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Arunima Singh replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Their election manifesto is another alarming case. It is really a matter of concern. And so many promises have been made which is alarming to the nation. Scrapping sedition...
6 years ago
Let me make it clear at this point that members not willing to wait for cash credit should not post their articles but post them elsewhere. Than you.
6 years ago
jabeen replied to the topic How healthy is it to be a crazy fan?.
usha manohar wrote:I remember the kind of madness so e people showed when Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan were accused . His fans ,...
6 years ago
jabeen replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:Making tall claims and false promises such as ensuring that poor get 72000 per years etc. will only help...
6 years ago
jabeen said thank you to Kalyani Nandurkar for his/her reply to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Making tall claims and false promises such as ensuring that poor get 72000 per years etc. will only help increase lackadaisical attitude that Indians are plagued with ever...
6 years ago
jabeen replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
anil wrote:Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:The Abdullahs are a stain not just on the country...
6 years ago
jabeen created new article Noise- the underestimated threat.
Sheela, one of my friends, is a very gentle and peace loving person. The only occasions I find her in a foul mood is when she hears the sounds of young boys and girls speeding in a bike. She is not alone. Many of us also ends up getting irritated whenever we come across these youngsters in bikes. Since last few years, there are gangs of bikers operating in the town. Their idea of fun is speeding away in their bike whose silencers have either been taken out or modified to give sharp shrill sound. The noise that follows them disturbs everyone's peace of mind. If the policemen come across them they chase after them and those caught red handed are penalised. But often, they escape any kinds of punishment as they speed away noisily. They are clever enough to avoid areas patrolled by policemen. Moreover, the punishment given are not stringent enough to deter them. So they continue causing noise pollution.
What is noise pollution?
According to Britannica, noise pollution is an unwanted or excessive sound that can have deliterious effects on human health.
Merriam Webster defines it as an annoying or harmful noise in an environment.
While a report of World Health Organisation has described it as an underestimated threat whose impact is second only to the air pollution.
Sources of urban noise pollution
With developmental projects being undertaken all around, urban areas are bound to be more noisier than rural areas. The sources of urban noise includes various machineries used in industries, construction sites or even at residential areas, Vehicles and use of loud speakers or playing of loud musics are also major noise pollutants.
A case study of Imphal:
In my home town, the major contributor of noise pollution are the vehicles plying on the road, especially the public transporters. At present, there are lots of autorickshaws and other commercial vehicles plying on almost every routes of Imphal. Their numbers bloomed with the implementation of the Self Employment Generation Programs of the Government of Manipur. Some of the educated youth took the benefits of the scheme and avail the loans to operate autorickshaws as public transportation system. Others followed them and within a decade, such vehicles started operating in every nook and corner of Imphal. In no time, These autorickshaws started causing traffic problems in the congested market areas, so the Chief Minister had a discussion with the competent authorities on April 2018 to ban diesel autorickshaws, particularly those operating for 15 years or more.
As a mark of protest, the Association of autorickshaws drivers call a 2 days strike and ceased work for two days on September 2018. Data taken during those days revealed that the level of noise pollution dropped considerably, indicating them as a major noise pollutants.
Apart from the noisy engines of motor vehicles, lack of road etiquettes also creates unnecessary noise. Though horns were originally invented as a safety device, they are more frequently used for taking out the frustrations when caught in a traffic jam. In Imphal, it is also acceptable to use horns to announce the presence of a pick up vehicles. For instance, when school van drivers go to pick up the students from their respective houses, it has become almost a norm to announce their arrivals with a few incessant horns, thereby disturbing other people in that lanes and by lanes.
Other significant noise pollutants in Imphal are the various machineries used in construction sites or at residential areas, using of loud speakers during functions and concerts etc. Sometimes the concerts which are usually organised at evening continue late at night. The only saving grace about concerts in Imphal is that people refrain from organising concerts during matric exams and higher secondary school leaving examination. Another annoying source of noise pollution in Imphal are the fire crackers. Though diwali is officially celebrated only for a day, sporadic use of firecrackers continue for a long time after diwali.
Impacts of noise pollution
The World Health Organisation has rightly described noise pollution as an underestimated threats. It has become a cause for concern as many of us do not take it seriously enough and accept the noise we hear everyday as a normal thing. Often associated with the hearing loss, noise has the potential to cause far greater destruction to the environment.
Impacts on human beings
The auditory affects of noise is well known. Regular exposure to noise causes hearing loss either temporary or permanent. Permanent hearing loss occurs when a person is exposed to chronic noise of above 80 dB or more. A person exposed to chronic noise also risks heart failures. The disturbances caused by noise triggers the body to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones increases the production of blood cholesterol and triglycerides which increases the risk of heart failures. Sleep disturbances caused by noise also leads to other problems like hypertension and gastric ulcers.
Noise are also known to hinder the learning abilities of children, probably due to lack of concentration and stress. I also came across an interesting article in which it was mentioned that noise interferes with the ability to understand speech. Studies conducted on a group of children reveals that when they are exposed to chronic noise, they find difficulties in identifying letters such as F, S, T, K and C which affects speech identification.
Impacts on other living things
One good example of how noise affects other living organisms is observed during Diwali celebration. While we celebrate this festival by bursting crackers of all sorts, our pet animals get frightened and starts running around, barking or howling continuously, cowering in fear and trying to hide somewhere. What makes it worse for them is that they are more sensitive to sound than us. While we human can hear sound only upto the frequency of 20,000 Hz, most of the dog species can hear upto the frequency of 60,000 Hz while the cats can hear upto a frequency of 79,000 Hz. Likewise, many of the animals and birds hear sounds which we do not.
Noise pollution also affects animals and birds in the wild. In 2000, 16 whales were found in the beach of Bahamas either dead or with bleeding ears. It is said that the noise created during Navy training near the beach were responsible for it.
Birds and animals try to adjust to the increasing noise pollution by changing their behavioral patterns. Some of the changes observed are as under:
Some birds like starlings, corvids, house finches of Mexico have resorted to chirping louder
Birds like European Robins of England are found to sing at night time, when its much quieter.
Birds like Scrubjay of Mexico prefer to migrate to a new location. But such migration affect the existing ecosystem. In the past Srubjays were responsible for inadvertently growing of pinyon pine plants in Mexico. Some of the pine seeds they buried before winters were forgotten by them after winter and these grew into new plants. After their migration, number of pinyon pine trees also reduce considerably in Mexico.
Animals like grey tree frogs and European tree frogs have reduced their mating call, which affects its populations.
Preventive measures
The Indian government has enacted many laws to reduce noise pollution such as Cr.P.C of section 133, Motor Vehicles Act, Noise Pollution Control Rule under Environment Protection Act 1996 etc to name a fee. Under the Noise Pollution Control Rule, areas at a distance of 100 m around hospitals, educational institutions and courts are declared as silence Zone. Also, use of loud speakers or public address systems are prohibited at night time between 10 pm and 6 am. While it is upto the competent authorities to ensure that these rules are implemented strictly, we can also take certain measures at our level to reduce noise pollution.
The best solution for preventing noise pollution is by reducing the sound at the source itself. Simple steps like listening to music at low volume, refraining from honking unnecessarily or maintaining the vehicles and every machines at good working conditions can reduce sound considerably.
In residential areas and offices , some of the sound can be absorbed by using thick carpet or thick curtains in the room. Keeping sound absorbing materials like rubber below machines also absorbs sound to some extent.
Some plants are capable of absorbing sounds effectively. Generally, any broad leaved evergreen trees and shrubs with thick branching at lower level can absorb sounds. If such plants are planted very close to each other, leaving no or very little space between them, noise can be controlled more effectively.
Conclusion
Noise pollutions have far reaching consequences other than hearing loss. It has the potential to change gradually the whole ecosystem. So we should take actions before its too late. We should minimise the noise we produce in our daily life.
6 years ago
usha manohar created new article The Mysterious Incident at Akashdeep Estates – 14.
After the tragedy and Shalini's Parents
The atmosphere at Akashdeep and the surrounding estate was one of gloom, foreboding and frankly unbearable,with the policemen coming and going and questioning the staff, estate workers and even the neighbors who dropped by to offer condolences. Mahesh anna was in a shock, refusing to come down from his room, sitting on the balcony and staring into eternity. Shalini's parents had come late at night and were understandably very distressed and inconsolable. Her mother, my aunt, especially wanted to know every little detail about all the happenings that took place during and before the tragedy. Since Rohini aunt had retired to her room, I sat with them consoling them and talking to them.When I told her that I had taken milk and biscuits to her room yesterday afternoon and was probably one of the last persons to have seen her before her death, she began looking at me with suspicion. It really was awful the way she stared at me .
She went on and on about Shalini's beauty, her beautiful nature and her other sterling qualities and how everyone around her was envious of her including her husband. I was shocked to hear this, coming from her, she having been at the receiving end of many tantrums that Shalini would throw when things dint go her way. I excused myself and went up to my room since I was too tired and numb. I later felt that I was probably making harsh judgment of a mother who had lost her loving daughter under very tragic circumstances .
I had a very disturbed night with many thoughts passing through my mind and an unknown fear gripping me that just wouldn't go away no matter how much I tried. I finally fell into a restless sleep during the early hours of the day and woke up with a start when a sudden gust of wind that must have blown past the window with the curtains brushing my outstretched hands. It was morning and I could see that it was going to be a cloudy and probably a wet day matching our mood. I decided to go down to face yet another day,not knowing what was in store .
I went into the kitchen to help out Geeta and Rohini aunt. There was no sign of Mahesh anna or Arvind but Shalini's parents were sitting in the hall. Shalini's father spoke very little although I could see that he was devastated, trying to control his tears but her mother was talking non stop to her silent husband in between bouts of weeping and sobbing. As I passed by, she stretched out and held my hand and asked me where I was going ? When I told her she told me in hushed tones ..." Don't trust that woman Rohini because she hated Shalini right from the time she married Mahesh and came into this house, I don't put anything past her ".
I, of course knew that Rohini aunt disliked Shalini because of her own personality and shortcomings and not for anything else.However, this was neither the time nor the occasion to speak anything about Shalini, so I just nodded and moved on.
Rohini aunt and Geeta were worried about Mahesh anna and were wondering how best to tackle him since he had not come down nor been seen since last night. I offered to take a cup of coffee to him, also intending to speak to him and console him if possible. I had always sensed that he had suffered through his marriage to Shalini because of her indifference and now her sudden unexplained death must have shocked him beyond anything.
I saw Mahesh anna was dressed and sitting on a chair on the open balcony leading from his bedroom and he accepted the coffee with a nod. He was pale, there were shadows under his eyes and his hands shook when he took the coffee cup. I sat next to him and told him how sorry I was to which he just smiled and patted my head, he then asked me whether the police had called regarding the release of Shalini's body which had been taken for postmortem. He also came down with me , I could see Shalinis mother looking at him with anger. However, Shalini's father got up and approached Mahesh annna , taking both his hands said ..." I am so very sorry at what happened . I ask you to remain brave and face anything that may come your way ".
I realised then that he had already foreseen that the police would launch a full fledged investigation because of the suspicious circumstances and Mahesh anna may be the prime suspect. It was a warning for all of us at what was in store for us.
The Police
Just as we were having a frugal breakfast of Bread and Bananas ,Inspector Ganesh called and we were all told not to leave town until the postmortem reports were ready. The Inspector came to the estate later to check out the premises again . Mahesh anna agreed to take him round the estate , just then Arvind too made his appearance and he too accompanied them.
Rohit messaged me asking me if I could meet him outside which I could not with all that was going on in our house. So, he came home instead in the afternoon just as the inspector was leaving . Mahesh anna introduced him to the Inspector and I could see that the Inspector was looking at Rohit thoughtfully. I suddenly had the feeling that probably all of us were under suspicion until the police concluded their investigation. Rohit and I could hardy speak because Shalini's mother pounced on him and made sure that he gave his full attention to her. After he left, she began cross examining me about him. She also told me that Rohit had worshiped Shalini and still did .. Thankfully just then my mother and brother arrived and I ran to my mother hugged her and cried my heart out. All the pent up feelings and fears that had been bottled up within me came out with force . My mother held me and Rohini aunt who had just come out stood close to us stroking my hair, telling me not to worry.
We sat together and spoke about everything and I could see that Rohini aunt was happy to see my mother with whom she felt comfortable and could share her thoughts and feelings . Mahesh anna came in after seeing the inspector off and although he did not speak much, his expression conveyed that he was glad to see my family.I could sense that there was an unease that engulfed all of us. We went to bed early since there wasn't anything much to do. It rained all night, however, by the time dawn broke the rain had stopped and the sun was rising to another day.
By late afternoon we got some shocking news with the arrival of Inspector Ganesh and his constable who looked very serious and stern. they asked all of us to assemble in the hall . Then turning to Mahesh anna the inspector announced that based on preliminary reports Shalini had died of poisoning. He also said that since there was no suicide note nor any indication of distress or cause for suicide ,they had to make a thorough investigation before arriving at the cause of her death. On hearing this Rohini's mother let out a scream saying that Shalini would never commit suicide, she had been killed and that it was a conspiracy against her by all those living in the house. Inspector Ganesh turned to look at her and asked her why she felt that way, whether Shalini had confided in her about anything at all ? For this she had no answer ... However, I too felt that Shalini was the last person on this earth to think of committing suicide because she was full of herself besides which, from what I perceived she was excited about something calling it sixth sense and a change coming into her life. With all that she was definitely not depressed nor anywhere near to taking her own life , far from it ! So , her sudden death was shocking and raised too many questions.
So, as far as things went , the issue of her death was unresolved and getting knottier with no respite for any of us because now we were all under a cloud of suspicion. I messaged Rohit about everything that happened and he promised to come and meet me and my family the following day. Late evening that day we were told that the postmortem had been concluded and Shalini's mortal remains would be brought home the next day for the last rites and cremation. I looked at Mahesh anna and was pained to see his expression of grief on hearing this, so were her parents who were both overcome with grief ! I thought ..." No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away " It was so true of Shalini and her life !
6 years ago
Rajaraman K created new article The Ideal Time to Drink your Coffee.
According to a researcher in neuroscience, the ideal time to take a morning coffee is between 9:30 to 11:30. It is between these two hours that caffeine has the maximum effect. For many people, coffee is the essential drink for breakfast. The solution of choice to give yourself a little boost from the moment you get up. Still, drinking a cup of coffee immediately after waking up would not be the perfect time to benefit from the effects of caffeine.
According to the neuroscience researcher, waiting a few hours would be a much better idea. The ideal moment would be between 9.30am and 11.30am. To explain this, you need to know about a particular concept called chronopharmacology, which is based on the principle that a drug will not have the same effect depending on the time it is given. This is because of the different biological rhythms that our body knows. Coffee and more particularly caffeine do not escape this phenomenon.
Once absorbed, this substance interacts with a key hormone called cortisol, which stimulates the awakening and in particular the release of energy from the reserves of the body. The rate of this hormone produced by the adrenal glands is naturally high soon after waking and peaks around eight to nine hours depending on the time of the sunrise. However, two hours later, between 9:30 and 11:30, this rate decreases. So it is at this time that we should drink coffee.
Caffeine would then have the effect of stimulating the production of cortisol and thereby its effects. Therefore, a very early morning coffee is less effective. If you drink coffee at a time when the concentration of cortisol in the blood is at its peak, you probably should not drink it. It is because the production of cortisol is closely related to the level of alertness. The peak of cortisol occurs on average between 8 and 9 am in the morning.
Also, you drink a coffee just when you are already approaching your maximum level of natural vivacity. A coffee drunk as soon as you wake up would not really have any effect. But more than that, it could be counterproductive. One of the key principles of pharmacology is to use a drug when it's needed, otherwise we can develop tolerance to the substance at the same dose. Drinking coffee on awakening could therefore reduce the effects of coffee in the longer term.
6 years ago
Shampa Sadhya replied to the topic How healthy is it to be a crazy fan?.
To like someone is okay, but to worship the mortal is ridiculous. Such people are insane. They will not realise if someone tries to make them understand the point logically....
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic 72000 to poor, this promise of Rahul may be proved master stock for congress.
epraneeth77 wrote:Arunima Singh wrote:anil...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
suni51 wrote:The First Abdullah spent 11+ years in jail (1953-1965). It's right time these two Abdulahs along with other...
6 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Rahul Gandhi is acting like an angry child who was asking for a lolly and when denied started abusing his elders. What he needs is a big slap on his face by his big bro and...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
usha manohar wrote:Apparently that's how it was until 1952/53..and I am sure it suited the Abdullahs very well. Now what is...
6 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
The First Abdullah spent 11+ years in jail (1953-1965). It's right time these two Abdulahs along with other separatists like Mehbooba and rest of the gang spend their time in...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:The Abdullahs are a stain not just on the country but also for J&K, they have only been selfish all of...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
epraneeth77 wrote:I don't think it is possible at all. All that he is trying to do is to make J&K people who are vulnerable, to...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:Making tall claims and false promises such as ensuring that poor get 72000 per years etc. will only help...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
epraneeth77 wrote:Congress has lost its ground and credibility.
72000 for Poors? How are you thinking of running the...
6 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Making tall claims and false promises such as ensuring that poor get 72000 per years etc. will only help increase lackadaisical attitude that Indians are plagued with ever...
6 years ago
Arunima Singh replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Their election manifesto is another alarming case. It is really a matter of concern. And so many promises have been made which is alarming to the nation. Scrapping sedition...
6 years ago
Let me make it clear at this point that members not willing to wait for cash credit should not post their articles but post them elsewhere. Than you.
6 years ago
jabeen replied to the topic How healthy is it to be a crazy fan?.
usha manohar wrote:I remember the kind of madness so e people showed when Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan were accused . His fans ,...
6 years ago
jabeen replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:Making tall claims and false promises such as ensuring that poor get 72000 per years etc. will only help...
6 years ago
jabeen said thank you to Kalyani Nandurkar for his/her reply to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Making tall claims and false promises such as ensuring that poor get 72000 per years etc. will only help increase lackadaisical attitude that Indians are plagued with ever...
6 years ago
jabeen replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
anil wrote:Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:The Abdullahs are a stain not just on the country...
6 years ago
jabeen created new article Noise- the underestimated threat.
Sheela, one of my friends, is a very gentle and peace loving person. The only occasions I find her in a foul mood is when she hears the sounds of young boys and girls speeding in a bike. She is not alone. Many of us also ends up getting irritated whenever we come across these youngsters in bikes. Since last few years, there are gangs of bikers operating in the town. Their idea of fun is speeding away in their bike whose silencers have either been taken out or modified to give sharp shrill sound. The noise that follows them disturbs everyone's peace of mind. If the policemen come across them they chase after them and those caught red handed are penalised. But often, they escape any kinds of punishment as they speed away noisily. They are clever enough to avoid areas patrolled by policemen. Moreover, the punishment given are not stringent enough to deter them. So they continue causing noise pollution.
What is noise pollution?
According to Britannica, noise pollution is an unwanted or excessive sound that can have deliterious effects on human health.
Merriam Webster defines it as an annoying or harmful noise in an environment.
While a report of World Health Organisation has described it as an underestimated threat whose impact is second only to the air pollution.
Sources of urban noise pollution
With developmental projects being undertaken all around, urban areas are bound to be more noisier than rural areas. The sources of urban noise includes various machineries used in industries, construction sites or even at residential areas, Vehicles and use of loud speakers or playing of loud musics are also major noise pollutants.
A case study of Imphal:
In my home town, the major contributor of noise pollution are the vehicles plying on the road, especially the public transporters. At present, there are lots of autorickshaws and other commercial vehicles plying on almost every routes of Imphal. Their numbers bloomed with the implementation of the Self Employment Generation Programs of the Government of Manipur. Some of the educated youth took the benefits of the scheme and avail the loans to operate autorickshaws as public transportation system. Others followed them and within a decade, such vehicles started operating in every nook and corner of Imphal. In no time, These autorickshaws started causing traffic problems in the congested market areas, so the Chief Minister had a discussion with the competent authorities on April 2018 to ban diesel autorickshaws, particularly those operating for 15 years or more.
As a mark of protest, the Association of autorickshaws drivers call a 2 days strike and ceased work for two days on September 2018. Data taken during those days revealed that the level of noise pollution dropped considerably, indicating them as a major noise pollutants.
Apart from the noisy engines of motor vehicles, lack of road etiquettes also creates unnecessary noise. Though horns were originally invented as a safety device, they are more frequently used for taking out the frustrations when caught in a traffic jam. In Imphal, it is also acceptable to use horns to announce the presence of a pick up vehicles. For instance, when school van drivers go to pick up the students from their respective houses, it has become almost a norm to announce their arrivals with a few incessant horns, thereby disturbing other people in that lanes and by lanes.
Other significant noise pollutants in Imphal are the various machineries used in construction sites or at residential areas, using of loud speakers during functions and concerts etc. Sometimes the concerts which are usually organised at evening continue late at night. The only saving grace about concerts in Imphal is that people refrain from organising concerts during matric exams and higher secondary school leaving examination. Another annoying source of noise pollution in Imphal are the fire crackers. Though diwali is officially celebrated only for a day, sporadic use of firecrackers continue for a long time after diwali.
Impacts of noise pollution
The World Health Organisation has rightly described noise pollution as an underestimated threats. It has become a cause for concern as many of us do not take it seriously enough and accept the noise we hear everyday as a normal thing. Often associated with the hearing loss, noise has the potential to cause far greater destruction to the environment.
Impacts on human beings
The auditory affects of noise is well known. Regular exposure to noise causes hearing loss either temporary or permanent. Permanent hearing loss occurs when a person is exposed to chronic noise of above 80 dB or more. A person exposed to chronic noise also risks heart failures. The disturbances caused by noise triggers the body to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones increases the production of blood cholesterol and triglycerides which increases the risk of heart failures. Sleep disturbances caused by noise also leads to other problems like hypertension and gastric ulcers.
Noise are also known to hinder the learning abilities of children, probably due to lack of concentration and stress. I also came across an interesting article in which it was mentioned that noise interferes with the ability to understand speech. Studies conducted on a group of children reveals that when they are exposed to chronic noise, they find difficulties in identifying letters such as F, S, T, K and C which affects speech identification.
Impacts on other living things
One good example of how noise affects other living organisms is observed during Diwali celebration. While we celebrate this festival by bursting crackers of all sorts, our pet animals get frightened and starts running around, barking or howling continuously, cowering in fear and trying to hide somewhere. What makes it worse for them is that they are more sensitive to sound than us. While we human can hear sound only upto the frequency of 20,000 Hz, most of the dog species can hear upto the frequency of 60,000 Hz while the cats can hear upto a frequency of 79,000 Hz. Likewise, many of the animals and birds hear sounds which we do not.
Noise pollution also affects animals and birds in the wild. In 2000, 16 whales were found in the beach of Bahamas either dead or with bleeding ears. It is said that the noise created during Navy training near the beach were responsible for it.
Birds and animals try to adjust to the increasing noise pollution by changing their behavioral patterns. Some of the changes observed are as under:
Some birds like starlings, corvids, house finches of Mexico have resorted to chirping louder
Birds like European Robins of England are found to sing at night time, when its much quieter.
Birds like Scrubjay of Mexico prefer to migrate to a new location. But such migration affect the existing ecosystem. In the past Srubjays were responsible for inadvertently growing of pinyon pine plants in Mexico. Some of the pine seeds they buried before winters were forgotten by them after winter and these grew into new plants. After their migration, number of pinyon pine trees also reduce considerably in Mexico.
Animals like grey tree frogs and European tree frogs have reduced their mating call, which affects its populations.
Preventive measures
The Indian government has enacted many laws to reduce noise pollution such as Cr.P.C of section 133, Motor Vehicles Act, Noise Pollution Control Rule under Environment Protection Act 1996 etc to name a fee. Under the Noise Pollution Control Rule, areas at a distance of 100 m around hospitals, educational institutions and courts are declared as silence Zone. Also, use of loud speakers or public address systems are prohibited at night time between 10 pm and 6 am. While it is upto the competent authorities to ensure that these rules are implemented strictly, we can also take certain measures at our level to reduce noise pollution.
The best solution for preventing noise pollution is by reducing the sound at the source itself. Simple steps like listening to music at low volume, refraining from honking unnecessarily or maintaining the vehicles and every machines at good working conditions can reduce sound considerably.
In residential areas and offices , some of the sound can be absorbed by using thick carpet or thick curtains in the room. Keeping sound absorbing materials like rubber below machines also absorbs sound to some extent.
Some plants are capable of absorbing sounds effectively. Generally, any broad leaved evergreen trees and shrubs with thick branching at lower level can absorb sounds. If such plants are planted very close to each other, leaving no or very little space between them, noise can be controlled more effectively.
Conclusion
Noise pollutions have far reaching consequences other than hearing loss. It has the potential to change gradually the whole ecosystem. So we should take actions before its too late. We should minimise the noise we produce in our daily life.
6 years ago
usha manohar created new article The Mysterious Incident at Akashdeep Estates – 14.
After the tragedy and Shalini's Parents
The atmosphere at Akashdeep and the surrounding estate was one of gloom, foreboding and frankly unbearable,with the policemen coming and going and questioning the staff, estate workers and even the neighbors who dropped by to offer condolences. Mahesh anna was in a shock, refusing to come down from his room, sitting on the balcony and staring into eternity. Shalini's parents had come late at night and were understandably very distressed and inconsolable. Her mother, my aunt, especially wanted to know every little detail about all the happenings that took place during and before the tragedy. Since Rohini aunt had retired to her room, I sat with them consoling them and talking to them.When I told her that I had taken milk and biscuits to her room yesterday afternoon and was probably one of the last persons to have seen her before her death, she began looking at me with suspicion. It really was awful the way she stared at me .
She went on and on about Shalini's beauty, her beautiful nature and her other sterling qualities and how everyone around her was envious of her including her husband. I was shocked to hear this, coming from her, she having been at the receiving end of many tantrums that Shalini would throw when things dint go her way. I excused myself and went up to my room since I was too tired and numb. I later felt that I was probably making harsh judgment of a mother who had lost her loving daughter under very tragic circumstances .
I had a very disturbed night with many thoughts passing through my mind and an unknown fear gripping me that just wouldn't go away no matter how much I tried. I finally fell into a restless sleep during the early hours of the day and woke up with a start when a sudden gust of wind that must have blown past the window with the curtains brushing my outstretched hands. It was morning and I could see that it was going to be a cloudy and probably a wet day matching our mood. I decided to go down to face yet another day,not knowing what was in store .
I went into the kitchen to help out Geeta and Rohini aunt. There was no sign of Mahesh anna or Arvind but Shalini's parents were sitting in the hall. Shalini's father spoke very little although I could see that he was devastated, trying to control his tears but her mother was talking non stop to her silent husband in between bouts of weeping and sobbing. As I passed by, she stretched out and held my hand and asked me where I was going ? When I told her she told me in hushed tones ..." Don't trust that woman Rohini because she hated Shalini right from the time she married Mahesh and came into this house, I don't put anything past her ".
I, of course knew that Rohini aunt disliked Shalini because of her own personality and shortcomings and not for anything else.However, this was neither the time nor the occasion to speak anything about Shalini, so I just nodded and moved on.
Rohini aunt and Geeta were worried about Mahesh anna and were wondering how best to tackle him since he had not come down nor been seen since last night. I offered to take a cup of coffee to him, also intending to speak to him and console him if possible. I had always sensed that he had suffered through his marriage to Shalini because of her indifference and now her sudden unexplained death must have shocked him beyond anything.
I saw Mahesh anna was dressed and sitting on a chair on the open balcony leading from his bedroom and he accepted the coffee with a nod. He was pale, there were shadows under his eyes and his hands shook when he took the coffee cup. I sat next to him and told him how sorry I was to which he just smiled and patted my head, he then asked me whether the police had called regarding the release of Shalini's body which had been taken for postmortem. He also came down with me , I could see Shalinis mother looking at him with anger. However, Shalini's father got up and approached Mahesh annna , taking both his hands said ..." I am so very sorry at what happened . I ask you to remain brave and face anything that may come your way ".
I realised then that he had already foreseen that the police would launch a full fledged investigation because of the suspicious circumstances and Mahesh anna may be the prime suspect. It was a warning for all of us at what was in store for us.
The Police
Just as we were having a frugal breakfast of Bread and Bananas ,Inspector Ganesh called and we were all told not to leave town until the postmortem reports were ready. The Inspector came to the estate later to check out the premises again . Mahesh anna agreed to take him round the estate , just then Arvind too made his appearance and he too accompanied them.
Rohit messaged me asking me if I could meet him outside which I could not with all that was going on in our house. So, he came home instead in the afternoon just as the inspector was leaving . Mahesh anna introduced him to the Inspector and I could see that the Inspector was looking at Rohit thoughtfully. I suddenly had the feeling that probably all of us were under suspicion until the police concluded their investigation. Rohit and I could hardy speak because Shalini's mother pounced on him and made sure that he gave his full attention to her. After he left, she began cross examining me about him. She also told me that Rohit had worshiped Shalini and still did .. Thankfully just then my mother and brother arrived and I ran to my mother hugged her and cried my heart out. All the pent up feelings and fears that had been bottled up within me came out with force . My mother held me and Rohini aunt who had just come out stood close to us stroking my hair, telling me not to worry.
We sat together and spoke about everything and I could see that Rohini aunt was happy to see my mother with whom she felt comfortable and could share her thoughts and feelings . Mahesh anna came in after seeing the inspector off and although he did not speak much, his expression conveyed that he was glad to see my family.I could sense that there was an unease that engulfed all of us. We went to bed early since there wasn't anything much to do. It rained all night, however, by the time dawn broke the rain had stopped and the sun was rising to another day.
By late afternoon we got some shocking news with the arrival of Inspector Ganesh and his constable who looked very serious and stern. they asked all of us to assemble in the hall . Then turning to Mahesh anna the inspector announced that based on preliminary reports Shalini had died of poisoning. He also said that since there was no suicide note nor any indication of distress or cause for suicide ,they had to make a thorough investigation before arriving at the cause of her death. On hearing this Rohini's mother let out a scream saying that Shalini would never commit suicide, she had been killed and that it was a conspiracy against her by all those living in the house. Inspector Ganesh turned to look at her and asked her why she felt that way, whether Shalini had confided in her about anything at all ? For this she had no answer ... However, I too felt that Shalini was the last person on this earth to think of committing suicide because she was full of herself besides which, from what I perceived she was excited about something calling it sixth sense and a change coming into her life. With all that she was definitely not depressed nor anywhere near to taking her own life , far from it ! So , her sudden death was shocking and raised too many questions.
So, as far as things went , the issue of her death was unresolved and getting knottier with no respite for any of us because now we were all under a cloud of suspicion. I messaged Rohit about everything that happened and he promised to come and meet me and my family the following day. Late evening that day we were told that the postmortem had been concluded and Shalini's mortal remains would be brought home the next day for the last rites and cremation. I looked at Mahesh anna and was pained to see his expression of grief on hearing this, so were her parents who were both overcome with grief ! I thought ..." No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away " It was so true of Shalini and her life !
6 years ago
Rajaraman K created new article The Ideal Time to Drink your Coffee.
According to a researcher in neuroscience, the ideal time to take a morning coffee is between 9:30 to 11:30. It is between these two hours that caffeine has the maximum effect. For many people, coffee is the essential drink for breakfast. The solution of choice to give yourself a little boost from the moment you get up. Still, drinking a cup of coffee immediately after waking up would not be the perfect time to benefit from the effects of caffeine.
According to the neuroscience researcher, waiting a few hours would be a much better idea. The ideal moment would be between 9.30am and 11.30am. To explain this, you need to know about a particular concept called chronopharmacology, which is based on the principle that a drug will not have the same effect depending on the time it is given. This is because of the different biological rhythms that our body knows. Coffee and more particularly caffeine do not escape this phenomenon.
Once absorbed, this substance interacts with a key hormone called cortisol, which stimulates the awakening and in particular the release of energy from the reserves of the body. The rate of this hormone produced by the adrenal glands is naturally high soon after waking and peaks around eight to nine hours depending on the time of the sunrise. However, two hours later, between 9:30 and 11:30, this rate decreases. So it is at this time that we should drink coffee.
Caffeine would then have the effect of stimulating the production of cortisol and thereby its effects. Therefore, a very early morning coffee is less effective. If you drink coffee at a time when the concentration of cortisol in the blood is at its peak, you probably should not drink it. It is because the production of cortisol is closely related to the level of alertness. The peak of cortisol occurs on average between 8 and 9 am in the morning.
Also, you drink a coffee just when you are already approaching your maximum level of natural vivacity. A coffee drunk as soon as you wake up would not really have any effect. But more than that, it could be counterproductive. One of the key principles of pharmacology is to use a drug when it's needed, otherwise we can develop tolerance to the substance at the same dose. Drinking coffee on awakening could therefore reduce the effects of coffee in the longer term.
6 years ago
Shampa Sadhya replied to the topic How healthy is it to be a crazy fan?.
To like someone is okay, but to worship the mortal is ridiculous. Such people are insane. They will not realise if someone tries to make them understand the point logically....
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic 72000 to poor, this promise of Rahul may be proved master stock for congress.
epraneeth77 wrote:Arunima Singh wrote:anil...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
suni51 wrote:The First Abdullah spent 11+ years in jail (1953-1965). It's right time these two Abdulahs along with other...
6 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Rahul Gandhi is acting like an angry child who was asking for a lolly and when denied started abusing his elders. What he needs is a big slap on his face by his big bro and...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
usha manohar wrote:Apparently that's how it was until 1952/53..and I am sure it suited the Abdullahs very well. Now what is...
6 years ago
suni51 replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
The First Abdullah spent 11+ years in jail (1953-1965). It's right time these two Abdulahs along with other separatists like Mehbooba and rest of the gang spend their time in...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:The Abdullahs are a stain not just on the country but also for J&K, they have only been selfish all of...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic One country, two PM and two president..
epraneeth77 wrote:I don't think it is possible at all. All that he is trying to do is to make J&K people who are vulnerable, to...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:Making tall claims and false promises such as ensuring that poor get 72000 per years etc. will only help...
6 years ago
anil replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
epraneeth77 wrote:Congress has lost its ground and credibility.
72000 for Poors? How are you thinking of running the...
6 years ago
Kalyani Nandurkar replied to the topic Rahul Gandhi - A bag full of lies and misinformation.
Making tall claims and false promises such as ensuring that poor get 72000 per years etc. will only help increase lackadaisical attitude that Indians are plagued with ever...
6 years ago