Telangana effect

Dawood’s brother Anees shot at in Karachi: Report- Hindustan Times

Notorious underworld don, Dawood’s brother Anees Ibrahim has been fatally shot at last night in Karachi according to a TV Report.

He was attacked by a group of armed Baluch men near Al Habib bank ATM in Karachi, and was injured in the ensuing exchange of bullets. Around a dozen bullets were reportedly fired at him. There is no updates on his condition so far.

Anees has been wanted in India for a series of criminal charges including 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

Source: Hindustan Times.com

Biggest surprise of Election 2009?

Exit Polls- 2009 Lok Sabha Election

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

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

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.

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USCIS ended random selection for 2009 H1B visa

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today conducted the computer-generated random selection processes on H-1B petitions, to select which H-1B petitions for fiscal year 2009 (FY 2009) would continue to full adjudication.  If approved these H-1B petitions will be eligible to receive an H-1B visa number.

USCIS conducted two random selections, first on petitions qualifying for the 20,000 “master’s or higher degree” (advanced degree) exemption, and second on the remaining advance degree petitions together with the general H-1B pool of petitions, for the 65,000 cap.

Reasons why people fail in interviews

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

Maruti Suzuki Ritz

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

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

Lok Sabha Polls In Karnataka- 2nd Phase

HASSAN

Gowda vs the rest

Billed a prestigious constituency, this segment is keenly fought between Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H D Deve Gowda and the BJP.

Seat held by JD(S)

SHIMOGA

Epic battle

The most-watched constituency in Karnataka. It has acquired importance as CM B S Yeddyurappa’s son B Y Raghavendra is in the fray against warhorse and former CM S Bangarappa from the Congress. Here, women voters outnumber men. Caste and cash are playing a vital role.

Seat vacant after S Bangarappa, resigned to join the Congress

DAVANAGERE

Business rivalry

It is a straight contest between two business families, which also run education institutions. BJP’s current MP G M Siddeshwar is seeking to retain his seat for a second term, while Congress S S Mallikarjun, son of KPCC treasurer and Davanagere South MLA Shamnur Shivashankarappa, is locked in a tough contest with him.

Seat held by BJP

DHARWAD

Tough fight for BJP

It’s a straight fight between sitting MP Prahlad Joshi of the BJP and Manjunath Kunnur of the Congress, termed a habitual turncoat

New constituency carved out of Dharwad North and South

HAVERI

Keen contest

A keen contest is on the cards between the BJP and the Congress here. JD(S) is also in the race, but its candidate, at best, may play a spoilsport.

New constituency

CHAMARAJANAGAR

Proxy battle

A three-cornered contest is on here and has become a proxy battle between followers of former deputy CM Siddaramaiah and party senior Mallikarjun M Kharge, who has stepped down from the CLP leader’s post.

Seat held by JD(S)

MYSORE

Stiff competition

The contest here is between H Vishwanath of Congress and BJP’s C H Vijayashankar. Twotime MP, Vijayashankar is facing a stiff competition from his Congress opponent, who is seeking to make it to Parliament after defeat in the assembly polls in May 2008

Seat held by BJP

BAGALKOT

Cong-BJP clash

The fight is between J T Patil of Congress (belonging to Reddy community) and Gaddigoudar of BJP (Ganiga community).

Seat held by BJP

MANDYA

JD(S)’s clear edge

Battle for power at the Vokkaliga heartland is between sitting MP MH Ambareesh (Congress) and former minister N Chaluvarayaswamy of JD(S).

Seat held by Congress

MANGALORE

The heat is on

The contest is between poll veteran, former KPCC president B Janardhana Poojary, and greenhorn Nalin Kumar Kateel (BJP).

Seat held by BJP

UDUPI-CHIKMAGALUR

War on new turf

A new constituency carved out of Udupi and Chikmagalur. State BJP president D V Sadananda Gowda shifted here from Mangalore and takes on K Jayaprakash Hegde (Congress). JD(S) has made way for the CPI.

Source: Times of India