Year: 2021

Inactivity and Ill Health

Anil Goyal

Regular physical activity is a well-established protective factor for the prevention and treatment of the leading noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), namely heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps prevent other important NCD risk factors such as hypertension, overweight and obesity, and is associated with improved mental health, delay in the onset of dementia and improved quality of life and well-being. Beyond health, increasing participation in physical activity has multiple social and economic benefits and can contribute to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Double Whammy, Twice Over – The DDDD of India

Anil Goyal

Dalits, long victim to a caste-based system of social hierarchy that regards them as ‘untouchables’, comprise around 17 per cent of India’s total population. While caste-based discrimination was outlawed in 1955, the social phenomenon of caste persists and is imparted through birth. As a result, Dalits still face severe hardship and exclusion from mainstream society, with prejudicial attitudes and practices underlying much of Indian society today.

Pre-Monsoon season and Aviation Hazards- Indian Subcontinent

Anil Goyal

This article explains various weather hazards which include thunderstorms, dust haze, and line squall that affect flight operation during the pre-monsoon period. The article is not only useful in understanding weather but also can enhance interpretation and appreciation of changes that take place during the day or season or with the physical location which is very common in aviation.

Myths, Mysteries and Misunderstandings of Corona Vaccines

Anil Goyal

Vaccine safety is confirmed during the trial stage of vaccine development and it may last 5 to 10 years. Since the present pandemic was causing a large number of deaths, Emergency Usage clause was invoked by the regulating authorities world wide. The Phase III trial was hastened and Phase IV trials were circumvented. And now after commencing mass production, certain extremely rare side effects such as the ‘blood clots’ due to AstraZeneca’s Oxford vaccine (called Covishield) have came to light. This vaccine was given to over 28 million people in UK, of which, 79 developed blood clots and 17 died. The deaths due to vaccine re

Avoiding landing at the wrong airport; is it so demanding?

Anil Goyal

Geographic disorientation in aviation operations results from the failure of an aircrew to recognize and/or maintain the desired position relative to the external ground and airspace environment. Becoming lost during flight, intruding inadvertently into unauthorized airspace, selecting a wrong airway, landing on the wrong runway, and approaching the wrong airport–with or without actual landing–are some examples of inflight geographic disorientation.