Stem cells are cells found in all multi-cellular organisms. The human body contains more than 200 different types of cells such as blood, brain, heart tissue, nerve cells, bones, etc. They retain the ability to renew them-selves through mitotic cell division and have the capacity to differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types.
The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem (ES) cells that are found in blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. Embryonic stem cells are commonly extracted from unwanted, surplus embryos. These are typically embryos that are created during medical procedures in fertility clinics which help infertile couples conceive. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues.
In order to make embryo stem cells practical for therapeutic use, it would be necessary to create a new stem cell line for each patient that needs treatment. The embryonic stem cell potential remains untested, adult stem cell treatments have been used for many years to treat successfully leukemia and related bone/blood cancers through bone marrow transplants. The stem cell patch (of new tissues) is developed to heal/replace tissues damaged by heart attack. Many nations currently have moratoria on either ES cell research or the production of new ES cell lines. However, it is being done in places like England and Korea, where researchers are now world leaders in this technology. The use of adult stem cells in research and therapy is not as controversial as embryonic stem cells, because the production of adult stem cells does not require the destruction of an embryo.
Scientists are confident that the research will lead to treatments to wide variety of diseases and disorders such as: bone loss, broken bones, brain damage due to oxygen starvation, severe burns, cancer (some forms), diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis, incomplete bladder control, Huntington's, leukemia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries, stroke, etc, etc. Millions of patients worldwide are going to be benefited by the research.
The ensuing public debate has prompted authorities around the world to seek regulatory frameworks and highlighted the fact that stem cell research represents a social and ethical challenge. Misuse of the unused embryos is matter of great concern. In US, Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee provides the necessary guidelines for the research. They address the many ethical, legal, scientific, and policy issues that are of concern to the public, and the scientific community. The guidelines report also called for the establishment of a national body to assess periodically the adequacy of the guidelines and to provide a forum for continuing discussion of human embryonic stem cell research.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Greenbelt concept for pollution abatement
Mitigation of air pollution has emerged as one of the challenging tasks in environmental management. Air-cleaning technologies such as cyclones, high efficiency particulate filters, etc do provide the necessary level of particulate removal from the air discharges from industries. However, in the absence of 100% removal or malfunctioning of the ventilation systems, there is a possibility of particulates getting released into the environment. In addition to the industrial effluents, the air pollution is also caused due the burning of transportation fuels (petrol, diesel etc) in cities. The pollution includes many harmful organic compounds and particulates.
Green belt is a workable, cost effective concept which can easily be adopted to control air pollution in industrialized cities. Rows of plants are grown in such a way as to function as air pollutants sinks. The Green belt concept is useful around nuclear facilities where small amounts of particulate releases are trapped on the leaves of the trees which form greenbelt around the facilities. Leaves on the trees with their vast area, absorb or collect the pollutants on their surface, thus effectively reduce the concentration of the pollutants in the ambient air. Greenbelt designing in an appropriate scientific manner not only reduces air pollution, but also attenuates noise pollution.
The effectiveness of the greenbelt for pollution abatement depends on the type of tree, the tree height, width of the green belt and the distance of green belt from the source of release. Any excessive releases may endanger the life of the trees and hence limits for tolerance should be established depending upon the type of pollution. For example very high exposures of the trees to ionizing radiation (example: during Chernobyl reactor accident) are likely to be fatal for most of the trees. Keeping this mind, the new basic recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP-2007 (see www.radsafetyinfo.com) is providing some guidelines for the radiation protection of non-human species including plants and trees.
Green belt is a workable, cost effective concept which can easily be adopted to control air pollution in industrialized cities. Rows of plants are grown in such a way as to function as air pollutants sinks. The Green belt concept is useful around nuclear facilities where small amounts of particulate releases are trapped on the leaves of the trees which form greenbelt around the facilities. Leaves on the trees with their vast area, absorb or collect the pollutants on their surface, thus effectively reduce the concentration of the pollutants in the ambient air. Greenbelt designing in an appropriate scientific manner not only reduces air pollution, but also attenuates noise pollution.
The effectiveness of the greenbelt for pollution abatement depends on the type of tree, the tree height, width of the green belt and the distance of green belt from the source of release. Any excessive releases may endanger the life of the trees and hence limits for tolerance should be established depending upon the type of pollution. For example very high exposures of the trees to ionizing radiation (example: during Chernobyl reactor accident) are likely to be fatal for most of the trees. Keeping this mind, the new basic recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP-2007 (see www.radsafetyinfo.com) is providing some guidelines for the radiation protection of non-human species including plants and trees.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Climate Change due to Global Warming – a hoax?
Anything one does, ultimately it results in contributing to global warming! Doesn’t make much sense. Suddenly, everybody thinks that a half a degree rise in the average global temperature is causing all the catastrophic events seen world-wide. The scenario which was expected after a few decades has arrived right now at our doors.
The way the things are projected, doesn’t go well with the public. These days, the individual members of the public are aware of the importance of keeping the environment clean, and they can not be expected to be at the receiving end all the time.
There are many doubts in their mind:
1. Either all the concerned monitoring agencies were misreporting / underreporting the actual global warming status all these years when the developed countries were polluting the environment with the green house gases (GHGs). Today, the countries (example: USA at Bali) not willing to accept any commitment to cut down the GHG emissions!
2. The countries want to bring severe restrictions on the emissions on the developing countries like India and China. Unfair political deal!
3. In reality, how carbon credits are going to reduce the existing global warming scenario?
4. Is the small rise in the temperature is the real reason for the climate change which is being witnessed today?
5. What is the assessed contribution to global warming from the volcanic eruptions and high altitude flights / space activities?
6. Is this climate change not a natural cyclic phenomenon, which is difficult to reverse?
The way the things are projected, doesn’t go well with the public. These days, the individual members of the public are aware of the importance of keeping the environment clean, and they can not be expected to be at the receiving end all the time.
There are many doubts in their mind:
1. Either all the concerned monitoring agencies were misreporting / underreporting the actual global warming status all these years when the developed countries were polluting the environment with the green house gases (GHGs). Today, the countries (example: USA at Bali) not willing to accept any commitment to cut down the GHG emissions!
2. The countries want to bring severe restrictions on the emissions on the developing countries like India and China. Unfair political deal!
3. In reality, how carbon credits are going to reduce the existing global warming scenario?
4. Is the small rise in the temperature is the real reason for the climate change which is being witnessed today?
5. What is the assessed contribution to global warming from the volcanic eruptions and high altitude flights / space activities?
6. Is this climate change not a natural cyclic phenomenon, which is difficult to reverse?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Agitating Medicos in India – What future?
In Indian government medical colleges, the medical education is highly subsidized. A private medical college charges about 4 lakh rupees per year for the graduate course (MBBS), while the government college fees can be as low as 210 rupees in AIIMS, Delhi. In view of the acute shortage of doctors in rural health centers, and the poor quality of medical care, the Health Ministry is considering additional one-year rural stint before they are allowed to practice medicine.
The medical students are agitated by this new development. A one-year extension of the MBBS course as per the government recommendation will make the medical education as the longest professional course in the country. As per the student’s point of view, the infrastructural support in the rural areas for practicing medicine is very poor. Practically, as per the conditions of the internship, there is nothing much to gain either by the interns or by the rural folks. As compared to other professionals like engineers and MBAs, the earning of the doctor until they are settled (by 40-45 years of age) is meagre, about 200-300% less). To make up this loss, later the medicos start earning money by unethical means of cuts and commissions.
It is evident that families, in which one generation after another donned the white coat willingly, are slowing dwindling. Children with doctor parents are not now willing to join medical profession. They prefer software engineering where just after four years in the college, they are selected in the campus itself getting two to three times higher salary than a medical graduate who will be looking for job after six and half years now! The trend will further deteriorate the health care status in India. Unless somebody is committed to the “holistic” social cause, it will be difficult to motivate students to join medicine.
The medical students are agitated by this new development. A one-year extension of the MBBS course as per the government recommendation will make the medical education as the longest professional course in the country. As per the student’s point of view, the infrastructural support in the rural areas for practicing medicine is very poor. Practically, as per the conditions of the internship, there is nothing much to gain either by the interns or by the rural folks. As compared to other professionals like engineers and MBAs, the earning of the doctor until they are settled (by 40-45 years of age) is meagre, about 200-300% less). To make up this loss, later the medicos start earning money by unethical means of cuts and commissions.
It is evident that families, in which one generation after another donned the white coat willingly, are slowing dwindling. Children with doctor parents are not now willing to join medical profession. They prefer software engineering where just after four years in the college, they are selected in the campus itself getting two to three times higher salary than a medical graduate who will be looking for job after six and half years now! The trend will further deteriorate the health care status in India. Unless somebody is committed to the “holistic” social cause, it will be difficult to motivate students to join medicine.
Friday, December 14, 2007
School rage – how to relax?
Violence is ubiquitous in our present society. Latest to hear is the shoot-out in classroom which killed one student in one of the prestigious schools in India and teens shooting six fellow students over girl in Las Vegas, US. Already many suicides by the students are reported from different parts of the country. Reasons like unable to coup up with the exams pressure, non-English medium children not following lessons taught in English in technical/medical colleges, excessive competitions, peer pressure, over exposure to crimes/violence in media, parent’s neglect, less of teacher-student interaction, etc.
Somehow, the parent’s neglect, less of student-teacher interaction and over-exposure to media seem to be the prime causes for the aggressive and violent behavior of children at home and at school. As Jesse Jackson, the American Civil Right Activist rightly puts it “Your children needs your presence than presents” is so much true in today’s parent-children relationship. At schools, committed/dedicated teachers are rarely found. Education is highly commercialized today.
It is parent’s moral duty to ensure that the children are suitably trained at home so as to prepare them to face the outside, often cruel, world. They should be made to feel that they are wanted at home. Stress reliever practices such as yoga and meditation should be introduced at schools and should be practiced at home as a routine. Meditation is an ancient practice and there many techniques: Hindu Vedic tradition, Buddha, Christian and Muslim are available. One can follow any method suiting to his liking and belief. There are scientifically proven benefits by the practice of yoga and meditation. The most important benefits for the children are: increase in the level of relaxation, decrease in the stress hormone, and improved perception and memory. Go, get it.
Somehow, the parent’s neglect, less of student-teacher interaction and over-exposure to media seem to be the prime causes for the aggressive and violent behavior of children at home and at school. As Jesse Jackson, the American Civil Right Activist rightly puts it “Your children needs your presence than presents” is so much true in today’s parent-children relationship. At schools, committed/dedicated teachers are rarely found. Education is highly commercialized today.
It is parent’s moral duty to ensure that the children are suitably trained at home so as to prepare them to face the outside, often cruel, world. They should be made to feel that they are wanted at home. Stress reliever practices such as yoga and meditation should be introduced at schools and should be practiced at home as a routine. Meditation is an ancient practice and there many techniques: Hindu Vedic tradition, Buddha, Christian and Muslim are available. One can follow any method suiting to his liking and belief. There are scientifically proven benefits by the practice of yoga and meditation. The most important benefits for the children are: increase in the level of relaxation, decrease in the stress hormone, and improved perception and memory. Go, get it.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Mob violence is increasing
Every other day, we see in India, violence of various kinds, road rage, violence involving mob, etc for various reasons, some which are very trivial. The government is not able to handle these situations and watch the violence helplessly as the laws are not enough to handle such situations. The victims under such situations are the young children, girls and elderly. The young people of today, in general are not able to control their emotions, either singly or as a group. Peace and harmony in the society is missing. May be, it is becoming a world wide phenomenon.
The unity in diversity is really not true. In most of the instances, the mob fury is connected with caste, class and religion. The benefits of reservation in education and jobs are driving people to agitate so as to include their community in the list of scheduled cast/tribes or backward class communities. Most of the issues are fueled by the local politicians. The police force is not allowed to act in a professional and efficient manner. In fact, the police force is made the target of the violence. The government follows a simple rule: Allow violent incidents and then react mildly. This helps them to draw enough political mileage from the incidents. Common man is at the receiving end.
Many reasons can be quoted for such ubiquitous violent behavior. The so-called economic boom has only widened the gap between rich and the poor. There is excessive competitiveness in the society. There are no stringent laws to tackle the situations in the initial “building-up” stages. Too much political interference, multiple party governments, corrupt police force, corruption in the government departments, irresponsible media coverage, etc, etc. Terrorist activities only compounded many of the issues.
The needs of the hour are education of the youth and make them aware of their responsibilities along with their rights, professionally managed police force without any political interference, reservations only on the basis of family income, stringent laws against corruption, and finally the positive role of the media to promote peace.
The unity in diversity is really not true. In most of the instances, the mob fury is connected with caste, class and religion. The benefits of reservation in education and jobs are driving people to agitate so as to include their community in the list of scheduled cast/tribes or backward class communities. Most of the issues are fueled by the local politicians. The police force is not allowed to act in a professional and efficient manner. In fact, the police force is made the target of the violence. The government follows a simple rule: Allow violent incidents and then react mildly. This helps them to draw enough political mileage from the incidents. Common man is at the receiving end.
Many reasons can be quoted for such ubiquitous violent behavior. The so-called economic boom has only widened the gap between rich and the poor. There is excessive competitiveness in the society. There are no stringent laws to tackle the situations in the initial “building-up” stages. Too much political interference, multiple party governments, corrupt police force, corruption in the government departments, irresponsible media coverage, etc, etc. Terrorist activities only compounded many of the issues.
The needs of the hour are education of the youth and make them aware of their responsibilities along with their rights, professionally managed police force without any political interference, reservations only on the basis of family income, stringent laws against corruption, and finally the positive role of the media to promote peace.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Education of the Dalits is the answer
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (born:14 April 1891: Died: 6 December, 1956) is remembered every year after year as the champion of the oppressed in India. The controversial reservation system in the professional colleges and in jobs in government departments has benefited a selected group of “creamy layer” of the so-called backward class community, scheduled chaste and tribes. Any further reservations or benefits will be cornered by the same group of people and the bulk of the masses are not going to gain much. They remain as they are today.
There are already many groups in the Dalit communities with different ideologies and personal priorities. By accepting the system of reservation, the above communities, particularly the younger generation will continue to suffer the humiliation of reminding them of their “lower” status in the society. The children of today, particularly from the so-called upper caste, do not know much about this past historic unfair system and they have many friends from the Dalit communities in schools and colleges. But unfortunately, today’s politicians remind the young Dalits that they are not equal to their upper caste friends in the society and they need reservations in every walk of life!
Why to continue to remember the existence of this unfair social inequality? Why not follow the slogan of Dr. Ambedkar: Educate, Unite and Agitate? The younger generation is of the strong opinion that due recognition is bound to come in due course of time. Education is the key word. The column of “Caste” in the application form for education and employment should be removed once for all. In today’s India, the majority Dalits are going to have a say even on the formation of the central government. Then, why reservation?
There are already many groups in the Dalit communities with different ideologies and personal priorities. By accepting the system of reservation, the above communities, particularly the younger generation will continue to suffer the humiliation of reminding them of their “lower” status in the society. The children of today, particularly from the so-called upper caste, do not know much about this past historic unfair system and they have many friends from the Dalit communities in schools and colleges. But unfortunately, today’s politicians remind the young Dalits that they are not equal to their upper caste friends in the society and they need reservations in every walk of life!
Why to continue to remember the existence of this unfair social inequality? Why not follow the slogan of Dr. Ambedkar: Educate, Unite and Agitate? The younger generation is of the strong opinion that due recognition is bound to come in due course of time. Education is the key word. The column of “Caste” in the application form for education and employment should be removed once for all. In today’s India, the majority Dalits are going to have a say even on the formation of the central government. Then, why reservation?
Friday, December 7, 2007
HIV + men can become father?
It was reported in the media that HIV+ men can father a child by using Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART), also known as infertility treatment. The technique, established by testing it on over a thousand couples, claims virtually zero percent risk of transferring the virus to the mother and the child.
It is true that every married couple would like to have their own child and it is really unfortunate for the wife to discover that the husband is HIV positive, and virtually it is not recommended having a child of their own by natural process of conceiving.
But, what about the risk involved in the procedure? Whether the national medical authorities will study the issue and give clear-cut instructions with regards to the possibility of the virus not getting “washed out” in the procedure. Can the procedure be called as 100% safe? Governments, world over are spending billions of dollars on controlling the spread of AIDS. Under the circumstances, it is in the interest of world community that appropriate regulations/protocols should be brought out by the national medical councils or the responsible agencies to educate the public about the risks involved, including medico-legal issues in the procedure. Let us not permit a few of the so-called specialists exploit financially and emotionally the desperate HIV-hit couples promising them healthy babies of their own.
It is true that every married couple would like to have their own child and it is really unfortunate for the wife to discover that the husband is HIV positive, and virtually it is not recommended having a child of their own by natural process of conceiving.
But, what about the risk involved in the procedure? Whether the national medical authorities will study the issue and give clear-cut instructions with regards to the possibility of the virus not getting “washed out” in the procedure. Can the procedure be called as 100% safe? Governments, world over are spending billions of dollars on controlling the spread of AIDS. Under the circumstances, it is in the interest of world community that appropriate regulations/protocols should be brought out by the national medical councils or the responsible agencies to educate the public about the risks involved, including medico-legal issues in the procedure. Let us not permit a few of the so-called specialists exploit financially and emotionally the desperate HIV-hit couples promising them healthy babies of their own.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Ban on smoking tobacco
Health minister declared that all places of work in India will be tobacco free. All the government offices are already non-smoking areas. Some of the titles seen in the Indian news papers are given below:
1. Smoking may help to ward off Parkinson’s disease.
2. Anti-smoking pill curbs drinking.
3. Smokers lose more muscle in old age.
4. Cancers such as lung cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer s in humans could be related to the consumption of tobacco.
5. Smoking may bring on early menopause with increased risk of heart disease.
6. Smoking affects sex life, bad for good sex.
7. Smoking? Students could be low on Emotional intelligence.
Instead of imposing half-hearted prohibition on tobacco consumption, good money should be spent on the education of the masses and bring-in awareness about its ill-effects on health, starting at school level. Television can serve as a powerful medium for such purposes. World community should wake up to save the young generation from the ills of tobacco smoking.
1. Smoking may help to ward off Parkinson’s disease.
2. Anti-smoking pill curbs drinking.
3. Smokers lose more muscle in old age.
4. Cancers such as lung cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer s in humans could be related to the consumption of tobacco.
5. Smoking may bring on early menopause with increased risk of heart disease.
6. Smoking affects sex life, bad for good sex.
7. Smoking? Students could be low on Emotional intelligence.
Instead of imposing half-hearted prohibition on tobacco consumption, good money should be spent on the education of the masses and bring-in awareness about its ill-effects on health, starting at school level. Television can serve as a powerful medium for such purposes. World community should wake up to save the young generation from the ills of tobacco smoking.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Cadaver transplant – a boon for exploitation
The Health Ministry of the Indian government seems to be promoting cadaveric transplants of organs. Doctors at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai declared a 35 year women, who suffered brain hemorrhage, brain dead, and the five organs: liver, two kidneys and two corneas were transplanted on five patients. However, in India, cadaveric transplants accounted for only 0.1% of all transplants and there is potential for improve this to 10-15%. Over the years, cadaver organ transplant has been gradually developing into a feasible and comparatively cost-effective method in restoring the health of patients and this is a boon to all patients who suffer from organ failures due to some reason or the other. Lakhs of people die of organ failures every year. This hi-tech procedure will also discourage needy people from visiting illegal organ “bazaars” mushrooming in the country.
Apart from the moral and ethical issues with respect to the cadaver organ transplants, Government should bring out clear cut policy / guidelines to regulate this beneficial procedure. Some of the important issues connected with the procedure are: the individual’s advance, explicit consent in order to acquire his organs upon death, motive for such consent, objections from the relatives of the diseased for removal of the organs, transported a brain dead victim by road/air in under Intensive Care from one place to other, misuse of the procedure by the relatives/friends and unscrupulous elements for monetary gains, etc. Let this procedure be given wide publicity through television/newspapers to sensitize the public.
Apart from the moral and ethical issues with respect to the cadaver organ transplants, Government should bring out clear cut policy / guidelines to regulate this beneficial procedure. Some of the important issues connected with the procedure are: the individual’s advance, explicit consent in order to acquire his organs upon death, motive for such consent, objections from the relatives of the diseased for removal of the organs, transported a brain dead victim by road/air in under Intensive Care from one place to other, misuse of the procedure by the relatives/friends and unscrupulous elements for monetary gains, etc. Let this procedure be given wide publicity through television/newspapers to sensitize the public.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Shelters for stray dogs
Stray dog is one of the major eyesores of cities like Mumbai in India. In every street corner there is a “gang” of stray dogs creating nuisance and having open sex. The Bombay High Court has directed the municipality to solve the problem at the earliest. But no success. It is reported that there is a ban on killing stray dogs by the courts.
The Mumbai municipality is unable to tackle this problem in spite of spending millions of rupees on sterilization program entrusted to some NGOs. It was reported that randomly dogs were caught counted for billing and left on the highways even without sterilization.
Now, the issue is building Dog Shelters to house the stray dogs. It is reported that two plots totally measuring 47 acres 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. There are about 600,000 stray dogs in Mumbai alone.
There are many questions which need to be answered.
1. Whether all the dogs will be sterilized? Ethical aspect of the sterilization program.
2. Whether spending millions of rupees on sheltering and feeding of stray dogs when we do not do so for the poor people in Mumbai who sleep on footpath and starve.
3. What will be conduct of the dogs if male and female dogs are kept together and separately? A good percentage of the dogs is sick with skin diseases.
4. If other animals such as chicken, goats, sheep, snakes, birds, etc are killed and eaten as non-vegetarian food why so much concern for the dogs? Why they shouldn’t be put into sleep? What is the logic?
5. Dogs should be permitted to be kept at home only, under proper license and healthcare.
6. Who will compensate if a stray dog bites somebody (children are the main targets) resulting in injury with potential for deadly Rabies disease?
The Mumbai municipality is unable to tackle this problem in spite of spending millions of rupees on sterilization program entrusted to some NGOs. It was reported that randomly dogs were caught counted for billing and left on the highways even without sterilization.
Now, the issue is building Dog Shelters to house the stray dogs. It is reported that two plots totally measuring 47 acres 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. There are about 600,000 stray dogs in Mumbai alone.
There are many questions which need to be answered.
1. Whether all the dogs will be sterilized? Ethical aspect of the sterilization program.
2. Whether spending millions of rupees on sheltering and feeding of stray dogs when we do not do so for the poor people in Mumbai who sleep on footpath and starve.
3. What will be conduct of the dogs if male and female dogs are kept together and separately? A good percentage of the dogs is sick with skin diseases.
4. If other animals such as chicken, goats, sheep, snakes, birds, etc are killed and eaten as non-vegetarian food why so much concern for the dogs? Why they shouldn’t be put into sleep? What is the logic?
5. Dogs should be permitted to be kept at home only, under proper license and healthcare.
6. Who will compensate if a stray dog bites somebody (children are the main targets) resulting in injury with potential for deadly Rabies disease?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Healthcare status is pathetic
The Times of India, Indian daily dated October 18, 2007 brought out a story “India leads in childbirth deaths”, which is shocking to read. It is reported that death rate of women in India is followed only by Nigeria and Congo! India accounted for one-fifth of the women died world over annually during childbirth. The maternal mortality ratio is 450 deaths per 100, 000 live births. 1.17 lakh women died during childbirth in the year 2005. The states: Rajastan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, UP and Bihar record high maternal deaths.
India is one of the countries which pledged along with other WHO Member Nations, “Health for All by the Year 2000” at Alma-Ata in 1978; and in the same year it has also signed the International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – Article 12, in which the country is obliged to achieve the highest attainable standard of health.
Ministry for Health at the Central and State government levels are well aware of these facts. Health care policy I the country seems to be limited to family planning, immunization, selected disease surveillance and medical education and bio-medical research. It is reported that the healthcare expenditure is over 5% of the GDP (2002 data). But, due to the population, the per capita expenditure is very low. For a population of over a billion, there are just 15,500 hospitals (both public and private) in the country.
Over the years, the life expectancy has increased to about 65 y. With India emerging as a super economic power, demand for quality healthcare will increase and the type of healthcare requirement is already changing due to the rise of life-style related diseases such as diabetic, hypertension and cardiac related diseases.
The government as per its promise to the world body like WHO should come out openly with a political agenda and ensure availability of proper healthcare as the right of the Indian citizen.
India is one of the countries which pledged along with other WHO Member Nations, “Health for All by the Year 2000” at Alma-Ata in 1978; and in the same year it has also signed the International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – Article 12, in which the country is obliged to achieve the highest attainable standard of health.
Ministry for Health at the Central and State government levels are well aware of these facts. Health care policy I the country seems to be limited to family planning, immunization, selected disease surveillance and medical education and bio-medical research. It is reported that the healthcare expenditure is over 5% of the GDP (2002 data). But, due to the population, the per capita expenditure is very low. For a population of over a billion, there are just 15,500 hospitals (both public and private) in the country.
Over the years, the life expectancy has increased to about 65 y. With India emerging as a super economic power, demand for quality healthcare will increase and the type of healthcare requirement is already changing due to the rise of life-style related diseases such as diabetic, hypertension and cardiac related diseases.
The government as per its promise to the world body like WHO should come out openly with a political agenda and ensure availability of proper healthcare as the right of the Indian citizen.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Meditation – the stress buster
Stress has become a part of life. No one can avoid it. One can only control the stress level. It is true that some level of stress is good, in fact needed for giving your best in studies and work areas. Any level of stress beyond the certain level is harmful. Suicidal tendencies, over aggressiveness, road brawls and falling prey to psychosomatic diseases like diabetic, hypertension, skin ailments, etc. are the common symptoms of stress building up and affecting the health. There is great need to optimize the stress level. This is easy to say and difficult to achieve.
Yoga and meditation are the simple techniques by which one can control the stress level. The techniques develop a person as a whole, body and mind. Yogic postures keep your body healthy and meditation control the thought process of the mind and keep the stress level under check. Yoga should be practiced under the guidance of a trained teacher. Never practice yoga by seeing TV programs and referring to books. The yoga practices shown on TV are generally common and not person-specific, and hence can be harmful if care is not taken. However, most of the meditation techniques apparently look simple such as trying to control the breath, try to feel the breath, try to focus or concentrate on any one “mantra” or object, etc. This simplicity is the reason why people do not take liking for the meditation. They are not able to sit in one place without thinking!
Control over thoughts is not easy to get. One can go for “Sakshibhavana” in Vajrasana, with eyes closed, posture. The technique consists of not blocking the thoughts but allow the thoughts, good and bad, to come and go. You be a witness without getting involved emotionally. Slowly one will find the number of thoughts coming reduces and will be able to calm the “utal putal” of the mind and relax.
It is reported that even a brief meditation can boost concentration and curb stress level. Then whom are you waiting for. Contact any reputed yoga and meditation center or a good yoga teacher and start practicing. Good luck to you.
Yoga and meditation are the simple techniques by which one can control the stress level. The techniques develop a person as a whole, body and mind. Yogic postures keep your body healthy and meditation control the thought process of the mind and keep the stress level under check. Yoga should be practiced under the guidance of a trained teacher. Never practice yoga by seeing TV programs and referring to books. The yoga practices shown on TV are generally common and not person-specific, and hence can be harmful if care is not taken. However, most of the meditation techniques apparently look simple such as trying to control the breath, try to feel the breath, try to focus or concentrate on any one “mantra” or object, etc. This simplicity is the reason why people do not take liking for the meditation. They are not able to sit in one place without thinking!
Control over thoughts is not easy to get. One can go for “Sakshibhavana” in Vajrasana, with eyes closed, posture. The technique consists of not blocking the thoughts but allow the thoughts, good and bad, to come and go. You be a witness without getting involved emotionally. Slowly one will find the number of thoughts coming reduces and will be able to calm the “utal putal” of the mind and relax.
It is reported that even a brief meditation can boost concentration and curb stress level. Then whom are you waiting for. Contact any reputed yoga and meditation center or a good yoga teacher and start practicing. Good luck to you.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Human-animal mix creatures
This year’s Noble prize for medicine goes to the group of people working on stem cell research. The research has innumerable benefits in terms of investigating various diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, at molecular level and provides possibilities of genetic therapies and to create healthy new tissue in the laboratories. From reading genetic code one can go for writing the code, the way one wants it! Man is trying to attain God’s level.
For example, in UK scientists are allowed to create human-animal embryos for research purposes. Such embryos if implanted into a woman or an animal, may create undesirable freaky creatures. Hence, though the research and other cloning techniques have immense benefits in medicine, it is banned in many countries fearing misuse. Caution is the key.
Within a few years, don’t be surprised if one finds creatures, half human and half animals (seen in Hindu mythology) standing in Queue next to you! The group of man-made freak creatures will ask for reservations in higher education in line with the reservation of the Schedule Castes and Tribes in India. Be ready for more competitions!
For example, in UK scientists are allowed to create human-animal embryos for research purposes. Such embryos if implanted into a woman or an animal, may create undesirable freaky creatures. Hence, though the research and other cloning techniques have immense benefits in medicine, it is banned in many countries fearing misuse. Caution is the key.
Within a few years, don’t be surprised if one finds creatures, half human and half animals (seen in Hindu mythology) standing in Queue next to you! The group of man-made freak creatures will ask for reservations in higher education in line with the reservation of the Schedule Castes and Tribes in India. Be ready for more competitions!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Image of “Made-in-China” products takes a beating
It is common knowledge that if one wants to buy any cheap item, go for made-in-China product. It will be cheap and will look bright and sleek. You don’t look for quality in those cheap products. Markets around the world are flooded with Chinese products. How a quality conscious country like US and UK can fall for these tactics and import Chinese made products? First, it was toys and jewellery for children, which is now followed by children’s garments. Toxic materials such as lead, cadmium were found in paints used in the toys and jewellery quantities in excess of the safe amounts. It is reported that the children’s clothes contained dangerous levels of formaldehyde.
The Chinese made cheap products are also seen in Indian, rural and urban markets. The difference in the prices is very large. So everybody is tempted to buy the products. The Indian government should wake up to this reality and regulate the import and marketing of all Chinese made products. The Indian consumer should be made aware of the quality requirements of the consumables through media such as television. There is a ministry to deal with consumer affairs! Come on, do something. Tell the public what the ministry is doing. Just recalling the products from the markets by the manufacturer is not enough.
The Chinese made cheap products are also seen in Indian, rural and urban markets. The difference in the prices is very large. So everybody is tempted to buy the products. The Indian government should wake up to this reality and regulate the import and marketing of all Chinese made products. The Indian consumer should be made aware of the quality requirements of the consumables through media such as television. There is a ministry to deal with consumer affairs! Come on, do something. Tell the public what the ministry is doing. Just recalling the products from the markets by the manufacturer is not enough.
Monday, October 1, 2007
India - Graveyard for hazardous wastes
Any development has to pay a price in terms of generation of waste, which needs to be safely disposed. The waste may be chemical from chemical and metallurgical industries and power plants, electronic waste (e-waste), plastic scraps, radioactive waste from nuclear industries, etc. Unless there is well established methods for safe management of the waste, the waste will find its way into the environment and pollute our water bodies, pollute the air we breathe and contaminate the food we eat. In fact, in nuclear industry, the waste management aspect is well established and care is taken at the design stage itself, and provisions are made for the safe disposal of the radioactive waste generated.
India generates about 48 lakh tons of non-radioactive waste hazardous waste in a year. The wastes consist of clinical waste, toxic heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, & lead, scrap plastics such as pet bottles, etc. The import is banned under the Indian and international law. It is reported that over 2.5 billion rupees worth of the hazardous waste was imported illegally in India in 2006-07.
The situation is not different in case of electronic wastes generated due to consumables such as PCs, cell phones, photocopiers, radios and televisions. The average life span of a PC is reported to be just 2 years. It is estimated that about one lakh tons of e-waste is generated in India every year. Mumbai alone produces more than 11,000 tons of the e-waste in a year. As on today, recycling of the waste is done in working conditions which are not safe for the workers and the environment. The matter is compounded due to the presence of organics such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which may be carcinogenic. The situation is very grave in cities like Mumbai where the waste volume generated is very high and increasing every year.
There is an urgent need for establishing a system for collection, handling, recycling and safe disposal of this waste. People are looking at the Government regulators such as State Pollution Control Boards for tackling this all important issue.
India generates about 48 lakh tons of non-radioactive waste hazardous waste in a year. The wastes consist of clinical waste, toxic heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, & lead, scrap plastics such as pet bottles, etc. The import is banned under the Indian and international law. It is reported that over 2.5 billion rupees worth of the hazardous waste was imported illegally in India in 2006-07.
The situation is not different in case of electronic wastes generated due to consumables such as PCs, cell phones, photocopiers, radios and televisions. The average life span of a PC is reported to be just 2 years. It is estimated that about one lakh tons of e-waste is generated in India every year. Mumbai alone produces more than 11,000 tons of the e-waste in a year. As on today, recycling of the waste is done in working conditions which are not safe for the workers and the environment. The matter is compounded due to the presence of organics such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which may be carcinogenic. The situation is very grave in cities like Mumbai where the waste volume generated is very high and increasing every year.
There is an urgent need for establishing a system for collection, handling, recycling and safe disposal of this waste. People are looking at the Government regulators such as State Pollution Control Boards for tackling this all important issue.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
HERO WORSHIPPING OF THE WORLD CHAMPIANS
All Indians are all proud to welcome the winners of the first T20 World Cup Cricket Team which was given a rousing reception on its arrival at Mumbai Airport. The team was taken to Wankhede Stadium (about 25 km away, 5 hrs drive) a top-open bus, called Vijay Rath and millions of cricket fans lined up or rather crowded everywhere on the way to the stadium. The media played its part brilliantly, which resulted in the unprecedented crowd everywhere to cheer the winning team. There were a few observations which are worth mentioning here. Lessons learnt.
1. Media overplayed the world cup win and generated this over hype which resulted in the loss of millions of man hours of work and study.
2. The players came back after a hectic schedule of matches and a long flight. When they came out viewers found only blue capped cops and suited-booted BCCI officials. One could hardly see the real heroes. It is unfair to the TV viewers.
3. In the bus meant for them, we could again see the officials more clearly than the players. In every frame, one official with suit and stripped tie could be seen.
4. There was no need to make the tired players to go all the way to Wankhede stadium, near Marine Lines. They were looking very tired and after some time, they were mechanically responding to the crowd. Unfair to the crowd again. The individual players may have to go through the torture again in their respective states within a day or two. Local politicians will try to take maximum mileage from this. The pressure seems to be too high on the players.
5. Millions of man-hours were lost and motorists were made to suffer in traffic jams due to this avoidable misadventure of procession..
6. Finally, on the stage in the front row only the Captain was seated. All other occupants were from the BCCI or state government. The real heroes were sitting in the second row and could not be seen clearly. BCCI is not the government.
7. The victory lap around the ground turned out to be a total mess with public crowding the players and the players could not be seen. Only the national flags could be seen. The police were mere spectators, could not control the crowd.
8. One of the speakers was talking about Maharashtra more than the cricket or the players and that too in Marathi. It is the Indian team and not Mumbai Team.
9. The movie Chak De, particularly the title song has really created national awareness amongst the younger generation and that has helped in amassing such a massive crowd all along the route to the stadium. Thanks to Shah Rukh Khan (SRK).
10. Sorry SRK, nobody bothers about Hockey. Recently the Indian team won the Asia Cup. So what?
11. Final verdict is the procession and the show at the stadium was more like a political meeting / mela with the party flags everywhere rather than welcoming the players who has won the world cup.
In all, I feel happy that our players have done a good job and I sincerely hope that the team sustains its tempo and continues to play as one team for the country. Let us not hero-worship the team too much, which may result in over confidence and take success for granted everytime. After all, it is cricket.
1. Media overplayed the world cup win and generated this over hype which resulted in the loss of millions of man hours of work and study.
2. The players came back after a hectic schedule of matches and a long flight. When they came out viewers found only blue capped cops and suited-booted BCCI officials. One could hardly see the real heroes. It is unfair to the TV viewers.
3. In the bus meant for them, we could again see the officials more clearly than the players. In every frame, one official with suit and stripped tie could be seen.
4. There was no need to make the tired players to go all the way to Wankhede stadium, near Marine Lines. They were looking very tired and after some time, they were mechanically responding to the crowd. Unfair to the crowd again. The individual players may have to go through the torture again in their respective states within a day or two. Local politicians will try to take maximum mileage from this. The pressure seems to be too high on the players.
5. Millions of man-hours were lost and motorists were made to suffer in traffic jams due to this avoidable misadventure of procession..
6. Finally, on the stage in the front row only the Captain was seated. All other occupants were from the BCCI or state government. The real heroes were sitting in the second row and could not be seen clearly. BCCI is not the government.
7. The victory lap around the ground turned out to be a total mess with public crowding the players and the players could not be seen. Only the national flags could be seen. The police were mere spectators, could not control the crowd.
8. One of the speakers was talking about Maharashtra more than the cricket or the players and that too in Marathi. It is the Indian team and not Mumbai Team.
9. The movie Chak De, particularly the title song has really created national awareness amongst the younger generation and that has helped in amassing such a massive crowd all along the route to the stadium. Thanks to Shah Rukh Khan (SRK).
10. Sorry SRK, nobody bothers about Hockey. Recently the Indian team won the Asia Cup. So what?
11. Final verdict is the procession and the show at the stadium was more like a political meeting / mela with the party flags everywhere rather than welcoming the players who has won the world cup.
In all, I feel happy that our players have done a good job and I sincerely hope that the team sustains its tempo and continues to play as one team for the country. Let us not hero-worship the team too much, which may result in over confidence and take success for granted everytime. After all, it is cricket.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Transportation Fuels and Global warming
Global warming due to emission of GHGs from transportation vehicles is an issue of great concern globally. To cut down on the emission of greenhouse gases, finding alternative to the traditional transportation fuels like diesel and petrol is a continuing process worldwide. The Government of India recommends a blend that has 5% ethanol in petrol for use in vehicles to reduce environmental pollution. The percentage of ethanol is likely to go up to 10% by 2008. Ethanol is used in alcoholic beverages and easy to manufacture from wide variety of raw materials such as sugarcane, corn, molasses, grains, fruits, etc etc. Ethanol is supposed to be cheaper and much environmentally cleaner fuel than petroleum products. Several countries, including US, Sweden, Brazil and Australia are already produce cars which run on petrol-ethanol blends. For example, 30% of vehicular fuel produced in Brazil is ethanol. Day will not be far off when vehicles will be designed to use 100% ethanol to cut down the environmental pollution. Comparatively, CNG is environmentally cleaner than diesel/petrol.
For example, it is reported that the air pollution level in Mumbai city is decreasing since almost all the taxis (over 55,000) have switched over to CNG since 2000 and more and more auto-rickshaws and BEST buses in Mumbai are now run on CNG. However, uncontrolled growth of vehicular population can deteriorate the air quality again. Indian railways, which is one of the biggest consumers of diesel has taken a lead in switching over to bio-diesel or its mix with diesel to reduce GHG emissions. Good move indeed.
Comparison of GHG emissions from some of the transportation fuels were made considering the total fuel cycle emissions for gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from oil and gas and ethanol from corn (ANL/DOE, USA reports). The major conclusions are:
CNG produces the lowest level of carbon dioxide emissions across the total fuel cycle, followed closely by LPG and ethanol from corn. In addition, over the entire fuel cycle, there is marginal increase in weighted GHG emissions (emissions in moles of carbon dioxide per vehicle mile traveled x global warming potential per mole relative to carbon dioxide) if one switches from gasoline (10.71) to ethanol (13.88). It was also concluded that ethanol from corn produces the largest nitrous oxide emissions across the total fuel cycle.
Thus, it can be concluded that except that it is cheaper, from the consideration of global warming, contribution from ethanol is reported to be higher than gasoline. In fact, use of LPG (8.61) and CNG (9.03) contribute less as compared to ethanol (13.88) to the global warming. Then, why ethanol mix? Any answers?
For example, it is reported that the air pollution level in Mumbai city is decreasing since almost all the taxis (over 55,000) have switched over to CNG since 2000 and more and more auto-rickshaws and BEST buses in Mumbai are now run on CNG. However, uncontrolled growth of vehicular population can deteriorate the air quality again. Indian railways, which is one of the biggest consumers of diesel has taken a lead in switching over to bio-diesel or its mix with diesel to reduce GHG emissions. Good move indeed.
Comparison of GHG emissions from some of the transportation fuels were made considering the total fuel cycle emissions for gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from oil and gas and ethanol from corn (ANL/DOE, USA reports). The major conclusions are:
CNG produces the lowest level of carbon dioxide emissions across the total fuel cycle, followed closely by LPG and ethanol from corn. In addition, over the entire fuel cycle, there is marginal increase in weighted GHG emissions (emissions in moles of carbon dioxide per vehicle mile traveled x global warming potential per mole relative to carbon dioxide) if one switches from gasoline (10.71) to ethanol (13.88). It was also concluded that ethanol from corn produces the largest nitrous oxide emissions across the total fuel cycle.
Thus, it can be concluded that except that it is cheaper, from the consideration of global warming, contribution from ethanol is reported to be higher than gasoline. In fact, use of LPG (8.61) and CNG (9.03) contribute less as compared to ethanol (13.88) to the global warming. Then, why ethanol mix? Any answers?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
NUCLEAR WEAPONS AFTER MUSHARRAF
There is a lot of pressure, national and international, on Mr. Musharraf to quit as Army Chief in Pakistan. There is a belief that Pakistan’s prosperity lies safe in Musharraf’s hands with his moderate views. Doubts are also raised, rightly so, in the media regarding the fate of nuclear weapons if the Pakistan President is no more in the seat of power, without control over the all powerful military. It is now well known that the terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda and Taliban are very active in the country. What will happen to the nuclear stockpile? Even one instance of detonation of the so-called dirty bomb (which is not a nuclear weapon in the real sense) is enough to crate panic situation worldwide.
The countries which are close to Pakistan such as US, former ex-premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, or United Nations organization like International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should immediately take all the necessary steps to ensure adequate surveillance and safety and security measures for the nuclear weapon inventory in Pakistan even in case of change or uncertainty in the government leadership in Pakistan. The so-called extreme decisions by military or militants should not result in an avoidable global emergency situation.
The countries which are close to Pakistan such as US, former ex-premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, or United Nations organization like International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should immediately take all the necessary steps to ensure adequate surveillance and safety and security measures for the nuclear weapon inventory in Pakistan even in case of change or uncertainty in the government leadership in Pakistan. The so-called extreme decisions by military or militants should not result in an avoidable global emergency situation.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Toxic Toys – Chinese Experience
There is global outcry over the toxic toys being imported from China millions of which were withdrawn from the market due to the excessive lead and cadmium content in the paints used in the manufacture. Lead is neurotoxic and cadmium is nephrotoxic and a known carcinogen. Situation is no way different in India. As on today, Indian markets, particularly road-side out-lets in cities and rural markets, are overflowing with the cheap so-called home-made bright coloured toys which are made without adhering to any safety standards. Yes, the toys are cheap and are affordable by the majority poor in the country. The manufacture, even of the branded ones, is suspected to be not regulated and there is no Act which stipulates the requirement of quality of the toys to comply with any Indian Standards. But there is MRTP (Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices) Rules, which stipulates providing all the information with respect to the company which has manufactured the toy, its cost, date of manufacture, etc. Unfortunately, these details are not reliable and one can buy such toys from the roadside at one-third or half the rate written on the package. Quality of the toys is bad. The state of consumer watch and awareness in India is pathetic. There is a ministry to deal with consumer affairs! What is the outcome? Nothing worthwhile really comes out of the forums attached to the ministry. Manufacturers get away with anything. They know the tricks!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Death due to medical negligence
Every other day, one reads in the news papers about death caused due to medical negligence. What next? – Postmortem, findings such as evidence of some rashes on the skin, and finally “opinion reserved”! Anywhere in the world this can happen. Some of the reasons quoted for such deaths are: wrong diagnosis (equipment related or human error), wrong medicine, use of medicines after their expiry date, high dosage of medicine administered, drugs are spurious, allergy to the medicine not tested, improper hospital care, etc. Often it was observed that the doctor is a quack, not qualified to practice medicine or surgery.
Now let us see the consequences: If there is no political godfather to the doctor, he will be arrested and put behind the bars. Some political party workers will force their way inside the hospital or clinic and damage everything in sight. Doctors are not spared. Their faces are blackened. Political interference in such cases is very evident for cheap publicity. Nobody bothers to see the fate of the aggrieved family. Their loss is loss for ever.
On investigation, it is often observed that the culprit is the doctor. He might have carried out a procedure, which was not required in the first place, for making easy money through commission / cuts. Medical ethics is totally lacking. The doctor is not having adequate knowledge about the pros and cons of the procedures he is undertaking. His knowledge base is the medical representatives (and the colorful brochures), who promise all-found holidays abroad for the doctors for prescribing their medicines, procedures are carried out in unhygienic conditions in the hospitals, prescribes banned medicines or medicines which are not tested on humans for sufficiently long time, etc. etc.
Can the system be improved? Yes. What is actually required is thorough investigation to identify the causes for the death, fixing the responsibility and finally dissemination of the information for the benefit of others, including the general public. Government should come out with necessary action plan to sort out this universal problem. There should be supporting legislation and strong independent regulation to curb this menace. The regulating authorities should be empowered to take quick action against the guilty.
Now let us see the consequences: If there is no political godfather to the doctor, he will be arrested and put behind the bars. Some political party workers will force their way inside the hospital or clinic and damage everything in sight. Doctors are not spared. Their faces are blackened. Political interference in such cases is very evident for cheap publicity. Nobody bothers to see the fate of the aggrieved family. Their loss is loss for ever.
On investigation, it is often observed that the culprit is the doctor. He might have carried out a procedure, which was not required in the first place, for making easy money through commission / cuts. Medical ethics is totally lacking. The doctor is not having adequate knowledge about the pros and cons of the procedures he is undertaking. His knowledge base is the medical representatives (and the colorful brochures), who promise all-found holidays abroad for the doctors for prescribing their medicines, procedures are carried out in unhygienic conditions in the hospitals, prescribes banned medicines or medicines which are not tested on humans for sufficiently long time, etc. etc.
Can the system be improved? Yes. What is actually required is thorough investigation to identify the causes for the death, fixing the responsibility and finally dissemination of the information for the benefit of others, including the general public. Government should come out with necessary action plan to sort out this universal problem. There should be supporting legislation and strong independent regulation to curb this menace. The regulating authorities should be empowered to take quick action against the guilty.
Friday, August 24, 2007
MANGROVES ARE IN DANGER ZONE
In general, mangroves are plants and shrubs (mangrove swamp and mangrove forest) that grow in saline coastal areas in the tropics and subtropics. The plants and shrubs are diverse, but all are able to adapt themselves physiologically to the existing local conditions such as saline water and fine sediments with high organic content. Once established, intricate root system of the mangrove plants provide a habitat for oysters and help to impede water flow, thereby enhancing the deposition of sediment in the areas.
In Asia, mangroves occur on the south coast of Asia, throughout the Indian subcontinent, in all the southeast Asian countries, and on islands in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and South China Sea. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, located in the Ganges delta in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The plants are capable of absorbing a lot of energy from the powerful sea waves. Every one of us is aware that the towns in southern India which had good mangroves covers were not affected by the tsunami that devastated the eastern coastline during the year 2004.
In a typical Indian coastal state like Maharashtra (Mumbai is part of the state), it is reported that there are about 6000 hectares of mangroves spread across the state’s coast line. Following satellite mapping, about 2000 hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 square metres) of mangroves are notified as Protected Forests. Mumbai alone has more than 1500 hectares under mangroves. The Bombay High Court has put a ban on destroying mangroves for development purposes.
Various governmental agencies are aggressively trying to get exemption from the earlier stay granted by the High Court’s order not to destroy the mangroves. However, the environmentalists and public are worried that finally these exempted areas will be swallowed by the builder’s lobby for construction of exclusive towers facing the sea, and the protection provided by the mangroves against floods and tsunamis will not be available. The fate of about 4000 hectares is being decided by the Bombay High Court.
The threats of natural disasters are increasing due to global warming. In areas of the world where mangroves have been removed for development purposes, the disturbance of the underlying sediments often creates problems of trace metal contamination of seawater and extensive erosion of the land mass. That only means that the very mangroves which we are trying to destroy for development are required to save the proposed infrastructure and the buildings to be built on the land from floods and tsunamis! Let us all join hands to preserve the life-saving mangroves from extinction.
In Asia, mangroves occur on the south coast of Asia, throughout the Indian subcontinent, in all the southeast Asian countries, and on islands in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and South China Sea. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, located in the Ganges delta in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The plants are capable of absorbing a lot of energy from the powerful sea waves. Every one of us is aware that the towns in southern India which had good mangroves covers were not affected by the tsunami that devastated the eastern coastline during the year 2004.
In a typical Indian coastal state like Maharashtra (Mumbai is part of the state), it is reported that there are about 6000 hectares of mangroves spread across the state’s coast line. Following satellite mapping, about 2000 hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 square metres) of mangroves are notified as Protected Forests. Mumbai alone has more than 1500 hectares under mangroves. The Bombay High Court has put a ban on destroying mangroves for development purposes.
Various governmental agencies are aggressively trying to get exemption from the earlier stay granted by the High Court’s order not to destroy the mangroves. However, the environmentalists and public are worried that finally these exempted areas will be swallowed by the builder’s lobby for construction of exclusive towers facing the sea, and the protection provided by the mangroves against floods and tsunamis will not be available. The fate of about 4000 hectares is being decided by the Bombay High Court.
The threats of natural disasters are increasing due to global warming. In areas of the world where mangroves have been removed for development purposes, the disturbance of the underlying sediments often creates problems of trace metal contamination of seawater and extensive erosion of the land mass. That only means that the very mangroves which we are trying to destroy for development are required to save the proposed infrastructure and the buildings to be built on the land from floods and tsunamis! Let us all join hands to preserve the life-saving mangroves from extinction.
Friday, August 10, 2007
“No nukes for peace” – What it means?
This is a recent title appeared in one of the Indian widely circulated dailies, that too in the editorial page. There are many inconsistent and incorrect statements in the article. As per my learned and independent opinion, one should leave the national security and weapons mix-up to the Indian government to decide. I think that it should be a political decision keeping in mind the overall threat perception to the national security. With regard to nuclear disarmament, one can not fight countries having hundreds of Brammahstras with simple bow and arrows. One should remember the debacle and humiliation faced by India in the 1962 war with China.
In view of the Indian three stage nuclear power development program, the major part of the plutonium from the power reactor spent-fuel reprocessing needs to be deployed for the nuclear fuel manufacture for use in Fast Breeder Reactors. Use of plutonium in weapons is only one of the many applications.
The awareness amongst the public now is not that bad as to believe the author that nuclear power is a hazardous and accident prone energy source. One should discuss only with the numbers to prove the points. The statement: “Its radiation is an invisible but deadly poison” does not make any sense. Everybody knows that radiation is extensively used for medical applications to diagnose diseases and to treat cancer patients. In high exposure situations, everything is dangerous. Why only radiation?
Nuclear power has a bright future as a proved clean energy source. Japan, which suffered nuclear attacks in the past, is depending heavily on nuclear power. Everyone knows that coal-based power plants are highly polluting and one should be aware of the alarming global warming effects already felt and seen worldwide. Yes, the management of radioactive waste continues to be an emotional subject. It is proved beyond any doubt technically or otherwise that the waste can be safely managed. One can see that it is definitely managed far better and safely than the much more hazardous chemical and biological wastes.
With regard to the cost of power generation, if one adds up the cost of: controlling the deadly emissions from the coal-based plants, management of coal-ash and the coal transportation cost, the cost of power from the fusil fuel-based plants will be as much or more than the cost of nuclear power.
Yes, the percentage contribution of nuclear power is very small. With the Indo-US deal, the bottleneck of nuclear fuel shortage is likely to be solved. The existing reactors can run with full capacity, more and more of standardized 500/1000 MWe reactors can be quickly built / imported with Public Private Participation, supported of course by stringent regulations. To supplement nuclear power, let the government also work on war footing to develop the clean renewable sources such as wind, geothermal and solar power. There is an urgent need for arranging more and more awareness programs to sensitize the public with regards to the benefits and risks of radiation applications in a focused manner. The article shows that even the educated lot needs to be made aware of the facts so that such articles are not written out of ignorance.
In view of the Indian three stage nuclear power development program, the major part of the plutonium from the power reactor spent-fuel reprocessing needs to be deployed for the nuclear fuel manufacture for use in Fast Breeder Reactors. Use of plutonium in weapons is only one of the many applications.
The awareness amongst the public now is not that bad as to believe the author that nuclear power is a hazardous and accident prone energy source. One should discuss only with the numbers to prove the points. The statement: “Its radiation is an invisible but deadly poison” does not make any sense. Everybody knows that radiation is extensively used for medical applications to diagnose diseases and to treat cancer patients. In high exposure situations, everything is dangerous. Why only radiation?
Nuclear power has a bright future as a proved clean energy source. Japan, which suffered nuclear attacks in the past, is depending heavily on nuclear power. Everyone knows that coal-based power plants are highly polluting and one should be aware of the alarming global warming effects already felt and seen worldwide. Yes, the management of radioactive waste continues to be an emotional subject. It is proved beyond any doubt technically or otherwise that the waste can be safely managed. One can see that it is definitely managed far better and safely than the much more hazardous chemical and biological wastes.
With regard to the cost of power generation, if one adds up the cost of: controlling the deadly emissions from the coal-based plants, management of coal-ash and the coal transportation cost, the cost of power from the fusil fuel-based plants will be as much or more than the cost of nuclear power.
Yes, the percentage contribution of nuclear power is very small. With the Indo-US deal, the bottleneck of nuclear fuel shortage is likely to be solved. The existing reactors can run with full capacity, more and more of standardized 500/1000 MWe reactors can be quickly built / imported with Public Private Participation, supported of course by stringent regulations. To supplement nuclear power, let the government also work on war footing to develop the clean renewable sources such as wind, geothermal and solar power. There is an urgent need for arranging more and more awareness programs to sensitize the public with regards to the benefits and risks of radiation applications in a focused manner. The article shows that even the educated lot needs to be made aware of the facts so that such articles are not written out of ignorance.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
BAN ON SMOKING TO COVER ALL PLACES OF WORK IN INDIA
Health minister of Indian Government declared that all places of work in the country will be tobacco free. All the government offices are already non-smoking areas. One really wonders what is happening in the world today! Some of the titles seen in the Indian news papers are given below:
1. Smoking may help to ward off Parkinson’s disease
2. No puffs in offices soon
3. Anti-smoking pill curbs drinking
4. Smokers lose more muscle in old age.
5. Cancers such as lung cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer s in humans could
be related to the consumption of tobacco.
6. Smoking may bring on early menopause with increased risk of heart disease.
7. Smoking affects sex life, bad for good sex.
The same news paper also gives Indian statistics on Tobacco such as:
1. India is the second largest producer of tobacco in the world.
2. Tobacco kills 9,00,000 people per year.
3. 14 Crore (140 million) men and 4 Crore (40 million) women in India are
regular tobacco users.
4. Tobacco is consumed as cigarettes, bidi, chewing tobacco, ghutka and snuff.
5. One out of 10 Indian adults is dying of tobacco related diseases
6. Tobacco worth Rs 24,000 Crore is sold annually. The total tobacco
consumption is 4,300 lakh (430 million) kg.
The past experience on the prohibition on alcohol consumption is not very encouraging. In addition to the loss of revenues to the government, the alcohol was sold illegally in black market without any control and quality assurance of the products. Many fatalities occurred due to consumption of adulterated alcohol.
May be, the only way to control is not half-hearted prohibition on tobacco consumption, but spend the money earned for the education of the masses and bring-in awareness about its ill-effects on health, starting at school level. Television can serve as a powerful medium for such purposes.
1. Smoking may help to ward off Parkinson’s disease
2. No puffs in offices soon
3. Anti-smoking pill curbs drinking
4. Smokers lose more muscle in old age.
5. Cancers such as lung cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer s in humans could
be related to the consumption of tobacco.
6. Smoking may bring on early menopause with increased risk of heart disease.
7. Smoking affects sex life, bad for good sex.
The same news paper also gives Indian statistics on Tobacco such as:
1. India is the second largest producer of tobacco in the world.
2. Tobacco kills 9,00,000 people per year.
3. 14 Crore (140 million) men and 4 Crore (40 million) women in India are
regular tobacco users.
4. Tobacco is consumed as cigarettes, bidi, chewing tobacco, ghutka and snuff.
5. One out of 10 Indian adults is dying of tobacco related diseases
6. Tobacco worth Rs 24,000 Crore is sold annually. The total tobacco
consumption is 4,300 lakh (430 million) kg.
The past experience on the prohibition on alcohol consumption is not very encouraging. In addition to the loss of revenues to the government, the alcohol was sold illegally in black market without any control and quality assurance of the products. Many fatalities occurred due to consumption of adulterated alcohol.
May be, the only way to control is not half-hearted prohibition on tobacco consumption, but spend the money earned for the education of the masses and bring-in awareness about its ill-effects on health, starting at school level. Television can serve as a powerful medium for such purposes.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
EVERYBODY DOWNPLAYED IMMINENT DANGER TO EARTH FROM GLOBAL WARMING
Every one of us, including the government and even the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change downplayed the imminent danger of the earth being perilously close to the dramatic climate change which is being currently witnessed worldwide. We are witnessing unprecedented heat waves and huge fires in Europe, worst kind of floods in England, China, and elsewhere. It is reported that the panel predicted sea level increase between 18 and 59 centimetres due to the melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets.
Intervention at the international level, not less than United Nations, can only save the earth from this gravest threat of climate change. Reliable monitoring for the greenhouse gas levels and the temperature measurements of the atmosphere need to be carried out independently and remedial measures should be taken up on war footing. In addition to doling out money to the developing countries as carbon credits, the so called developed countries should themselves reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the levels stipulated by Kyoto Protocol. The deadline should be not by 2012 and it should be achieved by 2008.
One more question that is in the back of everybody’s mind is: Whether emission of greenhouse gases is only responsible for global warming? Any comments?
Intervention at the international level, not less than United Nations, can only save the earth from this gravest threat of climate change. Reliable monitoring for the greenhouse gas levels and the temperature measurements of the atmosphere need to be carried out independently and remedial measures should be taken up on war footing. In addition to doling out money to the developing countries as carbon credits, the so called developed countries should themselves reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the levels stipulated by Kyoto Protocol. The deadline should be not by 2012 and it should be achieved by 2008.
One more question that is in the back of everybody’s mind is: Whether emission of greenhouse gases is only responsible for global warming? Any comments?
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN TIPPED OVER NUCLEAR WASTE DRUMS
It was reported in the media that Japan nuke plant leaks after a powerful earth quake of 6.8 magnitude on July 16, 2007 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility run by Tokyo Electric. The spokesman for Tokyo Electric said earlier that the quake had caused the reactor to spill radioactive water into the sea.
However, the latest report from the Associated Press indicates that the earthquake tipped over barrels of nuclear waste at a power plant in the site and the officials on Tuesday are investigating whether there were any radioactive leaks. The report said that about 100 drums containing low-level nuclear waste fell over at the plant during Monday's 6.6-magnitude quake and were found a day later, some with their lids open quoting Mr. Masahide Ichikawa, an official with the local government in Niigata prefecture.
It is desirable that media should refrain from reporting the matter in a way that will scare the members of the public without obtaining confirmed official reports on the incident.
However, the latest report from the Associated Press indicates that the earthquake tipped over barrels of nuclear waste at a power plant in the site and the officials on Tuesday are investigating whether there were any radioactive leaks. The report said that about 100 drums containing low-level nuclear waste fell over at the plant during Monday's 6.6-magnitude quake and were found a day later, some with their lids open quoting Mr. Masahide Ichikawa, an official with the local government in Niigata prefecture.
It is desirable that media should refrain from reporting the matter in a way that will scare the members of the public without obtaining confirmed official reports on the incident.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
WHY HI-TECH INDUSTRIES DRAG THEIR FEET IN INDIA?
Simultaneous growth in Hi-Tech industries in India is important to sustain the growth rate and to ensure national security. The sectors are generally controlled, directly or indirectly by the governmental policy. However, the necessary growth in these industries is plagued by the sanctions from the so-called developed countries for decades. Though, this has definitely helped the country in developing technologies indigenously, it has resulted in considerable delay in the all-round progress. Thus, all the time, India has been lagging behind in the areas of interest such as space, atomic energy and micro-electronics.
It is time that the government needs to take hard decisions with respect to the selection of able leadership for defense research and in the science and technology sector. The selection of the Top Leader should be purely based on all-round merit, and not on caste, religion, regional politics or “apna admi” basis.
The government should maintain overall control over the strategic departments and related industries. The applicable civil rules and work conditions may be diluted/ modified / changed to facilitate Public-Private-Partnership so as to:
1. Create openings for the academics to work in national laboratories on sabbaticals and vice-versa.
2. Establishment of more close and transparent interaction/association between defense services, academy and industry.
3. Quality assurance should be given top most priority in all manufactures and procurements.
4. Rules should be made easy to penalize corrupt and in-efficient officials.
5. Hierarchy should be planned in advance to facilitate smooth and timely implementation of the projects. Seniority need not be the only criteria.
6. Procurements should be made less time consuming. Purchases should not be bound by the “accept minimum quotation” basis. This concept not only compromises on quality, but also causes avoidable delay in project implementation.
It is time that the government needs to take hard decisions with respect to the selection of able leadership for defense research and in the science and technology sector. The selection of the Top Leader should be purely based on all-round merit, and not on caste, religion, regional politics or “apna admi” basis.
The government should maintain overall control over the strategic departments and related industries. The applicable civil rules and work conditions may be diluted/ modified / changed to facilitate Public-Private-Partnership so as to:
1. Create openings for the academics to work in national laboratories on sabbaticals and vice-versa.
2. Establishment of more close and transparent interaction/association between defense services, academy and industry.
3. Quality assurance should be given top most priority in all manufactures and procurements.
4. Rules should be made easy to penalize corrupt and in-efficient officials.
5. Hierarchy should be planned in advance to facilitate smooth and timely implementation of the projects. Seniority need not be the only criteria.
6. Procurements should be made less time consuming. Purchases should not be bound by the “accept minimum quotation” basis. This concept not only compromises on quality, but also causes avoidable delay in project implementation.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
ETHICAL ISSUES IN MEDICINE
Often, it is reported that negligence on the part of doctors resulting in fatalities, delay in providing life-saving medical support, delay in admitting seriously injured in accidents, etc. Any loss of life results in irreplaceable losses of various kinds like financial and emotional, to the near and dear ones of the dead.
It is true that doctors are not Gods, but only mere mortals. It is a profession which should be taken only if one has the mentality of providing service to the needy. But today, the profession has lost its godly face and has become overly commercial. What happened to the sacred Hippocratic Oath taken while passing the MBBS degree promising to treat the ill to the best of one’s ability? Medical ethics should be made compulsory in the medical curriculum.
There many bioethical issues which need harmonization efforts at the global level so that a comprehensive protocol / recommendations are brought out for acceptance and implementation by the appropriate national bodies like Medical Council of India. Some of the major ethical issues that need immediate attention are:
1. Clinical research activities, using new drugs or carrying out new procedures on patients without their as well as their relative’s knowledge. The side effects should be fully explained.
2. Use of unnecessary radiological procedures. Radiation dose to the patients should be optimized in consultation with the medical physicists. The side effects of the exposures to high levels of radiation should be explained to the patients.
3. Surgical and other intrusive procedures should be carried out only by the suitably qualified and authorized medical personnel, that too only if it is necessary. Commercial angle should not be the guiding force.
4. Sexual exploitation of female patients by medical and paramedical personnel.
It is planned to collect responses and comments from the readers on this all important issue, analyze and publish it for the information of everybody.
Often, it is reported that negligence on the part of doctors resulting in fatalities, delay in providing life-saving medical support, delay in admitting seriously injured in accidents, etc. Any loss of life results in irreplaceable losses of various kinds like financial and emotional, to the near and dear ones of the dead.
It is true that doctors are not Gods, but only mere mortals. It is a profession which should be taken only if one has the mentality of providing service to the needy. But today, the profession has lost its godly face and has become overly commercial. What happened to the sacred Hippocratic Oath taken while passing the MBBS degree promising to treat the ill to the best of one’s ability? Medical ethics should be made compulsory in the medical curriculum.
There many bioethical issues which need harmonization efforts at the global level so that a comprehensive protocol / recommendations are brought out for acceptance and implementation by the appropriate national bodies like Medical Council of India. Some of the major ethical issues that need immediate attention are:
1. Clinical research activities, using new drugs or carrying out new procedures on patients without their as well as their relative’s knowledge. The side effects should be fully explained.
2. Use of unnecessary radiological procedures. Radiation dose to the patients should be optimized in consultation with the medical physicists. The side effects of the exposures to high levels of radiation should be explained to the patients.
3. Surgical and other intrusive procedures should be carried out only by the suitably qualified and authorized medical personnel, that too only if it is necessary. Commercial angle should not be the guiding force.
4. Sexual exploitation of female patients by medical and paramedical personnel.
It is planned to collect responses and comments from the readers on this all important issue, analyze and publish it for the information of everybody.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
CAN INDIA SUSTAIN ITS ECONOMIC PROGRESS?
One of the important indicators of the Indian economic boom is the growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing to over 9% during 2005-06. But, the question is can we sustain this growth? Whether the growth is based on sound fundamentals? What fraction of the population is involved and is benefited by this growth rate?
The major contributors for the growth are reported to be: sustained industrial manufacturing activity and impressive performance of the service sector, particularly the IT services. The largest source of government revenue comes from the service sector (50%), Industry (25%) and agriculture (23%). Banking and financial sector grew at the rate of about 15% per year since 1991.
Over the last three decades, there is continuous growth in service sector, stagnancy prevailed in industrial sector and the share from agriculture is declining! It is true that the telecom revolution is benefiting a wide spectrum of people and is far reaching. India’s total tele-subscriber base is touching 200 million-mark (population around 1100 million). Mobile phone connections are growing at the rate of 6 millions/month and soon going to add up to 500 million. One can see color television sets in almost every urban household. This figures show wide-spread participation of people in the “feel good” prosperity scenario. Quite impressive indeed!
However, can the IT sector alone sustain the growth in the economy? No, not for ever. India needs to concentrate on industrial growth, producing raw materials, chemicals, textiles, etc, etc. Every day, media report government clearances given to close down textile mills, small scale chemical industries, metallurgical industries to make way for residential towers and malls. Agriculture scenario is stagnant. Rural agriculture workers are migrating to urban areas for greener pastures. A real growth of the order of 15% GDP may be possible if the above sectors and the necessary infrastructure development are also nurtured by the government to make India the economic super power.
One of the important indicators of the Indian economic boom is the growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing to over 9% during 2005-06. But, the question is can we sustain this growth? Whether the growth is based on sound fundamentals? What fraction of the population is involved and is benefited by this growth rate?
The major contributors for the growth are reported to be: sustained industrial manufacturing activity and impressive performance of the service sector, particularly the IT services. The largest source of government revenue comes from the service sector (50%), Industry (25%) and agriculture (23%). Banking and financial sector grew at the rate of about 15% per year since 1991.
Over the last three decades, there is continuous growth in service sector, stagnancy prevailed in industrial sector and the share from agriculture is declining! It is true that the telecom revolution is benefiting a wide spectrum of people and is far reaching. India’s total tele-subscriber base is touching 200 million-mark (population around 1100 million). Mobile phone connections are growing at the rate of 6 millions/month and soon going to add up to 500 million. One can see color television sets in almost every urban household. This figures show wide-spread participation of people in the “feel good” prosperity scenario. Quite impressive indeed!
However, can the IT sector alone sustain the growth in the economy? No, not for ever. India needs to concentrate on industrial growth, producing raw materials, chemicals, textiles, etc, etc. Every day, media report government clearances given to close down textile mills, small scale chemical industries, metallurgical industries to make way for residential towers and malls. Agriculture scenario is stagnant. Rural agriculture workers are migrating to urban areas for greener pastures. A real growth of the order of 15% GDP may be possible if the above sectors and the necessary infrastructure development are also nurtured by the government to make India the economic super power.
Friday, June 29, 2007
HYDROGEN ENERGY IS THE ANSWER TO CONTROL GLOBAL WARMING
It is time that everybody world over realize that Global Warming scenario is much more serious than expected by the scientific community. The major two contributors for the emission of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming are the power sector and surface transportation, i.e., automobiles using diesel, petrol and gas. Fusil fuels used in the thermal power plants, coal or gas – based, are the ones which emit carbon dioxide, a “popular” greenhouse gas. India government has a separate ministry called The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to promote alternate routes, such as solar, wind, etc. for generation of electricity. It is reported that the government is also setting up a National Centre for Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Technology for carrying out the necessary R & D in the field of using “clean energy” (without emission of any greenhouse gases) from the application of hydrogen for meeting the energy requirements.
Governments, world-over should wake up to the reality, and develop / promote, on war footing, the hydrogen generation / storage capacity using appropriate technologies, and co-ordinate the efforts in this all important issue to prevent further global warming.
Governments, world-over should wake up to the reality, and develop / promote, on war footing, the hydrogen generation / storage capacity using appropriate technologies, and co-ordinate the efforts in this all important issue to prevent further global warming.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
BUFFER ZONE AROUND HAZARDOUS UNITS
The so-called “buffer zone” around hazardous plants is not new. It is used as part of Defense-in-depth concept in siting of nuclear power reactors. So many lives (in thousands) would not have lost in Bhopal (in the State of Madhya Pradesh, India) chemical gas leakage disaster if the concept of defense-in-depth were used while siting the plant. The basic problem everywhere is: to begin with, the hazardous industries are located far away from the populated areas or city limits. But in due course of time, the city limit expands, population density increases and so is the health risk. In-spite of best design and efforts, accidents can still happen and the risk of fatalities due the accidents in the plant increases to unacceptable levels. This is particularly true when the housing colonies for the staff members of the plant are located close-by for operational convenience of the plants.
The lesson learned fro the Bhopal incident should never be forgotten. The defense-in-depth concept of exclusion zone (1.6 km) and Sterilized zone (5 km), together called Buffer zone should be followed while locating hazardous industrial units, including nuclear fuel cycle facilities, for the safety of the resident workers and public in general. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India Government has rightly decided (as per news paper reports) to relocate personnel around big industrial units using hazardous chemicals to create a “buffer zone” to mitigate the effects of any serious accidents.
The lesson learned fro the Bhopal incident should never be forgotten. The defense-in-depth concept of exclusion zone (1.6 km) and Sterilized zone (5 km), together called Buffer zone should be followed while locating hazardous industrial units, including nuclear fuel cycle facilities, for the safety of the resident workers and public in general. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India Government has rightly decided (as per news paper reports) to relocate personnel around big industrial units using hazardous chemicals to create a “buffer zone” to mitigate the effects of any serious accidents.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
WHERE IS PURE MILK?
It is a shocking revelation in the news papers that 25% of the milk in the state of Maharashtra is adulterated at the dairy levels itself. This is besides possible adulteration at different other levels in the long chain of milk supply to the consumers. As usual, the government appoints committees involving dairy department, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and officials from Home ministry to look into the matter; high-level meetings are held and recommendations are made again and again.
It was found out that the milk adulteration is a small scale industry in itself. The chemicals used, besides water for adulteration are: starch, caustic soda, oil, sugar and even detergents! These chemicals are biologically dangerous. They can cause gastro-intestinal problems and even cancer. Not that the country does not have enough legislation to curb this menace. There are Food Adulteration Act-1954 and Food Safety and Standards Act-2006 to tackle such situations. But who cares? Government is only promoting one more small scale industry!
It was found out that the milk adulteration is a small scale industry in itself. The chemicals used, besides water for adulteration are: starch, caustic soda, oil, sugar and even detergents! These chemicals are biologically dangerous. They can cause gastro-intestinal problems and even cancer. Not that the country does not have enough legislation to curb this menace. There are Food Adulteration Act-1954 and Food Safety and Standards Act-2006 to tackle such situations. But who cares? Government is only promoting one more small scale industry!
Monday, June 11, 2007
PRIVATISING / OUTSOURCING FOR WHOSE FUTURE?
The buzz words these days are outsourcing and privatising, where government or semi government organizations give away their assigned jobs and responsibilities to private parties. As we all know, the organizations are provided with adequate manpower, initially to carryout the jobs and the government is held responsible if the jobs are not done or not done properly. Now, due to the so-called manpower shortage or growing indiscipline in the government workforce, city services and even the sensitive jobs/responsibilities of some of the departments are outsourced under very small pretexts. The long term results of such actions are bound to be:
1. Favoritism in giving the contracts to “connected” people. Opinions of expert committee’s comments will be ignored. More often, such procedures may not be followed or followed for namesake only.
2. Contractors may not be suitably qualified for the job. The actual job responsibilities, as written on the contract are not known to the supervisory level staff or not transparent.
3. Due to the corruption while giving the contract, not much control can be exercised over the contractors by the departmental supervisors.
4. The existing staff members recruited for the jobs will be wailing away their time doing nothing or doing personal things and waiting for the retirement. Redeployment of specialist workers is difficult.
5. In due course of time, the hold of private organizations over the essential services, such as water supply, supply of electricity will result in resistance to comply or non-compliance with the requirements stipulated by the government. Public will be at the mercy of private organizations. Government can wash off their hands blaming private organizations?
1. Favoritism in giving the contracts to “connected” people. Opinions of expert committee’s comments will be ignored. More often, such procedures may not be followed or followed for namesake only.
2. Contractors may not be suitably qualified for the job. The actual job responsibilities, as written on the contract are not known to the supervisory level staff or not transparent.
3. Due to the corruption while giving the contract, not much control can be exercised over the contractors by the departmental supervisors.
4. The existing staff members recruited for the jobs will be wailing away their time doing nothing or doing personal things and waiting for the retirement. Redeployment of specialist workers is difficult.
5. In due course of time, the hold of private organizations over the essential services, such as water supply, supply of electricity will result in resistance to comply or non-compliance with the requirements stipulated by the government. Public will be at the mercy of private organizations. Government can wash off their hands blaming private organizations?
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
GLOBAL WARMING POTENTIALS (GWP)
World Environment Day is commemorated each year on June 5 to enhance the awareness regarding our environment. As on today, greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting climate change, i.e., global warming is the global issue of great concern.
Climate change is generally understood as change of the climate on a large scale of space and time as a result of anthropogenic activities which are not of natural origin. Greenhouse gas effect is the increase of the heat content of the environment due to absorption or trapping of the infrared heat by the greenhouse gases. The concentration levels of the greenhouse gases are increasing by the industrial activities, mainly from fossil fuel fired power plants. Global warming is only a part of the greenhouse effect. Some of the typical greenhouse gases are CO2, CH4, N2O and CF4.
Assuming CO2 as the reference GHG, the effect of other greenhouse gases is expressed in the CO2 equivalents. This conversion factor is called Global Warming Potential (GWP). This is the ratio of the time integrated radiative forcing of the atmosphere due to an instantaneous release of 1 kg of a greenhouse gas relative to that of 1 kg of CO2. It is reported that for a time horizon of 20 years, the GWP for methane (CH4) is 35 times higher and for nitrous dioxide (N2O), it is 260 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2).
The implication of this finding is that even though the release of CH4 and N2O may be in small quantities as compared to CO2 in some industries, the greenhouse effect can be more severe than CO2 and hence needs proper understanding and assessment of its overall contribution to global warming. For example, in ultimate analysis, the contribution from global warming due to the release of methane (from the decay of submerged forestry and vegetation) in hydroelectric power generation may be comparable to the CO2 release from fossil fuel powered plants! Any comments?
Climate change is generally understood as change of the climate on a large scale of space and time as a result of anthropogenic activities which are not of natural origin. Greenhouse gas effect is the increase of the heat content of the environment due to absorption or trapping of the infrared heat by the greenhouse gases. The concentration levels of the greenhouse gases are increasing by the industrial activities, mainly from fossil fuel fired power plants. Global warming is only a part of the greenhouse effect. Some of the typical greenhouse gases are CO2, CH4, N2O and CF4.
Assuming CO2 as the reference GHG, the effect of other greenhouse gases is expressed in the CO2 equivalents. This conversion factor is called Global Warming Potential (GWP). This is the ratio of the time integrated radiative forcing of the atmosphere due to an instantaneous release of 1 kg of a greenhouse gas relative to that of 1 kg of CO2. It is reported that for a time horizon of 20 years, the GWP for methane (CH4) is 35 times higher and for nitrous dioxide (N2O), it is 260 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2).
The implication of this finding is that even though the release of CH4 and N2O may be in small quantities as compared to CO2 in some industries, the greenhouse effect can be more severe than CO2 and hence needs proper understanding and assessment of its overall contribution to global warming. For example, in ultimate analysis, the contribution from global warming due to the release of methane (from the decay of submerged forestry and vegetation) in hydroelectric power generation may be comparable to the CO2 release from fossil fuel powered plants! Any comments?
Sunday, June 3, 2007
GLOBAL GOAL – DELAY THE GLOBAL WARMING
G-8 Summit, that is the group of 8 Industrialized Countries, is on the way in Germany. India and China are the two out of the five invitees to the summit. The countries are also the rapidly growing economies in the world today. As reported, the US is emitting more greenhouse gases than the emissions from the two countries combined! Again, US will use the arm-twisting technique (the way it is trying in nuclear deal) to force India to control its emissions. One has to watch and see whether India is bold enough to say: let US mind its own business and first curtail its own greenhouse gas emissions as per the Kyoto Protocol. Every nation has a right to develop and improve its standards of living.
If at all the emissions have to be curtailed on industrialization, let the so called developed and industrialized nations provide the clean technology to developing nations to process the environmental releases so that greenhouse gas emissions are under control. It should be provided free for countries which can not afford the technology.
Global goal should be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and delay the frightening global warming scenarios as long as possible.
If at all the emissions have to be curtailed on industrialization, let the so called developed and industrialized nations provide the clean technology to developing nations to process the environmental releases so that greenhouse gas emissions are under control. It should be provided free for countries which can not afford the technology.
Global goal should be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and delay the frightening global warming scenarios as long as possible.
GUJJARS AS SCHEDULED TRIBES?
Even after 60 years of independence, well known communities such as Gujjar community in the State of Rajastan in India are fighting for the status of schedule tribes (ST) to reap the quota benefits! Generally, people fight to have a better status in society but here the gujjars claim they are schedule tribes! So many lives were lost seeking the quota benefits. It is high time that the government should curtail the quota benefits significantly so that it is not worthwhile for the communities to fight claiming that they are still tribals. It is reported that the union government had earlier rejected their demand since they are not fulfilling the requirements to be called as tribals.
As long as the caste system, and the unnecessary benefits bestowed on some communities come to an end, the country will remain undeveloped in a real sense of open, happy and ONE society.
As long as the caste system, and the unnecessary benefits bestowed on some communities come to an end, the country will remain undeveloped in a real sense of open, happy and ONE society.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
SOFT DRINKS – SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD?
Sometime back it was pesticides in the soft drinks, and now it is the research findings (reported in the newspapers) that it can cause severe damage to DNA in the cells. Let us see what the soft drink like Coke or Pepsi contains:
Sugar – 10.2 gm per 100 gm of the drink, Preservatives, Stabilizers, Caffeine and added flavours? One hundred milliliter of a cold drink (half a glass), say 100 ml of coke contains 40.4 Kcal of energy. The daily requirement of healthy human is around 2 Kcal. Half a glass of coke contains 20 times higher amount of calories than required. Ultimately, the human system will not be able to utilize so much sugar and the percentage of diabetics in the country will be multiplied. The label on the bottles also indicates the presence of a well- known addictive drug Caffeine.
Now let us see the repercussions of drinking of the soft drinks:
1. Adults and even children do not need so many calories of energy. Obesity may be the outcome of such calorie intakes
2. The DNA damage can ultimately result in Cancer or cause Parkinson’s or Liver Cirrhosis (as reported )
3. Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative. Vitamin C is one of the components used in some of the soft drinks. The two chemicals react to form Benzene, which is a known carcinogenic compound.
4. Caffeine is an addictive drug. Children get addicted to the soft drinks probably due to this component in the soft drink.
Now make sure that your dear ones are not overexposed to these drinks.
Sugar – 10.2 gm per 100 gm of the drink, Preservatives, Stabilizers, Caffeine and added flavours? One hundred milliliter of a cold drink (half a glass), say 100 ml of coke contains 40.4 Kcal of energy. The daily requirement of healthy human is around 2 Kcal. Half a glass of coke contains 20 times higher amount of calories than required. Ultimately, the human system will not be able to utilize so much sugar and the percentage of diabetics in the country will be multiplied. The label on the bottles also indicates the presence of a well- known addictive drug Caffeine.
Now let us see the repercussions of drinking of the soft drinks:
1. Adults and even children do not need so many calories of energy. Obesity may be the outcome of such calorie intakes
2. The DNA damage can ultimately result in Cancer or cause Parkinson’s or Liver Cirrhosis (as reported )
3. Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative. Vitamin C is one of the components used in some of the soft drinks. The two chemicals react to form Benzene, which is a known carcinogenic compound.
4. Caffeine is an addictive drug. Children get addicted to the soft drinks probably due to this component in the soft drink.
Now make sure that your dear ones are not overexposed to these drinks.
Friday, May 25, 2007
GO MOBILE – BUT IN A SAFE WAY
In view of the exponentially increasing usage of mobile phones, there has been much apprehension worldwide about the health concerns (thermal as well non-thermal biological effects) of its prolonged (a few hours a day!) use. Once upon a time its use was “once in a while” or occasional. Parents often give mobile phones to children to play with! Landlines are being replaced by mobiles.
Keeping in mind the uncertainty and the gaps in our knowledge about the health effects of exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) radiation, particularly due to its prolonged usage, it is not advisable to completely rule out adverse health effects, even at levels of RF exposures below the available international guidelines. It is reported that the latest Bluetooth devices also use RF with the spectrum in the range 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. The power output from a typical Class 3 Bluetooth device is 1 mW/square cm, which is of the same order of the limit for exposure of RF from cell-phones, which uses RF of 0.9 GHz (900 MHz). In fact, the Bluetooth devices are for attachment to the ear all the time. This may do irreversible damage to the ear internals.
Hence, it is advisable to have precautionary approaches such as:
i) Using the cell-phones only occasionally for passing on the messages and for small
talk. Do not use the mobiles for gossip.
ii) Do not stand directly in front of and very close to microwave antennas.
iii) Find out its RF emission levels / SAR Value before its purchase.
iv) Use hand-free types to minimize the exposure to head and neck region.
v) Avoid exposure of the children and pregnant women to RF radiation from mobile
phones.
Keeping in mind the uncertainty and the gaps in our knowledge about the health effects of exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) radiation, particularly due to its prolonged usage, it is not advisable to completely rule out adverse health effects, even at levels of RF exposures below the available international guidelines. It is reported that the latest Bluetooth devices also use RF with the spectrum in the range 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. The power output from a typical Class 3 Bluetooth device is 1 mW/square cm, which is of the same order of the limit for exposure of RF from cell-phones, which uses RF of 0.9 GHz (900 MHz). In fact, the Bluetooth devices are for attachment to the ear all the time. This may do irreversible damage to the ear internals.
Hence, it is advisable to have precautionary approaches such as:
i) Using the cell-phones only occasionally for passing on the messages and for small
talk. Do not use the mobiles for gossip.
ii) Do not stand directly in front of and very close to microwave antennas.
iii) Find out its RF emission levels / SAR Value before its purchase.
iv) Use hand-free types to minimize the exposure to head and neck region.
v) Avoid exposure of the children and pregnant women to RF radiation from mobile
phones.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Biggest loser jeethega kya?
The above 4 months realty show program shown on Sahara One, is one of the ill-conceived programs putting the lives of the participants at great risk. I do not think that all the pros and cons of the program were researched seriously by the organizers. For one, we are already tired of the monotonous voice, without any emotions of the Anchor Mr. Suneil Shetty. One fails to understand the fun of throwing one participant out every week without even giving them a chance to follow and practice the daily workouts. At least, six weeks time should be given for the participants to get set in the new work regime. Mind you they may not be fit health-wise. In their anxiety to remain in the show the participants may over strain and land in serious health problems? Mere presence of doctors may not really help in preventing undesirable health problems. We don’t need post accident research but we must ensure these do not take place in the first place. The Organizers of the show may wash off their hands. Isn’t it unethical to do so?
Precious TV time is spent on weighing the participants. The possibly interesting details of participant’s day’s program, their diet, etc are not shown to make it worthwhile. It is necessary that the channel should prevail upon the show managers to take all the precautions for the foreseen or unseen eventualities of keeping the obese participants hungry and making them do things which they would not have done before. Already there is one casualty. The actual facts (like thyroid problem) about their health might have been hidden just to get entry into the show. Mr. Shetty, are you hearing?
Precious TV time is spent on weighing the participants. The possibly interesting details of participant’s day’s program, their diet, etc are not shown to make it worthwhile. It is necessary that the channel should prevail upon the show managers to take all the precautions for the foreseen or unseen eventualities of keeping the obese participants hungry and making them do things which they would not have done before. Already there is one casualty. The actual facts (like thyroid problem) about their health might have been hidden just to get entry into the show. Mr. Shetty, are you hearing?
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
HOW SAFE ARE BUILDINGS IN MUMBAI AND NAVI MUMBAI AGAINST EARTH QUAKES?
It is reported that Mumbai and Navi Mumbai lie in seismically prone Zone 3, where earthquakes of magnitude above 6 on the Richter scale is possible. This calls for construction of earthquake - resistant buildings. Union Home ministry recently promulgated an order making it compulsory for all new buildings to be built on earth-quake resistant designs. Even the older buildings need to be assessed for their strength and to be strengthened if necessary. The standards for the design are available with the Bureau of Indian Standards / National Building Codes. Taller and taller buildings, exceeding some even exceeding 40 floors are being built in populated areas of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. It is also reported that buildings up to the height of 70 meters (about 20 stories) have better chance to survive the possible earthquakes.
Most of the towers in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are built on reclaimed land, marshy land or on salt – pans with soft underbelly. These days, concerns are mainly commercial. Safety is given backseat. There are chemical, petrochemical and nuclear industries in and around Mumbai built over the years which would not have been followed the norms, which are now applicable. The public concerns are:
How the authorities ensure and make certain that compliance of the earthquake resistant norms? Do the authorities carryout any inspections during the construction stage? What about certification of the old tower buildings, which were not constructed as per the new norms? Who is the authority to be addressed if somebody wants to lodge complaint on any builder not following the norms? Is the authority empowered to take action against non-complying but powerful builders?
There are thousands of human lives at stake.
Will somebody answer these relevant questions?
Most of the towers in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are built on reclaimed land, marshy land or on salt – pans with soft underbelly. These days, concerns are mainly commercial. Safety is given backseat. There are chemical, petrochemical and nuclear industries in and around Mumbai built over the years which would not have been followed the norms, which are now applicable. The public concerns are:
How the authorities ensure and make certain that compliance of the earthquake resistant norms? Do the authorities carryout any inspections during the construction stage? What about certification of the old tower buildings, which were not constructed as per the new norms? Who is the authority to be addressed if somebody wants to lodge complaint on any builder not following the norms? Is the authority empowered to take action against non-complying but powerful builders?
There are thousands of human lives at stake.
Will somebody answer these relevant questions?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
Africa is the poorest continent in the world. The effect of global warming is reported to affect the continent’s wildlife considerably. The poor countries in the continent are not in a position, economically to do much to address this global phenomenon. Or, whether the African countries are paying environmental penalties for the emissions of the developed countries? They continue to emit the gases to support their energy requirements to sustain industrial developments.
Probably, the forestry is the main revenue earner for many countries of the continent. However, South Africa is far more developed and reported to be contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases significantly. That is 318 million tones of carbon dioxide (2003 data). During the same year United States released 5871 million tones! Global green house gas emissions exceed 25 billion tones annually.
Another major contribution may be from methane gas, which is produced during the decay of vegetation - trees, leaves and other forestry products. Methane is a much stronger, more effective greenhouse gas as compared to carbon dioxide. One should look at this seriously since industrial emissions are low due to under development of the African counties.
Probably, the forestry is the main revenue earner for many countries of the continent. However, South Africa is far more developed and reported to be contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases significantly. That is 318 million tones of carbon dioxide (2003 data). During the same year United States released 5871 million tones! Global green house gas emissions exceed 25 billion tones annually.
Another major contribution may be from methane gas, which is produced during the decay of vegetation - trees, leaves and other forestry products. Methane is a much stronger, more effective greenhouse gas as compared to carbon dioxide. One should look at this seriously since industrial emissions are low due to under development of the African counties.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
GREENHOUSE GASES AND GLOBAL WARMING
Greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide are produced during burning of fossil fuel such as coal. The major contributing industry is thermal power plants, where train loads of coal is burnt on daily basis. Compared to this, contribution to the greenhouse gases from cremation (as reported by an Australian scientist) is insignificant. The developing countries like China and India seem to be contributing significantly to the world total. As we all know, the result of greenhouse gases is the depletion of ozone layer and the climate change (global warming) is the end result and end of the world.
The so called developed western countries have adequate power to provide enough electricity to their citizens. They have caused enough and continue to cause pollution and release of greenhouse gases. India and China are fast developing economies and need electricity to cater to the developments, industrial and life-style, taking place in a very fast pace. The countries need power of all types and are in no position to go slow on their developmental plans.
The only ways to ensure sufficient power without adding to the inventory of the greenhouse gases are:
1. Use of more and more of non-polluting electricity generating systems such as solar, wind and nuclear. Go for nuclear in a very big way.
2. The cost of pollution control measures of the existing power plants in the developing countries which are polluting should be borne by the developed countries in some way.
3. The developed counties should also reduce the pollution at their power plants, so as to compensate for the pollution caused by the developmental efforts of the developing countries.
4. All the existing and forthcoming thermal power plants should have exhaust air cleaning systems such as columns of calcium hydroxide which takes away the carbon dioxide from the exhaust converting hydroxide into carbonate.
5. Produce ozone at the higher altitudes to cover the ozone depletion taken place in the environment.
6. Finally pray God to save our environment.
The so called developed western countries have adequate power to provide enough electricity to their citizens. They have caused enough and continue to cause pollution and release of greenhouse gases. India and China are fast developing economies and need electricity to cater to the developments, industrial and life-style, taking place in a very fast pace. The countries need power of all types and are in no position to go slow on their developmental plans.
The only ways to ensure sufficient power without adding to the inventory of the greenhouse gases are:
1. Use of more and more of non-polluting electricity generating systems such as solar, wind and nuclear. Go for nuclear in a very big way.
2. The cost of pollution control measures of the existing power plants in the developing countries which are polluting should be borne by the developed countries in some way.
3. The developed counties should also reduce the pollution at their power plants, so as to compensate for the pollution caused by the developmental efforts of the developing countries.
4. All the existing and forthcoming thermal power plants should have exhaust air cleaning systems such as columns of calcium hydroxide which takes away the carbon dioxide from the exhaust converting hydroxide into carbonate.
5. Produce ozone at the higher altitudes to cover the ozone depletion taken place in the environment.
6. Finally pray God to save our environment.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Greenhouse gases and Global warming
Greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide are produced during burning of fossil fuel such as coal. The major contributing industry is thermal power plants, where train loads of coal is burnt on daily basis. The developing countries like China and India seem to be contributing significantly to the world total. As we all know, the result of greenhouse gases is the depletion of ozone layer and the climate change (global warming) is the end result.
The so called developed western countries have adequate power to provide enough electricity to their citizens. They have caused enough pollution during sixties and seventies. India and China are fast developing economies and need electricity to cater to the developments taking place in a very fast pace. The countries need power of all types and are in no position to go slow on their development plans.
The only ways to ensure sufficient power without adding to the inventory of the greenhouse gases are:
1. Use of more and more of non-polluting electricity generating systems such as solar, wind and nuclear. Go for nuclear in a big way.
2. The cost of pollution control measures of the existing power plants in the developing countries which are polluting should be borne by the developed countries in some way.
3. The developed counties should also reduce the pollution at their power plants, so as to compensate for the pollution caused by the developmental efforts of the developing countries.
4. All the existing and forthcoming thermal power plants should have exhaust air cleaning systems such as columns of calcium hydroxide which takes away the carbon dioxide from the exhaust converting hydroxide into carbonate.
5. Produce ozone at the higher altitudes to cover the ozone depletion taken place in the environment.
6. Finally pray God to save our environment.
Dr. Pushparaja, Navi Mumbai
The so called developed western countries have adequate power to provide enough electricity to their citizens. They have caused enough pollution during sixties and seventies. India and China are fast developing economies and need electricity to cater to the developments taking place in a very fast pace. The countries need power of all types and are in no position to go slow on their development plans.
The only ways to ensure sufficient power without adding to the inventory of the greenhouse gases are:
1. Use of more and more of non-polluting electricity generating systems such as solar, wind and nuclear. Go for nuclear in a big way.
2. The cost of pollution control measures of the existing power plants in the developing countries which are polluting should be borne by the developed countries in some way.
3. The developed counties should also reduce the pollution at their power plants, so as to compensate for the pollution caused by the developmental efforts of the developing countries.
4. All the existing and forthcoming thermal power plants should have exhaust air cleaning systems such as columns of calcium hydroxide which takes away the carbon dioxide from the exhaust converting hydroxide into carbonate.
5. Produce ozone at the higher altitudes to cover the ozone depletion taken place in the environment.
6. Finally pray God to save our environment.
Dr. Pushparaja, Navi Mumbai
Friday, March 23, 2007
ALCOHOL MORE DANGEROUS THAN DRUGS?
Today, alcohol and tobacco are sort of socially accepted material, which are consumed by millions. The materials were very extensively studied and the health effects are quantified. The materials are known carcinogenic- can induce cancer. Addiction caused by the materials is also well known.
Any scientifically acceptable comparison of the chemicals/drugs require quantification of the all the relevant factors. Chemical composition of the material need to be known since the material may be mixture of many harmful chemicals which needs identification and quantification of the individual health risk. The chemicals / drugs consumed in combination may produce synergistic effects (the combined health effect is more than the added individual effects). The effect on the society is very difficult to quantify since the relevant parameters are dependent on the attitude / mindset of the study population and can not be generalized worldwide. Uncertainty is too much for any direct comparison.
Finally, one comes to the scientifically acceptable method of comparison, i.e., fatalities produced which are attributable to the consumption of the drugs over a period of time in a population group. Other health effects can also be quantified by the available evaluation methods. Thus total health effects, including genetic effects can be quantified and used for comparison.
Media should never use such titles to promote ideas such as one poison is better than other poison and hence more dangerous or safer!
Any scientifically acceptable comparison of the chemicals/drugs require quantification of the all the relevant factors. Chemical composition of the material need to be known since the material may be mixture of many harmful chemicals which needs identification and quantification of the individual health risk. The chemicals / drugs consumed in combination may produce synergistic effects (the combined health effect is more than the added individual effects). The effect on the society is very difficult to quantify since the relevant parameters are dependent on the attitude / mindset of the study population and can not be generalized worldwide. Uncertainty is too much for any direct comparison.
Finally, one comes to the scientifically acceptable method of comparison, i.e., fatalities produced which are attributable to the consumption of the drugs over a period of time in a population group. Other health effects can also be quantified by the available evaluation methods. Thus total health effects, including genetic effects can be quantified and used for comparison.
Media should never use such titles to promote ideas such as one poison is better than other poison and hence more dangerous or safer!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
HRD Ministry of Government of India is enforcing Sex Education in schools (2006-07) to children studying in Std V to X! It is totally uncalled for. Rightly, the Madhya Pradesh government has stopped sex education after it found that the illustrations manual for the teachers were obscene and objectionable. Why force so much knowledge about sex into the young mind of say 10 year olds? It is time that teachers and parents resort to Gandhigiri to resists this unnecessary “education”. Senior citizens need to take up this issue strongly with the concerned. We all learnt by ourselves.
We all know that children are already exposed to lot of sex related information through various media. Instead of teaching sex education, the government should seriously see why so many young students are not doing well in maths (as reported in the media) and what can be done to increase children’s interest in maths rather than in topics like Birth Control Methods to 10 year old children. Children in Std V are too small to learn the syllabus specified for sex education.
We all know that children are already exposed to lot of sex related information through various media. Instead of teaching sex education, the government should seriously see why so many young students are not doing well in maths (as reported in the media) and what can be done to increase children’s interest in maths rather than in topics like Birth Control Methods to 10 year old children. Children in Std V are too small to learn the syllabus specified for sex education.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
HARD QUESTIONS! WHO WILL RESPOND?
Stray dogs
This is one of the major eyesores of cities like Mumbai. In-spite of the court’s directives, the municipalities are not able to solve the problem to any extent.
Let us see the problem realistically. The main problem is the very poor ratio to female to male and added to this “seasonal sexual activity” among dogs has slowly become now “all-the-time sex” like humans. These days they are sexually very active. The problem is further compounded by the so called animal-lovers who seem to be not minding young children being bitten by the stray dogs than putting the sick, stinking stray dogs into permanent sleep. Government or municipality is in a fix. What to do?
After careful considerations of various aspects, the following points come into focus:
1. It is government / municipality’s responsibility to take full care of the public health
2. Court’s direction in this matter should be respected.
3. Animals also have right to live, but not on the streets.
4. Animals such as dogs should be permitted to be kept at home only under proper license
and health care.
5. Stray dogs should not be allowed to move around on the streets.
6. Restaurants/hotels should be penalized if they feed the dogs to finish off the leftovers.
7. If a stray dog bites somebody, municipality should be made to pay very heavy
FINANCIAL PENALTY to the affected. Tax payers have a right to be compensated.
8. May be, a separate, cordoned area can be identified in some locations to keep the stray
dogs under medical surveillance. Human intrusion to such areas should be minimum. Only
animal lovers are permitted to go there to enjoy the company of stray dogs.
This is one of the major eyesores of cities like Mumbai. In-spite of the court’s directives, the municipalities are not able to solve the problem to any extent.
Let us see the problem realistically. The main problem is the very poor ratio to female to male and added to this “seasonal sexual activity” among dogs has slowly become now “all-the-time sex” like humans. These days they are sexually very active. The problem is further compounded by the so called animal-lovers who seem to be not minding young children being bitten by the stray dogs than putting the sick, stinking stray dogs into permanent sleep. Government or municipality is in a fix. What to do?
After careful considerations of various aspects, the following points come into focus:
1. It is government / municipality’s responsibility to take full care of the public health
2. Court’s direction in this matter should be respected.
3. Animals also have right to live, but not on the streets.
4. Animals such as dogs should be permitted to be kept at home only under proper license
and health care.
5. Stray dogs should not be allowed to move around on the streets.
6. Restaurants/hotels should be penalized if they feed the dogs to finish off the leftovers.
7. If a stray dog bites somebody, municipality should be made to pay very heavy
FINANCIAL PENALTY to the affected. Tax payers have a right to be compensated.
8. May be, a separate, cordoned area can be identified in some locations to keep the stray
dogs under medical surveillance. Human intrusion to such areas should be minimum. Only
animal lovers are permitted to go there to enjoy the company of stray dogs.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
European countries seeking greenhouse gases reduction
Greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide are produced during burning of fossil fuel such as coal. The major contributing industry is thermal power plants, where train loads of coal is burnt on daily basis. The developing countries like China and India seem to be contributing significantly to the world total. As we all know, the result of greenhouse gases is the depletion of ozone layer and the climate change is the end result.
European countries are seeking a reduction in the emission of these gases from China and India to the tune of 30% by 2020.
Let us first look at the history. The so called developed western countries have enough power to provide enough electricity to their citizens. They have caused enough pollution. India and China are fast developing economies need electricity to cater to the developments. The countries need power of all types and are in no position to go slow on their development plan just because the developed countries are putting restrictions.
The only ways to ensure sufficient power without adding to the inventory of the greenhouse gases are:
1. Use of more and more of non-polluting electricity generating systems such as solar, wind and nuclear. Go for nuclear in a big way.
2. The cost of pollution control measures of the existing power plants, which are polluting should be borne by the developed countries in some way.
3. The developed counties should also reduce the pollution at their power plants, so as to compensate for the pollution caused by the developmental efforts of the developing countries.
All should sacrifice to keep our environment clean and reduce generation of greenhouse gases. This was we can postpone the calamity which is bound to happen due to climate changes worldwide.
European countries are seeking a reduction in the emission of these gases from China and India to the tune of 30% by 2020.
Let us first look at the history. The so called developed western countries have enough power to provide enough electricity to their citizens. They have caused enough pollution. India and China are fast developing economies need electricity to cater to the developments. The countries need power of all types and are in no position to go slow on their development plan just because the developed countries are putting restrictions.
The only ways to ensure sufficient power without adding to the inventory of the greenhouse gases are:
1. Use of more and more of non-polluting electricity generating systems such as solar, wind and nuclear. Go for nuclear in a big way.
2. The cost of pollution control measures of the existing power plants, which are polluting should be borne by the developed countries in some way.
3. The developed counties should also reduce the pollution at their power plants, so as to compensate for the pollution caused by the developmental efforts of the developing countries.
All should sacrifice to keep our environment clean and reduce generation of greenhouse gases. This was we can postpone the calamity which is bound to happen due to climate changes worldwide.
Nicotine in cigarettes
It is reported that nicotine in cigarettes smokers typically inhale rose by 11% since 1998 as per the analysis carried out by a Harvard study. Truth can be that the companies must be deliberately increasing the nicotine content to make it more addictive, which is a dangerous from the public health point of view. It is high time that the nicotine content in cigarettes should be regulated by fixing a limit on the total content by world health organization. Sooner it take place is better for the potential smokers.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
NITHARI KILLINGS, NOIDA, INDIA
The brutal killings and suspected cannibalism by an industrialist and his servant proves beyond doubt the fact that “Man can be the cruelest animal”. I will only add “cruelest man-eating animal”. One more case of cannibalism is also reported in the press.
It is time that to realize by one and all that public surveillance apparatus need to be made high tech in suspected areas. Any complaint, how so ever small against persons, particularly against those enjoying high profile lifestyle, should be noted and investigated at depth without any bias. Number of dual personalities and sex perverts seems to increasing. The corrupt officials should be dismissed from the service and should be tried in fast track courts and punished. Trade in the organs should be made more transparent and any receipt of organs should be recorded in the hospitals and the records, particularly, the donor details should be verified.
It is time that to realize by one and all that public surveillance apparatus need to be made high tech in suspected areas. Any complaint, how so ever small against persons, particularly against those enjoying high profile lifestyle, should be noted and investigated at depth without any bias. Number of dual personalities and sex perverts seems to increasing. The corrupt officials should be dismissed from the service and should be tried in fast track courts and punished. Trade in the organs should be made more transparent and any receipt of organs should be recorded in the hospitals and the records, particularly, the donor details should be verified.
Friday, January 5, 2007
ADAM AIR’S PLANE CRASH
First, a ferry carrying more than 600 people sank off the Indonesia’s main island of Java. 239 rescued. 400 more are unaccounted for. After three days Adam Air’s 17 year old plane with 102 people (including foreign nationals) on board went missing. The government officials made a false statement saying that the plane has been spotted near Sulawesi and 12 passengers had survived. In fact, the wreckage of the plane is not traced in-spite of the efforts.
Every one is disturbed by the news. One can’t imagine the plight of the relatives with such uncertainty and not finding the wreckage, still (forth day)! Realizing the lack of good governance in the system, the President rightly ordered full investigation and assessment of the nation’s transportation system. It is better late than never.
Every one is disturbed by the news. One can’t imagine the plight of the relatives with such uncertainty and not finding the wreckage, still (forth day)! Realizing the lack of good governance in the system, the President rightly ordered full investigation and assessment of the nation’s transportation system. It is better late than never.
HOW SAFE IS FRAGRANCE AVAILABE IN THE MARKET?
This has reference to the small item appeared in the Times Trend (Times of India, Mumbai, January 5, 2007).
Definitely, the news item deserves much more publicity as it involves millions of persons, young and old, who lavishly spray themselves with the perfumes/fragrances, being sold everywhere, in the big malls, in the shops and on the roadsides. The public in general should be educated as to the origin and the possible health hazards (particularly to the central nervous system) of the present day perfumes.
The perfumes/fragrance sold these days appear to be a mixture of hundreds or thousands of organic chemicals derived from petroleum. Some of the chemicals used are known to be carcinogenic and a few are potentially carcinogenic chemicals.
It is time that government should take note of these developments and take the necessary steps to regulate the manufacture, marketing and use of these synthetic perfumes/fragrances.
Definitely, the news item deserves much more publicity as it involves millions of persons, young and old, who lavishly spray themselves with the perfumes/fragrances, being sold everywhere, in the big malls, in the shops and on the roadsides. The public in general should be educated as to the origin and the possible health hazards (particularly to the central nervous system) of the present day perfumes.
The perfumes/fragrance sold these days appear to be a mixture of hundreds or thousands of organic chemicals derived from petroleum. Some of the chemicals used are known to be carcinogenic and a few are potentially carcinogenic chemicals.
It is time that government should take note of these developments and take the necessary steps to regulate the manufacture, marketing and use of these synthetic perfumes/fragrances.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
COUPLE OF PEGS A DAY KEEPS B.P. IN CHECK
It is reported in the media that 1 or 2 pegs of alcohol a day keeps BP under check. These types of half baked, so called research items need not be given so much publicity. The report also states that 3 pegs a day can increase the BP and can cause increase in the risk of heart attack!
It is reported that the study was carried out at the Wageningen University in Netherlands.
My comments are:
1. Can some body comment on the basis for 2 pegs are OK and 3 are bad? How to control the
intake so critically?
2. Alcohol content-wise, the drinks used in the study, i.e., beer, red wine or spirits are not
same.
3. How the daily tipple can have same effects as exercise as reported?
4. We are only helping (?) young children to get into the habit of drinking alcohol. They will
have an excuse.
It is reported that the study was carried out at the Wageningen University in Netherlands.
My comments are:
1. Can some body comment on the basis for 2 pegs are OK and 3 are bad? How to control the
intake so critically?
2. Alcohol content-wise, the drinks used in the study, i.e., beer, red wine or spirits are not
same.
3. How the daily tipple can have same effects as exercise as reported?
4. We are only helping (?) young children to get into the habit of drinking alcohol. They will
have an excuse.
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