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Living on the edge Army recruiting centers were clogged and the Emergency Commission oversubscribed on just one call by the PM in the wake of Chinese invasion of India in 1962. The country needs its youth now more than ever before. Go on, join the paramilitary forces and defend the honour of the motherland
Roll of honour PARAMILITARY organisations are protective services constituted to maintain internal security and to support defence services in guarding our national borders. The paramilitary services are broadly classified into three major categories — central protective services, state protective services and fire services. Each of these units plays a well-defined role besides coming to the nation’s rescue in times of national calamities. While the organisational structure, hierarchy and training may vary, the basic ethos of work, discipline and commitment are akin to those found in the defence services.
The CRPF’s role is to maintain internal security and enforcement of law and order. They also provide relief and rescue services to people during natural calamities or an accident. CRPF officers are also given the chance to work with NSG and SPG and some were called upon for the Mumbai blasts and have been involved in countering many other terrorist attacks. The basic function of the BSF, constituted in 1965, is to keep a vigil on our borders to prevent infiltration, terrorism and smuggling activities. Officials have to collect intelligence reports and ensure the prevention of smuggling and safety of prominent installations and people living in border area. They also assist the police forces during riots and natural calamities. The ITBP patrols the Himalayan ranges bordering India and China. The CISF was essentially created to provide security to industrial units, all public sector undertakings, and airports — domestic and international. The CRPF also helps augment the police force in times of crisis or emergency.
Getting in the zone IF you are inspired by the heroic deeds of the men in uniform and are young, energetic and adventurous, you too can join the paramilitary forces. It is not easy and you have to fulfill a list of prerequisites in terms of physical fitness and mental aptitude. While a graduation degree in science or humanities is the minimum requirement for the post of an officer rank, even someone who has just completed Class X or XII can apply for the post of a jawan. Besides being physically fit, jawans also have to appear for a written test on general knowledge. Engineering and medial professionals can also enter the medical and technical wings at the level of assistant commandant or above. Women can also enter paramilitary services, although scope is limited. Graduates who meet the physical standards can join the paramilitary forces as sub-inspectors or assistant commandants/ company commanders. There is a selection test for graduate entry to all paramilitary services, which includes a written examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, a physical efficiency test (PET), an interview and a final medical test. The written test has two papers — Paper I of 200 marks is a test of general awareness, basic intelligence and reasoning and numerical ability. Paper II of 100 marks is an assessment of ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and also the ability to express the ideas clearly and correctly. This comprises an essay (in Hindi or English), pr`E9cis writing and comprehension of a given passage (in English only). For all posts, meeting the physical fitness criteria of height, weight and chest-size is very important. The physical efficiency test compromises of races of 100 meters (16 sec men, 18 sec girls) and 800 meters (3 min men, 4 min girls), long jump, high jump for both men and women and shot-put for men. As in the defence forces, there are strict physical standards for paramilitary personnel too — Height: 165 cm for men and 157 cm for women, weight 50 kg for men & 46 kg for women. Physical and mental health should be good and no knock-knees, flat foot squint or colour blindness. Those who qualify the written and physical efficiency test have to face an interview board and undergo a medical. The interview is undertaken to gauge the candidate’s psyche, aptitude, mannerisms and etiquette. Loyalty and dedication to the cause of the nation are also assessed. Preference in selection is given to outstanding sportspersons and NCC cadets with an outstanding record. Those who pass all these tests then have to undergo rigorous training before taking charge. Technical graduates too go through the PET and medical examination. Once selected, the training takes place according to the specific paramilitary organisation you have entered.
Eligibility: For gazetted posts, graduation in any stream with 50 per cent aggregate. For posts of constables, non-graduates can also apply Selection: Written test followed by interview and medical fitness test Age limit: 19-25 years Training: Neemuch, MP
Age limit: 20-25 years for SI, 18-22 for constable Entry for astt commandants is through SSC of Central Police Organisation Age limit: 19-25 years Special preference to NCC A, B, C, certificate holders Training: Tekanpur, MP
Selection: Entry as constables and sub-inspectors Test: Conducted by selection board. Training: Mussorie and Chandigarh.
Eligibility: Graduation, preference for those trained in industrial safety management. Graduates in physics, chemistry, math and engineering are also eligible. Training: Hyderabad Assistant commandants /company commanders recruited directly are given rigorous training in respective police academies. They are taught various skills like shooting, driving, controlling riots and mountaineering. Upon successful completion, these officers are put on ‘general duty’, which apart from normal field duties also involves administrative responsibilities. Managerial and administrative responsibilities increase with seniority
and promotions. The CRPF also gets special training in mountaineering, communication, management etc. and other special refresher courses from time to time. Its officers and those from BSF get an opportunity to serve with National Security Guards and Special Protection Groups. This earns them special allowances. BSF members are deputed for three to four years and assigned important duties like protecting VIPs during deputation. Perhaps at no other time has there been such a demand for people to join these forces as now. There are many more opportunities, too, for those in the paramilitary forces. With the growing concern for domestic security, their services are required in a wide range of areas. They already play anti-terrorist and counterinsurgency roles, but they can also be brought in to handle communal disharmony and to maintain the security and integrity of the country in times of discord. Members of these forces also have the option of serving with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces where remuneration is very attractive. The perks and allowances make the paramilitary forces a very lucrative career option. Apart from salary and a number of allowances such as uniform, ration, travel, medical and others, paramilitary officers have access to a number of sporting facilities and training in horseback riding, parasailing, and different styles of self-defence. So if you are really interested for a daring career to serve the country, then the paramilitary could be the career of your choice. (The writer is a career expert)
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New boss, new challenges R.C Sharma A change in leadership may be discomforting in the beginning but can open several new avenues. Tips on forging a rapport with the new head honcho
In this current state of job flux, chances are either you’ll be changing jobs soon, or a new boss will be taking the reins where you work. However, since you have to work under the new manager, it will be in your own interest to start off with a positive attitude. Do not expect an immediate rapport. It takes time to build a harmonious relationship; wait for the right time for adjustment as you get to know each other. Try to eliminate the discrepancies and sort out your priorities with a positive outlook to forge a strong link.
Whether you’re the newcomer or your boss is, it’s up to you to make — and sustain — a great first impression. Here are some tips for making the best of your relationship with the new boss: Roll with the punches
PREDICTABILITY is non-existent in the corporate scenario; do not delude yourself that things will always be the same. Change is always on the anvil with a constant reshaping of roles. As the arrival of a new manager heralds adjustment, adopt a professional and flexible stance. Accept the change as a challenge rather than an obstacle. Prepare to adjust, to enable you to carry on without major obstacles. Learn to accept and respect his position. The key is to be supportive and enthusiastic, yet compliant. Talk out issues reasonably and clarify roles without challenging his authority.
Gain an edge
WHAT exactly does your boss expect from you? Find out and prevent any gaps in communication. Do some investigating around the office to find answers to these questions: What is your supervisor’s preferred style of working, temperament, personality and idiosyncrasies? What are his or her strengths? Is his or her management style casual or formal? Will he or she accept more casual dress at the office, or will jackets and ties be preferred? Soon, you will soon gain an edge over others. As a career services manager advises: “If there is any way you can find out information upfront, do it. May be someone in another part of the company or someone else who has worked for that manager can help.”
REACH out to the new boss early and establish constructive contacts. Be proactive and fix a meeting to congratulate him and welcome him on board. Introduce yourself and amicably discuss expectations, goals, strategies, work hours, responsibilities, frequency of updates, level of autonomy or management changes. Initiating candid and honest communication will give you an assessment about his disposition, propensity, priorities and weaknesses. Ally with him and show that you are interested in adding well-being. Remember, since your boss is new to the organisation, he or she may be unaware of your strengths and abilities, so it is important that you make that information available. Keep him or her informed of the assignments you are working on, the decisions you are making, and the reasons behind them.
Clean your slate
A NEW manager is bound to be different — do not think that he will be a facsimile of the former boss. Forget the past, don’t make life difficult for him. Exercise discretion and avoid harking about the ex. Forget your strong allegiance to the old boss and prepare for the necessary psychological adjustments to the new environment. As career consultant and author Andrea Kay says: “ You have to make a mindshift to prepare yourself to say, “This is a new person.”
REMEMBER that the new state of affairs would be discomfiting for the boss too and he needs to acclimatise as well. Empathise with his situation without sounding derogatory. Try to learn about his needs and offer friendly assistance in explaining the intricate working without sounding like a Mr Know-All. However, do not apprise him about practices, processes, norms et al unless the information is expressly solicited. Often, the changes that a new supervisor brings in can be very positive for an organisation. Look at those changes as opportunities and challenges, and you’ll find that working with your new boss is far easier than you anticipated. Create trust and cooperate to iron out the differences, and you’ll soon find yourself enjoying the same rapport as you had with his predecessor.
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It’s the right course Pervin Malhotra
— Parul Nanda A. You don’t realise how lucky you are! For most numerically-challenged, math-phobic mortals like us, number-crunching math wizards like you seem to belong to a different galaxy altogether. Math and science are the keys to innovation and power in today’s world. And this is the golden age for masters and Ph.D. holders in mathematics. Career opportunities are truly wide and varied for those who have a talent and passion for this multifaceted queen of sciences. If you love numbers, this is a subject you’ll really enjoy. Moreover, the skills you develop while studying for a math degree — such as the ability to think logically and methodically — will prove to be a great asset in any profession. No wonder it is called the queen of sciences! Some of the careers where a mathematical background is particularly valued are: IT (MCA), chartered accountancy, actuarial science (insurance), taxation, business management, finance, operations research, market research (specifically quantitative), and media planning. Another growth area lies in the banking and financial services sector where the work centres on portfolio management, financial control methods & forecasting, equity research, financial planning etc. For all these, MBA (Fin), MFC, CA, CFA will hold you in good stead. Students trained in pure mathematics are also in great demand. Many financial services companies, research labs of multinational companies etc are aggressively hiring Indian mathematicians and the best part is that the pay packet is better than that offered to IT professionals. A career in mathematical research — be it pure or applied, can be a fascinating pursuit. Those specialising in mathematics or statistics can also choose to work as members of research teams in industry, statistical and data collection organisations, meteorology,information technology, aerospace and bioinformatics. Of course, there is always the teaching and competitive exams option to consider. Well-paying teaching positions are available in plenty, especially in private engineering colleges. After M.Sc math, you can even enroll for M.Tech (in a host of engineering /technology disciplines including computer science at leading engineering colleges including the IITs, after taking the GATE exam. The other wonderful thing is that math can be pursued at any time and any place. Unlike physics and chemistry, you don’t need any lab to learn the subject. You can practice it in your own mind!
Practical management & accounting
Q. What is CIMA? How does it enhance the prospects of a CA abroad? — Nisha Arora A. CIMA — the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants — is a UK based organisation that offers an internationally recognised professional qualification with a syllabus and examinations that focus solely on the education and training of management accountants in business. A big cross-section of industry, commerce, NGOs and public sector organisations employs chartered management accountants as financial managers, accountants and auditors. Although it has offices in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, CIMA claims to have over 88,000 students and 70,000 members enrolled in 161 countries. Its website shows substantial presence, including classroom coaching, in Europe, Africa, Asia and Commonwealth countries, but little in the Western Hemisphere. Hence, jobs are likely to be found in the same countries. The course, though by and large similar to that of chartered accountancy in India, emphasises the practical aspects of management and accounting. Although the certificate level exams are computer-based and can be taken any time of the year, higher level paper-based exams for professional qualifications are held twice a year, in May and November. It is mainly an online course, though, in India, CIMA provides part-time classroom coaching in Bangalore and Mumbai, if you opt for it. The website is
www.cimaglobal.com.
Young men & the sea
— Harish Handa A. As a non-matriculate male, you can join the Indian Coast Guard as a Navik in the Domestic Branch. The eligibility is a pass in Class VIII with 55 per cent aggregate (45 per cent for SC/ST). If you have passed Class 10, you can join as a Navik in the general duty branch. The age requirement for both is 17-22 years (relaxable by five years for SC/ST and three years for OBC). You will also be required to meet certain physical standards. Selection is on the basis of a written test/interview. To join this paramilitary service, you must be physically fit, mentally tough, intelligent, bold and independent. If you love the sea and have a spirit of adventure and value a disciplined lifestyle, the Coast Guard is a great place to be in. For further information, contact: The Director (Training), Recruitment Cell, Coast Guard HQ, National Stadium Complex, New Delhi-110001. (www.indiancoastguard.org)
Look at B-schools outside US
Q. I have been working for four years in an IT firm and am now planning to do my MBA from abroad. I have heard so much about US B-schools. Would it be a good idea to look at B-schools in other parts of the world as well? — Kanishk Verma Being smaller in size, they can deliver a personalised experience unheard of at most US B-schools. For instance, at Queens in Ontario, Canada (no.1 international non-US B-school in the Business Week ranking), each student has access to five coaches — from a personal development coach who checks in with you regularly to a personal fitness trainer. At IMD (no. 7) in Lausanne, Switzerland, each student gets 20 hours of therapy to help them understand themselves and their managing styles better. Team coaches actively encourage disagreements, forcing students to learn how to deal with confrontation. Some non-US ones take the international experience to a level that simply can’t be matched by the study-abroad trips and international case studies featured in US programmes. At London Business School (no. 5), in the first year, all six students in a study group are from different parts of the world. At INSEAD (no. 3), in Fontainebleau, France, no more than 10 per cent of the faculty comes from any one country. And at Madrid’s IE Business School (no. 2), last year’s class of 287 included 55 diverse nationalities including Kazakhs and El Salvadoris! Incidentally, IE scored the highest student satisfaction rating of all Business Week ranked schools — US and international. The goal: To produce graduates adept at navigating a multicultural business environment. While top U.S. MBAs follow a traditional two-year format, more top schools in Europe and Canada are condensing their programmes to fit a one-year time frame. Even London Business School now allows students to graduate in 15 months instead of 21. Other innovations include lessons in communication. At Oxford University’s Saïd Business School (no. 10), students are encouraged to take classes in humanities and social entrepreneurship. University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management (no. 8), has added new humanities workshops to create an “integrative thinking” curriculum that challenges students to solve business problems in nontraditional ways. Knowing a foreign language would also add to your resume when applying for a job in any European country. For prospective MBAs, some of these B-schools may be well worth considering. One caveat though: Getting a work permit in Europe is no mean task. Of late, the UK government has made some concessions by permitting those graduating from the world’s top 50 B-Schools to apply for a one-year work permit in the UK. Overseas students find it tough to even land temporary jobs, more so with the ongoing meltdown.
Try BCA
Q. I am 17 and have done a polytechnic diploma in computer science and engineering after high school. Which course can I do now? I am looking at something job
oriented. — Mihira Joshi A. Go in for a B.Sc (IT) or BCA. These will be more job-oriented than most other science courses. Of course, you will need to follow these with MCA/MSc (IT) for higher-end jobs. Alternatively, you can take up an entry-level job and pursue courses from DOEACC etc alongside.
This column appears weekly. Please send in your queries, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers @tribunemail.com.
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MP3 player, blog in kids’ dictionary
Oxford University Press (OUP), publishers of the 10,000-word “Junior Dictionary”, says the changes have been made to reflect the fact that Britain is a modern, multicultural, multifaith society, the Telegraph reported. “When you look back at older versions of dictionaries, there were lots of examples of flowers for instance. That was because many children lived in semi-rural environments and saw the seasons. Nowadays, the environment has changed,” said Vineeta Gupta, the head of children’s dictionaries at OUP. “We are also much more multicultural. People don’t go to church as often as before. Our understanding of religion is within multiculturalism, which is why some words such as ‘Pentecost’ or ‘Whitsun’ would have been in 20 years ago but not now.” Words like carol, holly, pulpit, saint and sin have been dropped as have porridge, poultry, prune, radish, spinach, sycamore, tulip and, even that very English expression, willow. In have come celebrity, tolerant, vandalism, creep, conflict, common sense, debate and EU! Some teachers and academics argue that children might lose touch with Britain’s heritage due to the changes. “We have a certain Christian narrative which has given meaning to us over the last 2,000 years. To say it is all relative and replaceable is questionable,” said Alan Smithers, the director of the centre for education and employment at Buckingham University. “The word selections are a very interesting reflection of the way childhood is going, moving away from our spiritual background and the natural world and towards the world that information technology creates for us.” OUP selects words for its junior editions with the aid of the children’s corpus. It is a list of words made up of general language, words from children’s books and terms related to the school curriculum. Lexicographers consider word frequency when making additions and deletions.
— IANS
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No child’s play this!
Animation films may make you laugh but loads of hard work goes on behind the scenes. If you are ready for grueling work, an animation career can be creatively & financially satisfying.
Team Jobs & Careers
explores options
"Animation is like a moving painting, wherein 24 still frames are used to produce one second of action. These frames give the illusion of motion to our eyes. It is a wonderful method of storytelling," says R. Krishnan, global head, Arena Animation. Creating animation doesn’t require a crew of thousands armed with walkie-talkies or a convoy of teamsters to move your production. Equipped with a cine camera, modelling clay and a quiet working space you can produce your own animated films on your personal computer. A 2D clay animation animation expert, Pradeep Kumar, says, "There is a wide scope in animation, especially in the field of advertising. People these days do not remember the celebrity endorsing a product, but they do remember the animated figures. For instance, the bunny in the Duracell ad." He has made Gali Gali Sim Sim for Pogo channel and other educative animation series on Cartoon Network. "Learning animation requires skill, imagination and of course, hard work. There is a significant amount of filming and editing to be done, too. But then, with so many avenues in the animation world opening up, the hard work is worth it," says Kumar.
Like any other film, it also comprises of three stages — pre-production, production and post-production. In the first stage, the story is conceived followed by preparing a storyboard — a pictorial representation of the story in order of sequence. At the production stage, the story is filmed using a camera, just as in the case of live action films. Then comes the post-production stage where editing is done by specialised editing software. special effects/3D effects, sound effects etc. are all put in at this stage. There are several ways and techniques of making an animation film. Earlier, the animator used to draw several sketches of the story, showing each movement of the character in different sketches. This is then animated in different frames. This is known as traditional or cell or 2D animation. However, with the advent of computers, this process is replaced by computer graphics. Now most of these drawings are done digitally on the computer and specialised softwares are used to simulate camera movement and effects. The end product or the film is then delivered through several mediums like digital video or 35mm film. Computer animation has several techniques, like 3D animation and Flash, depending on the software used. A very fascinating technique of animation film making is that of stop-motion animation. In this process animation is done by ‘physically manipulating real-world objects’. These objects are then photographed in single frames to create the illusion of movement. The animated character in Amaron battery ad was created using this process. Stop-motion animation has various forms depending on the medium used to create the characters. There is claymation (clay models are used), graphic animation (using visual graphic material like newspaper clippings, photographs, etc), cut-out animation (involving movement of 2-dimensional material like cloth or paper,), model animation (interaction of animated model with live-action world), pixilation (use of live-action characters as stop-motion characters to produce surreal effects), puppet animation (interaction of puppet figures as stop-motion characters). Stop motion animation is an age old method but still claims immense popularity and usage even today. Here are some of the interesting stages involved in animation film making: Sketching: At the onset, sketches of the story and its characters are made. In the digital environment, sketching is done on the computer by a software called Sketchbook Pro, a virtual sketchbook wherein a tablet and stylus pen are used. Character design and model sheet: For digital animation, model sheets or templates of the characters that are used in the story are prepared. These model sheets provide the construction, structure, proportion and design for each character. Rigging: It prepares a character’s internal skeleton showing its joints and movements. This is done for 3D animation. Construction of models: In case of claymation, models are made out of clay and then covered by plasticine. However, the life of these models is very short as cracks start appearing on the limbs. They last for not more than three scenes. Before building a model, it is advisable to make a skeleton of the structure with twisted aluminum wires and tubes. Ball and socket armatures are also used in some cases. Preparing the set: For stop-motion animation films, the main structure of the set is made of wood and cardboard. It is then covered in plasticine and painted. In fact, sets can be made out of virtually anything, even vegetables, flowers and fruits! On this the model is placed and shot by a camera with long focal length lens. Dope sheet: Dope sheet is used for lip sync. It is a kind of graph that tells how a piece of dialogue breaks down into frames and how each syllable is pronounced. It also tells the presence of coughs and grunts in the scene. Lip-sync is a very slow process and requires immense patience. Dialogues and sound: Sound is also broken down into frames. So, the dialogue is recorded before filming. Apart from the dialogues, sound effects are dubbed to the completed film at the end. Lip sync and intricate or fast movements are done in 24 frames per second. However, for regular movements 12 frames per second is enough. Career prospects THE business of animation films is soaring. Just as in Hollywood, the Indian film industry, too, is taking up animation in a big way. The success of Hanuman and My Friend Ganesha inspired film-makers to make sequels. With animation entering the entertainment industry in such a big way, a career in animation film-making is a very bright option, assuring huge career growth. However, before entering the industry, one has to be ready for the hard work that goes behind the scenes. A five-second scene can take up to an average of two-three hours. All the more slower is lip sync, which takes nearly three hours to produce one second of a character talking! An extensive course in animation film-making is necessary to learn the nitty-gritty of the art and create products of international standards. An ideal course should start from the basics of animation, its history and wind up with the latest technical skills. "Animation requires extensive study and research. Mere knowledge of some softwares is not enough. For instance, our course includes every aspect of animation film making with latest technologies. This course is specially designed to cater to the needs of this booming animation industry and is good for one who is serious about making a career in this field," says Krishnan. "Animation art appreciation, art of storytelling, film language, pre-production planning, research and project management are added features." Along with creative pursuits, animation film-making brings with it good amount of money. One just needs to follow the mantra — training, practice and patience — to make a mark in this industry.
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Key2SafeDriving
They say that each driver of a car would have a separate key device, which sends signal to his/her phone, putting it in ‘driving mode’ so that it cannot be used to talk or send texts. According to them, the phone will display a stop sign while in driving mode.
The university has obtained provisional patents, and licensed the technology to a private company that hopes to see it on the market within six months at a cost of less than 50 dollars per key plus a yet-undetermined monthly service fee. “The key to safe driving is to avoid distraction. We want to provide a simple, cost-effective solution to improve driving safety,” says Xuesong Zhou, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering who co-invented
the system.
Zhou says that “at any given time, about six per cent travelers on the road are talking on a cell phone while driving. Also at any given time, 10 per cent of teenagers who are driving are talking or texting.” The Key 2 SafeDriving system will be licensed to cell phone service providers to include in their service plans, instead of directly selling it to customers.
So, now you know what to ask for from the next friend who goes abroad! — ANI
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Obesity may depend on neighbourhood! AN affluent neighbourhood may play a protective role against obesity for older men and women, says a new study, which found that being fat later in life may depend upon the characteristics of a person’s neighbourhood. A team from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) suggests that being overweight or obese may depend upon the characteristics of your neighbourhood. They found that men residing in neighbourhoods with a high immigrant concentration and women living in areas with little residential turnover may be more likely to be obese. "Obesity is the result of an energy imbalance, and our premise was that neighbourhood environment can affect caloric intake and expenditure," said health economist Irina B. Grafova, Ph.D., health economist. For the study, the researchers examined the relationship between the economic, built, and social aspects of neighbourhoods and weight status among men and women ages 55 years and older. They found that economic advantage appeared to play a preventive role for obesity in both older men and women. "Further investigation is important because knowledge of these pathways is the basis for successful interventions and for more successful aging," he said. — ANI It’s official: Play on A VIDEO game focussing on strategy has been found to sharpen brain power in ageing people. A new study found that people in their 60s and 70s can improve a number of cognitive functions by playing "Rise of Nations", a game that rewards nation-building and territorial expansion. "Rise of Nations gives gamers points for building cities and ‘wonders’, feeding and employing their people, maintaining an adequate military and expanding their territory. "You need merchants. You need an army to protect yourself and you have to make sure you’re spending some of your resources on education and food," said the authors of the study. This is the first such study of older adults, and it is the first to find such pronounced effects on cognitive skills not directly related to the skills learned in the video game, said University of Illinois psychology professor Arthur Kramer, who co-authored the study.`A0 Specifically, the researchers wondered whether interactive video games might benefit those cognitive functions that decline most with age. The participants’ working memory, as reflected in the tests, significantly improved and their reasoning ability was enhanced. — IANS
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Fortnightly Quiz-325
2. Name the bombs, capable of being launched from the air or via artillery shells and that can disperse hundreds of bomblets over a target area, whose use was banned by more than 100 countries recently. 3. How many million hungry people exist in the world, according to the latest report of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)? 4. Name India’s two best e-governed states. 5. Which second largest lake in the country is facing severe degradation and rapid reduction in size owing to natural and human activities? 6. Who was recently chosen the Chief Minister of Mizoram for the fourth time? 7. To which state of India does the runner-up of Miss World 2008 Parvathy Omanakuttan belong? 8. In which city of Punjab is Burlton Park Stadium situated? 9. Who led Argentina to football World Cup victory in 1986? 10. Name the two countries against which India has won Test matches by scoring more than 350 runs in the fourth innings. — Tarun Sharma
Winners of quiz 324: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Rahul Manrow, class XI-A, Ajit Karam Singh International Public School, Sector 41, Chandigarh, Pin Code-160036 Second:
Komal Wadhara, class XII, inter arts, SD Senior Secondary Public School, border road, Fazilka, Pin Code 152123 Third:
Aahana Arora, class IX-B, CL Kapoor Public School, Kahan Niwas, Kapoor Complex, The Mall, Solan, Pin Code 173212 Answers to quiz 324:
Vishwanath Pratap Singh; National Security Guards; Mohammad Elbaradei; Albert Einstein; Robert Koch; China; Mumbai; Goa; Maharaja Martand Singh; Major Dhyan Chand Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address. Note:
Kindly mention the pincode of your place to facilitate the delivery of the prize
money.
Answers can also be sent at quiz@tribunemail.com
Name ……………….…………...........
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THE one silver lining to
the dark cloud that made the country stop breathing for 72 hours is a
renewed sense of deep gratitude and appreciation for the brave men and
women who sacrificed their lives to make us more secure. There has been
abundant praise for the courageous NSG commandos, the super Black Cats,
and their Navy and Air Force counterparts, the Marcos and the Garud
forces. But there are many more brave young corps who continue to ensure
our safety in numerous ways. In these days of terrorism and national
security concerns, there are paramilitary organisations providing
additional support to the defence forces in protecting us and ensuring
internal security. These paramilitary organisations protect the lives
and properties of citizens, ensure and maintain law and order, enforce
excise, customs and other similar laws and ensure the maintenance of
civil discipline during peace.
Central protective services: constitute the various paramilitary
organisations that come under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, and
include the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF),
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Railway Protective Force (RPF), Central
Industrial Security Force (CISF) as also Home Guards, Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI), Central Excise and Customs Departments and the Coast
Guard.
YOU have developed an excellent rapport and amicable working relationship with your present boss. You know him every inch. One morning, you learn that he has moved and you have a brand new manager. Suddenly, your comfort zone is insecure. You are on the defensive. You feel unsettled, apprehensive that he will shatter your safe position and schedule.
Q. I have done B.Sc (PCM) and want to do M.A. in math and after that Ph.D. Is it right? Please tell me about job choices in this field?
Q. I am a non-matriculate. Can I join the Indian Coast Guard?
A.
Academically speaking, the top non-US schools differentiate themselves rather ‘creatively’ — from U.S. programmes — by offering personal coaching, humanities courses, and condensed formats that allow students to complete their MBAs in half the time. As a result, they are much more on the radar than they were eight years ago. You’d be surprised to know that the number of US MBA applicants sending GMAT scores to non-US schools has upped 35 per cent in the last four years.
THE monarch along with the empire is on its way out, taking the bishop, the chapel and carol along. A children’s dictionary has replaced these words with ‘in’ expressions like blog, broadband, MP3 player, voicemail, chatroom and attachment!
MAKING
an animated film is like giving wings to your dreams and fantasies where you
can explore through your imagination at length and connect to your audience. It
allows film-makers to tell fantastical stories. If you have big ideas and a
small budget, animation is an excellent method of telling your stories. Peter
Jackson, director of the multi-million dollar Lord of the Rings trilogy,
started out producing stop motion animation in his bedroom!
ENGINEERS at the University of Utah say that they have created a wireless car key that can prevent teen drivers from using their cell phones while driving. The researchers have named their innovation ‘Key2SafeDriving technology’. 
1. Which premier defence academy of the country is celebrating its 60 glorious years of existence this year?