ada Lovelace's journey from a young mathematician to the world's first computer programmer is a testament to the transformative power of intellect and innovation. Her visionary insights and groundbreaking work continue to inspire and influence the field of computer science, paving the way for future advancements and discoveries. As we commemorate Ada's legacy, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering creativity, diversity, and inclusion in the world of technology.

References

1. Ada Lovelace - Wikipedia
2. Analytical Engine - Wikipedia
3. Charles Babbage - Wikipedia

Fading Naari Shakti: BJP's Decreasing Female Representation in UP Polls

The Congress party has declared 17 candidates for the state, but just one of them is a woman, suggesting that the party has abandoned the slogan "Mahila Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon." 

Prime Minister Modi poses with female lawmakers following the introduction of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: In the latest Uttar Pradesh elections of 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fallen short of its pledge to enhance female representation in the Lok Sabha. Despite the enactment of a law by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration aimed at ensuring that 33% of directly elected members to Parliament and State Legislatures are women, the BJP has nominated fewer female candidates compared to the previous two elections in 2014 and 2019.

The Constitution (128th Amendment) Bill of 2023, dubbed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam by Modi, was introduced with the intention of appealing to female voters. This legislation also reserves one-third of the seats within the 33% quota for women belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. However, the enforcement of this law depends on the publication of a new census and subsequent delimitation processes, leading to uncertainty about its implementation timeline, with some experts suggesting it may not be feasible until the 2029 Lok Sabha election or later.

Although political parties like the BJP have no legal obligation to increase female representation, they could have used this election to demonstrate their commitment to promoting women's participation in public affairs. Despite Modi's rallies celebrating Nari Shakti and the BJP's portrayal of the law as a significant step towards women's empowerment, the party's actions have not aligned with its rhetoric.

In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP has nominated fewer women candidates compared to previous elections. Out of 79 candidates announced by the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), only eight are women. This marks a decline from the 11 women candidates fielded by the BJP alliance in both 2014 and 2019. Moreover, the BJP replaced several incumbent female MPs with male candidates for the 2024 elections, resulting in a net decrease in female representation.

Conversely, the party's main rival, the Samajwadi Party (SP), has nominated more women candidates, with 10 out of their total nominations. Including the Congress' sole female candidate, the count reaches 11 within the broader INDIA bloc. The Congress, which championed the 'Mahila Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon' slogan during the 2022 UP Assembly elections with 40% female candidates, has significantly reduced its female representation. Out of 17 candidates declared by the party, only one is a woman.

Notably, many female candidates from both major blocs, NDA and INDIA, come from politically influential backgrounds or families, with several being spouses or daughters of current or former politicians.

In summary, despite the rhetoric surrounding women's empowerment, the representation of women in Uttar Pradesh's 2024 elections does not reflect the promised commitment to gender parity in politics.