Winter Health: Dry Skin

A dry skin problem can be uncomfortable during winters. Your skin might feel tight and painful; it might look dull or red or flaky – a dry skin problem can be more than just a superficial issue, experts say.

There are lots of good reasons to do something about your dry, itchy skin — your looks, your health, and your sanity. So its time to figure out what’s really causing your dry skin problem.

For many, dry skin is not a sign of a skin condition or disease, but is simply caused by harsh soaps, itchy clothing, misusing moisturizer, and long, hot showers. But the medications you take — and even medical conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, and malnutrition — can also cause severe dry skin.

Understanding Dry Skin
Let’s start with some skin basics. Normal, healthy skin is coated in a thin layer of natural lipids, or fatty substances. They keep in moisture, leaving the skin soft and supple.
What causes dry skin — something in the environment — or something you’re doing to your skin — what is stripping away these fatty oils, leaving your skin unprotected. Less often, the cause is internal; a health condition or genetic predisposition which makes your skin dry out.
While patches of dry, itchy skin can appear anywhere, it’s most common on the arms, hands, lower legs, and abdomen. Dry skin is often felt more than it’s seen, but on some people it can be noticeable and embarrassing.
If untreated, dry skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis — inflammation of the skin — swelling, and infection. The good news is that just as most causes of dry skin are external, most cures for dry skin are external. With careful dry skin care, you can usually solve the problem.

Dry Skin Problem: Misusing Moisturizer
If you’ve been contending with dry skin, you’ve probably already tried a moisturizer — if not dozens. But while moisturizers are a crucial part of dry skin care, experts say that we don’t always use them very well.
The biggest mistake we make is applying moisturizer on dry skin, when it’s least likely to help. “You have to put on moisturizer when your skin is still damp -that way, the moisturizer is traps the moisture still on your skin. Your skin shouldn’t be sopping wet — just pat yourself dry with a towel and put it on. Let it soak in for a few minutes, and then towel off the excess.
You’ve also got to get the right type of moisturizer. Experts recommend that people with dry skin get mild moisturizers that have no perfumes or alcohols.
“Dry air is probably the most common cause of dry skin, especially during the winter, which draws the moisture right out of the skin. Dry skin during winter even gets its own name: winter itch.
While cold, harsh weather does dry your skin, another big problem in the winter lies indoors — the dry heat churned out by your room heaters/blowers. To counteract the dry heat, start with a moisturizer.
Other dry skin care tips include using a humidifier in your bedroom, and bundling up — with hats, scarves and gloves, when you’re outside.

Dry Skin Problem: Long, Hot Showers & Baths
Prolonged exposure to water — especially hot water — can wash away the natural oils that protect your skin. If you get out of the bath or shower and your skin feels tight, it’s dried out.
 So what should you do? First, choose showers over baths. limit showers to a few minutes and skip the hot water.
“The water doesn’t have to be cold, but it should be lukewarm rather than hot.
Afterward, pat your body dry with a towel — rather than vigorously rubbing it — and put on a moisturizer right away.

Dry Skin Problem: Soap
“One of the biggest problems people have with dry skin stems from their soap. Soap can quickly strip away your skin’s protective oils, if we use too much of it.
“The average person just doesn’t get very dirty during the day, the only parts of the body that need any soap or cleanser at all are the face, hands, feet, groin and underarms. The rest of the body can usually just be rinsed off with water.
While our doctors, mothers and now advertisers — always tell us to wash our hands frequently, that can also lead to trouble. Ironically, while done in the quest to rid ourselves of germs, excessive hand washing can dry out the skin and cause it to crack and bleed, making infection much more likely.
Many of us choose our soaps unwisely. We go for harsh soaps, such as deodorant or antibacterial soaps, that generate lots of lather and leave us feeling squeaky clean. “The bubbling and lathering from soap removes the oils from the surface of the skin and dries it out.
For dry skin care, look for milder, “fragrance-free” soaps. That’s not the same as “unscented,” which may still have perfumes. For many people with dry skin, the best choice is a mild skin cleanser rather than soap, experts say.
Whatever you do, don’t use any harsh implements to wash yourself. “People will get these incredibly abrasive sponges and brushes.

Dry Skin Problem: Itchy Clothing
Dry skin is especially sensitive to contact irritants, so continually exposing your skin to uncomfortable clothing could make your skin drier and itchier.
Go with clothes that feel comfortable the first time you put them on. “Instead of wool, choose cotton next to your skin. Make sure your clothing isn’t too tight either, since chafing can also cause and irritate dry skin. And remember, if your skin feels irritated, use detergents without perfumes or dyes.

Dry Skin Problem: Medications and Drugs
A number of medicines have the side effect of drying out the skin. They include drugs for
High blood pressure, like diuretics Acne and other skin conditions, like retinoids
If you notice the onset of a dry skin problem after starting a medication, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to help by changing the dose or switching the medication.

Dry Skin Problem: Medical Conditions
Usually, dry skin is caused by external factors. But sometimes, it can be a sign of something going on internally, whether it’s a natural physiologic change or an illness.
For instance, dry skin often develops when people get older, especially in women. “Changes in hormone levels can cause dry skin as we age,” says Petronic-Rosic. As many as 75% of people over 64 have dry skin. Other people, regardless of age, are simply genetically prone to dry skin.

A number of medical conditions can result in dry skin. Some of the more common of these medical causes are:

• Skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. While they usually need direct treatment, careful use of moisturizers often helps.
  
• Diabetes. Fluctuations in glucose levels can lead to dehydration, and that dries the skin out. Given that diabetes can also slow healing and increase the risk of infections, it’s especially important for people with this condition to keep their skin healthy.
  
• Hypothyroidism. Low levels of thyroid hormone can reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin. As a result, skin becomes dry and rough and moisturizer is unlikely to help. Hypothyroidism is usually accompanied by other symptoms, like fatigue and weight gain, Kenet says. 
• Malnutrition. Not getting the nutrients you need can leave your skin dried out. One possible cause is an eating disorder.Other diseases, both minor and serious, can also cause dry skin problems. The best way to treat these cases of dry skin depends on the illness. Sometimes, getting medication for the underlying condition directly will resolve the dry skin. But in other cases, you might still need to follow some of the basic dry skin care tips outlined above. Ask your doctor for advice.
  
  Getting Help for Dry, Itchy Skin
  While dry skin can be a sign of these more serious health conditions, it’s usually nothing more than run-of-the-mill dry skin, but if your dry skin problem is making you miserable, it’s time to talk to a doctor. He or she can help you identify the causes and get you the treatment you need. Doctors can recommend medicine if you need it.

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Petrol prices lowered by Rs 1.85 per litre

New Delhi: India's fuel retailers Tuesday cut petrol prices by Rs 1.85 per litre, excluding state taxes and levies, which should make its price cheaper by Rs 2.22 per litre in the national capital from midnight, bringing welcome relief to vehicle owners. The move comes against the backdrop of some allies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and opposition parties alike criticising the move earlier this month by oil retailers to hike petrol prices by Rs 1.80 per litre.
However, IndianOil Corp (IOC), the largest of the three state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs), said a fall in global crude prices and the rupee remaining stable at 49.30 to a US dollar were the reasons it could bring down prices of petrol.

The last time prices were slashed was in January 2009.
Incidentally, in early November when OMCs announced a hike in petrol prices, the rupee was still hovering over 49 to a dollar.
"IndianOil reviews motor spirit prices on fortnightly basis and based on the review, fixes prices for the next fortnight. In keeping with this practice, IndianOil has reviewed the pricing cycle as prevalent in the last fortnight," the company said Tuesday.


"The review reveals that at the current prices, there will be an over-recovery of Rs.1.85 per litre. It has, therefore, been decided to revise the MS (motor spirit) prices downward by Rs.1.85 (excluding state taxes and levies) with effect from Nov 16," the company added.

The current and new petrol prices in the four metros are as under:
                           Old                New
New Delhi         Rs.68.64           Rs.66.42
Kolkata             Rs.73.15           Rs.70.84
Mumbai             Rs.73.81           Rs.71.47
Chennai            Rs.72.73           Rs.70.38

"This is some relief for the middle class. But petrol prices are still too high when you compare them to diesel. Government should bring it down further," said Ravi Ahuja, a 26-year-old sales executive with an FMCG firm.

OMCs, however, continue to incur under-recoveries on account of selling diesel, kerosene and cooking gas below their international prices. All the three fuels are still regulated by the government, compared to petrol which is sold at a de-regulated price.
"In case of diesel, the international prices have firmed up (a trend exactly opposite to petrol) during the fortnight and as a result, the under-recovery of the company on diesel has increased from Rs.8.58 to Rs.10.17 per litre," IOC said.
The under-recoveries on kerosene and cooking gas are Rs.25.66 per litre and Rs.260.50 per cylinder, respectively. The projected total under-recovery of IndianOil for 2011-12 (excluding petrol) is estimated to be over Rs.71,000 crore and for the OMCs together would be around Rs.1,30,000 crore.
However, economics notwithstanding,Trinamool Congress supreme and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday Welcomed the decision to cut petrol prices by Rs.1.85 per litre as a "positive step", and said she was very much concerned about the prices of cooking gas and kerosene.
"It is a positive step. We are happy about it," Banerjee told reporters.
Earlier this month, Trinamool -- the second largest ally of Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) -- had threatened to pull out of the government over its dissatisfaction over repeated hike in petrol prices.
Giving a temporary reprieve to the Congress, Banerjee had then said her party would not stay with the central government if price of kerosene, diesel and cooking gas was raised yet again as the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was non-committal on the issue of further hike in the prices of petroleum products.

"We are very much concerned about the prices of domestic gas, kerosene and diesel," said Banerjee Tuesday.
The party meanwhile dubbed the decision to bring down the prices as the victory of the party supreme Mamata Banerjee.
"It is definitely a success for Trinamool and party chief Mamata Banerjee who had time again protested against the price rise of petrol. We welcome the decision as it will bring some relief to the masses who are reeling under the bane of inflation," Trinamool MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar told IANS.
The cut in petrol prices, by Rs.1.85 per litre, evoked mixed political response elsewhere in West Bengal with the Left Front describing it as a ploy to woo the masses before the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.
"We have seen this ploy earlier also just before the 2009 Lok Sabha polls when the oil prices came down and were increased just after the polls. As the UP assembly polls are knocking at the door so it has been decreased to appease the masses," said Mohammed Salim, central committee member of the Communist Party of India-Marxist.
"They were under tremendous pressure both from their alliance partners and opposition parties. The UP assembly election is near so they had to put up a pro-public image, so the prices have come down," said Kshiti Goswami, state secretary, Revolutionary Socialist Party.
"The petrol prices have been increased 11 times (in 12 months) and this is the first time the oil prices have come down. So it needs to be calculated first how much has increased and how much the price has come down," said Manju Kumar Majumdar, state secretary, Communist Party of India.
The NCP Tuesday hailed the slash in petrol prices, noting that the move showed that the government has come to "some sense".
In his reaction to the cut party General Secretary DP Tripathi said, "This shows that the government has come to some sense. Therefore, I welcome the decision."
The Sharad Pawar-led NCP, an ally of the UPA, had asked the government to devise some mechanism to keep fuel prices in check after state-owned oil companies effected a steep hike of Rs 1.80 per litre on November 3.

Source: IANS/PTI

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Rebuild Your Vision 10-10-10 Rule

Use a simple way you can reduce near point stress associated with reading, watching television, and computer use.
Every time you are performing close vision work for over 10 consecutive minutes, look up and focus on anything that is at least 10 feet away, for at least 10seconds. 10-10-10…
Incorporate this into everything you do up close. This technique, along with a few more simple ones just like it can help to save your vision for years to come!

Do You Use A Computer At Work?

Many of us sit in front of the magic box all day!
If you’ve experienced any of the 14 symptoms listed below, you’ll want to read on for information on how to combat CVS.

The American Optometric Association’s 14 Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome

• tired eyes
• eyestrain
• periodic blurred near vision
• occasional blurred distance vision
• headaches
• dry eyes
• slowness in changing the focus of your eyes
• burning eyes
• contact lens discomfort
• changes in color perception
• glare sensitivity
• excessive tearing
• sore eyes
• red eyes

Obviously, the easiest way to prevent CVS is to stop using the computer! But, as that is simply not an option for the millions of us who make a living performing computer-related tasks, here are 6 tips to help you monitor your natural monitors: your eyes.

1. Make sure your workstation, whether on the job or at home, is set up ergonomically

“Ergonomics” is just a fancy way of saying “Being kind to your body.” But as we know, being good to your body every day will benefit you in the long run. Repositioning your monitor is an easy and effective way to avoid awkward head or eye movements. As Dr. Ergo (aka Dr. James Sheedy) notes on his Web site,“Because the eyes lead the body, your body will assume whatever position is required to enable your eyes to see comfortably. A poorly located computer screen causes awkward body positions.” He notes that a viewing distance of 18-28 inches is most common.
He also says that the center of the computer screen should be 4-9 inches below your eyes, because your eyes work best with a slight downward gaze. Your computer screen and other work (and your phone, if that’s part of your office)should be located straight in front of you so that you don’t have to look sideways or twist your body or neck to see them.

2. Eliminate glare in your work area

Glare is an all-too-common cause of eyestrain and eye fatigue. Modifying your office lighting will eliminate glare and harsh reflections. First, find the source of the glare: Is it coming from a window, task light, or the screen itself (see #3 below)?
If possible, remove the offending source of light. Adjust blinds or curtains to minimize sunlight. Turn down overhead lights so that the brightness of the screen and the surrounding room are balanced. Do not, however, work in the dark: the contrast between computer-generated light and lack of background light strains the eyes.
Task lights should be positioned to provide direct light for reading and other office work, but should not shine directly on the computer or in your eyes. You may need to use a low-wattage bulb.
You may also need to move your desk so that bright overhead lights or windows are not in your field of view. The best position for your desk is directly to the side of a window/overhead light. That way you can still enjoy some natural light without glare (caused by brightness in front of your field of vision) or reflections(caused by brightness behind you).
Another option is to use a monitor glare hood, or better yet, a screen. Look for anti-reflection screens that have been approved by the American Optometric Association.

3. Adjust your screen

Dr. Ergo notes, “Optimal contrast and visibility are attained with black characters on a white background. However, other combinations can be comfortable so long as the brightness contrast between the characters and the background is high. It is best to avoid dark backgrounds.”
You can also adjust your brightness/contrast controls, and use a larger text size, as display legibility is an important factor in visual performance. For most, the size of the text should be three times the size of the smallest text you can read.
An article on “Flat-Panel Monitors Versus CRTs” in the magazine PC World says that “flat panel (LCD) displays have visual advantages compared to cathode ray tube (CRT) displays. They do not flicker and the contrast is typically higher.” And because CRTs deteriorate gradually over time, you may not even realize that the picture you are looking at today is not the same one you were looking at five years ago when you bought the monitor-although this deterioration may be causing your CVS symptoms. Consider an upgrade.

4. Take a break

It’s easy to lose track of time at the computer. Always remember the 10-10-10 rule and at the minimum take a break at least once an hour for about 10 minutes and blink frequently — video display use is associated with a decreased frequency of blinking. (And a computer break is a perfect excuse to perform your Rebuild Your Vision eye exercises.) Computer use can also cause an increased rate of tear evaporation.

5. Stay healthy

Although you can relieve dry, itchy eyes with artificial tears from the drugstore or supermarket, it’s best not to rely on them. A better way to prevent dryness is to stay hydrated with good old-fashioned H2O. Of course, eating your beta-carotine-rich foods is always good for maintaining eye health, and a Japanese study suggests that supplementation with the amino acid taurine appears to alleviate vision fatigue. Contact lens wearers may want to switch to glasses during PC work, as contact lenses themselves can cause dry eyes.

6. Rest Your Eyes

A nice cold washcloth, or a soothing, camomile- or lavender-filled eye pillow-or even closing your eyes for 10 minutes! (does wonders for sore eyes after a long day’s work)

And a great reminder for taking breaks… Follow the 10-10-10 rule!

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Top 10 Blackberry Apps

If holding a Blackberry phone in the hand gives a feel of pride, on the other hand apps can excite you and help you. If you are very busy and couldn’t able to send emails on time Blackberry helps you. If you are a business traveler and struggling hard to build and manage your itinerary then Blackberry is the solution for you. You might be wondering that how a phone could be helpful in such a tricky situation. Whether you believe it or not Blackberry Apps are helpful for millions of people in many ways.

Here are the top 10 Blackberry Apps. http://ow.ly/6GZin

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Soy: Not A Healthy Alternative

Soy is the latest food fad to sweep the country. But is it really good for you?

One of the longest and best-conducted studies on the effects of soy consumption — involving annual CT brain scans of subjects — found that those who ate the most soy foods had a dramatically higher incidence of brain shrinkage and dementia compared to those who ate the least or none at all.
It has been shown that soybeans naturally have high levels of glutamate, manganese, fluoride, and aluminum, all of which are brain toxins. Yet because of massive propaganda campaigns by so-called health authorities, women, in particular, are consuming large amounts of soy-containing foods and drinks.
These women think that they are reducing their risk of breast cancer. In fact, studies have shown that in women who have had breast cancer or are currently fighting the disease, soy increases the growth of their cancers.
Of special concern is the high manganese content in soy products, particularly soy milk and baby formula. In babies, manganese can cause damage to critical areas of the developing brain. In older adults, it can worsen damage to the parts of the brain responsible for Parkinson’s disease.
The fluoride and aluminum in soy combine to form a compound that damages brain cells and other organs — especially the thyroid. Dr. Anna Strunecka, a friend and colleague of mine from the Czech Republic, has conducted extensive research on the toxicity of aluminofluoride.
In addition, more than 80 percent of all soybeans used for manufacturing foods are GMO (genetically modified). Genetic modifications cause the plant to produce abnormal proteins as well as to overproduce toxins normally produced by the plant.

So, ignore the hype: Soy is not a healthy alternative.

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Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) exempted various service providers

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today exempted various service providers, including the dealers of telecom operators, e-ticketing agencies and social networking sites, from the new limit of one

Following concerns raised by telecom lobby COAI on limiting the SMS entitlement to 100 per day, TRAI today exempted various service providers, including the dealers of telecom operators, e-ticketing agencies and social networking sites, from the new limit of one hundred SMSes per day per SIM

New Delhi: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today exempted various service providers, including the dealers of telecom operators, e-ticketing agencies and social networking sites, from the new limit of one hundred SMSes per day per SIM, which was imposed to block pesky calls and messages, reports PTI.
On 5th September, after much delay, TRAI had come out with recommendations to stop pesky calls and text messages from 27th September, ordering that no access provider (operators) shall permit thetransmission of more than 100 SMSes per day per SIM.
“… Hereby directs all access providers to exclude the following persons from the limit of one hundred SMS per day per SIM-dealers of the telecom service providers and DTH operators for sending request for electronic recharge on mobile numbers,” TRAI said in a statement.
The directive from the regulator had come in the wake of concerns raised by telecom lobby COAI on limiting the SMS entitlement per SIM to 100 per day.
It will also exempt e-ticketing agencies for responding to e-ticketing request made by its customers, SMSes from social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, LinkedIn and GooglePlus to their members in connection to activities relating to their accounts, based on verifiable options; and agencies providing directory services, such as Justdial, Zatse, Callezee, Getit and Askme, TRAI added.
Earlier, COAI had asked TRAI to reconsider its recommendation to limit the number of SMSes per SIM to 100 per day, saying that such a regulation may pose a potential challenge to the ‘fundamental rights’ of an ordinary user.
There are several instances where SMSes are an important mode of communication. There could be a situation where a customer has exhausted the limit and suddenly some emergency occurs, COAI had said.
Further, this limit will not also be applicable on ‘blackout days’ (festive occasions), when the customer is free to send as many messages he wants.
In the case of post-paid telephone numbers, the access provider shall not permit more than 3,000 SMSes per SIM per month, the TRAI recommendations had said.
However, TRAI said, “The access provider shall, before excluding the persons, obtain an undertaking from such person that he shall not use the said facility in any manner for sending commercial communications.”
Subscribers have the option of choosing to be under the ‘Fully Blocked’ category, which is akin to the ‘Do Not Call Registry’. If a user selects the ‘Partially Blocked’ category, he/she will receive SMSes in categories chosen.

For registering under the fully blocked list, a customer has to SMS `START 0' to 1909.

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No more pesky calls and SMSs

New Delhi: Millions of mobile subscribers across the country are likely to get relief from pesky commercial calls and messages with the regulations preventing such communications coming into effect Tuesday, the 27th
To avail the service, the customers will have to get themselves registered with the National Customer Preference Registry, earlier known as “National Do Not Call Registry”. The regulations include fines ranging from Rs.25,000 to Rs.250,000 for the defaulting companies.
According to reports, while the number of pesky calls has come down lately, the messages still remained a menace. On an average, as many as 47,454 complaints per month are being registered in this regard.
Communications Minister Kapil Sibal will Tuesday announce the implementation of the regulations — The Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulation — thus laying down strict penalties for violators.
Although over 130 million mobile subscribers had registered with the National Do Not Call registry till Aug 25, consumers are still pestered with unwanted commercial calls and messages.
The telecom watchdog had announced a set of new measures last year to curb such unsolicited commercial communications which were to be implemented from Jan 1, but it kept repeatedly postponing the implementation sate.
The department of telecom (DoT) has provided ’140′ number series to be allocated to telemarketers for a fixed line network. Access providers have to make relevant provisions in their network before allocation of resources to telemarketers using ’140′ numbering series from fixed line network.
Unlike the previous regulation that asked customers to register their numbers in “Do Not Call” list, the new regulations allows customers to choose from different categories like “Fully blocked” or “Partially blocked”.
TRAI has disconnected over 72,000 telephone connections of registered telemarketers and over 118,000 of unregistered telemarketing companies for breaching guidelines related to commercial calls and messages up to May 2011.Source: IANS

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Contracts Favouring Manufacturers To Go

Govt To Amend Consumer Law To End Unfair Terms

Soon, your telecom operator, bank or real estate developer may not be able to get away with one-sided contracts.
The government is set to revamp the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 to provide for acting against unfair terms in contracts which are skewed in favour of service providers or manufacturers.
Government officials said discussions are on to bring in transparent rules on unfair contracts. Under the present laws, the contracts are unilateral and there is no protection against unfair contracts. The planned changes are likely to be introduced in Parliament soon. “Work is under way on the issue and we hope to bring the changes for debate soon,” a senior government official told TOI.

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A COMPLAINT LETTER [ TO THE RAILWAYS ] IN 1909 !!!

________________________________
Okhil Babu’s letter to the Railway department:
________________________________

I am arrive by passenger train Ahmedpur station and my belly is too much swelling with jackfruit. I am therefore went to privy. Just I doing the nuisance that guard making whistle blow for train to go off and I am running with lotaah in one hand and dhoti in the next when I am fall over and expose all my shocking
to man and female women on platform. I am got leaved at Ahmedpur station. This too much bad, if passenger go to make dung that dam guard not wait train five minutes for him. I am therefore pray your honour to make big fine on that guard for public sake. Otherwise I am making big report to papers. Okhil Chandra Sen wrote this letter to the Sahibganj divisional railway office in 1909. It is on display at the Railway Museum in New Delhi. It was also reproduced under the caption Travellers Tales in the Far Eastern Economic Review.
Any guesses why this letter is of historic value?

It led to the introduction of TOILETS in trains in India…..!!!!

You want anything done?
write to ‘Consumer VOICE’!

Never think any idea is stupid and discard it.
Speak up. Wake up.

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Breakthrough Could Make Dental Drills Obsolete

Imagine never having to face your dentist’s drill again. No more needles… no more “floppy lips” or embarrassing drooling afterwards… and no more pain.
Doctors at Britain’s University of Leeds may have just made the drill obsolete. Their breakthrough actually helps teeth reverse decay and repair themselves. And their discovery may not only save you from pain… it could save you thousands of dollars in dental bills, too.

Here’s the story…
Within 20 minutes of eating, bacteria in your mouth begin to combine with food particles and your saliva. Together, they form plaque deposits on your teeth.
The bacteria also convert sugars and starches in your food to acid. This acid eats tiny holes – called micro-pores – in your teeth. Over time, the acid enlarges the pores more and more – until you have a “cavity.”
You usually don’t notice a cavity growing, because there are no nerve endings in your tooth enamel. But as the cavity grows larger, it can eat down to where there are nerve endings – or even fracture your tooth.
When this happens, you need a filling… a crown… a root canal… or maybe even an extraction. And any one of these procedures can be painful.
The researchers at the University of Leeds discovered how to “train” teeth to rebuild healthy enamel while cavities are still at the micro-pore stage. The secret is a tiny molecule called a peptide.
Peptides are sort of like mini-proteins. Their structure is very similar to a protein, but usually much simpler.
The doctors at Leeds discovered a special peptide – called P11-4 – can assemble itself into fibers. They’ve created a fluid that triggers this action and can be “painted” onto a tooth’s surface.
When their “magic fluid” comes into contact with your saliva, it forms a gel. A gel loaded with these special peptide fibers that build a sort of scaffolding in the micro-pores.
And here’s where it gets really interesting. Calcium – the major building block of tooth enamel – is attracted to P11-4. Calcium begins to build up on the scaffolding in the micro-pores and the tooth literally rebuilds itself.
Now here’s the great part… This isn’t just a theory. The research team at Leeds has already tested P11-4 on humans. When they painted it on teeth showing early signs of decay, the “scaffolding” formed inside micro-pores and the people’s teeth literally reversed the effects of decay.
No needle… no drill… no pain. Even better, by avoiding a filling, you could be avoiding even more discomfort later on.
For one thing, plaque tends to build up along the edges of fillings. So this process may not only help repair existing damage… it may help prevent future damage, too.
Plus, teeth with fillings are weaker than healthy teeth. It’s not uncommon for cracks to form in filled teeth after several years. At that point, a crown or root canal may be necessary. That can mean a lot of discomfort. And an unwelcome expense. A crown can easily set you back $1,000 or more.
A Swiss company has already licensed the P11-4 process and plans to run larger trials. So, before long, you could be seeing a lot less of your dentist’s drill.

Stay Healthy,

Dr Kenneth Woliner, M.D.
Best Life Herbals
1 “Filling Without Drilling,” University of Leeds. Aug 22, 2011.

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2.5 lakh students will be given water bottles!

These students are from 100 primary schools, run by MCD in Delhi,

which have no drinking water!

This is slated to cost the MCD, approximately 1.5 crores.

This truly harks back to the alleged quote by an insensitive member of the French royalty, which supposedly triggered the French Revolution: When a queen was told that her subjects were rising in protest because they had no bread to eat. Her solution : 'Oh if they don't have bread, give them cakes'! So if they don't have water, give them water bottles!

In any case why we are interested in the story is because our organization VOICE, carried out a comparative test story about these very water bottles that kids carry to schools, and published it in the May 2011 issue of 'Consumer VOICE'. We have several interesting findings to report.

 

Interested parties kindly contact : editor.online@consumer-voice.org for a full story.

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Mass Migration to metro cities

The population boom over the years in India has seen its share of distress. The birth control policy scheme has also not been able to halt the rapid growth of population. Being under-developed nation, metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkatta, Chennai has witnessed a mass migration, as small cities are unable to offer a sky-rocketing growth. 

Under these circumstances, do you think the government shouldn't restrict the developmental plans, employment generation and infrastructure plans to metro cities alone ? 

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Is hunger strike unconstitutional ?

The hunger strike has always been the hallmark of protests since the times immemorial. However, Anna Hazare's hunger strike is giving night mares to the Central government, many intellectuals believe that hunger strike is not a peaceful demonstration rather it is a way to blackmail the government along with the public support.

Do you think hunger strike is unconstitutional ?

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Anna detained; what next?

Anna Hazare courted arrest after being detained by Delhi Police at his residence in Mayur Vihar ahead of his indefinite fast.Hazare had declared that he would go on fast Aug 16 for a strong Lokpal bill.

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Junk Food

With children switching on to fast/junk foods at large scale and suffering from various health problems, do you think school authorities in school should ban the junk food in their school canteen?

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A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain.. Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

This is interesting.

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases.. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance.. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills.. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth.. Amazing fruit !!!

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Traditional Khadi cloths

The consumption of fashion has seen scaling new heights in India over the years. People call it "borrowed" fashion, as clothes, trends, cosmetics are majorly borrowed from the Western world. Do you think, fashion designers need to revamp the traditional khadi into a fashion statement with innovative changes in manufacturing of khadi made clothes ?

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"During the 'Slut Walk', yesterday, Delhi youth, both boys and girls, brought sexual harassment into central focus and used the Nukkad Natak to convey their message. With Delhi Police personnel standing by, the street play turned out to be the most powerful medium through which the participants drove their message across and attracted the loudest cheers.

Consumer VOICE has been using the street play to raise awareness amongst Delhi consumers during the Trade Fair at Delhi's Pragati Maidan in the last week of November. It is happening again!. We invite Delhi colleges to come forward and register themselves with VOICE, as soon as they can get a team of around 15 together. The theme : Consumer awareness within the 'Jago Grahak Jago' ambit.

Contact :

Sapna Saini: 9953429822, sapna@consumer-voice.org, sapnaa.saini@gmail.com
Roopa Vajpeyi: 9810026032, roopa.vajpeyi@gmail.com

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Trust deficit within the government

To move forward, economy needs money. And, money comes in form of FDI, FII, World Bank, IMF and UN developmental programs. Despite getting truck loads of money from these prestigious organisations, consumers are yet facing the quality and service crunch. With mounting corruption and scams, government has embark themselves into trust deficit.

Under these circumstances, do you think an autonomous body working towards the developmental of the masses should be formed in every state?   

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Hair Products

With number of hair oils, hair gel and hair creams doing round in the market, claiming the best for consumers.

Do you think too much of hair related products confuse the consumers, and spoils the hair?

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 Attention! all Tea lovers.. Enjoy!

 By Christopher Shay

One Glass, Seven Layers of Tea

Mr. Gour and his layered tea.

Bangladeshis will travel hours to the sleepy town of Srimongol, in Bangladesh’s northeast, just for a cup of Romesh Ram Gour’s famous tea. In a country of avid tea drinkers, Mr. Gour is the inventor behind a seven-layer tea which, he claims, no one else has been able to replicate. Copycats in the region have succeeded in creating five-layer teas, but none have been able to unlock the secret to Mr. Gour’s rainbow brew.

Mr. Gour invented his colorful layered teas 10 years ago, when he was selling tea from a bamboo shack. He says he realized that teas from different leaves have slightly different densities. It took a year of experimenting before he could sell teas with more than two layers. Over the years, he learned to expand to seven.

The kind of layer tea Mr. Gour makes is unique to the Srimongol area. An iced three-layer tea has become popular in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, but those drinks include one type of tea and are typically layered with palm sugar on the bottom, evaporated milk in the middle and tea on the top. What makes Srimongol’s special are the discrete layers of tea blends.

Mr. Gour mixes different types of locally grown tea—three black teas and one green tea— from four types of bushes, with milk and various spices. Each mixture has a distinct color and taste, and he pours one on top of another to create seven distinct bands. Customers sip each layer slowly:  Trying to figure out what’s in each one is a fun act of gustatory detective work. The top layer of the seven-layer tea has hints of cinnamon; the layer below has a slight citrus flavor to it. Mr. Gour says the fourth layer from the top and bottom layer get the most reaction from his customers. The fourth layer is a black tea mixed with condensed milk, while the bottom layer is a sweet, syrupy green tea with cloves, cinnamon and “secret spices.” (Customers can choose to have one to seven layers of tea in their drink.)

In a country that consumes more than 55 million kilograms of tea leaves a year, Mr. Gour’s layered tea has turned him into something of a celebrity. He has shared a cup of his tea with many of Bangladesh’s top politicians, including members of Parliament and the governor of Bangladesh Bank. Bangladeshi newspaper clippings about his tea cover one wall of his open-air shop. In January, he opened a second tea cabin, just down the street from his first one.

A seven-layer drink costs 70 taka, or about one U.S. dollar. It may not sound like much, but most cups of tea in the area cost about seven U.S. cents.

Just how, exactly, Mr. Gour layers the tea is a closely guarded secret. Mr. Gour heads to a back room so he can make his concoction away from prying eyes. He has trusted the recipe to his three sons and brother who work at the shops—only the five them are allowed into the tea-preparation room.

Though imitators have popped up around town, offering their own layered teas, Mr. Gour is leading the competition with most layers. He says after years of practice, he will release a 10-layer tea later this year.

So, is the tea worth the trip?

With its varied flavors, tea connoisseurs are bound to find at least a layer or two they like. The fourth layer from the top stood out with its strong spices, likely some mixture of ginger and cinnamon in a black tea, while the popular bottom layer was a bit on the sweet side (though would have tasted great as a syrup on ice cream). Mr. Gour claims the flavors “will live with you a lifetime,” but there’s no one tea flavor that makes that memorable of a mark. It’s more about the experience – and drink — as a whole: the mystery of the ingredients, the rows of tea bushes just outside the shops and the chance to drink from the hands of a Bangladeshi tea master.

Nilkantha Tea Cabins are on Kalighat Road just a few kilometers outside of the town of Srimongol in Sylhet division, Bangladesh.

http://blogs.wsj.com/scene/2011/06/07/the-secret-of-the-seven-layer-tea/

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JOIN Consumer Voice to educate consumers on a spectrum of consumer issues

Consumers are very important for any business to flourish. The advent of new technology and high demand with the blend of globalization has open the door for various goods and services. These goods & services are increasingly day by day. They have succeeded in catching the demand of the consumers that leads to high consumption. However, every glitter is not a gold and gold comes with a heavy price tag. With the rising demand of goods & services, there have been cases of fraudulent and cheats on consumers. Although consumer courts are there to safeguard the consumers, but the slow process of the court proceedings allows mongers to have a safe passage.

A consumer awareness campaign launched by consumer VOICE is a treat for consumers. We help consumers to sort out their grievances and provide them satisfactory solution. Therefore,  we, therefore, request all the consumers to encourage us in keeping up the work by providing the information about goods & services.

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Ragging

Now, Social Media to Fight Ragging

Be the revolt in Egypt to overturn a dictatorial regime or Anna Hazare’s campaign against corruption, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have played a pivotal role in bringing  people together. As a powerful administration tries to block and hide information, social media becomes an uncensored and virally spreading information agent for the protestors. What is more, people can form public groups on these social sites and do a strong protest campaign , without having to be physically present at the location.

Now, it is time for fighting ragging through Facebook. CURE: Coalition to Uproot Ragging from Education has come up with a novel concept of having a Facebook page on ragging: www.facebook.com/noragging/ The page is a one-stop destination for all information on ragging: it features India’s first song and video on ragging, latest statistics, myths and research information associated with ragging. The Wall is regularly updated with the latest ragging news, ragging facts and invites people to post their views and complaints about ragging.

“We want to reach out to both the fresher and senior students. Today students spend majority of their time on Facebook. We want to talk to students directly across India and communicate to them the ills of ragging. We believe that students are very sensible and once made aware will stop indulging in this insensitive act”, says Mohit Garg, CURE co-founder. The page invites students to become CURE Ambassadors and spread the message of stopping ragging to all their friends and local community.

CURE founders believe that laws are enough and one needs to find creative ways of taking the message to the youth. “We have a very creative page. The idea is not to lecture people. We usinnovative images, quotes and videos to introduce students to the psychology of ragging and why it is not ‘cool’ to rag. A lot of parents between the age of 35 years to 50 years are also on Facebook. We want to reach out to them as well.”, says Varun Aggarwal, CURE. He feels that this page will become the Mecca for protests and advocacy against ragging.

Till now students and parents and students approach CURE through their website, www.noragging.com. “There have been multiple occasions in the past where students have approached us for a platform where they could share their experiences and learn more about ragging. The Facebook page addresses this gap.”, recalled Harh Agarwal, CURE. “Not only that, CURE’s Facebook page will be an excellent interactive forum for teachers, principals, parents and media to exchange their views, share their anti-ragging initiatives and also develop better understanding of this issue” adds Harsh.

 If you feel strongly about ragging, you do not need to go to Jantar Mantar to protest, just logon to www.facebook.com/noragging/. Your voice will reach far and wide.

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Teacher's Day

Education is important!  Consumers have a right to consumer education!

Consumer VOICE invites all its members to reconnect to their student life on the occasion of Teacher's Day in September.

Share  some interesting, life changing recollection about a teacher, from either your school or college days with us, and we will further share it with our members ONLINE and in print to celebrate the Day!

Please restrict your narrative to maximum 200 words.

Send it to us Online by going into our BLOG :

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Is India Going The Right Way?

By Smriti Das

We are privileged that we are living in an independent democratic country. We are independent citizens who have right to information, right to act, right to say, right to express etc. etc. etc... but is that really so???? Do we really have right or freedom of expression? 

India's current stance is little confusing to understand. On one hand, people are using slangs in songs and dialogues of movies without a beep, on the other hand people have to face strong protest if they say that their origin resembles to that of a political leader... But why is it like so...Nobody is there to stop corrupt people from taking bribes, to make them realise what they are doing is purely unethical, nobody is eying on what the so-called news channels telling us is really true or those are just their own biased opinions. If nobody is bothered about those serious issues, why everyone is making a fuss by jumping on the totally personal comments of an individual? Why are the khap panchayats so bothered about the love between a boy and a girl, why they don't let them do what they want to do. In our country, love is considered as a sin, but murder, rape, unethical marketing ploys which are used to fool consumers,  are considered nothing but part and parcel of modern India... I just want to ask where is India going...to a new level where everything is going to be perfect or to a place where only the unethical things exist...      

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Online Media

The popularity of online media has witnessed a rising demand over the years. The online media is seen as a threat to traditional print media.

Do you think online media will kill the market of print media in future?

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Privatization of Passport office

To make or renew a passport has become a headache, people are frustrated as the delay goes up to 4 -5 months. Government has completely failed to handle this department.

Do you think passport office should become privatized for smooth functioning ?  

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Consumer VOICE brings you an open letter to the TRAI Chairman .

Ajoy  Eric  Lal is Friend /advisor of Consumer VOICE. He helps us articulate consumer angst concerning some vital issues. 

This is first of the series.

We invite one and all to come forth and join the protest and create enough noise to get attention to resolve these issues.  

Ajoy Eric Lal :

   Open letter to

Dr. J. S. Sarma, IAS
Chairman
TRAI - Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Mahanagar Doorsanchar Bhawan, Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg
(Old Minto Road)
New Delhi - 110002
India



Dear Dr. Sarma,

Greetings!

As a consumer and professional who has helped TRAI where he could, I am very disappointed at experiencing the current, abysmal situation in the Indian telecom sector.

No action has been taken at all against offenders, especially the "repeat offenders" on the UCC (Unsolicited Commercial Communication) front. The frequency of UCCs has again increased. Every consumer gets these disturbing spam SMS even at night time.

The TATAs continue to rule the roost (~72% of bulk SMS/ INR 330+ crore) and even Government owned companies such as BSNL continue to flout the few rules that exist (NDNC register).

The proposed, new laws (partly flawed because they are utterly dependant upon a consumer complaint) have not been implemented yet and no date has been fixed either (it would be a joke anyways -- fact is that the term "deadline" has been re-invented by TRAI to mean "no action necessary"!)

It's a 'Free For All' situation, like in the 'Wild West', where the 'Guns and Goondas' ruled.

UCCs continue unabated and the situation is getting much worse. The 4 postponements (Implementation of new rules/ guidelines) by TRAI have not made things any easier but have, instead, made things much worse.

TRAI has lost face and our trust!

I have some examples, as you must already be aware of in detail. The subsequent NDNC registered numbers have registered the following complaints thus far:

1.  99101-00077 = 101 UCCs
2.  99101-62289 = 457 UCCs
3.  99101-67077 = 695 UCCs

That makes it 1,253 complaints from just 3 numbers to date... isn't that enough evidence of your failed policies?!

These tantamount to torture for us consumers and these are and continue to be a major intrusion into our privacy.

Given the above scenarios, who today can take your "Regulatory Authority" seriously? Their is no regulation and neither is there a show [and proof] of authority.

Sir, with due respect to you as an individual, I proclaim that TRAI has failed! The earned grade isn't just an "F", its worse.

Whether on the MOBILE SERVICES front (UCCs, ridiculously low GPRS bandwidth, call drops, never any reimbursements for the customer, incorrect bills, no smooth MNP, numerous fluctuating Pre-Paid issues, etc.)

OR
whether its on the BROADBAND SERVICES front (abysmally low bandwidths, no laws for true quality in place, no importance given to upload speeds, PING, Line Attenuation, SNR margins, Jitter, etc.)

OR
whether its about a SINGLE NATIONAL POLICE NUMBER (distress helpline) (such as a 911 in the U.S.A., 999 in the U.K. or 112 in Europe & China, etc.)

ALL fundamental issues remain unresolved!
ALL are your to-dos!!

Sir, your organization needs to get these sorted out. These issues concern the whole nation -- every individual, every citizen!

Sir, TRAI needs to shift gears and get real, get forceful and win back lost trust immediately... after all, a regulatory authority needs to be strong and not as weak and ineffective as it is today.

Sincerely
Ajoy

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Inefficient Government

Government has deprived it's citizens of UPC ( Under Postal Certificate ) facility.Just because there has been fraud with the connivance of some postal authority personnel and to avoid such frauds, Govt has abolished this services. Instead of taking strong monitoring measures, govt. has adopted easiest way by depriving citizens this facility .

There have been number of scams and irregularities in almost all deptt. of govt, means govt should close down all these deptt. For example, some fake currency notes have been found in circulation, then why not govt. banning currency notes  ?????
Either way it is the common man who suffers in this country.
We are being governed by impotent people   sitting at the helm of affairs and that too at our hard earned money
( Tax we pay ). Dont you think we should raise our voice against all these inefficiencies ????

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Should government ban the practice of private builders constructing houses/flats?

With home-buyers in Greater Noida took to the streets on Sunday, asking the Supreme Court and government to ensure that builders refund their deposits, do you think privatization of the construction of the houses/flats should be banned to safeguard the home-buyers interest?

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Mumbai, Delhi among cheapest places in the world

An International survey says Delhi and Mumbai are the cheapest places in the world. Would you agree : yes/No

Comment :

If not - why?
If Yes - why ?

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Gemstones

An astrology and gemstones are considered as fortune changer. With expensive stones, people are expecting to have miracle after wearing gemstones.
Do you think wearing gemstones are really effective ?

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Hourly wage system in India

Do you think it is high time that India should establish a minimum hourly wage system like in western countries ?

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THE COMPUTER SWALLOWED GRANDMA

One of Consumer VOICE subscribers sent us this when she learnt that most of our senior members love their computers. She herself is an octogenarian.

 The computer swallowed grandma.
Yes, honestly its true!
She pressed 'control' and 'enter'
And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely,
The thought just makes me squirm.
She must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin
And files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet,
But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Google
My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative,
Not a thing was found 'online.'

So, if inside your 'In-box,'
My Grandma you should see,
Please 'Copy,' 'Scan' and 'Paste' her
And send her back to me.

This is a tribute to all the Grandmas who
have been fearless and learned to use the
Computer........

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Turbulence in Ministry over gold

New Delhi, June 23: The Central government admitted before the Kerala High Court that highly carcinogenic elements such as Iridium and Ruthenium were being freely added to gold ornaments in India.   

This alarming revelation was made in a counter affidavit submitted by Director of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) before the Kerala High Court. A division bench comprising Justice A.K. Basheer and Justice P.Q. Barkath Ali had suo moto initiated proceedings based on a letter received from Mr N. Shankaran Narayanan, a UN official, complaining of the presence of such elements in gold jewellery.


Expressing concern at the disclosure, the HC said, “Strangely the BIS director pointed out that no action can be taken under the current BIS Act unless appropriate amendment is brought into the Schedule of Industries (Development and Regulations) Act 1951.”


The BIS director informed the court that the differences of opinion between the ministry of commerce and industries and the ministry of consumer affairs had kept the amendment in a limbo. Further, the BIS director contended that BIS hallmarking scheme for gold was voluntary in nature and therefore the department does not have any say in it.

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