Benzos

I am observing from the circles, considerable number of people,  especially above 40, tends take Benzos for insomnia related issues & depression .   They even do not know, they are Benzos and how it work on the brain.  What they think is, it's just another tablet, which can help them to sleep.  It's  not so simple buddy! Learning the damages done the brain activities would be a starting point of the quitting process.  I am not talking about the real patients who need psychological meds; it's about the people who are taking it on their own, just for sleep.  

The article, I read in SM, is reproduced below, with due thanks and courtesy  to the author. 

Benzo Brain Damage Recovery: Healing Your Brain After Benzodiazepines

Clinically Reviewed by Bobby Boykin, MS, LASAC, CRS

Using benzos for a long time can leave you feeling worried about your brain. You might wonder if the changes you notice are permanent or if your mind can bounce back. The truth is, benzo brain damage recovery is possible. With the right guidance, medical support, and daily habits, your brain can start to heal, and you can regain focus, memory, and clarity.

Recovery isn’t instant, but small, steady steps make a real difference. At Guiding Road Recovery Center, we help people like you understand the changes benzos cause and support the journey to safer, healthier brain function.

Key Takeaways From This Blog

• Learn about the effects of benzodiazepines on the brain and the risks of long-term use.
• Discover medical and holistic ways to support brain healing from benzos.
• Get practical tips for daily routines that aid recovery and improve cognitive function.

How Benzos Can Affect Your Brain and Cognitive Function

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs often prescribed to manage conditions like stress, anxiety, and insomnia. They work by calming the central nervous system and enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. While this sedative effect can bring relief, long-term use can lead to noticeable changes in the brain. People who use benzos for months or years may notice damaging effects like memory issues, slowed thinking, or difficulty concentrating.

The risk grows with high doses and prolonged exposure, as benzos can alter neurotransmitter activity and affect the brain regions responsible for learning and emotion. This doesn’t mean recovery is impossible, but understanding these effects is the first step toward healing from prolonged use of benzodiazepines.

Brain Changes From Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use	Possible Symptoms
Altered functions of neurotransmitters in the brain	Memory lapses, fogginess
Reduced cognitive flexibility	Difficulty problem-solving
Changes in brain structure (hippocampus)	Short-term memory issues, emotional instability
Nervous system slowing	Fatigue, slowed reaction time

Recognizing the ways benzos affect your brain helps you track recovery progress and work with professionals on a plan to restore cognitive function safely and develop healthier coping strategies.

• Reduced anxiety and better emotional regulation
• Slow but steady restoration of brain health and cognitive function

Being patient and consistent with medical guidance, healthy routines, and emotional support ensures the best possible brain healing from benzodiazepine exposure. Progress may feel slow, but every small step contributes to a stronger, clearer mind and improvements in cognitive impairment.

• strengthens the central nervous system, and improves mood. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are gentle yet effective.
• Engage Your Mind. Challenge your memory and attention through puzzles, reading, or learning new skills. Stimulating the brain encourages recovery of cognitive function affected by prolonged benzo exposure.
• Manage Stress Mindfully. Practice meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to calm the nervous system. Reducing stress helps your brain restore balance after benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• Follow Professional Guidance. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers ensure safe detox, proper tapering, and ongoing support for brain recovery.

Recovering from benzos can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Guiding Road Recovery Center in Phoenix, Arizona, we provide compassionate care, evidence-based treatment, and holistic support to help individuals safely overcome benzodiazepine addiction and promote long-lasting brain health. Reach out today to take the first step toward a healthier, clearer mind.

India helps BD, amid their their hate propaganda

 A Staff Correspondent report:

The death of Inqilab Manch convener Osman Hadi, his transformation into an anti-India icon, the attacks and vandalism of the Indian embassy and diplomatic residence in Bangladesh, all of which are attributed to an Indian conspiracy, have created an extremely alarming situation centered on anti-India sentiment across the country. The onion market in the country is on fire due to the extreme crisis! It is being sold at a price of more than 100 taka per kg.

In such a situation, onions have been coming from India through the Benapole land port in Jessore for the past 3 days. The latest import was on Saturday, December 20, when 90 metric tons of onions were imported.

According to government sources, the price of imported onions per kilogram has fallen to around 42 to 43 taka in Bangladeshi taka. After the start of onion imports, the price in the domestic market has already decreased by 10 to 15 taka per kilogram.

The consignment reached Benapole Port at around 6:30 pm on Saturday. Benapole Port Director Shamim Hossain said that a total of 210 metric tons of onions have been imported in 7 trucks through India’s Petrapole Port in the last 3 days.

Rafiqul Islam, owner of M/s Royal Enterprises, a company that clears imported onions, said that importers from different parts of the country have imported these onions.

He further said that the first consignment of 90 metric tons of onions arrived in three trucks on Monday, the second consignment of 30 metric tons in one truck on Wednesday, and another 90 metric tons in three trucks on Saturday evening. Earlier, 60 metric tons of onions were last imported through this port in September this year.

Meanwhile, Abu Faisal, owner of importing company M/s Kapotaksha C&F Agent, said that onions are being imported from India at a price of 305 US dollars per ton. Adding port and import-related incidental costs, the price per kg stands at 42-43 taka. Transportation and labor costs will be added to this during marketing.

Benapole Port Director Shamim Hossain also said that some more onion trucks waiting to enter Bangladesh are at Petrapole Port in India. They will enter Benapole Port in phases. All necessary measures have been taken at the port for the quick unloading of onions.

While Bangladesh opens its propaganda gun against India, our country doing this facility. Let th BD people understand, who is their mithra and who is their foe. 

Public Sector

Who Should Own Big Organisations — Individuals or Government?

Across the world, large organisations fall into two baskets:

Government-owned enterprises (PSUs)

Privately-owned enterprises (individuals, families, corporations)

Both are essential, but both come with baked-in strengths and risks. What matters is how political leadership and bureaucracy handle them.

1. The Government Sector: Strong Muscles, Weak Nervous System

A government enterprise usually starts with noble goals:

Universal access, public service, nation-building.

But over time, two forces undermine them:

a) Bureaucratic rigidity

Procedures become more important than outcomes.

Decision-making slows down. Risk-taking disappears.

Even a small operational change requires multiple approvals.

b) Political interference

Unproductive postings, patronage networks, and delays due to political calculations.

The organisation slowly loses its competitive edge.

BSNL is the classic example.

Fantastic infrastructure. Massive reach.

But suffocated by layers of rules, slow upgrades, and no authority to take market-speed decisions.

A Ferrari engine operated by 1950s traffic rules.

Result:

The country suffers, and private players take over the space.

2. The Private Sector: Fast, Efficient — But Not Your Friend

Private enterprises have built modern economies.

They innovate, move quickly, and take bold decisions.

But their goal is not national interest — it is profit.

This is not immoral; it is their operating DNA.

They will:

Expand rapidly when profitable

Exit brutally when loss-making

Lobby aggressively for favourable regulations

Use crisis moments to push their agenda

The Indigo Episode: A Textbook Case

Indigo knew exactly when to push:

At a moment when India was geopolitically occupied with Putin’s arrival in Delhi, they triggered a disruption over DGCA’s Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL).

Two years they had to plan.

They ignored it.

Then suddenly, they tried to corner the government and create public pressure.

This is corporate strategy, not coincidence.

It shows a truth many don’t want to admit:

Private companies can arm-twist the state when they reach near-monopoly scale.

3. So, Which Model Is Better?

Neither is perfect.

A modern nation needs a hybrid approach.

Where the Government Must Stay Strong

Telecom backbone

Railways

National power grid

Defence manufacturing

Health & food security networks

Aviation safety and regulation

Here, national interest outweighs profitability.

Where Private Sector Should Dominate

Consumer services

Retail

Technology R&D

Logistics

Airlines (operations, not regulation)

Here, speed and customer focus matter.

4. The Real Problem: The Missing Middle

India’s challenge is not “public vs private”.

It is bureaucracy vs accountability.

Government institutions are tied down by procedure,

Private institutions are unrestrained by social responsibility.

India needs a governance architecture where:

PSUs have operational freedom like a private firm

Private firms face strict enforcement when they cross lines

Regulators are independent, competent, and fearless

Political leadership does not allow monopoly behaviour

5. Conclusion: Balance of Power, Not Blind Faith

A strong government ensures national assets are not looted.

A strong private sector ensures the country stays modern and efficient.

What India must avoid is PSU lethargy on one side and corporate bullying on the other.

The Indigo incident is a reminder:

When bureaucracy weakens public institutions, private giants gain enough muscle to challenge national authority.

A country of India’s scale cannot afford either extreme.

Indigo (2)

IndiGo vs Government of India: A Test of Regulatory Courage

What we are witnessing today between IndiGo and the Government of India is not merely a dispute over aviation scheduling or pilot duty hours. It is a classic confrontation between corporate dominance and sovereign regulation. At stake is a fundamental question:

> Who governs India’s skies—elected authority or market power?

The DGCA’s Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) were notified two years ago. This was not a sudden, whimsical decision. It was a long-scheduled safety reform aimed at protecting pilot health and passenger lives. Yet, IndiGo—India’s largest airline with over 60% market share—chose not to realign its business model in time.

That choice was strategic, not accidental

When Others Complied, IndiGo Resisted

The most inconvenient truth for IndiGo is this:

> Air India and Akasa Air complied with the DGCA guidelines. IndiGo did not.

They operate in the same airspace. They face the same infrastructure bottlenecks. They hire from the same pilot pool. They absorb the same fuel price shocks. Yet they managed compliance.

This destroys the narrative that:

The rules are “unworkable”

The timeline is “unreasonable”

The regulation is “anti-business”

If the law were truly impossible, no airline would have complied. But they did.

Which means the real issue is not feasibility.

The real issue is profit maximisation at the edge of safety limits.

This Is Not Operational Stress. This Is Pressure Politics. Indigo Choose to provoke the public and government of India when Putin landed on NewDelhi. It's  not accidental, I presume.  They done this deliberately. 

IndiGo’s business model is built on:

Maximum aircraft utilisation

Tight crew rostering

High-frequency rotations

Minimal buffers

This model delivered spectacular profits. But it also left no room for safety-driven recalibration. When enforcement became unavoidable, the fallout was projected onto passengers through:

Mass cancellations

Media panic

Public inconvenience

This follows a familiar global pattern:

> “If you enforce the law, the public will suffer.”

That is not compliance difficulty.

That is institutional arm-twisting.

Why the Government’s Stand Matters Beyond Aviation

If the Government had diluted or postponed the rule under pressure, three dangerous precedents would have been set:

1. Market dominance becomes regulatory immunity

2. Safety becomes negotiable

3. Profit is placed above human endurance

By holding firm, the Government is making a far more important statement:

> India will not outsource safety to corporate balance sheets.

This is exactly how strong States assert authority—whether it was:China halting Jack Ma’s Ant IPO,

The EU breaking Google’s monopoly,

Or Australia forcing Meta and Google to pay its media.

India is now being tested on the same civilizational question:

> Does the State still have the nerve to discipline its biggest corporations?

India Has a Proud Tradition of Confronting Power When It Overreaches

History offers reassurance.

1947: The abolition of princely privileges and subsidies—ending centuries of entitled power.

1969: Bank nationalisation—breaking the grip of business families over national credit.

Morarji Desai era: The pursuit of financial scams and black-market operators without fear or favour.

Telecom, coal, banking reforms in later decades—all aimed at restoring State primacy over cartelism.

Every time money tried to bend the Republic, India’s political leadership—across ideologies—eventually found the courage to push back.

That tradition must not break now.

Modi Government Now Faces a Defining Moment

This is not about being “pro-business” or “anti-corporate”. India needs strong private enterprise. But there is a constitutional red line:

> No business model is above public safety.

If IndiGo needed more pilots, it had two years to hire.

If it needed schedule rationalisation, it had two years to implement.

If it needed regulatory modification, it had two years to contest legally.

It chose instead to expand aggressively first and negotiate compliance later.

The Government must now decide:

Whether market leaders get special dispensations, or

Whether rules are uniform for both giants and newcomers.

This Is Ultimately About the Passenger and the Pilot

An exhausted pilot is not an HR issue.

It is a national safety risk.

Every major global air disaster—from Tenerife to recent fatigue-related investigations—shows the same lesson repeatedly:

> Human limits are not negotiable.

The DGCA exists precisely to enforce this truth—even when it is inconvenient to powerful players.

Conclusion: This Is Market Power vs Rule of Law

This is not: IndiGo vs DGC . This is: Dominance vs Discipline

Expansion vs Endurance

Profit vs Life

India has always corrected its course when power—royal, political, or corporate—grew too arrogant.

The hope now is that the Modi government will continue that tradition with the same clarity and firmness—without fear, without favour, and without dilution.

Because in a mature Republic:

> Airplanes may be private.. But the sky belongs to the people.

Indigo (1)

Crisis in Indian Domestic Aviation — or a Crisis Created by IndiGo?

There is growing reason to believe that what we are witnessing is not just an operational failure, but a calculated, master-class corporate pressure tactic by IndiGo.

The revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) were introduced by the DGCA two years ago. IndiGo chose to delay changes in its operational planning instead of complying with the guidelines. If the airline had genuine concerns, it could have approached the government or the courts well in time.

Instead, it waited for the problem to snowball—eventually triggering large-scale flight cancellations and operational chaos.

This raises a serious question:

Is IndiGo attempting to “muscle-twist” the Government of India by cancelling hundreds of flights at the last moment?

The Real Cause of the Disruptions

The cancellations were primarily caused by poor planning and serious misjudgment of required crew strength during the implementation of the second phase of revised FDTL norms, which came into effect on 1 November 2025.

Several insiders and observers believe that this crisis may have been deliberately allowed to escalate in order to pressure the DGCA and the government into relaxing or delaying the new duty norms.

An open letter, reportedly from employees, clearly stated that the

> “operational collapse was allowed to escalate in a way that exerted pressure on the government for extension or relaxation.”

This is an explosive allegation—and it cannot be brushed aside.

Government’s Firm Response

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of India reacted sharply, expressing strong displeasure over IndiGo’s handling of the situation—especially when the airline had ample time to prepare.

A high-level inquiry has been ordered to:

Fix accountability

Identify failures

Recommend preventive measures

To stabilise operations, the DGCA was forced to temporarily relax certain duty rules. IndiGo has now promised to return to full normalcy by February 2026.

Pressure Through Chaos?

Officially, the crisis is blamed on planning failure. But the outcome has created a situation where IndiGo’s market dominance and the resulting disruption appear to have been used as leverage against regulators.

This episode exposes the dangerous imbalance between:

A near-monopoly private airline

And public regulatory authority

Internal Revolt and Public Suffering

Importantly, a section of IndiGo’s pilots and ground staff have openly criticised the management. This clearly shows that all employees are not aligned with the company’s decisions.

As always, the worst sufferers are ordinary passengers, who are paying the price for management failures, not regulatory ones.

Accountability Is Non-Negotiable

Both IndiGo and the aviation regulator must be held accountable:

For failure to comply with rules

For failure in operational monitoring

For putting public safety and convenience at risk

This episode once again proves a simple truth:

> Allowing monopoly in any industry—especially aviation—will sooner or later create a crisis.

The Way Forward: More Players in the SkyIndia urgently needs:

More competition

Stronger compliance enforcement

Zero tolerance for operational blackmail

More players in the sky are not just desirable—they are absolutely necessary for the health of Indian civil aviation.

Short Visit to Brune

Before reaching Phillipines, had a short break at Brunei.

Brunei is a unique destination in Southeast Asia, known for its opulent mosques, pristine rainforests, and rich culture.  This tiny nation is Abode of Peace, ruled by monarchy system.

Top Attractions and Activities

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: A prominent landmark in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), known for its golden dome and lagoon.

Kampong Ayer (Water Village): A large stilt village on the Brunei River where visitors can take boat tours.

Ulu Temburong National Park: A rainforest offering a canopy walk and jungle views. For want time we didn't visited here.

Royal Regalia Museum: Located in BSB, displaying the Sultan's regalia.

Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: The largest mosque in Brunei.

Gadong Night Market: A market to experience local street food. 

Travel Tips

When planning a trip to Brunei, consider the following: 

Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from January to May, is recommended for outdoor activities.

Culture and Etiquette: Brunei is a Muslim country, so dress modestly and respect local customs. Alcohol is prohibited.

Currency: The Bruneian Dollar (BND) is used. Cash is useful in markets, while credit cards are accepted in larger establishments.

Transportation: Taxis or pre-arranged tours are often used for convenience despite cheap public transport options.

Cuisine: Try ambuyat, the national dish. Vegetarian food also available.   Surprisingly I found many Tamil Speaking population in market area.

My tour operator is from Pondicherry  (Puducherry), +91 95970 82240, Sri Ilankeshwaran, MD Greatway Leisures pvt Ltd,  who can very much be dependable nice person. 

Plan for atleast two days trip. 

Phillipines tour.

After a long time (after pandemic) I made a short trip to   🇵🇭  Philippines. 

I preferred this location for it's landscape made by  Volcanoes & Water

My recent trip to the Philippines turned out to be far more dramatic than I expected. Many people imagine the country as just beaches and shopping. But what I saw felt straight out of Baahubali and Avatar — nature on a grand, cinematic scale. A beauty bowl.

🔥 1. Puning Hot Spring — Where Volcanoes Heat the Waterfalls

This is not a small stream or a casual hot-water pool.

Puning Hot Spring sits at the foot of the Pinatubo volcanic range, and the stream we passed through actually flows straight from volcanic mountains.

The water that falls on you is naturally hot — boiling from inside the earth.

In India, we know hot springs like those in Badrinath, but a hot-water waterfall itself? That’s rare. The entire region feels alive — steaming rocks, warm flowing streams, and a surreal landscape carved out by past eruptions.

An unforgettable experience.

🛥️ 2. Yacht Party at Subic Bay — Relax after a hectic day.  

Subic Bay gives a completely different mood — peaceful blue waters, old naval base, and quiet coastlines.

After the volcanic landscapes of Puning, cruising on a yacht here felt like entering a different world. Calm, classy, and refreshing. Dance, dine & drink! Ofcource you are free to ignore third! But you will be billed.

The bay is surrounded by hills, old military structures, and gentle waves. Perfect for:

A relaxed sunset cruise

Music with friends . A slow, easy evening. A nice contrast to the adventure-filled day

🌊 3. Pagsanjan Falls — 200 Feet of Pure Adventure

This place is something else. Reaching Pagsanjan Falls itself is half the thrill — a narrow 200-feet wide river snaking through dramatic hills.

And then comes the real magic:

Nearly 13 waterfalls pouring down around you.

Cold, powerful, roaring water everywhere — the kind of scenery you usually only see in big-budget movies.

For a few minutes you feel like you’re inside Avatar or Baahubali, surrounded by raw nature.

The boat ride, the rapids, the steep cliffs… everything is breathtaking.

 In Short

The Philippines surprised me.

Volcano-heated waterfalls.

Cinematically beautiful river canyons.

Calm evenings in Subic Bay.

A country where fire and water coexist — and together create some of the most spectacular landscapes I’ve ever seen.

✔ Travel tips

Travel Tips for the Philippines

1. Plan with TripAdvisor or Trusted Local Operators

The Philippines has many beautiful places, but they are often far from each other.

If you don’t plan properly, you may spend more time travelling than sightseeing.

Use TripAdvisor or a reliable travel agency to plan your day trips.

2. Stay in the Outskirts of Manila

Manila city traffic is a nightmare, especially during office hours; weekend .

Choose hotels in the outskirts or less crowded areas.You will save a lot of time, and your travel will be less stressful.

3. Food Tips

Filipino food is mild, not spicy.

Vegetarian food is available but options are limited.

Indian restaurants are there — but contact them earlier. They can prepare food for you, if u inform them in advance.

Jain food is very rare, so plan accordingly.

Fish and chicken dishes are always available and easy to find.

4. Use a Comfortable Vehicle

Distances can be long, and roads may get crowded.

A comfortable car or van makes the journey much easier.

✔ Best season

November to April. Watch the weather reports carefully.

Dress:

Winter cloths on this season are not required. Any casual wear chalega.

✔ Practical advice.

Wear Helmets and life jackets when it is advised by local guide. 

Don't spend time on shopping.  Manila and and Angeles City are not shopping paradise, like Singapore or Dubai

Use lockers if hotels offer. Safe your passports and money.

Don't carry too much dollars. 

Solo trip is good; but would be expensive. Public transports are not as frequent as in India.

Medicines are available only on prescriptions. OTC types are reachable. 

Money exchange is available on Manila, Angeles City and Airports. As usual airport is less returning. 

Try to avail the Yatch around Sunset. Too late us too boring. 

My tour operator is from Pondicherry (Puducherry), +91 95970 82240, Sri Ilankeshwaran, MD Greatway Leisures pvt Ltd, who can very much be dependable nice person