CAREER QUERIES HOTLINE
Pervin Malhotra, Tribune’s career expert, answers all your career queries.

FORTNIGHTLY QUIZ-135

Why do we say that?

Lesson in English
By W.L. Gordon

IGNOU introduces courses in HIV (AIDS)
Iqbal Singh

INDIRA GANDHI National Open University has started MA (Hindi) and certificate courses in HIV (AIDS) and family awareness, health and environment, and laboratory techniques from the current academic session, according to Dr U.C. Pandey, Regional Director, Khanna.

MA (Hindi), a two-year course, will cover poetry, novel, stories, drama and history of Hindi literature and language in the first year. In the second year, specific topics will be taught.

The certificate course in HIV and family awareness will be of six-month duration and provide comprehensive knowledge of what, why and how of HIV/AIDS, family life. The target learners include schoolteachers, NGO functionaries, para-medical staff and parents of adolescents. They will have to pass two compulsory and two elective papers for the certificate.

The certificate course in health and environment, too, will be of six-month duration. It is meant for health professionals, para-medical staff, NGO workers, school and college teachers, industrial workers, creative writers, senior citizens, sanitary inspectors and nursing home administrators. The course has been developed to provide comprehensive knowledge about environment, its present state and factors responsible for its degradation. It will also acquaint the learners with basic principles of health and attempts to describe the relationship between health and environment.

The certificate programme in laboratory techniques is intended for those aspiring for employment as laboratory technicians in school or college laboratories. The programme has been designed to train learners to provide effective and efficient services to the faculty and students.

They will be familiarised with the basic facilities available in a school/college laboratory, given knowledge on the basics of organisation and management of science laboratories and trained in handling and maintenance of simple instruments. Due emphasis will be laid on procurement procedures and storage of laboratory-related material and equipment.

CAREER QUERIES HOTLINE
Pervin Malhotra, Tribune’s career expert, answers all your career queries.

A The Orissa floods and the recent Gujarat earthquake has shown us that however much we may know about the environment, there is still a great deal more to learn about disasters - either natural or manmade.

And even more than knowledge, we need clear and practical strategies for managing large-scale disasters - what to, how to chanelise help in the aftermath, how to establish clear links of communication, etc.

Teams comprising health and social workers, engineers, administrators, scientists and psychologists need to be directed and coordinated by specially trained disaster management experts.

Besides excellent organizational and problem solving skills and domain expertise, the jobs calls for a deep sense of commitment and the ability to work swiftly under pressure.

Several universities, schools of public health and community medicine in the US and Europe have been offering focussed programs in disaster response at the postgraduate level.

Although we have 30 different kinds of disasters in India, we still need to get our act together as far as structured training programs are concerned. The few institutes that we have only offer short-term courses. Notable amongst them being the National Centre for Disaster Management set up by the Indian Institute of Public Administration and the Centre for Disaster Management set up by Y S Chawan Academy of Development Administration conduct workshops and seminars for civil servants and government officials. NCDM is also the nodal agency for coordinating relief and rehabilitation work during natural calamities.

Similarly, the Disaster Management Institute, Bhopal set up after the gas tragedy conducts awareness programs for NGOs and the public at large.

Some universities have recently taken the initiative to introduce a few courses. For instance, IGNOU and the University of Pune offer 6-month certificate courses. Any one who has completed 10+2 is eligible to enrol. Another correspondence program in disaster mitigation is offered by the Indian Institute of Ecology & Environment, New Delhi in affiliation with the Sikkim Manipal University. Spread over 2 years and 10 papers including a thesis this program is open to graduates in any discipline. A similar course is also offered by the PRT Institute of Postgraduate Environmental Education & Research in affiliation with the Institute of Open & Distance Education, Barkatullah Vishwadyalaya, Bhopal.

While these courses have started gaining in popularity, career opportunities are still pretty limited. Openings are mainly found in some government and non-government agencies. Large industrial establishments, particularly those in the high-risk fields like chemicals, mining, petroleum have disaster management cells. The International Red Cross and some UN organisations also empanel trained professionals for working on humanitarian missions to handle major calamities and emergencies.

As the lack of adequate trigger mechanisms or quick response intervention that can be automatically activated in an emergency becomes glaringly evident with each disaster, the need for well-trained disaster management experts will only shoot upwards.

Q Due to financial and family constraints, I had to take up whatever job came my way straight after graduation. Now I wish to build a proper career even if it means taking up a professional course. Which field will offer security and money for the next 20 years or so till I retire?

A At a time when rapid technological changes are continuously throwing up new jobs while rendering several others redundant, surely you don’t expect me to predict which industries will continue to boom over the next 20-years! Instead of looking for long term security which is an elusive proposition in this age of obsolescence, why not train for something you love? Your best hope for prospering over time is to find the line of work that really fires your imagination - for the very obvious reason that if you aren’t enthused about what you do, you won’t be able to compete with those who are. Why not look afresh at the various jobs you have done in the past. Perhaps one of those fields interests you enough. Or it may be something completely different. Only if you are passionate about something will you go that "extra" mile or do that "extra" bit to come up with the best solutions. If you are looking for a real stable future don’t look at what jobs are currently "hot" or "in" but at what really interests you. And if you are interested in a career in Advertising, for instance, don’t look at courses in insurance. Or vice-versa. I know this may sound very obvious. But, How many of us have ended up doing just that? Do make your second choice count - for you.

A Foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who have completed their MBBS and wish to work or study in the US have to undergo Residency Training which is considered the graduate phase of medical education. Residency training programmes are offered by teaching hospitals, medical schools and institutes. To be appointment as an Intern or Resident, you require the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification, to obtain which you must fulfil the following criteria: You should be licensed to practise in India; You must be a graduate of a medical school listed in the WHO Directory of Medical Schools; You must have passed Step I and II of the US Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE), and ECFMG English test. The USMLE is a 3-step exam, each section spread over two days. To regulate the number of entrants, America has recently made the exam "tougher" by adding another paper in addition to the practical exams. The test is conducted in various centres: Bangkok, Singapore, and Riyadh being the closest to India. Test bulletins and forms can be obtained from the nearest USEFI centre. Positions in Resident Training Programmes can be obtained through direct contact or through the National Residency Matching Programme ((NRMP), which co-ordinates the appointment of medical graduates for training programmes in the US. Most medical students go to the US on a J-1 visa, which can be applied for by any FMG who holds an ECFMG certificate who has been accepted into an accredited Residency or approved Fellowship programme. Test bulletins and forms can be obtained from USEFI or directly from: Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, 3624 Market Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685, USA.

A In recent years, Dubai has witnessed phenomenal growth, particularly in the travel & tourism sector, making it a quality destination for business and leisure travel. With most of the international hotel brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriot, Radisson, having their properties in Dubai, there is a demand for qualified and experienced staff. Does it benefit a hospitality professional to look for greener pastures in Dubai? Well, the answer is both "yes" and "no". First the pros. There is no doubt about it, working in Dubai will certainly fetch you more money (although you will have to work the usual long and hard hours). Most people head there purely for this reason. The other benefit is the multicultural exposure it will give you: You will work and interact with travellers from US, UK, France, Russia, Gulf, Lebanon, Indian. On the flip side, due to the increasing "Emiratisation", local Arabs are replacing a large number of expatriate staff. This means that you may even have to settle for a position lower than what you could be holding in India. Lack of job security is another factor. You never know when you may be asked to pack your bags and leave. However, for someone as young and capable as you, this shouldn’t be such a deterrent. The mandatory requirement of a Bachelor’s degree along with the necessary work experience to get a work permit may be another possible hitch - if you have a diploma in Hotel Management which used to be the norm (before degree-level courses in HM were introduced. However, if you are adventurous and would like to enrich your experience, do go ahead. You can always choose to return to India or move on to the USA, Europe or Canada when you get the opportunity. In that sense, it can be a good stepping stone to a successful career in the hotel industry.

A The chances of landing a decent job straight after graduation are similar in both cases, irrespective of the fact that you have acquired the degree through correspondence or a regular course. But certainly the prospects are bright if you acquire a professional postgraduate qualification subsequently. Since mere graduation is not sufficient to equip you with the skills required to enter a profession, the postgraduate professional course of study which you take up subsequently is what will really matter. Besides, the best part is that the degree that you get at the end of a correspondence undergraduate course does not specifically mention the fact that you have studied through correspondence.

Jul 31 The Indian Navy, Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Naval Headquarters, Room No 204, 'C' Wing, Sena Bhavan ,

New Delhi-110001.

Recruitment of Short Service Commissioned Officers in Technical Branches (Jan 2002)

Elig: Unmarried Indian Males below 24 yrs with BE/BTech (55% agg).

Appln F: See Employment News 30 June-6 July.

Jul 31 Indian Air force, PO Bag No 00I, DHR Post Office,

New Delhi-110011.

Website: www.nic.in/armedforce/airforce.htm

Recruitment of Male Candidates in Permanent & Female Candidates in Short Service Commission for ground Duty Branches (Admn, Accounts, Edun, Meteorological)

Appln F: For details, Eligibility criteria, visit website.

Aug 25 The Indian Navy, Manpower Planning & Recruitment, R & R Section, Room No. 204, 'C' Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi- 110001.

Recruitment of Permanent Commissioned Officers in

(1) Law Cadre

(2) Education Branch

Elig: Law Degree (55% agg). Age: below 27 yrs. (2): Masters in Phy, Chem OR Maths. Maths as Subsidiary for Physics and Physics as Subsidiary for Maths & Chem at Graduation level.

Appln F: See Employment News 23 - 29 June.

Aug 10 Center for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), Chithranjali Studio Complex, Thiruvallom, Thiruvananthapuram 27, Kerala.

E-mail: cdit@vsnl.com

PG Diploma Science & Development Communications

Elig: Bachelors Degree (50% agg).

Appln F: Send Rs 25/- by DD favouring "The Registrar, C-DIT", payable at Thiruvananthapuram, along with stamped (Rs 9/-) self-addressed envelope (26 x 11 cm) to the course director at the above address.

For details See Employment News 30 June - 6 July.

Jul 15 National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad-380007.

Website: www.nid.edu

Research Fellowship Programms

Elig: Bachelors/Masters degree with 2 yrs work Exp.

Stipend: Rs 8000/- pm.

Appln F: For details visit website.

Jul 31 Deptt of Biochemistry & Biochemical Technology, Sri Venkateshwara College, Dhaula Kuan,

New Delhi-110021. (University of Delhi)

PG Diploma in Molecular & Biochemical Tech (1 yr)

Elig: Bachelors in Botany, Biochem, Chem, Microbiol, Zool, Applied Zool & Applied Sc (50% agg).

Test: 8 Aug at New Delhi.

Appln F: Send Rs 200/- by DD favouring, "Principal, SV College" along with appln on plain paper to the Principal at the above address.

Aug 20 Indian Institute of Ceramics, Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, Jadavapur University, Kolkata-700032.

Associate Membership Examination-2001

Elig: Dip in Ceramics or Equiv with 2 yrs professional exp/BSc PCM/Geol.

Test: 30-Oct--12 Nov at Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Gudur.

Appln F: Send Rs. 50/- by DD favouring the "Indian Institute of Ceramics" payable at Kolkata. At counter: Rs 50/- (cash).

Jul 26 Delhi College of Engineering, Bhawana Road, Delhi-110042.

BTech (4 yrs PT)

Elig: Dip in Engg (3 yrs) with 21/2 yrs exp & employed in NCT of Delhi.

Test: 19 Aug.

Appln F: Send Rs. 180/- by DD favouring the "Co-ordinatos , BTech Entrance Examination" payable at Delhi to the Deputy Co-ordinator (Admn) at the above address. At counter: Rs 250/- by DD.

Jul 18 Makhanlal Chaturvedi Rashtriya Patrakarita Vishwavidyalaya, P B RSN-560, Trilochan Nagar, E-8, Arera Colony, Bhopal-462039.

website: www.makhanlaluniversity.org

(1) Bachelor's Degree (Journalism, Library & Info Sc)

(2) MA (Masscomm, Broadcast Journalism, Advt & PR, Jouralism).(2 yrs)

(3) PG Dip (Newspaper Mgt, Video Prodn, Mktg Mgt,

Social Research, Distt & Rural Journalism) (1 yr)

(4) MLIS (1 yr).

Elig: (1) 10+2 for Lib & Info Sc: Bachelors Degree. For (2), (3), (4): Bachelors Degree.

Appln F: Send Rs. 250/- by DD favouring "Makhanlal Chaturvedi Rashtriya Patrakarita vishwavidyalaya" payable at Bhopal with a passport size photograph to the above address. For details visit website.

Jul 10 Department of Training & Technical Education, Muni Maya Ram Marg, Pitam Pura, Delhi-110 088.

Website: www.delhi.tech.edu

Engg/Non Engg Course in ITI's of Delhi/N Delhi-2001-02

Appln F: Send Rs. 30/- by DD favouring the "DDO ITI" payable at New Delhi/Delhi along with stamped (Rs 50/-), self-addressed envelop

(10" x 12"). For details visit website.

Jul 31 Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Madhav Nagar, Manipal-576119 (Karnataka).

Email: adm.mhe@manipal.edu

(1) BCA (6 sem)

(2) D Pharma (3 yrs)

(3) MSc Anatomy, Physiol, Biochem, Microbiol, Pharmacol, Dental Materials, Yoga Therapy

Elig: (1) 10+2. (50% agg) Maths/Stats/Comp Sc (2): 10+2 PCM/B (3): BMLT/BNMT of MAHE (50% agg) or BSc Biological SC/BAMS/BHMS/BPT/

BPharma. For Biol, Chem & Dental Meterials: BSc Phy, Chem, For Yoga Theraphy: Bachelors Degree.

Test: (1): 12 Aug at Manipal.

Appln F: Send Rs. 500/- (Rs 200/-for D Pharma) by DD favouring "MAHE", payable at Manipal or Udupi, mentioning name of the course with complete address to the admission Officer at the above address.

Management

Jul 23 University of Jammu, New Campus Jammu-180006.

MBA (2 yrs)

Elig: Bachelor's Degree (50% agg).

Test: 29 July at 11 Centres Including Jammu, Delhi, Chandigarh & B'lore.

Appln F: Send Rs. 500/- by DD favouring "Chairman, CA, MBA CET, University of Jammu" payable at Jammu along with stamped (Rs 50/-) self-addressed envelope (22 x32 cm) to the office of the Dean, academic affairs, to the above address.

Jul 14 Vector Control Research Centre , Indian Council of Medical Research, Indira Nagar, Pondicherry -605006.

PG Dip Medical Entomology

Elig: BSc/MSc Zool or Botany with 5 yrs work Exp in Govt/Non govt agencies.

Appln F: Send Rs 40/- by DD Favouring "The Director, Vector Control Research Centre" payable at Pondicherry to the Director at the above address.

Jul 26 Jiwaji University, Gwalior Institute of Pharmacy, Vidya Vihar, Gwalior-474001 (M P).

BPharma

Elig: 10+2 (50% agg) PCB/M & Eng.

Selection: Entrance Test.

Appln F: Send Rs 300/- by DD Favouring "Registrar, Jiwaji University" payable at Gwalior, at the office of the Registrar at the above address. At counter: Rs 250/- (cash).

Jul 30 Doctor Harisingh Cour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, Gour Nagar-470003 (M P).

Website:www.fmssagar.com

MPharma (3 sem)

Elig: BPharma with valid GATE qualification.

Appln F: Send Rs. 100/- by DD favouring "The Registrar, Doctor Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya" from SBI, Sagar University Branch (code 1143) to the above address. At counter: Rs. 100/-(cash).

Jul 20 M/o HRD Deptt of Secondary Education & Higher Education ES-1 Section, A-1/W3 Curzon Road Barracks, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi-110001.

Website: www.education.nic.in

Syrian Government Scholarships BA Arabic literature (4 yrs)

Elig: Class X (60% agg).

Appln F: Send Appln along with photocopies of documents & a passport size photograph to the section officer at the above address. For details visit website.

Jul 31 Department of Culture, M/o Tourism & Culture, S & F Section, Room No.333, C-Wing, Shastri Bhawan,

New Delhi-110001.

Website: www.indiaculture.org

Jr/Sr Fellowships in Indology, Structural & Engg aspects of Monuments, Epigraphy, Sociology & Culture, Cultural Eco, Numismatics, Scientific & Technological Principles & Conservation, Mgmt of Heritage & Art & Cultural Institutes.

FORTNIGHTLY QUIZ-135

1. Name the first tennis player to have reached a grand slam final with a wild card entry.

2. Who is the winner of this year's women's Wimbledon singles title?

3. Name the US university whose surgeons recently implanted the world's first self-contained mechanical heart i.e. heart free of wires connecting it to an outside energy source.

4. Name the Taiwanese film-maker who was recently named the USA's best director by the Time magazine.

5. Name the Indian cyclist — on a world peace mission — who was recently released by the Pakistan Government.

6. Where is the Jinnah House situated?

7. To which country does Mr Kofi Annan, who was recently re-elected to the UN's top post, belong?

8. Name the pilotless target aircraft (PTA) that Israel intends to buy from India.

9. Which country has been declared the best place to live in the world, based on the quality of life and high living standards, according to a recent UN report?

10. In which city was the country's first private FM radio station — Radio City —launched recently?

11. In which year was Hong Kong handed over to the Chinese rule?

12. What is the capital of Zambia?

13. Which country recently won the Merdeka cup?

14. Who is the third highest scorer in Test cricket history?

15. Who holds the record among women for the maximum number of Wimbledon titles (singles,doubles and mixed doubles)?

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

Winners of quiz 134.Total entries received were 604. As many as 478 entrants gave all correct answers. The first prize by draw of lots goes to Inderjit Singh Johar, X-C, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sector 47-A, Chandigarh-160047. Second: Amardeep Kaur Sandhu,XI, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Academy, Simran Nagar, Ropar. Third: Harsha Satija, IX-B, St Anne's Convent, Sector 32-D,Chandigarh-160047.

Answers to quiz 134: Gen Pervez Musharraf, Agra, Windows XP, Kathmandu,15, Agartala-Dhaka, Atal Behari Vajpayee, Al-Hashemi-II, Kigali, Indian Premier Football Association, Tamil Nadu, Retief Goosen, ICC, Brisbane, Narain Karthikeyan.

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.

— Tarun Sharma

Lesson in English
By W.L. Gordon

Do not say, "Endless instances can be found to prove this point."

Say, "INNUMERABLE instances can be found..."

Arithmetical. Accent the third syllable, not the second.

Supervise — ends with "-ise."

Summarize — ends with "-ize."

Pique (verb) — affront, chafe, displease, irritate, pain, rouse, spur, stimulate.

"Use a word three times and it is yours." Let us increase our vocabulary by mastering one word each day.

Today’s word: DERNIER CRI(noun) — the latest word; the latest fashion. Pronounced "dern yai-kree" with an accent on the last syllable. -E.g. "Her frock is the dernier cri."

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