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Up, close & personal with microbes
Life on this planet would soon come to a grinding halt if there were no microbes. Learn to study their growth, development and behaviour and control and utilise them for the benefit of living beings
WE read regularly about and know that microbes are the cause of infectious diseases like flu or malaria. We also know that microorganism cause food to spoil, but microbes are also a source of antibiotics that can cure us and are used for many beneficial applications. Without yeast there would be neither bread nor beer. Without lactic acid bacteria, we cannot make yogurt. Microbes are responsible for the degradation of dead animals and plants, releasing components that can be reused. They are the only organisms that can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into living material. Photosynthetic microbes in the oceans fix the carbon dioxide from which all marine life is derived. If these processes did not occur, life on this planet would soon come to a grinding halt. The world around us is full of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa. They affect each and every aspect of life on earth.
What lies ahead
THE job of the microbiologists is to study the growth, development and behaviour of micro-organisms and consequently control and utilise them for the benefit of living beings. The range of job opportunities for microbiologists is as diverse as the organisms they work with.
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Medical Microbiologists: They play a major part in finding ways of identifying, preventing and treating infectious diseases such as TB, flu and even infections like dandruff. Medical microbiologists in hospital laboratories deal with samples from patients, isolating and identifying the microbes that cause illness and provide the necessary information which enable physicians make diagnoses. They are also able to track the progress of infections and the information is used by health authorities in the control of disease and epidemics. Some also work in research institutes and universities and are helping to pioneer gene therapy techniques against many genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and inherited cancers. n
Industrial microbiologists: Industrial microbiologists carry out research and develop new products — they also work in quality control to monitor manufacturing processes and check the microbiological safety of goods. The pharmaceutical industry employs thousands of scientists in research facilities and manufacturing plants for the development and manufacture of a wide range of medicinal and other healthcare products designed to improve human and animal health. Microbiologists are also employed to evaluate drugs in clinical trials, and in the registration of new products. Advances in gene technology have revolutionised the production of medicines such as insulin that is produced by genetically modified microbes. Previously the hormone was extracted from the carcasses of horses and pigs. Industrial microbiologists also work in the cosmetic industry to check the effectiveness of anti-microbial products such as creams against acne and anti-dandruff shampoos and to develop preservative systems in cosmetics and toiletries. n
Food microbiologists: Microbial fermentations have been used for centuries to produce foods such as cheese and yoghurt and alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. Microbiologists are also needed at all stages of modern food and drink manufacturing processes. They are involved in the maintenance of the microbial culture (the inoculum) that is used to start the fermentation of the milk or grape juice, to prevent deterioration of existing strains and to develop or improve existing ones. Our food contains many other, less obvious, microbial products, such as flavours and colours. Many factory-produced foods lose important vitamins during processing, and to keep our diet healthy, vitamins are added back to the food (e.g. breakfast cereals). Microbiologists work in water companies, in sewage treatment plants and environment agencies to monitor and control these processes. Industrial microbiology also deals with products associated with the food and dairy industries, with the prevention of deterioration of processed or manufactured goods and with waste disposal systems. n
Agricultural microbiologists: Microbes play an important part in agriculture. These microbiologists study plant diseases, the role of micro-organisms in soil fertility and spoilage of farm products. Veterinary microbiologists and plant pathologists do research and give advice on problems farmers may encounter. They fix nitrogen in the soil into a form that can be used by plants as a fertilizer, use microbes in pesticides, and turn grass into the winter animal feed, silage. n
Environmental microbiologists: Microbial activities can be harnessed to avoid or minimise environmental pollution in factory wastes and production processes. Microbiologists in research institutes and universities study the ecology of microbes in fresh water, the sea and other habitats.
The Curriculum
YOU need a background in science to get into microbiology. Some universities require science subjects with biology for entry into the B.Sc microbiology course. There is no entrance exam but colleges/universities do specify minimum qualifying marks. You can pursue B.Sc in microbiology, or any other science subject, and follow it up with an M.Sc in microbiology. Specialisations in areas such as medical microbiology, agricultural microbiology, bacteriology or virology can be pursued at M.Sc level. Many universities offer M.Sc in microbiology including Delhi University, Panjab University, Kurukshetra University, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
Career Course
MICROBIOLOGISTS work in laboratories and research organisations linked to hospitals, food and beverage and chemical industries, pharmaceutical companies, as well as in the field of agriculture, biotechnology, the environment and public health. Biomedical microbiologists usually work in hospital and clinical laboratories, investigating samples of body tissue and fluids to diagnose disease, monitor treatments or track disease outbreaks. They could also carry out research and development projects in the specialisations of bacteriology, virology, mycology and paristology. In agricultural research, microbiologists work in areas of plant development, plant disease and tissue culture. Some of the more recent projects are those involving bio-genetically modified crops, like BT cotton. Microbiologists also work in industry, handling development of new chemical products and processes, in waste management and environmental controls. Other areas of work can be with manufacturers of medical disposable goods, cosmetics and the dairy industry. Those interested in marine microbiology study the various micro-organisms from the seas that can be used for medicinal or food resources. A large number of microbiologists join the pharmaceutical industry where they work at most stages of the drug development process. Work may be based in the R&D laboratories, at manufacturing sites, or knowledge and experience can be applied to roles in registration and regulatory affairs or sales and marketing. Increasingly, microbiologists are working in association with biotechnologists in R&D as well as applied biotechnology i.e. healthcare, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and in the environment sector. Microbiologists can also join government in the departments of health, agriculture and environment and in government funded research institutes. As microbiology is a subject for the civil services exam, you can also consider the civil services. Some microbiologists become technical or science writers or work for scientific publishers, editing journal articles or books, or get into teaching and academics.
(The writer is a noted career expert)
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Office Mantra
EVERYONE has a gold mine between his ears. The important thing is to realise it and exploit it. At work, it is the ability to think up new ideas that helps solve problems. It is vital that among men with equal intelligence, the highest salaries go to those with the most ideas. William Damroth in How to Win Success Before 40 says idea-ability is the secret of success in business, jobs and careers. Alex F. Osborn, author of Applied Imagination, explains it best: “Creative power is not limited to a few geniuses. The power is universal.” Osborn, founder of a famous advertising agency, owes his successful career to the fact that he has been “dreaming up” ideas all his life. At 21, a cub reporter on the Buffalo Times, he was laid off. The next day, armed with a few clippings, he called on a rival city editor. This gave Osborn a new slant on the value of ideas. He made up his mind that he would never let a single day pass without thinking up at least one idea. Later, when he became an advertising man, thinking up ideas won him promotions. He says, “I owe whatever success I’ve had to my faith in the possibility of increasing creative power by applied effort.” Universities and business houses arrange courses in creative thinking because they think that they can tell how to increase creativity through effort. Anything you make is essentially your win. No one has made it, you have. Others may have created similar or better things but only you have created it. You have created something that would have never been created. Think: Even a little act of creation, even if it rearrangement of books in your room, elevates you to a pedestal. You are thrilled. This has spillovers. You have mastered something new. You write a letter to the editor of a magazine or newspaper. It is published. You have acquired a new skill. This boosts your self-confidence. You begin to respect yourself. You generate a feeling that you are a becoming better. You can be counted. Self-respect is bolstered. You feel you are upgraded in your own and other’s estimation. You do not need a college degree to be creative. Youth with limited formal education are often more creative than college graduates. Ordinary people don’t know as much as quiz masters, but are often far more creative! If you have children, play with them and listen to their conversation. The ability to see what needs to be done is the first step in finding solutions for a problem. Dr J.P. Guilford, professor of psychology at the University of Southern California, believes that the creative person is likely to be more sensitive than most to the existence of problems. Keep your eyes and mind open for money-saving or time-saving improvements. It is the first step in figuring out away to overcome them. Go to unexplored places in your city. Travel to a new place on your vacation. I was wonderstruck when I went to a forest area behind PGI, Chandigarh. It has a dried-up river. The ruggedness and beauty of it stirred my imagination strings. We don not see too clearly what is near the eye. The story Acres of Diamonds points out that men may travel thousands of miles in search of diamonds only to find out that the wonderful jewels could be dug up much nearer home! Ideas are wherever you are — they are in you. Creativity is not just for the eccentric few. Everyone is creative in his or her own way. In fact, each needs to be creative for his success and fulfillment.
Harness it
A PROBLEM well stated is half solved, Professor John Dewey once said. To which Alex Osborn adds, “Divide and conquer. Split the problem in bits. Tackle each separately. Here’s how:
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Give yourself a motive and deadlines for specific ideas.
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Being
Boss Trusting your team will encourage it to outperform itself and can be a great step towards success D.C. Sharma
Research has shown that employees who feel good about their jobs are more likely to work hard as compared to those who dislike what they do. Human psychology reveals that individuals don’t like to do what they are told to do. They prefer doing things their own way and a boss who trusts his workforce gets things done. This method works every time you apply it.
All this is a matter of trust. A team leader who trusts his associates gets things done more efficiently, builds an effective team, and wins laurels. He often uses tact and diplomacy but without his workers ever knowing it. Let your employees know that they can trust you. Encourage your workers to talk to the management about anything that they may want to ask, discuss or clarify. Another tool of successful managers is delegation. He gives his subordinates the responsibility of the work assigned. A sense of responsibility boosts the morale of the doer and gets things done more efficiently. When it becomes a question of prestige with the associate, he leaves no stone unturned to show his value and worth. A skilful senior is also a good listener. When an associate is passionately explaining his skill, he never interrupts. He simply listens attentively while analysing and forming his own judgment. He is interested in results, not in the methods. He urges his employee to use his skill, his initiative, and his ingenuity to better established standards. Just as it is important to point out mistakes, it is also essential to acknowledge and congratulate an employee for a job well done. Whenever a department / employee achieves more than the set targets, make sure to share their happiness and reward them / him in the form of bonus, trophies etc. When something worthwhile is achieved, a competent leader showers praise upon his team and never hogs credit and limelight. With him the mantra is “you win” not “I win”. But in his heart of hearts, he knows that the victory always brings credit to the captain. Similarly, the leader takes responsibility for the failures of his workers and does not put them in the direct line of fire. Your employees look to you for motivation, encouragement and confidence. Make sure that you give them this if you want them to give their 100 per cent or more to every task that they attempt. Morale building is just as important as goal setting and performance appraisal. Don’t find faults every now and then. While directly finding faults is harmful, the indirect approach always encourages team members to come up with valuable suggestions and develops initiative. Sensing the freedom, they take greater interest in their job, sharpen their skills resulting is more output, rewards and honours for all.
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Food for Thought
‘Learned helplessness’ is a psychological condition in which people behave as if they are helpless in certain situations even when they have the power to change their circumstances. Losing this “sense of coherence” can lead to an increased risk of stroke and even injury, Sigman said. He said that the companies wishing to survive the credit crisis should offer their staff financial education and comprehensive redundancy packages. Brewed tea protects teeth
FORGET lattes and fresh limejuice. The best thing to drink is brewed tea, for it has no erosive effect on teeth and it’s antioxidants provide health benefits, according to a new research. But drink it without additives such as milk, lemon, or sugar because they combine with tea’s natural flavonoids and decrease the benefits. It does not matter whether the tea is warm or cold — as long as it is home or office brewed without additives. If it’s green, even better! Refined sugars and acids found in soda and citrus juice promote tooth erosion, which wears away the hard part of the teeth, or the enamel. Once tooth enamel is lost, it’s gone forever. However, brewed tea is a beverage that does not produce such irreversible results. Experts suggest staying away from prepackaged iced teas because they contain citric acid and high amounts of sugars. Apart from tasting good, brewed tea has many health benefits. Tea is loaded with natural antioxidants, which are thought to decrease incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. For the study, author Mohamed A. Bassiouny, DMD, BDS, MSc, PhD, compared green and black tea to soda and orange juice in terms of their short and long-term erosive effect on human teeth. The study found that the erosive effect of tea was similar to that of water, which has no erosive effect. And, when comparing green versus black, he discovered that there is a better option among those as well. Green tea was identified to being superior over black due to its natural flavonoids (plant nutrients) and antioxidants. Kenton Ross,
DMD, FAGD, AGD spokesperson, says, “This study clearly shows that brewed teas resulted in dramatically less enamel loss than soft drinks and acidic juices. I would highly recommend patients choose tea as an alternative to more erosive drinks like soda and fruit juice.”
Are you a cyberchondriac?
DID a morning headache followed by an Internet search on the pain make you come to the conclusion that you’ve a brain tumor? Well, in that case, you’re one of the rising number of sufferers with cyberchondria, according to researchers. According to US boffins, playing doctor on the web often leads people to mistakenly believe that they are suffering from rare illnesses. To reach the conclusion, researchers from Microsoft Research in Redmond, Washington, conducted a large-scale longitudinal study of how people search for medical information online. Researchers looked at logs of what pages people visited and also surveyed the health-related search experiences of 515 individuals. “Web search engines have the potential to escalate medical concerns,” or “cyberchondria,” write Dr Ryen White and Dr Eric Horvitz, describing cyberchondria as “unfounded increases in health anxiety based on review of web content.” They noted that the Internet provides an “abundant source” of medical information. “However, the web has the potential to increase the anxieties of people who have little or no medical training, especially when web search is employed as a diagnostic procedure,” they say. Search engine architects have a responsibility to work against cyberchondria by, among other things, improving the way search results are ranked, they say.
— ANI
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Course chat
The University of Cambridge International Examinations conducted a workshop discussing the findings of a project on student-centered learning. The workshop gave Indian teachers access to the latest research from the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education as well as current thinking on student-centric education. “Student centric learning emphasises the importance of sharing and clarifying learning intentions and success criteria with students at the outset, engaging them in questioning and dialogue to provoke and reveal thinking, feedback — including comment only marking and the value of peer and self-assessment,” Sue Swaffield, Senior Lecturer-educational leadership and school improvement, University of Cambridge said at the seminar. Peer and self-assessment is an integral part of student-centric learning. Students taught by teachers who are developing self-assessment skills in their students, gained 15 marks over a period of 20 weeks compared with a gain of 7.5 marks for students in the control group. Peer and self-assessment involves students assessing their own or their peers’ work with marking schemes, criteria and exemplars. This is a skill that needs to be developed in students with regular practice. Student-centered education is about developing learning and focusing on practices that enable learners to reflect upon, and understand their own learning processes.
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Career Hotline
Q. Are B.Techs eligible to take the JEST exam whose notification has just appeared in the papers? I am very interested in astronomy. How can I prepare for the test? Are there any Indian astronomy magazines one could refer to?
A.
The eligibility for taking the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) for admission to PhD programmes in physics/ theoretical computer science at 22 institutions of scientific research is M.Sc (physics) / M.Tech / BE / B.Tech in any field. No specific material is available for preparation for the JEST. However, the pattern consists of multiple-choice objective type questions covering general areas of physics. So, you need to have a strong background in the fundamentals of physics. The three-hour exam checks for analytical skills, knowledge of the subject and ability to tackle problems. The maximum number of marks allotted is 150, evenly divided among 50 questions with negative marking for wrong answers. You can refer to national and international journals for information about astronomy. For details about journals, please visit the Library page on: www.iiap.res.in For details of the forthcoming JEST 2009 in February, log on to the website of the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata, which is conducting the test this year: http://jest09.veccal.ernet.in. For a sample question paper for the IISc entrance exam, log on to: www.iisc. ernet.in/admissions/syllabus2008.htm. This might give you some idea.
Theoretically, you fit the bill
Q. What are the entry requirements for pursuing M.Sc. (theoretical physics) at IISc? I am very interested in cosmology. A.
The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, does not offer M.Sc. programmes as such. But with a B.Sc. degree you can apply for their Integrated Ph.D. programme (through JEST), which includes a two-year MS course comprising of both optional and compulsory subjects. The Department of Physics at IISc is mainly oriented towards condensed matter theory and experimental work. You can obtain an MS degree after successfully completing the course and proceed towards your Ph.D. programme in any of the subject areas pursued in the department (Please check www.physics.iisc.ernet.in for more details on research areas). Presently, there is no evidence of faculty members working in the field of cosmology in the physics department, but do check out on your own. If you are determined to do your Ph.D. in cosmology, you can leave IISc after your MS and apply to institutions like TIFR, Mumbai (www.tifr.res.in), IUCAA, Pune (www.iucaa.ernet.in) etc, where a great deal of work is being done in this field. You can also apply to foreign universities for pursuing your Ph.D. programme. For a sample Question paper for the IISc entrance exam, log on to:
www .iisc.ernet.in/admissions/syllabus2008. htm
Translating words into picture
Q. Please tell me about the course and scope of cinematography and some good institutions. A.
A cinematographer or director of photography is in charge of the camera and lighting. It’s a very important part of filmmaking, because a film is essentially a visual medium. Regardless of the course you opt for, make sure you learn the ‘art’ of filmmaking and not the science. Many people get involved in the technical and monetary aspects and don’t concentrate on what is important. Technology keeps changing. Cameras and editing machines change every few years, but the art of editing, lighting and composing is self-taught and evolves over a period of time. It is very important to watch films of all kinds very carefully. Have no biases towards black and white, foreign or regional films. See where they cut shots, how long each scene takes, what dialogues were necessary, how the necessary impact was created. The following institutions offer courses in film direction and cinematography:
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FTII, Pune & Chennai Website: www.ftiindia.org n
Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Kolkata Website:
www.srfti.gov.in n Jadavpur University, Kolkata Website: www.jadavpur.edu n
Zee Institute of Media Arts (ZIMA), Andheri (W), Mumbai Website: www.zimainstitute.com n
Bihar Institute of Film & Television (BIFT), Patna, offers diploma in
videography. n AKJ Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi, offers a two-year MA in mass communication (radio, television, film & audio-visual production). n
NID, Paldi, Ahmedabad’s communication design course in film and video communication offers considerable exposure to the study of film-making. n
SAE School of Audio Engineering, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Delhi, offers diploma in digital film-making. Website:
www. sae.edu
Insure your future
Q. I am in my second year of M.Com. I am very disheartened by the current slump in the financial sector. The only area that seems somewhat okay is insurance. Is it really worth looking at? A.
Certainly, and for good reason. While India’s job market may be in turmoil as the economic slowdown forces companies to downsize, some sectors such as insurance are defying the trend. Life insurance companies continue to create jobs by the thousands, much to the relief a government desperate to shield the economy from the effects of the recession that is engulfing most developed economies. MetLife, Max New York Life, Tata AIG, Bharti AXA and AVIVA are in ramp-up mode as the insurance sector looks to boost staffing levels by around 50 per cent over the next few months. The industry may hire 300,000 financial planning advisors and 30,000 managers by the end of this financial year. The sector, long dominated by public sector Life Insurance Corporation of India, may have the financial performance to justify its hiring spree. Private players have seen an impressive 42 per cent growth in first time premium collections for the first half of FY09, according to the IRDA. Despite the turmoil in the financial services sector, insurance companies continue to plan new schemes. Insurance products are perceived as long-term investment tools and people will continue to buy irrespective of the financial crisis. For one, Max New York Life Insurance is looking at expanding its operations and step up recruitment in the next few months. The company has 61,000 agent advisors and 15,227 employees, of which 21,000 agents and 8,000 managers were hired in the past six months. It plans to add 70,000 agents and 10,000 employees by the end of 2009.
Promoting talent
Q. I am in class 11 and have always dreamt of getting into NID because our art teacher says it is the finest design institute in country. I am from a family of very modest means and have heard that is it very expensive. Please guide. — Majli Khurana A.
The total expenditure for studies at the National Institute of Design, including hostel and mess charges, is estimated at Rs 1.5 lakh per year at the present level of costs. Be prepared for a 10-15 per cent increase in costs annually, but don’t worry. A number of full and partial tuition fee waivers offered by NID, Ford Foundation and Government of India scholarships are available to deserving and disadvantaged candidates. There is some additional support offered by the Ford Foundation to meet the hostel/ mess expenses of candidates from disadvantaged sections of the society. There are 90 seats in GDPD (including those for OBC and other reserved categories).
This column appears weekly. Please send in your queries, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers
@tribunemail.com.
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Bits & Bytes
SAMSUNG Electronics has announced a global scholarship programme (GSP) for Indian students. The programme, which provides Indian students with an opportunity to study MS/MBA at prestigious universities in Korea, also provides the selected candidates with an opportunity to work with the company in Korea.
While the MS programme for undergraduate engineering students provides them a full paid scholarship at the Seoul National University, the MBA programme is available at the Sung Kyun Kwan University (SKK). The company plans to select four candidates for each programme and will provide selected students a fully paid scholarship, monthly living expenses, an opportunity for summer/winter internship at Samsung plus employment with the firm after graduation. Speaking about the programme, Samsung South West Asia HQ president & CEO H. B. Lee said, “Our global scholarship programme seeks to cultivate global leaders for research and development in the field of computer science, electronics and computer engineering. Based on our confidence in its talent, we have made the programme for India the largest.” Based on availability of candidates meeting the required criteria, India will be sending eight candidates against the total GSP allocation of 20 seats this year across both programmes. The global scholarship program is being run across China, Russia, Brazil and Africa apart from India. Eligibility: Candidates interested in taking up the MBA programme should be in the top 10 per cent of their class and need to be completing their B.Com/BBA/BA by May-June 2009. For the GSP at the Seoul National University, final year engineering undergraduates should be completing graduation by April/May 2009 or should be graduates with uptil two years of work experience. The candidates for the 2009 GSP program will be finalised by third week of January 2009. Applications close by mid-December.
ATTEST delivers over 2.2 million tests
ATTEST, the testing and certification arm of Global Learning Solutions major Aptech Limited, has successfully delivered over 2.2 million tests globally. In a short span of a little over four years, it has created a niche for itself in the emerging testing and certification field in India and abroad. Says Uday Kulkarni, executive vice president of Training & Assessment Solutions, “We have delivered more than 2.2 mllion online exams through our network of Attest Authorised Test Centers (AATC). We attribute our success to our clients from diverse fields, who have trusted us repeatedly to service their varied requirements.” Services offered include question bank development and management, application processing, online test/survey delivery, certification and cash flow management. It caters to a wide range of needs including entrance and certification exams, semester-end exams, recruitment and promotion assessments, aptitude tests, surveys and pre and post training evaluations. It offers testing & certification services in English as well as Hindi.
— TNS
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Fortnightly Quiz-324
1. Who formed the first non-Congress coalition government at the Centre in the year 1989?
2. What is the full form of NSG? 3. Who has been chosen for the 2008 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development? 4. Which scientist gave the
celebrated formula in physics E = mc²? 5. Who discovered the bacteria causing tuberculosis over a century ago? 6. Which country has built the world’s longest sea bridge? 8. Where is the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held? 9. Name the erstwhile ruler of Rewa in Madhya Pradesh who bred the first white tiger in the early 1950s in the state. 10. Which legendary hockey player’s birthday is planned to be celebrated as National Sports Day by the Government of India? — Tarun Sharma
Winners of quiz 323: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Shikha Kumari, class VIII, Government High School, Pihiri, PO Galoti, Dehra, Pin Code - 176107 Second: Swechha Malik, class XII, DAV Senior Secondary School, Urban Estate, Jind (Haryana), Pin Code - 126102 Third: Noor Swapan Malhi, class V-B, St Joseph’s Convent Secondary School, Bathinda, Pin Code 151001 Answers to quiz 323: Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk; Moon Impact Probe; Aditya; 102; Savitri Jindal; Pandit Bhimsen Joshi; Michael Crichton; New Delhi; Harbhajan Singh; 387/5 Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address. Note: Kindly mention the pincode of your place to facilitate the delivery of the prize money. Answers can also be sent at
quiz@tribunemail.com
Name ……………….…………...........
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Everyone who comes into the world has it. What matters is how you use it.
I. M. SONI on the wonder tool, creativity
The astonishing thing about this quality, which can raise your pay, change you from a failure to a success, and hike your income, is that everyone has it. Everyone is born with creative imagination, but imagination pales in later years if you cease to exercise it. 
WHILE fair pay holds the key to keeping an employee happy, there is so much more the workforce looks for
— feedback, training, active participation, having a say in matters, control and above all, trust and a feeling of being needed. Even though most companies realise all this, there are many who still do not give these matters the attention they deserve.
Most individuals instinctively rebel the moment they are given orders. So, instead of telling a person how to do a task, ask him how he can do it. Let people have their way and see how wonderful the results can be. A supervisor who never tells his men how to do a task is more successful than the one who imparts instructions time and again. The tact of a competent officer lies in the fact that he asks his team’s opinion on how to complete the job in hand. The idea is to let the worker get a feeling that the whole project is his idea and encourage him to give it his 110 per cent. 
THE current economic situation can elevate some individuals’ chance of suffering a stroke, a leading expert has said. According to Dr Aric Sigman, an associate fellow of the British Psychological Society, watching coverage of the credit crisis on the evening news can add to the risk of suffering real mental and physical health problems, including stroke and suicide. “During the last two recessions, we didn’t have the abundance of dedicated news channels and websites we’re able to ‘enjoy’ today. This background music to employees’ lives has become faster and louder at a time when they also have the greatest level of personal debt in history. Now, many employees are experiencing a state of ‘learned helplessness’ as the result of too much insurmountable news of changes affecting their job security,” he says.
RESEARCH proves that a student-centric approach in the classroom can improve both learning and examination results. Learning autonomy is the ultimate goal of student-centric learning. Not quite the same as ‘independent learning’, which focuses on the individual, autono-mous learning applies to groups as well as individuals. Autonomous learners take responsibility for their learning and develop strategies that enable them to learn both on their own and collaboratively.
— Vipul Khatri
— Prateek Mehra
— Surjeet Bindal
— Darpan Thukral
7. In which Indian city is Asia’s largest slum Dharavi situated? (see photo)