FORTNIGHTLY QUIZ-153

CAREER QUERIES HOTLINE
What are the job opportunities in information science?

A You have a wide choice of options to choose from. As a librarian, you will find openings in government and public libraries, universities and other academic institutions, cultural institutions, information centres, museums and galleries, photo and film libraries, besides companies and organisations with large information-handling requirements. With computerisation playing a key role in information management, there is scope for diversifying into hi-tech areas like systems analysis, research assistance, database operations and management, printing and publishing, documentation, corporate and even freelance consulting, or information marketing.

A. Students applying for undergraduate courses in the UK must fill the centralised UCAS (University Central Admission System) form. You can fill in six college options of your choice on this single form which costs £15.

Although the official deadline for submission of the UCAS form is December 15 of the year prior to the one in which admission is sought, in principle, you could send in your application as late as April. However, it is better to apply early as seats in the good universities fill up very quickly.

Most of the good courses (and there are quite a few of them, that too in various aspects of art and design, including design management), require evidence of your talent i.e. a portfolio of your work, which British students typically prepare while doing their "A" levels or Foundation programme or a GNVQ qualification. If you have a diploma in Art from India that too would suffice as long as you submit your portfolio (in hard copy/CD/PDF/JPEG format). Another route for Indian students is to enroll directly into a 2-year HND (higher National degree) programme and complete your degree in the third year.

A. Space applications for national development is a major thrust area of the research being pursued at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the premier space research agency in the country. To achieve this goal, ISRO is not only designing and launching satellites but is also engaged in a demonstration and end-to-end application exercise in space applications. Major front-line R & D and applications work in satellite communications, remote sensing, meteorology and oceanography is being done at the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, one of the five major centres of ISRO.

In the field of remote sensing, the centre undertakes design and development of optical and microwave satellite sensors, data products from these sensors in terms of image preparation and related software tools, and demonstration and co-ordination of end-to-end applications of space-borne satellite RS data for national development.

In meteorology and oceanography, the centre’s activities include design and fabrication of suitable sensors for satellite platforms as well as retrieval and analysis of satellite data to provide information about atmosphere, ocean and coastal zone for use in weather forecast and ocean resource studies. Besides undertaking various projects on behalf of the various ministries of the Govt. of India, the Centre is also engaged in international collaborations.

As a result, such projects require a large number of researchers to work as Research Fellows. Postgraduates in science disciplines with a good academic record and with an aptitude for research are considered eligible. The upper age limit is 30 years.

These fellowships provide unique opportunity to work in front-line research areas with access to excellent computing and library facilities. On-the-job training is available to initiate a fresh science postgraduate into the field of space applications. These research programmes can also lead to the preparation of doctoral thesis for submission at reputed Indian universities for obtaining PhD.

For further information, you may contact:

Space Applications Centre, ISRO (D/o Space, GoI), SAC P.O. Ahmedabad 380053.

A. Since you have not mentioned your field of specialisation, I can’t give you very precise advice. However, let me give you a somewhat general answer that applies to all engineers.

After a degree in engineering from a good institution you have several opportunities depending on your interest and area of specialization.

By far, the largest scope of employment for engineers lies in manufacturing - a broad term that embraces the following areas: Production Engineering, Production Management, Production Planning & Control, Industrial Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Systems Analysis.

You could work in the area of Research, Design & Development (designing and testing of prototype equipment) to ensure that it meets the specifications and modifying it suitably.

You could also work in the field of erection & commissioning. Although usually linked together, they can also be carried out as separate functions. Erection covers the installation of large-scale plants which also involves handling labour and organizing the flow of material to the site. Commissioning involves putting the plant into working order in keeping with the client’s requirements.

A large number of engineers are also involved work in maintenance and servicing of plants, machinery and high tech equipment.

Those with an electronics or telecommunications background can go in for advanced certification in related cutting-edge technologies by taking online exams like one offered by Cisco, to boost their prospects.

CAD & CAM is another value-addition in the engineering services sector. Companies like TELCO, Hero, LML, have floated subsidiary companies to tap this $ 6 billion market. Global giants like GE and Axis have opened workshops for outsourcing designing in India. Training to work with the latest CAD-CAM software like ProE would be a good bet, particularly if you are a mechanical engineer. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have made it compulsory to include these courses in the engineering curriculum.

Alternatively, as is the current trend, you could head for an MBA to add value to your technical skills and enhance your employability and career prospects.

While techno-managers are in great demand in manufacturing organizations, others branch out into sales and marketing. An MBA in IT or Systems today fetches the highest billing as far as campus placements go. More so since technology, which was earlier considered a business tool, has now become the driver of business strategy.

Several leading engineering colleges including the IITs, NITIE and IISc, Bangalore now offer a special MBA for engineering graduates. A Joint Management Entrance Test (JMET) is conducted for admission to the courses offered by the IITs and IISc.

You could even decide to go in for higher studies i.e ME/MTech and teach in the various engineering colleges and polytechnics in India and abroad (funding via scholarships, freeships and teaching assistantships is relatively easier at this stage).

Yet others branch out into writing and designing of technical manuals.

After working for some years and notching sufficient experience, you may even decide to turn entrepreneur and set up your own industry or specialize in consulting.

There are a large number of openings for engineers in the Engineering Services in the Railways, Armed Forces and in other Government departments, as well as in most PSUs.

A. As the world is waking up to the need for conserving monuments and artefacts there will be new opportunities opening up for qualified people who are in short supply at the moment.

The Delhi Institute of Heritage Research & Management, 18 A, Satsang Vihar Marg, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110067, the first institute of its kind in Asia, is devoted to the study, conservation, preservation and management of monuments and archaeological sites.

Established by the Govt of NCT of Delhi, DIHRM is affiliated to the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Presently it offers the following course:

• Master’s degree in Heritage

• PG Diploma in Heritage

• Master’s degree in Archaeology & Management

Eligibility is Bachelor’s degree in Arts & Humanities or Science. Admission to these courses is on the basis of an All-India Entrance Test. There are 30-odd seats in each 2-year course with 85% seats reserved for graduates from Delhi.

On completion of the course students can join as Assistant Archaeologists in any State Government conservation agency or work as a curator in a museum or with a private collector.

Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, National Academy of Ayurveda, Dhanwantari Bhawan, Rd No 66, Punjabi Bagh (W) New Delhi 110026

Member of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (Guru Shishya Parampara, 2-yr)

(Charaka Samhita/Sushruta Samhita/Vagbhatta/Dravyaguna/Rasa Shastra /Rachana Sharira)

Elig: Good knowledge of Sanskrit. MAMS in relevant subj/BAMS with min 5 yrs teaching ex in any Ayurveda college.

Appln F: Send Rs 130/- by DD favouring "Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth" payable at New Delhi to the above address.

Details: Employment News (9-15 Mar).

National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Karnal 132001 (Har)

1) PhD Dairying

Dairy Microbiol/Dairy Chem/Dairy Tech/Dairy Engg/Animal Biochem/Animal Genetics & Breeding/Live stock Prodn & Mgt/Animal Nutri/Animal Physio/ Dairy Eco/Dairy Extn Educn.

2) Master in Dairying

All the above branches including Animal Biotech

Elig: For 1: Master’s degree in relev field (60% agg/equiv GPA)

For 2: Bachelor’s degree (60% agg/equiv GPA) and 3 yrs continous wk ex in relev field.

Selectn: For 1: Entrance Exam (18 June) followed by Interview (19June). For 2: Interview (19June).

Appln F: Send Rs 450/- by DD favouring "ICAR Unit, NDRI, Karnal" payable at Karnal along with stamped (Rs 33/-), self-add envelope (25 cm x 30 cm) to the Joint Director at the above add by 13 May. Send appln request on plain paper mentioning your Name, full postal add, course applied for and details of bank draft. Superscribe course name on top left corner of the envelope.

Details: Info Bulletin.

Mar 30 Malaviya Regional Engineering College, Jaipur

Website: www.indiaresult.com

Ph: (0141) 702109

Rajasthan Pre Engineering Test-2002

Elig: For Engg: 10+2 (PCM & Eng). For Arch: 10+2 (Maths & Eng). Age: 16-23 yrs (on 1 Oct).

Test: 27, 28 & 29 May.

Appln F: Send Rs 50/- by DD favouring "Coordinator RPET-2002" payable at Jaipur to the Coordinator, RPET-2002 or download from website.

Details: Employment News (2-8 Mar).

May 2 Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Centre for Education, Karaikudi 630006 (TN)

BTech: Chem & Electrochem Engg (4-yr)

Elig: 10+2 (PCM). Age: below 21 yrs (on 1 July).

Selectn: Merit in qualifying exam & Entrance Test (26 May) at Chennai, Delhi & Karaikudi.

Appln F: Send requisition letter with Rs 500/- by crossed DD favouring "Centre for Education, CECRI", payable at Karaikudi with self-add slip (12 cm x 8 cm) by 24 Apr.

Details: Employment News (9-15 Mar).

Indian Council of Medical Research (Div of Manpower Devep), Ansari Nagar, Post Box 4911, New Delhi 110029

Website: http://icmr.nic.in; http://pgimer.nic.in

ICMR’s Junior Research Fellowship

1) Biomed Sc; 2) Social Sc

Elig: MSc/MA or equiv (55%). Age: Below 28 yrs (on 30 Sep).

Test: 7 July at 5 centres incldg Ch ‘grh.

Appln F: Send Rs 500/- by DD favouring "director, PGI, Ch ‘rgh" payable at SBI (Medical Institute Br, Code: 1524) with stamped (Rs 25/-), self-add envelope (8" x 10") to the Registrar, PGIMER, Chandigarh 160012 by 4 Apr.

Mar 31 Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses, Block#3, Old JNU Campus, New Delhi 110067

Website: www.idsa-india.org

1) Research Fellows; 2) Associate Research Fellows

Elig: For 1: PhD with 5 yrs research ex or MPhil (min B+ grading) with 8 yrs of research ex or MA/MSc/MTech/BE (IInd class) with 5 yrs research ex. Published work of quality. For 2: MPhil (B+) with min 3 yrs research ex or MA/MSc/MTech/BE with min 6 yrs research ex.

Appln F: Send on plain paper containing: a) CV with copies of published wk, b) Letters of recommendation from 2 referees and c) Synopsis of research wk to be undertaken to the Director at the above add.

Details: Employment News (9-15 Mar) or website.

Mar 31 UGC, Selection & Award Bureau, South Campus, Delhi University, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi 110021

Junior Research Fellowships, 2001-02: Engg & Tech

Elig: Master’s degree (Engg/Tech/Pharm, 55%). Age: Below 40 yrs (on 1 Jan)

Appln F: Send in prescribed format to the Deputy Secretary at the above add.

Details: Employment News (23 Feb-1 Mar).

Apr 15 Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119 (Har)

Website: http://kuk.ernet.in; http://haryana.nic.in

MCA (at KU; MDU, Rohtak; GJU, Hisar and affl colleges)

Elig: For KU: Bachelor’s degree (55%) with Maths at 10+2/Bachelor’s degree or BCom/BCA (55%).

For MDU & GJU: 50% agg in qualifying exam & rest same as for KU.

Appln F: Send Rs 650/- by DD favouring "Registrar, KU, Kurukshetra" payable at Kurukshetra/Thanesar to the Manager (P&P) at the above add, or download from website.

Details: The Tribune (Mar 13).

Mass Comm

Apr 8 AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025

MA (Mass Comm, 2-yrs), 2002-03

Elig: Bachelor’s degree (50% agg). Age: Below 30 yrs (on 1 Aug).

Appln F: Send Rs 210/- by DD favouring "Mass Communication Research Centre" payable at New Delhi to the above add.

Apr 10 National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067

Website: www.nii.res.in

PhD:

Immunity & Infection, Reproduction & Devep, Molecular Design, Gene Regulation

Elig: MSc /MTech/MBBS/MVSc/MPharm (60% agg from Sr. Secondary onwards).

Selectn: Written test (31 May) followed by Interview (1-2 June) at NII, New Delhi.

Appln F: See website.

Recruitment

Apr 10 Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.

Recruitment of Graduate Engineer Jr Telecom Officers-2002 (3000 Posts)

Elig: BE/BTech (Telecom/Electron/Radio/Computer/Elect). Age: Below 30 yrs (on 10 Apr)

Selection: Competitive Exam (9 June).

Appln F: See The Tribune (12 Mar).

Apr 3 Eveready Industries Ltd., 2, Rainey Park, Kolkata 700019.

Eveready Scholarships

For higher studies upto 4 yrs in Mgt, Engg & Electro Chem

Elig: a) 1st class acad record; b) confirmed admission in 1st yr of UG/PG studies for 2001 in a reputed Indian Univ/Institute as a fulltime student; c) Combined gross income of parents not more than Rs 150,000 pa & d) Not a recipient of any other scholarship/financial assistance.

Appln F: Send appln providing info regarding the above conditions to the above add. Superscribe "For Eveready Scholarships" on the envelope.

Mar 18 M/o HRD, D/o Secondary and Higher Educn, A-1/W-3, Curzon Rd Barracks, KG Marg, New Delhi 110001

Portuguese Government Scholarship, 2002-03

A) PG Studies/Research in Educn (9 mths)

B) For PGs in Portuguese Lang and Culture (12 mths)

C) Annual Course in Portuguese Lang & Culture (8 mths)

Elig: Age: Below 45 yrs (on 1 Sep). For A: Bachelor’s degree (Educn, 60% marks), with 2 yrs teaching wk ex. For B: PGs, Univ teachers & artist with knowledge of Portuguese with admission/acceptance in a Portuguese Univ/Institute. For C: Enrolled for annual course Portuguese Lang and Culture in Indian Univs.

Appln F: Send in prescribed format with specified enclosures to the Section Officer, ES.5 Section, Scholarship Division at the above add. Details: Employment News (9-15 Mar).

Apr 22 University Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002

National Educational Test - June, 2002

For JRF and Elig for Lectureship

Test: 23 June.

Elig: Master’s degree (55% agg). Age: For Lectureship: No upper age limit.

For JRF: Below 28 yrs (on 1 June).

Appln F: Employment News (9-15 Mar).

FORTNIGHTLY QUIZ-153

1. Name the batsman who recently smashed the record of Adam Gilchrist by scoring the fastest-ever Test double century off 153 balls.

2. Which medals were recently given by the United Nations to Indian peacekeepers in recognition of their sacrifices during peace-keeping operations?

3. Who recently won the Zimbabwe’s presidential poll?

4. Name the two units of the Reliance company that were recently merged to create a Rs 58,000-crore fully integrated energy company.

5. Who recently took over as the new Comptroller and Auditor General of India?

6. Expand FTII.

7. What is the capital of the Netherlands?

8. In which year did a US airliner crash over the Scottish village of Lockerbie, killing 270 people?

9. Which country won the World Cup Hockey Tournament held this year in Kuala Lumpur?

10. What was India’s position in the recently concluded World Cup Hockey Tournament?

11. Name the coach of the Indian hockey team.

12. Name the organisation that has banned replays of goals and controversial incidents on giant screens inside stadiums for this year’s football World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

13. Which stadium in New Delhi was recently renamed after hockey wizard Dhyan Chand?

14. Which country recently dethroned Pakistan to become the Asian Test champions in cricket?

15. Name the two English batsmen who recently made a Test record of 281-run sixth-wicket partnership against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Name..............Class............... School address ........................

Winners of quiz 152. The first prize by draw of lots goes to Anil Kumar, VII-A, Govt High School, Alampur, district Kangra (HP).

Second: Lovkesh Grover, IX, Ideal Convent School, Kailash Nagar, Kurukshetra-136118.

Third: Kush Sharma, VIII-B, Mount Carmel School, Rakkar Colony, Una-174302.

Answers to quiz 152: Ravi Shankar; ND Tewari; GMC Balayogi; Adam Gilchrist; Russia; Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting; UNITA; Chuck Jones; Five; Somalia; India; National Institute of Communicable Diseases; China; Shane Warne; Torino (Italy).

— Tarun Sharma