WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced legislationto prohibit the Federal Reserve from developing a direct-to-consumer central bank digital currency which could be used as a financial surveillance tool by the federal government. Sen. Cruzs bill was cosponsored by Sens. Braun (R-Ind.) and Grassley (R-Iowa).

As countries like China develop CBDCs that omit the benefits and protections of cash, as well as the control and security of many existing digital cryptocurrencies, it is more important than ever to ensure the United States digital currency policy protects financial privacy, maintains the dollars dominance, and cultivates innovation.CBDCs that fail to adhere to these three basic principles could enable an entity like the Federal Reserve to mobilize itself into a retail bank, collect personally identifiable information on users, and track their transactions indefinitely. It is important to note that while the Fed does not, and should not, have the authority to offer retail bank accounts, it is already looking into what establishing a digital currency would look like.

Unlike decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin, CBDCs are issued and backed by a government entity and transact on a centralized, permissioned blockchain. Not only would this CBDC model centralize Americans financial information, leaving it vulnerable to attack, it could be used as direct surveillance tool into the private transactions of Americans.

Upon introducing the legislation, Sen. Cruz said:

The federal government has no authority to unilaterally establish a central bank currency. This bill goes a long way in making sure big government doesnt attempt to centralize or control cryptocurrency and instead, allows it to thrive in the United States. We should be empowering entrepreneurs, enabling innovation, and increasing individual freedomnot stifling it.

Sen. Braun said:

"Allowing the government to centralize Americans financial information and increase surveillance of Americans financial activity is simply a bad idea. The federal government should not have even more control over your own money. I support this legislation to allow entrepreneurship to prosper and keep the federal government from further encroaching on your privacy rights."

Sen. Grassley said:

The American people ought to be able to spend their money how they choose without the possibility that every transaction could be tracked by the government. Policy this impactful should be made by Congress, not government bureaucrats, and our bill would ensure that no one is snooping on the finances of hardworking Americans. Every American deserves that peace of mind.

Adam Brandon, president and CEO of FreedomWorks, said:

"The Federal Reserves exploration into Central Bank Digital Currency raises serious questions regarding the continued development of the digital economy, consumer privacy, and the eventual transition to a cashless system of payments. One of the most significant features that draw people to digital assets is decentralization, and there is no central authority that manages the supply and value of most digital assets. The United States must not follow countries like China down the path of digital authoritarianism but instead preserve a payment system that promotes consumer privacy and security."

Sen. Cruz previously introduced this bill in2022.

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Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Prohibit the Fed From ... - Senator Ted Cruz

What are the main findings of the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment 2

The second Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA2) carried out by the World Bank in coordination with the EU and the Ukrainian Government covers a full year of the unprovoked and unjustified aggression by Russia against Ukraine, from 24 February 2022 until 24 February 2023. It finds that thepriority needs for 2023 amount to around USD 14 billionandfocus on restoration of energy, housing, critical and social infrastructure, basic services for the most vulnerable, explosive hazard management, and private sector development. It is estimated that the Ukraine's budget already covers up to USD 3 billion of USD14 billion and the funding gap of Government of Ukraine is assessed to be approximately USD 6 billion.

Looking at a 10-year perspective for the reconstruction efforts, as set out by the report, the direct damage in Ukraine has reached overUSD135billion, with housing, transport, energy, and commerce and industry identified as the most affected sectors. Damage is concentrated in the frontline oblasts, particularly Donetska, Kharkivska, Luhanska, Zaporizka, as well as those brought back under government control, such as Kyivska and Khersonska.

Disruptions to economic flows and production losses amount to aroundUSD290 billion. Ukraine's gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by 30.4 percent in 2022, and poverty is expected to have increased from 5.5 percent to 24.2 percent in 2022.

As of February 24, 2023, for the next decade, reconstruction and recovery needs are estimated at aboutUSD411 billion. These needs include critical steps toward becoming a modern, low-carbon, disaster- and climate-resilient country that is aligned with European Union policies and standards, and where the country's vulnerabilities are addressed.

The full report of the RDNA2 will be officially published on the 4thof April 2023.

What are the priority needs for 2023 of theRDNA2?

The priority needs for 2023 take into account strategic priorities set out by the Ukrainian government as well as existing financing and implementation capacity of Ukraine. The five key recovery and reconstruction priorities are:

Critical and social infrastructure(USD 5.7 billion), and basic service delivery to vulnerable populations. This will include renewal of housing utilities, repair and reconstruction of transport infrastructure and repair and reconstruction of schools, health facilities, and other social and administrative infrastructure.

Energy infrastructure(USD3.3 billion ), including restoration and repair of transmission and distribution lines and generation capacity, development of renewables and protecting the power grid.

Housing(USD1.9 billion), including quick repairs and capital reconstruction.

Private sector development(USD 2.7 billion), including grants, credit lines, and risk facilities to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), microenterprises, the agriculture sector and exports.

Humanitarian demining(USD 0.4 billion)- focusing on building the strategic and operational capacity for demining operations.

What is the EU doing to address the priority needs in Ukraine?

In 2022, EU provided substantial support to Ukraine's short-term recovery. This included EUR 7.2 billion MFA and more than EUR 660 million budget support. EUR 330 million of our emergency support package in grants also largely focused on emergency support for damaged infrastructure needs EU has allocated for instance EUR 100 million for the construction of new social housing for IDPsin Western Ukraine as well as EUR 50 million support to liberated cities for emergency repairs and reconstruction of social and municipal buildings in Kyiv region. In addition, EUR 100 million have also been mobilised to rehabilitate schools damaged by Russia's brutal attacks against Ukraine's education system. EU has also reoriented projects funded with IFIs, including NEF and IFC, to support refurbishment of municipal buildings and provide medium - to long-term housing for IDPs in Western Ukraine.

In 2023, the EU's priority is to support Ukraine to ensure its immediate financial needs, the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and initial support towards sustainable post-war reconstruction, through the EUR 18 billion MFA+ package. First two instalments in the value of EUR 4.5 billion have already been made and EUR 1.5 billion monthly payments will follow until the end of the year. In addition, in 2023 as part ofthe announcement of President von der Leyen and Commissioner Varhelyi during the College to Government meeting and the EU-Ukraine Summit in Kyiv in February 2023, EUR 1 billion will be mobilisedfrom the NDICI grants and EIB loans for Ukraine's fast recovery. It will contribute to the priority needs including for example in the area of energy, as well as critical and social infrastructure. The updated RDNA will inform the ongoing discussions with Ukraine on what priority sectors this funding will support.

What assistance has the EU already been providing to Ukraine, since the beginning of the war, to support recovery and reconstruction?

In response to Russia's war of aggression, the EU's economic, humanitarian and military support pledged to Ukraine and the EU Member States supporting Ukraine is around67 billion. It is composed of 50 billion that have been made available by the EU, Member States and the European Financial Institutions as well as 17 billion that have been made available from the EU budget for Members States, which are hosting around 4 million people under temporary protection. The 50 million package includes among other 18 billion macro-financial support package for 2023 (MFA+), accompanied by reforms, to keep the Ukrainian state afloat; 12 billion of military support(3.6 billion via the European Peace Facility and EU Member States bilateral contributions) and an additional 17 billion have been made available to help cater for the needs of Ukrainians forced to flee the war in Member States.

Regardingenergy, the EU is providing vital support to Ukraine's energy sector damaged by Russia's continuous strikes on civilian infrastructure. This includes an additional 2.400 generators on top of 3.000 already delivered; EUR 157,5 million from the Energy Support Fund, as well as a total of 35 million LED light bulbs already contracted (15 million delivered) to help Ukraine significantly reduce energy consumption). Upon the invitation of the EU, Ukraine will take part in the Jointgas purchasing platformof the EU set up in April 2022 to secure gas supplies for the coming winter. In addition, the European and Ukrainian electricity grids have been synchronized in March 2022, allowing for electricity trade. The EU is committed to increase electricity exports to Ukraine to two GW (from 700 MW all hours currently).

EU also supports building back better in line with EU standards and core principles, in order to facilitate progressive integration of Ukraine into the EU single market.

What are the overall principles to guide the recovery and reconstruction process in Ukraine?

The key principles to guide the recovery and reconstruction process in Ukraine as set out by both RDNAs are:

Balancing urgent needs and medium- to long-term goals -strategic prioritization of reconstruction across all sectors and locally driven reconstruction efforts

Differentiated approaches that prioritize impact and needs and that promote decentralization. Investments should reflect the specific needs of communities, oblasts, regions, and stakeholders.

Resilience and building back better for amore sustainable future.Investments should be made to avoid stranded assets and to reduce depletion of natural resources, cut emissions and waste, and protect people and the environment. They should go hand in hand with reforms that will allow Ukraine to support harmonization of its legislation and policies with EU law and to meet European Union standards and theacquis communautaire.

Durable solutions for return of refugees and integration of displaced people, prioritizing their needs for housing, access to basic services, social protection, and livelihoods.These could include housing, access to basic services, social protection, mental health and psychosocial support, livelihoods and business financing and facilitation of return and integration of refugees and IDPs.

Continuous data collectionas it's important to receive feedback and data on damage, loss and impacts of the war as well on ongoing, completed and planned repairs and reconstruction efforts to help identify needs for future years.

These main principles build on and complement the existing principles, outlined in many documents, including the July 2022 Lugano Declaration for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and the Government's Recovery Plan. The first document includes the principle of partnership, reform focus, transparency, accountability, and rule of law; democratic participation; multi-stakeholder engagement; gender equality and inclusion; and sustainability. The latter reflect the need to start now and ramp up gradually; grow prosperity in an equitable way; integrate into the EU and be consistent with and supportive of the accession path; build back better for the future; and enable private investment and entrepreneurship.

Is it possible to start reconstruction while the war is ongoing?

The reconstruction process of Ukraine needs to commence now, to help restarting the country's economy and help the people of Ukraine. It will build on the five priority areas: critical and social infrastructure, energy infrastructure, housing, support to private sector and humanitarian demining.

The EU and other key Ukraine's international partners are already helping to both keep the country running and support Ukrainian economy, while preparing for rebuilding the country. To address Ukraine's most urgent needs, the EU is providing regular and predictable financing under the new macro-financial assistance plus (MFA+) programme.

The EU is also providing emergency and humanitarian support, focusing its economic assistance on rapid rehabilitation and recovery. The main focus is on housing solutions and measures for integration of Internally Displaced Persons, support to the host communities, rehabilitation of some critical infrastructure, including energy, social infrastructure (schools, kindergartens, and hospitals), cybersecurity and media. This fast recovery measures are already being implemented, including in liberated areas. The EU is working with partners such as the G7, international financial institutions and in close coordination with Ukraine itself.

The Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine launched on 26 January coordinates the support for Ukraine's immediate financing needs and future economic recovery and reconstruction. Its Steering Committee is co-chaired by the European Commission, the United States and Ukraine. The Platform can help channel the effort of supporting Ukraine in addressing its immediate financing needs, including the 2023 priority needs, and those of the future economic recovery and reconstruction, as identified by the WB RDNA in collaboration with Ukraine.

How does Ukraine's reconstruction relate to the EU enlargement process?

Ukraine was granted the status of an EU candidate country in June 2022. This is a recognition of Ukraine's reform efforts over many years. At the same time, as a candidate country, Ukraine needs to pursue further significant reforms on its EU path. This will likely work as an essential leverage for Ukraine to attract support and investments for its reconstruction It will also ensure that investments do not create stranded assets but are converging towards climate, environmental and digital EU policies and standards, which will help Ukraine emerge stronger and more resilient from the devastation of the Russian invasion.

The reconstruction of Ukraine is to be guided and framed by the EU enlargement process. This means investments need to go hand in hand with the reforms supporting Ukraine in pursuing its European path. They should also be implemented in line with the EU rules including rule of law reforms and fight against corruption as well as core standards and principles, based on the European Green Deal and supporting digital transformation.

Scope of the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment

The first Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, launched by the World Bank together with the Government of Ukraine and the European Commission was published in September 2022 The It assessed the war damage sustained between February 24, 2022 and June 1, 2022, analysing short, medium and long-term reconstruction and recovery needs of Ukraine and covered the following sectors: social, productive, infrastructure and cross cutting. It was prepared jointly by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank, the European Commission, and the United Nations and supported by other partners including Kyiv School of Economics, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

RDNA follows a methodology jointly developed by the European Commission, the World Bank and the United Nations based on the globally accepted UN standard Damage and Loss Assessment (DaLA) that is tailored to the war in Ukraine. The (DaLA) methodology was initially developed by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in 1972. It was used so far in many countries like Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Albania. Following this methodology, RDNA 2 quantifies and validates physical damage to infrastructure, buildings as well as losses such as disrupted services and economic impacts, clearance of debris, mines and support to Internally Displaced People. It will also identify and quantify corresponding recovery and reconstruction needs: overall, by sector, and by oblast, based on the damage and losses.

The goals and scope of RDNA2

RDNA 2 was prepared in a similar way and with similar goals in mind to the first RDNA but with a much longer time span as it takes stock of Ukraine's damage and losses borne over one year until 24 February 2023. It assesses the scale of damage, losses and economic and social needs for Ukraine's survival during the war and after. RDNA2 report is divided into following sectors: 1. social including housing, education, health; 2. productive including agriculture, irrigation, commerce and industry; 3.infrastructure - including energy transport, digital and 4. cross-cutting including environment, emergency response, justice and public administration. Complementary to the standard methodology used for the first report and the estimation of short- and long-term needs, this RDNA 2 report also includes priorities for recovery and reconstruction investments for 2023. The RDNA 2 is based on the same set of concepts and their definitions as the first RDNA, namely:

Damagesare defined as direct costs of destroyed or damaged physical assets and infrastructure valued in monetary terms with costs estimated based on replacing or repairing physical assets and infrastructure, considering the replacement price prevailing before the war.

Lossesreflect changes in economic flows resulting from the war; valued in monetary terms, for example increased operating cost or loss of revenue for authorities/private sector.

Needscorrespond with value associated with the resumption of pre - war normality through activities such as repair and restoration, including a surcharge linked to building back better principles (e.g. improved energy efficiency, modernization efforts and sustainability standards), as well as factors such as global inflation and higher insurance. Needs are expressed in monetary value according to market prices prevailing as of February 24, 2023. Needs do not equal the sum of damage and losses.

Comparison of results between RDNA and RDNA 2

The RDNA2 assesses the impact between damage and losses borne over one year until 24th of February 2023. In doing so, it builds on the foundations and analytics provided during RDNA1 which covered a slightly shorter period, namely the period between February 24 and June 1, 2022, which estimated USD 97 billion in direct damage, USD252 billion in losses, and USD 349 billion for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction needs.

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Today I want to write about mastering the fundamentals of life and success. In life, there are certain principles that, when followed, can help us achieve our goals and live fulfilling lives. If you want to achieve success, you need to master them.

Five significant pieces to the life puzzle are essential for anyone who wants to live a successful and fulfilling life.

These five pieces are:

Our philosophy is the foundation of everything we do in life. Our philosophy is the mental model we use to understand and make sense of life. It shapes our attitudes, beliefs, and values, ultimately determining our actions and results. To succeed, you need to develop a philosophy grounded in success principles. By developing a strong, positive mindset and consistently applying it to our actions, we can ultimately shape our destiny and achieve our goals.

Here are some principles to consider:

Your attitude is a reflection of your philosophy. If you have a positive attitude, you are more likely to achieve success than if you have a negative attitude.

Here are some tips for developing a positive attitude:

Taking action is essential for achieving success. You can have the best philosophy and attitude in the world, but if you dont take action, you wont achieve anything. Here are some tips for taking action:

Results are the outcome of your actions. If you want to achieve success, you need to focus on getting the results you want. You will see positive results if your strategy for achieving your goals is valid. Focus on following a process that works and you will eventually see the desired results.

Here are some tips for achieving the results you want:

Your lifestyle reflects your philosophy, attitude, actions, and results. You must develop a lifestyle supporting your goals and values to live a successful and fulfilling life. Peoples success and failure show up in the lifestyle they live. Your lifestyle is usually the result of your choices over time. Optimize your lifestyle for success and achieve your goals.

Here are some tips for developing a successful lifestyle:

In addition to the fundamentals of life and success, there are also advanced principles that can help you achieve even greater success. Here are some advanced principles that can take you to the highest levels of success in life.

Continuous learning is essential for success in todays fast-paced and ever-changing world. You must constantly learn and adapt to new ideas and technologies to succeed.

Here are some tips for continuous learning:

Time management is essential for achieving your goals and maximizing your time.

Here are some tips for effective time management:

Goal setting is essential for achieving success. Without goals, you have no direction or purpose.

Here are some tips for practical goal setting:

Networking is essential for building relationships and opening doors to new opportunities.

Here are some tips for effective networking:

Persistence is essential for achieving success. There will be setbacks and challenges, but its essential to keep going and never give up.

Here are some tips for developing persistence:

Mastering the core principles that govern life and success is crucial for achieving personal and professional growth. By cultivating a positive belief system, optimistic mindset, consistent work ethic, working daily toward desired outcomes, and promoting a well-rounded lifestyle, you can equip yourself with the tools necessary to succeed.

Adopting advanced principles such as continuous learning, efficient time management, goal setting, networking, and persistence can accelerate your journey toward success. Remember, success isnt a destination but a journey that requires patience, hard work, and continuous self-improvement. I hope this discussion inspires you to take action toward achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life.

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Master the Basic Fundamentals of Life and Success - New Trader U

Author: Administration: (805) 781-5011 Date: 3/21/2023 3:33:17 PM

In closed session today, the County Board of Supervisors accepted Wade Hortons resignation from his position as County Administrative Officer, effective May 1st.

We cant thank Mr. Horton enough for his honorable and committed dedication to the County of San Luis Obispo. Said John Peschong, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

He has navigated the County through some of its most difficult times, including acting as Emergency Services Director during the COVID-19 crisis and recent rainstorms, setting up a Homeless Division to better address the nationwide problem of homelessness and working with local cities and community partners to provide affordable housing with professionalism, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation. He is a true public servant that has made a real difference in the County throughout his tenure.

Prior to becoming the County Administrator in 2017, Mr. Horton served as the Countys Public Works Director, starting in 2014. Before that he was Deputy Director of Utilities/Water for the City of San Luis Obispo.

It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Board, organization and residents of San Luis Obispo County for the last 8 years, Horton said. I am proud of all we have accomplished together, and I am thankful for the many opportunities the County has afforded to make a difference in our community alongside a talented staff, and so many incredible partners from local government, business, education and our nonprofit community.

The County will soon open a nationwide search for a new County Administrative Officer who can continue leading County efforts to address the challenging issues in our community, including homelessness, the statewide mental health crisis, and the regional need for affordable housing.

We will miss Wades energy, determination, and Can-Do attitude, said John Peschong. I know I speak for everyone at the County in wishing him all the best in his next chapter.

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The County of San Luis Obispo Announces Departure of County ... - County of San Luis Obispo

Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute is helping other cities launch teams that can respond to mental health crises and divert individuals experiencing psychiatric episodes from jail. The Dallas-based mental health policy nonprofit is in the process of providing data and training to cities like Galveston to change the way municipalities think about responding to 911 calls.

The programs around the state are being modeled after a program started in Dallas. In 2018, Dallas launched apilotof the Rapid Integrated Group Health Team, or RIGHT Care, which paired social workers with police during 911 calls that involved a mental health emergency. The team includes a police officer, a licensed clinical social worker, a paramedic, and off-site clinicians and responds to nonviolent mental health crises reported to 911.

The team is able to divert patients from the county jail by sending professionals with more experience and knowledge of resources for those with mental health issues. Prior to the launch of RIGHT Care, residents who needed care would often end up in the county jail, the countys largest mental health provider.

MMHPI partnered with the Pew Charitable Trust to produce areportabout the RIGHT Care team. It found that 40 percent of interactions resulted in a connection to services to provide healthcare or housing, 29 percent were resolved on the scene without any further assistance, 14 percent resulted in emergency detention, and 8 percent resulted in a person being taken to a hospital or psychiatric facility. Only 2 percent of the interactions resulted in arrests for new offenses.

Now MMHPI is using its experience and data to help other areas of the state replicate the results. One of the more advanced projects is in Galveston, where a team of police, mental health providers, and paramedics are expected to launch this spring. MMHPI analyzed data from call logs and 911 records to see how past calls connected to a mental health crisis have been handled. The work helped Galveston determine when they would need the teams, how many people they would need to staff them, and which types of calls the team would handle and avoid.

The work has resulted in a team called Compassionate Open Access to Services and Treatment, which will work 12 hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, six days a week. It consists of two groups of six professionals. There will also be a short shift on Sunday.

As with RIGHT care, there will be a police officer present for the security of the scene, but the other members will be able to provide comprehensive health screenings, address comorbidities, and connect with resources around housing, substance abuse, or food insecurity. The interaction is more likely to result in a treatment option that doesnt involve being arrested and going to jail, Meadows believes.

The whole design of the program is to alleviate law enforcement from being the primary responders to people experiencing a mental health crisis, says Max Geron, the senior director of health and public safety at MMHPI. Geron is the former chief of police in Rockwall and was once a major with the Dallas Police Department.

In addition to responding to 911 calls, the teams will also have a proactive role. They will touch base with individuals who frequently use 911 as a mental health resource and see if they can head off issues before they happen. The teams will also follow up on calls that happened overnight or in the past to see if anything can be done.

COAST in Galveston is being funded in its pilot year by PewCharitable Trust, the George and Cynthia Mitchell Foundation, the Moody Foundation and other Galveston area philanthropic organizations. Another potential financial partner is a $21 million federalgrantcurrently sought from the Department of Justice as part of Sen. John Cornyns Bipartisan Safer Communities Act focused on crisis intervention.

Meadows handled the data analysis on the front end in Galveston but will also help measure the programs impact. As in Dallas, they will look at how many residents were diverted from the jail, connected with resources, and resolved without arrest. If the program is successful and worth the investment, the city of Galveston will take on the onus for continuing its funding. After the team launches this month, MMHPI will be able to report back, Geron says.

Looking ahead, MMHPI is working with Dallas Area Rapid Transit to build a multi-disciplinary response team for public transit. Geron says they are still in the data collection stage but will look to launch a pilot in the next few months. In addition, MMHPI is in talks with others around the country who are hoping to launch their own MDRTs. Though many of these efforts were born out of the cultural shift and attitude toward policing that resulted from the death of George Floyd, Geron says the measure is about using the best tools for the job.

We are actively working to improve how law enforcement and public safety in general respond to folks in crisis to alleviate and remove that traditional law enforcement response, Geron says. Its not because law enforcement is bad, but because there are better ways of addressing those experiencing mental health crisis by introducing the clinician and the paramedic and focusing more on mental health than just the traditional responses.

Stay informed with a detailed weekly report on DFWs evolving healthcare industry.

Will is the senior editor for D CEO magazine and the editor of D CEO Healthcare. He's written about healthcare

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How Meadows Is Diversifying Crisis Response in Texas - D Magazine

NAGPUR: Lauding the work of civil society organizations (CSOs), Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, chief guest at the inaugural session of Civil 20 India (C20), on Monday said that being the voice of the voiceless, they have a major role to play on the world stage. The high-profile inaugural session saw a host of dignitaries on the dais including spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis among others. Satyarthi said, My respect for CSOs has gone up manifold as I have seen them work from close quarters. You are the voice of the voiceless, the face of the invisible people. You can question the government, and also give answers through solutions. Spiritual leader Amma said that humanity is facing many extraordinary challenges today. There are also numerous challenges on subtler levels, which we may be unable to perceive or understand. At this point, human beings need two qualities: Wisdom to recognize the problem, and the mental attitude and intelligence to correct it, she said. Fadnavis shared the unique aspects of Nagpur in detail while explaining to delegates things to explore around the city. We are also called orange city because of the abundance of the fruit here. Its also called Zero Mile because the trigonometric survey of milestones was started from here. Nagpur is the city where the architect of our Constitution Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism. The largest social organization in the world, RSS, started its first shakha here. Mahatma Gandhi stayed in the region for a long time and started Indias biggest freedom struggle movement here, said Fadnavis. He also talked about the contributions of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj, Sant Gadge Baba and Baba Amte for the society. Hence, I can truly say that you are in the heart of India, said Fadnavis. The DyCM also lightened the mood while talking about Nagpurs status as the tiger capital of India. I hope you all go and visit some national parks and interact with the tiger, said Fadnavis, prompting laughter from the delegates. Well, we know that tiger is a gentleman, he added. Members of C20 Troika also expressed their views regarding the role of civil society. Troika consists of three countries, which includes the one which last hosted C20, then current host and the next one. This helps in a smooth handover process. Ahmed Maftuchan, Troika member C20 from Indonesia (past host) said, First of all I would like to congratulate all members for hosting such a good inception meeting of C20 at Nagpur. Civil society members are engaging with all development stakeholders here to produce innovative ideas, concrete recommendations and spirit of togetherness. Allesandro Nilo, Troika member of C20 from Brazil (future host) said, We as civil society members have to prove that the world can be a better place to live in. Through the C20, we are working on solutions for it. Vijay Nambiar, C20 India Sherpa said, Today the world is paying the price for neglecting the teachings of our elders: To live in harmony with nature and our environment. The steps being taken to tackle climate change have fallen consistently short, and much work needs to be done to ensure sustainability.

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Signs of Generational Trauma 10'000 Hours - Getty Images

TRAUMA IS AN EMOTIONAL response that occurs when you experience a distressing event, which can range from being excluded by a parent to being assaulted, losing a loved one, or dealing with a life-threatening illness. It can cause long-term issues, including anxiety, physical pain, and strained relationships.

Sometimes, trauma gets passed down through families. You might not have experienced a traumatic event yourself, but you may still be dealing with the consequences, including adverse emotional and behavioral reactions, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

This is known as generational trauma, or intergenerational trauma.

Its more than just family heirlooms that get passed down, says psychotherapist Chase Cassine, L.C.S.W. Its psychological things, too.

People born into families with generational trauma might struggle with relationships, their sense of self, communication, and their overall mental health and well-being, he adds.

While trauma doesnt cherry pick, Cassine saysit can affect everyonepeople from marginalized communities are typically most at risk for generational trauma.

Early research on this subject focused on the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of survivors of the Holocaust and the Japanese American internment camps, according to the APA. More recent studies have examined the role of generational trauma in the Black community and among people whove grown up in poverty.

Recently, the topic of generational trauma has come up in conversations revolving around affluent figures, including Prince Harry and Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of murdering his wife and son in South Carolina.

Generational trauma isnt a diagnosable mental health disorder, but it can nonetheless manifest in many different ways and affect individuals and families as a whole. Therapists explain how to recognize the signs of generational trauma and when to seek treatment.

Trauma refers to stress thats so overwhelming and severe that it impacts your emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and other parts of your well-being, says psychologist Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi, Ph.D.

Georgijevic - Getty Images

Trauma is individualistic and is not confined by ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Therefore, anyone can experience generational trauma, she says. Generational trauma can be defined as trauma or traumatic experiences passed from generation to generation.

The concept of generational trauma was first recognized in 1966, when psychiatrist Vivian M. Rakoff noted high rates of psychological distress among children of Holocaust survivors. This group has been the most studied regarding generational trauma, but any instances of extreme and prolonged stress could affect children and grandchildren, causing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Anyone can inherit trauma, but marginalized groups are often more likely to experience it based on historical events, like slavery or the Holocaust. Cassine says it can also stem from generations of families experiencing institutional racism, classism, or discrimination.

All of these events or occurrences experienced by our ancestors can be stored within our bodies and passed down to future generations through epigenetics, which is the study of how your behavior and environment can change how your genes work, Al-Mahdi explains.

FG Trade - Getty Images

Research suggests that there could be an intergenerational transmission of depression among Black Americans due to structural racism, which might account for the group having a more persistent illness from the disorder. And there's a research review that showed evidence that children might be affected by parental trauma that happened before they were born or even conceived.

Environmental factors like poverty, where people normalize and adapt to situations for survival, might have a traumatic impact that gets passed down, Al-Mahdi says. This might include growing up eating unhealthy food because its more affordable, or having to look after younger siblings because your single parent couldnt afford childcare.

Generational trauma can affect people from wealthy or prominent families, too. For instance, you might grow up with survival techniques to hoard money in fear of another Great Depression, so you inherit frugal or overindulgent spending habits, Al-Mahdi says.

Another example, she said, is if your parents discriminate against others, you might experience generational trauma when you grow up to embrace different non-discriminatory values.

Generational trauma can affect people in different ways. A common issue, Al-Mahdi says, is repeating patterns of past generationssuch as having a well-paying job, but living above your means because the ability to budget wasnt passed down.

Other signs of generational trauma can include:

Dissociation, or a sense of detachment or disconnection from your body

Difficulty expressing or experiencing emotions

Not connecting with others or forming relationships

Isolation

Feelings of shame, guilt, helplessness, or vulnerability

Trouble regulating moods

Intrusive thoughts

Hypervigilance

Heightened stress response

Substance abuse

Stress, anxiety, and depression

Feeling overwhelmed or inadequate

Fear or feeling unsafe

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Loss of a sense of self

Sleep disturbances

Relationship problems

Generational trauma isnt a diagnosable condition listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Still, you should seek treatment if you have anxiety or other symptoms that affect your daily life.

Generational trauma may affect one's day-to-day life by causing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and other trauma-related symptoms, Al-Mahdi says. One may often feel overwhelmed or inadequate due to daily life stressors.

Treatment starts with acknowledging what caused the trauma, and how it has negatively affected you and others in your family, Cassine says.

For example, he says someone who was sexually abused as a child might grow up to have poor boundaries, struggle to navigate conflict, or become overprotective or hypervigilant with their own children, which could cause problems for them down the road.

Working with a mental health professional can help you work through generational trauma by helping you learn to change your habits or lifestyles. Al-Mahdi says treatment can help you develop coping skills and learn to replace outdated or unwanted behaviors.

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Originally published March 23, 2023, 11:35 AM

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17 Signs of Generational Trauma, According to Therapists - AOL

Speaking with Berla Mundi, he mentioned that he made the decision to give love and marriage another opportunity since he is convinced that there are decent ladies out there who would be the ideal fit for him.

He continued by saying that there are still good ladies with curves and that his comment was not intended to disparage endowed women. The only thing he regrets is that in the past, he put appearance over character.

The stand-up comedian, musician and actor Funny Face announced his comeback following months of battling mental disorder.

Funny Face suffered bouts of depression which kept him away from stage for months when marriage ended in a nasty divorce after the star accused his wife of cheating on him while in an interview.

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I'm not looking at big buttocks anymore, I need a woman with good attitude - Funny Face (VIDEO) - Pulse Ghana

Welcome toAP&R, where we highlight rising artists who will soon become your new favorite.

Hailing from the birthplace of grunge, Black, queer-fronted trio Black Ends belong to a subgenre of their own creation. Not quite psych-rock and definitely not indie, they established their elusive, sprawling sound on the 2019 EP Stay Evil, proving themselves to be completely unlike any band in the contemporary Pacific Northwest DIY scene.

Similar to their heroes Nirvana, bandleader Nicolle Swims rejects conformity through hypnotic melodies and unnerving, heavy jams, identifiable by their instantly recognizable voice. Outspoken on and offstage, Swims writes off-kilter earworms about navigating mental health, queer relationships, racism, and more. Processing all the ugly, complicated emotions of being not only an outsider, but a survivor, their songs tell the tale of a riot grrrl-adjacent antihero out to avenge their community and reclaim power over their own existence just as the chorus of Stay Evils title track goes (Stay evil/Get even).

With their first full-length album in the works, now is a better time than ever to delve into the wonderfully weird world of Black Ends. AP spoke to Swims about the band's experimental sound, navigating the Seattle scene, and more.

Would you consider Black Ends a punk project?

The way I make the music and the attitude of the music is definitely punk. There's definitely an edge to it, some anger, and some not giving a fuck at all. That's why I call it "gunk pop." Obviously it's not punk, but it's gross, kind of.

What has it been like navigating the mostly cis white music scene in Seattle?

There's not a lot of Black-fronted bands, and even less Black, queer-fronted bands [in the Seattle scene]. It has been alienating sometimes just because I don't have that community. There probably are more of us I just wish that people would give them a platform to play their music. I feel like I have a privilege because I have two white guys in my band and people take us more seriously, but I don't know if that's true. I always think, If we were all Black and queer, would I be where I am right now?

It seems like [folks] care about Black people, it's just that they don't really know how to include them in the ways that need to happen. People have a hard time saying something, but when one person speaks up, other people are going to be brave enough to say something, too.

Your music processes a lot of personal trauma, racial trauma, and more. In what ways does making music allow you to heal?

I don't really have an outlet sometimes, because I don't have a lot of people I can talk to [who understand my experiences]. Sometimes I don't want to talk, I just want to write about it. Music is therapy for me, I definitely need it to survive. So when things do happen to me, like racial issues or relationship stuff, or loss and trauma, I'm going to make music about it.

What can you share about your upcoming debut album so far?

We [started recording it in late 2022]. We had a lot of [demos] I have thousands of ideas on my phone. We have a new song that we played live [recently] that will probably be on the album called Bent. I'm excited about that one.

I'm trying to make [music that is] catchier, exploring poppy structures a little more, but also I really want to be more experimental with it. Just some dirty, gross pop stuff, but way weirder than what we've gone so far. While making Stay Evil, I was in a great musical headspace, but I was going through relationship stuff and not present in living my life. Now, I'm really excited to make music, and I'm in love with the world in a different way than I was before. I still get depressed, but I'm feeling hopeful, and I feel like that's gonna show in the music.

What do you hope people take away from listening to Black Ends?

I hope the music speaks to you in some way. Music is all we have besides love. It's the most important thing in my life its my vessel. If you wanna know me, that's it.

Link:
Meet Black Ends, the gunk pop band redefining the sound of Seattle - Alternative Press

TB is Indias severest health crisis, yet it is believed by most Indians that TB is unlikely to happen to them. This cavalier attitude is the result of a critical failure in addressing information gaps that exist around TB. As yet another call for ending TB is raised, most Indians still do not know the symptoms of TB, most doctors rarely order enough TB tests, and a staggering one million cases remain unreported in India.

How can we change this? TB survivors and advocates can offer insights and suggestions. The first step is normalising and destigmatising TB testing. This would mean large-scale, intelligently crafted and socially relevant campaigns targeted not just at the population but also at Indias healthcare providers, who routinely fail to order a TB test. Here, TB survivors can play a critical role in helping design such communication and community support strategies that actually work.

Poor provider awareness and mixing up of symptoms mean that TB is often misdiagnosed, particularly in the private sector. India claims to have made testing both for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB widely available. In truth, accurate, reliable and affordable diagnostics remain inaccessible to most. India needs to urgently invest in diagnostics, focusing on the scale-up of new diagnostic tests and offering universal drug-susceptibility testing (DST) to all TB patients. Also, we need to ensure every Indian seeking care can easily access accurate TB tests for free.

When it comes to treatment, there has never been a better time for TB. Globally, numerous new shorter and more effective regimens promise reduced side effects and decreased suffering. The universal implementation of the shortest and best available TB regimens for TB prevention, drug-sensitive TB and drug-resistant TB is needed. India can play a leadership role and roll out large-scale shorter regimens for adult and paediatric populations immediately. If cost is an obstacle, we need to consider options such as compulsory licencing.

In India, the issue of nutrition is critical. Expecting poor patients to continue treatment without providing economic support is counterproductive. The Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a well-intentioned scheme, still faces gaps in implementation, and its amount for support a mere Rs 500 remains inadequate. As Covid-19 devastated the economy, the need for economic support for the TB-affected, who find it difficult to work, is urgent. The amount for NPY needs to be increased to at least Rs 2,500.

Evidence shows that the provision of treatment is not enough. We need to provide both patient and family counselling, information and support to inform and engage the patients and their caregivers but also to help mitigate mental health impact and reduce stigma.

A deeply neglected issue is that of stigma and mental health. TB is highly stigmatised within communities, families, and patients routinely face discrimination within the health system. India needs to launch a national campaign for stigma reduction and provide counselling and mental health support to TB-affected individuals. Stigma takes its toll on all TB-affected individuals but particularly on women, trans individuals and the LGBTQIA++ community. Some government gender policies perpetuate stigma and need to be revised to ensure that vulnerable sections such as the LGBTQIA++ community are not just represented but their needs are addressed.

The largest number of TB cases are diagnosed and treated in Indias vast, unmonitored private sector. Here the quality of care is unreliable, and diagnosis and treatment are expensive and often inaccurate. India cannot solve its TB crisis until it actively engages with the private sector, monitors its quality of care and ensures patient support for all patients. We need an innovative and well-thought-out people-centred private sector engagement strategy. If we want to address TB on a war footing, we need to consider successful examples of public-private partnerships and incorporate them into our national plans. This will have a large-scale impact on reducing Indias TB burden and also costs and suffering for those affected.

Finally, nothing is possible without research and evidence. India needs to rapidly invest in TB-related research.

Ending TB needs innovation, rethinking current strategies and putting people at the centre of our efforts. Our fight against TB needs services that are high-quality, people-centred and stigma-free. No TB-affected individual should have to wait for diagnosis, treatment, economic support or suffer stigma. Nor should their families take loans for treatment.

The time to act is now otherwise it may be too late. Because every life lost to TB is an Indian we could have saved.

Chavan is patient advocate, STB Fellow and an MDR TB Survivor; Mehra is a public health specialist and convenor SATB; Bhattacharya is an educator, patient advocate and MDR TB survivor

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Take lessons from survivors in Indias fight against TB - The Indian Express