Saturday, August 15, 2009

India Before and After the Independence.

With the decision by Britain to withdraw from the Indian subcontinent, the Congress Party and Muslim League agreed in June 1947 to a partition of India along religious lines. Under the provisions of the Indian Independence Act, India and Pakistan were established as independent dominions with predominantly Hindu areas allocated to India and predominantly Muslim areas to Pakistan.

After India's independence on August 15, 1947, India received most of the subcontinent's 562 widely scattered polities, or princely states, as well as the majority of the British provinces, and parts of three of the remaining provinces. Muslim Pakistan received the remainder. Pakistan consisted of a western wing, with the approximate boundaries of modern Pakistan, and an eastern wing, with the boundaries of present-day Bangladesh.

The division of the subcontinent caused tremendous dislocation of populations; inter-communal violence cost more than 1,000,000 lives. Some 3.5 million Hindus and Sikhs moved from Pakistan into India, andabout 5 million Muslims migrated from India to Pakistan. In Punjab, where the Sikh community was cut in half, a period of terrible bloodshed followed. Overall, the demographic shift caused an initial bitterness between the two countries that was further intensified by each country's accession of a portion of the princely states.

Adding to the tensions, the issue of the polities Kashmir, Hyderabad, and the small and fragmented state of Junagadh (in present-day Gujarat), remained unsettled at independence. Later, the Muslim ruler of Hindu-majority Junagadh agreed to join to Pakistan, but a movement by his people, followed by Indian military action and a plebiscite (people's vote of self-determination), brought the state into India.

The nizam of Hyderabad, also a Muslim ruler of a Hindu-majority populace, tried to maneuver to gain independence for his very large and populous state, which was, however, surrounded by India.

After more than a year of fruitless negotiations, India sent its army in a police action in September 1948, and Hyderabad became part of India.

The Hindu ruler of Kashmir, whose subjects were 85 percent Muslim, decided to join India. Pakistan, however, questioned his right to do so, and a war broke out between India and Pakistan. A cease-fire was arranged in 1949, with the cease-fire line creating a de facto partition of the region.

The central and eastern areas of the state came under Indian administration as Jammu and Kashmir state, while the northwestern quarter came under Pakistani control as Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas. Although a UN peacekeeping force was sent in to enforce the cease-fire, the dispute was not resolved.This deadlock has intensified suspicion and antagonism between the two countries.

In 1971, Pakistan was itself subdivided when its eastern section broke away and formed Bangladesh. Border disputes continue to embitter Pakistani-Indian relations, as Pakistan has produced a series of autocratic military rulers, while India maintained a parliamentary democracy.

Independence Day Images

Mahatma Gandhi

Jawaharlal Nehru

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Swine flu: Symptoms & precautions

Origin

Swine Flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza virus known as H1N1.

Although, H1N1 is the same strain that causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans, the latest type is different as it is a mutated version containing genetic material that is generally found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine (pigs).

What has happened this time is that the flu viruses from humans and pigs have swapped genetic components with each other, and evolved into a completely new variety – Hence the absence of any concrete treatment plan for it.

Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a wholly human disease and is being transmitted person-to-person.

Symptoms:

The first symptoms of swine flu are fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), sore throat, body ache and fatigue. Some patients have also complained about running nose, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Persons who have travelled overseas recently should be extra cautious and seek medical help immediately if they have these symptoms.

But these symptoms alone would not suggest that a person is infected by Swine Flu, as it can be confirmed only after testing a respiratory specimen, that’s taken from the suspected case within the first four to five days.

So it is important to seek medical help if one feels that he/she has flu.

Precautions:

As the flu is now spreading by people-to-people to contact, the infection primarily spreads when a person comes in close contact with an infected person. The simple way to minimise the risk is by covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and wearing a mask while going close to the infected person.

Maintaining high level of hygiene is also important and one should always wash hands frequently with soap and water.

Since influenza spreads through both air and contact with contaminated surfaces, surface sanitizing may help prevent some infections. For that alcohol is an effective sanitizer, bleach can also be used to sanitize rooms or equipment that have been occupied by patients with influenza symptoms.

Treatment

People with the flu are advised to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco and, if necessary, take medications such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) to relieve the fever and muscle aches associated with the flu.

However, the best way would be to get in touch with your doctor, who can help you get the right treatment.

Preventive medications are not advisable as it may lead to the development of resistance to the only known effective drug Tamiflu – the government of India has adequate stock of the drug.

Emergency Help

If any person has all or any of the above mentioned symptoms he/she should not panic and get themselves tested in any of the government hospitals.

Swine Flu-Precautions!

Swine Influenza and what you need to be aware of!

Swine influenza (also swine flu) refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine). Strains endemic in swine are called swine influenza virus (SIV).

The Chairman of the travel Agents Association of India has released a few pointers for public awareness and precautions. India may be safe, though there is a case in New Delhi where 2 people have been kept under strict observation in view of the worldwide pandemic.

In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. The strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak in most cases causes only mild symptoms and the infected person recovers fully in a few days.

1. What are the 5 simple steps a customer should take while traveling?

Check on health care resources in the area you'll be visiting before you depart.

While you're in an area with reported swine flu cases, wash your hands often with soap and water, or if soap isn't available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

If you get sick while traveling, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue in the trash afterward.

Seek medical care if you are ill with a fever and other symptoms of swine flu, especially if you think you may have had contact with someone with swine flu or severe respiratory illness in the seven days before you got sick.

2. Do’s and Don’ts while traveling to another country during this tenure?
Before traveling, people in high-risk groups -- such as the elderly and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease -- should get the prescription antiviral medications Tamiflu or Relenza to take while traveling in areas that have reported cases of swine flu.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you're sick, don't travel, except to get local medical care. Try to limit contact with other people, so your germs don't spread.

3. What should travelers do while coming back into the country?

Once you get home from an area with reported swine flu cases, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) asks that you closely monitor your health for seven days. If you get sick during that time, call your doctor or clinic for an appointment. And when you arrive for your appointment, tell the doctor your symptoms where you traveled, and if you had close contact with someone infected with swine flu.

4. In case of emergency what should they do in the country they are traveling to?

Take updates from the CDC, WHO, and local health authorities, and follow their guidelines.

Swine Flu

Swine flu is a Type A influenza virus which causes regular outbreaks of flu in pigs, but is rarely fatal. In the past. swine flu has not normally affected humans, although there have been a few cases reported in people with direct exposure to pigs or in those who have been near pigs. From December 2005 to February 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 12 cases of human infection with swine flu.

In late April 2009, the outbreak of more than a thousand cases of swine flu in humans in Mexico, and a suspected 86 deaths, as well as another 11 cases confirmed in the United States, led the World Health Organization to say that the outbreak has "pandemic potential" and to urge all countries to increase their reporting and surveillance of influenza and to be on high alert for any unusual patterns.

On April 26, 2009, six cases of swine flu in humans were reported in Canada - four in students in Nova Scotia, and two in British Columbia. The six cases were all very mild. By April 29, the number of cases had risen to 19, with health officials predicting more to come.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of swine flu are usually like those of regular seasonal flu and include:

headache
chills
cough
fever
loss of appetite
aches
fatigue
runny nose
sneezing
watery eyes
throat irritation
nausea and vomiting
diarrhea
in people with chronic conditions, pneumonia may develop

Precautions Against Swine Flu

Good standard flu prevention techniques are recommended to protect yourself against swine flu:

Get a regular seasonal flu vaccination. It might not help against this specific strain, but it won't hurt.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot running water. If hot water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
When you cough and sneeze, cover your mouth and nose. Wash your hands afterwards.
Avoid being near others who might be sick.
Stay home if you are sick, to avoid affecting others.

Precautions for Travellers

Before you travel, find out what vaccines you will need and where to get them. Visit your family doctor or a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your departure date.
If you get sick when you are travelling, seek medical assistance.
If you are sick when you return to Canada, or have been near someone who is, you must tell a customs or quarantine office, who will decide if you need further medical assessment.
If you get sick after you return to Canada, see a health care provider. Be sure to tell him/her the countries you visited, if you were sick while away and any medical care or treatment your received.

Take Precautions Against Swine Flu

Everybody should be using some basic precautions to avoid catching swine flu - but if you're in treatment for breast cancer, you may want to be extra careful. Chemotherapy treatments can lower your immune system and cause you to be neutropenic. When that happens, your defense against any germs are not sufficient to protect you nor to help you recover in a timely way. In this case, your best defense is to avoid situations where germs are likely to be plentiful. When your blood counts return to normal, just use common sense to keep away from germs. Here's some ways to take precautions:

Stay home whenever possible. Ask your support team to get groceries, walk your dog, bring work home from the office, or whatever else you can delegate.
If you develop a fever of 100.5F or higher, call your doctor right away (day or night) and start drinking plenty of fluids. Stay well hydrated and get a diagnosis and treatment for whatever is causing your fever.
If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then toss it out. No tissues handy? Turn your face into the crook of your elbow, to keep germs from flying away.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol sanitizer - this will kill most germs.
Avoid people who have a fever, cough, or sneezing, or complain of any flu-like symptoms
If you feel like you are developing flu symptoms, don't wait to see if it will just go away. Call your doctor or nurse practitioner and ask for advice or an appointment.

Radiation treatments for breast cancer can cause you to have swallowing problems, cough, or shortness of breath. This is because radiation may affect your esophagus, throat, or lungs. Let your doctor know, if you're having these problems. This kind of cough is not a flu symptom, but if you are concerned about your cough or any other symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, or skin changes, you should ask your doctor for help.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

H1N1 Symptoms? Get A N95 Mask To Protect You From The Swine Flu

A few days ago a rumor was spread among the media: there no official and good masks to protect you from the swine flu. However this is wrong as there are lots of masks available on the market, including the N95 mask. About one week ago the CDC in collaboration with the WHO released an official statement which both said that the N95 mask can be worn in order to provide protection against the swine flu. The H1N1 virus is not over yet, and the threat will not end soon therefore it’s for the best to do any small thing that will keep you healthy.

The N95 respiratory masks are available now at ImmedioHome.com at discounted prices. The 3M1860 Swine Flu (H1N1) Mask is available at $33.99, while the Moldex 1500 Series N95 Respirator and Surgical Mask is available at a price of $26. ImmedioHome sells small face masks, but there are also medium to large face masks available in stock.

The 3M 1860s N95 Mask for protection against the swine flu meets CDC’s and WHO’s guidelines for exposure control, and it’s NIOSH approved as it represents the “first line of defense” against the H1N1 virus.

What is swine flu? What are its symptoms?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease which infects pigs. It is caused by influenza type A virus, there are regular outbreaks among herds of pigs, where the disease causes high levels of illness but is rarely fatal.

It tends to spread in autumn and winter but can circulate all year round.

There are many different types of swine flu and like human flu, the infection is constantly changing.

Swine flu does not normally infect humans, although sporadic cases do occur usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.

There have also been rare documented cases of humans passing the infection to other humans.

Human to human transmission of swine flu thought to spread in the same way as seasonal flu – through coughing and sneezing.

The outbreak in Mexico seems to involve a new type of swine flu that contains DNA that is typically found in avian and human viruses.

The World Health Organization has confirmed at least some of the cases are caused by this new strain of H1N1.

"We are very, very concerned," World Health Organisation (WHO) spokesman Thomas Abraham said. "We have what appears to be a novel virus and it has spread from human to human... It's all hands on deck at the moment."

It is genetically different from the fully human H1N1 seasonal influenza virus that has been circulating globally for the past few years. It contains DNA that is typical to avian, swine and human viruses, including elements from European and Asian swine viruses

When any new strain of flu emerges that acquires the ability to pass from person to person, it is monitored very closely in case it has the potential to spark a pandemic.

The WHO is concerned but says it is too soon to change the threat level warning for a pandemic. However, it has convened an expert panel to consider whether to raise the alert level or issue travel advisories.

It might already be too late to contain the outbreak, a prominent US pandemic flu expert said.

Dr Michael Osterholm, a public health expert at the University of Minnesota, said given how quickly flu can spread around the globe, if these are the first signs of a pandemic, then there are probably cases incubating in other parts of the world already.

"Literally hundreds and thousands of travellers come in and out of Mexico City every day," Dr Osterholm said. "You'd have to believe there's been more unrecognised transmission that's occurred."

There is no vaccine that specifically protects against swine flu, and it was unclear how much protection current human flu vaccines might offer.

However, the CDC says two flu drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, seem effective against the new strain. Roche, the maker of Tamiflu, said the company is prepared to immediately deploy a stockpile of the drug if requested.

Both drugs must be taken early, within a few days of the onset of symptoms, to be most effective. There have also been concerns that some forms of flu have been developing resistance to the drugs.

Scientists have long been concerned that a new flu virus could launch a worldwide pandemic of a killer disease.

A new pandemic flu virus could evolve when different flu viruses infect a pig, a person or a bird, mingling their genetic material. The resulting hybrid could spread quickly because people would have no natural defences against it.

The most notorious flu pandemic is thought to have killed at least 40 million people worldwide in 1918-19. Two other, less deadly flu pandemics struck in 1957 and 1968.

The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications.

The typical symptoms are:

Sudden fever (a high body temperature of over 38C or 100.4F) or a sudden cough.

Other symptoms may include:

- headache

- tiredness

- chills

- aching muscles

- limb or joint pain

- diarrhoea or stomach upset

- sore throat

- runny nose

- sneezing

- loss of appetite

Most people who have contracted swine flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given antiviral medication.

However, experts point out that as this is a new virus, its behaviour cannot be predicted with certainty.

Swine flu is different from seasonal flu in that most serious illnesses have been in younger age groups, as happened in all three 20th-century influenza pandemics.

A doctor faced with a symptomatic patient cannot yet predict with certainty the course of their illness and whether or not they will be in the small proportion who may become more seriously ill.

Antiviral medication is still being given to all those with swine flu in the UK, subject to their doctor’s discretion.

If you feel unwell:

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:

· Read up on swine flu symptoms then use the NHS Direct swine flu symptom checker.

· If you are then still concerned, stay at home and call your GP who will be able to provide a diagnosis over the phone.

· If the GP confirms swine flu by telephone, they will give you a voucher reference number entitling you to antiviral medication.

· Give this number to a healthy friend or relative and ask them to pick up the antivirals for you from a designated local collection centre.

· In the meantime, take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.

High-risk groups

Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antiviral medication as soon as they are confirmed with the illness.

Scientists are still learning more about the risk profile of the virus, but it is already known that the following people are particularly susceptible:

· people with:

- chronic lung disease,

- chronic heart disease,

- chronic kidney disease,

- chronic liver disease,

- chronic neurological disease (such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease)

- immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment) and

- diabetes mellitus,

· patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years,

· pregnant women,

· people aged 65 years and older, and

· young children under five years old.

It is vital that people in these higher-risk groups who catch swine flu get antivirals and start taking them as soon as possible.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Sardar: My mobile bill how much?
Call centre girl: sir, just dial 123to know current bill status
Sardar: Stupid, not CURRENT BILL my MOBILE BILL.

Sardar: I think that girl is deaf..
Friend: How do u know?
Sardar: I told I Love her, but she said her chappals are new

Teacher: Which is the oldest animal in world?
Sardar: ZEBRA
Teacher: How?
Sardar: Bcoz it is Black & White

Sardar: Miss, Do u called 2 my mobile?
Teacher: Me? No, why?
Sardar: Yesterday I saw in my mobile- "1 Miss Call".

Judge: Don't U have shame? It is d 3rd time U R coming to court.
Sardar to judge: U R coming daily, don't U have shame?

Sir: What is difference between Orange and Apple?
Sardar: Color of Orange is orange, but color of Apple is not APPLE.

Sardar attending an interview in Software Company.
Manager: Do U know MS Office?
Sardar: If U give me the address I will go there sir.

Sardar got a sms from his girl friend:
"I MISS YOU"
Sardarji replied:
"I Mr YOU" !!.

> A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).
>
> Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
> Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their
> little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were
> hoping
> for a miracle.
>
> I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family
> we
> couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
> procedure for the old dog in their home.
>
> As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be
> good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as
> though
> Shane might learn something from the experience.
>
> The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's
> family
> surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last
> time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few
> minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
>
> The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
> difficulty
> or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death,
> wondering
> aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human
> lives.
>
> Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
>
> Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned
> me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the
> way
> I try and live.
>
> He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
> life
> -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?''
> The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that,
> so
> they don't have to stay as long.''
>
> -----------------
>
>
> Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
>
> When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
>
> Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
>
> Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
> Ecstasy.
>
> Take naps.
>
> Stretch before rising.
>
> Run, romp, and play daily.
>
> Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
>
> Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
>
> On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
>
> On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
>
> When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
>
> Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
>
> Be loyal.
>
> Never pretend to be something you're not.
>
> If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
>
> When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle
> them gently.
>

> ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

पोरिंचे नखरे कसे कसे असतात
तो- काय खाऊया?
ती- काहीही चालेल.
तो- पावभाजी आणि व्हेजपुलाव खाऊ या?
ती- शी केव्हढी ऑईली असते. मला पिंपल्स येतात.
तो- मग नुस्तंच चहा-ब्रेडसँडविच?
ती- मला इथं मरणाची भूक लागलीये, अन तू मला चहा-ब्रेड देणार?
तो- मग तूच सांग काय खायचं?
ती- काहीही चालेल..!!
..
तो- मग आता आपण काय करू या?
ती- काहीही. तुच ठरव.
तो- पिक्चर बघू या मस्त? बरेच दिवस झलेत?
ती- नको. वेस्ट ऑफ टाईम!
तो- मग बागेत चल, बॅडमिंटन खेळू या.
ती- डोकं फिरलंय का? बाहेर ऊन बघ किती ते..
तो- मग कॉफी शॉप मध्ये तरी जाऊ या.
ती- नको. पुर्ण दिवस झोप येत नाही कॉफी प्याल्यावर.
तो- मग तुच सांग, काय करू या?
ती- काहीही. तुच ठरव..!!
..
तो- जाऊ दे. सरळ घरीच जाऊ या झालं.
ती- काहीही. तुच ठरव.
तो- बसनं जाऊ या?
ती- शी केवढी गर्दी. अन कस कसले वास येतात त्या बसमध्ये.
तो- ठीके. टॅक्सीने जाऊ या मग.
ती- पैसे जास्त झालेत का? एवढ्याशा अंतरासाठी टॅक्सी?
तो- ठीक. चल मग, चालतच जाऊ.
ती- किती दुष्ट तु? रिकाम्यापोटी मला चालायला लावतोस?
तो- ठीक. मग आधी जेवू या?
ती- व्हाटेव्हर!
तो- काय खाऊ या?
ती- तुच ठरव..!!

Have a look at this really Cool one:

The phone bill was exceptionally high and
the man of the house called a family meeting...
On a Saturday morning...
after breakfast...
Dad:

People this is unacceptable. You have to limit the use of the phone. I do not use this phone, I use the one at the office.

Mum:

Same here, I hardly use this home telephone as I use my work telephone.

Son:

Me too, I never use the home phone.I always use my company mobile.

Maid:

So - what is the problem? We all use our work telephones !