My Blogs : Nuclear Issues ; Radiation Protection Issues ; My Voice

My Website : www.radsafetyinfo.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Scientists inflated global warming scare!

This is the headline in one of the Indian news papers. It was reported that the hacked email messages received from some of the American and British researchers at a British University sparked a stir around the world. The reason is: the researchers have questioned the scientific consensus on global warming. Some papers have hidden the data on decline in temperatures! Efforts by some scientists were also made to withhold information which were contrary to the “assumption” that the climate change is man-made and is due to enhanced global warming.

Let us all frankly accept that there is very little contribution from man-made warming to the climate change we are witnessing today.

Monday, October 26, 2009

BJP will never win from Navi Mumbai unless

Navi Mumbai is the developing satellite city of Mumbai. Large number of educated Mumbaikars has shifted to Navi Mumbai and they have settled in newly developed sectors of different nodes. Every one agrees that the vote bank of BJP is from the educated and employed class of people.

It is everyone’s guess that in the last two elections in India, the Congress and NCP, somehow have ensured that the newly migrated population groups in are not there in the list of residents eligible to vote. Many have filled up the forms but their names have not appeared in the list.

The BJP volunteers should go from flat to flat in the buildings and make sure that the residents are registered in the voters’ list for the next elections. The party should also try to solve some of the sector-specific issues which are bothering the residents. Only then, the residents will come out and vote for the party. The most awaited change will only come afterwards.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Obama wins peace Nobel for nuclear disarmament

It is going to affect India much more than to any other country. It is well known that Obama is for disarmament of the countries of nuclear weapons. That means he will pressurize all the countries, mainly the new entrants to the Nuclear Club to stop producing nuclear materials and the nuclear weapons. Prime Minister of India also has been a supporter of the disarmament, but without any discrimination.

By awarding Noble Peace Prize to US President Obama, he will be encouraged to take the position of Global Leader to ensure peace. But, it is too early to award of such a prestigious award anticipating peace initiative in this terror and hunger stricken world. Everybody including himself was shocked. There are other more important issues like global warming, providing clean drinking water and food to the poor billions need to be addressed. Nuclear is not the only issue that needs consideration.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Climate Change – watery grave in the near future?

A study by British Met Office indicated that the actual climate change situation is serious than that predicted by IPCC. More extreme changes can happen, says the research scholar at the Climate Change Conference held at Oxford University. The global temperature is likely to rise by 4 degree C by mid 2050s! There are other predictions such as rapid melting of Arctic ice, gradual loss of land to rising sea, decreased rainfalls in many regions of the world, the prospect of water scarcity, etc, etc.

The Indian newspaper, the Times of India reports that the climate changes could result in security implications for India due to influx of refuges from India’s neighboring countries, melting of Himalayan ice resulting in geopolitical changes in the region, and most importantly the security and safety of India’s military in mountainous regions and nuclear and naval installations in the costal areas by the rising sea levels.

Every Indian hopes that the respective organizations responsible for national security are taking into account these newly developing scenarios and their implications in national strategic planning. The decisions should be taken at the highest level with realistic technical inputs from the concerned ministries. Let there be enough transparency so that Indian citizens are aware of the governmental moves and get ready for facing or fighting the potential watery grave in the near future. It is a global challenge.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

One-third of all new cancer cases in India are related to tobacco habits!

Tobacco is the single most important cause of avoidable morbidity and early mortality in many countries including India. Majority of cancer cases are induced by tobacco. There are studies carried out in India to investigate the cancer patters with respect to tobacco use. Chewing tobacco has a major risk for oral cancer; bidi smoking, for cancers of the pharynx and larynx and cigarette smoking, for lung cancer.

The highest incidence rate of lung cancer in males in India is reported from Calcutta. The 1993 Cancer registry of the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMC) in Mumbai provided evidence of clear correlation between smoking and cancer. Tobacco-related cancer (TRC) cases constitute 48.2% in men and 20.1% in women of the total cancers seen in India per year.

The authors opined that in-depth studies are necessary with larger data sets to evaluate the role of confounding and competing risk factors such as environmental pollution, smoking habits, domestic use of fossil fuels, consumption of alcohol, etc. Since cancer is a known old age disease, increase in life expectancy over the years, the number of cancer incidences also will increase.

The government should bring in stringent measures through legislation or otherwise, to control Tobacco use, particularly by children (gutka), the female population, and provide measures to control passive smoking by the non-smoking population.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Mumbai slums

It is reported by a study that 54% of city’s population live in slums! It is shocking but likely to be true. Slum Redevelopment programs never bothered to ensure that the slums are demolished before the dwellers are given possession of the flats. In fact, slums only increase by the day and new slums are cropping up everywhere. The local politicians, municipal corporators / and MLAs are responsible for this miserable sate of affairs. The slum clusters form their vote bank and it is mafia-like money making machinery.

The government should not regularise these slums and existing system of periodic regularization of the slums only support proliferation of the slums. Allotment of flats in Slum Redevelopment Schemes should make sure that the slums in the areas are completely demolished and the area is cleared for development.

Right to Education – India

The much needed reforms in the education system in India are finally coming. The UPA government is legislating the Right to Education Law, whereby it is the governments’ responsibility to provide education to the children. Also, welcome are: the grading system for Xth to reduce examination stress, core curriculum in science and maths across all education boards, de-politicising the appointment of vice-chancellors, law to prevent, prohibit and punish rampant malpractices in higher education. But, just laws are not enough, implementation of the laws is more important.

Media should support these issues to sensitise the public about the existence of the laws and their rights.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tamiflu

Now that the drug for swineflu “available”, over the counter, it will be used by the gullible public (due to hyper media coverage) as a preventive measure is not desirable. Cases of resistance of the virus to the drug have come to light in some countries. The irrational use can be detrimental to health due to many of its side effects. Black marketing will soon flourish in a country like India and the needy poor will not be able to get the drug.

Over the counter sale of Tamiflu should be discouraged and the government should make it available only to the hospitals recognized for treating the disease.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Swine flu update – India

Laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 as officially reported to WHO by countries as of 6 August 2009 are: 177457, and 1462 fatalities. News from Europe indicate that the fatality is just 0.1% of the positive cases reported. It is 0.6% in US. In India, the nationwide toll rose to 22 and 14 out of the 22 H1N1 deaths have occurred in Pune.

In Mumbai, testing of throat swabs for the swine flu is becoming more and more difficult. The premier Haffkine Institute could test only 264 out of 1800 samples received from the 13 testing centers in Mumbai. Infrastructure for managing the situation found to be grossly inadequate. Ground reality at the hospitals is not satisfactory. Patients were seen waiting for hours at the municipal hospitals.

Politicians started blaming each other for the lapses. Prime Minister discussed the swine flu issue in the cabinet and he is asking people not to panic. Mumbai’s list of private hospitals that can treat the flu patients is being announced. Five hospitals in Pune are likely to be recognized. Precautionary measures include avoiding crowded places and maintaining good personal hygiene. In Navi Mumbai, most of the schools, the malls and the theatres are closed for 4 days.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Swine flu update – India

In its briefing on August 6, WHO assured that regulatory procedures are in place for the licensing of the pandemic (H1N1) vaccines. Vaccines are among the most important medical interventions for reducing illness and deaths during a pandemic. Right now, there is a great need to have the vaccine quickly produced and in large quantities. As such, there is no effective vaccine available for mass vaccination programs. A lot of research is going on in India also to develop a safe vaccine.

Indian Health Minister is not giving any assurance of the Government’s preparedness to tackle this problem. In fact, he admitted that no measure could prevent the spread of H1N1 influenza in India and that nearly one-third of the population could be infected with the virus over the next two years! As per one of the press report, the Indian tally is: 959 infected, Mumbai-95, Pune-220 and Rest of India-644. Death toll rises to 8.

This only leaves the common man to fend for himself on this issue and take all the precautions so that he is not getting infected. Disposable masks may be too expensive and may not be necessary also. People can use a clean handkerchief over their nose and mouth. Avoid crowded places and in case of cold and cough contact the family physician for treatment. DO NOT PANIC.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Swine flu update – India

As per the update of WHO, as of 31 of July 2009, 168 countries and overseas territories/communities have reported a cumulative total of 162380 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 09. All continents are affected by the pandemic (The alert level is phase 6). There were 1154 deaths.

In India as per the reports appeared, the highly infectious disease claimed two lives, one in Mumbai and another in Pune. Schools in Pune and Mumbai are being closed as a precautionary measure. The assurances of readiness given earlier by the Health Ministry seem to be premature and as it looks, the preparedness is grossly inadequate. Time is the critical factor. The Centre has sent one lakh Tamilfu pills to the state of Maharashtra. The tally is: 784 positive cases in India, 45 cases in Mumbai.

Advice given in the media is: If you have symptoms of flu, do not panic. Avoid contact with people and call your doctor for a rapid flu test. If situation worsens, contact swine flu screening centers. Wear a mask of N-95 type, available in chemist shops.

Urgent need of more sample collection centers, screening centers and isolation wards in hospitals is felt in cities. India has a law which is 112-year old Epidemic Diseases Act (1897). The law does not provide for the new diseases like HIV and Swine flu and it needs to be replaced. To face the present crisis, may be, the government should rope-in private hospitals and clinics for support in terms of sample collection and testing.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Indo-US nuclear deal – Who gained?

The beneficiary of the much publicised Indo-US nuclear deal is definitely USA in terms of orders for nuclear business worth billions of dollars India is handing over to US. What India gained is its freedom for sometime to buy nuclear-related equipments and nuclear fuel from other countries as well. At the same time, India got into a loop from which it will be difficult to come out without accepting the terms and conditions (some open & some hidden) of the nuclear deal. Some of them are: Signing CTBT, NPT, End user monitoring agreement and accepting to curtail emission of Green House Gases, etc etc. Yes Boss! Yes Obama.

Is the Nuclear deal is really worth India loosing its stand on all these issues which the country fought for decades? It looks India only provided business to global nuclear industry which was without much business for the last two to three decades.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Swine flu update

As per the update of 6 July, a total of 94,512 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and 429 deaths have been reported to the WHO from 135 countries.

As of 14 July 2009, A total of 4,473 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 have been reported from seven (South-East Asia Region (SEAR) countries. Twenty four deaths from the virus have been reported from Thailand. No other deaths have been reported in the Region. The countries in the South-East Asia Region with confirmed cases are as follows: 22 in Bangladesh; 229 in India; 112 in Indonesia; 2 in Myanmar; 14 in Nepal; 37 in Sri Lanka, 4,057 in Thailand

Some instances of the antiviral drug Oseltamivir (known as Tamiflu) drug resistance are reported. It appears to represent sporadic cases of resistance. As of now, there is no evidence to indicate the development of widespread antiviral resistance among pandemic H1N1 viruses. Based on this risk assessment, there are no changes in WHO's clinical treatment guidance.

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization held an extraordinary meeting on July 7 in Geneva to discuss issues and make recommendations related to vaccine for the pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Although the severity of the pandemic is currently considered to be moderate with most patients experiencing uncomplicated, self-limited illness, some groups such as pregnant women and persons with asthma and other chronic conditions such as morbid obesity appear to be at increased risk for severe disease and death from infection.

Since the spread of the pandemic virus is considered unstoppable, vaccine will be needed in all countries. As vaccines available initially will not be sufficient, a step-wise approach to vaccinate particular groups may be considered. The following recommendations were provided to the WHO Director-General:

All countries should immunize their health-care workers as a first priority to protect the essential health infrastructure. SAGE suggested the following groups for consideration, noting that countries need to determine their order of priority based on country-specific conditions: pregnant women; those aged above 6 months with one of several chronic medical conditions; healthy young adults of 15 to 49 years of age; healthy children; healthy adults of 50 to 64 years of age; and healthy adults of 65 years of age and above.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Quota system for college admission-discriminatory

Maharashtra government has been doing enough harm to students and parents by frequently changing the college admission rule and requirements. Ninety percent of the seats are now reserved for SSC Board students and only ten percent seats are available for non-SSC Board students, i.e., from CBSC/ICSE/IB students. Non-SSC Mumbai students have to compete for seats with other out-side Mumbai (Maharashtra) students, including increasing number of aspirants from abroad. The situation is very serious and may result in widespread panic, student unrest and violence.

To begin with, the non-SSC students are coming from Central Schools and children of parents with transferable jobs (banks, military, government servants, etc). In reality, the syllabus is much more demanding than SSC Board. In fact, these students should be given preference in admissions (it used to be the case earlier).

Every Indian citizen wishes that politicians should not politicalize the education system and eliminate the quota system for ever. The governments should seriously draw up long-term solution, such as common evaluation system for admissions, to reduce the disparity between the Boards so that every student feels that he or she is not discriminated against other students from different boards in the same State.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Swine flu update

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States which are Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005), as on 22 June 2009, world-wide countries have officially reported 52,160 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 231 deaths.

India has reported 44 cases and no fatalities. Maharashtra reported 3rd swine flu case. The screening process across Indian airports has come in for a lot criticism reflecting poor implementation process.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Swine flu update

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), as on 15 June 2009, 76 countries have officially reported 35, 928 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths.

In India, 7 boys from Jalandhar who returned from NASA have tested positive. Indian Health Ministry has asked Indians to suspend their visits abroad to the flu affected countries until the pandemic is brought under control. The total number hit by swine flu across the country is 30. Monsoon in India may result in increase in the number of H1N1 cases. Help-lines are busy with enquiries about the symptoms of the disease.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Swine flu update

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), as on 12 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 29,669 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 145 deaths. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 (widespread human infection).

Swine flu cases shoot up in India also. The government invokes Epidemic Diseases Act to medically “arrest patients” by the police. First two cases, mother and her child were reported in Bangalore, Karnataka. Three suspected cases were reported in Maharashtra. According to the Executive Health Officer, Bombay Municipal Corporation, there are 100 quarantine beds, 50 medical staff and adequate stock of protective gears and Tamiflu tablets in place as preparedness if the pandemic intensifies.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Swine flu update – Alert from phase 5 to 6

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), on 11 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 28,774 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 144 deaths. On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6 (widespread human infection).

India is at the alert level of 4. As per officials of Ministry of Health, India has no reason to be alarmed. Only 15 confirmed positive cases have been reported so far.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Swine flu update – Current situation

According to the report from World Health Organization (WHO), as on 10 June 2009, 74 countries have officially reported 27,737 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 141 deaths.

The WHO Director-General convened a third meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee on 5 June 2009. The purpose of the meeting was to update the committee on the global situation and seek advice on proposals to introduce severity assessments in any future announcements of pandemic phase changes by WHO. The world remains in pandemic influenza Phase 5. There was a broad consensus on the importance of including information on severity in future announcements. In India, it is reported that affluent NRIs are helping the spread of H1N1 virus by refusing proper treatment.

The Government has banned the sale of Tamiflu, the only affective drug against the flu for fear of improper use which may cause the virus developing resistance for the drug. Three vaccine manufacturers have approached the government for infrastructural assistance to prepare the vaccine. All private medical practitioners have been advised to redirect the suspected cases to government hospitals.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Swine flu update – Current situation

According to the report from WHO (3 June 2009), 66 countries have officially reported 19,273 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 117 deaths. The most affected countries are: USA-10,053 cases; Mexico-5029 cases; Canada-1530 cases followed by Australia-501 cases and Japan-385 cases.

A 20-year medical student from Hyderabad, who returned on May 30 from Toronto, Canada, has become India’s 4th confirmed case of H1N1 Influenza infection.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Swine flu update – Current situation

According to the report from WHO (29 May 2009), 53 countries have officially reported 15,510 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. There are 99 deaths reported worldwide. In view of the threat posed by the current outbreak of new influenza A (H1N1), the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a High-Level Consultation for all Member States at the start of the Sixty-second World Health Assembly.

An Indian sailor (30-year old) in Egypt has been quarantined and put under observation over suspicion of swine flu infection. Egypt was free of swine flu cases till now, says the Health Ministry spokesperson.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Swine flu update – Current situation

According to the report from WHO (19 May 2009), 40 countries have officially reported 9830 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 79 deaths.

In India, a 23 year old IT student from the University of Minnesota (US) is the first patient infected by the virus and he is recovering fast. He will be kept in isolation for the next 5 days. It is surprising that how the patient with the flu was allowed to travel to India from New York on May 13, 2009.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Swine flu update – Current situation

According to the report from WHO (15 May 2009), 34 countries have officially reported 7520 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. There are 65 deaths reported worldwide. If the infection spreads in a sustained manner in countries outside North America, the organization would raise the Alert Level to 6 for a full-blown pandemic.

It is reported that India will exercise a “go hard, go early” policy on the use of anti-virals in case it detects a person infected with the deadly H1N1 influenza virus.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Swine flu update – Current situation

According to the report from WHO (12 May 2009), 30 countries have officially reported 5251 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. There are 61 deaths worldwide. Thailand confirmed its first cases of swine flu, now recovered from the illness.

Assessing the severity of an influenza pandemic: The major determinant of the severity of an influenza pandemic is the inherent virulence of the virus. But many other factors also influence the overall severity of a pandemic’s impact.

India has decided to start mass production of a vaccine against the flu as soon as it receives a strain of the virus on which the vaccine will be based. The country continues to be vigilant at the airports.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Swine flu update – Current situation

According to the report from WHO (10 May 2009), 29 countries have officially reported 4379 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection; US – 2,254 cases and Mexico 1,626 cases. The swine flu claimed 3rd victim in USA. Easy spreading of the flu from humans to humans may prompt WHO to declare a full blown phase 6 pandemic.

The numbers are fast increasing. Members of the public should be alert and take all the precautions to prevent further spread of the disease.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Swine flu update – Increased risk to HIV- infested

According to the report from WHO, there are 1893 officially reported cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in 23 countries. The swine flu claimed second life in USA.

Indian health ministry advisory banned sale of Tamiflu by Drug Stores fearing that indiscriminate use of the drug could result in the virus developing resistance to the only known treatment for H1N1 influenza. The government is maintaining adequate stock of the drug and would distribute the drug free-of-cost through public health network in case of any confirmed case of the disease. Meanwhile, according to the WHO advisory, HIV infected patients are at an increased risk from the deadly H1N1 flu virus.

This, in effect, is a serious warning to India, which is home for an estimated 2.5 million HIV-infested people.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Swine flu update – International cooperation

International cooperation was very much evident in tackling the spread of swine flu. A timely tip-off from China helped India track down a suspected H1N1 flu case which later tested negative. According to the report from WHO, there are 1516 officially reported cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection in 22 countries. WHO is coordinating the global response to human cases and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.

India has no confirmed cases of swine flu. All Indian ports and airports are on alert. All air passengers are screened. Road entry points to the country are under surveillance. Necessary medicines are available. The government has four labs that can test for the virus. Private hospitals have been asked not to turn away suspected cases but to isolate the patients and inform government officials.

Government of India advises all its citizens to defer non-essential travel to the affected countries. People with the symptoms are advised to contact: Outbreak Monitoring Cell, National Institute of Communicable Diseases or call 011 23921401.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Swine flu update – Signs of swine flu ending

According to the report from WHO, there are 1085 confirmed cases of swine flu in 21 countries. In the absence of any effective vaccine for H1N1 virus, it advices precautionary measures to be taken so that the spread of the virus is controlled

India has no confirmed cases of swine flu. All Indian ports and airports are on alert. All air passengers are screened. Road entry points to the country are under surveillance. The government has four labs that can test for the virus. Private hospitals have been asked not to turn away suspected cases but to isolate the patients and inform government officials.

The mass communication media such as TV and radio should highlight the types of masks available and the efficiency of each of them to trap or stop the virus. The efficiency may vary depending on the filter type and the face-fit.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Swine flu update - Use fit-tested and efficient respirators for H1N1 virus

Swine flu spreads. As per the reports appeared in the media (WHO), there are 900 confirmed cases of Swine flu worldwide in 19 countries. The WHO may raise H1N1 outbreak alert to the highest level 6. Canada reported the world’s first case of the flu virus jumping to pigs to a human, a farm worker who visited Mexico.

Mexico has 506 cases plus 101 deaths, while USA has 226 cases plus 1 death. There are also news items which says hundreds of visitors quarantined at a hotel in Hong Kong after guests contract H1N1 virus. India has no confirmed cases of swine flu.

Meanwhile, news papers and TV show people wearing all types of respirators, face masks as precautionary measures. There are different types of respirators meant for different pollutants. For example particulate filters, such as High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters may not trap gaseous pollutants. The respirators should be fit-tested and disposable type and not to be reused/recycled.

The media should highlight the types of filters and the efficiency of each type of respirators to trap the virus. The efficiency may vary depending on the filter type and the fit.

Swine flu update

As per the reports appeared in the media (WHO), there is 67% rise in the confirmed cases of swine flu (H1N1 flu) since last Friday. Lab-confirmed positive cases rose to 615 in 15 countries, Maxico with 397 cases followed by USA with 141 cases. India is supposed to be still flu-free country.

Airline passengers and the airline staff members are asked to keep strict vigilance on the passengers with suspected flu symptoms.

Mumbai city is prepared to handle swine flu cases, says the Director General of Maharashtra Health services. The current status of preparedness reported in terms of stocks is: Drug (10,000 capsules of Oseltamivir); 1,000 personal protective equipments, and 5,000 triple layer masks. The Haffkine institute, Mumbai is asked to stay prepared for any confirmatory tests.

One wonders whether such meagre preparedness is adequate to handle swine flu cases if it enters a crowded city like Mumbai? It is reported that the communicability of the flu is from day one to day seven after the onset of symptoms. Mass media such as television and radio should be utilised by the Health Ministry at State and Central level to broadcast the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of swine flu cases in the cities.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

India wakes up to Swine flu threat

Swine flu the name being given to the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus, which is a mutated virus that has parts of swine, avian and human flus. It is also the name commonly given to the strain of more common influenza that usually infects pigs. It is caused by type A influenza viruses and there are many different types of swine flu. While humans do not catch the more common forms of swine flu, this current strain of the H1N1 virus does infect humans because during mutation it was combined with parts of a human flu virus. The virus is supposed to have originated from Mexico.

Experts believe it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu - through coughing and sneezing. The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of a regular human seasonal influenza infection such as fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that the swine flu is spreading among humans. The WHO declared a pandemic alert level 5 (out of six) for the swine flu. This is not good news for travel and hospitality sectors. International flights are being cancelled and tours/travels are being postponed.

In India, Health Ministry declared that it is ready with the control and containment measures. Surveillance and vigilance in airports are in place for any signs of passengers affected by Swine flu. As on today, the officials said that there is no swine flu case in India. The government is in touch with the pharma companies to produce adequate quantity of antidotes for the virus. The government has decided to stockpile three million doses of “Tamiflu”, the only known effective drug against the virus. The hospitals are ready with the necessary preparedness to handle affected persons.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

World Cancer Day - New Thinking Needed for Cancer Crisis

World Cancer Day, marked each year on February 4, aims to raise awareness of the global cancer burden and inspire greater effort to fight the disease. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosted a special World Cancer Day event at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), Vienna, Austria.

Latest figures from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) show that by 2010 cancer will have overtaken cardiovascular disease to become the world´s number one killer. According to IARC´s World Cancer Report for 2008, there were more than 12 million new cancer cases worldwide last year alone. Because people in developing countries are now living longer and adopting western lifestyles, including more tobacco use and high-fat diets, cancer numbers are increasing dramatically and many cancer patients have little or no access to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Incidence is rising so rapidly that by 2030 there could be as many as 27 million people with cancer and 17 million cancer deaths annually, more than 70% of them in the developing world. The IAEA is urging a vigorous, collaborative approach such as Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT), towards fighting the disease in poorer countries that are least able to cope with the worsening cancer crisis.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

CO2 Threats to World´s Oceans Rising, Scientists Warn

In Monaco, scientists at the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories (IAEA-MEL) have joined more than 150 experts from 26 countries calling for urgent actions to halt rising levels of acidity in the world´s oceans. Marine scientists warn that coral reefs are in danger from climate changes and ocean acidification. Most ocean regions could become inhospitable to coral reefs by 2050 if atmospheric CO2 levels continue to increase.

The leading scientists joined to back the Monaco Declaration on Ocean Acidification, directed at government leaders worldwide. The Declaration emphasizes that levels of acidity in oceans are accelerating and that the negative socio-economic impacts can only be limited by cutting back on the amounts of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.

The ocean absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere at a rate of more than 20 million tons per day, thus removing one-fourth of the anthropogenic CO2 emitted to the atmosphere each year and reducing the climate-change impacts of this greenhouse gas. However, when CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid. As this "ocean acidification" continues, it decreases both ocean pH and the concentration of carbonate ion, the basic building block of the shells and skeletons of many marine organisms. Surface ocean pH has already dropped by 0.1 units since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

It could lead to substantial changes in commercial fish stocks, threatening food security for millions of people as well as the multi-billion dollar fishing industry. The issue looks graver in comparison to the climate change.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

"Big brother" Obama – India better watch out

"Big brother" Barack Obama took over as 44th President of United States of America. His inaugural speech gave much hope to everybody. He wants to change America and the world. Can he undo what harm Bush did to America and to the third world? Indian TV channels and press gave unprecedented coverage to the inaugural ceremony and highlighted his promises to the American people and to the world.

From Indian context, Obama raised Kashmir issue which was uncalled for. One has to see what will happen to the much hyped Indo-US nuclear deal. Any additional conditions to operationalize the deal will not be in the interest of India. USA needs Pakistan’s support to curb terror and Talabanism in Afghanistan. Again, like previous US Presidents, Obama also will fall for the Pakistan’s blackmail, and dole-out billions of dollars to Pakistan, which ultimately will be used by Pakistan to sponsor terrorism in India. India better watch out.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Underage driving - Global problem

One of the Indian news paper dailies has started a campaign against underage driving prevalent is the cities like Mumbai. A lot of comments/opinions were published, mostly against the driving of two wheelers. This is a global problem with the youngsters.

In short, the children go for the rash driving just for the thrill of it. The favorite heroes do the thrills in the films is the major single factor responsible for the juvenile offence. The children get driving license easily, even without going to the transport authorities (RTO), through obliging driving schools or agents for a small amount of money by bribing the driving–test inspectors at RTO. Corruption is rampant in RTO offices. The offence is normally carried out during night time, in fast roads such as Palm Beach Marg, Navi Mumbai. These speed demons drive the vehicles dangerously, often without helmets, resulting in accidents. Innocent lives are lost due to this misadventure.

Parents may or may not be aware of the adventures of their children or, simply do not bother. They don not have time to be proactive and discuss the issues bothering their wards. The penalty by prosecution is paltry and is not serving as deterrent. There are opinions expressed, to impose life-time penalty on parents, the underage driver, and confiscate the vehicles. Vigilant parents and traffic police, and continued appeals against underage/rash driving in the media/TV by the film actors will go a long way in controlling such incidents.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Mumbai Marathon-2009

Congratulations to Mumbaites, over 40,000 of them participated in the Standard Chartered Bank and TCS organized Mumbai Maraton-2009 today (18/01/2009). This is the first major public event, post 26/11, which again shown the true Mumbai spirit and unity. In this well-organized, 6th Annual event, young, old, handicapped and national/international players, including bigwigs from business and entertainment sector participated without any inhibition. Total prize money is around US$250,000.

However, the majority of the participants are not running for prize but for promoting various social issues such as tribute to the 26/11 terror victims in Mumbai, girl child’s education and for the benefit of less-privileged population. The event was conducted in three categories: Full marathon (42km), Half-marathon (21km), Dream Run (6km) and Wheel Chair run. The marathon began and ended at CST (26/11 terror attack site). Over 3,000 policemen provided the security cover. The focal theme was PEACE. Kenya’s Kenneth Mugura won the marathon. The winners of the Half-marathon are: Surinder Singh (men) and Kavita Raut (women).

The event succeeded in proving AGAIN that nothing can change the success of “Unity in Diversity” concept in Mumbai. Media coverage however, looked more like “paid to promote business and entertainment bigwigs” rather than the true spirit of the marathon and the actual participation. Media, as usual, either do too little or too much, but not in moderation!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Are Pak nukes are secure?

Nuclear-armed Pakistan, under the present circumstances of uncertain political leadership in Pakistan should not be taken lightly. Pakistan’s National Security Advisor, who was a close confident of President Zardari was sacked. This shows the existing rift between the President and the Prime Minister Gilani who seems to be now closer to the army than to the President. Control of nuclear weapon systems with the army (General Kiyani) is not strategically desirable for India. America is going soft on Pakistan for its own reasons in Afghanistan. Any move from Indian side to snap all ties with Pakistan should be considered only after taking into account all the consequences, and Indian preparedness to respond quickly to nuclear terrorism.

It is time that the United Nations and countries like America, France, UK and Russia should sit together and decide on a plan of action so that the Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is in civilian hands and are secure. An unstable and “talibanized” Pakistan possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a threat to the whole world.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Corruption is the Cause of India’s misery

It is reported by Anti-Corruption Bureau that inspite of the existing Anti-Corruption Law, corruption is rampant in government departments. In a comparative statement of registered cases in 2008, the police department is topping the list followed by Revenue department and Civic bodies. The country, infested with such corrupt officials can never dream of becoming world super-power. It is unfortunate but seems to be true that everybody in India has a price tag. No personal ethics. No national pride!

The reported numbers are only a tip of the iceberg. Everyone is afraid of the possible worst consequences of providing “specific information” about the corrupt officials with “extra-lavish” life styles. Let there be a group of citizens, who can be authorized to expose such corrupt officials, or catch them red-handed, by posing as a “common man” to get the work done in the government departments such as revenue, police, traffic, rationing, registration of housing societies, departments of electricity and water supply. It is a simple solution, but no body will do it because corruption is the way of life in India.