Natural resources - forests

 Natural Resources – Forests

                                  Natural resources - forests

Tags: forests, deforestation, afforestation, soil erosion, global warming

Nature has provided us many natural resources such as forest, land, water, energy, mineral etc. A resource is a source of supply held in reserve. Among them forest is one of the important resource. In the early periods,  man cut trees for getting timber for constructing his house, for obtaining fire wood and also for clearing forest for agriculture. But in course of time as population increased, his needs also increased and he started inflicting too much pain on the forest by clearing the forest area for constructing dams, industries, agriculture, air ports, high ways – like that for many infrastructure works. Trees improve our aesthetic environment ,absorb noise and create calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Forest can be defined as a community composed of trees, plants, shrubs etc serving as an abode for animals and birds. Approximately one third of the earth’s land area is covered by forests. The services rendered by forests can be grouped under three categories – productive, protective and regulative. People collect from forests fruits ,roots, herbs, fire wood , fodder for animals and timber for house construction. The main protective functions of forests are conservation of soil and water. The regulative functions are absorption, storage and release of gases like carbon dioxide and oxygen. Forests help in regulating atmospheric temperature.

                                                      Forest                                     

It has been reported that during king Ashoka’s rule emphasis was given to tree planting and its upkeep. Also in several parts of kerala people used to worship trees and did ‘ poojas’ in what is called as snake gardens. The per capita forest area available in India is only 0.06 hectares as against 0 .64 hectares of world average. Destruction of forests is going on at an alarming rate – approximately 10 million hectares per year.

The main causes of deforestation as mentioned earlier are clearing the areas for construction of dams, air ports, industries, high ways, agriculture and mining. Extreme weather conditions, over grazing by cattle and forest fires also contribute for deforestation. The deforestation causes many hardships such as reduced rain fall, increased soil erosion, decreased soil fertility, climate change and frequent floods. Deforestation causes loss of biodiversity, leading to disturbances in ecological balance.

As such, it is very essential for forest conservation as well as proper management of the resources. Tree felling should be matched by an equal number of trees planting.  Afforestation should be done in areas not fit for agriculture. In building construction, alternate materials should be used in place of timber as far as possible. Previously for railway sleepers, teak wood was used. But now it has been dispensed with and pre cast concrete sleepers are being used.                                       

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                      Tapioca- Carrot Mixed Porotta

Introduction

Tapioca- Carrot Mixed Porotta is a special vegetarian dish of Kerala. This is very much suitable for school going children and employed persons for their lunch.

      

Ingredients

1. Wheat Flour (Atta)        3 cups                     

2. Tapioca                          500 g                       

3. Carrot                            3

4. Green Chilies                2

5. Oil                                 2 table spoon

6. Salt                                According to taste

7. Water                             1 cup

Method of Preparation

*Add water and mix thoroughly the wheat flour and roll into small balls

*Remove the skin of tapioca, cut into small pieces and boil it

*Wash the carrots and grate it nicely

*Knead the boiled tapioca, add salt, sliced green chilies and grated carrots

*Take one ball of atta and spread into circular shape of approximately 13 cms

*Take one portion of tapioca mix  and keep it at the centre, fold from the sides and  spread again 

*Smear little oil on both sides, keep it on a  tawa and heat it till it  turns into brown color

*Have this with tomato sauce, chutney or pickle 

   

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Pot Belly- causes and steps to reduce it

 Pot Belly - causes and steps to reduce it

key words- good physique, fat in abdomen, exercise, balanced food

Everybody wants to have a good physique with a pleasing personality. A protruding tummy or a pot belly is not a good sign. This is more prevalent on males than females. The main cause of pot belly is the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. According to WHO (World Health Organization), pot belly is that for which the abdominal circumference is more than 90 cms for male and 80 cms for females.

 Causes for Pot Belly 

 Consumption of more calories than required. The excess calories get converted to fat and accumulate in one’s belly. 

Sedentary life style. This reduces the basal metabolic rate and people spend less energy than they consume.

 Bad Effects of Pot Belly

 The major health hazards are diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney and cardiovascular diseases. 

Steps to remove Pot Belly 

Proper diet and exercise are the two requirements to get rid of excess fat from the stomach area. The excess calories should be burnt out. About 30 minutes of abdominal exercises must be supplemented with swimming, cycling or running.

 Do’s - Eat small quantities of food at close intervals 

 Leave a gap of two hours between dinner and sleep time. 

Don’ts - Avoid 

Excess eating. 

High calorie and high fat foods especially animal meat.

Foods made of refined products made up of maida. 

Fried products. 

Aerated drinks and sweets.

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Maximum marks in the examination

 You too can secure + 81/100 in the examination

key words: examination, maximum marks, systematic study, auto suggestion

Yes! I repeat that you too can secure + 81/ 100 in examination.

But how?  Is there a quick and easy solution?

Definitely not. You have to plan and work hard for it from day one. You have to think, visualize, dream and pursue it to its logical end.

To perform well in an examination, you have to write  and do the problems correctly. For this, you have to call back from your memory what you have learnt earlier.

Study involves listening attentively to the talk by the lecturer in the class, reading further the topic and repetition of the subject matter so that it does not fade out from memory.

It can be seen that memory plays a very important role as far as performance in the examination is concerned.

A systematic and methodological  study of the subject is the most important one.

Methods and procedures

1. Have a separate notebook for  each subject. During the course of teaching in the class, listen carefully and note down the salient point in the note book.
2. At the end of the day, elaborate the points noted in the class with reference to a standard text book.
3. Write the key points/summary on to a cue card.
4. On week ends read the cue cards.
5. Record your notes on a digital recorder or mobile phone. Listen to them in your spare time and try to memorise the matter.
6. Make mind maps as a memory tool. Mind maps are graphical illustration of a subject.
7. Try to answer questions given at the end of a chapter. Also do more problems for practice.
8. Set aside regular time for study. Plan to have a break after every 45/60 minutes.
9. Form a friends’ study group. Share your notes, thoughts and ideas.
10. Have a trial examination. Try to answer previous question papers.
11. Get enough sleep so that you feel refreshed in the morning.
12. Engage your mind always in some activities. The old adage ‘ Idle mind is devil’s workshop’ is perfectly apt. Have a hobby.
13. Practise affirmations/autosuggestions.
14. Set aside  time of about 30 minutes for some sort of physical exercise and about 15 minutes for yoga or meditation.
15. Follow a daily time table – on the first day it will be a challenge, on the second day it will become a practice and on the third day it will become a habit.

Improve your Memory

As mentioned earlier, for performing well in the examination one has to recall from memory what has been read and learnt earlier. It is a fact that everyone will not be having a photographic memory; but of course one can improve their memory by taking some concrete steps.

Tips

-         Memory, it is being told, is the child of concentration. As such when you are studying a subject or listening to a lecture in the class, pay complete attention to it and not get distracted in any way.

-         Convince yourself that you have good memory. Erase the negative thoughts from your mind.

-         Revise and repeat the subject matter you want to remember. Flash cards are useful in this connection. Write the question on side of the card and the answer on the other side.

-         Take slow and deep breath in between.

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Brisk walking - The remedy for all diseases

 Brisk Walking – The remedy for all diseases

Key words - Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, Over weight

Everybody in this world want to lead a healthy and comfortable life devoid of diseases. In the present day world, lot of persons are suffering from life style diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, overweight, high cholesterol etc. At the age of seventeen itself  the youngsters are forced to lead the life of   seventy year old persons

Is there a remedy for this? Yes, sure it is there. Brisk walking is a simple and easy exercise to reduce the ill effects of all these life style diseases. It also helps to improve metabolism. Along with exercise, it is very essential to control the diet.

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According to the World Health Organization “ A walker loses weight, reduces conditions associated with hypertension, lowers cholesterol, slows ageing and  increases strength ,flexibility and stamina.” Thirty minutes of brisk walking helps to burn off around 200 calories. There is a saying in China  that “ Old age is inevitable but there is no excuse for senility". Sedentary living and passive life style lead to weak muscles and reduced stamina. Few minutes of brisk walking every morning will help in reducing the bad effects of ageing. Mental fitness is also very important just like physical fitness.

Walking can help prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), control diabetes and also relieve from back pain.  It will also be having a tranquilizing effect on the ill effects of sedentary life as well as that  of the  highly stressed environment .

Walking can be in the morning or in the evening.  An early morning walk warms up body and also mind. Mind will be filled up with positive thoughts. Evening walk is the time for taking stock of one’s day time activities. It will also help in having a good sleep in the night.

A large number of scientific studies have shown that brisk walking develops cardiovascular health and protects against heart diseases. Walking increases the amount of oxygen supplied to all tissues, increases HDL cholesterol which protects heart and blood vessels and also increases blood circulation.

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Air Pollution and its bad effects

key words- air pollution, bad effects, causes, control methods

The other day there was a  report in the  news paper –

“Air pollution is the largest cause for strokes, says a study.”

There are different types of pollution – Water pollution, air pollution , soil pollution etc. The causes and effects of pollution are many. In good olden days our ancestors led a calm and peaceful life. They breathed fresh and pure air, drank pure water from streams and raised crops from unpolluted soil. Now it is very difficult for us to even imagine such a situation.

What is pollution?

It is the contamination of the environment due to introduction of different contaminants and causes various ill effects on humans, animals and existing structures. Pollution happens in different forms, types and  intensities. The main causes for the pollution are large scale industries and the ever increasing number of vehicles on the road. Burning of fossil fuels like coal and petrol emits sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.

The effects of air pollution are different types of lung problems like asthma, cough and, burning of eyes. But as per the above mentioned  paper report air pollution is a major contributor. for stroke leading to death and different disabilities. The other factors contributing to heart problems are smoking, poor diet and lack of physical exercise.

The control methods of air pollution are: Use of public mode of transport, reduced use of electricity and follow the 3R principles of Reduce Reuse and Recyle. 

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Environment and Value Education

                    Environment and Value Education

Key words: environment, value ,education, natural resources

Education can be through formal and informal channels. Value education with respect to environment should help  to bring  a new sustainable way of life. The environmental value education should inculcate   natural and cultural values, social justice, human heritage, equitable use of resources, managing common property resources in the minds of all persons.

In the present day world we are giving importance to development only with out understanding thee problems caused due to destruction of our environment. Our mind set should be changed so that the development should be with due regard to sustainability or equitable use of resources. The unsustainable development leads to economic growth of the rich and powerful while it makes the poor more poorer.

Values in general sense deal with ones own principles and standards. Values in environment education focus on the following aspects- effective utilization of natural resources, keeping the surroundings clean, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in farms, effective use of water and power etc. All these issues are connected to the quality of human life.  They deal with respect for nature. These  values  will help  in leading a  healthy, productive and happy lives in harmony with nature.

Environmental values are the feelings that help us in preserving nature. Values are not constant. Concepts of what constitutes 'right' and 'wrong' behavior change with time. Once shooting of animals was taken as a sport. But now it is considered as a crime. It indicates that value system changes with time. We have to develop a sense of values that are linked with a better and more sustainable way of life for all people. The positive feelings that support environment include a value for nature, cultures, heritage, and equity. We must also pay attention to  aspects that have negative impacts on the environment. These include our attitude towards the degradation of the environment, loss of species, pollution, poverty, corruption in environment.

https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org

 management and the rights of future generations.

We need to adopt the values to bring about a better way of life on earth for all people and all living creatures.

GeoScienceWorld

https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org

link: 

https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org

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Free Radicals

 Learn About Antioxidants and How They Can                           Improve the Skin

Free radicals are major cause of ageing. They can be neutralized by taking antioxidants which breakdown free radicals. The most effective antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium. The diet should be supplemented with antioxidants. They protect the skin from damage by keeping away oxygen molecules from eating collagen and elastin of the skin’s tissues. The main precipitating causes of   free radicals are sunlight, smoke, air pollution and mental stress. When free radicals damage skin cells, collagen breaks down and wrinkles formed.

The main antioxidants used in the skin care products are discussed herein.

Alpha Lipic Acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant. It is 400 times more powerful than vitamin C and E. When taken internally it helps in the production of cells and keeps  them to function more efficiently.

CoQ10 produces energy from glucose in our body cells. It is used in every cell of our  body. It serves as an electron transporter for mitochondria. It is important for health and survival.  A stressful life can reduce CoQ10.

Copper peptides activate collagen and elastin. It gives skin strength and flexibility.

Vitamin C is another antioxidant. It builds up collagen and elastin. Vitamin C is unstable. Vitamin C-Ester is more stable but has to undergo changes so as to benefit the skin. L-ascorbic is a particular form of vitamin C and is more useful. It should be used at 2% strength.

Vitamin E is also another skin antioxidant. It is effective in the oil part of cell. It protects against damage from ultra violet rays.

Kinetin delays the destruction of skin fibroblasts. It is taken from plant extract.

Nayad is a patented ingredient from the cellular wall of baker’s yeast. It improves the moisture in the skin by 27%, appearance of wrinkles by 56% and elasticity by 74%.The skin will look young with the daily use of this.

Pycnogenol is another antioxidant. It is twenty times more powerful than vitamin C and fifty times more powerful than vitamin E. It works against free radicals in the water and oil phase of cells. It helps in creating a more youthful skin. Pycnogenol is called “ the magic bullet of free radicals.” It is top of all antioxidants that are currently in the market.

It is   necessary to know the ingredients of the skin care products of daily use.

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Sustainable Development

 Sustainable Development - The need of the hour

Development of a nation is a must. There must be all round progress so that people can lead a comfortable life. The basic requirements of a person are food, shelter and clothing. With the increase in population coupled with overall progress in the industrial field, natural resources are getting depleted day by day. Environmental pollution adds to the miseries.

While meeting the demands of the present, there must be sufficient resources so that the future generation can lead a comfortable life. This is called the sustainable development. The issue of sustainable development was discussed in detail at the Earth Summit held at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992. In addition to the increase in production, the protection of environment  and conservation of natural resources are extremely important.

Strategies for sustainable development

The suggested strategies are:

-       Use locally available materials

-       Adopt the 3 R (Reduce, Recyle, Reuse) approach

-       In order to inculcate a sense of awareness, educate the general public

the steps to be followed for a sustainable living

Conservation of Resources

The main natural resources are: Water, Energy and Land.

Water: is a very important natural resource. This is required for humans and animals. Water is required for drinking, cooking, washing, toilets, agriculture and industries. A recent study has revealed that while the rainfall is reducing, the atmospheric temperature is rising. At the same time, the demand is increasing with the increase in population. Steps should be taken to reduce the wastage of water in the domestic and industrial sectors. As far as irrigation of agricultural crops are concerned, drip irrigation should be practiced. The suggested steps for conservation are:

-       Leakage of water should be identified and repaired immediately

-       Taps should be closed when not in use

-       The waste water should be treated and reused for gardening and washing floor.

-       Arrangements should be made for rain water harvesting

-       Losses in irrigation water should be reduced by lining of canals and by adopting drip irrigation

Energy: We can’t imagine a life without energy. It is required for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes. The suggested steps for conservation of energy are:

-       Switch off lights and fans when not in use

-       Use CFL lamps and tube lights

-       Use pressure cooker

-       Keep the vessel covered with a lid when cooking

Land: Land is largely covered with forests, wet lands, grass lands, agricultural lands and human settlements. Land gets degraded due to soil erosion, water logging, salinity, desertification and various developmental activities. The suggested steps for soil conservation are:

-       Slow down the movement of water when it flows along a slope

-       Have more vegetation cover

-       Adopt afforestation

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Laughter the best medicine

                            Laughter- the best medicine

           Tags: laughter, medicine, sorrow, tests

It is recognized all over the world that  laughter  is the best medicine! Researchers have found that  positive  emotions  have a beneficial impact on a person's health. It has been observed  that watching comedy films boosts blood flow to the heart.

It was  found that artery blood flow was reduced after watching movie clips that caused distress; but  was increased  after watching movie clips that elicited laughter. The difference in flow between sad and happy responses exceeded an astonishing 50 percent.

The study was conducted on 20 healthy young adults after asking them to  view 15 to 30 minutes of  tragic / comic films. For the analysis 160 measurements of artery blood flow were taken before and one minute after exposing to phases of laughter or sadness.

Source: British Medical Journal - Specialty Journals / Kate Melville

 

Mix  Veg Iddli

  

                              key words: iddli, vegetable, rice

Ingredients

Rice & dal batter

Carrot                  2

Potato                  3

Salt

Turmeric powder

Preparation

Wash the potato and carrot

Cut them into small pieces

Add a bit salt and turmeric powder and cook

Keep the iddli - plate on a level  top

Fill  half the dip with the rice batter  

Take a portion of the veg. mix and spread over the batter

Again top them with rice batter

Steam the  iddlis  for about 8 to 10 minutes

Take out the cooked iddlis from the plate

Have  it with coconut / pudina chutney and sambar

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Present day job opportunities

                         Present day job opportunities

             Key words – job, opportunity, scope, vacancies

Everybody in this world want to have a job to earn their livelihood. In good olden days people were mainly doing jobs associated with agriculture. Industrialization gave an impetus to job opportunities. Modern technology developed over the years  is a major factor in this area. More and more new disciplines are coming up and this helps in creating more jobs.         

Some of the best modern day career options:

Generally there are some traditional careers  that are always good:

·  Business

·  Finance

·  Engineering

·  Medicine (including nursing)

·  Trades

·  Tourism including hotel industry

·  Military, Navy, Air force

 

There are also some traditional careers that are  poor choices, usually due to the large supply of people that want to do them and the small demand of opportunity.

·  Professional sports

·  Acting

·  Music

·  Dance

·  Graphic arts

·  Philosophy

 

However, to use the term modern day implies a change, often due to the new technology. The most vibrant area in the present day is IT. In the past 30 years software development  has risen from obscurity to become a strong subfield of engineering. Another field in which crores of rupees are spent is advertising. Graphic arts has a major role to  play in this field. Another area is TV and associated work.

All disciplines have got their own advantages and disadvantages. The students have to identify their interests and pursue the studies accordingly.

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                         Vaastu – The science of a vibrant house

Key words: vaastu, science, home ,happiness

Everybody in this world want to lead a happy, peaceful and comfortable life. Normally a person may spend about ten to twelve hours outside in connection with his office work, business or other activities. The remaining time, he will be inside the house with his family members. He may like to have a healthy and  peaceful environment in his house.

A house should not be a dead structure with four walls and a roof over it. It must be a place emanating healthy vibrations. For this, according to vasstu, the layout and orientation of the house has a major role to play.

The word  'Vaastu' in Sanskrit means 'dwelling'.  Vaastu Shastra is originated in India. It deals with  architecture and governs town planning and designing of man-made structures.  It aims in providing guidelines for proper construction so that the inhabitants can lead a comfortable life  in consonance with the cosmic energies. It is considered that this science was developed during the period of 6000 BC and 3000 BC. According to Vasstu Shastras five elements  -  Earth, Fire, Water, Air  and Sky influence our houses. It also emphasizes  that the house should be so constructed that positive forces override the negative forces. Some people of the modern day are of the opinion that in the present context of living in  muti storey buildings with air conditioners and septic tanks in the compound itself, is it possible to construct a building completely as per the vasasthu guide lines? No doubt one has to adapt it as per the present situations without deviating much from the original philosophy..

General Principles of Vaastu

1.	Shape of the plot should be either rectangular or square.
2.	Ratio of length to width should be less than 2.
3.	Doors facing south are not  advisable.
4.	House next to temple or grave-yard should be avoided.
5.	All doors and windows facing east and north should be kept open in daytime whereas those facing south and west should be kept closed when not in use.
	.
6.	No one should sleep or sit under an iron beam.
7.	The master bed room should be on southwest corner of the building.
8.	While sleeping head should be kept in south or west direction.
9	One should use light colors for bedroom walls, bed-sheets, and nightdress.
10.	The seating arrangement in drawing room should be such that persons should face either north or east direction.
11.	Important cupboards should be kept in such a way that the person opening it should face south direction.
12.	Puja room should be kept in northeast side. One should sit facing east when praying.
13.	Kitchen should be kept in southeast or in northwest only. Person should face east or north when cooking.
14.	Everybody should face east or north while eating.

  Vaasthu and Modern day Construction

The science of vaasthu was developed about 5000 years ago. It is not possible to follow completely the principles as suggested at that time. Due to urbanization, people are compelled to move to flats in multistory buildings. But still the principles can be followed to the extent possible. They are:

1. Open space must be left all around the building.

2. The site should be a good square or a rectangle if possible..

3.  An open well or a bore well should essentially be there in the North East..

4. Kitchens are preferred in the South East or North West.

5. It is not advisable to have balconies in the South and West.

6. Stair cases should be avoided in the North East.

7. Main entrance into the building should be from East, North, North East, West or North West.

8. There should not be any big tree in north or east of the plot.

9. Rainwater should flow from south to north and west to east.

10 Walls should not be painted in black, sky blue or red colours.

11. It is advisable to keep the door of bathroom closed at all times.

12. When the television is switched off, the screen may be covered with a clean cloth.

13.No mirror should be fixed in the bed room facing bed.

Vaasthu Tips for a healthy and happy Family Life

Tips for Peace:

Main Entrance

 -Have  auspicious symbols engraved on your main door.
- Avoid blue and black color  as far as possible for walls..

 Sleeping Directions

 keep with head towards South or East to absorb  the positive energy that encircles your bed

Tips for Health

. *Face East or West during eating to enhance digestion system of your body.

 *Have a Basil or Tulsi plant at home. Avoid rubber plant, cactus and bonsai

*Staircase must not be at the center of the house. Avoid kitchen and toilet on the Northeast side.

 
*Wooden cots without any storage space are desirable.

Tips for Wealth and Prosperity 

·         Do not block  the  main entrance door by wires and other unwanted materials.

·         Keep brooms and mops out of  sight.

·         Always keep the desks and tables clean. This will ensure smooth flow of money and wealth into your living space.

·         The locker of your house can be in the Southwest corner

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