Saral Study, Author at Saralstudy.com

Are Entrance Exams Like 100 Meter Sprints

January 19, 2021February 17, 2017 by Saral Study

In the present competitive world, the children start preparing for entrance examinations right from their school days, as early as Class VII. It has become pertinent to start planning from an early age as to what line of profession you want to make a career in due to the ever rising population and limited number of seats in the prestigious and renowned institutions. All major professional courses such as engineering, medical, law, architecture or MBA require you to appear for the entrance exams before you can become a professional.

Clearing examinations such as IITJEE, AIEEE, NEET and other state level entrance examinations is a complex, difficult and daunting task. Entrance exams are not like 100 meter sprints – they are like a marathon where you need to put in months and years of hard work, persistence, patience and dedication before you are able to cross the finish line and come out with flying colours. 100 meter sprints are like appearing for the examinations without much planning and just making a dash with all your energy and efforts while a marathon requires you to hold your stamina and conserve your energy throughout the race and making a dash right at the end of the race. Similarly, for your entrance exams, you will need to plan correctly, just like a marathon where you keep studying over a period of years and months and making the final days of preparation more fruitful with revision and solving sample papers.

Some basic preparation tips are as follows:

Studies outline

The preparation requires proper time management and allocation of vast amount of syllabus which need to be completed within a stipulated amount of time. Hence, you should chart out the syllabus and start slowly and try to finish the entire syllabus much before your examinations. Do not set unrealistic goals but try to take baby steps and chart out the time table for a month or a week.

Basics should be clear

One of the most important tip to be successful at the entrance exams is to have your basics cleared. If your fundamentals are not clear, you will get confused and will not be able to apply the concepts in problem solving especially in subjects such as physics, maths and chemistry.

Use relevant material

Do not buy all the possible books available for a subject instead try to buy the CBSE/NCERT books for getting your concepts clear and gaining a strong foothold of the theory portion and then buy relevant exercise books with practice questions and sample papers. Use additional books for complex topics.

Revision is the key

It is more important to keep revising whatever you have studied and keep solving sample questions and past year papers. Try to make bullet points for each topic that you complete and keep revising these points rather than reading the entire chapter again.

Take sample tests

Start by taking sectional tests initially after completing a particular chapter. Once you have gained some experience in this, start taking mock question papers and see which areas you are weak in and in which areas does your strength lie. Go back to revising the weak areas till you gain expertise in that also.

Time management

Proper time management is the key to success. Always maintain a timer in your mind for each section of the question paper and in case you do not complete that section in the stipulated time, move on to the next section and come back to what you left if you have time remaining at the end of the exam.

Seek guidance

In the event that you are not able to understand a particular topic, do not hesitate to ask your teachers, elders or peers for help. It is better to get your fundamentals cleared before you spend more time practicing questions on the same.

Sitting Posture – Comfort is Key

May 11, 2022January 3, 2017 by Saral Study

Posture is the position in which the body is maintained and kept upright when we do activities such as walking, sitting and lying down while maintaining the least strain upon the muscles and ligaments involved in such activities. A good posture gives a confident look as well as leads us to have good health. Poor posture not only causes undue strain on our spinal cords and muscles leading to backaches and other health issues, it also gives a negative impression about a person’s personality.

People who have desk-based jobs have to sit on their office chairs and work on the computer for almost 9-10 hours every day. It is very important to maintain a good posture while working and support the back and neck. Nowadays almost every person has a cell phone and youngsters and adults alike are on their phones causing their necks to strain. Carrying a purse on the same shoulder, doing vigorous housework – all these can cause strain upon the back and neck.

Some of the measures listed below should be followed to maintain a good sitting posture:

Always sit with your back supported

Sitting for long work hours requires us to have a proper posture while sitting on office chairs. The chair should be so adjusted so as to support the lower back and not cause excessive strain upon it. The chair should be adjustable so that you can change the height, back position and tilt of the chair based on your needs.

Use a footrest

Your knees should always be below the hips while sitting. The feet should be flat on the ground. If the same is not possible to keep, a footrest can be used so as to maintain a good sitting position.

The computer screen should be at eye level

You should neither lookup by straining your neck nor bend the neck to look down at the computer screen. You should maintain an eye level with the computer screen. If the same is not happening, it is advisable to use a monitor stand to achieve eye level.

Early signs of back pain should not be ignored

You may start feeling backache during a certain time of the day while at work or at night while sleeping. You may also experience back and neck pain while sitting on a new chair in a new office. Do not ignore these early signs or symptoms of poor posture.

Change positions intermittently and take breaks

Sitting for prolonged hours in one position will also add more strain on your neck and back as the muscles get tired which causes slouching, slumping and other poor postures. You should always take regular breaks and stand, move your wrists and feet, walk for 5 minutes and change your sitting position at regular intervals.

Use a cushion/pillow or an ergonomic chair

To support the lower back, a small pillow or a cushion can be kept on your chair. Even a portable lumbar roll or a towel folded like a pillow can be used.

Maintain good posture while sitting

You must not slouch or slump in the chair. Sitting upright with your back straight and shoulders back is the ideal way to sit. The weight of the body should be evenly distributed on both hips.

If you have a persistent problem with back pain, you need to introspect and change your daily standing, sitting, and sleeping habits and the manner in which you bend and lift objects. Proper weight should be maintained according to your height as being overweight can cause unnecessary stress upon your spinal cord and knees which in turn will cause you body pain. Your workstation may need to be revamped to maintain a healthy sitting posture. Regular exercise is also very beneficial to maintaining a good posture as it stretches and strengthens your muscles.

Top Impact of demonetisation over Indian Economy

October 5, 2020December 27, 2016 by Saral Study

The demonetisation of the Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes by the Modi government was announced on November 8, 2016. It has been over a month now that this came into effect and whether it is a masterstroke or hit and miss, is something that the Indian economy is bearing the brunt of. The government claimed that it is a move to stop the counterfeiting of the notes which was being used to fund terrorism and also to crack down on the black money that has been hoarded by the people in the country.

Demonetization affects the economy through the liquidity side. Its effect is enormous because nearly 86% of currency value in circulation was withdrawn without replacing the bulk of it. As a result of the withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, there occurred a huge gap in the currency composition as after Rs 100; Rs 2000 is the only denomination. Furthermore, there is an acute shortage of the new Rs. 500 notes with the ATMs dispensing only the new Rs. 2000 notes. All this had led to a huge hue and cry in the nation, which is not unjustified.

Demonetization technically is a liquidity shock which has caused a sudden shortage in terms of currency availability. It has created a situation where lack of currency has caused blockage of consumption, investment, production, employment etc.

The intensity of demonetization effects clearly depends upon the duration of the liquidity shocks. Following are some of the major impacts of demonetisation in the Indian economy-

Hit Economic activities: Demonetization is definitely not as big a disaster like the global banking sector crisis of 2007 but at the same time, it will act as a liquidity shock that will disturb the economic and trade activities in the country.
Liquidity crunch: This is a short term effect which means that people are not able to get sufficient volume of popular denomination especially Rs 500. This currency unit is the favourable denomination in daily life. It constituted nearly 49% of the previous currency supply in terms of value. Higher the time required to resupply Rs 500 notes, higher will be the duration of the liquidity crunch. Current reports indicate that all security printing presses can print only 2000 million units of Rs. 500 notes by the end of this year. Nearly 16000 million Rs 500 notes were in circulation at the end of March 2016. Some portions of this were filled by the new Rs 2000 notes. Towards the end of March approximately 10000 million units will be printed and replaced. All these indicate that currency crunch will be in our economy for the next four months.Due to this liquidity crunch, the common man is feeling the pinch as he is unable to carry out his basic daily chores due to lack of cash and its unavailability in the ATMs. Further, problems in the ATMs due to the difference in the size of the new notes from the old ones has caused more than half of the ATMs to be out of cash or out of order. The only way available to man to get cash is by going to the bank and withdrawing limited amounts of cash. This is not only bothersome but in case of medical emergencies, it can lead to more difficult problems.
Welfare loss for people dependent on cash transactions: Most active segments of the population who constitute the ‘base of the pyramid’ use cash to meet their transactions. The daily wage earners, other labourers, small traders etc. who reside out of the formal economy uses cash frequently. These sections will lose income in the absence of liquid cash. Cash stringency will compel firms to reduce labour cost and thus reduces income to the poor working class. There will be a trickle up effect of the liquidity chaos to the higher income people with time. Such people do not have means to go cashless and use digital banking methods for payment. They are being affected daily as they have no money to buy their basic commodities and are feeling helpless.
Consumption will be hit: When liquidity shortage strikes, it is consumption that is going to be adversely affected first. People have less cash with them, hence they will decrease their consumption of commodities despite no shortage of it. Less purchase of commodities will lead to less production and eventually less revenue in the long run. There have been reports about the fall in purchase of new homes.
Loss of GDP: India risks its position of being the fastest growing largest economy. During the period of the first quarter of fiscal year 2016-2017, the GDP (gross domestic product) rose 7.1%. The fall in economic activity due to demonetization could last from two to three quarters. As a result, GDP growth in the quarters from September to December 2016 and January to March 2017 could be significantly lower than previous years. Some bounce back should be seen in the first quarter of fiscal 2017–2018.
Impact on bank deposits and interest rate: Deposit in the short term may rise, but in the long term, its effect will come down. The savings with the banks are actually liquid cash people stored and it cannot be assumed that such ready cash once stored in their hands will be put into savings for a long term. They saved this money into banks just to convert the old notes into new notes. These are not voluntary savings aimed to get interest which will be converted into active liquidity by the savers when full-fledged new currency supply takes place. Banks may reduce interest rate in the short/medium term but they can’t follow it in the long term once the people withdraw their deposits later on.
Impact on black money: Only a small portion of black money is actually stored in the form of cash. Usually, black income is kept in the form of physical assets like gold, land, buildings etc. Hence the amount of black money countered by demonetization depends upon the amount of black money held in the form of cash and it will be smaller than expected. But more than anything else, demonetization has a big propaganda effect. People are now much convinced about the need to fight black income and a nationwide awareness has been launched which will urge and encourage the government to come out with even stronger measures.
Impact on counterfeit currency: The real impact of the demonetisation is on counterfeit/fake currency as its circulation will be checked after this exercise. There have already been reports that stone pelting and other terror fund activities has taken a downfall in Kashmir due to lack of counterfeit notes being supplied to the terrorists by their backing agencies.

Demonetization as an unprecedented move may prove to be beneficial for many purposes in the economy and our country as a whole. However, simultaneously, it is creating a burden on the poor sections of the society by causing them to lose their income and daily wages. Many people have also lost their lives due to the side effects of demonetisation and this change has more or less changed the entire gamut of Indian economy which will be studied for ages to come. The benefits will be long term if the black money and counterfeit problems will show a decline. Any change for the development of the nation is never easy and the same can be said about demonetisation too.

Should homework be banned in Schools

October 4, 2020December 26, 2016 by Saral Study

The benefits of homework has been debated by teachers, parents and educationists for many years as the very word evokes different connotations to each involved – students, parents and teachers. Although many people think homework does more harm than good by causing copious amounts of unnecessary stress to everyone, others believe that it has great advantages for children by encouraging them to think more independently outside the classroom and learning to be self-dependent from an early age.

The Benefits

The first benefit of homework is that it allows students and teachers to work more closely together. They can discuss their assignments or any problems that they are having with parts of their textbooks, before or after classes. It leads to a more interactive inter personal relationship between the teacher and the students.
The second benefit is that it can bring families closer together as students may ask their parents or siblings for help on their homework. Not only will this help the students get a better understanding of their work with any parts they are stuck on, it will also allow parents to get more involved in their child’s educational life. The parents can see what assignments have been given by the teachers and whether they are proving knowledge on the right track or not. This is especially important during the formative years when basic education is being instilled in the children.
Thirdly, doing homework will prepare students for the main examinations. If a child does poorly on an assignment then they will learn what is necessary to do well on the next test without being punished. It also provides students with the opportunity to practice at what it takes to be successful in school. Like they say, practice makes perfect. It also inculcates the habit of being independent and prioritizing their assignments from an early age and when they enter college, they will be better adept to carry out their tasks and assignments. Good habits should be incorporated since childhood and by doing homework, they become self-sufficient.

Doing homework is also a great way to develop responsibilities. By being assigned work one day and knowing that it has to be done by the next day, they will develop a sense of punctuality by turning their work in on time.

The course at school needs to be completed within a given period of time and school can only be for 7-8 hours each day. If homework is not given, there will be a tremendous load on the teachers and school to finish the curriculum and also the practice of the students on a particular topic will get jeopardized. The students may have to sit for additional hours at school to finish the assignments which again is not a very solid proposition.

The Potential Harm

Homework can be a beneficial tool to help a student apply certain concepts that they have learned in class. However, since they may not have someone sitting next to them or working through it to make sure that it is correct; they could just be practicing bad habits and learning how to do problems the wrong way. Perfect practice is the only way to ensure that students are learning the right concepts. If they are doing it wrong, then it isn’t helping and is actually making things worse. Parents today are very busy having to spend their whole day at work and may have learnt how to do many of these concepts so long ago that they may not be able to assist their children in their homework. That leaves the student to fend for himself.

Students sit in school all day and barely get any exercise. When they get home, they have to sit some more and do their homework. By the time they are done, it is time to get ready for bed. Where is the time for activity? Where is the time for exercise? The fact is that there is no time. During the school week and sometimes on the weekends, the student is busy doing work and school and homework at home. They don’t have time to play sports and if they do then they are rushing through their homework anyways. A child needs to have a holistic development and not just academic excellence. They need to also unwind themselves by playing sports, games and doing other activities to take their mind off studies. If they get too much homework from school, they barely get any time to indulge in other activities, which is detrimental.

Homework can be an improper tool to test a student’s abilities. If you copy the homework from your classmates or have your classmate do your homework for you, then it looks like you really understand topics that you don’t really understand. You can give your teacher and parents the improper information. If you do the homework yourself and just rush through it, you can make careless mistakes and that will lead to incorrect information being given to your teacher as well. Hence, homework is not a proper measure for testing a child’s academic ability or aptitude.

It reduces the amount of time that children could be spending with their families. Family time is especially important to a growing child and without it social problems can crop up and a family unit can be compromised by a lack of time being spent together.

Homework can cause conflict between children and parents when the parent wants the child to do their homework but meets resistance from the student to do an overwhelming task.

And finally, a lot of teachers don’t often have the time to check and grade the homework and assignments properly as they are too busy with designing lesson plans and consulting teaching resources in order to just manage lessons. So by the time students are getting their homework back, the class may have moved on to a new topic.

Lack knowledge or strength but don’t lack will

October 4, 2020December 26, 2016 by Saral Study

A very famous and legendary American Football coach gave this quote which is all about motivation and willpower

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. – Vince Lombardi”

Coach Lombardi noticed throughout his years of coaching football that the champions are not always those who are the biggest and strongest players. It is also seen in the business world that people who are very educated are not always the most successful either. In fact, most successful people in many different fields are not always the most gifted in terms of size or knowledge but what their forte is the will to succeed, which more than makes up for their lack of natural assets

This quote means that to be successful in life, one does not always need to be very strong or very knowledgeable; what is more important to succeed is a person’s grit and determination or his will power to perform a particular task or project.

Will Power is defined as “The strength of will to carry out one’s decisions, wishes, or plans.” It’s the ability to tell yourself that you will complete what you are working on no matter what. It’s the strength to get back up after your ten thousandth failure, adjust your approach and try again.

It’s the willingness to make sure you keep your focus and conserve your momentum and never ever give up. It’s the ability to force yourself to get up early or stay up late to work on it until you get it right. That doesn’t take strength, nor does it take knowledge, although they can help. What it takes is will.

What is this will power?

It’s easy to do something when we enjoy it and is pleasurable for us. That’s what we do easily and as frequently as we can manage. It is what keeps us happy and comfortable. But not everything in life happens according to our comfort levels and what we want. There comes in our lives, many situations and incidents in which we have to keep going no matter what. That is when the power of our will is tested.

When the going gets tough, what do you do? Do you buckle down and redouble your efforts or do you give up? Some of that will depend on how committed you are to the project. But some of the time it also has to do with what your habits are.

Some people have the habit of quitting. As soon as they find a difficult situation which makes it stressful or difficult for them, they quit and prefer to let go of their goal and seek a comfort zone. While many people are quitters, the more successful people in the world are those who are seekers and who are dogged in their determination to finish everything, no matter what, and keep working hard for that goal despite any hardships.

When to hang on and when to let go is a very personal decision and will vary depending on any number of factors. That’s something a person will have to evaluate at each point in their lives when they approach the proverbial fork in the road and need to make a decision.

Some children are born intelligent and without studying very hard for their examinations, are able to perform better than average. While they may succeed, there are also those children who may not be so bright but they possess a deep desire to excel at their studies and work very hard for their examinations. They may spend more hours studying than other students and keep trying till they achieve success. This is an example of showing your will power and your grit determination to succeed.

Some children may be physically strong and therefore will consequently perform better in sports and athletics. However, there have been many examples of sportsmen who are not so skilled or lack the desired strength but are so hardworking and determined that they succeed at their sportsmanship.

One of the best examples from the world of business to demonstrate Coach Lombardi’s quote is Bill Gates. He dropped out of college to eventually start Microsoft. He didn’t possess the most acquired knowledge but had sufficient computer skills and a determined will and foresight to change the tech world. He made up for his lack of business knowledge by recruiting people who had the expertise in other areas needed to build a successful company. The rest as they say is history.

Another great example is that of Terry Fox. Terry Fox was not exactly the most likely person to be a long distance runner after having a leg amputated due to cancer. But because of his incredible will to raise awareness for cancer, his ‘Marathon of Hope’, which was a brave attempt to run across Canada, is now legendary. Terry Fox started his journey from the east coast of Canada but could not make it across Canada. He got as far as northern Ontario when his cancer finally defeated him. However, his inspiration resulted in annual events worldwide that have raised millions of dollars for cancer research ever since.

These examples go to show the very basic essence of the quote. If one has the will to succeed, nothing can stop such a man. He may lack in knowledge or strength but will overcome his hardship by his will power.

How do we develop will power?

Building will power is as simple as making sure you finish. You should start with easy things and try not to let distractions pull you away. You need to remind yourself that you need to finish the task at hand first and only then move on to other goals. While your exams are approaching, you need to remind yourself that you need to probably finish one or maybe two chapters of a particular subject before the end of the day and only then would you watch T.V. Setting up little goals such as these will make you develop your willpower skills to get polished for bigger things in life later on.

Success is not without failure. We all fail from time to time. Things aren’t always going to work out the way we want. We must just learn not to give up. Learn from it, and try to figure out how to keep that distraction away from you, or to better schedule your time, if you know when the distraction will happen.

When looking at your own life and goals, you should not be disheartened if you are lacking in a few qualities such as strength or knowledge. Countless people like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Terry Fox have achieved great success, leaving lasting impressions in society despite having some shortcomings. Natural ability (and even acquired knowledge) can only take somebody so far. Without the additional willpower to do whatever it takes to become successful, these assets can’t be utilized to their potential. This is why many gifted or well-educated individuals still fall short of their goals.

You can apply Coach Lombardi’s wisdom by developing the will to work hard and be fully committed towards your goals. This will compensate for any perceived shortcomings that you may have. Strong willpower enables you to endure and persevere the rougher parts of your journey.

The will to succeed can make all the difference. Don’t suffer from a lack of it if you want to achieve success in what you do.

Prevention and Home Remedies For Cough and Cold

October 2, 2024December 18, 2016 by Saral Study

Cough and cold are among the most common ailments, particularly during seasonal changes. While they are usually harmless, these conditions can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. In this article, we will discover effective home remedies for cough and cold.

Recovering quickly from a cold and cough requires a combination of preventive measures, home remedies, and, in some cases, over-the-counter treatments. Understanding how to ease symptoms, improve immunity, and take appropriate actions can help shorten the duration and severity of a cold and cough, allowing you to get back to feeling your best.

Safety and Precautions To Prevent Cough and Cold

Here are some of the precautions to beat the cold and cough:

1. Warm your nose

One theory why we catch colds and flu more in winter is that our nose is colder which lowers its resistance to infection. Hence it is advisable to place a scarf over the nose to keep it warm.

2. Don’t shake hands

Research has shown that shaking hands transmits ten to 20 times more infection between people as it involves contact over a larger surface area hence the risk of spreading infection is higher.

3. Wash clothes on a hot cycle

The flu virus can survive warm temperatures so if someone in the family is affected, it is advisable to wash their clothes and bedding on a hot wash.

4. Cut down on sugar

Studies have found a direct correlation with immune cells decreasing their potency when the body consumed sugar. Therefore, cutting back on sugar will give better immunity as the phagocytes in the immunity cells can work better.

5. Get eight hours’ sleep

Less than seven hours’ sleep a night makes a person three times more likely to catch a cold than someone who gets eight hours, research suggests. Disturbed sleep or lack of sleep interferes with the workings of an immunity gene called TLR-9. Hence, it is very important to get a good night’s sleep.

6. Observe the two-seat rule

The risk of catching flu dramatically increases if a person sits within two seats in any direction of someone infected. It is better to move seats if one sees anyone sniffing or coughing. If moving is not a possibility, the windows should be opened.

7. Ditch the sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is unlikely to be powerful enough to kill the viruses that cause colds and flu (unless it contains 60-70% alcohol) and it won’t work at all if hands are dirty. It is advisable to always wash hands with soap and water to prevent infections.

8. Wash out your nose with salt water

Salt can help reduce the number of colds by preventing germs from taking hold in the nasal cavity.

9. Exercise – but only moderately

Gentle or moderate exercise can stimulate the immune system which can be helpful in fighting against infections.

1o. Take vitamin D supplements

Low levels of vitamin D can interfere with bacteria-fighting molecules called hCAP-18 that stimulate immune cells and the risk of catching colds and flu is raised. Taking a vitamin supplement can help. Please consult your doctor before taking medicines.

11. Treat your cold and cough with turmeric

Turmeric is rich in curcumin and volatile oils that have a protective as well as therapeutic action in persons suffering from cough and cold. Haldi also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity that can help beat the infection.

12. Drink protective herbal tea

Drinking warm tea with honey also can soothe the throat. Herbal teas combine the beneficial effects of different ingredients such as pepper, ginger, tulsi and cinnamon to help relieve the symptoms of cold and cough and keep the condition at bay.

13. Stay Hydrated

An upper respiratory tract infection like a cold or flu causes post-nasal drip where extra secretions trickle down the back of the throat, irritating it and sometimes causing a cough. Drinking fluids helps to thin out the mucus in postnasal drip. Drinking liquids also helps to keep mucous membranes moist. This is particularly helpful in winter when houses tend to be dry.

14. Take Medications to Treat Coughs

If the home remedies do not work, it is better to take a cough syrup (Decongestants, cough suppressants or expectorants), depending upon the kind of cough.

Effective Home Remedies For Cough and Cold

There are more than two hundred subtly different types of cold virus variants around, so it is hardly surprising that we succumb to the cold. The virus is transmitted either by direct inhalation (when someone sneezes) or touch. Such infections may also lead to coughing. Flu is always on the rise in winter with cold, a runny nose, persistent cough and fever.

1. Boosting Your Immune System

Strengthening your immune system is key to preventing and recovering from cold and coughs faster. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D, and adequate sleep are essential. Incorporate citrus fruits, leafy greens, and probiotic-rich foods into your diet to boost immunity.

2. Natural Remedies to Soothe Symptoms

Honey and Lemon: A teaspoon of honey with a few drops of lemon can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing. Honey acts as a natural cough suppressant.
Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve nasal congestion and help fight infection. Steep ginger in hot water with lemon and honey for a soothing tea.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can ease nasal congestion and make breathing easier. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water for added relief.

3. Importance of Hydration

When suffering from cough and cold, staying hydrated is crucial. Fluids help to thin mucus and relieve congestion. Opt for warm liquids like broths, herbal teas, and hot water with honey, which can soothe the throat and clear nasal passages. Avoid caffeinated drinks, as they can lead to dehydration.

4. Foods to Eat and Avoid During Cold and Cough

Eat: Warm soups, honey, turmeric milk, garlic, and foods rich in vitamin C.
Avoid: Dairy products (can increase mucus), fried foods, sugary snacks, and processed foods.

5. Rest and Recovery

The importance of rest cannot be overstated when dealing with cold and cough. Sleep helps your body recover and strengthens your immune system. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and try to take naps during the day to speed up the recovery process.

6. Humidifiers for a Comfortable Environment

Using a humidifier in your room can keep the air moist, which can prevent your throat and nasal passages from becoming dry. Humidifiers help in loosening mucus and alleviating coughing and congestion.

7. Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications

For persistent cold and cough symptoms, OTC medications like cough syrups, decongestants, or pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol) may offer temporary relief. However, consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or persist for more than a week.

8. When to See a Doctor

Cold and cough symptoms usually subside within 7 to 10 days, but if they persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice. Signs like high fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, or persistent sore throat might indicate a more serious infection like bronchitis or pneumonia.

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How Animals Survive Winter: Hibernation and Other Adaptations

July 26, 2024December 17, 2016 by Saral Study

Why Do Some Animals Hibernate During The Winter?

It is very difficult for most animals to find enough food in winter when the main source of food like insects or green plants is in short supply. Some animals solve this problem by hibernation.

What is Hibernation?

Hibernation is a deep sleep adaptation mechanism that helps such animals to save energy and survive the winter without consuming much food. Many physiological changes occur in the body of the animals during hibernation where the animal’s body temperature drops and its heartbeat and its breathing slow down so that energy can be conserved. However, some animals such as skunks, raccoons and some chipmunks are light sleepers and are easily awakened. They may sleep during the most severe weather and wake to roam and eat during milder weather.

Preparing for Hibernation

Most hibernators prepare in some way for the winter. While some store food in their burrows or dens to eat when they awake for short periods during the hibernation, many animals eat extra food before winters (while it is plentiful) and store it as body fat to be used later for generation of energy.

Types of Fat in Hibernators

Hibernators have two kinds of fat: regular white fat and a special brown fat (brown adipose tissue). The brown fat forms patches near the animal’s brain, heart and lungs. Its main purpose is to provide extra body heat and also sends a quick burst of energy to warm these organs first when it is time to wake up after the hibernation as these are vital organs for survival.

Animals that hibernate

Some animals which hibernate are the jumping mouse, the little brown bat, the eastern chipmunk, some species of ground squirrels, wood frogs, deer mice, skunks, hamsters, prairie dogs and hedgehogs. A species of bird called the grey and white poor will is also considered to be a true hibernator.

The largest hibernators are bears which are unique because, unlike other hibernators, they do not eat, drink, or excrete at all while hibernating, which can be as long as six months.

Other Survival Strategies for Winter

What do other animals do to survive in the winter?

Different animals have different mechanisms to adapt to the harsh winter climate or survive through it. While some animals hibernate, some other animals follow the following adaptations:

Migration

Some of the animals migrate. Migration is a process where animals travel to other places where the weather is warmer or where they can find food. Many birds migrate before winter. Some birds such as geese travel in large flocks as the travel may be dangerous, while other kinds of birds fly alone.

Birds can fly very long distances. For example, the Arctic tern nests close to the North Pole in the summer. In autumn, it flies to south Antarctica – which is at the other end of the world! Each spring it returns north again.

Other animals which also migrate are mammals such as some bats, caribou, elk and whales that travel in search of food each winter.

Adaptation

Some animals remain and stay active in the winter by adapting to the changing weather by making changes in their behavior or bodies. To keep warm, animals may grow new, thicker fur. Weasels and snowshoe rabbits grow new white fur to help them hide in the snow.

Some animals like squirrels, mice and beavers gather extra food and store it to eat later. Some, like rabbits and deer, spend winter looking for moss, twigs, bark and leaves to eat. Other animals eat different kinds of food as the seasons change. The red fox eats fruit and insects in the spring, summer and autumn and in winter, it eats small rodents.

Other Ways to Survive

Cold-blooded animals like fish, frogs, snakes and turtles have no way to keep warm during the winter. Snakes and many other reptiles find shelter in holes or burrows and spend the winter inactive, or dormant. This is similar to hibernation.

Water makes a good shelter for many animals. When the weather gets cold, they move to the bottom of lakes and ponds. Frogs, turtles and many fish hide under rocks, logs or fallen leaves. They may even bury themselves in the mud and become dormant. Cold water holds more oxygen than warm water and the frogs and turtles can breathe by absorbing it through their skin.

Also Read: Study: Junk Food Can Fuel Your Anxiety

Being The Boss Pet – Does It Help

October 4, 2020August 13, 2016 by Saral Study

We all have come across people in our offices who work their way up by flattery and annoying servitude to the boss to become his pet. However much you hate and resent them, there is nothing in the world you can do to ‘teach the boss’ pet a lesson or two’. As a matter of fact, there isn’t much you can do about the boss’ pet. The best way in such a case is to analyse your own skills and showcase it as much as possible to win recognition among your colleagues and seniors.

If you think the life of a boss’ pet is easy and becoming one yourself would help you get rid of all your troubles, think again! Here’s what you would go through every day if you become the apple of the boss’ eye without hardwork:

You may get perks such as vacations, holidays, half days etc easily, but you will constantly live in the fear of job insecurity. In case your boss gets transferred, the shift will mark the end of all your luxuries. Your next thought would be of either moving to where your boss has moved or finding a new job.

You will have to deal with the resentment and antagonism of the entire office towards you. With all the flattery that you have invested in your boss, he will be the only person who will be nice to you in the entire office.

You will hardly learn any skills as you will be busy honing your skills of flattery and catering to the boss’ whims and fancies. You will hardly have a shot at the job if a difficult boss joins or if you step out into the job market for employment.

You will lose your self-respect over time. Every time your boss asks you to do something you wouldn’t want to do, you will not have the courage and self respect to present your case.

All these points do not mean that winning the boss’ favour is a bad thing. It is bad for those who think that flattery can get an easy work life. You can win your boss’ favour too through these simple steps:

Be vocal about your work and accomplishments.

If you think there is someone in the organization who recognizes your accomplishments and hardwork, let him speak to your boss in your favour.

Do not hide yourself. Speak up and contribute at every meeting and let others listen to your ideas and thoughts. By hiding yourself, you let another person outshine you.

Do not let any kind of laxity reflect in your work. Let your work reflect your personality and you will see how easily you win respect and admiration among your colleagues and seniors.

It is important to understand that flattery can win favours but it will not last long. People who establish themselves through hard work and efficiency secure themselves a position that is free of insecurity and wins them respect and adulation that lasts them a lifetime.

Information about Exams for Geologists

October 4, 2020August 6, 2016 by Saral Study

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts examinations for various posts of geologists once a year. The notification for the Combined Geo-Scientists and Geologists Examination is issued during the month of February and the exam is held in May.

The combined competitive examination is held for the following posts and departments:

Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines (GSI): For the posts of Geologists, Geophysicists, And Chemists (Group ‘A’)
Central Ground Water Board: For the posts of Junior Hydro-Geologist (Scientist ‘B’), Group (‘A’)

Selection Process:

The selection process for these posts takes place in these 3 stages:

Written Examination
Interview/Personality Test
Document Verification

1. Information about Written Examinations

The written examination pattern consists of 4 different papers for different posts:

Geologist: Geology paper – I, II & III (200 marks each)and General English (100 marks).
Geophysicists: Geophysicist paper – I, II & III (200 marks each)and General English(100 marks).
Chemist: Chemistry Paper – I, II & III (200 marks each)and General English(100 marks).
Jr. Hydrogeologist: Geology Paper I & II, Hydrogeology (200 marks each), andGeneral English(100 marks).

The duration for these subjects is 3 hours each. All questions are subjective and essay type questions. The commission decides the qualifying marks in each of the subjects.

Syllabus of Geologist’s Exam

The questions of geological subjects are based on the M.Sc. degree and are aimed to test the fundamentals of each subject.

Syllabus of English Paper

The questions include a short essay that has to be written in English, questions testing understanding of the language, vocabulary skills and the usage of words.

Syllabus of Hydrogeology Paper

The syllabus is based on the following 5 sections:

Section A: Origin, occurrence and distribution of water
Section B:Well hydraulics and well design
Section C: Groundwater chemistry
Section D: Groundwater exploration
Section E:Groundwater problems and management

2. Interview/Personality Test

Interview and personality test carries a maximum of 200 marks.Those candidates who qualify in the written examination are called to appear for the interview or personality test.During the interview, the interviewers observe the candidates career record, test personality traits such as leadership skills, intellectual ability, tact, social skills, integrity of character, flexibility and aptitude for the job.

3. Document Verification

When a candidate qualified in the interview or personality test, they have to undergo document verification process in which their eligibility conditions and educational qualifications are assessed in the form of proof as documents.

Educational Qualification

The candidates should have any of the following qualifications:

Geologists Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India: Master’s Degree in Geological Science or Geology or Geo-Exploration or Mineral Exploration or Engineering Geology or Marine Geology or Earth Science and Resource Management or Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies or Petroleum Geosciences or Petroleum Exploration or Geochemistry or Geological Technology.
Geophysicists Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India: M.Sc. in Physics or Applied Physics orGeophysics or Exploration Geophysics or Applied Geophysics or Marine Geophysics or Applied Geophysics.
Chemists Group ‘A’ in Geological Survey of India: M.Sc. in Chemistry Or Applied Chemistry Or Analytical Chemistry.
Junior Hydrogeologist (Scientist ‘B’), Group ‘A’ in Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Water Resources: Master’s degree in Geology or Applied Geology or Marine Geology.

The degree should be from a University incorporated by an act of Parliament or State Legislature or other educational institutes established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed Universities under section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 as a recognizedUniversity.

For eligibility details and exam notifications, refer to www.upsc.gov.in and its exam sections.

Sunita Williams, Space Experience

October 4, 2020July 2, 2016 by Saral Study

Sunita Williams is an American astronaut who was a member of the Expedition 14 and 15 carried out by the International Space Station.

She served as a flight engineer in Expedition 32 and as flight commander in Expedition 34 in 2012.

She was born on September 19, 1965 to Indian scientist Deepak Pandya and Ursuline Bonnie Pandya, who is of Slovene American origin.

Her paternal ancestry is from Mehsana district in Gujarat and her mother is a Slovene emigrant.

Sunita graduated from Massachusetts with a degree in Physical Science in 1983 and gained a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1995.

She joined the United States Navy in May 1987 and after completing a six month assignment she was given the designation of Basic Diving Officer.

In July 1989, she joined the Naval Air Training Command to attain the title of Naval Aviator.

She was selected for the NASA astronaut programme in 1998.

For the NASA programme, Sunita received her training at the Johnsons Space Centre in 1998.

After completing the training, she worked with the Russian Space Agency and was part of missions sent by the ISS.

Her first space experience was with the STS 116 launched by the International Space Station. She went aboard the Discovery in 2006 to join crew members on Expedition 14.

During the expedition, Sunita, after many attempts, completed a spacewalk of 32 hours and 36 minutes.

In 2007, she also ran the first marathon by a person in orbit, which she completed in four hours and 24 minutes.

In April 2007, Sunita was brought back to the Earth aboard the Atlantis, during which she broke the record for single spaceflight by a woman.

In 2012, Sunita was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome as a part of the Expedition 32/33. On this mission, she was accompanied by Japanese astronaut Aki Hoshide and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malechenko.

She became the second woman to become the Commander of the International Space Station in 2012.

Also, in September 2012, she became the first person to perform a triathlon in space and completed the task in 48 minutes and 33 seconds.

She returned back to Earth in November 2012 and landed at the Arkalyk in Kazakhstan.

Till November 2012, Sunita made seven spacewalks in a total time of 50 hours and 40 minutes.

It holds the fifth position among the world’s experienced spacewalkers.

In 2007, Sunita Williams visited India and paid visits to the Sabarmati Ashram and her paternal village in Jhulasan.

She is also the first person of Indian origin but not of Indian citizenship to be awarded the Sardar Vallabhai Patel Vishwa Pratibha Award conferred by the World Gujarati Society.

She holds several records for the highest number of spacewalks by a woman, the longest spaceflight time by a woman and the maximum spacewalk time by a woman.