Yes, so Chimps are our ancestors!
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Monkeys performed about as well as college students at mental addition, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a finding that suggests nonverbal math skills are not unique to humans.
The research from Duke University follows the finding by Japanese researchers earlier this month that young chimpanzees performed better than human adults at a memory game.
Further link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071218/sc_nm/chimps_math_dc
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Proffessional education and foreign Universities
End This Licence Raj
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) must be patting itself on the back for a job well done, with the Delhi High Court upholding its order to stop the Indian operations of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute of the US. But the AICTE would do well to spare a thought for the 10,500 students who are enrolled for the CFA course, which costs almost Rs 1 lakh over three years and is considered to be a premier qualification for those who want to become fund managers or equity researchers. Some of these students may well have the means to appear for the CFA exams abroad, but should the AICTE impose such high costs on those who merely seek a quality education?
The longer-term question is the larger one: should the licence raj be allowed to continue in professional education, at a time when the pervasive shortage of qualified people and the lack of quality institutions to provide professional education have reached crisis point? The AICTE’s case for being the controller of quality in the field of professional education is tenuous because of its track record; the plain fact is that it has not covered itself in glory in this regard and is widely perceived to have neither the expertise nor the wherewithal to ensure the quality of professional education in the country, in the numbers required. If proof were needed for this assertion, one has to merely look at the quality of education churned out by a majority of the professional institutes which have been duly approved by the council.
<http://www.business-Standard.com/economy/storypage.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=307616&tab=r>
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) must be patting itself on the back for a job well done, with the Delhi High Court upholding its order to stop the Indian operations of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute of the US. But the AICTE would do well to spare a thought for the 10,500 students who are enrolled for the CFA course, which costs almost Rs 1 lakh over three years and is considered to be a premier qualification for those who want to become fund managers or equity researchers. Some of these students may well have the means to appear for the CFA exams abroad, but should the AICTE impose such high costs on those who merely seek a quality education?
The longer-term question is the larger one: should the licence raj be allowed to continue in professional education, at a time when the pervasive shortage of qualified people and the lack of quality institutions to provide professional education have reached crisis point? The AICTE’s case for being the controller of quality in the field of professional education is tenuous because of its track record; the plain fact is that it has not covered itself in glory in this regard and is widely perceived to have neither the expertise nor the wherewithal to ensure the quality of professional education in the country, in the numbers required. If proof were needed for this assertion, one has to merely look at the quality of education churned out by a majority of the professional institutes which have been duly approved by the council.
<http://www.business-Standard.com/economy/storypage.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=307616&tab=r>
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Devlopment of Gujarat state
Gujarat : A holistic growth storyBuilding a success storyThe way forwardThe success story of Gujarat stands out amongst the Indian states as one of the most dynamic growth stories . This was evident during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit , where the State attracted nearly USD 100 billion investments in January 2007. This figure is more than what China attracts as FDI in a year!Gujarat 's State GDP has grown by 12 percent in real terms in the last 12 years.This State is one of the key drivers of India's growth, where GDP is growing at a However, the State needs to benchmark itself with the best in the world – Dubai,Singapore , China – and not become complacent by doing better than other Indian states. Gujarat, therefore, should consider such growth accelerators that will enable it to draw the best in class and bring about a paradigm shift in the State. This needs to be fleshed out further to facilitate growth and become the economic driving force for India .Clearly for India to grow at 10 percent, Gujarat needs to grow at 15 percent. This discussion note put forward by KPMG and CII identifies focus areas and an approach to make Gujarat 2015 vision a 'reality'.ForewardGujarat continues to occupy a distinctive position in the Indian economy. With 5 Percent of the country's population and 6 percent of the country's geographical area , Gujarat contributes to about 16 percent of industrial production in India. The State has witnessed an annual average growth of 9 percent in the last three Years.(GDP is estimated at USD 38.4 billion) and an average industrial growth of15 percent for the same period. However, these macroeconomic statistics look much more impressive on a closer look at the industrial landscape of the State.Accounting for 16 percent of the industrial production of India, Gujarat has demonstrated leadership in many areas of manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Almost 50 percent of the country's refined petroleum products and 45 percent of the drugs and pharmaceuticals is from Gujarat. The State's exports stand at 14 percent of India's total exports, exhibiting a strong global orientation of the industrial structure.The above indicators are a result of robust foundation of Gujarat's economy. At a broad level the following four components have been primarily responsible for the economic vibrancy of the State:Investment: Traditionally, Gujarat has been able to attract significantly highest levels of investments, including Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in India. In 2006, over INR 229,928 crore worth of investments were made across 8,126 sectors. In the last five years, Gujarat has attracted highest investment among all states in India and is worth INR 1,82,998 crore. The fixed capital investment of the State stands at USD 18 billion, accounting for 18 percent of the fixed investment of India. This impressive investment focus has been a prime driver for Gujarat to generate and sustain accelerated economic growth.Demographic: The people of Gujarat are globally recognized as highly entrepreneurial and industrious . The risk taking ability, along with the mature level of commercial knowledge, has made the State the fountainhead of a new enterprise. The labour force in Gujarat is reasonably skilled in areas such as diamonds, chemicals, petrochemicals and pharma sectors. The cost of labour is also competitive in Gujarat, which along with the impressive infrastructure adds to the overall productivity of the State. Gujarat is one of the most urbanizedstates in the country with nearly 40 percent of population residing in urban areas. This has had a positive influence on the growth of industry in the State.Manufacturing: The share of manufacturing sector in the GDP of Gujarat is nearly 40 percent, compared to 42 percent coming of the services sector. This is substantially different from the trend witnessed at an all India level, where the industry constitutes not more than 30 percent and the services sector contributes nearly 56 percent of the GDP. Over a period of time, Gujarat has successfully diversified its industrial base. At present, Gujarat has a production share of over 34 percent in petroleum products and 27 percent in chemicals and pharma in India. In engineering industries it stands at 9.3 percent, food and processing at 8.7 percent, textiles & apparel at 6.9 percent. In the gems & jewellery sector, Gujarat accounts for 80 percent of the processed diamonds and 90 percent of diamond exports from India. These statistics clearly indicate that manufacturing plays a critical role in generating economic growth and development. Moreover, the diversity and concentration (in the form of clusters)of various manufacturing sectors has given this sector a unique vibrancy in the State's economy and policy. It is proposed to make Gujarat the best in the world by 2015.Those who are interested further may see this link,
http://www.in.kpmg.com/pdf/Gujarat.pdf
Devlopment of Gujarat state
Gujarat : A holistic growth storyBuilding a success storyThe way forwardThe success story of Gujarat stands out amongst the Indian states as one of the most dynamic growth stories . This was evident during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit , where the State attracted nearly USD 100 billion investments in January 2007. This figure is more than what China attracts as FDI in a year!Gujarat 's State GDP has grown by 12 percent in real terms in the last 12 years.This State is one of the key drivers of India's growth, where GDP is growing at a However, the State needs to benchmark itself with the best in the world – Dubai,Singapore , China – and not become complacent by doing better than other Indian states. Gujarat, therefore, should consider such growth accelerators that will enable it to draw the best in class and bring about a paradigm shift in the State. This needs to be fleshed out further to facilitate growth and become the economic driving force for India .Clearly for India to grow at 10 percent, Gujarat needs to grow at 15 percent. This discussion note put forward by KPMG and CII identifies focus areas and an approach to make Gujarat 2015 vision a 'reality'.ForewardGujarat continues to occupy a distinctive position in the Indian economy. With 5 Percent of the country's population and 6 percent of the country's geographical area , Gujarat contributes to about 16 percent of industrial production in India. The State has witnessed an annual average growth of 9 percent in the last three Years.(GDP is estimated at USD 38.4 billion) and an average industrial growth of15 percent for the same period. However, these macroeconomic statistics look much more impressive on a closer look at the industrial landscape of the State.Accounting for 16 percent of the industrial production of India, Gujarat has demonstrated leadership in many areas of manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Almost 50 percent of the country's refined petroleum products and 45 percent of the drugs and pharmaceuticals is from Gujarat. The State's exports stand at 14 percent of India's total exports, exhibiting a strong global orientation of the industrial structure.The above indicators are a result of robust foundation of Gujarat's economy. At a broad level the following four components have been primarily responsible for the economic vibrancy of the State:Investment: Traditionally, Gujarat has been able to attract significantly highest levels of investments, including Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in India. In 2006, over INR 229,928 crore worth of investments were made across 8,126 sectors. In the last five years, Gujarat has attracted highest investment among all states in India and is worth INR 1,82,998 crore. The fixed capital investment of the State stands at USD 18 billion, accounting for 18 percent of the fixed investment of India. This impressive investment focus has been a prime driver for Gujarat to generate and sustain accelerated economic growth.Demographic: The people of Gujarat are globally recognized as highly entrepreneurial and industrious . The risk taking ability, along with the mature level of commercial knowledge, has made the State the fountainhead of a new enterprise. The labour force in Gujarat is reasonably skilled in areas such as diamonds, chemicals, petrochemicals and pharma sectors. The cost of labour is also competitive in Gujarat, which along with the impressive infrastructure adds to the overall productivity of the State. Gujarat is one of the most urbanizedstates in the country with nearly 40 percent of population residing in urban areas. This has had a positive influence on the growth of industry in the State.Manufacturing: The share of manufacturing sector in the GDP of Gujarat is nearly 40 percent, compared to 42 percent coming of the services sector. This is substantially different from the trend witnessed at an all India level, where the industry constitutes not more than 30 percent and the services sector contributes nearly 56 percent of the GDP. Over a period of time, Gujarat has successfully diversified its industrial base. At present, Gujarat has a production share of over 34 percent in petroleum products and 27 percent in chemicals and pharma in India. In engineering industries it stands at 9.3 percent, food and processing at 8.7 percent, textiles & apparel at 6.9 percent. In the gems & jewellery sector, Gujarat accounts for 80 percent of the processed diamonds and 90 percent of diamond exports from India. These statistics clearly indicate that manufacturing plays a critical role in generating economic growth and development. Moreover, the diversity and concentration (in the form of clusters)of various manufacturing sectors has given this sector a unique vibrancy in the State's economy and policy. It is proposed to make Gujarat the best in the world by 2015.Those who are interested further may see this link,
http://www.in.kpmg.com/pdf/Gujarat.pdf
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Effects of cold water
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
micowhichicle.blogspot.com/
Friday, November 30, 2007
Nano Technology
A LITTLE RISKY BUSINESSNov 22nd 2007The unusual properties of tiny particles contain huge promise. Butnobody knows how safe they are. And too few people are trying to findoutWAVING a packet of carbon nanotubes accusingly at the assembledAmerican politicians during a hearing last month in Congress, AndrewMaynard was determined to make a point. The nanotechnology expert atthe Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington, DC,had bought the tiny tubes on the internet. They had arrived in the postalong with a safety sheet describing them as graphite and thusrequiring no special precautions beyond those needed for a nuisancedust.
http://www.economist.com/subscriptions/offer.cfm?campaign=168
http://www.economist.com/subscriptions/offer.cfm?campaign=168
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Art escalating
Quick fix
Nov 10th 2007From Economist.com
Laughing all the way to the Banksy
THE phenomenon of Banksy, an English graffiti artist, seems to have got out of hand. Banksy, who trades heavily on his anonymity, began drawing on walls alongside streets in north London and Bristol, his hometown.
But his stencils—often of rats making mordant political jokes—have come in from the cold streets to the prosperous warmth of London galleries and auction houses. Record prices for Banksies have been repeatedly set and exceeded over the past nine months.
The rush began in February, when Sotheby's sold seven of Banksy's works in oil, enamel, acrylic and spray-paint. Bonhams took up the baton, and set the pace in April, selling Banksy's "Space Girl and Bird" for £288,000. This autumn, Bonhams has auctioned another 11 Banksies, and Bloomsbury no fewer than 21.
to me
Nov 10th 2007From Economist.com
Laughing all the way to the Banksy
THE phenomenon of Banksy, an English graffiti artist, seems to have got out of hand. Banksy, who trades heavily on his anonymity, began drawing on walls alongside streets in north London and Bristol, his hometown.
But his stencils—often of rats making mordant political jokes—have come in from the cold streets to the prosperous warmth of London galleries and auction houses. Record prices for Banksies have been repeatedly set and exceeded over the past nine months.
The rush began in February, when Sotheby's sold seven of Banksy's works in oil, enamel, acrylic and spray-paint. Bonhams took up the baton, and set the pace in April, selling Banksy's "Space Girl and Bird" for £288,000. This autumn, Bonhams has auctioned another 11 Banksies, and Bloomsbury no fewer than 21.
to me
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Best Way To Learn A Foreign Language
I have never quite understood how to learn a foreign language. It is a shame too. Learning a foreign language is pretty necessary in this day and age. If you learn foreign language, it makes you more employable in a variety of areas, as well as enhancing your cultural experience. Say what you want about modern translations, but until you learn foreign languages you never get to experience the beauty of foreign writers. Nevertheless, I have only managed to learn a foreign language once, and it was so difficult for me that I doubt I will ever try it again. It was just too much work!
To read the complete article, visit http://www.articlecity.com/articles/education/article_1380.shtml
To read the complete article, visit http://www.articlecity.com/articles/education/article_1380.shtml
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