LEARNING CURVE

TABLET PC FOR STUDENTS

2011-10-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Students of India have got a reason to celebrate as the much awaited 'Sakshat Tablet' has been successfully launched in India on Wednesday. The tablet is named 'Akash' and it has been jointly developed by India in co-operation with Datawind and it can be easily obtained for $60 (~Rs. 3000) in India.

Akash tablet has been jointly developed by India along with Britain based company Data Wind. The tablet will run Google Android 2.2 (Froyo) and features 7"LCD screen that operates at 800x480 resolution. The tab has 256 MB RAM and 32GB expandable memory slot along with two USB ports. The Akash tablet also comes with a 12 month of replacement warranty.

The battery used in the tablet lasts for only three hours which has not been liked by the tab users but considering its low price it will definitely be applauded in the circle of students. The students can download the relevant study materials from the net and will get rid from the burden of carrying the heavy books every time in the bags. Furthermore, 1000 institutes are being connected with Wi-Fi networks so that students can avail the services of internet 24x7. Akash also possesses Multimedia player which will help the students to relax their minds after hectic classes.

The device is set to be sold at a government-subsidized rate of Rs, 1,400 to 100,000 college students. For general buyers the tablet will be available at Rs, 3000. To market the initiative, Datawind is planning to sell the tab in partnership with telecos with Rs 99 per- month internet services.

SOURCE >http://www.mediamughals.com

EARTH QUAKE HISTORY of SIKKIM:Don't forget the Past

2011-09-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

EARTH QUAKE HISTORY of SIKKIM:Don't forget the Past

15 January 1934 - Indo-Nepal Border region, Mw 8.0
14:21:25 IST / 08:43:25 UTC, 26.50N, 86.50E
Nearly 10,500 people were killed in Bihar and Nepal. Damage was also reported from many towns in Sikkim.

12 January 1965 - West of Gangtok (Indo-Nepal Border region), 6.1 (TS)
13:32:24 UTC, 27.60N, 88.00E

19 November 1980 - Near Gangtok (Sikkim-West Bengal Border region), 6.1 Ms (PAS)
19:00:46.9 UTC, 27.39N, 88.75E, 17 kms depth
Eight people were injured in Gangtok and there was also minor damage reported from the city. The quake was felt in eastern and north-eastern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.

21 August 1988 - Udaipur Gahri, Nepal (Indo-Nepal Border region), Mw 6.8 (NEIC)
23:09:09 UTC / 04:39:09 IST, 26.755N 86.616
Nearly 900 people were killed in the border districts of Nepal and Bihar, India. Damage was also reported from Kathmandu and Sikkim. Felt over much of northern and eastern India and much of Nepal. Felt as far as New Delhi.

14 February 2006 - Mana, North Sikkim, Mw 5.3
27.377 N, 88.362 E, D=020.1 kms, OT=00:55:23 UTCA moderate earthquake struck the Sikkim Himalayas on 14 February 2006 at 06:25 AM local time resulting in two deaths and minor damage to property in the state of Sikkim, India. It had a magnitude of Mw=5.3. This is the strongest earthquake in this immediate region since a Mw=6.3 earthquake on 19 November 1980.

18 May 2007 - Nambu, North Sikkim, Mb 4.6
27.302 N, 88.159 E, D=021.1 kms, OT=12:40:02 UTC
A light earthquake struck the Sikkim Himalayas on 18 May 2007 at 18:10 PM local time resulting in some panic in the state of Sikkim, India. It had a magnitude of Mb=4.6.

20 May 2007 - Singyang, North Sikkim, Mb 5.0
27.303 N, 88.191 E, D=021.1 kms, OT=14:18:18 UTC
A moderate earthquake struck the Sikkim Himalayas on 20 May 2007 at 19:48 PM local time resulting in some panic and minor damage in the state of Sikkim, India. It had a magnitude of Mb=5.0.

Largest Instrumented Earthquake in Sikkim

19 November 1980 - Near Gangtok (Sikkim-West Bengal Border region), 6.1 Ms (PAS)
19:00:46.9 UTC, 27.39N, 88.75E, 17 kms depth
Eight people were injured in Gangtok and there was also minor damage reported from the city. the quake was felt in eastern and north-eastern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
SOURCE: © Amateur Seismic Centre, Pune, 2011

Earthquake of 2006 and After

The deadly Valentine’s Day earthquake of 14th February, 2006, the second big earthquake faced by this magnificent complex more than a century after the 1897 one that ripped through Gangtok’s bowels, badly damaged the Raj Bhavan and rendered it structurally unstable. Fortunately, the then Governor was in his winter camp at Rangpo. A camp Raj Bhavan was organized at the Circuit House. In December, 2007 the camp shifted to the old Raj Bhavan Annexe which was renovated. A new Raj Bhavan is being built in the Raj Bhavan complex. Efforts are on to conserve the heritage building- a priceless treasure of Sikkim under the guidance of present Governor Shri B.P. Singh.

SOURCE:Sikkim Rajbhawan History

Earth Quake Facts

2011-09-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

1.According to the National Earthquake Information Center, about 1.4 million earthquakes happen every year. The large
majority are micro quakes, measuring less than 3 on the Richter scale.

2.Scientists had been studying phenomena like volcanoes and earthquakes for years and finally broke through with the
theory of plate tectonics in the mid-20th century.

3.Earthquakes kill about 8000 people a year.

4.When two plates move away from each other, magma (molten rock) seeps up through the crack.

5.There are four types of fault: normal, reverse, thrust and strike-slip.

Free and compulsory education to be extended up to class X

2011-06-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Free and compulsory education to be extended up to class X

Aarti Dhar

CABE approves drafting of law to check malpractices in schools

New Delhi: The provision of free and compulsory education will soon be extended up to Class X. A proposal to this effect was approved at a meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) — the highest decision-making body on education in the country — held here on Tuesday.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, provides for free and mandatory education only up to primary level – from Class I to VIII.

The CABE, represented by the States and civil society members, also approved the drafting of new legislation to check malpractices in school education. While the Union Human Resource Development Ministry has already introduced a Bill in Parliament to prohibit unfair practices in the higher education sector, it was agreed at the meeting to initiate a similar legislative proposal for the school education sector also.

Briefing reporters at the end of the meeting, Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said two separate committees from within the CABE members would be set up to draft preliminary legislations which would then be sent across to the States before being approved. Both the committees, comprising State Ministers, academics and stakeholders, will submit their reports within three months.

“It was felt that every child in the country must have the right to at least 10 years of formal schooling. We have begun the process and will work out ways to provide for funds for the purpose,” Mr. Sibal said.

The CABE committee on extension of RTE will look into finance, infrastructure and legal requirement. The Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, promising free education at the secondary level, is already in place and could become the vehicle for extending RTE till the secondary level. Bringing Class IX and X under the provision of the RTE will either require amending the existing Act or enacting a new law.

National framework

There was also unanimous endorsement of the need for a National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework (NVEQF) providing for a nationally recognised framework with vertical and horizontal mobility between general and vocational education. The group of State Education Ministers already constituted, will develop a road map for implementing and incorporating the requirements and concerns of all the States, Mr. Sibal added. The State governments will identify regional and local skills and develop curriculum content to feed into the NVEQF. The courses chosen should be locality specific to be implemented through planes devised by the States, which would be woven into a national grid within the parameters of NVEQF.

Another committee was also set up on university reforms. It will look into the recommendations of the March Vice Chancellors' conference that had called for major reforms in the university systems including financial independence and more autonomy like doing away with the convention of President being the Visitor of all Central Universities. It had also recommended allowing more colleges and institutions to grant degrees by doing away with the affiliation system, as far as possible.

Concern expressed

The meeting also discussed the need for integration of sports and physical education with academic curriculum as also introduction of “10 Great Thinkers of Modern India” in the syllabi of schools. The CABE expressed its concern for preservation of the linguistic diversity and resolved that measures be taken to protect and preserve endangered languages in the 12th Five Year plan.

CCE Power Point Download

2011-04-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

download link: click here

ANDAMANSIKKIM

2011-04-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE TO VISIT....

Ways to use Cricket in Classroom

2011-04-03T03:24:00.000-07:00

As we are the World Cup 2011 champions, and the celebrations continue,I was thinking how to use this Gentleman's Game inside the classroom . These things came to my mind;
1. can be used to teach Math/Geometry concepts like distance,area,speed,velocity,graphs,average,rate etc.
2.Build Vocabulary/language skills
3.Children can learn about Continents,Countries,History,GMT/UST etc.
4.Political History/Diplomacy,Neighbouring Countries
5.Keeping these above mentioned in mind, teachers can give Project works as per the grade

Turn it upside down-Revolution not Reform

2010-12-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

We should think of revamping the subjects which we teach to the children now in schools.It doesn't have much relevance to the day to day life.Basic skills are ignored and alien ideas are pushed into the minds.The ultimate purpose of exams are not achieved,evaluation should be stressed instead of exams.A boy of Class IX should know how to fill the Draft form in a Bank and be able to calculate the volume of wooden planks.Our system doesn't build confidence in our children, instead creates passive listeners who never ask questions.This is a generalized idea of our educational system.Applicability of knowledge is always ignored.We cannot think beyond the values created by our own system .

Our generation is the product of the same old values which still believes in sending the children to school for a better earning.The so called educated people are often we find cheated by the socially deviated people.We never taught the children to discriminate between genuine and fakes,never ever taught them to free themselves from greed,fear,anger etc.and left this to Religions.Quest or Curiosity is not awakened in them.Narrowness or living in tight compartments in life is more convenient for many who never think out of the box and allow the coming generation to do so.Justifying their actions and acting with a preconceived notion with their conditioned mind is a Crime and not a Sin.

What is right yesterday no more hold any ground today,except certain time tested moral values.Even moral codes may vary from society to society.All this I learned when I taught and thought in the school,but I learn when I teach my children at home and observe their actions."Child is the father of Man".We should groom the children to adopt and practice healthy attitudes so that they become a balanced individuals.

WHY IT IS EASY TO LOVE GANDHI AND DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW ?

2010-10-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Gandhian principles are time tested for its validity around the world, it is neither a dogma nor an ideology, it is the practiced way of Gandhi. It is tough to be a satyagrahi, inner strength and freedom from fear,death,jealousy,anger,greed etc. , love ...pure love towards all existence ,Brahmacharya are expected and practiced by a Satyagrahi.Love towards the person harming you and no hatred towards him is really hard for we mortals. It is very hard to follow in its whole nature. We can at least try and inculcate certain ideas of Gandhi in our day today life.Gandhian way is not a cowards way.We as world citizens can make aware the children and cherish the ideals in our family to have peace and get rid of the modern day stress .We complicated our lives with all those things which are not real in essence or by comparing ourselves with others so called material achievements .Doing things in a simple way and our standing on truth and non- violence can bring a change .Dependence on modern technology is good as far as we don’t forget the conventional way of doing things. -ANDAMANSIKKIM

MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME

2010-09-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

One of the pioneers of the scheme is the Madras Presidency that started providing cooked meals to children in corporation schools in the Madras city in 1923. The programme was introduced in a large scale in 1960s under the Chief Ministership of K. Kamaraj. However, the first major thrust came in1982 when the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. M. G. Ramachandran, decided to universalise the scheme for all children in government schools in primary classes. Later the programme was expanded to cover all children up to class 10. Tamil Nadu’s mid-day meal programme is among the best known in the country.

There is an interesting story about how K. Kamaraj got the idea of a noon meal scheme. The spark is said to have occurred in a small village (now a town) called Cheranmahadevi in Tirunelveli District ofTamil Nadu. K Kamarajar was a very simple person who used to travel in his car (even without the red lamp at the top) and was not accustomed to convoys.

On one such journey, he had to stop at the railway intersection in Cheranmahadevi and got out of the car and waited. He saw a few boys busy with their cows and goats. The Chief Minister had asked one small boy, "What are you doing with this cows? Why didn't you go to school?" The boy immediately answered, "If I go to school, will you give me food to eat? I can learn only if I eat." The boy's retort sparked the entire process into establishing the mid-day meal programme.

Kerala has computerized the Mid-day Meal Scheme in schools. All the dealings are made online and the accounting become accurate.

Several other states of India also have had mid-day meal programmes. The most notable among them is Gujarat that has had it since the late 1980s. Kerala started providing cooked meals in schools since 1995 and so did Madhya Pradesh and Orissa in small pockets. On November 28, 2001 the Supreme Court of India gave a landmark direction, which made it obligatory for the government to provide cooked meals to all children in all government and government assisted primary schools. The direction was resisted vigorously by State governments initially, but the programme has become almost universal by 2005.

HAPPY TEACHERS DAY

2010-09-05T09:41:00.001-07:00

Dr,Radhakrishnan's handwritten letter.

HOW WIRELESS POWER-Witricity WORKS

2010-08-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

HOW WIRELESS POWER WORKS

1. Magnetic coil (Antenna A) is housed in a box and can be set in wall or ceiling.

2. Antenna A, powered by mains, resonates at a specific frequency.

3. Electromagnetic waves transmitted through the air.

4. Second magnetic coil (Antenna B) fitted in laptop/TV etc resonates at same frequency as first coil and absorbs energy.

5. Energy charges the device.

A system that can deliver power to devices without the need for wires has been shown off at a hi-tech conference.

To harness power from lightning...A controversy !

2010-08-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

Tiny charges gathered directly from humid air could be harnessed to generate electricity, researchers say.

Dr Francesco Galembeck told the American Chemical Society meeting in Boston that the technique exploited a little-known atmospheric effect.
Tests had shown that metals could be used to gather the charges, he said, opening up a potential energy source in humid climates.
However, experts disagree about the mechanism and the scale of the effect.
"The basic idea is that when you have any solid or liquid in a humid environment, you have absorption of water at the surface," Dr Galembeck, from the University of Campinas in Brazil, told BBC News.
Continue reading the main story
Related stories
Wireless power system shown off
Wireless energy promise powers up
"The work I'm presenting here shows that metals placed under a wet environment actually become charged."
Dr Galembeck and his colleagues isolated various metals and pairs of metals separated by a non-conducting separator - a capacitor, in effect - and allowed nitrogen gas with varying amounts of water vapour to pass over them.
What the team found was that charge built up on the metals - in varying amounts, and either positive or negative. Such charge could be connected to a circuit periodically to create useful electricity.
The effect is incredibly small - gathering an amount of charge 100 million times smaller over a given area than a solar cell produces - but seems to represent a means of charge accumulation that has been overlooked until now.
Dr Galembeck suggests that with further development, the principle could be extended to become a renewable energy resource in humid parts of the world, such as the tropics.
Charged debate
However, while the prospect of free electricity from the air is tantalising, the prospect of harnessing enough of it to be widely useful is still a matter of some debate.
Hywel Morgan of the University of Southampton says that a similar effect has been known for some time; he points out that tribocharging - the generation of charge by rubbing wool over amber or water droplets over water droplets - is the origin of thunderstorms.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
There have been many attempts to harness electricity from the atmosphere and most had bad endings”
Francesco GalembeckUniversity of Campinas
"What we think is happening is he's pumping the water vapour across his capacitor and during the pumping mechanism, tribocharging the water vapour."
That would result in a charge, but would not be the same as simply pulling the charge from still, wet air.
Marin Soljacic, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist behind a wireless power transmission technology, known as Witricity, disagrees.
He calls the paper "very interesting" and "a good area of research".
He concurs, however, that the amount of charge gathered in the initial tests suggests the effect may be difficult to put to good use, saying that "at this point it is far-fetched to see how it could be used for everyday applications".
"It really warrants future research and understanding what all the limitations of this are, how far it can go," he told BBC News.
"[Prof Morgan] is right that a similar and closely-related effect is known to exist, but we're very pressed for finding new sources of renewable energy, [so] I think it's a bit early to discard this research."
Dr Galembeck is familiar with the controversy that this kind of work generates, saying that disagreement about the mechanism behind it forms "the motif for bitter discussions among scientists".
"There have been many attempts to harness electricity from the atmosphere and most had bad endings."
source:BBC

CBSE CLASS IX & XI REGISTRATION

2010-08-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

Click here to start registering your school data/details..
1. CBSE site

   2. Registration work
   3. Circulars
   4.OLD CBSE result verification since 2004
   5.Namthang School
   6.Central Pendam School

Human brain on a microchip nearly ready - University of Calgary

2010-08-11T08:59:00.000-07:00

Toronto: The human brain on a microchip is almost ready!

Turning into reality science fiction of films such as "The Terminator" - where machines and men meld into reality - Canadian scientists have successfully connected brain cells to a silicon chip to "hear" conversation between brain tissue.

The neuro-chip, which has been developed by medicine scientists at the University of Calgary, will network brain cells and thus record brain cell activity at a resolution never achieved before, according to Naweed Syed who led the team that made the breakthrough.

The neuro-chip will help future understanding of how brain cells work under normal conditions and thus permit drug discoveries for a variety of neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, a university statement said Tuesday.

"This technical breakthrough means we can track subtle changes in brain activity at the level of ion channels and synaptic potentials, which are also the most suitable target sites for drug development in neuro-degenerative diseases and neuropsychological disorders," Syed, who is professor and head of the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, has been quoted as saying.

The new neuro-chips are also automated.

"Previously it took years of training to learn how to record ion channel activity from brain cells, and it was only possible to monitor one or two cells simultaneously. Now, larger networks of cells can be placed on a chip and observed in minute detail, allowing the analysis of several brain cells networking and performing automatic, large-scale drug screening for various brain dysfunctions," the university statement said.

The University of Calgary is excited at the potential of this made in Canadatechnology, said university vice president Rose Goldsmith.

"The University of Calgary is proud to be the home of this cutting edge Canadian work with a neurochip. The advances in research and healthcare made by possible by this technology are immense. The work and collaboration happening in the lab of Naweed Syed is another example demonstrating our leadership in the field of biomedical engineering."

The new technology has been published online this month in the journal, Biomedical Microdevices. IANS

Synthetic Life :Story

2010-05-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

right click the picture and save to read...

New plan to educate poor...

2010-05-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

In a major push for inclusive education, the government has decided to allow corporates, non-profit companies and societies to open 2,500 schools across the country. The Public Private Partnership (PPP) model finalised by the Planning Commission in consultation with the private sector this week allows the government to fill 1,000 of the 2,500 seats in each school with children from the deprived sections.

The schools envisaged will remain government schools, but run by private management. The scheme will benefit as many as 25 lakh poor children.

Half the 1000 seats in each of these PPP schools will be reserved for scheduled caste (SC), scheduled tribe (ST) and other backward classes (OBC) students, who would be required to pay month as tuition fee of Rs 25. The remaining seats would be filled by children of non income tax payee parents, the panel has decided. They will have to pay a monthly fee of Rs 50.

“The Central government will bear the remaining cost of educating these poor students as per the Kendriya Vidyalaya norms,” a plan panel official, requesting anonymity, said. It will include free textbooks and two uniforms in a year.

The estimated cost per child for the government would Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200, resulting in the government paying over Rs 10,500 crore till 2017 to the private education providers.

The private entities, having full management control over the schools, will charge market-based fees from the remaining 1,500 students. “There will be no government interference in deciding fees for the non-reserved categories,” an official said.

source: Hindustan Times

Road to......

2010-03-06T04:15:00.000-08:00

Monkeys on the road between Siliguri and Sikkim are a common sight.Some of them lost their legs,tails and fingers as they evolved to survive with the humans on wheels who left a impact on their taste buds and ear.

The Jarawa tribes of Andaman Islands are objects of curiosity for the tourist,This tribe who came into open human contact only fifteen years ago is causing a great dilemma,whether to bring them closer or to keep them isolated .The only solution is to keep them as they are and improve their living conditions and work towards stabilizing their population without affecting their habitat. Read More.......click

Why we failed to Pass ? Dozen reason or solutions

2010-01-07T01:10:00.000-08:00

1.Schooling is not only for a living.(Paisa paisa karti ho !!!)Schooling for stomach! Education

and Literacy are different things .All literates are not educated...

2.After getting a job we forget to read or right.(Chalta hai !)Alliteracy.

3.Secure job,family,kids-happy .(All is well..)No risk taking.

4.Kids of 21st Century ,Teachers are from 20th Century.(Sau Saal pehle.....)Generation gap.

5.Punishments-Carporal,Exams (Fear factor)Schools should be inviting.

6.Matriculation-Class X phobia(Dus ka Dum).Grade or no grade..parental pressure in urban will continue.

7.No life skill/survival skill education(Zindagi ye kaisi hai paheli..haai ..)Paper Tigers cannot withstand the wind!

8.Peer pressure( Mitwa....).Negative,misinformation,habit formation etc.starts here.

9.Insecure childhood(Dil hoom hoom kare gabraaye..)Don't worry about your kid,be concerned.

10.Sense of humour(lacking) among teachers(Bum bum bole..)

11.Lack of motivation -teacher/kids(Saabasi dega kyaaa?)

12.Encourage divergent thinking.(Socho jara socho...)

You can add more......

Moral of the story: "Don't miss the Tiger for the Woods"!!!.

Why Digital Media Is A Novelists BEST FRIEND

2009-12-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

I sold so many books because I made my work freely available online

Paulo Coelho

St Martin, France: 2009 has been a year of fear in the publishing world. The specter is digital media, in wide and varied forms.

Ten years ago, in 1999, my agent returned from Russia bearing bad news: The publisher of my novel The Alchemist had decided to discontinue publication because fewer than 3,000 copies had sold. After considerable effort, we found another Russian-language publisher. Unfortunately , he was based in Kiev, in Ukraine, and was having difficulty buying paper (which was not, at the time, generally available).

The odd thing is that, only weeks before, I had found a pirated edition of the Russian translation on the Internet , and my immediate reaction had been to attribute the low sales of my books in Russia to piracy.

Like any other author, I wanted my books to be read. Since a physical book wasnt available, and I had no idea when the new publisher would manage to buy the paper he needed to print the new edition, I thought: Why not make a virtual version available Acting on impulse, I posted the pirated translation on my Web site, where anyone could download it without paying.

At the end of 2000, my Ukrainian publisher was thrilled to report that we had sold 10,000 copies! A year later that had risen to 100,000. By 2002, 1 million Russian-language copies had been sold.

During that time, I received emails referring to the pirated edition I had placed on my Web site. Many of those messages said: Im so glad to have found your work. My conclusion: Russia was a vast country with enormous distribution problems, and the Internet was helping to bring the book to readers.

Excited by this discovery, I decided to do the same with my other books. But I ran into a legal problem : The Russian translation had been posted on the Internet by the translator, but what about translations to which I did not have the rights My solution was to gather all the links to file-sharing P2P (peer-to-peer ) sites and create my Pirate Coelho Web site.

This became a hit on social networking sites, which spread the news. By the time I spoke publicly of this at the 2007 Digital, Life, Design conference in Munich, a million unique visitors per month were visiting the site. There, they could find almost all my books in various languages - from German to Malayalam. Meanwhile, the printed versions were selling in ever greater numbers. Since none of my publishers had complained up until then, I assumed they must know about the Web site but had decided not to intervene.

The day after newspapers published my remarks in Munich, my telephone began ringing. Some of my publishers asked: Do you know the risk youre running Dont you realize that this is going to decrease your sales

Pirate Coelho had been online since 2005, I argued, and sales had continued to rise. That meant the traditional publishing model benefitted from file sharing. I must confess that, much as I respect my publishers , their view of reality bore little relation to what was happening in the bookstores.

By that time, I had sold more than 100 million books, and that gave me a few privileges. Among them was keeping Pirate Coelho online (where it is today) despite the bad example it set.

How can I explain what happened It isnt only the financial world that finds the word greedy problematic, but any industry that tries to claim a monopoly on anything , be it information or a specific product. In my case, people started reading my books on the screen, liked them and went on to buy a print copy handier and cheaper in the long term. And so it went for several years.

Somerset Maugham said: We do not write because we want to; we write because we must. And, I would add, because we want to be

In the 16th century, the Catholic Church created the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (List of Prohibited Books), and despite the fact that many of the authors of those books were burned at the stake, the list continued to grow during the four centuries it existed. More recently , dissident Soviet citizens produced mimeographed copies of their books in order to make their ideas available to whoever wanted to read them. Two of those writers, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Boris Pasternak , went on to receive the Nobel Prize in literature.

The publishing industry cannot follow in the footsteps of the music industry, which managed to close down Napster only to witness an explosion of file-sharing sites. With new products like Kindle, Nook and Sonys Reader , and various applications for the iPhone and Blackberry, the author who once posted his books on blogs (for free) will now choose electronic formats and, from then on, the publishers like record companies will become expendable . Those countries in favor of banning file sharing France, for example, passed legislation this year will find their writers losing ground and importance in an ever more competitive world.

Banning things is just not the answer. The answer is to use the good things about technology to promote and disseminate the very best in literature.

Many people argue that I can allow myself the luxury of doing this because my books have sold in such large numbers. In fact, it was the other way round: I sold so many books because I took the trouble to make my work available. If someone today were to offer me the choice between getting paid $3 million to write a book for three readers and getting paid $3 to write a book for 3 million readers, I would definitely choose the latter. Im sure I wouldnt be alone in my choice. Most writers would do the same.

(Paulo Coelho is the author of 26 books, including The Alchemist, which has sold 65 million copies)

source:TOI

Copenhagen deal: Key points

2009-12-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

A US-led initiative called the Copenhagen Accord has formed the centre-piece of a deal at UN climate talks in Copenhagen, despite some countries' opposition.

Below is an explanation of the main points in the agreement.

LEGAL STATUS

The Accord, reached between the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa, contains no reference to a legally binding agreement, as some developing countries and climate activists wanted.

Neither is there a deadline for transforming it into a binding deal, though UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said it needed to be turned into a legally binding treaty next year.

The accord was merely "recognised" by the 193 nations at the Copenhagen summit, rather than approved, which would have required unanimous support. It is not clear whether it is a formal UN deal.

TEMPERATURE RISE

The text recognises the need to limit global temperatures rising no more than 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial levels.

The language in the text shows that 2C is not a formal target, just that the group "recognises the scientific view that" the temperature increase should be held below this figure.

However, the accord does not identify a year by which carbon emissions should peak, a position resisted by some richer developing nations.

Countries are asked to spell out by 1 February next year their pledges for curbing carbon emissions by 2020. The deal does not spell out penalties for any country that fails to meet its promise.

FINANCIAL AID

The deal promises to deliver $30bn (£18.5bn) of aid for developing nations over the next three years. It outlines a goal of providing $100bn a year by 2020 to help poor countries cope with the impacts of climate change.

The accord says the rich countries will jointly mobilise the $100bn, drawing on a variety of sources: "public and private, bilateral and multilateral, including alternative sources of finance."

A green climate fund will also be established under the deal. It will support projects in developing countries related to mitigation, adaptation, "capacity building" and technology transfer.

EMISSIONS TRANSPARENCY

The pledges of rich countries will come under "rigorous, robust and transparent" scrutiny under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In the accord, developing countries will submit national reports on their emissions pledges under a method "that will ensure that national sovereignty is respected."

Pledges on climate mitigation measures seeking international support will be recorded in a registry.

REVIEW OF PROGRESS

The implementation of the Copenhagen Accord will be reviewed by 2015. This will take place about a year-and-a-half after the next scientific assessment of the global climate by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

However, if, in 2015, delegates wanted to adopt a new, lower target on global average temperature, such as 1.5C rather than 2C, it would be too late.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8420747.stm#blq-nav

NATIONAL CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK-2005(NCF)

2009-12-17T01:30:00.000-08:00

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD.. National Curriculum Framework-2005 NCERT

Merry Christmas

2009-12-17T00:43:00.000-08:00

CCE-Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation

2009-11-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

CCE website download powerpoint on CCE

Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi has issued a teachers manual on CCE for class 9 and class 10. The new scheme of continuous and comprehensive evaluation is being implemented in class 9th from the current session 2009-2010 and the same will be implemented in class 10th too from next session i.e. 2010-2011. In this new grading scheme, CBSE will not take board exam for class 10 and a Certificate of School Based Assessment will be issued by the school authorities as per the guidelines given by CBSE.

The proposed Certificate of School Based Assessment is divided into three parts.

Learn More from the official source at CCE website

HORSE SENSE

2009-10-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

"If a statue has a person on a horse with both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one leg in the air, the person died of wounds from a battle and if the horse has all four hooves on the ground, the person died of natural causes."

MAKE THE GRADE - By Jug Suraiya (TOI)

2009-10-01T01:56:00.000-07:00

The class struggle in India is about to get a little easier: students in Class X will not have to take board exams but will be subject to a grading system based on term papers, quizzes, group discussions and other activities. This long-awaited measure will liberate these students from the cruel tyranny of the dreaded board exams, which exact a frightful toll of panic and despair, leading in extreme cases to suicide.

The HRD ministry deserves two cheers for this. The third cheer must remain reserved until further reform of our oppressively antiquated educational system, which still remains obsessed with 'marksism': academic success or failure is determined by the number of marks a student gets for spewing out undigested information which has been learnt by rote, and which will be forgotten as soon as the results are out, if not sooner.

While the new measure will, it is hoped, free Class X students from despotic 'marksism' and inculcate in them a sense of inquiry which is the foundation of all true education it only defers the ordeal of the exams they will eventually have to face to pass out of school. Why not carry the grading system right through Class XII?

A more serious shortcoming of the new system is that it addresses only one side of a multifaceted problem: it seeks to grade only students, and not those who teach them or those who monitor and supervise their schoolwork, like parents. Why is it that only students must pass tests? Or, as will now be the case for Class X students, learn to make the grade? What about teachers? Isn't it equally important that they too should be regularly tested to see if they pass muster?

Having got their qualifying degrees by the same system of 'marksism' that they will perpetuate throughout their professional careers the great majority of teachers don't trouble themselves with keeping abreast in this ever-changing world with the latest developments in their supposed expertise, be it in science subjects or the humanities. In short, the moment they start teaching, they stop learning. Which is a contradiction in terms. Or ought to be. For learning and teaching are two sides of the same two-way street. Even as they test, or grade, those whom they teach, teachers should also be regularly tested, or graded, in a process which includes input from their students. (On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your teacher on the following counts: Grasp of Subject Matter, Clarity, Communication Skills, etc.)

But if teachers are to make the grade, it has to be made worth their while. Barring a handful of so-called 'elitist' institutions whose faculty members are reasonably well paid, most schoolteachers in India receive a derogatory pittance by way of salary, with government schoolteachers probably at the bottom of the heap. (So where does that 3 per cent education cess that is added onto your tax go? Don't ask.)

Indian schoolteachers' salaries are so poor, for the most part, that teachers have been described as the white-collar 'shudras' of the country. How do we upgrade our teachers who supposedly are the moulders and shapers of young minds, who in turn will shape the future of the country not just economically, but also socially?

Should not just schools, but also individual teachers, be graded by a star system awarded by an autonomous body comprising eminent educationists the way hotels and restaurants are rated?

If we really want our schoolchildren to make the grade in all senses of that term then we have to ensure that their teachers are sufficiently motivated to themselves make the grade. And in order to do that, we as a society parents, taxpayers, policymakers also have to make the grade in the common project of redefining the content and purpose of education. What is the purpose of education? Is there any purpose beyond the obvious one of getting a job and making money? How our school kids make the grade will depend on how we make the grade in answering that question.

source:TIMES OF INDIA

secondopinion@timesgroup.com

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jugglebandhi/

..............................................................

READ AN OLD NEWS ITEM from INDIAN EXPRESS

Sep 19, 2003

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 18: Union Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi today reversed the decision of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) to allow students to evaluate their teachers.Though some private schools do allow such internal assessments, this was the first time that such a measure was being introduced in a nationwide network like the Kendriya Vidyalaya system.

Joshi’s decision evoked a positive response from the large constituency of teachers but some of them like Arjun Dev, formerly with the NCERT, felt that such a system would have to be incorporated in the long run. However, he added that emphasis given to such assessment should not result in teachers being penalised in any way.

10 ka DUM...More se no More !!!

2009-08-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

Grading system for CBSE schools approved
TNN 31 August 2009, 07:30pm IST

NEW DELHI: Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal on Monday said that grading system will be introduced in all CBSE schools from the coming academic year.

“Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) supports making Class X examination optional in CBSE system,” announced Kapil Sibal at a press conference on Monday.

“There is a pan-India consensus over the issue. So we have decided to go ahead with this,” Sibal said.
From the coming academic year (2010-11), the Class X board exams will become optional in all CBSE schools.

Sources said CBSE has prepared the format of an aptitude exam which schools can use to test Class X students on their level of understanding in each subject. The emphasis, however, will be on continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) through the year instead of a single public exam at the end of Class X.
source: timesofindia

CBSE Class X boards to become optional from 2010
A great news for Class IX studying students that Class X board exams will be optional in all CBSE schools, from next academic year i.e 2010-2011.
CBSE will use the pattern of aptitude exams for all schools which will judge the level of understanding in each subject.
However, evaluations will be made on the basis of all over performance through out the year instead of a single public exam at the end of the year.
If unwell, students will also have the option of taking an exam later.
Students will have to pass in at least four out of five subjects.
source: www.icbse.com
IMPORTANT POINTS:(from learning curve)
1.The students who want to skip the exam in class X CBSE Exam2011 should study in the same school and pass class XII

2.Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation(CCE) means no onetime exam ,internal continuous tests.

3.Even now most of the major subjects in X have internal assesment marks.

4.Board exams are easier than the home exams say majority of students.

5.Rural Urban divide is not considered.Majority of rural students study up to class X and opt for some work after it,hence Class X pass certificate is important for them to get a job.

6.Parents,teachers,schools may pressurise the students take Board Exams as it is optional

As more details are coming in,we can deal with this issue in later posts..meanwhile watch the TV for discussions...

Bhumyamalaki

2009-08-22T10:53:00.002-07:00

Common Name:

Chamber bitter (Eng.)

Sanskrit Name:

Bhumyamalaki- As its leaves look like those of Amalaki and it grows close to the ground.

Bhoodhatri- Here bhoo stands for earth depicting that it grows close to the ground and Dhatri for Amalaki as its leaves are similar to those of Amalaki

Bahupatra- Bahu means many and Patra- the leaves as its leaves have many leaflets

Bahuphala- As a single branch has lots of fruits growing on it

Thamalaki - It resembles Aamalaki
Vishagni - That which is useful in poison.
Bahuveerya - That which is having high potency.
Phalamala - Phalas (Fruits) are arranged like a garland.
Shiva - Lord Shiva is believed to be present in this plant.

Lt. Name:

Phyllanthus niruri- Euphorbiaceae

Bio energetics:

Rasa (Taste)- Tikta (Bitter); Kashaya (Astringent); Madhura (Sweet)

Guna (Characteristics)- Laghu (Light); Ruksha (Rough)

Veerya (Potency)- Sheeta (Cool and calm)

Vipaka (Post digestion effect) - Madhura (Sweet)

Effect on Tridosha (Three bio humors):

Bhumyamalaki pacifies Kapha and Pitta i.e. it is useful in management of all diseases originating from aggravation of Kapha/ Pitta or both

Chemical composition of the Bhumyamalaki:
The major bioactive lignan constituent of Bhumyamalaki are phyllanthin, and hypo phyllanthin. Other constituents include hydrolysable tannins viz., phyllanthusin 0, Amarin, amarulone and amarinic acid, alkaloids viz, sobubbialine, epibubbialine, nynphyllin and neolynan, phyllnirurin.

Actions according to Ayurveda:

Rochni- Bhumyamalaki alleviates anorexia

Amlapitta nashini- Bhumyamalaki is useful in management of hyperacidity, gastric burning and peptic ulcers

Meha vinashini- Bhumyamalaki useful in management of all urinary disorders including Diabetes mellitus

Mootraroga arti shamani- Bhumyamalaki minimizes discomfort of urinary disorders

Kasa shwas hara- Bhumyamalaki useful in management of cough and respiratory discomfort

Daha nashini- Alleviates burning sensation

Stri rogam nashayed- Bhumyamalaki is useful in management of all gynecological disorders

Pipasa hara- Alleviates excessive thirst

Kshatapaha- Bhumyamalaki fastens the healing process in a wound

Kushthahara- Bhumyamalaki is useful in management of all skin diseases specially having their origin in liver disturbance

Panduroga hara- Valued highly in management of Anemia

Medicinal value:

Bhumyamalaki blocks DNA polymerase, the enzyme needed for the hepatitis B virus to reproduce. In one study, 59% of those infected with chronic viral hepatitis B lost one of the major blood markers of HBV infection (e.g. hepatitis B surface antigen) after using Bhumyamalaki for 30 days.
Bhumyamalaki is reported having very good antioxidant property and is very useful in cardiotoxicity of any origin including the one induced by different drugs.

Useful part:

Whole plant

Doses:

Powder- 3-6gm; Juice- 10-20 ml

Some useful combinations with Bhumyamalaki:

Chayavanaprasha Avalehya; Chithraka Harithaki; Madhuyasthyadi Taila;

Shatavari Guda; Bhumyamalakyadi lepa

Some special notes about Bhumyamalaki:

Seeds of Bhumyamalaki taken with rice water prove very useful in management of all gynaecological disorders. This line of treatment is said to give results with in two to three days. (Vanga sena)

source:www.ayurvedicdietsolutions.com

How to read defence number plates?

2009-08-15T09:27:00.002-07:00

Military vehicles have a unique numbering system unlike any other as you have already noticed. The numbers are registered by the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi and have a numbering system which appears very vague. The first (or the third) character is always an arrow pointing upwards. The first two digits signify the year in which the Military procured the vehicle.
The up arrow denotes Military Property so not only the cars and trucks even a chair carries the up arrow.
In the case of vehicles, the no. after the arrow indicates the year when the vehicle was commissioned into army. Then the class of the vehicle which is also stenciled on the windshield, Eg: A class "A" vehicle is brand new.. whereas a class "F" vehicle would be earmarked for phasing ouy or condemnation/sale. Then the registeration number
Another unique tradition they follow is for a sold out vehicle. This vehicle should not be driven out of the Military Transport Park , but it should be pushed out of the gates and then started.

POPULATION EDUCATION-SIE,Gangtok.

2009-08-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

State Institute of Education(SIE) conducted sensitization programme for State Population Education Project(SPEP) personnal from 10th to 13th August 2009.The Resource persons were Dr.Saroj Yadav from NCERT, Delhi,Dr.C.L.Pradhan,(Neuropsychiatrist)Gangtok,Dr.Namgyal,MD-(AIDS,cell),Ms.Chungchung(NGO-AIDS).This programme highlighted the need to understand population,adolescence Education,life skills etc.The participants about 38 in number highly benefitted out of the lectures,presentations and experience of the experts.

SWINE FLU

2009-08-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

His Holiness Dalai Lama,in his own style, responded like this ,When asked about Swine Flu...

Swine influenza (also called H1N1 flu, swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs.^[2] As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes ofinfluenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.

Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.

During the mid-20th century, identification of influenza subtypes became possible, allowing accurate diagnosis of transmission to humans. Since then, only 50 such transmissions have been confirmed. These strains of swine flu rarely pass from human to human. Symptoms of zoonotic swine flu in humans are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.

From zero to hero

2009-07-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

History is replete with examples of super achievers who failed to sparkle in school

Many great people who changed the world were academically average.

Thomas Alva Edison, who transformed the world with his inventions, was regarded as a dull student by his teacher. His teacher had described Edison as “a student who cannot learn.”

Isaac Newton, who altered the course of physics and mathematics with his brilliant formulations such as law of gravitation and Calculus, was regarded as an ordinary student.

Similarly, the great scientist Albert Einstein was never considered a good student in his school days. Celebrated writer author HG Wells and successful businessman Richard Branson were school dropouts.

AR Rahman, Oscar-winning music composer, has not received any formal education. But due to his sheer musical genius, he is today in a league of his own.

The late Dhirubhai Ambani, entrepreneur par excellence and founder of Reliance Industries, had no formal education. But that didn't prevent the industrialist from achieving his goals. The Wright brothers, inventors of the aeroplane, could hardly be called educated by any scholastic standard. But their powers of observation and intelligence were so sharp that they were the first to see that man could fly.

This list will be incomplete without the mention of Sachin Tendulkar, who had failed in his 10+2 examination. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s wealthiest men, was a college dropout. The legendary Indian mathematician Ramanujan was a brilliant mind, but he was weak in all other subjects.

source: www.thesundayindian.com

graphic pic: andamansikkim.blogspot.com

Life Skill:learning from movies

2009-07-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

We take for granted what we have now, but the things which we use for our living like match box,knife,shoes, etc, if lost or dissapears from our life then what we are going to do..our survival will become hard.Our attachments towards people,things around us create a cocoon ,but if they dissappear or if we are left alone in an alien place,what we are going to do,how to deal with such situations.What importance each thing or person hold! Absence will teach the importance.What we take for granted becomes sole effort for surviving.Fate ,destiny can be conquered by "never say die attitude"!

Cast Away-the movie brings the importance social relations,survival tactics,concept of time,basic needs etc.to the forefront.Robinson Crusoe of Books brought alive by Tom Hanks in this movie.

Teaching or creating situations(Reality shows!!)will make our children to deal with such situations in life.This is part of life skill education.

Educational Charts: Eclipse and Planets,How to Brush?

2009-07-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

These charts are created by me for my school.

STRENGTH

2009-06-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

visit:My Creations for more......

ANGER MANAGEMENT-DOWNLOAD

2009-06-24T00:02:00.002-07:00

anger mgmt2.pptx

Hosted by eSnips

Observed Metamorphosis in my backyard..

2009-02-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

EXCLUSIVE.

I observed this metamorphosis in my backyard garden on the curry leaves plant...

Chicago school reformer

2008-12-05T05:55:00.000-08:00

Some public school buildings in Chicago in the United States are extremely run-down, and as a result, many wealthy parents prefer to send their children to private schools. But a group of moms in one of the more privileged neighbourhoods of the city decided to completely spruce up their nearby school.

Peeling paint, leaking pipes, and collapsed ceilings. This is the dire state of some public school buildings in the US city of Chicago. And part of why many wealthier parents there shun public schools, preferring expensive private schools instead.

Jacqueline Edelberg was one of those more privileged Chicago parents - and she went from a skeptic on the sidelines to full-fledged activist.

Affluent moms
It all started in the park. That's where the moms in Chicago's affluent Lakeview neighborhood took their kids, and fretted about school options. Nettlehorst, the neighborhood public school, was clearly NOT an option.

"We knew it was horrible. Because everybody knew it was horrible. Either they'd tell you it was being made into condos, or they'd say, oh yes, that's terrible. There's gangs, violence, no no no no no, it's not a suitable choice."

But looking outside of her neighbourhood didn't suit Jacqueline either.

"I want a neighbourhood school. I don't want my kids to have to sit on a bus for an hour every day, I want them to have play-dates and snack with little neighbourhood kids, just normal."

Desperate
Desperate to stay in their neighborhood, Jacqueline and her best friend Nicole Wagner decided to check out Nettlehorst anyway. And they found a faded but charming grade-school with decent test scores that beat the city average.

But Lakeview parents had already written the school off. The principal, Susan Kurland, asked what it would take to change that. So Jacqueline and Nicole created a huge to-do list:

Bring in the best arts providers in the city, painting every classroom, painting every bathroom, fundraising and grant writing...

Principal Kurland looked at their list and said,"well girls, we're going to have a very busy year."

So Jacqueline went to the park, and started recruiting. She devoted months of work to the school, and Nettlehorst became a near obsession, making its way into most of the hours in her days, and even her nights. But her efforts eventually paid off.

"Lakeview Rhapsody" on one of the
doorways to the school
Task force
After assembling a task force of neighborhood parents along with donations from local businesses, the Nettlehorst school was dramatically transformed. Visually, it went from being a rather rundown and ordinary red-brick building to a place that was full of color.

The entryway is decorated with maps and globes. Donated paint and volunteer painters have changed the basement level into a virtual underwater world. Community artists and museum quality displays have transformed other hallways, stairwells, and learning spaces in the school.

Academic improvements
These aesthetic transformations were accompanied by academic improvements. Test scores have risen and an arts and music program has been introduced and expanded. Other grants have introduced classical music in the cafeteria, a menu of healthy food, and a host of special programs and services.

Parents and community leaders continue to work together to raise funds and support the Nettlehorst school. Jacqueline can now marvel at how much has changed since her first conversations about the school with other parents in the neighborhood park.

"This wasn't an easy, given ride for us. And there were many naysayers along the way, and many, many things that went wrong. But at the end of the day, I think we have a lot to be proud of. And I think we have changed the fabric of this neighborhood for years and years and
years to come."(Radio Netherlands)

Insurance cover? Not if you die in terrorist attack

2008-12-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

Anurag Sharma

New Delhi, Nov 30 (PTI) As the country mourns the dead in the terror attacks in Mumbai and governments may announce compensation to the bereaved families - insurance claims may not really be settled easily - thanks to the 'fine print' and in fact, lack of a proper cover against terrorist violence.

A 'terrorism insurance cover' is not still present in the country, say experts.

However, they add that in most life insurance products, the basic sum assured may be offered to survivors in case of death of the insured due to 'any reason' other than suicide in the first year (of obtaining the policy).

"Unlike US and UK, we don't have any insurance cover against 'terrorist' acts. Loss of life due to terror may fall in the category," says an official of Kotak Life Insurance.

Terrorism cover is offered by General insurance companies as an add-on policy with the fire insurance policy.

"After 9/11, most companies refused to give cover against acts of terrorism. General insurance companies then formed a pool and since then all premium collections done by the industry for this policy put into this pool," says Vineet Vidyarthi, Principal Officer, Almondz Insurance.

According to industry reports, Non-life insurance companies were flooded with claims worth Rs 1.3 crore, specifically on account of terror acts this year so far. During the previous year, the figure stood around Rs 1 crore.

Vidyarthi says some time many insurance companies deny compensation on the ground citing the important points in the fine print covering terms and conditions.

"It happens that when the claimant goes to take the sum, insurer may point out some encircled 'terms and conditions' and blame the person of not going through them seriously, just to avoid the payment," he says. PTI

Now students can choose their exam dates for IGNOU courses

2008-11-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

New Delhi, Nov 21

In a unique move, IGNOU has launched a scheme of 'walk-in-examinations' under which students can decide the date of their exams instead of waiting for completion of the six-month term.

Under the scheme, students can simply walk into any identified test centres of the university on the prescribed days and take the examination much before the completion of the (six-month) term, an IGNOU spokesperson told reporters, adding, the results will be processed on a monthly basis.

"Walk-in-examination will give learners the liberty to decide the dates of exams as per their suitability and convenience, thus lowering the exam pressure on them and also bringing down the fail percentage," he said. The new scheme was launched on the foundation day of the varsity yesterday by university vice chancellor Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai.

"The scheme will reduce the possibility of mal-practice in exams as each student will get different set of question papers and the examination will be conducted under camera surveillance," the spokesperson said. Registration of students, allotment of dates and issue of hall tickets will be done on-line, he said.

However, he said, initially the walk-in-examination will be conducted only in selected regional centres of the varsity once a week -- on Sunday. The frequency of such walk-in-exams will be increased thereafter depending on the need, he said.

The varsity also launched a programme on sustainable science on the foundation day celebration, open to graduates of any discipline. The appreciation programme on sustainable development has been designed in collaboration with the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation and was launched in the presence of Prof Swaminathan himself at the function.

How many monarchies still exist to this day?

2008-11-11T06:59:00.000-08:00

With the growth of parliamentary authority during the 19th century and the rise of communism after the First World War, most monarchies have ceased to exist. Even where monarchs exist, they are in most cases just ceremonial heads of states, while the power to rule and hence make law is vested with elected legislatures.

There are 43 or 44 countries that have monarchs as the ceremonial or the real head of the state, depending on whether or not the Vatican is counted among them. Of these, 7 (including the Vatican) are absolute monarchies, 16 are Commonwealth realms and the remaining 21 are constitutional monarchies.

Which countries have absolute monarchies?

In Vatican City, Brunei, Swaziland, Saudi Arab and Oman absolute power is vested in a single person and the monarch is the head of the state as well as the government.

Qatar is also an absolute monarchy, but the head of state and head of the government are different persons. The UAE is a federal presidential elected monarchy, which is a federation of seven absolute monarchies or the Emirates. The ruler of Abu Dhabi is President or the head of state while the ruler of Dubai is the Prime Minister or the head of the government.

A few former absolute monarchies like Morocco and Bhutan have turned into constitutional monarchies, but the monarch still retains tremendous power in forming national policies and passing laws. Nepal swung between absolute and constitutional monarchy for several years but in May this year, it has finally abolished monarchy altogether.

While the powers vested in monarchs are being reduced by most countries, Liechtenstein has moved towards expanding the power of the monarch and the Prince of Liechtenstein was given expanded powers after a referendum that amended the constitution of the country.

What is a Commonwealth realm?

The Commonwealth realm is any of the 16 sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations, which treat Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch. The realms which include Canada, several West Indian islands, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and a few small Pacific islands are completely sovereign states, but Queen Elizabeth II is their ceremonial head of state. As the queen lives in the UK, her constitutional functions are performed by the Governors General of these nations, who are appointed by the queen after consulting the elected head of the government.

What are constitutional monarchies?

A constitutional monarchy is the form of government in which a monarch is the head of state, but unlike in an absolute monarchy, not the only or even the main source of political power. Political power is vested in the head of the government who is elected by common citizens. Apart from the 16 commonwealth realms, there are 21 constitutional monarchies. There are 2 constitutional monarchies in Africa, 8 in Asia, 10 in Europe and 1 in Oceania.

What are sub-national monarchies?

A few countries have certain regions that are allowed to have their traditional monarch, kings or heads. For instance, Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu is the reigning king of the Zulu nation in South Africa, while New Zealand also has a traditional Maori king. Uganda, Nigeria, Indonesia and Ghana also have such traditional kings. France has three official chiefdoms, which have their respective kings.

Are the monarchs treated differently from common subjects in constitutional monarchies?

In most constitutional monarchies, justice is done in the name of the monarch and hence the monarch cannot be asked to give evidence in any court of law. Naturally, the monarch is

considered above the law of the state.

source: Learning with the Times,Times of India,10.11.2008

HAPPY TEACHERS DAY

2008-09-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

Dr.Radhakrishnans handwriting.

BACK TO NAMTHANG SCHOOL WEBLOG...

BEWARE;Chain se sona hai tho jaag jao!!!

2008-06-21T19:06:00.001-07:00

Nowadays we see a lot of activity in the name of Peace,Environment,Inter-religious tolerance,Aids etc.There are many International groups which are on the look out for vulnerable individuals ,groups and communities to spread their own hidden agenda.If we are informed well and able recognise those wolfs in the sheeps clothing then their ulterior motives can be brought to light.Most of them target the young-youths of our Nation.They can be easily convinced and brainwashed through highpitchedl public issues.

The World Widw Web is the only tool through which we can scrutinise their ventures.

Always remember..there are a lot of scientific techniques through which we can be brain washed and make us think that what we are doing is right.Even the youth are brinwashed to leave their Parents and they start living with some cult groups.Once the thought process is altered it becomes difficult to bring the person back to normal.The Brain programming is such that the vulnerable will not even suspect the manipulator.Sleight of mouth works like magic on the youth.

The more educated you are the more vulnerable towards these groups.How?

It is easy to technically/logically convince a literate person..throgh demonstration,bringing in concepts which are acceptable to you,through peer pressure,data interpretation etc.

What to do?

If you get an invitation to participate in a seminar, meeting,conference etc. then type the words in a search engine like GOOGLE and go through the results.Use your own judgement.Critical views can give you some idea.

These groups use advanced level of convincing techniques like...subliminal messages,NLT,covert hypnosis etc.

One Simple Example:

Through out the country( including Sikkim and Andaman) a simple group of six persons posing as Businessmen(not knowing even the local language) from Tamil Nadu rented and started a big showroom and started selling genuine electronics and home appliances at half the Price.The condition is that you will get the booked item only after 15 or 18 days.Meanwhile you must bring one or more customer to the shop.This so called businessmen will give the items at the promised half price on the 15th day,this will cause people to rush towards the shop as the word spreads.

When it is time to release the items in the second lot..the customers to their surprise will find the shop closed and locked.This group will dissappear overnight.You may think how they operated even in an island where you cannot escape easily.What they do is ..after collecting money for the second lot delivery..three persons will first take the flight to Kolkatta..the remaining three will catch a flight to Chennai later.First three will escape smoothly as no one will suspect .The second lot when they are in flight this"Cheating"-fraud will be brought to the notice of Police.if they are arrested at Chennai they will loose the 50% of their loot.

Even if they are arrested at Chennai the earlier trio with the help of looted money bring them out on bail.This is not a small group of six persons-it is a Mafia.Arrest or no arrest doesnot deter them towards cheating the people.

It is a WIN WIN situation for them.Police caught in the catch22 situation.

Be a well informed Citizen....and be happy.

PART AND THE WHOLE

2008-06-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

Bread is eaten in slices whereas the Roti is a whole thing.Allopathy treats our body parts differently..headache a tablet..stomach ache..different tablet, But Ayurveda treats holistically.English,science,social science etc. subjects created by the western education whereas one Guru taught all the disciplines and it was inter-disciplinary in nature in India. One cloth is worn by Indians..British brought Pant, shirt, cap, inner wear, soaks, hanky etc.One big room was the home of our ancient Indians, now see the western engineering.Thats why the Divide and Rule policy.You can add lot of examples!

Parts are important in the western culture, but the whole in ours.This is ingrained in our psyche, that’s why we can’t think like the westerner and they can’t think like us.There is a big gap in the thinking process. The holy books are best understood by the Asians than any other communities.
We are emotional(Jo biwi se kare pyaar wo prestige se kaise kare inkaar!)they are analytical..Car is more important than her husband(a TV ad from US!).The way we are brought up and taught(leave the moder n education.)makes us more Indian .The urban sandwiched between western thought and Indian culture, that’s why lot of chaos!

Concentrating on parts can bring material benefites,but the holistic approach to life leads to happiness and spiritual enlightenment.

CBSE - Helpline - Post Result 2008

2008-06-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

CBSE - Helpline - Post Result 2008 (IInd Phase)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.1: Is it possible for a student who has failed in Science stream in Class XII to change subjects to pass at subsequent examination?
Ans.: Yes, but with prior permission of the Board

Q2: What is the eligibility criteria for a student to appear as a private candidate in Board examination?
Ans.: The Board prescribes following conditions under which a candidate can appear privately: -
Failed candidates
Teachers serving in educational institutions
Women candidates who are bonafide residents of NCT of Delhi and
Physically handicapped students

Q.3: I appeared in the compartment examination in July-August, but failed again, do I now have to re-appear in all subjects again?
Ans.: The Board gives five chances to clear the compartment examination. The first examination is held in July-August followed by second chance in March-April and the third chance in July-August and so on. Unsuccessful candidates after these five attempts are required to appear afresh in all subjects.

Q.4: I wish to improve my performance in Chemistry and Maths. Is it possible and how?
Ans.: A candidate who has passed Class X or XII examination of the Board may re-appear for improvement of performance in one or more subjects in the main examination in the succeeding year only. The candidate may appear privately; those re-appearing for whole examination can also appear as regular candidate if admitted by the school.
- For subjects involving practical work, if the candidate has passed the practical examination, he or she will be allowed to appear only in theory part.
- Only a statement of marks is issued by the Board after the improvement of performance.

Q.5: Is it compulsory to pass in theory and practical exams. Separately?
Ans.: Yes, it is compulsory to pass separately in the subjects involving theory and practical in Class XII.

Q.6: Is a student required to appear in all subjects in improvement examination?
Ans.: No, the student can appear in one or more than one subject(s) as per his/her choice. However, improvement exam. can be taken only in the successive year of passing Class X/XII exams.

Q.7: Is the candidate allowed to see the answer script in case the result is not as per the expectations?
Ans.: No. There is no provision of showing answer scripts. The candidate can apply for scrutiny, for reconfirmation of marks.

Q.8 If a candidate passes in the additional subject but fails in one of the main subjects, what will the result show?
Ans.: The candidate will be considered as having passed the examination in such a case. A language will replace a language only. For further details the scheme of examinations can be referred to.

Q. 9: What is the procedure followed in marking the answers?
Ans.: Each answer is divided into steps and marks are given in accordance to the weightage assigned for these steps. It is advised that a copy of Marking Scheme be procured to get a clear idea.

Q. 10: Can a candidate simultaneously appear for Improvement as well as Additional subject examination?
Ans.: No, a candidate appearing for Improvement in one or more subjects cannot appear for additional subject examination simultaneously.

Q. 11: What is the pass criteria for Class X and XII?
Ans.: A candidate has to pass in all five subjects to be declared Pass. However, for class X a candidate is placed in compartment up to two unqualified subjects and if he fails in one subject in Class XII the candidate is placed in compartment.

Q. 12: Can one appear for additional exam along with the comptt. Exam conducted by the Board in the month of July/August?
Ans.: Yes, from 2006 Exam. onwards a candidate having six subjects and declared ‘Pass’ by securing pass marks in five subjects can now appear in the failing (sixth) subject along with comptt. candidates in July/August in the same year.

Q. 13: What is meant by verification of marks?
Ans.: The verification means :
• Checking whether all answer have been evaluated,
• That there has been no mistake in the totaling of marks for each question in that subject,
• That the marks have been transferred correctly on the title page of the answer book and to the award list,
• Whether the supplementary answer book(s) attached with the answer book mentioned by the candidate are intact,
• No revaluation of the answer book or supplementary answer book(s) shall be done.

Q. 14: What is the procedure for re-checking of marks?
Ans.: A candidate can apply for re-checking within 21 days from the date of declaration of results for Main exam. and within 15 days for Compartment exam.

Q. 15: What is the fees for re-checking of marks?
Ans.: It is Rs.100/- for one subject. The candidate should apply at the concerned Regional Office only.

Q. 16: Can one apply for verification of marks in all five subjects?
Ans.: Yes, verification of marks can be done for all the subjects on payment of separate fee for each subject.

Q. 17: How long does it take to get verification result?
Ans.: The result is sent by ordinary post within a reasonable period of time invariably between 3-4 weeks.

Q. 18: Do the marks increase after verification?
Ans.: It will depend upon the scrutiny while mostly there is “No change” found. The marks may increase or even decrease on verification and the candidate will have to accept the result.

Q. 19: Is a new mark sheet issued after revision?
Ans.: Yes, a new mark-sheet is issued after the revision whether upward or downward. The candidate has to surrender the old marks statement. In case of change in marks, the fee is also refunded to the candidate.

POWER OF YOUR MIND

2008-05-27T10:03:00.001-07:00

We often underestimate our potential...when we understand ourselves we can be more productive,creative ,healthy and wealthy. Read on....

TRANSFER; some tips for your travel

2008-04-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

If you got transferred or you are moving to a new place due to change in the working place then take note of the following to avoid any awkward situation:

1. Pack the things in an order in which you kept the things in the old house
2. Use a marker pen to write the contents/hints on the packets
3. Take tarpolines to cover it on the vehicle if it rains.
4. Keep all the transportation passes/royalty papers for your furnitures in a small bag with you
5. Ask the driver and confirm that he has got all the necessary papers of the vehicle with him
including his driving license
6. Confirm the distance and route on which you are going to travel-download the map if possible
7. Take enough drinking water for your family
8. If the journey is for more than two hours then take a break on the way and eat something .
9. Meanwhile don't forget to check the loaded packs on the vehicle..tighten the goods if it is loose.
10.If you expect to reach the destination during the wee hours then make advance
arrangements for your dinner/don't forget to carry a torch light.
11.Be sure that someone is their to help you to unload the things from the truck.

A Good Fight May Keep You And Your Marriage Healthy

2008-03-16T02:33:00.000-07:00

Researchers looked at 192 couples over 17 years and placed the couples into one of four categories: both partners communicate their anger; in the second and third groups one spouse expresses while the other suppresses; and both the husband and wife suppress their anger and brood, said Ernest Harburg, professor emeritus with the U-M School of Public Health and the Psychology Department, and lead author. The study is a longitudinal analysis of couples in Tecumseh, Mich.

"Comparison between couples in which both people suppress their anger, and the three other types of couples, are very intriguing," Harburg said.

When both spouses suppress their anger at the other when unfairly attacked, earlier death was twice as likely than in all other types.

"When couples get together, one of their main jobs is reconciliation about conflict," Harburg said. "Usually nobody is trained to do this. If they have good parents, they can imitate, that's fine, but usually the couple is ignorant about the process of resolving conflict. The key matter is, when the conflict happens, how do you resolve it?"

"When you don't, if you bury your anger, and you brood on it and you resent the other person or the attacker, and you don't try to resolve the problem, then you're in trouble."

Of the 192 couples studied, 26 pairs both suppressed their anger and there were 13 deaths in that group. In the remaining 166 pairs, there were 41 deaths combined.

In 27 percent of those couples who both suppressed their anger, one member of the couple died during the study period, and in 23 percent of those couples both died during the study period.

That's compared to only six percent of couples where both spouses died in the remaining three groups combined. Only 19 percent in the remaining three groups combined saw one partner die during the study period.

The study adjusted for age, smoking, weight, blood pressure, bronchial problems, breathing, and cardiovascular risk, Harburg said.

The paper only looks at attacks which are considered unfair or undeserved by the person being attacked, said Harburg. If the attack is viewed as fair, say an abused child or woman who believes they deserved the attack, then the victim does not get angry, Harburg said.

Harburg stresses that these preliminary numbers are small, but the researchers are now collecting 30-year follow-up data, which will have almost double the death rate, he said.

Co-authors are: Niko Kaciroti, Center for Human Growth and Development; Lillian Gleiberman, Department of Internal Medicine; M. Anthony Schork and Mara Julius, both SPH emeritus.

The paper, "Marital Pair Anger Coping Types May Act as an Entity to Affect Mortality: Preliminary Findings from a Prospective Study (Tecumseh, Michigan, 1971-88) will appear in January in the Journal of Family Communication.

Adapted from materials provided by University of Michigan.

source: Science Daily

Learn to Walk

2008-03-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

.
Tax on petrol exceeds it original price.Now its time to share the vehicle or learn to walk...
double click the picture above to open and read the details.

CBSE-Admission to Class XI and Pass Criteria for Class IX - XI

2008-03-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
2, COMMUNITY CENTRE, PREET VIHAR, DELHI-110092.

No. CE/PA/2007/14151-21150 20thJune,07

To all the Heads of Institutions
Affiliated to CBSE

Subject : Admission to Class XI and Pass Criteria for Class IX/XI.

Dear Principal,

As you may be aware, many schools follow the practice of starting class XI along with other classes in the month of April in the new academic session to utilize the period before summer vacation for instructional purposes. Academically, this seems to be correct practice so that the children may remain busy with meaningful activities. So the schools admit students of class XI provisionally before the announcement of the results of class X Board examination and accordingly allow them the subjects’ choice/Stream as per their performance in pre-boards and unit tests.

It is understood that some schools resort to the un-psychological practice of forcing students to change their subjects/steams in class XI after the class X results are announced. Students are often forced to change from Science subjects to Commerce or Humanities subjects.

Once the students get admission to class XI with a particular combination of subjects, they buy the textbooks and start attending the classes for nearly a month. A forced change of subjects later demoralizes the students, causing mental and emotional stress. Further, parents are compelled to take on the additional burden of buying a second set of books for the newly allotted subjects.

This practice has to be discouraged. Hence, schools are instructed not to force the students to change their subjects in class XI once they have been admitted with a particular combination of subjects. If there is any change in subject(s), the request has to come from the student and it has to be dealt as per the Clause 26 of Chapter 4 of the Examination Bye-Laws.

You are further informed that the Board has prescribed pass criteria for Class IX & XI in the Examination Bye-Laws of CBSE and the same is as under :-

Rule 40.1(vi) “ in order to be declared as having passed the Class XI Examination a candidate shall obtain 33% marks in all the subjects. The pass marks in each subject of examination shall be 33%. In case of subject involving practical work a candidate must obtain 33% marks in theory and 33% in practical separately in addition to 33% marks in aggregate in order to qualify in that subject “

Rule 41.1(vi) “ in order to be declared as having passed the Class IX Examination a candidate shall obtain 33% marks in all the subjects. The pass marks in each subject of examination shall be 33%.”

It is understood that many schools do not follow the Pass Criteria for Class IX and XI as prescribed by the Board. It is reiterated that the above Pass Criteria be implemented by all the schools for Class IX and XI.

Yours faithfully,

( M.C.SHARMA )
CONTROLLER OF EXAMINATIONS

Indian experiments in micro gravity provide new insights

2008-03-02T03:07:00.001-08:00

UDHAGAMANDALAM: The first results from the microgravity experiments on board the space capsule that was successfully launched and recovered (after its re-entry into the atmosphere) last year were presented at the ongoing 15th National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2008) on Wednesday.

The results from the two experiments that were carried out in the maiden flight are highly encouraging — and even somewhat unexpected — said Kamanio Chattopadhyay of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the National Coordinator of the Indian Microgravity Programme. The success of these experiments seems to suggest that materials processing in space, in particular biomaterials, could be a promising area to be pursued in the future microgravity platforms.

Microgravity refers to the condition of “weightlessness” that one obtains in a spacecraft, which, while in orbit around the Earth, is in a state of “free fall” under Earth’s gravity. Both the spacecraft and the objects in it are experiencing the same amount of gravitational pull of the Earth with no counter reaction force (due to, say, an anchored floor) that gives the feeling of “weight” to the objects. Till date, 44 microgravity experiments in 42 missions by 15 countries and the European Space Agency (ESA) have been conducted.
Unique in execution

According to Prof. Chattopadhyay, the Indian experiments were unique in their conceptualisation and execution. As a consequence, the results are absolutely new in the field of materials processing in space, he added.

Called the Space capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1), ISRO’s first microgravity platform was launched aboard the PSLV-C7 on January 10, 2007, in a circular polar orbit at an altitude of 635 km and was recovered after its splashdown 150 km east of Sriharikota in the Bay of Bengal on January 22, 2007. SRE-1 was launched along with three other satellites: ISRO’s Cartosat-1, LAPAN-TUBSAT of Indonesia and PEHUENSAT of Argentina.
Experiments

The two experiments on this scientific mission were:

Biomimetic synthesis of the particles of the inorganic chemical hydroxyapatite (a calcium-nitrate based substance). (Biomimetics refers to mimicking biological systems in nature for designing engineering systems and applications in modern technology.)

Growth of magnesium-zing-gallium (Mg-Zn-Ga) quasicrystals in an isothermal heating furnace (IHF) through a ‘peritectic’ reaction. (Quasicrystals have the unusual five-fold symmetry, like the icosahedral patches on the surface of a traditional leather football. A ‘peritectic’ solution is a mixture of substances in different phases, like a mixture of a solid and a liquid, and the mixture has the lowest melting point. During crystallisation, the two phases crystallise simultaneously from the molten solution.)

Bones and hard tissues in mammals, in particular the enamel of teeth, are made predominantly of hydroxyapatite (HAP), whose chemical formula is Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2. The self-assembly of HAP rods in the teeth, for example, occurs in a matrix of the body protein collagen. Scientists have tried to grow this in large molecules in the laboratory (under normal gravity conditions) but have been unsuccessful, said Prof. Mukhopadhyay. The idea was to see if this biological process could be reproduced in the microgravity environment of a spacecraft. Instead of a collagen matrix, for making HAP in space, the scientists brought the appropriate chemicals to combine in a gel matrix of the polymer polyvinyl acetate (PVA), which resulted in the successful self-assembly of the molecules into the typical rod-like structures. “Initially I was sceptical, but contrary to intuition the self-organisation of HAP in the presence of large molecules is better in space,” Prof. Chattopadhyay said.
Cause rock formation

Speaking about the second experiment, Prof. Chattopadhyay said, “It is peritectic reactions that result in the formation of rocks, materials in asteroids etc. But in the presence of Earth’s gravity, these reactions rarely go to completion because sedimentation of one of the substances due to gravity cannot be prevented.” On the Earth the crystallisation of an Mg-Zn-Ga peritectic mixture was found to result in a mixture of structures with Mg-Zn crystals, Mg-Zn quasi crystals and the original peritectic solution coexisting. “The peritectic reaction could not be completed,” he observed.
Increase in crystal spacing

“But in space,” Prof. Chattopadhyay said, “the pathways of solidification seem to be different. The significant thing here is the crystallization of gallium from the solution. Electron microscopic images have clearly revealed the formation of magnesium-zinc-gallium quasicrystals. The morphology of the crystals is also different in space where the crystal spacing shows an increase.” According to him, only a French group studying aluminium-nickel peritectic mixture had earlier observed such an increase in crystal spacing while others had found a decrease. The reasons for this need to be studied, he said.
Next platform in 2009?

The next microgravity platform SRE-2 may be flown next year, Prof. Chattopadhyay said. This is likely to be bigger than the SRE-1 platform to include slightly scaled-up versions of the earlier experiments as well a new biomaterials experiment in collaboration with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Scientists of JAXA are currently in India to discuss the possibility of such a payload on SRE-2.

source: The Hindu

Two Ears one Mouth !

2008-02-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

Good communication begins with listening

By Annette Richmond

Whether you're interviewing with a potential employer, meeting with a client or giving a project update to your boss whether you're successful or not depends in large part on your communication skills.

Unfortunately, most people think of communication as talking or writing. They think primarily about getting their message across to the other person. This is a big mistake.

The key to being a great communicator is to learn to listen. Understanding what the other person is thinking will help you tailor your message to their needs. This is the best way for you to succeed. Become a better listener by using these three techniques today.

Focus on the other person

Remember the last time you tried to carry on a conversation with someone who was looking around the room or checking his watch? Imagine what it's like for a potential employer.

Let's say Joe is interviewing with Susan the marketing manager at ABC Company. Joe is prepared. He carefully explains why he wants the job and what he can do for the company. Trouble is Susan notices that Joe frequently looks down or gazes out the window. She finds it difficult to take Joe seriously.

Naturally, you'll want to avert your gaze from time to time in order to avoid starring. Try to do this while still focusing on the other person. Practice maintaining eye contact with friends and colleagues. Soon you'll feel comfortable in any situation.

Stop thinking about you

I once read a quote from Ed Howe, "No man would listen to you talk if he didn't know it was his turn next." While this seems a bit harsh, I believe that there is probably an element of truth to it.

At one time or another, everyone has been guilty of planning a response while the other person is still talking. Maybe you're meeting with an important client, eagerly waiting to answer her question. Be careful. Don't be so eager to dazzle her with your knowledge that you miss what she's really asking.

Don't be afraid of silence. Practice taking a few moments to gather your thoughts once the other person has finished speaking.

Pay attention to the music

Make sure you listen to the music. You'll hear it in the other person's tone of voice. Do the words and tone agree? It's like seeing a fake smile. When someone truly smiles her eyes sparkle and her face lights up. When someone "puts on" a smile only the corners of her mouth turn up.

The next time you're in a meeting listen to the words AND the music. There's a difference between "OK, I'll take care of it" and "OK, I'll take care of it!" Make sure that you're getting the right message.

Many philosophers have suggested that we have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. That's great advice for everyone who wants to develop better communication skills.

Being a good listener is more than being there while someone is speaking. Being a good listener means hearing and understanding the message that's being sent.

It HOTS up for students!: Deccan Herald

2008-02-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

Bangalore, Feb 11: For the first time, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) students of Class 10 and 12 will take their exams that includes Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) that will put to test, their application skills.

The 2008 examination, which is set on the new curriculum, will have 20 per cent of questions based on HOTS.

Addressing presspersons in Bangalore on Sunday, CBSE Chairman Ashok Ganguly said in HOTS format, students will have to understand and interpret the questions. “It is more of application-based,” he said.

Earlier, the questions were more — Most Of The Same (MOTS) type, which was repetitive and stereotype.

The question paper is designed in such a way that students should be able to answer all the questions within the stipulated time, besides revising them.

This year too, they will be given an additional 15 minutes so that they get sufficient time to read the questions carefully. Internal evaluation in Maths, Social Science and Science subjects and oral testing in languages will be introduced for Class I to X.

A new model on grading system for Class IX and X is in the offing, Mr Ganguly disclosed.

For the first time, CBSE has come out with joint certification for vocational course. The course is Financial Marketing Management, being taken up in 90 schools and which will be certified by NSE and CBSE.

CBSE is also planning to develop many such courses in collaboration with NIFT, NASSCOM for IT-based package course and other organisations including general health care and retail management. All these courses will be supported by the industry.

“We need industry support not only for framing curriculum but also for the transition of curriculum. This is going to be a paradigm shift for Class 11 and 12. One of the reasons for the change is the 11th Plan, which is about universalisation of secondary education,” Mr Ganguly said.

On new subjects for Class 12, he said it will be more skill-based. One of them has already been implemented — creative writing and translation. “Some of the programmes we are planning to introduce are films and media, heritage crafts and others,” he said.

The chairman said the board is thinking of introducing nanotechnology at school-level. “We are thinking whether to introduce in science or as a separate subject,” he added.

'Fish rain' takes Kerala villagers by surprise

2008-02-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Residents of Kandanassery village near here were quite surprised when small fish started raining down towards the end of a sudden downpour on Monday night.

The phenomenon was first noticed by two persons when the little slimy things started pattering on their body while they were returning home late in the night.

As they thought that people would reject this as a mere fantasy or concocted tale unless there was a tangible proof, they picked up some of the bubbling fish and kept them in a water-filled bucket near the village library.

Sivaraman, who first sighted the rare phenomenon, said he also saw some fish crushed by vehicles that drove on the road when it was raining.

"There is no reason to disbelieve what the villagers say, as it is possible to have a scientific explanation for this", Dr C K Rajan of the School of Marine Sciences of the Cochin University of Science and Technology told PTI when asked about the phenomenon.

"When convective clouds are formed, it is possible that tiny aquatic organisms get lifted to the atmoshpere. They can survive suspended in the clouds so long as the clouds have moisture content," he said.

The type of fish that came down from the sky was the same as commonly found in ponds and canals in the area, the villagers said.

Some time back, a few places in the state had received 'red coloured' rain. Scientists who studied the phenomenon attributed it to the presence of algae in clouds.

source:http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14603512

My comment:It is simple..the tornadoes (high speed revolving-tube like winds)can easily lift schools of fish from the sea or pond and throw it in the land when the velocity of wind decreases.

The SINPO report

2007-11-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

The SINPO report

The SINPO report (Signal, Interference, Noise, Propagation, Overall) is manly used by SWLs (Short-Wave Listners) and describes the quality of a radio communication with a five digit number.

This report is more accurate than the RST that is very often just 59 and therefore doesn't really reflect the quality of the received signal. SINPO reports are very appreciated by broadcast station for the quality of the feedback information.

In this report all digits are from 1 (worse) to 5 (best) according to the following table:

Signal

Interference

Noise

Propagation

Overall

Strength of the signal received.

Interference from other stations.

Presence of atmospheric or other noise.

Fading characteristics of the signal.

How well the signal is received.

1	Barely audible
2	Poor
3	Fair
4	Good
5	Excellent

1	Extreme
2	Severe
3	Moderate
4	Slight
5	None

1	Extreme
2	Severe
3	Moderate
4	Slight
5	None

1	Extreme
2	Severe
3	Moderate
4	Slight
5	None

1	Barely audible
2	Poor
3	Fair
4	Good
5	Excellent

The SIO report (Signal strength, Interference, Overall quality) is a simplified version of the SINPO report that is sometimes used.

Now let me tell you what is this !.Did you listen to short wave radio,then this can be a new hobby for you..ie.D'Xing .It is a simple hobby of collecting QSL cards from around the world.What you need is a good short wave radio with all the broadcasting bands in it.

Whenever you stumble upon a new radio station, note down the quality of the reception (in numbers grade) per the above chart.. if your points are 4 5 4 3 4, it means your reception is graded good overall..Study the table above and try to grade a station in the relevent numbers to get the SINPO.Dont forget to note the name of the station, the time(GMT),the programme (title/name/host etc.),now with all these details , with your radio model and brand name,place of listening write a post card or a letter to the station.you may think it is a costly affair,but I have an idea to send these letters to foreign lands..Take out the Manorama Year Book or search the net for the Embassy address of that country from where you listened to the station..and send a post card(forgive me ,that is what I have done in the past.Now there is e.mail).After verification of your details with the stations logbook ,they will respond with a QSL card-which means "I acknowledge receipt." (colorful post card).Collecting these cards and listening to shortwave radio stations is called D'xing-a hobby.

Now this hobby lost its charm because most of the stations don't rely on listeners feedback to know their reach, due to the advancement in communication technology.

Anyways, you can give it a try.After all this means of communication is the only reliable mode even today.

now go to: Andamansikkim

OXYMORONS- opposites attract

2007-11-27T05:39:00.000-08:00

An Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words, such as 'Tight Slacks'.
'Peace Force' ,'Cruel Kindness' or 'Jumbo Shrimp' (Jumbo means 'large' while Shrimp means 'small'). It is a literary figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory words, terms, phrases or ideas are combined to create a rhetorical effect by paradoxical means.

Here read what Sashi Tharoor(in his Sunday Times of India column) says about India:

It has become a cliché to speak of India as a land of paradoxes. The old joke about our country is that anything you say about India, the opposite is also true. We like to think of ourselves as an ancient civilisation but we are also a young republic; our IT experts stride confidently into the 21st century but much of our population seems to live in each of the other 20 centuries. Quite often the opposites co-exist quite cheerfully.

One of my favourite images of India is from the last Kumbha mela, of a naked sadhu, with matted hair, ash-smeared forehead and scraggly beard, for all the world a picture of timeless other-worldliness, chatting away on a cellphone. I even suggested it to the publishers of my newest book of essays on India as a perfect cover image, but they assured me it was so well-known that it had become a cliché in itself.

And yet, clichés are clichés because they are true, and the paradoxes of India say something painfully real about our society.

How does one come to terms with a country whose population is still nearly 40% illiterate but which has educated the world’s second-largest pool of trained scientists and engineers, many of whom are making a flourishing living in Silicon Valley? How does one explain a land where peasant organisations and suspicious officials once attempted to close down Kentucky Fried Chicken as a threat to the nation, where a former prime minister bitterly criticised the sale of Pepsi-Cola since 250 million of our countrymen and women don’t have access to clean drinking water, and which yet invents more sophisticated software for the world’s computer manufacturers than any other country on the planet? A place where bullock carts are still an indispensable mode of transportation for millions, but whose rocket and satellite programmes are amongst the most advanced on earth?

The paradoxes go well beyond the nature of our entry into the 21st century. Our teeming cities overflow while two out of three Indians still scratch a living from the soil. We have been recognised, for all practical purposes, as a leading nuclear power, but 600 million Indians still have no access to electricity and there are daily power cuts even in the nation’s capital.

Ours is a culture which elevated non-violence to an effective moral principle, but whose freedom was born in blood and whose independence still soaks in it. We are the world’s leading manufacturers of generic medication for illnesses such as AIDS, but we have three million of our own citizens without access to AIDS medication, another two million with TB, and tens of millions with no health centre or clinic within 10 kilometres of their places of residence.

Bollywood makes four times as many movies as Hollywood, but 150 million Indians cannot see them, because they are blind. India holds the world record for the number of cellphones sold (8.5 million last month), but also for the number of farmer suicides (4000 in the Vidarbha district of Maharashtra alone last year).

This month, in mid-November, the prestigious Forbes magazine list of the world’s top billionaires made room for 10 new Indian names. The four richest Indians in the world are collectively worth a staggering $180 billion, greater than the GDP of a majority of member states of the United Nations. Indian papers have reported with undisguised glee that these four (Lakshmi Mittal, the two Ambani brothers, and DLF chief K P Singh) are worth more than the 40 richest Chinese combined.

We seem to find less space in our papers to note that though we have more dollar billionaires than in any country in Asia - even more than Japan, which has been richer longer - we also have 260 million people living below the poverty line. And it’s not the World Bank’s poverty line of $1 a day, but the Indian poverty line of Rs 360 a month, or 30 cents a day - in other words, a line that’s been drawn just this side of the funeral pyre.

Last month, the Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex crossed 20,000, just 20 months after it had first hit 10,000; but on the same day, some 25,000 landless people marched to Parliament, clamouring for land reform and justice. We have trained world-class scientists and engineers, but 400 million of our compatriots are illiterate, and we also have more children who have not seen the inside of a school than any other country in the world does.

We have a great demographic advantage in 540 million young people under 25 (which means we should have a dynamic, youthful and productive workforce for the next 40 years when the rest of the world, including China, is ageing) but we also have 60 million child labourers, and 72% of the children in our government schools drop out by the eighth standard. We celebrate India’s IT triumphs, but information technology has employed a grand total of 1 million people in the last five years, while 10 million are entering the workforce each year and we don’t have jobs for them.

Many of our urban youth rightly say with confidence that their future will be better than their parents’ past, but there are Maoist insurgencies violently disturbing the peace in 165 of India’s 602 districts, and these are largely made up of unemployed young men.

So yes, we are a land of paradoxes, and amongst those paradoxes is that so many of us speak about India as a great power of the 21st century when we are not yet able to feed, educate and employ our people. And yet, India is more than the sum of its contradictions. It may be a country rife with despair and disrepair, but it nonetheless moved a Mughal Emperor to declaim, ‘‘if on earth there be paradise of bliss, it is this, it is this, it is this...’’ We just have a lot more to do before it can be anything like paradise for the vast majority of our fellow citizens. (source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2568182.cms)

Learn some words of the vanishing tribe:The Jarawas of Andaman

2007-11-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

Jarawa-----English
A Ham -Morning
Daag-Coconut
Aale Mama-I will come tomorrow
Eig-Water
Aotal-Bamboo
Ent-Bathe
Antapo-It is good
Ena Jababa-Come
Aot Kohalo-Kill
Enat Thae-Sit
Anodae-Hair
Ekdda-Here
Anae Hpo-Eyes
Euli-Stone
Anna Ho-Teeth
Fara Va Ae-Swim
Anno Tahe-Cheeks
Hakada Enat-Sit here
Anna Aal-Shoulder
Kalag-Roof
Anol-Finger
Katu Paalae-Deer
Ano Paeta-Nail
Kaaya-Mother
Aan-Yes
Kakma D Ekda Aale Mama-You must not come tomorrow?
Boa-Pig
Kkma Me Ekda Aale Ma Nrima-I will not come tomorrow
Chav -It is good
Lee-Third man
Chavaya-Take a walk
Me Ulida-I am ill
D Tangi-Are you getting married to a girl or not?
Motha-Head
D Tangav-Are you getting married to a man or not?
Meta Jil-Friend
D Tomo-You are good
Me Ulaeda-I am ill
D Aat-Sit down
Maaye-My child
D Aalae-Lie down
Maap-Elder brother
D Aomo=Go to sleep
Ma Da m-My wife
D Aata Enat=You sit
Magi=My husband
D Aote=Man who is sitting
Mi Aallema=I will be back
D T Kune=Stand up
Naagi=Your husband
D Chavaya=Let's go
Napu=Fish
D Baro=You are good
Piti piti=Bad
D Chapte=Climb up
Paincha=Me Dead
D Chagi=You Alight
Pil=Bear
D Tale=Night
Tag Utu=Ship
D Vage Aativa=What's your husband's name?
Tuh=Fire
D Vagam Aativa=What's your wife's name?
Tapo=Want
D Ativa=What's your name
Thooye=Girl
D Achaela Aatiba=How many children have you?
Unnu=Come here
D Aeti Oon=All go
Ummu=Father
D Aati Fet=Run away
Vaannaam =His wife
Daa=Son
Vaagi =Her husband
Ya Kota=Elder brother

Centella asiatica

2007-11-17T08:12:00.002-08:00

This herb is found abundantly in India . Which is commonly called Godataap in Sikkim because of its appearance resembling the horse foot.When I talked about it with an elderly lady here ,she said it is vidhya dhar-means wisdom bearing .. In West Bengal(Golpatta) and in Tamil Nadu(vallarai) ,Sanskrit Mandooka parani(frog sittingplace),by the Tribals of chota nagpur -mendak baazi -it is eaten as cooked leafy vegetable.It is often mistaken for the original Brahmi.
The medicinal value of this plant is of immense value as it can be used as a general tonic by any one.For Memory boosting,nuerological disorders,stomach ailments,for ageing people it acts like kayakalp(elixir).

Eating a few leaves daily was thought to "strengthen and revitalize worn out bodies and brains." Centella asiatica has also been recommended as a treatment for mental troubles, high blood pressure, abscesses, rheumatism, fever, ulcers, leprosy, skin eruptions, nervous disorders, and jaundice.

This post is from my own experience and observation..Two leaves daily can be taken raw.Be sure to use the right variety of it..there are many varieties of it found here in Sikkim,the smooth and clean one should be used.

see the picture of this plant at www.centralpendamschool.blogspot.com

MIND SET

2007-10-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Did you ever noticed ! when you learned a new word or something new then you always see the same word often or the related matter which you learned the other day.Avid readers must have experienced it.If you are interested in visual/graphic kind of things then you will not disagree with me seeing images of people or portraits in clouds, walls/in places .Our mind can be set to a certain extend for what you want to learn or what you want to achieve.Our brains are programmable and it is similar to our modern day computers,because the computers are made to behave like our brains.

Some times the name of a person is in the tip of your tongue ,and not coming out! Then leave it for some time and engage yourself in some other work.The name will pop- up suddenly when you are not thinking about it.

I use Alphabetical Technique to bring out the names I forget.I start from A then B,C ,D....Insight shows me the name.If I can't then I leave it to my mind to bring it out!

MIND -MASTER AND SLAVE

2007-10-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

I started learning about the mind ,when I was 24 years old.Here I want to post some secrets of our mind which is never discussed in easy and simple language .I am not an expert,but I learned,experienced these things and want to share.Our mind works in two different levels.Conscious and unconscious levels,as I am typing this my conscious level is working,but the other side is working independently without showing any existence of it.Conscious mind is active when we are not sleeping.( or till we hit by something and go unconscious!)

THE SLAVE

The other side is everything in our life,but it is a slave to commands and never judge,to put it simply ,it is a robot like thing which obeys!Whatever we put/feed in our day today life slowly seeps into the otherside and becomes part of our nature which is reflected in our actions.As we sow ,we reap.. kind of thing.

This simple principle can be applied to tame this hidden otherside(unconscious) for our benefit.
It is called auto-suggestion,we can... through positive suggestions change the way we act,behave,and think.I will post about it later.Now let us try to understand our this side and otherside.

When we wake up in the morning..the gloomy,dullness is the secret.This mind level is called the
alpha level ,neither awaken nor in sleep..the sleepy/trance stage.When we are about to slip into sleep..that stage is also similar to this.At this moment our brain waves are in such a level which is akin to meditation -the trance.This level has to be created in the middle of the day or in our office...in a fully aware state of mind, for results, to get most out of the otherside.

THE MASTER

Yogis,siddhas,sanths all train themselves physically and mentally to be in that state always.The otherside is so powerful..so the people who reached that level are called threekaal darshis(who can see the present,past and future)

Imagine that the conscious is on the top and below is the otherside..two layers,the otherside is Mahasakhti(great power and energy)which knows everything,our instinct ,master ,name anything-but it is the Master of everything.This side can be lifted to the level of consciousness.That is called Enlightenment,awakening.It tries to come up ,but we wake up .During our deep sleep the otherside awakens and try to come up..during this..some people dream about the future happenings..it is premonition.

See you in the next post ,if you are interested in this subject then let me know..put a comment.

Cartoons in Textbooks of Rajasthan

2007-10-01T23:21:00.001-07:00

Jaipur: Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters will enliven the text books of Class I children in Rajasthan from the next academic session to help get the children more interested in studies.

The Rajya Pustak Mandal has decided to print cartoons on the cover pages and make the books more colourful.

"Mickey Mouse would be on the cover page and if our plan is successful then we would incorporate similar changes in books for Classes 2 and 3," Vasudev Devnani, state minister for education, told IANS.

"Kids love cartoons the most. We want them to learn and enjoy at the same time," he said.

"It is a good step and would certainly help in generating the interest of students," Vivek Sharma, a father of a five-year-old daughter, said.

Despite its efforts, Rajasthan still has a high drop out rate, which as per estimates stands at over 34 percent. The state government has taken various initiatives to improve educational standards in the state, including appointing around 41,000 teachers, while the appointment of another 31,000 teachers is being finalised.

The government has improved the student-teacher ratio in primary classes and secondary classes.

Under the Shiskha Sambal Mahaabhiyaan, 1.65 million children in the age group 6-14 years were enrolled while 9.6 million children were given free text books. IANS

GANDHI AS SCHOOL MASTER

2007-09-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

THE STORY OF MY EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH
By Mahatma Gandhi

PART 4
CHAPTER XXXII

AS SCHOOLMASTER

The reader will, I hope, bear in mind the fact that I am, in these chapters, describing things not mentioned, or only cursorily mentioned in the history of satyagraha in South Africa. If he does so, he will easily see the connection between the recent chapters.

As the Farm grew, it was found necessary to make some provision for the education of its boys and girls. There were, among these, Hindu, Mussalman, Parsi and Christian boys and some Hindu girls. I was not possible, and I did not think it necessary, to engage special teachers for them. It was not possible, for qualified Indian teachers were scarce, and even when available, none would be ready to go to a place 21 miles distant from Johannesburg on a small salary.

Also we were certainly not overflowing with money. And I did not think it necessary to import teachers from outside the Farm. I did not believe in the existing system of education, and I had a mind to find out by experience and experiment the true system. Only this much I knew-that, under ideal conditions, true education could be imparted only by the parents, and that then there should be the minimum of outside help, that Tolstoy Farm was a family, in which I occupied the place of the father, and that I should so far as possible shoulder the responsibility for the training of the young.

The conception no doubt was not without its flaws. All the young people had not been with me since their childhood, they had been brought up in different conditions and environments, and they did not not belong to the same religion. How could I do full justice to the young people, thus circumstanced, even if I assumed the place of paterfamilias ? But I had always given the first place to the culture of the heart or the building of character, and as I felt confident that moral training could be given to all alike, no matter how different their ages and their upbringing, I decided to live amongst them all the twenty-four hours of the day as their father. I regarded character buildings as the proper foundation for their education and, if the foundation was firmly laid, I was sure that the children could learn all the other things themselves or with the assistance of friends.

But as I fully appreciated the necessity of a literary training in addition, I started some classes with the help of Mr. Kallenbach and Sjt. Pragji Desai. Nor did I under-rate the building up of the body.

This they got in the course of their daily routine. For there were no servants on the Farm, and all the work, from cooking down to scavenging, was done by the inmates. There were many fruit trees to be looked after, and enough gardening to be done as well. Mr.

Kallencbach was fond of gardening and had gained some experience of this work in one of the governmental model gardens.

It was obligatory on all, young and old, who were not engaged in the kitchen, to give some time to gardening. The children had the lion"s share of this work, which included digging pits, felling timber and lifting loads. This gave them ample exercise. They took delight in the work, and so they did not generally need any other exercise or games. Of course some of them, and sometimes all of them, malingered and shirked. Sometimes I connived at their pranks, but often I was strict with them. I dare say they did not like the strictness, but I do not recollect their having resisted it. Whenever I was strict, I would, by argument, convince them that it was not right to play with one"s work. The conviction would, however, be short-lived, the next moment they would again leave their work and go to play. All the same we got along, and at any rate they built up fine physiques. There was scarcely any illness on the Farm, though it must be said that good air and water and regular hours of food were not a little responsible for this.

A word about vocational training. It was my intention to teach every one of the youngsters some useful manual vocation. For this purpose Mr. Kallenbach went to a Trappist monastery and returned having learnt shoe-making. I learnt it from him and taught the art to such as were ready to take it up. Mr. Kallenbach had some experience of carpentry, and there was another inmate who knew it; so we had a small class in carpentry. Cooking almost all the youngsters knew.

All this was new to them. They had never even dreamt that they would have to learn these things some day. For generally the only training that Indian children received in South Africa was in the three R"s. On Tolstoy Farm we made it a rule that the youngsters should not be asked to do what the teachers did not do, and therefore, when they were asked to do any work, there was always a teacher co operating and actually working with them. Hence whatever the youngsters learnt, they learnt cheerfully. Literary training and character building must be dealt with in the following chapters.

CBSE to overhaul Class X, XII exams next year

2007-09-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

Kolkata, Sept. 23

The question paper pattern of Central Board of Secondary Education has been overhauled focussing on objective-type questions for its Class-X and XII examinations with effect from next academic year. The Board also plans to launch grading system for Class-X examinations as soon as it gets the green light from the ministry of human resource development.

For the first time, in 2008, examinees will have to appear for their Board examinations under a new curriculum. At the same time, to maintain a balance between speed and accuracy ~ for students to complete their papers comfortably, the typology and design of the question papers have undergone major alterations. Objective-type questions find more importance in the papers. Shifting from the idea of multi-choice question, where students have to choose the correct answer from the multiple options, under the new system, they have to write their own answers.

Twenty per cent of the questions will be based on higher order thinking skills (Hots) which will test their abilities in thinking and analysis rather than pure bookish knowledge. Chairman of the CBSE, Mr Ashok Ganguly, said that objective-type questions were aimed at getting the correct picture of a student's performance. That part will delve into their minds through fundamental questions instead of those from text books. "Since our aim is not to make students only academically strong, the paper has been designed in a manner that will need a synchronisation of head, heart and hand,” he said.

He also stressed that under the new pattern, examinees would have to attempt all questions. There may be internal options, for example, question No-1 might have two options ~ that is 1a and 1b ~ and the examinees could answer anyone. A specimen of the new version of question papers is already available on the Board's website.

The Board chairman also observed that a holistic idea about a student was possible only through a continuous and comprehensive evaluation process, which included internal assessment, abolishment of marks and introduction of grading system. Mr Ganguly added that the Board already designed a model for introduction of grading system in Class-X exams but was awaiting a final nod from the MHRD.

He added that internal assessment had already started in subjects such as Mathematics, Science and Social Science in Class-IX and Class-X. While five-point grading system is already in Class-III and Class-V, it is seven-point grading system in Class-VI and Class-VIII.

WATER:Consumers Beware

2007-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

PAANI PAANI RE...

“The ISI has very high standards. In fact, ‘mineral water’ means that it should have undergone no processing at all. Presently, what is sold in the market as ‘mineral water’ is actually ‘packaged’ water. Real mineral water must have no additions, must have not undergone any ozonisation and should not have had any processing in the first place.”

"Packaged drinking water", the official notification defines as water derived from any source of potable water, which is subjected to treatment such as filtration, activated carbon filtration, demineralisation and reverse osmosis. The standard for packaged drinking water, which is being introduced for the first time, is more flexible in terms of source and processing.

The popular brands are only Packaged Drinking water and not Mineral Water,only four or five brands in India can claim to be Mineral Water. Customer should learn to make a difference between these two.

Schools cannot compel students to disclose caste: SC

2007-09-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court on Monday said that schools in the country cannot compel students to disclose their caste status at the time of admission.

Any such disclosure shall be optional, or in other words, it should be left to the discretion of the student to divulge his/her caste identity, a bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said.

The bench, however, dismissed a PIL filed by an 81-year-old freedom fighter, Salemvelu Gandhi alias Velu, from Tamil Nadu who sought a complete ban on "caste disclosure" forms circulated by schools to students during admissions.

The apex court, while appreciating the "laudable objective" of the petitioner, said it cannot pass any direction on the issue as it would create problems for those who want to avail free scholarships and other benefits.

The bench said the school leaving certificate forms the basis for SCs, STs and BCs pursuing higher education or seeking jobs, as otherwise such beneficiaries would not be able to get the benefits.

How to Perform Self Hypnosis

2007-09-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

Self-Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of mind which can be defined as a heightened state of focused concentration, (trance), with the willingness to follow instructions (suggestibility).

Steps:

Go to a comfortable, private place and sit in any comfortable chair or couch. Although some people prefer to lie down, you are more susceptible to sleep than when sitting up.
Close your eyes and try to rid your mind of any feelings of fear, stress, or anxiety. When you begin, you will find it difficult not to think. You may find that thoughts keep intruding. When this happens, don't try to force the thoughts out. Observe them impartially, and then let them slip away.
Recognize the tension in your body. Beginning with your toes, imagine the tension slowly falling away from your body and vanishing. Imagine it freeing each body part one at a time starting with your toes and working its way up your body. Visualize each part of your body becoming lighter and lighter as the tension is removed. relax your toes, then your feet. Continue with your calves, thighs, hips, stomach and so on, until you've relaxed each portion, including your face and head. Using imagery techniques of something you find comforting or soothing, such as water(I feel the water rushing over my feet and ankles, cleansing them of tension)can be effective as well.
Take slow, deep breaths. When you exhale, see the tension and negativity leaving in a dark cloud. As you inhale, see the air returning as a bright force filled with life and energy.
Appreciate the fact that you are now extremely relaxed. Imagine you are at the top of a flight of 10 stairs. Picture every detail of this scene from the top to the bottom. Tell yourself that you are going to descend the stairs, counting each step down, starting at 10. Picture each number in your mind. Imagine that each number you count is further down and one step closer to the bottom. After each number, you will feel yourself drifting further and further into deep relaxation. As you take each step, imagine the feel of the step under your feet. Keep counting and stepping down until you reach the bottom. Once you reach the bottom imagine that you are happy and relaxed. I find that rolling my eyes gently back into my head induces a trance rather well.
At this point, you should begin to address the issue you're concerned about. Speak in the present tense. Your subconscious mind does not understand negatives in speech - avoid using statements with negative connotation such as "I don't want to be tired and irritable." Instead, say, "I am calm and relaxed." Examples of positive statements "I am strong and slender," "I am successful and positive," and, if you have pain, "My back feels wonderful." (see warning on PAIN)
Repeat your statement(s) to yourself as many times as you wish.
When you are satisfied, say to yourself that you will now count upwards to 0 to 10, and when you reach the number 10, you will slowly rise back to normal consciousness and remain calm and relaxed. Proceed to count upwards, again picturing the numbers in detail.
Once you have ascended, give yourself a few moments before opening your eyes, and take your time getting up.

Mutual Funds-Why should I opt for this?

2007-09-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, Mutual Funds are one of the hottest topics among small investors. Since the last few years, the mutual fund industry is performing well and offering an average return of 20% per annum. Compared to other traditional investments, it has given a far better return…. Fixed deposits are offering a maximum return of 9.5%, Postal schemes are offering a return of merely 7 to 8%, and companies’ fixed deposit scheme too are offering returns in the same range.On one hand, we are not getting sufficient returns from our traditional investments and on the other there is apprehension about rising inflation. If you are keeping money idle, then apart from an opportunity lost there is a devaluation of your amount equivalent to the inflation rate. Currently, inflation rate is around 4.5%, thus if you are investing your money then you should keep one thing in mind that the returns from such investments should be at least equal to the inflation rate. This helps us calculate the real returns from any investment. For eg. if Fixed Deposit is giving a return of 9.5 percent then in real terms the return will be 5% i.e. 9.5% less 4.5%. Then you should also consider the taxation rates to get your effective returns.Now it is essential to find an investment, which will offer higher returns and at the same time be easy to operate and Mutual fund is one that satisfies both objectives.The main features of a mutual fund can be studied in the following way-1. Designed to suit the individual small investorsMutual funds are designed in such a way that small investors can invest their money in the scheme. The investor thus can invest in instruments, which require bigger initial outlays.2. Adjusting the period of maturityMutual funds have the capability to covert a primary security of a certain maturity in to the another security of different maturity.For example, suppose an investment has a maturity period of one year, thus it is necessary to engage your fund for at least one year. However, when you are opting for mutual funds, you need not bother about maturity terms of investments made by the mutual fund. The investor can withdraw the investment as per the terms between the mutual fund and him.3. Risk DiversificationInvestments mean managing risk rather than managing returns and one of the good ways of managing risk is diversification of one’s investments. The small investor faces a hurdle while trying to diversify his investment due to lack of funds and thus is bound to face higher amount of risk. However mutual funds can easily diversify its risk as compared to an individual investor as it has access to larger funds. Thus when a mutual fund investor is investing an amount as small as Rs 5000 then too he is reaping the benefits of diversification.4. Professional touch to your investmentOne way to enjoy sound sleep is to handover your investments into expert hands. Yet, it is not possible for small investors due to the cost associated with it. It is not feasible too, to employ a fund manager for small investment like Rs 5000.Mutual funds find possible and feasible to employ experts to control assets under management (AUM). Hence by investing in mutual funds you are hiring the services of fund managers.Thus, from the above facts it can be concluded that it is always better to opt for mutual funds to manage your risk and maximize returns.

source: http://netpaisa.blogspot.com

The Ground rules of Mutual Fund Investing

2007-09-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Moses gave to his followers 10 commandments that were to be followed till eternity. The world of investments too has several ground rules meant for investors who are novices in their own right and wish to enter the myriad world of investments. These come in handy for there is every possibility of losing what one has if due care is not taken.

Assess yourself: Self-assessment of one’s needs; expectations and risk profile is of prime importance failing which, one will make more mistakes in putting money in right places than otherwise. One should identify the degree of risk bearing capacity one has and also clearly state the expectations from the investments. Irrational expectations will only bring pain.
Try to understand where the money is going: It is important to identify the nature of investment and to know if one is compatible with the investment. One can lose substantially if one picks the wrong kind of mutual fund. In order to avoid any confusion it is better to go through the literature such as offer document and fact sheets that mutual fund companies provide on their funds.
Don't rush in picking funds, think first: one first has to decide what he wants the money for and it is this investment goal that should be the guiding light for all investments done. It is thus important to know the risks associated with the fund and align it with the quantum of risk one is willing to take. One should take a look at the portfolio of the funds for the purpose. Excessive exposure to any specific sector should be avoided, as it will only add to the risk of the entire portfolio. Mutual funds invest with a certain ideology such as the "Value Principle" or "Growth Philosophy". Both have their share of critics but both philosophies work for investors of different kinds. Identifying the proposed investment philosophy of the fund will give an insight into the kind of risks that it shall be taking in future.
Invest. Don’t speculate: A common investor is limited in the degree of risk that he is willing to take. It is thus of key importance that there is thought given to the process of investment and to the time horizon of the intended investment. One should abstain from speculating which in other words would mean getting out of one fund and investing in another with the intention of making quick money. One would do well to remember that nobody can perfectly time the market so staying invested is the best option unless there are compelling reasons to exit.
Don’t put all the eggs in one basket: This old age adage is of utmost importance. No matter what the risk profile of a person is, it is always advisable to diversify the risks associated. So putting one’s money in different asset classes is generally the best option as it averages the risks in each category. Thus, even investors of equity should be judicious and invest some portion of the investment in debt. Diversification even in any particular asset class (such as equity, debt) is good. Not all fund managers have the same acumen of fund management and with identification of the best man being a tough task, it is good to place money in the hands of several fund managers. This might reduce the maximum return possible, but will also reduce the risks.
Be regular: Investing should be a habit and not an exercise undertaken at one’s wishes, if one has to really benefit from them. As we said earlier, since it is extremely difficult to know when to enter or exit the market, it is important to beat the market by being systematic. The basic philosophy of Rupee cost averaging would suggest that if one invests regularly through the ups and downs of the market, he would stand a better chance of generating more returns than the market for the entire duration. The SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) offered by all funds helps in being systematic. All that one needs to do is to give post-dated cheques to the fund and thereafter one will not be harried later. The Automatic investment Plans offered by some funds goes a step further, as the amount can be directly/electronically transferred from the account of the investor.
Do your homework:

It is important for all investors to research the avenues available to them irrespective of the investor category they belong to. This is important because an informed investor is in a better decision to make right decisions. Having identified the risks associated with the investment is important and so one should try to know all aspects associated with it. Asking the intermediaries is one of the ways to take care of the problem.
Find the right funds

Finding funds that do not charge much fees is of importance, as the fee charged ultimately goes from the pocket of the investor. This is even more important for debt funds as the returns from these funds are not much. Funds that charge more will reduce the yield to the investor. Finding the right funds is important and one should also use these funds for tax efficiency. Investors of equity should keep in mind that all dividends are currently tax-free in India and so their tax liabilities can be reduced if the dividend payout option is used. Investors of debt will be charged a tax on dividend distribution and so can easily avoid the payout options.
Keep track of your investments

Finding the right fund is important but even more important is to keep track of the way they are performing in the market. If the market is beginning to enter a bearish phase, then investors of equity too will benefit by switching to debt funds as the losses can be minimized. One can always switch back to equity if the equity market starts to show some buoyancy.
Know when to sell your mutual funds: Knowing when to exit a fund too is of utmost importance. One should book profits immediately when enough has been earned i.e. the initial expectation from the fund has been met with. Other factors like non-performance, hike in fee charged and change in any basic attribute of the fund etc. are some of the reasons for to exit. For more on it, read "When to say goodbye to your mutual fund."

Investments in mutual funds too are not risk-free and so investments warrant some caution and careful attention of the investor. Investing in mutual funds can be a dicey business for people who do not remember to follow these rules diligently, as people are likely to commit mistakes by being ignorant or adventurous enough to take risks more than what they can absorb. This is the reason why people would do well to remember these rules before they set out to invest their hard-earned money.

Source: Mutualfundsindia Research Team

WORLD TEACHERS DAY

2007-09-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

World Teachers' Day, held annually on 5 October since 1994, commemorates teachers’ organisations worldwide. Its aim is to mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.

According to UNESCO, World Teachers' Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development.

Education International (EI) (the global union federation that represents education professionals worldwide) strongly believes that World Teachers' Day should be internationally recognized and celebrated around the world. EI also believes that the principles of the 1966 and 1997 Recommendations should be considered for implementation in all nations.

Over 100 countries observe World Teachers' Day. The efforts of Education International and its 390 member organisations have contributed to this widely spread recognition. Every year, EI launches a public awareness campaign to highlight the contributions of the teaching profession.

Hired by the blog

2007-09-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

-By Ramiya Bhas

“7 0 mm celluloid full of sound, colour and emotion - overkill, if anything. I was waiting for the magic of Shrek 1 and 2 to be re-created in part 3, but it was nowhere to be seen. The green hulk was adorable as ever, but I felt the movie was less about him and more about an overflowing bandwagon of villains and fairies. Too many elements were pitched in, trying really hard to weave a story that was borderline Shrek-ish and somewhere, an attempt to churn out another Cinderella or Snow White-kind of tale, with an ‘Happily Ever After’ touch…”

Imagine these six lines being a part of your resume! Crazy, huh, especially since it says nothing about the individual’s work experience at all? To top it all, it actually reads like a movie review! That’s exactly what this is. If you read the blog attentively, what else does it convey about the blogger besides the fact that he/she is an avid Shrek fan? Think hard! An HR manager who read the above excerpt of the blog says that the blogger is highly opinionated, focussed and goal-oriented. There are certain aspects that reflect the personality traits of the blogger and impressed by the blogger’s style of expressing his/her opinion on the film director’s lack of spark in his current offering in comparison to his prequels, he feels that the blogger’s qualities aptly complement a marketing executive’s profile. Sounds weird? But that’s exactly what several HR managers are doing! ‘Hiring by the blog’ is a practice that looks set to be the newest hiring trend.

Blogs: a helper’s hand?

“We actually recruited an individual after reading her blog. When we met the candidate, we found that she was shy, and were not sure whether she would thrive in an advertising agency. However, reading her blog made us realise that she could express herself as long as the communication was written rather than oral. She turned out to be an excellent search executive,” says C Vasudevan, Manager–HR and Administration, Communicate 2.

“Though this practice is still in its nascent stage, corporate recruiters are surfing blogs to unearth candidates, expanding their talent pool and gaining insights that they can’t get from resumes and interviews,” claims Sapna Agarwal, Director HR (Recruitment) GlobalLogic. Some feel that traditional recruitment techniques are still going to be popular for now. “The implementation of this trend in India would take a few more years. This is because the overall awareness on the usage of such a tool has not caught the attention of the prospective candidate, wherein he/she maintains an individual blog that highlights his/her career aspirations and thereby allowing the recruiter to gain clear visibility on the candidate’s job interest,” explains Deepak Deshpande, Head - HR, Lionbridge India.

Agarwal adds, “Blogs also help employers probe further into the qualifications of potential hires. I spend one to two hours a week searching through blogs for new talent or additional information about the candidates I have interviewed. If I am impressed by the points the blogger is making and the way he/she is making them, the potential hire will jump up a few notches in my opinion.”

Blogs: a good idea?

Recruiters no longer believe in just getting personal references for their new candidates. They prefer to get up, close and personal, to get a sneak peek at the recruits’ personality. “If the candidate has written a blog, it helps to know the mental make-up of the person. A blog can be an effective tool to let me gauge into someone’s attitude quite easily,” explains Agarwal. She adds, “An HR manager can use a blog to understand the likes and dislikes of the candidate, as it allows them to structure the right environment for the candidate, like if the candidate is an introvert, they would never be happy with a job profile where they are required to meet strangers everyday!”

Blogs: do we, don’t we?

Now that HR managers feel that blogging for new recruits helps, does this mean organisations in India should start reading blogs? Deshpande thinks so. “Agencies and firms would continue using the traditional methods of recruitment and simultaneously adopt the recruitment through blogging model as it holds immense potential. There are some issues that are rarely addressed during an interview, like, ‘How passionate the candidate is about his/her present job profile, how innovative the candidate is, how the candidate deals with criticism, how the candidate convinces others, etc’. The recruiter will rarely get an insight in his/her short interview with the candidate, but blogging on the other hand could provide useful insights on this,” he says.

Agarwal on the other hand feels differently. She says, “There are various aspects about blogs which can lead to dire consequences. As a company and as an HR professional, one should be very specific of the blog and the content that the blogger has used and also the consistency of blogging. Many people try to live a life through their blogs that is not normally possible in their work or in professional life. A blogger may sound too strong online, but you might find him/her extra humble and down-to-earth in real life. The blog persona may be just that: a persona, not the real person,” she adds.

It’s just too early to decide if blogs will be the next recruitment tool. While companies agree that they are helpful, not all agree that candidates can be hired based just on their blogs. But most contend that a blog does give a unique perspective of a candidates’ personality that otherwise would have been difficult to assess. So if you’re in the market for a job, well, blog away!

(this article appeared in Times Ascent-By Ramiya Bhas )

HONESTY IS STILL THE BEST POLICY FOR SOME

2007-09-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Do you think honesty is still the best policy?If your answer is Yes,then you are in the Minority list!
If you say NO,then you are in .........! Honesty takes a backseat when money is in the front seat.
Everything is possible for some..nothing is possible for the honest and modest .You should be manipulative,diplomatic& mean minded for success-this is the new mantra of the screen age generation.Talent is- hunted and killed..."Send a SMS to decide whether viewers should be empowered to select(elect) a contestant"shouts a News Channel-again SMS -fooling who?Don't get desperate . Negativity attracts because it comes in attractive colours & variety and fascinates the majority.Without this Negative ,Positive will not have any value.Be in the Minotity List and be UNIQUE! a rare gem,precious stone! HAPPY TEACHERS DAY.

India's fearless 'untouchable' paper

2007-08-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

By Amarnath Tewary
Dumka, Jharkhand (for BBC)

But the sixty-something Dalit from Dumka in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand has published a newspaper every week without fail for the past 21 years, highlighting discrimination against the poor and local corruption.

Mr Rajak's four-page, handwritten Hindi-news Din Dalit is photocopied 100 times and sold to subscribers or pasted onto Dumka's main traffic lights, bus stands and roads.

Din Dalit is not just another small town news sheet - the newspaper is registered with India's Registrar of Newspapers, thanks to the efforts of India's first Dalit President, KR Narayanan, after Mr Rajak wrote to him.

Since its first edition in October 1986, Din Dalit has made a difference to the lives of local people, even helping a resident to secure social security from the authorities after his plight was reported in the paper.

'I was hurt'

Mr Rajak says he decided to bring out the newspaper after he was humiliated by local authorities when he took some people to meet them to help enlist them in a government social security scheme.

"I was very hurt. I approached the local media to highlight the incident but they did not show any interest. So I decided to go ahead and bring out my own newspaper," he says.

Over the years, Din Dalit has run stories on diverse subjects like a local scam in the distribution of specially-made cycles for disabled people, and bungling in a government housing scheme and kerosene oil distribution for the poor.

After washing clothes through the week for a living, Mr Rajak concentrates on bringing out the paper by selecting the news, deciding on the editorial page content and headlining the articles on Sundays.

The paper now even boasts a reporter - 45-year-old Ravi Shanker Gupta, who works in a grocery and goes out to collect news when he gets a work break.

On Monday morning, the editor and his intrepid reporter publish 100 copies of Din Dalit - 50 are bought by regular readers, and some are pasted on the walls. Some 25 copies go to government departments.

Mr Rajak says he spends 300 to 350 rupees (about $8) producing the paper.

His wife is less than impressed with his efforts. "He just wastes his time and money every week. I have no idea what he gets by bringing out the paper," says Lakshmi Devi.

But others in Dumka think highly of Mr Rajak's paper.

Ashok Khatri, a disabled man, says he received a 2,000 rupee social security grant from the government, only after Din Dalit wrote about him.

'War against corruption'

Rickshaw puller Dhrub Rai says Din Dalit serves a critical social purpose.
"Rajak has simply waged a war against corruption and social evils here," he says.
Mr Rajak's four sons also support their father's unstinting efforts.
"We feel proud when we see people reading and discussing the issues raised in the paper," says eldest son, Raj Shanker Rajak.
And local English-language journalist Brajesh Verma concedes that Din Dalit serves an important purpose.
"It has its own dedicated readership who wait for it every week," he says.
Din Dalit has also begun commenting on larger national issues. A recent piece by Mr Rajak stressed the need to turn the Line of Control - the de facto border separating the disputed region of Kashmir - into a "line of peace".
He has also written a drama on the Kashmir problem and sent it to a state-run television channel to make a serial out of it. He is still waiting for a response.

Mr Rajak's achievement is considerable when you consider the fact that India's 180 million Dalits still remain largely neglected by the authorities.
Officially, caste discrimination was outlawed when India gained independence in 1947.

But Dalits are still often expected to do the most menial jobs. In many villages, they are also prevented from drinking water from wells used by high-caste Hindus.

FLAG CODE OF INDIA for Schools

2007-08-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

SECTION II (of flag code of India)

2.3 The National Flag may be hoisted in educational institutions (schools, colleges, sports camps, scout camps, etc.) to inspire respect for the Flag. A model set of instructions for guidance is given below -
(i) The School will assemble in open square formation with pupils forming the three sides and the Flag-staff at the centre of the fourth side. The Headmaster, the pupil leader and the person unfurling the Flag (if other than the Headmaster) will stand three paces behind the Flag-staff.

(ii) The pupils will fall according to classes and in squads of ten (or other number according to strength). These squads will be arranged one behind the other. The pupil leader of the class will stand to the right of the first row of his class and the form master will stand three paces behind the last row of his class, towards the middle. The classes will be arranged along the square in the order of seniority with the seniormost class at the right end.

(iii) The distance between each row should be at least one pace (30 inches); and the space between Form and Form should be the same.

(iv) When each Form or Class is ready, the Class leader will step forward and salute the selected school pupil leader. As soon as all the Forms are ready, the school pupil leader will step up to the Headmaster and salute him. The Headmaster will return the salute. Then, the Flag will be unfurled. The School pupil leader may assist.

(v) The School pupil leader in charge of the parade (or assembly) will call the parade to attention, just before the unfurling, and he will call them to the salute when the Flag flies out. The parade will keep at the salute for a brief interval, and then on the command “order”, the parade will come to the attention position.

(vi) The Flag Salutation will be followed by the National Anthem. The parade will be kept at the attention during this part of the function.

(vii) On all occasions when the pledge is taken, the pledge will follow the National Anthem. When taking the pledge the Assembly will stand to attention and the Headmaster will administer the pledge ceremoniously and the Assembly will repeat it after him.

(viii) In pledging allegiance to the National Flag, the practice to be adopted in Schools is as follows:-

Standing with folded hands, all repeat together the following pledge:

“I pledge allegiance to the National Flag and to the Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic for which it stands.”

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

2007-08-22T09:09:00.001-07:00

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has expanded the definition of corporal punishment which will now cover any form of adverse treatment. NCPCR has recommended parents to fearlessly file FIR against the schools if children complaints about any kind of abuse.

The directive issued by NCPCR chief Shanta Sinha about corporal punishment involves, "rapping on the knuckles, running on the school ground, kneeling down for hours, standing up for long hours, sitting like a chair, beaten with a scale (ruler), pinched and slapped, child sexual abuse, torture, locking up children alone in classrooms, electric shock and all other acts leading to insult, humiliation, physical and mental injury, and even death".

A teacher can be jailed for calling a child "idiot" or "stupid" or "mindless", "asking the students to write that they will not repeat their mistakes in class" or "slapping a child."

It is seen that many students tend to commit suicide when their teachers say them something or scold them in front of their classmates as they feel humiliated and insulted.

The NCPCR has recommended that all the schools should have a complaint box for submitting in their grievances and problems which will be discussed on the Parents and Teachers (PTA) Meeting.

The new directive has also stated that all the schools including hostels, shelter homes should have a forum where children can express their views. It is felt that sometimes students are silent and they do not respond to the violence against them due to fear.

MINISTER RESIGNS

2007-08-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

BHUBANESWAR: Orissa's School and Mass Education Minister Bishnu Charan Das resigned on Friday after allegations that he directed the officials of his department to increase the marks of his son in the high school certificate exams held this year.

Das denied the charge and attributed his son's increased marks to a possible computer error. However, he was facing protests from opposition parties and various student organisations across the state for the last few days.

He submitted his resignation in the afternoon to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the state secretariat here. "I have resigned on moral grounds," he said.

The resignation has been accepted, an official of the chief minister's office said.

Trouble started for Das after Debendra Chandra Mishra, a top official of the Board of Secondary Education Orissa, got a phone call from an unknown person in the first week of this month. The caller alleged that marks of several students whose parents and relatives were in top government jobs were manipulated. As an example, he gave the roll number of a student.

After investigation, officials found that the number belonged to Bijoy Shankar Das, the minister's son.

In the mark sheet, Bijoy was awarded 89 in Oriya in place of 39, 80 in English against 50, 60 in Mathematics paper-II in place of 40, 50 in Science instead of 40 and in Social Science paper II, it was 54 instead of 45.

Patnaik had earlier deputed the state's chief secretary to probe into the allegation. But he has not submitted his report yet.

NOKIA FAULTY BATTERIES-ALERT AVERT DANGER

2007-08-14T08:20:00.001-07:00

NOKIA FAULTY BATTERIES
Dear Nokia Customer,

This is a product advisory for the Nokia-branded BL-5C battery manufactured by Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. Ltd. of Japan between December 2005 and November 2006. This product advisory does not apply to any other Nokia battery.

Nokia has identified that in very rare cases the affected batteries could potentially experience over heating initiated by a short circuit while charging, causing the battery to dislodge. Nokia is working closely with relevant local authorities to investigate this situation.

Nokia has several suppliers for BL-5C batteries that have collectively produced more than 300 million BL-5C batteries. This advisory applies only to the 46 million batteries manufactured by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006. There have been approximately 100 incidents of over heating reported globally. No serious injuries or property damage have been reported.

Consumers with a BL-5C battery subject to this advisory should note that all of the approximately 100 incidents have occurred while charging the battery. According to Nokia's knowledge this issue does not affect any other use of the mobile device. Concerned consumers may want to monitor a mobile device while charging that contains a BL-5C battery subject to this product advisory.

While the occurrence in the BL-5C batteries produced by Matsushita in the time-period specified is very rare, for consumers wishing to do so, Nokia and Matsushita offer to replace any BL-5C battery subject to this product advisory.

The BL-5C batteries which are subject to the product advisory were used with the following Nokia models or separately as accessories:

Nokia 1100, Nokia 1100c, Nokia 1101, Nokia 1108, Nokia 1110, Nokia 1112, Nokia 1255, Nokia 1315, Nokia 1600, Nokia 2112, Nokia 2118, Nokia 2255, Nokia 2272, Nokia 2275, Nokia 2300, Nokia 2300c, Nokia 2310, Nokia 2355, Nokia 2600, Nokia 2610, Nokia 2610b, Nokia 2626, Nokia 3100, Nokia 3105, Nokia 3120, Nokia 3125, Nokia 6030, Nokia 6085, Nokia 6086, Nokia 6108, Nokia 6175i, Nokia 6178i, Nokia 6230, Nokia 6230i, Nokia 6270, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6631, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6680, Nokia 6681, Nokia 6682, Nokia 6820, Nokia 6822, Nokia 7610, Nokia N70, Nokia N71, Nokia N72, Nokia N91, Nokia E50, Nokia E60

“Nokia” and “BL-5C” are printed on the front of the battery. On the back of the battery, the Nokia mark appears at the top, and the battery identification number (consisting of 26 characters) is found at the bottom.

IT IS URGENT
CLICK HERE TO CHECK.AT NOKIA SITE.

FIRST TEACHER IN TO SPACE

2007-08-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

CAPE CANAVERAL: NASA's space shuttle Endeavour blasted off on Wednesday sending the first teacher into space 21 years after the Challenger explosion tragically ended the dream of another pioneering teacher. Teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara Morgan, 55, has become the star of the second shuttle mission to the International Space Station this year, which has otherwise been marked by embarrassing stories of drunken and love-crazed astronauts. Her chance to fly into space finally came with Endeavour's launch at 6:36 pm (2236 GMT) on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

The booster rockets separated about two minutes after the shuttle lifted off, and Endeavour was hurtling toward space at a speed of 15,000 miles per hour (24,000 kilometers per hour), a NASA official said.

"Class is in session," a NASA spokesman said after the external fuel tank separated from the shuttle and the Endeavour entered its preliminary orbit less than nine minutes into the flight.

First Lady Laura Bush, a former teacher herself, called Morgan on Tuesday to offer congratulations from "one school teacher to another."

Morgan had trained alongside fellow teacher Christa McAuliffe in the 1980s as a backup for the Challenger shuttle mission. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration had hoped that sending a teacher into space would fire the imaginations of millions and keep up support for its shuttle program. But on January 28, 1986, Challenger exploded and broke up 73 seconds after blastoff, killing all seven aboard, and delaying for two decades Morgan's own aspirations to join the elite astronaut corps. "Christa was, is, and always will be our 'Teacher in Space,' our first teacher to fly" in a shuttle, Morgan said in an interview released by NASA.

"She truly knew what this was all about -- not just bringing the world to her classroom, but also helping ... to show the world what teachers do," she said.

After the Challenger disaster Morgan went back to teaching, and then rejoined the astronaut corps in 1998.

Once in space she will operate robotic arms on the ISS and the shuttle to unload and install new equipment and supplies on the space station.

Endeavour is taking seven astronauts, including a Canadian, on an 11-day mission to continue the expansion of the ISS, an orbiting laboratory that NASA considers a key part of its space exploration ambitions.

The mission will carry a truss section about the size of a small car to extend the space station to a length of 108 meters (354 feet), about the size of a football pitch.

The astronauts will also replace a defective gyroscope, one of four keeping the space station on an even keel, and install an exterior stowage platform. Astronauts will venture out of the ISS on three spacewalks to complete assembly and repair tasks. NASA could prolong the mission by three days to include a fourth space walk, to prepare for installation of a boom that will allow crews to inspect for potential damage to the shuttle's heat shield. NASA has been leery of damage to shuttle heat shields since February 2003, when a broken thermal tile led to the disintegration of shuttle Columbia on re-entry, killing all seven aboard and putting the shuttle program on hold for two-and-a-half years.

NASA finally resumed ISS construction missions last year after conducting two missions aimed at improving safety, but the space agency has been hit by earthly scandals ever since.

Earlier this year, astronaut Lisa Nowak was arrested and charged with attempting to kidnap a woman dating another married astronaut. She has since been fired from NASA.

The incident prompted NASA to set up an internal panel to review astronauts' health. The panel recently issued a report saying astronauts had been allowed to fly into space while drunk, sparking worry in Congress about NASA management.

The space agency avoided yet another black eye with this mission, by repairing in time for lift-off a computer that had been sabotaged while in the care of a NASA contractor.

THE MIDDLE PATH

2007-08-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

The FEAR is the basis of all our Religions,it can be our blind faith in the rituals or the faith which we believe in.God should be love..then Satan/Evil is hate..this is the logic.If you fear God then naturally Evil is your Love.So why should we be God fearing ,we should be God loving people,but our words..yes words (God fearing) show that we are into loving the evil not the God.You may argue that this fear is out of respect.

The world is based on the theory of contradiction,that is, everything of the opposite exists..If Everest than Marina trench/Deep exists, as Day and Night,Women and Men..But at the same time Plains,Dawn/Dusk,Eunuch also exists i.e. the middle one.. Neither this nor that!Buddha preached Middle path,it is the truth ,the ultimate "neither this nor that".Everything in moderation is good for us..Otherwise it is Mania or Phobia.If you believe in Paranormal be moderate.Neither accept it nor condemn it,it is the sign of educated person.

An old widow from my place told me that she visited heaven when she was four years old and was seriously ill ..unbelievable..I didn't believed this rubbish then,But now I know that it was her O.B.E(Out of Body Experience ) or the Near Death Experience(N.D.E).

SANJAY DUTT-THE LEARNER

2007-08-06T05:36:00.000-07:00

This is an excerpt from the Book Maximum City written by Sukentu Mehta,based on sanjay Dutts recollection of his stay in jail in the mid-1990s

"Sanjay made friends with the natural world. Through the tiny air vent, four sparrows would come into his cell every evening and Sanjay would put his massive hand out with crumbs in it. He was starved for touch and they would let him touch them so he would caress the little birds. He made friends with the ants, too, that came out of the sewage pipe. Amazing things, these ants. There is some kind of language between them. If one is going the wrong way, another ant will tell him. He would lie flat on the floor and watch them for hours on end as they struggled with their crumbs"of food, carrying it over the sewer line".

Now read the Reuters Report on Ants.

Melbourne: The movement of ants could help solve traffic jams and crowd congestion, Australian scientists say,and the findings could be used in future town planning systems.Australian AssociatedPress reported on Thursday that professor Graham Currie and associate professor Martin Burd,from Melbourne'sMonash University,had concluded that the teamwork of ants was far superior to the individual approach of humans.'Ants do tend to work in a communal way with the wider good associated with what they're trying to do and that tends to add some order about how they approach problems,"Currie said.Humans could learn from ants about how to deal with traffic congestion and exiting large venues after concerts or sporting events, he said. Currie said ants moved in an orderly fashion, and never seemed to panic, even when there was danger or congestion.'Ants will organise their freeways' so that ants bearing loads are in the middle of the freeway all going one direction,and the ants that are unladen are on both sides of the middle row. "In human crowds there is a tendency to follow the individual in front of you and that creates lots of snakes within crowds...and that breaks down the crowd flow,making it move slower." REUTER

A little bit of scientistgiri will remove the boredom from us.

LEARNING TO THINK

2007-08-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

"God ,why don't you help me !"- this is a common frown of many,but God symbolize compassion,love,patience etc., then why he don't look in to our troubles? Did we ever realized ,what God has given us.

Now read this story...Once a teacher asked a student to name all the seven wonders of the world.The child was not able to answer this question.Then the teacher asked to think and answer the question.The girl started telling"The Seven wonders of the world are...our eyes which can see,the ears which can hear,nose which can smell things,tongue having taste buds,hands which can work hard, legs having the ability to run,mind which enjoys everything in life, all these are the seven wonders of the world."The teacher was unable to accept this answer as wrong.The pyramid or the Great Wall of china is not above these wonders-thought the teacher.

When we are going to understand this? We never allow the child to create a new answer for an unknown question.Our system of education kills creativity.Walt Disney got the remark of not having Creative thinking when he was in school.We keep safely and appreciate the gifts,greeting cards given by our beloved ones and cherish the memories,but forget to appreciate the gift of God ,who gave a lot to us.Let us learn to love our life and our gifts.Thank daily God(Nature ,if you are not a believer) for the uncountable bliss showered on us.Common be serious!

SUCCESS MANTRA

2007-08-03T01:53:00.000-07:00

According to leadership guru, Paul J. Myer, an imbalance in any one area
of your life can cause disharmony in all the others.

A story you may have read goes like this ... Three men were cutting stone in a quarry. A stranger approached one of them and asked him what he was doing. The man answered irritably, "Cah't you see, I am cutting stone." The stranger went up to the next guy and asked him the same question to which he got the reply, "I am earning a living." Finally, he went to the third man, who answered proudly "I am building a cathedral." It is not difficult to imagine the varying degrees of satisfaction the three men felt for their respective jobs.Here are ten practical tips you can follow that will help you climb the success ladder.

1.Believe that you can make a difference
2.Spell out your definition of success
3.Strike a balance
4.Create a supportive setting
5.Focus on your strengths
6.Work productively
7.Work flexibly
8.Work on a "Time release career"
9.Visualise and affirm your success
10.Keep your interests alive

NEURO- LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING(NLP)

2007-08-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

NLP explores the relationship between how we think (neuro), how we communicate both verbally and non-verbally (linguistic) and our patterns of behaviour and emotion (programmes).
It is both an epistemology(theory of method or grounds of knowledge), in that it studies how we know what we know and a methodology for creating practical descriptions of how we function as human beings. The purpose of NLP is to study, describe and transfer models of human excellence. (Modelling).
There are a number of descriptions of what is NLP. The founders of NLP Dr. John Grinder and Richard Bandler defined NLP as the study of the structure of subjective experience (Dilts et al; 1980). Judith DeLozier and John Grinder (1987) define NLP as "an accelerated learning strategy for the detection and utilization of patterns in the world". We think of NLP as a field that explores the patterns of organisation of effective human intuition (Collingwood & Collingwood; 2001). Through modelling an expert's intuitive application of their skill, we can as Neuro-Linguistic Programmers, have those patterns of organisation for ourselves and / or make them available to others. Modelling is the core function of NLP, learning to model (self and others) the core activity of NLP practitioner and NLP master practitioner certification trainings.
For practical purposes, learning NLP thoroughly will sharpen your observation and listening ability and enable you to identify patterns in people's behaviour and language so you can respond to the subtext of their communication. This will enable you to communicate more effectively and cut through distractions. At the same time, your own thinking will benefit from these skills as you learn to identify the direction you want to take in conversation and action. These benefits only happen with live training and practice. If you settle for a short "practitioner" course, the chances are you will be given a sheaf of scripts which limit your ability to use the material in real life.

This is one among the simple explanation I got from a website for NLP.Iam very eager to learn NLP to be used in teaching-learning process,but who will teach me? I can't learn everything through self-study materials.Different people learn through different ways! I think this is all about NLP! Anyway..now you can search about NLP in the Web.If you find someone here in Sikkim or nearby let me know.Thanks.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S FAMOUS LETTER

2007-08-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

A letter written by Abraham Lincoln to the Headmaster of a school in which his son was studying. It contains an advice, which is still relevant today for executives, workers, teachers, parents and students.
A WORD TO TEACHERS
"He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not just and are not true. But teach him if you can, the wonder of books.. but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hillside.
In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fall than to cheat.....
Teach to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him he is wrong.
Teach him to be gentle with gentlepeople and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone getting on the bandwagon...
Teach him to listen to all men; but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth, and take only the good that comes through.
Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad... Teach him there is no shame in tears.
Teach him to scoff at cynics and to be beware of too much sweetness.. Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to highest bidders, but never to put a price on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob.. and stand and fight if thinks he is right.
Treat him gently, but do not cuddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient.. Let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will have faith in humankind.
This is a big order, but see what you can do. . He is such a fine little fellow my son!
- Abraham Lincoln"

LEARNING CURVE

TABLET PC FOR STUDENTS

EARTH QUAKE HISTORY of SIKKIM:Don't forget the Past

Earth Quake Facts

Free and compulsory education to be extended up to class X

CCE Power Point Download

ANDAMANSIKKIM

Ways to use Cricket in Classroom

Turn it upside down-Revolution not Reform

WHY IT IS EASY TO LOVE GANDHI AND DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW ?

MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME

HAPPY TEACHERS DAY

HOW WIRELESS POWER-Witricity WORKS

To harness power from lightning...A controversy !

Related stories

“Start Quote

CBSE CLASS IX & XI REGISTRATION

Human brain on a microchip nearly ready - University of Calgary

Synthetic Life :Story

New plan to educate poor...

Road to......

Why we failed to Pass ? Dozen reason or solutions

Why Digital Media Is A Novelists BEST FRIEND

Copenhagen deal: Key points

NATIONAL CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK-2005(NCF)

Merry Christmas

CCE-Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation

HORSE SENSE

MAKE THE GRADE - By Jug Suraiya (TOI)

10 ka DUM...More se no More !!!

Grading system for CBSE schools approvedTNN 31 August 2009, 07:30pm IST

Grading system for CBSE schools approved

NEW DELHI: Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal on Monday said that grading system will be introduced in all CBSE schools from the coming academic year.

CBSE Class X boards to become optional from 2010

Bhumyamalaki

How to read defence number plates?

POPULATION EDUCATION-SIE,Gangtok.

SWINE FLU

From zero to hero

Life Skill:learning from movies

Educational Charts: Eclipse and Planets,How to Brush?

STRENGTH

ANGER MANAGEMENT-DOWNLOAD

Observed Metamorphosis in my backyard..

Chicago school reformer

Insurance cover? Not if you die in terrorist attack

Now students can choose their exam dates for IGNOU courses

How many monarchies still exist to this day?

HAPPY TEACHERS DAY

BEWARE;Chain se sona hai tho jaag jao!!!

PART AND THE WHOLE

CBSE - Helpline - Post Result 2008

POWER OF YOUR MIND

TRANSFER; some tips for your travel

A Good Fight May Keep You And Your Marriage Healthy

Learn to Walk

CBSE-Admission to Class XI and Pass Criteria for Class IX - XI

Indian experiments in micro gravity provide new insights

Two Ears one Mouth !

It HOTS up for students!: Deccan Herald

'Fish rain' takes Kerala villagers by surprise

The SINPO report

The SINPO report

OXYMORONS- opposites attract

Learn some words of the vanishing tribe:The Jarawas of Andaman

Centella asiatica

MIND SET

MIND -MASTER AND SLAVE

Cartoons in Textbooks of Rajasthan

GANDHI AS SCHOOL MASTER

CBSE to overhaul Class X, XII exams next year

WATER:Consumers Beware

Schools cannot compel students to disclose caste: SC

How to Perform Self Hypnosis

Mutual Funds-Why should I opt for this?

The Ground rules of Mutual Fund Investing

WORLD TEACHERS DAY

Hired by the blog

HONESTY IS STILL THE BEST POLICY FOR SOME

India's fearless 'untouchable' paper

Grading system for CBSE schools approved
TNN 31 August 2009, 07:30pm IST