Saturday 10 December 2016

Public Holidays in 2017 – INDIA

Following are the Major Public Holidays of 2017 in India.

Note: Holidays in italics fall in weekends. Holidays marked with asterisk (*) are Central Government Restricted Holidays.

#

Name of the Holiday

Date-Month

Week Day

1New Year’s Day01-JanuarySunday
2Guru Govind Singh’s Birthday05-JanuaryThursday
3Makar Sankranti / Pongal14-JanuarySaturday
4Republic Day*26-JanuaryThursday
5Basant Panchami01-FebruaryWednesday
6Maha shivaratri24-FebruaryFriday
7Holi13-MarchMonday
8Ram Navami04-AprilTuesday
9Mahavir Jayanti*09-AprilSunday
10Good Friday*14-AprilFriday
11Buddha Purnima*10-MayWednesday
12Id-Ul-Fitr*26-JuneMonday
13Raksha Bandhan07-AugustMonday
14Independence Day* / Janmashtami15-AugustTuesday
15Ganesh Chaturthi25-AugustFriday
16Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)*02-SeptemberSaturday
17Onam04-SeptemberMonday
18Dussehra*30-SeptemberSaturday
19Muharram*01-OctoberSunday
20Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday*02-OctoberMonday
21Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday05-OctoberThursday
22Diwali*19-OctoberThursday
23Govardhan Puja20-OctoberFriday
24Bhai Duj21-OctoberSaturday
25Chhat Puja25-OctoberWednesday
26Guru Nanak’s Birthday*04-NovemberSaturday
27Id-e-Milad (Prophet Mohammad's Birthday)*02-DecemberSaturday
28Christmas Day*25-DecemberMonday


Wednesday 30 November 2016

Features of New Rs. 500 Currency Note

RBI has started new currency of Rs. 500 on the same design pattern as of Rs. 2000 note. Apart from the note color and size, almost all the security features are same as Rs. 2000 note. The size of the note is 63mm (height) x 150mm (width). We should know its security features to identify whether it's original or fake note.
Knowingnuts-Rs. 500-currency-note-features

Front Side View

  1. Five angular embossed lines at left and right edge of the note
  2. See-through register with numeral 500 is visible when held against light
  3. Numeral 500 can be seen when note is tilted at 45 degree
  4. Numeral 500 is written in Devanagari (Hindi) and English
  5. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi in the center
  6. Security thread showing "Bharat" (in Hindi), "RBI" and "500". Color changes from green to blue when note is tilted
  7. Guarantee Clause, Governor Urjit Patel's signature and RBI emblem
  8. Water marked portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and numeral 500 can be seen against light
  9. Numeral 500 in color changing ink (green to blue)
  10. Currency number growing from small to big at top left and bottom right of the note
  11. Circle with 500 printed in raised ink
  12. Ashoka Pillar emblem
Note: Feature number 1 and 11 are printed in raised ink to help visually impaired people. They can easily identify the note. 
Knowingnuts-Rs. 500-currency-note-features

Back Side View

  1. Year of note printing
  2. Swatchh Bharat Abhiyan logo and slogan
  3. Language panel with two thousand written in 15 Indian languages
  4. Delhi Red Fort image
  5. Numeral 500 written in Devanagari (Hindi)
  6. See-through register with numeral 500 is visible when held against light

Sunday 27 November 2016

Features of New Rs. 2000 Currency Note

RBI has started new currency Rs. 2000 note after demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes on 8th November 2016. Many of us must have seen magenta colored new Rs. 2000 note. Its size, color and printing make it totally different from other traditional Indian currency notes. We should know its security features to identify whether it's original or fake note. The size of the note is 66mm (height) x 166mm (width).
Knowingnuts-Rs. 2000-currency-note-features

Front Side View

  1. Seven angular embossed lines at left and right edge of the note
  2. See-through register with numeral 2000 is visible when held against light
  3. Numeral 2000 can be seen when note is tilted at 45 degree
  4. Numeral 2000 is written in Devanagari (Hindi) and English
  5. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi in the center
  6. "RBI" and "2000" in Micro letters 
  7. Security thread showing "Bharat" (in Hindi), "RBI" and "2000". Color changes from green to blue when note is tilted
  8. Guarantee Clause, Governor Urjit Patel's signature and RBI emblem
  9. Water marked portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and numeral 2000 can be seen against light
  10. Numeral 2000 in color changing ink (green to blue)
  11. Currency number growing from small to big at top left and bottom right of the note
  12. Rectangle with 2000 printed in raised ink
  13. Ashoka Pillar emblem
Note: Feature number 1 and 12 are printed in raised ink to help visually impaired people. They can easily identify the note. 
Knowingnuts-Rs. 2000-currency-note-features

Back Side View

  1. Year of note printing
  2. Swatchh Bharat Abhiyan logo and slogan
  3. Language panel with two thousand written in 15 Indian languages
  4. Mangalyaan - Mars Orbiter Mission image
  5. See-through register with numeral 2000 is visible when held against light

Thursday 3 November 2016

How to Protect Yourself from Toxic Smog

air-pollution-delhi-smog-fog
Delhi-NCR is experiencing thick layer of toxic smog. Air pollution is worst ever since last 17 years. Visibility has gone down to 200-300 meters. Reasons behind this toxic smog are - Crackers used in Diwali festival, dust from construction sites, dusty roads, smoke from burning waste, smoke from fields and last but not the least - growing number of vehicles on the roads.

If air pollution is in worst condition, people are prone to get infected quickly. In long run, air pollution is very dangerous and deadly. People develop respiratory problems, asthma, cancer, TB, early aging, eye problem, skin problem and many more health problems over time. We should protect ourselves as much as possible. Here are some tips to protect yourself from smog and air pollution:

Avoid Exercise Outside

When air pollution is on rise, try to avoid going outside for morning and evening walk either on road or nearby park. Say no to jogging and exercise also in open areas. While exercising, we breathe aggressively and this way we take too much toxic air inside. People who have asthma or other respiratory problems may get more complications.

Stay Inside

Avoid venturing outside unnecessarily. Go out only it is required. Staying inside your house is better for your health.

Keep House Gate and Windows Closed

If outside air is too polluted, better to keep your house windows and gates closed. Before opening them, check outside air quality. If not required, keep them closed.

Avoid Congested Routes

If you have to go out, try to avoid congested routes to reach your destination. Better to use metro if available rather spending hours in crawling traffic and inhaling toxic air.

Use Air Conditioner

Either at home or in car, if outside air is in worst condition, use AC. Your air conditioner will filter some toxic air to some level. Also, make sure you clean your AC's air filter on regular basis.

Use Air Purifier

Install air purifier in your house. It will help you in making air inside your house clean to some extent. Now a day, you can find it in the market.

Plant Air Purifier Plants

Plant some air purifying plants inside your house for cleaning your surroundings. These air purifying plants are Tulsi (holy plant), Snake plant or Mother in laws tongue, Spider plant, Bamboo palm, Boston fern, Aloe Vera plant, Peace Lily and Golden Pothos. Plant which are easily available in your market.

Cover Your Skin

Air pollution affects your skin also. Toxic substances in the air is harmful for your skin. So, keep it covered when going out.

Use Face Mask

If going out, wear face mask. It will filter air what you inhale and protect you from taking toxic pollutants inside. Mask is available on any medical stores.

All of the above are tips to protect yourself from smog and air pollution and stay healthy. Air pollution is killing millions of people world wide every year. Only prevention is in our control so, be serious!

Tuesday 25 October 2016

How to Save Your Smartphone's Battery

We all use smartphones and living our lives around it. GPS, Apps, Games, Bluetooth, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram and so on... All of these take a toll on your phone's battery. To save the battery and run your phone for longer, you need to optimize the settings. Here are some tips that will help you in keeping your phone's battery for long time:

Turn off Mobile Data (Internet)

The first and most effective way to save your mobile battery is turning off your mobile data. This will automatically deactivate all the internet related activities happening on your phone. This is the best tip for saving the battery.

Reduce screen brightness

Most of us increase our phone's screen brightness when outside in sunlight to see the screen clearly but later we forget to reduce the brightness back to lower level. High screen brightness draws down phone battery considerably. So, keep brightness at low level to save the battery.

Set dark wallpaper

Black screen are unlit pixels. In dark wallpaper or homepage, only colored pixels are illuminated. Hence, dark background screen impacts very less on your phone's battery.

No animated wallpaper / homepage

Animated home page or wallpaper constantly use power in order to change the visuals. Turn off the animated visuals and use static to save your phone's battery.

Turn off Vibration

Turn off vibration mode for everything like ringing, messages, key pressing and where possible. Vibration consumes your phone's battery very quickly.

Battery Settings

Check battery usage in your phone's settings and see which apps are taking how much battery. Change according to your requirement to optimize the battery use. This way your phone's battery will last longer.

Turn On Power Saving mode / Airplane mode

When running out of battery or want to save your mobile's battery, turn on the power saving mode or airplane mode. This turns off all the apps automatically and save the battery for longer use.

Set shorter screen timeout

Set your phone's screen timeout to shortest possible period to save on battery use. After phone use, shorter screen timeout will quickly put your phone in sleep mode and save battery.

Don't use in low signal area

When you are on move from one location to another location, phone's signal doesn't remain same. It fluctuates and this impacts on phone's battery. Battery discharges in shorter time.

Turn Off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi constantly check nearby devices and signals resulting quick discharge of phone's battery. Turn it ON only when you need it.

Turn Off GPS, Widgets & Apps

When not in use, turn off GPS, Widgets and apps installed on your phone. They constantly try to keep data updated and draining out your phone's battery.

Store Music locally

Keep your favorite music tracks stored on your phone. Enjoying music online draws down your phone's battery.

Avoid heat exposure

Phone battery is sensitive to temperature. Your phone shouldn't be exposed to direct heat or leaving your phone in car in a hot sunny day. This will reduce battery life and may permanently damage the battery.

Update phone apps

Apps are upgraded to reduce the batter use also. So, keep the apps installed onto your mobile updated regularly.

Turn Off Notifications

If not required, turn off all the notifications or keep active only which are useful to save battery.

Turn Off Email sync

If you do not need to respond emails quickly, turn off push email syncing. Generally it syncs every 15 minutes or 30 minutes. Turning off will save on battery.

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Useful Travel Tips

Knowingnuts-usefu-travel-tips
Selfie Time in Public Transport


Less baggage more fun

Pack your bag with clothes, travel gears, essential medicines but make sure your bag is not too heavy to carry from one place to other. You can’t find helpers everywhere. The less you carry, the happier you feel.

Keep cash at different spots

Don’t keep all of your cash and cards in one wallet. Keep them separately – some in wallet and some in other pockets or bags just to avoid theft or robbery.

Carry first-aid kit

Your first aid kit should have medicines for fever, stomachache, headache, loose motion, vomiting, cough/cold and allergy. Also keep antiseptic ointment/lotion, cotton and Band-Aid. If you are on regular medication, carry your medicine.

Carry ID card

Due to terror threats, travelers should carry their ID cards. It’s mandatory for checking-in hotels.

Keep an internet ready device

Be it your mobile or tablet, it will help you in getting directions, useful information about your itineraries, bookings and keeping you updated with latest news.

Carry extra camera battery

Have you experienced a beautiful epic sunset and just realized that your camera battery is dead and you do not have a backup battery? Carry at least an extra set of batteries on your trips so that you won’t miss out that perfect shot.

Early wake up

If you are driving to your destination, wake up early and hit the road to avoid heavy traffic. And if you are already at your destination, wake up early and enjoy the nature - It’s a magical time for photos due to soft diffused sun light. Most of the locals go out in fields or to their daily work, interact with them.

Go slow

People generally want to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Don’t plan your trip to see too many places in just a few days. Spend time at each itinerary for maximum enjoyment. As you travel slowly, you’ll discover more.

Be flexible and patient

Patience is very important while traveling. Some weird things may happen so try not to get upset when things go wrong. Be flexible with your travel plan for maximum fun in your trip. Be ready to sleep anywhere when in crisis, try any weird food, going out and try new things for fun.

Get lost there

If you really want to enjoy your trip, get lost and explore the destination. Visit the places where real people live and work. The best way to do this is on foot – without knowing exactly where you are going. Keep the address and phone numbers of your hotel handy so that if you are really lost, it will help you.

Unleash yourself

Break out from your comfort zone and try doing things that you have never done or you normally do not do. Go for trekking, talk to strangers, taste weird food and do much more. All these will give you different experience and you will really enjoy it.

Take lot of pictures

You may not be visiting that place again in your lifetime, so take lots of photos. Capture natural beauties, local customs, people you meet, and what you think interesting. In this digital world, thousands of photos won’t take space in your luggage and make them heavy to carry back home. Great photos are the ultimate souvenir.

Use little local language

Learn a few local phrases and use them when you meet locals. Speak to them and experience their culture. Always make eye contact and smile as you walk by. If people smile back, say hello in English or in the local language if you know. This is the best way to make new friends.

Eat local food

You are traveling to the new place not to eat pizza, burger and chowmin. You already eat these at your place. So, try local street food. If you are unaware nice place to eat, ask locals where they eat. Go there instead.

Be respectful

Be respectful to locals and respect their local customs. Do not comment on local dresses or anything you find weird. You are a visitor. Be respectful.

Stay in touch

Do not forget to call your family and friends when you get time. Keep them updated.

Use public transport.

It's easy, it's cheaper and it will give you a real travel experience.

Monday 12 September 2016

Delhi: The Capital of Street Foods

We all know Delhi as a capital of India. But food lovers across the world take it other way, the capital of street food. Not only Indians, but people across world love Indian food and Delhi is the place where you can get all famous dishes of India. Dilli Haat (opposite INA market near AIIMS), a famous cultural market where you can visit stalls of all the Indian States. On these stalls, you can buy famous goods and foods of that particular state.

For food lovers, Delhi is NOT TO MISS destination. Everyone can't afford eating in luxury hotels but in Delhi, even a poor person can enjoy mouth watering street food on reasonable price. These food items are common and can be found at any nearby market places. Following street foods are the top 10 street foods of Delhi:

top 10 delhi street foods

Chole Bhature


The big fluffy bhature attracts thousands of people in Delhi and it makes Chole Bhature the king of all street food. It is served with chole (spicy vegetable made of chana), onion rings, lemon and pickles.

Where to find: You can find chole bhature easily on any outlets where major snacks like Aloo Tikki chaat, pav bhaji are sold. Few famous places are: Sitaram Diwan Chand (Paharganj), Baba Nagpal Corner (Lajpat Nagar), Chache di hatti (Kamla Nagar), Nand ke Chole Bhature (Sadar Bazaar), Giani’s di Hatti (Chandni Chowk), Roshan’s (Karol Bagh) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

top 10 delhi street foods

Parathe


Paratha is made of wheat flour and stuffed with different vegetables, eggs, mutton and chicken keemas (minces). It's the most preferred breakfast of North India. In Delhi, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, Parathas are always in the menu. In Old Delhi near Chandni chowk, there is a lane, Parathe Wali Gali famous for different types of parathas.

Where to find: You can find parathas in any restaurant and on street outlets across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Parathe Wali Gali (Chandni Chowk), Moolchand Parathe Wala (South Delhi), Not Just Parathas (Rajouri Garden) and Kakke di Hatti (Fatehpuri, Old Delhi).

top 10 delhi street foods

Kachori Sabji


Khasta Kachori, Pyaz Kachori and Kachori Sabji... Other varieties of Kachories are also available. Kachori is served with aloo sabji (potato cooked in spicy gravy).

Where to find: You can find it in major market places across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Dinesh Kachoriwala (Nai Sarak, near Chandni Chowk), Jung Bahadur (Chandni Chowk Metro), Sharma Kachoriwala (Pitampura), Baba Nagpal Corner (Lajpat Nagar) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

top 10 delhi street foods

Samosa

Samose are triangular in shape, stuffed with fried potato, paneer, dry fruits, masale (herbs). This is a very common street food not only found in Delhi but you can find it most of the parts in north India. It's served with chole/subji, green and red chutney.

Where to find: You can find Samosas in major market places across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Munni Lal Halwai (Gole Market, CP), Bittu Tikki Wala (Pitampura & Karol Bagh), Tilak Munjal (Pitampura),Annapurna Sweets (CR Park) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets, Aggarwal Sweets etc.

top 10 delhi street foods

Dahi Bhalla


One can't resist of having this street food served with sweet dahi (curd), red and green chutney and pomegranate sprinkled on top of that.

Where to find: You can find it easily on the outlets where Aloo Tikki chaat are sold. Few famous places are: UPSC building (Shahjahan Road, Near India Gate), Bittu Tikki Wala (Pitampura & Karol Bagh), Prabhu Chaat Bhandar (Khan Market),Daulat ki Chaat (Chandni Chowk), Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala (Chandni Chowk) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

top 10 delhi street foods

Aloo Tikki & Chaat


There are two aloo fried dishes - One is aloo chat and another is aloo tikki. Aloo chat is fried potatoes cut in small pieces, mixed with chat masala and onion rings. Aloo Tikki is made of mashed potatoes and flour, served with chole, green/red chutney, dahi (curd) and sprinkled masale (herbs).

Where to find: You can find Aloo Tikki walas in major market places across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: UPSC building (Shahjahan Road, Near India Gate), Bittu Tikki Wala (Pitampura & Karol Bagh), Prabhu Chaat Bhandar (Khan Market),Daulat ki Chaat (Chandni Chowk), Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala (Chandni Chowk) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

top 10 delhi street foods

Golgappe


Delhi Golgappas are similar to Mumbai’s pani-poori and Kolkata’s puchka but Delhi golgappas come in different verities. Golgappa is made of either suji or atta.

Where to find: You can find golgappe walas in any market place across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: UPSC building (Shahjahan Road, Near India Gate), Bittu Tikki Wala (Pitampura & Karol Bagh), Daulat ki Chaat (Chandni Chowk), Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala (Chandni Chowk) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

top 10 delhi street foods

Kababs / Rolls / Shavarmas


Shami kabab, kabab rolls, chicken tikkas, chicken rolls, chicken egg rolls, egg rolls, Shavarma rolls.... endless list of kabab and rolls you can find in all the major eating joints of Delhi-NCR. These are served with sauce, onions and mayonnaise.

Where to find: You can find kababs and rolls in any market place across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Ustad Moinuddin Kebabs (Lal Kuan, near Chawri Bazaar Metro), Ghalib Kebab Corner (Nizamuddin), Nizam’s (Connaught Place), Salim’s Kebabs (Khan Market), Khan Chacha (Khan Market), Qureshi’s Kabab Corner (South Extension-II), Brahmaputra Complex (Noida), Chawla’s (Tilak Nagar), Al Kakori (Vasant Place Market), Kebab Factory (Saket), Al-Bake (New Friends Colony) and Karim's outlets across Delhi-NCR.

top 10 delhi street foods

Momos


Stuffed momos are available generally in two formats - Steamed and fried. At few places, the third option, Tandoori Momos is also available. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, momos come in both versions. It is served with fiery hot chilly sauce.

Where to find: You can find Momos in any market place across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Nagaland & Sikkim Food Stalls in Dilli Haat, Sikkim House (Panchsheel Marg), Cafe Brown Sugar (GK market), Yashwant Complex (Chanakya Puri), Sector-14 Market (Gurgaon), Brahmaputra Complex (Noida), North Campus (DU) and Kamla Nagar Market.

top 10 delhi street foods

Kulfi (Dessert)


In India, it's a tradition to have sweets after every meel - Khane ke baad kuchh mitha ho jaye! Kulfi is famous as street food sweet across Delhi-NCR. Kulfi is made of milk, sugar, dry fruits, added flavour - similar to ice-cream, served as chilled in plates with spoon or with a inserted stick to hold.

Where to find: You can find Kulfi in any market place across Delhi-NCR. Few famous Kulfi outlets are: Giani di Hatti, Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfiwala, and Ghantewala Halwai in Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi); Big Chill Cafe, Khan Market (South Delhi), Jain Kulfi Bhandar at Shahdara, Mangle Di Kulfi (Gurgaon) and Roshan di Kulfi (Karol Bagh).

Tuesday 6 September 2016

Regliance Jio – Prepaid and Postpaid Plans

We all are curious about knowing the Raliance Jio Plans and offers. Jio seems to be a big hit in the Indian telecom market and major players like Airtel, Vodafone, Idea have no choice but to cut their tariffs and give freebies to their customers to retain them.

Regliance Jio – Prepaid Plan

Jio
Tarrifs

Free Voice

Unlimited
Local & STD
Roaming Free

4G Data

WiFi Data

(JioNet Hotspot)

JIO Apps

Subscription worth Rs.1,250

Unlimited SMS

(L+N)

Validity

(Days)

Rs 99

Yes 0.1 GB
Unlimited at Night
0.2 GB Yes Yes 1

Rs 129

Yes 0.75 GB
Unlimited at Night
1.5 GB Yes Yes 7

Rs 149

Yes 0.3 GB
Unlimited at Night
0.7 GB Yes 100 28

Rs 299

Yes 2 GB
Unlimited at Night
4 GB Yes Yes 21

Rs 499

Yes 4 GB
Unlimited at Night
8 GB Yes Yes 28

Rs 999

Yes 10 GB
Unlimited at Night
20 GB Yes Yes 28

Rs 1499

Yes 20 GB
Unlimited at Night
40 GB Yes Yes 28

Rs 2499

Yes 35 GB
Unlimited at Night
70 GB Yes Yes 28

Rs 3999

Yes 60 GB
Unlimited at Night
120 GB Yes Yes 28

Rs 4999

Yes 75 GB
Unlimited at Night
150 GB Yes Yes 28

Regliance Jio – Postpaid Plan

Jio
Tarrifs

Free Voice

Unlimited
Local & STD
Roaming Free

4G Data

WiFi Data

(JioNet Hotspot)

JIO Apps

Subscription worth Rs.1,250

Unlimited SMS

(L+N)

Validity

(Days)

Rs 149

Yes 0.3 GB
Unlimited at Night
0.7 GB Yes 100 Billing
Cycle

Rs 499

Yes 4 GB
Unlimited at Night
8 GB Yes Yes Billing
Cycle

Rs 999

Yes 10 GB
Unlimited at Night
20 GB Yes Yes Billing
Cycle

Rs 1499

Yes 20 GB
Unlimited at Night
40 GB Yes Yes Billing
Cycle

Rs 2499

Yes 35 GB
Unlimited at Night
70 GB Yes Yes Billing
Cycle

Rs 3999

Yes 60 GB
Unlimited at Night
120 GB Yes Yes Billing
Cycle

Rs 4999

Yes 75 GB
Unlimited at Night
150 GB Yes Yes Billing
Cycle




Terms and conditions:
1. Voice is truly free – no charge towards voice or the data used to make 4G voice calls.
2. "Unlimited at Night" pertains to data used between 2am – 5am.
3. Wi-Fi data benefits in the plans pertain to Wi-Fi data availed in the Public Wi-Fi hotspots of RJIL.
4. The subscribers can avail the above plans effective from 1st January 2017.
5. The data used by the consumers for Jio applications, Video calls and other content available on internet would be uniformly debited against plan data allocation.
6. Unutilized free benefits will be forfeited at the end of validity.
7. The prepaid packs with denominations Rs.19, Rs.129 and Rs.299 cannot be availed as a First recharge by new subscribers.
8. 25% additional 4G and WiFi data benefits will be provided to students on providing a valid identity card, as per process.
9. Prepaid tariffs are inclusive of all applicable taxes.
10. On Postpaid tariffs applicable taxes will be charged. The Postpaid subscribers opting for the Auto-debit option using credit/debit cards/online transfer to pay their monthly mobile phone bill and opting for e-bill will be accorded an additional 15% discount on the bill value.
11. The above plans can only be availed by customers possessing a LTE compatible handset.

Sunday 4 September 2016

All About Dengue Fever

What is dengue fever
Dengue fever is a viral disease that is spread by infected Aedes type mosquitoes, principally A. Aegypti. When a mosquito carrying dengue fever virus bites a healthy person, the virus travels in the blood stream and starts multiplying itself in the whole body. Dengue fever is not contagious, which means one person can't pass it directly to another person. Mosquitoes typically bite during the early morning and in the evening but they may bite any time of the day. After the mosquito bite, it takes 4 to 7 days in showing symptoms and in some cases it may surface in upto 14 days.

Dengue fever can occur to people of all ages. Children usually have a milder disease than adults.

Dengue Symptoms


Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever (usually above 104°F), headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of appetite, pain behind the eyes, mild joint pain, low level of blood platelets, swelling, muscle pain, skin rashes and mild nose bleeding or internal bleeding. In some rare cases, shock and coma also noticed. Dengue fever can be a severe and life-threatening.

Please note that Dengue has some common symptoms with Chikungunya, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. The common symptoms of Dengue fever may subside in around 10 days, but complete recovery from the disease can take more than a month.

Dengue Treatment


There is no specific antiviral drug or medicine available for Dengue. Treatments are given to Dengue patients are based on symptoms to control the complications. Patients are advised to take complete rest, drink plenty of water, take more liquid food and medicines to relieve pain (paracetamol). Cold water patti (pad) can be applied on forehead to reduce body temperature.

Ayurveda Remedy


Papaya leaves are very beneficial in controlling dengue fever. It elevates blood platelets count significantly. Dengue patient's situations worsens when blood platelets count goes down drastically.

Tulsi (Basil leaves) has medicinal properties and has soothing effect on nervous system and strengthens stomach. Tea prepared with tulsi leaves, ginger and cardamom can be taken throughout the day after couple of hours intervals. Also, boil tulsi leaves with black pepper in water and drink that water throughout the day to improve immune system.

Fenugreek (Methi) Leaves are beneficial in reducing fever, pain and improves sleep of the patients. You can soak the dry leaves in water and then drink it or you can  mix methi powder with water and have it.

Pomegranate (Anaar) or black grape juice can be taken to increase blood count.

Homeopathic Remedy


Eupatorium Perfoliatum: For fever with bone breaking pains
The alternative name of Dengue is "Break Bone" fever due to terrible pain in bones. This medicine is very effective in relieving terrible bone pain in Dengue fever. Usually throbbing type of pain occurs in the head and limbs. Pain may be felt in the back part of the head and also on the top of the head.

Bryonia: For Dengue fever with body pain and intense thirst
Muscle pain leads to pain in whole body. Whenever the patient tries to walk or move or even turn in bed, the pain becomes intolerable. Patient feels better while at rest and does not want to move. Bryonia is helpful in easing out body pain and reduce intense thirst.

Phosphorus: For hemorrhagic dengue fever
In this type of Dengue fever, burning and numbness of the hands, arms and feet and intense thirst accompany the fever. In this case, the patient wants to have cold water or even chilled water. Phosphorus homeopathic medicine is useful in such conditions.

Carica Papaya: For increasing platelet count
Carica Papaya is a homeopathic medicine made from papaya fruit. Papaya is used in Ayurveda too for increasing platelet count. It improves the platelet counts in patients significantly.

Dengue Prevention and Control


Currently, there is no vaccine commercially available to protect against dengue fever. Hence, prevention is the only protection from Dengue. The Aedes albopictus mosquitoes use indoor sites like flower vases and water storage vessels for breeding. The mosquitoes also breed in outdoor areas like stagnant water, coconut husks, water in pots and coolers. It is important to keep these areas clean and dry. People should use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, put mosquito screens on windows & doors, use mosquito nets during day for small children and elderly people. Since Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes mostly active during daytime, it is important to take protective measures to prevent mosquito bites throughout the day.

June 15 is being observed as International Anti-Dengue Day. The main objectives and goals are to increase public awareness about dengue, mobilize resources for its prevention and control.

Note: Please consult your doctor before taking any medicine.

Tuesday 30 August 2016

All About Chikungunya Fever


Chikungunya (pronounced as chiki-en-gun-yah) is a viral disease spread by Aedes aegypti / albopictus mosquito bites. This is the same mosquito that transmits Dengue and Yellow Fever. The illness occurs usually between 4 to 10 days after the mosquito bite and infection lasts for next 7 to 10 days. Chikungunya disease is not life threatening but in older people, the disease may cause death. Patient gets life long immunity from infection so re-infection is very rare.

Chikungunya Symptoms


Usual symptoms in chikungunya are - shivering, high fever, vomiting, nausea, head ache, muscle pain, rashes (on face, arms, legs & back), swelling in joints and joint pain. The fever usually subsides in 2-3 days, but other symptoms may last for a longer time. The main symptom, severe joint pain is the most problematic symptom of Chikungunya. Hands, wrists and ankles are most frequently affected areas. In some cases, joint pain may be prolonged to weeks/months/years.

Chikungunya has some common symptoms with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.

Chikungunya Treatment


There is no specific antiviral drug, vaccine or medicine available for Chikungunya. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms. Patients are advised to take complete rest, take more liquid food and medicines to relieve pain (paracetamol).

The treatment is focused on relieving joint pains using anti-pyre-tics, analgesics and fluids. The symptoms are common in chikungunya and dengue so, it's difficult to differentiate symptoms from Dengue. Therefore, it is advised not to take any non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like aspirin, diclofenac and ibuprofen until Dengue is ruled out. Else these medicines can cause platelets to fall.

Ayurveda and homeopathy have specific treatments for Chikungunya. Most of the treatments are helpful in reducing the symptoms specially the joint pain.

Prevention and control


We all know that Prevention is the better than cure. The Aedes albopictus mosquitoes use indoor sites like flower vases and water storage vessels for breeding. The mosquitoes also breed in outdoor areas like stagnant water, coconut husks, water in pots and coolers. It is important to keep these areas clean and dry. For protection during outbreaks, insecticides may be sprayed to kill flying mosquitoes and to treat water in containers to kill the immature larvae.

Chikungunya causing mosquitoes are active during daytime, mostly in the early mornings and late afternoon. So it is important to wear long-sleeved clothes to minimize skin exposure. Use repellents, mosquito coils to prevent mosquito bites. For people specially babies and children who nap during the day, using mosquito nets can also prevent from mosquito bites.

Monday 22 August 2016

Why Soaked Almonds Are Better Than Raw Almonds?


Everyone knows that almonds are beneficial for health. We should have it daily because almonds are a good source of antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, zinc, calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acid. Daily dose of almonds helps in losing weight, reducing bad cholesterol (LDL), increasing good cholesterol (HDL), delaying ageing, improving memory, reducing birth defects and fighting cancer.

Many of us must have got advice that we should eat soaked almonds instead of raw almonds. Choosing soaked almonds over raw or normal almonds is a healthier option? Yes, having soaked almonds is definitely a better choice.

Why soaked almonds are better?


The peel of almond contains tannin, an enzyme inhibitor that is meant to protect the seed until it has perfect conditions for germination. Our body can't breakdown tannin, not only making the digesting almonds difficult, but also restricting your body from absorbing almonds nutrients. In order to absorb almonds nutrients, it should be soaked in water overnight.

Besides the above, soaking almonds also softens the seed, making it crunchy, easy to chew and digest.

How to soak almonds?


For an adult, having a handful of almonds (50-60 grams) per day is sufficient. At night, put almonds in any cup or small utensil and fill it with water. Cover them and soak it for overnight (8 hours). In the morning, drain the water and now, your daily dose of almonds are ready for munching. You can have it directly or slice them in small pieces and have it with curd, oats or even porridge.

Almonds contain monounsaturated fats that reduce your appetite and make you feel full for longer time. So, make a habit, soak a handful of almonds every night and have your daily dose of nutrition in your morning breakfast. Happy munching!