New Delhi, November 7
The Delhi High Court Wednesday stayed the execution of an order by Health Minister and AIIMS president Anbumani Ramadoss to suspend cardiac surgeon A.K. Bisoi for allegedly leaving a screw in the heart of a person who died later.

Acting on an application by Bisoi, Justice Bipin Sanghi stayed suspension order till the disposal of the petition.

Appearing for Ramadoss, Advocate Mukta Gupta opposed the stay. She submitted that ever since the order was issued, the junior doctors had kept the institute to ransom.

“People have been threatened and the work in the premier institute has been hampered,” she added.

Ramadoss, in his capacity as president of the AIIMS, had ordered Bisoi’s suspension Oct 17 but the order was not served on him by the AIIMS director Venugopal.

Senior advocate A.S. Chandihoke said a probe committee had given a clean chit to Bisoi.

Bisoi allegedly left a screw inside the heart of a 75-year-old patient who later died.

While Ramadoss set up a committee comprising four senior doctors including dean R.C. Deka to look into the charge of negligence, P. Venugopal set up another committee into the same case.

As the second committee found that the patient did not die of medical negligence, the director gave a clean chit to Bisoi but Ramadoss in his capacity as AIIMS president suspended the doctor.

Ramadoss and Venugopal have been at loggerheads for the last couple of years. — IANS

New Delhi, November 7
The Delhi High Court Wednesday directed officials in the capital’s Tihar Jail to keep boxes in various cells to enable prisoners to drop petitions and complaints as they were unable to approach the courts and other authorities.

The suggestion was made by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in an application and was taken up by a division bench comprising Justices B.N. Chaturvedi and Sanjeev Khanna.

Alleging that there were large-scale human rights violations in the jails, the application said NHRC authorities would collect the complaints and petitions for appropriate action.

The court also asked the Delhi government to file its reply to the allegations in the NHRC’s plea.

The Commission submitted that the police should change its way of investigating dowry related cases to ensure that no “innocent” was lodged in jail.

Appearing for the NHRC, counsel Meenakshi Arora submitted that several people, including children and very old people, had been jailed in dowry related cases, one of the reasons for overcrowding.

Suggesting continuous monitoring of the action taken by jail authorities, she informed the bench that many prisoners were found implicated under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) and Arms Acts. Most of the prisoners were from the below poverty line families, the lawyer said.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report about overcrowding in Tihar jail, the bench had earlier asked the jail authorities to release undertrials lodged in Tihar for petty offences.

The NHRC also stated in the report that inmates were not provided with basic amenities nor given proper medical facilities.

Recommending an effective complaint redressal system in the jail, the report stated there were frequent fights amongst inmates. — IANS

New Delhi, November 7
The 14-day awareness campaign, ‘Jago Dilli-Jago, Yamuna Bachao, Jeewan Bachao Yatra,’ launched to protect the Yamuna from pollution, construction, corruption and other activities concluded today at the India Gate lawns.

“People have given their referendum against any kind of destruction to the Yamuna,” said India’s ‘water-man’ Rajendra Singh. “The petition is a pledge to save the Yamuna. People have committed that no encroachment, legal or illegal, government or non-government, and any other way by any person or an organisation will be permitted on the riverbed. They have said that no structure — religious, residential or commercial should be allowed to come up on the either side of the Yamuna, ” he added.

The Yamuna, Singh said, needs to be protected so that it could recharge underground aquifers and provide safe habitat for the flora and fauna.

Former Prime Minister V.P. Singh had flagged off the ‘yatra’ on October 25 from Rajghat.

As many as 2,50,000 signatures were collected during the ‘yatra’ on a white cloth, which will be handed over to the government, urging it to “honour the sentiments of the public”.

New Delhi, November 7
Moved by the child labour involved in making fire crackers, stars of the otherwise ‘loud’ Hindi film industry are urging everyone to abandon fire crackers this Divali and instead celebrate the festival with gifts and sweets.

“I get really worried because Divali is all about fire crackers, an intensively child labour driven industry. Whenever you buy and burn them, please understand where they come from. Children make them and acquire lung diseases in return,” actor John Abraham told IANS.

“I am not saying all this to spoil your Divali, but to make you realise that this industry is not needed. Also, be cautious while bursting crackers, especially youngsters. Don’t hurt animals. It’s a festival of lights, enjoy it responsibly,” he added.

Actor Bipasha Basu warned children against the hazards of crackers. “Children must be extra careful while burning crackers, otherwise they will hurt themselves. It is a festival of lights, so light diyas and candels, exchange gifts, offer sweets to all, wear beautiful clothes, spend time with your friends and family members, and enjoy yourself,” she said.

Doe-eyed Raima Sen, whose “Manorama - Six Feet Under” tanked at the box-office, said that one must shun crackers to curb the pollution caused by them. “Crackers create a lot of noise pollution, which we can easily do away with by discarding their usage. Exchange sweets and gifts to rejoice the festival, instead of polluting the environment,” she said.

“Moreover, a lot of child labour is involved in making fire-crackers. So, from my side, bursting crackers is a complete no-no!” she lamented.

Writer-turned-director Anurag Kashyap, who received much flak for his recently released film ‘No Smoking’, believes the festival is all about seeking blessings from god and spending time with family members. “I hate crackers! Main phuljhari jalata hoon (I burn sparklers). It is a festival when one spends quality time with family members. My wife organises a pooja (prayer) and we all attend it. And, then, it is all about my daughter, who is seven years old. She just enjoys it all.”

Oomph girl Jiah Khan, who was launched by director Ram Gopal Varma in ‘Nishabd’ believes that festivals are the best time to meet with friends and family members.

“Divali is a beautiful festival that symbolises life and celebrations. It is the best occasion for a get together. One can spend quality time with family members and meet friends, for whom we generally do not get time because of our busy schedules,” she said. — IANS

New Delhi, November 7
Divali can be a harbinger of choking spells for those suffering from heart ailments or other lung and respiratory problems, if adequate precaution is not taken.

Dr Umesh Gupta, senior cardiologist, Umkal Hospital says, “There is a tremendous increase of poisonous gases during Divali, due to the bursting of crackers. Tiny particles have the ability to traverse deep into our blood stream, which can progressively trigger a fatal heart attack to severe strokes. It can damage the respiratory passages.”

He added, “Among other toxic gases emitted by fireworks, Sulphur dioxide is the most dangerous. Its level during Divali is several times higher than the safe limits as found during various studies. The incidence of worsening heart conditions sometimes necessitates hospitalisation and, in rare casees, even fatalities rise sharply during this period.”

People with chronic heart to respiratory conditions need to be careful during this period.

Apart from taking precaution from smoke and other harmful emissions, intake of sweets and delicacies of the season should be a serious ‘no, no’ for cholesterol and diabetic patients, who are on the brink of heart diseases.

Dr Anil Bansal, cardiology & interventionists cardiology, Umkal Hospital, says, “Most of the sweets prepared in the Halwai stores are concentrated with high amount of oxidized cholesterol, which is very harmful for heart patients and those inflicted with the traces of the disease”.

Do’s and Don’ts

Ø Avoid exposure to fumes emitted by crackers

Ø As far as possible stay indoors, use masks or proper gauge

Ø Use air-purifiers or air conditioners

Ø Keep inhalers handy

New Delhi, November 7
Forthrightness, focus and faith are the three facets of Anjana Kuthiala’s persona that stand out much beyond her intro as a former ‘Miss India’, who has painted many Bollywood stars. Added to this, her positive attitude and energy and a mid-morning chat with her gets all ingredients of a lesson in the therapeutic value of art.

She talked about her latest work and forthcoming exhibitions.

Painting has been Anjana’s profession for 17 years. The Gurgaon-based artist has done many exhibitions and over 4,000 canvases so far.

Though capturing the essence of feminity and the quintessential Indian woman has been her forte for long, in the past few years, she has painted a series on Shah Rukh Khan and has recently painted the ‘evergreen hero’ Dev Anand also. But, the feminine angle has always been there, she says.

‘’Dev sahib was releasing his autobiography and it was then that it struck me that there have only been three romantic superstars in Bollywood in the real sense of the word, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna and Shah Rukh. And, romance has a perennial appeal for a woman. Since I had already painted a series on SRK, who remained my muse for almost five years, it was but natural that I painted Dev sahib, who is the pioneer of romantic heroes and paid a tribute to him on canvas”.

Painting for her means making a deep connection with her subjects.

“I have to connect to a person on a different plane and it is not just the iconic status of a filmstar that moves me but, the facets of his/her character that are beyond the glitz of arc lights.”

Thus, the enthusiasm and positive energy of the ‘evergreen hero’, who even at the age of 84 can put a 30-year-old to shame and has a spirit of a 20-year old, was enough inspiration to depict him on canvas capturing his romantic aura.

Talking about her work, she says, “I painted Dev Sahib with a woman who reflects almost every heroine introduced and associated with him till now”. She has also done a portrait of Preity Zinta for her living room, in which the bubbly star has been given the 50s look.

Mixing art with spiritual wisdom and faith is what puts her in a different league of artists. She doesn’t believe in depicting negativity on canvas, “My works are bright, positive and joyful, as I strongly believe that if you focus on the good you will attract the good.”

“Art is a therapy and it helps in surmounting all obstacles that one comes across in life. It is even better than meditation”, says the artist adding that “When you paint, you go beyond yourself and become oblivious to time and surroundings, almost in a no-mind state. So, it relaxes and energises at the same time.”

She holds art workshops for students in Gurgaon. Her students include women of all ages and from all walks of life, be it regular housewives or corporate heads. “I make an effort to help them see their dormant talent and to get a new outlook about life through art. But, it is not a hobby class, as they get a thorough and serious perspective about painting and, I even help them market their work,” she adds.

Apart from devoting time to painting and family, Anjana is also penning her autobiography.

Anjana also has a mega show titled ‘Anarkali Reborn’, planned for December 14 in the Capital, where she will be making a painting of Anarkali live. “It is a story on canvas of a queen, who never was. It is going to be my own depiction of Anarkali and, it surely is not inspired by a Bollywood face”.

Fired by faith in ‘Sai baba’ and ‘Devi maa’, this artist surely has some good art lined up for us.

Greater Noida, November 7
While the district administration in Ghaziabad and GB Nagar, Noida have taken adequate measures to ensure security during Divali, scant attention has been paid to noise and air pollution, which has exceeded the permissible level.

Crackers are being manufactured and sold in the narrow lanes of Dadri and Ghaziabad, not withstanding the court’s order. The two towns have been a witness to many fire accidents during Divali. The concerned authorities are hardly taking adequate precautionary measurers.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has already warned the citizens of the NCT of Delhi about the increasing pollution levels. It has stated that the level of air and noise pollution will rise in the coming days. On Tuesday, the CSE had issued a warning on the deteriorating air quality in the region. Pollution level is rising alarmingly, as it includes Sulphur dioxide constituents, which unfortunately is not regarded as a problem by the government, the CSE report stated.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has included pollutants like mercury benzene and ozone in its benchmark list to determine the air quality in the NCR region.

Dr Deepak Talwar, director, Metro Centre for Respiratory and Pulmonary Diseases, Metro Multi-Specialty Hospital said, “Air pollution is bound to increase the incidence of asthma and allied pulmonary diseases. Our hospital is full with asthma patients. The smog during the morning and evening is further complicating the situation.”

Dr Ajay Agarwal of Noida Medicare Centre says, “Children are the first sufferers from asthma attacks during this festive season, who for over a week during Divali partake sweets, which again are highly impure and adulterated, and rejoice in exploding crackers, which can cause irritation to eyes and throat, apart from affecting the lungs.”

Between August and October 2007, the levels of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) shot up to 240.5 microgram/cubic metre and 338.1 microgram/cubic meter respectively. 

New Delhi, November 7
An agricultural technique known as “zero tillage” has reduced the demand for water in rice and wheat farming on almost a million hectares of land in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the science site SciDev.Net reports.

Scientists from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and the Rice Wheat Consortium for the Indo-Gangetic Plains - a network of scientists and nongovernmental organisations - carried out the investigation.

Their work is highlighted in the World Bank’s World Development Report 2008: Agriculture for Development.

This is the first time in 25 years that agriculture’s role in development has been the focus in the World Bank’s annual development report. It calls for increased funding for agricultural research and for making agriculture central to the development agenda.

Rice and wheat are important for south Asia’s food security, but yields have recently been stagnating and soil quality deteriorating.

A ‘rice-wheat’ farming system has a summer ‘wet’ crop of rice - during the monsoon season - and a winter ‘dry’ crop of wheat.

The scientists introduced zero tillage - also known as conservation tillage - to farmers in the region. Zero-tillage involves planting seeds into soil that hasn’t been tilled after the harvest of the previous crop. The wheat seeds germinate in residual water left by the rice crop, saving up to a million litres of water per hectare.

Atique Rehman, an agricultural student at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, told SciDev.Net, “In the conventional method, soil needs to be soaked, which requires much more irrigation water. In zero tillage, soaking irrigation is skipped as sufficient moisture is available after the harvesting of the rice crop,”

With zero-tillage technology, farmers can produce higher yields and reduce production costs by up to ten percent. They also save on diesel for tractors, and the fertility and structure of the soil improves.

The report also highlights researchers’ efforts to produce drought-tolerant maize for Africa. Creating new varieties can take decades of research, but these are now reaching farmers and yields are stabilising.

The report warns that the production of improved crops is a lengthy 
process and cannot be undertaken without proper investment .— IANS

New Delhi, November 7
A 55-year-old, established businessman with an active social life developed what he thought was a viral infection — cough, fever and weakness. But, on the third night, his wife panicked when he suffered with high fever, shaking chills and rasping cough.

He later became breathless and turned grey and had to be shifted to the emergency ward. What his wife did not know was that he had acquired a serious blood infection (sepsis), which is caused by a bacterium. His blood and lungs were infected with the bacterium.

He was a healthy man and had never had any respiratory ailments. But he was a heavy smoker and a diabetic.

Like this family, most of us are not aware of this potentially life threatening disease and its implications.

Many families have endured similar ordeals, when their parents or spouses were infected with pneumococcal bacteria. Many have watched their relatives suffer the ravages of the disease, with several trips in and out of the hospital, weeks of illness, months of recovery. The anxiety, trauma and the financial burden due to the piling up of medical bills and hospital costs have not been measured in our country. These consequences are due to the lack of awareness on the burden of vaccine preventable diseases, which constitute a high morbidity and mortality rate among certain adults as well as the elderly population in India.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the commonest cause of community acquired bacterial pneumonias. According to the centres for disease control and prevention, recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP), at least 5,00,000 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia are estimated to occur annually in the United States. Streptococcus pneumoniae accounts for 25-35 per cent of all community acquired bacterial pneumonias in persons, who require hospitalisation. Pneumococcal infection causes an estimated 40,000 deaths annually in the United States.

There is high mortality reported with these Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Despite appropriate therapy and intensive care support, the overall mortality rate is 15-20 per cent. This rate amongst the elderly is as high as 30-40 per cent.

To make matters even more complicated, there are reports of multi-drug resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae not only from the US but also from the Asia Pacific region.

What this translates into is that, even after proper diagnosis, doctors in the best of centers might find it difficult to treat the disease. Resistance to several drugs like penicillin, cotrimoxazole and erythromycin has been reported.

Despite the advances in modern medicine, each year, thousands of people in India die from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. This illustrates the need for further epidemiological and disease burden studies on

vaccine preventable diseases. Instituting properly designed clinical trials would provide information both on vaccine efficacy and disease burden in India.

New Delhi, November 7
The English literary association at Jamia Millia Islamia had organised a panel discussion on ‘Market Economics and Democracy: On the Burmese Question!’ today.

This is the first in the series of discussions and talks that was held on the theme of ‘Understanding Democracy’. The ‘saffron revolution’ was discussed and many students empathised with the hardship of the Burmese. The Burmese military’s dictatorship has been a matter of controversy since the past four decades, raising questions about the ASEAN’s legitimacy in regional governance. Many human rights activists, political analysts, and democracy protagonists have tried to evolve a strategy to end the authoritarian regime.

Head of the English department Prof S.N.H. Jafri, a specialist in renaissance studies and classical (semantics and Europea) scholarship chaired the session. He romanticised on how a few years back international issues were as important as national issues.