CBI
Where success is not a secret
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a government agency that serves as a criminal investigation body, national security agency and an intelligence arm
Gauri Chhabra

One organisation that has been in the headlines over the past few days is the Central Bureau of Investigation. Be it a political scandal or a financial bungling the bureau of investigation is in the limelight to identify and catch the culprits. It is one of the most prestigious organisations of the country and offers an exciting career option.

Owing its genesis to the royal dynasties, the concept of an intelligence network has evolved over the years and takes care of all the intelligence activities within and outside the country.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a government agency that serves as a criminal investigation body, national security agency and intelligence agency.

It is an elite force that plays a major role in the preservation of values in public life besides taking care of the health of the economy based on the barometer reports. It is also the nodal police agency in India that coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol member countries.

The Central Bureau of Investigation was later established on April 1, 1963.

Getting in

Getting into this epitome of prestige, power and integrity is by no means easy. You can either find an entry by taking up UPSC examination or through Central Government deputation.

One can also get into the CBI by taking up the examination for Sub-Inspector category as and when called for by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

This examination is conducted by the SSC once a year, normally in February. Notification for this examination is normally issued by the SSC in leading employment newspapers in October of the previous year. The last date for submission of application forms for this examination is generally fixed during the first week of November.

The aspirants must be in the age group of 20 to 25 years as on January 1, of the year in which they are applying.

As far as educational qualifications are concerned, you must be degree holders from a recognised university. In addition to age and educational qualification requirements, candidates also have to fulfil certain physical standards like height of 157.5 cms and chest size 81 cms, fully expanded with a minimum expansion of 5 cms.

This examination tests the ability of the candidates through preliminary and main examinations.

Preliminary examination will have questions on English comprehension, numerical aptitude, general awareness, general intelligence and reasoning ability while main examination will have questions to test arithmetic ability, statistics, english comprehension skills. Only candidates getting through the main examination are called for the interview.

Appointments

Appointments to all Group - A posts like the Director, Special Director, Additional Director, Joint Director, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Police, Additional Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police ,Director of Prosecution, Additional Legal Advisor, Public Prosecutors, Principal System Analyst, Programmers, are made by the President of India in consultation with the UPSC.

Appointments to all Group - B posts like Assistant Public Prosecutors, Assistant programmers, Senior Library and Information Officer in the Central Bureau of Investigation, are made by the Director, CBI, in consultation with the UPSC, wherever necessary.

Appointments to all Group-C posts, Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Head Constable except the posts of Senior Clerk Stenos, LDCs, Head Constables and Constables, Care Takers, are made by the Deputy Inspector General of Police.

Appointments to all posts in Group-D like the Dresses, Daftry, support staff are made by the Superintendent of Police.

All officers who are recruited directly are trained by the CBI at the Police Academy in Ghaziabad (UP). IPS officers are trained at Hyderabad. The CBI also runs a special training center at Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi.

Spectrum

Over the years, the CBI has has established a reputation of being India’s premier investigative agency with adequate resources to deal with complicated cases. It has had a ripple effect and many more cases were brought under its umbrella such as murder, kidnapping, terrorism, etc. Apart from this, the Supreme Court and even the various High Courts of the country have also started entrusting such cases for investigation to the CBI on petitions filed by aggrieved parties. Taking into account the fact that several cases falling under this category were being taken up for investigation by the CBI, it was found expedient to entrust such cases to the branches having local jurisdiction.

The year 1987 proved as a landmark year in the growth trajectory of the bureau when CBI was made to broaden its spectrum and to constitute two investigation divisions — Anti-Corruption Division and Special Crimes Division, the latter dealing with cases of conventional crime, besides economic offences.

The main areas of work within the intelligence services are in the following organisations:

Investigation Bureau (IB)

Barring legal powers, the Investigation Bureau (IB) takes care of collection and analysis of information.

Grade I and II officers work with the Investigation Bureau. Grade I include Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Joint Director, Special Director/Special Secretary. Senior-level posts are usually filled from state police service and IPS officers.

Grade II include Security Assistant (Constable), Junior Intelligence Officer, Assistant Central Intelligence Officer, Deputy Central Intelligence Officer, Assistant Director

There is direct recruitment for the junior posts. Deputy Central Intelligence Officers and Assistant Directors may be appointed through deputation or by direct recruitment.

Research & Analysis Wing (RAW)

Initially having come into being as an integral part of the Investigation Bureau (IB), RAW later emerged as a separate organisation. Today, it has two main sections: The internal intelligence section and the Counter-intelligence section.

The two divisions of RAW thrive on the rock solid information network that helps in acquiring sensitive information about crime and counter intelligence from all parts of the country. It employs Attaché (Undersecretary), Deputy Field Officer, Field Officers and Senior Field Officers.

Other personnel working in RAW include specialists in technical and scientific fields, Foreign language specialists etc.

If you are a language specialist, then you can find employment with RAW because it deals with foreign countries and is involved in the study of Foreign Service materials characteristics. Raw recruits interpreters who are promoted to the posts of assistant foreign language examiner and then to deputy foreign language examiner. Interpreters are recruited directly to the language cadre.

The path to glory

With the modern psychology becoming more complex and human minds building corridors of wealth to instant success without caring much about the means, crime is going to be a major factor to deal with. And that too crime committed intelligently.

This is where as a CBI officer, you can actually tread your path to glory with integrity and impartiality.

— The writer is a Ludhiana-based career consultant

Over the years, the CBI has has established a reputation of being India’s premier investigative agency with adequate resources to deal with complicated cases. It has had a ripple effect and many more cases were brought under its umbrella such as murder, kidnapping, terrorism, etc. Apart from this, the Supreme Court and even the various High Courts of the country have also started entrusting such cases for investigation to the CBI on petitions filed by aggrieved parties. Taking into account the fact that several cases falling under this category were being taken up for investigation by the CBI, it was found expedient to entrust such cases to the branches having local jurisdiction.

Attano opens a new ‘chapter’ for students

E-books marketplace Attano has partnered with publishers like Pearson to sell chapters instead of complete books to students, helping college-goers save money.

Under ‘Chapterbuy’ facility, Attano will make available over 10,000 chapters, priced Rs 3.5 onwards, for engineering, management and commerce students.

“We want to democratise content for higher education by making it available and affordable. Students can now just buy the chapters instead of buying the whole book which can be quite expensive. The pricing will ensure that students do not turn to photocopying,” Attano Chief Executive Soumya Banerjee said.

With this initiative, the publishers will be benefitted as well, he added.

The chapters will be available both online and offline for Android tablets, PC, etc.

Minimum management mantra
D. C. Sharma

On being assigned the job of teaching, his first semester students Ken Blanchard, who set up the world-famous company for workshop learning, productivity, performance and leadership training solutions, intentionally prepared them for the final semester. He even gave them the final semester exam. His boss took a grave note of it and Ken was interrogated. Professor Ken made it clear that since he wanted all his students to get A grade, therefore, he would like to show them the final picture in advance. The line of action in between would automatically come to their mind with a much better clarity then. He asserted that he was more concerned about making sure that his students learnt the material, rather than ranking them along a normal ranking curve for grading purposes.

His boss was impressed with the idea and soon after Ken showed the grand success of his students. Surely, “If you pick the right people and give them the opportunities to spread their wings — and put compensation as a carreer behind them — you almost don’t have to manage them,” said Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, who had seen and observed the same from his own personal experience of managing thousands of people.

Most of us might have the experience of being managed by someone, in stressful situations. In such a management the manager interacts with employees only when a problem arises. But even where managers unnecessarily keep on poking their nose into the affairs of their employees, it is the worst. Such management styles are called ‘Seagull management.’ The term ‘seagull management’ became popular through a joke in Ken Blanchard’s book ‘Leadership and the One Minute Manager.’

Seagull managers fly in, make a lot of noise, dump on everyone, then fly out, says Ken Blanchard. Even the type of business where the boss hovers around the office, takes the good ideas for his own use, and dumps every other idea that his subordinates have, is also acting like a seagull.

Every employee, howsoever junior one may be, always craves for recognition of his/her ideas. But when such ideas, even when they carry ample worth, are outrightly ignored by the seagull-boss, it tells upon the health of any organisation. After all, which employee doesn’t want to be one’s own boss?

Ken Blanchard’s innovative research established three wonderful landmarks in the field of successful management. One Minute Manager’s sure success is based on these three basic steps. They act as sure success tools. With these he debunks the myth that successful management is a hard task. Those who followed him were so successful as managers that they reached the pinnacle of fame and glory, Ken got all the more popularity and became famous in a matter of months.

One Minute Goal Setting, One Minute Praising, and One Minute Reprimands is the way that Ken Blanchard has recommended for managing one’s staff with success and achievement. His own novel way of giving his first semester students the final semester exam was based on his one- minute setting methodology. When one sees the end result of a goal in one’s mind with a clear conviction and a feeling of sure achievement, ways and means to achieve that end are almost always hit upon in time. That enables one to act upon that path with hard work and perseverance.

Which manager doesn’t know that subordinates, when praised, do better than when criticised? Yet how many of them apply this principle to achieve their target? Here is how Ken advises to do praise to enhance productivity. Employees must be told that they would be praised whenever they do something good. Praise ought to be done immediately. Praise should not be general but specific, praising the particular act of doing the job well. Also tell employees how you feel pleased when they do good things. The act of praise should be consistent and not a topsy-turvy act.

But what about One-Minute Reprimands? Almost every boss rebukes his employees at one time or the other. But it all depends upon the way, the time, and the situation in which he does so. To reprimand one’s erring employee in the presence of others is no way to manage well, and to improve the faulty one. To point out the specific fault, and that too immediately after it is committed, and yet better if done in private, is the way to manage well. A competent manager knows that when he stops for a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, the employee concerned too feels how the manager has been feeling. This lets the employee know that the manger values him and is honestly on his side. Once the reprimand is over it is never raised thereafter. That’s where the real skill of a successful manager is operative!

— The writer is a psychologist and a career expert

field in focus: careers in the sciences
Explore new frontiers
Usha Albuquerque

The field of science is one of the most fascinating and rewarding career paths you can take. Not only does it open your mind to new and unexplored vistas of knowledge, but those in science can look forward to exciting careers in practically any field — from medical research to bio-genetic plants, and food processing to space science — it is an ever-expanding field.

Most students who study science in school do so for a fixed purpose - an engineering or medical career. Most do not look beyond that to an interest in science and the wonderful possibilities with science. Science creates an interest in the world around us, a curiosity about various things and how they work. Through science we try to find solutions to problems which help us develop problem-solving and analytical skills useful for the way we work, live and interact with others. So science is an important area of learning even if one doesn't wish to pursue careers in engineering or medicine.

In fact, if you love science, this interest can lead to almost any career field - from manufacturing, to medicine, to microeconomics. Whether your interest lies in earth science, space science, plant life, maths, or beyond, you can explore career paths and match your skills to the field of science that's right for you - genetic engineering, biotechnology, DNA sequencing, space science, geosciences, nuclear physics, and many more specialties.

The main three categories of science are biology, chemistry and physics. And these three categories are divided to other sub-categories. While biology and chemistry are life sciences, dealing with living organisms, physics is an earth or physical science. The biologist studies what living things are, what they are made of and how they behave. The botanist studies how plants live and grow. He explores the ways of using plants for food or for medicines. The Marine biologist studies all the plants and animals in the sea, from huge whales to tiny diatoms. Human biologist studies how the human body works, what can go wrong with it can be cured. Microbiologist studies tiny creatures, such as algae and bacteria.

In the field of chemistry, there is the chemist who studies what substances are made of, and how they behave when mixed together. The biochemist finds out about the chemical processes that make all living things work. The pharmacist makes drugs and medicines to treat diseases, while the Physical chemist studies the atoms and molecules that make up all matter. An industrial chemist works in chemical, petro-chemical, food processing, paint, plastics and textile industries. The geologist studies substances in the earth, how earth was formed and how it changes. In addition there are many other fields related to biology and chemistry such as biotechnology, environmental science, ecology, agriculture, food sciences, genetics, clinical medicine, pharmacology, climatology, toxicology and so on with many study and career options.

There are a huge number of fields related to physics too. The physicist studies materials, and how they are affected by sources of energy, such as electricity. Meteorologists look at the earth's atmosphere and measure the changes that produce our weather. The astronomer studies everything in the universe, like stars and planets. They try to discover how the universe works. Nuclear physicist studies the behaviour of tiny particles inside atoms. Physics also covers the area of engineering, computer science, electronics, geology, mathematical sciences, material sciences, nanotechnology and many more.

Careers in science can be of two kinds - those related to research and academics, suited for those with a curious mind and a keen interest in exploring the boundaries of science. The second is the applied sciences leading to careers where science is utilized for a practical purpose such as engineering, electronics, polymer sciences, plastics, pharmacy, food processing, packaging technology, environmental sciences, wildlife studies and so on. Each of these fields offer ample scope for new options, and further specialisations.

Study options for science students

• If you still wish to pursue engineering, you can take up BSc in physics, electronics or instrumentation, and follow this up with an MSc, which makes it equivalent to the BTech/BE in the job market (five years of study, as against four years of engineering). You can also sit for the GATE exam to pursue an Mtech after the M Sc.
• You can take up BSc maths, chemistry, or computer science which open up possibilities in fields such as Computer Applications, Systems Analysis, Systems Programming Operations Research, statistics, Surveying and Project Management, biotechnology and environment science. You can also pursue the MCA for excellent opportunities in the IT field.
• With BSc in biology, micro-biology, biochemistry or botany you can get into fields such as biotechnology, food technology, genetics, environment science, forensic science, petrochemicals, polymer sciences, pharmacy and so on.
• If you have an interest in biology, zoology or any of the life sciences or applied life science you can also consider a career as a wildlife biologist, veterinarian, wildlife manager, zoo curator or environment specialist. There are courses in wildlife studies offered at the Wildlife Institute in Dehradun, as well as a PG diploma in ecology at the Salim Ali School of Ecology at Pondicherry University, as well as an MSc in Wildlife offered to science graduates at Aligarh Muslim University, Madras University and Saurashtra University, Rajkot.
• Any degree in science can enable you to get into technical fields like printing, plastics and packaging technology. The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) established by the Ministry of Commerce, based in Mumbai, and with branches in Calcutta, New Delhi, and Chennai, offers a two-year post-graduate course in packaging technology for graduates of engineering or science. Post-graduate diploma courses are offered by the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET), at Chennai and at extension centres at Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and other cities in various disciplines of Plastics Engineering & Technology.
• Other interesting courses include degree and diploma courses in footwear technology, garment manufacturing technology, food technology, sound and music technology at graduate and post-graduate levels. Also BE/BTech courses in specialised disciplines such as textile technology, paper technology, printing technology, petroleum engineering, and packaging technology, and so on are engineering programmes with good career prospects, and possibly less competitive for admission too.
• A degree or diploma in X-ray technology, medical lab technology, nutrition & dietetics, dental mechanics, pharmacy, optometry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, radiography, and prosthetic & orthotic engineering offers good options in the medical field.
• n You can also pursue BSc in geology, for careers in the petroleum, mineral, hydrology and energy sectors. The University of Petroleum Studies set up in Dehradun provides a range of graduate and post-graduate courses geared towards providing training in all the technical and managerial aspects of the energy industry.
• For those looking to get into research there are a n umber of research institutes such as Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai, India's premier institution for advanced research in the fundamental sciences, the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad, Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad for conducting research in mathematics and theoretical physics, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Bangalore, Raman Research Institute, Bangalore for research programmes in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics, BR Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Institute of Science, Bangalore, and so on. Moreover, in a recent move to encourage the study of science after Plus II, the Government has set up five research-led teaching institutes termed Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research at Kolkata, Pune, Mohali, Bhopal and Thiruvanthapuram which offers a five year dual BS/MS programme in basic sciences (physics, chemistry, maths, biology). For more information check www.iiser-admissions.in

from the farms: vermicomposting
Replenish and rise
Varishti Devika Sangwan

The extensive use of chemical fertilisers in the past 40-50 years did increase produce remarkably but the use of chemicals has done serious damage to soil and soil quality besides affecting the quality of underground water. In the present scenario, ancient practice of vermicomposting is the need of the hour. Not only scientists but also common man, too, has realised the value of vermicomposting and it offers earning opportunities to farmers also.

Training and education

Interested persons can take training from the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra and District Horticulture Officer. Patal dairy in BITS Pilani, District Jhunjhunu, Goshalas and dairy farmers in nearby areas are already doing a good job in this field.

Subsidies and financial help

Department of Horticulture and Government of Haryana provide 50 per cent subsidy for one unit. Subsidy can be obtained with the help of District Horticulture Officer.

Income and investment

Total expenditure including earthworms and other material and labour cost is about Rs 200 per quintal whereas the sale price is Rs 700 per quintal. Hence the Net Return is Rs 500 per quintal at the small scale. Handsome amount can be earned and the compost can be sold in half or 1 kg packings meant for small lawns or kitchen gardens. Many farmers and women are earning handsomely by adopting this as a profession. The number of earthworm increases three times. The profession when taken up at a larger scale will be a good help to environment, restoring soil fertility, along with being a source of income and employment.

Steps

• First of all a shady place is to be selected. After that, a bed of 3 feet width and 15 feet length with 1 feet depth is to be prepared. The bed is to be filled with 10-day-old compost (dung).
• Put about 100 earthworms per sq ft area . For illustration, a bed of 450 sq ft would require 4,500 earthworms.
• Cover it with a layer of crop residues like rice husk, leaves etc. It would result in darkness that would increase the activity of earthworms. If crop residue is partially decayed and thin it would be a good food for earthworms.
• The bed may be covered with jute sacks and has to be kept wet and for that it is to be watered twice a day in summer and once in winter.
• The matter in the bed is to be upturned after 30-35 days.
• After 50-60 days when jute bags are removed one finds find ready-to-use nutrient-rich compost like tea leaves. The quantity would be about 8-10 quintal.
• Stop sprinkling water for 10-15 days and put the compost on a polythene sheet outside the bed. After 2-3 hours the earthworm would move away from the sheet which can be re-used to make another bed.

What is vermicompost?

It is compost prepared by using earthworms. Its preparation takes about 60 days. This fertiliser has a number of nutrients and increases the fertility of soil. It requires high humidity and appropriate temperature.

Believe in your company

Employees who exhibit a strong belief in the mission of their organisation are more likely to increase in status and influence than their non-believing colleagues, according to a new study. The study by Brigham Young University in US is tweaking an old adage about how to get ahead in a competitive workplace: It’s not just who you know, but what you believe in.

“Many organisations today have a well-defined mission with enduring principles that matter, not only to employees, but to other stakeholders,” said John Bingham, BYU professor of organisational leadership and strategy.

“It’s a shift from the old paradigm. In these companies, it’s less about who you know,” said Bingham.

The study found those who are “true believers” of a brand’s mission or cause become more influential in important company circles, while those simply focused on punching the clock become more peripheral players — regardless of formal company position or overall performance.

Bingham and his colleagues surveyed employees at organisations with mission-based cultures.

“Those who were true believers in this company’s cause were considered idea leaders and influenced how other employees viewed their work. If the mission is a legitimate part of an organisation’s identity, that tends to be the case,” Bingham said.

The study appears in the journal Organisation Science. — PTI

scholarship roundup
Offer for psychology students

The School of Psychology at University of Kent is offering five scholarships for international students. £1,000 scholarships are provided for taught MSc Programmes in the field of cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology, processes and inter-group relations, research methods and social & applied psychology to international students.

Eligibility: The student must have achieved an excellent result in their undergraduate degree.

• The student must also have applied and accepted an unconditional offer on one of the eligible courses on a full-time basis.
• The student must also demonstrate a commitment to PhD study at the University of Kent.

Check out: kent.ac.in

Public policy and good governance

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is funding master's scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance at German institution in Germany. This programme is designed to further qualify future leaders in politics, law, economics and administration according to the principles of Good Governance and to prepare them in a praxis-oriented course for their professional life. The programme offers very good graduates with a first university degree the chance to obtain a Master's degree in disciplines that are of special relevance for the social, political and economic development of their home country. In addition, the training at German institutions of higher education should especially qualify the scholarship holders as partners in political and economic cooperation with Germany. The scholarships are available to both for young graduates without professional experience and for mid-career professionals. The courses are taught in German and English language. The students must have university degrees that have been obtained during the six years before applying the scholarship.

Study Subject(s):The scholarship is provided in disciplines that are of special relevance for the social, political and economic development of applicant's home country.

Eligibility: Very well qualified graduates with a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) who in the future want to actively contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.

• The scholarships are offered both for young graduates without professional experience and for mid-career professionals.

course cruising
Hospital management

Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) invites applications for MBA in Healthcare. The course has been started in association with Fortis Hospital and the two-year full-time programme will have six months of on-job training for students MBA-Healthcare Programme includes hospital attachment for one day per week in first 3 semesters and 6 months full hospital attachment in the 4th semester to ensure real life skills required by hospitals.

Eligibility: Graduates or postgraduates or those who have passed the final examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India/ Institute of Cost & Works Accountants of India/ Institute of Company Secretaries of India/ any other course which is government recognised course with minimum 50 per cent marks.

Mode of Admission: First preference to merit in MR-NAT and 2nd preference to merit in the qualifying examination (10+2).

Seats: 30

Deadline: June 22, 2013

Website: www.mriu.edu.in

Public health programmes

Indian Institutes of Public Health (IIPH - Hyderabad, Delhi, Gandhinagar and Bhubaneswar) under the aegis of The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) are inviting applications for admission for full time courses in: Integrated MSc & PhD in Clinical Research (jointly conducted by PHFI & AcSIR, offered at IIPH-Delhi campus)

Integrated MSc & PhD in Health Informatics (jointly conducted by PHFI & AcSIR, offered at IIPH-Hyderabad campus)

Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health Management (PGDPHM) (offered at IIPH-Delhi, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar campuses)

Post Graduate Diploma in Health Economics, Health Care Financing and Health Policy (PGDHEP) (offered at IIPH-Delhi campus);

Post Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics and Data management (PGDBDM) (offered at IIPH-Hyderabad campus)

Deadline: June 30, 2013.

Check out: www.phfi.org

Animation and VFX film-making

Reliance Aims in Association with Lovely Professional University is inviting applications for admission to the BSc in Digital Animation Film Making and Digital VFX Film Making at its centres located at Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhilai, Bhopal, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Surat, and Trivandrum.

The course: BSc Digital Animation Film Making is focused on exposing the students to secrets of animation making through the art of storytelling. BSc Digital VFX Film Making prepares students for career in the field of Digital VFX Film Making through providing cutting edge technical expertise.

Eligibility: Plus II in Science /Arts/Commerce streams.

Deadline: July 30, 2013

Email: enquiry@relianceaims.com

B Pharma

IEC University, Baddi, is inviting applications for admission to the B.Pharma course for 2013-2014.

Eligibility: Aggregate minimum 50 per cent or equivalent in Plus II in physics, chemistry and biology.

Duration: 4 years

How to apply: Candidate can send an online application by filling the form and making a payment of Rs 200 online or through filling the particulars of a Demand Draft of the same amount made from any nationalized bank in favor of "Finance Officer, IEC University, Baddi" payable at New Delhi/Baddi/Himachal Pradesh. Those making the payment through DD will then take a printout of the filled online admission form and submit the same to the campus along with the original draft and copies of required testimonials. Application form can be downloaded from institute website or can be obtained from corporate office at New Delhi or Campus at Baddi.

Deadline: June 30, 2013

Check out : www.iecuniversity.com

Executive MBA

Admissions are on for the Executive MBA programme by Punjab Technical University’s, Gian Jyoti School of TQM & Entrepreneurship Mohali.

The course offers flexible learning options without dislocation of personal life, career or income. The professionals can either attend classes in evenings or on weekends.

Specialisations: Operations, Marketing, Finance and HR.

Eligibility: Graduation in any field from a recognised university.

Two years of work experience as on date of enrolment.

Durations: Two years

Fees: Rs 25, 800 per semester.

How to apply: Online

Check out: www.tqmbizschool.org

news board
Microsoft partners with Viva Group

Microsoft India has partnered with Viva Group of Institutions for its education resource programme, Ed-vantage. Ed-vantage provides a platform for corporate houses to hire Microsoft Technology Certified students from colleges for internship and employment. The programme was launched in India in October last year.

Along with globally recognised Microsoft certifications, the programme also helps foster connections with corporations and employers, and provides students a platform to enhance their career opportunities, Microsoft India Managing Director Sanket Akerkar said.

The US company has already partnered with about 50 colleges and universities in the country and expects to double the number in the next two months.

Under the partnership, the firm will also collaborate with Viva Group to host a Microsoft Innovation Centre and a technology facility for research and developing software solutions. These centres will act as innovation hub at select colleges and technology institutions.

"Microsoft Ed-Vantage is a much-needed education resource programme in the Indian context. We believe this association will create a new breed of well-equipped, young technology experts in India," Viva Education Member Managing Committee and Head Technology Shashank Patil said. — Agencies

Opportunity for women CAs

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore to provide an opportunity to women CAs to pursue full time/part time Ph.D programme.

ICAI has more than 2 lakh members, and 20 pewr cent of these are women. More than one million students are pursuing CA course out of which about one third students are women.

The MoU was signed by CA. Subodh Kumar Agrawal, President, ICAI and Dr. Sheela Ramachandran, Vice-Chancellor, Avinashilingam Institute in the presence of CA. Vijay Garg, Chairman, Board of Studies, Shri T. Karthikeyan, Secretary, ICAI, and other Central Council Members, ICAI.

Honour for GADVASU scientist

Dr. Sandeep Kaswan, Asst Prof, Department of Livestock Production Management, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University has been awarded Professor Tielen Foundation (PTE) fellowship to participate in the XVIth International Congress on Animal Hygiene held at Nanjing, China. He presented his research work on ‘Effect of different floor space allowance on carcass characteristics of crossbred (Landrace X Desi) pigs’ at the congress.

As many as 160 participants from 34 countries participated in the congress. As a part of PTE scholarship, he was awarded membership of International Society for Animal hygiene (ISAH) along with the entire financial assistance towards participation of the congress. ISAH has members in more than 57 countries across the world.

Happiness @ work
Gems of ancient wisdom
In the company of books

Before the entry of modern gadgets like television and internet, books — the carriers of human thought from one generation to the next — kick-started revolutions. Even today, the written word continues to inspire all areas of human endeavour, including work. And there is little doubt that books, in some form or the other, will play a significant role in the future as well.

On his marriage, Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s father-in-law wanted to buy Tilak a present. Tilak refused a gold ring and instead asked for books which he considered more valuable.

In prison, Tilak loaned his copy of the Gita to revolutionary Damodar Hari Chaphekar, who killed Plague Commissioner Charles Rand, as Chaphekar wanted to die with the Gita in his hands.

German scholar Max Mueller sent Tilak his translation of the Rig Veda. Later, Tilak wrote his treatise on the Gita — the Gita Rahasya — in Mandalay prison.

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar had amassed over 50,000 books for which he built a suitable house at Dadar, Mumbai, and named it ‘Rajagriha’.

Bird Man of India Salim Ali felt handicapped in Burma as neither the book about birds that he had was illustrated nor did he have a set of binoculars.

Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das donated all his books to the Bangiya Sahitya Parishad as “more people would have access to those in a public library”.

At the time Marie Curie went to school, her native Poland was governed by imperial Russia. Hence, a Russian syllabus was followed. But patriotic Polish teachers secretly arranged books in Polish language and held classes when there was no Russian official around. The teachers had devised a warning bell that indicated the arrival of a Russian education inspector.

Little Venkataraman once chanced upon a book — the Periapuranam. It is about the lives of the 63 great Shaiva saints, the Nayanars. Venkataraman was so inspired by them that he desired to follow in their footsteps. Later, he became known as Ramana Maharshi.

To transport guns to India from England without detection, freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar cut out pages from inside of books and fitted the guns in the cavities. Megasthenes was the Ambassador of Greek General Seleucus Nicator at the court of Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BC. He travelled widely in India and minutely documented those times in his four-volume travelogue “Indica”.

In England, English painter Rothenstein suggested to Rabindranath Tagore to translate his “Gitanjali” into English. On reading it, poet WB Yeats praised it saying, “Tagore’s poetry has stirred my soul as nothing has in years.” Tagore won the Nobel Prize for literature for it on November 15, 1912.

Remember, books separate the man from the beast.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

Career Hotline
Pervin Malhotra email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com

Specialisation in child psychology

Q. I am a student of BA Psychology (hons) and have appeared for 1st year exams from Punjab University. I am keenly interested in child psychology. Is this course offered in any of the good universities in Canada and what is the approximate fee structure? — Garima Biswas

A. Child psychology is offered as a specialisation both at the Bachelor’s as well as Master’s level at most Canadian universities.

Since you’re already in the first year, you may look at transfer of credits to the second year at a Canadian university and complete your undergrad course there.

Else, you could apply afresh to the first year of the four-year degree program.

Concordia University, York University, University of Toronto, Queen’s University, McMaster University, etc., offer courses in psychology.

The tuition fee varies from university to university. Check out the individual websites for program details.

Psychologist or psychiatrist?

Q. I have psychology as a subject in school which I find extremely interesting. I want to become a psychologist. Is psychiatry a related field? What is the difference? — Jaspreet Syal

A. While both psychologists and psychiatrists perform much the same function i.e. diagnose and treat patients with mental, emotional and behavioural disorders using a variety of psychotherapeutic methods, the one major difference is that psychiatrists are qualified doctors and can prescribe medication as part of the treatment. The medication is usually of the kind that affects the patient's mood or behaviour like anti-depressants or tranquillizers. They should have completed their MBBS with specialisation in psychiatry during their MD (3 yrs).

Psychologists, on the other hand, treat their patients through counselling, have no medical training and cannot prescribe any medication. They generally take their specialisation after graduation.

It is essential that practicing psychologists have a Masters, M. Phil. or PhD degree.

Some specialisations, like Clinical Psychology for instance, require a 2-year M Phil in the subject as a necessary qualification.

However, both clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, when properly trained are equally competent as far as psychotherapy is concerned.

How can I become a detective?

Q. I am a science graduate. Instead of pursuing IT or MBA like most of my friends, I want to do something different. I am very fascinated by the thought of pursuing detective-related work. But people say that it’s not a field for girls. — Kamini Rathod

A. Private investigation is no longer a male preserve. In a profession hitherto dominated by men, the army of Indian women sleuths has been increasing steadily over the years.

The Association of Private Detectives and Investigations (APDI) estimates that there are over 40,000 women working as detective across India. In the big cities, they not only work as private eyes, but even head all-women outfits. Almost all the detective agencies in Delhi, for instance, have a sizeable number of women, while six are run by women alone. In fact, in certain cases especially matrimonial and child custody, women PIs have often proved to be more effective than their male counterparts.

A woman’s innate inquisitiveness and attention to detail makes her an ideal candidate for surveillance activities, interviewing subjects, and conducting telephonic enquiries. The greatest advantage that a woman investigator has is that nobody is suspicious of being shadowed by a woman undercover agent. Also, you’ll find it naturally easier to access information.

You can work either with the police department or with a private detective company. In the police department, detectives are plainclothes investigators who gather facts and collect evidence for criminal cases. Besides handling undercover operations, interviews, examining records and shadowing or keeping an eye on the activities of suspects.

PIs offer many other services such as pre-employment verification, surveillance, investigating corporate fraud and individual background profiles.

There are no formal academic requirements for most private detective jobs, although a college degree is essential.

However, let me warn you: A career in this field may not be as adventurous and romantic as novels and films make it out to be. Although it’s a ‘hatke’ profession, it's a tough job requiring long hours, loads of patience, keen observation, intelligence, common sense, tenacity and the ability to think on your feet.