Ezine Vol 29

35

description

A Magazine to extend the learning curve, expand the frontiers of knowledge and its applicability; utilize the skills in the best interest of the society, team and self. This Magazine is a student magazine by the student of IIPM hyderabad under the club of IIPM Crucibles. Crucibles is a team which formed on great ideas and extended vision. It is not just for self-enrichment but also for self-contentment while helping out the fellow members in climbing up the ladder. Blog : http://iipmcrucibles.blogspot.in Keywords/Tags used : iipmcrucible, ezine, crucible magzine, crucibles, ezine, iipm crucible magzine, iipm crucibles, ezine vol 29, crucibles volume 29, vol 29

Transcript of Ezine Vol 29

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EDITORIAL  

Dear  Reader,  

Greetings  from  the  Editorial  Team  of  Crucibles.  

We  are  back  with  a  complete  new  edition  of  Ezine  and  this   is  our  29th  Edition.   I  could  feel  the  heat   and   can   smell   the  mangoes   too.   A   sense   of   vacation   is   all   over,   students   enjoying   their  vacation  and  a  few,  struggling  with  their  internships  and  entrance  exams.  On  this  note,  we  wish  all  of  you  a  very  “Best  of  Luck”.    

In  the  midst  of  the  entire  struggle   in  the  hot  sun,  we   introduce  our  magazine  to  all  of  you,  so  that   you   people   can   grab   a   little   information   without   much   of   a   struggle.   You   would   be  wondering  what’s  new  in  this  edition  as  the  cover  page  so  fascinating  and  as  the  cover  reveals  it,  the  cover  story   is  “Marriages  –  A  victim  of  financial   instability.”  This   is  chosen  as  the  marriage  rates  are  hitting   the   lowest   levels   in   the  history.   Talking  about  others,  we  have  a   few  articles  dealing  with  stress  and  students  flying  abroad  for  further  education.  Among  all  these,  you  would  also  find  a  piece  which  is  a  tribute  to  Mr.  Khushwant  Singh,  who  passed  away  recently,  but  left  back  a  treasure  in  the  form  of  his  work.  

As  we  always  try  our  best  to  bring  in  new  external  contributors  to  our  magazine.  We  are  happy  to  announce  that  we  have  a  few  new  external  contributors  writing  for  us:  

1. Pankaj  K.  Yadav,  Professor,  IIPM  2. Krishna  Priya,  B.A.,  St.Pious  X  Degree  college            3. Shanmukh  Sriram,  PGP/SS/13-­‐15,  IIPM  

I  would  like  to  thank  MUKHPREET  KHURANA  (UGP/SS/13-­‐16)  and  URVASHI  TYAGI  (PGP/WIN/13-­‐15)   for   their   immense   support   in  making   this   a   success.   A   special  mention,  we  would   like   to  thank  MUKHPREET  KHURANA  for  his  effort  in  coming  up  with  such  a  titillating  cover  page.  

Lastly,   I  would  like  to  end  on  a  note,  “There  is  scarcely  any  passion,  without  struggle”  –  Albert  Camus.   Life   is   a   beautiful   struggle   full   of   lessons,   opportunities,   laughter   and   love.   Every   life  lesson,  every  missed  opportunity  and  every  mistake  will  help  you  grow  extraordinaly  from  it.    

HAPPY  READING!!!  

 ZOYA  NAAZ  PGP/SS/13-­‐15  

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Table  of  Content  

S.no   Topics   Page  Number  

01.   Marriages  –  a  victim  of  financial  instability   03-­‐06  

02.   Elections  2014   07-­‐09  

03.   Education  –  a  passport  for  future   10-­‐14  

04.   Agricultural  Sector   15-­‐17  

05.   Top  secrets  of  successful  people   18  

06.   Stress  –  a  brawl  behind  the  brain   19-­‐21  

07.   An  unfair  deal  of  Migrants   22-­‐23  

08.   Romancing  with  the  pen   24-­‐25  

09.   Warren  Buffett  –  Sage  of  Omaha   26-­‐27  

10.   Frozen  Frames   28  

11.   Discreet  Diaries   29  

12.   Einstein’s  Popcorn   30-­‐32  

13.   Grapevine   33  

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“Marriages  –  A  victim  of  financial  crisis”  Jane  Austen,   Pride  and  Prejudice,   “It   is   a   truth  universally   acknowledged   that   a   single  man   in  possession   of   a   good   fortune   must   be   in   want   of   a   wife.”   The   blissful   feeling,   wherein   two  different   individuals   take   vows  hand   in  hand,   to  have   and   to  hold   from   that  day   forward,   for  better,   for   worse,   for   richer,   for   poorer,   in   sickness   and   in  health;  to  love  and  to  cherish,  as  long  as  they  both  shall   live.  The   flowers,   the   rings,   the   champagne,   the   bride   and   the  groom  with  butterflies  in  their  bellies  are  just  so  fascinating.    Defining   it   the   Wikipedia   way,   “Marriage  is   a   socially   or  ritually   recognized   union   or   legal   contract  between  spouses  that   establishes   rights   and   obligations  between   them,   between   them   and   their   children,   and  between  them  and  their  in-­‐laws.”  But  is  the  God  so  busy  that  he   isn’t   having   time   to   bind   us   up   in   this   trap.   Or   is   it   we  people  are  running  away  from  it  because  of  few  reasons?  You  may  be  wondering  why  I  quoted  it  that  way.  The  statistics  that  I  came  across  forced  me  to  quote  it  that  very  way.    According  to  a  survey  conducted  on  01.01.2014  by  CDC,  National  Survey  of  Family  Growth,  there  was  a  downgrade  in  the  marriage  rates  in  recent  years.    

US  Marriage  Statistics   Data  Annual  number  of  U.S.  marriages   2,077,000  Marriage  rate   6.8  per  1,000  Divorce  rate   3.4  per  1,000  Percent  Currently  Married  by  Race  and  Sex   Percent  Married  White  Men   44  %  White  Women   51  %  Black  Men   32  %  Black  Women   26  %  Hispanic  Men   43  %  Hispanic  Women   45  %  Marriages  by  Education  Level   Percent  of  Marriages  No  High  School  Diploma   28  %  High  School  Diploma  or  GED   26  %  Some  College   21  %  Bachelor’s  Degree  or  Higher   11  %  Religion  in  Marriage  Statistics      Percent  of  married  women  who  say  religion  is  very  important   60.1  %  Percent  of  married  men  who  say  religion  is  very  important   50.9  %  Percent  of  married  women  who  say  religion  is  not  important   36.3  %  Percent  of  married  men  who  say  religion  is  not  important   35.4  %  First  Marriage  Survival  (Probability  of  lasting  more  than  10  years)   Probability  Probability  that  a  first  marriage  will  survive  10  years   0.66  %  –  1  in  15  

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If  there  was  no  birth  during  marriage   0.37  %  –  1  in  27  If  there  was  a  birth  before  marriage   0.65  %  –  1  in  15  If  there  was  a  birth  0-­‐7  months  after  marriage   0.74  %  –  1  in  13  If  there  was  a  birth  8+  months  after  marriage   0.79  %  –  1  in  12  Cohabitation  Leading  to  Marriage  Statistics   Probability  Probability  a  first  time  cohabitation  will  lead  to  marriage  within  1  year   0.21  %  –  1  in  47  Probability  a  first  time  cohabitation  will  lead  to  marriage  within  3  years   0.43  %  –  1  in  23  Probability  a  first  time  cohabitation  will  lead  to  marriage  within  5  years   0.57 %    –  1  in  17  

*http://www.statisticbrain.com/marriage-­‐statistics/  

According  to  the  National  Center  for  Family  and  Marriage  Research,  since  1970,  there  has  been  a   huge   decline   in   the   number   of   marriages   performed   annually   i.e,   It   has   dropped   down   by  nearly  60%  that  is  31  marriage  for  every  1000  unmarried  women  in  2012  against  74  marriages  happened  for  every  1000  unmarried  women.  This  has  been  a  slow  process.  

The  decline  is  even  more  notable  for  Millennial.  In  the  early  60s,  two  thirds  of  all  20  individuals  were  married  which  was  a  massive  68%.  But  as  the  time  pass  by,  in  2008,  only  26%  were  bound  by  marriage  vows.  

Let’s   not   talk   about   the   facts   and   figures   and   shift   our   focus   on   the   reasons   behind   such   a  declination.  

1. The  Recession:      

According  to  a  2014  study  from  the  Urban  Institute,  one  of  the  primary  reasons  behind  forcing  people   to   take  a   step  back   from  tying   the  knots   is  Recession.  Because  of   this  economic  shock  many  young  adults  have  put  this  exciting  stage  of  life  on  the  back  burner.  

 

 

The   survey   considered   the  Minnenials’   age   parameters   as   the   base   and   projected   that   if   the  post-­‐  recession  rate  continues,  then  there  is  a  drop  of  about  12%  among  the  current  minnenials.  The  2007-­‐2008  recessions  led  to  depressed  wages  and  thereby,  increased  unemployment.  They  lacked   economic   freedom   and   security.   Resulting   in,   shifting   the   focus   of   the   minnenials   on  graduating  and  finding  a  job  so  as  to  clear  their  wedding  bills.  Eventually,  the  college  graduates  have  observed  a  slight  increase  as  the  minnenials  would  marry  by  the  age  40.  

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2. The  growing  Income  Gap:    

Its   visibly   common   these   days,   the   poor   is   getting   poorer   and   the   rich   is   getting   richer.   The  lower-­‐income   communities   are   short   of   financially   stable   partners   which   had   limited   the  marriages.    

 

The  chart  shows,  83%  of  middle  aged  men  with  top  10%  of  annual  earnings  are  married  today,  whereas  among  the  rest  only  64%  of   the  median  earners  and  half  of   them   in  the  bottom  25th  percentile  are  married.  Comparing   it   to  the  year  1970,  the  marriage  rates  were  95%,  91%  and  60%  among  the  top,  median  and  bottom  percentile  earners  respectively.  

Talking  about  women  in  the  same  scenario,  it  was  noted  that  although  there  is  a  growth  in  the  workforce   and   salaries  where   increased   gradually.   Still,   the  marriage   rate   among   top   earners  kept  growing  since  1970  and  instead  the  rest  decline  more  by  15  points.  

But  as  feeling  cannot  be  measured  with  income  or  education,   It  was  observed  that  about  46%  graduates   and   44%   of   high   school   diploma   holders   and   unmarried   with   an   income   below  $100,000   per   annum   would   like   to   get   married.   Many   people   preferred   spouses   who   could  support  the  family.  

 

3. Shifting  public  attitudes:    One   of   the   reasons   behind   this  declination  is  the  mindset  of  the  people   about   marriages.  Religion   could   be   a   reason  behind  such  an  attitude  shift.  

 

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4. Contraception  Use:    According   to   the   surveys  conducted,   since   1985,   the  general   contraception   has  increased   about   by   20%.   It   is  seen   as   a   technical   innovation.  Birth  Control  has  helped  women  to  forgo  marriages  and  continue  with   their   education   and   career  opportunities.  

 5. Women  in  the  workforce:    Before  a  few  decades  ago,  men  were  solely  responsible  for  the  bread  and  butter  in  marriages.  As  the  women  gained  spots  in  the  workforce,  they  not  only  started  financially  supporting  their  families  but  also  brought  about  social  and  political  freedom.  

 

On  a  large  scale,  in  2012,  women  comprised  of  about  half  the  labour  force  which  was  just  38%  back   in   1970.   In   1963,   the   women   had   no   income   at   all.   Its   then   the   Inflation   adjusted   the  annual  earnings  thereby,  increasing  the  earnings  to  almost  $20,000  in  2009.  This  isn’t  the  same  when   viewed  on   a   small   scale.  Over   the   years,   the   relationship   between   female   employment  and  marriage  rates  became  slightly  complex.  Marriages  are  not  just  declining  but  also  changing  over  a  period  of  time  –  Women  aren’t  expected  to  be  just  housewives  anymore.  

 ZOYA  NAAZ  PGP/SS/13-­‐15    

   

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 “Elections  2014  –  cycle  of  hope  and  disillusionment”  Elections  are  the  process  of  choosing  and  electing  the  capable  personalities  to  help  us  out  and  to  rule   us   better.   India   is   the   world’s   largest   democracy.   In   India,   Elections   are   held   every   five  years.   Elections   are   held   when   a   ruling   party   completes   its   term   of   five   years   or   when   the  President  of  the  country  dissolves  the  house.  

The  General  Elections  2014  are  being  held  in  nine  phases  from  7th  of  April,  2014  to  12th  of  May  2014.  This  election  is  said  to  be  the  longest  in  the  country’s  history.  The  Election  Commission  of  India   conducts   these   elections   and   some   thousands   of   people   volunteer   for   these   works.  According  to  the  statistics,  the  electoral  population  is  about  814  millions  out  of  which  over  100  millions  are  newly  registered  voters.  

Elections  2014  have  become  a  trending  topic  everywhere.  The  newspapers  have  dedicated  two  to   three   pages   solely   to   cover   the   poll  mandates   and   the   television’s   prime   hours   are   full   of  debates  and  discussions.  The  social  networking  sites  have  become  a  platform  for  the  youth  of  the   country   to   share   and   express   their   views   and   to   support   their   leader   by   ‘likes’,   ‘shares’,  ‘tweets’  etc.  

 

Now,  comes  the  main  question…why  all  this?  I  mean  what  is  the  crux  of  all  these  discussions  and  debates?  What  has  made  the  General  Elections  of  2014  special?  The  list  of  these  questions  goes  on  and  on.  But,  so  do  the  answers.  

Let  us  look  at  what  makes  these  elections  special  and  all  the  more  interesting.  

Background:  

First  of  all   let  us   look  at   the   scenario  prior   to   these  elections.  And   let  us   start  with   the   ruling  party   itself.   Congress   won   the   2009   elections   with   a   sweeping   majority   and   formed   the  Government   for   the   second   consecutive   year  with   its   allies   at   the   centre   and   Congress   along  with  its  allies  is  called  the  UPA  (United  Progressive  Alliance).  But,  the  grass  was  not  so  green  for  the   Congress   during   its   second   term   since   the   allegations   of   corruption   and   irresponsible  bureaucracy  have  grabbed  more  attention  and  also  have  become  a  point  of  criticism  all  over  the  country.  The  crime  rate  also  has  seen  a  steep  increase  during  the  last  five  years.  Though  it  has  

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brought   into  effect   the  policy  of  RTI,   there  has  been  no  other  noteworthy  policy  of   the   ruling  party.  

The   anti-­‐corruption  movement   led   by   Anna  Hazare   attracted  large  number  of  crowds  and  also  the  ruling  party  got  a  taste  of  people’s  ire  and  growing  impatience  against  the  ways  of  party  after   the   infamous   Delhi   rape   case   and   also   with   the   huge  support  from  all  the  cadres  of  the  society  to  people  like  Anna  Hazare.  The  ruling  party  received  a  huge  blow  when  it  lost  long  hold   on   Delhi   to   Aravind   Kejriwal   of   the   AAP   (Aam   Aadmi  Party)  who  won  the  Delhi  Elections  with  a  thumping  majority.  The  Allies  also  have  been  acting  like  a  sword  on  head  with  the  constant  threat  of  withdrawal.  Apart  from  this  the  UPA  took  a  historical   decision   of   passing   the   Lokpal   and   Lokayukta   Bill  along   with   the   creation   of   Telangana.   This   i.e.,   creation   of  Telangana   has   resulted   in   the   Congress   splitting   into   two   at  the  state  level.  The  increase  in  prices  of  the  commodities  and  staples  also  had  a  negative  impact  on  the  UPA.  This  year  it  has  proposed  Mr.  Rahul  Gandhi  as  its  PM  candidate.  

Now,  coming  to  the  opposition  we  can  see  that  Mr.Narendra  Modi  is  the  prime  person  and  also  the   prime   ministerial   candidate   from   the   opposition.   He,   at   present   is   the   chief   minister   of  Gujarat   and   is   using   the   Gujarat  model   to   a   great   extent   in   his   campaigning.   Another   prime  candidate  from  the  opposition  is  Mr.Aravind  Kejriwal,  who  with  his  simplicity  and  sincerity  has  gained  the  trust  of  the  voters.  

This  is  just  the  background  of  the  elections.    

Campaigning:  

The  aspect  of  campaigning  is  far  more  interesting  with  each  party  accusing  its  opposition  on  the  wrongs   it   has   committed   in   the   past   while   highlighting   the   welfare   schemes   they   have  implemented  for  the  welfare  of  the  people.  The  campaigning,  many  a  times,  did  turn  dirty  with  the  leaders’  commenting  on  sensitive  issues  or  publicly  acknowledging  to  harm  each  other.      

Social  networking  sites  and  the  social  media  have  been  an  interesting  platform  for  campaigning  as  well.  Many  leaders  adapted  to  the  use  of  social  networking  sites  to  connect  to  the  youngsters  of  the  country  who  are  also  the  major  contributors  as  the  voters.  Advertisements  of  every  party  galore  on  all  television  channels  with  the  promise  of  free  education,  safety  for  girls,  free  house  loans  and  so  on.    

Majority  of  parties  had  also  held  road  shows  and  attracted  a  large  crowd.  Certain  other  parties  went  for  Door-­‐to  Door  campaigning  so  as  to  reach  out  to  all  the  voters.  

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Impact:  

What   is   the   impact   of   all   this?  Are   the   voters   falling   for   the  tactics   and   dirty   politics?   Or   are   they   analyzing   and  scrutinizing   the   party   manifestoes?   These   are   the   million  dollar   questions   at   present.   This   year   polls   are   quite  interesting  since  the  majority  of  voters  are  youngsters  and  the  prediction  about  the  outcome  of   the  polls  has  become  a  tad  bit  difficult.    

Everyone   has   adapted   to   the  motto   of   vote   for   change   and  the  politicians  have  adapted  to  the  motto  of  wait  and  watch!  16th  of  may  provides  an  answer  for  all  these  questions  and  will  prove  if  it  was  worth  the  wait.    

Now,  the  ball   is   in  our  court.  Let  us  all   take  a  pledge  to  vote  and  win  the  game.  After  all  it  is  our  country  and  our  future.      

 

   G.KRISHNA  PRIYA  B.A.  Student  St.Pious  X  Degree  College  

     

#Crucibles  Add  on:  

-­‐  The  new  Lok  Sabha  is  expected  to  be  constituted  by  June  1  with  543  lawmakers  chosen  from  across  India.  Of  these,  131  seats  are  reserved  for  candidates  from  the  

country’s  scheduled  castes  and  tribes.  

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“Education  –  a  passport  to  the  future”  We   are   in   that   month   of   the   year   where   one   would   find   students   with   tears   in   their   eyes,  hugging  each  other  with  a  heavy  heart  of   separating,   juniors  bidding   farewell   to   their   seniors,  teachers  guiding  their  students   for  a  proper  career  ahead.  On  the  other  hand,  you  would  also  find   students   preparing   for   GRE,   TOEFL,   IELTS   etc.   Yeah!   you   are   right   these   are   those  standardised  tests  that  serve  as  an  admissions  requirement  for  different  universities  in  different  countries  mainly  US.  

But   why   is   that   it’s   so   trending   among   the   Indian   students?   Does   the   Indian   degree   aren’t  valuable  anymore?  If  it  is  so  then  why  do  we  find  students  from  China,  Somalia  etc.  Come  down  for  a  valuable  degree  in  India?  Or  is  it  just  a  status  symbol?  Does  the  currency  play  an  important  role  in  promoting  it?    You’ll  find  a  huge  number  of  students  flying  abroad  in  2012-­‐2013,  but  is  it  an  initiative  taken  by  our  ancestors  and  being  continued  by  us?    

As  these  questions  have  been  churning  my  brain  for  a  long  period  of  time  and  forced  me  to  do  a  little  research  on  the  same.  While  doing  so,  I  came  across  few  interesting  statistics  which  would  help  us  in  answering  the  above.  

 

Indian  students  have  been  travelling  abroad  in  large  numbers  to  study,  and  thereby,  becoming  an   important   source   of   international   enrolment   diversity,   research   strength   and   revenue   for  institutions  of  higher  education  across  the  world.  However,  this  number  has  been  shrinking  due  to  the  financial  crisis,  a  devaluing  rupee  and  also  due  to  the  changes  in  immigration  laws  in  host  nations.  

Stating   the   facts  and   figures,   I   came  across  during   the   study  conducted  by   IIM-­‐B,   it   says   “The  number   of   students   flying   abroad   for   their   studies   rose   a   stunning   256%   i.e.,   from   53,266   to  189,629   in   just   nine   years.”   The   two   major   continents   have   always   top   the   list   as   the   main  recipients  of  Indian  students.    

ASSOCHAM   estimated   that   these   figures   caused   a   huge   loss   of   US   $17   billion   to   the   Indian  revenue  with  an  overestimate  of  600,000  students  as  its  base.  But  other  studies  such  as  UNESCO  and  Institute  of  International  Education,  estimate  it  to  be  around  200,000  in  the  year  2010-­‐2011.  

 

 

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The  reasons  behind  why  and  where  do  these  students  fly  

According   to   IIM-­‐B   study,   US   have   remained   the  most   popular   destination   among   the   Indian  students  providing  the  most  prestigious  education  in  the  world.  But  it  has  recently  lost  its  share  from  73.4%  in  2000  to  53.6%  in  2006.  The  second  most  preferred  destination  is  UK.  It  attracted  17%  of  students  to  their  ballroom.  And  Australia  was  no  less   in  doing  the  same.  Countries   like  Germany,   France   also   lost   their   shares   and   is   expected   to   gain   their   share  which  UK  will   lose  because  of   its  tightening  in  visa  regulations.  Countries   like  Sweden,  Denmark,   Italy  and  Ireland  made  an  entry   in   the   list   as,   students   these  days   are   looking  out   for   universities  which   could  provide  them  considerably  cheaper  education  and  ensure  part-­‐time  jobs.  

 

The   Global   Picture:     Graphically   representing   the   current   and   forward-­‐looking   Indian  enrolment  data  from  host  nations  and  also  analyzing  the  trends  based  on  the  recent  changes  in  the  volume  of  applicants.  

 

 

The  United  States:  

As   United   States  is   the   favoured   destination   among   students,   it   witnessed   close   to   100,000  student-­‐visa-­‐holding   Indians   in   the  United  States   in  2012/13.  But   the  story   isn’t   the  same,   the  global  financial  crisis  of  2008  has  turned  into  stagnation  and  now  the  enrolment  is  declining.  The  

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same  had  been  witnessed  by  United  Kingdom  and  Australia  over   the  period  of   time.  The  only  country  that  maintained  its  consistency  with  strong  and  continued  enrollment  growth  is  Canada.  Growth  in  other  countries  such  as  New  Zealand,  China  and  Germany  has  been  slow  and  steady.  

 

The  above  table  depicts  a  decline  in  the  number  of  enrolments  by  23.1%  in  graduate  level  and  by  18.3%  at  the  undergraduate  level.  Considering  the  OPT  figures  it  dropped  by  6.3%  which  are  included  in  the  total.  

The  future  forecasted  data  shows  that  there  is  a  40%  increase  according  to  Council  of  Graduate  Schools,   with   285   institutions   responding   to   the   survey.   It   also   depicts   that   approximately  103,000  graduate  degrees  where  awarded  in  the  year  2010-­‐2011.  

According   to   the   World   Education   Services,   the   majority   of   applicants   where   from   non-­‐   US  addresses  showing  a  sign  of  future  academic  mobility.  In  the  year  2013,  51%  of  Indian  applicants  enrolled  against  38%  in  2008.  

 

 

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The  US  mission   in   India   issued   around   40,000   visas   in   the  year   2013   which   represents   a   43%   increase   in   the   year  2012.   The   number   of   students   appeared   for   the   GRE  increased   by   70%   in   2012-­‐2013   against   2011-­‐2012   which  was   33,504.   Around   30,213   students   appeared   for   the  GMAT  Exam  in  2012  against  25,394   in  2011.  However,   the  volume  of  tests  being  sent  dropped  down  from  64%  in  2008  to  51%  in  2012.    

United  Kingdom:  

The   country   witnessed   a   strong   growth   in   Indian   enrolments   in   past   few   years   to   a   high   of  39,090   in  2010  which  drastically  dropped  down  to  29,900   in  2011  and  a   little  decline   in  2012.  The  average  Indian  applicants  in  2013-­‐2014  dropped  down  by  8%  versus  2012/13,  estimating  a  growth  of  9%  in  2013/14.    

The   two   primary   reasons   for   the   decline   was   weakening   of   the   Indian   rupee   and   the  governments   immigration   crackdown   by   tightening   of   visa   regulations.   Indian   rupee   has  weakened  against   the  major  currencies   from  past   four  years.  The  expensive  cost  of   living  and  studying  made  it  burdensome.  Statistics  says,  the  rupee  value  declined  17.4%  against  the  pound,  14.5%  against  US  and  10%  against  Australian  dollar.  

Australia:  

The  story  of  Australia  has  been  similar  to  that  of  the  UK.  The   bigger   gains  were  witnessed   in   the   first   half   of   the  decade   with   a   constant   growth.   There   were   120,496  enrolments   in   2009  which   declined  by   55%   in   2012   i.e.,  53,951.   The   reasons   behind   such   a   drop   in   interest  among  students  were  the  same  as   in   the  case  of  United  Kingdom.   But   one   of   the  main   reasons   was   the   racially  motivated   attacks   and   killings   of   Indian   students   in   the  second  half  of  2009.  

The  recent  data  shows  that  there  was  a  renewed  interest  among  the  students  which  increased  the  number  from  11,840  to  15,194  in  the  year  2013.  There  was  rise  in  enrolments  from  17.7%  in  2012  versus  2011  that  sums  up  to  5,658.  Nonetheless,  2013  commencements  were  also  up  by  59.6%   (7,770)   against   the   previous   year.   The   reduction   in   the   scrutiny   from   the   Immigration  Department  has  also  led  to  the  renewed  interest  of  the  students.  

Canada:

Canada   is   the   second   most   popular   country   for   Indian   to   study   abroad,   with   enrolments  increasing  by  23%  to  29,000  in  2012.  They  could  maintain  this  consistency,  as  they  implemented  

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the   immigration  reform  and  The  Canadian  Experience  Class  that  allowed  students  to  apply   for  permanent  residency  and  thereby,  increasing  the  number  to  20,000.  According  to  the  National  Strategy  for  International  education,  the  policymakers  are  forecasting  a  growth  with  an  increase  in  the  number  from  239,000  in  2011  to  450,000  by  2020.  

Conclusion:  

The  study  has  ignited  a  discussion  among  the  citizens  on  how  to  address  the  significant  financial  loss  –  not  to  mention  talent  drain,  when  students  opt  for  settling  down  in  the  foreign  countries  after  their  education  in  there.  One  of  the  solutions  could  be  –  more  and  more  quality  education  institutions  to  be  set  up  in  India  and  also  by  encouraging  good  quality  foreign  universities  to  set  up  branches  in  India.  

   SHANMUKH  SRIRAM  PGP/SS/13-­‐15    

#Crucibles  Add  on:  

“A  good  head  and  good  heart  are  always  a  formidable  combination.  But  when  you  add  to  that  a  literate  tongue  or  pen,  then  you  have  something  very  special.”  

―  Nelson  Mandela  

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“Agricultural  Sector  –  Place  of  Pride”  Generally  any  economy  is  made  up  of  three  broad  economic  activities.  They  are:  

1.  AGRICULTURE                                                                                                                                                          

2.  INDUSTRY  

3.  SERVICE  

Among   these   three   sectors,   agricultural   sector   occupies   a   place   of   pride                                                                                                            and   provides   basic   ingredients   necessary   in   both   developed   and                                                                                                                                  developing   countries.   The   agricultural   sector   is   the   dynamic   force                                                                                                                                  behind  the  development  of  industrial  sector  as  well  as  the  economy.  

CONTRIBUTION  TO  ECONOMY  

Agricultural  sector  contributes  to  the  economy  in  the  following  three  ways:  

Ø PRODUCT   CONTRIBUTION:   The   supply   of   food   grains   to   the  people   and   raw  materials   to  industrial  sector  is  called  as  the  product  contribution.    

Ø FACTOR  CONTRIBUTION:  Once  the  agricultural  sector  develops  it  becomes  a  source  for  the  transfer   of   capital   and   labour   to   non   agricultural   sector   in   the   economy.   The   transfer   of  these  resources  is  called  as  factor  contribution.    

Ø MARKET  CONTRIBUTION:  Agricultural  sector  supplies  its  produce  to  both  domestic  as  well  as   foreign   markets.   In   turn,   it   also   purchases   some   products   of   other   sectors.   This  interdependence  of  supply  and  demand  is  called  as  market  contribution.  

IMPORTANCE  IN  INDIAN  ECONOMY  

We  know  well   that   India   lives   in   villages  where  agriculture   is  the   primary   occupation   of   the   rural   people.   72.2%   of   our  population   lives   in   rural  areas  and  the  better  performance  of  agricultural  sector  is  considered  as  vital  for  inclusive  growth  in  our  economy.  

Agriculture   sector,   including   forestry,   fishing,   mining   and  quarrying   and   allied   activities,   is   significantly   contributing   to  Gross  Domestic  Product   in  India.   It   is  the  largest  employment  providing  sector   in   India.  According  to  2011  census  53.4  %  of  total  main  workers  are  employed  in  this  sector.    

 

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However,  due  to  the  impact  of  economic  reforms  and  the  strategy  of  liberalizing  the  economy,  the  employment  opportunities  in  non-­‐agriculture  sectors  were  expanded.  It   is  the  main  source  for   the   supply  of   raw-­‐materials   for   the   industries.   Sugarcane,  wheat,   paddy,   etc   are   the   chief  sources   of   raw   materials.   Handloom   weaving,   oil   crushing,   rice   husking,   etc   are   mainly  dependent   on   agriculture.   The   purchasing   power   of   rural   people   depends   upon   the  development  of  agricultural  sector.  

According   to  FAO  [Food  and  Agriculture  Organization],   India   is  a  hunger  affected  country.  200  million  people  of  the  world  under  nourished  people   live   in   India.  The  “HUNGER  INDEX”  shows  that  our  country  ranks  66th  on  a  list  of  88  hunger-­‐prone  countries.  This  hunger  index  calls  for  the  necessity  of   increasing   the  production  of   food  grains.  Growth   in   food  grain  production  and   its  access  to  people  depends  on  the  development  of  agriculture  sector.  

CAUSES  FOR  LOW  PRODUCTIVITY  

There  are  many  reasons  for  the   low  productivity   in  our  agriculture.  They  can  be  classified   into  four  broad  categories.  They  are:  

Ø General  Factors:    • High  dependency  of  workers  on  agriculture  is  leading  to  a  decline  in  land  area  •  Inadequate  infrastructure  facilities  is  also  leading  to  low  productivity  • The  farmers  are  conservative  in  nature  

 Ø Institutional  Factors:  

• The  amount  of  public  investment  in  agriculture  is  continuously  declining  • Agriculture  is  not  protected  as  in  the  case  of  industries  • Support  price  policy  is  not  satisfactory  • The  size  of  the  land  holdings  is  not  economical    

Ø Technical  Factors:  • The  farmers  are  adopting  poor  techniques  of  production  • The  farmers  are  unable  to  tap  the  irrigation  potential  available  • There  are  huge  variations  in  the  application  of  fertilizers  among  the  states  • Many  regions  in  our  country  are  prone  to  dry  spells  and  some  with  heavy  rainfall    

Ø Environmental  Factors:  • Global  Warming    • Soil  degradation  • Shifting  cultivation  • The  reckless  use  of  fertilizers  • Soil,  Water  and  Air  pollution  

MEASURES  TO  INCREASE  AGRICULTURAL  PRODUCTIVITY  IN  INDIA  

1. The  proportion  of  people  depending  upon  the  agriculture  must  be  decreased.  

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2. Successful  implementation  of  Bharat  Nirman  is  necessary.  3. A  favorable  support  price  policy  leads  to  increased  yield  levels  in  agriculture.  4. Agriculture  ,  like  industries  ,  must  be  protected  for  favorable  terms  of  trade.  5. Public  investments  in  agriculture  must  increase.  6. Strict  implementation  of  land  reforms  is  necessary.  7. Farmers   must   be   able   to   utilized   the   extension   services   available   like   Agriculture  

Technology  Management  Agency[ATM].  8. Availability  of  qualitative  seeds  is  necessary  for  increasing  the  production  of  crop.  9. Cultivation  of  trees  with  the  crops  reduces  global  warming.    

Organic  farming  helps  in  the  improvement  of  quality  of  the  crops  and  their  production.  

   K.LIKITHA  UGP/SS/13-­‐16    

#Crucibles  Add  on:  

Policies  that  prioritize  grain  production  will  force  India  into  the  global  food  marketplace,  not  on  its  own  terms.  

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“Top  Secrets  of  Successful  People”    

As  it  is  said,  “Success  is  not  final,  failure  is  not  fatal,  the  courage  to  continue  is  what  matters  the  most”.  Successful  people  just  go  on  with  the  flow  of  trends,  yet  leave  their  mark  behind,  and  that  is  what  sets  them  apart  from  other,  uniquely.    1. Career:  Successful  people  are  resultaholic  not  workaholic.  They  think  and  talk  strategically.  

They   display   leadership   at   every   opportunity.   They   are   demonstrable   and   unselfish   team  player.  They  seek  to  embrace  and  utilize  new  technology.  

 2. Health:   Successful   people   pursue   a   healthy   diet.   They   regard   exercise   as   important.   They  

reject   smoking,  Alcohol   and  drug.   They   get   away   for  holidays   and   switch  off.   They  have   a  weekly  work-­‐free  day.  

 3. Relationships:   Successful   people   always   say   thank   you  promptly.   They  make  other  people  

feel   good   and   appreciated.   They   demonstrably   listen   to   and   seek   to   understand   people’s  viewpoint.   They   resolve   differences   rather   than   ignore   them.   They   give   gifts   which   show  thoughtfulness.     In   Personal   Finance   successful   people   get   on   the   property   ladder.   They  manage   debt   effectively.   They   save   and   invest   early   in   life   and   pensions.   They   consider  charitable  giving.  They  write  a  will.  

 4. Mental  Attitude:  Successful  people  think  positively  and  always  see  a  half-­‐full  glass  not  a  half  

empty  one.  They  never  worry  over  things  that  can’t  be  changed.  They  develop  a  healthy  Self-­‐esteem,   Self-­‐image   and   self-­‐   confidence.   They   believe   their   goals   will   be   achieved   and  wholeheartedly  commit  to  them.  They  maintain  self  control  whatever  the  situation.      

 5. Image  and  Appearance:  Successful  people  dress  to  reflect  and  help  to  achieve  their  future  

aspirations.  They  are  affective  public  speakers.    They  greet  people  warmly  and  display  poise.  They  eliminate  irritating  habits.  They  develop  their  charisma.  

 6.  Entrepreneurs:  Successful  people  devote  time  to  develop  ideas  for  starring  a  business.  They  

swim  with  the  tide  of  opportunity,  not  against  it.  They  turn  infrastructure  needs  arising  from  new  technology  into  business  opportunities,  e.g.  website  design.  They  research  the  market  place  and  ideas  rigorously.  They  reward  people  generously  for  achieving  demanding    goals.  

 PANKAJ  K.  YADAV  Professor,  SMG  Department  Indian  Institute  of  Management  (IIPM)  

 

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“Stress  –  Brawl  behind  the  brain”  Stress   is   like  dark  chocolate.  A   little  of   it  won’t  make  much  difference.  Small   chunks  here  and  there  can  be  good,  or  at  least  give  a  reason  to  get  out  of  bed  in  the  morning.  But  severe  stress  can  damage  one’s  body  and  mind.    

 

Stating  the  obvious,  Stress  happens.  No  matter  how  organized  one  is,  or  how  friendly  the  work  and   living  environments  are,  stress  can  find  a  way  to  poke   its  ugly  head   in   from  time  to  time.  What  can  be  done?  …Turn  to  a  convenient  Stress  Buster  –  a  small,  simple  activity  that  clears  all  tension  and  helps  in  relaxation.  Its  time  to  kick  that  stress  out  of  the  door,  a  few  ways  being:  

1.  Take  a  walk  

Want  a  break  from  the  office?  Does  your  house  feel  like  an  asylum?  Sneak  out  the  door  and  let  your  feet  take  you  somewhere.  Not  only  will  walking  give  you  the  opportunity  to  clear  your  head  and  take  a  break  from  that  hectic  situation,  but  it’s  a  great  exercise,  too.  

2.  Call  a  friend  

We  all   have   someone  whose  voice  alone  perks  us  up.  Ring   them  up,  even   for   a   few  minutes.  Whether  a  joke  or  a  funny  story,  or  just  by  listening,  they  will  put  a  smile  on  your  face  and  help  you  relax.  Besides,  what  are  friends  for?  

3.  Write  in  a  journal  

Expressing  your  feelings  could  be  the  best  way  to  deal  with  stress.  Keeping  a  journal  is  a  way  to  capture  those  feelings  at  any  moment.  Just  let  your  pen  do  the  work.  By  the  time  you’re  done,  those  feelings  will  be  on  their  way  out  of  your  mind  already.  

4.  Play  a  board  game  

There  might  be  a  couple  of   these   in  your  closet,  waiting  to  be  dusted  off.  Monopoly  probably  should   be   saved   until   you   have   a   few   hours   to   spare,   but   quick   kids’   games   like   Snakes   and  ladders,  UNO,  Ludo,  Jenga  etc  are  always  good  for  a  smile.  

5.  The  Brawl  behind  the  brains  

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Have  some  piled  up  frustrations?  There’s  no  better  way  to  get  rid  of   them  than  by  exercising.  Pop  in  a  workout  playlist,  sit  back  in  your  car  and  hit  the  roads.  You’ll  be  too  busy  working  up  a  sweat   to  worry   about  what’s   stressing   you   out.   Picture   the   stress   leaving   your   body   through  your  pores.  

6.  Its  time  to  take  a  day  of  

Now   is   the   time  to  make  a  dinner   for  yourself,  or  plan  a  vacation   to  dream  destinations.It’s  a  win-­‐win  situation.  

7.  Take  a  hot  bath  

A  hot  bath  will  initially  give  your  body  a  kick,  which  in  turn  will  give  your  mind  a  kick  too  –  and  then   it’ll  slow  both  down.  Add  bubbles  and  a  few  candles  and  you  have  the  ultimate  soothing  atmosphere.  A  rubber  ducky  is  optional.  

8.  Its  hobby  time  

Does  your  work  restrict  you  from  enjoying  your  hobbies?  Take  time  out  and  rejuvenate  yourself.  Not  only  will  you  have  the   time  of  your   life,  creativity  will   rise   to  higher   levels   too.  A  win-­‐win  situation,  Again!    

9.  Laughter  is  the  best  medicine  

Laughing   is   probably   the  easiest  way  of   getting   rid  off   stress,  why  no  plug   in   to   your   favorite  comedy   shows   or   follow   up   comedians   and   humorous   videos   on   YouTube   and   other  broadcasting  channels  and  chill  out?  

Coming  down  to  students,  stress  can  mean  pending  assignments,  almost  sleepy  lectures,  part  time  jobs,  presentations  or  the  most  popular  and  feared,  Exams!  

Some  of  the  common  and  easy  stress-­‐busters  are  at  your  disposal.  

1.  A  varied  and  healthy  diet  

Eating   fresh   ingredients   and   lots   of   fruit   is   really   important.  Juices  filled  with  vitamin  C,  such  as  orange  or  grapefruit   juice,  are   said   to   be   good   for   the   immune   system   so   can  help  with  stress.  

2.  Exercise  

Doing   sport   at   least   once   a   week   is   the   best   way   to   reduce  stress.   Even   30   minutes   of   physical   strain   makes   a   lot   of  difference.    

 

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3.  Get  a  pet  

It   is   said   that   spending   time   with   animals   is   good   for   health.   Patting   a   dog   for   a   couple   of  minutes   helps   the   body   release   hormones   that   make   one   feel   happy   and   can   decrease   the  amount  of  stress  in  the  system.  

4.  Sleep  (and  sign  off  Facebook)  

Sleep   is   always   the   best  medicine   and   some   people   find   that   small   20-­‐minutes   nap   can   help  increase  productivity.  

As  students,  we  tend  to  spend  too  much  time  on  social  media  sites  and  answering  emails,  texts  and  phone  calls.  Socializing  is  fun  –  but  too  much  of  it,  and  too  much  computer  time,  can  lead  to  more  stress.  

5.  Quit  smoking  

Some  people  say  they  smoke  to  relax,  but  researchers  on  the  European  Board  for  Research  on  Nicotine   and   Tobacco   suggest   that   nicotine   suppresses   the   hormone   serotonin,   which   fights  stress.  That’s  another  good  reason  to  quit.  

6.  Try  to  see  the  positive  side  

If  you  missed  a  deadline,  try  to  appreciate  what  you  learned  from  this  mistake:  now  you  know  how  to  plan  ahead.  Things  might  seem  bad,  but  if  you  try,  there  is  usually  something  positive  to  be  learned.  

7.  Listen  to  music  

Listening   to   music   can   help   calm   you   down   and   put   you   in   a   better   frame   of   mind.   Soft  instrumentals  do  help  a  lot.  

8.  Take  breaks  regularly  

Short  breaks  between  working  can  help  you  switch  off.  But  longer  breaks  are  important  too.  

How  about  taking  the  weekend  off  to  relax?  Make  time  for  fun  and  for  yourself  even  if  this  means  that  you  have  to  schedule  time  away  from  your  work.  You'll  hopefully  come  back  to  your  work,  feeling  refreshed  and  recharged.  Its  Game-­‐On  instantly.  Stress  is  an  important  part  of  our  daily  routine,  the  adrenaline  of  life  tends  to  disappear  if  stress  is  wiped  off  from  our  routine.  Its  all  on  Us  how  we  take  it  and  manage  it  to  the  best  of  our  capabilities.  

 MUKHPREET  KHURANA;  UPG/SS/13-­‐16  

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“An  unfair  deal  of  Migrants”  Many  people  leave  their  houses  and  come  to  city,   in  hope  of  better  living  conditions,  but  here  the  new  world  awaits  for  them  to  offer  something  else.  Perhaps,  the  most  moving  movement  in  the   film   “Peepli   Live”   is   at   the   very   end,   when   hapless   hero   now   a   former   farmer   who   is  presumed  to  be  dead  and  so  without  an  identity,  can  be  related  to  many  countless  workers  on  construction  sites  without  any  identity  of  their  own  .We  do  say  that  many  government  policies  have   been   initiated   like   Mahatma   Gandhi   National   Rural   employment   guarantee   scheme  (MGNREGS)   for   such   kind  of  workers   to  provide   them  a  better   living   conditions.  But   are   they  really  benefited  from  these  policies?  

The   forces   generating   the  movement   of   people   for  work   are  complex,  but  it  is  still  a  fact  that  a  significant  part  of  economic  migration   is   the  result  of  desperation.  And  that   in   turn  affect  the  condition  under  which   these  migrants  work.  The  need  of  labors   can   be   felt   in   the   so   called   developed   cities   like  Gurgaon,  where  most  of  the  elites  of  the  country  live  and  run  their   business.   Here,   the   employers   in   the   construction  industries  and  other  activities  reliant  on  migrant   labor  mostly  heard  to  be  complaining  that  workers  were  no  longer  available  at  real  wages  that  had  become  the  norm.  In  recent  years,  rise  of  real  wages  and  expansion  of  the  construction   industry  had  led  some  analyst  to  argue  that  migration  is  no  longer  distress  driven   but   demand   –driven,   resulting   from   rapid   economic  growth.  As  employers  are  forced  by   labor  market  pressure  to  offer  deal  for  workers,  it  always  reflect  that  these  migrants  are  benefited  with  many  necessary  facilities.  

 

But  the  recent  survey  on  migrants  has  something  else  to  show.  This  survey  states  that  conditions  of  migrant  workers,  especially  short  term  and  recent  migrants  remain  problematic  and  pathetic.  Around  200  migrants  were   taken   into  consideration   for   the  survey   in   their  current   location  as  well  as  their  earlier  conditions  and  the  lives  of  their  families  in  their  place  of  origin.  Most  of  the  migrants   belong   to   Uttar   Pradesh   (UP),   Bihar,   Jharkhand,  who   came   to   Gurgaon   in   search   of  better   life.   The   surveyed   workers   included   those   in   garments   and   auto   parts   industries,  construction   sites,   domestic   work,   self   employed   people   in   various   activities.   Out   of   these  surveyed   workers   fourth-­‐fifths   were   male   workers   while   females   were   all   either   garment  workers  or  domestic  workers.  

The  most  striking  result  of  this  survey  was  that  these  70%  of  workers  were  getting  low  wages  of  5,000   and   7,000   a   month   and   17%   were   more   than   7000   but   less   than   10,000.   And   some  amount   of   this   income,   they   have   to   send   it   to   their   families.   The   workers   in   this   survey  reported,   authoritarian  management   practices,   and   frequent   physical   or   verbal   abuse   and   in  

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general  a  sense  of  work  environment  of  both  unfriendly  and  unhealthy.  Average  working  hours  for   these   migrants’   workers   are   8-­‐12   hours   with   additional   overtime   of   5-­‐6   hours.   Mostly  workers   in   auto   parts   and   garment   industries   face   such   kind   of   problems.   Taking   a   leave   for  more   than   a   week   from  work   for   whatever   reason   could   result   in   dismissal.   These  were   the  particular  issues  with  women  workers  who  got  absolutely  no  maternity  benefits.  If  they  will  go  for   it   then,   they  have  to   lose   their   jobs  and  again  start  a  search   for   fresh   job.   In  other  words,  there  is  no  job  security  for  these  workers.  

Inevitably,   sanitation   conditions   were   dreadful   as   well.  Generally   10*10   square   feet   room   was   occupied   by   5-­‐6  people  with  no  facilities  of  neat  and  clean  toilets.  There  is  no  proper   supply  of  water   in   their  areas.  Open  and  overflowing  drains   were   common   sights   in   their   localities.   Unhygienic  conditions   were   likely   to   be   associated   with   more   frequent  illness  of  water  born  diseases  and  pollution  related  chest  and  lung   problems.   And   yet,   these   workers   cannot   afford   the  luxury   of   falling   ill   and   taking   leave   or   proper  medication   of  their  illness.  If  they  do  so  that  will  result  in  dismissal.  

The  most   important   question   that   arouse   here   is,   “Aren’t   these  migrant  workers   part   of   our  society?  Don’t  they  have  the  right  to  live  happily  like  others?”  Reports  like  this  one  and  others  that  depict  the  cruel  conditions  of  migrant  workers  need  to  be  focused  much  more  not  only  by  policy  makers  but  also  by  citizen  in  general.  We  cannot  hope  to  build  a  civilized  society  on  the  hope  of  such  insensitive  exploitation.    

 

   URVASHI  TYAGI  PGP/WIN/13-­‐15      

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“Romancing  with  the  pen”  

Remembering  Khushwant  Singh  

                                                                                                   (1915-­‐2014)  

We,   the   copy   paste,   Internet   dependent   generation   remembers   The   Literary   Giant,  Mr.Khushwant  Singh,  who  passed  away  just  like  he  wished  —  "swiftly,  without  much  pain,  like  fading   away   in   sound   slumber”,   on   20th  March   2014   at   his   Delhi   based   residence.   Born   on   2  February  1915,  a  significant  post-­‐colonial  writer,  Khushwant  Singh  is  known  for  his  crystal  clear  secularism,  humour  and  a  deep  passion  for  poetry.  His  assessment  and  comparison  of  social  and    

 

behavioural   traits  of  people   from  India  and  the  West  goes  beyond  appreciation.  His  work  was  largely   inspired   by   his   own   life.   It   had   so   much   spice,   that   he   never   felt   the   need   to   look  elsewhere  for  inspirations.  Times  changed  and  he  began  writing  with  vigour.  His  account  of  his  grandmother  in  the  book  'Portrait  of  a  lady',  remained  his  personal  favourite.  He  also  managed  to  write  another  influential  book  'Mano  Majra'.  This  was  a  documentation  of  the  Indo-­‐Pakistan  separation.   It  was   later  published  as   'A  Train  to  Pakistan'.  How  much  ever  he  would  write,  the  monetary   returns   dissatisfied   him.   His   constant   dependence   on   his   family,   depressed   him  further.  This  is  when  he  took  to  Sikhism.  His  research  on  the  community,  laid  the  thesis  for  his  books  in  the  series  'The  History  of  Sikhs'.  He  turned  into  a  scholar  over  night  and  universities  all  over  the  world  started  inviting  him  for  delivering  speeches  and  seminars.  “He  may  seem  like  a  carefree  man,  but  he  was  as  conservative  as  his  own  ancestors,”  says  Rahul  Singh,  his  son.  He  would   not   attend   Gurudwaras   or   even   chant   his   prayers.   He   made   fun   of   astrologers   and  superstitions  too.  However,  he  believed  in  his  faith.  He  felt  extremely  responsible  and  attached  to  the  Sikh  community.  He  was  a  shy  man,  always  trying  to  hide  away  his  true  colours  from  the  society.  Often  he  would  be  portrayed  as  a   lover  of  wine  and  woman.  However  that  was   just  a  rumoured   statement.   He  was   as   rooted   to   his   family,   as   he  was   to   his   passion.   His   love   and  respect  for  his  wife  was  so  intense  that  he  vowed  to  quit  writing  after  his  wife’s  death.  However,  his  romance  with  his  pen  was  more  intense  than  that  with  his  wife.  He  continued  to  write  and  amuse  the  world  at  large  till  he  breathed  his  last…  

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Decorated  with  laurels  of  Rockefeller  Grant,  Padma  Bhushan,  Padma  Vibhushan  and  many  more  to  add  up  to  the  Hall  Of  Fame,  Khushwant  Singh  is  a  story  untold  himself.  His  life  remains  just  as  interesting   as   his   literary   works.   His   jokes,   his   love   for   poetry   and   his   magnificent   style   and  charisma  continues  to  captivate  millions,  yet  making  millions  fall  in  love  with  him  and  his  pearls  of  literature.  

 

 

 

   

   

#Crucibles  Add  on:  

“Morality  is  the  matter  of  money.  Poor  people  cannot  afford  to  have  morals.  So  they  have  religion.”  

-­‐  Khushwant  Singh,  A  Train  to  Pakistan  

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“Warren  Buffett  –  Sage  of  Omaha”    Warren  Edward  Buffett,  an  American  business  bigwig,  capitalist  and  altruist,  born  on  August  30,  1930.  He  is  well  chosen  as  the  most   successful   investor   of   the   20th   century.   He   is   the  chairman,   CEO   and   the   largest   shareholder   of   Berkshire  Hathaway.   He   was   termed   as   one   of   the   most   influential  people   by   TIME   in   the   year   2012.   He   is   also   referred   to   as  “Wizard   of   Omaha”,   “Oracle   of   Omaha”.   He   is   noted   for   his  cohesion   to   the   value   investing   philosophy   and   his   personal  thrift  despite  his  immense  wealth.  

 

 What  are  the  strategies  he  implemented  to  be  a  successful  investor?  What  are  the  principles  he  followed?  Let’s  take  a  look...    To  predict  the  happenings  in  stock  market  is  impossible.  W.B  proved  that  even  with  the  hurdles  one  can  acquire   lots  of  wealth  and  at  the  same  time  be  successful   if  one  knows  how  to  tackle  those  situations.   If  we  adopt   the  knack  he  had,  even  we  can  also  be  a  successful   investor   like  him.  Buffett's  principle  for  a  remarkable  success  includes  the  following:  

 • They  have  a  good  return  on  capital  without  a  lot  of  debt.  • They  are  understandable.  • They  see  their  profits  in  cash  flow.  • They  have  strong  franchises  and,  therefore,  freedom  to  price.  • They  don't  take  a  genius  to  run.  • Their  earnings  are  predictable.  • The  management  is  owner-­‐oriented.  

WB  suggests  that  every  capital  should  be  carefully  invested.  WB’s  two  most  favourite  investing  principles  are:  

Rule  1:  Capital  must  not  go  to  loss    Rule  2:  Don't  forget  the  first  principle  

Ø WB  doesn't  perceive  the  business  which  he  is  not  aware  of.  Everyone  doesn't  need  to  have  a  complete  knowledge  of  all  the  businesses.  Everyone  has  their  own  skill  and  talent  in  their  respective  sectors.  Understanding  the  industries,  you  choose  to  invest  is  also  important.  You  will  then  know  how  to  protect  the  investment.    

Ø Competition   also   presents   special   better   performance,   allowing   companies   to   quickly  progress.  Companies  with  less  expenditure  capital  or  the  branded  companies  should  be  first  recognized.   Investments   in   such   companies   will   help   in   promotion   and   development.  Sometimes  shares  of  branded  companies  come  in  affordable  rates.      

Ø Grab   such   an   opportunity,   the   critical   thinking   applied   to   buy   a   company   must   also   be  applied  to  buy  a  share.  Once  you  understand  exactly  what  the  business  is,  it  will  be  easy  to  

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take   a   decision   on   the   quality   of   the   company.  Buffett's   winning   formula   is   to   buy   high-­‐quality  companies  shares  at  a  lower  cost.  

Ø Reasonable  price  can  be  invested  to  buy  butchery  but  not  for  a  least  performance  company  with  a  good  brand.  

Ø Stop  predicting   the  market,   its   financial   condition,   the   impact   of   elections   on   the  market  interest  rates.  Instead,  analyze  the  company's  economy,  its  expected  value  of  future.  If  all  of  them  are  profitable  then  buy  the  share.  

What   you   think   of   a   company   when   you   buy   a   share   in   that   company,   its   similar   to   own   a  company.  When  you  clearly  understand  the  business,  you  can  check  the  density  of  the  company  you  are  investing  in.  

You  can  buy  a  good  company  share  at  a  higher  price,  but  don't  buy  a  company’s  share  which   is  at  a   loss  or  going   into   losses.  To   decrease   the   risk   of   loss   limit,   invest   in   5-­‐10  companies.  This   forces   us   to   do  more   and  more   research   on  them.   Many   financial   experts   advise   us   to   diversify   the  investments   in   different   sectors   so   as   to   avoid   the   risk.   But  buffet's  ideology  is  quite  different  from  this  fact.  If  he  likes  the  company  he   invests  most  of  his   investment   in   it.  His  belief   is  that,   if   one  understands   the   functioning  of   the   company  and  its  economy  they  can  increase  the  revenue  without  the  fear  of  losses.  

One  should   remember   that  price   is  paid   to  get  quality.  To   invest   in  shares  of  attractive  priced  shares  is  important.  If  company  value  is  less  than  share  value,  Buffet  buy  only  those  shares  when  he  feels  that  the  shares  are  secure.  If  you  are  an  investor  in  a  company,  you  should  know  what  is  happening,  what  the  company  is  going  to  do.  If  you  are  a  speculator,  you  should  keep  an  eye  on  the  momentum  of  share  prices.  According  to  buffet,  a  good  investor  is  the  one  who  analyze  the  market   and   invest   accordingly,   when   others   are   either   active   or   inactive   respectively.   If   the  other   investors   sell   of   their   shares   they  will   be   in   huge   losses.   Buffet’s  most   influencing   idea  about   investments   is   to   take  wise   decisions   in   investing   and  minimise   the  probability   of   false  decision,   resulting   in  high  profits.  His   ideologies,  discipline,   insistence,  bravery,   firmness,   faith  and  patience  made  him  what  he  is  “today”.  

 KARTHIK  PABBATHENENI  PGP/SS/13-­‐15  

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“Frozen  Frames”    “No  bubble  is  so  iridescent  or  floats  longer  than  that  blown  by  the  successful  teacher”  

 –  William  Osler    

 

 Equipment:  Nikon  D3100  with  18-­‐55mm(f/3.5-­‐5.6)  VR  lens  Aperture:  f/5.6  Shutter  Speed:  1/200  ISO:  400  White  Balance:  Cloudy  Location:  Universal  Studios,  Singapore  

   

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“DISCREET  DIARIES”    

1. Starbucks   redesigned   Round   Tables   so   that,   the   customers  wouldn’t   feel   lonely.   And   when   they   are   in   a   company,   they  mostly  talk  about  Starbucks  and  it’s  Coffee.  

2. Walmart  averages  a  profit  of  1.8  Million  Dollars  per  hour.    3. Apple’s  iPad’s  Retina  Display  was  made  not  made  by  Apple  but  

by  its  competitor  Samsung.   4. DASANI,   one   of   the   biggest   names   in   the   international  world  

for   Purified  Water.   It   is   just   actually   ‘Purified   Tap  Water’   and  nothing  mysterious.  

 5.  6. .

5. As of early 2012, Apple held more operating cash than the United States Government.  6. Iceland  consumes  more  Coca  Cola  per  capita  than  any  other  country.  7. No  two  corn  flakes  look  the  same.  8. M&M's  chocolate  stands  for  the  initials  for  its  inventors  Mars  and  Murrie.  9. Coca-­‐Cola  originally  contained  cocaine.  10.  Hilton  was  the  first  international  hotel  chain.  11.  Porsche  also  builds  tractors.  12.  MasterCard  was  originally  called  Master  Charge.  13.  The  last  Play  Boy  centrefold  to  have  staples  was  published  in  1985.  14.  There  are  1,929,770,126,028,800  different  colour  combinations  possible  on  a  Rubik's  Cube.  15.  40%  of  McDonalds  profits  come  from  the  sales  of  Happy  Meals.  16.  The  first  product  to  have  a  bar  code  was  Wrigley's  gum.  17.  The  first  Lifesaver  flavour  was  peppermint.  18.  The   least   financially   successful   harry   potter   film   made   $90   million   more   than   the   most      

successful  twilight  movie.  19.  SHARP,   a   Japanese   company,   founded   in   1912   and   started   its   brand   by   selling   a  mechanical    

pencil.  This  is  where  the  name  comes  from  still  today  even  if  they’ve  turned  into  a  multi-­‐national  electronics   company.   After   a   big   earthquake   that   destroyed   the   business   completely   in   1923,  Sharp  started  producing  the  first  generation  of  Japanese  radio  sets.    

     

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“EINSTEIN’S  POPCORN”    

1. Expand  SEBI  a. Stock  Exchange  Bureau  of  India  b. Stock  Exchange  Board  of  India  c. Securities  Exchange  Bureau  of  India  d. Securities  and  Exchange  Board  of  India                Ans:  (d)  Securities  and  

Exchange  Board  of  India    

2. Which  popular  IT  company  has  the  popular  slogan  “High  Performance  ,  Delivered”  a. Accenture  b. EDS  c. Microsoft  d. IBM                                          Ans:  (a)  Accenture    

3. Which  bank  offers  a  virtual  temporary  credit  card  for  online  purchases  called  NetSafe?  a. ICICI  Bank  b. HDFC  c. HSBC  d. State  Bank  of  India                              Ans:  (d)  HDFC    

4. With  which  airliner  was  Jet  Airways  in  talk  of  merger/acquisitions?  a. Air  Sahara  b. Air  Deccan  c. Indian  Airlines  d. GoAir                                          Ans:  (a)  Air  Sahara    

5. Which  of  the  following  popular  microprocessor  major  went  for  a  major  re-­‐branding  exercise  in  2006  after  decades  of  staying  with  the  old  logo?      a. AMD  b. Intel  c. Nokia  d. Qualcomm                                  Ans:  (a)  AMD    

6. Which  of  the  following  logistics  company  is  associated  with  Deutsche  Post?  a. Blue  Dart  b. DHL  c. SkyPak  d. FedEx                                      Ans:  (b)  DHL    

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7. Which  asset  management  company  took  a  49.9%  stake  in  Sundaram  Mutual  Fund  to  enter  into  India  via  Joint  Venture  route?  a. BNP  Paribhas  b. Citigroup  c. CIGNA  d. Merill  Lynch                            Ans:  (a)  BNP  Paribhas    

8. If  you  are  in  Singapore,  in  which  currency  do  you  pay  the  taxi  driver?  a. Singapore  Rupaiah  b. Singapore  Rupee  c. Singapore  Dollar  d. Singapore  Cents                                        Ans:  (c)  Singapore  Dollar    

9. Paul  Jacobs  is  the  CEO  of  which  of  the  following  companies?  a. Microsoft  b. Nokia  c. Sun  d. Qualcomm                                    Ans:  (d)  Qualcomm    

10. Who  is  the  following  is  the  son  of  Lakshmi  Mittal  of  Mittal  Steels?  a. Aditya  Mittal  b. Bob  Mittal  c. Sunil  Mittal  d. Sanjay  Mittal                              Ans:  (a)  Aditya  Mittal    

11. Which  company  bought  IBM  PC  Division  in  2005?  a. Lenevo  b. Sony  c. Samsung  d. Toshiba                            Ans:  (a)  Lenevo    

12. Which  major  Indian  Corporate  Group  is  popular  as  ADAG?  a. Anil  Dhirubhai  Ambani  Group  b. Anil  Dhirubhai  Associated  Group  c. Ambani  Dhirubhai  Associated  Group  d. Ambani  Dhirubhai  Assorted  Group              Ans:  (a)  Anil  Dhirubhai  Ambani  Group    

13. In  Mutual  Fund  terminology,  What  is  a  SIP?  a. Start  Investment  Plan  b. Simple  Investment  Plan  c. Serial  Investment  Plan  

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d. Systematic  Investment  Plan                      Ans:  (d)  Systematic  Investment  Plan    

14. What  is  the  name  of  BPO  arm  of  IT  major  Satyam  Computer  Services  Limited?  a. Nipuna  b. Naipunya  c. Progen    d. Prosoft                            Ans:  (a)  Nipuna  

   

 

   

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