Conquer stress
Children face many hurdles in getting a good score in board and competitive exams. Usha Albuquerque lists remedial measures that can help students Stress is what most students are experiencing nowadays, especially those who are on the verge of appearing for the board examinations.

There are several reasons that add to stress load among students. In today’s fast paced competitive world, students have to ensure that they consistently score good marks in order to be able to make it not only to the next class, but more so, to qualify for admissions to college. With increasing numbers competing for limited seats in the better known and recognised institutions, those who are unable to cope, or slacken in their studies in any way, feel the pressure of competition. This is particularly so near examination time, when the course has to be completed in class, tutorial work continues alongside and there is the anxiety of exams looming ahead. Students who may not have covered all the portions to be revised feel the pressure as it gets intensified during this time.

l There are certain tips that are worth keeping in mind, in order to cope with stress:

l Preparations for examinations should begin at the beginning of the year. Continuous revision and practice on sample papers is one way of keeping pace with the work being done in school.

l It is also important to keep one’s expectations realistic. Not everyone can make it to the top institutions or courses. Yet at the same time it is good to be aware of other alternatives, opportunities and courses for students who are unable to meet the cut-off requirements. And parents and teachers must understand this and be as supportive as possible.

l The immediate hours or day before an exam should be kept purely for last-minute revision. This is when you can work over the sections which you have found tough during the earlier revisions and tests. It is not the time for study of new material, as your anxiety will work against retaining anything new. It is, therefore, important to complete all the revision well in advance.

l You will have to make drastic changes in your daily schedule cutting down on all distracting activities. You don’t have to cut off all these activities completely, but curtail these sufficiently to get you some extra hours each day. You must however, give yourself break times when you can relax with a book, movie or TV show. Make sure you also maintain an exercise regimen, as physical exercise is known to enhance mental performance.

l Ensure that you stay healthy. You cannot afford to fall sick during exam time. All the year’s hard work will be wiped out if you fall sick. So get enough sleep, eat sensibly and at regular hours (eating out at wayside dhabas exposes you to infections of all kinds) and make sure you get sufficient relaxation – take a break every couple of hours. Your time-table should also include meal times, relaxation periods, exercise and sleep. Taking a walk, running or playing a sport will help you return to studies more refreshed. Also, make sure that you do not lose out on your sleep. You must make it a point to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. And don’t be over ambitious. Make a realistic schedule. Trying to do too much will only make you frustrated and more anxious.

l Parents and teachers can play a very vital role in helping students cope with stress. Parents should help to create an environment suitable for study. A separate part of the house where the students can have peace and quiet is essential. There should be limited number of distractions, and parents should ensure that the child gets sufficient relaxation periods.

l If examination phobia is making your child ill, worried, or depressed, then you need to talk to your child about it and encourage him/her to rationlise the problem and come to terms with the anxiety. Parents can help students concentrate on preparation rather than worrying about marks. If the anxiety is more acute, however, professional help should be sought.

l Most important however, is for parents not to transfer their anxieties onto their children, nor to burden them with unrealistic expectations.

l Teachers, on the other hand, are the best guides for help before examinations. They are experienced and have seen so many other students through this difficult period and know the problems they may encounter.

l Most importantly, students must learn to relax. If you are an anxious kind of person, take long deep breaths every time you feel nervous. This will calm you down. You can also start by sitting for one mock exam every day from now on, keeping the same timing as you will for the real test.

l Make sure you arrive for the exam well in time, and that you have all the required material with you, ready and available, if possible, the night before. Once you sit with the question paper, spend the extra 15 minutes to read it carefully and understand each question clearly before attempting the answer — underline key words and instructions. Tick the questions you intend to answer. Make a rough timetable, allocating equal time to equally weighted questions — and allow for about 10 minutes at the end for a final review. Answer the easiest question first and save the most difficult one for last. Finally, if there are certain questions you feel you cannot answer, move onto the next and answer well those you know.

l Relax – exams are just the pebbles on your road to success. Manoeuvre them effectively and you will be racing ahead to victory!

— The writer is a career expert

Career Hotline
Go for the best
Pervin Malhotra

Q. I am pursuing final year of BSc (Med). I want to do MBA in healthcare management after graduation. I'll take an education loan for post graduation. Can you suggest institutes / universities that offer this course in the range of up to Rs 3 lakh and give placements in good and reputed hospitals at the end of second year of MBA?

— Manroop Kaur

A. You've certainly chosen a booming field. Healthcare is a very promising sector. The emergence of medical tourism and large private and multi-speciality hospitals encompassing a variety of services, has underscored the need for professionalism and quality in hospital administration.

A course in hospital administration will equip you with the requisite knowledge to plan, direct, coordinate and control the various activities of a large hospital and managing the complex relationships between patients, physicians, hospitals, medical insurers, and government agencies. The courses broadly focus on four areas of management: human resource management, facility management, quality and cost management, and information systems.

The time, money and energy that you put into your PG course is perhaps the most important investment that you can make - one that will determine your future career, earnings and prospect. There is little sense in pursuing a course from an institute whose degree or diploma is not even worth the paper it is printed on. So aim for the best possible, work hard on preparing to the best of your abilities and think positively.

Some of the better institutes you can consider are (indicative listing):

l TISS, Mumbai

l IIHMR, Jaipur

l NIMS, Hyderabad

l Apollo Institute, Hyderabad

l ASCI-Hinduja Institute of

Healthcare Management,

Hyderabad

l Symbiosis Institute of Health

Sciences, Pune

Gearing up for NDA exam

Q. I am currently in Class XII. I would like to know the syllabus as well as the best way to study for the NDA exam to be held in September 2012. Could you please help me out?

— Aditya Singh, Patiala

A. You can join the defence services after finishing your Plus II by applying to the National Defence Academy (NDA) or the Naval Academy (Executive Branch). Recruitment to both academies is conducted twice yearly through an all-India examination conducted by UPSC, which is announced in November/December and April/May and with the exams conducted in May and August.

For joining the Air Force and Navy wings of the armed forces you need maths and physics at the Plus II level, whereas you can be from any stream to join the Army. The age limit for is 16½-19 years.

The written exam consists of two papers, both of which are of objective type. Paper I is of Maths (300 marks) and Paper II is a General Ability Test (600 marks). The GAT paper is further divided into two parts: while Part A consists of questions on English, Part B consists of questions on General Knowledge - physics, chemistry, general science, history, feedom movement, geography and current events.

Those who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in this exam, are called to appear before a Services Selection Board (SSB) for the Intelligence and Personality tests.

Candidates for the Army and Navy Wings of the NDA and the Executive Branch of the Naval Academy are assessed for officer potential. Those for the Air Force (flying branch) have to take an additional Pilot Battery Aptitude Test (PBAT).

There are also certain physical requirements that you have to meet, which are specified in the detailed notification that is published in the Employment News and on the UPSC website: (www.upsc.gov.in)

Stay confident in your job hunt

Q. I did my BCA (2011 batch) with 80 per cent and was selected by Tech Mahindra in June. I also got my 'Letter of Intent' but after that I did not get any further mail. Please tell me what I should do. I can't go for MCA because of financial problems. Please suggest whether I should wait or go for another job. And what kind of job? I don't want to join a BPO.

— Charu Sharma, Rajpura

A. At this point if time, your first priority should be to get a job, any job. Once you do that, then you can start looking at options at other companies in the ITES sector.

By itself, a BCA will easily fetch you some data entry or page making type of work or at best technical support jobs in BPOs.

To get into hardcore programming, it may help to do an MCA from a good university (you could even consider doing this by correspondence) or a course in Advanced Computing or Database Management or specialize in certain computer languages such as Java, .Net etc.

Don't lose confidence. The fact that you were selected by Tech Mahindra is an indication of ability and calibre. Continue working on your skills, and apply on your own to other companies in this sector and don't limit your applications to only the Tier 1 companies. Often the smaller companies are fantastic learning grounds, and give more opportunity to youngsters.

If you wish to get into networking, you need to do a basic course in hardware technology and acquire relevant certifications such as MCSE, MCSD, CCNA etc. Gaming design and technology is yet another option. And so is information security and testing. "Apps" development is the current rage in the industry - be it for mobile phones, social media or tablets. Plenty of opportunities are to be found there.

Age bar

Q. I would like to join a public sector bank but I am running out of time. I am 28 now and due to the centralised exam system I only have two chances left. Are there any public sector banks that have an age limit higher than 30 years? Please let me know if there is any such option

— Harkiran Singh

A. Unfortunately, for a general category candidate the age limit of 30 years at PSU banks.

While you should continue to prepare and appear for subsequent attempts of the IBPS centralised Bank Probationary Officer and Management Trainee exam, you must also consider other options. Pursuing a higher study option, diploma programme (not necessarily full time) in area of banking, management is one of them.

Also, why limit your search to PSU banks only? Private sector banks are amongst the most aggressive recruiters as they go on a major expansion spree, opening up over a large number of vacancies.

Besides 15 old private sector banks India has seven new private sector banks.

Several of them are on a hiring binge to support fresh business plans and expand their branch network. Private banks like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, UTI Bank, IDBI Bank, IndusInd Bank and Centurion Bank have been recruiting actively. You could also consider specialised certifications in finance (CFP, CFA) which will make you ideally qualified for a career in finance.

IN CONVERSATION
Civil services
A tough call

Barjinder Kumar Uppal, IGP, Legal Affairs, Punjab Police Headquaters, Chandigarh

The corporate and MNC culture may have attracted a large number of youngsters with its golden pay packages and promise of an elite lifestyle, yet the civil services still remain the ultimate choice for those looking for a satisfying and prestigious career. For the thousands of candidates taking the civil services exam each year it is a tough road as getting through the qualifying exam and a grueling interview schedule is no cakewalk as it tests the determination and perseverance of a candidate along with academic knowledge. However, the struggle doesn't end once one gets into the services. It takes a lot of grit, daring and diplomacy to succeed in this field, says Barjinder Kumar Uppal, IGP, Legal Affairs, Punjab Police Headquaters, Chandigarh. In an interview with Preetinder Kaur this IPS officer talks about the challenges and high that this career offers and how it can make one a better human being.

Has the charm of the Civil Services waned over the years, especially now in this new age of IT boom and quick money?

With everybody aspiring for the moon, someone has to aspire for the stars too. Till a few decades back, jobs and opportunities were limited only to some fields. Now, there is a huge and varied market — right from fun careers like advertising, television and media to the more serious ones. I will not put it as waning charm. The Civil Services are still a tough act to follow, but now there is definitely an urban/rural divide. People are even now guided by local history, which colours the perception of the services making it different from place to place. For example, Delhi still contributes the largest number of successful candidates.

The All India Services are not merely a post or a job. It is a career made up of attitude and aptitude where 'service to the people' has to be the motto. Personally, it has been an extremely satisfying experience.

What is the single most important criteria, one outstanding attribute, for getting selected in the services?

At the interview, we look for potential that could be developed into positive action, an evasive quality at best. So, during training, we focus on inculcating officer-like-qualities (OLQ) in the candidates. We expect decency, a sense of honour, self- esteem, and certain humility in them. We tell them not to stoop low, not to abuse the power vested in them by virtue of their jobs, not to be arrogant and to let their actions speak for themselves. They have to learn to be responsible officers. And this comes with education, training and a sound value system.

Has the role of Civil Service officers changed over the years? If so, how?

Qualitatively, very little has changed. We still counsel the government, bring problems to its notice, draft and implement policies. The job has not changed. What has changed is the methodology, the skills. Moving with the times has become a prerequisite. Working in a free, democratic country has become more complex and challenging now, particularly work on field jobs.

What are the challenges faced by the IPS/IAS officers in today's changed scenario?

The Services have to be tuned continuously to meet the aspirations of the people — aspirations which are being fuelled by the media implosion and the rapid spread of technology. What the people in the villages and small towns were unaware of earlier, they are more than aware of those things now. There is this huge aspirational change in them. This has placed us in a delicate position. We have to cater to these aspirations. We have to create the skills, infrastructure, and resources to fulfill their aspirations. Another serious problem dogging us is how to manage obsolescence in men, machine and matters. We have to learn the art of backward integration as one way of managing this.

Better management of resources and personnel, transparent dealings and right implementation of government policies — these are some of our priorities as of now. 

IT Aptitude Test on Feb 19

Global Talent Development Corporation and Asia's largest IT trainer NIIT will hold the National IT Aptitude Test (NITAT) to enable students and graduates to ascertain their aptitude for the IT industry. NITAT- 2012 will be conducted by NIIT in over 200 cities nationwide simultaneously on February 19. Students can register online by logging on to www.niit.com/NITAT, http://www.niit.com/NITAT or by visiting the nearest NIIT centre.

NITAT has been designed as an objective type test of reasoning, comprehension, data interpretation skills and behavioral traits. Every student undergoing the test will receive a score-card with their interpretation, along with her/his nationwide and zonal ranking. The assessment is expected to be of particular benefit to graduating students in determining their aptitude for IT careers as well as the IT domain that they should take up.

A list of 'Promising IT Professionals of the Future', including names of those with 'Very High' or 'High IT Aptitude' will be announced by NIIT and made available on www.niit.com/NITAT http://www.niit.com/NITAT. — TNS

CAREER COMPASS
Practical adventurers
Zubin Malhotra

Realistic people like to work on practical, hands-on problems and their solutions. They enjoy dealing with real-world materials, including tools and machinery. They enjoy work that takes them outdoors rather than being office-bound and buried in paperwork. And the enterprising sort among them prefer action over investigative thinking; they like initiating projects and ventures, leading people, taking risks. They are somewhat of adventurers, whether in business or other enterprises.

Can you identify yourself with these descriptions? If so, here is a serving of career options for the practical adventurers - those who are both realists and venturesome. It's a varied menu in terms of fields, educational preparation, etc. Some are relatively traditional careers based on rigorous academic preparation, a few relatively new options based on your skills, abilities and experience rather than class-taught knowledge. No option is better than the other. The important thing to remember is to seek work environments and career options that match your interests. The better the match, the more satisfied and successful you will be in your job.

Adventure Travel Guide
Thriving on thrills

The booming growth in the variety of tourism now makes it possible to turn your youthful outdoor passions into a career. For instance, do you know that the path to the top of Mount Everest, once considered insurmountable by man, is today over-crowded with hundreds of amateur thrill-seekers being led up to the top of the world by professional mountaineering guides?

Closer home, from foreign tourists to school children are trekking, white-water rafting, jungle-camping, wildlife safari-ing in larger and larger numbers. And, companies are sponsoring their executives to adventure holidays both to re-charge their bodies and also spur their minds to think differently. And, lo and behold, they are all marching behind this new-age adventure travel guide.

An adventure guide plans, organises and conducts various kinds of adventure trips for individuals and groups, plans the itinerary applying knowledge of countryside to determine best routes and sites. S/he arranges for transport, equipment and supplies, instructs participants in the use of adventure gear, coordinates camping and food, and administers emergency first aid. Some of them also sell or rent equipment, clothing and supplies.

Key expertise needed: Proficiency in the sport involved, whether it be climbing, rafting, etc plus a service orientation. Also, you need to be able to speak well in order to convey information and instructions to others. Time management skills are important so that the group sticks to the itinerary along with knowledge of the area and terrain you are travelling to or operating in.

Training: More than educational training - even a Plus II is enough, graduation could add polish to your personality — it is proficiency in one or more fields of adventure that leads people into this profession. So turning your hobby into such a career requires experience and internship more than degrees. And, a pleasant personality is a plus.

Materials Engineer
Innovative techies

Materials engineers both develop new uses for known materials, and research new materials to create products as wide-ranging as computer chips and television screens and golf clubs and snow skis. Materials engineers specialising in metals are popularly called metallurgical engineers while others work with composite materials or specialise in one type of material, such as graphite, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials.

Key knowledge base: Engineering and technology; mathematics; technology design techniques, principles, tools and instruments involved in the production and use of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Educational preparation: Like all engineering professionals, material engineers require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. Materials engineering specialisation is available in many engineering colleges in the country.

— The writer is Career Coach, CARING India

Sound Recordist/Engineer (radio/tv broadcasting)
Wizards of audio

If the cameraman is the one who brings us one half of the magic called television, the sound recordist presents the other half, the sound. It is the sound recordist, or sound engineer who picks up everything from the response of an interviewee to the muted snatches of conversations as people whisper among themselves or the pitter-patter of raindrops to create an appropriate ambience. The sound recordist could work outdoors accompanying a correspondent on location or could be at home in a sound recording studio with complex electronic gadgetry.

For the professional sound recordist, an ear for detail is as important as is the eye for a cameraman. Here again, you have to train with an established professional or a studio-production house as an assistant if you haven't had professional training at a film institute.

Education and training: Post graduate courses in audiography are available in select universities and specialist institutes, including University of Mumbai, FTII, Pune, Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata among others. In addition, there are some good private institutes as well; you may like to check if there are any in your city.

Course CHAT
International leather technology courses

University of Northampton (UK) invites applications for its Leather Technology courses.

The School of Science and Technology at the University of Northampton (UK) has invited applications for its MPhil/PhD in Leather Technology and a number of one-year Leather Technology programmes. The courses offered include

l Certificate in Leather Technology

l BSc (Hons.) Leather Technology (Leather Science, Environment, Marketing or Business) (top-up )

l MSc Leather Technology

These courses are offered by the School's Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT) which is one of the world's leading centres for leather education and is dedicated to providing cutting-edge leather education in the theory and practice of leather technology. The leather programmes are not offered anywhere else in the UK.

The Certificate in Leather Technology and the BSc (Hons) Leather Technology (Leather Science, Environment, Marketing or Business) (top-up) are undergraduate level, one year, full-time programmes commencing in September 2012. The overall aim of these courses is to educate the future leaders in the international leather industry. They cover aspects of the leather supply chain from raw material to end use with leather manufacture as the central theme. The aim of these courses is to help students develop understanding as well as novel and innovative leather manufacture processes. The students also have an opportunity to learn the process to produce commercial leather to specification.

The one-year full-time MSc in Leather Technology course aims to provide students an opportunity to acquire and enhance technical skills related both to self learning and to research appropriate to postgraduate study. The programme, which is one of its kind in the world, develops a student's skills and flexibility necessary to discriminate between technical and entrepreneurial issues related to the successful management of commercial operations within the leather industry.

The MPhil (two years full-time or three years part-time)/PhD (three years full-time or six years part-time) is designed for those already working in the leather producing or allied industries and wish to improve their technical management effectiveness.

Candidates wishing to apply should have a recognised first or second class honors degree for the Top-up or Masters programme and to apply for the Certificate programme should have completed Class XII. Students with lower level qualifications but relevant experience in the leather industry will also be considered on an individual basis.

The fee structure for the BSc (Hons) Leather Technology (Leather Science, Environment, Marketing or Business) (top-up) is £9,100 and MSc/MPhil/PhD course is £9,500.

For an application form for the courses, visit http:/ /www.northampton.ac.uk/ downloads/download/433/international-application-form

Fashion technology

Fashion technology institute Fashionista has introduced an intensive four-year honours degree course in Fashion Technology and Research. The course will provide comprehensive and dynamic training to young aspirants, preparing them for a career full of opportunities. "Our intent behind upgrading the course from three to four years in fashion technology is to teach students the nuances right from the ideation level till the manufacturing level and develop global mindsets and leadership styles", said Neetu Pavan Manikatalia, Managing Director, Fashionista School of Technology.

Intensive in nature, the skill based course will allow students to explore ideas emphasising on concept generation and creativity enabling them to become unique designers with high creative awareness. In the final year the students will be encouraged to cultivate an understanding of their own skills and professional interests. The modules integrated during the course tenure comprise Garment drafting, Draping & construction, Fashion forecasting & design process, Study of National and International brands, Merchandising in fashion and Market study among others.

Disaster management

The Indian Institute for Human Settlements will organise a five-day short-course on "Integrated Urban Disaster Risk Reduction" from February 24 onwards. The course is meant to highlight and analyse the current disaster risks which are being faced by cities in the urban context and provide hands on experience on how to address such critical issues. This course is meant for government officials responsible for disaster management policy and plans, persons involved in coordination of disaster management activities, staff of UN agencies, IFRC/ICRC, international NGOs, NGOs involved in the areas of disaster risk reduction.

Eligibility: Application is open to candidates from all disciplines but individuals with backgrounds in architecture, planning, engineering, economics, finance, sociology, anthropology, geography, political science, environmental sciences, social work, law and management are encouraged to apply. This IIHS Short-Course is also open to working professionals with work experience in related fields.

How to Apply: Write to admissions@iihs.ac.in Online application form: http://www.iihs.co.in/programmes/pwp/iudrr/feb2012/gform/

Last date: February 20, 2012. — TNS

OFFICE MANTRA
Outmatch green-eyed monster
Ragini Gulati

Jealousy is a natural emotion that starts from childhood, continues into adulthood and lasts throughout our lives. Be it craving for a friend's new bicycle or resenting a colleague's promotion, it can happen to people of all ages. Every professional encounters some form of jealousy, whether deserved or not, from his/her co-workers. More than often it is sparked off when a colleague wants something that we have - a better designation, pay packet or perk. Although a normal part of life, it can be daunting when someone takes his jealous feelings too far. Jealous colleagues can not only create an unpleasant atmosphere at workplace, but also be extremely damaging for one's career. Most importantly jealousy damages relationships, disrupts teams, and undermines organisational performance. So it must be dealt with wisely to surmount negative feelings at workplace.

Question yourself

Before blaming the jealous colleague critically evaluate your own behaviour and manners. Ask yourself whether you have fueled their feelings or done something to ignite their jealousy. Try to figure out how you might have contributed to it in any way. There is a possibility that you bragged about your promotion, spoke harshly or belittled the colleague. More than often it is not our success but behaviour that draws ire from co-workers. Identify your negative traits and tone down attitude which could trigger jealously in co-workers. In case you have been arrogant in the past, apologise and show a change of heart.

Be nice

No matter how badly the jealous person behaves exhibit kindness and patience towards him/her. Approach the co-worker with a helping hand, despite envious glances and rude comments. Although they may not take up on your offer, but will surely drop the jealous act. Find out how long the person concerned has been working in the particular field and make it a point of giving compliments where warranted. The nicer you are, stronger are the chances of the strained relationship becoming more positive. Moreover, this approach has the added benefit that you will be perceived as a true professional, even in the face of misconduct from the jealous co-worker.

Keep record

Maintain record of any confrontations or arguments that you have had with the jealous individual. Document specific incidences of hostility by saving emails, notes or voice mails sent by the person concerned. However, avoid engaging in an unprofessional exchange and responding to the co-worker's jealous missives. Address the issue in person, if necessary but ensure that he has none of your words in print. These records will act as proof to validate your word against his and also make it possible for the supervisor to verify the version as presented by you. Additionally jot down information such as dates and witnesses in a journal to help recall relevant details.

Focus on performance

Rather than exhausting yourself in an emotional turmoil and start making one mistake after another, be the best at what you do. Concentrate energies on constructive activities to avoid losing sight of work responsibilities. More than often jealous co-workers are not satisfied just by antagonising and go one step further by trying to sabotage what makes you successful. Keep your nose to the grindstone so as not to let them find faults that they can turn against you. It is especially important to ensure that work assignments are completed in an exemplary manner. Make suggestions, offer alternatives, go the extra mile and do more than what your job requires.

Avoid retaliation

Jealous co-workers look for opportunity to annoy you to the extent that you lose your self-control and say or do something out of line. Difficult as it may be, it is however, necessary to succeed in staying cool and collected while dealing with subtle attacks. Always remember that two negatives don't make a positive. No matter how tempted you might be, don't resort to revenge. If you start returning tit for tat, you are no better than the jealous co-worker. Also ignore attempts of war by gossip mongers since they only want to be entertained at your expense.

Ignore

Although easier said than done, the best way to deal with jealous people is to completely ignore them. Don't allow yourself to be affected by a co-worker who is envious and finds it difficult to feel happy for you. Rather than ruin your composure and peace of mind over them, push yourself to work harder. Learn to detach by focusing time, energy and talent on productive pursuits. Most people get jealous because they are not getting enough attention. However, once they realise that you are unaffected with their negativity, they will eventually stop. Nothing is worse for a jealous person than not getting through to their intended victim.

Unhealthy effects of desk jobs

A British study has said people in desk jobs could be compromising with their health as it often perpetrates a sedentary lifestyle. According to the research, sitting at a desk all day means you are more likely to slump on the sofa at home and perform no exercise. The average office worker spends five hours 41 minutes daily at their desk, almost as long as the seven hours they spend sleeping, the Daily Express reported.

These deskbound workers are more likely to turn into couch potatoes, increasing their risk of obesity, says the researchers at the Loughborough University, a research-based campus university in Britain's Leicestershire county. The trend is partly blamed on technology making it simpler for lazy people at offices to email a colleague rather than walking over to see them, it adds.

— IANS

Clean EXIT

A professional and clean exit is being taken seriously by employees as well as managements across all industries in the country, according to a survey by staffing firm TeamLease.

Around 92 per cent of Indians across all industries and cities believe exit policies should be taken seriously and given lot of importance. While Bangalore and Chennai top the list with 99 per cent, employees in Mumbai did not care much, the TeamLease survey said. "Employees are recognising that the labour markets are a small place and ungraceful exits come back with compound interest later. Adherence to a professional and clean exit is increasingly being seen amongst the work force today," Surabhi Mathur Gandhi, Senior Vice-President, IT Sourcing, TeamLease Services, said.

The survey titled 'Impactful exits' noted that companies are giving increased importance to relieving letter as 23 per cent of companies surveyed said they do not proceed with employment due to unavailability of relieving letter. "But we don't anticipate relieving certificates becoming a deal breaker for new employers until the skill crisis eases," Gandhi added. According to the study, better prospects and salary hike motivated employees to quit the incumbent organisation.

However, one third of the employees surveyed said they would re-join their organisation if given an opportunity.

Further, according to the study majority of the companies, including the Silicon Valley of India — Bangalore, still favour manual exit interviews over online, emphasising the reliance on face-to-face interactions.

Around 78 per cent of employees stressed on having longer notice periods for the company, helping the employees to complete pending work as well as the companies to contract the right candidate. The survey covered employees in the eight major cities namely Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. The study covered 800 respondents whose profile ranged between the age group of 21-45 years across industries; and functions of sales, marketing, business development, operations, finance, admin/HR, systems (IT) and others. — PTI

Happiness @ work
Spouses and success
Gems of ancient wisdom

Behind every worldly successful person there has to be a supporting spouse at home. Not many can fight and win on two fronts — in the professional world and at home. In 1905, freedom fighter Subramania Bharati met Sister Nivedita in Calcutta. On her asking whether he was married, Bharati answered in the affirmative. “Then why don’t you include your wife in your fight against the British? Freedom would be meaningless if half of the population i.e. women remain enslaved.”

The marriage of Marie and Pierre Curie was a partnership of love and genius. During the day, they researched together in Pierre’s lab. They studied till late in the night at home. Together they discovered two radioactive elements — polonium and radium — and shared the Nobel Prize for physics in 1903 with Henri Becquerel. Chennamma of Keladi had no blue blood in her. But when Somashekhara Nayak, King of Keladi (in Malnad area of Karnataka), married this merchant’s daughter in 1663, she quickly learnt archery, horse riding and the royal etiquette with her husband’s support. After her husband’s poisoning, she lost the kingdom to the Jannopant-led Bijapur army. She won it back and was crowned queen in 1671. She was one of the few rulers who defied Emperor Aurangzeb by giving passage to Shivaji’s fleeing son Rajaram.

Even while her husband Bhimrao earned a reasonable salary, Ramabai managed the household on a meagre amount as her husband was planning to go to London to study. She also saw to it that Bhimrao’s studies weren’t disturbed on any count. With her support, her husband Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar went on to write the Constitution of the world’s biggest democracy — India.

Nationalist Prabhavati found the right match in Jayaprakash Narayan. Not only did she pose no hindrance when JP decided to go to the USA for higher studies, but she also stayed in Gandhiji’s Sabarmati Ashram during that period. Later, when JP was lodged in Deoli jail, she unsuccessfully tried to smuggle out a packet of letters from JP to other freedom fighters. The Prince of Wales was scheduled to visit Calcutta on December 24, 1921. So Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das asked volunteers to sell khadi in the streets and observe ‘hartal’ in protest. His wife Basanti Devi was one of the first to be arrested for doing so.

Let your better half make you the best!

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

Fortnightly Quiz-406

1. Where was the largest Tricolour hoisted by the President recently?

2. Which female pop singer became a hit the world over with songs like ‘How will I Know’, ‘The Greatest Love of All’, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ and ‘Saving All My Love for You’?

3. Name Ferozepur-born Indian-American attorney who has made it to the cover of the prestigious Time Magazine for his anti-corruption crusade.

4. How many years have been completed by Queen Elizabeth II on the throne?

5. Which naval ship was India’s first aircraft carrier?

6. Which Bollywood legend’s ancestral home in Pakistan was declared a heritage site recently?

7. Name the first car (1912 model) to be imported into Hyderabad that was on display in that city recently.

8. What is the full form of BRICS?

9. Name the Tour-de-France champion who braved cancer to win many laurels.

10. Which country recently faced a first-ever whitewash in a cricket Test series against Pakistan recently?

— Tarun Sharma

Winners of quiz 405: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Shubhkarman Singh, class VI, AVI Public School, Khajakhera Road, Sirsa (Haryana), Pin Code – 125055

Second: Manish Kumar, Class VII, Jyoti Flower SS Model School, Chuharmajra, district Kaithal, Haryana, Pin Code - 136021

Third: Somyajeet, class VIII-A, Kendriya Vidyalya Number 1, Air Force Station, Halwara, Ludhiana, Pin Code – 141106

Answers to quiz 405: SY Quraishi; Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat; Andaman and Nicobar islands; Costa Concordia; New Delhi; ‘Magh Bihu’; Bishnoi; London; Sri Lanka; David Warner

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 on the letter/postcard to facilitate the delivery of the prize money.

Answers can also be sent at quiz@tribunemail.com