Thursday, June 23, 2016

Benefits of Dark Chocolate !

Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease.


  • Dark Chocolate is Very Nutritious. ...
  • Dark Chocolate is a Powerful Source of Antioxidants. ...
  • Dark Chocolate May Improve Blood Flow and Lower Blood Pressure. ...
  • Dark Chocolate Raises HDL and Protects LDL Against Oxidation

Saturday, May 14, 2016

3 Reasons Why Watermelon is the Perfect Summer Fruit

3 Reasons Why Watermelon is the Perfect Summer Fruit


Few things shout out the coming of summer quite like the arrival of watermelon at the local market. Thankfully, watermelon is one of those fruits we can all agree on. It’s refreshing and delicious, and it’s the perfect addition to backyard barbeques and 4th of July celebrations. But, did you know that it does wonders for your health, too? Read on for some tasty watermelon recipes and 3 Reasons Why Watermelon is the Perfect Summer Fruit.

3 Reasons Why Watermelon is the Perfect Summer Fruit:
1. Watermelon is Loaded With Antioxidants

Watermelon is full of the antioxidants you need to fight back against free radical damage and prevent inflammation. In addition, it has one of the highest concentrations of lycopene of any fruit.
2. Watermelon Helps Keep You Energized and Hydrated When You Work Out
Watermelon has “water” in its name for a reason. It’s loaded with water to keep you hydrated when you work out. Plus, it’s an excellent source of the electrolytes, sodium and potassium you need to help the body run strong. Watermelon is also rich in Vitamin B, which is necessary for energy production.
3. Watermelon is a Fantastic Disease Fighter
Because watermelon is full of antioxidants and helpful vitamins, it has been shown to fight a number of diseases. It helps to battle back against heart disease, arthritis, asthma, as well as several types of cancers. Now, that’s a powerful fruit!

Friday, April 8, 2016

Green Tribunal Seeks Centre's Reply on Contamination of Groundwater in NCR

Green Tribunal Seeks Centre's Reply on Contamination of Groundwater in NCR


NEW DELHI:  The National Green Tribunal today sought the government's response from on a plea seeking relocation of a waste treatment plant and landfill site from Aravalli hill area in Gurgaon, claiming it has led to water contamination in the area.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notices to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Delhi and Haryana governments, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and others seeking their replies by October 28.

Green Tribunal Seeks Centre's Reply on Contamination of Groundwater in NCR

The Tribunal was hearing a plea by Gurgaon residents Vivek Kamboj and Amit Chaudhery seeking directions to relocate the Bandhwari waste treatment plant and landfill site away from the forest and Aravali hill area.

According to the plea, Municipal Corporations of Gurgaon and Faridabad were disposing of waste in open in Aravalli hills forest area which was generating leachate (liquid that drains from a landfill) resulting in ground water pollution.

The petition, filed through advocate Rahul Choudhary, claimed that the groundwater of South Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad was at risk of getting polluted by a huge toxic lake of untreated municipal solid waste in Aravalli forests, formed by leakage of muck from waste treatment plant in Bandhwari.

"The waste is being dumped in the open in a 30 acre site inside the Aravalli forest area and leachate is generated which is flowing down to the seasonal water body/abandoned mining pits of Aravalli hills.

"This is contaminating the ground water and polluting the surface water of this critical catchment and groundwater re-charge area which also serves as a vital water source for the wildlife," the plea said.

It has sought directions to Haryana government, state pollution control board to take immediate measures for restoration of the area and the lake.

The Bandhwari municipal waste treatment plant off the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road is not functional currently but continued dumping of waste at the plant has led to a stream of dirty black water or leachate flowing into Aravalli forest polluting the nearby aquifers.

Monday, September 7, 2015

The Auto Rickshaw

What do I need to know about an auto rickshaw?

Think of it as a covered bicycle with a fuel-efficient lawn mower engine.
Auto rickshaws, also known as tuk tuks, are common vehicles in India and several other countries. Though variable in size, the rickshaws used for the Rickshaw Challenge will seat up to 3 people (1 driver in the front seat and 2 passengers in the back). Though the design of the rickshaw cannot guarantee complete safety and security, the low top speed of the vehicle contributes to major accident prevention.
It is common for these 3-wheeled vehicles to break down, especially older models. They are however, easy to repair and as locals drive them throughout India, there is no short supply of repair shops or autorickshaw mechanics.
For the most part, if your rickshaw breaks down during the course of the event, you’ll be able to fix the problem yourself, and you will be trained on the finer points of the rickshaw. Here are some average numbers:

  • Gross vehicle weight: 610 kilograms (1340 pounds)
  • Overall length: 2625 mm (103.34 in)
  • Overall width: 1300 mm (51 in)
  • Overall height: 1710 mm (67.3 in)
  • Wheel base: 2000 mm (78.74 in)
  • Engine: Single Cylinder, Two stroke forced air cooled
  • Displacement: 145.45 cc
  • Max. Net Power: 7.00 HP @ 5000 rpm
  • Starting System: Kick start
  • Transmission: 4 forward and 1 reverse
  • Brakes: Front and rear hydraulic break system
  • Fuel tank capacity: 8 liters (2 gal) including 1.4 liters reserve
  • Kerb weight: 272 kg (598 pounds)
  • Mileage within a city: 18 to 20 km/liter (45 mpg)
  • Mileage on the highway: 25 km/liter (60 mpg)
  • Average cruising speed: 50 to 60 kmh (35 mph)
  • Maximum speed: 80 kmh (50 mph)
  • Gas tank travel distance: 145 km to 190 km (90 mi to 120 mi)
  • Oil must be added to every liter at 20 to 50 ml/liter (2.5 oz. – 6.4 oz./ gal)

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Mumbai Autowala Grabs Passenger's Guitar, Belts Out Sholay Theme, Leaves Everyone Stunned

Mumbai resident Kunj Karia is a music enthusiast who had recently started learning the guitar.
Karia was returning from his music class when his auto driver took an interest in his guitar.
The driver, whose name wasn’t revealed in the post, said he was part of a musical group that performed at bars and restaurants. But it wasn’t financially rewarding and he had to give it up. And so he started driving an auto to support his family.
Karia shares on his blog how their conversation unfolded:
Me: Sir how do you know so much about guitar?
He: *chuckles* I was a professional guitarist. I used to play with a group of friends, at small restaurants and bars. We used to perform on streets also. All that was 10 years back.
Me: Then why did you stop playing?
He: Money wasn’t good for musicians back then. Also, there was no assurance of a gig on daily basis. I was married and I needed something which assured my family food, at least twice a day.
Me: Hmm.. tell me more about your friends, the group of friends with whom you played, a bit?
He: We started playing when we were around your age. They used to go to college, I couldn’t since I was working at a factory during day time. Every evening we used to meet, play our favorite songs and perform at some bars if we could get in. Good times, those.
(We reached the place where I was going to get down)
Me: It was good talking to you, uncle.
He: You mind if I play something on your guitar? It’s been long since I played one.
(I could see how eager he was to play the guitar)
Me: Sure! I’d love to listen to you.