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India traditionally has been a cash-driven economy and most Indians prefer to transact in physical money to avoid the new-age banking hassle. And thus the need for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card was never crucial until the government’s stringent financial plans came to light in the last few years. From demonetisation to GST and many more financial reforms in the pipeline, the importance of the PAN card has significantly increased pushing numerous Indians to to tie in all of their financial dealings with the ten-digit alpha-numeric number issued by the Income Tax Department under the supervision of Central Board of Direct Taxes, for the Income Tax Act of 1961.

A PAN card is a unique identification number that is required by the holder to open a bank account or invest in mutual funds or deposits; to buy or sell property or even as a proof for other important documents like aadhar card, passport etc. With all the ongoing reforms, the government has also simplified the process of obtaining a PAN card:

Application
An Indian citizen can apply for a PAN card either offline or online, with a duly filled form and the relevant documents as per the application form. No matter what method of application you choose, ensure that the vendor is verified and trustworthy.

Time
The average time taken for a PAN card allotment is 15 working days. However, once the number is allowed, a physical card is sent immediately and will reach the permanent address as mentioned on the application within 2 working days.

Validity
An issued PAN and the card is issued by the department remains valid for life and individuals need not apply again. However, if the card is lost or misplaced, a duplicate can be regenerate and reissued within 2 days, unless a change is required in the card information.

Fee
A fee of INR 110 is to be paid to obtain a PAN card of which INR 93 is the processing fee.

Just a couple of years ago I needed to update my marital information for my PAN card and I tried talking to some agents who promised to help with the reissue. However, I wasn’t comfortable handing over personal documents to a complete stranger and thus I decided to take the online route. My CA suggested going through PanSeva, a site that enables individuals to apply for PAN card from the comfort of their homes. The team strives to make the application process easier, accurate and cost-effective. The statistics reveal that the team has processed over 13 million PAN card applications with 24*7 support in 12 different languages all across India. They have even been awarded the best site by Recent Trends Media and best support company in 2014 CNN IBN Awards.

As I completed my online application and received updates, I found the entire process so convenient and reliable. I can with personal experience highlight a few advantages of an online PAN card application with PanSeva as follows:

Safer
I uploaded all my personal information, photo and proof scans directly onto the website and did not have to share any documents with an agent.

Cheaper
I checked the cost with a couple of agents and they quoted an exorbitant amount of money while the same through PANSeva set me back by a mere INR 289.

Process
I received regular updates as I processed my application step-by-step; and uploaded the required documents, proofs and visual identity.

Tracking
I was able to constantly keep a track of my application with my registered details and received my reissued card at the address mentioned in the application.

Duplicate
I was advised that I could use my application reference number and request for a duplicate card in case of loss, which would be provided free of cost.

All in all I would say that PANSeva is a much better and secure way to apply for an important document like the PANcard, and anyone who needs it, must first check the site before trying the offline method.

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All I ever wanted to be was, not just a mother, but to be the best mother. By expecting too much from myself, I was quite overwhelmed at the time when I was pregnant with my first child. I couldn’t wait to begin my motherhood journey, with poster perfect mom-baby images floating in my head. I waited for the tiny feet to walk into my life, and after hours of anxiety and a sleepless night, my bubble burst when the wait came to an end, with the arrival of my princess. Don’t get me wrong, it is by far the most memorable - most cherished day of my life; but what happened in the following few weeks, was something I wasn't prepared for.

Princess Heer would cry for long spells and no matter what I did or didn't do, the crying wouldn't cease. I tried breastfeeding, rocking, swaddling, and literally everything anyone would suggest without much success, I didn’t know what had hit me. I was so ashamed to acknowledge that I didn’t know what I was doing or what I was expected to do nor what I needed to do. The only thought that came to my mind was that I wasn't fit to be a mother as I had no idea how to take care of my own baby. Precious snuggles with my little one kept me going through the tough times, comforting me more than what I was giving her.

Finally, when I couldn't take it anymore, I sought medical help. Princess Heer was at that point diagnosed with a case of baby colic. Colic, I learnt are baffling bouts of crying in otherwise healthy babies, that has no solution and passes in time. This fussy phase goes on for hours at stretch, sometimes late into the night and worst of all are extremely difficult to help calm the baby, which compounds to frustration, worry and exhaustion. Most bouts peak at around 6 weeks and then typically start to taper off by 12 to 15 weeks. By three months most colicky infants seem to be miraculously cured. The colic may stop suddenly or end gradually, with some good and some bad days, until they are all good.

However, that didn't mean anything, as listening to my princess cry was heartbreaking and upsetting to a point that it took a physical and emotional toll on my wellbeing. And at that time, I did what I knew best, joined a moms’ group and spoke about it. I received a lot of encouragement and support from other moms who could relate to the issue and some who had faced similar situations. Some calming remedies that were suggested worked their magic most of the times and I was able to help my little one calm more often as the days went by. It was just the therapy I needed to be a sane mother, especially the second time around.

SC Johnson's All Out releases film #MujheSabNahiPata, an ode to tough moms.

Being part of the moms' group made me realise that there were a lot of moms who had the courage to seek help and be better at motherhood with each passing day. It is the very thought that SC Johnson's All Out® applauds in its latest campaign #MujheSabNahiPata, which celebrates strong mothers who acknowledge that they don't know everything. During the release of the film, a panel discussion was organised between actress Sonali Bendre, renowned Paediatrician Dr. Samir Dalwai and Child Psychologist Dr. Rupal Patel which centred around the societal expectations of a mother in India. The most important aspect as Dr. Dalwai mentioned is not the issue itself but the alertness of a parent to the signs and changes in an infant’s behaviour, which could enable a quick resolution. Instances where a small insect can cause severe damage by spreading dengue can be arrested and fought off with timely intervention by being a vigilant mother and seeking help from experts.

Let us join this movement and like olden times tie a knot at the end of our attire to remind ourselves to share our #MujheSabNahiPata stories which can help other moms be more prepared for their beautiful journey. Looking forward to hearing your #MujheSabNahiPata stories in the comments section below.

Until next time,

~ Heena

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The world population has been growing at an alarming rate directly impacting the world's natural resources for basic necessities such as shelter, clothing and most importantly food. One of the food demands is met by animal meat, however, the supply of animal meat impacts the environment negatively putting pressure on the land and water while emitting greenhouse gases. One of the primary reasons animal meat is required in abundance is for animal-based protein that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including building bones, muscles, cartilage and skin; producing blood, enzymes and hormones and repairing body tissue.

Even with the increase in population and a massive demand the traditional sources of protein like meat, fish and dairy still dominate the protein market because of a highly developed industry and the ease of availability. Additionally, these sources have functional properties and health benefits that are supported not only by scientific studies but also by medical intervention. However, since they have a negative impact on the environment scientific studies have pegged plant-based protein as an appropriate substitute. Numerous vegetables and fruits punch in a high level of protein, however, they do not have all the essential amino acids that the human body needs, except for soya beans.

An EAT Lancet Commission Study has pegged soy protein as a rich source of plant-based protein with an extremely high Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score, making it a sought after food product that is not only well-digested but also has all the essential amino acids to support growth and development. Though there are many myths surrounding soy protein, the one thing numerous research papers show is the environmental friendliness of soya bean production with efficient use of land, water, and energy. Soya bean also delivers the highest protein density for human consumption per amount of fossil energy inputs. And as the demand for protein increases and water and land resources become strained, the environmental sustainability of protein sources, such as soya bean intensifies as it has the smallest carbon footprint compared to other animal sources.

So as the world moves to more sustainable living, soy and soy products would be the best way to start your journey toward an environmental-friendly healthy lifestyle. Soy is the chameleon of foods, and can easily be added to any dish, whether sweet or salty, for breakfast or lunch or a snack or dinner. Here are a few suggestions that will help you get the most out of soy.

⟡ Substitute cow’s milk with soy milk

⟡ Use soy oil in place of regular oil

⟡ Blend soy yoghurt to make smoothies

⟡ Add whole soybeans to a salad

⟡ Marinate soy for a non-traditional hummus

⟡ Swap soy butter for peanut butter

⟡ Stir-fry tofu for gravy and vegetable dishes

So in reality, soy is not only healthy and nutritious; but also incredibly versatile and tasty. It also reduces the carbon footprint making a positive contribution to climate change. So it is the time to switch to sustainable, clean eating.

Until next time,

~ Heena

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Tips To Choose A Suitable 360 Lace Human Hair Wig

360 lace human hair wig is becoming more and more popular among users of human hair products with its outstanding natural appearance and ease of creating style. When women are new to hair products and wigs, they get confused by the array of choices available in the market. This article will help women understand about the product, options and the best way to pick the most suitable 360 human hair wig.

What is a 360 lace human hair wig?
A 360 lace human hair wig is made from 100% imported virgin human hair, which is high quality and suitable for extended use. These wigs can be washed, bleached, dyed, curled, straightened and restyled as required and can last a minimum of three months with good maintenance. A 360 lace human hair wig is a pre-sewed wig which covers all around the scalp, a 360 frontal and bundles. The benefit of a 360 lace human hair wig is that it is affordable and can meet all types of hairstyle demands.

How to choose a suitable 360 lace human hair wig?
The following are the main criteria for selecting a 360 lace human hair wig:

Hair Type: 360 human hair wigs can be classified as silky straight, kinky straight, curly, wavy, etc according to hair pattern. Women can choose a wig in any hair texture, and match it to their actual hair type to avoid spending time and energy to change it every day. It is essential to take the wig to a hairstylist for snipping as per the look required before wearing it for the first time.

Hair Length: 360 human hair wigs are available in long, medium-long, medium, and short lengths. Choose a length according to the manner in which the wig is to be worn and styled. Long wavy Brazilian hair wig can provide a sexy and bold appearance and requires a little maintenance while long curly Brazilian 360 lace wig provides a shake-n-go style within minutes.

Hair Colour: 360 human hair wigs are available in numerous colours, however, it is essential to pick one that compliments your natural skin tone. There are numerous suggestions for warm and cool toned colours as per the overall impact needed. However, most women prefer selecting a wig that matches the natural hair. The best way to get a match is to view the natural hair and the wig hair in the same lighting and pick the one that blends in perfectly. A wig can even be coloured or dyed at home or at a stylist.

Where to buy the best 360 human hair wigs?
When looking for 360 human hair wigs, whether straight, wavy, beach waves, natural wave, or curly, the one place you can count on is the Hair Company.

Get in touch with them today to try the products and see just how much a hairstyle can change looks and positively affects confidence. The brand is renowned in helping keep hairstyles fresh and offer the latest trends to keep chic and have good hairdos.

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Amongst a variety of styles, the Brazilian hair extension is considered to be the best hair extensions available. Though it is important to gauge the authenticity of the extension and check for 100% real human hair extensions, it is actually a very easy task by checking the intact hair cuticles. Once authenticity is confirmed the hair is then aligned with the cuticles facing in the same direction to make the extension to provide a smoother, shiner, and Peruvian hair extension that lasts longer and is more manageable.

However choosing the best human hair extensions for oneself can be quite complicated, so before buying, one must consider the types of Human Hair Bundles available and the one that would compliment the final look that is being aimed at.

If an extension is required for a natural look, it is important to pick the colour and texture similar to one’s natural hair. Since different sources of hair extensions have different textures, the best way to check if it suits the natural hair is to hold a bit of the natural hair and a bit of the extension and run a comb through it. If the two sections of hair blend well, then the extension is a good choice. In case an extension is required to add diversity to the hairstyle, then matching the colour is not important, however, matching the texture is still a crucial step to make it look free flowing and real.

The length of the extension required should be based on how the hairstyle is required to be, as hair extensions are available in a range of lengths. The best way forward is to pick a length slightly longer than required so that it can be easily trimmed to blend into the natural hair. The ideal type would be hand-wefted pieces as they are less bulkier than machine tied ones.

Finally, ensure that extensions are bought from a reliable and reputable source that also provides some evidence of hair authenticity. The most ideal place to pick hair extensions would be from a salon so that one can touch and feel the quality before making a purchase and also the hair stylist can guide you accordingly, especially considering the cost of the extensions. Buying the extensions online from wholesale hair vendors can be risky as you may not be able to evaluate the product with little to no experience in extensions and also once you open the product it becomes difficult to be returned.

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