Tuesday, May 19, 2009

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


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/


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List of Indian Newspaper

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Monday, May 18, 2009

LTTE cheif Prabhakaran shot dead

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
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LTTE chief Prabhakaran's body found


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.

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New Labeling Required for OTC Pain and Fever Medicines

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

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Parties Stand in 2009 election

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Saturday, May 16, 2009

What worked for Congress

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?
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Result - 2009 election Congress-led UPA is all set

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.
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Results - 2009 Election India


Results so for
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Friday, May 15, 2009

Maruti Ritz is here at Rs 3.90 lakh!


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
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Jet Airways may also once again layoff


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
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Satyam may lay off over 12,000 employees


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

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About Swine influenza


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
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Swine influenza :Guidance for Clinicians & Public Health Professionals

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

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About IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)

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

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IFRS webinar (International Financial Reporting Standards)

Check out for upcoming IFRS related webinar/ training

  1. IFRS for Financial Instruments
  2. IFRS 1 – Standard on the First Time Adoption of IFRS
  3. IFRS #1: First Time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards
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Medical Device training / webinars

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

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About – New Pension Scheme : India


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


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