There is a solution to every problem

There is a solution to every problem

Mr Alok Kejriwal is a new media entrepreneur and founded the contests2win business in 1998. He has successfully created new-age businesses in India and China. In his non-working hours Mr Kejriwal meditates and collects Indian contemporary art. Here’s his take on four questions from Business Line:

Two things that my education/training taught me:

God is in the details.

There is a solution to every problem.

Two things I learnt from my work/real life:

The greatest value creation comes from people — value them the most.

If something is difficult — it’s a great sign. That’s what will make the effort valuable.

One quality I look for the most in a new recruit:

Passion, passion, passion.

A book that I read recently:

After Dark, by Haruki Murakami.

Do not procrastinate

Do not procrastinate
Ms Harinder Singh

Ms Harinder Singh is General Manager at Grand Ashok, Bangalore. She is responsible for implementing strategies to streamline the entire operations of Grand Ashok. She has also served as General Manager, Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu. An amateur golfer, Ms Singh is nine times national trap shooting champion. Here’s her take on four questions from Business Line:

Two things that my education/ training taught me:

Knowledge is wealth.

Thoroughness and hard work in all predicaments.

Two things I learnt from my work/real life:

Do not procrastinate.

There is no ideal situation — everything is subjective.

One quality I look for the most in a new recruit:

Positive attitude.

A book that I read recently:

The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman.

The process of learning must continue

The process of learning must continue

Mr Sreeram Iyer is the CEO of Scope International and CIO of Standard Chartered Bank, India. An MBA from the UK, he is also a Chartered Financial Analyst, Company Secretary and a qualified Cost and Management Accountant. Here’s his take on four questions from Business Line:

Two things that my education/ training taught me:

The process of learning must continue regardless of success achieved.

Try and share your learning with your team members.

Two things I learnt from my work/real life:

There is no substitute to delivery, execution and action.

Every individual brings new talent and capabilities. Identify those and maximise returns.

One quality I look for the most in a new recruit:

Right attitude — to change, learning and ethics.

A book that I read recently:
Plato and a Platypus — Understanding Philosophy through jokes, by Thomas Cathcart.

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines

Mr Ashish Kirpal Pandit is the CEO of Fortis HealthWorld Ltd, the retail arm of the Fortis Group. An MBA from Indiana State University, Mr Pandit’s tryst with Fortis HealthWorld began in early 2006. His focus on detail has been instrumental in powering the company to its current leading position. Mr Pandit is a traveller by spirit and an avid golfer. Here’s his take on four questions from Business Line:

Two things that my education/training taught me:

Honing my analytical skills — this has helped me in identifying trends.

Clear and effective communication is the key to success.

Two things I learnt from my work/real life:

To take up challenges and turn them into opportunities.

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.

One quality I look for the most in a new recruit:

Energy, enthusiasm and eye for detail.

A book that I read recently:
The Pursuit of Wow!, by Tom Peters.

Principled life leads to success

Principled life leads to success

Himanshu Baid

Mr Himanshu Baid, Managing Director, Poly Medicure, started his business of manufacturing healthcare disposables in 1997 under the brand name Polymed. His aim is to build his company as the most reputed and trusted company in the medical disposables industry.

Mr Baid, after completing his BE, joined Philips in Germany where he gained vital experience in international trade. His stint in Philips helped him understand the psyche of international marketers.

An avid follower of tennis and cricket, Mr Baid likes spending time with his wife and two sons in his spare time. Here’s his take on four questions from Business Line:

Two things that my education/training taught me:

Principled life leads to success.

Punctuality and self-confidence.

Two things I learnt from my work/real life:

To be strong and face the challenges.

Passion and enthusiasm to learn from every aspect of life.

One quality I look for the most in a new recruit:

The ability to understand the needs and requirements of the organisation and being honest towards the company and to himself.

A book that I read recently:

The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell.

Be fact-based

Be fact-based

Mr Pradeep Nevatia

Mr Pradeep Nevatia, President and CEO, Ninestars Information Technology Ltd, is credited for bringing the ‘Integrated Six-Sigma Program’ and TQM (Total Quality Management) practices from the manufacturing to the BPO industry. Mr Nevatia is a post-graduate in industrial engineering from NITIE, Mumbai, and a alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi. He has co-authored Brand-Wise, Leveraging People to Create Powerful Brands (2004, East West Publications). Here’s his take on four questions from Business Line:

Two things that my education/ training taught me:

Structured thinking.

Systemic planning and analysis.

Two things I learnt from my work/real life:

Be balanced.

Be fact-based.

One quality I look for the most in a new recruit:

The capability of the person to go beyond oneself.

A book that I read recently:

Lie and a Truth, by Nandan Gautam

Take success and failure in the right spirit

Take success and failure in the right spirit

Mr Hasan Abdul Kader

Mr Hasan Abdul Kader is the Managing Director of CCS Infotech Ltd. A BE (Computer Science) from National Institute of Technology (formerly Regional Engineering College), Tiruchi, he has more than 18 years of experience in management, public relations, product branding and overseas marketing. Here’s his take on four questions from Business Line.

Two things that my education/training taught me:

Improved analysing and decision-making abilities.

Believe in social responsibilities.

Two things I learnt from my work/real life:
Success and failure have to be taken in the right spirit.

Broad vision coupled with strategic effort will yield results.

One quality I look for the most in a new recruit: The ability to take/see every opportunity as a commitment and challenge.

A book that I read recently:

The Argumentative Indian, by Amartya Sen.

New treatment for back and neck pain

New treatment for back and neck pain
PTI

KOCHI: A centre for the treatment of back and neck pain here has introduced a new 'painless treatment without surgery and spinal injection'.

Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Dr Sasikumar, Physical Medicine Consultant at the Kumar International Back Pain Centre said this treatment was expected to boost medical tourism as the cost here would be around one-fifth compared to western countries.

The modern medical treatment being introduced here is for the treatment of back ailments specially for people suffering from disc-related problems, he said adding "the uniqueness of this painless treatment is that it is done without surgery and spinal injection".

Latest advancements in physical medicine for the management of back and neck pain including IDD Therapay (USA), Electroceutical therapy (Germany), Class 4 laser (Italy) are combined with specific exercises and yoga and are brought under one roof for the first time in India, he said.

Former Medical Director of NMC Hospital, Dubai, Dr Sasikumar said this treatment has been 80 to 85 per cent effective in reducing pain from disc prolapse and spondylitis.

On the treatment, he said IDD machine distract precisely the affected disc thereby reducing the pressure and pain of nerves travelling to the arms and legs. Class 4 laser delivers energy and rejuvenates the damaged tissues and nerves.

While electroceutical tone signalling device that produces small pricking currents helps to relieve long standing pain due to blocking, he said.

He said plans are there to open similar non-surgical back and neck pain centres in other parts of Kerala, metro cities and also in Gulf countries.

Mind Speaks - Cartoon Corner

Talking boosts your memory

Talking boosts your memory

NEW YORK: A friend or a neighbour may help you stay sharp just as much as a daily crossword -- you only need to talk to him for ten minutes every day.

Researchers in the United States have carried out a study and found that spending ten minutes talking to another person helps improve the memory, the 'ScienceDaily' reported here on Friday.

"In our study, socialising was just as effective as more traditional kinds of mental exercise in boosting memory and intellectual performance,"lead researcher Oscar Ybarra at the University of Michigan was quoted as saying.

In fact, the researchers came to the conclusion after conducting a test on 76 college students, aged 18 to 21.

After controlling for a wide range of demographic variables, including age, education, race/ethnicity, gender, marital status and income, as well as for physical health and depression, the researchers looked at the connection between frequency of social contact and level of mental function on the mini-mental exam.

Each student was assigned to one of three groups. Those in the social interaction group engaged in a discussion of a social issue for 10 minutes before taking the tests.

Those in the intellectual activities group completed three tasks before taking the tests. These tasks included a reading comprehension exercise and a crossword puzzle.

Those in a control group watched a 10-minute clip of 'Seinfeld'. Then all participants completed two different tests of intellectual performance that measured their mental processing speed and working memory.

Ybarra said, "We found that short-term social interaction lasting for just 10 minutes boosted participants' intellectual performance as much as engaging in so-called 'intellectual' activities for the same amount of time.

The higher the level of participants' social interaction, researchers found, the better their cognitive functioning. This relationship was reliable for all age groups, from the youngest through the oldest.

"To our knowledge, this experiment represents the only causal evidence showing that social interaction directly affects memory and mental performance in a positive way."

The findings also suggest that social isolation may have a negative effect on intellectual abilities as well as emotional well-being. And for a society characterized by increasing levels of social isolation the effects could be far-reaching.

Breasts don't sag by breastfeeding

Breasts don't sag by breastfeeding

Breastfeeding won’t make a new mom’s breasts sag, but having more babies might, a new study indicates.

"A lot of times, if a woman comes in for a breast lift or a breast augmentation, she’ll say ‘I want to fix what breastfeeding did to my breasts’," University of Kentucky plastic surgeon Brian Rinker told Livescience. So he decided to study any possible connection. Rinker and his colleagues interviewed 132 women who came in for breast lifts or augmentation between 1998 and 2006. On average, the women were 39 years old, and 93% had experienced at least one pregnancy. Among the mothers, 58% had breastfed at least one of their children. The average duration of breastfeeding was nine months.

The researchers evaluated the study particpants’ medical history, body mass index, pre-pregnancy bra cup size and smoking status.

The results of the study, presented this week at a conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, showed no difference in the degree of breast ptosis (or sagging) between women who breastfed and those who didn’t. The main factors that did affect sagging were age, smoking status and the number of pregnancies.

Rinker noted that the smoking connection made sense because "smoking breaks down a protein in the skin called elastin, which gives youthful skin its elastic appearance and supports the breast".

Pregnancy also "has a very strong contribution to breast ptosis (sagging)", Rinker said. "In fact, our study showed that those negative effects increase with each pregnancy."

Rinker says this finding should alleviate the fears of new mothers over what nursing their child might do to their breasts in the long run and will encourage them to breastfeed because of the health benefits to their infant. "Women may be reluctant to breastfeed because of this unfounded myth that doing so means the end of youthful breasts," Rinker said. "Now, expectant mothers can relax knowing breastfeeding does not sacrifice the appearance of their breasts."

First 3 hours after stroke crucial

First 3 hours after stroke crucial

WASHINGTON: A new study has found that the first three hours at the start of a stroke are crucial for the treatment of the victim.

The study found that rhe damage caused by stroke can be reduced by giving tPA treatment, the only approved treatment for stroke caused by blood clots in the brain, to the patient. If given intravenously within the first three hours of the start of a stroke, or injected directly into the brain within six hours, tPA can break up clots and stop or slow the damage caused by strokes. The analysis showed that delay kept many patients away from receiving tPA.

"Efforts to speed up patients’ arrival at the hospital are absolutely crucial. We have very effective treatments; we just need to get patients to the hospital as fast as possible," said Lewis Morgenstern, professor of neurology, emergency medicine and neurosurgery at the U-M Medical School. Morgenstern added a person experiencing a stroke really needed to get to a hospital within two hours of the start of a stroke to have the best chance of receiving tPA.

Cause of rheumatoid arthritis found

Cause of rheumatoid arthritis found

LONDON: Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a gene variant which leads to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most inflammatory arthritis among common inflammatory arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects up to 1 percent of the adult population and is a chronic inflammatory disease that attacks almost all joints in the body, mainly the hands and feet.

The patients of this disease often undergo lung problems. In addition to this they are also prone to from cardiovascular disease and some cancers which can be fatal. With a very few god responses to the medication, most of the patients take the pain of life span disability.

According to Professor Jane Worthington and her team at the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) Epidemiology unit, there were 9 genetic regions known as potentially harbouring DNA variants that decide the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.

Even though the DNA variant is not located in a gene, scientists have recommended that it may control the behaviour of a nearby gene like the tumour necrosis factor associated protein (TNFAIP3) as it is a gene that is involved in inflammatory processes.

Till now only two other genes were known to explain 50 percent of genetically determined susceptibility. Now the Manchester researchers are working to understand how the variation within the chromosome 6q region influences the development of RA, the course of the disease and the response to treatment.

“This is a very exciting result; the validation of this association takes us one step closer to understanding the genetic risk factors behind what is a debilitating disease for sufferers and an expensive disease for the NHS,” Nature quoted Worthington, as saying.

“We are indebted to the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) for their longstanding support of this research and for recognising the importance of establishing large well characterized cohorts of RA patients.

“This study was made possible by the fantastic collaboration of scientists from five other groups around the UK who helped us to assemble an impressive cohort of over 5,000 samples from RA patients for this experiment. Their continued collaboration will be significant in ensuring the continued progress of this research,” she added.

Dr Anne Barton, a clinician on the team, said: “RA is a complex, heterogeneous disease with some people suffering inflammation of the hands and feet which comes and goes whilst others develop a progressive form which can quite rapidly result in marked disability. We believe the genetic marker we have found may determine who develops RA or how severe the disease becomes.”

The study is published in the latest issue of Nature Genetics .

Dandruff may soon be history

Dandruff may soon be history

LONDON: Scientists conducting a research for Proctor and Gamble have decoded the complete DNA of a natural fungus responsible for dandruff, a genetic breakthrough that may lead to the elimination of the problem of the flaky skin condition.

Dr Thomas Dawson, who led the five-year study, believes that his team's work may pave the way for more effective shampoos, lotions, and medicines to provide people respite from the problem of dandruff.

"We have been able to see how the fungus interacts with the skin, and that opens up all sorts of new targets for medication," the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.

According to the researchers, nearly all skin conditions are associated with yeast called Malassezia globosa, which lives on human skin.

They say that by feeding off natural oils in the skin, and by releasing a toxic by-product that can irritate the scalp, the fungus causes itchiness and clumps of dead skin that are noticeable on hair and clothes.

While medicated shampoos are available to deal with fungal infections, they are not 100 per cent reliable.

It was about five years ago that researchers found that Malassezia globosa was associated with the problem of dandruff. The genome for the dandruff yeast has just 4,285 genes written in nine million chemical 'letters' of DNA, tiny compared to that for humans.

During the study, the researchers grew ten litres of the yeast in a tank, froze it in liquid nitrogen before extracting its DNA, and then smashed it up into fragments.

The researchers read the DNA sequences of the pieces, and fed them into a powerful computer.

The results of the study have been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Frequent fliers run risk of blood clots

Frequent fliers run risk of blood clots

WASHINGTON: Researchers in The Netherlands have confirmed that business travellers who fly frequently are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening blood clots.

Life-threatening blood clots and flying have been linked for more than 50 years, but this is the first study to confirm this association.

"There is some evidence that the low air pressure in a plane affects the complex coagulation system of the blood," the International Herald Tribune quoted Frits Rosendaal of Leiden University Medical Center as saying.

A blood clot that forms within large, deep veins of the body, usually in the leg, is called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. If left untreated, part of the clot may break off and travel to the lungs, where it can cause a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition.

"We now know out of 4,500 people who fly, one will get a DVT within 8 weeks after travel. It's not really a huge amount," said another researcher Suzanne Cannegieter, but the risk increases with the duration of a flight and the number of flights in a short period.

The researchers tracked almost 9,000 employees of large international companies and organizations for four to five years.

Published in the online Journal PLoS Medicine, the study showed that obesity, extremes of height (shorter than 5'4" and taller than 6'4"), oral contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy and inherited blood clotting disorders could also increase the risk of life-threatening blood clots.

Rosendaal said that a combination of such factors might lead to a 20 to 50-fold increase in the risk.

Rob Donnelly, vice president of health for The Hague-based Royal Dutch Shell that participated in the study, said that the company had started to use a Web-based tracking system that helped identify employees who were at risk, allowing the company to take additional measures if necessary.

He revealed that the employees logged on to the company's intranet for training about risks, symptoms and preventive measurers for DVT and other diseases.

"This is a manageable risk for the vast majority of people," the International Herald Tribune quoted him as Donnelly as saying.

Rochelle Broome, corporate medical director of primary care for CHD Meridian Heathcare, suggests that employees resort to walking and frequent seat exercises so that their blood circulation may increase.

"You don't have to take a pill. There's no shot. It's easy," said Broome, who experienced several serious DVTs herself.

Keeping well hydrated by drinking a lot of water, limiting alcohol and coffee, and wearing loose-fitting clothing have been referred to as some of the common preventive measures in the report.

Breastfed babies have higher IQ

Breastfed babies have higher IQ

CHICAGO: Scientists have identified a gene which leads children to have higher IQs if they are breastfed, a study said.

The study, released on Monday, took a bite out of the nature versus nurture debate by showing that intellectual development is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors.

"There has been some criticism of earlier studies about breastfeeding and IQ that they didn't control for socioeconomic status, or the mother's IQ or other factors," said study co-author Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Duke University and King's College in London.

"Our findings take an end-run around those arguments by showing the physiological mechanism that accounts for the difference."

Researchers examined more than 3,000 breast-fed infants in Britain and New Zealand and found that the child's IQ was an average of 6.8 points higher if the child had a particular version of a gene called FADS2.

This difference remained after researchers were able to rule out the influence of socioeconomic status, the IQ scores of the mother, birth weight and gestational age as factors.

"The argument about intelligence has been about nature versus nurture for at least a century," Moffitt said. "We're finding that nature and nurture work together."

Ninety per cent of the children had at least one copy of version of the gene which yielded higher IQ if they were breast-fed.

Curry may help stave off cancers

Curry may help stave off cancers

WASHINGTON: Eating curry really may be good for your health, for a new study has found two new molecular analogues of curcumin, the yellowish component of turmeric that gives curry its flavour, which have powerful tumour suppressive properties that may help fight colorectal cancers.

The study was conducted on a mouse model by researchers from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, and will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Centennial Conference on Translational Cancer Medicine.

Research has associated curcumin with several distinct actions, including the suppression of genes that promote cell growth, and induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in colorectal cancer.

However, the downside is that natural curcumin has "low bioavailability" i.e. the molecule quickly loses its anti-cancer attributes when ingested.

With the aim of improving the therapeutic potential of curcumin lead researcher Hiroyuki Shibata, M.D, and his colleagues synthesized and tested 90 variations of the molecule’s structure.

They found that two variations, namely GO-Y030 and GO-Y031, proved to be more potent and bioavailable, than natural curcumin.

"Our new analogues have enhanced growth suppressive abilities against colorectal cancer cell lines, up to 30 times greater than natural curcumin," said Shibata, associate professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology at the Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer at Tohoku University.

On the study they conducted on mice with colorectal cancer, they found that when fed with the variations, the rodents fared better than those in a control group.

"In a mouse model for colorectal cancer, mice fed with five milligrams of GO-Y030 or GO-Y031 fared 42 and 51 percent better, respectively, than did mice in the control group."

Like curcumin, the researchers believe the new analogues have clinical potential that extends beyond colorectal cancer.

"In addition to colorectal cancer, the â catenin-degrading abilities of these molecules could apply to other forms of cancer, such as gastric cancer," said Shibata.

"Like curcumin, these analogues also down-regulate a number of gene products, such as NF-kappa B, ErbB2, K-ras, that are also implicated in breast, pancreas and lung cancers among other diseases.

"In addition to their chemopreventative abilities, these molecules might also form the basis of a potent chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with other modes of therapy."

The next step, the researchers state, is to further examine the drug delivery mechanisms, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of these analogues, before extending the research to clinical trials.

The study was funded by the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science and the Miyagi Health Service Association.

Breastfed babies have higher IQ

Breastfed babies have higher IQ
AFP news

CHICAGO: Scientists have identified a gene which leads children to have higher IQs if they are breastfed, a study said.

The study, released on Monday, took a bite out of the nature versus nurture debate by showing that intellectual development is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors.

"There has been some criticism of earlier studies about breastfeeding and IQ that they didn't control for socioeconomic status, or the mother's IQ or other factors," said study co-author Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Duke University and King's College in London.

"Our findings take an end-run around those arguments by showing the physiological mechanism that accounts for the difference."

Researchers examined more than 3,000 breast-fed infants in Britain and New Zealand and found that the child's IQ was an average of 6.8 points higher if the child had a particular version of a gene called FADS2.

This difference remained after researchers were able to rule out the influence of socioeconomic status, the IQ scores of the mother, birth weight and gestational age as factors.

"The argument about intelligence has been about nature versus nurture for at least a century," Moffitt said. "We're finding that nature and nurture work together."

Ninety per cent of the children had at least one copy of version of the gene which yielded higher IQ if they were breast-fed.

Floating best stress and pain buster

Floating best stress and pain buster
ANI news


WASHINGTON: A recent study has found that relaxing in large, sound –and –light proof tank with salt water-floating is an effective way of easing long-term stress-related pain.

The study was conducted at the Human Performance Laboratory at Karlstad University and was carried out in collaboration with the health authorities under the Varmland County Council.

It was authored by Sven-Ake Bood, who recently completed his doctorate in psychology, with a dissertation from Karlstad University in Sweden.

The research project took under four years for concluding and included 140 individuals, all with some form of diagnosis involving stress-related long-term pain.

The recent research also agrees with an earlier thesis that improved sleep patients feels more optimistic, and the content of the vitalizing hormone prolactin increases. Anxiety, stress, depression and perception of pain declines.

The research comprised four studies that involved the treatment of pain and stress-related disorders with the aid of a floating tank. A control group that was not treated in a floating tank experienced no improvement in their health. After a period of treatment lasting a total of seven weeks, 22 percent of the participants in the floating group were entirely free of pain, and 56 experienced a clear improvement. Nineteen percent felt no change and 3 percent felt worse. And the effect persists after the treatment is completed.

“Through relaxing in floating tanks, people with long-term fibromyalgia, for instance, or depression and anxiety felt substantially better after only twelve treatments. Relaxing in a weightless state in the silent, warm floating tank activates the body’s own system for recuperation and healing,” said Sven-Ake Bood.

“The stress hormone decreases, as does blood pressure. The findings confirm and reinforce our earlier studies on the effects of relaxing in a floating tank

“The treatment method can be used for several groups, such as people with whiplash injuries, fibromyalgia, depression, and long-term stress-related pain.

“We can also see that a combination of treatment in a floating tank and traditional therapy can be effective. We are now moving on in our research and will be monitoring blood circulation in the capillaries, the oxygen uptake of the blood, and how the body’s reflexes are affected," he added.

The study has been published in the prestigious American publication International Journal of Stress Management .

French health report smokes out shisha's deadly secret

French health report smokes out shisha's deadly secret

By Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS

Dubai: Efforts to ban shisha-smoking in public, included in the UAE draft anti-smoking law, have got a boost from a French report which found one shisha was equivalent to smoking 70 cigarettes.

The French anti-tobacco agency (OFT), citing a national laboratory report, said one session with shisha produced 70 litres of smoke, which had 27 to 102 times the carbon tar of a cigarette, and 15 to 52 times more carbon monoxide, depending on the type of shisha smoked.

Dr Wedad Al Maidoor, head of the Anti-Smoking Committee responsible for drafting the law, told Gulf News that the study confirmed their suspicions.

"It gives a boost to our efforts. We always knew that shisha was dangerous, but we did not know by how much," she said.

"Shisha is a very new field so there have been very few studies done on it," other than studies done in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, she added.

Claims rubbished

Shisha, deeply associated with Arabic culture, is popular in the UAE and a draw with tourists. Shisha cafe operators have protested the proposed ban, which will only allow shisha-smoking at home.

They said the ban would adversely affect their business, the tourism industry and the economy. The proposal drew a mixed response from the public.

Dr Wedad said pooh-poohed businesses' claims, saying the public shisha ban in Sharjah and GCC countries have shown no adverse impact on their economy. "Their economy is growing despite the ban. [In fact] we are behind them in implementing the ban," she said.

She said the committee was working on an in-depth study on the draft law, requested by the Cabinet, addressed the possible effects of the ban on businesses, tourism industry and economy.

It also addresses increasing taxes and displaying bigger warning signs on tobacco products, limiting advertisements of tobacco products and reducing exposure to tobacco smoke.

Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, cardiologist at Dubai Hospital, hoped the findings would finally nail the health myths surrounding shisha.

"People think it is less dangerous to smoke shisha, because the water is supposed to filter the smoke. But that's not true," she said.

Anti-smoking: Draft law nears ratification

The draft law is close to becoming law, with only one step left. It is currently at the Cabinet level, which has to endorse it before going to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for ratification.

"After that, the law will pass," said Dr. Wedad Al Maidoor, head of the Anti-Smoking Committee.

As a signatory to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), the UAE is required to pass legislation and implement the minimum requirements agreed upon to reduce access and limit exposure.

IGNOU professor selected for UKIERI award

IGNOU professor selected for UKIERI award
PTI News

NEW DELHI: A professor from IGNOU has been selected for the UK-India Education and Research Initiative award this year.

Prof P R Ramanujam, Director, Inter-university Consortium, of IGNOU will share the award with Professor Ulrika Zeshan of Central Lancashire University, UK, a release issued here said.

They will be awarded for their research paper -- Distance Education for Sign Language Users.

The award carries a cash prize of 50,000 Pound and other technical support for a period of three years, the release said.

Beat cancer with onions, garlic

Beat cancer with onions, garlic
PTI News
NEW YORK: Better load up on the breath mints - a new study has found that eating lots of onions and garlic may help prevent cancers.

International researchers have carried out a study and found that people whose diets are rich in onions, garlic, and other alliums have a lower risk of several types of cancer than those who avoid the pungent herbs, 'WebMD' reported.
According to lead researcher Carlotta Galeone of the Istituto di Ricerche Farmocologiche in Milan, "The health benefits of onions and garlic have been touted for centuries, but few studies have been able to prove the benefits.

"Onion and garlic consumption could simply be a marker for a healthier lifestyle and a diet high in a variety of potentially cancer-fighting herbs and vegetables."

In fact, in their study, the researchers used data from several Italian and Swiss cancer studies to look at the relationship between onions and garlic consumption and cancer at several body sites, including mouth, larynx, esophagus, colon, breast, ovary, and kidneys.

Overall, consumption of onions ranged from 0-14 portions per week among cancer patients and 0-22 portions per week among those without cancer. Garlic use was also lower among people with cancer, except for those with cancer of the breast, ovary, or prostate. The researchers found moderate consumption of onions appeared to reduce the risk of colorectal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers.

The protective effect was even greater among those who ate the most onions compared to those who ate the least. People who ate the most onions also had a lower risk of oral and esophageal cancers than those who ate the least.

Again, the anticancer effect increased with the more garlic they ate. People who ate the most garlic had a lower risk of all cancers except breast and prostate cancers, which are mainly associated with hormonal and reproductive issues, the researchers found.

New Taxis in Abu Dhabi - Main Features

300 new taxis to ease Abu Dhabi shortage

300 new taxis to ease Abu Dhabi shortage
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS

Abu Dhabi: Residents will not face a shortage of taxis anywhere in the emirate at any particular time as a high-tech monitoring system to ensure the availability of taxis everywhere will be introduced soon, a senior official said.

"If any passenger informs the call centre about the non-availability of taxis at any particular area, the system can despatch more taxis there," Khalid Saleh Al Rashedi, General Manager of Trans AD, which was previously known as Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars.

"A device installed in the cars, called 'MDT' developed by CERT technology will make it possible."

He spoke to Gulf News yesterday after launching new taxis at a ceremony at Emirates Palace Hotel auditorium.

About 300 sleek new silver taxis hit the city roads today. The basic fare will be raised from the current Dh2 to Dh2.6 for standard cars and Dh3 for premium cars (which will be clearly marked).

"The monitoring system and some other facilities like credit card payments will be introduced with the launch of a second batch of about 800 taxis at the end of December. We launched the taxis without such advanced facilities to solve the shortage of taxis in the city," he added.

Replying to a question he said an online system for the public to track their complaints against taxis will be considered. "Residents can register their complaints with the present system by calling 600535353 and we will surprise the public with immediate solutions," said Rashedi.

By the end of 2008, Trans AD, the single regulatory authority in the hire car sector, will replace the majority of existing taxis.

Seven companies have been authorised to run 7,147 taxis in the emirate out of which 70 per cent (about 5,005) will be in Abu Dhabi city, 29 per cent (about 2,072) in Al Ain and one per cent (70) in Western region," said Sultan Mohammad Al Shamisi, Director, Customer Services and Compliance Division.

The companies which successfully applied to run a taxi franchise operation are: Tawasul Transport; Arabia Taxi; Cars Taxi; Emirates Taxi; National Taxi; Q-Link Transport, and Al Ghazal Transport. They will be regulated by the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars, which today also announced its name change to Trans AD and revealed its new corporate logo.

Taxi drivers also benefit from the new scheme. All taxi drivers will now be registered as private company employees, with an agreed optimum wage and additional benefits.

It’s silver for Abu Dhabi!

It’s silver for Abu Dhabi!By M. A. Qudoos / KHALEEJ TIMES

ABU DHABI — Silver will be the iconic colour of Abu Dhabi from today.

The Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (Trans AD) yesterday unveiled the design of the new taxi fleet, signalling the dawn of a new era of modernisation in Abu Dhabi.

Over 300 of the sleek new silver taxis will commence operation today, with another 800 on the capital’s streets and in Al Ain city and western region by the year end.

By the end of 2008, the majority of the 7,000 vehicles would be on the roads.

Speaking at the official launch at the Emirates Palace, Khaled Saleh Al Rashedi, General Manager of Trans AD, said: “It is only right that Abu Dhabi, as a dynamically developing global hotspot, should have a taxi fleet to match. The new fleet will have high standards in passenger comfort, safety and style, and we are confident that they will be immediately popular with both residents and visitors.”

The minimum fare will be raised from the current minimum Dh2 to Dh 2.60 for standard cars, and Dh3 for premium cars which will be clearly marked.

The fare per additional kilometre will be 65 fils for standard and 75 fils for premium class cars.

Al Rashedi also revealed details of the new taxi scheme: “Today is the result of a lengthy consultation process with key government stakeholders, operating franchisees, licence-holders and the public.

“The new fleet will be run by selected private franchisees, which will encourage high standards and give customers more choice. We are communicating with existing national taxi licence owners to educate what this means for them and what financial compensation they are going to receive.”

The selected operators are: Tawasul Transport; Arabia Taxi; Cars Taxi; Emirates Taxi; National Taxi; Q-Link Transport, and Al Ghazal Transport.

They will be regulated by the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars, which also announced yesterday the change of its name to Trans AD and revealed its new corporate logo.

By the end of 2008, Trans AD will replace the majority of the existing public taxis.

The licence owners will be compensated on a monthly basis according to a scientifically endorsed rate.

Licence cancellation will only be applicable if the vehicle has been in operation for more than five years.

Taxi drivers also benefit from the new scheme, said Al Rashedi.

All taxi drivers will now be registered as private company employees, with an agreed optimum wage and additional benefits.

To qualify under the new scheme, drivers are required to hold a valid taxi driver permit upon successful completion of the certification process conducted by Emirates Driving Company which has been appointed by Trans AD.

To mark the historic occasion, a convoy of the new fleet paraded the city’s streets yesterday to showcase the emirate’s new icon.

A checklist for property buyers

A checklist for property buyers
LEGAL VIEW by K.K Sarachandra Bose / KHALEEJ TIMES

K.K Sarachandra Bose is a Partner/ Corporate, Commercial and Contract Lawyer at Dar Al Adalah Advocates and Legal Consultants. Readers may e-mail their questions to: ktedit@emirates.net.ae or send them to Khaleej Times, Dubai P.O Box 11243.

Q: I am writing from Shanghai, China. I have purchased two flats in Dubai from a developer by an agreement signed between the agent and me. The construction is still going on. The title deed of the flats has not yet been transferred to my name and my lawyer in Dubai informed me that it is taking time. Now I want to buy more flats in Dubai as an investment. Can you please advise how I should make payments and how safe it is as an investment?

A: In order to protect the payments made by purchasers of real estate properties in Dubai, the Government of Dubai has promulgated three important laws, which are applicable in the emirate — law No. 7/2006 which streamlines land registration; bylaw No. 85/2006 which regulates real estate brokers’ register; and law No. 8/2007 which governs trust accounts of real estate developments.

The land registration law is applicable to real estate properties situated in the emirate of Dubai. Foreigners may, subject to the approval of the ruler, be granted the rights to acquire absolute ownership of land without time restrictions in certain areas, and usufruct or leasehold of properties for a period not exceeding 99 years. Land means any plot of land and all that are located thereon such as buildings, plants etc.

As per the said law, all transactions that create, transfer, change or cancel rights over land shall be recorded in the Land Register and no transaction shall have any effect unless registered in the register.

As per the bylaw on real estate brokerage in Dubai, every person carrying on brokerage activities must be registered at the Electronic or Documentary Register of the Real Estate Brokers at the Land Department.

As per the law on trust accounts of real estate developments in Dubai, every developer selling units of the project is bound to open a trust account in the name of the property developer in a bank or financial institution approved by the Dubai Land Department and deposit the amounts paid by the buyers of the units or the financing parties.

In short, to buy a property in Dubai, the buyer should see whether the following three points have been adhered to:

(i) that the developer has registered in the developers’ registry at the Dubai Land Department — ask for the Developer’s Registration Number;

(ii) that the developer has opened a trust account with one of the approved financial institutions by the Land Department — issue all payments to the project’s trust account number; and

(iii) that the broker has registered in the brokers’ registry at the Dubai Land Department — ask for the broker’s ID card.

For the property that you have already purchased, you will have to follow up with the developer till such time the property is registered in your name at the Dubai Land Department. Your investments will be safe as per the laws if you follow the above guidelines. — Compiled by Ahmed Shaaban

Guardianship of children

Guardianship of children
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS

Dubai: The custody of a child is described as 'Hadana' in Arabic, which means holding the child close to one's heart by protecting, taking care of and offering education to the child.

The UAE Personal Affairs Law No 28, 2005 gives attention to child custody issues.

In the UAE, there are more than 200 nationalities of various ethnic backgrounds, many of whom are married and live with their children in the country.

If for any reason a couple wishes to end their marriage, they can approach any of the country's courts.

Permission from father

According to Article No. 50 of the Personal Affairs Law, if the expatriate parents are divorced and the children are in their mothers' custody, she is not allowed to take the children out of the country.

The law says that whatever the nationalities of father and mother, the children should live in the same country where the father is living.

However, if the father submits to the court a letter that he agrees and approves that his children can go and live outside the country with their mother, then she can travel with them.

According to article No.142, in case of a divorce, the guardianship or the custody of the children is handed to the mother if the child is very young.

The mother is also entitled to the custody of her infant child after separation from her husband. There are several conditions that needs to be met before a parent is given custody of the child. The custody of the child is given to a person who is an adult of sound mind, good character and has not been sentenced for any crime. The person should not suffer from infectious diseases or mental problems.

In the case of the mother, she should also not be married to a person who is a stranger to the child.

If any one of these conditions is not fulfilled and there is an obstruction, such as insanity or the mother having remarried, the woman has no right to custody.

If the woman is married, a sister of the woman is entitled to the custody of her child.

The law here sets the location of the child's custody at a place where the father lives.

However, there is no objection to the wife moving with the child from a village to the city if this is advantageous to the child.

If the mother of the child is dead, the custody passes to the maternal grandmother, but she cannot move the child to her own city. The guardianship of a minor for the management and preservation of his property involves the father first.

CRITERIA

Several conditions

* The law and Sharia gives women more rights in the custody of small children, as women know better how to raise small children and they are more patient in dealing with the difficulties involved.

The mother has more rights in the custody of her child, whether a boy or a girl, so long as she does not re-marry and so long as she meets the conditions of custody.

* In order for the mother to be able to take custody of her children, she should be of the same religion as her children.

* If the child is Muslim, the guardian must be a Muslim. The guardian has the right to keep the child's passport with him and it should be handed over to the person who will take care of the child.

* The woman's custody of a boy ends when he reaches seven or eight years, while the custody of a girl ends when she becomes a teenager.

* The man's custody of a boy continues until he becomes a teenager, and for a girl until she can safely be left alone and can be trusted to take care of herself.

* If no one can be found to take care of a child, the judge will decide who is suitable to take care of that child.

* If a boy or a girl passes the period of 'hadana', he or she has no option to be with one parent or the other, but must remain in the charge of the father.


* Expatriate mothers who has children from a previous marriage and comes to live in the UAE with their husband should submit at the Naturalisation and Residency Department a proof of child's custody and an approval from the father of the children that he agrees they will live here with their step father.

Sponsoring teenagers

Sponsoring teenagers
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS

Dubai: The residency laws of the UAE allows expatriate parents to sponsor their sons as long as they are less than 18 years old.

The laws are different for a daughter and the parents can sponsor her beyond 18 years of age. The parents can sponsor her if she is a divorcee or if she becomes a widow. Her residency visa will be valid for three years.

The situation is different if it is a son and if he reaches 18, the parents cannot sponsor him anymore.

The residency laws give the parents only one option in order to keep their 18-year-old son with them here.

According to the law the parents of the teenager can keep him here if he is studying at a local educational institution, a university or a college in the UAE.

The teenager can be sponsored either by the educational institution or by either one of the parents after submitting a document at the residency department that he is continuing his studies here in the UAE.

A deposit of Dh5,000 must be made at the naturalisation and residency department if he is studying in the UAE at an educational institution which is not an accredited institution or one which is not approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. There is no need for a deposit if the educational institution or the university where the son is studying is an accredited one.

Similarly, if the sponsored son who is less than 18 and is studying abroad, the parents must deposit Dh5,000, which is refundable, to retain the residency visa.

The residency visa for the 18-year-old son is valid only for one year and should be renewed every year. In order to obtain a residency visa the son should submit to the residency department a letter from the educational institution which states that he is studying there.

Mind Speaks - Cartoon Corner

On Sensex crossing 20000 points and doing well consistently

Mind Speaks - Cartoon Corner

Home loan: EMI and tenure

Home loan: EMI and tenure
4 Nov, 2007, 0511 hrs IST,Kavita Sriram, TNN

There was euphoria and expectation. Everyone hoped that the rates would come crashing down. Very much like how the rates peaked steadily with every Reserve Bank of India (RBI) move, the anticipation of a fall was huge. New borrowers were offered lower rates compared to existing borrowers. And Devansh was certainly unhappy and upset.

Three years ago, he procured a home loan of Rs 20 lakhs. The tenure of the loan was 10 years. The rate of interest was a humble eight percent. His monthly EMI outflow was a reasonable Rs 24,000. Today, the interest rate stands at a whopping 13 percent. This translates to a monthly outflow of Rs 30,000. Devansh contacted his bank to find out if any rate cut was being planned for existing borrowers and their answer was ambiguous.

The burden of unanticipated increase in monthly EMIs caught Devansh off guard. He had planned his monthly expenses and other financial commitments. Now, it had all gone for a toss. He had to rework on his finances, take stock of his assets and explore any changes to the structure of his home loan. The two most obvious options before Devansh are pay higher EMI or increase the tenure of the loan.

Some borrowers may feel more comfortable paying higher EMIs to the lender. This way, one does not need to prolong the loan period and bear the brunt of increased rates. Anxious borrowers are keen to repay their dues as soon as possible, as they fear defaulting in case the rates increase to an unaffordable level.

Paying off the home loan gives borrowers peace of mind. Perhaps, increasing the EMI is the best option in case further increases in interest rates is on the cards. This option is not for those who are already over-burdened with EMI repayments and cannot stretch their finances beyond this.

For those who are paying heavy EMIs, remember that in future, in case you need some more money from a lender, you may not be eligible for it. This is because the bank realises that your debt is heavy and bulk of your earnings is set aside for servicing your existing home loan.

Borrowers, who increase their monthly dues to the lender, agree to bear the increased cost of home loan immediately rather than postpone it to an indefinite future. Before increasing your EMI commitment, see if you can manage repayments with ease. A very tight lifestyle and a tight financial position can increase stress and make your life difficult.

If you anticipate a drop in rates in the future, increasing the tenure may not be a bad idea after all. On the contrary, if rates travel northwards borrowers who increase their tenure can end up shelling out more to the lender.

You can benefit from the strategy of increasing the tenure only if rates come down. Otherwise you'll be bound to an expensive financial commitment. Some banks do not allow borrowers to increase their loan tenure beyond a fixed period say 20 or 25 years.

Others see to it that the borrower repays the loan before he retires. Hence, his retirement age, will decide how much his tenure can be extended. Before taking any of these crucial financial decisions, borrowers must consult their financial advisors or professionals.

What's short-selling of shares?

What's short-selling of shares?
13 Sep, 2007, 0211 hrs IST, TNN

What is short-selling?
Short-selling, in the context of the stock market, is the practice where an investor sells shares that he does not own at the time of selling them. He sells them in the hope that the price of those shares will decline, and he will profit by buying back those shares at a lower price. In India, there is no prohibition on short-selling by retail investors. Institutional investors —domestic mutual funds and foreign institutional investors registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), banks and insurance companies — are prohibited from short-selling and are mandatorily required to settle on the basis of deliveries of securities owned and held by them.

How is short-selling beneficial?
Short-selling is considered an essential feature of the securities market not just for providing liquidity, but also for helping price corrections in over valued stocks. Supporters of short-selling claim its absence distort efficient price discovery, gives promoters the unfettered freedom to manipulate prices and favours manipulators than rational investors. Securities market regulators in most countries, and in particular, all developed securities markets, recognise short-selling as a legitimate investment activity. The International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has also reviewed short-selling and securities lending practices across markets and has recommended transparency of short-selling, rather than prohibit it.

Are there any drawbacks of short-selling?
Critics of short-selling feel selling, directly or indirectly, poses potential risks and can easily destabilise the market. They believe that short-selling can exacerbate declining trend in share prices, increase share price volatility, and force the price of individual stocks down to levels that might not otherwise be reached. They also argue that declining trend in the share prices of a company can even impact its fund raising capability and undermine the commercial confidence of the company. In a bear market in particular, short-selling can contribute to disorderly trading, give rise to heightened short-term price volatility and could be used in manipulative trading strategies.

Will institutional investors in India be allowed to short-sell securities?
Sebi is working on a proposal to introduce a stock borrowing and lending mechanism. This will allow institutional investors to short-sell by borrowing shares. Under this arrangement, an investor A, who feels that a certain stock is overpriced, borrows those shares for a charge from investor B, who is willing to lend those shares. Investor A then sells those shares in the market, hoping that the price declines so that he can buy cheap and return them to investor B.

What is the difference between covered short sales and naked short sales?
Covered short sales are those in which the seller arranges for the delivery of shares he has sold by borrowing them. Naked short sales are those in which the seller does not intend to provide for the delivery of shares he has sold. Most international securities market regulators have prohibited naked short-selling and require the client to have documentary evidence of borrowing/tie-up with lenders before executing the sale transaction. This is because naked short sales in huge quantities can destabilise the market.

How does the stock lending and borrowing mechanism function in other markets?
World over, securities lending and borrowing transactions are, by and large, over-the-counter (OTC) contractual obligations executed between lenders and borrowers. International securities market regulators do not directly regulate the lending and borrowing transactions. In many international markets, entities like custodians and depositories run the lending and borrowing scheme and have their own screens for meeting the demand and supply of securities from their clients.

( With inputs from the Sebi discussion paper on short-selling and stock lending )

Photo Speaks - Gone are the days

Once upon a time, public used to que in front of a public telephone - coin phone or card phone. Now, you cannot see even the machine there?! With everyone having own mobile connection, it's easy communication all the time.

If you notice something unusual, interesting and wish to be passed on to our readers, take a passing shot of it, and send it to me at team1dubai@gmail.com. Life is very interesting, if you look through the lenses of a Camera!!!!!

Have you been looking for a quite weekend? Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa is our choice for you.

Have you been working hard, the last 11 months? Then it's time to ask your HR/PR department to organise a special weekend.

Are you in a mood to write a story or create a work of art? Then it is time for you take your laptop or brush and hit the Emirates Road.

Do you feel exhausted from work and life?

For all the above, and more, I have a beautiful place for you to travel during this weekend. Straight down the Emirates Road, travel 35 odd kms through the dessert listening to the sound of sand and counting the numerous developments coming up and the radar cameras passing by. By the time you finish 6 or 7 of them, you will reach, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams & Spa Resort.



Voted the favorite weekend getaway hotel in the UAE, this is the place you should hit up on or tell your boss to reward you as for your performance. To rejuvenate and refresh in the quiteness of the dessert and the silent sounds of the dessert sands humming at night and listening for the birds to sing, which never happens for hours......

Emerging from the heart of the desert, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is an elegant desert resort in a traditional Arabic fort setting. Located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport (only on a Friday morning traffic!!!), the Resort features 115 rooms and suites appointed in traditional Gulf decor, complemented by the region's first authentic open-air Arabic desert restaurant, and a superb range of recreational facilities.

For those seeking a unique desert experience within easy reach of Dubai, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa presents the ideal destination.

Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Offers the ultimate in comfort and entertainment and your experience will be enhanced by history, splendour and magnificence.

Children's Activities:

Sinbad's Kids Club

The Sinbad's Kids Club offers a varied programme of activities for children aged between 2 and 12, under the supervision of very highly trained and qualified staff, from 8.00am to 8.00pm everyday.

* Activity room
* Indoor and outdoor playground
* Daily activity programmes - arts and crafts, nature trails, swimming games, theme days and more

In addition to Sinbad's Kids Club, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa also offers:

* Shaded children's pool attached to the main resort pool
* Children's menu in all restaurants
* Baby sitting service upon request (6 hours notice required)

A boutique store is located in the lobby and is open between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm daily.

* Souvenirs, books, newspapers and other amenities
* Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa branded merchandise
* Satori Spa products
* Prayer room
* Foreign currency exchange
* Concierge and Guest Relations
* Landscape with 1,200 palm trees
* Guest safety deposit boxes
* Daily shuttle bus to and from Dubai and Wild Wadi
* Wireless internet connection available in all our meeting rooms, lobby, pool area, Al Sarab Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Ya Hala Lounge and Al Forsan Restaurant

Satori Spa
Tel: +971 4 8326699
Email: JBASspa@jumeirah.com


A variety of leisure activities are available and subject to applicable tariff rates. Advance bookings are required:

* Archery
* 4x4 desert exploration
* Guided horse riding
* Bicycle rental
* Satori Spa
* Falconry
* Camel rides and safari
and much more...


For enquiries and more information, please contact our Leisure Reception:
Tel: +971 4 8326699

Email: JBASleisure@jumeirah.com

Do not hesitate, contact the following number and enjoy a great weekend. And of course, do not forget to send your fun time pictures to Team 1.

JUMEIRAH BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA PO Box 8168, Dubai, UAE TEL: +971 4 8326699 FAX: +971 4 8326698

It's just never ending road, dessert sand and quite serene thoughts. Do not miss it.....

MAGIC IN SELF CONFIDENCE

A Business executive was deep in debt and could not see any way out.

Creditors were closing in on him. Suppliers were demanding payment. He sat on the park bench, head in hands wondering if anything could save his company from bankruptcy.

Suddenly an old man appeared before him.

“I can see that something troubling you”. He said

After listening to the executive’s woes, the old man said, “ I believe I can help you”.

He asked the man his name, wrote out a cheque and pushed it into his hand saying, “take this money, meet me here exactly one year from today and you can pay me back at that time”.

Then he turned and disappeared as quickly as he had come.

The business executive saw in his hand a cheque for $ 500,000 signed by

John D. Rockefeller, then one of the richest men in the world!

“I can erase my money worries in an instant!” he realized. But instead, the executive decided to put the uncashed cheque in his safe knowing that it might give him the strength to work out a way to save his business, he thought.

With renewed optimism, he negotiated better deals, restructured his business and worked rigorously with full zeal and enthusiasm and completed several big deals. Within few months, he was out of debt and making money once again.

Exactly one year later he returned to the park with the uncashed cheque. At the agreed upon time, the old man appeared. But just as the executive was about to hand him back the cheque and share his success story, a nurse came running up and grabbed the old man.

“I’m so glad I caught him!” she cried.” I hope he hasn’t been bothering you. He’s always escaping from the rest home and telling people he’s John D Rockfeller” and she let the old man away by the arm.

The astonished executive just stood there, stunned. All year long he’d been wheeling and dealing buying and selling, convinced he had half a million dollars behind him.

Suddenly, he realized that it wasn’t the money, real or imagined that had turned his life around. It was his newfound self-confidence that gave him the power to achieve anything he went after.

How to de-stress

How to de-stress Tejaswi Rathore for BUSINESS TODAY

Stress is an integral part of today's corporate life. It can bog you down, and if left unattended, cause permanent physical and psychological damage. But it’s never too late to relax and rejuvenate… so let’s begin.

What is stress?
Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world. Common stress reactions include tension, irritability, inability to concentrate, and a variety of physical symptoms that include headache and a fast heartbeat.

What are the different types of stress?

Stress can broadly be divided into two categories: distress and eustress. The former is self-evident. Eustress has its roots in the Greek word eu, meaning good; thus, eustress is good stress and arises from positive events like marriage, promotions, windfall gains, birth of a child, etc. Thus, both negative and positive factors can lead to stress.

Some common stimuli are: pain, bright light, births, deaths, marriages, divorces, financial windfalls and losses, unemployment, conflict (at work, at home and socially), heavy drinking, lack of sleep, etc.

Is it a medical condition?

Yes. Stress is the disruption of homeostasis through physical or psychological stimuli… Hold your expression there… and check it in the mirror. What you see is a confused look, a frown and knitted brows… So much stress for not understanding an 11-word sentence. Shorn of medical jargon, it means, any physical or mental situation or activity that disrupts your peace of mind and leads to worry and stress.

What are the signs of stress?

Stress can cause both mental and physical symptoms. The effects of stress are different for different people.

The mental symptoms of stress include:

Tension
Irritability
Inability to concentrate
Feeling excessively tired
Trouble sleeping

The physical symptoms of stress include:

Dry mouth
A pounding heart
Difficulty in breathing
Upset stomach
Frequent urination
Sweating palms
Tight muscles that may cause pain and trembling

How does stress affect the body?

Under a stressful situation, the body prepares for either fight or flight. That is, either you will face the situation or look for an escape. Under sudden stress, you will get a burst of exceptional strength and endurance, as your body pumps out stress hormones:

Your heart rate speeds up
Blood flow to your brain and muscles increases by up to 400 per cent
Your digestion stops (so that your metabolism doesn’t use up energy that’s needed elsewhere)
Your muscle tension increases
You breathe faster, to bring more oxygen to your muscles

How does stress affect us adversely?

Stress can cause chronic fatigue, digestive upsets, headaches and back pain.

Stress can affect the blood cells that help you fight off infection, so you are more likely to get colds and other diseases.

Constant stress can increase blood pressure and can increase the risk for stroke.
Stress can increase the danger of heart attacks, particularly if you are often angry and mistrustful.

Stress can make an asthma attack worse.

Stress triggers behaviours that contribute to death and disability, such as smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse, and overeating.

Stress can lead to diminished sexual desire and an inability to achieve orgasm.

Stress makes it harder to take other steps to improve health, such as giving up smoking or making changes in diet.

How can you manage stress?

Fit in fitness every day: Getting regular physical activity helps you cope with stress. Give your stress to the pavement or the treadmill and let it go from your body. Staying active in winter elevates your mood and reduces stress.

Enjoy natural sunlight: Just going to the gym is not enough. You need to spend time in natural light and fresh air. About 15-20 minutes in the morning or evening is enough.

Indulge: Don't deprive yourself of the foods you love; this only leads to bingeing. Instead, plan to eat a small portion of the desired foods, eat it slowly, and savour every mouthful.

Relax: Give yourself 15 minutes each day of peace and quiet; reflect, meditate and unwind. Soaking in a hot bubble bath can help release your troubles into thin air. Breaking free from the family, a breath of fresh air, or escaping to a quiet room will energise and empower you.

Clear the office desk clutter: Keep your desk neat. Don't pile up paper and files; that will only make you irritable and stressed. Keep pictures of good times with friends and family on your desk. This will help you de-stress.

Take note of your water intake: A lot has been said about how you should drink water and all, but water does remain the elixir of life and helps you stay happy and cool.

Spend time with family: This does not mean that you have to go on a picnic or vacation. But just cook with your better half or help your child with his home work, believe us, these things work.

Check that ring tone: If the ring tone makes you jump out of your skin, change it NOW. Your ring tone should be soothing, that makes you reach for your phone, not lunge at it.

Dance your way out of stress: If your life is ruled by an overactive brain, dance could be the perfect way to de-stress and relax. If you're switched on 24/7 and often find yourself feeling stressed, try dancing.it will use up your excess energy, help you to relax and leave you happier and calmer than before.

Take a vacation: If none of the above works, then we suggest, take a nice vacation!

How to de-stress now?

Deadlines swishing past you... colleagues not delivering... boss behaving impossibly... stress, stress and more stress. Take these quick steps to de-stress at work.

Take a deep breath.

Relax your tongue.

Take one minute vacations. Mentally visit places where you find peace.

Picture yourself there soaking up the beauty and solitude.

Just exit the situation that is leading to all the stress.

Discuss the problem that's stressing you out with your team and your boss.

Can different colours help you de-stress?

Remember when, as a child, opening a new box of crayons or dipping your brush in a cup of water made you feel inventive and alive with possibility and choice. You could break free of pre-existing lines, combine colours, elongate familiar shapes or create surprising curves. We, as adults, have forgotten about colour, opting for basic black or the safe monochromatic look.

Colour has a powerful sensory appeal. Change your colours periodically to open yourself up to other people as well as your own disposition and energy levels. Here are some colours and what they might mean to you:

Orange is the colour of cheerfulness
Red is bold and energetic
Blue is calming and soothing
Yellow is intellectually stimulating
Green is healing
Brown is earthy
Silver is spiritual

How can you use colour to de-stress?

Try this quick colour centering exercise in the morning or whenever you need to regain your balance and empower yourself. Imagine that the centre of your forehead is deep blue. This is where your creativity and inspiration reside. Next, your heart, no matter what you have done in life, is pure white. Your belly is golden, because you are a confident, golden child. Now align the three colours in a straight vertical line, like a traffic light: blue, white and gold. Practise this for a few days and you will see how this little exercise “lifts” you up.

ICICI fined Rs 50 lakh for employing goons

ICICI fined Rs 50 lakh for employing goons
PTI News

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Consumer Commission fined ICICI bank a whopping fine of Rs 50 lakh for employing "goons" to recover loan and deplored the practice of the banks intimidating consumers to pay the installments.

In the significant judgement, the Commission deprecated the "audacity and impunity" with which the banks have been effecting forcible possession of vehicles and ordered ICICI also to pay Rs 5 lakh to a consumer, who was mercilessly beaten by the recovery agents while they snatched a loaned car from him.

"No civilised society governed by rule of law can brook such kind of conduct," the Commission's President Justice J D Kapoor said, adding the violent methods adopted by the recovery agents were serious violation of "human rights".

Holding the ICICI Bank guilty of "unfair trade practice," the Commission termed such miscreants as "yahoos" and said they are boorish and a brutal lout, who care a fig for legal and judicial authorities, including the Supreme Court.

While taking to task the leading bank, it vented its anger on ICICI for flouting the apex court's direction that restrained all the financial institutions from employing musclemen to recover a loan amount or possession of a vehicle.

The Commission, also comprising Member Rumnita Mittal, issued notices to the Collection Manager of ICICI and the CEO of the recovery agency, seeking their explanations over blatant violation of the direction of the highest court of the nation.

Its strong worded order came recently while hearing a complaint by Tapan Bose, whose loaned car was taken away by some recovery agents after beating up his friend's son with iron rods on January eight, leading to serious injuries on his skull and other parts of the body.