Yahoo India

[yahooinswitch]

As Udta Punjab controversy grows, 1.2% of adults in Punjab are drug addicts says study

Udta Punjab has made quite a flutter ever since it released its trailer. With the recent controversy over removal of ‘Punjab’ from its title and other cuts in the movie as mentioned by the film certification board, the politics over the movie is growing manifold. In exclusive interviews to several news channels, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief, Pahlaj Nihalani has alleged that Anurag Kashyap has taken money from AAP to defame Punjab, as he is an AAP supporter. This is just one of the several bizzare remarks made by the CBFC chief against the makers of Udta Punjab.

While the controversy around the movie refuses to die down, and with the film’s producer and director moving court against the CBFC decision, a study by AIIMS Delhi has found that 1.2% of the adult population in Punjab is hooked on to opioid drugs. A revelation that is not just startling but also worrisome because the global average for all drug dependants was 0.2% in 2010, as per an experts' review published in 'Addiction', a highly reputed journal. The AIIMS study was conducted between February and April 2015. Data was collected from 3,620 opioid dependants in 10 districts. It also found that opioids worth Rs7,500 crore are consumed in Punjab every year. Of these, heroin is the most common with a share of Rs 6,500 crore.

That the state is suffering is not hidden from anyone, yet the uncalled for controversy that is being generated around a movie simply shows the refusal of the authorities to accept the underlying problem. The plot of the film is based in Punjab’s widespread drug addiction, a problem that has been widely researched and detailed. Such depictions in a movie are usually introduced with a disclaimer that resemblance to real persons is accidental. Therefore, the CBFC’s demands for expunging the word, Punjab, from the movie so that it could be taken as being shot anywhere in the country, is being seen as an unnecessary censoring.

The move is obvious. Punjab goes to polls in less than a year’s time. That the ruling party – Shiromani Akali Dal – in coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party, has been accused of not being able to curb the drug trade and nab some influential people who are involved at the core of this. This is not the first time that the Censor Board has played spoilsport in the release of a movie that talks of real life incidents or portrays the evils of the society. While in some movies, the title changes have been sought as they ‘hurt’ the sentiments of a particular sect or followers; some movies have had to go for bigger edits for showing either the government in bad light or a state or machinery in bad light. Movies such as Bombay, Vishwaroopam, Goliyon Ki Raas Leela- Ram Leela, Aligarh, Madras Cafe, Billu Barber, Angry Indian Godesses,  etc have faced similar fate as Udta Punjab.  

That the freedom of expression of film makers in general and film industry as a whole is under jeopardy is well known and well observed; the need of the hour perhaps is to have a censor board within the industry, that sees a movie like how it is to be seen while the CBFC should have the rights to only certify a film, as suggested earlier this year by the Shyam Benegal Committee set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

[yahooinswitch]

AgustaWestland Issue: All deals with Finmeccanica cancelled

A day after the Indian government’s decision to cancel all deals with Finmeccanica, a key interlocutor from the United Kingdom hinted at India losing out on some cutting-edge military hardware. Hugo Swire, Minister of State in Charge of Foreign and Commonwealth office, hinted that there are companies within the Finmeccanica group that make extremely good aircrafts which may be of interest to the Indian Air Force.

The Union government on Monday had cancelled all ongoing tenders for defence equipment won by Italy’s Finmeccanica, which is being investigated for bribery in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal. Only fresh capital acquisition has been cancelled and the firm would continue to conduct annual maintenance and supply spare parts for defence supplies already acquired.

The government has already withdrawn the RFP for heavyweight torpedoes for Socrpene submarines, which was won by Finmeccanica subsidiary WASS during the UPA regime. The government is now working out the alternatives.

A timeline of the transactions:

August 1999: Air HQ proposes procurement of VIP helicopters

February 2010: Ministry of Defence concludes a contract with AgustaWestland for 12 VVIP choppers at euro 556.262 million (Rs. 3,726.96 crore)

November 2012 to February 2013: First three VVIP AgustaWestland helicopters arrive at Palam Air Force base.

February 12, 2013: Finmeccanica chief Giuseppe Orsi, accused in VVIP chopper scam, arrested by Italian police for alleged payoffs.

February 25, 2013: The CBI registers inquiry against 11 persons, including former IAF Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi, and his cousins, besides four companies, for alleged kickbacks by AgustaWestland.

February 27, 2013: The government moves a motion in the Rajya Sabha for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

January 2014: India terminates VVIP chopper deal on the grounds of breach of pre-contract integrity pact. Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy is named arbitrator.

January 11, 2014: Mysterious initials ‘AP’ crop up in AgustaWestland trial.

September, 2014: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) makes first arrest in the money laundering probe. Gautam Khaitan, a former board member of a Chandigarh-based tech firm named in the case, is arrested for his alleged role in routing funds for kickbacks.

October, 2014: Mr. Orsi and ex-AgustaWestland head Bruno Spagnolini are acquitted of corruption charges by an Italian court. But the two are sentenced to a two-year jail term on charges of falsification of invoices.

April 7, 2016: An Italian court reverses the acquittal of executives of Finmeccanica. The unofficial translation of the order shows evidence of corruption in the helicopter deal between IAF and Finmeccanica. The order also says that some of the kickbacks travelled to India as payment for various officials.

April 26, 2016: BJP targets Congress leaders over recently found evidence of corruption. Accused middleman in the deal, James Christian Michel, says he is willing to answer all questions from Indian investigators.

May 2, 2016: Former Air Chief, Sandeep Tyagi appears before CBI. CBI says, Tyagi has confessed to having met Finmeccanica chief.

May 27,2016: PAC takes up CAG report on AgustaWestland issue

[yahooinswitch]

Highlights of TSR Committee’s Report on New Education Policy

Government appointed committee, headed by, former Cabinet Secretary, TSR Subramanian recently submitted its recommendations on new education policy. The report that was submitted to the Ministry of Human Resource Department (HRD) is in the consultation process in the department. The ministry is said to be in the process of framing a New Education Policy, which will include thematic online, grass-roots, and national-level deliberations on 33 themes.  

The committee comprised of, other than Subramanian, former Chief Secretary of Delhi government Shailaja Chandra, former Home Secretary, Delhi government Sevaram Sharma, former Chief Secretary Gujarat Sudhir Mankad, and former Director- NCERT, JS Rajput.

As per the HRD Ministry, the bottom-up consultative process was done across nearly all gram panchayats, blocks, urban local bodies and districts of all 36 states and UTs was undertaken between May to October 2015. Thematic consultations were conducted both by the ministry and also by institutions like UGC, AICTE, NCTE, NCERT and several universities and autonomous bodies. Six zonal meetings were held by the HRD Minister in eastern, central, north-eastern, western, southern and northern zones covering all states.

Here are a few recommendations of the committee:

1-      One Lakh scholarships for meritorious students from poor families and socially and backward communities to pursue higher education.

2-      The autonomy of a higher education institution should depend on their rating or performance. Those making it to the highest bracket should have the freedom to choose their fee structure, curriculum, and even the scales paid to the faculty. However, those falling in the lowest category will have to close down.

3-      The committee also proposed greater professionalism in rating, which is presently done NAAC under University Grants Commission. The committee suggested rating should be taken care of by agencies or companies that are trained to evaluate.

4-      To generate more talent in the teaching industry, the committee has called for an Indian Education Service. The selection to which should be done by the UGC.

5-      For greater quality of education in schools, committee has suggested that the no detention policy be restricted to Class V only instead of Class VIII.  A student failing in Class V examination will be given another attempt to pass, if he or she fails again, there should be an option to specialize in some vocation in order to inculcate vocational training alongside language and numerical skills.

6-      Students who are unable to learn as per the requirements should be given remedial classes from Class I itself and online resources should be put to use for this.

7-      Pride in the nation – such as inculcation of peace, harmony, respect for diversity, equality etc- should be one of the values inculcated in students through education.

[yahooinswitch]

10 fatty foods that are super healthy

- Sneha Bhattacharjee

Our eating habits define how healthy are we. A good workout regime is fruitless if not coupled with a diet that is a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and healthy fats. Often, we tend to overlook certain foods that are high on fats as unhealthy, but what we don’t know actually is that those are good source of proteins and fibers, and in realty, are very healthy.

Here are 10 high fat foods that are actually super healthy:

1- Bananas- Almost a favorite fruit amongst everyone, Bananas consists of about 23% carbs, either in the form of starches or sugars.  They are also a good source of potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Due to the potassium content, Bananas may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. 

2- Quinoa- Another grain that has become an integral part of healthy food life. Cooked quinoa contains 21.3% carbs, making it a high-carb food. But, it is also a good source of protein and fiber, many minerals and plant compounds. It helps improve blood sugar control and does not contain any gluten, thus a popular alternative to wheat on a gluten-free diet.

3- Avocados- This is one fruit which is high on fat content. Almost, 77% of Avocado is fat. But they are also a great source of fiver and potassium which help in improving cardiovascular health. 

4- Cheese- If you’re a cheese lover then this would cheer you up. Cheese is a great source of Calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus and selenium, and contains all sorts of other nutrients. A slice of cheese is akin to having a glass of milk. Cheese, like other high-fat dairy products, helps reduce risk of type 2 diabetes. 

5- Sweet Potatoes- Cooked sweet potatoes contain about 18–21% carbs. This content consists of starch, sugar and fiber. However, sweet potatoes are also a rich source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), vitamin C and potassium. Being rich in antioxidants, they help reduce oxidative damage and risk of several diseases.

6- Dark Chocolates- With 65% calorific content, dark chocolates are considered very high on fats. However, they also contain 11% fiber and over 50% of the RDA for iron, magnesium, copper and manganese. Its antioxidant properties help lower blood pressure and protect LDL cholesterol in the blood from becoming oxidized. 

7- Beetroots- Beets are loaded with vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. Raw beetroot comprises of 8-10% carbs, a mix of sugar and fiber. They contain high amounts of inorganic nitrates, which can improve health and boost physical performance during exercises. 

8- Kidney Beans- A rich source of many vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, kidney beans also contain high amounts of antioxidants like anthocyanins and isoflavones. They have numerous health benefits, such as improved blood sugar control and reduced risk of colon cancer.

9- Chickpeas- Containing 27.4% carbs, of which 8% are fiber, chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein. They also contain many vitamins and minerals. Eating chickpeas can help in improving heart and digestive health, as well as cancer prevention.

10- Eggs- The most nutrient heavy food, whole eggs are packed with minerals and vitamins as well as critical antioxidants that are good for both brain and eye health. The yolks are also high in protein and weight-loss friendly. The best eggs for your diet in respect to health benefits are omega-3 enriched or pastured.  

[yahooinswitch]

For a power packed day, have these six foods in breakfast

- Sneha Bhattacharjee

After a night-long sleep, to start your day, you need energy. This energy not just comes from the early morning walk or run but also from eating a healthy and hearty breakfast. Today, in our busy schedules, we tend to overlook the importance of having breakfast. But, skipping a breakfast is neither a wise choice nor a good habit. It is impossible to not have time at all to sit down and eat a bowl of cereals or munch a sandwich. However, in case, it is too difficult to squeeze in some time, pack your breakfast to work and eat it as soon as you reach.

There are a lot of health benefits attached to eating breakfast. It lowers the risk of weight gain, reduces high blood pressure, abdominal obesity and prevents unhealthy snacking habits. This is precisely why your breakfast should comprise of either food rich in carbohydrates with fiber such as cereals, whole grain breads etc, or lean proteins such as eggs, fish or healthy fats such as nuts.

Here are six foods that you can include in your breakfast to keep you energized during the day:

1-      Nuts: Source of healthy fat and proteins, nuts help maintain blood sugar levels and keep you energized throughout the day. Perhaps the easiest to obtain and eat without a fuss, you can eat nuts as is or mix it up in a bowl of oats or cornflakes. You can even carry a handful of them and munch your way to work in case you lack time.

2-      Eggs- Rich in proteins and vitamin B, eggs are another good food to add to your breakfast table. Boiled, poached, scrambled or half fried, you can eat it in any form and as you like.

3-      Avocados- In case, you aren’t a nuts fan, then you can also eat this great fruit which consists of antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats, to keep high on energy throughout a tiring day.

4-      Berries- A source of antioxidants and being extremely low on calories, blueberries are a great way to increase memory, motor skills as well as metabolism. Perhaps, a good idea to swap your caffeine with a glass of blueberry juice or just a bunch of fresh and cold blueberries.

5-      Oatmeal- Those eat a high carbohydrate breakfast are more alert and active throughout the day, as per a study published in International Journal for Food Sciences and Nutrition. A bowl of oatmeal is a perfect whole grain breakfast that keeps you filling for a long duration of the day. You can even substitute milk with some veggies and give a spicy twist to your regular oats and milk.

[yahooinswitch]

Pack your bags to these seven monsoon destinations in India

- Sneha Bhattacharjee

If you are someone who doesn’t like to step out in the sweltering heat or biting cold, probably monsoon vacationing is the best time for you to experience nature’s aura, provided you don’t mind soaking in the rain. Perhaps, this monsoon, instead of shutting yourself inside the four corners of the house, let your hair lose, set your paper boats on sail and dance to the rain drops with joy.

Here are seven fascinating monsoon destinations in India for the nature and adventure lover in you:

1-      Lonavala, Maharashtra: This quaint little hill station on the outskirts of Mumbai, is your perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city. Get backpacking, and head to this place atop the Sahyadris and surrounded by the ghats. Don’t be surprised if you can feel the clouds take you along as they move from one destination to the other. Tiger Point, a Buddhist Cave and a waterfall near Budhi dam are some of the major attractions of this place. A few hours drive from Mumbai, Lonavala has its own railway station too. But missing out on the road journey to this spot can be too much to ask for.

2-      Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand: Perhaps the best time to visit this National Park is monsoons as it isn’t very crowded then but some part of the Park remains closed for safety reasons. There are however, four zones- Dhikala, Durga Devi, Jhirna and Bijrani that remain open to visitors throughout the year. Hardly 6 hours drive from the national capital, Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise. For those who love rafting, monsoon is probably a good time to head to this place as the Kosi remains depthless rest of the year. Hop on for some jungle safari, enjoy the flora and fauna present in abundance at this National Park.

3-      Bishnupur, West Bengal: Located at a distance of about 150 km from Kolkata, lies the hub of hub for terracotta architecture, crafts and culture- Bishnupur. Being the capital of Malla dynasty of Mallabhum for over 1000 years, Bishnupur today is one of the main centres of culture in Bengal. Built in the 16th century, the terracotta temples of Bishnupur are worth a watch. Monsoon makes the place lively and fresh. Apart from the temples, the terracotta crafts and Baluchari sarees  - made of a pure silk weave and feature motifs representing Indian mythology- are to die for.

4-      Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: The “princess of hill stations” is one of the best monsoon destinations in India. Located in the Palani hills of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal has plenty to offer to nature lovers. From beautiful waterfalls, to lakes and lush greenery and spectacular views of the Ghats and hills, Kodaikanal is well connected by air as well as rail.

5-      Goa- Yes, you might have been there innumerable times but monsoon offers a fresh new look to this ever hot tourist destination in the west. Dudhsagar Falls, located in the southern part of Goa – Mollem and in close proximity to the Karnataka border, this waterfall is at its best and is much-admired throughout the monsoon. Embrace the nature, take a dip in the waters of this waterfall that resembles literally, ‘sea of milk’ during the monsoons.

6-      Alibaug, Maharashtra- A beautiful town located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, it has been popular because of its scenic beauty and a hinterland of the Israeli-Jews. Filled with rich history, appetizing sea food and culture, this tiny tourist place has a lot in the offing. The nearest railway station is located at Pen, connected to Panvel in Mumbai through the Central Railway station. One can then reach Alibaug by local transport (buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws).

7-      Kutch, Gujarat- The northwest of Gujarat is abode to the largest district in India - Kutch. Rann of Kutch has 18 cultural tribes which makes the place well-liked among travellers. The never-ending desert plains give an enigmatic view in the monsoons especially as other part of the year, this desert looks like a white bed of land. From cultural shows depicting the tradition and culture of Gujarat to camel safaris, a lot can be enjoyed by the tourists visiting this destination.

[yahooinswitch]

Come monsoon, dig into these six easy Indian snacks

- Sneha Bhattacharjee

Monsoon is a time when the weather demands you enjoy the pitter-patter of the rain drops from the cozy confines of your home. While on one hand, to be stuck inside the house for the fear of getting caught in rain or water-logged streets is a good enough reason to sulk, on the other hand, enjoying delectable hot snacks with a cup of hot tea or coffee in the company of your near and dear ones can uplift the sulky mood.

Monsoons not just gives you the reason to enjoy delicacies that you would otherwise give a miss,  it also lets you soak in the breezy and cool weather and spend some good peaceful time. 

Here are six Indian snacks that you can savor this monsoon:

1-      Vada Pav: Piping hot masala potato balls served inside hot pav breads smothered with chilly and garlic chutney along with deep fried green chillies, this snack is one of the most popular street foods in the country. While Mumbai is the place where Vada Pavs are found galore, the immense popularity of the snack has made it the most sought after snacks across the country, especially on roadside eateries near the beaches.

2-      Onion Pakodas or Pyaazi: Batter fried onions and green chillies are a favorite tea time snack in every household across the country. As soon as it starts to rain, the sheer smell of the wet earth gives urges the foodie in you to churn out this piping hot delicacy that goes well with tea, coffee or even alcohols. You can even make the same with potatoes, cauliflowers and brinjal. Pakodas are an evergreen food item in the culinary traditions of India.

3-      Corn or Bhutta: Come monsoons, and you can spot one or the other vendor huddled under their umbrellas on the street-side, roasting corn on a bed of coal and serving it with a dash of lemon, black salt, and chaat masala. With corn, especially sweet corn, being available now across the supermarkets, it has found a prominent place in the Indian Kitchens. Boil it, roast it, eat it the way you want. With a hint of salt and lemon, or butter and salt, hot corn on a cool rainy day is pure bliss.

4-      Pav Bhaji: This spicy curry of mixed vegetables served with a hot pav breads mildly fried in butter, along with onions and lemon, is one dish that not just satiates your taste buds but the taste lingers on for days. Imagine watching raindrops lash your glass windows, and you enjoying a plate of hot buttery pav bhaji.

5-      Sabudana Vada: Fried dumpling of sago and potatoes is usually eaten during fasts or navratri. But that does not stop one from gorging onto these tiny delicacies on a rainy afternoon. Here is a quick and easy recipe for sabudana vada.

6-      Papdi Chaat: We Indians love our spicy and tangy chaats. From pani puri to dahi bhallas, bhel puri to papdi chaats, we don’t need a season to gorge onto these mouthwatering items. Perhaps the easiest and quickest variety of Indian snacks, this can be prepared at home with as much as ease and comfort as we would need to eat it. What you waiting for? Check out the recipe here and get going.

[yahooinswitch]

Indian herbs that are good for summers

India is a country with varied seasons and summers can be very notorious. Indian herbs are one of the best alternatives to evade problems related to heat, such as heatstroke, allergy, acne, rashes, excessive sweating. Ayurveda has been using Indian herbs for treating many ailments. According to ancient Indian medical system - Ayurveda - there are a plenty of herbs that could prove to be very useful in regulating body temperature and keeping oneself cool when the outside heat becomes unbearable. These herbs when added to food, not only enhance their flavor but also have a cooling effect on us. 

Here are a few herbs that you can use in summers:

Rose – Not only useful for its essential oils that are required for soaps and perfumes; rose is a herb that has many other benefits as well. When applied on skin, it has a soothing effect. It is also said to calm irritability caused due to heat. Rose can also be very helpful in treating menstrual cramps and relieve diarrohea. Dried rose petals are used in tea to make it more appealing and soothing in hot summer months.

Chamomile – Chamomile is an effective cooling agent that also calms anxiety and prevents insomnia. The herb is also very beneficial in case of the upset stomach due to heat. It is also of a great help when it comes to treating hair and scalp from sun damage. Chamomile is also used for treating inflammation, insect bites, rashes and even scraps and cuts.

Mint – Apart from offering fresh and cool breath, mint is also very helpful when it comes to cooling off the body. It is a perennial herb that is rapidly used as a cooling agent in summers. You can use mint in many ways. Whether it be salad or tea or chutney or lemonade; a dash of mint would not only enhance its flavor but would also make it more useful when it comes to cooling effect. There are several varieties of mint, but the most prevalent ones are peppermint and spearmint. Mint plays a key role in digestion without increasing the body temperature. It is also supposed to relieve headaches and nausea and prevent fatigue and depression.

Rubia cordifolia or Manjistha - Rubia cordifolia commonly known as Manjistha is one of the best cooling agents in Ayurveda. It not only cools down the blood but is also said to have toxin removing property. It assists kidney and liver functions and reduces the damage caused due to heat.  

Indian Gooseberry – Indian Gooseberry is commonly known as Amla is not only loaded with vitamin c but is also said to reduce excessive heat from the digestive system.  It also detoxifies the body and nourishes it while having an overall cooling effect on the body. 

Aloe Vera – This is one of the best cooling herbs that can be used in summer. Apart from having a soothing effect, this herb is said to have many additional benefits. Aloe Vera is said to sooth sunburn most effectively. It is also very effective in treating fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. You can use it for treating acne, bug bites, and itching & dry skin. Aloe Vera is considered the most effective herbal plant in summers as it is one of the best cooling agents that keeps your skin lively, fresh and prevents pigmentation due to heat.

If we incorporate simple herbs in our day to day life we can easily prevent the ailments and inconvenience caused by summer. These herbs would not only rejuvenate your skin internally but would have an internal cooling effect on your body.

[yahooinswitch]

Want to cool your body? These spices can help this summer

What we eat has an impact on our body temperature. Summers call for a wiser choice for eating. With our food comprising of spices predominantly, there are many Indian spices that act as cooling agents. So in summers, if we incorporate those spices, our food would not only be delicious but it would also have an overall cooling effect on our body. The spices are one of most potent elements that have antioxidants and bio-active properties.

Here are a few of those Indian spices that double up as cooling agents during summers:

Mint – Mint is not only a perennial herb but also an excellent spice that has a cooling effect on the body. Mint can be used in many ways. It can be used in salad or tea or chutney or lemonade. A dash of mint in any food not only enhances its flavor but also makes it easy to digest and has a soothing effect. It is also supposed to relieve headaches and nausea and also prevents fatigue and depression. There are several varieties of mint, but the predominant ones are peppermint and spearmint.

Fennel – Fennel seeds are yet another excellent cooling agents. They are the readily available spice and can be used in numerous ways. These seeds not only cool the body but also stimulate intestinal juices that promote proper digestion and reduces acid reflux. The fennel seeds can be chewed to promote fresh breath and overall dental hygiene.

Cilantro- Fresh cilantro leaves have rapidly been used in international cuisines. But in the present times, they have become very popular in India as well. They are an important ingredient in most of the salsa recipes. These leaves neutralize the spicy flavor of the international cuisines thereby making them more suitable for consumption during the summer heat.

Coriander – A seasoning of coriander has a soothing effect on human body. Coriander has been highly treasured for its health enhancing properties. Essentially seeds of the cilantro, it is mostly used as a flavor enhancer in barbecued dishes. They have been proved very beneficial in digestion and stabilizing the level of blood sugar as well.

Turmeric – Turmeric is used widely for healing internal as well as external wounds. It not only lowers down the body temperature but also cleanses the liver and purifies the blood. Turmeric is also said to have properties that enhance the proper functioning of the heart. Apart from these, this spice also has anti-inflammatory, an anti-allergic and anti-bacterial property that makes it indispensable. These properties of turmeric also enhance the cooling effect brought by this spice.

Cardamom – The spice with a sweet aroma, cardamom has more than what it is given credit for. Cardamom is an excellent cooling agent with respect to stomach heat. It has the property to relieve stomach cramps and neutralize stomach acids. Cardamom is not only used in many cuisines but is an excellent partner of the tea and adds an extra zing to the drink.

There are several other spices as well that bring down the body temperature thereby having a soothing effect on the body at a time when it is already being tormented by the heat outside. If used regularly in adequate amount, these spices will not only enhance the taste of the food that you prepare but would also have many health benefits including bringing down the body heat.

[yahooinswitch]

Why you should learn to swim

Not only a great exercise, swimming offers a sense of peace and rejuvenation to the swimmers. With summers having set in almost all parts of the country, there couldn’t be anything better than having a nice time in water that would not only cool you but offer you a healthier body? 

And, in case you are wondering what really can swimming help you with, here are some points that may help you decide: 

Safety Purpose – From the safety point of view, swimming is an essential sport. As per studies, drowning is one of the most leading causes of accident-related death. So in order to avert any such situation one must be geared up at least with the elementary swimming strategies. This would help the people to not only save themselves but even others in case of any catastrophe.  

Health Benefit – Apart from offering fun, swimming also offers many health benefits that make the prospect all the more appealing. Swimming is one way to keep your heart and lungs healthy. It also increases the stamina, strength and flexibility of the person.  Swimming is also one of the best recourse of improving posture as well as balance.

Opens avenues for other water-based sports – Swimming not only provides an enriching experience but also opens up abundant avenues for other water-based sports activities. After a person learns to swim, he or she can opt for Canoeing, Surfing, Yachting, Scuba diving, Kayaking and Triathlon. These activities would certainly make your summer more enjoyable. 

Incredible Workout -  In present times when people spend so much time and money to get the perfect figure, swimming is one way to achieve the desired body. Swimming provides the best cardio workout and is a great recourse to burn calories without sweating. It is easier for obese people to pick up swimming as it is a low impact exercise.

Improve Your Longevity – Swimming is a low impact sports as here there is no chance of injury. According to studies swimming helps in increasing the quality of life and decrease the chances of disability. Apart from this it also is a mood booster for people. 

Get a Flexible Body – Owing to the involvement of most of the body muscles, swimming leads to a flexible body. Swimming develops a coordination among the muscles and gives them strength and flexibility. It is a complete body resistance workout that builds more structured muscles.

Helps in Brain Development in Kids – Swimming is an experience where the whole body is exposed to water and the person can actually feel its presence; thereby stimulating the sensory experience. The kids while swimming feel the texture and altering temperature of water and this plays a key role in the development of their brains. Being immersed in water is said to have a multi-feral impact on the growth and development of the brain as along with the sensory expansion the child also learns to coordinate his/her muscles so as to keep himself/herself afloat. 

Learning to swim is an art, a skill that once learnt would stay with the rest of your life. So enjoy this summer in pool burning your calories and gaining a feeling of self fulfillment.

[yahooinswitch]

Summer allergies: Prevention and home remedies

Summer is a time when the probability of allergy increases as this is the period when we are exposed to the allergens the most. The symptoms of these allergies can range from itchy eyes and runny nose to irritating feeling of not being able to sneeze and fever. Some allergies are severe and need medical attention. However, many of them can be treated by getting rid of the allergens. In many cases, it has been noticed that in even severe allergies can be treated by home remedies.

What can cause allergy in summer – Many things get unnoticed but they lead to allergies. Summer is the time when the air is loaded with pollen grains and pollen grains are one of the most notorious allergens. At times, some grasses also cause allergy among people. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that grow in the warm and humid environment. These dust mites thrive in places such as beds, carpets and even clothes and can make you sneeze uncontrollably.

Medical help for allergy –  Seeking medical advice is recommended for acute cases of allergy. In such situations, the doctors generally prescribe decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops.

Prevention of allergy – One of the simplest ways to prevent allergies is to ascertain the cause of allergy and try to avoid coming in contact with the allergen. You can even use air purifiers to purify the air inside your home. You also need to wash your clothes and rugs in hot water to get rid of the dust mites. Cleaning your house with a vacuum cleaner can also be of a great help.

Home remedies for allergy – There are many tried and tested age old remedies to prevent allergies in the summer season. These remedies not only help in averting the allergies but also help in increasing the body’s resistance against allergens.

Apple Cider – Time and again apple cider have been used for various purposes. It helps in treating much health related issues as it reduces the production of mucus and cleans the lymphatic system. Apart from acting as an anti-allergy agent, apple cider is also very helpful in weight loss and digestion. Broccoli and Citrus Fruits  - Quercetin found  in broccoli and citrus fruits are very beneficial in preventing allergy. Quercetin functions as a stabilizer of mast cells thereby averting them from releasing histamine. It also contains antioxidants that reduce inflammations.  If used for a longer duration, i.e. four to six weeks; it could be of great help in preventing allergies. Probiotics – It has been proven that allergies are caused due to an imbalance in the human immune system. This imbalance results in inefficient immune response to the allergic stimuli. And probiotics which are said to contain the beneficial bacteria can be of great help in getting rid of allergies. The probiotics could be fount in fermented items as well as curd. Peppermint Tea – What could be better than a hot cup of tea when you are suffering from the clogged nose. And in such a situation peppermint tea works wonders. Peppermint contains the essential oil that acts as a decongestant. It also contains constituents that are anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial in property. Some small changes and a little prevention can be of great help in preventing allergic reactions caused in summers. Try and avoid smoky and polluted environment and keep your home clean this summer to avert any inconvenience caused due to allergy.

[yahooinswitch]

The controversy around NEET

Nation Eligibility cum Entrance Test has been made compulsory for all medical colleges by the Supreme Court of India. Even the private colleges are not allowed to conduct any separate entrance exam. It has further been notified that the admission to non-government colleges would be conducted through the second phase of the Nation Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-2). As per the norms, the students who had attended the first phase exam would not be eligible for the second phase and would not be allowed to appear in the NEET-2 exam. This step has been taken to ensure the elimination of irregularity in the admission in private as well as deemed universities. On one hand where this proposition would curtail the independence of private colleges and deemed universities it would provide empowerment to the government colleges as they would have the authority to conduct their own admission procedure.

Transparency Guaranteed – The step has been taken to ensure transparency and avert malpractices involved in the admission procedure in medical colleges. The trend has been that if one has enough money one can get a backdoor entry into medical colleges. Many a times the undeserving people are given the degree thereby jeopardizing many innocent lives. Thus, the vision behind this step is to make sure that only the deserving students get through the iron gate.

Opposition By State Boards - Although CBSE and MCI have approved this act but NEET has been strongly condemned by the state boards such as Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. The state boards have been demanding to be allowed to conduct their own entrance exams. Several protests have been made against the verdict by the state governments.

Students From Different Educational Background – There would be an adverse effect on the students appearing for the NEET. India is a diverse country where there are many state boards and the students follow varied syllabi. In such a situation, conducting a uniform exam would prove to be inconvenient for the students as the one accustomed to various state boards.

Confusion Among Students – Though the decision has been taken in context to the welfare of the aspiring medical students but this decision has created confusion and doubts among the students. This was the reason why the proposal was not implemented initially. And now when this has been applied it has become very difficult for students from varied educational backgrounds to cope up with the newly imposed uniformity. The students are also perplexed about the validity of the exams in which they have already appeared or are about to appear.

Experts’ Verdict – According to the experts generalizing the whole concept would not be ideal for students in general and might even adversely affect the students. NEET would be based on CBSE curriculum and there is a fair possibility that even deserving students would not be able to qualify the exam due to their divergent academic backgrounds.

Although started with a good intent, NEET has been proving more controversial and puzzling for the aspirants; who are not sure whether to be jubilant at the prospect that there would be no malpractice in the admission into a medical college or feel sad that their chance of getting into one has become bleak as they are from regional boards.

[yahooinswitch]

Tired of heat this summer? Here are 7 tips to keep house cool

After a hectic schedule on a hot summer day, what one needs the most is a comfortable home. With frequent power cuts especially in the summer season and no other means to cool off the heat, it becomes very difficult to stay comfortably at home. Moreover, the electricity bills pertaining to the power consumption by the air conditioner is too much to bear in the summer season. So we have a lot of money-saving cooling options for your home this hot season.

Choose the right curtain – Curtains play an important role in warding off the heat. It has been proven that 30% of the heat comes from the window of the house. So if the drapes are thick enough then the heat could be reduced significantly. Furthermore, the color of the curtain also plays a key role. Try using shades of green or blue while selecting curtains rather than white, yellow, red or orange. As these shades would filter the warmer light and only soothing light would pass through them.

Use cotton bed sheets – Rather than using fancy linen or flannel bed sheets one must choose for their cotton replacement. The textiles such as linen and flannel have insulation properties and in the summer season, one must try to use cotton that would have a cooling effect. To add to it one can use buckwheat pillow as they have natural airspace that doesn’t hold the heat like a normal pillow.

Cool off your body heat – Earlier, when even the ceiling fans were not available, our ancestors managed to keep themselves away from the traumatic heat. In order to achieve this, they consumed food items that that had cooling effect on the body. So drinking buttermilk, juices and fruits rich in water content is a good option for summers.

Enjoy the night breeze – The nights are cool even in summers. So, one can utilize the pleasant wind to circulate the warm air trapped in the house and let in the cooler breeze inside the house. This would not only make the house relatively serener but also much fresher and less suffocating.

Use florescent light – Instead of bulbs, one should use florescent lights in summers as this light has a cooling effect whereas the halogen bulb has a resemblance to sun thus the light emitted by it is also relatively warmer. Adding to the benefit these halogen bulbs would also reduce your electricity bill as these bulbs or tubes consume less power as compared to their halogen replacements.

Plant trees or flowering plants – One of the major causes of global warming is deforestation. Plants and trees not only take in the carbon dioxide present in our system but also tend to make their surrounding pleasantly cool. So one must try and plant trees and flowering plants in and around their houses. This would not only beautify their surrounding but also make the environment cool and pleasant.

Switch off electronic equipment when not in use – Electronic equipment tend to produce heat when operational. So when the devices are not in use one must switch them off so as to prevent oneself from unwanted heat generated because of them. This action would not only be power saving but also would make the milieu of the house much soothing and comforting.

Thus, by incorporating a few changes in out lifestyle we can easily manage the unbearable heat in the summer.

[yahooinswitch]

Beat the heat this summer with hydrotherapy

Summer is at its peak now in all parts of India. Stepping out in the sun isn’t a necessity unless required. The scorching weather, rising humidity, and sheer lazyness can upset a good fitness schedule. However, there are ways in which you can keep your body toned and calm, and not sweat it out either. How? By hydrotherapy. According to WebMD, hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat disease or maintain health. The idea behind this is quite simple. Water is a great source of storing and carrying heat and energy, has a soothing and calming effect on the body, helps in blood flow, is available in multitudinal forms, and is the safest form of keeping yourself healthy.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider hydrotherapy beyond curing yourself of ailments:

1- It is very good for your bones and muscles, and soothes the body in a number of ways.

2- It supports the body, improves stability, provides resistance for strength training, promotes circulation, helps muscle relaxation and decreases pain. Hydrotherapy can be used in isolation or in conjunction with other rehabilitation programs.

3- It also reduces pain and muscle spasms and decreases joint stress.

4- Hydrotherapy increases strength and range of movement, improves balance and coordination and increases your feeling of achievement even in the acute stages of rehabilitation.

5- Hydrotherapy acts as a natural sleep aid by relaxing your body muscles, and helping it to unwind on its own.

6- As it increases blood circulation, the heat and massage action of hydrotherapy help in blood flow and relieve you of tension, headaches and soothing stress-prone areas like the neck, shoulders and lower back.

7- Sore muscles, lower back pain and aching joints all stand to benefit from the heated water massage of hydrotherapy.

8- The moist heat associated with the water used in hydrotherapy is beneficial to those suffering from respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, congestion and asthma.

9- Hydrotherapy supplies fresh nutrients and oxygen to injured tissue and helps with the removal of waste products. Thus, helping your immune and digestive system to the core.

And here are, three effective and easy ways in which you can do hydrotherapy at home.

[yahooinswitch]

World Press Freedom Day: Some Acts from Indian History

World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3rd, as noted by the United Nations in 1993. It is celebrated to observe that the freedom of information is a fundamental human right, weighs the state of press freedom around the world, and is a reminder that in dozens of countries, publications are censored, fined and closed down, while journalists and editors are harassed, attacked, detained and sometimes murdered.

May 3rd was adopted by United Nations in 1993; to commemorate the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek.  This Declaration was a statement of free press principles put together by newspaper journalists in Africa during a UNESCO seminar on "Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press" in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1991. It calls for free, independent, pluralistic media worldwide, characterizing free press as essential to democracy and as a fundamental human right.

The need for freedom of press in India was realised with the democratic form of government. It was after liberalisation that the business enterprises made their involvement in the laws of the nation. Several acts dealt with regulation part of print media, some of them are:

The Press (Objectionable Matters) Act, 1951: This act was aimed to restrict the printing and publication of any kind of wrongdoing or crime and other objectionable matters.

First Press Regulations, 1799: Promulgated by Lord Wellesley, according to this, it was mandatory for the newspapers to print names and addresses of the printers, editors and publishers.

Gagging Act, 1857: This act allowed the government to ban the publication or dissemination of statements or news stories which had a tendency to cause hatred or contempt for the government.  The Act was however abolished in June 1858.

Indian Press Act, 1910: Under this Act, owners of newspapers were required to tender security deposits.

Young Person’s Act, 1956: This Act seeks to prohibit the publication in India of such literature that glorifies crime, violence or vice.

Vernacular Press Act, 1878: This Act was enacted on March 1, 1878. It empowered the then British Government to exercise more stringent control over publications in the Indian languages.

Press Council of India Act, 1965: It was established for protecting the freedom of the press and maintaining and improving the standards of both newspapers and news agencies.

[yahooinswitch]

World Asthma Day: Causes, symptoms and natural remedies

World Asthma Day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma to spread awareness about asthma. The day is usually celebrated on the first Tuesday of the May month. World Asthma Day celebration was first started celebrating in the year 1998 by the GINA in more than 35 countries after its first “World Asthma Meeting” in the Barcelona, Spain.

Asthma is a chronic disease that results in the narrowing of the air passages of the lungs thereby, making it difficult to breathe. It can be caused due to both genetic as well as environmental factors. Three hundred million people worldwide suffer from asthma, suggest estimates. With 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease, almost 10 percent of this number comes from India. By 2025, the number is estimated to grow by approximately 100 million. According to the Asthma Society of India, up to 25% of the Indian population suffers from allergies. That is not all, as 5% of this proportion of society, suffers from allergies that lead to asthma.

Common symptoms of asthma include:- Wheezing; Coughing, especially at night; Signs of a cold or allergies; Chest tightness; Nasal congestion; Chest pain, shortness of breath; and

Trouble sleeping. Asthma can be triggered by any of the following:- allergens, dust mites, weather changes, pollens, tobacco, smoke, emotional breakdown, family history etc.

There can be a number of lifestyle changes that you can do to prevent asthma. From avoiding allergens such as dust mites, pollens to wearing face masks throughout to prevent asthma attack; you should also include a healthy eating diet including fresh food, manage stress, and exercise in order to maintain an ideal weight.

Here are four home remedies that can help you fight asthma attack without much ado:

1- Mustard: Mustard oil mixed with camphor, when applied on the chest can give instant relief from asthma. You can even consume a teaspoon of brown mustard oil with an equal quantity of sugar. Ground mustard (1/4 teaspoon) can be teamed with black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) or pipali (piper longum) along with some honey in warm water and consumed twice a day too.

2- Honey: A teaspoon of honey can be mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder and consumed just before sleeping. You can also add it to warm water and sip on it a couple of times in the day. Mix together ginger juice with honey in equal quantities (1 tablespoon each) and consume twice a day.

3- Ginger: Ginger has myriad benefits. You can consume it raw, mix its juice with honey and consume it or boil it in water and drink. Take a cup of water, add one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and a teaspoon of ginger juice, bring to a boil and consume twice a day.

4- Onions: Enriched with anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieving the inflamed airway, sulphur in onions helps with inflammation too. Consume these raw in salads or cooked in vegetables. You can also make a mixture of onion juice (1/4 cup), honey (1 teaspoon) and ground pepper (a pinch) and consume it twice a day to get instant relief.

[yahooinswitch]

World Dance Day: Famous classical dances of India

India with its vast and diverse culture has developed several different forms of dance. Classical dance has been imbued in the traditional heritage since long. Gradually, they have grown according to the local traditions and imbibed elements from other parts of the country. There have often been fusion performances wherein, classical dances have given a new touch to some age old songs be it English, Hindi or any other regional language. So much so that dancing traditions of India have influences dances across South Asia especially, South East Asia.

Classical dance in India has developed a type of dance-drama that is a form of a total theater. The dancer acts out a story exclusively through gestures. Most of the classical dances enact stories from Hindu mythology. Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular region or a group of people.

The criteria for being considered as classical is the style's adherence to the guidelines laid down in Natyashastra, which explains the Indian art of acting. The tradition of dance has been codified in the Natyashastra and a performance is considered accomplished if it manages to evoke a rasa (emotion) among the audience by invoking a particular bhava(gesture or facial expression).

The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight Indian classical dance styles:

Bharatanatyam

Dating back to 1000 BCE, Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from Tamil Nadu. The dance is often accompanied by classical Carnatic music. The sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram form a large part of its inspiration. Documented in the 19th century as a performing art by the Thanjavur Quartet, their musical compositions form the bulk of the Bharatanatyam repertoire.

Kathakali

Kathakali means katha, “story”; and kali, “performance”. This is a highly stylized classical dance-drama form that dates back to 17th century Kerala. Famous for dancer's elaborate costume, towering head gear, billowing skirts, and long silver nails, Kathakali is performed regularly at festivals in temples, at cultural shows for connoisseurs and also at international events, occasionally in fusion dance experiments.

Kathak

Kathak has it origin in the north Indian states of ancient nomadic bards known as Kathaks or storytellers. In ancient Indian temples, Brahmin priests(pandits) used to narrate the stories of gods and goddesses through dance, they were known as ((kathakar)) and the dance came to be known as "kathak". Its form today contains traces of temple and ritual dances, and the influence of the bhakti movement. Post the 16th century, Kathak absorbed certain features of Persian dance and Central Asian dance - imported by the royal courts of the Mughal era. There are three major schools or gharanas of Kathak from which performers today generally draw their lineage: the gharanas of Benares, Jaipur and Lucknow.

Kuchipudi

This is a classical dance from Andhra Pradesh and dates back to 2nd century BC. Kuchipudi is the name of a village in the Divi Taluka of Krishna district that borders the Bay of Bengal and also the surname of the resident Brahmins practicing this traditional dance form, it acquired the present name. The performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the character comes onto the stage and introduces him/herself with a dharavu (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins. The dance is accompanied by song which is typically Carnatic music. The singer is accompanied by mridangam, violin, flute and the tambura. Ornaments adorned by the artists are of a light weight wood called Boorugu.

Odissi

Odissi originates from the state of Odisha, in eastern India. It is the oldest surviving dance form of India on the basis of archaeological evidences. There are mainly three books of Odissi -The classic treatise of Indian dance, Natya Shastra, refers to it as Odra-Magadhi. It is distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the Tribhangi (literally: three parts break), the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis and upon the basic square stance known as Chauka or Chouka that symbolizes Lord Jagannath. This dance is characterized by various Bhangas (Stance), which involves stamping of the foot and striking various postures as seen in Indian sculptures. The common Bhangas are Bhanga, Abhanga, Atibhanga and Tribhanga.

Sattriya

Sattriya has remained a living tradition since its creation by the founder of Vaishnavism in Assam, the great saint Srimanta Sankardeva, in 15th century Assam.Sankardeva created Sattriya Nritya as an accompaniment to the Ankia Naat (a form of Assamese one-act plays devised by him), which were usually performed in the sattras, as Assam's monasteries are called. As the tradition developed and grew, the dance form came to be called Sattriya Nritya.It has recently been recognised as one of the Indian classical dance forms.