Monday, February 23, 2015

Beacons of Hope and Burnt candles

Dear boys and girls,

Congratulations to each one of you !  That's not simple. Your  achievement of acquiring the opportunity to work with the 'Greatest Organisation of India' ,  "I S R O ' is certainly  Great.

ISROfef  wishes each one of you to be a Great Space Scientist of the future. We are sure, you all will contribute your might of knowledge, skills, attitude, and wisdom to achieve greater heights for your self and our ISRO.  BEST WISHES again from ISROfef.

We hope you understand that what you are going to build and achieve is on the strong foundations of  achievements made by the former Scientists, Engineers, and Technicians. Many of us, among those burnt candles, are keenly watching you, and praying for you. Please do remember all those burnt candles who built the perfect foundations for you to work and grow.


(News items from The Hindu dated 23-Feb- 2015 )






A piece of history

This is a piece of ISRO's history  ( from the Archives of  The Hindu )  dt.  23 February, 1965


Thursday, February 19, 2015

Second life and Second Career

Full parity - Never ?

The latest report says that the Government 'plans to'  provide 8000 crores in the budget for implementing the OROP for Defense forces.
You are aware that such news have come many times earlier  during the last two years. First it was 500 crores allocation (by UPA Govt.) and then 1000 crores (by this Govt ). Later a news came that 7000 crores are identified from current budget for implementing the OROP.  Now it is proved that all these are NOT true.

Today's report says that 8000 crores "may get provided" in the forthcoming budget for this purpose.

That's not all. The key info is that this OROP implementation will only be for the Defense staff, on the justification that they get retired early (unlike others). The reluctance for implementation is that other  Forces also may demand similar pension. Govt is not inclined to admit  any such claims.

Such being the Govt's view, how do other Govt  pensioners expect for OROP or 'Full Parity'  implementation in their pension ?  No hope at all !!

It's time for all Pensioner Associations to react. Let's think of how we can persuade the Govt to understand and implement justice. Remember, the  Politicians who rule and the Babus who execute are not with you. Moreover, the present employees too are NOT with you. Afterall, none of them wants this !


"
NEW DELHI: The much-awaited "one rank, one pension (OROP)'' for the armed forces is likely to be part of the Union budget, and could be implemented soon thereafter with the government defining "military pension'' as a category separate from other kinds of pension. 

An estimated Rs 8,000 crore is likely to be allocated by the government to fulfill its commitment to the over 25 lakh ex-servicemen, who have been stridently demanding OROP for several years without much success despite all political parties promising its implementation. 

Successive governments in the past have contended that granting of full OROP was neither financially nor administratively possible since it could lead to a cascading effect with similar demands being made by paramilitary personnel, among other things.

"




Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Second Life for Pensioners

"Manorama" , the most popular Malayalam Weekly  just  commenced a serial on "Pensioners.".  ISROfef strongly suggest you to read the series.
The first of the series is reproduced here ( copied from Manorama Weekly)











Table of DA Rates

this table may be useful you . 

The DA rate increase as on 1-1-2015 is expected to be 6% ( making it a total of 113 %)

DEARNESS ALLOWANCE RATES


Effective DatesDA Rates
01.07.2014107%
01.01.2014100%
01.07.201390%
01.01.201380%
01.07.201272%
01.01.201265%
01.07.201158%
01.01.201151%
01.07.201045%
01.01.201035%
01.07.200927%
01.01.200922%
01.07.200816%
01.01.200812%
01.07.20079%
01.01.20076%
01.07.20062%
01.01.20060%
Rates of Dearness Allowance

RATES OF INTEREST ON GPF

Effective DatesInterest Rates
01.04.201408.70%
01.04.201308.70%
01.04.201208.80%
01.04.201108.60%
01.04.200308.00%
01.04.200209.00%
01.04.200109.50%
01.04.200011.00%
01.04.198812.00%
01.04.198510.50%
01.04.198410.00%
01.04.198309.50%
01.04.198208.00%
Rates of Interest on GPF

ISRO Engineers felicitated

Space  Engineers' Association (SEA)   felicitated the Space Engineers, in a programme  organised last day. Kerala Governor  Justice P Sadasivam was the chief guest.





( picture courtesy The Hindu)

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Why BJP lost in Delhi elections

You know well ISROfef is not concerned about the "Politics" or the "politrics".  But the Delhi election results compels us to think why why BJP lost !

BJP came into power giving us a lot of hope. Hope of  treating we employees and pensioners  in a fair manner and implementing justice where it lacked.

But what happened so far is really disappointing. Central govt employees are being tortured and that made them think against BJP Govt.  Employees and pensioners are not given their rights. No Minister listened to the cries of employees and pensioners.  How can one think to vote BJP ?. An employee can influence atleast 10 others. A pensioner can influence atleast 4 others.  The result is not small !
That's what you see at Delhi.

The grapewine  is that our PM and FM always take a  totally anti-employee  and anti-pensioner attitude.   If  they come out of their ego and "ahankaar", BJP may survive. Else, BJP starts sinking now on !  Let's pray the Govt and the Ministers get 'sadbudhi' !

Friday, February 6, 2015

Cure for Diabetes

Most of us are worried on the killer disease "Diabetes'. But, do you know that its medicines are just around us !  That too for free !!
Please read the article below (copied from YAHOO ) and use this knowledge to cure your Diabetes.


10 home remedies for diabetes that really work  !


Diabetes is one of the fast growing lifestyle disorder that can be effectively managed with few lifestyle modifications and eating a healthy diet. Characterized by high blood sugar levels in the body, this condition affects the body’s ability to either produce insulin or to use insulin effectively. Although there are numerous treatment options available to keep your blood sugar levels in control, home remedies can work wonders in achieving this task. Here are top 10 effective home remedies to maintain your blood sugar levels and lead a healthy life with diabetes.
#1 Holy Basil (tulsi) leaves
The leaves of holy basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. Collectively these compounds help the pancreatic beta cells (cells that store and release insulin) to function properly and increase sensitivity to insulin. An added advantage is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress.
Tip: Consume two to three tulsi leaves whole or about one tablespoon full of its juice on an empty stomach to lower the blood sugar levels. Here are top 10 health benefits of tulsi
#2 Flax seeds (Alsi)
Due to their high fibre content flaxseeds help digestion and aid in the proper absorption of fats and sugars. Consuming flax seed helps reduce a diabetic’s postprandial sugar level by almost 28 per cent.
Tip: Consume one tablespoon of ground flaxseed powder every morning on an empty stomach with a glass of warm water. However, do not have more than 2 tablespoons per day, as it can be detrimental to your health. Here are 11 ways to include flaxseeds in your diet.
#3 Leaves of bilberry (neelabadari) plant
The leaves of bilberry have been used in Ayurveda for many centuries to control diabetes. Recently, the Journal of Nutrition stated that the leaves of the Bilberry plant contain high amounts of anthocyanidin, which enhance the action of various proteins involved in glucose transportation and fat metabolism. Due to this unique property, bilberry leaves are a great way to lower one’s blood sugar levels.
Tip: Crush bilberry leaves in a mortar and pestle and consume 100 milligrams of this extract everyday on an empty stomach.
#4 Cinnamon (dalchini)
Also known as dalchini, it improves insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels. Having as little as ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day can improve one’s insulin sensitivity and help controlling weight, thereby decreasing one’s risk for heart disease.
Tip: Include about 1 gram of dalchini into your daily diet for about a month to help lower blood sugar levels. Read more health benefits of cinnamon.
#5 Green Tea
Unlike other tea leaves, green tea is unfermented and is high in polyphenol content. Polyphenol is a strong antioxidant and hypo-glycaemic compound that helps control the release of blood sugars and helps the body use insulin better. Read more 10 types of flavoured green tea that have 20 health benefits.
Tip: Steep a bag of green tea in hot water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the bag and drink a cup of this tea in the morning or before your meals.
#6 Drumstick leaves
Also called moringa, the leaves of this plant are best known for their ability to boost one’s energy. In the case of diabetics, the moringa leaf increases satiety and slows the breakdown of food and lowerblood pressure.
Tip: Take a few drumstick leaves, wash and crush them to extract their juice. Now take about 1/4th cup of this juice and drink it on an empty stomach, every morning to keep your sugar levels under control.
#7 Psyllium husk (Isabgol)
Also known as psyllium husk is often used as a laxative. When isabgol comes in contact with water, it swells to form a gel-like substance. This slows the breakdown and absorption of blood glucose. Isabgol also protects the stomach lining from ulcers and acidity.
Tip: Cosume isabgol after every meal, ideally with milk or water. Avoid having it with curd as it can lead to constipation. Read in detail about 8 health benefits of isabgol or psyllium husk you didn’t know.
#8 Bitter gourd (Karela)
Rich in plant insulin-polypeptide-P, a bio-chemical that mimics the insulin produced by the humanpancreas and thus, reduces sugar levels in the body. You may like to read about home remedies for diabetes. It is also known to be highly beneficial for diabetics owing to the two very essential compounds called charatin and momordicin, which are the key compounds in lowering one’s blood sugar levels.
Tip: Consume karela at least once a week either as a subzi or in a curry. If you want quick results, try having a glass of karela juice on an empty stomach once in three days. Read more about 8 healthy reasons to drink bittergourd or karela juice!
#9 Neem
Found abundantly in India, the bitter leaf has a number of amazing medicinal properties. Neemenhances insulin receptor sensitivity, helps improve blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels, lowers blood glucose levels and reduces one’s dependence on hypoglycaemic drugs.  Here are more health benefits of neem.
Tip: Drink the juice of the tender shoot of neem leaves on an empty stomach for best results.
#10 Indian blackberry (Jamun)
A glycoside present in the seeds of Indian blackberry prevents the conversion of starch to sugar. It lowers blood sugar and helps prevent insulin spikes. Jambul also has properties that can protect you from heart diseases and other vascular disorders.
Tip: Eat around 5 – 6 jamuns in the morning to control your blood sugar levels. Alternatively, you can also add a spoonful of jamun seeds powder to a glass of warm water or milk and drink this daily for better control of diabetes.


Thursday, February 5, 2015

Congrats Dr.Reghunathan

Dr. Reghunathan Nair and his team has won this years' National Award for Technology Innovation (Polymer Technology).  ISROfef congratulates the team.






Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Income Tax on Pension

Here is a very useful information on Income Tax.









Courtesy :    Pensioners Link, Jan 2015




Monday, February 2, 2015

Pongal Prize to pensioners

A good news from Govt of Tamil Nadu !  Government had sanctioned a lumpsum PONGAL Prize amountt of Rs. 500 to all Pensioners of all catgories and family pensioners.

Congrats TamilNadu pensioners !

OROP - a very distant dream !


OROP - Implementation of OROP for Defence forces is yet to take off. It seems Sri. Subramoniam Swamy (MP) , BJP Leader , met Defence Minister and pressed for an early implementation.
A team of Defence pensioners, last day,  met the Defence Minister again requesting for an immediate implementation.  It is reported that the Minister threw the ball to Minister for Finance. That certainly tells us  that it will take more and more time for a possible implementation.
Moreover this also means that OROP for Central pensioners also is a distant dream.

Another Important news

SCOVA meeeting is scheduled for 3 February.. This may discuss the issue of DA merger with BP. But let us not hope miracles to happen.

Please Note

A few of the latest posts are seen above. For more / earlier posts, please click the link "Older Posts" above.

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