ranjan

There has never been a harder time to be a political leader. The choices that must be made are enormous, the consequences potentially catastrophic, the science guiding those decisions uncertain - and there is no precedent. As a result, the COVID 19 pandemic has revealed some of the best and the worst in the World's leaders: from opportunism and denial to compassion and clarity.We can't afford as a society to create the fire brigade once the house is on fire. We need that fire brigade ready all the time hoping that it never has to be deployed. Countries have tried to freeze their economies and prop up the absence of liquidity and wages with eye-watering subsidies until the wheels start turning again. We know what to do bring back our economy back to life. What we do not know how to do is to bring people back to life. Therein lies the difference from the oft-cited comparison with war time economics. In that situation, activity continues but redirected. The present worldwi...

People across the planet are asking whether the novel Corona Virus Pandemic represents nature taking revenge on a rampant humanity.This kind of thinking is not a new. In fact, a new discipline, planetary health is emerging that focuses on the increasingly visible connections between the well being of humans, other living things and entire ecosystems.    In the last few decades we have certainly been faced with a succession of virulent viruses that have jumped from other living organisms into the human realm -Sars, Bird Flu, Ebola, Mers - and we have had narrow escapes each time, by activating hi-tech medical research and particularly by advances in vaccine technology. But as commercial activity penetrates ever deeper into the world's wilderness, we will likely encounter more and more unexpected biological forces we may not be able to control. There is little doubt that Covid-19 pandemic will be a trigger to force our civilization to change some of its fundamental attit...

Several countries in Asia and Europe, where Covid 19 outbreak appears to have peaked, are gradually reopening their economies. In the absence of an effective vaccine or treatment, authorities will have to weigh the benefits of resuming economic activity against the potential cost of a spike in infection rates. They face difficult decisions, in part because the costs of erring one way or other could be enormous. The authorities are opting for a gradual and sequenced process of reopening in parallel with the adoption of more prevention and containment measures. The pandemic has highlighted the role of public sector in saving lives and livelihoods.  Crucially, this effort has been supplemented by large scale screening tests, including the initiation of randomized checks in selected provinces, and systematic follow- up using mobile phone applications to quickly trace contacts of any new positive cases detected. All countries contemplate using sanitary and social distancing measures ...

When the great lock down finally ends, a strong economic recovery that benefits everyone will depend on improved social safety nets and broad-based fiscal support. This includes public investment in healthcare, infrastructure and climate change. Countries with high debt levels will have to carefully balance short-term fiscal support for the recovery stage with long-term debt sustainability. Fiscal policies have provided large emergency life lines to people and companies during the Covid- 19 pandemic. They are also invaluable to increase a country's readiness to respond to a crisis and help the recovery and beyond. Following three maters attributes the most of a good social safety net - 1) Provide broad coverage and adequate benefits to vulnerable groups in a progressive way, that is     more generous benefits for the poor. 2) Preserve work incentives and help beneficiaries find jobs, get health care and attend education     and training. 3) Avoid a fragmented...

Bacteria are single celled living organisms. They have a cell wall and all the components necessary to survive and reproduce, although some may derive energy from other sources. Viruses are not considered to be "living" because they require a host cell to survive long-term, for energy, and to reproduce. Viruses consist of only one-piece of Genetic material and a Protein shell called a Capsid. They survive and reproduce by "hijacking" host cell, and using its Ribosomes to make new viral products. Viruses are tiny germs. They invade the normal cells to multiply and produce other viruses like themselves. This can kill, damage or change the cells and make body sick. Different viruses attack certain cells in the body such as : Liver, Blood, Respiratory system. Viral infections are a symptom of weak immune system which is dependent on Gut health.  Less than 1% of Bacteria cause disease. Most are beneficial for good health and health of ecosystems. Most Viruses cause ...

 In India,  I am confident that all are strictly following the Lockdown rules by sitting at home with  their families. I am also sitting safe at home, and have thought of how to make use of the time and,  as such,  have collected some facts about the Coronavirus spread because this virus has become  a cause of  worry for the entire world. Based upon these facts what I can understand and share  conclude that this virus is not a ordinary one, since prepared in the Lab and is being used, to say,  as a weapon against the humanity. These facts are- 1. This is the first such virus which seems to be a genetically modified one made at Lab and has     been thrown over to the countries of the world - be it a Developed, Developing, Under developed     or Undeveloped country. No effective medicine has been so far made because this virus is     prepared one in the lab. 2. This virus has attacked on all the dev...

We have been living in a bubble of false comfort and denial. Nature is sending us a message wih the Coronavirus pandemic and ongoing climate crisis. Too much pessure on the natural world with damaging consequences failing to take care of planet meant not taking care of ourselves. Leading scientists say that COVID-19 outbreak was a "clear warning shot" given that far more deadly diseases existed in wildlife and that today's civilisation was "playing with fire". It was almost always human behaviour that caused diseases to spill over the Humans. Both the global heating and destruction of natural world for farming, mining and housing have to end to prevent further outbreaks, as both drive wildlife into contact with people. Auhorities must put an end to Live Animal Markets which are called as "illegal Global Animal Trade". "Never before have so many opportunities existed for Pathogens to pass from Wildlife and domestic animals to people" explai...

As the Corona Virus pandemic has spread all over the world, medical staff is playing the crucial role as a warrior fighting against the outbreak. They are most at risk due to absence of Personal Protection Equipment. However, in order to save life of these soldiers, many countries are opting for Robots to help medical staff communicate freely with Covid -19 patients without coming in close contact with them. Though Social distancing has emerged as one of the most effective strategies for slowing the spread of Corona virus. It is also bringing many jobs to a standstill and severely restricting our daily lives. Using a Robot equipped with a Camera, Microphone and Stethoscope the Patient has been able to consult with clinicians without coming into direct contact with them. One Robot is able to carry out the delivery tasks of three people making the entire drug delivery process faster and reducing the risk of clinical staff contracting 2019-N COV and spreading it. Robots are loaded up w...

Every year Natural disasters kill around millions of people and affect close to 160 million people worldwide. These disasters include tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hurricanes, floods, wildfire, heatwaves, and droughts. They have an immediate effect on human lives and result on destruction of the Physical, Biological and social environment of the affected people having a long term impact on their health, well being and survival. Any such hazards that we are concerned about on an annual basis, we need to twice as concerned about them.  The natural world is striking back at our exploitation of the earth and wildlife by driving animals to extinction. Of these threats, at present, is Coronavirus which threatens the health and well being of millions of people around as it spreads uncontrollably. There is destruction in almost every habitat in the developing world and in developed world, too. Illegal trade and trafficking in many endangered animal species for h...

Robots can efficiently disinfect hospitals and kill viruses and bacteria autonomously by using Ultra Violet light and slow down Coronavirus infections thereby limiting the spread of disease without exposing front-line hospital staff to the risk of infection. By now, we had all the strategies for doing this drill wash your hands, keep away from larger groups of people, stay home, avoid travel. Using available preliminary data, the median time from onset to clinical recovery for mild cases is 2 weeks (app.) and 3-6 weeks for severe and critical disease.  At the top of the list of places to avoid right now are hospitals because that's where the sick people go. But for Health care workers, and the sick people themselves, there's really no other options to prevent the spread of coronavirus through hospitals, keeping surfaces disinfected is really very important. But it's also dirty, dull and (considering what you can get infected) dangerous. That'why it's an ideal ta...

The impact of COVID-19 and the oil price plunge in the Middle East and Central Asia has been substantial and could intensify. With three quarters of the countries reporting at least one confirmed case of Covid-19 and some facing a major outbreak, the Coronavirus pandemic has been the largest near term challenge to the region. Like much of the rest of the world, people in these countries were taken by surprise with this development, and I would like to express my solidarity with them as they cope with this unprecedented health crisis. The outbreak could be compounded by reduced imports due to disruption in Global trade, giving rise to shortage of medical supplies and other goods resulting in substantial inflation. Uncertainty about the duration and nature of  shocks has complicated the Policy Response. Beyond the devastating toll on Human Health, this Pandemic is causing significant drop in Domestic and External demand, Disruption in production, Fall in consumer confidence and ...

The impact of Coronavirus is having a serious impact on the global economy and has sent Policymakers looking for ways to respond success in containing the virus comes at the price of slowing economic activity, does not matter whether social distancing and reduced mobility are voluntary or enforced. Such an abrupt rise in uncertainty can put both economic growth financial stability at risk. In addition to targeted economic policies and fiscal measures the right monetary and financial stability policies will be vital source of support and defense the Global economy. Equity market volatility increased sharply in countries around the world. Stock markets in major economies such as in USA, Euro area and Japan, all fell sharply and witnessed a spurt in implied volatility as nervous and restive investors tried to factor in latest risks posed by new virus. As a result sharp increase of uncertainty, credit spreads have widened broadly across markets and investors are reallocating from risks ...

Virus is a microscopic parasite which can infect living organisms and cause disease. It can make copies of itself inside another organisms cells. It consists of Nucleic acid  plus a protein coat. They are much smaller than Bacteria. It can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to micro organisms including bacteria and archaea. Spike proteins are what Coronavirus use to bind to the membrane of human cells that they infect. The binding process is activated by certain cell enzymes. SARS-2 (a serious respiratory illness that is caused by a Coronavirus and is characterized by fever, headache body aches, dry cough, hypoxia and usually Pneumonia)  by  has a specific structure which allows it to bind at least ten times more tightly than the corresponding spike protein to their common hose cell receptor. Partly, this is due to the fact that the spike protein contain a site that recognizes and becomes activated by enzyme called Furin. Furin is a host cell e...

Economic development projects and increased social initiatives will be vital in the coming years in India. In order to generate the revenue needed to get them off the ground. India's debt -among the highest in the emerging markets - must be reduced. Despite some improvement in reported fiscal deficits, Debt as a share of GDP remains little changed over the past decade partly due to increases in off - budget financing. Large public sector footprints ties up financial resources that could be drawn for private investment otherwise.  Reforms to improve Budgeting and enhance transparency n fiscal reporting have main role to play in keeping debt on a durable downward trajectory. Much of the discussions regarding fiscal policies in India focuses on its Central and State Govt. deficits. However a broader and more relevant measure of the Govt.'s fiscal position and its bearing on the economy is the Public Sector borrowing requirement which has risen to 8..5% (app.) of GDP. In other ...

The aspiration of $ 5 Trillion economy in India is achievable if all States and Sectors collectively make it their ambition and work with good governance on it. India is an economy of 29 states and vibrant Union Territories and it is important to gauge the potential of each one of them, has to come up with their own strategy to be a part of country's economy. Each state has its manufacturing and commerce strengths which it monopolizes. The growth at national level is an aggregation of growth at state level. As such, conscious efforts by State Governments to facilitate growth of industry and overall Socio-Economic Development in their regions will push India's growth upwards. On the other hand, states should ensure percolation of reform measures up to the Grass Root levels to ensure growth. Reasons for increase in Fiscal Deficit   - These are - 1) Increase in Subsidies - on a number of items such as Fertilizers, Food items, Exports etc.     causing fiscal imbala...

There are a number of countries without the burden of Income Tax and many of them are very pleasant countries to live in. However, taking benefit of living in a no-income-tax country is not as easy as packing a suitcase and buying a plane ticket. A few of such countries are - 1. United Arab Emirates (UAE) - There are number of oil countries in the Middle East that     have no income tax and UAE is considered as one of the most attractive with a relatively     stable Govt. and economy. The country is having multi cultural environment than the     majority of countries in the middle East. There are good education facilities and a strong     English -speaking population.   2. The Bahamas - As Caribbean islands go, The Bahamas is one of the relatively less- expensive     ones to live in. Enjoying the benefit of not having to pay Income Tax, the Bahamas depends     on residency, not on actually obtaining citizensh...

Excessive fatty foods intake can increase Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels, not all fats are unhealthy. Omega-3 fatty acids may have significant benefits in lowering the risk of Heart disease. They may also protect against Depression, Cancer, Dementia and Arthritis. These acids are found in higher amounts Walnuts, Salmon and Spinach. There are many types of Omega-3 fatty acids. The types found in fish, called DHA and EPA ( acid may help reduce inflammation,heart disease, supports brain and eye health) appear to have the strongest health benefits. Another form of Omega-3 fatty acid is known as ALA ( naturally occurring compound made in the body), serves vital functions at cellular level) is found in vegetable oils, Flax seeds, walnuts and spinach. It is felt that Omega-3 help fight disease by reducing inflammation in blood vessels, joints and elsewhere. High doses also lower the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm and reduce unhealthy fats in the blood stream known as Triglycerides...

The bacteria- fighting drugs can damage kidneys if used too often. It can happen even if you are perfectly healthy, though it is more serious if kidneys don't work as well as they should. Some types like Penicillin, Sulfonamides and Cephalosporins are more likely to cause problems. Supplement makers don't have to prove their products are safe, and some can damage the kidneys. Those can be especially harmful if you have kidney disease because they can make the condition worse or affect how some medicines work. Kidney process everything you eat or drink, including which is bad like lots of salt, fat and sugar. A bad diet, over the time, can lead to High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Obesity and other conditions hard  on kidneys. A healthy diet has lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and few processed foods. Watch Salt - This mineral effects in different ways. For some, it seems to raise amount of protein in urine. That can harm kidneys or make kidney disease worse. Lot of sa...

There are various short flights in the world in order to save travel time for people. A few of them are - Shortest commercial flight is a 1.7 miles route between two Scottish islands. The flight between Westray and Papa Westray near the mainland of Orkney lasts just 57 seconds and it costs $51 (Return) or 45 pounds for a "Sightseer fare". It is used by local Islanders, Teachers, Doctors, Police officers and even by local banker. The route from airline Loganair, only major UK airline owned and headquartered in Scotland. Privately owned Logan Air was founded in 1962 and has 30 aircraft in its fleet. The Orkney Inter -Isles air service connects the Orkney mainland with six outer islands Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray - and the airline saw its millionth passenger in October last. It is an essential life-line service for the people of Orkey, connecting the individual islands via a convenient air link.      The flight are serviced ...

Credit Card skimming is a type of Credit card theft where crooks use a small device to steal credit card information in an otherwise legitimate Debit or Credit card transaction. When a card is swiped through skimmer, the device captures and stores all the details stored in the card's magnetic stripe. The stripe contains the Credit card number, expiry date and the Holder's full name. Thieves use the stolen data to make fraudulent charges either through online or with a counterfeit credit card. Credit card skimmers are often placed over the card swipe mechanism on ATMs and Gas stations, but the skimmers can be placed on almost any type of card reader. With ATMs, small undetectable camera may also be placed nearby to record you entering your PIN. This gives all the information needed to make fake cards and draw cash from Cardholder's account. Occasionally, we hand over card to a worker in a restaurant or retail store to cover the check. The person walks away with the card ...