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Indian whiskey won the Amrut Fusion Named World Whiskey of the Year This is a shock to Scotland Malt Advocate Magazine has named Amrut Fusion, a single malt whisky produced in Bangalore, the ‘World Whisky of the Year’.

2012-02-06T00:52:00.001-08:00

This is a shock to Scotland… Malt Advocate Magazine has named Amrut
Fusion, a single malt whisky produced in Bangalore, the 'World Whisky
of the Year'.

"India's Amrut distillery changed the way many think of Indian whisky
— that it was just cheap Scotch whisky blended with who knows what and
sold as Indian whisky. Amrut is making whisky, and it's very good.
Also, because of India's very warm climate, the whisky matures very
quickly, making it relatively affordable. Indeed, the Amrut whisky
being sold in the U.S. (while bearing no age statement) is generally
not over six years old." – from Malt Advocate

Amrut Fusion, priced at about $60, bears no age statement, but it
doesn't contain whisky aged more than six years. Aging in second-fill
casks in India speeds maturation because of the warm climate. The
Amrut whiskies are made from a combination of Indian malted barley and
peated Scottish malt.

http://pursuitist.com/epicurean/indian-amrut-fusion-named-world-whisky-of-the-year/

US retail giant Starbucks to enter India by mid of year 2012, targets more than 50 outlets by year-end in major cities

2012-02-05T20:18:00.001-08:00

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Starbucks Corp will open its first coffee shops in
India in August or September, a year later than originally planned,
and aims to have 50 outlets by year-end through a tie-up with the Tata
group, the country's biggest business house.

The Seattle-based chain, known as much for the trendy urban lifestyle
it represents as its costly cups of coffee, enters a market with a
fast-growing middle class and plenty of competition in the small but
fast-growing coffee segment.

Starbucks had initially planned to have its first cafes in India open
by mid-2011 but was delayed by difficulties in acquiring real estate
and high land costs -- a common problem for chain stores in a country
where more than 90 percent of retail is conducted at one-off
mom-and-pop shops.

Whle the tie-up plans to take advantage of the Tata group's sprawling
presence by opening cafes in Tata hotels and retail outlets, it is
also looking at other locations such as malls, railway stations,
airports and offices.

"We are in the process of looking at real estate opportunities at the
moment. We are moving as quickly as possible and the expansion of
stores will be based on the customer feedback we get," John Culver,
president of Starbucks for China and Asia Pacific, told reporters.

India implemented new rules this month to allow foreign single-brand
retailers to operate wholly owned outlets, but Starbucks said it has
not considered changing the 50-50 structure of the Tata Starbucks Ltd
joint venture.

The first Starbucks shops will open in Mumbai and New Delhi, and the
joint venture initially plans to invest 4 billion rupees.

The formal launch of the retail foray into India comes a year after it
signed a deal with Tata Global Beverages , a unit of the
software-to-steel Tata conglomerate and the world's second-largest
branded tea company, to buy coffee from India and open retail outlets
in the country.

NATION OF TEA DRINKERS

"The timeframe essentially shows cautiousness. Starbucks has clearly
wanted to make sure it gets the details right before entering a highly
competitive market," said Debashish Mukherjee, partner and
vice-president at consultancy AT Kearney.

While India is traditionally a nation of tea-drinkers, young urban
professionals of the sort that work in modern offices and frequent the
shopping malls that are sprouting around its cities have embraced
western-style cafe culture -- and prices.

Cafe Coffee Day, a home-grown brand that is India's largest coffee
chain, has nearly 1,200 outlets and plans to open one cafe every third
day.

No.2 player Barista, owned by Italy's Lavazza, has more than 200
cafes. UK-based Costa Coffee, which entered the market in 2008, has
about 75 stores and is growing quickly.

"Having an iconic brand is one of the parameters which ensures success
but there are many iconic brands that have fallen by the wayside, so
the pricing, experience and quality must match your offering,"
Mukherjee said.

Western-style cafes in India charge roughly 60-80 rupees for a plain
cup of coffee -- less than in developed markets but far more than the
10 rupees a cup charged at a basic local outlet.

Starbucks did not say what it will charge in India.

Still, the organized coffee market in India -- which reflects
consumption mainly through cafes -- is small, accounting for about
$140 million of the country's annual coffee sales of about $667
million.

Starbucks entered China, another traditional tea-drinking country, in
1999 and now has more than 400 stores across the mainland. Starbucks
has more than 17,000 shops, roughly one-third of which are outside the
United States.

Tata Coffee , a unit of Tata Global, said separately that it had
signed a deal to supply coffee to the joint venture. India is the
world's fifth biggest coffee producer, but exports 70-80 percent of
its output.

(Additional reporting by Swati Pandey; Editing by Ted Kerr and Tony Munroe)

http://in.news.yahoo.com/starbucks-deal-tata-open-cafes-india-110316054.html

Photo identity proof/ID proof to be made compulsory/must for travel in AC rail coaches in India from 15 February 2012 to prevent touts from cornering tickets

2012-01-30T22:37:00.001-08:00

Mumbai: The Indian Railways (IR) has made it mandatory for commuters
who book their tickets for air-conditioned coaches through the
Passenger Reservation System (PRS) to carry their identity proofs from
February 15. The move, said railway officials, is aimed at preventing
the unauthorized transfer of tickets.
A senior railway official said, "Passengers with tickets booked
through the PRS and internet (i-ticket) will
have to carry any one of the nine prescribed ID proofs (see box) if
they are undertaking journey in AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, Ist AC, AC Chair
Car and Executive classes. Those who fail to produce a photo ID proof
will be treated as travelling without ticket."
Till now, only passengers with Tatkal and e-tickets were required
to carry an original ID card for the duration of their travel. The new
rule will not apply to passengers who book sleeper class and 2nd class
chair car tickets.

Valid ID Proofs

Voter ID

Passport

PAN Card

Driving Licence

Photo ID card with serial no. issued by Centre/state govt

Student photo ID card issued by recognized school/college

Nationalized bank passbook with photograph

Credit Cards with photo

Unique ID card Aadhaar

Good news for NRI's and frequent travelers for foreign countries from India Government of India plans to More duty-free imported goods cap to be raised from 25k onwards :D

2012-01-24T20:13:00.001-08:00

Mumbai: Passengers bringing imported goods to India may soon have some
relief from Customs duty. Currently, passengers can bring goods worth
Rs 25,000 free of duty. Customs department is planning to increase the
amount.
   Though no hike has been decided yet, chief customs commissioner,
Vineet Kumar said on Wednesday that they have requested the government
to increase the permissible limit or amount.
   "Branded items are expensive these days. Even if people buy a few
things, they exceed the permissible amount," said Kumar. The decision
comes at a time when many celebrities, including Dia Mirza, were
detained when they failed to declare their dutiable purchases abroad.
Customs is also planning to install boards at the airport so that they
grab passengers' attention and can instruct and educate them to follow
Customs rules. A traveller's charter, issued by the Customs
department, says that the baggageof international passengers will be
opened only after explaining the reasons. It will be done in their
presence. "We will help in repacking baggage if we have made you
unpack them," the charter states. "We will explain the reasons if we
need to search you," it added.
   The charter states that investigating officers will explain the
legal provisions and passengers' rights and obligations. It also
states that no seized document will be withheld beyond 60 days except
if needed for investigation or other proceedings. All passenger
complaints will be acknowledged and replied to within 30 working days.

Kodak files bankruptcy photography pioneer Kodak files for bankruptcy = biggest corporate casualties of the digital age

2012-01-23T00:02:00.001-08:00

1 of 6. A Kodak filter box is seen in a photo store in London January 19, 2012.

Credit: Reuters/Stefan Wermuth

By Jonathan Stempel and Liana B. Baker

Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:19pm EST

(Reuters) - Eastman Kodak Co, the photography icon that invented the
hand-held camera, has filed for bankruptcy protection and plans to
shrink significantly, capping a prolonged plunge for one of America's
best-known companies.

The Chapter 11 filing makes Kodak one of the biggest corporate
casualties of the digital age, after it failed to quickly embrace more
modern technologies such as the digital camera -- ironically, a
product it invented.

Kodak once dominated its industry, and its film was the subject of a
popular 1973 song, "Kodachrome," by Paul Simon.

The bankruptcy may give Kodak, which traces its roots to 1880, the
ability to find buyers for some of its 1,100 digital patents, a major
portion of its value. Kodak now employs 17,000 people worldwide, down
from 63,900 just nine years ago.

"It is a very sad day even though we had anticipated it," said Shannon
Cross, an analyst at Cross Research who has had a "sell" rating on the
company since 2001. "If it emerges, it will be a much smaller entity."

According to papers filed with the U.S. bankruptcy court in Manhattan,
Kodak had about $5.1 billion of assets and $6.75 billion of
liabilities at the end of September.

In court documents, Chief Financial Officer Antoinette McCorvey said,
without elaborating, that Kodak plans to sell "significant assets"
during the bankruptcy. Non-U.S. units are not part of the Chapter 11
case.

Kodak also said it obtained a $950 million, 18-month credit line from
Citigroup Inc so it can keep operating and avoid having to liquidate.
It said it expects to complete the bankruptcy process in 2013.

"This is a necessary step and the right thing to do for the future of
Kodak," Chairman and Chief Executive Antonio Perez said in a statement
on Thursday.

Kodak's market value has sunk well below $200 million from $31 billion
15 years ago, when its share price topped $94.

The shares began trading on Thursday on the Pink Sheets. By the end of
the day they were down 6 cents at 30 cents each.

WAY BEHIND

In recent years, Perez has steered Kodak toward consumer and
commercial printers.

But that failed to restore annual profitability, something Kodak has
not seen since 2007, and did not arrest a cash drain.

Kodak has struggled to meet its pension and other obligations to more
than 65,000 workers, retirees and others who

participate in its employee benefit programs.

McCorvey said Kodak ultimately suffered from a "liquidity shortfall"
as some vendors stopped shipping and providing services, and demanded
shorter payment terms.

Kodak said in court papers it has about $820 million of cash and
equivalents, but was down to just $56.7 million of cash in the United
States.

"They got behind the curve on the analog-to-digital shift, and they
were way behind for a long time," said Ananda Baruah, an analyst at
Brean Murray who covers Kodak.

The company's downfall has also hit its Rust Belt hometown of
Rochester, New York, with its workforce there falling to about 7,000
from more than 60,000 in Kodak's heyday.

Andrew Cuomo, New York's governor, on Thursday called the bankruptcy
"difficult and disappointing news" for the city, whose population was
about 211,000 in the last census.

Kodak named Dominic DiNapoli, a vice chairman at business turnaround
specialist FTI Consulting Inc, as its chief restructuring officer.

The investment bank Lazard is also providing advice and has been
helping Kodak look for a buyer for its digital patents. Kodak's law
firm is Sullivan & Cromwell.

Last week, Kodak reorganized its business operations, creating a
commercial unit and a consumer unit. It previously had units for
consumer digital imaging; film, photofinishing and entertainment; and
graphic communications.

Mark Zupan, dean of the University of Rochester's business school,
said "there's still too much value" at Kodak for the company to be
forced to liquidate. "Segments will be profitable enough to survive as
a leader, as a smaller company."

LITIGATION STRATEGY

Perez, who has been chief executive since 2005, said the bankruptcy
would help Kodak maximize the value of patents related to digital
imaging, which Kodak said are used in virtually every modern digital
camera, smartphone and tablet.

"I've talked to companies who will buy assets who said they were
waiting for Kodak to go bankrupt to pay a better price," said Baruah,
the Brean Murray analyst.

In the last few years, Kodak has used extensive litigation with rivals
such as Apple Inc, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion Ltd, South
Korea's Samsung Electronics Co and Taiwan's HTC Corp over those
patents as a means to try to generate revenue.

Among Kodak's many creditors are retailers including Wal-Mart Stores
Inc and Target Corp, and movie companies Sony Corp and Walt Disney Co.

Bank of New York Mellon Corp is the largest unsecured creditor, in its
capacity as trustee for creditors, with more than $670 million of
claims.

APOLLO 11

According to Kodak, George Eastman, a high-school dropout from upstate
New York, founded the company in 1880 and began making photographic
plates. To get his business going, he splurged on a second-hand engine
to make the plates for $125.

Within eight years, the Kodak name had been trademarked, and the
company had introduced the hand-held camera as well as roll-up film,
where it became the dominant producer.

Eastman also introduced the "Wage Dividend" in which the company would
pay bonuses to employees based on results.

Kodak went on to create famous cameras such as the Brownie, launched
in 1900 and sold for $1, and the Instamatic in 1963.

The company on its website said a Kodak camera was used on the Apollo
11 mission in 1969. A Kodak camera was used by the astronauts to film
the lunar soil from only inches away, according to NASA.

Kodak film has been used on 80 movies that have won Best Picture
Oscars, according to the company.

Six years after Apollo 11, and not long after songwriter Simon told
his mama not to take his Kodachrome away, Kodak invented the digital
camera.

The size of a toaster, it was too big for the pockets of amateur
photographers, whose pockets now are stuffed with digital offerings
from the likes of Canon, Casio and Nikon.

But rather than develop the digital camera, Kodak put it on the back
burner and spent years watching rivals take market share that it would
never reclaim.

In 1994, Kodak spun off a chemicals business, Eastman Chemical Co,
which proved to be more successful.

Kodak's final downfall in the eyes of investors began in September
when it unexpectedly withdrew $160 million from a credit line, raising
worries of a cash shortage.

PENSIONS IN FOCUS

It remained unclear how Kodak will address its pension obligations,
many of which were built up decades ago when U.S. manufacturers
offered more generous retirement and medical benefits.

Many retirees hail from Britain, where Kodak has been manufacturing
since 1891. The company had promised to inject $800 million over the
next decade into its British pension plan.

McCorvey, the chief financial officer, said in court papers on
Thursday that she expects the trustee for the British pension plan to
have a "significant" general unsecured claim against the company.

The case is In re: Eastman Kodak Co et al, U.S. Bankruptcy Court,
Southern District of New York, No. 12-10202.

(Reporting by Liana B. Baker, Nick Brown, Caroline Humer and Jonathan
Stempel; Editing by Eddie Evans and Tim Dobbyn)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/19/us-kodak-idUSTRE80I08G20120119

Wikipedia editors question site's planned blackout Dissident Wikipedia editors say planned blackout could threaten credibility of their work

2012-01-17T22:30:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK (AP) -- Can the world live without Wikipedia for a day? The
shutdown of one of the Internet's most-visited sites is not sitting
well with some of its volunteer editors, who say the protest of
anti-piracy legislation could threaten the credibility of their work.

"My main concern is that it puts the organization in the role of
advocacy, and that's a slippery slope," said editor Robert Lawton, a
Michigan computer consultant who would prefer that the encyclopedia
stick to being a neutral repository of knowledge. "Before we know it,
we're blacked out because we want to save the whales."

Wikipedia's English-language site shut down at midnight Eastern
Standard Time Tuesday and the organization said it would stay down for
24 hours.

Instead of encyclopedia articles, visitors to the site saw a stark
black-and-white page with the message: "Imagine a world without free
knowledge." It carried a link to information about the two
congressional bills and details about how to reach lawmakers.

It is the first time the English site has been blacked out.
Wikipedia's Italian site came down once briefly in protest to an
Internet censorship bill put forward by the Berlusconi government. The
bill did not advance.

The shutdown adds to a growing body of critics who are speaking out
against the legislation. But some editors are so uneasy with the move
that they have blacked out their own user profile pages or resigned
their administrative rights on the site to protest. Some likened the
site's decision to fighting censorship with censorship.

One of the site's own "five pillars" of conduct says that Wikipedia
"is written from a neutral point of view." The site strives to "avoid
advocacy, and we characterize information and issues rather than
debate them."

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales argues that the site can maintain
neutrality in content even as it takes public positions on issues.

"The encyclopedia will always be neutral. The community need not be,
not when the encyclopedia is threatened," he tweeted.

The Wikimedia Foundation, which administers the site, announced the
blackout late Monday, after polling its community of volunteer
contributors and editors and getting responses from 1,800 of them. The
protest is aimed at the Stop Online Piracy Act in the House and the
Protect Intellectual Property Act under consideration in the Senate.

"If passed, this legislation will harm the free and open Internet and
bring about new tools for censorship of international websites inside
the United States," the foundation said.

Both bills are designed to crack down on sales of pirated American
products overseas, and they have the support of the film and music
industry. Among the opponents are many Internet companies such as
Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter, eBay and AOL. They say the bills
would hurt the industry and infringe on free-speech rights.

Social news website Reddit.com is shutting down for 12 hours on
Wednesday, but most companies are staying up. Google Inc.'s home page
linked to a petition urging Congress: "Don't censor the Web."

Dick Costollo, CEO of Twitter, said he opposes the legislation as
well, but shutting down the service was out of the question.

"Closing a global business in reaction to single-issue national
politics is foolish," Costollo tweeted.

Since Wikimedia depends on a small army of volunteers who create and
update articles, it's particularly concerned about a lack of
exemptions in the bills for sites where users might contribute
copyrighted content. Today, it has no obligation under U.S. law except
removing that content if a copyright holder complains. But under the
House version of the bill, it could be shut down unless it polices its
own pages.

The plans for the protest were moving forward even though the bill's
prospects appeared to be dimming. On Saturday, Rep. Darrell Issa, a
California Republican, said the bill would not move to the House floor
for a vote unless consensus is reached. However, Lamar Smith, a Texas
Republican, said work on the bill would resume next month.

The White House raised concerns over the weekend, pledging to work
with Congress to battle piracy and counterfeiting while defending free
expression, privacy and innovation in the Internet. The administration
signaled it might use its veto power, if necessary.

That the bill seems unlikely to pass is another reason Lawton opposes
the blackout.

"I think there are far more important things for the organization to
focus aside from legislation that isn't likely to pass anyway," he
said. He's been contributing to Wikipedia for eight years.

Danny Chia, another contributor to the site, said he had mixed
feelings about the blackout. The neutrality applies to the content,
but a lot of people interpret it as being about the site as a whole,
said the Los Altos, Calif., software engineer.

In an online discussion, others raised the same point about the
blackout: Appearances matter, and if the audience sees Wikipedia
taking a stand, it might not believe the articles are objective,
either.

Wikipedia has seen a small decline in participation, from a peak of
100,000 active editors a year ago to about 90,000 now. Wikimedia
Foundation blames this mainly on outdated editing tools, and believes
it can get the number growing again with software upgrades.

Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang leaving company Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang exits after 17 years as new CEO tries to win back Wall Street

2012-01-17T22:26:00.001-08:00

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang is leaving the
struggling Internet company, as it tries to revive its revenue growth
and win over disgruntled shareholders under a new leader.

The departure, announced Tuesday, punctuates the end of an era at
Yahoo, a tarnished Internet icon that has spent much of the last
decade scrambling to catch up to Internet search leader Google Inc. —
a company that got early encouragement and advice from Yang. It comes
just two weeks after Yahoo Inc. hired former PayPal executive Scott
Thompson as its CEO.

Thompson is the fourth CEO in less than five years to try to turn
around Yahoo. It's a daunting assignment that Yang was unable to pull
off during his own tumultuous 18-month reign as the company's CEO in
2007 and 2008.

Yang, 43, endorsed Thompson in his resignation from Yahoo's board of
directors. He had been on Yahoo's board since the company's 1995
inception.

"My time at Yahoo, from its founding to the present, has encompassed
some of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life," Yang
wrote in a letter to Yahoo Chairman Roy Bostock. "However, the time
has come for me to pursue other interests outside of Yahoo."

The letter didn't say what Yang plans to do next. He doesn't need to
work, thanks to the fortune he has amassed since he began working on
Yahoo in a trailer at Stanford University with fellow graduate student
David Filo. Yang is worth about $1.1 billion, according to Forbes
magazine's latest estimates.

Yang is also stepping down from the boards of China's Alibaba Group
and Yahoo Japan. Yahoo is negotiating to sell its stakes in both of
the Asian companies as part of its efforts to placate investors. The
deal could be worth as much as $17 billion, but it still faces a
series of potential stumbling blocks.

Besides surrendering the board seats, Yang is giving up his position
as "Chief Yahoo," an honorary title he held as he mingled among
workers, while keeping tabs on various company projects.

Thompson could have an easier time overhauling Yahoo without Yang
looking over his shoulder and possibly second guessing his decisions,
said BGC Financial analyst Colin Gillis.

"This has the fingerprints of frustration on it," Gillis said. "It's
one of those situations where it looks like (Yang) is losing the
battle to control the company's direction and now he is saying,
'That's it, I'm out.'"

Although a popular figure among Yahoo employees, Yang had alienated
the company's shareholders by turning down a chance to sell Yahoo in
its entirety to Microsoft Corp. for $47.5 billion, or $33 per share,
in May 2008. Yahoo shares haven't topped $20 for more than three
years. The stock gained 44 cents to $15.87 in extended trading after
Yang's decision was announced.

The slump in Yahoo's stock has diminished Yang's wealth. He still owns
a 3.6 percent stake in the company.

Yang conceivably could leverage those holdings to attempt to buy
Yahoo's U.S. business after the Asian investments are sold. That is,
if he can line up additional financing, Macquarie Securities analyst
Ben Schachter wrote in a research note late Tuesday. Several buyout
firms have already expressed interest in buying a substantial stake in
Yahoo, spurring speculation that Yang might work with them to acquire
a controlling interest in what remains of the company if the Asian
assets are sold.

When he announced Thompson's hiring earlier this month, Bostock
stressed that Yahoo intended to remain an independent, publicly traded
company.

Yang had been someone more interested in preserving the company than
he created than dismantling parts of its to boost the stock price,
analysts said. "Investors tend to want to keep trying to fix the
company than carve it apart," Gillis said.

Now that he is out of the way, investors are likely to conclude the
sale of the Asian investments will eventually be completed, Schachter
wrote.

Investor anger over Yang's handling of the Microsoft negotiations led
to his resignation as CEO in late 2008 and the hiring of Silicon
Valley veteran Carol Bartz to replace him. Bartz and Yang had gotten
to know each other as part of Cisco Systems Inc.'s board of directors.

After initially hailing Bartz as the solution to Yahoo's problems,
Yang and the rest of Yahoo's board fired her as CEO in September.

Yahoo's revenue has been falling in recent years even as advertisers
have poured more money into the Internet. Much of the money, though,
has been going to Google and Facebook's online social network, as
Yahoo has fallen further behind in the race to innovate and develop
products that attract Web traffic.

Despite its struggles, Yahoo remains profitable and still boasts a
worldwide audience of 700 million people.

But visitors aren't sticking around Yahoo's services as much as they
once did, depriving the company of more opportunities to sell ads —
the main source of its revenue.

It has been a jarring comedown for Yahoo, which emerged as one of the
Internet's first stars after Yang and Filo expanded the service beyond
its roots as a hand-picked directory of websites.

Yahoo's early success turned it into a Wall Street darling and landed
Yang on the covers of leading business magazines. At the height of the
dot-com bubble 12 years ago, Yahoo's stock was trading above a
split-adjusted $100 amid talk that the company might eventually try to
buy a long-established media franchise such as the Walt Disney Co.

But now investors widely regard Yahoo as a misguided company that
can't come up with a cohesive plan to define itself for Web surfers
and advertisers.

Yang and Bostock have been the focal point for much of the criticism,
partly because of their key roles in the Microsoft talks in 2008.
After buying a 5.2 percent stake in Yahoo last autumn, hedge fund
manager Daniel Loeb demanded that both Bostock and Yang step down from
the company's board. If they refused, Loeb indicated he would finance
a shareholder rebellion to oust both men from the board.

Loeb's fund, Third Point LLC, didn't immediately return phone calls
seeking comment late Tuesday.

Bostock, Yahoo's chairman for the past four years, has given no
indication that he plans to step down.

Latest news information on bank account number portability in India among Indian Banks - India to introduce bank account number portability :)

2012-01-10T23:06:00.001-08:00

Customers may soon be allowed to switch banks without changing account numbers.

After similar moves in mobile telephony and health insurance in 2011,
the government plans to introduce bank account number portability.

The idea is to save customers the inconvenience of opening and closing
bank accounts or keeping multiple accounts if they have to shift to a
new location or find their bank's services unsatisfactory.

The finance ministry has started discussions with the Reserve Bank of
India and banks, including private sector lenders, to assess the
feasibility of introducing the move over the next few years.

In a step towards this direction, all banks will be asked to follow
common KYC (know-your-customer) norms. An expert committee will be
formed to explore it further and prepare a report.

"We have started preliminary discussions with the RBI and banks, and
they are on board. Bank account number portability will allow a
migrant worker to shift his account from one bank to another simply by
writing an application to his home branch," said a finance ministry
official, adding the move might take another three years or so to
materialise.

The banks may not need much preparation on the technology front, as
already some services (like ATMs) are integrated and most banks are
fully on the core banking system.

However, the biggest challenge before the government is security.

A lapse on the part of a bank in following KYC norms can pose threats
to national security and client confidentiality. There could be
customers switching banks too frequently to escape the Prevention of
Money Laundering Act.

The official said all such aspects would be considered.

With the deregulation of interest rates on saving deposits, customers
will have the choice of switching to a bank offering higher rates
without much paper work.

Bank account number portability is being introduced in different forms
in countries such as Sweden, the UK, Australia, Hungary and South
Africa.

http://www.rediff.com/business/report/switching-banks-without-changing-ac-number-soon1/20120102.htm

People's republic of China launches its own GPS to gain 'independence' from US satellites

2012-01-10T03:42:00.001-08:00

BEIJING: China has begun operating a homegrown satellite navigation
service in order to reduce its 'dependence' on the US' Global
Positioning System (GPS).

The new system called 'Beidou', or 'Big Dipper', would cover most
parts of the Asia Pacific by next year and then the world by 2020,
said Ran Chengqi, a spokesman for the system.

Beidou started providing initial positioning, navigation and timing
operational services to China and its surrounding areas from Tuesday,
a spokesman for the system said.

China was keen to assemble a home grown satellite system of its own to
reduce dependence on GPS, specially for its armed forces who apprehend
that that the reliance on US systems could be dangerous for the
security.

Six more satellites will be launched in 2012 to further improve the
Beidou system and expand its service area to cover most parts of the
Asia-Pacific region, spokesman Ran Chengqi, who is also director of
the management office of the China Satellite Navigation System, told
media here.

China began to build the Beidou system in 2000 with a goal of breaking
its dependence on the GPS and creating its own global positioning
system by 2020.

So far, China has launched 10 satellites for the Beidou system, with
the tenth being lifted into orbit earlier this month.

The Beidou system is compatible and interoperable with the world's
other major global navigation satellite systems, according to Ran.

Ran encouraged enterprises at home and abroad to join the research and
development of application terminals compatible with Beidou, saying a
beta version of the system's Interface Control Document (ICD) could be
accessed online starting Tuesday, state-run Xinhua news agency
reported.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/china-launches-own-gps-to-gain-independence-from-us-satellites/articleshow/11278446.cms

Happy new year!

2012-01-04T00:38:00.001-08:00

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Soon, mobile phones in India will carry radiation tags to increase public awareness on mobile phone radiation and to buy quality phones

2011-12-28T23:25:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI: Over 900 million mobile subscribers will soon be direct
beneficiaries of stringent new government norms to control harmful
radiation from mobile handsets, a tacit admission that the present
radiation levels are injurious to health.

The government wants to enforce education of consumers about the
benefits of the hands-free option and choosing SMS over voice calls or
keeping mobile calls as brief as possible, with special health
warnings for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and those with any
kind of medical implants.

A very large majority of subscribers have no information or recourse
relating to health hazards from possible harmful Electro-Magnetic
Frequency (EMF) radiation emitting from mobile handsets. Radio
frequency (RF) is the primary medium of mobile communication.

The rate at which RF energy is absorbed by the body is called Specific
Absorption Rate (SAR). Various global studies establish that exposure
to RF energy beyond a threshold SAR value can cause significant health
issues.

India has so far been following a SAR limit of 2 watts/kg in
accordance with ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection Association) norms. An inter-ministerial
committee has now curtailed the SAR level for mobile handsets further
to 1.6 watts/kg average over a six minute period and taken over a
volume containing a mass of 1 gram of human tissue. The SAR level
shall now be displayed on handsets.

The guidelines prescribed by the committee will lead to guidelines and
legally binding provisions under the Indian Telegraph Act. This
includes a mandatory provision that all cellphones sold in India in
future will comply with relevant BIS standards and be sold with
hands-free devices.

The SAR value information of the mobile handset should be available on
the manufacturer's website and in the handset manual. The information
on SAR values shall also be made available to mobile subscribers at
the handset point of sale.

Further, all mobile handsets manufactured and sold in India or
imported from international destinations shall be checked for
compliance of the SAR limit. Those manufacturing handsets in India
will be required to self-declare SAR value of each handset.

In respect of imported handsets, manufacturers, apart from
self-declaration of SAR, shall specify the SAR information in their
documentation, which will be verified by the appropriate authority.

Secretary of the department of telecom, R Chandrashekhar, had earlier
indicated that handsets will be covered by BIS standards and the DoT
needs to approach them; however there are no provisions for such
compliance under the Indian Telegraph Act.

It has therefore been decided that suitable amendments in the Indian
Telegraph Rules under the Indian Telegraph Act 1885, shall be enacted
so that government can enforce mandatory certification of SAR limit on
mobile handsets.

The government also wants the instructions in the consumer handset
booklet or user manual to contain five new safety precautions. These
include: "Use a wireless, hands-free system with a low power Bluetooth
emitter; ensure that cellphone has a low SAR; keep voice calls short
or send text messages instead - an advice that applies especially to
children, adolescents and pregnant women; use cellphone when signal
quality is good; and finally people with active medical implants
should preferably keep mobile handsets at least 15cms away from the
implant".

A final list of SAR values of different mobile phones will be uploaded
on the DoT and TEC websites. So far, India along with Europe, Japan,
Taiwan and Australia have followed ICNIRP standards, while markets
such as the United States, Canada and South Africa follow IEEE
standards.

An inter-ministerial panel has prescribed that all cellphones sold in
India in future will display radiation value of the cellphone on the
manufacturer's website and in handset manual.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Soon-mobile-phones-in-India-will-carry-radiation-tags/articleshow/11214178.cms

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Fwd: [AlokTimesSabseTeez] 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

2011-12-18T20:14:00.001-08:00

As Maria Robinson once said, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they'll make room for you. You shouldn't have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it's not the people that stand by your side when you're at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you're at your worst that are your true friends.
Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won't be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren't supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That's not how we're made. In fact, we're made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that's the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.
Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can't lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.
Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.
Stop trying to be someone you're not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that's trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don't change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.
Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.
Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.
Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.
Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you're not happy with who you are on the inside, you won't be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.
Stop being idle. – Don't think too much or you'll create a problem that wasn't even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can't make it to second base with your foot on first.
Stop thinking you're not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won't feel totally comfortable at first.
Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It's better to be alone than to be in bad company. There's no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you're ready, not when you're lonely.
Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn't work. – In life you'll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.
Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don't worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.
Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else's blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: "What's something I have that everyone wants?"
Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life's curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You'll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.
Stop holding grudges. – Don't live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, "What you did to me is okay." It is saying, "I'm not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever." Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it's for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.
Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.
Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don't need it and your enemies won't believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.
Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don't have time for it. If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.
Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.
Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn't reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.
Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don't take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.
Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn't. – It's okay to fall apart for a little while. You don't always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn't be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it's healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.
Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you're going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.
Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.
Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: "Will this matter in one year's time? Three years? Five years?" If not, then it's not worth worrying about.
Stop focusing on what you don't want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you'll often find that you're right.
Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you're missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

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Internet search engine giant Google eyes new venture to offer cable TV service in kansas city hot news about google latest shocking news about google

2011-11-08T22:19:00.001-08:00

Google, the Internet search giant that wants to wire Kansas City like
no other place, is reportedly pondering a jump into the cable TV
business.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting in today's editions that in
addition to bringing ultrafast Internet to Kansas City, it may also
sell television packages in this market.

That would set aside one of the great doubts about the company's
plans. Many cable industry analysts had speculated that without a TV
package, even a super-fast and affordable Internet connection might
not be attractive to consumers accustomed to cable-phone-Internet
bundles.

The Journal also said the service could be teamed with phone service.
It was unclear whether the phone service would be Internet-based or
work off more conventional networks.

Kansas City was among 1,100 communities across the country that
lobbied to be the first market for a test of Google Fiber — the
California-based Internet behemoth's plan to connect virtually every
home with fiber optic cables. Those glass wires can carry far more
data than coaxial cables or telephone lines.

In the case of Google's project, the promise is for 1 gigabit per
second uploads and downloads. That's up to 100 times faster downloads,
and 1,000 times faster uploads than usually available through
conventional broadband.

A Google spokeswoman on Thursday night released the briefest of
statements in response to the Journal article.

"We're still exploring what product offerings will be available when
we launch Google Fiber," the statement said.

In fact, since announcing in March that Kansas City, Kan., and in May
that Kansas City, Mo., would be the first test beds for its project,
Google has shined little light on its plans.

Although Google has said the Internet service would be priced
similarly to what people typically pay for far slower Internet
services, it's given no other hint at price. Likewise, it's not
signaled publicly what the service might be bundled with, if anything.
It's also not said what neighborhoods would likely be offered first
crack at its service. It has said it will be available in some parts
of Kansas City, Kan., in "early 2012."

The Journal sourced its story to people "briefed on (Google's) plans,"
saying the TV package could include programming from major channels
from companies such as Walt Disney Co., Time Warner Inc. and Discovery
Communications Inc. The story said those possibilities appeared far
from settled.

Google hired former cable TV executive Jeremy Stern for talks with
production companies, the newspaper said.

Just last Friday, YouTube announced that it was developing 100
channels focused mostly on niches, such as how-to instruction, dance,
pets and soccer. Google owns YouTube. That video service, like most
everything Google does, runs on advertising.

While much of the selection on the expanded YouTube would come from
producers with Hollywood experience, they would not include the sort
of major draws that entice people to pay $100 and more a month for
cable or satellite television.

If Google gets into providing sports and first-run network-caliber
programming, it could prove a stiff challenge to cable operators.

A representative for Time Warner Cable, the dominant TV service in the
Kansas City market, said late Thursday that he didn't know enough
about Google's plans to comment.

Inclusion of a TV package might signal a new direction for Google as a
middleman actually selling entertainment content to consumers. So far,
the company has grown to a value of $180 billion-plus mostly by
selling ads to people on the Internet, not by actually producing or
contracting for content.

Such a move could also be a device to gain broad penetration in the
Kansas City market for its gigabit Internet connections. The company
has said it wants to see what applications take hold when large
numbers of consumers have seemingly unlimited bandwidth.

The Journal speculated that Google might also be trying to tap into
the more than $150 billion per year swept up every year from consumer
fees and advertising garnered off American television.

The search company has had Google TV, a way to Integrate Web browsing
on television, on the market for a while. For the most part, consumers
have shown little interest in the product. A built-in selection of
news, sports and entertainment channels might alter that equation.

Credit and debit card Cloning scare: ICICI bank recalls cards and other banks to follow epecially in chennai (Tamil Nadu) area

2011-11-08T20:08:00.001-08:00

Cloning scare: ICICI recalls cards

Pushpa Narayan TNN

Chennai:ICICI Bank is recalling hundreds of credit and debit cards after being warned by the Chennai police that customers' data have been stolen. Officials from other banks — private and national — are initiating similar steps.
On October 5, the city police had busted a card-cloning racket. Initially, they received complaints from 64 card users and the number has been increasing ever since. "We advise card users to change their PIN immediately," said deputy commissioner S Radhika.
But neither the police nor the banks have been able to estimate the number of customers affected. The police have arrested Umesh Balaravindran, a Sri Lankan national living in Chennai, and four of his associates who cloned credit cards using skimmers that copy data from ATMs. The police said they also bought card details put up on a website. An ICICI spokesperson said the cards will be replaced free of cost within six working days. "We advise customers to be careful and not panic," the spokesperson said.

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Now Prepay your housing loan without fine to housing finance companies - new rule from NHB regulator of India for Indian housing loans

2011-11-01T20:47:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: In a development that will cheer thousands of homeowners
who have availed of loans from any of the 54 housing finance companies
(HFCs), the National Housing Bank (NHB) has banned the levy of
pre-payment penalty.

The NHB, which is the housing finance regulator, has also asked HFCs
to ensure that all borrowers pay the same interest rate, irrespective
of when the loan was taken. The two decisions, notified on Wednesday,
will cover all HFCs ranging from HDFC to LIC Housing Finance and Dewan
Housing Finance. They come into effect immediately, NHB chairman &
managing director RV Verma told TOI.

By notifying the new rules, the NHB has initiated a step that the
Reserve Bank of India has been contemplating for a while. Although the
banking regulator has discussed the issue with banks and ombudsmen, it
is still to notify the norms.

As a result, only 33% of the Rs 5 lakh crore housing finance market
will benefit from the NHB's decision.

The housing finance regulator said HFCs will no longer levy any fee on
floating rate loans. In case of fixed rate loans, it has made a
distinction and only those borrowers who pay from their "own sources",
such as savings or even loans from relatives, will be exempted from
payment of penalty. In case borrowers shift to another bank or HFC,
the penalty will be applicable.

While a similar advisory was issued last October, the NHB has said
that any violation will attract penal action. The move will enable
several borrowers to now shift their loans to banks or HFCs that offer
home loans at a lower rate. Banks and HFCs levy pre-payment penalty of
up to 4%, which often resulted in borrowers continuing to pay higher
rates. "The idea is to protect the interests of borrowers. It will
give them freedom to exercise their choice," Verma said. HFCs,
however, refused to comment on the issue, saying they were studying
the matter.

On uniform interest rates, the NHB's letter was in the nature of an
advisory and did not talk of any penal action for violation. "It is
accordingly advised that HFCs should ensure uniformity in rates, on
floating rate basis, charged to their old and new customers, with the
same risk profile irrespective of the time of entry of borrowers in
the market," the letter said.

Banks and HFCs have long argued that they were earlier offering loans
at a discount to the prime lending rate and argued for the
continuation of the differential rate regime. But with the advent of a
base rate system, under which lending below the benchmark rate is not
allowed, the system is being changed.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Prepay-loan-without-fine-to-housing-finance-companies/articleshow/10420757.cms

top sectors to start hiring in the coming years in India, more job opportunities for IT, Telecom, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Retail sectors

2011-10-27T21:13:00.001-07:00

India's journey on the path of economic reforms has transformed it to one of the world's fastest growing economies. Its large and growing population is its best asset and can quadruple GDP and catapult India to the league of developed economies over the next decade. All this if a billion could be transformed into a productive workforce.

For over half a decade now, India has been chanting the demographic mantra with little real progress. Because, with opportunities come challenges. The services sector needs many million knowledge workers. Lack of employability is endemic. India's large labour force has been stubborn in transition. Over 90% of the labour force is inadequately trained.

Jobs continue to be created, needing an educated workforce and many in sunrise sub-sectors. We need to recognise new opportunities and prepare the supply side. Let us take a quick look at five existing sectors that are likely to hold us in good stead in the future in terms of employment generation and business growth.

1. INFORMATION Technology The IT sector has been India's sunshine sector for quite some time now. The industry has contributed considerably to changing India's image from a slow developing economy to a global player in providing world class technology solutions. According to the IBEF (India Brand Equity Foundation) figures, the Indian IT industry is set to touch $225 billion by 2020.

Industry experts and NASSCOM say the Indian IT workforce will touch 30 million by 2020, becoming the highest sector employer. This will be coupled with steady increase in pay in a sector already offering a high base. The outsourcing industry too is looking towards India and is expected to be a $2.5 billion industry in the next 24 months.

2. TELECOM India's telecom story is only getting better. According to Zinnov estimates, India already has nearly 850 million mobile phone subscribers, with a 15% smart phone penetration. All this points to a penetration that is fuelling the growth of enterprise mobility in India, which will lead to significant employment growth.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) too is targeting a 10-fold increase in broadband subscribers to100 million by 2014. Outsourcing revenues from the telecom sector, as per E&Y, are set to grow at a CAGR of 31% to nearly $2 billion in 2012. India today is at a stage in telecom growth that probably America was 30 years ago. Our mobile and Internet penetration has to increase further, resulting in a new era in enterprise mobility.

3. HEALTHCARE There are clear indications that healthcare is going to be a major sector that stimulates economic growth and contribute to employment.

Over 40 million new jobs are expected to be generated by 2020, as per a report titled 'India's New Opportunities-2020' by the All India Management Association, Boston Consulting Group and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). The Indian healthcare industry also has advantages over other developing countries in becoming a global hub for medical tourism. The medical treatment and educational services in India are a fraction of the cost in developed countries.

While we may lag in molecule development and drug patents, an increasing disposable income has led to a strong domestic market potential in India. This will result in significant employment generation across various functions, such as sales, marketing, HR, IT and operations, within the industry.

4. INFRASTRUCTURE India's infrastructure growth has been exponential over the past decade. Today, we are the fourth largest and probably the second-fastest growing economy, with infrastructure being one of the cornerstones. The infrastructure industry in India is highly fragmented and hence difficult to gunge its exact size and the jobs it generates each year in absolute terms.

However, be it roads and highways, railways, aviation, shipping, energy, power or oil & gas, the Indian government and the various state governments seem to making rapid progress. This has led to significant employment generation, though a majority of it is still in the unorganised sector. Over the next 10 years, the infrastructure sector in India will need to continue its growth momentum and is likely to maintain a growth rate anywhere between 7-10%, a very healthy sign.

5. RETAIL Over the past few months, the retail sector has grabbed headlines with talks of 100% FDI in single brand retail, which is currently capped at 51%. While the outcome is still undecided, the opening up of India's retail will create a stronger, organised industry that will help in generating employment.

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Today, only a small part of retail in India is organised. Despite this, it is estimated that the sector in India is worth more than $400 billion, with domestic and international players planning to expand across the country. Industry leaders predict that the next phase of growth will emerge from rural markets. There are projections of the workforce doubling by 2015, from the current five lakhs in both organised and unorganised sector.

source: http://campus.yahoo.com/news/yeduindiatoday/5-sectors-hiring-spree-20111025

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Finallly frustated with the strikes maruti to move to gujarat and close the manesar plant, Maruti to invest $1.3 bn in Gujarat plant will property prices come down ??

2011-10-24T02:37:00.001-07:00

New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki, India's largest car maker, will invest
nearly $1.3 billion to set up a new plant, likely in the western
Gujarat state, its chairman told the news agency on Wednesday.

Global automakers are flocking to the business-friendly Gujarat state
recently, with Ford Motor and PSA Peugeot Citroen both announcing
investment plans in the state in the past few months.

"On one plant for a million capacity, which will be set up over a
number of years, the investment will be close to $1.3 billion," R.C.
Bhargava said by phone. He said the company was looking at western
Gujarat state as a potential location for the plant, but a final
decision will be made only by end-October.

Maruti, 54.2% owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor , is facing intensifying
competition from the likes of South Korea's Hyundai Motors , the
second-largest car maker in India, as well as domestic rivals.

Besides, an ongoing strike at its Manesar plant in northern Haryana
state has hurt the production of its popular Swift model, raising
doubts about the firm's ability to maintain sales growth.

Suzuki, which controls almost half the Indian car market through its
majority stake in Maruti, had said last week its chairman and chief
executive officer, Osamu Suzuki, visited Gujarat earlier this month.

Good news for Home loan holders of India.... No more pre-payment charges or penalty or fine for pre-payment of Housing loans/Home loans

2011-10-23T20:40:00.001-07:00

HOUSING finance regulator National Housing Bank ( NHB) has directed
all housing finance companies ( HFCs) to stop levying penal charges on
customers for pre- payment of home loans with immediate effect.

These prepayment penal charges are levied mainly by the private sector
banks and housing firms and could be as high as four per cent. The
move is expected to provide relief to lakhs of home loan borrowers
from HFCs.

The NHB notification asked HFCs not to charge pre- payment levy or
penalty for preclosure of housing loans under two situations —
pre-closed through any source, where the housing loan is on floating
interest rate basis; and loans pre-closed by the borrowers out of
their own sources of funds, where the housing loan is on fixed
interest rate basis.

The expression 'own sources' for this purpose means any source other
than by borrowing from a bank/ HFC/ NBFC and/ or a financial
institution, NHB said.

"The move benefits only HFC borrowers at present. But if the move
spurs the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to follow suit, that will
relieve all the borrowers, including home and auto loan borrowers,
from the prepayment charges," said a personal finance advisor, who
wished not to be identified.

"The pre- payment charges were restraining customers from moving
around," NHB chairman and managing director ( MD) R. V. Verma said.

"It is very difficult to quantify the loss arising from the new norm.
But it can only be a small component," said Darpin Shah, banking
analyst, Almondz Global Securities.

However, HFCs are likely to feel more punch in the notification that
seeks to maintain uniformity in rates between old and new customers."
Charging of higher interest rate to the old customers against the new
customers puts them ( the former) at a great disadvantage, besides
being a discriminatory practice. For the growth of a healthy and sound
housing finance system, it is considered necessary that pricing of the
products by the lending institutions are transparent, non-
discriminatory and objective," NHB said.

Typically banks and HFCs charge higher interest rate to old clients in
order to attract new customers.

Already, HFCs are crying foul over the NHB moves and are seeking a
level playing field with banks, which are not barred from levying pre-
payment charges. " The impact of these norms will be limited if they
are implemented across the financial sector. Otherwise, it will be
discriminatory," said an HFC source.

source: http://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/No-fine-pre-payment-home-yahoofinancein-509877775.html

Latest news about Bangalore Metro Train Latest updates about Bangalore Metro Train

2011-10-22T11:46:00.001-07:00

"The Bangalore Metro, in terms of technology, is comparable to any
metro rail system in the world - in Europe , USA or China - and is
even ahead of some of them," BMRCL MD N Sivasailam told TOI.

The rolling stock (coaches/cars) are three stainless steel-bodied
wagons. Though equipped with automated functions, the train will be
under the driver's control. The seating capacity per train is
approximately 1,000, giving more floor area to standing passengers.

The coaches are world-class, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem Korea and
Mitsubishi Electric Company. BEML has the licence to manufacture
coaches in Bangalore. While Mitsubishi supplied traction for the
coaches, Hyundai Rotem supplied the rolling stock and BEML the
coaches.

Electricity for the train will run on a third rail next to the main
track. It has an opening at the bottom at points from where the train
draws its power. The third rail is covered with a yellow shroud, and a
person falling on the track won't be electrocuted. ABB will design,
supply, install and commission four substations to receive and
distribute electricity at 66/33 kV, as well as auxiliary and traction
substations.

ABB will provide an integrated network management, or SCADA
(Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) system to monitor and
control installations.

Cameras will be installed inside the train as well as stations, and
people's movements will be monitored by an operations control centre
at Byappanahalli. In case of any help or emergency, the control room
will be able to see what went wrong.

Trains will be Wi-Fi enabled, so passengers can use laptops, tablets
as well as mobile internet.

Passengers will have emergency voice communication with train staff
through a speaker system. Passengers can press a call button to
communicate anything urgent to the driver or control centre. Help will
be at hand at the next station.

The integrated control centre will have direct communication with
trains and stations which will be CCTV-fitted with visual and audio
service information. Bangalore Metro also has automatic train
supervision , protection and operation systems - if there's a train on
the same track ahead, the approaching train will sense it and come to
a halt at a safe distance.

Internet search agent giant Google scares the pants off the SEO industry by removing Analytics keyword data? what does google wants?

2011-10-22T11:41:00.001-07:00

Summary: It's time to sit back and watch the SEO industry flip out as
Google seemingly cripples CRO (Conversation Rate Optimization) by
removing Google Analytics keyword data from encrypted searches. Let
this post ground you a bit.

Description: Description: http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/ubiquitous-google-g.png

If you haven't heard yet, Google has decided to automatically enable
encrypted browsing for searchers who are signed into their Google
accounts. The goal, Google says, is to protect the privacy of their
users by not relaying any search query information to Web sites a user
clicks through to.

In the SEO industry, that translates to a potentially severe drop in
Analytics keyword data since you won't be able to see the keywords
that an encrypted search yields a click-through for. In other words,
gauging the conversion rate and performance of keywords for your site
may have just become a bit more difficult. I say "may have" because
you really don't know yet. More on that in a bit.

Now, you may say that's all fine and well if you're the one who's
browsing; Google's intentions seem to be in the right place where the
searcher is concerned. However, the grab to this whole thing that has
many SEOs up in arms is that all encrypted search query data will
still go to Google AdWords advertisers. This very point alone makes
Google's whole "privacy" thing — including their "Good to Know"
endeavor they've quietly launched — seem disingenuous. But is it?

Playing the devil's advocate here, think of it like this: using
encrypted browsing in Google only provides my search query information
to advertisers, instead of advertisers and every other site I visit.
If you didn't have a problem with advertisers getting a hold of your
data before, why do you now? Did you not know before that your search
queries were being used for other purposes? Is the problem that
advertisers get your search data, or that Google's encrypted browsing
seems like a halfhearted effort? All or none, or is "some" okay?
Again, I'm just playing the devil's advocate there. My personal
feelings lie somewhere between the extremities of both views.

I get it that Google's privacy motives leaves a lot to be desired in
the eyes of many. No, I don't believe they have malicious intentions
in mind, but rather, dollar signs. And really, how is this any
different than it was before they implemented this? I'm not at all
surprised they're retaining search data with which to pass on to
advertisers! To not do that would be to undermine the very business
model that makes them money hand-over-fist.

But back to the Google Analytics keyword issue, I can't help but
recall the pandemonium that transpires in the SEO industry every time
Google makes a major move like this. True, this one has the potential
to shake the firm ground of focal tactics many SEOs have stood upon
for years — not to mention the ever-growing philosophy of CRO
(Conversion Rate Optimization) — but we're not really going to know
the impact until some time passes and we start seeing data pop up from
all over the industry — never mind your own subset of data for your
clients over the course of the next 3-6 months. Remember the
absolutely insane reactions to Google Instant? I do. How about Panda?
Yep.

Overall, my personal view on it is for everyone to just chill out,
give it some time, and see how much YOU or YOUR CLIENTS are actually
affected. Any legitimate SEO agency these days should have an amount
of transparency and communication great enough to explain to their
clients what's going on with Google. But, really, you may not even
have to go that far because you may not end up all that affected!

I'm not saying there's no reason for potential concern, but Google
JUST did this. Give it some time. This isn't the first time the SEO
landscape has changed, nor will it be the last.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/seo/google-scares-the-pants-off-the-seo-industry-by-removing-analytics-keyword-data/4017?tag=nl.e550

USA financial giant Goldman Sachs loss signals a bad omen for Wall Street

2011-10-22T11:39:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK: Goldman Sachs, once Wall Street's highest flier, has been
grounded, and it does not bode well for the rest of the financial
industry or the New York City economy that depends on it. The bank,
both envied and loathed for its ability to churn out huge profits year
after year, reported a quarterly loss on Tuesday - it's first since
the financial crisis and only its second since going public in 1999.
The misstep by the financial leader speaks to what could be a more
lasting shift on Wall Street, which has been retrenching over the last
12 months.

While protesters a few blocks away were denouncing greed and "too big
to fail" banks, the institutions themselves were coming to grips with
the current diminished reality. Although Wall Street has not changed
in some significant ways - top executives are still receiving huge pay
packages and its lobbyists continue to have sway in Washington - the
industry is facing forces of change unlike anything since the Great
Depression. Trading operations are muted. Risk-taking is tempered. And
boring businesses are back in vogue.

Wall Street is feeling the pinch. Last week, JPMorgan Chase reported
that earnings dropped by 4 percent in the latest period. Both Bank of
America and Citigroup booked banner profits. But much of those results
were attributed to one-time accounting gains, rather than improved
fundamentals.

Goldman, which has been known for its prowess in trading, has found
itself buffeted by the choppy markets and economic turmoil. While the
firm posted decent results in equity trading and investment
management, it lost nearly $3 billion on its investments in stocks and
bonds, more than offsetting the po-ckets of strength.

New York, the nation's financial hub, is bracing for the fallout.
Investors have been anticipating the weakness for months.

Since the beginning of the year, shares of financial companies have
plummeted. While shares of Goldman jumped 5.5% on Tuesday, reflecting
investor expectations and favourable developments in Europe, it was
still down almost 40% for the year. Bank of America, which rose more
than 10% the same day, stands at $6 a share, compared with $14 at the
start of 2011.

To improve their profitability, banks have three main options:
increase revenues, cut expenses and reduce the shareholder base. But
the first method is not working at a time when earnings have been
crimped by regulatory uncertainty and economic woes.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/goldman-sachs-loss-signals-a-bad-omen-for-wall-street/articleshow/10421425.cms

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2011-10-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

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India moving forward towards 2nd recession Worsening financial crisis in India: Global financial firms like Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Nomura, UBS, HSBC starts cutting jobs in India

2011-09-27T02:10:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI: Global financial companies have begun cutting jobs in India as the worsening financial crisis in the West dims business outlook, forcing companies to scrap fund-raising and M&A plans. Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Nomura, UBS and HSBC are among the companies sacking employees in the third wave of financial market job cuts since the Asian crisis of 1997.

More than 200 have been laid off in investment banking in the past few weeks in corporate banking and retail divisions as the banks strive to remain meaningful amidst a general slowdown. "We are seeing selective cost rationalisation, as a reaction to market outlook," said Sonal Agrawal, head of executive search firm Accord India. "Some firms that were building out businesses have a diminished appetite for further investment at the moment, due to global woes."

For the Indian financial services industry, this is the third time that global banks are rolling back investments after making optimistic statements about the growth opportunities. The Asian crisis of 1997 led many, including Dresdner and Societe Generale, to close their Indian subsidiaries leaving scores jobless. A decade later came the subprime crisis that forced many, such as Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse, to cut headcount.

The European financial crisis may have just begun to impact India, in terms of financial services jobs. Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Corp, which plans to eliminate more than 30,000 jobs worldwide, told over 120 employees engaged in the recovery of sticky loans in India to find new jobs.

Barclays India, meanwhile, has sacked 12 executives from its small and medium enterprises business. "For our group, we have seen 30,000 rolls which will disappear," says Stuart Davis, HSBC India chief executive.

"If you translate that into Asia-Pacific, we would be reviewing the level of bureaucracy and efficiency. We will be doing in India as we would do in other parts of the world." Credit Suisse AG, the second-biggest Swiss financial services company, laid off more than 14 people in its India wealth management team some weeks ago.

BofA-Merrill Lynch recently fired five members of its investment banking team, and two from its prop trading and global market division, people with direct knowledge of the matter said. The bank's India operations employ about 1,000. Some more layoffs are expected in the bank's investment banking division.

Swiss financial firm UBS, whose global CEO Oswald Gruebel resigned on Saturday over rogue trading loss, recently handed pink slips to six India staffers. The firm has a sword hanging over its global investment banking division and more job cuts are expected to be announced soon, people familiar with the development said.

Japanese firm Nomura, too, is not immune and has asked three members from its investment banking division and an analyst to go. Fears of a worsening European sovereign debt crisis have shaken the global financial services industry. The expected spurt in regulatory measures to deal with the problem could crimp profits and keep growth muted.

JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon recently suggested that the US should reject the so-called Basel III, the newest set of bank regulations. "The current scenario is a function of what is happening globally. Most multinational companies have become more cautious and slow with their investment and expenditure decisions," said Deepak Gupta, country head and managing director at executive search firm Korn/Ferry International.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/worsening-financial-crisis-global-financial-firms-like-bank-of-america-merrill-lynch-nomura-ubs-hsbc-cutting-jobs-in-india/articleshow/10119945.cms

Want to know the highest Corruption departments in India? here follows the top lists of corruption departments: Railways tops, banks are 2nd, says CVC

2011-09-24T00:20:00.001-07:00

The Central Vigilance Commission has received maximum complaints against the railway ministry officials for alleged irregularities in discharging their duty.

Out of the total of 25,359 complaints received during 2010, the highest of

8,330 were against Railways,

6,520 against banks,

1,836 against petroleum department and

1,572 were against telecom officials.

1,317 complaints of alleged corruption were received against Customs and Excise officials,

1,105 against steel ministry personnel,

1,106 against coal ministry and

693 against Delhi government officials among others, the CVC said in its annual report for 2010.

source: http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-corruption-railways-tops-and-banks-are-2nd-says-cvc/20110920.htm

Telecom regulatory authority of India (TRAI) will cap SMS to 100 per day from Sept 27 - TRAI to restrict the sms by 100 per day for mobile users in India

2011-09-22T21:08:00.001-07:00

Make sure that you draw up the list of who you want to wish this
Dussehra very carefully since the Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India (Trai) has decided to cap the number of text messages that you
can send every day at 100.

The new set of rules has ostensibly been framed to check telemarketers
from bombarding you with unwanted messages from sauna belts to real
estate deals but it will end up putting curbs on how many SMSes you
send from your phone.

With the cap coming into effect from September 27, several mobile
users would have to resort to making phone calls instead of sending
out text messages, seen to be less intrusive. Besides, many who pay up
to Rs 100 a month to get a daily dose of free text messages would now
see a sharp rise in their phone bills as these schemes would no longer
be valid.

Although there are several mobile phone users who send more than 100
messages a day, the regulator and government officials are unwilling
to buy this and argue that this is the best way to deal with pesky
calls-a menace that Trai as well as the government have been unable to
tackle for years.

What's more, telecom operators say that it may be tough to monitor if
the 3,000 SMS a month cap for postpaid subscribers is adhered to or
not. "In case of prepaid users, you can monitor it on a day-today
basis but for postpaid customers , you will look at the number at the
end of the month," said Rajan S Mathews , director general of COAI.
Trai chairman J S Sarma could not be reached for comment .

Earlier this month, the telecom regulator mandated that commercial
communications be sent between 9 am and 9 pm to all subscriberswhether
registered for the National Do Not Call Registry or not. For those who
opt to be under the 'fully blocked' category, a telemarketer cannot
disturb you.

Alternatively, you can opt for the facility which allows you to access
information on any of the seven segments-banking and financial
products, real estate, education, health, consumer goods, automobiles,
communication and entertainment, tourism and leisure.

An exception will be made in case of transaction-related messages such
as those from banks, insurance companies, railways, airlines or
telecom service providers for providing information related to
customers or passengers.

Companies have been mandated to register with telecom service
providers who would assign them numbers in the 140 series. "What if
the 101st message is in an emergency?" asks COAI's Mathews.

http://www.techgig.com/tech-news/editors-pick/Trai-will-cap-SMS-to-100-per-day-from-Sept-27-6483?mailer_id=359&utm_source=tjweeklynews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tjweeklynews_21Sep&dt=20110921&token=MTk0NzkyMQ==

S&P cuts Italy credit financial ratings one notch to A/A-1, outlook negative India Currency Rupee falls to 2 year low

2011-09-20T23:00:00.001-07:00

Standard and Poor's downgraded its unsolicited ratings on Italy by one
notch to A/A-1 and kept its outlook on negative, a major surprise that
threatens to add to concerns of contagion in the debt-stressed euro
zone.

The single currency skidded over half a cent to $1.3606 after S&P said
the cut reflected its view of Italy's weakening economic growth
prospects.

Italy's fragile governing coalition and policy differences within
parliament will likely limit the government's ability to respond
decisively to the challenging domestic and external macroeconomic
environment, the agency said.

"In our opinion, the measures included in and the implementation
timeline of Italy's National Reform Plan will likely do little to
boost Italy's economic performance, particularly against the backdrop
of tightening financial conditions and the government's fiscal
austerity program," said S&P.

The move from S&P came as a surprise as the market had thought Moody's
was more likely to downgrade Italy first. Moody's last week said it
would take another month to decide on its action.

The downgrade came as Greece struggles to meet demands from lenders
for yet more austerity measures.

"It's just more of the same negative news," said Stephen Roberts, a
senior economist at Nomura in Sydney.

"It only adds to the contagion risk over Greece and has encouraged the
flight to safety in markets here," he added, pointing to a sharp fall
in the Australian dollar on the news.

S&P 500 futures also dropped 0.7 percent and early hopes for a bounce
in Asian shares on Tuesday looked to be still-born now.

European stocks had already slid on Monday, while yields on Italian
and Spanish bonds rose sharply on fears of a Greek default, compounded
by the failure of EU finance ministers to agree new steps to resolve
Europe's debt crisis at weekend talks.

International lenders told Greece on Monday it must shrink its public
sector and improve tax collection to avoid running out of money within
weeks as investors spooked by political setbacks in Europe dumped
risky euro zone assets.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/sp-cuts-italy-ratings-one-notch-to-a/a-1-outlook-negative/articleshow/10047672.cms

Breaking news in worst bomb blast in Delhi High Court: 9 dead, at least 45 injured

2011-09-06T23:02:00.001-07:00

9 people have been killed and 45 injured in a blast this morning outside one of the entry gates to the Delhi High Court complex, crowded with visitors seeking entry into the premises.The casualty figures are expected to rise as several have been very severely injured.

The explosion occurred outside gate No.5 where 100 to 200 people were waiting in queue to get passes for entry into the court complex. The nature and magnitude of the blast was immediately not known.

According to eyewitnesses, 20 to 25 persons were injured in the explosion which occurred at around 1015 AM and some of them may be in a critical condition. There was no official information on the exact number of injured.

Some of the injured were being treated at a dispensary in the court itself while others were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Court business is usually heavy on Wednesday which is listed as a Public Interest Litation(PIL) day when the visitors come to the court in large numbers.

Ambulances and fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

The blast area has been cordoned off and police have asked people to clear the area.

Top officials of Delhi police including Special Commissioner (law and order) Dharmendra Kumar and Joint Commissioner of Special Cell R S Krishnaiah have rushed to the spot.

Jt Commissioner (Crime) Sandip Goyal and Special Commissioner P N Aggarwal also joined them.

Kumar said it was too early to ascertain the exact nature of the blast.

He declined to speculate whether the blast was of low intensity or high intensity.
It is in the second time in four months that a blast occured outside the Delhi High Court complex.

An explosion on May 25 triggered panic prompting the authorities to sound a high alert in the capital and tighten security at public places. No one was injured.

Low-intensity explosives, wrapped in a polythene bag and kept close to the car parked near Gate No. 7, went off around 1.30 p.m. Ammonium nitrate, a battery-like object, wires and some nails were found at the site by forensic experts.

source:http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5417170

India's top lender and banker State Bank of India may face a crisis if fund infusion is delayed; no plan to revive teaser rates

2011-08-24T21:13:00.001-07:00

India's top lender State Bank of India, which has the lowest tier-1
equity among big banks, faces a 'crisis' next fiscal, if the
government doesn't invest in a rights share sale, essential to keep
lending, said a bank executive.

The bank could go for bonds sale to raise its capital adequacy in
tier-2 capital to continue lending, but it may turn out to be
expensive with interest rates remaining high.

"We can't sustain without capital infusion from the government in long
term," CFO Diwakar Gupta told reporters on the sidelines of a
conference. "So, it's a crisis situation, if we don't get capital. But
we have a plan B to sustain it this year. We will be able to manage in
FY12."

SBI planned to raise more than Rs 20,000 crore in a rights share sale
this year. But weak government finances may force it to scrap the
plan. The government, which has no resources to buy in a rights share
sale, doesn't want to lessen its stake from 59%. But its chairman
Pratip Chaudhuri is hopeful that the government could still manage to
buy shares in a rights issue.

"The government is very positive and actively considering it and the
rights issue will come in this fiscal," Chaudhuri told reporters at
the same conference. "We are in the second quarter, (it may come)
maybe in the third or fourth quarter."

For the first time in a decade, the bank's tier-I capital has dipped
below 8%, though the overall capital adequacy ratio is around 11.6%.
The RBI's norms stipulate that banks have to set aside 9% of the risk
weighted capital as a prudential capital. However, banks themselves
maintain a capital adequacy of 12%. Of this, 8 percentage point is in
tier-I capital comprising equity and reserves. While the balance 4% is
maintained in debt instruments. But the tight equity positions may not
be as harmful to nationalised banks or SBI as they were a few years
ago.

"Injection of common equity by the government into state-owned banks
in 2010 has helped most banks raise core tier-1 capital ratios to
above 8%," said Fitch Ratings. "A notable exception is SBI, which is
awaiting equity injection by end-2011 or early-2012. The slight rise
in state shareholding to 58% has also increased these banks'
flexibility to tap the equity capital market, a notable difference to
2008 when shareholding in some banks was down to the statutory minimum
of 51%."

'No Plan for Teaser Loans'

The State Bank of India, country's largest bank, has said that it has
no plans to revive teaser rates although its rival and second-largest
lender ICICI Bank introduced a dual-rate home loan plan last week.

Mobile phone call charges/tariffs in India may set to increase by at least 17%

2011-08-23T00:20:00.001-07:00

New Delhi: Indians will soon have more than inflation and corruption
woes on their plate. Consumers should now brace themselves for higher
mobile tariffs that threaten to quickly reverse to 2008 pricing
levels.
   Market leader Bharti Airtel was the first to recently hike its
tariffs by 20%, a move that was followed by several other leading
telecom companies. However, sustainability issues suggest that tariffs
may eventually move up by at least another 17%, if not more, before
they stabilize.
   The government increased competition in 2008 from 7 to 14 operators
by advancing the argument of lower tariffs for the aam aadmi. This
policy move now appears questionable, with data demolishing this
premise. Apart from the fact that the industry is sending out strong
signals for upward tariff revisions, China and Pakistan with merely
five and six operators respectively offer tariffs that are comparable
with India.
   The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which
represents some of India's largest mobile operators, highlights that
while the 'no cap' policy regime encouraging hyper competition led to
a fall in tariffs for both voice and data, these reductions in call
charges have not been matched by an increase in minutes of usage per
connection per month. A COAI-PWC report shows that contrary to
expectations, minutes of usage have experienced a drastic fall from a
peak of 465 minutes/month in 2007 to 369 minutes in 2010 a decline of
over 20%.
   The COAI believes this threatens the sustainability of the industry
and has presented a bleak growth outlook to the government on the
anvil of National Telecom Policy 2011 and preparation of the 12th Five
Year Plan. While data substantiates that call tariffs dropped from a
high of Rs 15.50 in 1998 to an average of 50 paise/minute in 2010, the
maximum reductions were before 2008.
   The highest fall in tariffs was seen in 1998–2000, on account of a
migration package that moved the industry from licence fee regime to
revenue sharing. Tariffs fell 50% — from Rs 15.50 to Rs 7.30 — a
reduction of over Rs 8.20/minute. The second big reduction in tariffs
came between 2001-2004 on the introduction of the third and fourth
mobile operators by way of a multistage bidding process held in 2001.
Tariffs fell from Rs 7.30/minute down to Rs 2/ minute — a reduction of
Rs 6.30 in a three-year period, as BSNL, MTNL and one private
operator/circle entered the fray.
   In 2004, when limited mobility operators were allowed to migrate to
full mobility, tariffs fell by Rs 1.50/ minute to Rs 2. Between
2004-2008, competitive forces reduced tariffs further from Rs
1.2/minute, to an average of 80 paise/ minute at the beginning of
2008. According to the COAI-PWC report, tariffs had stabilized at 80
paise/ minute in 2008, before extelecom minister A Raja awarded 121
new LOI's and 35 dual tech licences.
   Since then, tariffs have fallen only 37% down to an average of 50
paise, only to be reversed this month with several companies hiking
rates once again. The report argues that the decline in minutes of
usage even with falling tariffs points to a limitation of price
elasticity. Overall, this is impacting industry revenues and
sustainability, with little or no guarantee from operators that the
current level of tariffs will be sustainable any further.

Happy news for US job hunters Deloitte: 4G could produce 771,000 new jobs in U.S. by 2016

2011-08-23T00:00:00.001-07:00

By Rachel King | August 22, 2011, 9:39am PDT

Summary: Although 4G networks won't be blanketing the United States
like 3G does for another few years, LTE investments are expected to
pave the way to more jobs and up to $151 billion in GDP growth.

U.S. wireless telecommunications companies are expected to invest $25
billion to $53 billion in the advancement of 4G between 2012 and 2016,
according to a new report from Deloitte.

But even better, Deloitte argues that those investments could result
in $73 billion to $151 billion in gross domestic product growth as
well as potentially creating 371,000 to 771,000 new jobs.

Based on the survey, this could play out in two ways:

The $25 billion figure assumes a baseline scenario in which U.S.
4G deployment proceeds at a moderate pace and the transition from 3G
to 4G extends to the middle of the decade. Under these conditions,
U.S. firms are vulnerable to incursions by foreign competitors
capitalizing on aggressive efforts in their home markets to deploy 4G
networks and develop 4G-based devices and services.

The $53 billion figure assumes a scenario in which U.S. carriers
invest more rapidly in 4G networks and start to produce popular
4G-based offerings before global competitors gain traction. In this
scenario, the demand stimulated by new offerings justifies more
network investment, setting off a virtuous cycle of investment and
market response that positions the U.S. to retain its mobile broadband
leadership.

For either of these possibilities to play out, 4G development will
also depend on other factors, including the need for the top tech
companies creating new 4G-enabled products and services, and even the
adoption of cloud computing as it "enables the U.S. to take full
advantage of 4G's potential impact" by giving much faster and possibly
cheaper access to content and applications from anywhere.

Of course, when it comes to the aforementioned 4G products, mobile
device manufacturers will need to address some of the aspects that are
already considered roadblocks by mainstream consumers, such as
exorbitant prices for both products and service plans as well as
typically poor battery lives.

On the international level, Deloitte has found that over 150 carriers
in 60 countries are committed to developing 4G technology and
networks, with South Korea, Sweden and China as some of the leaders in
this movement.

Government of India is planning to provide free health care for its citizens through additional 1% cess TAX New cess to be levied on taxable income to fund free healthcare

2011-08-21T20:57:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: You may soon have to pay more tax since the government is
considering a proposal to levy a surcharge to fund its ambitious plan
of providing free healthcare to every citizen in the country.

The Planning Commission's expert panel has turned down the proposal
for a securities transaction tax, and instead voted for a health
surcharge on taxable income.

The move, it said, would complement the government's budgetary
allocation and "obviate the need for user charges on the rich".

Though the panel has not recommended how much surcharge should be
levied, a 1% levy would yield over Rs 9,000 crore for this fiscal.

The surcharge would be similar to the one levied to fund education
that is expected to mop up Rs 27,500 crore this year, which is over
40% of the funding available to the human resources development
ministry. Including the road cess, all cesses and surcharges add up to
over Rs 79,000 crore - about 8.5% of the budgeted tax collections.

Over the last decade, the government has repeatedly fallen back on the
cess-and-surcharge tool for dedicated spending - ranging from picking
up the tab for the Kargil conflict to the Gujarat earthquake. In
recent years, the ambit has been expanded to include education and
highway construction.

Now, the Planning Commission panel wants the government to introduce a
national health entitlement card for every citizen that will guarantee
free access to a heath package of essential primary, secondary and
tertiary healthcare fully funded by the Centre. It talks of covering
both in-patient and OPD services.

Plan panel against user charges in public hospitals

Realizing the massive amount of funds required to introduce national
health entitlement for every citizen, the Planning Commission's expert
panel has called for a hike in public spending on health from about
1.4% of GDP to at least 2.5% by the end of 12th Five Year Plan
(2012-17) and at least 3% by 2020 to achieve objective of healthcare
for all.

As against the government's move to impose user charges in public
hospitals to raise fund, the panel is strongly against levy of user
fees of any kind even from those who can pay at heath facilities that
offer national heath package for NHEC card-holders.

"The user fees of all forms to be dropped as a source of government
revenue for health," the report said, arguing that such fees have
limited deterrence in checking consumption of excessive and
unnecessary medical care. The user fees have widened inequalities in
access to healthcare and negative impact on usage of health service
even by those who need them and most of the time administrative cost
in collecting fee tends to be higher than revenue raised.

The panel pitched for specific purpose transfers from the Centre to
the states and urged that transfer schemes should be designed in a way
to reduce disparity in the level of public funding on heath across
states. It says the transfers received by states should constitute
additional public spending on health and should not be used to
substitute spending from own resources by the states.

The K Srinath Reddy-chaired group, which included National Advisory
Council member A K Shiva Kumar, argued for prioritization of Central
funds for providing primary and secondary healthcare nationwide,
saying there is a need to earmark 70% of public spending for primary
care.

http://m.timesofindia.com/PDATOI/articleshow/9616709.cms

Find out your romantic character based on your birthday dates "numerology"

2011-08-15T21:02:00.001-07:00

If your ruling number is 1, will you be passionate, romantic or
adventurous? Will you be an impressive date?

1 – Your adventurous nature makes your love life highly passionate and
your mate will never have a dull moment with you around. Short
romantic vacations will make your love life exciting. You have the
elegance and charm to impress your date and make sure he or she has a
good time.

2 – You are a bit cautious and you keep your feelings guarded. Your
bruised ego from a failed relationship may lead to an unsatisfactory
love life. Your dating style needs a lot of improvement. You need to
be a bit more socail and let your guard down.

3 – You are an optimistic and fun loving person. You meet new people
all the time and your chances of falling in love more than once are
quite high. You are a serial dater and will enjoy the time that you
spend with your date having as much fun as you possibly can!

4 – Your conservative nature and your busy schedule leaves no room for
love and increases the chances of love life being a little dull.
Although you like the idea of falling in love you hardly ever have the
time for it. To enjoy dating you need to expand your social circle and
meet new people.

5 – You seek freedom no matter what you do. You will want to have a
very understanding mate who gives you enough space and freedom to do
what you want. A nagging wife is definitely not your cup of tea! Your
dating style is quite cool and you have a unique style of your own
which is quite impressive

6 – You are a responsible person and are not too much into fairytale
romances. You will be equally happy with someone who is sensible and
has much in common with you. It's not just looks that draws you to
your mate. When you date someone, you like to take things slow and
never jump into a relationship.

7 – You find it hard to express your feelings and get close to people.
Chances of your having one sided relationships are quite high. But
when you do have that special someone in your life, you will do
everything you can to make him or her happy. You make friends but
hardly ever go out on romantic dates.

8 – You like to be in control of your love life. You will not settle
for anything less than true love. You want complete honesty and
loyalty from your mate. Chances of your getting jealous are quite
high. When it comes to dating, you need to learn to be a bit more
subtle and not interrogate your date on the first meeting itself!

9 – You believe in passionate romances. Your marriage will be a
dramatic affair and will surely be a love match. Your romantic affair
will definitely get toungues wagging. When it come to dating you are a
pro. You need no tips or advice and you know exactly how to get what
you want.

Latest news about Google plans to buy Motorola - Google to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion

2011-08-15T20:39:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Google Inc will buy phone hardware maker Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc for $12.5 billion to bolster adoption of its Android mobile software and compete with smartphone rival Apple Inc.

In its biggest deal to date, Google said it would pay $40 per share in cash, a 63 percent premium to Motorola Mobility's Friday closing price on the New York Stock Exchange.

"What it says is that Google wants to provide a total experience that's hardware and software (like Apple)," said BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis.

Shares of Motorola Mobility, which focuses on smartphone and TV set-top boxes, jumped 59 percent on Monday.

Google, maker of the Android mobile phone operating system software, has been forging ahead in the smartphone market but has been hampered by a lack of intellectual property in wireless telephony.

Earlier this month, fresh from losing a bid to buy thousands of patents from bankrupt Nortel, Google Chief Legal Officer David Drummond blasted Microsoft, Apple, Oracle and "other companies," accusing them of colluding to hamper the increasingly popular Android software by buying up patents.

A source close to the deal said Google swooped in to buy Motorola Mobility after losing out on Nortel's patents.

"It is much more than just a patent sale. It is obviously more than a strategy shift for Google that is very significant," the source said.

The Motorola Mobility deal may represent a victory for activist investor Carl Icahn, Motorola's biggest shareholder. He has urged Motorola to consider splitting off its patent portfolio to cash in on surging interest in wireless technology. As of July, Icahn held an 11.36 percent stake in the company.

In a statement, Icahn said the deal is "a great outcome for all shareholders of Motorola Mobility."

Google, which plans to run Motorola Mobility as a separate business, said the deal will close by the end of 2011 or early in 2012, and requires regulatory approvals in the U.S., European Union and other areas, as well as the blessing of Motorola Mobility's shareholders.

Lazard advised Google on the deal, while Motorola used Centerview Partners and Frank Quattrone's Qatalyst Partners, sources told Reuters.

(Reporting by Franklin Paul in New York and Sayantani Ghosh in Bangalore; additional reporting by Nadia Damouni and Phil Wahba in New York; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty, John Wallace, Dave Zimmerman)

http://news.yahoo.com/google-buy-motorola-mobility-12-5-billion-113914772.html

Reserve bank of India to hike interest rates again due to high inflationary pressure and high rising cost, banks fear backlash

2011-08-14T00:03:00.001-07:00

The Reserve Bank on Friday said the option of going for another round
of rate hike at its next mid-quarterly policy review in September do
exist as inflationary pressure continues in the economy.

"Probability is always there," RBI Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty
said when asked whether another rate hike was possible as inflation is
still ruling over 9 per cent.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the diamond jubilee celebration of
the Reserve Bank employees' sports club.

Chakrabarty said the short-term target is to bring down headline
inflation to 6-7 per cent and further ease it to 3-4 per cent in the
medium-to-long term.

When asked if the RBI is equipped to supervise micro finance sector if
asked by the government, he said, "If we are not equipped, then we
have to improve our capacity (to do so). Let the bill be first
approved".

On banks not giving loans to the MFI sector, Chakrabarty said, "We
cannot force them but we are asking them".

http://www.rediff.com/business/report/rbi-may-hike-rates-due-to-inflation/20110812.htm

Greece stock exchange ATHEX COMPOSITE bans short selling as stocks tank, Greece bans short selling for 2 months as stocks tank to lowest level in over 14 years

2011-08-11T21:17:00.001-07:00

Greece on Monday banned short selling on the stock market for two months, after shares on the Athens Stock Exchange plunged to their lowest level in more than 14 years as financial markets were buffeted by worries over the U.S. economy following a downgrade of the country's debt.

The bourse's general index sank below the 1,000-point mark, closing down 6 percent at 998.24 -- the lowest level since January 1997. Less than an hour after the stock exchange closed, the Capital Market Commission imposed the two-month ban on short-selling, which comes into effect as of Tuesday.

Short selling, a way of betting a financial asset will fall in price, typically involves traders selling borrowed shares in the hope of buying them cheaper later and profiting on the difference.

The commission said in a statement it took the decision "after taking into account the exceptional circumstances prevailing in the Greek market."

It had imposed another two-month suspension of short-selling in April 2010, after a six day losing streak on the stock exchange. That ban had followed a downgrade of Greece's credit rating.

Greece became the first EU country to seek an international bailout last year, when it saw its borrowing costs spiral out of control as investors doubted it could repay its debts. International creditors agreed last month to extend it a second bailout.

The financial crisis has also affected other eurozone countries, with Portugal and Ireland also receiving bailouts.

On Monday, Europe's central bank is widely thought to have begun buying the depressed-bonds of Italy and Spain to calm investor fears that the two countries won't be able to pay their debts.

Though that bond-buying effort appears to have worked in the short-term by reducing the two countries' borrowing costs, stock markets around the world have been in retreat as investors respond to Standard & Poor's momentous downgrade of the U.S.'s rating.

source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Greece-bans-shortselling-as-apf-3675445418.html;_ylt=A0PDkmL8CUBOPQMArA27YWsA;_ylu=X3oDMTE1NjFia290BHBvcwM1BHNlYwN0b3BTdG9yaWVzBHNsawNncmVlY2ViYW5zc2g-?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=2&asset&ccode

positive and negative sides of investing into mutual funds or stock markets - what are the positive and negative aspects of investing into mutual funds or stock markets

2011-08-07T21:23:00.001-07:00

STOCK MARKETS

Positives

Has the potential to earn lot of returns

May earn regular income - dividends Tax-free

Can also buy through mutual funds easily small amounts also enough

Negatives

Very volatile market

Very risky - can lose a lot of money

positive and negative sides of investing in land or real estate - what are the positive and negative aspects of investing in land or real estate

2011-08-07T21:22:00.001-07:00

REAL ESTATE

Positives

Has the potential to create long term wealth

May earn regular returns — rent

Negatives

High investment value. Will be forced to take loans

Maintenance costs can be high

Cannot sell easily / cannot sell only small portions

positive and negative sides of GOLD & GOLD ETF's - what are the positive and negative aspects of GOLD & GOLD ETF's

2011-08-07T21:21:00.003-07:00

GOLD

Positives

May earn high returns

Satisfaction of owning jewellery

Can pledge and borrow against it

Negatives

Cost of safekeeping is high

Cannot sell, can only convert to another jewellery

No interest, dividend etc

Making cost, wastage etc makes it expensive

Even if you own ETF's you are entitled for wealth tax

positive and negative sides of bank's fixed deposits - what are the positive and negative aspects of banks fixed deposits

2011-08-07T21:21:00.001-07:00

FIXED DEPOSIT

Positives

Safe Interest rate only matches inflation rate

Will earn regular income

Can liquidate whenever needed without much loss

Negatives

Sometimes interest rates do not match with the inflation rate so you end up with loses in a longer term

No real wealth creation

worst health habits generally followed by women - top 10 worst female health habits

2011-08-07T06:35:00.001-07:00

From workouts to healthy diets, many of us make an effort to look after ourselves. However, we could be compromising our health on a daily basis without even knowing it. From carrying heavy handbags to wearing crippling heels, here are the top 10 female habits you should try to break.

Wearing heels

More and more of us are opting to wear heels on a daily basis, and this could be bad news for our health. High heels affect our posture, put pressure on joints, and can lead to a range of conditions including arthritis, hammer toes, back pain and tendon injuries – and that's before you take into account any heel-related accidents! To minimize damage, limit your heels to 1.5 inches for daily wear, and wear insoles to help reduce the pressure on joints.

Carrying a heavy handbag

With the rising number of gadgets and accessories the majority of women haul around, many of us are carrying around several pounds of weight on our shoulders every day. As a result, lots of us are also putting our long term health at risk. While you may not feel the effects right now, lugging around a heavy handbag can lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture. Don't wait until the damage is done – do your health a favour and try clearing out all non-essential items and switching to a smaller bag.

Sleeping in makeup

Most of us have succumbed to the temptation to sleep in our post-party makeup at some point. However, leaving makeup on overnight – along with the dirt and oil that naturally accumulates on skin throughout the day –is a quick route to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can also affect your health by causing eye irritation, bloodshot eyes or even infection.

Matching men drink for drink

From networking drinks to first dates and social events, there are many instances when women may feel compelled to keep up with the drinking habits of the opposite sex. However, women not only tend to weigh less than men but they have less body water to dilute the alcohol, which means they tend to get more drunk more quickly. To minimize the risks of alcohol on your health, try to keep within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption and alternate alcohol with soft drinks.

Wearing the wrong bra size

It is thought that more than 70 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. However, wearing a badly fitted bra can not only affect the look of your clothes, but research suggests it can cause a range of health problems including back, neck and breast pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, skin irritation, circulation problems and even irritable bowel syndrome. Rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured to ensure you are getting the support you need.

Worrying and harboring regrets

Stress is damaging to both our physical and mental health, and women are twice as likely as men to suffer from stress-related disorders, as well as having higher rates of depression and anxiety. While it is thought there may be biological reasons for this, worrying about the future and dwelling on regrets can also add to our problems, with research suggesting that women are more than twice as likely as men to harbor regrets over lost loves and broken relationships.

Obsessing over appearance

While both genders suffer from body insecurity, many women tend to overly obsess over their idea of the "perfect" body. Research findings published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 16 per cent of the normal or underweight women studied believed themselves to be overweight, while a study commissioned by Dove found that 90 per of women wanted to change at least one aspect of their appearance. Body insecurity not only affects our mental health, but it can also lead to physical damage caused by extreme diets, yo-yo dieting, eating disorders and cosmetic surgery.

Emotional eating

While comfort eating affects both genders, research has suggested that men are more likely to reinforce positive emotions with food, while women comfort eat when they're sad. Women are also more likely to satisfy their cravings with sweet, high calorie foods. Rather than letting your waistline suffer next time you're feeling blue, try distracting yourself from cravings by doing something you enjoy, or boost your endorphins and health with an uplifting workout.

Not getting enough sleep

Not only can lack of sleep make us look and feel at our worst, but insufficient shut-eye can also lead to increased accidents, calorie consumption and heart disease risk. Unluckily for women, statistics suggest that sleep problems affect more women than men, while a study by the University of Michigan found that women are more than twice as likely to give up sleep to care for others. Unfortunately, sleep has been found to affect women's blood pressure and mood more than men's, making it imperative that you do your best to get a good night's sleep.

Putting themselves last

Not only are women more likely to compromise their sleeping habits to care for children and others, they are also prone to putting their own wants and needs at the bottom of a hectic to-do list of chores and obligations. To avoid running yourself into the ground, learn to sometimes say no to those requests and commitments that are less than essential, and make sure you set aside some "me" time each week to do something enjoyable just for you.

source: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/10-worst-female-health-habits-095153398.html

9 things that a wife should never say to her husband

2011-08-05T11:20:00.001-07:00

Do you fake an orgasm when you actually didn't? Or find faults with the your husband's way of handling the kids, or pester him to find a new job? If yes, you may be making irreparable damages to your relationship.

Following is a list of nine statements compiled by Judy Ford, psychotherapist and author of 'Every Day Love' that you should never utter to your significant other, reports the Mother Nature Network.

First comes: "Yes, I had an orgasm."

Another statement that is a strict no-no is "You're just like your father." It's nasty and belittling, says Ford.

The third forbidden statement is actually very common: "When are you going to find a new job?"

The fourth hurtful statement is: "My mother warned me you'd do this!"

The fifth line, which is never a good idea to say, is "Just leave it - I'll do it myself!" Just because he's doing something differently than you would doesn't mean that he's doing it wrong.

The sixth statement, which can be heart breaking, is "You always... [fill in the blank]" or "You never... [fill in the blank]"

Then seventh statement that can be a serious blow is "Do you really think those pants are flattering?"

Saying so, you're insulting his looks without showing any genuine concern for his health, according to Ford.

Then eighth harsh statement is "Ugh, we're hanging out with him again?, which is an insult to your man's choice of friends.

The last but not the least is "Please watch the kids. But don't do this, take them here or forget that..." Let Dad-be-dad.

source:http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/9-things-never-hubby-094028536.html

Top 10 worst health habits by MEN - Top 10 worst men health habits

2011-08-02T23:52:00.001-07:00

From workouts to healthy diets, many of us make an effort to look after ourselves. However, we could be compromising our health on a daily basis without even knowing it. From bottling things up to eating fast food, here are the top 10 male habits you should try to break.

Avoiding the doctor
Research by the charity Men's Health Forum has revealed that men are 20% less likely than women to visit their doctor, despite the fact that they have shorter life spans than women and are more likely to die from cancer. While visiting the doctor is rarely a pleasant experience, diagnosing most illnesses early increases rates of survival, so stop ignoring those symptoms and give your doctor a call.

Not doing self-checks
Just like with visiting the doctor, many men avoid doing necessary health self-checks due to fear, denial of the risks, or confusion over what to do. However, it is vital that men check themselves regularly for signs of testicular cancer as incidence of the disease is on the rise, particularly in young and middle-aged men. If you are not sure how to go about checking yourself, visit a reputable website or ask your doctor for tips on performing these necessary checks.

Binge drinking
Although women are rapidly catching up with men in the drinking stakes, binge drinking is still more common among men than women, and there are consistently higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalisations in men.
Binge drinking not only affects long term health, but it puts your immediate safety at risk and can also lead to rapid weight gain. To safeguard your health, it's important to stick to recommended limits and drink in moderation.

Bottling things up
On the whole, men are less likely than women to talk about their feelings, express emotion or ask for help and support. Perhaps as a consequence of this, men are half as likely as women to be diagnosed with depression, yet are 77 per cent more likely to commit suicide.
Depressed men are also twice as likely as depressed women to resort to alcohol and drug abuse. Bottling up anger is just as detrimental to men's health, with research suggesting that men who don't express their anger increase their risk of a heart attack.

Stressing over work
While men and women are equally exposed to workplace stress, according to a survey of 3,000 workers by Medicash, men are four times more likely than women to take a sick day due to work related stress and are twice as likely to turn to alcohol to help deal with it.
As workplace stress can be an important factor in the development of depression, heart disease and stroke, it is vital to seek a way to resolve your feelings and ease your stress; whether it is by talking to your boss, changing your job or seeking professional help.

Taking hot baths
Many men enjoying soaking in the tub, but for all those trying to conceive it may be time to swap those long baths for showers. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found through their three-year study that having hot baths can significantly reduce male fertility. As sperm develop best in cool surroundings, men should avoid any activity that leads to overheating this area, including sitting in hot tubs or Jacuzzis and regular, prolonged use of laptops. Not applying sun cream
Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, multiple research studies have shown that few of us regularly wear sunscreen, and that men are the worst offenders. According to research by Mintel on sun cream use in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, an average of 52 per cent of women use sunscreen, compared to only 37 per cent of men. However, with many men spending significant time outdoor for sports, work or leisure, it is vital to cover up with appropriate clothing and sun cream before heading outside.

Poor bathroom hygiene
Do you wash your hands after you've visited the bathroom? According to a study by the American Society for Microbiology and the Soap and Detergent Association, one in three men don't! Furthermore, a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine carried out at UK service stations found that only a third of men washed their hands with soap. Not washing your hands is the quickest way to spread germs and infection, so protect your health and those around you by making sure you lather up before leaving the bathroom.

Not brushing their teeth
According to a study by the American Dental Association, only 66 per cent of men brush their teeth twice or more a day, compared to 86 per cent of women. Furthermore, research findings published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that women are almost twice as likely to have regular dental checkups than men. Failing to look after your pearly whites is not only bad news for your teeth and gums; research has shown that gum disease can increase risk of heart disease, erectile dysfunction and dementia.

Eating fast food and takeaways
In today's fast food culture, many of us are guilty of hampering our weight loss by indulging in too much junk food, and this is particularly true for men. A survey by Pew Research Center revealed that 47 per cent of men eat in a fast food restaurant at least weekly, compared to 35 per cent of women. With an average takeaway containing over half your recommended daily calories and copious amounts of salt, do your health a favour by cutting back on takeaways and replacing with home-cooked meals.

Watch out for some of these typical mistakes that most Indians make while speaking/writing in English

2011-07-26T02:47:00.001-07:00

Every culture is known by certain unique traits, whether in the area of personality, beliefs, practices or even language use, which add both quirkiness and charm to varied ethnic and social groups.

However this uniqueness can also prove counterproductive, if it steps beyond the confines of differences, to result in miscommunication or a complete breakdown in the communication process. And, avoiding this pitfall would not prove particularly difficult, if one were aware of where the dark spots lie.

Incorrect: It is becoming much more easier to access the internet in India

Correct: It is becoming much easier to access the internet in India

Used often for emphasis, the double comparative is not merely grammatically incorrect but can also confuse the listener.

Wherever English words change in form/nature, while illustrating comparison, they need to be used by themselves. For example: easy, easier, easiest or good, better, best.

However in cases where this does not occur/such possibilities do not exist, one can use 'more' and 'most' as modifying words, to show comparison. For example: beautiful, more beautiful and most beautiful.

Incorrect: Could you please repeat what you said again?

Correct: Could you please repeat what you said?

The very word 'repeat' means to say something again. Similarly the word return means to give back. Therefore these words need to be used singly and not with other qualifying words, as that makes the phrase redundant.

Incorrect: I am missing you more and more everyday

Correct: I am missing you more deeply/fervently everyday

At times words are repeated to add value or show the value of something/someone/some emotion/ some event. However these need to be replaced by content words that actually add the desired emphasis/value to what one desires to say. These are qualifying words that serve to modify the word that needs to be emphasised.

Incorrect: It's no use telling him; he is like that only

Correct: It's no use telling him; he is like that

'Only' in the phrase 'like that only' is an addition that is most often used to add emphasis. However, it is a grammatically incorrect construction. Therefore care needs to be taken to not use 'only' in such contexts.

Incorrect: My birthday is coming next month

Correct: My birthday falls in the next month

The phrase 'is coming' is used to indicate an object/person, which is currently approaching you. For example, 'The car is coming in our direction at a really high speed'.

To indicate events/occasions that are likely to/scheduled to occur in the future, but refer to an event of regular occurrence, one uses 'falls in'. Therefore, while one can use 'falls in' for birthdays/anniversaries etc., one would not use it to refer to a meeting/marriage date etc.

Incorrect: Could you hold on, another phone is coming?

Correct: Could you hold on, I am getting another call?

Also correct: Could you hold on, another phone is ringing?

Since the word 'coming' implies approach, it cannot be used in the context of the telephone. A person may be coming, but the phone rings. It is thus important to ensure the suitability of the verb to the subject to which it refers.

Incorrect: Our office party is there next week

Correct: Our office party has been scheduled for next week

Though used randomly, 'there' essentially indicates a place that can be pointed to/has been referred to.

For example, while saying 'I have kept it there' one usually points to the place or is connecting 'there' to a place that has been mentioned earlier. To illustrate, 'The stapler is kept in the stationery box. You should look for it there.'

Incorrect: Anything you are telling

Correct: That can't be true

Also correct: I can't/don't believe it.

Used to express disbelief, this phrase is incorrect and can leave a person fluent in English greatly puzzled as regards its meaning. It is thus better to use the more general 'That can't be true' to express greater disbelief or 'I can't/don't believe it', if one finds it hard to belief what's being said.

Incorrect: Are you going to come to office tomorrow?

Correct: Are you coming to office tomorrow?

'Going' and 'coming' are in fact opposite actions. If used together the words can confuse the listener, as regards the nature of the action. It is thus important to choose one from among them, depending on the action one is referring to.

Incorrect: Is it your happy birthday today?

Correct: Is it your birthday today?

'Birthday' refers to an event/occasion, while happy describes its nature.

So, whereas, while wishing someone one would say/write 'happy birthday', while referring to the event/occasion, one just uses the word 'birthday'.

Moreover, one needs to keep in mind that while wishing a person 'happy birthday' that the birthday should be happy is a wish, but one would be incorrect to refer to a birthday as essentially happy (i.e. it is your happy birthday), as it may not necessarily be so as for various reasons one's birthday may prove to be a sad day.

Incorrect: I am telling you, no.

Correct: I am telling you.

Though people often use 'no' at the end of the end of the sentence for emphasis, the word 'no' in fact involves a denial, so its random usage can be confusing, as it may reflect a contradiction of what one has said earlier.

Incorrect: I except your offer

Correct: I accept your offer

Often confused and used one instead of the other, 'except' and 'accept' are words that are greatly varied in meaning. While 'except' refers to 'other than', 'accept' refers to 'agree to'.

So too, it would prove equally disastrous to say I 'expect' your offer, in case of a job offer, as you sound presumptuous, as it would imply that the offer should go to no one other than you, since 'expect' means 'to believe that someone will do something or something will happen' ('will' being the key word).

Incorrect: Can you help me improve my communication skill?

Correct: Can you help me improve my communication skills?

Communication involves varied skills like listening, reading, writing, speaking and non verbal communication and hence unless one is referring to one specific aspect of communication, one talks of 'communication skills' and not 'communication skill'.

Incorrect: Can you sit on the coach and wait for him?

Correct: Can you sit on the couch and wait for him?

People often mispronounce or even misspell 'couch' as 'coach'. While coach refers to a carriage in a train or one, which is horse drawn, couch refers to a sofa/settee. Therefore using one for the other can be highly misleading.

Incorrect: I and Meghana will come and see you

Correct: Meghana and I will come and see you

Courtesy demands that one refers to oneself at the end (last) in the list of people one covers. Therefore it sounds rather precocious, egoistic and discourteous to begin by referring to oneself, though it is not grammatically wrong in the basic sense of language use.

Incorrect: Find my attached resume

Correct: Find attached my resume

The word 'my' qualifies (tells you more about) 'resume', i.e. it is your resume and not that of anyone else and so the word 'my' should come before 'resume' and not before 'attached', where it has no relevance in this context.

Incorrect: I enjoyed like anything

Correct: I thoroughly/really enjoyed myself

'Like anything' is often used to indicate highly, greatly, but is an improper usage. It is better to use a qualifying word to describe the intensity of one's feeling/experience.

Incorrect: Can you put off the light?

Correct: Can you switch off the light?

'Put off' essentially refers to 'be turned off by something/someone'. For example, 'I was put off by her high handed approach'. Therefore while referring to turning off something, it is better to use the phrases 'turn off' (more informal) or 'switch off' (more formal).

Some errors may only affect sticklers for perfection in language use, others may merely cause amusement, but yet others can be disastrous, as they can lead to misunderstanding, resulting from miscommunication. Avoiding them can only enhance one's image (whether by reflecting how sound one is or by preventing miscommunication) and so may reflect a cause that one would do well to take up.

Notwithstanding the ones covered, that basically encompass language use, there are many that embody mispronunciation (like 'pain' for 'pen' or 'mate' for 'met'), which though equally disastrous would be more easily overlooked as cultural peculiarities.

Tips to protect your credit cards and debit cards from hackers and e-thiefs

2011-07-18T22:54:00.001-07:00

Credit cards have become an integral part of our life, but concerns about its security and vulnerability is an ongoing issue. Credit card frauds are rising at an alarming rate. Card associations and banks on the other hand have been trying hard to enhance card security features to minimize frauds and misuses.

Here is a look at the security features introduced by card issuers and banks in the current scenario.

Verified by Visa/Mastercard SecureCode

A significant upgrade in credit card security features came with the introduction of 'Verified by Visa/MasterCard Secure Code programme' or second factor authentication. It addresses the credit and debit card transactions over internet.

Earlier, to do an online transaction, the only information needed was your credit card number, expiry date and the CVV number printed on the back of the card. It is easy to obtain this information as they are exposed when you handover your card at hotels, shops or petrol stations. Fraudsters can use this data for online transactions where physical presence of the card is not needed.

With the introduction of the Verified by Visa/MasterCard Secure Code programme, apart from card information, the customer needs to provide an additional password like that of a debit card, to make the transaction secure. This is to authenticate any online transaction.

EMV Chip

The EMV chip addresses security concerns while the card is physically swiped in a machine. When cards are being swiped on an electronic device, all the information stored on its magnetic strip gets extracted for verification. Fraudsters can extract this data from swiping machines and use them to make a duplicate card through a process called cloning. This duplicate card can be used for online transactions and your credit account gets billed.

The susceptibility of magnetic strip cards forced the card associations to come up with an innovative solution - the EMV (Europay, MasterCard and Visa) chip. It stores the data securely in a highly encrypted format which is difficult to skim off and thereby reduces the chances of extraction. It also relies on a digital signature scheme based on public key techniques to confirm the data's legitimacy. As the transaction is being processed, any tampering or unauthorised alteration of data is detected and the transaction will be declined.

India is slow in adding this security feature. In India, the card acceptance mechanism at many merchant outlets is still not equipped with the process. So, the Indian card manufacturers need to issue cards with both EMV platform and magnetic strips. The card makers ensure that the new cards will have a magnetic strip, but the card's confidential data will be stored on the chip. The magnetic strip facilitates the transaction where EMV processing is not available and at the same time data will not be skimmed.

Second Level Authentication for IVR Transaction

Even though second-level authentication has been introduced for online transactions, telephonic transactions with Interactive Voice Response (IVR) started using second-level authentication with a PIN or a password this year only. So, now a customer making an IVR transaction would need to provide an additional password, just like he does on the Internet, so that fraudsters would no longer use the information on your card for IVR transactions.

Credit Card Protection

If you happen to lose your wallet while traveling in India or abroad, earlier you need to call each card issuer separately to get the cards blocked. To ease this situation, a solution in the form of Credit Card Protection (CPP), exists. CPP India comes with a 24-hour toll-free helpline and a world wide cover. One free call to this number will block all your cards on request with additional features like emergency travel cash assistance, fraud protection, valuable document registration and lost card replacement assistance. This service can be availed by taking a membership with CPP which costs around Rs.1000/- to Rs.1500/- annually.

Stay Safe

Although many security features have been introduced, still you can be a victim of the most common trap —phishing. Beware of mails appearing like coming from your bank/ card company asking for your card details or personal information. They will contain an unsolicited link, which when clicked will be directed to a fraud website looking similar to that of your bank. The chances of clicking them unknowingly are fairly high and you will end up exposing your confidential information.

So, as far as credit card transactions go, be cautious. Here are a few pointers:

Type the URL yourself and don't rely much on search engines as there are chances for clicking similar duplicate sites.
Look for the prefix 'https' in the website addresses. The 's' in https stands for secured.
Keep in mind that no bank/card company would ever ask for confidential information through email/phone under any circumstance.

source: http://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/How-secure-credit-card-bankbazaar-2494835558.html

In California, United States.. Love letter which was poster 53 years ago was delivered this year to the lover - Lost love letter finds recipient 53 years later

2011-07-18T22:50:00.001-07:00

California (Pennsylvania), July 15 (AP): Much has happened in the 53 years since Vonnie sent Clark the letter, wondering why he had not called before going back to college.

They married later that year. He graduated. They had four children. They divorced. And he changed his name.

And, at last, the letter is wending its way to Clark ' that is, Muhammad Siddeeq ' who awaits its arrival with mixed emotions. "I'm curious, but I'm not sure I'd put it under the category of 'looking forward to it'," Siddeeq told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The letter, bearing four one-cent stamps postmarked February 1958 and addressed to Clark C. Moore, arrived in the mailroom at California University of Pennsylvania last week. School officials checked their files but could not figure out who Clark Moore was.

But his friends and family still lived in the area and saw media reports about the letter. They called Siddeeq, now 74 and living in Indianapolis, who had changed his name after converting to Islam.

"I never dreamed of anything like this," Siddeeq told the Washington Observer-Reporter. The letter, its stamps turned upside down as sign of love, arrived at California University of Pennsylvania on July 8, tucked inside some magazines.

source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/lost-love-letter-finds-recipient-53-years-later-000000329.html

India's second-largest software exporter Infosys no longer leads the Indian IT sector

2011-07-14T00:31:00.001-07:00

Infosys' dismal first-quarter performance against the backdrop of a
strong global demand for IT outsourcing is a reaffirmation that
India's second-largest software exporter - viewed as an industry
bellwether - no longer represents the broader trends in the sector.

After the turnaround in demand six quarters ago, TCS - Infosys'
closest peer and the country's largest IT player - has reported a
faster growth rate. In the two years ended March 2011, which encompass
the period of recovery, sales and operating profit of TCS grew by 10%
and 16%, respectively, on a compounded basis.

The corresponding numbers for Infosys were 8% and 8.1%, respectively.
Even smaller peers, including Cognizant and HCL Tech, have been able
to take advantage of the rebound in demand to clock better growth.

Questions Over Infy's Strategies

This raises serious questions over the strategies that Infosys
embarked upon and the business proposition it employed to cater to the
fresh demand that emerged after the subprime crisis. What marked out
Infosys from its peers was the way it built an enviable war chest in
the form of a humongous cash pile by protecting operating margins.

In contrast, its peers focused on opportunities to invest in organic
as well as inorganic growth while settling for lower margins in the
near term. While Infosys was operating at margins close to 30%, the
profitability of rivals such as TCS and HCL Tech was at 15-25%.

But while doing so, those firms kept investing in augmenting service
deliverables, partly on their own coupled with acquisitions. In
contrast, Infosys largely focused on organic growth during this
period, which has now come to haunt the company. It is now clear that
a few strategies employed by some of Infosys' rivals have paid off.

A better focus on banking and finance, or the BFSI, vertical boosted
TCS' growth while the acquisition of enterprise applications player
Axon boosted fresh client additions for HCL Tech. Infosys, on the
other hand reported slower growth in most of its verticals.

It still faces headwinds in the telecom vertical where it has a higher
exposure to the troubled wireline segment. In the quarter to June,
Infosys' dollar-denominated revenues grew by 4.3% sequentially,
marginally better than expectations of a 3.5-4% growth, and its
operating margin fell sharply by 300 basis points to 26.1%. This was
much to the dismay of analysts, who were expecting a more benign fall
of 50-100 basis points.

The management of the country's second-biggest IT player has cited
wage hikes as a major reason for the margin contraction. But the fall
is significant this time around considering that Infosys had been
historically able to curb the impact of wage hikes in earlier
quarters.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/software/indias-second-largest-software-exporter-infosys-no-longer-leads-the-indian-it-sector/articleshow/9204230.cms

Reserve Bank of India lays out strict and tedious rules for banks lending to real estate sector

2011-07-10T20:49:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI: The Reserve Bank of India has laid out strict and tedious due
diligence standards for banks in sanctioning loans to the real estate
sector after inspections found that most frauds were due to document
forgeries even after certified by lawyers and chartered accountants.

The central bank has said banks should leave no stone unturned to
verify the documents, including cross verification with the local
administration, to ensure that frauds are eliminated.

"In case of loan against the security of land, banks may also seek
reports from local revenue authorities regarding the title deeds
before sanction of loan," RBI said in a notice to the chairmen and
chief executives of banks. "Wherever documents of title are submitted
as security for loans, there should be a system where documents of
title are subject to verification regarding their genuineness,
especially for large-value loans."

RBI's directive may be a fallout of the series of arrests the Central
Bureau of Investigation made last year, including the top executives
at the LIC Housing Finance and the Bank of India for alleged fraud.
About eight executives were charged with bribery in what was called
the 'loans-for-bribes' scandal. But that did not cause any trouble in
the system.

But the latest ruling by the central bank could delay loan sanctions
at all levels and may lead a further blow to the real estate sector
that is witnessing slowing sales and rising losses.

"The additional due diligence could lead to delay in sanction of
large-value loans," a banking analyst said.

RBI has also asked banks to independently verify the authenticity of
chartered accountant certificate, property valuation certificate,
legal certificate, guarantee/line of credit or any other third-party
certification submitted by the borrower.

The reason for failure of the concurrent auditors was attributed to
complex nature of financial products or transactions. Additionally RBI
also observed that banks had assigned audit responsibility to their
own staff without ensuring that they are suitably trained.

For this, banks would have to directly communicate with the concerned
authority issuing the certificate. Banks would also have to seek an
indirect confirmation indicating to the issuer that in case there is
no response by a certain deadline, it would be assumed that the
certificate is genuine.

"In cases it is established that the certification given by a
chartered accountant, lawyer, registered property valuer, or such
third party is wrong, the Indian Banks' Association should put in
place a process to issue a 'Caution List' regarding the certifier to
all banks," the central bank added.

To prevent frauds, bank would also have to ensure that internal
discipline, staff rotation, checks and balances are in place.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/rbi-lays-out-strict-and-tedious-rules-for-banks-lending-to-real-estate-sector/articleshow/9057861.cms

Bharti Airtel to merge mobile, DTH & telemedia businesses; 2,000 jobs may be lost, rivals to follow the same business tatics

2011-06-26T21:11:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel has embarked on a restructuring exercise that
will merge three separate businesses, triggering a large-scale job
cull for the first time in the services sector since the 2008 economic
slowdown.

Under this exercise, Bharti Airtel plans to merge its mobile,
satellite TV ( DTH )), and fixed-line & broadband telemedia business,
which jointly account for about 90% of the company's revenues and the
vast majority of its workforce, into a single entity.

The merger, ostensibly aimed at cutting costs and boosting efficiency
at the country's biggest telecom operator at a time of falling
profits, is expected to lead to big job losses, with estimates putting
the number at more than 2,000.

Bharti's move could provide the trigger for similar action at rivals,
many of whom are battling identical issues-debt burden, slowing growth
and high marketing spends amid cut-price tariffs. Several Bharti
executives and others familiar with the company's plans told ET that
managers had been told to cut positions in their teams and that the
merger would create large-scale redundancies.

"The estimate is that up to 25% of the 11,500 or so positions in the
three verticals will be axed. The process has already started," said
one company executive who has been asked to bring down the number of
his direct reports. Another executive based out of Airtel's Delhi
office said "the brunt of the merger will be felt across all levels",
noting that each of the three business verticals has separate teams
for sales, product, strategy, human resources and finance, all led by
separate CEOs.

A third employee said: "Employees were being sounded out about the
restructuring, which on completion could impact 20-30% of Airtel's
16,830 employees in the country, including in its enterprise
business." The enterprise arm is Bharti Airtel's fourth business
division, serving corporates and small & medium businesses and also
responsible for its undersea cable offerings.

Bharti, in its response to specific queries sent by ET, confirmed the
restructuring, but said it would have "minimal impact on people". "As
and when any change is planned, the same will be done in the interest
of all stakeholders and shared in an open and transparent manner."

Co unlikely to go for mass sackings

The company said it had pioneered what it called the "strategic
outsourcing model", in which key functions such as networks,
technology and customer services are managed not by the company, but
by specialist vendors. "Such initiatives wherever and whenever
appropriate will find favour at Bharti. Scale and agility backed by
synergies and business efficiencies have been the hallmark of Bharti
Airtel's growth story.

All these are an intrinsic part of our DNA and have always guided our
growth strategy over time," it said. While large-scale job cuts were
certain, the executives who spoke to ET said the company was unlikely
to resort to mass sackings, and a vast majority of affected employees
would be offered opportunities to work in the group's other businesses
and in its Africa operations.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/bharti-airtel-to-merge-mobile-dth-telemedia-businesses-2000-jobs-may-be-lost/articleshow/8983752.cms

Sooner postal savings account to be taxed by Indian Government income tax department - Get set to pay tax on interest from post office savings :(

2011-06-20T20:41:00.001-07:00

TIMES NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi: In an attempt to monitor all deposits made under post
office schemes and bring them on a par with bank interest earnings,
the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified that income from
post office savings schemes will be taxed from the current financial
year.
By making it mandatory for individuals to declare investments in
their tax returns, I-T department has brought all such deposits under
its scanner.
A CBDT notification said a declaration has to be made in the income
tax returns filed by an individual. Any income earned beyond Rs 3,500
annually in case of individuals and Rs 7,000 in case of joint accounts
will be taxable, the notification said.
By setting a minimum limit of Rs 3,500 on interest earnings, the
I-T department has exempted small depositors who get 3.5% interest.
Thus, a small depositor with a maximum saving of Rs 1 lakh, and Rs 2
lakh in case of joint account holders, won't have to pay any tax.
So, small and marginal farmers who invest in post office schemes
would be exempt from the new levy. Tax will be applicable for only
those who invest in post office instruments more than the prescribed
limit. "This is done to minimize and phase out tax deductions and
exemptions," CBDT spokesperson Shishir Jha said. The government is
slowly moving towards the Direct Tax Code that seeks to phase out tax
deductions

15 Ways Of How To Succeed At Work And In Career - want to have a successful career at your work place follow these simple steps

2011-06-20T03:51:00.001-07:00

1. Don't talk negatively about people behind their backs. If you gossip, people won't confide in you. Mind your own business.
2. Try to work for someone who'll challenge your powers. You'll learn more in a year than 4 years of college.
3. Successful bosses have good communication skills. They learn from people, including their employees.
4. Work in such a way that makes your boss look good. It's not flattery.
5. On downsizing, the first to go are those with few friends. Bosses prefer competent people whom they respect.
6. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Let your dress reflect professionalism.
7. Workout to get in good physical shape. Unless exceptionally skilled, the unhealthy are at a comparative disadvantage.
8. Personal integrity is crucial. Tell nothing but the truth. Bosses can forgive mistakes but if you lie, you're gone.
9. Be on time. Try to arrive few minutes early. It saves you from stress. You'll be much relaxed & work better.
10. Strive your best to keep a deadline. If you cannot meet it, then apologize & ask for an extension
11. Don't take things personally. If some people are unhappy with you, it's their problem. But always strive to give your best.
12. If you must correct someone, don't get personal about it. Do it never in front of others.
13. Spend some time alone everyday. What's the mission of my life? What do I want to be? And how to go about it.
14. As you move along Plan A of your career, maintain a Plan B as well — an alternative course to rely
15. Always remember that the secret of success is passion. Always think big. Spread love & joy. You'll have blissful years ahead.

75,000 acres have been acquired at Dholera, 110 km south of Ahmedabad for one of the biggest urban development projects in the world.

2011-06-19T23:18:00.001-07:00

75,000 acres acquired for mega city south of Ahmedabad

New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) At a time when farmers are agitating against
land acquisition in different states,75,000 acres have been acquired
at Dholera, 110 km south of Ahmedabad for one of the biggest urban
development projects in the world.
Spread over 940 square kilometer,a new city would be developed at
Dholera by the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development
Corporation(DMICDC)as a part of its USD 90 billion project spread
across six states.
In all, the DMICDC,a public-private-partnership venture, has acquired
80,000 acres, its CEO and Managing Director Amitabh Kant said today at
a Ficci function here.
"Dholera would be one of the biggest urban development projects in the
world today," Kant said.
The DMICDC is implementing the USD 90 billion project spread across
Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The project involves building industrial and commercial infrastructure
along the Delhi-Mumbai dedicated freight corridor which is also
underway with the help of the Japan Government.
The DMICDC project also involves development of new cities along the route.
Seeking foreign investment in the DMICDC project, he said it is
ideally suited for the global investors, as they do not have to run
for land acquisition and environment clearances.
"In India, we invite investors...we say go and take environmental
clearance and land. It takes five years to do all this and even then
after this investor keeps running into problem. Classic (case )is
Posco," Kant said
He said such problems would not be faced by investors in DMICDC projects.
India aims at increasing share of the manufacturing sector in the
Gross Domestic Product to 25 per cent by 2025 from 15 per cent at
present.
Besides acquiring land for cities, the corporation has taken
environmental clearance for six gas-based power projects to augment
power supply in industrial hubs and cities.
"...we are developing six power projects so that in these cities there
is no shortage of power," Kant said.
It has also completed the master plans of new cities to be developed
in Haryana (Manesar-Bawal Investment Region) and UP
(Dadri-Noida-Ghaziabad Investment Region.

How to protect our personal banking information account related data from hackers

2011-06-19T21:15:00.001-07:00

Washington, June 12 (ANI): Computer hackers have an ability to cause
chaos by using personal data that they have stolen. But the theft can
be prevented if people are careful with their information.

Personal finance expert Carmen Wong Ulrich shared advice during a talk
on 'The Early Show on Saturday Morning' on how to protect personal
information and what to do when hackers get their hands on it.

"The first line of defense is always your passwords, and the
information on your computer," CBS News quoted Ulrich as telling
co-anchor Betty Nguyen.

"Make sure you go right to your computer, change your log-in
information and password information on everything from your credit
card accounts to where you shop through retailers and your email, as
well because, as we saw-Google and Yahoo - the hackers are coming in
from everywhere," she said.

Ulrich, author of 'The Real Cost of Living', said almost
three-quarters of us use the same password on several accounts.

"Please stop doing that! Protect the banking part as much as you can,
because the hackers will come in from the company side. But they're
coming in on your side, too," she implored.

"Also, use one computer, if you can, to do your banking. I know it's
hard (with everyone using so many different devices). Try to do it all
on one computer. That limits exposure.

"And, never, ever do banking or do transactions online on an open
Wi-Fi. It's very tempting because it's so easy. You could be sitting
in a coffee shop or the airport or wherever you are. Squatters will
sit there and scour that Wi-Fi. So definitely don't do that.

"And don't use your debit card online. This runs counter (to
conventional wisdom), because credit cards, people say, are bad. But a
credit card protects you and your cash.

"Of course, there's (a) liability (limit) with your debit card. But
who wants their accounts emptied of cash? Instead, use your credit
card online, so at least you don't expose yourself, cash-wise," she
stated. (ANI)

US clueless tit for tat; it is about a game theory, one of the most important discoveries of the last fifty years was the Prisoner's Dilemma

2011-06-19T21:01:00.001-07:00

In game theory, one of the most important discoveries of the last
fifty years was the Prisoner's Dilemma. It represents a demonstration
of how it might be that several agents, each operating alone and
attempting to maximize their own gain, would collectively arrive at a
non-optimal result.

It's often presented in terms of crime figures interacting because it
assumes that there does not exist a global agency responsible for
enforcing good faith. In its original form, it involves two crooks who
are arrested and interviewed separately. Each is told the following:
If both of you confess, you both get 3 years in prison. If neither of
you confess, you both get 1 year in prison. If you confess and he
doesn't, then you go free and he gets 10 years. Likewise, if he
confesses and you don't, you get 10 years and he goes free.

In terms of optimizing your own result, it turns out that if he
confesses you do better to confess (3 years instead of 10), and if he
doesn't confess you still do better if you confess (freedom instead of
1 year).

But when both apply that strategy the result is 3 years for both
instead of 1 year for both or anyone going free.

There are a bunch of ways in which this manifests, but one interesting
aspect of it is when it's a repeating game instead of a single
session. It's usually portrayed in terms of criminal acts because part
of the assumption is that there is no overriding agency which enforces
good faith and good behavior. So the classic example is a sequence of
drug buys.

You want to buy kilos of grass; he wants to sell them. He wants your
money. You can "cooperate" by bringing money and paying, you can
"cheat" by bringing a gun and taking the drugs without paying. He can
"cooperate" by bringing drugs, or "cheat" by bringing something that
looks like drugs but isn't. Each of you remembers the next time what
happened this time. (The point being that if either guy cheats, the
other guy can't complain to the cops, which is necessary for this
analysis.)

Both sides benefit most in a long series if they cooperate; money is
exchanged for drugs. Of course, if the relationship is about to end
and both sides know it, there's a strong incentive to cheat on the
last buy. Right?

There's been a lot of analysis of this, and it turns out that honesty
isn't the best policy. One guy decided to run a computer tournament;
people were permitted to create algorithms in a synthetic language
which would have the ability to keep track of previous exchanges and
make a decision on each new exchange whether to be honest or to cheat.
He challenged them to see who could come up with the one which did the
best in a long series of matches against various opponents. It turned
out that the best anyone could find, and the best anyone has ever
found, was known as "Tit-for-tat".

On the first round, it plays fair. On each successive round, it does
to the other guy what he did the last time.

When Tit-for-tat plays against itself, it plays fair for the entire
game and maximizes output. When it plays against anyone who tosses in
some cheating, it punishes it by cheating back and reduces the other
guys unfair winnings.

No-one has ever found a way of defeating it.

Now let's analyze two different and even more simplistic approaches;
we'll call them "saint" and "sinner". The saint plays fair every
single round, irrespective of what the other guy does. The sinner
always cheats.

When a saint plays against another saint, or against tit-for-tat, the
result is optimum but more important is that everyone gets the same
result. When a sinner plays against another sinner, or against
tit-for-tat, everyone cheats and the result is still even, though less
than optimal.

But when a sinner plays against a saint, the sinner wins and the saint loses.

Which brings me back to the point of all this: Is there anything I
would rule out in war? Nothing I'd care to admit to my enemies,
because ruling out anything is a "saint" tactic. The Tit-for-tat
tactic is to be prepared to do anything, but not to do so
spontaneously. In other words, if the other guy threatens to use
poison gas, you make sure you have some of your own and let him know
that you'll retaliate with it. That means that he has nothing to win
by using it, and he won't. (A war is a sequence game and not a single
transaction because each day is a new exchange. If you gassed my guys
yesterday, I can gas yours today.)

I chose that example carefully because that's actually what happened
in WWII in Europe. After the horror of poison gas in WWI, the world
agreed to ban its use in one of the Geneva Conventions, and in fact
no-one did use poison gas in Europe in WWII. Not even Hitler, who
apparently knew no bounds at all, was willing to. Because he was
following international law? Hell no. It was because the Americans and
British maintained stocks of poison gas in Europe and were ready to
retaliate in kind. (In fact, an American ship carrying 100 tons of
mustard gas was sunk by a German air attack in the Italian harbor of
Bari in December of 1943.)

And so it is here. No, I cannot promise ahead of time that my nation
will not bomb innocents, or use terrorism, or torture, or poison gas,
or bio weapons, or nuke, nor in fact can I exclude anything. If I do,
then I am adopting a "saint" strategy and leave myself wide open for
the use of such tactics against my own side by an opposing sinner.
Only by being willing to do those kinds of things myself can I deter
their use against me.

I believe that my nation must adopt tit-for-tat instead of using saint
tactics, because it is much better. But for that to work, I have to be
willing to be as dirty as he is, if he forces me to be.

This is the theoretical basis for such aphorisms as "To get peace, you
must prepare for war." That means that your nation is prepared to use
tit-for-tat. The pacifist idea of publicly pledging to never go to
war, or to never use a particular tactic in that war, is instead a
saint strategy, and it results in disaster.

The Geneva Convention is deliberately constructed to be tit-for-tat.
It says explicitly that a nation is obligated to follow the convention
only if the other nation is also a signatory and is also following it.
If the Geneva Convention was binding on signatory nations even against
non-signatory nations, it would be a "saint" tactic. But since you
follow the convention with others who also do, and don't against those
who don't, that makes it "tit for tat".

Tit-for-tat says that you're civilized to those who are civilized to
you, and you're a vile son-of-a-bitch to those who want to be that
way.

By the way, the nuclear deterrent was another example of tit-for-tat.
"Bomb me, and I'll bomb you back. Leave me alone, and I'll leave you
alone."

http://www.denbeste.nu/cd_log_entries/2002/02/fog0000000350.shtml

Learn to master yourself the art of living - important steps to follow to master oneself the art of living

2011-06-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Stress results from a wrong definition of life. For most people life stands for 'Living in Fear Everyday'. Insecurities and fears lead you to ignore the positives leading to a loss of self-belief. The way out of this negative spiral is to change the definition of life to 'Living in Freedom Everyday'.

By making the right choices, you attract positive people and opportunities. Given our busy schedules, it might not always be possible to pursue any single form of wellness. But you can make small changes from various forms. Motivational speaker and life coach Santosh Joshi gives some easily do-able tips.

In touch with your inner self

Master this simple meditation technique. You can do this while travelling in a bus, train or flight, or even at work. And you only need 15 minutes.

- Sit in a comfortable chair.

- Take a few deep breaths. Focus on the breath going in and out.

- Imagine that your whole body, every pore and cell is breathing. (This helps draw cosmic energy.)

Imbibe the power of music

Sound vibrations stir our inner being. Play spiritual music, hymns and chants as and when you can. Listen to such music while working out or jogging; your mind wouldn't wander then.

Be around nature

Invest in making your living zone a green area by planting trees. Try and sign up for nature walks once in a while. Else, try and walk barefoot every day for 15 minutes at your nearest park. It's a simple way to connect with nature. The earth element has the capacity to take away negativity.

Have vibrant colours around

Colour therapy is getting popular by the day. Colours emit vibrations that affect our psyche. Eg: Yellow gives confidence, red signifies security, orange signifies emotional balance and blue improves communication and intuition. Explore its benefits in daily life. Change your drapes, bed sheets, pillow covers, etc. with primary colours or any colour that makes you happy. Light coloured candles. Wear more vibrant hues. Choose outfits depending on the way you want to project yourself.

Indulge in some laughter therapy

No need to join a laughter club, just try and have a good laugh at least 10 minutes a day. It opens up blocked energy patterns, releases feel-good hormones and is even good for certain aches and pains. So rent your favourite DVDs or comedy shows and laugh out loud.

Energise your house

Light a candle or diya every morning and evening. Fire has capacity to burn negative energies. Fill your house with fragrance and aromas that relax the mind. Try and have a water body. Also have open windows; the flow of air takes away negative energy.

Inner child therapy

Each person has an inner child within him/her. Do things you used to as a child -- be it clay modeling, doodling, drawing with colour pencils/crayons or even jumping into a puddle. They help you get rid of inhibitions and help you explore new areas of life.

Press the right points

Based on acupressure, stimulating pressure points reduces stress. During stress, immediately press points around your eyes, your ear lobes and the point between your nose and lips. These points have a direct connection to nerve endings that control feelings of unease. Also keep pressing your palms to get immediate relief.

Healthy lifestyle

The point about good sleep, healthy diet and exercise cannot be emphasised enough. If you can't stick to a routine, at least adopt a few good practices. Like having a 'fruit day' occasionally to cleanse the body. Or drinking enough water to flush out toxins. Another tip is to count your steps while walking, it improves concentration. Finally, have gratitude; gratitude fills us with positive energy.

Clear clutter

Clear your home, work station and even your car. Most importantly, clear your mind. Clutter creates blocks in the flow of energy within you. When these blocks remain for long, it spreads all over your body and mind leaving you in a forever irritable and snappy mood.

what are the ways to success - follow these simple steps for success - important foot steps you can follow for a succesful life

2011-06-10T10:18:00.001-07:00

There are certain truths every graduating senior — and, in fact, every person in general — could benefit from knowing, to help and guide them as they tackle "the real world." You may have heard some of these short, sweet, success-oriented instructions before, but they bear repeating because they've withstood the test of time, and because if you pay attention and take them to heart, they can guide you in the direction of great things. Life will never stop challenging your abilities, your integrity, and your motivation, so you have two choices: You can meet life's challenges forewarned and thus forearmed, or you can learn a lot of important lessons the hard way.

The first impression is made in the first 90 seconds

First impressions last a long time and are surprisingly difficult to change so don't underestimate the value of a well-groomed appearance, firm handshake, a friendly smile, and a genuine demeanor -- they'll help you start relationships off on the right foot every time.

Your age does not matter

Young age and inexperience might feel like a disadvantage but the truth is quality is more important than quantity. Your ideas, your commitment, your character, and your willingness to grow and improve are every bit as valuable as years on the job.

Dress the part

Yes, it's important to express yourself and to be fairly comfortable, but so is wearing appropriate clothing. When you dress as though you're already in the position you'd like to have, you're one step closer to being there.

Be the plow horse, not the show horse

Focus on doing diligent, reliable, honest work, not on receiving accolades. If you put in the hours and truly earn the respect you want, your time in the spotlight will last longer and will be much more fulfilling.

Set goals that scare you. Then set bigger goals

If you're not challenging yourself you're probably not growing -- so set goals that you know will stretch your intellect, your persistence, and your ingenuity. And once you've achieved them, set more. Think of these goals as being your "life plan." Staying focused on your goals will help you not to inadvertently waste time and effort. And most of all, remember that what gets planned gets done.

Take great notes

Taking notes in every situation is a great habit to develop. Whether you've just had dinner with your significant other's parents or have just left an important meeting at work, jot down important points. Your memory is never as good as you think it is -- and when you record important information, you give yourself a way to meaningfully connect later.

Never overestimate the competition or underestimate yourself

It's good to have a healthy respect for the competition, as well as an accurate understanding of your own weaknesses. But don't let this knowledge keep you from trying. Remember, no one is perfect -- and you yourself possess many strengths and assets!

If you don't know the answer to a question, admit that you don't

When you don't have the answer you need, your immediate inclination might be to fib, hedge, or prevaricate. Resist those impulses and, even though it may mean humbling yourself and swallowing your pride, be honest about what you don't know. This will win you the respect of others with integrity, and will also give you the chance to find the correct answer rather than one that might confuse and mislead.

Cheaper isn't always better

There are some things that are worth the money. A quality suit that fits will look better and last longer. And an unhealthy diet might not cost much -- but your body will perform much better on a healthy diet.

Be a great self-promoter

You are your own best advocate -- period. Learn to volunteer when your skills are needed, and always try to add value to any organisation or endeavour you're a part of. Remember, your actions as well as your words can show people that they want you on their team.

Be humble

The truth is humility doesn't mean being a meek, weak pushover...it just means you're not a showboat. When you let humility govern your decisions and actions, you'll be vulnerable in a good way -- others will feel comfortable approaching you and connecting with you.

Own great suits and learn to tie a good knot

While inner character is important, never forget that what people see forms a large part of their opinion of you. Plus, when you wear clothes that you know look great, you'll feel and act more confident.

Donate to charity

You might be tempted to hoard every rupee that comes your way but what make little difference to you may make a lot of difference to someone else. Remember, useful donations don't have to be large and not all valuable donations are monetary! The fact is, giving back will make you to grow in important ways, and will give you a valuable connection to humanity at large.

Do not burn bridges

You never know when a word spoken in anger, frustration, or even disgust might come back to haunt you. Remember that people change, and realise that treating everyone with respect, in spite of negative circumstances, will give you a reputation for fairness and integrity.

If you must choose between wealth and character: Choose character

Our culture seems to value success -- in other words, money, power, and status -- more and more highly. However, this kind of "wealth" all too often comes at the expense of integrity, balance, and healthy relationships. When you choose to preserve and develop your character over your bank account, you'll be making the far wiser investment in your future -- and you'll attract the sorts of people and opportunities that you really want.

Support your peers; the impact is greater when they also succeed

You've probably heard that it's a dog-eat-dog world and that you have to put 'Number One' first. Yes, seek success for yourself -- but not by throwing others under the bus. The fact is, when you support others, your collective efforts will achieve much more. Plus, you'll have a source of help when you need it - and you will need it.

Celebrate success!

We often dwell on the things we don't get right rather than the things we do. Yes, it's important to keep your eyes on the prize so that small victories don't cause you to become complacent. But on the other hand, all work and no play will make you dull. When something positive happens, acknowledge it! Celebrating your own successes (as well as those of others) serves as a great motivator and reward and is also a wonderful way to relieve stress.

Send handwritten thank-you notes

In an increasingly digital age, this is one tradition that is best left in its original form. Writing out your appreciation by hand shows true gratitude -- and receiving a personalised note will always have a more profound effect than an email. Send thank-you cards to coworkers who have helped you, to clients who have been loyal, to mentors who have guided you, and much, much more.

The biggest obstacles mask the greatest opportunities

You usually don't get something for nothing. You can either put in mediocre efforts for mediocre results, or you can push yourself to overcome more than you ever thought possible...and achieve truly great outcomes. Take on the challenges and become bigger than you ever dreamed.

Be your own boss

Be in charge of steering your own course in life, and don't allow other people to make important decisions for you. Being your own boss means more than this, though. It also means being accountable for your own actions, taking responsibility for tasks that are given to you, and not passing the buck even if you can get away with it.

Be on time

Punctuality is a good trait to have for many reasons: Being late makes you seem less responsible to others. When you're running behind schedule, it's also more difficult to roll with the punches and accommodate life's little deviations. Just remember that whatever you're doing will always take longer than you think -- so budget your time accordingly!

Pay for lunch

You don't have to shell out for grub every day, but offering to pay once in a while gets people's attention. It'll mark you as a team player who truly cares for others. Also, consider taking people you admire out to lunch from time to time. Talk to them about how they reached their current levels of success and ask their advice regarding your own future.

Learn what the best do and imitate it

Throughout your life you'll come into contact with people who have done well for themselves, but not at the expense of others. Watch them carefully, work with them if you can, and ask them for advice. Find out what they do differently -- often, it's nuances that set them apart. There's no need to reinvent the wheel in order to become the best. Simply be observant and put together a "best practices" manual to use as you move forward.

Let your YES mean YES and your NO mean NO

Be a man of your word, period. Don't give in to the temptation to tell white lies, to engage in double talk, or to renege on a promise. Gaining a reputation for reliability will set you apart, will help you build genuine relationships, and will make others want to partner with you

Commit to self-improvement

Graduating from school doesn't mean you're finished learning and growing. Constantly strive to improve your mind, your relationships, your knowledge base, your empathy, and more. You will notice new things about yourself, about others, and about the world around you that will continue to open doors and propel you forward.

Putting others down is the quickest way to lower oneself

In business and in your personal life, make this your mantra. Saying negative things about other people in a non-constructive way only showcases your own insecurities. And on top of that, "mudslinging" does nothing to show people why you yourself are valuable.

Be the best at treating others well

This goes back to the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When you treat others well -- better, in fact, than anyone else treats them -- you will see your honesty and kindness reflected back into your own life. More people will seek you out, more people will respect you, and more people will be willing to put in a good word, or action, on your behalf.

Discover what you do best and focus on that

We live in a culture that expects us to do everything well. Think about it -- did you spend more time learning more about the subjects you loved in school, or did you spend it trying to bone up on what you couldn't seem to get a handle on? You'll do much better for yourself and for the world at large if you identify your strengths and passions and develop them to the best of your ability. It's better to be great in one area than passable in all of them -- and remember, there's no shame in asking for help when you need it!

Your success is determined by how you handle the bad

No matter how much you plan, how well you prepare, or how good your intentions, you'll experience failures amongst your successes. That's what it means to be human. You can't always control what happens to you, but remember that you can control how you react to bad circumstances. You can choose to get up and keep going, or you can choose to stay knocked down.

Easy ways to get promotions in your job - here are few tips to get promotion in your work - Five Steps to a Faster Promotion

2011-06-10T08:17:00.001-07:00

If you are one of those ambitious professionals who want to move up the

corporate ladder quickly but are constantly being overlooked, this article

will help you achieve your goals. Getting a raise or a promotion is not an

easily achievable task for everyone but can be done so with some positive

effort.

Be resourceful

This is the first and basic requirement of excelling at any job. You have

to know your stuff completely and thoroughly. You should be informed of

all technical aspects and details of your job, your company as well as the

industry you are working in.

Add more value

Working towards a promotion will not be achieved by simply doing what you

are supposed to be doing. Take up extra responsibilities and then handle

them well. Volunteer for more tasks and assignments but, remember do not

opt for tasks you know you are not going to perform well.

Plan ahead

Know your short-term as well as long-term career goals. Setting small

targets are important when you want to achieve something bigger.

Improve your skills

Constant enhancement of skills is important in giving that competitive

edge. Take up extra courses, attend seminars and polish your technical and

managerial skills to get noticed.

Network

Build relationships within and outside the organization and expand your

social and professional network. This will help you stay more informed and

will increase your chances of getting selected for a job promotion.

What are the ways to save green and live green - here are the several 101 Ways to Save Green and Live Green

2011-06-09T23:12:00.001-07:00

Here are several 101 Ways to Save Green and Live Green

1. Freecycle: Everyone has at least a few items that they don't really
want but can't bear to throw away. Free cycle it. Free cycling is
giving something to someone who will use it -- for free -- instead of
throwing it in the garbage. (To find or start a local group, visit
freecycle.org). It's simple: post a message on your local freecycle
group's Web site, decide who will get your item, then arrange a pick
up time. Members give and get everything from moving boxes to
cabinetry.

2. Re-Use: A great way to help the environment and reduce your carbon
footprint is to reuse items. There are two ways to reuse items.
Reusing them for their original purpose, such as Ziploc bags, tinfoil,
plastic utensils etc. and finding new uses for things you already own.
By doing this you are not consuming any more of the world's precious
resources. If you can't reuse something of your own, purchasing
something secondhand instead of brand new is another way to reduce
your consumption of resources.

3. Microwave your meals: While Microwaves do consume electricity they
are between 3.5 and 4.8 times more energy efficient than traditional
electric ovens. Cooking and reheating with a microwave is faster and
more efficient than a stove top or oven.

4. "Green" your laundry: Get your clothes clean without all of the
pollution of detergents, fabric softeners and bleaches by switching to
eco-friendlier cleaners. The companies Ecover, Sun & Earth, Seventh
Generation and OxyPrime make less-toxic alternatives to traditional
laundry detergents. Try nonchlorine bleach such as OxyBoost or
Ecover's hydrogen peroxide-based option.

5. Adjust your Thermostat: Adjusting your thermostat is free, easy and
can yield big savings. Every degree you raise your thermostat in the
summer will reduce air conditioning bills by about 2 percent. Lowering
the temperature by one degree in winter will save you 3 percent on
heating bills. Regular maintenance and a tune up every two or three
years will keep your heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or
HVAC, system operating efficiently, saving energy and money. A
programmable thermostat -- excellent for a family that spends a good
part of the day at work or school

6. Switch to cold water: Almost 90 percent of the energy used to wash
clothes is used to heat the water. Save money and energy. Wash your
clothes in warm or cold water, instead of hot, using a detergent
formulated for cold-water use.

7. Have a Backyard or terrace? ..then Line-dry your clothes: Dry your
clothes on a laundry line..just the way grandma used to rather than
throwing them in the dryer. Clothes dyers are the third-largest energy
users in the home, behind the refrigerator and washing machine. It may
take longer but it dries it just the same. Already have a dryer?..save
it for a rainy day...while the sun is bright and shinning let that dry
your clothes.

8. Stop the junk mail: Each year, 100 million trees are cut down and
turned into junk mail, with Americans receiving a total of 400 million
tons of it every year. Earthworks Group, an environmental consulting
firm, said cutting out junk mail is one of the most effective things
people can do to reduce pollution. Don't just let it keep coming...get
on the phone and make it known that you want off their mailing lists.

9. Switch to CFLs.: Compact fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less
energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They're
more expensive than traditional light bulbs, but it only takes about 3
months to make up for the higher sticker price in energy savings.

10. Unplug your Appliances: Many appliances use electricity even when
they're turned off. It's called a phantom load, or vampire
electricity, and as much as 75 percent of the electricity used by home
electronics and small appliances is used while they're turned off. The
simple solution is to unplug small appliances and electronics when you
aren't using them. Or, plug them into a power strip and turn the power
strip off when you aren't using those items.

11. Run your Dishwasher FULL: You'll save up to 20 gallons of water
per load, or 7,300 gallons a year. That's as much water as the average
person drinks in a lifetime. And don't pre-rinse if your dishwasher
can handle it.

12. Don't preheat: Don't bother if you are broiling, roasting or
baking a dish that will cook for an hour or more. Don't preheat for
more than 10 minutes for breads and cakes. And when roasting meats or
baking casseroles, turn off the oven 10 minutes to 15 minutes before
cooking time runs out; food will continue to cook without using the
extra electricity.

13. Don't let the water run while you brush: Turn off the tap while
you brush your teeth. You'll conserve up to five gallons of water per
day -- which could add up to 1.5 billion gallons that could be saved
across the country each day -- more than enough for all of New York
City.

14. Filter Instead of Buying Bottled: Buy a water filter for your
kitchen faucet and put to good use yet another way to do away with
those plastic water bottles that are clogging landfills and burning up
energy in recycling plants. About 1.5 million tons of plastic are used
on the bottling of 89 billion liters of drinking water each year.

15. Use low-flow water devices: Wherever you use water, there's a
low-flow device to fit it -- from hose nozzles, to showerheads, to
faucet aerators. Handy products, such as the WaterMiser Waterbroom,
use water and air pressure to remove dirt from outdoor surfaces,
reducing water use by up to 60 percent.

16. Watch the Watts: Gadgets such as the Kill-A-Watt and the Watt
Minder help you find the biggest energy users in your home. Plug an
appliance into one of these devices and it will tell you how much
energy it uses per hour, month, or year, and how much it's costing
you.

17. Clean air filters: Check air conditioning filters monthly to
either clean or replace them. This will help the unit run more
efficiently. Better yet: buy a permanent filter that can be washed and
re-used. This will save you money over the long run and keep all those
disposable filters out of landfills. If your unit is outdoors, check
to make sure the coils are not obstructed by debris, plants or shrubs.

18. Use Natural fertilizers: Natural fertilizers actually cost less,
and using fewer chemicals can save you money and reduce the level of
pollution in local waterways and around your home. To boost the health
of your lawn, add clover, as it naturally fertilizes the soil and is
drought-tolerant. Let the lawn grow a little longer before cutting it
-- longer grass chokes out the sunlight weeds need to grow.

19. Know when to replace your appliances: If your furnace, air
conditioner or other major appliances are more than 10 years old, it
may make sense to replace them with newer, more efficient models.
Buying newer, Energy Star appliances can save you some money per year
as well.

20. Make your own cleaners: Household chemicals, including some
cleaners, contain volatile organic chemicals, which contribute to
indoor air pollution and may cause disease. A cost-effective way to
make your home greener is to make your own household cleaners. Many
homemade cleaners use non-toxic ingredients and clean just as well as
commercial cleaners.If making your own cleaners isn't an option, look
for cleaners carrying the Green Seal. Green Seal is a nonprofit
organization that certifies products based on their environmental
impact, biodegradability and other factors.

21. Fresh Vs Canned Food: Whenever possible, limit purchases of canned
fruit and vegetables and substitute fresh. The process involved in
canning fruit is at least 10 times more energy intensive than picking
fresh fruit. If every U.S. household replaced just one pound of canned
or jarred fruit with one pound of fresh fruit during each of the three
summer months, the total energy saved could operate the kitchen
appliances of over 21,000 households for an entire year.

22. Paper or plastic? Neither: Use reusable cloth or canvas bags. The
hard part is remembering to take them with you. But they are sturdier
and carry a heck of a lot more stuff. Have a couple of sets and leave
one in your vehicle at all times. Paper may be slightly better than
plastic because it holds more per bag, but baggers also frequently
double bag. Paper bags can be easily reused in many forms and have a
better chance of being recycled. If you happen to get a few plastic
bags, reuse them as much as possible until they can be used no more.

23. Buy Organic and foods produced locally: Organic products are grown
without synthetic pesticides and herbicides and processed without the
addition of synthetic chemicals. Some organic options are more
expensive. Other products, like cereal and some fruits and vegetables,
are very competitive. The secret: Compare prices, buy produce in
season and don't buy more than you can use. Locally grown food is
often less expensive. In addition, you'll be supporting the local
farmers, many of whom are using more earth-friendly farming methods.
Buying local foods can reduce the amount of petroleum consumed to
transport your dinner by as much as 95 percent.

24. Research fish choices before you buy: If you can read a paper, you
already know that the oceans are being overfished. So skip the
varieties with dwindling populations or the ones that are targets for
poaching or overfishing. Limit your exposure to mercury and other
toxins by choosing smaller varieties of fish and avoiding some
farm-raised options.

25. Support 'green' businesses: Many manufacturers, stores,
restaurants and coffee houses are greening their businesses with
strategies like adopting large scale recycling programs; using
sustainable forms of energy, such as solar or wind power; reducing
waste; and committing to the use of organic, locally grown or
eco-friendly products. By spending your money selectively, you reward
greener behavior and encourage other companies to become similarly
competitive. And, in many cases, there is no extra cost to consumers.
Ways to Go Green at Work or School
26. Turn off the lights: When leaving the office or classroom, a
simple flip of a switch conserves energy. Yet a surprising number of
empty offices, conference rooms, restrooms and lobbies are lit for
hours each day (and night) while going unused.

27. Use electronic communications: Submit and distribute assignments
and reports electronically. E-mailing a document allows for easier,
from-anywhere reference for a teacher or colleague -- and provides
proof that it was sent on time. For in-progress documents, electronic
transmission also make it easy to collaborate.

28. Fax smart: Sending faxes directly from the computer avoids using
paper altogether. But if a traditional fax is the only option, either
avoid using a cover page or create a reusable cover by laminating the
page and using an erasable marker. In addition, avoid the automatic
activity report function to save another page. It may be "just a
single sheet" of paper, but if everyone followed these green rules, it
would really add up.

29. Pack a waste-free lunch: Eliminate plastic bags, plastic utensils,
disposable containers, paper napkins and those brown bags. Instead use
a lunchbox, reusable drink container, cloth napkin and silverware.
Find odd pieces of used silverware at a second-hand store so you don't
lose parts of your good set. Sandwiches, fresh fruit, vegetables and
treats packaged in reusable containers are healthy alternatives to
cafeteria and prepackaged foods. They can also be bought in larger
quantities, saving money and packaging.

30. Teleconference, don't travel: With hotel, airfare, local
transportation, meals, entertainment expenses and tips, business
travel certainly adds up. Today's technology expands the definition of
face-to-face contact, making a quick meeting with a client or
colleague across the country, or the world, possible. Online
professional development options abound, as well -- from Web seminars
to entire conferences being held virtually.

31. Office & Desk supplies: Keep reuse in mind with desk supplies.
Refillable pens and pencils help reduce waste, and items such as paper
clips, folders and binders can be saved and reused. The key is staying
organized, collecting used supplies of like kinds in the same spot and
keeping them within easy reach.

32. Save packing materials: In other words, what comes in should go
back out. When having to buy boxes and other packing supplies, look
for products made from recycled material or those that are
biodegradable.

33. Use recycled paper: Compared to other paper, it takes a lot less
energy and water to make. And thanks to increased demand,
manufacturers have been able to match quality and performance.
Speaking of paper, it's got two sides, so when possible, use them
both.

34. Refill pens: Pens are often tossed into the garbage and not
recycled or reused. Their components and packaging are made from
nonrenewable resources and can contain environmentally damaging
chemicals. Pen refills cost as little as $1 each, which is almost the
same as a new disposable pen.

35. Commute smart: That means walking or biking to work or the
classroom if practical, or the ever-promoted public transportation
option.

36. Tap the tap: Encourage your school or workplace to get a
filtration system for the faucet instead, and it'll be part of the
solution rather than part of the problem. Besides, many bottled-water
companies use tap water anyway.

37. Carpool: Carpooling saves time and money. On a typical day, the
average mother with school-age children spends 66 minutes driving --
taking more than five trips to and from home and covering 29 miles.
The average commuter carpooling every day would save 500 gallons of
gasoline, and 550 pounds of poisonous exhaust emission every year.

38. Switch Off Your Computer: The "sleep mode" reduces energy use by
60 percent to 70 percent, the EPA estimates. As for turning computers
on and off, despite a popular misconception, this won't harm the
equipment. It will, however, save energy as long as the computer will
be inactive for 16 minutes or more. If your job doesn't require
constant computer use, break the habit of turning it on first thing
and keeping it on all day.

39. Turn Off your Computer Monitor: Turn off your computer's monitor
when you're not using it. Screen savers only save the screen from
having a pattern burned into it. Energy saving options in Windows
still use energy - switch it off (the switch is likely accessible and
easy to find!)

40. Think green on computers: When considering a computer brand and
model, seek products created for reduced toxin use, that use recycled
materials and that prioritize life-cycle management issues. The Energy
Star symbol is an easy way to identify energy efficient products, but
electricity isn't the only factor to consider.
Leisure & Vacation Green Tips
41. Drink tap water at restaurants: Tap water is more strictly
regulated than bottled water and there's no need to add tons of
plastic and glass bottles and jugs -- about 60 million a day -- to
landfills. And recycling them takes energy, too.

42. Download music: Download tunes instead of purchasing them at the
store. Each month, more than 45 tons of CDs become obsolete --
outdated or unwanted -- and end up in landfills.

43. Rent, don't buy, movies: One hundred thousand DVDs and CDs are
thrown away each month. So you won't be contributing to the trash
pile.

44. Subscribe to online newspapers: Cancel your paper subscription
altogether and get your news -- often from the same newspaper
publisher -- online. Each year, 10 million tons of newspapers are
tossed into landfills and aren't recycled. If just half of these were
recycled, it would save 75 million trees

45. Turn off your entertainment center: Electronics, including TVs,
cable boxes, DVD players, computers, music systems and gaming
consoles, consume up to 40 percent of their full operating power when
switched "off" or left in standby mode. They also continue to produce
heat, which increases home cooling loads. Turn them completely off all
at once with a common surge protector. They'll last longer and you'll
reduce your electric bill.

45. Take an Eco-tour Vacation: For a conscientious vacation, try an
eco-tour. These earth-friendly getaways seek to enhance awareness of
our natural world, promote conservation, minimize impact and provide a
positive experience for guests and hosts. Some even put you to work
improving the local ecosystem.

46. Seek 'green' lodging: Business travelers and beach-bound hedonists
can decamp in "green" comfort, thanks to the growing number of urban
hotels, luxury resorts and lodgings that are minding their carbon
footprint. For an extensive list of hotels verified by readers, visit
EnvironmentallyFrie ndlyHotels. com.

47. Use rechargeable batteries: While it's true that rechargeable
batteries cost more to purchase, you'll save money over the long run.
A single rechargeable battery can replace up to 1,000 single-use
alkaline batteries over its lifetime. Most rechargeable batteries can
be recharged up to 1,000 times.

48. Buy soft drinks in a cup: Whenever possible, buy soda from a
fountain in a paper cup instead of in a can or plastic bottle. You'll
reduce the amount of aluminum cans and plastic bottles wasted. More
paper (48 percent) is recycled and recovered to make new products than
aluminum soda cans (43.9 percent) or plastic soda bottles (25
percent).

49. Use digital cameras: Some 686 million rolls of film are processed
each year and the solutions used the make the prints often contain
hazardous chemical that require special treatment and disposal.
Digital cameras continue to become more affordable and the savings on
film -- depending on how many photos you take -- can be significant.

50. Get a truly 'green' lawn: One hour of mowing your lawn with a
gas-powered mower produces as much pollution as driving your car for
four hours. For a truly "green" lawn, consider using a push mower or
hiring a lawn service that uses solar-rechargeable electric mowers.

51. Share your swim space: Swim at your community pool or fitness
center instead of installing a pool of your own. If you already own a
pool, consider allowing your neighbors access and share the expenses.
A pool's circulating pumps cost as much to run as your home air
conditioning system.

52. Buy tickets online: Airline, movie and event tickets can be
purchased online or by telephone and printed at home and you'll save
time and paper waste. Print-at-home tickets use plain copy paper,
which is easier to make into recycled paper than the paperboard used
for printed tickets -- and the ink and magnetic strips make printed
tickets even more difficult to recycle.

53. Reuse hotel linens and towels: You probably don't change your
sheets and towels every day at home, so why do it while you're away?
One towel change per week ought to be plenty.

54. Pack light: Every additional 10 pounds per traveler requires an
additional 350 million gallons of jet fuel per year, which is enough
to keep a 747 flying continuously for 10 years.

55. Research your trip online: Print out only the pages or maps you'll
actually need. Close to 1 million guidebooks are printed annually, but
just 18 percent get recycled. Map paper is particularly difficult, if
not impossible, to recycle because of all the ink used. You'll save
time, money and paper waste. Use old maps as gift wrap and you'll save
a bundle.

56. Rent hybrid cars: Try a hybrid or more fuel-efficient car. A
hybrid rental can go three times as far as a standard sedan on a
single tank of gas.

57. Refill water bottles: Use a refillable bottle or thermos or
canteen when you travel.

58. Give small gifts: Gift cards, concert tickets, restaurant
certificates and movie vouchers are great alternatives to holiday
presents heavily packaged and wrapped in expensive and hard-to-recycle
paper. You'll also reduce the time, stress and energy associated with
traffic, crowds and long checkout lines. How many gifts do you give a
year? If you average $2 for wrapping paper, ribbon and labels for
each, think of how much you can save, not to mention the recycling
costs.

59. Get the holiday LED Lights: Next time you replace your holiday
lights, save both money and energy by choosing LED types. What's more,
with a 100,000-hour life span, your LED lights could last until the
next century.

60. Go for glass Instead of Cans: The energy required to produce a
single 12-ounce aluminum can from virgin ore is enough to produce
nearly two 12-ounce glass bottles. So the next time you buy a six-pack
of beer, opt for glass bottles over aluminum cans.

61. Reduce sports gear: Consider renting or leasing sports equipment
on a per-use basis as opposed to wasting money and cluttering up your
garage with stuff you likely won't use more than once or twice a year.
Or purchase used equipment. You'll reduce the energy needed to produce
an additional piece of equipment and decrease the amount of waste
eventually sent to the landfill.
Green Health & Beauty Tips
62. Use bars of soap versus liquid wash: It's less expensive, and it
saves packaging waste. Not to mention that body wash is primarily
water, so the fuel costs for transporting it are higher because it
weighs more.

63. Skip the treadmill: If the weather's right, consider giving the
treadmill a rest and taking your walking or jogging routine outdoors.

64. Slash trash: Cut waste by selecting products with less packaging.
Three ways to do it: Choose products that come with minimal packaging,
buy larger sizes, or buy refills or in bulk which typically have less
packaging.

65. Get two for one: Consider using a two-in-one shampoo and
conditioner instead of buying each separately. If one in seven U.S.
households replaced its shampoo and conditioner purchase with a single
two-in-one bottle, the amount of plastic saved per year could fill a
football field 27 stories high.

66. Avoid pore pluggers: When you buy deodorant, try to avoid
antiperspirants, which use aluminum salts to seal up your pores. In
addition to being a potential health toxin, aluminum takes a
tremendous amount of energy to mine. If you buy one stick of
aluminum-free deodorant, the energy saved could power your laptop for
30 minutes.
Green Car Tips
67. Tyre Pressure: Keep the tires at the correct PSI (air pressure) at
all times: driving around without proper air in the tires wastes gas.

68. Air conditioning and heat: Minimize the use air conditioning and
heating when possible, roll down those windows and breathe some fresh
air when the weather permits.

69. Weight matters: Having extra weight(tools, sports equipment, etc.)
in the car hurts gas mileage.

70. Gas-saving driving: If you must drive, at least ensure that you're
using less gas by doing so. Some common recommendations to do so: ease
up on the gas pedal and brake pedal, be sure your tires are inflated
and your engine is running smoothly, don't have your car on idle for
too long, and get a fuel-efficient car.
Other Tips
71. Get your bank statement electronically: If you're worried about
computer hackers, don't. Most banks send you an e-mail with a link to
a secure Web site where you can check your balance

72. Cancel the canceled checks: If you still get paper bank statements
that include canceled checks, at least cancel the canceled checks. You
can reconcile your account just fine without all those extra slips of
paper.

73. Donate clothing and household goods: Donate clothing and household
goods to the environmental nonprofit of your choice. Many charitable
groups, including those dedicated to saving the planet, will take such
gifts.

74. Direct-deposit your pay: Most employers and banks can handle your
request. In fact, they probably prefer the method. Your paycheck will
always be in the bank, not in the mail, and there's no environmentally
wasteful paper paycheck to worry about.

75. Pay your bills electronically: Once you're online looking at those
charges, it just takes a couple extra clicks to make the payment.

76. Buy a hybrid vehicle: The advantages of these combination
gas/electric autos have become well-known since pump prices have
stabilized around $3 for the last couple of years.

77. Invest in 'green' funds: Ramp up that good eco-investing feeling
by choosing stocks or mutual funds that that buy environmentally
friendly assets. This type of investing goes beyond the usual
eco-suspects, such as organic farms or environmental services firms.
Green investing also means buying into mainstream companies that
encourage sound environmental policies, such as energy efficiency,
renewable energy and green building.

78. Skip the receipt at the ATM: Most of the time you just take a
glance at it and tear it up. Why not see your balance on the ATM
itself instead of requesting a receipt.

79. Use cloth diapers: Another huge thing a parent can do to live
green is to use cloth diapers as opposed to disposables. Disposable
diapers take up an enormous amount of this countries landfills, don't
break down easily, cost a lot of money, put chemicals directly on the
bottoms of our children, and in many cases delay potty training.

80. Go Solar: Pick up some solar chargers, generators, or other solar
powered tools.

81. Compost waste: Compost waste if you have a garden, saving on
fertilizer cost and giving your plants a treatment they'll love.

82. Buy only what you need: Buy what you need when you're shopping.
The supermarkets exist to tempt us into buying more than we need with
constant special offers, designed to load up our houses with
unnecessary extras. Take a list when shopping and stick to it. You'll
throw less food away and have a clearer kitchen as well as a clearer
conscience.

83. Other alternative energy sources: Thermal heating, photovoltaic
cells, solar shingles, hydro power (water), Wind power (wind mills and
wind turbines), can also take your house of the electric grid and gas
line without hurting the environment.

84. Go For Natural Fibers: Buy products with natural fibers, like
cotton and wool, that are naturally fire resistant.

85. Dispose Properly: Dispose of old paint, oils & chemicals properly-
Never put paint, oils, batteries or antifreeze in the trash! Use
proper toxic disposal sites.

86. Look for PVC-free Toys for your Kids: PVC (aka polyvinyl chloride)
seems to be everywhere we look. Some beach toys, teethers, dolls, and
even (gasp!) rubber duckies are cheaply manufactured with the
environmentally dubious material. A dioxin-producing powerhouse, PVC
releases toxins into the environment all the way through its life
cycle from manufacturing to disposal.

87. Donate, not discard: Don't throw something away just because
you've outgrown that particular style—thrift stores such as Goodwill
or the Salvation Army will be more than happy to take items in
serviceable condition. You're also likely to find takers by posting on
Craig's List or Free cycle. Call it a win-win-win situation for you,
the new owner, and the earth.

88. Grow Your Own Food: Start a small vegetable garden. Even if you
don't have a garden at all, herbs and salads can be grown in a window
box, and sprouting seeds is an easy way to grow some fresh food too.
Complete self-sufficiency might not be realistic, but any food you can
grow at home will be an important contribution to cutting food miles,
and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It will also taste
delicious.

89. Home Brew your Coffee: The local café is great. It's got your
friends, good food, free wireless. But if you think you can be greener
in your own kitchen, give it a try. When you do it at home you know
where the beans and leaves are coming from and also where they go when
they're spent. Plus, you can't forget your mug, you can choose organic
milk, and never toss out another paper sugar packet. Try a bit of
quick math on the cost savings of making your morning cup-o-joe at
home.

90. Buy vintage or used: People unload clothes for all types of
reasons, and you know that adage about trash and treasure. From
Oscar-worthy vintage dresses to Free cycled denim, you can likely find
the piece you're looking for second hand. You'll be giving a cast-off
garment a second life, and possibly supporting charitable work in the
process.

91. Compost the roast: Tea leaves and especially coffee grounds make
outstanding compost. Coffee's high nitrogen content has made it a
fertilizer of choice since days of yore. Composting leaves and grounds
helps keep organic waste out of landfills, makes great soil, and keeps
waste baskets dry. If you don't have a heap to toss it on, just spread
coffee grounds on the top of your plants' soil.

92. Clean up your Pets poop: Scoop up your doggie doo in biodegradable
poop bags so your buddy's No. 2 isn't immortalized in a plastic bag,
while deep-sixed in a landfill somewhere for hundreds of years. Cat
owners should avoid clumping clay litter at all costs. Not only is
clay strip-mined (bad for the planet), but the clay sediment is also
permeated with carcinogenic silica dust that can coat little kitty
lungs (bad for the cat). Eco-friendly cat litters avoid these
problems; a happy cat is a cat that doesn't claw your face off.

93. Buy Recycled: The essence of recycling is the cyclical movement of
materials through the system, eliminating waste and the need to
extract more virgin materials. Supporting recycling means feeding this
loop by not only recycling, but also supporting recycled products. We
can now find high recycled content in everything from printer paper to
office chairs.

94. Harvest rainwater: Adding a rain barrel is an inexpensive and
effortless way to capture mineral- and chlorine-free water for
watering lawns, yards, and gardens, as well as washing cars or rinsing
windows. By harnessing what's literally raining from the sky, you'll
not only notice a marked dip in water costs, but also a reduction in
storm water runoff, which in turn helps prevent erosion and flooding.
Pop a screen on top of your barrel to keep out insects, debris, and
bird missiles, and make frequent use of your water supply to keep it
moving and aerated.

95. Recycle your water: If you're a homeowner, consider rearranging
your plumbing so that rainwater or wastewater from your shower and tub
is used to flush your toilet. If you have a garden, water it with
leftover bathwater or dishwashing water (as long as you use a
biodegradable soap).

96. Packaging Material: Styrofoam peanuts, those non-biodegradable,
everywhere-flying, petrol-based, little packaging devils can be
brought back to most packaging stores for reuse as long as they're
clean and dry.

97. Buy only Certified sustainable wood: Whether a piece of furniture
is made from wood, cloth, metal, plastic, or whatever else, there are
earth-friendly options.

98. Low-toxicity furniture: When you buy a piece of furniture, bring
it home, and set it down in a room, it doesn't just sit there. No
matter what it's made out of, chances are, it's off gassing (or
releasing substances into the air). Almost everything off gasses,
which isn't necessarily bad, but synthetic materials or those treated
with synthetic substances can off gas chemicals which are toxic.
Everyone should be conscious of the kinds of chemicals they bring
home, but especially if you have kids, pets, or other family members
who are low to the ground and prone to licking things.

99. Find the Time to Volunteer: Your first reaction to the thought of
volunteering your time may well be: what time? But you can't help
others until you help yourself. So ask yourself the following: Do you
need more time for fitness? Then volunteer to do something active.
Don't over-commit, but ask yourself how volunteering could be the
value-added time you will anyways dedicate to goals of your own.
Worried this approach seems selfish? Don't! The most effective
volunteers are those who do things that match their pace.

100. Put Your Money to Work: So you really, really don't have the
time? Or maybe you are volunteering already and see clearly that there
is no point in dying rich? Then consider offering some funds toward
good green causes. To select where your money goes, we suggest using
the same techniques mentioned above for choosing an organization with
which to spend your time.

101. Spread the Word: Bring awareness to wasteful people around you
not only by telling them to Go Green but by leading by example. By
being Green in your life and showing people how easy it can be...they
gain confidence that they can follow suit. Suggest ways that they
could be more eco-friendly and point out how much they save.

How to save petrol in your car/bike, How to increase the fuel efficiency in your car/bike - Petrol : Useful Information

2011-06-09T23:02:00.001-07:00

Only buy or fill up your car or bike during early morning, when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their

storage tanks underground. The colder the ground, the more dense the fuel. When it gets warmer, petrol expands. So, buying in the afternoon or in the evening, your litre is not exactly a litre . In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature play an important role. 1 degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

Another important tip is to fill up when your tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is, the more fuel you have in your tank the less is the air

occupying its empty space. Petrol evaporates faster than you can imagine.

Another reminder, if there is a fuel truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy, DO NOT fill up--most likely the petrol/diesel is being stirred up as the fuel is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.

DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS - IT IS IMPORTANT FOR AS MANY PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THIS, ESPECIALLY IN THE WAKE OF RISING PETROL PRICES.

Learn important Office etiquette: what to do and what not to - Office etiquette to be followed

2011-06-09T03:02:00.001-07:00

Many people spend more time with their colleagues than with members of their own family. That's reason enough to strive for a good climate in the workplace. Observing a few rules of etiquette is often sufficient to get along with co-workers.

There are so many pitfalls between the office kitchen and the conference room. Gossiping about colleagues, getting too familiar with superiors or wearing a far-too-deeply plunging neckline are perfect ways to earn a dubious reputation on the job. People who want to work in an office with a nice atmosphere should by all means watch their manners while on the job.

Here's a list of the most important rules guiding office behaviour:

Be punctual and dependable - "Most people become annoyed when someone wastes their time," said Susanne Helbach-Grosser, a business etiquette trainer in Germany. Employees should ask for help early when they are unable to handle their workload, but they should also be aware that if they constantly complain about stress it can get on their co-workers' nerves.

Eating at one's desk - When someone occasionally munches an apple at his or her desk, it is completely acceptable, said Agnes Jarosch of a German organisation dedicated to counselling people about etiquette. "But when I sit at my desk and unpack a steaming hot cutlet that spreads its aroma throughout the bureau, that is inconsiderate toward colleagues," said Jarosch. It's better to consume meals like that in the breakroom or at a restaurant.

Heat on or window open? - This is a classic conflict because it's often the case that the room temperature is too hot for one colleague, but too cold for another. "There's often a row when a co-worker simply throws a window open or lowers the air conditioning without asking first," said Helbach-Grosser. There's no simple solution for this problem. "The colleagues must talk with each other. There's no way around it."

Office attire for men - Men have it easier than women when it comes to selecting the right clothing for the office, said style consultant Renate Sperber. Men don't always have to wear a business suit, however.

"It's important that his clothes are well-groomed. Thanks to its collar, a polo shirt has a completely different effect than a simple T-shirt," Sperber said. "But a colleague who wears a wrinkled T-shirt to work signals to his colleagues that he doesn't care what impression he makes on them. That isn't much appreciated."

Office attire for women - "Women should uphold the business dress code unfailingly," said Sperber. Dressing in sexy clothing is taboo. Women can get by with wearing bright colours these days. "But the trend is moving toward neat and preppy. You should also occasionally dress in a solid colour." She added that discreet makeup is an absolute must.

Mobile phone etiquette - As long as there are not constantly private conversations, using a private mobile phone in the office usually doesn't cause a problem, said Helbach-Grosser. But be careful with ringtones: Those that make the sound of a crying baby or tweeting birds for example are unprofessional, she said.

Ladies first - "Certain chivalrous gestures continue to make a good impression," said Jarosch. But colleagues should realise that woman can also be polite. When a male colleague carries a huge pile of files, for example, the female colleague should hold the door open for him.

Easy way to keep your job from killing you - Guidelines to keep your job from killing you

2011-06-08T23:07:00.001-07:00

Job stress can fray nerves, keep you up at night, and contribute to health problems such as heart disease and depression, but to cure it you first need to find its origin.

Now, experts have identified some specific work situations that are likely to make your blood boil and their corresponding solutions, reports Fox News.

1. Overworked underling:You're busy from the time you get to work until the time you leave with little freedom while you're there.

These types of jobs -- known as "high-demand, low-control" -- tend to cause a great deal of psychological strain, said Peter L. Schnall, an occupational stress expert at the University of California at Irvine.

2. Castaway: You are not in a good way and your boss is not helping you.

To solve this, work on communicating your needs, both practical and emotional. If you want your boss's help, be as specific as possible, and make connecting with co-workers a priority, the researchers suggested.

3. Frustrated go-getter: Here you work your tail off, but you feel you don't receive enough credit or compensation.

You should try discussing your career goals with your boss. You may not get the rewards you want right away, but you could gain some insight about how to improve your situation and outlook, say experts.

4. Doormat: When you have to tolerate demanding and verbally abusive customers.

Ask your boss for advice or additional training on how to handle difficult customers without feeling demoralised, according to researchers.

5. Tech prisoner:This happens when your boss' 24/7 call invades your personal life.

"Technostress is an important and growing issue," said Rosch, who is also a clinical professor of medicine and psychiatry at New York Medical College, in Valhalla, NY.

To protect yourself from mental and physical strain, learn how to unplug (literally), the researchers said.

Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry her with these facts as well. SO, Respect your Wife

2011-06-08T02:31:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry her with these facts as well. Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are; Who is earning almost as much as you do;

One, who has dreams and aspirations just as you have because she is as human as you are;

One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your Sister haven't, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements

One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;

One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family ,name

One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen

One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook, food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more, and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother, a wife, even if she doesn't want to; and is learning just like you are as to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;

One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;

Yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can, but won't, simply Because you won't like it, even though you say otherwise

One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met;

One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important, relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some and trust her;

One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house - your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly - your understanding, or love, if you may call it.

But not many guys understand this......

Do appreciate "HER"

Killing English - some famour english language humor from teacher's in school's

2011-05-19T20:58:00.001-07:00

A person who runs an educational institution always talks in English.

Enjoy his language.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# About his family :

I have three daughters. All of them are girls…

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# At the ground :

* All of you, stand in a straight circle.

* There is no wind in the balloon.

*The girl with the mirror please come her…{Meaning girl with specs).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# To a boy, angrily :

* I talk, he talk, why you middle middle talk ?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Giving a punishment :

* You, rotate the ground four times…

* You, go and under-stand the tree…

* You three of you, stand together separately.

* Why are you late - say YES or NO …..(?)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Sir at his best :

Sir had once gone for a movie with his wife. By chance, he happened to see one of his students at the theatre, though the boy did not see them. So the next day at school… ( to that boy ) - "Yesterday I saw you WITH MY WIFE at the Cinema Theatre"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#Inside the Class :

* Open the doors of the window. Let the atmosphere come in.

* Open the doors of the window. Let the Air Force come in.

* Cut an apple into two halves - take the bigger half.

* Shhh…Quiet, boys…the principal just passed away in the corridor

* You, meet me behind the class. (meaning AFTER the class .. )

* Both of u three, get out of the class.

* Close the doors of the windows please. I have winter in my nose today

* Take Copper Wire of any metal especially of Silver…..

* Take 5 cm wire of any length….

* both of u two come here

* absentees stand up

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

once He had come late to a college function, by the time the function had started, so he went to the dais, and said, sorry i am late, because on the way my car hit 2 muttons (Meaning goats).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This college strict u the worry no … u get good marks, i the happy,
tomorrow u get good job, me the happy, tomorrow u marry i enjoy"
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#Freshyears day 2003 -

"No ragging this college. anybody rag we arrest the police"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One of his famous sayings "girl girl talk,boy boy talk, but no boy girl talk".

"Hey man who is your name"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Once during a function there was current cut in our auditorium. All students shouted.. when current came he told.." in theatre current going shouting.. in college current going shouting.. but in house current going no shouting.. because parents beating"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

he was talking about looking smart where he said "put powder in your face and fart"

"i only marry all my female staffs" ( )
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#About dress code.

"Girls should not wear t-shirt and jeans. if u want to wear, remove it inside the college."

Get ready for another recession - US may go into another recession as it hits credit limit, setting up 11-week fight to bale out congress before panic spreads and mass layoffs happen

2011-05-16T20:58:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON – The government has maxed out its credit card.
The United States reached its $14.3 trillion limit on federal
borrowing Monday, leaving Congress 11 weeks to raise the threshold or
risk a financial panic or another recession.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner formally notified Congress that
the government would halt its investments in two federal pension plans
so it won't exceed the borrowing limit.
Geithner said the government could get by with bookkeeping maneuvers
like that through Aug. 2. After that, the government could default on
its debt for the first time, threatening the national credit rating
and the dollar.
Geithner sent Congress a letter saying he would be unable to make the
pension investments in full. He urged Congress to raise the debt limit
"in order to protect the full faith and credit of the United States
and avoid catastrophic economic consequences for citizens."
Republican leaders in the House have said they won't raise the debt
limit unless the Obama administration first agrees to big spending
cuts or to steps to lower the debt over the long run.
House Speaker John Boehner repeated the pledge in a statement Monday.
The statement did not address Geithner's warning about what would
happen if the limit were not raised.
"Americans understand we simply can't keep spending money we don't
have," Boehner said. "There will be no debt limit increase without
serious budget reforms and significant spending cuts."
Republicans have also ruled out any tax increases, including any plans
to end tax cuts for high earners enacted in 2001 and 2003.
"We need to have a vote to lift the debt ceiling because the
consequences of not doing so would be quite serious," White House
spokesman Jay Carney told reporters. "And those who suggest otherwise
are whistling past the graveyard."
If it doesn't raise the limit, Congress would have to come up with
$738 billion to make up for what it planned to borrow through the end
of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. The options are drastic: Cut 40
percent of the budget through September, which might mean defaulting
on payments to investors in government bonds; raise taxes immediately;
or some combination of the two.
"In the economic area, this is the equivalent of nuclear war," says
Edward Knight, who was the Treasury Department's general counsel
during a standoff over the debt ceiling in the mid-1990s.
Here are some questions and answers about the federal debt limit:
Q: What is the debt ceiling?
A: It's a legal limit on how much debt the government can pile up. The
government accumulates debt two ways: It borrows money from investors
by issuing Treasury bonds, and it borrows from itself, mostly from
Social Security revenue.
In 2010, Congress raised the limit to nearly $14.3 trillion from $12.4
trillion. Three decades ago, the national debt was $908 billion. But
Washington spent more than it took in, and the debt rose steadily —
surpassing $1 trillion in 1982, then $5 trillion in 1996. It reached
$10 trillion in 2008 as the financial crisis and recession dried up
tax revenue and as the government spent more on unemployment benefits
and other programs.
Congress created the debt limit in 1917. It's unique to the United
States. Most countries let their debts rise automatically when
government spending outpaces tax revenue. Raising the debt ceiling
doesn't usually create much of a stir. Congress has raised it 10 times
since 2001.
A refusal to raise the debt ceiling wouldn't mean that Congress had
begun to solve the nation's budget problems. It would just mean that
lawmakers were refusing to let the government borrow more money to
finance programs and tax cuts already approved.
"Having voted to run up the bill, it is utterly irresponsible to
prohibit the government from borrowing the money to pay it," writes
Howard Gleckman, resident fellow at the Urban Institute.
___(equals)
Q: What is the federal debt, and how does it differ from the deficit?
A: The deficit is how much government spending exceeds tax revenue
during a year. The government is expected to run a record $1.5
trillion deficit in the current fiscal year. The debt is the sum of
deficits past and present. If Congress raises the limit, the debt will
reach $15.5 trillion by Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. The huge
deficits and debt reflect tax cuts, wars, the Obama administration's
stimulus program, higher costs of federal health care programs and the
recession, which shrank tax revenue and led the government to spend
more on social programs.
___(equals)
Q: What happens now that Treasury has hit its debt limit?
A: It can free up $232 billion by taking what Geithner calls
"extraordinary measures." Besides suspending contributions to federal
employee pension funds, the government can halt payments to a
government fund that buys and sells foreign currencies.
The most serious debt-ceiling showdown was in 1995. At the time, the
debt limit was just $4.9 trillion. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin
used gimmicks and juggled the government's books to keep government
finances afloat for four and a half months before Congress and the
Clinton White House reached a deal to end the impasse.
Geithner's Treasury Department won't have as much cushion because the
debt is growing much faster than in the mid-1990s. Geithner estimates
he'll run out of options Aug. 2.
___(equals)
Q: What would happen if Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling by
Aug. 2 or whenever Treasury exhausts all its short-options?
A: Things would get ugly fast. "When bills became due, we could not
pay all of them," says Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for
a Responsible Budget, a bipartisan group that advocates cutting the
debt. "If that happens, you shake up markets as you've never seen
before. ... It's inconceivable we would willingly walk ourselves over
the cliff."
The government needs to borrow $738 billion to get through the fiscal
year that ends Sept. 30, according to the Congressional Research
Service. Somehow, it would have to close that gap. It could:
• Cut government spending dramatically. To put things in context, $738
billion is equal to 40 percent of the $1.7 trillion that the
government is expected to spend in the last six months of the fiscal
year. Everything from military salaries to Medicare and Social
Security benefits to interest payments on the debt would be
vulnerable.
• Come up with $738 billion in new tax revenue, increasing by 66
percent the $1.1 trillion the government is expected to collect in
taxes in the second half of the fiscal year.
• Choose a combination of draconian spending cuts and tax increases.
If investors become convinced the U.S. will renege on its debts,
they'll sell Treasurys to avoid the risk that the government might not
make good on them. That would drive Treasury prices down and push
interest rates up, raising the borrowing costs on everything from
mortgages to cars. Higher rates would likely slow the economy.
So far, bond investors are taking the threat in stride; the yield on
10-year Treasury notes remains low at 3.17 percent. U.S. Treasurys are
still considered perhaps the safest available investment, a haven for
investors worldwide.
As Aug. 2 approaches, there's a bigger risk that investors will become nervous.
"It would tell the world that the U.S. can't get its act together,
that this is basically a circus," says William Gross, an influential
investor who is managing director of the world's biggest bond fund,
Pimco. "Investors ultimately won't want to be held hostage by a bunch
of clowns."
___(equals)
Q: If the consequences are so dire, why is Congress suggesting it
might not raise the limit?
A: As the political divide between Republicans and Democrats has
widened, the debt ceiling has emerged as a divisive issue. In recent
years, the party that doesn't control the White House has used the
issue to whack the party that does.
In 2006, for instance, Senate Democrats voted unanimously against
raising the debt limit for President George W. Bush to protest his tax
cuts and the invasion of Iraq — a vote that President Barack Obama,
then a senator, says he regrets. The situation reversed in 2010: No
Senate Republicans supported a higher debt limit for Obama, accusing
him of reckless government spending. Congress approved the higher
limit anyway because Democrats had a majority in both the House and
Senate.
Congress has always ended up raising the debt ceiling before a
financial crackup.
Republicans, many of them elected in November on a pledge to slash
spending, are betting that the debt-ceiling deadline offers leverage
to demand deep budget cuts from the Obama administration.
Obama wants to narrow the federal gaps and reduce debts, in part by
reducing spending, in part by ending tax cuts for higher-income
Americans enacted under President George W. Bush. But Republican
lawmakers say they refuse to consider tax hikes.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110516/ap_on_re_us/us_debt_limit

The swimsuit featuring Indian goddess Lakshmi at Australian Fashion Week 2011 will never make it to the stores after protests across India saw photographs of the design and the Australian national flag burned.

2011-05-11T02:59:00.001-07:00

Beauty or blasphemy? Swimsuit depiction of Lakshmi sparks Indian outrage

The swimwear featuring Hindu goddess Lakshmi that will never go on sale. (Picture AFP/Getty Images)

The swimsuit featuring Indian goddess Lakshmi at Australian Fashion Week 2011 will never make it to the stores after protests across India saw photographs of the design and the Australian national flag burned.

Lakshmi was plastered on the backside of a model's swimwear and was reported in Indian media, sparking outrage.

Members of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party burned Australia's national flag during a protest in southern Hyderabad on the weekend. In north-western Armritsar, Punjabis took to the streets for prolonged protests.

The design has been condemned by the president of the Federation of Australian Indian Associations, Vish Viswanathan.

He told "The Daily Telegraph" the designs "hurt and offended the Hindu community worldwide, including over 200,000 Indians living in Australia."

"It is difficult for me to believe it's unintentional," Viswanathan said. "Why would someone do something like that unless they wanted some attention?"

He said it will further deteriorate views of Australia in India.

Designer Lisa Burke has previously lived in India, so many believe she should have known the swimsuit depiction of the popular goddess of wealth and prosperity was inappropriate.

Smh.com.au reports she has apologized to the Hindu community and posted an apology on her Facebook page: "We would like to offer an apology to anyone we may have offended and advise that the image of Goddess Lakshmi will not appear on any piece of Lisa Blue swimwear for the new season, with a halt put on all production of the new range and pieces shown on the runway from last week removed. This range will never be available for sale in any stockists or retail outlets anywhere in the world."

She says on the company's website: "'Lisa Blue' represents the girl of the future who can be sexy, beautiful, powerful and environmentally aware at the same time."

An smh.com.au online poll found that 46 percent found the design beautiful, 17 percent attractive, 14 percent in poor taste and 23 percent offensive.

http://www.cnngo.com/sydney/shop/beauty-or-blasphemy-fashion-week-depiction-lakishma-sparks-indian-outrage-014626?hpt=C2

IRDA introduces insurance policies to be kept under demat account for the policy holders - Insurance policies will now be held in demat account in electronic format :)

2011-05-09T02:00:00.001-07:00

The hassle of managing the paperwork for several insurance policies
may soon become a relic.
Going forward, you will be able to hold these in a 'demat' account, in
an electronic format.
But, first, based on the guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory
and Development Authority last Friday, repositories on the lines of
the securities' depositories (such as the National Securities
Depository or the Central Securities Depository) will be set up.
These agencies would in turn open and hold the e-insurance account.
Industry players deem it a mammoth exercise due to the large number of
policyholders and, hence, feel a timeline for the shift cannot be
specified.

http://www.rediff.com/business/slide-show/slide-show-1-insurance-policies-will-be-held-in-demat-account/20110503.htm

What is the first gramaphone recording? The First ever Gramophone Recording (Gramophone was invented by Thomas Alva Edison in the 19th century)

2011-05-09T01:34:00.001-07:00

The First ever Gramophone Recording

HMV had once published a pamphlet giving the history of gramophone
recording. Gramophone was invented by Thomas Alva Edison in the 19th
century. Edison, who had invented many other gadgets like electric
light and the motion picture camera, had become a legend even in his
own time.

When He invented the gramophone record, which could record human voice
for posterity, he wanted to record the voice of an eminent scholar on
his first piece.
For that he chose Prof. Max Muller of England, another great
personality of the 19th century. He wrote to Max Muller saying, "I
want to meet you and record your voice. When should I come?" Max
Muller who had great respect for Edison asked him to come on a
suitable time when most of the scholars of the Europe would be
gathering in England .

Accordingly Edison took a ship and went to England . He was introduced
to the audience. All cheered Edison's presence. Later at the request
of Edison Max Muller came on the stage and spoke in front of the
instrument. Then Edison went back to his laboratory and by afternoon
came back with a disc. He played the gramophone disc from his
instrument. The audience was thrilled to hear the voice of Max Muller
from the instrument.They were glad that voices of great persons like
Max Muller could be stored for the benefit of posterity.

After several rounds of applause and congratulations to Thomas Alwa
Edison, Max Muller came to the stage and addressed the scholars and
asked them,
"You heard my original voice in the morning. Then you heard the same
voice coming out from this instrument in the afternoon. Do you
understand what I said in the morning or what you heard in the
afternoon?".

The audience fell silent because they could not understand the
language in which Max Muller had spoken.
It was `Greek and Latin' to them as they say. But had it been Greek or
Latin, they would have definitely understood because they were from
various parts of Europe . It was in a language which the European
scholars had never heard.

Max Muller then explained what he had spoken. He said that the
language he spoke was Sanskrit and it was the first sloka of Rig Veda,
which says,
"Agni Meele Purohitam" . This was the first recorded public version on
the gramophone plate.

Why did Max Muller choose this? Addressing the audience he said,
"Vedas are the oldest text of the human race. And Agni Meele Purohitam
is the first verse of Rig Veda. In the most primordial time when the
people of Europe did not know how to cover their bodies,but with fig
leaves, did not know agriculture and lived by hunting and lived in
caves, at that remote past, Indians had attained high civilization and
they gave to the world universal philosophies in the form of the
Vedas."

IT relief for individuals, exempt from declaring high value transactions in returns - good news from Income tax department of India

2011-05-08T22:59:00.001-07:00

There is some good news for individual taxpayers. From this year, they
need not declare high value transactions in the income tax returns.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has exempted individual
taxpayers from declaring high value transactions with banks, mutual
funds, credit cards etc in their income tax returns forms.

The recently-notified income tax returns forms for the assessment year
2011-12 , including Sahaj, Sugam, ITR II, and ITR III , do not carry
the annual information returns (AIR) blocks. Till the last year, you
had to fill up details required to be reported under the AIR.

The AIR required a person to declare investments above Rs 2 lakhs in
mutual funds, Rs 5 lakhs and more in company bonds, debentures or in
RBI bonds and Rs 1 lakh or more in shares of a company , cash deposits
worth Rs 10 lakhs in banks, payments of Rs 2 lakhs or more for credit
card bills and Rs 30 lakhs or more in property transactions. All this
information had to be reported under the AIR section of the income tax
returns.

Earlier, the information submitted by an individual taxpayer and the
institutions were matched. In case the AIR had some information
missing in an individual's form, it would be a reason to take up the
returns for scrutiny. The present move brings relief for many
taxpayers. At the same time, the AIR continues to be in the statute
book. The IT Department will continue to get the information from
institutions , and the assessing officers have the AIR while checking
a taxpayer's returns.

The Department has a special arrangement with the National Securities
Depository Ltd ( NSDL )) where companies issuing shares or bonds,
banks, credit card companies, mutual fund houses, the Reserve Bank of
India , registrars and sub-registrars for property transactions can
file the AIR either physically or online. These institutions notify
the high value transactions an individual has entered into with them.
As such, the details will be available to the Department. So, on a
selective basis, the income tax officer can verify or select cases for
scrutiny.

AIR of high value financial transactions is required to be furnished
under Section 285BA of the Income Tax Act by 'specified persons' in
respect of 'specified transactions' registered or recorded by them
during the financial year. The 'specified persons' and the 'specified
transactions' are listed in Rule 114E of the Income Tax Rules.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/financial-times/it-relief-for-individuals-exempt-from-declaring-high-value-transactions-in-returns/articleshow/8193649.cms

Motivation - The Key To Success - short nice story

2011-05-08T22:54:00.001-07:00

Lou Little was foot ball coach at Georgetown University. The college president came to him one day and said 'Do you know Harold Chapman' 'Sure', Lou answered. 'He has been on my squad for years. An average player. The problem is that he is not well motivated.'

"Well", the president continued, "we just received a message that his father died. Will you break the news to him"

The coach put his arm around Chapman and told him the sad news. "I am sorry son, you take a week off." But the next day Chapman was in the locker room suiting up for the game. "What are you doing here" the coach inquired in amazement.

"Today's the big game. I have got to play in it" he replied.

"But you know I have never included you for the game"

"Include me today and you won't be sorry", the moist eyed player stated very firmly.

Softening, the coach decided that if he won the toss he would use him on the first play. He could not do that much damage on the kickoff return. Georgetown won the toss.

At the game, Harold came tearing down the field with the ball like a tornado. The coach, shocked, left him in for another play and then another. He blocked, he tacked; he passed; he ran. He literally won the ball game for Georgetown University that day.

In the locker room the coach, perplexed, asked, "Son, what happened" The player said…" My father was blind. Only today he witnessed my game"

Motivation provides stimulus. He believed that his father would see his game after his death. This belief motivated him to play exceedingly well!

SIDE EFFECTS of working in software industry....

2011-05-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

Good one, could not resist sending

******************

SIDE EFFECTS of working....working....and working:

SIDE EFFECTS!!! These are real...

_____________________________________________________________

I once left home to go to the market wearing my ID card

and did not realize till my friend asked me why I was wearing it !!!!

_____________________________________________________________

Once I was flashing my ID card instead of unlocking the house door with keys.

__________________________________________________________

Few days back I slept at 12:00 in the night and woke up in the morning

at 7:00 and suddenly thought that I haven't completed 8 hours and

laughed at myself when I realized that I am at home.

__________________________________________________________

Just after our training completion in Mysore and posting to Pune,

me and my friends went out for dinner in one of the best restaurants. .

And as I finished.. I started walking towards the wash basin with Plates in my hand..

___________________________________________________________

Once I was on call with my father and mom was not around.

I went on to ask, "Why is she not attending the status call?"

_________________________________________________________

I don't login to orkut, yahoo, gmail, youtube, etc..

at my personal internet connection at home...

thinking it will be blocked any way.

Till I realize - I am at home.

____________________________________________________________

Yeah sometimes it do happens with me also.

keeping hands in front of tap for waiting

water to drop by itself is very frequent with me.

I just forget that we have to turn on and off the tap....

____________________________________________________________

Once after talking to one of my friends

I ended the conversation saying,

" Ok bye...in case of any issues will call u back"

___________________________________________________________

Sometimes when I mistakenly delete a message

from my mobile, I hope for a second, maybe it's in the recycle bin

_______________________________________________________________

I gave my office mail id and password to access Gmail and

wondered when they became invalid???

__________________________________________________________

Once I went to a pharmacy n asked for a tab....

pharmacist asked whether I want 250mg or 500mg.....

I replied 256mb....thank god he didn't notice.

____________________________________________________________

Me getting a thought of doing an Alt Tab while switching

from a news channel to the DVD while watching TV.

_____________________________________________________________

And I - after a forty hour marathon in Bhubaneshwar with Powerbuilder,

decided to take a break and went to a movie. In the middle of the movie,

when I wanted to check the time,

I kept repeatedly glancing at the bottom right corner of the theatre screen!

Have a lovely day J