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Google Chrome OS

2009-07-13T15:35:00.000+05:30

This is what all we know

It will run with a Linux kernel as its base
It will boot directly into the Chrome Web browser
It will be aimed primarily at netbooks
It will run on both x86 and ARM processors
It will not be designed to have local storage; all data will be stored in the cloud
Google will not entice developers to build software to run on the Chrome OS; instead, they want them to build Web apps that will run on any standards-based browser
The three most important features will be “speed, simplicity and security,” according to Google
Google will release the software to the open source community before the end of 2009
Announced Chrome OS hardware partners: Acer, Adobe, ASUS, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, and Toshiba.
Netbooks running Chrome OS will be available in the second half of 2010

Why Twitter can do more harm than good (page 2 of 3) - iMediaConnection.com

2009-07-13T10:31:00.001+05:30

View >>

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Skin Products Made by Clarcon Due to Bacterial Contamination Risk Products marketed under various names

2009-06-10T18:59:00.002+05:30

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Skin Products Made by Clarcon Due to Bacterial Contamination Risk Products marketed under various names.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory Inc. of Roy, Utah, is voluntarily recalling some skin sanitizers and skin protectants marketed under several different brand names because of high levels of disease-causing bacteria found in the product during a recent inspection. The FDA is warning consumers to not use any Clarcon products.

Source: FDA

Chinese firms export fake drugs to African countries on 'made in India' label is going to effect Indian Drug Makers?

2009-06-09T10:00:00.001+05:30

Nigeria has recently seized a large consignment of fake anti-malarial drugs with the label of 'made in India' but found that the medicines were in fact produced in China and were imported into the African countries. The authorities have maintained that the incident is not isolated, indicating that it was just the tip of the iceberg.

Read More here: http://bit.ly/saB4t

The Green Workplace: 10 Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Office

2009-06-05T12:38:00.004+05:30

Start a bring-your-own coffee mug policy for the break room and ditch the foam cups. Your company will reduce waste and save money as well.
Bring real plants into the office. Fake greenery might be low-maintenance, but the real thing adds beauty and oxygen to your surroundings.
Reprogram the thermostat. Each degree warmer you leave the thermostat in summer, and each degree cooler you set it in the winter can save 6 to 8 percent in energy costs.
Look into telecommuting. Every commute not taken saves on money, time and fossil fuel. Plus, studies have found that telecommuting boosts productivity too.
Switch to fair-trade, shade-grown coffee and a reusable coffee filter for the office coffee pot. Reusable filters reduce waste and shade-grown coffee protects biodiversity in coffee-growing countries.
Stock your lunchroom with foods provided by local farmers. As many colleges and universities have already discovered, locally grown foods are more appealing and healthful than the processed stuff shipped cross-country.
Bring back the errand-boy or girl. Rather than having lots of employees running in and out of the office for various reasons throughout the day, designate one person who can handle most or all of the out-of-office tasks in one trip, whether it’s picking up lunch, dropping off mail at the post office, making deliveries, etc.
Watch the paper and ink. Avoid printing documents that could just as easily be emailed, and print necessary papers on both sides. It also helps to institute a recycling program, and to switch to recycled paper and water-based inks.
Consider replacing aging desktop computers with laptops instead, which can use up to 70 percent less electricity and generate less heat waste.
Turn off any equipment that doesn’t need to be on when you’re not in the office, and -- if possible -- unplug them too. Every computer left turned on overnight and every coffee pot left plugged in eats up electricity and costs your company money

http://www.unep.org/wed/2009/english/

ICICI Bank cuts retail floating, lending rates by 50 bps

2009-06-05T10:29:00.001+05:30

ICICI Bank, the country’s second largest bank, on Thursday cut its Floating Reference Rate (FRR) for retail loans as well as its benchmark advance rate by 50 basis points each even as State Bank of India, India’s largest bank, said that it has room to further clip interest rates on deposits and advances by 25 basis points.

The interest rate cuts by ICICI Bank will be effective from Friday. Post the rate cut, the private sector bank’s FRR and benchmark advance rate will be 12.75 per cent and 15.75 per cent, respectively

Compliance trainings :FDA Â« Free to share your thoughts

2009-06-04T14:17:00.001+05:30

Compliance trainings :FDA Â« Free to share your thoughts

Shared via AddThis

FDA Approves First Mobile-Bearing Total Ankle Replacement System

2009-06-04T12:46:00.003+05:30

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new prosthetic total ankle replacement device as an alternative to fusion surgery for those with arthritic or deformed ankles.

The Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement System (STAR) made by Small Bone Innovations in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, is the first of its kind in the United States.

The STAR device offers patients more mobility to move the foot up and down than fusion surgery and other FDA-approved fixed-ankle replacement systems. It operates using a mobile-bearing system that moves across a flexible polyethylene surface that does not restrict the ankle joint from rotating.

Tips / Suggestions to buy stocks

2009-06-03T16:00:00.002+05:30

1. Select the stocks based on performance of company in recent past
2. Keep close watch on companies whose stock you have taken
3. Do not put all your eggs in one basket(Warren Buffet)
4. No one is expert everyone learns from their on mistakes

Add more this list if you have

GM files for bankruptcy protection

2009-06-01T18:05:00.002+05:30

General Motors Corp., which for much of its 100-year life was the world's largest automaker and the pinnacle of corporate America, has filed for bankruptcy reorganization in an attempt to rebuild itself as a smaller and leaner automaker.

The Detroit automaker, which has been staying afloat with more than $19 billion in U.S. government loans, has seen its U.S. sales drop nearly 50% so far this year, hit hard by the worst economy since the Great Depression.
Click here to read more

Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) what you need to know in order to comply with FDAï¿½...

2009-06-01T17:13:00.001+05:30

Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) what you need to know in order to comply with FDAï¿½...

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Check out Aus defends action against protesting Indians

2009-06-01T14:14:00.001+05:30

I want you to take a look at: Aus defends action against protesting Indians

New FDA website from May 30

2009-05-29T17:03:00.002+05:30

The FDA Web Site will be changing on May 30

The new site organization is intended to allow you to find information more quickly:

Information is categorized by topic for easier retrieval, with related subjects consolidated in sections on the site.
Page design and navigation have been updated and are consistent throughout the site.
Content has been reviewed for relevance, with redundant and outdated content removed.

Schedule of the ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup 2009, T20 World Cup 2009, England | rediff.com

2009-05-29T12:08:00.001+05:30

Schedule of the ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup 2009, T20 World Cup 2009, England | rediff.com

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Helpline to protect Indian Students in Australia

2009-05-29T10:14:00.002+05:30

Helpline launched to protect Indian students from violence

In the wake of rising incidents of violence against Indian students in Melbourne, a new helpline service has been launched to protect them and improve their personal security.

The helpline number - 1800, which came into effect on Friday, is the initiative of community members known as Police Indian Western Reference Group (PIWRG).

Attacks in Australia on Indian Students why !

2009-05-29T09:59:00.005+05:30

Are Australian authorities taking steps to protect Indian students following a series of brutal attacks in Melbourne that have left the victims in hospital.

Australian police say there have been 500 cases of assault on Indian students in the past six months, perhaps triggered by unemployment.

In fact, the Australian government’s $3.5-million campaign to attract Indian students-in an effort to combat recession-could remain a non-starter if the issue of racial attacks is not addressed. An estimated 95,000 Indian students joined Australian institutions of higher education in the first 11 months of 2008.

Source: BusinessWeek

Cytology Means ?

2009-05-28T17:02:00.000+05:30

Cytology Means - :

The medical and scientific study of cells. Cytology refers to a branch of pathology, the medical specialty that deals with making diagnoses of diseases and conditions through the examination of tissue samples from the body.

FDA Warning Letters to Pharmaceutical Companies in 2009

2009-05-28T11:46:00.004+05:30

Warning Letters and Untitled Letters to Pharmaceutical Companies in 2009 here you will get the following information-

Product/Issue
Company/Individual
Division/Office
Released Date
Posted Date

http://www.fda.gov/cder/warn/warn2009.htm

Tax-saving instruments

2009-05-27T14:04:00.002+05:30

Here are the few tax saving instruments which select the best and save tax :)

Tax-saving instruments

Insurance:

All payments made towards both life and health insurance are eligible for tax benefits. Even contributions made towards pension payments can be eligible for tax benefits. Health insurance can let you save Rs. 15,000 over and above the ceiling of Rs. 1 lakh.

PPF:

It is one of the safest tax saving investments available. Both interest and capital withdrawal from the fund are tax free. However its drawback is the lock-in period of 15 years.

NSC, Post office (CTD) accounts: These are government savings schemes available at post office, with a lock-in period of 5 years.

Bank deposits:

These are special tax saving FDs offered by banks with a lock-in period of 5 years.

ELSS:

These are tax savings instruments offered by mutual funds, with a lock-in period of 3 years. They invest in various quality stocks.

To know more about ELSS click here
Source: Rediff

Ways to Save tax smartly if Salaried?

2009-05-27T13:51:00.004+05:30

Below listed question will guide you to save tax in much smarter ways

Q1. Do you need a house? Does your employer offer Rent Free Accommodation or House Rent Allowance?

Then go for it, as the amount gets deducted from your total taxable income.

Q2. Does your company expect you to wear uniform at work?

If so, the expenses incurred on buying and maintenance the uniform will not be taxed.

Q3. Does your employer provide you with allowance for your children's education and hostel accommodation?

Then use it to claim exemption under section 10 (14).

Q4. Does your company provide you with a telephone facility in your home?

Then it is not taxed. However, be warned against taking telephone allowance, since it is totally taxable and will increase your taxable income.

Opt for the car facility, since the value of the perk is much lower than the actual expenditure incurred on the car.

Also try to restructure your salary in smarter way

We all have to visit the doctor at some point of time. So save tax by claiming medical reimbursements up to Rs15,000 per annum. But don't take any medical allowance, since it is completely taxable.
If your employer pays Fringe Benefit tax (FBT), then sum of fringe benefits, is tax-free for you. Also, if salary is paid in arrears or in advance, claim relief under section 89 (1).
Always ask your employer to include dearness allowance and dearness pay along with commissions earned in your salary. It will lower your tax liability on house rent allowance, gratuity and pension.
If you are eligible for a pension, always get it commuted, as commuted pension is tax-free for government employees and partially exempted for others. You can get tax relief under section 89(1).
If your current employer is participating in an authorized provident fund, and you change your employer within 5 years of joining the firm, ensure your new employer is also a member of the authorized provident firm. It will let you transfer the corpus in your provident fund to the new company without paying any tax. Also insist your employer fix his contribution to your provident fund to 12% of your salary, as it is the highest limit for tax exemption.
Plan your retirement or resignation at the start of the financial year in order to lower the tax on retirement benefits.
As leave travel concession is not taxed if certain criteria are fulfilled, try to claim this incentive to the highest possible level, without having to pay any tax.
Let us assume your annual salary is Rs 200,000. You get HRA of Rs 10,000 and your medical reimbursement is Rs 5,000. Your employer gives you an allowance of Rs 15,000 for your son's educational expenses. So instead of Rs 2,00,000 your total taxable salary now becomes Rs 170,000 (200,000 - 10,000 - 5,000 - 15,000). This will effectively reduce your tax liability.
Now that we have seen how to design your salary let us take a look at the most effective tax saving instruments available.

Source: Rediff

Upcoming Pharma and biotech webinars/training

2009-05-26T15:53:00.005+05:30

Check Pharmaceutical and Biotech webinars

Compliant GCP (Good Clinical Practice) Studies – Working with a CRO

Learn here

Steps to meet the sponsors requirements.

How to know - are GCPs being followed and is it documented.

Know the “relationships” - QA, Clinical and the CRO.

The Audit (aspects and specifics).

How to do an audit follow-up.

Post CRO Assessment - How

Objectionable Microorganisms: Considering the Risk

Learn here

What is an Objectionable Microbe?

Pathogens vs. Objectionables.

Just how objectionable is it?

Consider the risk.

Performing a risk assessment.

Advanced Topics in Good Documentation for GXPs

Learn here

The documentation practices that enhance study integrity, repeatability.

How to prevent 483 items related to data documentation.

The main documentation errors seen and cited by the FDA.

Why GLP serves as a good foundation for clinical studies, GMP, and even research.

Tips for documentation in lab notebooks.

Japanese PAL – JPAL Technical, cultural and language challenges when dealing with MAH, PMDA, Distributors and Customers

Learn here

Undertanding Japanese culture in context of JPAL.

Risk adversity in the MHLW, PMDA and filtering down to the MAH.

Language: Translations, interpretations and resulting gaps.

Technical differences - How to respond and persevere.

Culture differences - Sometimes we just have to go along.

Submission data - Best practices for common understanding.

Basics of testing associated with sterilization validation and routine processing

Learn here

What are the appropriate types of tests during sterilization validation.

What standards should be used for the testing.

What type of samples and sample sizes should be used.

What testing needs to be performed routinely.

What frequency of testing is recommended.

What methods can be used to reduce testing.

Source: ComplianceOnline

Compliance Questions ? get answers @ ComplianceOnline.com

2009-05-26T12:14:00.004+05:30

Get your toughest Quality and Compliance problems solved by world renowned experts. Ask a question and get multiple answers from multiple experts and users and choose which one best solves your particular problem.

ComplianceOnline Answer

New vs pre-owned Car which one to Buy

2009-05-26T09:59:00.003+05:30

The Indian car market is on a roll. While mature auto markets like the US and Europe grapple with the worst crisis in decades, the Indian auto market is racing ahead with gusto. Car sales figures are in overdrive, but interestingly, a large percentage of that growth is being driven by used cars.

Second-hand cars or pre-owned vehicles have really come into their own in the last few years. Gone are the days when a second-hand car was a sureshot sign that you couldn't afford a new one, or when used-cars were looked down upon as poor cousins of the 'new car'.

Today, the market is flooded with incredible used cars -- not very old, not run much, and almost as good as new. Interestingly, there is no dearth of buyers who are choosing to purchase a used car over a new one.

veriCAR is India's first independent used car inspection and certification company. veriCAR uses its expertise to help used car buyers make better purchase decisions, and ultimately enables them to buy the right car, at the right price.

Some of the websites which will help you to select pre-owned cars

Advantages of a new car

Unlimited options and wide choice

You can choose your brand and your model. You can choose what colour you want the body to be. And you can choose the colour of the seat fabric. Some new (and expensive) models give you the option of completely customising every detail on the vehicle, making the car a reflection of 'you'.

That 'new car' feeling

Let's face it, few things come close to the smell of a new car. Everything on a new car is, well, new. And that is what most people dream of owning -- a new car, untouched by anyone else, straight off the assembly line.

Peace of mind

New cars are covered against manufacturing defects and faults by the manufacturer for 12-18 months. Also, since the car has not been used by anyone else in the past, it has no secret history for the buyer to be wary of. The condition and price of a new car are transparent, and that makes the deal slightly less risky as compared to a second-hand car purchase.

Disadvantages of a new car

Depreciation depression

New cars lose value really quickly. This loss of value slows down as the car gets older. That's slightly counter-intuitive, but it's true. Some models are known to lose up to 40 per cent of their value in the first year alone.

Money, money, money

The new car feel comes at a cost. You end up paying for insurance, registration, taxes and accessories -- none of which really have any value when you decide to sell your car a couple of years down the line. Basically, most of these expenses are compulsory expenses that you must incur because it is mandatory by law.

Advantages of a used car

Cheaper to buy

Used cars are usually significantly cheaper. Plus you will not incur registration and taxation costs. If you decide to buy second-hand, you can get the same car (say a Getz that Rakesh wants) at a far lower price, or you can buy a bigger, better car (say a City, that Arun wants) for the same price.

Cheaper to own

A used-car has already lost a big chunk of its value, and is going to depreciate much slower in the next few years. That has a positive impact on the cost of ownership, and you lose far less over the three years that you will own the car, as compared to a new car.

No additional expenses

When you purchase a used car, you are paying for the car on an as-is-where-is basis. You don't incur any additional expense on accessories like seat-covers, floor mats, fog lamps and a decent music system. In all probability, the first owner has already done all this for you.

Disadvantages of a used car

Perceived risk

You don't know how the car has been driven and maintained. You are not aware of its accident history. You are putting a large portion of your hard-earned money on a transaction with a guy you have just met. This can be scary. But if you get the car inspected, checked and verified by a competent, independent authority, you have information on your side. And then you have nothing to fear.

Possible expenses on the car

You might have to incur some expenses on servicing the car, setting things right and repairs if required. The wisest thing to do would be to keep away from a car that comes with baggage, and buy one that has been kept lovingly. Once again, a competent person who knows cars inside out will be able to help you with everything you need to know. Most people take a trusted mechanic along, or a friend who knows a little bit about cars. There are professional services you could choose to help you out with this information.

Limited choice

You will probably not get as much choice and flexibility in customisation as you get with a new car. You might have to make your peace with that white Honda City, even though you would really have liked to have a golden one.

Facebook spam again hits

2009-05-25T11:11:00.003+05:30

Have you been hit like millions of Facebook users by a new phishing scam that can result in crashing your computers or mobile phones and steal your passwords? If not, beware, do not open the files ending with ".at" or ".be".
How it is running

The phishing scam is being run through the spam messages which steal sensitive information of the Facebook users.

In the attack, the messages are circulated with a subject line of "Hello" and a prompt to check out "areps.at" or other URLs ending in ".at".

The mails with the subject line "Look at This" and links like -- goldbase.be, greenbuddy.be, silvertag.be, picoband.be -- leads to some malicious Web sites, which if visited, could secretly download malware onto computers through a "drive-by download" application.

The URL connectivity, before being blocked directs the visitor to a fake Facebook page and the mail ID and password are stolen as soon as it is logged-in again.

What you should do immediately

According to the All Facebook blog.Facebook, the password in such cases should be changed immediately and the same message should be sent across to one's Facebook acquaintance.

Facebook To get the word out about how to avoid phishing scams and other threats, we’ve launched this series of ads on the site with tips for keeping your account safe. Make sure you’re following all of these practices, and for more advice, become a fan of the Facebook Security Page at http://www.facebook.com/security.

ComplianceOnline Community Toolbar - Stay connected and get so much more.

2009-05-22T17:43:00.000+05:30

What you get here-:

The Best of Our Site : Get our freshest content delivered directly to your browser,
no matter where you are on the Web.

Hand-picked Links : Check out all of our favorite places on the Web.

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Gadgets Gallery : Customize the toolbar with gadgets and add-ons including Flickr slides, YouTube feeds, iTunes, Babylon, and games

http://complianceonline.communitytoolbars.com/

Bloglines- Use and save time

2009-05-22T17:37:00.001+05:30

Save Time, Read it Your Way

View all your subscriptions by clicking on the My Feeds tab
Modify display preferences in feed Options
View articles by selecting from the links in your Feeds folder
Modify individual subscription options using the Edit feature
Choose a Notifier for Bloglines alerts
View Bloglines on your mobile device
Read Bloglines in your favorite language

Airtel Net PC for Rs 8000 only

2009-05-22T16:45:00.001+05:30

Bharti Airtel, Asia’s leading integrated telecom service provider, today announced its entry into the cloud computing space with the launch of Airtel Net PC – a low-cost online computer for its broadband customers.

The Airtel Net PC is a ready-to-use computer – inclusive of a 15 inch LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse and Nivio companion – offering just about everything a PC does at a fraction of the cost. It is available at only Rs. 7999 exclusively for Airtel broadband customers in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida.

The Airtel Net PC is a plug-and-play online computer, inclusive of a 15-inch LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse and Nivio companion (which enables the PC to connect to a backend Linux-run server for storage and applications) and priced at Rs 7,999 exclusively for Airtel broadband customers.

Available at Airtel Stores & NEXT Electronic Stores from tomorrow -

It will initially be available at Airtel Stores and NEXT Electronic Stores in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida from tomorrow. If customers do not want the monitor, the package costs Rs 4,999.

A next-generation computer that never goes obsolete and never crashes

• 10 GB data storage space from Nivio, original and latest software from Microsoft with every Net PC
• Ready-to-use online computer complete with 15” LCD monitor, Keyboard, Mouse and Nivio Companion
• Available at Airtel Stores and NEXT Electronic Stores in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida

Source: Airtel

Tiger Airways Asia-Pacific's low fare airline

2009-05-21T15:40:00.003+05:30

Tiger Airways is Asia-Pacific's true low fare airline.

About it

Tiger Airways took to the skies from Singapore in September 2004 with two aircraft in its fleet and three routes in its network. Within four years of operation, Tiger Airways operates from its Singapore and Melbourne bases, with a third base in Adelaide to commence operations in early 2009. Tiger Airways now flies to more than 25 destinations across 9 countries in Asia and Australia on a fleet of brand new Airbus A320 aircraft.

Source: Tiger Airways

Tax exemption limit may go up

2009-05-21T14:56:00.003+05:30

Budget May Hike It To Rs 1.75-Rs 2L From Rs 1.5L, FBT Could Go Up

The full budget to be presented by the new government in the forthcoming session of Parliament to begin sometime next month may come packed with some concessions for the middle class by way of raising the tax exemption limit to up to Rs 1.75-Rs 2 lakh from the current Rs 1.50 lakh.

Other Benefit

The other benefit in the direct tax segments could be withdrawal of the Fringe Benefit Tax [FBT].

If through, both these measures will result in a tax outgo of around Rs 10,000 crore. Proposals in this regard are under active consideration, indicated a senior official in the finance ministry.

Other Proposals

The commerce ministry is firmly backing industry’s proposals for extending tax sops to export-oriented units, besides the continuation of interest rate subvention till March 2010.

In their proposals to the finance ministry, industry chambers had asked the government to include measures in the budget that would promote investment and create additional demand.

Japanese PAL – JPAL webinar/training

2009-05-20T15:36:00.001+05:30

Check out for upcoming Pharmaceutical Affairs Law training will go into the unique challenges facing the Foreign Manufacturer when working with the Japanese.

Source: ComplianceOnline

Water system compliance training/webinar

2009-05-20T15:24:00.003+05:30

Check out upcoming list of Water system compliance training/webinar focuses on the factors that can lead to water system sanitization success as well as failure so that the user can not only devise workable sanitization approaches.

Source: ComlianceOnline

HP to lay off 6,400 employees more

2009-05-20T11:30:00.001+05:30

Hewlett-Packard Co gave a disappointing outlook for full-year revenue and said it will lay off another 2 per cent of its workforce as consumers and businesses cut spending on computers, printers and services, sending its shares down about 5 per cent.

The mew round of layoffs - which total roughly 6,400 jobs - announced on Tuesday are on top of previously announced cuts from integrating the operations of IT services company EDS, which HP acquired last year.

HP said the job cuts will come in its product segments, such as PCs and printers. The reductions will happen over the next 12 months.

HP, which vies with smaller rivals Dell Inc and Acer Inc in a depressed global PC market, also expects fiscal year revenue to slide 4 per cent to 5 per cent compared with a previously forecast of 2 per cent to 5 per cent, offering a more pessimistic view of 2009

CAT tips Online

2009-05-20T10:03:00.002+05:30

Site provides quality support to students and teachers ranging from K-12 to MBA, MCA, GRE, GMAT, SAT ,NTSE etc Currently they are serving the students through three modes viz classroom training, distance learning through correspondence and online.

http://www.tcyonline.com/india/home

CAT 2009: how to get ready for it :)

2009-05-20T09:52:00.002+05:30

Starting early enables a student to work out the best possible strategy and implement it effectively.

Here are the few few measures students should take during preparation -:

1. Identify the time of day when you study the best

2. Subscribe to a daily newspaper and/or a weekly news magazine

Sixty per cent of the Verbal Ability section in a typical CAT paper comprises of Reading Comprehension passages. Cultivating the reading habit is therefore essential to your CAT preparation.

3. Study in bursts

Practice studying in short productive bursts (typically 45-60 minutes) and take breaks in between. It will be hard to start concentrating immediately after a break in the initial stage, but soon you will get used to it.

4. Get your theory right

CAT tests you on the theory that you learnt in school, so there really is no excuse for getting it wrong. If you have lost touch with high school maths, and especially if you are a working professional, it may be a good idea to set a week aside to actually go through maths formulae that you will need as well as a few basic proofs

5. Develop a proper test-giving routine

This is the most important part of your CAT preparation. CAT does not ask you complicated PhD level questions. Instead, it puts pressure on you by giving you far less time to solve the paper than is reasonable. It is up to you to develop the best possible test-giving strategy you can, to solve the CAT paper.

6. Keep experimenting

Keep changing things -- the section you attempt first, the target number of questions you want to attempt, the time you spend on each section etc.

7. Start doing crosswords, logic puzzles etc

Solving the daily crossword (and checking the solutions the day after) improves your vocabulary by leaps and bounds. Solving logic puzzles will help you immensely in Logical Reasoning questions which have become an integral part of Data Interpretation sections in recent years.

8. Develop a hobby

Seriously. It gives you something to do in your free time. After all, you can't be expected to study 24x7. It gives you perspective. CAT is only an exam, not a life-and-death situation. Finally (and this is planning ahead at its best), if you do crack the CAT, it shows you to be a well-rounded personality and gives you something to talk about during your Personal Interview.

9. Avoid over-preparation

There is a limit to how much a person can do, and every person has his/ her own threshold. The minute the CAT starts getting to be a drag, take a break.

Try out t - Testfunda.com
Read more on - Rediff

It's confirmed: Prabhakaran is dead

2009-05-19T16:44:00.004+05:30

Growth expected in Indian 3PL ( third party logistics ) market

2009-05-19T16:16:00.001+05:30

Indian companies’ greater use of third party logistics (3PL) is predicted to drive the market in coming years, helping revenues rise from $1.5bn (€1.1bn) in 2008 to $4bn in 2012, according to industry analyst RNCOS.

The Indian 3PL market is currently in an early stage of its development, with predominately multinational companies using the services, but it is predicted to grow as domestic pharma, auto and IT hardware companies increase outsourcing.

In developed markets such as the US and Europe 3PL usage is more than 50 per cent in most industries but India is currently lagged behind in its outsourcing of logistics activities.

Supreme Court to Rule on PCAOB's Fate

2009-05-19T15:37:00.000+05:30

The justices will hear oral arguments this fall over whether the audit firms' regulator —and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act — is constitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a case that questions the constitionality of the creation of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The justices will consider whether the existence of the PCAOB violates the Constitution's separation-of-powers principle.

Prabhakaran is alive, claims pro-LTTE website?

2009-05-19T13:02:00.001+05:30

A pro-LTTE website, Tamilnet.com, on Tuesday claimed that the Tamil Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran is still "alive and safe", a day after Sri Lankan army announced that it has killed the top rebel leader.

"I wish to inform the Global Tamil community distressed witnessing the final events of the war that our beloved leader Velupillai Prabhakaran is alive and safe," LTTE's International Relations head S Pathmanathan was quoted as saying by the website, which usually puts out the rebels' version on the battle with the Sri Lankan armed forces.

"He (Prabhakaran) will continue to lead the quest for dignity and freedom for the Tamil people," he said.

BSP pledges support of its 21 MPs to UPA

2009-05-19T12:59:00.000+05:30

Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party, which was part of the Third Front in the Lok Sabha elections, on Tuesday announced unconditional outside support of its 21 MPs to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government.

In the elections, the UPA coalition got 261 seats just 11 short of the magic figure of 272 required for an absolute majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Of this Congress alone got 206 seats.

Source:Rediff

Twitter sees tools, not ads, for revenue

2009-05-19T12:33:00.001+05:30

Twitter is working on various ways to make money from its fast-growing microblogging service, but advertising is an option that is not currently being considered.

Twitter co-founder Biz Stone said on Monday that the company is developing various add-on tools and services for the businesses and professional users of Twitter, which could create a revenue stream for the company. He said Twitter plans to introduce some of these tools by year end.

But Stone dismissed the notion of selling advertisements on the popular service at this time, even though advertisement revenue is the main way most Web start-ups manage to stay in business while keeping their service free for consumers.

Source: CIOL

Glaxo forges $370M pact with Oxford BioTherapeutics

2009-05-19T10:17:00.001+05:30

GlaxoSmithKline has committed up to $370 million for a new deal designed to bolster its presence in the cancer market.

The pharma giant announced a drug development pact with Oxford BioTherapeutics to discover, develop and commercialize new therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of primary, metastatic and recurring forms of cancer. OBT gets an undisclosed upfront and the rest in milestones.

"We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with GSK given their proven commitment to innovation and their expertise in the development and commercialization of novel oncology medicines," said Christian Rohlff, CEO of OBT.

- Check out the press release

China, India loom large on FDA to-do list

2009-05-19T10:05:00.003+05:30

FDA The agency conducted 452 overseas inspections last year, with plans to do 566 more in 2009 and 2010, In-Pharma reports.

China boasts 566, the most in the world.
Second-place finisher India has 299.
Third is Canada with 152.

Despite its request for a 19 per cent funding boost in 2010 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) predicts that the number of foreign inspections will remain the same but import testing will increase significantly.

The agency is also working with its counterparts at the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to share the burden of international inspections.

Check in-Pharma Technologist.com to know more in detail

Places near Bangalore: Cauvery Fishing Camp, Shivagange, Sawan Durga

2009-05-19T09:52:00.003+05:30

Kaveri Fishing Camp

The River Cauvery, also known as Kaveri, is one of the majestic rivers of South India. Making its way from the dense forests of Karnataka to the coast of Tamil Nadu, this imposing waterway gives a chance to indulge in fishing and catching the largest and most challenging tropical sporting river fish known to man – the Mahseer.

Ideal Locales for Camps

Bheemeshwari

This is one of the favorite getaways for those wanting to experience adventure and relaxation first hand. It is located at a distance of about 100 kilometers from Bangalore city (Karnataka) and is renowned for its Mahseer sport fish. Bheemeshwari is responsible for turning the ordinary camp into an adventure sport of sorts. You may stay at the various cottages that are available here. Though they look rustic from outside, they provide luxurious comfort to all vacationers, thus adding comfort and elegance to your dream vacation. You could visit the ruins of an ancient Shiva temple adjoining the Bheemeshwari camp, while exploring the place. You could visit the Mekedaatu water falls, Sangam and also the Simsha water falls and take a trek along unspoilt beauty of nature.

Galibore

Located quite near Bheemeshwari and around 95 kilometers from Bangalore, Galibore is a lovely place to camp. The entire locale it seems has been customized by nature just for enthusiastic campers! Wilderness all around, huge trees like Terminalia Arjuna adding to the ‘wilderness effect’, the rushing river right in front of and undulating hills on either sides are at par with perfection, making your adventure vacation one that will be truly memorable. Wildlife enthusiasts can eat their heart out as wild elephants come to the banks often to quench their thirst and play around. You may also spot crocodiles, turtles and birds of different varieties.

Doddamakali

This place is situated around 6 kilometers beyond Bheemeshwari. What makes Doddamakali stand out is the fact that it is so naturally beautiful, it seems as though time has forgot to touch this place. Since it is at a remote location, you will enjoy solitude here like nowhere else. At this place, the River Kaveri collects into a large pool and the water is almost devoid of currents due to the stillness. This makes it perfectly ideal for water-sports. There are around 6 tents here and the staff is very co-operative when it comes to making you feel comfortable.

Best Time to Visit

Any time of the year is fine to visit this Paradise, though you may want to avoid the monsoons from July to September. If you are particularly interested in fishing, then come here during the months of November to June as this is considered the best time for fishing.

How to Reach

By Air

One can reach Bangalore via air by taking a flight from one of the many cities in India that is connected to Bangalore. From Bangalore, you can hire a car to reach here.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Mysore, located at a distance of around 85 kilometers. You may reach Mysore by train from different cities and then hire a cab to reach at the camps.

By Road

Bangalore is 100 kilometers from Bheemeshwari and around 132 kilometers from Doddamakali. The camps are easily accessible by road from anywhere in Karnataka and nearby southern states.

Shivagange

Shivagange is 8+Kms from Dabas Pet on the way to Tumkur from Bangalore on NH 4.
Distance from Bangalore: 50+Kms
Nearest Hospital: Shivagange, Dabas Pet.
Nearest food point : Shivagange.

How to get there:

Plenty of buses operate between Tumkur and Dabas pet, Shivagange. From Bangalore also quite a number of buses are available. Many private operators also run between Dabas pet and Shivagange.

Shivagange gets its name from the Holy places and temples it hosts. The spring water found here is considered to the sacred water ‘Gange’.

The hillock has few temples atop and a statue of Nandi carved out of single stone is a beauty. It is about two kilometers from the bottom of the hillock where there is a village to the top of the hill. There are many temples all along the way.

The place being a huge collection of boulders and solid granite rock structures, it invites not just pilgrims but rock climbers and adventure lovers as well. Though there are no bolted routes, there is plenty of climbing.

Manchina Bele, Magadi

This is about 36 km from Bangalore by road and about 8 km from the Big Banyan Tree. Manchinabele Dam is situated in the midst of hills and forests. Even though it is not a big dam, it is a good picnic spot.

Route: Proceed from the Big Banyan Tree via Chikkappa Circle. This reservoir and dam is about 15 km from the tree

Sawan Durga

In Kannada Durga means Fort (also Goddess Amba). Savan Durga being one of the nine such forts around Bangalore, is situated at a distance of around 50 kms west of Bangalore near Magadi.

This is also the biggest monolith in Asia.

There are several routes to the monolith at Sawana Durga, rising to the height of more than 1000ft, At the foothill there is a village by the same name and the forest around has been declared as Reserved forest and there is protected garden of the Herbs of medicinal interest

Source: http://abhishekkatiyar.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/places-near-bangalore-cauvery-fishing-camp-shivagange-sawan-durga/

List of Indian Newspaper

2009-05-19T09:49:00.001+05:30

5abi
Aajkaal (Kolkata, West Bengal) [In Bengali]
Aaj Tak
ABC Live
Anandabazar (West bengal) [In Bengali]
Aaraamthinai
Abasar (Bengali)
Accommodation Times
Afternoon
Agra of Taj (Agra)
Agranews [In Hindi & English]
Aji (Assam)
Ajir Asom (Assam) [In Assamese]
Akhbaar
Akila Daily
Al Hindelyom (New Delhi) [In Arabic]
Amar Ujala
Amader Malda(West Bengal, Malda) [In Bengali]
Anandabazar Patrika
Andhra Bhoomi
Andhra Jyothy
Andhra Prabha
Asia News [In English]
Asian Age [In English]
Asomiya Pratidin
The Assam Tribune (Assam, Guwahati) [In English]
Aurangabadtimes Urdu daily (Maharashtra) [In Urdu]
Bartaman Patrika (Calcutta)
BBC Bengali
BBC Hindi
BBC Tamil
Bengal Net
Bhaskar (Haryana) [In Hindi]
Bihar Times
Bombay Samachar
Business Standard
Calonline (Kolkata / West Bengal)
Chitralekha
Cochin2day (Kerala)
Communications Point (Tamil, Nadu & Hennai) [In Tamil & English]
Daily Ajit (Jalandhar)
Daily Dasar Katha (Tripura) [In Bengali]
Daily Excelsior (Kashmir) [In English]
Daily Kesari
The Daily Milap
Daily News & Analysis [In English]
Daily Roshni (Kashmir, Srinagar) [In Urdu]
Daily Thanthi (Tamilnadu)
Dainik Agradoot (Assam) [In Assamese]
Dainik Aikya (Satara)
Dainik Bhaskar (Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Haryana)
Dainik Jagran
Dainik Sach Kahoon (Haryana)
Dainik Sambad (Agartala, Tripura) [In Bengali]
Dainik Suprovat (Calcutta)
Darjeeling Times (Sikkim, Darjeeling)
Dateline India (Subscription Only) [In Hindi]
The Day After (New Delhi) [In English]
Deccan Chronicle (Andhrapradesh)
Deccan Herald (Bangalore)
Decent Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [In Hindi]
Deepika [In Malayalam & English available]
Deepika Global (South India)
Deshabhimani Daily (Keralam)
Deshdoot (Nasik,Jalgaon,Dhule,Nandurbar)
Deshonnati
Dhamaka News
Dharitri (Orissa) [In Oriya]
Dinamalar (Chennai) [In Tamil]
Dinakaran (Tamil Nadu) [English available]
Dinamani
Divya Bhaskar (Gujrat)
DLA (Uttar Pradesh) [In Hindi]
DNA (Mumbai)
E-pao
eGlobal Trade News (New Delhi)[In English]
The Economic Times [In English]
The Echo of India [In English]
Eenadu (Andhra Pradesh)
Epilogue (Jammu, Kashmir)[In English]
The Etemaad Daily (Hyderabad)[In Urdu]
The Financial Express [In English]
Ganashakti (West Bengal / Kolkata) [In English]
Gangtok Times (Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong) [In English]
General Daily (Kerala, Thrissur) [In Malayalam]
Gold News (Kolkata) [In Bengali]
Gomantak Times (Goa)
Greater Kashmir [In English]
Gujarat Samachar
Haalkhabar (Sikkim)
Headlines India [In English]
Himgiri (Sikkim) [In Nepali & English]
Him Giri News Nepali [In Nepali]
Him Times (Himachal)
Hindi Milap
The Hindu (National)
The Hindu (South States)
The Hindustan Times
India Abroad
India Times (Mumbai) [In English]
Indian Express
The Indian Muslim Times (Bombay)
Indian Times
Infoindia (Calcutta)
Inquilab
Islamic Voice (Bangalore)
Jaihind Daily (Gujarati)
Jagran
Kaliyuganarada (Andhra) [Teligu & English]
Kalki Weekly
Kalinga Times (Orissa) [In English]
Kangla Online
Kanian Tamilnews (Madras)
Kannada Prabha
Kashmir Observer [In English]
Kashmir Times [In English]
Kaumudi Online
Kerala Kaumudi
Kerala Online(Keralam) [In Malayalam]
Khas Khabar (Rajasthan)
Kochin Today (Malayalam) [In Malayalam]
Koshur Akhbar (Kashmir)
Kranti Kannada Daily (Karnataka)
Kumudam
Lokmat
Lokprabha Newsline (Gujarat)
Loksatta
Loktej (Gujarat) [In Hindi]
Lokraj Online Media [In English]
Madhyamam Daily (Kerala) [In Malayalam]
Maharashtra Times (Bombay)
Malayala Manorama Daily (Kerala) [In Malayalam]
Mangalam
Marathi News Daily (Pune)
Mathrubhumi (Kozhikode, Kerala State) [In Malayalam]
Mawphor (Shillong, Meghalaya)
Media Newsline [In English]
Mid-Day
The Milli Gazette
Mumbai Mirror (Bombay) [In English]
Munsif Daily (Hyderabad)
Myjhunjhunu.com (Rajasthan, Jhunjhunu)
Nagaland Post (Nagaland) [In English]
Naidunia (Indore)
Nav Bharat Times [In Hindi]
Navhind Times (Goa)
Nawaitay (Bhatkal, Karnataka)
Newindpress.com
News Around Gujarat [In English]
Newsb4u.com (Tamil Nadu) [In English]
News Directly From Mandya (Karanatka)
NewKerala (Kerala) [In English]
News Today
Newstrack India (Delhi) [In English]
The Newspaper Today
Nida-I-Mashriq (Jammu and Kashmir) [In Urdu]
Nobat (Jamnagar) [In Gujarati]
The Noblesville Times (Noblesville) [In English]
The Northeast Today (Meghalaya, Shillong) [In English]
Northern News Lines [In Hindi & English]
Northlines (Jammu & Kashmir) [in English]
Odisha.Com (Orissa)
OHerald (Goa)
Online Newspaper [In Hindi & English]
Online Tirupati (Tirupati) [In English]
Orissa India
Orissa Infoline [In English & Oriya]
Orissa.net
Orissa Sambad (Orissa) [Oriya]
Outlook India
Panchjanya
Parabaas
Pathirika Online.com (Tamilnadu, Chennai) [In English]
Patna Daily
Phayul (Tibetian International) [In English]
Pioneer
Pondy Central (Pondicherry)
Prabha Sakshi
Prabhat Khabar [In Hindi]
Pragativadi
Pratahkal (Rajasthan Mumbai Delhi) [In Hindi]
Prajavani Kannada Daily (Bangalore)
Pramukhandhra
Public News (Delhi) [In Hindi]
Pudhari(Kolhapur)
Punecity.com
Punjab Express (Punjab) [In English]
Quami Ekta
Ranchi Express (Jharkhand) [In English]
Rajasthan Patrika
Rajdhani Times (New Delhi)
Rajmangal Times [In Hindi & English]
Ri Khasi Channel (Meghalaya / Shillong)
Rohini Times [In English]
Sach Kahoon (Haryana,Punjab & Delhi) [In Hindi]
Sahara Samay (Uttar Pradesh)
Sahil Online (Karnataka) [In Urdu]
Sahil Online (Karnataka) [In English]
Sakal (Pune)
The Samaj (Orissa) [In Oriya]
Sambhaav (Ahmedabad)
Sandesh (Gujarat)
Sangbad Pratidin (Calcutta)
The Sangai Express (Manipur) [In English]
Sanjevani
Sanjh Savera
Sanmarg (West Bengal, Orissa) [In Hindi]
Savera India Times
The Sentinel (Assam, Guwahati) [In English]
The Shillong Times (Shillong, Meghalaya)
Siaj Daily (Kerala) [In Malayalam]
The Siasat Daily (Hyderabad)
Sify Hindi
Sify News
Sikh Virsa
Sikkim Darjeeling and Kalimpong news (West Bengal, Sikkim) [In English]
Sikkim Express (Sikkim) [In English]
Sinlung News (Assam, Manipur, Mizoram) [In English]
The Statesman (Delhi) [In English]
Suddi Bidugade (Puttur , Sullia , Belthangady) [In Kannada]
Suprovat
Swatantra Vaartha (Andhra Pradesh)
TajaNews
The Tamil News
Taranga
Tarun Bharat
tehelka.com
The Telegraph (Calcutta) [In English]
Thatstamil.com (Tamil Nadu) [In Tamil]
Thejas (Kerala) [In Malayalam]
Thinaboomi
The Times of India [In English]
Tirupati Times (Andhrapradesh) [In English]
Today India [In English]
The Tribune (Chandigarh) [In English]
Udayavani (Bangalore)
U Peitngor (Shillong)
Upkhabar
UTs’ Voice [In English]
Uttarbanga Sambad (Wesl Bengal, Entire North Bengal)
Vaartalu
Vaartha (Andhra Pradesh)
Vikatan
Vishva Kannada
VijayDwar (In Hindi)
Voice of Assam
The Voice of Millions [In English]
Web Dunia
Web India [In English]
Web Patrika (Hindi)
World News Everyday [In English]
Yugantar Punjab
Zee News

LTTE cheif Prabhakaran shot dead

2009-05-18T17:33:00.011+05:30

The army said that its special forces had encircled Prabhakaran, Pottu Aman and Soosoi, who were boxed into a 100m x 100m area. The killing of Prabhakaran came as officials confirmed that more than 220 frontline rebel cadres, including his elder son Charles Anthony, LTTE political head Balasingham Nadesan and LTTE peace secretariat chief S Pulidevan had been killed in fierce battles in the last 12 hours.

The other slain top LTTE leaders include Black Tigers' chief Ramesh, Tigers' police wing chief Ilango and senior leaders Sundaram and Kapil Amman. The body of 24-year-old Anthony, chief of LTTE's air wing, was found during mopping up operations in the last rebel-held territory in the no-fire zone this morning, the defence ministry said.

An undated photograph supplied by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence shows the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran standing with his wife Mathivathani, his son Balachandran and his daughter Duwaraka from a collection of photographs that government soldiers said they discovered recently in a hideout in northern Sri Lanka.

An undated photograph supplied by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence shows LTTE leader Prabhakaran playing with his son Balachandran as soldiers from the LTTE watch

Prabhakaran with his son Balachandran and wife Mathivathani

Prabhakaran (left) and his son Charles Anthony (second from right)

Prabhakaran swimming in a pool with his son Balachandran

Prabhakaran with his wife Mathivathani, son Charles Anthony and parents

Prabhakaran with wife, son Charles Anthony and two unidentified relatives

LTTE leader Prabhakaran with wife Mathivathani, son Balachandran and daughter Duwaraka

Prabhakaran with wife Mathivathani

Prabhakaran (Centre) and his wife Mathivathani (front row, Centre) sitting with LTTE soldiers

Source: Rediff

LTTE chief Prabhakaran's body found

2009-05-18T17:21:00.002+05:30

LTTE chief Prabhakaran, the man who led the battle for a separate Tamil state for over three decades, has been reportedly shot by the Lankan army as he tried to flee. This news comes just hours after the Lankan government said they had found the body of LTTE supremo's 24-year-old son Charles Anthony.

PTI adds:

Prabhakaran and his top aides came out of their last hiding place in a small convoy of van and an ambulance and tried to drive out of the war zone, but were gunned down, he said.

The Tiger chief was killed with two others, who are yet to be identified but believed to be his closest associates - LTTE intelligence chief Pottu Amman and Sea Tigers' chief Soosoi.

The deaths of the top LTTE leaders came a day after Tamil Tigers conceded defeat saying the decades-old battle has reached its "bitter end" and they have decided to "silence" their guns.

Earlier on Monday morning, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara had said that Prabhakarn was still alive but completely encircled by advancing Sri Lankan forces in a tiny jungle area north of Vellamullivaikkal after most of the LTTE's top leaders were found killed.

The army said that its special forces had encircled Prabhakaran, Pottu Aman and Soosoi who were boxed into a 100m x 100m area.

New Labeling Required for OTC Pain and Fever Medicines

2009-05-18T10:09:00.003+05:30

Makers of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and fever reducers must revise their labeling to include warnings about potential safety risks associated with these popular drugs. These risks include internal bleeding and liver damage.

Final Rule

In a final rule issued on April 28, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directed that labeling be revised for acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are two classes of commonly used drugs that are effective in reducing fevers and relieving minor aches and pain such as headaches and muscle aches. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen.

The final rule applies to all OTC pain relievers and fever reducers, including those that contain one of these ingredients in combination with other ingredients, such as in cold medicines containing pain relievers or fever reducers.

Under the final rule, manufacturers must

ensure that the labeling warns of the risk of stomach bleeding for NSAIDs and the risk of severe liver damage for acetaminophen
ensure that the active ingredients of these drugs are prominently displayed on the drug labels on both packages and bottles
revise the product labeling within one year of the date the rule was issued

For More Information

FDA Press Release
www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02004.html

A Guide to Safe Use of Pain Medicine
www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/painmeds022309.html

Parties Stand in 2009 election

2009-05-18T10:07:00.000+05:30

What worked for Congress

2009-05-16T15:27:00.001+05:30

What worked for Congress

Rahul factor?
Fight within NDA alliances?
BJP focused more on Varun factor?
Work done by congress in last 5 years?
Projecting Rahul as future prime minster?

Result - 2009 election Congress-led UPA is all set

2009-05-16T15:22:00.000+05:30

The Congress-led UPA is all set to get 253 seats to retain power at the Centre, putting up an impressive performance in states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to overwhelm the BJP-led NDA and the Left-led Third Front.

Results - 2009 Election India

2009-05-16T15:10:00.001+05:30

Results so for

Maruti Ritz is here at Rs 3.90 lakh!

2009-05-15T18:36:00.002+05:30

Maruti Suzuki India, on Friday launched its latest small car Ritz in both petrol and diesel variants, offered at an introductory price of Rs 3.90-4.99 lakh.

"Ritz is our parent Suzuki's fifth global model and it will be the first Bharat Stage-IV emission norms compliant Indian car. We have launched it at the beginning of the fiscal and we hope it will bring excitement in the market," Maruti Suzuki India Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi said.

The small car has been developed on the existing hatch-back Swift's platform and common usage of the platform helped the company to offer Ritz at a lower price, he added.

Source: Rediff

Jet Airways may also once again layoff

2009-05-15T18:33:00.002+05:30

Faced with rising operation costs and stung by downturn in the aviation industry, Jet Airways has begun laying off its cabin crew in phases.

The airline has been laying off cabin crew starting from April 30 and 30-50 employees are being given pink slips almost on a daily basis, an industry source said.

Dismissive of the numbers, a Jet Airways spokesperson said, "The numbers indicated are grossly incorrect."

In October last year, Jet Airways in one go sacked 1,900 employees but only to take back the very next day with its chairman Naresh Goyal saying he did not want to see "tears in their (employees) eyes".

The airline said the notices of release or termination issued to the staff were fully in accordance with their contracts and in compliance with the law.

It has undertaken a comprehensive cost restructuring exercise, which includes withdrawal of operations on uneconomic routes, downsizing of capacity, pruning down executive perks and temporary reduction of management salaries and at last but not necessary measures trimming down any excessive workforce.

The spokesperson also did not rule out the possibility of more employees being given pink slips, saying, "Implications of the on-going restructuring exercise in terms of personnel requirements, both operational and supporting staff, are being established as we go ahead."

Source: Rediff

Satyam may lay off over 12,000 employees

2009-05-15T18:30:00.001+05:30

Satyam Computer Services, which is now controlled by Tech Mahindra, is planning to lay off 12,000 to 14,000 employees.

Sources said that the new management made a formal announcement before senior management personnel on Thursday on the issue of reducing manpower by up to 14,000 people.

Satyam currently has just over 40,000 employees, of which 19,000 are 'billing employees,' while just over 20,000 are 'non-billing' staff. Almost everyone currently on the 'bench' is in danger of losing employment at Satyam, a source said.

Of these 20,000-odd non-billing staff, around 12,000 employees are those who work on various projects onsite or the foot-soldiers; while some 7,000-odd are from general management, operations, HR, and other competencies.

Sources say that 80 per cent of the foot soldiers and 50 per cent of the management staff among these will be asked to go on a 'sabbatical', an industry euphemism used to sugar-coat a brutal lay off.

The junior staff that would be asked to take a sabbatical will get a compensation of six months of basic pay, while the seniors would be given three months of basic pay. Basic pay ranges between 25 per cent and 30 per cent of total salary.

Source: Rediff

About Swine influenza

2009-05-15T18:22:00.004+05:30

Swine influenza refers to influenza caused by any virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae that is endemic to pig (swine) populations.

People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of infection from these animals if the animals carry a strain that is also able to infect humans. SIV can mutate into a form that allows it to pass from human to human.

The 2009 swine flu outbreak is the spread of a new strain of H1N1 influenza virus that was first detected by public health agencies in March 2009.

Local outbreaks of influenza-like illness were first detected in three areas of Mexico, but the new strain was not clinically ascertained as such until a month later in cases in Texas and California, whereupon its presence was swiftly confirmed in various Mexican states and Mexico City; within days isolated cases elsewhere in Mexico, the U.S., the Northern Hemisphere were also identified.

Source: Wikipedia

Swine influenza :Guidance for Clinicians & Public Health Professionals

2009-05-15T18:22:00.001+05:30

CliniciansClinicians should consider the possibility of swine influenza virus infections in patients presenting with febrile respiratory illness.

If swine flu is suspected, clinicians should obtain a respiratory swab for swine influenza testing and place it in a refrigerator (not a freezer). Once collected, the clinician should contact their state or local health department to facilitate transport and timely diagnosis at a state public health laboratory.

State Public Health Laboratories

Laboratories should send all unsubtypable influenza A specimens as soon as possible to the Viral Surveillance and Diagnostic Branch of the CDC’s Influenza Division for further diagnostic testing.

Public Health and Animal Health Officials

Officials should conduct thorough case and contact investigations to determine the source of the swine influenza virus, extent of community illness and the need for timely control measures.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

About IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)

2009-05-15T18:20:00.000+05:30

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are Standards, Interpretations and the Framework adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

IFRSs are considered “principles based” set of standards in that they establish broad rules as well as dictating specific treatments.

International Financial Reporting Standards comprise:

* International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) – standards issued after 2001
* International Accounting Standards (IAS) – standards issued before 2001
* Interpretations originated from the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) – issued after 2001
* Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC) – issued before 2001

Objective of financial statements

A framework is the foundation of accounting standards. The framework states that the objective of financial statements is to provide information about the financial position, performance and changes in the financial position of an entity that is useful to a wide range of users in making economic decisions, and to provide the current financial status of the entity to its shareholders and public in general.

Source: Wikipedia

IFRS webinar (International Financial Reporting Standards)

2009-05-15T18:19:00.000+05:30

Check out for upcoming IFRS related webinar/ training

Medical Device training / webinars

2009-05-15T18:18:00.000+05:30

Check out for medical device trainings/webinars

1. Process Validation for Medical Device Manufacturers

This Process validation training will discuss the CDRH interpretation of the GHTF guidance and how manufacturers should develop Process Validation Plans and conduct production Process Validation.

2. Risk Analysis and Human Factors Engineering

The Risk analysis training will incorporates these techniques into the overall product lifecycle using the principles of ISO 14971 and how to develop an integrated program incorporating risk analysis and human factors engineering.

3. Basic Requirements for Steam Sterilizer Validation per ISO 17665

This Steam Sterilization training will review the general requirements for performing a steam sterilizer validation via the “overkill” half-cycle method as described in ISO 17665 (supersedes ISO 11134).

4. Japan – Regulatory Filing Requirements and Compliance Processes for Life Sciences PART II

This Regulatory compliance training is designed to provide an overview of the regulatory environment in Japan.

5. A Case Study in Equipment / Process Software Verification and Validation

This FDA compliance Training will guide through the models simplifies regulatory requirements for equipment software V&VT, assuring key FDA requirements are not overlooked. QMS and 21 CFR Part 11 require yet another approach.

6. Japanese PAL – JPAL QMS requirements in Ordinance 169 and differences to ISO 13485

This JPAL (Japanese Pharmaceutical Affairs Law) QMS will explore, in detail, the QMS requirements placed on the foreign manufacturer via Ministerial Ordinance 169, Ordinance 2 and Ordinance 179.

Source: ComplianceOnline

About – New Pension Scheme : India

2009-05-15T18:14:00.002+05:30

From May 1, Indians have access to another investment avenue to plan for retirement in the New Pension Scheme (NPS).

The scheme has been in the pipeline for at least five years but it finally took shape in 2007-08. Although the government was pushing for the scheme after a law providing statutory backing to the regulator was enacted, the Left parties, which were supporting the United Progressive Alliance government, did not allow the passage of the Bill.

Who can join the New Pension Scheme?

Any Indian citizen between 18 and 55 years. At present, only tier-I of the scheme, involving a contribution to a non-withdrawable account, is open.

Subsequently tier-II accounts, which permit voluntary savings that can be withdrawn at any point of time, can be opened. But to be eligible to open a tier-II account, you need a tier-I account.

How do I enrol?

You will need to visit a point of presence (PoP), fill up the prescribed form with the required documents.

Once you are registered, the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) will send you a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN), along with telephone and internet passwords.

How much can I invest?

There is no investment ceiling. But the minimum investment limit has been fixed at Rs 500 a month or Rs 6,000 annually. Subscribers are required to contribute at least once a quarter but there is no ceiling on how many times you invest during the year.

What is the penalty for failure to make the minimum payment?

You will have to bear a penalty of Rs 100 per year of default and will need to pay it with the minimum amount to reactivate the account. Also, dormant accounts will be closed when the account value falls to zero.

Are my investments guaranteed?

No. There is no guarantee since NPS is a defined contribution scheme and the benefits depend on the amount contributed and the investment growth up to the time of exit.

How should I select my investment option?

You can choose the investment mix between equity or E (high risk but high returns), mainly fixed income instruments or C (that come with medium risk and returns) and pure fixed investment products or G (which offer low returns but have very low risks associated with them). Equity investment is capped at 50 per cent.

What is the default option?

The default option, called auto choice lifecycle fund, will see the investment mix change according to the age of the subscriber. At the lowest entry age of 18 years, auto choice entails an investment of 50 per cent in E, 30 per cent in C and 20 per cent in G.

The ratios will remain unchanged till the subscriber turns 36, when the ratio of investment in E and C will decrease annually, while the proportion of G rises.

By the time the subscriber is 55 years, G will account for 80 per cent of the corpus, while the share of E and C will fall to 10 per cent each.

Who will decide the fund manager?

At the moment, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has selected six fund managers — State Bank of India, UTI, ICICI Prudential, Kotak Mahindra, IDFC and Reliance — on the basis of a bidding and technical evaluation process.

You have to select one fund manager at the time of deciding your investment option; later, PFRDA may allow subscribers to choose more than one fund manager.

Can I change my investment mix and the fund manager? You can shift from one fund manager to another from May 2010.

What happens if I relocate to another city?

The PRAN remains the same and you can access a toll-free number (1-800-222080). The details of your PRAN and the statement of transactions will be available on the CRA website (www.npscra.nsdl.co.in).

New Pension Scheme

The normal retirement age has been fixed at 60 years. At 60, you will be required to use at least 40 per cent of your accumulated savings to buy a life annuity from an insurance company. A phased withdrawal is also allowed but the lump sum benefit has to be availed of before you turn 70 years.

For those looking to exit before turning 60, there is an option to withdraw 20 per cent of the accumulated savings but buy an annuity with the remaining 80 per cent.

If the subscriber dies before he or she turns 60, the nominee can receive the entire pension corpus. Alternatively, a subscriber can exit if the account value falls to zero or if the citizenship status changes.

The age of exit will be reviewed by PFRDA from time to time. There will also be the option to select an annuity that will pay a survivor pension to your spouse.

Are there tax benefits for NPS?

At present, the investment is covered under section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act and a tax will be levied if you withdraw the money.

You can avoid paying tax by transferring the entire corpus to the annuity service provider. PFRDA has, however, approached the government to treat investment in NPS on a par with instruments like Employees Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund, for which no tax is levied at the investment, accumulation or withdrawal stage.

Source:Rediff

Say no to Bangalore, yes to Buffalo: Obama [ Is it going to affect Indian Market ? ]

2009-05-15T18:13:00.002+05:30

Say no to Bangalore, yes to Buffalo: Obama (Is it going to hit Indian Market ?

Say no to Bangalore and yes to Buffalo,‘ seems to be the latest mantra of United States President Barack Obama as he struggles to bring the ailing American economy back on track.

Meeting one of his major election promises, Obama on Monday the announced end of years of tax incentives to those US companies which create jobs overseas in places like Bangalore.

Instead, the incentives would now go to those creating jobs inside the US, in places like the Buffalo city — bordering Canada in upstate New York.

“We will stop letting American companies that create jobs overseas take deductions on their expenses when they do not pay any American taxes on their profits,” Obama said at White House announcing the international tax policy reform.

“We will use the savings to give tax cuts to companies that are investing in research and development here at home so that we can jump start job creation, foster innovation, and enhance America’s competitiveness,” Obama said.

The new tax laws are expected to majorly hit countries like India, China and the Philippines, where US companies have been outsourcing their work.

Hitting hard at the current taxation system, to which he had been very critical since his election days and as a Senator, Obama said: “It’s a tax code that says you should pay lower taxes if you create a job in Bangalore, India, than if you create one in Buffalo, New York.”

Reiterating his campaign rhetoric, the US President said: “The way we make our businesses competitive is not to reward American companies operating overseas with a roughly 2 per cent tax rate on foreign profits; a rate that costs taxpayers tens of billions of dollars a year.”

Source: Rediff

Maruti Suzuki Ritz- Launched today

2009-05-15T18:10:00.003+05:30

Maruti Suzuki to launch premium hatchback Ritz on May 15

India’s number one carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited is set to launch India’s first BS-IV compliant passenger car, Ritz, on May 15.

Ritz is a tallboy hatchback, positioned in the premium A2 market segment. The Maruti Suzuki Ritz, adopts a contemporary European design and is positioned at the growing premium-end of the compact car market.

Ritz will be the first passenger car in India to be compliant with the BS-IV emission norms, in petrol as well as diesel variants. This is many months ahead of the BS-IV norms being applicable in India, reinforcing Maruti Suzuki’s leadership position.The suspension of the vehicle with a ground clearance of 170 mm has been tuned for Indian road conditions.

Ritz is MSIL’s eighth new model within 48 months following the launch of Swift, Zen Estilo, SX4, Swift Diesel, Grand Vitara, Swift Dzire and A-star. In the A-2 segment, Ritz will be the 7th offering for the customers by Maruti Suzuki.

The Ritz combines modern European design, the sportiness of the Swift, the latest in engine technology and Suzuki’s globally acclaimed expertise in compact cars. The Ritz further reiterates Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to bring global car models for its customers in India.

The Ritz will be available with two different engine options: a brand new K-series 1.2 litre, four-cylinder, 85PS Petrol engine and the super-successful 1.3 litre, 16-valve DDiS, 75PS Diesel engine.

Source: Maruti

Rs 50,000 crore spent on Lok Sabha poll campaign !!!

2009-05-15T18:10:00.001+05:30

According to rough estimates, the actual cost of running the campaign has crossed the staggering sum of Rs 50,000 crore.

According to insiders in the Congress and the BJP, both parties spent over Rs 20 crore in merely ferrying their leaders across India during the campaign.

While the Congress had hired 21 helicopters and 18 executive jets, the BJP had hired 21 helicopters and 14 jets. These parties had to shell out Rs 80,000 per hour on each helicopter, plus the landing charges.

The political parties have reportedly spent Rs 3000 crore on advertisement campaigns. The Congress spent Rs one crore just to buy the rights of superhit song Jai Ho, but it failed to click with the masses.

The Election Commission’s budget for the 2009 elections is Rs 1,300 crore, which includes the conduct of polls plus transportation and movement of security forces. The state governments and other government agencies have earmarked Rs 700 crore for photo identity cards, electronic voting machines and setting up polling booths.

Source: Rediff

Reasons why people fail in interviews

2009-05-15T18:08:00.000+05:30

There are many reasons, why a person fails in an interview, but let us see some of the common ones.

1. Lack of preparation

Of all the reasons, this is the foremost one. It includes carrying improper CV, inappropriate dress code, completely unaware of interview questions and positive answers etc.

2. Casualness

Let us cross the bridge when it comes’ does not apply to interviews. One needs to be geared up 100 per cent before the interview.

3. Failing to understand the job role

This is a typical problem with a few of the candidates. They are completely unaware of what the job requires one to do.

If you are going through a consultant or got an interview call from the company directly, get the job description completely. In the event of responding to walk-in ads in newspaper, if you are not sure about the job description, spend some time on the Internet to know about your role.

4. Lack of skills

A good qualification alone is not sufficient, but host of other skills such as good communications, interpersonal skills, analytical abilities, personality etc. are also vital.

5. No proper focus

During the interview, some candidates lose out, because they are not able to convince the employer about their interest in the position applied for. If you are applying for a job in marketing, stay focused on it.

6. Lack of subject knowledge

Irrespective of you being a fresher or an experienced professional, revisit your subject before going for the interview.

7. Lack of confidence

When the candidate uses too many negative words such as, ‘I am not sure’, ‘May be I can’, etc., it does portray lack of confidence to the employer.

The negative gestures or negative body language plays spoilsport in your selection. Instead use words such as ‘Surely’, ‘I can do it’, ‘It’s challenging but I can do it’ etc.

Source: Rediff

H1B visa provisions target Indian IT companies: Nasscom

2009-05-15T17:47:00.000+05:30

Software industry body Nasscom on Friday hit out at the US H1B visa legislation, introduced in the Senate yesterday, saying its provisions are targeting Indian firms and restricting their ability to compete in the US market.

Nasscom said though the stated objective of the Bill is to prevent fraud and visa abuse, several of the provisions of this Bill are against the principles of free trade.

“In many ways, it is targeting Indian companies and restricts their ability to compete in the US marketplace. This is also against President Obama’s stand against protectionism at the G20 Summit,” Nasscom President Som Mittal said.

The almost USD-billion Indian IT outsourcing industry draws over 60 per cent revenue from the US and many of its skilled workforce work onsite on H1B visa for the client.

Indian companies had been allocated only 12,000 visas in 2008, out of the limit of 85,000 visas. The data from USCIS shows that in April 2009 till date, it has received about half the H-1B visa applications against the cap for FY10.

This clearly demonstrates that companies are not using the H-1B Visa route to replace US workers.

US does not have a temporary service visa as in other countries and companies that do send highly skilled engineers on H-1B visas are for temporary period with average stay in US of less than two years, he added.

U.S. Job Losses Not Due to H-1B Visas, Report Says

2009-05-15T17:44:00.001+05:30

New H-1B visa holders don’t make much of a dent in the U.S. workforce, according to a report by the National Foundation for American Policy.

US lawmakers may be busy putting restrictions on the country’s primary temporary work visa, H-1B, but new H-1B visaholders each year represent just seven in 10,000 civilian workers in the US, according to a report by an American public policy organisation.

As per the report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), 107,686 new H-1B petitions were approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2008, including those exempt from being included in the H1-B quota of 85,000 visas annually. In comparison, the American civilian labour force stood at 154.6 million in 2008.

Click here to read more

FDA 101: Health Fraud

2009-05-15T17:42:00.000+05:30

What is Health Fraud?

Health fraud is the deceptive sale or advertising of products that claim to be effective against medical conditions or otherwise beneficial to health, but which have not been proven safe and effective for those purposes.

Common Types of Health Fraud

Cancer fraud:
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Among the many long-running cancer scams is the Hoxsey Cancer Treatment, an herbal regimen that has no proven benefit. Another scam involves products called black salves. These are offered with the false promise of drawing cancer out from the skin, but they are potentially corrosive to tissues.

HIV/AIDS fraud:

There are legitimate treatments that can help people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While early treatment of HIV can delay progression to AIDS, there is currently no cure for the disease.

Arthritis fraud:

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission says consumers spend about $2 billion annually on unproven arthritis remedies that are not backed by adequate science.

Fraudulent “diagnostic” tests:

Doctors often use in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests—in tandem with a physical examination
and a medical history—to get a picture of a patient’s overall health.

Bogus dietary supplements:

The array of dietary supplements—including vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, herbs, animal extracts and others—has grown tremendously.

Weight loss fraud:

Since 2003, FDA has worked with national and international partners to take hundreds of compliance actions against companies pushing bogus and misleading weight loss schemes.

Sexual enhancement product fraud:

FDA has warned consumers about numerous illegal drugs promoted and sold online for treating erectile dysfunction and for enhancing sexual performance.

Diabetes fraud:

FDA has taken numerous compliance actions against sales of fraudulent diabetes “treatments” promoted with bogus claims such as

* “drop your blood sugar 50 points in 30 days”
* “eliminate insulin resistance”
* “prevent the development of type 2 diabetes”
* “reduce or eliminate the need for diabetes drugs or insulin”

Influenza (flu) scams:

Federal agencies have come across contaminated, counterfeit, and subpotent influenza products.

FDA, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has intercepted products claimed to be generic versions of the influenza drug Tamiflu, but which actually contained vitamin C and other substances not shown to be effective in treating or preventing influenza.

Source: FDA

What Is a Clinical Trial?

2009-05-15T17:28:00.000+05:30

What Is a Clinical Trial?

Clinical trials are research studies in which people help doctors find ways to improve health and cancer care. Each study tries to answer scientific questions and to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Why are there clinical trials?

A clinical trial is one of the final stages of a long and careful cancer research process. Studies are done with cancer patients to find out whether promising approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are safe and effective.

What are the different types of clinical trials?

Treatment trials test new treatments (like a new cancer drug, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods such as gene therapy).

Prevention trials test new approaches, such as medicines, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements that doctors believe may lower the risk of a certain type of cancer.

Screening trials test the best way to find cancer, especially in its early stages.

What are the phases of clinical trials?

Most clinical research that involves the testing of a new drug progresses in an orderly series of steps, called phases. This allows researchers to ask and answer questions in a way that results in reliable information about the drug and protects the patients. Most clinical trials are classified into one of three phases:

* Phase I trials:

These first studies in people evaluate how a new drug should be given (by mouth, injected into the blood, or injected into the muscle), how often, and what dose is safe. A phase I trial usually enrolls only a small number of patients, sometimes as few as a dozen.

* Phase II trials:

A phase II trial continues to test the safety of the drug, and begins to evaluate how well the new drug works. Phase II studies usually focus on a particular type of cancer.

* Phase III trials:

These studies test a new drug, a new combination of drugs, or a new surgical procedure in comparison to the current standard. A participant will usually be assigned to the standard group or the new group at random (called randomization). Phase III trials often enroll large numbers of people and may be conducted at many doctors’ offices, clinics, and cancer centers nationwide.

Source: National Cancer Institute

Exit Polls- 2009 Lok Sabha Election

2009-05-15T17:26:00.001+05:30

Highlights

* Bihar sees a clean sweep for JDU-BJP Alliance
* Congress retains dominance in Andhra Pradesh
* Split in BJP-BJD Alliance, lets Congress through in Orissa
* Decisive win for BJP in Gujarat
* Uneven vote distribution results in convincing victory for BJP in Karnataka
* Neck-and-neck between AIADMK and DMK Front in Tamil Nadu

Alliances Details

NDA: BJP, JDU, SS, AFP, AKALI, RLD, INLD, NPF
UPA: CONG, NCP, DMK, TC, JMM, JKNC, RPI
3rd Front: LEFT, BSP, AIADMK, TDP, BJD, TRS, PMK, JDS,MDMK
4th Front: RJD, LJP, SP, PRP

Source: NDTV

Trace Mobile phone location

2009-05-15T17:24:00.002+05:30

Here is great site to Trace Mobile phone location & Service Provider Details- Click here

or visit this page- : http://www.hacktrix.com/trace-mobile-phone-location-and-service-provider-details/index.php

Trace Mobile phone location & Service Provider Details

2009-05-15T17:24:00.000+05:30

Ways to Search for a Predicate Device

2009-05-15T17:23:00.000+05:30

The FDA 510(k) database contains all devices cleared under the 510(k) process. The FDA databases on the web are updated on or around the 5th of every month. The classification of the device and product code is essential in searching for predicate devices. Classification of your device can be found by performing a search on the Product Code Classification Database.

Information which can be useful to find a predicate device includes:

* names of similar devices – traded name under which the device is marketed;
* manufacturer(s) of the similar device(s);
* marketing status, i.e., preamendments or postamendments device;
* 510(k) numbers for postamendments devices;
* classification information, i.e., product codes, classifying regulations, etc., for your device.

Source: FDA

About Predicate Device (Medical Device)

2009-05-15T17:16:00.000+05:30

A Premarket Notification [510(k)] is a premarketing submission made to FDA to demonstrate that the device to be marketed is safe and effective by proving substantial equivalence (SE) to a legally marketed device (predicate device) that is not subject to Premarket Approval (PMA). Submitters must compare their 510(k) device to a similar legally marketed U.S. device(s). A device recently cleared under 510(k) is usually used as a predicate device.

The legally marketed device(s) to which equivalence is drawn is known as the predicate device(s).

A claim of substantial equivalence does not mean the device(s) must be identical.Substantial equivalence is established with respect to: intended use, design, energy used or delivered, materials, performance, safety, effectiveness, labeling, biocompatibility, standards, and other applicable characteristics. You can claim SE to either a preamendments or postamendments device that is or was legally marketed. Legally marketed means that the predicate cannot be one that is or was in violation of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) Act. An applicant may claim SE to a device that is no longer being marketed in the U.S.

Source: FDA

Upcoming medical device webinar/training

2009-04-09T17:39:00.000+05:30

Here is the updated list of few upcoming webinar on medical device -

1. The EU Clinical Trial Directive
2. Preparing and Executing Medical Device Quality Audits: How to Meet the FDA’s Expectations
3. Gamma Sterilizer Validation: Method 1 and VDmax25 per ISO 11137
4. Risk Management - Do Not Throw Dice on Your Company!
5. Maintaining a Sustainable and Compliant Design Validation System and Using FMEA for Device Manufacturers
6. Risk and Hazard Assessment for Medical Devices - ISO 14971
7. New Medical Device Vigilance Guidelines

Source: ComplianceOnline

PhRMA Code’s revised guidelines take effect January 2009

2009-04-07T15:41:00.003+05:30

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) released updates to its voluntary Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals on July 10. The new guidelines take effect January 2009.

In addition to prohibiting small gifts and reminder items, the revised Code:Prohibits company sales representatives from providing restaurant meals to healthcare professionals, but allows them to provide occasional meals in healthcare professionals’ offices in conjunction with informational presentations

1. Prohibits company sales representatives from providing restaurant meals to healthcare professionals, but allows them to provide occasional meals in healthcare professionals’ offices in conjunction with informational presentations

2. Includes new provisions requiring companies to ensure their representatives are sufficiently trained about applicable laws, regulations, and industry codes of practice.

3. Provides that each company will state its intentions to abide by the Code and that company CEOs and compliance officers will certify each year that they have processes in place to comply

4. Includes more detailed standards regarding the independence of continuing medical education

5. Provides additional guidance for speaking and consulting arrangements with healthcare professionals

Challenges

1. Tracking aggregate spending is one of the biggest challenges for pharmaceutical companies

2. Some companies do not have a system that will accurately record aggregate spending across the organization.

3. Training employees is another. It’s going to be a challenge getting everyone on the same page.

Benefits

1. The new guidelines could help the industry regain public trust after “just getting shelled” and constantly being accused of wrongdoing. In addition, some

2. Companies will be relieved they can reduce their spending on traditional marketing activities.

12 steps to shock-and-awe Pakistan's economy

2008-12-11T09:50:00.000+05:30

FDA: Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays

2008-12-09T17:09:00.000+05:30

Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the merriment can change to misery if food makes you or others ill.Typical symptoms of foodborne illness are stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often start a few days after consuming contaminated food or drink.

1. Clean: The first rule of safe food preparation in the home is to keep everything clean.

Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food. “For children, this means the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice,” says Davidson.

Wash food-contact surfaces (cutting boards, dishes, utensils, countertops) with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before going on to the next item.

Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water and use a produce brush to remove surface dirt.

Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking. “Washing these foods makes it more likely for bacteria to spread to areas around the sink and countertops,” says

Salute the men who fight our battles for us and make a PLEDGE to fight terror with them

2008-12-01T12:00:00.000+05:30

India's 9/11: Will this be its wake-up call?

2008-12-01T10:19:00.000+05:30

Slain Major led from front: NSG chief

2008-11-29T12:05:00.000+05:30

So where are you going to smoke after Oct, 2nd

2008-09-29T15:53:00.000+05:30

Two Google Research Tricks

2007-04-30T10:43:00.000+05:30

Tricks are really going to help everybody who is using Google for search here are they-:

The more terms you use, the more refined your search. Entering [volvo] will return 70,000,000 links. But try [volvo repair shop], and the number drops to 1,400,000 links. And [volvo repair shop los angeles] reduces that number to just 600,000.

Put your terms in quotes to be even more specific. Add quotation marks to search for phrases, and you’ll have a more precise search. Type in ["volvo repair shop" and "los angeles"], and Google will look for sites that feature both of those phrases, as opposed to individual words like "repair," "shop," "los" or "angeles" that may appear anywhere in the Web page. In our example, using quotes reduces the number of results to 31,000.

It only took a few more keywords and some quote marks to transform an overwhelming 70,000,000 links into a more manageable 31,000. And now you know how to narrow the results even more.

Be ready to hear Cricket Made In China..

2007-03-18T20:59:00.000+05:30

Anything China does has serious impact across the world. Bloomberg reports on the silent diplomacy used by China to counter Taiwan’s influence in West Indies.

Big news in that post is what China is doing about that big Indian obsession called Cricket:

China aims to have 150,000 players, a league and a “credible'’ national team by 2020, says Calvin Leung, a spokesman for the Chinese Cricket Association. Athletic officials are introducing a training program in schools to meet those aims.

“It’s quite hopeful we’ll qualify for the 2019 World Cup,'’ Leung says. “If we move ahead at a quicker pace then maybe we can do it.'’

Searching beyond Google

2006-11-07T02:12:00.000+05:30

Here are three Google alternatives that are refreshingly different from Google. Try them and see if they work better for you:

Vivisimo (www.vivisimo.com):

This is a “metasearch” engine, offering simultaneous results from several search engines. It is fast, has a clean user interface, and presents information in “clusters” that narrow down your search results. Key in ‘Diwali’, for example, and you’ll get subfolders like ‘History of Diwali’, ‘Diwali gifts and cards’ and ‘Diwali Recipes’. Vivisimo also lets you restrict searches to publications such as Reuters, CNN and such.

Grokker (www.grokker.com):

This search engine touts visual search as its selling point. Here again you’d find you search results sorted in clusters of the topic, but instead of presenting them in subfolders, Grokker separates them into a ‘Map view’ that you can zook into. It’s easier to relate to and visually more appealing.

Rollyo (www.rollyo.com):

This isn’t a separate search engine; it’s a tool that lets you create your own domain-specific search engine on the fly. What it basically does is, run on top of Yahoo! search and let your “roll your own” searches. So, any individual can set up a custom ‘searchroll’ such as ‘Medicine’ or ‘News’, which searches within anywhere from one to 25 different sites.

This basically means that instead of sorting through thousands of sites, you could narrow your search to sites you already know and trust.

Topix (www.topix.net):

The service takes a crawl-and-index approach to a vast array of internet news sources, such as news sites and blog sites. Topix then runs the resultant data through an engine that tags every news story with location and topic.
It then builds more than 180,000 subject- and location-specific pages, pages
that reside comfortably between the bulk of your search results. However, Topix won’t dump the results all in one place.

For instance, it is not interested in every web result that might be rendered for a search on “news Mumbai”. Instead, it searches a limited set of web pages—in this case thousands of news sites and blogs. It then generates something of an ‘encyclopedia page’ for Mumbai, putting together news, weather, advertising, politics—making your own personal local newspaper in real time.

Source: Times Of India

Microsoft forges ties with open source maker Zend

2006-11-01T04:08:00.000+05:30

Microsoft Corp. and open source software maker Zend, whose products create programs that compete with ones built for Windows, said on Tuesday the two companies have struck a long-term partnership.

Twelve-year-old PHP runs on more than 22 million Web sites and is used inside 15,000 companies.

Source: Reuters

The growing world of Google Earth

2006-09-29T21:28:00.000+05:30

Google, the world's biggest Web search engine, has launched Google Earth in different languages including Japanese, French, Italian, German and Spanish. Jones is a great fan of Japan.

The engineers at Google, which generates almost all of its $6 billion revenue from advertisement, work with a concept.

Americans perfer Laptops during vacations...

2006-07-25T21:54:00.000+05:30

The number of Americans who work during their vacations has nearly doubled in the last decade, with the laptop computer replacing the cellular phone as the most useful tool for working on holiday.

Some 43 percent of office workers said they work on vacation, compared with 23 percent in a survey taken in 1995, said the poll conducted for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Steelcase Inc., a designer and maker of office furniture.

Overall, roughly one in four employees said they spent three or more hours working during vacation. Most said they were committed to the job or had a pressing assignment, while 10 percent cited an inability to relax until things were taken care of.

Mumbai Blasts suspects photos

2006-07-15T02:45:00.000+05:30

Helpline Numbers -7 BLASTS ROCK MUMBAI; 146 DEAD, 403 INJURED

2006-07-12T00:54:00.000+05:30

Mumbai Blasts

Mumbai Helpline Number: 022-22005388

Western Railway helpline numbers: STD Code:022 - 23004000, 23014373

IBNLIVE

NDTV

The Mumbai Blasts - SMS Message Board

2006-07-12T00:52:00.000+05:30

To post your emergency message on this page sms SOS followed by your message to 7333

Rediff

Sun Microsystems plans to lay off as many as 5,000 employees WHY?

2006-06-22T03:43:00.000+05:30

Sun Microsystems plans to lay off as many as 5,000 employees, sell real estate, and "simplify" its product line in an effort to boost profits, its newly appointed CEO Jonathan Schwartz said.

The reason given by CEO was

Schwartz CEO said Sun "will be simplifying our product line and reducing duplicative R&D" and highlighted products key to the company's future, such as its eight-core processor Niagara server. But he didn't explain what research and development the company now considered duplicative or how that product line would be simplified.

Google.com blocked in China why????

2006-06-13T03:16:00.000+05:30

The Google.com search engine has been blocked in most parts of China, as Beijing steps up its efforts to restrict the public access to information, a Paris-based media watchdog said.

Internet users in many major Chinese cities have had difficulty connecting to the international version of Google for the past week, Reporters Without Borders said in a statement. Aside from the Google.com search engine, Reporters Without Borders said the blocking was being gradually extended to the Google News and Google Mail services.

“Google has just definitively joined the club of western companies that comply with online censorship in China,” Reporters Without Borders said. “It is deplorable that Chinese Internet users are forced to wage a technological war against censorship in order to access banned content.”

What Else you can Expect from your President who leads us from the Front

2006-06-08T20:40:00.000+05:30

On Thursday, President A P J Abdul Kalam, supreme commander of the armed forces, fulfilled a childhood dream when he became the first Indian Head of State to fly a fighter plane.

"I always wanted to be an Air Force pilot but was rejected in 1958 and therefore I became a scientist," the 74-year-old Kalam said soon after his 40-minute supersonic flight on a Sukhoi-30 MKI at the Lohegaon Air Force base in Pune on July 8. The President's flight marked the airbase�s 50th anniversary.

The G-Suit is an anti-gravitational suit and helps in proper blood circulation when the flight flies at supersonic speeds.

Some photos

Just Before take off

Get Set

AND GO

Source - rediff

Winzip most popular download of the week

2006-06-02T04:58:00.000+05:30

WinZip, and most other Zip programs use identical compression code, originating from the same source. However, FreeZip has the advantage of costing you nothing. This compression/decompression utility integrates with Windows Explorer and uses file associations and context menus to zip or unzip files and subdirectories. This small program also offers file encryption features. If you want to protect your zip files with a password, download the encryption patch (freezipe.exe).

Which is more important: ideas or execution?

2006-05-29T13:50:00.000+05:30

Survey after survey shows that most company executives believe they are far better at generating ideas than executing them. Despite the fact that the real leverages in the backend of innovation - in execution - most managers of obsess over the front end of the innovation process, on generating ideas. Once a high potential idea has been identified, a business plan has been written and refined, and a passionate leader has been assigned to run it, everyone assumes that the rest will be easy.

The authors have also identified six tendencies of established organizations that new ventures also typically face:

* Protecting funding for the new venture regardless of the performance of the parent company
* Establishing new organizational norms and policies that make sense for the new venture
* Overcoming tensions between the new venture and the existing company when those norms and policies conflict
* Affecting changes in the existing power structure required to support the new venture
* Engaging employees of the parent company in supporting the new venture and
* Recruiting talented managers from the parent company to work within the new venture

Blogs 'essential' to a good career - The Boston Globe

2006-04-19T12:55:00.000+05:30

Blogs 'essential' to a good career - The Boston Globe

How to sharpen Mind

2006-02-09T12:52:00.000+05:30

The January 16th issue of TIME magazine has a major section on "How to Sharpen Your Mind."

One of the key articles explores the best times of day for both "Morning People" and "Night Owls" to create, problem solve, rejuvinate and rest. I've re-worked the graphics presented in TIME for this post.

For the Morning Person

TIME says, for the early riser, "creativity generally peaks early in the wake cycle before distractions can impede the brain's imaginative focus."

Check out For the Night Owls

Solve this challenge, win Rs 25,000

2006-02-02T19:23:00.000+05:30

Get Ahead presents the TCS Smart Business Case Study Contest for young managers, along with The Smart Manager, the management magazine!

We give you a profile and history of a company. All you have to do is study it and post your solution here, in upto 500 words. The winning solution stands to win Rs 25,000!

The Smart Manager will also publish your photograph and solution in its next issue! Hurry! The last date to post your solution is February 10

Are they not free to Share Thoughts

2006-01-18T16:02:00.000+05:30

The news that Microsoft shut down a Chinese blogger's site at the request of Beijing

officials is bringing a renewed focus on the role U.S. companies play in helping China control the Internet. The Chinese government, determined to prevent dissidents from using the Net to promote taboo subjects such as the Falun Gong religious movement, formal independence for Taiwan, or an end to Communist Party rule,

So check the Chinese rules and control the content that's available for local Net surfers.

The elements of Innovation

2006-01-10T10:26:00.000+05:30

Trust: to make people comfortable about sharing their ideas with the organization. They need to feel they can make mistakes without suffering undue consequences.

Management buy-in: Management must demonstrate their commitment to innovation through internal and external communications media. Management must also demonstrate being creative themselves; as well as a willingness to try out creative, yet risky ideas.

Budget: is necessary to implement highly creative or disruptive ideas, which by nature are more risky than less creative ideas. Money must also be found for investing for tools (see below) that facilitate idea sharing and development and training in the use of those tools.

Tools: such as an idea management tool for soliciting, capturing and evaluating ideas from the employees. Used well, an idea management tool is the best on-going tool for idea capture. Also useful are creative project teams, brainstorming sessions, mind-mapping tools and other items which facilitate creative thinking and collaboration.

Evaluation methods: are necessary for evaluating ideas generated by the tools. Many tools, such as idea management systems, include evaluation components.

Facilities: including meeting rooms, other spaces where people can meet and share ideas, white boards, post-its, pens and other things which facilitate creative meetings and brainstorming.

Rewards: Whether recognition, small gifts or granting special privileges, some kind of fair reward scheme motivates people to share their creative ideas with the organization.

Time: Employees need time to be creative.

How all of these components come together will vary from firm to firm. What is important is that these components exist, that there is flexibility.