Published On: July 14, 2022
B.Tech Civil Engineering is an exciting program that helps students acquire skills that lead them to be a primary think tank behind designing, planning, and executing tasks related to structures & construction. In addition, B.Tech Civil Engineering is a four-year undergraduate program that deals with materials, structural design, construction, software, technologies, and all other fundamentals of civil engineering

B.Tech Civil Engineering syllabus incorporates core subjects, common engineering subjects, practicals, and projects. So, what do you do after your B.Tech in Civil Engineering? By the end of this blog, you will get a clear prospect of the program.

Furthermore, in the modern era, the range of civil engineering has grown in much larger sectors than just construction projects.

What are the different career choices available after civil engineering?

Civil Engineers are the geniuses behind all that we witness daily. The avenues they are found working include the aerospace industry, designing jetliners, automotive industry, space stations, calculating the load-carrying capacity of a chassis and improving the crash resistance of bumpers and doors. Their work area is expanded to shipbuilding, power, and multiple other industries requiring constructed facilities.

However, there comes a phase in every young aspirant’s life when they feel a standstill in their career. After gaining a graduate degree in civil engineering, aspirants get confused about what to do after B.Tech in Civil Engineering? Civil Engineering is a vast industry, and there is something for every mind having a distinct dream. For aspirants looking for a change and want self-direction, here is a list of a few career options they can explore and make a promising career path.

Start your venture: A start-up or a business venture is an exciting career option for civil engineering graduates. You can start your venture and efficiently run the organization based on your practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding.

• Higher studies: A higher studies program like an MBA or M.Tech is a wise career option after a civil engineering degree. Several top companies look for professionals with techno-managerial skills to work in a highly competitive environment. Thus, Post-graduation enables students to build an outstanding career after civil engineering. Some of the higher degree programs you can choose to pursue are as follows:
  1. M.Tech Civil Engineering
  2. M.Tech Transportation Engineering
  3. M.Tech Environmental Engineering
  4. M.Tech Construction Engineering
  5. MBA in Project Management
  6. MBA in Construction Management
  7. MBA in Infrastructure Management
• Government jobs: A civil engineering degree extends your way to a government job that will give you ease and comfort; you will never get in any other sector. Aspirants must qualify for a GATE score and apply for several government bodies apart from the PSUs.
• Work with private sector organizations: Civil engineers are highly demanded by numerous private organizations in developing countries like India. As a result, many state and personal projects begin yearly, for which skilled civil engineers are employed with an attractive salary package.

B.Tech in Civil engineering is a challenging profession. Those who work in the area can see the results of their work: a completed bridge, a subway station, a high-rise building, or a hydroelectric dam. Moreover, civil engineers have varied career options depending on their speciality and the college or university they pursue.

Mahindra Ecole Centrale (an entity of Mahindra University), Telangana, offers a curriculum designed with a futuristic perspective so that the aspirants are equipped to combat any challenge that might arise from the modern-age technological revolution. Their civil engineering program expands sixteen departmental courses (50 credits) covering basic and advanced mechanics/dynamics of soils, structures and fluids, surveying, environmental engineering, transportation, construction technology, and construction project management.

Published On: July 14, 2022
Why There is a Rise in Autonomous Electric Vehicles in India?

Rising incomes, air pollution and a large urbanization wave in the 21st century are the primary reasons for the rise of AE-Vs in India. According to a Morgan Stanley report, electric vehicles, shared mobility, and autonomous driving could help drive half of the incremental global car demand over 2017-30 and position India as a critical player in the evolution of auto manufacturing. Seven of India’s most populated cities will house more than 10 million people each. As a result, by 2030, Air pollution will be a major cause in the leading urban areas. Hence, there is a need to transition to autonomous electric vehicles to find an alternative to these challenges.

According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), India’s pollution levels have continued to rise over the past five years due to vehicle emissions. As a result, India ranked high on the list of cities with the highest levels of PM2.5, particles causing lung and other related health problems. Moreover, 30% of the premature deaths in India are due to air pollution, is the estimate done by The Center for Science and the Environment.

The report by Morgan Stanley suggests that new vehicle sales in India could be electric-powered by 2030 by as much as 30%—versus zero in 2017. In addition, the shared-ownership model vehicles could account for 35% of the miles driven throughout the country. The result could mean increased job growth in India, a lower trade deficit and a cleaner environment.

A Climatic Approach to EV Adoptions

Climate Change is well researched and documented and is gaining increasing importance, with several countries having promised to reduce their carbon footprint and thus postpone global warming. Automobile pollution caused by Internal Combustion engines (ICE) is one of the leading causes. Hence the importance of electric vehicles.

“The Paris Agreement creates an international framework to evade dangerous climate change by restricting global warming to below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Also, it strives to strengthen countries’ capability to deal with the consequences of climate change and support them in their efforts.”

These efforts, along with the change in mindset to find solutions to climatic problems such as global warming and the greenhouse gas effect, have led to at least around 20 states in India coming up with either a draft or final state-level electric vehicle policy. These state policies overall aim to promote Electric Vehicles.

Advantages of Autonomous Electric Vehicles(A-EVs)

Reduction in Greenhouse Gases: A-EVs use next-generation battery technology that saves energy and provides cleaner and faster transportation, further reducing greenhouse gases.
Safety: According to reports, human error has been cited as the cause of 94% of severe collisions. Autonomous Electric Vehicles can remove this error while driving, protecting other passengers and pedestrians.
Lesser Vehicle Emissions: As workers spend many hours commuting on heavily congested roads, the A-EVS have the potential to save costs and lessen vehicle emissions.
Improved Mobility: A-EVs have the potential to enhance the mobility of millions of citizens.
Society and Economics: The cost of human error is high on the country and citizens’ exchequer, leading to the loss of many human lives. This can be reduced through A-EVs.
It can be said that Autonomous Electric Vehicles are a game-changer and will significantly help reduce fuel emissions and help in bettering pollution control levels, safety and cost in the long run. However, there are disadvantages to losing jobs for drivers, mechanics, and small ancillary product manufacturers. Tesla is based on lithium-ion cells. Given the limited availability of lithium as a mineral. Therefore there is research on hydrogen fuel cells. With the help of companies like Reliance, India has embarked on a journey to find alternatives to lithium.

Published On: July 14, 2022
What is a Gap Year?

It is a constructive 12- month break taken from study or work for the student to pursue other interests, generally different from their regular life or line of work. The term gap year is given to students who take a year off after high school and before college (university). Further, some students may also take a gap year before starting the last stage of their secondary education or even after graduation to prepare themselves better before commencing work. A gap year can be a break taken between life stages.

Why Take a Gap Year?

It is an opportunity viewed by students to gain personal and professional experience, achieve certain goals and explore personal interests. If you consider taking a gap year, it is important to consider whether it is the right decision and what you gain from it. For example, if you are applying for a university or a professional course or role, you are expected to show what you have gained out of the year. It should be helpful, productive and exciting. Therefore while planning a gap year, you should plan how the activities you do during the year will help you gain better insights and help you transform intellectually and have a better understanding of the world and help you understand your personality better.

Most students are young and just out of school and do not have it figured out. This may lead to them dropping out of colleges and careers and switching their specializations. One of the advantages of taking a gap year is that it helps you choose what path you want to pursue. But at the same time, a gap year is not for everyone, so making informed and calculated decisions and not in haste is the best decision for yourself.

Advantages of a Gap Year

• Broaden Your View of the World: Seeing and experiencing another country’s culture and beliefs, appreciating it, and becoming aware of its global issues might be a great way to know about and explore a new country.
• Gain Relevant Work Experience: Working during your gap year provides you with much exposure to experience, knowledge, and skills, which can be highly valuable later when applying for jobs. You could also pursue vocation based degree programs such as nursing, law or veterinary science.
• Earn Some Money: Working a year after high school can help you earn money apart from gaining relevant work experience. This could help pay off part of your semester fees or accommodation, travel or textbooks.
• Prepare for College: A gap year can help you with the independence and maturity needed to make the most out of college life. University life is easy and fun for those who show passion, perseverance and passion. Further, it provides you with time to relax and calm down so that you do not tire yourself from going to university straight out of high school. Finally, it is an excellent time to prepare mentally for assignments and projects universities are known for. Although people advise not to defer college, a gap year can provide better college success. Develop Useful Contacts and Friends: Meeting a different range of people can help you develop valuable contacts that might help with your work at a later stage. Working with local people abroad will allow you to understand their culture and perspective you might gain lifelong friends.
• Challenge Yourself: Many students take a year off to tackle the challenges they have set for themselves and step out of their comfort zone and face their fears and challenges. Makes you feel refreshed and energized: Taking a break before starting university can make you feel energized and ready to start your course. In addition, if some students fail to get into their chosen college or university, they take a year gap and prepare better. Colleges also feel that students perform better and have a more developed personality if they join college after a year.
• Learn New Life Skills or Language: Learning a new foreign language can help you converse and gain confidence. It can sharpen your skills if you converse with a native speaker. As we live in a globalized world, learning a language or honing your skills with the existing one can always be better.

Disadvantages of a gap year:

• Never Make it Back to College: Once you have adjusted to the pace of working or away from your studies, you might get used to it and never go back to college. To prevent that, keep a deadline and stick to it.
• Social Stigma: Unfortunately, the social stigma present where friends and relatives who think a gap year is not good would pressure you to join college. They may think you as lazy or disinterested in not joining a college. You may need to either have a thick skin or educate them on the benefits.
• Monetary Issues: While there are high chances of you making money during the gap year, it could be financially stressful depending on how fruitfully you utilize your time. If you anticipate money to be a stressful aspect, plan how you will overcome it in advance.
• Missed chance with Friends: While you take your gap year, most friends will be going to college. Since you no longer will be in the same educational timeline, you could miss bonding with them, travelling during spring break etc.

Both the meaning and pros and cons have been included. It is up to the student to decide whether he wants to take a gap year or not.

Published On: July 12, 2022
Proficient engineers know how to use the correct programming languages and work on software developed by other engineers. In addition, strong analytical and problem-solving skills are a software engineer’s required qualities.

Comprehensive Understanding of Programming: The engineer should be educated at a good university and be able to comprehend the program and think logically.

Patience: The client requirement can come under deadlines and last minute, so the engineer should be calm and composed enough to handle day-to-day needs efficiently.

Time Management and Team Player: A software developer is part of a large team and is a collaborative process involving developing software that others will use. Most engineering projects require teamwork; therefore, it is essential always to be a good team player. We live in a fast-paced world where time is the essence. For example, if a software engineer is given a project set on tight deadlines, he cannot say he has not met the deadlines as time is crucial for making profits and accomplishing deadlines.

Good Communication Skills: Programming, a linguistic skill, is directly related to being an engineer. A good engineer knows more than one programming language and possesses an excellent command of English. In addition, you need to be able to ask the right questions, understand concepts without needing a specific written document and turn theories into coherent solutions.

Technical Experience: It is essential to possess some technical experience and knowledge in different programs. Great developers have deep and broad expertise, have a decent grasp of best practices like task management tools like Jira and Trello and have working experience in different environments.

Positive Attitude: Being ambitious and eager to work and do your best is necessary. A great engineer steps up when there is a deadline to meet, takes feedback without getting defensive, and takes the best care of the company’s product. In addition, software engineers ought to have a relaxed and open mind. A software engineer, therefore, should have a calm personality that can help him juggle optimal solutions. Further, one shouldn’t hesitate to adopt an approach that may not have been thought of initially. Such mentality and open-mindedness put you over the top of other engineers.

End-User Focus: A great programmer works with the thought in mind, what the end-user wants and needs to work and solve the issues.

Independence and curiosity to know how things Work: Being independent is essential in engineering jobs and every aspect of life. People who think independently can come up with solutions to their problems. The ability to anticipate and expect things independently is necessary for a future road to success. A software engineer should always be curious regarding how things function and how they should function.

Realist: It is essential to be realistic as many software engineers get carried away during their work or with a great idea. But the ability to stay grounded and conduct checks allows them to determine the learning curve. Above all, learning to be practical is very important as there is no point in working on something which cannot be realistically achieved.

To be a great programmer, enjoy things and like what you do. You will improve your work with more interest and practice, and your positive characteristics will grow. A good software engineer should continuously upgrade his skills. With the rapid improvement in digitalization, a good software engineer will continuously upgrade his technical know-how to be relevant to the new era.

Published On: July 12, 2022
Programming languages are the reason there are so many online services. With the sudden increase in technological development, there is a need for skilled professionals. In today’s world, merely a degree in software engineering won’t suffice as the recruiter searches for additional programming knowledge skills while recruiting. So it is always better to start early. Start learning different programming languages while in college.

The Top 5 Programming Languages To Know Are:-

• Python: It can be considered one of the most advanced programs currently. It is an efficient, easy-to-use high-level programming language. In addition, it lays a high emphasis on code readability. It is a free, open-source language with detailed modules supporting it and community development; web services can be easily integrated with user-friendly data structures and GUI-based desktop applications. The upcoming specialization like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Machine Learning also rely on Python. It has extensive libraries and frameworks that support a plethora of applications.
• Javascript: Javascript is a high-level programming language that is one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web. They are used for server-side website deployments and non-web browser applications, making them one of the most widely used languages. It is used by renowned tech companies such as Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. It has a well-organized codebase that enhances productivity and readability and is easy to learn. In addition, it provides great control of the browser.
• Go: The following program which is in high demand is Go. The technology developed by Google is used for creating web apps and APIs. The Golang or Go Programming Language offers cross-platform support that makes it convenient and efficient. Though it is not as popular as the other languages, it can be described as one of the most highly sought-after languages. It is one of the best-paid- technologies and the second most in-demand backend programming language.
• Java: This language owned by Oracle is a generally used program with widely used web and application development and big data. It is commonly used in the backend. Several tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Twitter and YouTube use this program. Further, it is used in hundreds of applications worldwide. Java is a complex language to learn; therefore, experienced developers with Java coding skills are in high demand.
• Kotlin: A statically typed general-purpose programming language, Kotlin does support not only object-oriented but also functional programming features. Kotlin beholds fourth place among the fastest-growing programming language on several renowned websites. It has enhanced security features, and coding is comparatively less than Java and is 100% interoperable. Kotlin has an endless scope, with android phones and processors occupying most of the market. Several companies which use Kotlin are Pinterest, Uber, and Amazon.

Mahindra University offers B.Tech in CSE, enabling the students to know and understand in-depth programming knowledge. For more information, visit their website: https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/

Published On: July 11, 2022

A Better Body Image: Yoga develops better awareness of oneself. It helps you to focus on your body’s abilities at the present moment. It helps in developing better breathing and strengthens the mind and body. If you might have noticed usually yoga centres and studios don’t have mirrors. This is to help you focus more on yourself and your body and let go of other distractions. Yoga has become an intergral part of body positivity, body image programs and treatment of eating disorders.

Helps in Weight Loss and Maintenance: people who practice yoga are mindful eaters and are more aware of their bodies. They may be more sensitive to hunger and feeling of fullness. Researchers have found that those who practiced yoga for atleast 30 minutes a week for atleast 4 years gained less weight during adulthood, lost weight and had lower BMI compared to those who did not practice yoga. This is attributed to mindfulness which can lead to a more positive relationship with food and eating.

Increasing Fitness: It can impact a person’s exercise capacity, as yoga can soothe tension and anxiety in the mind and body. Practising yoga for a long time can improve your fitness and make you fit. It also increases the dopamine and serotonin harmone production thus making you feel happy and fine.

Increase In Cardiovascular Benefits: Several small studies have found that yoga has a positive effect on cardiovascular diseases and have considerably improved lipid profiles in healthy patients as well as patients with coronary artery disease. It has lowered excessive blood sugar levels in people with non- insulin diabetes thereby lowering their medication. It is also believed to lower stress levels in people.

Mindful Eater: Mindfulness refers to becoming aware of all the positive chances available through proper food selection and being aware of your inner mind. It is through using all your senses in choosing to eat food that is both satisfying to you and nourishing to your body. Yoga has proven to increase mindfulness not just while eating but in other areas of a person’s life too.

Practicing yoga can make you feel more aware of your body and self. This increase in awareness can be helpful over mealtime where you can sense all the tastes to your tongue. Each time you bite or sip, you can feel it to your mouth.

Published On: July 8, 2022
Human activity is leading to a rise in temperatures; therefore, climate change threatens every aspect of human life. Climate change is the change in the average weather conditions of a place over long years. The usage of oil, coal and natural gases is the main factor for the abundant release of co2 in the atmosphere. (greenhouse gases) in the atmosphere. These gases trap the sun’s heat and cause the Earth’s temperature to rise. Greenhouse gases are at the peak levels they have ever been over the past few decades. This high temperature is due to climate change which is occurring at a rapid rate. Once these gases enter the atmosphere, gases such as co2 form a blanket around the planet; this blanket further traps the sun’s heat-causing the Earth to heat up. The rise in temperatures is not the only factor but also extreme weather events, decreasing wildlife and its habitats, rising sea levels and a range of other impacts.

What Causes Climate Change?

A blanket around the earth forms various harmful gases known as greenhouse gases. When the sun’s rays hit this blanket, it goes straight to the exterior of the Earth. The Earth then absorbs these sun rays and emits a different kind of light (infrared radiation) back to space. The greenhouse blanket absorbs some of the heat and causes the atmosphere to heat up. This process is called the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is essential to life on Earth. Without an umbrella of greenhouse gases trapping in heat, the temperature would get freezing, and humans would be unable to survive. However, by adding extra gases, the Earth would become hotter, creating an enhanced greenhouse effect. The blanket grows thicker by the day, causing the Earth’s atmosphere to heat considerably.

The Paris Agreement and its Decisions

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris on 12 December 2015 and entered into force on 4 November 2016. Its goal is to limit global warming to below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries seek to reach the global end of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate objective world by mid-century. The Paris Agreement is a landmark in the multilateral climate change process because, for the first time, a binding consensus brings all countries under one roof for a common cause to undertake determined efforts to fight climate change and adapt to its effects.

How Does Climate Change Impact the Earth?

• Human activity – People travelling and excessive usage of ACs and refrigerators emit greenhouse gases and aerosols into the atmosphere. This gas is the main contributor to climate change. This has a multitude of impacts on the climate system, ecosystems, and people.
• Rising ocean levels –Ocean levels rise due to the extra heat from global warming. Warm water expands, causing the water to take up more space and rise. Also, glaciers and ice sheets are melting due to the increase in temperatures, causing the ocean to rise.
• Ocean acidification – Ocean acidification occurs when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide and becomes more acidic.
• Extreme weather events – Extreme weather events become intense and regular such as heatwaves, floods and droughts.
• Submergence of coastal regions – Coastal cities is at a high risk of submergence due to the increase in the levels of the sea.
• Food Scarcity – High temperatures, extreme weather events, flooding, and droughts damage farms. This makes it challenging for farmers to grow crops and means that their yield of produce each year is uncertain and low.
• Increase in Migrants and Refugees – Climate change can cause intense stress to the people causing them to migrate due to a lack of food and shelter as the sea and temperature rise.
• Peril to Marine Life – A rise in ocean temperature and reduction in oxygen levels can cause severe damage to marine life, such as fishes and coral reefs.

The vital step in limiting climate change is to make significant and quick reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions. It can be done in several ways. Governments, businesses, organisations and individuals around the world can all contribute.

Published On: July 8, 2022
What Is A Victimless Crime?

‘Crime without Victim’ is a term used for illegal actions but does not threaten the rights of another person. It started with the necessity to repeal the old laws against homosexuality. The reference taken was from the work of American sociologist Edwin M. Schur in his book Crimes Without Victims: Deviant Behaviour and Public Policy (1965), which addressed the issues of abortion, homosexuality and drug addiction.

There is no genuine interest among people to complain to the police and present evidence against the culprits since no third party is harmed.

Crime committed where the victim is aware of the crime may be classified as a civil or a criminal offence, and where the victim is unaware, it is known as a victimless crime. Example: A person trespassing through a neighbour’s yard without being aware and causing no damage is a victimless crime.

There are three acknowledged meanings of victimless crimes.

• Offences with no harm to either of the parties and with their consent. Such as prostitution, pornography and gambling.
• Crimes where harm is caused to the perpetrator, such as suicide, truancy or drug use. The perpetrator is not called the victim as they are harmed.
• Activities that are morally wrong and could harm society. Examples are traffic violations, trespassing, and failing to follow safety laws.

Should Victimless Crimes Be Punished?

• Though victimless crime does not harm anybody, it should be penalized in the social interest.
• Upholding the moral standards of society is essential.
• Victimless consensual crimes have unique features that make them an indirect threat to the privacy of innocent people.
• Such crimes can create gang subcultures due to the involvement of demand and money.
• Making such crimes non–criminal is against the moral values of society. They diminish the quality of life and cause actual harm to society.

The underworld community is created against consensual crimes, which means a subculture is created for whom the police are the enemy, and it goes against the moral conduct of society. They encourage violence and revenge.

Further, Victimless crimes have a unique feature of making them a threat to innocent people. These crimes threaten the privacy of innocent people due to the monitoring and investigation they require for enforcement. Also, none of the people in such a crime would report to the police. Instead, officers must wiretap and engage in extensive monitoring and surveillance of suspects to enforce this kind of law.

Some of the crimes without victims are:

Crimes for the protection of the people. The government can get away with many restrictions for the people’s good

• Seat Belt laws
• Motorbike helmet laws
• Drug prohibition

On the pretext of protecting the youth, specific rules are made:

• Ban on factual sex education.
• clothing restrictions
• parental notification

In most jurisdictions, criminal activities considered victimless crimes are drug abuse, bigamy, prostitution, and ticket scalping. However, it is debated whether they are “victimless” or not. At the same time, some are legally regarded as victimless, such as prostitution, and stand at the forefront of the debate over whether anyone is harmed or not, physically, morally or otherwise.

There is a debate on whether the prosecution of consensual crimes should be maintained or should they be decriminalized. There are certain arguments for maintaining the prosecution of victimless crime, such as costs. However, the main thrust of supporting prosecution tends to be rooted in arguing that society is enhanced by locking up victimless criminal offenders.

Published On: July 7, 2022
Research Your Niche: Researching the segment you want to focus your business to be in is an essential factor. The best way to research the chosen niche is to carefully study the market and your competitors. For example, how do they make their products? What would the cost be? How will they market their products? This will further help you find the positives and negatives in the plan. Further, market research could help you understand your products better and whether they are sought after or not.

Consider Starting Small: It is always better to work part-time and begin slow while funds are slow and you are cash strapped. Try working as a freelancer or part-timer if you cannot manage your business and a full-time job. It is always better to start slow and cautiously without placing all the eggs in one basket, which may lead to you losing your money. When forming a business, the battle for money is the trickiest part of all the struggles. So all kinds of precautions need to be exercised when dealing with it.

Start Networking: When starting a business, it is always necessary to know people to better your business marketing. Networking leads to knowing people better as you may never know who might be able to help you. While starting a business, there should always be a mentor or a guide who will train you to perform better and well at your company.

Create a Website: One of the steps to take while establishing your company is to create a website. The website should contain your company, its vision, founders, motto, and services. Since everything is digital and AI, having an automated chatbox would be very useful. A website gives you a platform to market your services through Search Engine Optimization and content marketing and allows you to present a reliable and professional outlook to your customers.

Do Not Compare Yourself With Others: There will be people who are way ahead of you or better than you. But you are not aware of their journey or struggles, so, therefore, do not judge yourself harshly or compare yourself to others. You are unique, and so is your journey. So enjoy it and live in the present.

Like a few of the above mentioned, there are plenty of factors that tell you how to start your business. However, the most crucial factor is the never give up attitude and hard work. Rest will follow.

Published On: July 7, 2022
Why did Russia Invade Ukraine?

The root cause possibly has its origin in the 1991 separation of Ukraine as an independent country when the former USSR split into several smaller countries. It is reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has angst against Ukraine on this account. Consequent to Ukraine’s independence in 1991, the erstwhile USSR (now Russia) had no influence in the affairs of Ukraine and perceived it as a loss of its power. Ukraine’s ambitions and efforts to develop into a modern, independent democratic country similar to the European nations were not seen in a good light by Russia. The Russian population, including the erstwhile Ukrainians amongst them, particularly perceive this development and the lack of the same within Russia. The ruling elite in Russia perceived this as a threat, leading to its citizens’ expectations of a better democratic rule.

The Russian president, it is reported, saw an opportunity after the earlier Crimea annexation, and given the poor coordination amongst American and European nations to cohesively act. This opportunity was used to launch a major military attack. The Russian military expected the invasion to be short and swift action to annex Ukraine in a few days, possibly being an extension of the earlier war.

Ukraine also had its turmoil earlier during 2013-14 after Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity, also known as Euromaidan. During this revolution, citizens protested widely and wanted to knit a close relationship with Europe. This led to the defeat of then-president Viktor Yanukovych, who had asked Russia for help to put down the protests.

During this period, Russia illegally annexed Crimea, a section of Ukraine that touches the Russian border on the Black Sea. In addition, the Russian-speaking cities of Donetsk and Luhansk in the eastern part of Ukraine were supplied with military personnel, mercenaries, and other resources to support Russia in the Russian-speaking cities.

Is the invasion tied to Russia’s annexation of Crimea?

Crimea in Ukraine was the only city to have a majority of Russians at the time of the USSR breakup. Still, 55% of the peninsula’s citizens voted for the independence of Ukraine.

Putin was of the mistake that by annexing Crimea through an armed uprising in the Donbas, he could shake the unity of the Ukrainians and have the southern and eastern provinces of the country break away from the Kyiv government and seek to join the Russian Federation as a separate territory termed as Novorossiya, or “New Russia.”

Since that failed to happen, the current invasion is an attempt to achieve a similar end on a massive scale.

How ‘Russian’ is Ukraine?

According to the complete census taken in 2001, 17.3 per cent of the citizens of independent Ukraine identified themselves as ethnic Russians. This was a 5% decline from 1989, proving a migration of Russians after the split from the USSR.

There was also a change of identity among Ukrainians who had claimed to be ethnically Russian in the late Soviet period when it was advantageous to do so but later reverted to being part of Ukraine when it became independent.