Star News Agency
Cut down on foods that worsen symptoms of gas in the abdomen said Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India.
The need to burp and pass gas is normal. But some people may feel that they’re frequently bloated and gassy.
Foods that split equally into two produce gas e.g. pulses, rajma, Chickpeas etc.
Cook them after soaking them in water for 8–12 hours or cook them with ‘heeng’ (asafetida).
Foods grown over the surface if eaten raw produce gas-like feeling e.g. cauliflower, brocolli, cabbage etc.
Foods grown under the ground produce gas, if eaten raw or without soaking them in the water e.g onions, radish, carrots etc.
Heart Care Foundation of India offers the following suggestions to help reduce uncomfortable gas:
Cut down on foods known to cause gas, such as beans, dairy products, bran and whole wheat foods.
Limit gas–causing vegetables such as onions, broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts, and fruits such as peaches, apples and pears.
Avoid sugary fruit drinks and carbonated soft drinks. Instead, drink water.
Avoid swallowing excessive air by eating slowly and chewing thoroughly.
Keep a diary of foods that cause gas for you, and try to avoid them.
Ikshula
The world today faces challenges of different forms ranging from ecological disaster to terrorist violence and from deaths from malnutrition to problems emanating from plenty. The world, whether it is the affluent North or the developing South, seems to be running in a mad race. Two separate races, almost oblivious of each other, are going on simultaneously on the world map – one race is of affluent people who are clamouring for more and the other is for mere survival where people are striving hard to make both ends meet. And this is where Gandhiji’s ideas hold great value for today’s world – his emphasis on ‘aparigrah’ (non-possessiveness’) and his idea of ‘Swaraj’ under which each individual, he thought, would be enabled to control his or her life independent of state power and where villages/gram sabhas would be self-dependent and self-sufficient.
“Our Earth has enough for everyone’s need but not for anyone’s greed” – This is what Mahatama Gandhi said almost a century ago and there is no doubt that this holds good today.
Gandhiji’s famous Talisman that you recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man and consider whether your act is going to be of any use to him, should be our Mantra. And this talisman should be our philosophy of life if we have to achieve the larger objective of ‘Swaraj’ and inclusive growth.
Human happiness was the main criterion for Gandhiji and he thought that progress should be measured in terms of human happiness. He did not believe in the modern view of an affluent society in which material development is the sole criterion of progress. He supported the concept of ‘SARVODAYA’, the greatest good of all. His vision of Swaraj was a society in which every man would have dignified life, and equal opportunities to grow. He envisaged a society in which economic progress and social justice would go hand in hand.
As our late Prime Minister and a Gandhian, Morarji Desai wrote in an Essay “Gandhiji And the Destiny of Man” that Gandhiji demonstrated to the world the strength of man’s invincible soul when it was pitted against physical force or military might; of moral values as against material ones; and of service and sacrifice as against selfishness and acquisitiveness. He taught us the beauty of truth and the sublimity of the human spirit.
Gandhiji was not opposed to material prosperity nor did he reject the use of machines in all circumstances. He felt that machinery should save time and labour for all. He did not want man to become a slave of machines and lose his identity altogether; he wanted machines to be for man, not man for machines.
In Gandhi’s own words: “Economic equality is the master-key to non-violent independence… A non-violent system of government is clearly an impossibility so long as the wide gulf between the rich and the hungry millions persists. The contrast between the palaces of New Delhi and the miserable hovels of the poor, laboring class cannot last one day in a free India in which the poor will enjoy the same power as the richest in the land.”
As a Gandhian scholar Sunil points out in one of his recently published articles that the high consumption levels being presently practiced and espoused, cannot be available to the whole humanity. Even where available and achievable, the cult of consumerism has not made the life and society happier and healthier. It has brought its own distortions and social crises. And worse, it has brought the ecology and environment of the earth to the brink of disaster.
If we go by Gandhian view, the villages will have to made self-dependent economic units. No doubt that a significant part of the village population has to be diverted to industries. But those industries will be small unit, labour-intensive and mainly village based. Villages and small towns have to be again made centre of development. For inclusive growth, we will have to promote the industries which provide employment in rural areas and bring prosperity and basic facilities to villages.
The National Employment Rural Guarantee Scheme is a concrete step in this direction. The Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Rights) Act, 2006, has been rightly hailed as landmark legislation. However, there is a need to do much more to achieve the larger objectives like inclusive growth and to eliminate hunger and malnutrition from the country. Since Gandhi, one of the greatest leaders of mankind, was born here, we should ensure that the ‘the face of the poorest and the weakest remains at the centre of our planning and development.
Firdaus Khan
Both rumors and panic reactions are contagious. It just takes one percent of the population to create rumors. Most rumors are not facts. The best way to know whether it's a rumor or not, is to ask, "Who told you". The answer invariably will be ‘someone’. Unless somebody has heard it from the horses' mouth do not believe it. It is a human tendency to add to what one has heard from someone.
This was stated by Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India. Rumors are scientific and are based on the 100th Monkey Phenomenon. Once the target population is sensitized, the rumor spreads like wild fire. In a gathering of 1000 people only 10 persons are required to spread the rumor, and the resultant panic. In a war-like situation, it is easy to spread rumors as the public is sensitized for the same and living in an unknown fear.
Panic attacks are an unexplained and unprovoked fight or flight response. The body suddenly has the physical reaction of a life-threatening situation. Panic attack is usually mistaken (by the sufferer) as a heart attack and can be very frightening. Anxiety can sometimes lead to panic attacks therefore a lot of people with anxiety disorder tend to unfortunately develop panic attacks.
Talking about anxiety, Dr. Aggarwal said that it is a feeling everyone suffers from at one time or other. It is an emotion most people experience when they feel they are in danger. The heart rate increases, the muscles tense up, one get a rush of adrenaline and one is ready to fight for the life. This is called the "Fight or Flight" reaction and it gives one the extra strength needed to overcome or escape a dangerous situation.
On the other hand, anxiety disorder is when you have the symptoms but the reason for feeling the "Fight or Flight" reaction is unclear.
A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is far more intense than the feeling of being 'stressed out' that most people experience. Symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Racing heartbeat
- Difficulty in breathing, feeling as though you 'can't get enough air'
- Terror that is almost paralyzing
- Trembling, sweating, shaking
- Choking, chest pains
- Hot flashes or sudden chills
- Tingling in fingers or toes ('pins and needles').
- Fear that you're going to go crazy or are about to die
In addition to the above symptoms, a panic attack is marked by the following conditions:
- It occurs suddenly, without any proportion to the actual situation; often, in fact, it's completely unrelated.
- It passes off in a few minutes; the body cannot sustain the 'fight or flight' response for longer than that. However, repeated attacks can continue to recur for hours.
A panic attack is not dangerous, but it can be terrifying, largely because it feels 'crazy' and 'out of control'. Panic disorder is frightening because of the panic attacks associated with it, and also because if often leads to other complications such as phobias, depression, substance abuse, medical complications, even suicide. Its effects can range from mild word or social impairment to a total inability to face the outside world.
India and Russia Agree to Explore Possibility to Set up Joint Ventures in Pharma and Bio-Pharma Sectors
Star News Agency
New Delhi. India and Russia have agreed to explore the possibility of setting up of Joint Ventures in Pharma and Bio-Pharma sectors, API and therapeutic specific sector in both countries, including joint setting up of R&D/Testing facilities. They have also agreed to exchange of technical knowhow for production of Pharma products including bulk drugs, serums, bio-similars, vaccines etc., participation in setting up of enterprises for scientific and production capacity. This was decided during a meeting between the Indian delegation, led by Secretary Pharmaceuticals, Shri Mukul Joshi and Russian delegation led by Russian Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr. Victor B. Khristenko here today.
The two sides have also agreed on a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage collaboration in the areas of trade, industry, joint ventures and R&D in the Pharma and Bio-Pharma sectors. They have also agreed to exchange of information on the issues of regulation in the export/import of pharmaceuticals products including Active Pharmaceuticals Ingredients, etc.
During the meeting the two sides discussed the issues relating to Pharma and Bio-Pharma sectors including support to Indian Joint Ventures for Government Procurement from Russian side in terms of market assurance, Tax and Investment incentives, financial collaboration, infrastructure and utility services, protection of investment made by Indian industry, easy repatriation of profits and other incentives and specific support during construction/establishment of production facilities in Russia including work force from India etc.
Alkesh Tyagi
The decision of United Nations General Assembly to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, 2nd October as “International Day of Non Violence is not only the recognition of Mahatma’s role in promoting the message of Peace across the globe but also vindication of the characteristic feature of Indian culture that have long been peace, non-violence, love and harmony. The decision also underlines the urgent quest of international fraternity for a harmonious way of life. This unique way of life had effectively been shown to the world by a Karamyogi and a Kriyayogi from India. One tried to harmonize politics through value based activities while the other tried to harmonize religions by merging the materialism of West with the spirituality of the East.
Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi on Indian political scene in 1917-18 was marked with another silent development taking shape in remote India. A young Sanyasi from Bengal, Twentyfour years younger to Gandhiji, laid the foundation stone of a yoga school at Dihika in West Bengal for the right education of the youth. A year later in 1918, the school named Yogoda Satsang Brahmcharya Vidyalay was shifted to Ranchi. This school was later visited by Mahatma Gandhi on 17th September, 1925.
Paramhans Yogananda
The founder of the school was none other than — Sri Sri Paramhansa Yogananda , the founder of Yogoda Satsang Society of India and the author of modern spiritual classic ‘Autography of a Yogi’. Considered to be the Upanishada of the new age, ‘Autography of a Yogi’ has been translated in to twenty one languages to satisfy the ever growing spiritual thirst of millions of readers world over. This book introduces the readers to the timeless truths underlying the religious traditions of East and West. This book also introduces Gandhiji to the world from Yogananda’s point of view.
Born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on January 5, 1893, as Mukund Lal Ghosh, Paramahansaji graduated from Calcutta University in 1915 and was initiated into sannyas. Paramahansaji was sent by his guru to Boston, USA in 1920 to represent India at an International Congress of Religious Liberals. His forceful address in fluent English on “The Science of Religion” there and his subsequent lectures were enthusiastically received. In 1925, he founded Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) at Los Angeles. In post world war-I era, when Gandhiji was trying to change the character of Indian political movement with the help of his philosophy of TRUTH and NON-VIOLENCE, Yoganandji was introducing West to the essence of India’s ancient wisdom with the help of practice of ancient science of KRIYA YOGA. Both of them were serving the same cause in different places under different set of circumstances. While Gandhiji tried to make politics, a religion, Yoganandji strived to make religion scientific.
On March 7, 1952, Paramahansa Yogananda, left his earthly body. On the twenty-fifth anniversary of his mahasamadhi, in 1977, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in his honour, paying him the following tribute: “The ideal of love for God and service to humanity found full expression in the life of Paramahnsa Yogananda…. He takes his place among our great saints. His work continues to grow and shine ever more brightly, drawing people everywhere on the path of the pilgrimage of the spirit.”
Yogananda meets Mahatma
When Yoganandji returned to India after fifteen years, he visited Mahatma Gandhi at his Wardha Ashram. He arrived there on 26th August, 1935,Monday the Mahatma’s day for observing silence. On the following day, August 27, 1935 Yoganandaji initiated Gandhiji in Kriya Yoga. Narrating this incident in his biography Yoganandaji wrote “on the previous night Gandhi had expressed a wish to receive the Kriya Yoga of Lahiri Mahasaya. I was touched by the Mahatma’s open mindedness and spirit of enquiry…. The hour of my promised instruction had arrived; several Satyagrahees now entered the room- Mr. Desai, Dr. Pingle, and a few others who desired the Kriya techniques.”
“I first taught the little class the physical Yogoda exercises. The body is visualized as divided into twenty parts; the will directs energy in turn to each section. Soon everyone was vibrating before me like a human motor. It was easy to observe the rippling effect on Gandhi’s twenty body parts, at nearly all times completely exposed to view! Though very thin, he is not unpleasingly so; the skin of his body is smooth and unwrinkled.”
“Later I initiated the group into the liberating technique of Kriya Yoga.” On my last evening in Wardha I addressed the meeting ………in Town Hall. The room was thronged… with about 400 persons assembled to hear the talk on yoga….Our little group returned to ashram..good-night glimpse of the Mahatma—deep in peace and correspondence.”
“Night was still lingering when I rose at five a.m……..After breakfast our trio sought out Gandhi for farewell pranams. The saint rises at four o’clock for his morning prayers”
“Mahatmaji, good-bye!” I knelt to touch his feet.” India is safe in your keeping.”
Kiryayogi on Karamyogi
Further recording his meeting with Gandhiji, Yoganandji said in his autobiography “Alone among great leaders, Gandhi has offered a practical nonviolent alternative to armed might. To redress grievances and remove injustices, the Mahatma has employed nonviolent means which again and again have proved their effectiveness. According to Yoganandji, Gandhiji stated his doctrine in these words:
“I have found that life persists in the midst of destruction. Therefore there must be a higher law than that of destruction. Only under that law would well-ordered society be intelligible and life worth living.
If that is the law of life we must work it out in daily existence. Wherever there are wars, wherever we are confronted with an opponent, conquer by love. I have found that the certain law of love has answered in my own life as the law of destruction has never done.
In India we have had an ocular demonstration of the operation of this law on the widest scale possible. I don’t claim that nonviolence has penetrated the 360,000,000 people in India, but I do claim it has penetrated deeper than any other doctrine in an incredibly short time.
It takes a fairly strenuous course of training to attain a mental state of nonviolence. It is a disciplined life, like the life of a soldier. The perfect state is reached only when the mind, body and speech are in proper coordination. Every problem would lend itself to solution if we determined to make the law of truth and nonviolence the law of life.”
On World Political Events
“The grim march of world political events points inexorably to the truth that without spiritual vision, the people perish. Science, if not religion, has awakened in humanity a dim sense of the insecurity and even insubstantiality of all material things. Where indeed may man go now, if not to his Source and Origin, the Spirit within him?
Consulting history, one may reasonably state that man’s problems have not been solved by the use of brute force. World war I produced an earth- chilling snowball of dread karma that swelled into world war II. Only the warmth of brotherhood can melt the present colossal snowball of sanguinary karma that may otherwise grow into World War III………
War and crime never pay. The billions of dollars that went up in the smoke of explosive nothingness would have been sufficient to have made a new world, one almost free from disease and completely free from poverty….”
On Non-Violence
Paramhans Yoganand ji said in his book “The nonviolent voice of Gandhi appeals to man’s highest conscience. Let nations ally themselves no longer with death, but with life; not with destruction, but with construction; not with hate, but with the creative miracle of love.
“One should forgive, under any injury,” says the Mahabharata. “It hath been said that the continuation of the species is due to man’s being forgiving. Forgiveness is holiness; by forgiveness the universe is held together. Forgiveness is the might of the mighty; forgiveness is sacrifice; forgiveness is quiet of mind. Forgiveness and gentleness are the qualities of the Self-possessed. They represent eternal virtue.”
“Nonviolence is the natural outgrowth of the law of forgiveness and love. “If loss of life becomes necessary in a righteous battle,” Gandhi proclaims, “one should be prepared, like Jesus, to shed his own, not others’, blood. Eventually there will be less blood split in the world.”
Yoganandji quotes Gandhiji “I am fighting for nothing less than world peace. If the Indian movement is carried to success on a nonviolent Satyagraha basis, it will give a new meaning to patriotism and, if I may say so in all humanity, to life itself.”
Yoganandji comments “Gandhi’s epoch has extended, with the beautiful precision of cosmic timing, into a century already desolated and devastated by two World Wars. A divine handwriting appears on the granite wall of his life: a warning against the further shedding of blood among brothers.”
“Epics shall someday be written on the Indian satyagrahis who withstood hate with love, violence with nonviolence”.
V. Mohan Rao
Comity of nations across the globe, having faith in democracy continue to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth day on the 2nd day of October every year because of the relevancy of his time-tested principles of truth and non-violence. The over six decades old philosophy continued to be relevant in the modern world even today. Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha (Truth) and Non-violence (Ahimsa) has lead the United Nations to adopt his birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence thus declaring him a global ambassador for preaching peace and communal harmony. The United Nations General Assembly had adopted a resolution to this effect on 15th of June 2007. In the home front, the Father of the Nation continued to be an undeclared brand ambassador for achieving social justice in the promotion of communal harmony, eradication of poverty, women’s rights, universal education and other burning problems of the day. His contribution in these sectors is the befitting reply to those who ask the question — Is Mahatma Gandhi relevant today. His enumeration of seven sins like politics without principles, wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, commerce without morality, science without humanity and worship without sacrifice, will continue to guide the humankind forever. He always preached for respect to various cultures and religions based on the fundamentals of Listening, Speaking and Appreciating each other as he believed that in a vibrant democracy, the concerns of everyone, predominantly, the poor, women and disadvantaged communities must be addressed. Gandhi always preached “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This gives the message that as India experiences rapid growth, it is vital that its citizens work together to ensure that the progress made is truly inclusive and that weaker sections are equal stakeholders in the processes of development. Eminent historians likened Gandhi to be a politician, an economist, a doctor, a nutritionist, an environmentalist and a spiritual master - all rolled into one. This is also evident from the description of Mahatma Gandhi as the legendary Indian icon by no less than the American President Mr Barack Obama, who has asked the young Africans to follow Gandhi in bringing changes in the continent. In his address to the Young African Leaders from nearly 50 African countries at the White House on 4th of August this year, Mr Obama quoted Gandhi as having said – “you have to be the change that you seek.” Gandhi proved to the world that freedom can be achieved through the path of non-violence, a true symbol of peace and truth.
Tributes To The Mahatma
Gandhi Jayanti provides a platform to the people to emulate the great preachings of the Mahatma (Great Soul). A grateful nation, has renamed several of its flagship programs aimed at providing employment and educational opportunities besides health facilities to the people, particularly the women and the poor after him. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is one among them providing job guarantee for 100 days in the rural areas. Gandhi pushed for education as a mass weapon for salvation, freedom and success in life. In a befitting tribute to the Father of the Nation, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP), a UNESCO institute, will be unveiled on his 141st birth anniversary in New Delhi. This will be the Category-I institute of UNESCO to be located in Asia. Out of 11 such institutes, nine are situated in the developed world and the two others in Ethiopia and Venezuela. The Human Resource Development Ministry has made a financial assistance of Rs.223 crore for setting up of the Institute. Meanwhile, the HRD Ministry informed the recently concluded Parliament session that India and Australia have agreed to set up a Joint Education Council (JEC). The India-Australia Education Council, will bring together government, academia, business and industry of both the countries to enhance bilateral collaboration in the education sector. The government has decided to provide financial assistance for establishing Gandhi Heritage Sites Portal. A Corpus fund is being set up for which Rs.4 crore are being released to the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust (SAPMT). The decision was based on the recommendations made by a panel of eminent Gandhians, set up by the Centre in 2006. The major recommendations of the 6-member Panel, headed by Gopal Krishna Gandhi, included the setting up of the Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission with five Zonal Centre besides the setting up of SAPMAT at Ahmedabad. Sabarmati Ashram contains the largest collection of carefully preserved manuscripts of Gandhi’s writings during his stay there. The Library and Archives at Sabarmati consist of 34,111 letters - either to Gandhiji or from him; original as well as photocopies. These letters have already been microfilmed and entered into a Register. Government of India has also decided to set up the Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission with a total outlay of Rs. 42 crores during a five-year period. The Mission will initiate conservation/restoration and preservation of Gandhi Heritage Sites, which will be an ongoing exercise. The Panel has recommended 39 Core Sites which include Porbandar and Rajkot sites of the childhood period, Tilak Ghat, Chennai, Mani Bhavan, Mumbai, Beliaghata, Kolkata, the venue in Madurai where Gandhiji took to the loin-cloth, the prison cell in Yeravda Jail, Pune, and the prison room in Aga Khan Palace (Pune). The list of Gandhi Heritage Sites has covered almost every single place visited and associated with Gandhi from 1869 to 1948, in India, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Mauritius, Burma (Myanmar), Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and other venues. The government plans to publish a Comprehensive Master List. The UNESCO has agreed to support the Indian government in achieving the goal of Education for all children between 6 to 14 years by the year 2015. Its Director-General, Ms. Irina Bokova, gave an assurance to this effect in New Delhi early January this year saying that it is extremely important to promote primary education.
Kalpana Palkhiwala
Mercury is the only liquid state metal, which finds very wide commercial application in industries, electrical appliances, mercurial catalysts, healthcare sector for extensive , seed treatment, laboratory reagents etc. Because of extensive use in thermometers, sphygmomanometers, dental amalgams, agriculture for seed treatment, as laboratory reagents etc. Because of extensive commercial use, the mercury consumption in the country is quite high. The Mercury Cell process based Chlor-alkali industries are one of the major users and thus prime source of mercury release to the environment along with the coal-fired thermal power plants, plastic industries, pulp and paper industries, discarded medical instruments, used electrical appliance, electronic waste, certain pharmaceuticals and agricultural products.
The mercury is highly toxic in both forms elemental and compounds; irrespective of whether inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. The microbes convert inorganic mercury of aquatic environment into methyl mercury and various organic mercury compounds. These compounds may be bio-accumulated and bio-magnified in food chain, particularly in the body tissue of fresh water and marine organisms and consequently get transferred to human beings. The Environmental issues of elemental mercury and its various forms, their toxico-kinetics and human health impacts have been widely documented. The mercury compounds are recognized as cumulative poison and are potent neuro and nephro toxic substances. Alkyl mercury has been known to cause permanent mental retardation.
Nature, Occurrence, Distribution
Mercury is the only element, which is liquid at ambient temperature and sometimes called Quicksilver because of its silvery white appearance. It rarely occurs free in nature and is mainly found as bright red crystalline solid Cinnabar ore (HgS). Mercury is a heavy, odourless, lustrous liquid metal that sinks in water. It is mobile, ductile and converts into malleable mass on being solidified at -39o C, which may be cut with a knife.
Mercury has very wide commercial and industrial applications. It is an excellent conductor of electricity, therefore it is widely used in electrical apparatuses i.e. meters, switches, batteries etc. Being highly mobile, it cannot be disintegrated into harmless components. In the industrial processes, mercury is actually not consumed, therefore whatever mercury is used comes back with wastes, effluents, air emissions or in the products. The mercury hazards have been recognized since last few decades due to environmental awareness. It is estimated that more than 90 percent of the mercury used in the industrial processes literally vanishes into various environmental components.
Chlor-alkali industries had been the major source of mercury release to the environment till sometimes back, because of obsolete technology. However, now all of the Chlor alkali industries except few are based on upgraded advanced and cleaner Technology viz. Membrane Technology which does not use mercury in the process.
The average concentration of mercury in the earth’s crust is about 0.07 mg/kg. More than 90% of the world’s supply of mercury is provided by seven countries: USA, Spain, Yugoslavia, Italy, former Soviet Union, China and Mexico.
Existence of Various Forms of Mercury In Environment
Mercury and its compounds exist in the environment in two forms, inorganic mercury and its compounds and organic mercury and its compounds. The inorganic mercury is available either in mercurous (Hgo) or mercuric (Hg2+) form, while organic mercury is covalently bonded with alkyl or aryl groups.
The metallic mercury when enters in the aquatic environment, the bacterial action converts it slowly to methyl mercury, both the methyl mercury ions (CH3HG+) and Dimethyl mercury (CH3)2Hg are formed. Mercury is particularly dangerous in organomercury compounds. The inorganic mercury directly accumulates in body tissues, while organic mercury in form of aryl salts of mercury, breaks down into organic mercury in the body tissue. The alkyl salts of mercury, particularly methyl mercury is able to diffuse easily through the membranes and spread throughout the body.
Mercury Trade in India
Mercury is not geologically extracted in the country, but imported for commercial uses. Mercury and mercury containing wastes are included in the waste streams of the Basel Convention on trans-boundary movements of hazardous waste and their disposal. In order to control the movement of Basel wastes, the export and import of mercury bearing wastes has been banned under Schedule 8 of the Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Amendment Rules, 2003. But elemental mercury and mercury containing equipments are continued to be freely imported.
Global Production of Mercury
Mercury is Natural component of the Earth, with an average abundance of approximately 0.05 mg/kg in the Earth’s crust, with significant local variations. The ores of mercury, which are mined generally, contain about one percent mercury.
Natural Sources of Mercury
Mercury can be found virtually in all geological media in small, but varying concentrations. The major sources of mercury are the natural degassing of the earth’s crust i.e. evaporation from soil and water surfaces, degradation of minerals and forest fires. Elemental and oxidized forms of mercury are being continuously added to the environment due to their volatile nature. Several cycles are involved in the transport and distribution of mercury in the environment. The global cycle involves the atmospheric circulation of elemental mercury vapours from sources on that also transport the mercury to streams and lakes through surface.
Anthropogenic Sources of Mercury
Industrial use and commercial products containing mercury are recognized as significant sources of mercury release in the environment. Air emissions from coal burning power plants, incinerators, and hazardous waste combustions are the major contributors of mercury. Mercury is also contributed directly from municipal and industrial sits, hospitals, dental clinics, and wastewater and from breakage or disposal of mercury contains products such as fluorescent lights, thermostats and thermometers. There are three major sources of anthropogenic release of mercury which include mobilization of mercury impurities, intentional extraction and use of mercury and waste treatment and cremation, etc.
Coal-fired power generation and heat production, energy production from other fossil carbon fuels, cement production (mercury in lime), mining and other metallurgical activities, and petroleum production are sources of mobilization of mercury impurities.
Chlor-alkali production, products such as thermometers, manometers and other instruments viz. electrical and electronic switches containing mercury, use of fluorescent lamps, instruments and dental amalgam fillings, etc., and use of batteries, fireworks and laboratory chemicals form the source from intentional extraction and use of mercury.
Waste treatment and cremation, etc. activities include municipal, medical and hazardous wastes incineration, landfills and recycling and storage.
Mercury in Atmosphere and Aquatic Environment
The atmospheric chemistry of mercury involves several interactions such as gas phase reactions; aqueous phase reactions (in cloud and fog droplets); partitioning of elements and oxidized mercury species between the gas and solid phases and partitioning between gas and aqueous phase.Methyl mercury can be formed in the environment by microbial metabolism. The efficiency of microbial mercury methylation generally depends on factors such as microbial activity and the concentration of bio available mercury, which in turn are influenced by temperature, pH, redox potential and the presence of inorganic and organic agent.
Mercury in Soil/Sludge and Food Chain
Soil contamination could be caused either by direct dumping or land filling of mercury contaminated wastes. Mercury in water body sediments may indicate the history of contamination. The concentration of mercury in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) composts is usually very low and thus there is little likelihood of significant transfer of mercury to other environmental components.
Mercury enters into the terrestrial food chain by way of seed eating animal species, resulting in increased level of mercury in tissues and eggs of predatory birds, singing birds and rodents. Some parts of mercury also enters via plant in lonic, complexes and gaseous form through leaves and roots. Human beings can be affected on consumption of contaminated plants and animals on setting the mercury poisoning.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Minister of State (Independent charge) for Science and Technology, Shri Prithviraj Chavan has urged the Council of Science & Industrial Research to create a wider science base, modernize science laboratories, create challenging research projects and ambience and make scientists more accountable as CSIR moves ahead in its 69th year of establishment. The Minister was speaking today in New Delhi at the 68th Foundation Day of CSIR. He congratulated CSIR for being the harbinger of major scientific and technological achievements in the country since its establishment in 1942. Shri Chavan hoped that CSIR shall continue to provide scientific leadership to the country in years to come as well.
Recounting some of the major initiatives taken by CSIR, the Minister mentioned that the institution has put in an increased focus on ‘energy’, ‘water’ and ‘food sector’ research. Other notable new initiatives include - “Post-graduate Research Programme in Engineering (PGRPE)”; Cabinet’s approval for CSIR Academy for Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR); setting up of CSIR–Tech and wide ranging global recognition for the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. Shri Chavan also noted that CSIR has initiated R&D work in Network mode which has helped bring scientists from diverse disciplines and dispersed locations together, thus creating a synergy. CSIR’s recent “network clusters”, recognizing very talented scientists and bringing them at par with the Directors by inducting them at ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Distinguished’ scientists positions; mechanisms to reach the masses through CSIR-NGOs linkages; CSIR-800 programmes; participating in national solar, energy and water missions to provide cutting edge scientific inputs and transfer of some path breaking high value technologies like sulphur of potash, carbon fibre composite, the anti TB drug risorine, semi-continuous bio-diesel plant, co-relating ayurveda and genomic thereby giving rise to a new scientific area of study - the ayurgenomics are achievements that CSIR can rightly be proud of.
The Minister said “India is on a growth trajectory, its GDP is envy to many developing nations. Our research funding is almost one percent of our GDP and poised to go up”. For CSIR the defining moment is on the anvil and “CSIR now must transit from XI Plan to XII Plan with never before ambition, agenda and goals – truly global and never set before”, the Minister urged.
DG, CSIR in his welcome address pointed out that people and country-centric thrust to science, technology and societal pursuits remain the cornerstone of CSIR’s mission. He said the current scenario has inspired CSIR to dream big towards : Science & Engineering leadership; Innovative technology solutions; End-to-end technologies in niche areas; Open innovation for inclusive growth; Nurturing talent in trans-disciplinary areas and Enabling scientific entrepreneurship. CSIR’s slogan for the next two decades will be “Leadership in Science & Technology for the Masses and Happiness for a Billion People”, he added.
The annual Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, instituted in 1957 for conspicuously important and outstanding contributions in seven disciplines were also announced today. For the year 2010, nine scientists have been selected. For Biological Sciences, Dr Sanjeev Galande from National Centre for Cell Science, Pune and Dr Shubha Tole from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai were chosen. In the field of Chemical Sciences, Dr Swapan K Pati from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore and Dr Sandeep Verma, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur was selected. Dr G K Ananthasuresh, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and Dr Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata have been selected in Engineering Sciences category. Dr Mitali Mukerji, Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR), Delhi won the award for Medical Sciences. For Physical Sciences, Dr Umesh Vasudeo Waghmare, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore and Dr Kalobaran Maiti, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai will receive the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar 2010 Award. This year no Award is being given in the area of Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean & Planetary Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. The awards carry a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a citation and a plaque and to be given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
Among other awards announced today were the CSIR Award for S & T Innovations for Rural Development – 2009 for Indian Oil Corporation R &D Centre, Faridabad for developing environment friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable ‘Servo Agro spray Oil’ for pest control in diverse agricultural crops. Also CSIR Young Scientist Awards 2010 were announced for seven scientists below the age of 35 years. The CSIR Technology Awards and the CSIR Diamond Jubilee Invention Award for School children 2009 was also announced. The Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan hoped that the recognition of awards will act as a catalyst in their future scientific endeavours.
Prof. Raghavendra Gadagkar from the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of science, Bangalore delivered this year’s CSIR Foundation Day lecture titled ‘War and Peace – Conflict and cooperation in an Insect Society’. His talk presented a whole new realm of knowledge and the science governing animal social behaviour.
It’s a happy coincidence that 26th September also happens to be the birthday of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the President of CSIR.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. On the eve of World Heart Day and the forthcoming BSNL Dil Ka Darbar on Sunday being organized to commemorate the World Heart Day at Maulana Azad Medical College Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India said that wild animals do not get heart attacks because they live in accordance with the laws of nature and we have never heard of wild animals getting angioplasty or bypass done.
Dr. Aggarwal said that heart disease is preventable and the easiest way to learn this is to remember the A to G of cardiovascular prevention. ABC represents safe parameters and DEFG represent what to do to achieve these parameters.
A stands for Abdominal Girth which should be kept lower than 85 cm in men and less than 80 cm in women.
B stands for Blood Pressure which should be kept lower than 120/80.
C stands for bad non-HDC Cholesterol which should be kept less than 130 mg%.
The prevention strategies include
D stands for Diet which should be in moderation and include variety.
E stands for Exercise which should be taking 10000-steps walk or 80 minutes of walk or 40 minutes of brisk walk or 20 minutes of brisker than brisk walk.
F stands for Fun or taking life differently. For example, half glass full vs half glass empty
G stands for God which is a parasympathetic state of mind achieved by Pranayama, yoga and relaxation techniques.
Star News Agency
Grapes have been shown to lower blood pressure and improve heart function in lab rats fed an otherwise salty diet, as per a U.S. report published in the Journal of Gerontology said Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India. Grapes have a direct impact on cardiovascular risk, beyond the simple blood pressure–lowering impact known from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
In the study some of the rats ate a diet containing a powder from red, green and purple table grapes and a high–salt diet. After 18 weeks, the rats that ate the grape–enriched diet had lower blood pressure, better heart function, reduced inflammation throughout their bodies, and fewer signs of heart muscle damage than rats that ate a salty diet but no grapes. Flavonoids, found in grapes, green tea, cocoa and tomatoes, could have an effect on blood pressure. Flavonoids have been shown in other studies to have heart–health benefits.
Studies on chocolate, almond and walnut have shown similar heart benefits, including reducing inflammation in blood vessels and lowering the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Grape powder comprised about three percent of the rats’ diet. For humans, that would be about nine servings of grapes a day. One serving is about 15 grapes. (135 grapes)
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The security arrangements for the Commonwealth Games were reviewed at a meeting here today taken by the Union Home Minister, Shri P.Chidambaram. Union Home Secretary, Secretary (Sports), Commissioner of Police, Delhi, representatives of the Organising Committee and others were present.
While taking note of the delays, the Home Minister set certain timelines for the Organising Committee and other authorities to complete the works. The Delhi Police informed the Home Minister that once the venues etc. are handed over to the Delhi Police, full security will be provided and there need not be any concern about security.
The Home Minister directed that the minutes of the meeting be forwarded to the Organising Committee and others by the afternoon.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The Union Government provides financial assistance under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) as per guidelines of the programme in order to renovate non-functional canal systems in major/medium irrigation projects. As the country is having vast system of canals for irrigation and it is very difficult for State Governments to look after maintenance of canals and distribution of water amongst the farmers as per approved cropping patterns, the State Governments should encourage formation of legalized Water Users Association on all irrigation projects which should look after distribution of irrigation water and maintenance of canal system. This aspect is covered in Command Area Development & Water Management Programme being implemented by the Union Government in various States.
In order the water reaches the tail end of the command, it is necessary that canal system carries designed discharge at each of the level such as main canal, branch canal, distributory, minors, sub-minors and outlets right from the start of main canal up to the tail end of the command and cropping pattern as planned in the project report is strictly followed. Normally these aspects are not fully followed by the State Governments resulting in water not reaching last beneficiary.
Irrigation being State subject, planning, execution, funding, maintenance of project including providing water for irrigation is within the purview of the respective State Governments. No survey in respect of non-functional canals of major/ medium projects is carried out by the Ministry of Water Resources
Chandni
Going barefoot in monsoon can be risky. Some who take off their shoes and socks suffer injuries such as cuts and puncture wounds. In some cases, those injuries develop infections that may require surgery.
There may be sharp objects under the water that cause injury said Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India.
Safety tips
• Get vaccinated against tetanus. Teens and adults should get booster shots every 10 years.
• Wear sandals while walking in rains or around swimming pools. They'll help protect against cuts and abrasions and prevent contact with viruses and bacteria that can cause athlete's foot, plantar warts and other foot problems.
• Many worm infestations may occur through the infected water.
• Fungal infections of the foot are very common.
• Diabetics should never go barefoot, even indoors, because they may not "feel" a foot injury.
• If you suffer a puncture wound in the foot, see a doctor within 24 hours. A puncture wound must be cleaned properly and monitored throughout the healing process to avoid complications such as tissue and bone infections or damage to tendons or muscles in the foot.
• Inspect the feet on a routine basis for skin problems such as warts, calluses, ingrown toenails, suspicious moles, spots or freckles. The sooner they are detected, the easier it is to treat.
• Keep your feet dry always.
Chandni
Seventy-three percent of consumer paint brands tested from 12 countries in one study has shown that the brand surpasses the U.S. standard of 600 parts per million (ppm) for lead in paint, said Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India.
Here are some Tips:
• Enamel paints have higher concentration of lead with most of them showing a concentration of more than 1000 ppm.
• Painters who scrap paints may end up with acute lead poisoning with abdominal pains.
• Some paints may have Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) causing asthma and cough. VOCs are organic chemical compounds that vaporize and enter the atmosphere. VOCs include aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons and may be either organic compounds or mixtures of varied composition.
• ‘Chuna’ (limestone) used to whitewash houses is safer to use than the high end paints available in the market.
• Lead exposure may lead to weakness in fingers, abnormal blood pressure, anemia and severe damage to brain and kidneys.
• Dry hacking cough can occur due to exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI), a well-known sensitizing agent, and one of the chemical components in the car paint sprays.
• Many of the toxic effects of lead are reversible if lead poisoning is identified early.
• Asthmatics should avoid entering a freshly painted room
Star News Agency
New Delhi. The two-day National Rabi Conference concluded here today after evolving a detailed region-wise strategy for the coming Rabi season. The focus of the strategy was on improving the productivity of crops and make the best use of available moisture in the soil.
The Conference recommended that the States would ensure timely availability of inputs to farmers. They would also work to bring more area under boro rice and encourage farmers to plant wheat early. States that have received less rainfall during the monsoon season have been advised to implement the contingency plan already prepared and use the available soil moisture to sow crops that require less water.
The National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign-2010 was organized on 17-18 September 2010 at NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. The Conference was inaugurated by Shri Sharad Pawar, Union Agriculture Minister in which Minister of State (Agriculture) and Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation were also present. The two-day Conference was attended by Principal Secretaries/Secretaries (Agriculture) / Agriculture Production Commissioners from the State Governments, Senior Scientists from ICAR, Senior officers from Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Planning Commission, etc.
Welcoming the participants, Secretary, DAC expressed satisfaction that due to good monsoon in most parts of the country, overall area coverage during current Kharif season is even better than 2008 which was a normal monsoon year. He mentioned that due to drought in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, overall production of Kharif rice in the country is not likely to be as much as initially expected. However, higher area coverage and good condition of rice crop in other States, particularly Punjab, Haryana and Western U.P., would help in achieving overall production during Kharif. In order to fully exploit the benefit of favourable moisture conditions in the Rabi season, he suggested to State Governments to adopt improved seeds and other agronomic practices recommended by ICAR. He highlighted the major initiatives taken by the Ministry in the form of Accelerated Pulse Production Programme and National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for promotion of pulses’ cultivation in the country to bridge the gap between its production and demand. He was happy to note that area coverage under pulses during current Kharif season is significantly higher and favorable Rabi conditions would help in achieving the higher target of production of 16.5 million tonnes during 2010-11. He emphasized the need to ensure adequate supply of seeds, fertilizers and micro-nutrients. He also emphasized the need to set up soil testing laboratories and promote use of organic fertilizers and distribute soil health cards to all farmers. Agriculture Secretary also urged the States to work in a campaign mode during the ensuing Rabi season.
Minister of State (Agriculture) released three books namely; (i) Guidelines for Seed Production of Hybrid Rice, (ii) Handbook of Quality Seed Production of Stress Tolerant Rice and (iii) Drought-2009- Overview and Management.
The Minister of State (Agriculture) stated that good monsoon during the current Kharif season will prove conducive for Rabi production. Emphasizing the need to increase productivity of rice, he mentioned that the Ministry is promoting use of high yielding varieties and hybrids through NFSM in collaboration with State Governments. He expressed concern over the slow growth in productivity of wheat, and hoped that the efforts made by DAC and ICAR would contribute towards the target of higher production of wheat in the coming years. He urged the State Governments to fully utilize enhanced budgetary provisions under various flagship schemes such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), NFSM, National Horticulture Mission (NHM), etc. to sustain the gains made by the Green Revolution. He advised all eastern States to take full advantage of the programme for extending Green Revolution to Eastern India and exploit the availability of natural resources in that region.
Union Agriculture Minister presented awards for best performance in production and productivity in NFSM districts, to the States of Punjab (Western Region) and Bihar (Central Eastern) for wheat; Uttar Pradesh (Central Western), Andhra Pradesh (Southern) and Assam (Eastern) for Rice; and Maharashtra (Central Eastern), Tamil Nadu (Southern) and Orissa (Eastern) for pulses.
Addressing the participants, Union Agriculture Minister stated that despite bad monsoon last year, production of foodgrains is likely to be around 218 million tonnes against the target of 239 million tonnes. During current year, though the overall rainfall situation in the country is good and effect on prices has been sobering, looking to the drought situation in States of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, the rice production is not likely to be as good as expected earlier. He urged the States to take full advantage of favourable conditions created by late monsoon rains to maximize production during Rabi season and assured that the Ministry would fully support them by ensuring timely availability of required inputs. He stated that increasing production and productivity of agricultural crops remains a challenge. He stressed upon the need to accelerate the pace of market reforms to create an enabling environment for farmers and agro-industry. He mentioned that there is a need to upscale the success achieved under ATMA and disseminate knowledge of best practices for adoption by the farmers to enhance production and productivity of crops. He strongly felt the need for reduction of wastage in storage, attracting private investment and ensuring better returns to farmers. He also felt that the real growth of agriculture sector can be ensured only if State Governments take focused initiatives for development of this sector and provide matching allocations under different programmes in the Agriculture and Allied Sector. He expressed confidence that the discussions during the Conference would significantly help in firming up comprehensive strategies which would be useful for the States in ensuring a robust Rabi performance and record production.
Agriculture Commissioner presented a review of production prospects during current Kharif season and strategy for the ensuing Rabi season. Analyzing the status of rainfall, he emphasized that even in the areas of deficiency, the actual quantity of rainfall has been sufficient for growing crops other than rice during the current Kharif season. In such areas, the States should implement the contingency plan and cultivate pulses and oilseeds which require significantly lower amount of rain. He advised the States to utilize the soil moisture and go for early sowing of wheat in the rice fallows to derive maximum production. As temperature at the grain formation stage is extremely crucial for productivity of wheat, he suggested the States to prepare strategy to manage terminal heat impact on production of wheat. He expressed hope that better storage in major reservoirs would have significant impact in enhancing Rabi production. He also gave a detailed overview of Rabi strategy highlighting the ways to improve wheat productivity, more coverage under boro rice, enhancing productivity of pulses, oilseeds, fodder and cold wave/frost management etc.
JS (Crops) made a presentation on extending Green Revolution to Eastern India and Pulse and Oilseeds Villages programme in Rain-fed areas. Director, Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal made a presentation on region-wise strategies for increasing productivity of wheat. Director, National Centre of IPM made a presentation on the strategy for adopting plant protection measures for pulses. CMD, National Seeds Corporation made a presentation on production of hybrid rice seeds during the ensuing Rabi season. Detailed presentations were made by representatives of Karnataka, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, U.P. and Maharashtra regarding the special initiatives taken by them for enhancing production and productivity of agricultural crops.
In the interactive session with the ICAR, a number of State specific issues on plant protection, availability of quality seeds etc. were raised by the participants and detailed clarifications were given by the officials from ICAR and Department of Agriculture and Cooperation.
Joint Secretary (Fertilizer) assured that all out efforts would be made to reach/ provide the required fertilizers to the farmers across various States. However, the States need to regularly review and monitor their availability and quality.
Agriculture Secretary in his concluding remarks lauded the efforts and special initiatives taken up by the States in increasing production and productivity and urged the States to continue such efforts in the future to meet the food and nutritional security needs of the country.
Chandni
Giving details about sexual life after heart diseases, Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India, said that extramarital affairs are not safe for heart patients as they are usually done with much younger partner at unusual time, circumstances, situation, and place. Extramarital affairs can put strain on the heart, increase pulse rate and cause heart attack.
Extramarital affairs also involve indiscriminate use of Viagra–like drugs, which may be harmful to the heart if underlying serious blockages are present and the person is not accustomed with normal sexual life. Dr. Aggarwal said that there is a rule of thumb, if a person can walk 2 kms or climb 2 flights of stairs; he or she is cardiac safe to enter into marital relationships.
Working hard when tired not good for the health
Dr Aggarwal said that doing mental or physical work while exhausted may harm your health, as per a study from University of Alabama at Birmingham and published in International Journal of Psychophysiology. Commenting on the study he said that fatigued people have bigger spikes in blood pressure than well–rested people while doing a memorization test. When fatigued people regard a task as worthwhile and achievable, they increase their effort to compensate for their diminished capability. As a result, the blood pressure of a tired person increases and remains high until the task is completed or the person gives up.
In this study, Wright and colleagues told 80 volunteers they could win a modest prize by memorizing two or six nonsense trigrams (meaningless, three–letter sequences) within two minutes. Compared to volunteers with low levels of fatigue, those with moderate fatigue had stronger blood pressure while doing the two-trigram memorization task.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. India and China have agreed to work towards signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the areas of Road Transport and Highways. Under the MoU, both sides would seek to enhance cooperation in highway construction, exchange of technology and investments in the sector. This was agreed to during the meeting between Shri Kamal Nath, Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Mr Li Shenglin, Minister of Transport, China at Beijing on Wednesday
Shri Nath said that India has embarked on a massive National Highway development programme under which it is proposed to construct 7000 km of National Highways every year over the next few years. The quantum jump targets provided huge opportunities to the Chinese construction companies as also the Chinese financial institutions to enhance their engagement with India. He also informed that the preferred mode of highway development in India is Public Private Partnership. 60 % of the national highways would be developed under the BoT (Toll) mode, while another 25 % would be taken up on BoT (Annuity). Already several Chinese companies are participating in the National Highway Development Project of India.
China has over the past decade made rapid progress in the infrastructure sector particularly Highway development. Mr. Li Shenglin informed that presently around 35,000 km of national highways is under construction in China of which 10,000 km is likely to be completed this year.
Earlier in the day Shri Nath met Mr Lou Jiwei, Chairman, China Investment Corporation (CIC) and Mr Dai Xianglong, Chairman of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and sensitised them to the opportunities of investing in the National Highways sector of India and of the high returns that the sector promises to offer. Mr Xianglong mooted the idea of the setting up of an India-China Highways Investment Forum for investors, developers and construction Companies which will provide a platform for the policy makers, financial experts and the business leaders to work closely towards enhancing project specific investment flows for mutual benefit. While CCI is a sovereign wealth fund that manages funds worth USD 200 billion, NSSF have a total asset base of RMB 776 billion.
The Minister addressed a large gathering of investors and construction companies in Tianjin today at the “India Industry & Infrastructure Summit”. He is leading a high level business delegation of Indian Companies to China
Firdaus Khan
Major earthquakes are often followed by a number of smaller magnitude events called, aftershocks that originate from the same source region of the main shock or principal shock, Aftershock sequences may continue for several days, weeks, months and even years. Generally, the frequency of occurrence of aftershocks (which in some case may be of the order of a hundred or more per day) decreases exponentially with time; and the magnitudes of these aftershocks also show a decreasing trend with time. Sometimes, the main shock is preceded by a few earthquakes, called foreshocks, which are usually smaller quakes occurring shortly, several days or weeks, before and near the source region of the main shock. Aftershocks are more common than the foreshocks. It may be emphasized here that significant deviations from this standard pattern of energy release i.e. foreshocks – main shock – aftershocks are quite common. To cite an example, the recent Bhuj earthquake of 26th January, 2001 was followed by a sequence of aftershocks, which are still continuing although at a very low frequency. So far more than eleven hundred aftershocks of magnitude 3.0 and above have been recorded till February, 2003.
Another mode of energy release is manifested by earthquake swarms. In these, a large number of earthquakes occur within a limited area over time periods from a week or so, to several months. An earthquake swarm shows no pronounced main shock and the frequency of shocks gradually increases until a maximum is reached and then the activity gradually dies out. Usually, the earthquakes in a swarm are characterized by low magnitudes and shallow focal depths confined to a localized area. Cases of Swarms are known where the maximum frequency was as high as several thousands of small earthquakes per day. In India, swarm type activity is reported in several parts of Peninsular shield region, viz., Pandhana, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, etc.
Kalpana Palkhiwala
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed on 16th September, 1987 to protect the Ozone Layer. Since 1995, 16th September is celebrated every year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer and commemorates the date of signing of the Montreal Protocol. This year the theme of celebration is “Ozone Layer Protection: Governance and Compliance at their Best”. The Montreal Protocol has been recognized as the most successful international environment treaty in history. Another testimony to its remarkable accomplishment is that all the countries have ratified this landmark agreement. This brings together the whole international community to protect the ozone layer.
The Protocol was the culmination of decades of research, which established that chemicals released in the atmosphere could damage the ozone layer. A depleted Ozone Layer in the stratosphere allows the ultraviolet rays of the sun to reach the earth exposing mankind, flora and fauna to its harmful effects. According to the World Health Organization each year between 2-3 million skin cancers are detected worldwide and upto 20% of these may be caused or enhanced by sun exposure.
Initially on the basis of very definite empirical findings, the Protocol enjoined upon all the signatory nations to completely phase out harmful chemicals such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halons and Carbon-tetrachloride (CTC) in a given time schedule. Later, other studies have brought more chemicals such as Hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and Methyl bromide under the ambit of the Protocol for phasing out within the given deadlines.
In the twenty years operation of the Montreal Protocol, has led to complete phase-out of production and consumption of several Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) which has not only helped to protect the ozone layer, but also immensely benefited the global climate system. This is an unique year in the history of the Montreal Protocol when 1st day of 2010 was marked as an important milestone, the complete phase-out of production and consumption of major ODSs like CFCs, CTC and halons globally.
India, being a Party to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, has been sharing the global concern for protecting the Ozone Layer and to phase out ODS like CFC, Halons, CTC, Methyl chloroform, Methyl bromide and HCFCs. These chemicals are used in industrial and pharmaceutical aerosols, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipments, foam manufacturing, fire extinguishing equipment, metal-cleaning, garment cleaning, soil fumigation and quarantine and pre-shipment applications etc.
Since 1993 with the continued efforts made by stakeholders responsible for implementation of the Montreal Protocol activities, India, as of 1st January 2010, had successfully phased-out completely the production and consumption of CFCs, CTC and halons except the use of pharmaceutical grade CFCs in manufacturing of Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) for treatment of Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other respiratory ailments.
India also proactively ceased the production of CFCs from 1st August, 2008, 17 months ahead of schedule of the Montreal Protocol. This smoothly followed the phase-out of consumption of CFCs. However, adequate steps were taken to ensure the supply of pharmaceutical grade CFCs for the critical sector, manufacturing of MDIs continue to serve millions of Asthma and COPD patients in our country through Essential Use Nomination (EUN) provisions of the Protocol especially during the transition period between 2010 and 2013.
Recognizing the success of the Montreal Protocol in phasing out the ODSs like CTC, CFC and halons, the 19th Meeting of the Parties (MOP) had taken a decision to advance the phase-out of HCFCs from 2040 to 2030. The baseline for production and consumption of HCFCs will be determined on the average of the years 2009 and 2010 for production and consumption respectively. The freeze will be from 2013 and 10% reduction from the baseline in 2015 for stage–I reduction as per the accelerated phase-out schedule.
The HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) is being prepared in close cooperation with the industry, concerned industry associations, research institutions, institutional user organizations, NGOs etc. The Sectoral Working Groups Meeting was organized in September 2009. Based on the outcome of the meeting, a Roadmap to Phase-out HCFCs in India was developed. The Roadmap was launched by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (Independent Charge), Shri Jairam Ramesh in October 2009. The preparation of HPMP for Stage-I is in advance stage and is likely to be completed by the end of this year for consideration and approval of the Ex-Com of the Multilateral Fund (MLF) to phase-out HCFCs in India.
The Government has also taken a number of policy measures, both fiscal and regulatory, to encourage early adoption of new technologies by existing and new enterprises. Customs and Excise duty exemption is granted on capital goods required to implement ODS phase out projects funded by the MLF and these physical incentives are also extended for new industrial establishments and expansion of existing capacities using non-ODS technologies. The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 regulating ODS production, consumption and trade have also been put in place.
Firdaus Khan
About 80% of the seismic energy is released by earthquakes occurring along the plate boundaries. These earthquakes are called as interpolate earthquakes, due to the fact that they are directly associated with forces related to the interaction of the plates. Thus earthquakes occurring along the Circum-Pacific belt, Mid-Atlantic ridge and Alpide-Himalayan belt fall under the category of interpolate earthquakes. Sporadically, earthquakes also occur at rather large distances from the respective plate margins, such as in central USA (New Madrid, 1812), north-eastern continental China (Tangshan, 1976) and central India (Latur, 1993). These, so called intraplate earthquakes, show a diffuse geographical distribution and their origin is still not well understood. These earthquakes can be large and because of their unexpectedness and infrequency can cause major disasters.
Earthquakes caused by the sudden release of accumulated strain energy, due to interaction of two or more lithospheric plates, are distinguished as tectonic earthquakes in contrast to volcanic earthquakes. Volcanic earthquakes are caused by sudden opening of channels in crustal rocks, rapid changes of motion of magma, excessive accumulation of gas pressure in the crust, roof collapses of subterranean channels emptied by magma and other associated phenomena of volcanic eruptions. Close to active volcanoes, so called volcanic tremors are frequently detected which are result of long duration, continuous volcanic vibrations.
There is another class of earthquakes called plutonic earthquakes, whose focus is far underground, sometimes as deep as 700 km. They comprise only 5-10 % of all recorded events but are responsible for the present day knowledge of wave motion and nature of the interior of the earth. The tectonic, plutonic and volcanic type earthquakes belong to the category of natural seismic sources.
There is also a variety of man -made seismic sources such as industrial or military (nuclear) explosions and various types of cultural noises (traffic, industry, construction works, etc.) which are examples of controlled seismic sources where place, time of occurrence and source intensity are determined in advance or are, at least, predictable. Other types of man-made seismic sources are induced or triggered events caused by reservoir loading, mining activities and fluid injection etc. Two plausible mechanisms are available to explain triggered events. Firstly, by changes in local elastic stresses (loading, unloading) caused by removal of large volumes or rocks as in mining and quarrying operations and by reservoir impounding. Secondly, by an increase of pore and fracture pressure, e.g. due to fluid injection, which in turn decreases the rock strength (it acts as a lubricant) and may thus give rise to an increase in local seismicity. It is obvious that the activity in the controlled seismic sources is confined to the source region and hence will be of very shallow nature. Although the physical explanations of reservoir induced seismicity (RIS) are still imperfectly understood but the impounding of large reservoirs can obviously affect both the local elastic stress as well as the fluid pressure. The seismic activity in Koyna region of Maharashtra is a unique example of RIS, which has been continuing for the last about three decades.
Earthquakes may also be classified as shallow-focus, intermediate-focus and deep-focus depending upon their focal depths. Shallow-focus earthquakes, which constitute about 80% of total activity, have their foci at a depth between 0 and 70 km. and occur at oceanic ridges, collision and subduction zones and transform faults. Intermediate-focus earthquakes (focal depth between 71 and 300 km.) and deep-focus earthquakes (focal depth greater than 300 km.) occur at subjection zones. Most earthquakes originate within the crust. At depth beneath the Moho, the number falls abruptly and dies down to zero at a depth of about 700 km.
Star News Agency
New Delhi. India and Brazil are exploring the possibilities of cooperation in production of ethanol and investment in agriculture. A 13 member delegation led by Shri Sharad Pawar, Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution visited Brazil last week and had a bilateral meeting with Mr Wagner Rossi, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil. Both sides discussed the matters of mutual interest including the possibilities of cooperation in production of ethanol and investment in agriculture during the meeting.
The delegation met with the officials of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture in Sao Paulo on 8th September and met with Directors of UNICA who made a presentation on the Brazilian sugar and ethanol industry.
The delegation also visited Equipav Sugar Mill and Biopav Sugar Mill which have been recently aquired by Shree Renuka Sugars of India and the Minister laid the foundation stone for the Biopav Mill Expansion project.
Later, the delegation proceeded to the plant of General Motors to study flex-fuel cars. During the course of their stay in Sao Paulo, the delegation also met with representatives of the Brazilian Cricket Association and the Indian Association of Sao Paulo.
The delegation comprised Shri Ajit Pawar, Minister for Energy and Water Resources and Shri Jayant Patil, Minister for Rural Development, Maharashtra, Shri S S Badal, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri S Kataria, Minister of State for Agriculture, Haryana and senior officials from the Central Government.
