FIRST OPINION

More surgical oncologists needed in India

2012-02-15T02:46:00.000-08:00

There is pathetic dearth of cancer specialists in India. As per the report from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, submitted to Medical Council of India, all cancer institutes in the country produce merely 45 surgical oncologists in a year!

Cancer is projected to be major killer globally by 2025. About 5.5 lakh people die of cancer every year and over 8 lakh Indian are diagnosed with cancer annually.

In view of the above numbers and the Indian population, will this number of cancer experts produced annually is adequate?

Touch-screen hazards

2012-02-13T05:35:00.000-08:00

These days almost everything needs to be touched to start working!

Be it the ATMS, billing counter at the malls, the mobiles, laptops, cameras, tea/coffee machines, portable media players, games and what not. Everyone also knows that our fingers, particularly when we are out of our homes are unclean and are germs infested. Every new thing created these days involve touch screen usage and hence everyone is spreading dangerous germs and viruses around since they all have to use touch screens almost everywhere during the course of the day. Children are spending more and more time playing indoors, using touch screens.

It is reported that the ATMs are even more germ infested than public toilet seats!

It should be now everybody’s concern: How to manage this serious hazard of possible world-wide increase in the contagious diseases like TB and other infections being spread by the unclean and ubiquitous touch screens? Is there a way out?

Climate breakthrough at Durban

2011-12-12T02:46:00.000-08:00

The climate talks at Durban ended with the participating countries agreeing to a new global climate change regime which will come into force from 2020. For the first time the world's biggest polluters China, the US, India and Brazil have all agreed to move towards a single pact by 2015 and it will take effect in 2020. India has emerged as a leader of the developing countries and was part of the centre-stage of the negotiations.

The new accord would put all the countries under binding commitments to control greenhouse gases (GHGs) to keep the global temperatures in check. India’s major demand of equity has found space again in the negotiations and secures 10 years of economic development space without binding commitments.

The Kyoto Protocol (second phase) will continue to be in force beyond 2012. Currently, only industrial countries have legally binding emissions targets under the Kyoto agreement. Until now, only 37 developed countries and the European Union have committed to binding emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol. However, not much action has been taken by the developed countries to reduce emissions under the Protocol.

The conference also agreed that developed countries would contribute to a global fund worth $100 billion a year designed to help the developing nations cut emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. The details of the fund are yet to be worked out. The funding is urgently needed to support poor people to adapt to impacts of climate change that they are experiencing now.

Comment: Failing to make progress by all the countries will leave the world increasingly exposed to the risks that rising sea levels, increasing temperatures and more severe storms pose to our environment and economy. The situation is going to be dangerous.

Radioactive Cesium in baby food - Fukushima

2011-12-06T23:02:00.000-08:00

It is reported that radioactive Cesium (probably 137Cs) is found in milk powder (baby food) to the level of 30.8 Bq/kg. The limit set by the Japan’s Health Ministry is 200 Bq/kg. In terms of mass, the permissible amount works out to be 6.2 x 10-11 (ten to the power minus 11)g per kg of the milk food, i.e., about hundred times lower than one-billionth of a gram)!

Since, the SI unit to express the amount of radioactivity is Becquerel (Bq) is a very small unit, the numbers look big. In terms of the classical unit of Curie, the permissible amount of 200 Bq/kg works out to be just over 5 nanoCurie/kg (nano = 10-9 (ten to the power minus nine);means one-billionth).

Radioactive Cesium (137Cs/134Cs) and Strontium (89Sr/90Sr) are the radioactive elements found in the environment following any reactor accidents.

Since radioactivity measurement systems are so much advanced that we are able to detect and measure such low levels which were earlier treated as below detectable limits (BDL)!

Why ban plastic carry bags?

2011-12-05T03:36:00.000-08:00

Plastic material has unique and useful properties compared to other materials that, over the years, it has contributed greatly to improve the quality of our lives. Plastics are used in packaging, clothing, toys, housing, automobiles, aircraft, electronics, signs, recreation items, and medical implants to name but a few of their many tailor-made applications.

Plastics are generally made up of hydrogen and carbon, chemically inert and not degradable in the environment. Hence they do not cause any harm to the environment and health. One of the very important properties of plastic is it is recyclable. There are various technology options available for recycling.

Ban on the manufacture, sale and storage of all kinds of plastic bags (in some states) is not justifiable. In fact, the increased demand for the cellulose-based paper bags will only increase the destruction of forests which is not acceptable.

What we need in India today is enforcement of existing laws to prevent indiscriminate littering of plastic material, organized collection and segregation of plastic materials and strict regulatory control on the recycling units.

The country has all the required laws in place, but implementation of the laws is pathetic. Do not ban the use of plastic bags. Plastic is a wonderful material.

Unsafe Pakistani Nukes?

2011-12-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

News pouring-in from different countries indicates that the Pakistani nuclear weapons may not be safe as we all assumed to be. It is reported that the weapons are being moved from place to place in unsafe civilian vans to avoid detection by US. Global nuclear watch dogs also of the opinion that the Pakistan surged ahead of India in terms of nuclear war heads and the country is now building small tactical nuclear weapons for quick deployment. In case of any serious difference of opinion occurring between the Pak Army Chief and the President, it is likely that the control over the war heads may be loosened resulting in the nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of terror groups.

The Prime Minister of India while addressing the country’s top military brass cautioned about the possibility of the Jihadis gaining access to the Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and also getting to know how to make “Dirty Bombs” using nuclear materials. The scenario is frightening.

India needs to be prepared for appropriate responses to deal with these situations and should build its own capabilities to stand on its feet whenever, required, said the Prime Minister.

The concerned agencies should demonstrate to the public the existence of such capability and is workable.

The Indian Human Organ Transplant Act-1994

2011-12-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

The Act has laid down certain rules and regulations to be followed for human organ transplant. These are made to prevent any possible misuse of the organ transplant procedure.

The transplantation of an organ from one body to another is known as the organ transplant. The demand for organs from patients with organ failures is increasing day by day. There acute shortage of organs made available by willing donors. Rich patients, somehow mange to buy the organs illegally from the grey market (ex, the infamous kidney bazaar). There are other legal sources such as organ retrieval centers where organs from brain-dead patients and cadaver donors are retrieved and sent to the organ transplant hospitals. The number of organ transplantation cases is very meager as compared to the demand. Very urgent action is required by the government and NGOs to improve the situation.

1. Bring-in awareness amongst the public to promote organ donation.
2. Cut down Red-Tape by providing early clearances like NOCs from the authorities such as police (in case of accident victims) for organ retrieval.
3. Set up more numbers of Organ Retrieval Centers in strategic locations to facilitate timely retrieval of organs.
4. Train/Qualify more number of doctors to increase the availability of the doctors for organ retrieval operations.
5. Once organ is made available, the decision/permission by appropriate Hospital Committees should be given quickly on application for transplantation.

Organ transplantation is a boon to the patients who would have died otherwise due to failure of their organs such as eyes, kidney, liver and pancreas. Stop illegal trafficking of organs and streamline the organ transplant system in India so that more and more members of the public will register themselves as organ donors.

Will climate change wait for the results of Durban talks?

2011-11-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

Durban Climate 2-weeks long talks started today. This is the international fight against climate change and the fight is between 195 countries (developed and developing countries) to ensure firm time-bound commitment from all countries to reduce GHG emissions. The developed countries do not agree to reduce the continuing large scale emissions from their countries. However, the countries are trying hard to impose binding, disproportionate and unjust green house gas (GHG) emission cut targets on developing countries by 2015.

Any development needs energy, in large quantities. It is natural that the developed countries in their attempt to progress through industrial development use fossil fuel which emits CO2, a dominant GHG during generation of electricity. Coal and gas being easily available (as of now) are extensively used for the generation of power. China emits 6.8 billion tones of CO2, followed by US (5.8 billions), EU (4.3 billions), Russia (1.7 billions) and India (1.5 billions). Any emission cuts will only hamper further developments in countries like India. The recent report indicates that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2010, with carbon dioxide, in particular, exceeding 389 parts per million (ppm).

The Durban talks should persuade the developed countries to reduce their emissions and allow the developed countries to develop further. Let the developed countries be supported financially and technologically to minimize the emissions.

Even then, do we have a chance to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels? It is already late!

Will the LNT Controversy ever be solved?

2011-09-15T03:47:00.001-07:00

There is that assumption by the Safety Organizations that the cancer incidence is directly proportional to the exposure to the cancer causing agent. That is Linear No-Threshold (LNT)approach. Radiation is a mild carcinogenic agent.

In reality, everyone knows that the cancer can be caused by multiple reasons, both chemical, physical and biological. There are animal research findings which show existence of a threshold, particularly at low radiation doses.

In that case, do we have to worry about small exposures (say, within the acceptable limits recommended by the ICRP) to radiation received by the occupational workers?

Follow the link below for more on the LNT Controversy.

http://www.expresshealthcare.in/inimaging2011jul/inimaging2011july09.shtml

Volume of Arctic ice shrank to record low in 2010 - Global Warming Effect?

2011-09-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

The total volume of Arctic sea ice shrank last fall to the smallest amount ever observed during the age of satellites, according to a new study that used ultra-sophisticated computer modeling program that incorporates ocean observations, submarine data, and space-age monitoring. The study was carried out by a team of scientists at the Polar Science Center of the University of Washington. Sea ice volume is an important climate indicator. The melt season for Arctic sea ice climaxes each September or October.

As of July 17, 2011, Arctic sea ice extent was 7.56 million square kilometers (2.92 million square miles), 2.24 million square kilometers (865,000 square miles) below the 1979 to 2000 average. Typical results show that one-year-old sea ice in the Beaufort Sea (north of Canada/Alaska) is about 20-30 cm thinner this year than in the two previous years. In 2009 the ice thickness was 1.7 m on average, in 2010 it was 1.6 m and in 2011 it is around 1.4 m. Queries are raised as to how long this thin one-year-old sea ice will survive?

The research shows worrisome picture of rapid climate change at the top of the world that could see the Arctic Ocean ice-free within decades and a faster rise in sea levels.

Why pick on nuclear industry?

2011-04-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

Over the last 4 decades, 150 fatalities reported due to radiation exposures. Compared to this, millions and millions of people world-wide are dying on the roads, other industrial accidents, natural calamities, tobacco, pollution, diseases lie AIDS, TB and hunger. On the cigarette pack, it is clearly written that “Tobacco causes caner” or “Tobacco kills”, but still consumption of tobacco is increasing!

Why pick on nuclear? Let media be educated first! The Tsunami which killed over 13,000 thousand people and resulted in 14,000 people missing is almost forgotten and the nuclear leak in Fukushima plant in Japan, which may cause cancer to some of exposed people after 10 to 20 years is making front-page news and breaking news day-after-day! Why? Why people can not see the risks and benefits in proper perspective? The unnecessary media publicity will “kill” the nuclear industry!

One good reason I can think of is lack of awareness about the radiation, its hazard and benefits amongst the general public, the media, politicians and bureaucrats. Even the so-called well-educated people lack the awareness about radiation. The explosions of the two Atom Bombs over Japan in 1945 have made very bad impact on the perception of anything nuclear in the minds of people. Governments, world-over are simply not able to convince the public about the need of accepting nuclear energy, without any bias, for the benefits in the areas of medicine, industry for power production and agriculture. Definitely, we need nuclear power which is clean and safer than other options.

Indian census – child sex ratio is pathetic

2011-04-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

The latest, 2011 India census data has pegged India’s population to 1.21 billion which is 17.6% more than the last decade.

The data also paints a grim picture of child sex ratio which has gone down to 914:1000, the lowest since 1947. The two earlier census, i.e., in 1991 and 2001 has shown sex ratios of 927:1000 and 933:1000 respectively in the Indian population. The child sex ratio was 976:1000 in the census of 1961. Sex ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand males. It is an important and useful indicator to assess relative excess of deficit of men or women in a given population at that point of time.

Incidentally, Haryana State in India has developed districts such as Gurgoan and Sonipet with low child sex ratios of 853:1000 and 861:1000 respectively. The lowest sex ratio in the state is 774:1000 in Jhajjar. It is pathetic to say the least! Sex ratio is found to be better among backward classes and the poor.

Sex differentials can be due to difference in mortality rate, migration, sex selective abortion, etc. This is of grave concern as the country is already grappling with gender discrimination and female foeticide/infanticide issues.

The outcome of such a terrible imbalanced situation can be increased number of rapes, increased prostitution, increase in the sexually transmitted diseases, increased number of divorces and for a common man: increased difficulty in finding girls for marriages. Ladki Kanhase Ayegi?

Historic judgment – Passive Euthanasia is legalized in India

2011-03-08T00:04:00.000-08:00

In a historic judgment, Supreme Court of India has given a legal sanction for passive Euthanasia. Passive Euthanasia is withdrawal of life-support system or life-sustaining drugs for patients who are brain-dead or in a permanent vegetative state, and whom doctors have lost hope of reviving even with the most advance medical aid. However, the permission for passive euthanasia can be given by only High Courts. The court rejects Active Euthanasia, where lethal drug is injected in to the patient to induce death.

This is a good move indeed. As such, there is no law in India on the issue, and for the time being, courts have to lay down the procedures.

The Supreme Court also recommended to the government to do away with the Section 309 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) under which attempt to suicide is punishable. The court said that: A person attempts suicide in depression, and hence needs help, rather than punishment. The government should speedily change the law.

International Women’s Day

2011-03-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

Today, March 8 is the International Women’s Day. Men who have women in any avatar – mother, wife or sister – by their side are lucky. “When time comes”, it is well known that women are much stronger than men in almost all areas! Surprising? But it is a fact. Today’s women are empowered.

Happy Women’s Day.

Challenges of global warming – French wines

2011-03-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

The steady rise in global temperatures is threatening vineyards around Bordeaux that produce some of the most esteemed and expensive wines on earth. Higher temperatures cause grapes to ripen earlier, and summer droughts are detrimental to the vine's growth process. The consequences of global warming are already being felt. Harvest season already comes ten days earlier than before in almost all wine regions, says the experts.

Grape growers began to notice unusual patterns above-and-beyond the region's unpredictable weather nearly three decades ago, well before scientists began to sound the climate change alarm. Experts say that the region may be unsuitable for wine-growing by 2050. Winegrowers are already switching to heat-resistant grape varieties as a precaution.

Not everyone is aware that wine production also emits large quantities of CO2, the main gas responsible for climate change. The greenhouse gas, CO2 is produced by fermenting grapes. Efforts are on to trap, convert the CO2 into something solid and store it deep underground.

If every industry thinks the same way - to trap the GHG emissions and store them instead of releasing into the environment - we can delay the onset of climate change a little more.

Cadaveric Organ Transplants - India

2011-02-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

Human organ donation has not yet made significant progress in India in-spite of population of over 1 billion people. It is reported that annually, while over 100,000 Indians suffer from End Stage Renal Disease, only a mere 3,000 are recipients of a donor kidney, of which only a small percentage are cadaver organs. In fact, the total number of patients who have received cadaver kidneys in India from 1995 to 2003 is only 524, an abysmally small figure.

Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 was passed by the Government in 1994 to streamline various organ donations and transplant activities in the country. The aims of this act was to: Regulate removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes; prevent commercial dealings in organs, and accept brain death and make it possible to use these patients as potential organs donors.

The Human Organ Transplantation Act has legalized the concept of brain death for the first time in India. Since the passing of the legislation in India, it has become possible to undertake organ transplants from brain dead donors. However, relatives of the potential donors need to be educated about the futility of keeping brain dead accident victims 'alive'. Armed Forces of India has shown the way by performing 300 cadaveric kidney transplants in 2010. This should inspire ordinary people in India to opt to donate organs after their deaths.

New Year Greetings

2011-01-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

I wish all my fellow bloggers and readers:

A Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year – 2011

I would like to see India (minus corruption and poverty) a fully developed country and not a chronic developing country.

icareforyou

Accept binding emission cuts and save the world-Cancun Climate Summit

2010-12-10T02:50:00.000-08:00

India is still considered as a developing country. In Cancun climate Change Summit, India indicated that it is not averse in accepting legally binding emission cuts in anytime in the future. As per the Kyoto Protocol, only the developed countries are required to take emission cuts. However, the US was averse to accept the mandate and in fact, persuading developing countries like India and China to take on the commitments for emission reduction.

It is obvious that the large emerging economies like China and India are going to add considerable amount of Green House Gases (GHG) into the environment in the process of further industrialization and poverty alleviation measures. Due to the large population the emission per-capita GDP may be much smaller as compared to the developed countries, but the total emissions are going to be considerable.

Considering the climate change concerns of many small island nations, it is appropriate that all nations, including US, India and China should be more flexible and workout a realistic and legally binding emission cuts so that the potential environmental impacts of the climate change, such as floods, sea level rise, bio-diversity losses, reduced food production, etc are considerably reduced. Fossil fuel-based power plants should be replaced by environmental-friendly clean energy sources such as solar, wind and nuclear. Save the world from watery grave for some more years.

Laptops – no good for male reproductive health

2010-11-10T02:15:00.000-08:00

There is a report which says : keeping lap tops on lap during it’s use is dangerous for the reproductive health of men, even with a lap pad under the computer. The rise in temperature around the scrotum rises above the level considered safe for the sperm production. According to the American Urological Association report, nearly one in six couples in the US have trouble in conceiving!

This is an important piece of information which needs to be given good coverage and the manufacturers of laptops should be educated in this aspect. Governments should take notice of this massive potential public health hazard. Laptop should be used on desktop?

International Youth Day

2010-09-08T03:07:00.000-07:00

This year´s International Youth Day, 12 August 2010, marked the beginning of the International Year of Youth, which runs from 12 August 2010 to 11 August 2011. The Year aims to promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity across generations, cultures, religions and civilizations.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opened its doors for providing information and answering questions from youth, and information booth is set up for the purpose in the Vienna International Centre (VIC), at the UN headquarters, Vienna. The IAEA has been playing an important role in providing information on the numerous peaceful uses of nuclear applications, on nuclear security and safeguards.

Food Allergy Warnings

2010-08-02T03:11:00.000-07:00

ISO 22000 is the Standard developed by International Organization for Standardization dealing with food safety and hotels with this certification is supposed to have an allergen policy. These hotels are required to put-up a list of allergens on the Food Counters and on the Menu. Many people around the globe are allergic to many food items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, and on consumption of these items the persons are likely to develop serious health problems which lead to fatality.

It is essential that the people are aware of the ingredients in the food they are consuming. Allergy warnings need to be displayed on the food packages.

In India, majority of people are not yet sensitized about the food allergy or food intolerance aspects. Due to lack of understanding, they consume the food items containing the allergens in eateries and fall sick. Even the general physicians may not have sufficient knowledge to treat such patients. It is time that we should wake up to this reality, create database on food allergens and sensitize common man and the doctors about the allergens and management of the affected patients.

Euthanasia to be legalized?

2010-06-29T01:42:00.000-07:00

It is like doctor-assisted suicide by brain-dead and terminally ill patients. As on today, it is not permitted by law in many countries, since suicide is an illegal act.

In Europe, things are changing with regard to the issue of terminally ill patients asking for dignified death. Some of the countries like Belgium, Switzerland and now Germany have approved euthanasia with the consent of the patient. Now, in those countries, it is not a crime to cut off life-sustaining treatment for such a patient. It is now easier for people to allow their loved-ones to die instead of allowing them to suffer silently. This of course, also saves a lot of money in terms of hospital and medical bills and most importantly would end the metal agony of the relatives and friends of seeing their loved-ones suffer the pain.

But, what about the possible misuse of the law in connivance with the doctors? Who all can decide to go for euthanasia? Does patient himself should make a will, or should give the necessary consent in writing? These are the issues which should be addressed through legislation. Such patients can also be persuaded to donate their organs for the needy. It sounds a little cruel though.

Medical care and radiation dose

2010-06-19T03:20:00.000-07:00

As per the reports published in the literature, the medical component of the per capita annual dose received by Indian population (1.93% of the annual dose) is much lower than the same received by the population from developed countries (11 to 14%). May be, the medical care aspect in India is not up to the level desired, but, the definitely the over-treatment or un-necessary use of diagnostic tools, like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs is not desirable.

The radiation exposures from man-made sources contribute only 0.4% (India) and 0.6% (world) to the average annual public dose.

The data brings to the focus that after natural radiation component (89% - world and 98% - India), medical care contributes maximum to the exposure of the public to radiation. Thus, over-treatment as practiced by the western world is not desirable. The physician should take a wise decision with respect to: the desirability of sending a patient for a scan or can the scan be avoided or can an alternate technique without radiation exposure can be recommended for diagnosis.

The use of radiation for the treatment of cancers is well known. However, indiscriminate use radiation can also induce cancer in healthy cells. Optimization of radiation dose should be the “mantra” in controlling medical exposures of patients.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions up – India

2010-05-12T02:57:00.000-07:00

It is reported that India government has revised the country’s GHG emissions estimates and assured itself that the per capita emissions is in the range of 1.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, which is way below the emissions of developed countries like US. Based on the data of 2007, the Indian emissions continued to rise due to rapid industrialization and stood at 1.73 billion tonnes of CO2 of carbon dioxide. This is around 1/5th of the emissions from US. About 38% of the total emissions are from electricity generation, followed by fossil fuel consumption in transport sector.

The continuing industrialization and rapid rise in the usage of fossil fuel in transport sector, it will be difficult for the country to maintain the present emissions rate. It will keep rising. The per capita emissions in India will always remain lower due to the billion plus Indian population.

May be, Indian government should consider, taking into account the projected future developmental activities, accepting the emission cuts suggested by Climate Summit at Copenhagen. Wherever possible, only clear technology should be adopted.

Ban on kid reality shows

2010-02-13T02:01:00.000-08:00

The national highest court, Supreme Court of India, is urged by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to order a ban on reality shows on television involving children and babies. This is urgently required in view of the stress and emotional disturbance caused by the competition in the shows. Children are not really matured to go through that type of emotional and cut-throat competition witnessed on television.

The amount of time spent away from the parents, the exploitation by the media, the pressure on the children to do their best and the glamorous environment to which the children are subjected over long periods of time are going to have severe adverse impact on the children. The sudden change in the life style is going to affect the young minds and will leave them confused socially.

The government should formulate appropriate act similar to Goa Children’s Act 2003 so that such exploitation by the media and often by the greedy parents themselves should be stopped. One should not tamper with their innocence.

CAT – Reduce the weightage from this academic year itself

2010-02-01T23:02:00.000-08:00

CAT is slowing losing its past glory by sheer mismanagement of the online Common Admission Test (CAT) this year. Added to this, is the news that many IIMs considering lowering the weightage given to the CAT results from 90 points to 50 points or less. This is a good move. Rightly, the IIMs are considering more weightage to class X and XII marks, work experience, the performance of the candidate in personal interview and group discussion.

Now, with regard to the retest conducted for about 2000 students: First of all, the retest should have been taken for all the candidates. Many candidates who had problems during the first test were not called for the retest. The criteria were not clear. Many who were called were not interested in giving the retest, and now it is said that the test papers were identical on some days in the subsequent two slots!

This is totally unfair situation to the candidates who appeared in the first test. The candidates who gave retests are definitely going to be benefited by this decision.

It is only fair to one and all that from this academic year itself, the weightage for the CAT marks should be brought down to 50% or less.

Global Warming: Finally, the Cat is out of the Bag.

2010-01-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

I have been writing all along (since Dec. 2007) that there is some thing seriously wrong in IPCC predictions on global warming. The much respected UN-led Intergovernmental Panel (IPCC) has been making tall and frightening claims linking the climate changes we are witnessing today to Global Warming. The IPCC wrongly linked the warming to hurricanes and floods.

Now, it is out that the IPCC predictions were based on unpublished research papers and there is goof-up in the Himalayan glacial melting predictions. In fact, a study shows that the glacier has gained 1.76 sq.km in the past four decades. Just now, world over, we are facing the most severe winter.

It is time that the climate change scientists should be issued global warning so that such false alarms are not raised just to be in the limelight.

Scientists inflated global warming scare!

2009-11-25T23:52:00.000-08:00

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.

BJP will never win from Navi Mumbai unless

2009-10-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Obama wins peace Nobel for nuclear disarmament

2009-10-12T03:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Climate Change – watery grave in the near future?

2009-09-29T03:24:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-09-17T03:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Mumbai slums

2009-09-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-02T02:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Tamiflu

2009-08-19T00:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – India

2009-08-14T01:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – India

2009-08-11T02:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – India

2009-08-09T00:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Indo-US nuclear deal – Who gained?

2009-07-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update

2009-07-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Quota system for college admission-discriminatory

2009-06-24T02:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update

2009-06-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update

2009-06-16T00:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update

2009-06-14T02:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Alert from phase 5 to 6

2009-06-12T01:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Current situation

2009-06-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Current situation

2009-06-04T03:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Current situation

2009-05-31T03:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Current situation

2009-05-19T03:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Current situation

2009-05-15T06:12:00.001-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Current situation

2009-05-12T23:01:00.001-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Current situation

2009-05-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Increased risk to HIV- infested

2009-05-07T02:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – International cooperation

2009-05-06T03:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Swine flu update – Signs of swine flu ending

2009-05-04T23:44:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-05-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T04:54:00.000-07:00

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.

India wakes up to Swine flu threat

2009-04-30T05:31:00.000-07:00

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.

World Cancer Day - New Thinking Needed for Cancer Crisis

2009-02-19T01:38:00.000-08:00

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.

CO2 Threats to World´s Oceans Rising, Scientists Warn

2009-02-12T03:10:00.000-08:00

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.

"Big brother" Obama – India better watch out

2009-01-21T02:02:00.000-08:00

"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.

Underage driving - Global problem

2009-01-20T01:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Mumbai Marathon-2009

2009-01-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

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!

Are Pak nukes are secure?

2009-01-15T01:05:00.000-08:00

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.

Corruption is the Cause of India’s misery

2009-01-02T03:38:00.000-08:00

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.

Stray dog culling – Good judgment

2008-12-20T02:47:00.000-08:00

The Bombay High Court ruled in a majority verdict that stray dogs which creates public nuisance can be killed. Good move indeed. The public was waiting eagerly for the judgment. Every nook and corner of Mumbai is infested by the stray dogs and because of the pending judgment (since 1999) nothing could be done. Only pets with proper licenses should be permitted in the city.

Millions of Rupees can be saved by stopping the “so-called” sterilization programs for the dogs by some NGOs. Now, the government need not spend another few millions in building Dog Shelters. The money can be spent on building kindergartens or schools for children and ensure quality healthcare for the rural population.

As per a 2008 census carried out by the BMC and the State Government (as reported in the press), there are 70,182 stray dogs in the Mumbai city and roughly 45,000 incidents of dog bites are reported each year! It is shocking.

If one can export meat (of goat, sheep and other animals) to other countries, why not export dog meat to some countries (where dog meat is a delicacy) and get some revenues?

Security for VIPs/VVIPS

2008-12-19T01:39:00.000-08:00

Common man in India is always under threat, either due to terrorists from out-side the country or political terrorists from inside the country. No security is provided for him, even if it is there, it is only on paper. The so-called VIPs or VVIPs s are: politicians, their relatives, film personalities, “goonda” elements, senior cops, judges, etc, etc. The security cover is given based on threat perception. The risk perception is decided by some “well-planned” threatening email or phone call or pre-fabricated attacks. There are different category types, X, Y and Z. Everyone is trying to get the Z or Zplus category, the highest type, where the VIP is protected by 55-250 security personnel! It has become a status symbol! At whose cost? Crores and Crores of tax payer’s money is spent on these fellows. One can watch politicians of the type Mayawati surrounded by an entourage of gun-wielding commandos.

There is an urgent need to review the necessity of the cover and the type. Only the minimum type of cover should be provided, that too with only lathis or condemned guns used by the policemen in Mumbai during the terror attacks. Anyway, the politicians are not seen around during the crisis of the kind witnessed recently in Mumbai. So what is need of providing them security cover? Only, the national leaders like Prime Minister and President should be made eligible for Zplus. Where ever possible, the protected should be made to pay, fully or partly, for the expenses incurred. The laws applicable to the terrorists should be made applicable to the political terrorism also. No security cover should be provided by the government for persons involved in political terrorism. Citizens need commandos to protect national properties and the common man.

Health care – pathetic in India

2008-12-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

The Indian Health Minister is doing all things except those which are directly related to his ministry, such as ban on smoking, and now try to stop consumption of alcohol. It is true that the tobacco smoke and alcohol are proved carcinogenic substances. For that matter, the exhaust of automobiles contains many carcinogenic organic compounds in it. The environmental concentrations of such chemicals in Indian cities are generally higher than the standards prescribed by environmental safety regulators. Cancer is poised to become the leading cause of death world-wide by 2010 as per the report by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Caner (IARC).

Health care statistics in India is reported to be pathetic. It is strongly felt that the minister should concentrate on health care centers in rural areas so that the medical care is available to the rural population, particularly women and children. There are acute shortage of health care centers, life-saving medicines, vaccines and even the doctors. Instead of concentrating on public image-building issues, the minister should improve the rural health situation and concentrate on health awareness programs.

Local politicians should be pressurized by the public to build hospitals instead of temples or mosques.

Life insurance coverage for deaths in clinical trials

2008-12-11T04:17:00.000-08:00

India is a booming market for Clinical trials by Pharmaceutical companies. Many potential drugs and vaccines are tried on infants and on the poor population. The population in general is not aware of the provisions and the regulatory aspects of the clinical trials. Who regulates the clinical trials in India? Drug Controller General of India? Recently, there were several deaths of infants due to faulty clinical trials. The corporate world and other concerned (?) authorities are insensitive to such tragic incidents. Medical ethics is totally missing in this highly lucrative business of clinical trials.

What we need today is transparency in the clinical trial business. The results and the contact details of the investigators should be properly and adequately documented for verification. What about the insurance cover for such clinical trial deaths or disabilities? There are many questions which need answers from the companies and the national regulators. There is an urgent need for building up public confidence.

India salutes martyrs – terrorist war on Mumbai

2008-11-28T21:49:00.000-08:00

The war on Mumbai by handful of terrorists is just over. India is in the process of saluting the heroes from armed forces, who laid their lives for Mumbai to live on. The best of the quotes came from a retreating NSG. To a question from a media person, he said “nothing is impossible for us”. That is the right spirit and every Indian should keep these words in mind. India salutes the martyrs. Unfortunately, Indian governments, past or present, never really tried to prevent or prepare for terrorist attacks in any seriousness.

Now at least, after the humiliation suffered in the hands of a few 20-year old terrorists, the governments should wake-up to seriously review and update the existing (if any) crisis infrastructure to meet this type of situations. Any preparedness made should be practicable with clear-cut assigned responsibilities for implementation in short notice. Indian coasts (over 8000 km) are potential infiltration points for terrorists. In addition to meeting the surveillance/physical barrier requirements of the shores, it is also necessary to hire services of “informers” (Kabri) in the coastal villages to report to the authorities any unusual activities on the shores. All the fishing boats should be registered with the police. Any complaints of missing boats should be verified. Locally elected Corporator should be made answerable for any unusual activities in his jurisdiction.

War on Mumbai – All the terrorists dead - after 57 hours!

2008-11-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

Indians world-over, are very angry with the political, administrative, and all the corrupt systems prevailing in the country, which is truly responsible for this national shame. Handful of terrorists has brought the country to its knees. The question is: From where the terrorists got the stock of arms/ammunitions to keep the NSGs at bay for 57 hours? For over 57 hours, more than a billion of Indians world-over, are watching the live-coverage with their heads down in shame. The political system is “impotent”.

The Indians are still taking all this shame lying down! All appreciated the Times-Now channel for refusing to entertain politicians visiting the terror sites showing lip-sympathy.

I strongly feel that for next three days, all the media (press & TV) should boycott completely all the speeches the sympathies likely to be expressed by these politicians. These are purely vote catching gimmicks which on one should not support. How the government at Delhi can have talks with the perpetrators of the very crimes, that too at the time it is being committed on Indian soil? It is a shame. However, the Indians should be proud of their armed forces. They should feel safe only in the hands of their elite NSGs. Hats-off to them.

These types of situations are likely to occur in the future also. The need of the hour is to develop Crisis Infrastructure (as Ratan Tata says) to manage these types of emergency situations. The infrastructure should be in place at all levels - local, regional, state and national level, so that the consequences are kept to minimum. What can not be prevented - be prepared for.

Congratulations Obama, You have made history

2008-11-05T04:56:00.000-08:00

Obama will be the 44th President of United States of America. Most of the nations in the world are happily welcoming the great winner who will also be the first Black President of USA. As everybody said “Any thing is possible in America”.

Now, from Indian context, one has to see the fate of the Nuclear Deal with US, which was signed very recently. Whether Obama will call for a review of the conditions of the deal?

What happens to the outsourcing of jobs to the countries like India.? Obama declared that he wants to create more jobs for the Americans. How? As it looks, the country may need support system from Asian countries to tide over the financial crisis and the on-going recession condition.

One would know when the dust settles down.

Voting age – 16 years

2008-09-27T03:58:00.000-07:00

A voting age is a minimum age established by law that a person must attain in order to be eligible to vote in a public election. The vast majority of countries in the world have established a voting age considering that those of an age lower than the chosen threshold lack the necessary capacity to independently decide how to cast a vote. The voting age is often of such importance that it is set by means of a constitutional provision.

In the past, voting age used to be 21. In the 1970s, widespread reform led to a reduction to 18 in a large number of countries. As of now, the voting age across the world is typically 18. In some countries, however, the voting age is different depending upon whether the person is married, employed or educated. In some countries, at 16, one can choose a career and pay taxes, leave home, join the armed forces, and make lots of decisions about one’s future. At 16, persons were taught how to become citizens but they are denied the chance to put it into practice.

Debate is currently underway in many countries on proposals to reduce the voting age below 18, in view of the availability of vast knowledge base, such as internet at early age, and increased exposure of the young ones to the outside world. In order to encourage young people to take part in democracy and take crucial decisions on the destiny of their country, the basic right of the citizens should not be denied beyond the age of 16 years. Recently, Austria set an example by lowering the voting age to 16 years. For that matter, the eligibility to get a driving license should also be lowered to 18 years.

Bio-fuel policy - India

2008-09-11T03:16:00.000-07:00

Government of India is planning to discuss in the cabinet the bio-fuel policy, by which a National Bio-fuel Coordination Committee headed by the Prime Minster himself. The high power committee is expected to give the necessary impetus to support the growth of this sector hoping to serve about 10% of the total transport fuel demand through bio-fuels by 2017. Many countries now use a mix of fossil fuel and bio-fuel from environmental considerations. Oil is also becoming dearer by the day.

The other side of the story is not very encouraging. Right now, the world is going through a phase of acute food shortage. The bio-fuel crops are grown in preference to the food crops in view of the better monetary gains. Corn crops are diverted to make bio-fuels, mainly ethanol.

There should be regulatory infrastructure to over-see the bio-fuel production, pricing and supply across different states in the country. Government should ensure that farm land should not used to produce crops for bio-fuels. Food crops should be given priority over the production of bio-fuel crops. Already the countries like US are blaming India for food shortage world-wide. It is wise to watch the situation for a while before India joins the controversial bio-fuel band-wagon in a big way.

Thank god – India won an individual gold medal in Olympics!

2008-08-11T03:15:00.000-07:00

Every Indian will be proud today that Mr. Abhinav Bindra won a first ever individual Olympic gold medal for India, in 10 m air rifle shooting at Beijing. Congratulations Abhinav.

It took a few decades for India to get one individual medal in Olympics!!
As it looks, Indian sports scenario is pathetic and stagnant for years. There is a Sports Ministry at the Centre and a ministry in every state. India has won gold medals in hockey several times earlier and this time, India could not even qualify to take part in the games! Mr. Suresh Kalmadi is sitting over the Indian Olympic Association now for years! He only talks rubbish. No action. India with more than a billion people could not produce a few good athletes to bring glory to the country in international sports? India should learn something from China.

There are several reasons: corruption at all levels, favoritism, regionalism, etc, etc. The governments are not serious enough to focus on competitive sports. Money is spent on officials traveling world-wide to study the facilities existing elsewhere! Heads of sports associations are immune to any changes. They behave like virtual dictators!

The only way is to change the system. The selection and decisions with regards to sports should be taken out of the government hands to some extent. The tenure of any sports-head should not be more than five years. Corporate houses should be encouraged to adopt one game to one corporate house basis. For example: Tatas can adopt Foot ball, Reliance – Athletics, Birlas – Hockey and the Indian Government can support Kabaddi, Kho-Kho like Indian games.

Let us hope somebody powerful at the top is reading this blog and do some thing.

China Olympics – Most spectacular show on earth

2008-08-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

Billions of people world-over, just witnessed the most spectacular show on earth, never witnessed before in any Olympics. The show is the inauguration of the Olympics Games in Beijing, China.

It was the excellent blend of Chinese past, the present and the future. The biggest asset of the country, i.e., the man power was used splendidly with color to give a superb visual display of Chinese cultural heritage, grit, discipline and determination to show the world their ultimate capability to excel. The Games opening show was witness by an unprecedented 80 Heads of State! The world fell in love with China.

The Bombay High Court judgment - no for late-abortion

2008-08-05T01:10:00.000-07:00

As per the existing Indian abortion laws on medical termination of pregnancy (MTP), the Bombay High Court judgment on refusal to abort 25-week old fetus baby with a congenital heart blockage is justified. It is a typical case of “Andha Kanoon”. It is high time that the government of India reviews all the laws, some of them are dating back to fifties and sixties so that the changes taken place over the years in the perceptions of right and wrong are addressed for.

In this case, the judgment is justified for the simple reason that the fetus is over 20 weeks old and the abnormality is related with the congenital blockage of arteries for which medical management is readily available in almost every Indian city. But, the same may not be applicable if the new-born is going to have a congenital severe mental or physical disability. In that case, the new-born will be too much burden on the family and the society in general. But, it amounts to mercy killing. Are we ready for it?

Dirty politics - India

2008-07-18T04:55:00.000-07:00

The political parties in India are engaged in hand-to-hand combat and using all unethical means to garner the support of MPs for the crucial trust vote in New Delhi. Betting community is busy. MPs are offered bribes in tens of crore rupees, offered ministerial posts, and anything they ask for! Six MP convicts who were jailed for serious charges are also being wooed by political parties! For a BJP MP who is bedridden and in pain, a special plane is sent to bring him to Delhi for the trust vote. Splinter political groups are demanding plum posts, positions and favours to their own people in the government departments. One party is demanding removal of Union Finance Minister, Minister for Petroleum and recall of some IFS officers, to vote for the existing government. Mayawati (UP Chief Minister) is offered nothing less than the Prime Ministerial post! Mayawati is the one who gave religious color to the nuclear deal! Suddenly she said the deal is "anti-muslim". Muslims were surprised as to why the deal is anti-muslim.

Indo-US Nuclear deal is forgotten for a while. Rightly, Left parties are being held responsible for the political mess India is in today.

Under such pathetic situations, whether it is really worth supporting any government at the centre? What sort of governance one can expect from such a bunch of people – called Members of Parliament?

India’s Energy Security

2008-07-17T04:09:00.000-07:00

According to the India government’s spokesman, 24 of the 35 nuclear power plants under construction in the world are in Asia. India has 6 nuclear plants under construction. Right now, India gets less than 3% of its electricity from nuclear. It is stressed that the Indo-US civil nuclear deal is necessary for guaranteeing India’s energy security. But, how?

As per the latest projections up to 2030 given in International Energy Outlook published by Energy Information Agency (EIA) of US Department of Energy, Nuclear power will contribute barely 5% of India’s total installed capacity of 398,000MW in 2030

The Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation and opening of the atomic energy to the private sector is going to change this scenario a bit. The estimate of 20,000 MW nuclear by 2017 would still constitute only 6.7% of the country’s total installed capacity. The EIS projections suggest that coal still remains the primary fuel for power accounting for over 43% in 2030. Fastest growth is projected for gas-based plants, providing one-third of the total capacity. The demand for the gas is estimated to be 114 billion cubic meter, of which sizable quantity of the natural gas would need to be imported. May be from Iran? India government should ensure that the nuclear deal with America should not affect the India-Iran relationship.

Un-authorized colleges?

2008-07-14T03:37:00.000-07:00

The All India Council of Technical Education recently published list 32 institutions in the Mumbai city that run unauthorized courses on it’s website (www.dte.org.in) as a warning to discontinue the courses or face action! This information was given in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed in 2005. These institutes are duping gullible students, offering them seats for a large amount of money.

Can somebody say what happens now to the students who unknowingly paid large amount of money and joined these institutes? will the degree awarded by these institutions be recognized? There are some names of so-called reputed institutes in the list. Who is regulating these educational institutes or coaching classes which are so expensive? Can the Education Ministry come forward and give convincing replies to these questions?

Hungry millions to feed

2008-07-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

There will be millions of hungry people around the world during the very near-foreseeable future. Reasons quoted are: the surging demand for quality food from the millions of prosperous, “bulging” middle class in India and China; increasing food prices and non-affordability of poor to buy the food items; discontinued export of food grains from these countries; us of farmlands for growing raw materials for bio-fuels in western and European countries; drop in food crop yields due to global warming and loss/wastage of food grains due to climate change disasters all over the world.

The immediate measures by governmental and other responsible agencies are required to boost food security particularly in poor nations. The agriculture sector should be bolstered with government and public investment to increase production of food crops, bio-fuel production should not be permitted in farm lands and finally, the public distribution system should be cleansed of corruption and upgraded so that the poor section of population is able to get the full benefit of the government subsidy.

Cop's dilemma

2008-06-17T03:52:00.000-07:00

Job of police personnel anywhere in the world is very demanding. The job is generally low paid and hence, there is large scale corruption in the profession. In countries such as India and Pakistan, they collect large amount of cash daily and the ill-gotten money is spent on clubs, drinks and other vices. There is always a fear of getting caught while receiving the bribe or when the money is spent beyond the expected means. There are very few police personnel who do not consume tobacco in some form or the other.

The work load on the policeman is too tiring and the waiting or the watching job is boring and often they are on duty for over 12 hours a day. Due to lack of enough sleep and proper exercise, they are prone to health problems like hypertension, diabetes, etc. Family life of a cop is genrally in a mess. Frustration and depression is commonly experienced by most of the police personnel. He feels that he is not wanted anywhere.

Above all these, the policeman has to work under political pressure and often against their wish. They can be transferred anywhere any time at the whims and fancies of the higher ups. At any level, they will not be able to work independently and without any bias or fear.

None is surprised when one hears about policeman committing suicide, shoots himself or shoots his superior. Finally, an award or a medal is bestowed, posthumously!

What actually a cop needs is a decent salary, a good work culture, timely rewards for good work done and compulsory exercise, yoga training and meditation facilities at workplaces.

Consumer's dilema - Improper storage of vaccines/medicines

2008-05-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

It is frequently reported in the Indian media that children die after vaccination and inoculation. On investigation of the samples from the batch shows nothing wrong with the vaccines. It is in everybody’s knowledge that there are frequent power failures all over the country, and the medicines/vaccines for the treatment/prevention of deadly disease such as small pox, typhoid are supposed to be stored under certain deep freeze temperatures. In the absence of 100% back-up power supply, the deep freeze requirement for storage might not have met. Financial implications take precedence over the ethical issue of knowingly not complying with the requirements.

It may be true that the main distributor of the medicines/vaccines is well equipped as per the requirement. But, what if the smaller stockiest /distributors who are not so well-equipped and may even be ignorant of the stringent requirement of low temperature for storage of these special medicines/vaccines.

It is the responsibility of the government department concerned to educate the concerned persons at various levels, including the end-user, inspect the storage facilities and ensure that the life-saving medicines/vaccines are stored under specified environmental conditions so as to ensure the safety of the consumer.

Global food crisis

2008-05-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

As per the published reports, there are 350 million people in India who are classified as middle class. This number is higher than the entire population of USA. The growing nutrition demand and the need of better quality food by this group of middle class population are some of the reasons quoted by US for the food shortage world wide. As such, the per capita food consumption by an American is five times higher than an Indian. There are already incidents of floods and draught in several regions’ claimed to be due to the global warming. Also, the evolution of bio-fuel policy in several countries are diverting the agricultural land for growing crops to produce bio-fuels, which yield better financial returns. Some of the food grains, like corn is used to produce ethanol, a gasoline substitute/mix to comply with the regulations of transportation fuel composition. Countries should stop producing fuel in competition with food.

Food reserves are falling down. Food price index has risen by over 40%. Today, we have additional requirement of food security to ensure feeding the millions in case of any large scale unexpected natural calamity occurring anywhere in the world.

PSLV launch - Congratulations

2008-05-02T03:16:00.000-07:00

The Indian-made four-stage Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launched 10 satellites at one go from Sriharikota, South India. Of the ten satellites, two are from India and the eight nano satellites belong to other countries. The total weight of the satellites was 820 kg. It is a great achievement and India thus becomes the second country in the world to do so. Russia launched 13 satellites in April 2007.

The concerned scientists need to be congratulated for the feat. In spite of the disappointing 6th Pay Commission recommendations, the scientists from the government laboratories have proved to be concerned more about the national prestige than the shrinking pay packet of the middle-level working officials.

There are concerns about the heavy traffic in space. It is reported that there are thousands of debris, related to the space activities moving around in the space, and the renewed apace activities world-wide will create apprehension amongst the public about the safety in space. The countries should also be ready with the emergency preparedness plans to handle any type of incidents in space which will affect the humans on earth. From global warming considerations, we are also burning a lot of fuel in space and discharging greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

Cheerleaders and cricket

2008-04-29T00:38:00.000-07:00

Cheerleaders, performing at the Indian IPL T20 cricket matches is a new trend in India. As usual, the self–styled moral brigade, purists, including some political parties are objecting to the performance as obscene. Their main hue and cry is against the scanty dresses worn by the cheerleaders. Too much exposure to young minds watching the cricket matches!

The cheerleaders are going to have designer look. They are likely to perform in the Hyderabad venue with designer’s dresses to fully cover their body. This is ridiculous and foolish by any standard. Women of glam, the stars, item-girls in reality shows are all performing more vulgar movements or dances and every one including the younger ones seem to be enjoying it. The media is full of the so-called vulgar display of women body. Naked men are shown on TV, advertising for branded under-wears, that too with their hard-on bulges! Why this extra-special opposition to the cheerleaders performing in the cricket matches? This type of moral policing by politicians should be stopped. There is no law to ban the performance of cheerleaders. If there is a law, then it should be applicable to Rakhi Sawant, Bipasa Basu, Malaika-Arora-Khan and Mallika Sheravat also.

Government freezes sex education

2008-04-25T03:31:00.000-07:00

The title above was one of the important headlines in one of the Indian well-read newspapers. The state government wanted to introduce the sex education in Standards IX to XI across Maharashtra State. The proposal remained controversial for long. There was lot of opposition from the legislators and elders for the move. It was felt that the education is against the cultural and social background of students in the state.

The opposing members are of the opinion that there is already a lot of awareness about sex among the school children. As such, the children are exposed enough through internet, magazines, news papers, HIV awareness programs, films and entertainment shows on the television. Additional sex education, which may promote avoidable sexual acts among teenagers, seems to be unnecessary. The members are now calling for a debate among experts and academicians on the issue. Parent Teacher Associations can play a major role to draw up an acceptable sex education syllabus for children of different age groups, keeping cultural diversity in mind. It is a tough job indeed.

There are many incidents reported on the atrocities on girl students by senior students and even by teachers. There are many parents advocating sex education in schools so as to empower the children with the knowledge of what constitutes sexual abuse and harassment, and make them understand what actions are unacceptable. The subject should be put in the right perspective so that the children should not hesitate to discuss the sex related issues with the parents.

Doctors on strike

2008-04-23T06:36:00.001-07:00

The resident doctors across the Maharashtra state went on strike protesting against the dip in the number of post-graduate seats. Patients thronging the public hospitals suffered the most due to the strike. Seats were reduced because some of the courses recognized by the state-level Medical Council are not recognized by the national Medical Council of India. The courses were derecognized because of the inadequate teacher:patient ratio or poor infrastructure available in the medical colleges. The doctors called off the 4-day strike after the state government assured them that problems would be sorted out soon. The doctors apologized to patients inconvenienced by the strike.

Can the striking doctors turn away emergency cases such as the one reported widely, i.e., turning away a woman gone into labour. The woman gave birth to a baby in a taxi. Surgeries were postponed; dialysis had been stopped, serious cases such as a child suffering from acute diarrhea, was not admitted, there were not enough people for post-surgery care. There were many more of such incidents. Private clinics made money in the process.

Who should be blamed for this? The doctors who toil day in and day out in the hospitals without much rewards? Even the post-graduate courses they have taken up may not be recognized!

As usual, the government takes the resident doctors for granted and care less about their living conditions in the hospitals and not paid enough even to take care of themselves. The media, television and news papers are busy chasing the cricketers and film-stars, highlighting their incomes in crores of rupees.

The doctors are left in the lurch by everyone.

Your carbon footprint

2008-04-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Alexandra Shimo –Barry in her new book, The Environment Equation, teaches readers how to calculate your carbon footprint. Eight Multiplication factors are provided to multiply the various bills, number of flights undertaken, etc and add them up to get your carbon footprint. Many attempts are made to scale back on energy use.

For example, the multiplication factor for monthly electricity bill is 105, the monthly oil bill by 113, the number of flights undertaken (4 hours or less) by 1,100, etc. A number below 6,000 (reflected in pounds per year) excellent and over 22,000 not so great. Good is anywhere from 6000 to 15,999.

Beijing Olympic Torch Rally peaceful in India

2008-04-18T03:28:00.000-07:00

The Olympic Torch Rally was peaceful in Delhi, India on 17/4/08. The capital city of India kept the Olympic spirit alive. Disruption was expected in India in view of the fact that India has been home to over 150,000 Tibetan refugees over the past fifty years as well as for Dalai Lama. China has been looking suspiciously at India as the country which is responsible for the unrest in Tibet, to destabilize China’s hold over Tibet.

Unfortunately, a film star’s photograph, holding the Torch was shown in the front page of one of the widely circulated dailies. Media to be blamed. The news paper could have published P.T. Usha carrying the Torch. Why Amir Khan? There were two Bollywood stars amongst the 49 participated in the relay. There were 21,000 security personnel to guard the torch and the runners and 1,500 protesters. The protesters had a lighted-lamp carrying campaign, which was peaceful. The length of the run was 2.3 km.

For one, the participants in the rally should have been only sportspersons and no celebrities like film stars and politicians. It should not be made to look like a ramp walk. They got in only for cheap publicity. Already, the game is being politicalized a lot. Any way, Tibetans do have a genuine reason to protest in view of the human rights violation issues concerning Tibetans. In the right spirit the Tibetans protested peacefully in true Gandhian way. Let us dream of “One World” – one day.

Stray dogs – a costly global problem?

2008-04-15T05:47:00.000-07:00

Stray dogs are one of the major eyesores of cities like Mumbai in India. There is a ban on killing stray dogs by the courts because of animal rights-activists. Typically, in Mumbai, the municipality is unable to tackle this problem in spite of spending millions of rupees on sterilization programs entrusted to some NGOs. Now, the municipality is building Dog Shelters to house the stray dogs. There are about 600,000 stray dogs in Mumbai alone.It is reported that two plots totally measuring 47acres were earmarked for the purpose. The municipal Corporation is going to spend 90 million rupees on catching the dogs, transporting them to the shelters and feeding them.

A parallel situation was reported from Moscow, Russia. Moscow is spending $64 million to castrate as many as 50,000 stray dogs because rising number of attacks on people. More than 22,000 people were bitten last year, with one-third of those were hospitalized with severe injuries. The city is building 15 shelters to house 30,000 dogs by the end of next year. The dogs will be sterilized and returned to the place where they were caught.

People with common sense and a business mind say: This is madness. It is better to spend that money on building kindergartens or schools for children. Is it ethical when there are thousands of people in Mumbai sleeping on the footpath, and the stray dogs will sleep in cozy shelters? If one can export meat (of goat, sheep and other animals) to other countries, why not export dog meat to some countries (where dog meat is a delicacy) and get some revenues?

"Quota" Raj in India

2008-04-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

In India, every other community wants to be included in the specified list to get the innumerable benefits of Reservation in education and employment. Reservation or Quota system in education was started initially to benefit the so-called deprived/suppressed/disadvantaged communities so as to improve their quality of life. But, soon the governments at the centre realized that the RESERVATION based on the caste system is the buzz word for getting elected to the legislature or parliament. So, the reservation policy started in early fifties continued for the past few decades. Today, may be more than 50% of the voting population belongs to this reserved categories.

The supreme court of India, on 10/04/08 has upheld the 27% additional quota for “other backward classes”, OBCs) in educational institutions. The court also asked to exclude children from “creamy layer” (whose family’s annual income exceeding 2.5 Lakh rupees as well as children of big farmers) in the OBC quota. This shows that the he apex court is against a few privileged among the backwards hogging all the quota benefits. The court also stipulated that the quotas will not apply to post-graduate courses, and the continuation of the reservation policy should be reviewed every five years.

The court’s verdict has created confusion in the premier educational institutions like IITs, IIMs and AIIMS. Admission processes are under hold in some institutions.

Sixty years after independence, it is time that one should look beyond caste. The caste system was based on a hierarchy of occupations and used to dictate whether a person belonged to a socially and educationally advanced class or not. The situation is no more remains the same. Old social hierarchies based on occupations are becoming irrelevant. Occupations are changing. Public policy should recognize these social changes.

Sometime in the future, the reservation policy, based purely on caste and creed should be scraped. Let there be adequate number of good quality colleges and institutions so that children and parents don’t have to go after these quota seats. However, economically backward class will continue to remain in view of the exorbitant fees charged by these quality institutions. I am sure that nobody wants to become poor to get the quota benefits.

XXIX Olympaid – Beijing Olympic Torch Rally

2008-04-08T03:40:00.000-07:00

The Slogan of the Beijing Olympaid is: One World – One Dream. It expresses the common wishes of people all over the world. One of the most recognized symbols - the Olympic emblem is truly international. The five rings represent five continents of the world and the six colors combined represent all the countries in the world.

The 29th world games are slated to start on August 8, 2008 at Beijing, China. The Olympic Torch Relay started on March 24 at Olympia and it has just concluded (April 7) the fifth leg of the relay at Eiffel Towers, Paris, France. The relay in Paris was disrupted repeatedly by the pro-Tibet activists and campaigners protesting against the human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party. There are concerns over the potential for boycotts of the games from pro-Tibetan organizations. China has also been battling problems with air pollution both in the city of Beijing and in neighboring areas, which needs remediation before the games.

The true spirit of Olympic movement seems to have taken a beating due to the disruptions caused to the relay. The Relay may see more of these disruptions on its way to China. In view of the disruptions, the International Olympic Committee president called for unity in the worldwide Olympic movement.

Yes, it time that politicians should stop politicizing the sports, particularly the international events like Olympic Games. Violence in whatever form and for whatever reason is not compatible with the values of the Torch Rally and the Olympic Games. Let us strive for One World – One Dream.

No Honking Day in Mumbai on April 7, the World Health Day

2008-04-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

On Monday April, 7 all of us driving vehicles will have to observe No Honking Day as per Mumbai Traffic Police. Mumbai has 1.5 million vehicles. The permissible decibel limit of horns is 90-100 decibels. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, motorists in Mumbai can be fined for using the horn needlessly. Generally, Silence Zones in the city cover 100 meters from each of these places: educational institutions, hospitals, courts and residential zones.

Experts say that continuous hearing of the honking harms the ear. Doctors estimate that 50 percent of cases of impaired hearing are because of noise pollution.

India is short of 6 lakh doctors!

2008-04-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

It is reported that India faces an acute shortage of manpower in healthcare sector. The shortfall in the country is as follows:

Doctors – 6 lakhs; Dentists – 2 lakhs and Nurses - 10 lakhs

The patient – doctor ratio (number of doctors for 10,000 people) is 1 for India, while for developed countries, the ratio varies from 548 (USA), 209 (Canada) and 166 (UK). The situation in India is pathetic. However, about 60,000 India doctors are estimated to be working in these countries. For example: 5 in every 100 doctors in the US and UK are India physicians. The Health Ministry estimated that there should be one nurse for every 500 people. As such India needs 21 lakh nurses in 2007 and only 11 lakh nurses were available. The government is envisages the setting up of 6 AIIMS-like institutions and upgrading 13 existing medical institutes in the 11th Five-year Plan. Is this enough?

There are also very great demand for medical and paramedical personnel such as, lab technicians, radiologists and physiotherapists abroad and the “export” potential for such manpower is very high.

The only solution seems to be to open more and more colleges, particularly in smaller cities and towns. Government should open up the medical education sector for private participation, particularly big industrial houses. Public-private partnership should be encouraged. The question is: How to motivate bright students to take up medicine in comparison with other lucrative sectors like IT, Manufacturing and Finance? It takes about 10 years for a full post graduate super specialized course to complete and the earnings (except a few) of medical doctors are not tempting commercially.

Greenpeace study predicts watery grave for Mumbai

2008-04-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

A study titled “Blue Alert” was commissioned by International Greenpeace and prepared by an IIT – Chennai Humanities Professor S.C. Rajan predicts global temperature rise of the order of 4 to 5 degree C by the year 2100 if the present rate of greenhouse gas emissions continues. It is reported that the data is provided by NASA.

The report resulted in wide coverage in the Indian newspapers. Papers report 5 to 10 meters rise in the sea levels by 2100. According to the Indian organization, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) authored study; the impact of the climate change may result in the sea level rise of 0.8 meters by 2100. The spokesperson from NEERI says that the Greenpeace figures were exaggerated. However, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate change (IPCC) estimates a rise in sea level by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees C by 2100. Whatever one looks at the numbers, there is bound to be rise in the sea levels and the low-elevation coastal areas worldwide are going to be submerged under the sea. The Greenpeace organization is already launched a campaign to mobilize public opinion and awareness on the issue.

The coastal areas and reclaimed land in many India cities are expected to be submerged. In Mumbai, areas such as Colaba, Bandra, Worli, Marine Drive and Gateway of India are all under the threat. Other cities which are going to be affected are Chennai, Kolkata, Goa and Cochin. The report is bound to create unwarranted mass hysteria. The Geological Survey of India has been keeping track of 50 glaciers on a regular basis and their findings show that none of the glaciers has shown any high rate of retreat. The fallout of the coastal submersion and submersion of the agricultural land and forests is the management of millions of the displaced people from the country, and migration of the similarly affected people from other neighboring counties such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to India.

The practical approach to such a situation is adaptation to the scenario, and be ready with a comprehensive plan of action at every level, to minimize the consequences, including threat to national security by the migrating population and possible submergence of defense establishments generally located in the coastal areas.

Climate change and CO2 level

2008-03-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

Many scientists say that the recent harsh global winter witnessed around the world in no way undermines the enormous body of evidence pointing to a warming world with disrupted weather patterns. If one considers IPCC's view that a doubling of CO2 will result in a warming likely to be in the range 2 to 4.5°C with a best estimate of about 3°C, it is long time before we witness that type of concentration rise. However, as per some UN report, a 2-degree rise in temperature would result in 15-17%fall in rise and wheat yields. This is matter of grave concern since we need to grow more and more food crops to feed ever increasing population growth in under-developed and developing countries.

As per some reported data there is 30 ppm (380 ppm – 350 ppm) rise in the measured atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration between 1990 and 2006. There is a tendency in the relationship to be linear-quadratic and all efforts need to be made to keep the linear relationship for the concentration vs time. Let us look seriously at all the possibilities and techniques, including reforestation and use of seaweed and algae to remove CO2 from the environment/ocean waters.

However, it is unscientific to blame the CO2 level alone to the present climate change. Natural events are also taking place periodically and results in warming and cooling of the environment. Every citizen of the world is looking at the United Nations Organization to make realistic assessment of the environmental impact of the greenhouse gas concentrations in the air and the extent of the warming caused. Is the warming so caused is only responsible for the climate change?

Maharashtra (Mumbai) Cadaver Donation Day

2008-03-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

March 27 is observed as the Cadaver Donation Day in Maharashtra State with the aim of increasing awareness amongst the people so that more and more people come forward to donate their organs after death. Case studies have shown that the cadaver transplants work almost as well as donations from live donors. Law permitting cadaver donations came into being 14 years ago. The Law permits three types of organ donations: related living, unrelated living and cadaveric donations. As per the Transplant Protocol, everyone can donate eyes, skin and bones within 6 hours of death. However, only persons who are brain-dead can donate solid organs such as kidneys, liver and heart.

The numbers have been increasing slowly from single digit to double digits. The organ donations, in general, are just a fraction of what is needed for the lakhs of patients with kidney or liver diseases and undergoing costly treatments. Due to the acute shortage, illegal kidney bazaars are thriving in the country. In India, 15,000 people require a liver transplant every year and only 150 get lucky in getting a donor. Overall, India requires 22,000 donors annually. From where, this number of donations will come?

The government is considering “presumed consent” from serious /brain-dead patients in hospitals. Of course, this presumed consent goes against the premise of voluntary donation. It is advised that each hospital can have a transplant coordinator to identify and counsel the family of potential donors. Typically, there is a Zonal Transplantation Coordination Centre (ZTCC), a quasi-government organization coordinating diseased donor transplants in Mumbai, located at Sion Hospital.

For Indian Business news extracts

2008-03-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

Selected extracts on Indian Business news are given in an exclusive blog:

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Climate Change and human evolution

2008-03-23T03:53:00.000-07:00

The climate changes which we are witnessing today are assumed to be mainly due to the global warming caused by man-made activities. There are some recent evidences in various scientific forums in the internet (The environment site.org) to show that the presumption of the climate changes was due to GHG emissions and the resultant global warming is a hoax. New data challenges the above reasoning.

Some environmentalist has warned that the melting of the glaciers in the Himalayas and on the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau would turn the Ganga and Yangtze rivers into seasonal rivers that dry up in summers and could eventually lead to unmanageable food shortages. The projections were based on the fact that China and India are the world’s leading producers of wheat and rice, the staple food for the billions. Glacier experts feel that loss of glaciers would take away a summertime source of river water, drinking water and hydroelectric power in populous, relatively poor places like South Asia and the cities along the western slope of the Andes.

There is a cyclic behavior seen in the natural events which are occurring over hundreds of years in the past. One can expect much more severe natural events in the future. In the event of any such catastrophe, “doomsday vault” was designed and is getting ready at Norway for inauguration. The vault (Svalbard Global Seed Vault), made up of three cold chambers each measuring 27 x 10 metres tunnel bored into the sandstone and limestone in a remote Arctic mountain, 1000 km from the North Pole. The facility has the capacity to hold up to 4.5 million batches of seeds from all known varieties of the planet’s main food crops. This will make it possible to reestablish the plants if they are destroyed by any major disasters.

Studies also have shown that the new human species were evolved over millions of years during which the climate was highly variable, such as formation and vanishing of giant lakes, periods of extreme heat, severe drought, etc.

In the name of carbon dioxide, let us not throttle the industrial revolutiion which is taking place in countries like India and China.