NARA'S NOTEPAD
VOLUME 23
FEBRUARY 2026
NUMBER 2
Sunday, February 1, 2026
MEMO FROM NARA
January
2026 was a festival month starting from the New Year, Pongal festivals, Mahara Vizhaku at Ayyappan Temple,
Sabarimalai, and above all, the 77th Republic Day Celebrations. Every
citizen of India was happy because of the holidays and their vacation for
visiting various places, including their relatives. All of them are back to
their work and have started their regular duties. We could also hear day in and day out
of Donald Trump’s threatening speeches on Greenland, Venezuela, Gaza, Iran,
Ukraine and Canada. Added to all these, the Australian Open tennis match started
in Melbourne and ended on 1 February. Finally, we could see the sad demise of
Ajit Pawar of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, in a flight accident at
Baramati. - NARA
LIFE
Life is a complex journey full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and unexpected surprises. Amidst the chaos, it can be easy to lose sight of the simple moments that make life worth living. These simple moments are often the ones that we overlook, but they are also the ones that can bring us the most happiness. Followings are the simple moments of life that we can easily follow.
The first simple moment
that we can follow easily is spending time with loved ones. This could be as
simple as having a conversation with a family member or having a coffee with a
friend. We often take the people in our lives for granted, but spending time with
them can provide us with a sense of connection and belonging that is hard to
find elsewhere.
The second simple moment
is finding joy in the little things. This could be listening to a favourite
song, taking a walk in nature, or enjoying a good meal. These small pleasures
can bring us immense happiness and help us to appreciate the present moment.
Thirdly, cultivating
gratitude can also be considered a simple moment in our lives. Focusing on
what we have rather than what we lack can shift our perspective and help us to
see the world in a more positive light. Taking a few moments each day to
reflect on the things that we are grateful for can make a big difference in our
overall well-being.
Lastly, slowing down can
be considered as one of the simplest moments in life that we can easily follow.
In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and
bustle of everyday life. However, taking the time to slow down and be present
can help us to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of life.
In conclusion, life can
be overwhelming and complicated, but by focusing on the simple moments, we can
find joy and happiness in the present moment. Whether it is spending time with
loved ones, finding joy in the little things, cultivating gratitude, or slowing
down, we can all make a conscious effort to follow these simple moments and
live a more fulfilling life.
FOOD PRODUCTION
There are different ways to increase food production, depending on the type of food, the location, and the resources available. Some of the common methods are:
-
Reducing food waste: According to some estimates, one-third of
all food produced is wasted. This means that a lot of resources, such as land,
water, energy, and labour, are also wasted. Reducing food waste can help save
these resources and make more food available for consumption. Some ways to
reduce food waste are improving storage and transportation, promoting
consumption of imperfect produce, donating excess food to charities, and
composting organic waste.
-
Shifting diets: Another way to increase food production
is to shift diets to more plant-based foods, such as grains, fruits,
vegetables, nuts, and seeds. A diet high in meat is very wasteful, as it
requires a lot of land, water, and feed to produce a small amount of animal
protein¹. Plant-based foods are more efficient and sustainable, as they use
fewer resources and emit less greenhouse gas. Shifting diets can also improve
human health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
-
Improving crop yields: Crop yields refer to the amount of food
produced per unit of land. Improving crop yields can help increase food
production without expanding the cultivated area. Some ways to improve crop
yields are using improved seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, pest control, and
crop rotation. Genetic engineering can also help create crops that are more
resistant to drought, disease, or pests.
-
Using controlled environment technology: Controlled environment
technology refers to using artificial systems to create optimal conditions for
plant growth. Examples of controlled environment technology are greenhouses,
hydroponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming². These methods can help increase
food production by extending the growing season, saving water
and space, and reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides.
-
Expanding arable land: Arable land is land that can be used for
growing crops. Expanding arable land can help increase food production by
providing more space for cultivation. However, this method has some drawbacks,
such as deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas
emissions. Therefore, expanding arable land should be done carefully and
sustainably.
-
Increasing animal productivity: Animal productivity
refers to the amount of animal products (such as meat, milk, eggs) produced per
animal. Increasing animal productivity can help increase food
production by making more efficient use of animal feed and resources. Some ways
to increase animal productivity
are using improved
breeds, feed supplements, vaccines, hormones, and genetic engineering. Animal
welfare and environmental impacts should also be considered when increasing
animal productivity.
POPULATION
There are several possible impacts of a growing population in India over time, both positive and negative:
1.
Increased demand for resources: As the population grows,
there will be a greater demand for food, water, energy, and other resources.
This could put pressure on natural resources and exacerbate existing
environmental problems, such as deforestation, water scarcity, and pollution.
2.
Strain on infrastructure: As more people move into urban
areas, there could be a strain on infrastructure such as roads, schools, and
hospitals. This could lead to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and longer wait
times for services.
3.
Economic growth: A growing population could lead to
increased economic growth, as there will be more consumers and workers. This
could lead to more job opportunities and increased investment in infrastructure
and services.
4.
Ageing population: As the population grows, the proportion
of elderly people may also increase. This could lead to strain on healthcare
and social support systems.
5.
Pressure on government: The government may face increased
pressure to provide services and support to a growing population, particularly
in areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Overall, the impact of the growing population in India will depend on a range of factors such as
government policies, economic conditions, and demographic trends. It will be important
to find ways to manage population growth sustainably and ensure that everyone
has access to the resources and services they need.
THE COST OF LIVING
The cost of living is a term used to represent the amount of money that is required to maintain a certain standard of living. It is the amount of money that people need to spend on day-to-day expenses like food, housing, clothing, transportation, healthcare, and education. The cost of living varies from place to place, and it can have a significant impact on human survival.
The increasing cost of
living is a growing concern for people all over the world. The cost of living
has been rising steadily for the past few decades, and it shows no signs of
slowing down. Inflation, low wages, and high taxes are just a few of the
factors that contribute to the increasing cost of living.
The rising cost of living
affects people in many ways. For starters, it makes it difficult for people to
make ends meet. People are forced to spend more of their income on essential
items like food and housing, leaving them with less money to save or invest in
their future. This can lead to financial stress, debt, and a lower standard of
living.
The increase in the cost
of living also impacts healthcare. Healthcare is becoming more expensive, and
many people are unable to afford it. This can lead to people avoiding doctor
visits or delaying medical treatment, which can have serious consequences on
their health. People who are unable to afford healthcare may also resort to
self-medication or alternative treatments, which can be dangerous.
The increasing cost of
living also affects education. The cost of education has been rising faster
than inflation, making it difficult for people to afford higher education. This
can limit their job opportunities and long-term earning potential. The rising
cost of living has a significant impact on human survival. People are forced to
live in sub-standard conditions or make sacrifices to stay afloat. They may
have to choose between paying for bills or buying food or healthcare. This can
damage their physical and mental well-being. The increasing cost of living can
also lead to social issues, such as poverty, crime, and homelessness. In
conclusion, the increasing cost of living is a major concern for people all over
the world. It affects their standard of living, health,
education, and well-being. As the cost of living continues to rise, it is essential to find
solutions to protect people. Policymakers, businesses, and
communities must work together to find ways to make essential items more
affordable and increase people's earning potential. This will help to alleviate
the stress and financial burden of rising costs and ensure that everyone has
access to the resources they need to survive and thrive.
TO QUOTE
Painting is about more than creating beautiful images – David Gentleman
JUST TO LAUGH
Science Teacher: Is there any difference between lightning and electricity?
Practical Peter: Yes. You don’t have to pay for lightning.
Smart-alec customer (in a shoe shop): How much are your four-guinea
shoes?
Smarter salesman: Two guineas a foot, sir.
Dave’s mother was concerned about her neighbour's health. ‘Dave,’ she said, ‘run across the street and ask how old Mrs Brown is.’
Soon, Dave was back. ‘Mrs. Brown was very cross,’ he said. ‘She told me it was none of your business how old she is.’LINES I LIKED
Ø I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
Ø I enjoy doing what is forbidden.
Ø
I find
prosperity in simplicity.
Ø
I’m happy
to help everyone when I can.
If
you want to earn more, learn more!
Meet you next month –2026
Professor A. Narayanan, Ph. D., FISPP
SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO:
E-mail: arumugakannu@gmail.com
Ph: 0422 4393017 Mobile: 75399 15614
(NARA’S
NOTEPAD)
Thursday, January 1, 2026
MEMO FROM NARA
2025 has ended, and we're entering 2026 from this January. New Year greetings are flying from everyone to their friends and relatives. The season is winter. The weather is cool. The mornings are chilly. All of us wear some warm clothing depending on the intensity of the cold. Pleasant for some and unpleasant for others.
People
have new resolutions to undertake from 1 January 2026. Every New Year, people
like to follow a good way of life, like not smoking, not drinking alcohol,
helping others, exercising daily, etc. But one has to see how long these
resolutions are going to last. Some people are good at following their
resolutions till next New Year, whereas most others follow them for a month or
two and forget about them. That is human nature. I hope you stick to the
resolution you undertake as a duty and follow through on it throughout the year. I wish you all
the best.
On
this occasion, I remind you all that NARA’S NOTEPAD is completing 22 successful
years. The monthly blog I write every month regularly reached thousands of
readers like you who never missed a single issue. I read newspapers, magazines
and various kinds of books every day. I pick up important passages and transmit them to NARA’S NOTEPAD so that they reach thousands of readers. I really take a
pleasure in doing so. I hope to continue this service for the coming years, too.
Some of my neighbours who have the chance of meeting me personally, in fact,
congratulate me and also appreciate my effort. Such good, kind words encourage
me to do the work more efficiently every month. I take it as a point that the
issues are uploaded precisely on the first day of every month.
If
you like NARA’S NOTEPAD, please forward it to your dear ones, relatives and
friends. Let them also enjoy reading it and benefit. I wish you and your
friends and relatives a very happy New Year with many more successes and
achievements in life. All the best. - NARA
WHAT IS AGEING AND WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
Ageing is simply the process of becoming older. Superficially, as we age, we appear to have more wrinkles and blemishes in the skin, and perhaps greyer hair. We don’t have the same strength, endurance, and even body shape as we did when we were younger. But on a molecular and cellular level in the body, what is driving these changes?
Cells are the building
blocks that form all our tissues. As we age, our cells age too. Stem cells,
which are cells that are capable of becoming a range of different tissues
(bone, muscle, blood, etc.), lose the capacity to undergo differentiation—the
ability to change from one cell type to another. This is problematic because
stem cells are responsible for replenishing damaged tissue, for example,
damaged cartilage in joints. So, the body cannot regenerate as effectively.
Unlike the cells in young
bodies, cells in the older person’s body also lose some of their metabolic
capacity and start to accumulate waste proteins, resulting in malfunction. This
is thought to occur because of several different reasons:
DNA damage arises from exposure to free
radicals (free radicals are high-energy molecules in the body capable of
destroying or damaging other molecules).
Shortening of telomeres (telomeres are
structures on the ends of your DNA that protect it from degradation).
Advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs)
(destructive molecules created from sugar) abnormally bond with other normal
proteins and fat molecules, and over time, these altered molecules accumulate.
Our cells may be intrinsically programmed
genetically to age and stop working.
Thus, the body loses its
ability to replace old or damaged cells, and those older cells start to
malfunction. This disrupts the complex biological processes in the body.
Cellular ageing processes
affect the musculoskeletal system, and we know that three things happen:
Bones lose density, becoming weaker and
more brittle (aka osteoporosis and osteopenia). Muscle mass and density decrease (a.k.a. sarcopenia)
The smooth cartilage which covers our
joints wears down. In the spine, all three of these processes occur in addition
to degeneration of the intervertebral discs—the structures which are
responsible for linking our vertebrae together. - Yoshihiro
Katsuura
PHYSICAL DISABILITY
Physical Disability: Understanding the Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
Physical disability is a
condition that affects a person's ability to perform normal daily activities
due to a physical impairment. This type of disability may be caused by an
accident or injury, a chronic illness, or a congenital condition. Regardless of
the cause, physical disability can present significant challenges to individuals,
families, and communities.
The effects of physical
disability can be both physical and psychological. Among the physical
challenges are difficulty with mobility, fatigue, pain, impaired vision or
hearing, and difficulty with fine motor skills. These challenges can make it
difficult for individuals to engage in typical daily activities, such
as going to work or school, shopping, driving, or exercising.
The psychological effects
of physical disability can be equally challenging. These may include feelings
of frustration, anger, sadness, and isolation. Individuals with physical
disabilities may feel like they are not able to participate fully in life or
that they are a burden on their family and friends. Coping with the
psychological aspects of physical disability is critical, and mental health
support should be an essential aspect of any treatment plan.
Despite these challenges,
individuals with physical disabilities can live fulfilling lives. There are
many coping mechanisms and treatments available that can help individuals with
physical disabilities overcome the limitations they face. These may include
physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, assistive devices, and
modifications to homes, schools, and workplaces.
One important aspect of
coping with physical disability is community support. Individuals with physical
disabilities can benefit from assistance from family, friends, and caregivers.
Joining support groups or online communities can also be a useful way for
individuals with physical disabilities to connect with others who may be facing
similar challenges.
Another key factor in
coping with physical disability is resilience. Resilience is the ability to
adapt and recover after significant life challenges. Building resilience takes
time and effort, but it can help individuals with physical disabilities thrive.
Strategies to build resilience include focusing on strengths, setting
achievable goals, developing positive coping mechanisms, and seeking out
support.
In conclusion, physical
disabilities present significant challenges to individuals, families, and
communities. But
with the right treatment and support, individuals with physical disabilities
can live fulfilling lives. Coping mechanisms, community support, and resilience are all
essential elements in helping individuals with physical disabilities overcome
the obstacles they face and lead healthy, happy, and productive lives.
WHY THERE ARE FEW WOMEN IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE?
There are several reasons why there are few women in the field of science.
- Stereotypes
and societal expectations:
Girls often grow up with the belief that certain fields, such as science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM), are not meant for them.
Scientific fields are often considered masculine, which dissuades girls
from pursuing these subjects.
- Lack
of role models: There are fewer female role models in
scientific fields. Girls are less likely to consider pursuing a career in
science if they do not see women succeeding in these fields.
- Bias
and discrimination: Women may
experience bias and discrimination in hiring, promotions or funding in
scientific fields.
- Work
– life balance: Women are often expected to balance
work and family responsibilities. The demanding nature of scientific
careers can make it difficult to achieve this balance.
- Unconscious
bias: Unconscious biases against women can
affect all aspects of their careers. Hiring managers or male-dominated
workplaces may undervalue women’s skills or abilities.
It is important to address these issues and
make changes to promote gender equality in the sciences. This includes
promoting female role models, addressing unconscious bias, providing support
for work-life balance, and increasing the representation of women in the scientific
field.
JUST TO LAUGH
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Towards the end of a long day’s drive over winding roads in the Welsh hills, a motorist was stopped by a policeman.
‘I’ll have to
report you for driving without rear lights,’ the constable said.
The motorist stepped
out of his car and gave a cry of despair.
‘It’s not as bad
as all that,’ said the policeman.
The tourist
replied, ‘I’m not worried about the lights. But where’s my trailer?’
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