Is your laptop a pain in the neck?

What the 30-year-old Silicon Valley software engineer didn't bargain for was a severe case of repetitive strain injury--and a three-month disability leave--from hunching over his laptop day in and day out for four years.

Viswanadha's situation is a worst-case scenario in workplace ergonomics, but stories like his are becoming more common, according to doctors and ergonomic experts across the country. As people ditch desktop computers to work full time on laptops, doctors expect to see a lot more pains, strains and injuries among white collar workers.

News.context

What's new:
Notebook PCs may be convenient, but they're also an ergonomic nightmare. And more and more people are discovering that the hard way.

Bottom line:
The good news is that laptop-related repetitive stress injuries are avoidable. Peripherals such as computer mice and separate keyboards can prevent some of the problems, as can lifestyle choices and work habits.

More stories on repetitive stress injury

"When you look at the design, laptops were never (meant) as a replacement for a desktop computer," said Alan Hedge, director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University. "The idea was portability for occasional use. It was never intended to be a machine you would work at for eight hours a day, 52 weeks a year."

More than 9,200 nongovernment workers reported missing a day or more of work because of typing and keyboarding-related injuries in 2003, according to figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ninety-two percent of those cases were associated with worker motion or position, the bureau said. More than a third those workers missed over a month of work because of their injuries.

For notebook computer use, such statistical information on injuries is scarce, but doctors report a steady stream of new patients who've overdone it on the machines. That's not surprising given the boom in laptop sales. Nearly 49 million notebooks were sold in 2004 worldwide, almost double the number sold in 2000, according to market researcher IDC. The devices account for more than a quarter of the computer market, and are set to surpass desktop sales in the United States by 2008, IDC said.

The main problem with laptops is that the screen and keyboard are so close together. Without the aid of peripherals, laptop users have two choices, neither of which would win them any points for posture. They can cramp their neck down to view the monitor or they can elevate the machine to eye level, which can wreak havoc on shoulders and arms.

And the wrists lose regardless, because the keyboard is so small, leading to awkward hand positioning.

"These are all recipes for disaster for your body, and your musculoskeletal system especially," said Nicholas DiNubile, an orthopedic surgeon in Havertown, Penn., a Philadelphia suburb.

Laptops can cause other physical woes. People have been burned by the heat the machines generate. The temperature issue can also cause fertility problems in men who place the machines on their laps for prolonged periods. Frequent travelers can put strain on backs, hands and shoulders by lugging a laptop around.

For Viswanadha, neck strain was the root of injury. His doctors said spending so much time on the laptop had shortened his neck muscles, putting pressure on his spine and compressing the nerves that run to his hands. Eventually his hands began feeling numb and painful and he was diagnosed with repetitive strain injury--a family of ailments caused by repetitive motion and poor posture.

But the bad news went beyond his body.

"For a couple of months, I didn't know what I was going to do; I have a single-income family," he said. "I kind of went into a depression state."

Viswanadha is back at work now, however, and learning to cope with his injury, but he wishes he had taken precautions much earlier.

An ounce of prevention...
Many laptop-related injuries can be avoided. The use of peripherals such as docking stations, separate keyboards and mice is probably the easiest way to avoid neck and shoulder trouble. These add-ons let users adjust monitors to eye level while keeping arms and shoulders in a natural position. Several companies offer laptop stands that prop machines up to desired height.

The ideal height of the monitor is about 20 degrees below horizontal eye level, or 8 inches below eye level at a 20 inch viewing distance, said Tom Albin of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Special pads and trays--some with fans--can reduce risk of burns and other heat-related problems.

However, these bulky items can be unpractical for travelers. Their ergonomic benefit may be offset by the strain of hauling them around in a shoulder or handbag, Hedge said.

Lifestyle choices and work habits are also critical to warding off computer-related ailments. Taking short breaks every 20 to 30 minutes, stretching, eating healthy and exercise all reduce the risk of injury with any type of computer. Knowing when to shut off the devices and call it day is important too, especially with portable machines.

"The portability is problematic," said Lisa Zacharewicz, a doctor of internal medicine at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco. "People can take a laptop home with them, so they never get off of it."

Another reason people are spending more time on laptops is that they've become mobile entertainment centers complete with DVD players, bigger screens and more-powerful processors. These feature-laden machines--though often heavier and less portable than previous devices--will dominate the laptop scene in the future, Hedge said.

Laptops often cause men physical problems more often than they do women because a small stature helps, Zacharewicz said. Being over 40 and having a history of orthopedic injuries, such as tennis elbow or tendonitis, are other risk factors, DiNubile said.

Yet the young are not immune. Zacharewicz estimates the average age of patients she sees with computer-related tendonitis has dropped dramatically over the past decade, from between 45 and 50 to between 28 and 34.

"People just think that's part of working hard--that you have to hurt," she said. "But if you're 25, you shouldn't have tendonitis."

What is the meaning and the benefits of 'Namaskar'?

Origin and the meaning of the word 'Namaskar'

The word 'Namaskar' is derived from the root 'namaha', which means paying obeisance (Namaskar) or salutation.


From Science of Justice - 'Namaha' is a physical action expressing that 'you are superior to me in all qualities and in every way'.

Worldly Benefits
- By doing Namaskar to a deity or a Saint, unknowingly their virtues and capabilities are impressed upon our minds. Consequently we start emulating them, thus changing ourselves for the better.

Spiritual Benefits
- Increase in humility and reduction of ego / Enhancement in the spiritual emotion of surrender and gratitude / Gaining the Sattva component and faster spiritual progress
We receive the highest amount of Sattva component from the posture (mudra) of Namaskar.
By doing Namaskar to Deities or Saints we receive subtle frequencies emitted by them, e.g. frequencies of Sattva or Bliss.


Why is it not appropriate to Shake Hands?


Avoid a Hand Shake: It tranfers undesirable raja-tama components! In short, in a handshake, the raja-tama components in one pers on will get transferred to the other person, thereby lowering his sattvikta (Purity levels). While practicing Spirituality, our objective is to perform acts which increase our sattvikta.
If at all they do Namaskar by joining their palms, it is done just as a formality. As the act is not based on faith, the benefit derived from it is minimal. Along with faith it is essential that every religious act be correctly performed according to the Science of Spirituality, so that it gives complete benefit. In this series, as with the others, along with information on various methods of doing Namaskar, the Science in them is also explained. Understanding the Science will help in strengthening faith in the act. Such an act correctly performed with faith, will yield corresponding benefits.


How does one do Namaskar to an individual of the same age group?

When meeting someone of the same age-groupdo Namaskar by joining the fingers and placing tips of the thumbs on the Anahat chakra (at the centre of the chest). This type of Namaskarincreases the spiritual emotion of humility in the embodied soul. Sattva frequencies from the universe are attracted by the fingers (which act as an antenna) and are then transmitted to the entire body through the thumbs which have awakened the Anahat chakra. This activates the soul energy of the embodied soul. In addition, by doing Namaskar in this manner to each other, frequencies of blessings are also transmitted.


What is correct method & science of doing Namaskar to God?

A. 'While paying obeisance to God, bring the palms together.
1. The fingers should be held loose (not straight and rigid) while joining the hands or palms.
2. The fingers should be20kept close to each other without leaving any space between them.
3. The fingers should be kept away from the thumbs.
4. The inner portion of the palms should not touch each other and there should be some space between them.

Note: The stage of awakening of spiritual emotion (Bhav) is important to the seeker at the primary level. Hence, for awakening spiritual emotion (Bhav), he should keep space in between the joined hands, whereas a seeker who is at the advanced level should refrain from leaving such space in between the palms to awaken the unexpressed spiritual emotion (Bhav).

B. After joining the hands one should bow and bring the head forward..

C. While tilting the headforward, one should place the thumbs at the mid-brow region, i.e. at the point between the eyebrows and try to concentrate on the feet of the Deity.

D. After that, instead of bringing the folded hands down immediately, they should be placed on the mid-chest region for a minute in such way that the wrists touch the chest; then only should the hands be brought down.

Underlying Science in this action

A. The fingers should not be stiff while bringing the palms together because this will lead to a decrease in Sattva component from the vital and mental sheaths and thus increase the raja component in them. By keeping the fingers relaxed, the subtlest Sattva component will get activated. With the strength of this energy, embodied souls are able to fight powerful distressing energies.

B. In the Namaskar posture, the joined fingers act as an antenna to assimilate the Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) or the Energy transmitted by a Deity. While joining the palms, the fingers must touch each other beca use leaving space between the fingers will result in accumulation of energy in that space. This energy will be immediately transmitted in various directions; therefore the seeker's body will lose the benefit of this potent energy.

C. About the space to be maintained between the palms:
For a seeker at the primary level, it is advisable to leave space between the palms; it is not necessary for a seeker at an advanced level to leave space between the palms.

D. After joining the palms, bow a little. This posture puts pressure on the navel and activates the five vital energies situated there. Activation of these vital energies in the body makes it sensitive to accepting sattvik frequencies. This later awakens the 'Atma shakti' (i.e. soul energy of an embodied soul). And later, Bhav is=2 0awakened. This enables the body to accept in large measures the Chaitanya emitted by the Deity.

E. Touch the thumbs to the mid-brow region. (Please see images above..) This posture awakens the Bhav of surrender in an embodied soul, and in turn activates the appropriate subtle frequencies of Deities from the Universe. They enter through the ’Adnya chakra’ (Sixth of the 7 chakras in the Kundalini) of the embodied soul and settle in the space parallel to it at the back interior of the head. In this space the openings to all the three channels converge; namely, the Moon, the Central and the Sun channels. Due to the movement of these subtler frequencies in this space, the Central Channel is activated. Consequently it facilitates the speedy transmission of these frequencies throughout the body, leading to purification of both the gross and subtle bodies at the same time.

F. After doing Namaskar, to completely imbibe the Chaitanya of the Deity (that has entered the hands by now), instead of bringing the folded hands down immediately, place them on the mid-chest region in such a way that the wrists touch the chest.

The 'Anahat chakra' is located at the centre of the chest. Akin to the Adnya chakra, the activity of the Anahat chakra is also to absorb the Sattva frequencies. By touching the wrists to the chest, the Anahat chakra is activated and it helps in absorbing more of the Sattva component.


Effect of this Posture

By doing Namaskar in this manner, the Deity's Chaitanya is absorbed to a greater extent by the body, as compared to other methods of doing Namaskar. This gives maximum distress to negative energies. The negative energies that have manifested in a person are unable to touch their thumbs at the mid-brow region in Namaskar. (The negative energies are subtle. But at times they enter an individual's body and manifest it. - Editor)'

Q. What is the reason for not wrapping a cloth around the neck while performing circumambulation, doing Namaskar, ritualistic worship, sacrificial fires, chanting and while visiting Guru and deities?

A. When a cloth is wrapped around the neck, it does not activate the Vishuddha chakra (in the throat region) and hence an individual gets less benefit of the Sattva component.


Why should one always do Namaskar to elders?



Meaning: When an elderly person arrives, the vital energy of the young person starts rising and when he gets up and does Namaskar, it returns to normal. - Manusmruti 2.120; Mahabharat, Udhyog, Chapter (Section) 38.1, Sr. no. 104, 64-65

Explanation: 'As the sojourn of the elderly person is gradually towards the southern direction, that is, towards the region of Lord Yama (towards death), his body starts emitting raja and tama frequencies on a high scale. When such an elderly person comes in the vicinity of any younger individual, these frequencie s start affecting the younger person. A subtle magnetic field is created between the two. Consequently, the vital energy of the younger person is pulled upward. This way the younger person can suffer due to sudden momentum to his vital energy. When this younger person doesNamaskar to the elderly person, some amount of the Central channel of his Kundalini system is activated and the Sattva component in it starts increasing. Consequently the raja and tama components in him are influenced by the Sattva component and the vital energy comes back to normal state. Hence on arrival of an elderly person, it is customary for the younger individuals
to do Namaskar to them.'

D’oing Namaskar to Elders.

When travelling, prior to the commencement of a journey and upon returning, why should one do Namaskar to elders in the family?

'Namaskar to the elders in the family is one way of surrendering to the God principle in them. When an embodied soul bows in Namaskar to an elder by surrendering to the God principle in him, at that time a sense of compassion is created in his body. This compassion percolates right upto his subtle body. At that time, energy of his mind is activated and in turn activates the five vital energies, which are located at the seat of the Manipur chakra (situated in the Naval region). Transmission of these five vital energies all over the body then awakens the soul energy. With the strength of the soul energy, the Central channel gets activated and converts the expressed energy of spiritual emotion to the unexpressed energy of spiritual emotion. With the help of this unexpressed energy of spiritual emotion, the embodied soul, through the medium of elders, gains the required Deity's principle from the Universe. For this purpose, while leaving the house on a
journey, the embodied soul should do Namaskar to elders and with the strength of Sattva frequencies has to protect himself from distressing frequencies in the atmosphere. Similarly, returning from a journey, one should immediately do Namaskar to elders and awaken the God principle in them, which would disintegrate the raja-tama particles from the air around him, which might have been brought along.


What is the correct method of doing Namaskar to Saints?

1.. The portion of head, which should be placed at the feet :

We can imbibe maximum Chaitanya through the Brahmarandhra (the seventh chakra of the Kundalini system located in the crown of our head). Since it (Brahmarandhra) cannot be placed at a Saints's feet, the part of head beginning above the forehead is to be placed at the feet of Saints.. Due to this, maximum Chaitanya emanating from Their feet can enter into the one doing Namaskar.

2. The exact spot to place one's head on a Saint's feet:

The big toes of Saints emit maximum Chaitanya; hence we should place our head on the big toe, than on their foot. If we are in a position to touch both the20toes, then place the head on the right big toe.

3. The position of hands when placing the head on a Saint's feet:

a. Some interlock their hands behind their backs at the waist and do Namaskar. If we are in a position to touch both their toes, then we should place the hands one on each foot and the head should be placed on the big toe of the right foot. If we are in a position to touch one of Their toes, then place both the hands on it and keep the head on the big toe.

b. Some do Namaskar by placing hands on the ground. This is also wrong because if the hands are placed on the ground then the Chaitanya emanating from the Saint's feet are absorbed by one and then returns to the earth through the hands of the one doing Namaskar. Thus the person does not benefit from it.

c. Some cross their hands and place them on the feet of Saints, that is, their right hand on the right foot of the Saint and their left hand on the left foot of the Saint while doingNamaskar. This is a crude imitation of the manner in which Christians place their crossed hands on their chest. Instead, our right hand should be placed on the left foot of the Saint and our left hand on the right foot of the Saint. This is convenient also. However, if a Guru has started some procedure in a particular sect, then the hands are to be placed in that manner only.

d. The hands are to be positioned in such a way that the palms are placed on the feet..


How to do Namas kar to the wooden footwear (paduka) of Saints?

Namaskar to the wooden footwear (paduka) of Saints

'The left paduka symbolises Lord Shiva and the right symbolises Divine Energy. The left paduka is the unmanifest saviour energy and the right is the unmanifest destroyer energy of the Supreme God. The saviour or destroyer energy of the Supreme God emanates from the 'pegs' of the paduka as per the need. When we do Namaskar by placing our head on the 'pegs' of the paduka, some may experience distress due to the inability to tolerate the manifest energy emitting from it. Hence, while doing Namaskar to the paduka, instead of the pegs, place the head on the for emost part i.e. the place where the Saints place their toes.'


Should one do Namaskar to a dead body?

Q. If this be so, should we do Namaskar to the dead bodies in Kaliyuga only as a custom? If it is a custom, can we discontinue it?

A. One can maintain respect for the dead person by doing Namaskar and in addition set an ideal with regards to respecting elders. In Kaliyuga, from this one will benefit at an emotional level and not at a spiritual level. However, one should not discontinue this custom; instead one could learn how to get spiritual benefit from it. Due to the deterioration of the Sattva component in embodied souls, this practice has become a mere custom in Kaliyuga.

However, as per the saying, 'God exists where there is spiritual emotion', while doing Namaskar to a dead body if we have a spiritual emotion that we are doing Namaskar to the God principle in it, then the God principle in the dead body awakens and we receive God's blessings. This happens because the God principle is immortal and has no limit ations that a physical body has.


Q. It is said that one should not do Namaskar to a sleeping person. In Kaliyuga if one does Namaskar by touching the dead body, then are the chances of getting distress from negative energies not higher?

A. Yes it is; but while doing Namaskar it is important that the action be performed with correct spiritual emotion. Since Namaskar is done to the God principle in the dead body instead of activating raja, tama components, it activates the Godly principle in the dead body and bestows Sattva corresponding to the degree of spiritual emotion.'


'One hand' touch to the Temple Steps

Action: Touch the step with the fingers of the right hand and move the same hand over the head.

Science: 'The area around the temple is charged with20frequencies of Deities which leads to an increase in the Sattva component. The presence of Divine consciousness in the area charges even the stairs in a temple. 'Climbing' steps is one of the activities, which increases the raja component in the body. Hence, the raja component is already activated in the body of an embodied soul so by touching the steps with the fingers of the right hand, the Sattva component and peace from the charged premise, get transmitted to the body through the right hand. In addition, from this action, the activated raja component in the body can be controlled through the medium of the surya nadi (Sun channel). This means that, for a moment, the activities of the Sun channel can be stopped. From this process, the embodied soul learns to enhance the Sattva component through raja dominant actions. Therefore, it is very essential to perform the appropriate sattvik actions at
each corresponding level, hence the method of touching the steps with fingers of the right hand and then moving the fingers or palm over the head. Even the dust present on the steps is charged with Chaitanya and so we must respect it and derive spiritual benefit from it. If the embodied soul harbours the spiritual emotion that 'the Chaitanya from the steps be transmitted all over my body from the dust on my hand', then it will give increasing benefit to the embodied soul.. In addition if the ego of the embodied soul is less at that time then it gives even more benefit. When any action is performed devoid of ego or 'I'ness it is treated as a 'non-action' (akarma-karma) .'



Do's and Dont's while doing Namaskar

Q. Why should the eyes be closed while doing Namaskar?

'Joining hands while bowing the head amounts to saluting God or the divinity in the person in front. The eyes are closed while doing Namaskar to God or any respected person, to enable one to have the vision of God within us.'

Q. Why should the footwear be taken off while doing Namaskar?

While sitting, partaking meals, sleeping, wishing and doing Namaskar to Gurus and other elderly people, footwear should not be worn. - Gautamsmruti 9.

1. Footwear increases the raja-tama components in a person.

2. Paying obeisance (Namaskar) with high raja-tama components will not help in activating the Kundalini (centre in the spiritual energy system).

3. The ability to absorb the sattva component too is reduced, due to an increase in the raja-tama components, leading to little benefit from a Namaskar.

4. Doing Namaskar to a Deity, with footwear on, may also invite the wrath of the Deity.’

Q. Why is it not advisable to hold any object while doing Namaskar?

1. While doing Namaskar if an object is held in the hands, usually the fingers and their tips are in a curled position and not straight. As a result, the sattva component received is unable to enter the tips of the fingers.

2. The sattva component emitted towards the seeker, strikes the object held and bounces back. Also, at times, instead of the person absorbing the sattva component, the object may absorb it.

3. If the object in the hand is raja or tama predominant, and if it is touched to the forehead or chest while doing Namaskar, then the raja-tama components from it mayenter the body of the one who is doing Namaskar.

Q. While doing Namaskar, why are men not supposed to cover their head, whereas women are advised to cover their head?

One should not do Namaskar with footwear on, covering the head or holding any objects. (But women should cover their head with their saris and only then do Namaskar) - Apastamb Dharmasutra 1.4.14.19

While doing Namaskar the Kundalini gets activated at the chakra which is touched by the folded hands. This leads to the absorption of the Sattva component in greater proportion in the body. Sometimes due to the activation of the Kundalini, Sattva component starts entering the body through the head. But at times the distressing energies try to take advantage of this and mix black energy with the Sattva component.. The potential to activate the Kundalini is higher in men as compared to women. Hence they are hardly affected by this negative energy. Contrary to this, as women are more vulnerable, they get affected by distressing energies to a greater extent and thus they can experience distress. That is why, when doing Namaskar, women are advised to cover their head with the ends of their sari. This creates a barrier between the head and the distressing energies and prevents themfrom penetrating the body of the woman. However, to some extent this also blocks
benevolent frequencies from entering the women. (Benevolent frequencies are subtler than negative frequencies; hence they enter a woman to some extent even though the sari covers her head.) However, the proper posture of Namaskar gives maximum Sattva component to an individual and hence women too get required benefits. This shows how God takes care of every devotee. Doing Namaskar without these restrictions is equally effective if the devotee does it with spiritual emotion.

What are the benefits/losses of attaining a seminar?

Seminars dealing with "special topics" have actually been around for decades, and are an older form of marketing and information exchanges, that have seen quite a resurgence of interest in the past ten years.

Seminars are simply a group of people coming together for the discussion and learning of specific techniques and topics. Usually there are several keynote speakers within each seminar, and these speakers are usually experts in their own fields, or topics. Several topic reviews are scheduled each day throughout the seminar, and attendees can usually make their choice of topics from among these scheduled events.

Many individuals attend seminars each year, some attending several times a year. The topics of seminars can be as varied as the groups attending them, but in particular, there has been a rise of Internet Marketing Seminars over the past five years, due to the increased interest in this field.

What then are the advantages and disadvantages of seminars if you choose to attend or if you're thinking of attending?

Advantages:

1. A wealth of knowledge usually, presented by many speakers at one time in one place. A lot of "learning" at one clip, with most material compressed into two or three days' worth of time.

2. A sense of camaraderie, where individuals can meet others with the same interests/problems/concerns that they may have in their chosen field.

3. A sense of renewed hope and inspiration (this is especially true for Internet marketing seminars), as sometimes business concerns are lessened by sharing experiences with others. Being with others that "understand" individual's problems or concerns, is usually a great morale booster!

4. A great way for those that don't like to read, or attend classes, to improve their knowledge of a specific subject.

5. A nice vacation, in usually, a good hotel. Most seminars take place in quality hotels, as this is part of the incentive to attracting attendees.

Disadvantages:

1. Cost, of course, as all attendees must absorb their own costs. The seminars themselves sometimes also have an entry fee that can be quite high. All travel costs, food costs, hotel costs, and other miscellaneous costs must be absorbed by the attendees.

2. The chance that the speakers may be sharing incorrect knowledge, or not at all knowledgeable themselves (it pays to make your own assessments of presented topics, not just blindly "follow the pack"). Tips, tricks, and strategies need to be weighed as to "worth" and "accuracy" before using these. Careful thought rules here.

3. The time spent away from your actual business, or life, to attend. Time is always a concern when scheduling activities and some individuals simply can't spare the time away from their lives for activities such as this.

4. The chance that the topics may not actively help your business or your concerns, and that the seminar will be a waste of time, where nothing you learn is of any use to you.

5. The chance that attendees will expect too much from a seminar and thus be disappointed. Realism must rule here. These are not "instant answers" to anything.

Overall, seminars, if chosen carefully, can be a good experience. They are not miracle cures to business problems or other problems, however, and this must be kept in mind when deciding to attend a seminar. These are, after all, optional events, and success or failure in business or life will probably not hinge on attendance at seminars!

Many different methods of learning business strategies and life strategies exist for those that don't have the time flexibility or money flexibility to attend. Just visit your local library or local community college, and you'll find a wealth of knowledge on all subjects. Read a book concerning your issues, or take a class, and you'll find these can be great alternatives to seminars.

After all, education exists in many forms, not just at seminars!

15 secrets you never knew about your girl

Yes, your woman is a den of mysteries hinted to you in her sly smile, enigmatic laughter or that sudden silence. She just pretends to be one, but is never an open book to you. Her deepest secrets are what add to her charm ... but render you an outsider in her own ‘Secret Garden’. Secrets of her unshared yearnings, cherished fantasies or for that matter, a secret lover from the past ...

Here’s a peep into those hidden secrets ... dig into them at your own risk!

1. I might just hate it when you sleep in that office shirt, but when you are away, I love to snuggle up in your shirt because it smells of you.
2. Though I insist on paying the bill or sharing it in our initial dates, I’ll find you cheap and so non-chivalrous in case you don’t insist on making the payment.
3. Long before we explored each other’s bodies, I had been fantasizing about being with you. That inhibition was only to get assured that you are all mine.
4. I do think about my ex-es and compare them to you. Mostly you win, but you are not all perfect.
5. I don’t care you call or not’ is pure pretence. In fact, I start waiting for your next call the moment one ends. Not just this, I eagerly want you to plan our next date even before the current one ends. I might not show it. So, don’t fret about looking desperate just call! The gap looks like a lifetime to me.
6. During the initial days of our relationship, I used to save all our chat histories and your SMSes and read them again and again. Sometimes, made my friends read them, too.
7. The day you shared your password with me, digging into your chat records and mails was the first thing I did.
8. I would love to know what turns you on. Though, I know it’s going to be hilarious as I’ve seen your frequently-visited porn sites.
9. You don’t have to be a ‘good boy’ with me all the time. I don’t mind talking a little dirty.
10. You are my soul mate, but my ‘best friend’ is my confidante. From the size of your pay cheque, bank account to the size of your other assets...she knows it all. So, till you are telling her how much you love me all’s fine. Remember she’s my best friend and never yours.
11. You rightly blame me for bombarding you with so many questions. But, that’s my way of testing you. I judge and analyse you on every word, expression, action, e-mail or SMS you write to me or someone else. So, when I ask “Do you fantasize about other women?,” the answer has to be “Why would I when I am with you?” So, better watch out!
12. I love to make you a little jealous as it makes me feel wanted. So the next time you spot me flirting with your friend, know that I’m actually flirting with you through her.
13. Every time I fight with you is because I feel ignored. Don’t get into your cocoon when I’m bad. Just give me what I’m fighting for – a little attention and I’ll be all yours.
14. I love to get constant reminders of the much known fact that – you need me. So, what’s the harm in dropping liners saying ‘You complete me’ or ‘Don’t ever leave me alone’ ... ?
15. Last but not the least, irrespective of how independent and self-driven I am, how ever much I may say that I don’t need a man to be happy, but still I want you to take charge when we are in bed.

Drinking Hot Beverages May Lead to Throat Cancer

Waiting a few minutes before drinking your hot tea may be more than simply avoiding a burnt tongue; it may even be a way to prevent throat cancer. A new study carried out in Northern Iran, where large amounts of hot tea are consumed on a daily basis, established a link between drinking very hot tea and an increased risk for cancer of the esophagus.

Hot is defined as having a temperature of 158°F (70°C), usually the temperature of freshly boiled tea. The study was published on the website of the British Medical Journal. The findings are not really meant to cause alarm, though; the general advice is to wait a little bit and allow foods and beverages to cool down before swallowing.

The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries anything that is taken in through the mouth – such as food and beverages – into the stomach. Cancers of the esophagus claims the lives of more than half a million people annually. The most common type of throat cancer is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The main cause of throat cancer in Europe and America is the use of tobacco and alcohol, but consuming hot beverages has also been thought to be a risk factor. Throat cancer is more common in men than in women.

The study was conducted in the Golestan province in Northern Iran, where there is a high incidence of OSCC but low rates of smoking and alcohol – the two most common risk factors. Women also possess the same risk factor as men. This led to the hypothesis that the consumption of hot beverages may be a third risk factor.

The results of the study showed that those who drank warm of lukewarm tea (149°F or less) and hot tea (between 149°F to just under 158°F) can be associated with a two-fold risk of esophageal cancer, while those who drink very hot tea can be associated with an eight-fold risk.

Don’t let this dampen your hot beverage drinking regimen, though. It is simply suggested that we wait about four minutes to allow food and beverage to cool down before swallowing.

अपनी हिफाजत अपने हाथ

एक्सपर्ट्स के मुताबिक किसी भी हादसे के लिए तीन चीजें जरूरी होती हैं - एक अपराधी, दूसरा शिकार और तीसरा मौका। इनमें से अगर एक भी न हो तो हादसा नहीं होता। इनमें सबसे आसान लेकिन जरूरी है सामने वाले को मौका देने से बचना। इसके बाद आता है, खुद को शिकार बनने से रोकना और अपराधी से निबटना। जानते हैं कि किस तरह अपराधी को मौका देने से बच सकती हैं आप :

मौका न दें

कॉन्फिडेंट दिखें
ज्यादातर सेक्सुअल अटैक उन महिलाओं पर होते हैं, जिनकी बॉडी लैंग्वेज से कॉन्फिडेंस नहीं झलकता। अपराधी उन्हीं महिलाओं को शिकार बनाते हैं, जो आसान टारगेट होती हैं। ऐसे में जब भी सड़क पर चलें, सिपाही की तरह चलें, न कि छुई-मुई ऐक्ट्रिस की तरह। नीचे जमीन में सिर झुकाकर चलने की बजाय सतर्क और जागरूक दिखते हुए सामने देखते हुए चलें। बॉडी लैंग्वेज ऐसी हो कि कोई आपको हाथ लगाने से पहले कई बार सोचे। ध्यान रहे कि आप अपनी बॉडीगार्ड खुद हैं। अगर किसी इलाके के बारे में या रास्तों के बारे में नहीं जानतीं, तो अनजान लोगों के सामने यह बात उजागर न करें।

'सेफ्टी बडी' का साथ
यह ऐसा साथी होगा, जो बेशक आपके साथ न हो लेकिन दूर से ही काफी मददगार होगा। यह आपके माता-पिता, भाई-बहन, पति या दोस्त कोई भी हो सकता है। 'सेफ्टी बडी' आपको उस वक्त कॉल कर सकता है या आप उसे कॉल कर सकती हैं, जब आप गाड़ी में ड्राइवर के साथ अकेली हों। उसे आपके घर लौटने का वक्त पता होना चाहिए, ताकि थोड़ी भी देर होने पर आपको कॉल कर सके। ऐसे में सामने वाले को यह अहसास होता है कि कोई आपका इंतजार कर रहा है। कैब में बैठकर ड्राइवर को सुनाते हुए फोन पर सामने वाले को जोर-जोर से नंबर बताएं कि फलां नंबर की कैब से आ रही हूं और इतनी देर में पहुंच जाऊंगी। ड्राइवर सुनता है कि मेरी गाड़ी का नंबर किसी को बता दिया गया है तो किसी भी अप्रिय घटना को अंजाम देने से पहले कई दफा सोचेगा।

शालीन हो पहनावा
आप कुछ भी पहनने के लिए फ्री हैं, लेकिन बाहर निकलते वक्त हो सके तो शालीन कपड़े पहनें। अगर अकेले चलना है या सफर करना है तो यह भी ध्यान रखें कि कपड़े सहज हों और आप उनमें आरामदेह महसूस करें। कपड़े ऐसे न हों, जो एक झटके में फट जाएं या खुल जाएं या जिनमें आप दौड़ न सकें। चप्पल भी सुविधाजनक और मजबूत हों और ऊंची हील न हों तो बेहतर है। इससे जरूरत पड़ने पर आप दौड़ सकती हैं।

रात में सफर के दौरान
पैदल चलते हुए : कभी भी अनजान लोगों से लिफ्ट न लें, चाहे कितनी ही मजबूरी क्यों न हो। ट्रैफिक की उलटी दिशा यानी कि सड़के के उस ओर चलें कि ट्रैफिक आपको सामने से आता दिखे। ऐसे में पीछे से हमला नहीं हो सकेगा। कई बार लड़कियां बाहर की तरफ थैला टांगकर चलती हैं। इससे बाइक वालों को छीनाछपटी का मौका मिल जाता है। थैला उस तरफ लटकाएं, जिधर दीवार है। अगर कोई लगातार आपका पीछा करे तो कम-से-कम कुछ दिन के लिए अपना रास्ता बदल लें। अगर कोई कार सवार रास्ता पूछता है तो उससे दूरी बनाकर रखें। अगर कोई पीछा करता दिखता है तो जो भी घर सामने दिखे, उसकी कॉल बेल बजा दें और सारी स्थिति के बारे में बताएं। झिझकें कतई नहीं। इन बातों का दिन में भी ख्याल रखें।

टैक्सी स्टैंड या प्री-पेड बूथ से लें कैब : रात में रास्ते से कोई भी कैब लेने के बजाय टैक्सी सर्विस या टैक्सी स्टैंड से ही कैब लें। दफ्तर से जाना हो तो फ्रंट डेस्क या बाउंसर के जरिए टैक्सी मंगाएं। ऐसे में आपके अलावा किसी और को भी जानकारी होगी कि गाड़ी कहां से आई है। ऑटो भी प्री-पेड लें तो बेहतर है।

खाली बस से रहें दूर : ऐसी बस में न चढ़ें, जिसमें सिर्फ ड्राइवर और कंडक्टर हों। दो-तीन लोग हों तो भी बस में न चढ़ें। कई बार ये लोग ड्राइवर-कंडक्टर के दोस्त या जानकार ही होते हैं। जिस ऑटो में पहले से पैसेंजर बैठे हों, उसमें न बैठें। अगर ऑफिस कैब से जा रही हैं तो आखिर में उतरने के बजाय पुरुष साथी से गुजारिश करें कि वह पहले आपको छोड़ दे।

रास्ते हों भीड़ भरे और रोशन : कैब या ऑटोवाले से भीड़वाले रास्तों पर ही चलने को कहें। रास्ता लंबा बेशक हो, लेकिन जाना-पहचाना होना चाहिए। साथ ही, अंधेरे वाली जगहों से बचें। अपराधी ज्यादातर ऐसी ही जगहों पर ही अपना शिकार तलाशते हैं, ताकि बचकर भागने में आसानी हो।

चौकस रहें : कैब से जा रही हैं, तो आपको रास्तों की जानकारी होनी चाहिए। जिस इलाके में जा रही हैं, वहां के बारे में जान लें और रोड मैप अपने पास रखें। रास्तों के बारे में अनजान हैं तो भी ड्राइवर के सामने यह बात उजागर न होने दें। अकेली हों तो गाड़ी में बिल्कुल न सोएं। सफर के दौरान चौकस रहें। रास्ते में पड़ने वाले पुलिस स्टेशन, चौकी या पीसीआर पर ध्यान दें।

तैयार रहें : ऑटो या टैक्सी का नंबर अपने मोबाइल में टेक्स्ट के रूप में तैयार रखें। थोड़ी भी गड़बड़ी लगे तो अपने किसी दोस्त या जानकार को नंबर एसएमएस कर दें। बिना किसी खतरे के भी नंबर एसएमएस कर सकते हैं। घर पहुंचने पर एक हाथ में घर की चाबी तो दूसरे में मोबाइल रखें। पुलिस और घर के नंबर स्पीड डायल पर रखें।

खुद ड्राइव करते वक्त

लॉक करके रखें : गाड़ी में सेंट्रल लॉक लगाकर ड्राइव करें। एसी है तो सारे शीशे चढ़ाकर रखें। अगर एसी नहीं है तो अपनी खिड़की लॉक करके रखें। बस एक ही शीशा खोलें।

म्यूजिक या फोन में खोएं नहीं : गाड़ी में तेज म्यूजिक चलाकर उसमें खोएं नहीं। गाड़ी ड्राइव करते हुए फोन पर बात न करें। ये न सोचें कि रात का वक्त है और पुलिस वाले देखेंगे नहीं तो गप्प मारकर सफर आसानी से कट जाएगा। इससे ध्यान भंग होता है और आप अपने आसपास आई मुसीबत को भांपने से चूक सकती हैं।

पार्किंग का रखें ध्यान : रात के वक्त बेसमेंट में कार पार्क करने से बचें। वहां मोबाइल काम करना बंद कर सकता है। गाड़ी ऐसी जगह पार्क करें, जहां भरपूर रोशनी हो। गाड़ी रिवर्स करके खड़ी करें ताकि जरूरत पड़ने पर तुरंत निकल सकें। चाबियां पहले से पर्स से निकालकर अपने हाथ में रखें। गाड़ी के पास जाकर पर्स खोलना और चाबी तलाशना किसी हादसे को मौका दे सकता है। गाड़ी में बैठने से पहले अंदर झांककर देखें कि उसमें कोई पहले बैठा तो नहीं है।

गाड़ी खराब हो जाने पर : अगर सड़क पर अचानक कार खराब हो जाए तो सबसे पहले अपने घरवालों को या ऐसे किसी दोस्त या जानकार को कॉल करके अपनी स्थिति के बारे में बताएं, जो पास में रहता हो। तुरंत कार हेल्पलाइन को फोन करें और बुलाएं। ये नंबर हमेशा आपके मोबाइल में होने चाहिए। जितनी देर में कोई मदद के लिए आए, उतनी देर खिड़की व दरवाजे बंद करके कार के अंदर बैठी रहें। अनजान लोगों से कतई मदद न लें।

अगर कोई रास्ता रोके : अगर कोई बाइक या कार लगाकर आपकी कार रोक ले तो घबराएं नहीं। गाड़ी से उतरें नहीं। खिड़की-दरवाजे लॉक करके कार में ही बैठी रहें। पुलिस को कॉल करें। जैसे ही सामने वाला उतरकर आपकी कार की ओर आने लगे, जल्दी से रिवर्स करें और कार भगा लें। भागना मुमकिन नहीं हो तो भी कार में ही बैठी रहें। इतनी देर में कोई-न-कोई मदद मिलने की पूरी उम्मीद होगी।

पार्टी के दौरान
अनजान लोगों से रहें दूर : कभी भी अनजान लोगों के साथ नजदीकी न बढ़ाएं। डांस के दौरान लड़कों के ज्यादा करीब न जाएं, चाहे वे आपके जानकार ही क्यों न हों।

निगाह रखें : सॉफ्ट ड्रिंक या वाइन कुछ भी लें बोतल अपने सामने ही खुलवाएं। ड्रिंक भी अपने सामने बनवाएं और ध्यान रखें कि उसमें कोई कुछ मिलाए नहीं। ड्रिंक खत्म करके ही उठें। अगर किसी मजबूरी में बाहर जाना ही पड़े तो दूसरा ड्रिंक बनवा लें।

होश न खोएं : इतनी शराब न पीएं कि होशोहवास खो बैठें। पार्टी के बाद अगर रात में साथियों के साथ ही रुकना पड़े तो काम पड़ने पर ऑफिस के सहयोगियों को कमरे में बुलाने के बजाय बार या रेस्टोरेंट में बुलाएं।

शॉपिंग मॉल या बीच पर
किसी भी शॉपिंग मॉल में कपड़े चेंज करते हुए आसपास गौर से देखें। कोई भी दरार या संदिग्ध कील या लाइट आदि दिखने पर कपड़े चेंज न करें। स्विमिंग सूट घर से या होटल से कपड़ों के नीचे ही पहनकर जाएं तो बेहतर है। ऐसे में टूटे-फूटे चेंज रूम्स में कपड़े बदलने से बच सकती हैं। ट्रैवल के दौरान भीड़ भरी जगहों पर पिट्ठू बैग का इस्तेमाल करें, ताकि दोनों हाथ खाली रहें। जरूरत पड़ने पर आप अपना बचाव कर सकेंगी।

ऑनलाइन दोस्ती से पहले
अपना प्रोफाइल प्राइवेट रखें और अनजान लोगों से दूरी रखें। किसी भी पुरुष को फ्रेंड लिस्ट में शामिल करने से पहले उसके दोस्तों की लिस्ट देख लें। उनसे आपको आइडिया हो जाएगा कि सामने वाले का सर्कल कैसा है। मजाक में भी किसी से दिल्लगी न करें। यह भारी पड़ सकता है। अपनी पर्सनल जानकारी शेयर करने से पहले सौ बार सोचें। बहुत भरोसा होने पर ही ऐसा करें।

अश्लील फोन कॉल आने पर
सबसे अच्छा है कि जवाब ही न दें। अगर आप झुंझला गईं तो समझो कि कॉल करने वाले का मकसद पूरा हो गया। अगर आप चुप रहेंगी तो सामनेवाला बोर होकर दूसरा शिकार तलाशेगा। या फिर कॉलर को सुनाते हुए घर में किसी पुरुष को आवाज़ लगाएं (कोई न हो तो काल्पनिक ही सही)। जैसे कि पापा, देखो किसका फोन है। इससे फोन करने वाला तुरंत फोन काट देगा।

हमले की सूरत में
- आमतौर पर हम मानते हैं कि हमारे साथ ऐसा हादसा नहीं होगा, जबकि हर किसी को किसी भी स्थिति के लिए पूरी तरह तैयार रहना चाहिए। अगर हर स्थिति के बारे में पहले से सोचकर रखा होगा तो हालात से निबटना आसान होगा।

- दूसरी अहम बात है कि किसी भी हमले की सूरत में दिमाग काम करता रहे। आमतौर पर ऐसी स्थिति में महिलाएं बुरी तरह से डर जाती हैं और जम-सी जाती हैं। या फिर ज्यादा से ज्यादा भागने लगती हैं। यहां सबसे जरूरी है कि हालात के मुताबिक तुरंत कदम उठाएं। हर स्थिति और जगह के मुताबिक एक्शन भी अलग हो सकता है, मसलन सड़क खाली है, या लोग हैं, आप पैदल जा रही हैं या गाड़ी में हैं... उसी के मुताबिक ऑप्शन तलाशना चाहिए। अगर आसपास कोई नहीं है तो बदमाश के गंदे कमेंट्स या इशारों को नजरअंदाज कर दें। इसी तरह अगर हमलावर सिर्फ पर्स छीनना चाहता है और आसपास कोई नहीं है तो पर्स दे देना बेहतर है। पर उसकी शक्ल और हुलिया गौर से देखें, ताकि पुलिस को उसके बारे में जानकारी दे सकें। अगर आसपास कोई है तो पैदल भागना फायदेमंद हो सकता है, लेकिन सुनसान रास्ते पर ऐसा करना मुसीबत बढ़ा सकता है। इसी तरह अगर हमलावर एक से ज्यादा हैं तो वहां अमूमन आपका अटैक करना सही नहीं होगा।

-तीसरी अहम बात यह है कि आपका मकसद अपराधी से मुकाबला करना नहीं, बल्कि अपनी हिफाजत करना है और कोई मदद मिलने तक हमलावर को रोके रखना है।
- पुलिस का नंबर मोबाइल में स्पीड डायल पर रखें। किसी भी तरह की गड़बड़ी का शक होने पर तुरंत डायल करें। अगर बोलने का मौका न मिले तो भी फोन ऑन रखें। इससे अगर कोई धमकी दे रहा है या हाथापाई कर रहा है तो पुलिस को वे आवाजें सुनाई दे जाएंगी।
- अगर सड़क सुनसान है और आसपास कोई नहीं दिख रहा तो कार से उतरकर भागें नहीं। गाड़ी के दरवाजे और खिड़कियों को लॉक कर लें और अंदर ही बैठी रहें। तुरंत 100 नंबर पर डायल करें। लगातार हॉर्न बजाती रहें। इससे लोगों से ध्यान उस ओर जाएगा और मदद मिलने की संभावना बढ़ेगी। अगर कोई दिख जाए तो तुरंत मदद को चिल्लाएं।
- कार से जा रही हैं और कोई दूसरी गाड़ी आपका पीछा कर रही है तो स्पीड बढ़ा लें। लगातार हॉर्न बजाती रहें और पुलिस चौकी या पोस्ट पर जाकर रुकें। अगर पुलिस चौकी नहीं मिलती तो थियेटर, मॉल या अस्पताल जैसे पब्लिक प्लेस पर जाकर रुकें। सीधे अपने घर न जाएं, इससे हमलावर आपका घर देख सकता है।
- पैदल जा रही हैं या कार से उतरने की नौबत आ ही जाए और हमलावर एकदम पास आ जाए तो पहले वार करें और जोरदार करें। हमेशा सामने वाले के शरीर के नाजुक हिस्सों पर वार करें।

कहां करें वार
शरीर में कुछ जगहें बेहद नाजुक होती हैं। वहां हल्की भी चोट काफी जोर से लगती है। ये हिस्से हैं -
- आंखें, नाक, चेहरा, सिर या ठुड्डी
- सोलर प्लेक्सेस (जहां पसलियां मिलती हैं और पेट शुरू होता है)
- प्राइवेट पार्ट्स (यहां ज्यादा जोर से न मारें, वरना सामनेवाले की जान भी जा सकती है)
- पेट में और घुटनों के पीछे
कुहनी और घुटने से मारें तो सामनेवाले को चोट ज्यादा लगेगी।

आपके पास हैं हथियार तमाम
- एक्सपर्ट्स मानते हैं कि अपने साथ हथियार रखना तब तक फायदेमंद नहीं है, जब तक उसका इस्तेमाल करने की हिम्मत आपमें नहीं है। फिर चाकू जैसी किसी चीज से वार आप तभी कर पाएंगी, जब हमलावर बिल्कुल पास होगा। अगर हमलावर आपसे ताकतवर है और उसने चाकू छीन लिया तो आप और खराब स्थिति में आ सकती हैं। इसलिए जरूरी है कि जो चीजें आपके पास होती हैं, उनका इस्तेमाल कर हमलावर को पस्त किया जाए।
- डिओड्रेंट साथ रखें। हमलावर की आंखों पर स्प्रे करें। इसके लिए आपको बहुत करीब भी नहीं जाना पड़ेगा। कुछ देर के लिए वह आंखें नहीं खोल पाएगा और आपको अगला कदम उठाने का मौका मिल जाएगा। एयर-फ्रेशनर और परफ्यूम से भी हमलावर को कुछ देर के लिए रोका जा सकता है।
- पिपर स्प्रे रखें। थोड़ा भी शक होने पर तुरंत निकालकर हाथ में थाम लें। जरूरत पड़े तो हमलावर की आंखों पर निशाना लगाकर स्प्रे करें। यह मार्केट में करीब 300-350 रुपये में मिल जाता है।
- नेल फाइलर, नेलकटर, पेपर कटर से अगर जोरदार हमला किया जाए तो काफी असरदार हो सकता है।
- पर्स को घुमाकर कसकर हमलावर के मुंह पर मारें। अगर छाता है, तो उससे जोरदार हमला करें।
- नाखून बड़े हैं तो उनसे हमलावर की आंखों पर वार करें।
- जूड़े की पिन, सेफ्टी पिन, पेन, डायरी या फोर्क कुछ भी है तो उससे हमला करें। ये छोटी-छोटी चीजें न सिर्फ चोट पहुंचाती हैं, बल्कि अचानक वार से हमलावर घबरा भी जाएगा।
- हाई हील पहन रखी है तो तुरंत निकालकर हमलावर के चेहरे पर जोर से मारें।
- अगर आसपास पत्थर दिख जाए तो दुपट्टे में रखकर घुमाकर मारें। हमलावर पास नहीं आएगा।
- बेल्ट पहन रखी है तो बकल की ओर से थोड़ी लंबाई छोड़कर बाकी सारी बेल्ट को गोल कर हाथ में और जोर से मारें।

दूसरों की मदद को आएं आगे
- अगर कोई प्रॉब्लम में है तो तुरंत मदद को आगे आएं। मुंह फेर कर आगे न बढ़ जाएं। आज आप किसी की मदद करेंगी तो कल कोई आपकी मदद को आगे आएगा। पीछा करने वाली कार या बाइक का नंबर नोट कर लें। अगर आप सुरक्षित रहें तो भी पुलिस को वे नंबर जरूर दें। इससे बदमाश पकड़े जाएंगे और किसी और को तंग करने का मौका नहीं मिलेगा।

कैसे करें वार

बस में कोई छेड़खानी करे तो :
- अगर कोई पीछे से आकर हाथ पकड़ ले तो कुहनी से तुरंत पीछे की ओर पेट पर वार करें। अगर कोई कमर पर हाथ रखने की कोशिश करे तो भी कुहनी से वार करें। हील पहन रखी है तो उससे उसके पैर पर भी हमला कर सकते हैं।

हमलावर सामने से आए तो :
- उस पर तेजी से और जोरदार अटैक करें। कुहनी से उसकी आंख, नाक और ठुड्डी पर वार करें। दोनों हाथों को जोड़कर आर्च बना लें तो घुमाकर दोनों ओर से वार कर सकती हैं।
- एक पैर उठाकर हमलावर के प्राइवेट पार्ट्स या पेट पर मारें।

हमलावर दोनों हाथों से गर्दन पकड़ ले तो :
अपने दोनों हाथों को उसके हाथों के बीच लाएं और जोर-जोर से अंदर बाहर को करें। इससे उसकी पकड़ छूट जाएगी। इसके बाद उसके शरीर के नाजुक हिस्सों पर वार करें।

दुपट्टे की मदद लें :

दुपट्टे को उछालकर हमलावर की गर्दन के चारों ओर कस लें। इसे पैरों में फंसाकर हमलावर को गिरा भी सकती हैं। हमलावर के जमीन पर गिरने के बाद आप हमलावर के चेहरे व पेट पर वार करें।

घूंसा ऐसे बनाएं :
- पंच बनाने का तरीका होता है। चारों उंगलियों को हथेली के अंदर की ओर मोड़ लें और अंगूठे को जमाकर ऊपर रखें। इससे वार करेंगी तो हमलावर को चोट ज्यादा लगेगी।

ये नंबर रखें मोबाइल में :

दिल्ली पुलिस के इन नंबरों पर सातों दिन और 24 घंटे कॉल करके शिकायत दर्ज करा सकती हैं :

दिल्ली पुलिस हेल्पलाइन : 100, 1091
क्राइम विमिन सेल, दिल्ली : 233177002, 23317004
पुलिस स्टेशन क्राइम सेल : 24673366,
क्राइम सेल थाना : 24672777

ईमेल :

दिल्ली पुलिस कमिश्नर : ys.dadwal@nic.in

जॉइंट पुलिस कमिश्नर, विमिन क्राइम सेल : jcpcaw@gmail.com


सौजन्य : नव भारत टाईम्स , नई दिल्ली

India vs China on Military Strength - Conventional and Nuclear

As two rising Asian powers with high GDP growths and increasing geo-political influence, India and China have been arch rivals in their race to superpowerdom. The race for regional dominance between these two countries has also spawned a race for militarisation, with India sparing no efforts to match China’s military might. A comparative analysis is therefore overdue, to see how India and China fare against each other in their military strengths.


According to United States DoD (Department of Defense) reports for 2006, China’s military expenditure is estimated to be 80 billion US dollars. However, the official Chinese CPC government quote is a $30 billion military expenditure (which a lot of analysts believe is underquoted). The actual Chinese military capabilities and budget are shrouded in deep secrecy to prevent foreign countries having an idea of its military might…and perhaps to create the strategic advantage of uncertainity. If we were to go by the conservative official Chinese figure of $30 billion, it would put China second only to USA in global military spending. On the other side, India’s official military expenditure for 2006 is quoted at $22 billion by the Ministry of Finance (India) Budget (2006-2007). India however, does not keep a level of secrecy as cloaked as China does, as its democratic government system requires public accountability. By its official 2006 military budget figures, India stands at 9th position in global military spending.

In 2006 India’s active military personell numbered over 1,325,000 while China was significantly higher at 2,255,000. In air defence, China’s PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Air Force has 9,218 aircrafts of which about 2300 are combat aircrafts, operating from its 489+ air bases. The Indian Air Force has 3382 aircrafts which includes 1335 combat aircrafts operating from 334+ bases and its sole aircraft carrier INS Viraat. The air superiority in China’s PLAAF is maintained by its fleet of Russian Su-30 MK and indigenously built J-10 fighters. Indian Air Force, on the other hand has French built Dassault Mirage 2000s and Russian Su-30 MKI as the best aircrafts in its combat fleet (no indigenous fighters or aircrafts have been deployed by India so far). Indian Navy is the world’s eighth largest navy with a with a fleet of 145 vessels consisting of missile-capable warships, advanced submarines, the latest naval aircrafts and an aircraft carrier in its inventory. It is experienced both in combat and rescue operations during wartime and peace as seen from its wars with Pakistan in 1971, the December 2004 Tsunami, etc. In comparison, China’s PLA Navy with its fleet of 284 vessels is quantitatively larger but lacking in actual war experience, which could undermine its strategic capability. As of 2007, China has no aircraft carriers in its naval fleet but is slated to build and induct an aircraft carrier by 2010.

In strategic nuclear defence and delivery systems, China’s PLA is miles ahead of India’s nuclear forces. The PLA’s stockpile is estimated to have 200-400 active nuclear warheads. In comparison, India’s strategic nuclear force is estimated to have stockpiled about 50-70 nuclear warheads. The most powerful warhead tested by India had an yield of 0.05 megatons which is quite small compared to China’s highest yield of 4 megatons. India’s nuclear delivery system consists of bombers, supersonic cruise missiles and medium range ballistic missiles. Agni 2, India’s longest range deployed ballistic missile is capable of a range of 2500 km, carrying a single nuclear warhead of ~1000 kg. In stark contrast, China’s nuclear delivery system is far more capable with multiple warhead (MIRV) ICBMs like DF-5A [12000+ km] and DF-4 [7500+ km]. It also fields submarine launched SLBMs like JL-2 [8500+ km] and strategic fighter bombers like Su-27 Flanker in its nuclear delivery arsenal.

Economic theory teaches us that incentives drive decision making by a nation or an individual. In case of India, a democracy with no serious military adversary, its militarisation drive is often overshadowed by internal militancy issues and political struggles. In case of a communist China, it has a powerful military adversary in United States; the conflicts over Taiwan give China a strong incentive to beef up its military defence to counter the US military might. The situation is much similar to that of USSR vs USA Cold War, albeit on a much smaller scale. The end result is China walking far ahead of India in military might with overpowering superiority if both conventional and nuclear forces are taken into account.

Happy Deepawali to ALL

May This Diwali be as bright as ever.
May this Diwali bring joy, health and wealth to you.
May the festival of lights brighten up you and your near and dear ones lives.
May this Diwali bring in u the most brightest and choicest happiness and love you have ever Wished for.
May this Diwali bring you the utmost in peace and prosperity.
May lights triumph over darkness.
May peace transcend the earth.
May the spirit of light illuminate the world.
May the light that we celebrate at Diwali show us the way and lead us together on the path of peace and social harmony
"WISH U ALL A VERY HAPPY DIWALI"

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