FASCISM

The word Fascism comes from ancient Roman symbols of authority called 'fasces'. Fascism is a form of government headed, in most cases, by a dictator. It involves total government control of political, economic, cultural, religious, and social activities.

Fascism resembles Communism. But unlike Communism. which calls for the government to own all industry, fascism allows industry to remain in private ownership though under government control.

Other important features of fascism include extreme patriotism, war-like policies and persecution of minorities.

The word 'fascism' also describes any governmental system or political belief that resembles that of Benito Mussolini who ruled Italy from 1922 to 1943.

THE WARSAW PACT

The Warsaw Pact (14 May 1955) is a treaty that holds most communist nations of Europe in a military command under Soviet control. Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania and the Soviet Union signed the treaty as a response to the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), a defense alliance formed by the United States and its  European allies. NATO based on a treaty signed in 1949, had begun operations in 1950. Albania withdrew from the Warsaw Pact in 1968. A Soviet army general serves as supreme commander of Warsaw Pact forces, whose military head quarters are in Moscow.

The Warsaw Pact is also called as The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Understanding.

LISTENING

Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process.

Listening is key to all effective communication, without the ability to listen effectively messages are easily misunderstood – communication breaks down and the sender of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated.

Process of Listening involves

- Receiving - Hearing the sounds produced and accepting them without any barriers disrupting communication

- Interpreting - Giving meaning to the words and thus understanding what the speaker is trying to say.

- Remembering - The ability to listen well will enable you to remember and retain what you have heard.

- Evaluating - Assess the message by applying thinking skills and evaluate the message

- Respond - Provide feedback. This will enable the sender of the message to know that you have understood the message.


IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING

- Listening attentively is a mark of good manners.
- Listening helps you follow orders / instructions better
- Listening enables the important objectives of communication such as motivations, boost to morale, etc.
- Listen patiently to your workers and customers so that they can communicate their grievances or problems and thus the company will be able to resolve the issues
- Listening encourages group communication, and makes activities like committee meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. a session where one can develop oneself.


CULTIVATING GOOD LISTENING SKILLS

- Listening cannot take place if you are talking. The anagram of 'listen' is 'silent'
- Avoid listening to more than one person at a time.
- Have an open mind. Be willing to listen to, discuss and even accept other people's views and opinions if you are convinced about them.
- Arrive in time so that you can settle yourself  physically and mentally and help you concentrate on listening.
- Focus on what is being said
- Avoid distractions such as tapping a pen, shifting papers etc. as this distracts both the speaker and the listener
- Motivate the speaker by taking interest in what he/she is saying
- Do not lose you temper, as angry people neither listen nor understand properly
- Do not judge a speaker before the speech is completed
- Ask the speaker questions only after the speech is over

Watch the video by clicking the link: Listening

INSURANCE

Insurance is a form of risk management in which the insured transfers the cost of potential loss to another entity in exchange for monetary compensation known as premium.

Over the years, the concept of insurance has evolved and now covers a wide range of areas which include life, medical, accident, property, travel, business, pet, etc.

Insurance is a business that yields huge profits. It is based on the principles of risk transfer commonly known as 'pooling' and large numbers. The insurance company charges a premium from policy holders and pools the amount.

Honesty in insurance contracts is a must. If the information provided is proved to be wrong, or if facts are concealed, the insurance policy becomes null and void. A property or asset can only be ensured by a person who owns it. This is known as 'insurable interest'. Indemnity is another basic principle of insurance where in compensation is given only to the extent of the loss and within the monetary limit of the policy. 

CHILD LABOUR / CSR AND CHILD LABOUR

Any work done by children under the age of 18 years which exploits them physically, mentally or morally or blocks their access to education is generally understood as child labour.

Common reasons for child labour are:
- Poverty
- Family Expectations
- Less costly
- Lack of education facilities
- Lack of day care facilities
- Public opinion which does not take the problem of child labour seriously enough
- Weak enforcement of law
- Globalisation and the need for law labour costs.

The problem of Child labour exists all over the world. However, it is a serious problem in India. UNICEF estimates reveal that India has the highest number of labourers under the age of 14 years. The Indian Parliament has passed numerous Acts to put a check on Child labour. For example, The Child labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986, The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) of children Act of 2000, the Right of Children to free and compulsory Education Act of 2009.

Policy against child labour is now a part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

For example,
- Jet Airways raises funds through its inflight collection programme for Save the Children
- CRY Citibank Card gives a percentage of what customers spend to CRY (NGO working with children) on behalf of the customers
- Shriram Social Welfare Trust (CSR) of Shriram group runs a destitute home called Ashram, for children from 2-14 years, runs primary and secondary schools for poor children and provides sponsorships in the forms of uniforms, text books, school fees etc. to poor children.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) also known as Corporate Conscience or Corporate Citizenship refers to the social responsibility of corporate houses to contribute towards the nation, society and environment by involving themselves in social and charitable causes apart from paying taxes.

CSR aims to
- Treat employees with equality and justice
- Operate ethically and with integrity
- Respect human rights
- Protect and sustain the environment
- Show care and concern for the communities they operate in.

CSR activities enhance the corporate citizenship profile of an organisation. CSR has led to better dialogue between private and non governmental bodies and thus led to partnerships an contributions made to the development of communities where the company operates.

Thus through corporate social responsibility the focus of the company is not only profit oriented but ensures that the company serves the interest of society and thus gives back to the community.

Examples of CSR

COMPANY CSR ACTIVITY
- Mahindra and Mahindra Tech Mahindra Foundation
- Wipro Azim Premji Foundation
- Godrej AIDS Awareness Programme
- Tata steel Healthcare and Employability Programme
- Microsoft (International) Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) emphasises CSR in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, consumer protection, fair competition, respect for national sovereignty and local communities. It is thus natural for CSR to emerge from ethical business practices.

COMPUTER ETHICS

Computer ethics imply the professional and social conduct of computing professionals. Computer and internet misuse and fraud have gained momentum an it is important to define a code of conduct to protect individuals and firms. This can be done by addressing security issues, strict control and monitoring of usage of data and devices. Unethical use of computers leads to using computers to embezzle funds, software thefts and theft of equipment and data.

Computer ethics involve protection of privacy and intellectual property rights for software.

Some computer moral guidelines are
- Do not use a computer to harm people
- Do not interfere with other peoples computer work / computer files
- Do not use a computer to steal / copy or use proprietary software that you have not paid for (without permission)
- Always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for fellow humans.