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Letters to the editor
Let us forget the differences
and save humanity first
Thanks for such a comprehensive
coverage of the burning issue like
Terrorism from its origin to the
repercussions till now and in the
future. The article was evocative
enough to make us understand the
enormity of the issue. Humanity is at
stake. The entire world should have a
consensus in order to fight this
menace, otherwise it would engulf
every aspect of civilization. The issue
gave good coverage to the iconic
brands like Bank of America and
Volkswagen. Prep talk always comes
with the best compiling which is very
helpful for the entire student
community and voracious readers.
– Rajiv Sharma, Indore
Indomitable fighter
The profile of Oprah Winfrey
came as a story of an indomitable
fighter who scaled heights in her
career despite severe odds. Her
unique style of conversation also
makes her a class apart as a media
personality. In spite of her haunting
childhood replete with murky
incidents, she was not deterred and
stood firmly and faced everything
confidently. What makes her journey
even more worthy of paying attention
is from squalor to super stardom,
from being attention-deprived to the
most-sought after celebrity, from
extreme penury to extreme affluence.
Success has not turned her head and
her demeanor is very pleasing and
heart-warming. They story of an
African- American woman tells us that
Talent is not the prerogative of whiteskinned
people and justifies the adage
“No fate but what we make”.
– Deepak Kumar, Bhopal
Worth reading
Reading is the primary building
block of all learning. It tremendously
helps in broadening one's horizon. The
account of Henry Ford, the legend,
rarest insights of brands and important
facts regarding agriculture, fed my
intellectual curiosity. The cover story on
Terrorism was very informative and full
of great inputs. The wonderful articles
on other personalities were also worth
reading.
– Ranjeet Singh, Chandigarh
Substantial GK for satiating
students' craving for rich data
Facts and figures speak for
themselves. It brings believability,
clarity and strength in one's
statements. Quotation of facts and
figures while speaking about a subject
makes the content rich and leaves
behind cogent impression and
powerful impact. The wonderful
insights covered in Business trivia,
Agriculture in India, General
Knowledge section and important
information about Brands truly enrich
PrepTalk. It is not only helpful from
the exam point of view but GD-PIs as
well.
– Mahesh Pathak, Jaipur
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02 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Take Quote
Dear Readers,
Currently, everyone is expressing grief over the utter predicament we find
ourselves entangled in. Public resentment and chronic indignation is out on the
streets, which were suppressed for years. Our “so-called” kings need to answer the
long-pending unanswered and unheard questions. It is not their exclusive right to
treat the Junta like animals, get away easily with snooty noses up in the air and
subsequently snigger in their faces and sup with all the inner circle devils.
The painter forgotten, the real hero Anna Hazare and the vicious world of UPA
–these are innumerable mind-boggling questions for you to ponder over.
Will we be permanently considered intolerant, bigot, racist and non-secular
after all this?
Will we be able to really assert that ours will be the biggest economy in the world
by 2050?
How India will be viewed globally now?
“They say being undemocratic is the biggest threat for China” as it will hinder
it from growing, introspecting and improving.
India is touted as the largest democracy in the world. But with the interminable
corruption trampling the very foundation of democracy and our PM giving a tacit
approval to the brazen deeds of degraded politicians does not make us feel proud
and brand ourselves democratic.
This issue also covers ample information for your financial queries. We hope
you will find it very usable and empowering. Let these fruits from the lush land of
PT whet your intellectual appetite.
Every subject-matter becomes student-friendly and absorbing if supplied
with visual images. Pictorial illustrations always help students to capture the
essence of topics covered because we believe in the artistic implementation of
knowledge.
Martin Luther King once remarked: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice
everywhere”
We can aptly conclude that without justice, words like freedom and democracy
remain a far-fetched dream.
Herbert Spencer rightly said: “No one can be perfectly free till all are free.”
All the best!
Manish Saraf
COO, PT education
“Many of life's failures are people
who did not realize how close they
were to success when they gave
up.”
– Thomas Edison
“I know God will not give me
anything I can't handle. I just wish
that He didn't trust me so much.”
–Mother Teresa
“If you knew how much work went
into it, you wouldn't call it genius.”
–Michelangelo
“If we did the things we are capable
of, we would astound ourselves.”
–Thomas Edison
“All our dreams can come true - if
we have the courage to pursue
them.”
–Walt Disney
“Be who you are and say what you
feel, because those who mind don't
matter and those who matter don't
mind.”
–Dr. Seuss
“Success is never final. Failure is
never fatal. It is courage that
counts.”
–Winston Churchill
“If you have built castles in the air,
your work need not be lost; that is
where they should be. Now put the
foundations under them.”
–Henry David Thoreau
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 03

Contents
Simplifying knowledge dissemination
Managing Editor
Sandeep Manudhane
Manisha Manudhane
Executive Editor
Manish Saraf
Editorial Correspondents
Vinay Goyal
Correspondents
Tarin Mehta
Nimesh Upadhyay
Marketing and Sales :
Manish Saraf - 97555-99509
Volume 9. Edition 11. May 2011
Editorial Office
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“ To be a world class training and education organisation
shaping careers through innovative products and
services & the use of human technologies. ”
Major news story:
The eccentric legend leaves the world.... .......................... 05
Cover story:
UPA: Undemocratic Perverted Attack ................................ 09
Current events
India ........................................................................................ 12
World ...................................................................................... 15
Business and economy.......................................................... 16
News in brief ......................................................................... 17
PT Panorama
Let us unravel the financial enigma..................................... 20
Poetry..................................................................................... 35
Profiles
Rupert Murdoch .................................................................... 19
W. Edwards Deming: QualityGuru...................................... 32
General Knowledge
Important years observed by UNO ..................................... 14
Highest, longest, biggest, largest,
deepest, smallest of the world ............................................. 36
Important inventions ............................................................ 43
World Top 10 - Tourist Destination ................................... 48
First in the world ................................................................. 58
Regulars
Photo quiz ............................................................................. 26
Guest room ............................................................................ 30
Subject-Specific Words ........................................................ 38
Give me a one-word substitution ........................................ 44
Rock climbing ...................................................................... 46
Flag quiz ............................................................................... 49
Word Power ............................................................................ 51
Health and fitness ................................................................ 53
Brand icon: Nestle ................................................................ 55
Voice and accent ................................................................... 60
Bhagwad Gita: a brief introduction ..................................... 62
Movie review: I, Robot .......................................................... 63
Book review: Faith in Conservation .................................... 64

The eccentric legend
leaves the world .....
Major news story
Bidding the world goodbye, the veteran artist M. F.
Hussain, popularly regarded as “Picasso of India”, died
in self-imposed exile, with his unfulfilled desires.
The death aroused mixed reactions across the
world, as his identity was sandwiched between abiding
fame and raging controversy, coupled with wrath for his
creations.
His journey from a billboard painter to an
internationally renowned artist has been an absolute
roller-coaster ride.
Born in Pandharpur in Maharashtra on September
17, 1915, Husain belonged to a lower-middle class
Muslim family.
After the early death of his mother M F Husain’s
father, Fida Husain, remarried and moved to Indore.
His early education took place in Indore. At an early
age, he learnt the art of calligraphy and practiced the Kulfic
Khat, with its geometric forms. He also learnt to write poetry
while staying with an uncle in a madrasa in Baroda, an art that
has stayed with him through his life. His early education was
perfunctory by his love of drawing, which was evident even at
this stage. Whenever he got a chance, he would strap his painting
gear to his bicycle and drive out to the surrounding countryside
of Indore to paint the landscape.
At the age of 20, Husain moved to Mumbai. There he was
admitted to the J. J. School of Arts.
The real life expedition began. Not a single penny in the
pocket but oodles of boundless energy and passion were his
companions throughout.
He started painting cinema hoardings. He used to paint
hoardings tirelessly in a scorching heat of Mumbai and charged
very cheap for the same.
THE DECISIVE AND REVOLUTIONARY TURNS OF HIS LIFE
In 1947, his first exhibition was conducted at the Bombay Art
Society, where his painting Sunhera Sansaar was shown. His
paintings sold like hot cakes.
In 1947, he became a leading member of Progressive Artists’
Group in 1947, formed by another well-known Indian artist,
Frances Newton Souza. This was a progressive group, where the
artists tried to go away from the old Indian tradition of painting,
mainly influenced by the Bengal School of Painting. It gave a
platform to modern Indian art.
Miraculous acumen, abundant talent and penetrating eye
were the inherent traits of his personality. He used to draw
inspiration from mythological stories, Mathura and Khajuraho.
Well-ingrained Indianism made his paintings different from his
contemporaries. He was always ahead of market dynamics. He
never chased market. Instead, the market chased him.
A great deal of experimentation in the early years led to some
remarkable works like Between The Spider And The Lamp,
Zameen and Man.
By 1955, he was one of the leading artists in India
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 05

With his bizarre and one-of-its-kind imaginative eye, he
ventured in to film direction and photography.
Along with several solo exhibitions, he had major
retrospectives in Mumbai in 1969, in Calcutta in 1973 and in
Delhi in 1978. He participated in many international shows,
which include Contemporary Indian Art, Royal Academy of Arts,
London 1982; Six Indian Painters, Tate Gallery, London 1985;
Modem Indian Painting, Hirschhom Museum, Washington
1986 and Contemporary Indian Art, Grey Art Gallery, New York
1986
In 1967, he made his first film, Through the Eyes of a Painter.
It was shown at the Berlin Festival and won a Golden Bear at the
International Film Festival.
His penchant and passion for films was pretty well-known.
His most-talked about and popular film was Gajagamini
(2000) featuring Madhuri in a lead role.
In 2004, he made Meenakshi a tale of three cities, featuring
Tabu in the lead role. The movie was partly autobiographical.
Madhuri Dixit was his major inspiration behind his great
works of art or making of a film.
In 1971, M.F. Husain was a special invitee along with Pablo
Picasso at the Sao Paulo Biennial.
He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1973 and Padma
Vibhushan in 1989.
He was nominated in Upper house of Parliament in India in
1986, where he served for one term of six years. The government
of India awarded him for being one of the outstanding artists by
giving him the prestigious award known as Padma Shree.
One of the most charismatic artists in India, he was known
for his emphatic understanding of the human situation and his
speedy evocation of it in paint. The early evolution of his painting
language was overtaken by adventurous forays into installations
and performance art. His experimentations with new forms of
art are both unexpected and pioneering.
Husain’s art is not mere art but is influential, thoughtstimulating
and intense as journalism.
Some among the art critics and contemporaries condemned
his works but he was unbeatable in his era.
THE INTERMINABLE FURORE
His paintings on goddesses Durga and Saraswati invited the
wrath of Hindu groups which
attacked his house in 1998 and
vandalised his art works.
In February 2006, Husain
was charged with hurting is the
sentiments of people because
of his nude portraits of Hindu
gods and goddesses.
In the wake of legal
challenges and death threats in
his home country, Husain had
been living abroad in selfimposed
exile since 2006.
It is true that the government did very little to support him. It
is also very unfortunate that the RSS and VHP are not capable of
having an adult conversation about anything and have resorted to
vandalism.
But M. F. Hussain should share some of the blame too for
what happened.
Although according to Husain, “When I paint a nude lady, the
nudity is not a symbol of nakedness there. It epitomizes nudity in
cosmic sense that can be witnesses in Indian temples as well.
Nudity in Hindu art has been accepted and even embraced.
But this explanation does not answer all the questions raised.
SO, WHAT WAS OBJECTIONABLE, WRONG AND UNFAIR
ON THE PART OF M.F. HUSAIN?
He had painted Bharat Mata, Sita, Goddess Lakshmi,
Goddess Sarasvati nude and Goddess Durga in sexual union
with tiger. Why did he not paint any Muslim lady or prophet
Muhammad nude?
Did he have the guts to do that?
Hindu religion is pretty tolerant and Muslim religion is not
and Muslims would have gone to the extent of killing him.
If somebody thinks that nudity and sexually suggestive
paintings of Hindu deities signify purity, then it is expected that
he paint the purity of Muslim characters in the same way. The
fact that he painted only Hindu figures while leaving out Muslim
makes it quite clear that he wanted only cheap publicity and
controversy. Painting Muslim figures would have brought him
real pain, grief and backlash. A fact he knew and used to his
advantage.
06 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

That Husain was only doing business, and not Art.
1. Representing India as a woman being raped, is nothing
but terrible denigration. For an Indian, 'Bharat Mata'
(Mother India) is a Goddess and not some figurative
concept and showcasing her in this manner is highly
outrageous and a completely unacceptable form of
denigration.
2. It would be appropriate to ask MF Husain if he would
have dared to make a similar painting had there been an
attack on the UK, the UAE or Qatar and named it the
'Rape of UK, UAE or Qatar'. (Husain was citizen of
Qatar)
3. What is MF Husain's sick fascination for having sex with
animals ? Why does he repeatedly superimpose his dirty
minded eroticism on Deities ?
If MF Husain is truly an artist (as claimed by the artist
community) and that all his thoughts about being
outraged by terrorism were genuine, then why does he
not paint others being nude and having sex with animals?
But as we have observed he depicts only India and
Hindus in this manner.
M.F. Husain depicts the Deity or person he hates as being
naked. He shows the Prophet's mother, his own mother,
his daughter, all the Muslim personalities fully clothed,
but in contrast Hindus and Hindu Deities along with
Hitler are shown naked. This proves his hatred for
Hindus.
Husain claims that his painting “Rape of India” is a
response to terror attacks in Mumbai.
In America there were terrorist attacks, would he paint
the Rape of America in this fashion ?
In Pakistan, terrorist attacks occur as regularly as twice a
week, why doesn’t he paint the Gang Rape of Pakistan ?
Holy Mecca was attacked by terrorists once, will he dare
paint the Rape of Mecca ?
At the same time, something was grave on the part of India’s
moral and cultural police.
SO, WHAT WAS OBJECTIONABLE, WRONG AND UNFAIR
ON THE PART OF RIGHT-WING PARTY?
If they were so concerned about the culture and morals of
India why did not they target Salman Rushdie’s “Satanic Verses”
and why only M.F. Husain?
Was it their opportunistic attitude to attack M.F. Husain and
use the matter as a political tool to fulfill their selfish interests?
Is not that Hypocrisy?
Why did not these “secular liberal” posters raise their voices
when 4 lakh Hindus were driven out of their ancestral homes in
Kashmir by majority Muslims. One Muslim painter leaving the
country is such a big deal, but killing and exodus of 4 lakh
Hindus do not even find a small mention.
Now when these Kashmiri Muslims oppose every move to
make the return of Hindus possible, these same “seculars”
come forward with full support for intolerant Muslims. If this
isn’t hypocrisy of the highest possible magnitude, what else is?
We are unfortunate who cannot understand the lobbyism
and vote bank politics portrayed as moral and culture policing.
A point to be noted is that the furore over Husain’s nude
depiction of Hindu deities did not erupt when the paintings
were created in the 1970s. Why?
It happened in the 1990s during the golden age of Hindutva.
It was in the heady days of the headline-gathering rath yatras
and the demolition of the Babri Mosque that elements of the
Hindu right woke up to the fact that a Muslim painter had
depicted Hindu deities in the nude. They may also have taken
their cue from the Muslim right's success in getting the
government ban Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses. In the
years that followed, they successfully utilised intimidation and
the courts to hound Husain from the country and, ultimately, to
Qatari citizenship.
That religion is used by various groups in India to further
their agenda despite our secular constitution is a time-worn fact.
That our political system is married to the mob is an undeniable
truth. And that this mob mentality serves its masters well is a sad
reality.
We can reach a conclusion that both the parties were
somewhere wrong and opportunistic .
HONORARY CITIZENSHIP
The painter was recently honoured with the Qatar
citizenship by Dubai’s neighbouring country, Qatar. According
to sources, Husain did not apply for the citizenship but the Royal
family of Qatar themselves conferred him with the citizenship.
Breaking his silence for the first time after Qatar's
nationality offer, legendary painter M F Husain said, "I still love
India. But India doesn't need me."
PT's PrepTalk – May 2011 07

Husain said, "India is my motherland. I can't hate my
motherland. But she rejected me. Then why should I stay in
India?"
He also said "India's continuing governments could not
protect me. So, it is very difficult for me to stay in such a country.
Politicians are eyeing only votes."
Though Husain had been saying that he was keen to return
to India, his wish had remained unfulfilled.
It is possible that his works might have hurt some people’s
religious sentiments but that does not lower the importance of
his art. It is impossible to recognise a work of art with a political
eye.
This country has not lost a true artistic gem but also the live
symbol of modernity, secularism and multiculturalism.
MANY EMINENT PERSONALITIES FROM THE FILM
INDUSTRY, ART WORLD, MEDIA AND POLITICS HAVE
DEEPLYMOURNEDHISDEATH
It is a national loss. Husain was one of the
brightest stars in the Indian art firmament,
which he dominated for over 70 years. The nation
lost an iconic artist and the art world one of its
most colourful personalities whose genius left a
deep imprint on Indian art
– Manmohan Singh, PM
M F Husain…an artist, painter, friend, sad,
very sad! Many of his works and gifts adorn my
home. Husain’s best gift to me…a Hanuman
flying with Sanjeevani booti…given to me in
Breach Candy Hospital during the Coolie
episode. Another special painting he did for
me…translated the poem I wrote in hospital on
canvas. Very special and most endearing
– Amitabh Bachchan, Actor.
“Very sad to hear that the great M F Husain is no more,"
"The news is shocking. It is yet to sink”
– Dev Anand, Veteran Actor
Husain was a close friend and a wonderful human being. "He
was a prolific painter. He is someone who is born once in 100
years. I last met him through a video-conference. He was deeply
moved when we told him we will try to bring him back to India.
He missed India." Shabana Azmi, Actor, termed Husain as
one of the greatest artists in and outside India. "I think many
people realise the importance of artists in this country because
of him. His contribution to Indian art has been totally
unprecedented" said Javed Akhtar, Lyricist
In the wake of legal challenges over his depiction of Hindu
deities in the nude and death threats in India, the 95-year-old
Husain had been living abroad in self-imposed exile since
2006."Hussain passes away. We hang our heads partly in grief
and partly in shame for not being able to let him spend his last
days in this country," - Rahul Bose, Actor
"Sad to hear renowned legendary artist M F Husain passes
away, RIP!!!" - Madhur Bhandarkar, Filmmaker
"Few people had that zest for living as Husain. My walls are
full of his notes and drawings left in my office when I wasn’t
there." Pritish Nandy Filmmaker
"Apologies for the lack of understanding your home country
showed you. There was nothing vulgar about Husain's work. Pity
that some illiterate people who saw his stuff had dirty minds."
Vishal Dadlani, Composer
"M F Husain who seemed ageless, painting till his last days
leaves us with one of India's greatest legacy of art."
Shekhar Kapur, Filmmaker
Let the people of India pay their respects to a great son who,
rising from humble origins, used his prodigious talent and
creativity to portray and celebrate all that is diverse and
wonderful about this country and the historical civilisation it
represents said N. Ram, Editor, The Hindu
HEMADETHEINDIANARTVALUABLEGLOBALLY
Three of Husain’s paintings recently topped a Bonham’s
auction here, going under the hammer for Rs 2.32 crore, with an
untitled oil work in which the legendary artist combined his
iconic subject matters — horse and woman — fetching Rs 1.23
crore alone.
Around 20,000 works of art were produced by M F Husain in
his lifetime. According to the current market trends, it costs
4000 crore rupees.
But one of India’s greatest masters on the world art stage
armed with prodigious art talent was never swayed by the
popularity and money. His eccentric identity “barefoot in
Ferrari” still keeps us glued to the kind of persona he had.
08 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Cover Story
UPA: Undemocratic Perverted Attack
Well….The week-long high voltage drama
is growing in prominence. The Indian
junta is facing an unprecedented
dilemma like never before. Whom to trust is a
million dollar question because answers,
statements and faces can drastically
change overnight. But a few things will
always remain static. These are the
logical questions which arise at this
juncture. Every single person in India
deserves to be answered now.
1. Is our country a sham democracy? If
it is a real democracy, then why are
the people unheard,
underprivileged, unsung, deprived,
exploited, overworked and
underpaid?
2. Are people mere puppets in the
hands of those who wield the
political power?
3. Is UPA United Progressive Alliance
or Undemocratic Perverted Attack
on the Indian sentiments?
4. Does the idea of Lokpal come as a breath of fresh air in a
country bogged down by apparently sophisticated political
Goonda raj?
5. Is Anna Hazare the true hero and second Gandhi of
independent India?
6. Is Baba Ramdev a good Samaritan or businessman disguised
as Messiah or Oxymoron?
7. Should the common man in this country continue to trust
judicial system or simply snatch justice or resort to selfappointed
police like the character of Amitabh Bachchan in
Sarkar?
8. Should people in India get down on streets like that of Egypt
as we are also flooded with reasonably better versions of
Hosni Mubarak?
9. Why is there a growing need to amass black money?
10. Can't we have a country where not just a few but everyone
feels financially secure?
LET'S UNDERSTAND THE FACTS
In our Indian democracy, 'demo' is missing from
the democracy. Only ‘cracy’ is left, which means
power. Democracy has taken a form of
corporatocracy.For many, joining politics is a
gateway to social status and boundless money,
with no accountability towards public and
therefore India is a poor country with
rich people.
WHO IS ANNA HAZARE?
We have been paying taxes for
decades hoping to catch a ray of justice,
development, emancipation but the end
result is zero. Actually by doing this, we
are adding dryfruits to their already rich
Biryani at the cost of our blood and sweat.
We are bestowing ultra-luxurious life upon
them and depriving ourselves from even
two meals a day. Let us stop being idealistic.
But now with the advent of internet and
information explosion, we the people, are not
that information-deficient and ill-equipped
as we used to be twenty years back. Therefore,
government is astonished and slightly scared to see the newfound
vocal personality of every second common man in India.
“You cannot fool all the people all the time”. Is Congress
listening?
Kudos to Shree Anna Hazare, who has tremendously
contributed in jolting each one of us out of our combined
slumber.
Anna Hazare is one of India's well-acclaimed social activists.
Anna is well known and respected for upgrading the ecology and
economy of the village of Ralegan Siddhi, which is located in the
drought-prone Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra state.
The barren village has metamorphosed in to a unique model
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 09

of rural development due to its effective water conservation
methods, which made the villagers self-sufficient. Earlier, the
same village witnessed alcoholism, utter poverty and migration
to urban slums. Inspired by Hazare's unique approach of
savaging a hopeless village, the state govt. has implemented the
'Model Village' scheme as part of its official strategy.
On 5 April 2011, Hazare started a fast unto death to exert
pressure on the government of India to enact a strong anticorruption
act as envisaged in the Jan Lokapl Bill, a law to
establish a (Lokapl) with the power to deal with corruption in
public offices. The fast led to nationwide protests in support of
Hazare. The fast ended on 9 April 2011, the day after all of
Hazare's demands were agreed by the government of India. The
government issued a gazette notification on the formation of a
joint committee (of government and civil society
representatives) to draft an effective Lokpal Bill.
“How can the government stop anyone from protesting? The
land is not their 'father's property'. The citizens are the masters
of this country and the ministers are their servants".
- Anna Hazare
He did not marry for the sake of this country.
He sacrificed his hard-earned money to transform a
village.
He chose to lead a simple life and did not amass
property.
What else and Who else can evoke as much respect
and faith as this?
No one in independent India is as great as he is. It is
highly condemnable on the part of politicians if they
conspire against a Godlike person.
In this journey, Hazare is joined by the more voluble and
flamboyant Baba Ramdev now.
People have blind faith in Hazare but not in Ramdev. Why?
If he is a Sanyasi, why does he boast of 11 billion rupees
Empire?
Is he using this as a platform to expand his business or is he
really concerned about the country?
It is still unanswered. The difference between Anna Hazare
and Baba Ramdev is pretty clear. But one thing is common. They
are unanimous on anti-corruption movement. Their approach
to fight corruption may be different but they are staunch
supporters of bringing back the black money stashed outside
India and declare it a national property.
No doubts …. Our constitution needs big time revamp. If the
govt. is incompetent, they have taken the matter in their hands.
THE JOURNEY THEN……
June 4, Ramlila ground, Delhi: Start date of Baba
Ramdev's fast unto death. 65000 followers gathered there.
Ramdev said he would end his fast once he gets a written
assurance regarding his demands.
At midnight, Delhi police raided the ground where all the
satyagrahis were sleeping. A large police force lobbed tear gas
shells and lathicharged to evict the crowd from 1a.m. to 4 a.m.
The entire site was vandalised and thousands of helpless people
were brutally and mercilessly beaten.
Such a bestial act had never taken place in the 64 years of
independent India.
Congress left no stone unturned in thwarting Lokpal bill
movement and muzzling the voice of satyagrahis. It is an
unforgivable act. The “atrocity” of this kind is being compared
to that of Jalianwala Bagh massacre.
June 7 : UPA is in thick soup. It does not have valid answers
to its self-sanctioned torture.
The Lokpal Bill, as of now, is facing a lot of political
resistance, as it would allow an anti-corruption ombudsman to
judge or probe the actions of MPs.
AFTERMATH
June 7 : A vacation bench of the Supreme Court of India
comprising Justice B. S. Chauhan and Justice Swatantra Kumar
10 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

issued notices to the Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary of
Delhi, Delhi Administration, and Delhi Police Commissioner
asking them to respond within two weeks.
The National Human Rights Commission also issued
notices on June 6, 2011 to the Government of India and Delhi
State Government seeking reports within two weeks on the
midnight crackdown on Baba Ramdev's supporters at Ramlila
ground.
June 7 : Ramdev says Dr. Manmohan Singh is controlled by
Sonia Gandhi. An independent country needs an independent
Prime Minister not a slave of someone else's.
PM says that there was no alternative. We do not have a magic
wand that can eradicate corruption overnight. We are trying our
best. Every process takes some time.
Congress cannot just easily get away by alleging Ramdev as
Thug. It should introspect itself first.
INDIGNANT REACTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
It is a major blow to democracy and
an attack on the democratic rights of
the people …It is also an attack on the
fundamental rights of the citizens.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar
Ramdev was carrying out his
agitation in a peaceful manner. Still,
this kind of action was taken…The
Congress-led government is the biggest thug.
Mulayam Singh Yadav
I am deeply dismayed at the turn of incidents last midnight. I
ask people to maintain calm and be more resolute in fighting
corruption and black money.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
After what I heard and saw about the incident…I feel it
would have been better it had not been the CM, my hands would
not have been tied, and I would have gone to Delhi and started a
big war.
Narendra Modi
June 8 : Anna's final warning
June 8, 2011 ... Anna Hazare said if the Lokpal Bill is not
passed by
August 15, he
would once
again fast unto
death at Jantar
Mantar from
August 16.
The broad
strategic
solution can be
viewed as :
Standing
against people
and killing them does not mean the end of the disease. Let us
find out and kill the place from where the disease originates.
BAROQUE
The baroque style emerged in Rome during the 17th century ,rising from the growing
confidence of the Roman Catholic Church. Originally, it was developed to appeal to the
increasing number of new members within the congregation, and to lure others away
from the more austere Protestantism. Characterized by religious subjects, this ornate
and theatrical style travelled across Italy, in to other parts of Europe, and to the
American colonies, as the influence of Catholicism spread internationally. The style
was adopted by many of the architects, sculptors and painters of the period.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 11

Current events
India
CHIDAMBARAM SAYS : INDIA IS COPING WITH THE
MOST INTRANSIGENT NEIGHBOUR
.
In a meeting with US Internal security minister,
Chidambaram said that Pakistan is the epicenter of
terrorism and America should use its influence to
impede its actions.
THE LEGENDARY PAINTER M F HUSAIN DIES
IN LONDON AT 95
M F Husain was born on 17th
Pandharpur, in Maharashtra state.
London : India’s Picasso
and internationally acclaimed
painter Maqbool Fida Husain
died in a London hospital at
2:30 am (local time). He was
95 years old. PM, President
and many from the film and
art fraternity have expressed
grief over his demise. The art
scene will be incomplete
without him. The artistic
vacuum will continue to exist.
September 1915, in
He received death threats because of his controversial
paintings of Indian God and goddesses. Government could not
assure him security. He left India and was living in self-imposed
exile.
Forbes honoured him as Picasso of India. In 1995, Indian
govt. conferred Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan and then Padma
Vibhushan on him.
His paintings have clinched $2 million at auctions. He
became the most expensive painter of India with that. Most of
the Bollywood actresses were constant source of inspiration for
his paintings. Madhuri Dixit Nene, Vidya Balan and Tabu
happen to be among the list.
FREE EDUCATION EXTENDED TILL CLASS 10
New Delhi : Central Government will bring an ordinance in
order to expand the purview of “Free and compulsory
education” till class 10 now, which was restricted till Class 8
earlier. A central law will be introduced to curb bully forces.
Central Education Advisory Board approved of this idea. HRD
Minister informed of the proposals.
UMA BACK TO PAVILION
Uma Bharti, the former chief
minister of M.P., after remaining
secluded from BJP for five and a half
years rejoins the party. She is
entrusted with the responsibility of
playing a key role in the next state
legislative election of UP. BJP Chief
Nitin Gadkari said that the decision
was taken unanimously after
consulting with the national and
state level ministers. Ms. Bharti said
that she always espoused the Sangh
ideology and will try to fortify it in
the future.
ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION MADE COMPULSORY
The National Policy on Education 1986 (NPE) states that the
'protection of the environment' is a value ,which along with
certain other values, must form an integral part of the
curriculum at all stages of education. Also, it states that
Environmental Orientation to School Education (EOSE) should
be made essential and programmes should be designed in the
context of national perspectives, and state issues in particular.
Supreme Court also feels the same on the issue. As a result,
environment education has been introduced as a compulsory
subject at the school level.
12 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

CIVIL SERVICE RULES AMENDED
People with two or more than two children will not be eligible
for government jobs in Chhatisgarh. The state government has
made an amendment in the Civil Service Rules and Regulations,
1961.
JYOTIRMOY DEY KILLED
Senior Journalist, Jyotirmoy Dey was shot
dead in broad daylight by four bike-borne
persons. As an editor (special investigation), he
covered happenings in underworld and crime for
over two decades.
THE GATEWAY TO PASSPORT
Foreign ministry India comes up with a good news that India
will have 77 passport service centers soon. The Things are
running at a fast pace due to E-governance programme.
2500 SCHOOLS TO BE OPENED
Human Resources and Development
Minister Kapil Sibal after a meeting with all
the Education ministers of state government
has told media that all of them unanimously
agreed on the issue. As per public-private
partnership, 2500 schools will be opened in
the rural areas of the country from the next
year.
UTTARAKHAND TO HAVE TOBACCO-FREE ZONES
Uttarakhand directorate of school has asked officials of 6
districts of the hill state to identify a total of 120 schools to be
declared as “tobacco-free” zones. It is aiming at restricting
youth's access to tobacco products.
PRANAB DA TRIES TO WOO FIIS
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has
requested Foreign Institutional Investors to be
hopeful and positive and not be perplexed due to
the fluctuations in stock market. FIIs have
invested 14,260 crores in the market in the
current fiscal year.
THE STRIKE CONTINUES
The country's biggest car making company, Maruti Suzuki is
facing problems due to the strike. The company is incurring a
loss of 40 crores every single day because of the ongoing tussle
between the management and employees.
GAIL'S MANOEUVRES
GAIL India will have its first electric plant of 800 crore with
250 mega watt capacity in Uran, Maharashtra.
SC/ST STUDENTS STILL FACING DISCRIMINATION
IIT and AIMs are accused of ill-treating SC/ST students.
Teachers treat them badly. They are given less marks in spite of
good performance and made to sit in different classes because of
the lower caste. They are publicly humiliated by saying that
though they have managed to get the admission due to
reservation policy, but they will have to be at the mercy of
teachers.
BAJAJ AUTO'S EXPANSION
Bajaj auto, with its Japanese collaboration Kawasaki, is trying
to expand in foreign countries. The company, just like
Philippines, wishes to be the numero uno in the two-wheeler
segment.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 13

PRANAB DA ASSURES OF STUPENDOUS GROWTH
“Central Government is committed to economic reforms”-
said Pranab Mukherjee, scotching all the rumours regarding
decline in growth of economy. After a meeting with OECD, he
declared that India will be able to have inclusive development in
the future. India in its five-year plan, starting from 2010, aims at
9.5% growth.
FLETCHER SPEAKS
“India will be a shining star in the cricket arena for the next 5
to 10 years, for sure. What a smorgasbord in terms of diversified
talent pool Indian cricket team truly owns ! All the players are
talented, dedicated and in the best form” said the new Indian
cricket coach Duncan Fletcher.
MR. MURTHY CALLS IT A DAY
Infosys Chief Narayana
Murthy at the 30th Annual
General Meeting hangs up his
boots with a farewell speech.
He appoints 4 new board
members that include CFO V
Balakrishnan, Head of
Manufacturing BG Srinivas
and Head of Banking and
Capital markets Ashok
Vemuri. All of them will be executive directors.
The software king in his speech supported Anna Hazare’s
movement against corruption. He backed the people taking to
streets, demanding an end to corruption.
Important years observed by UNO
1967 : International Tourism Year 1994 : International Year of Family
1968 : Human Rights Year 1995 : International Year of Tolerance
1970 : International /Education Year 1998 : International Year of Ocean
1972 : International Book Year 1999 : International Year of Older Persons
1974 : World Population Year 2000 : Designated as Development Decade
1975 : International Womens Year 2001 : International Year of Women Empowerment
1979 : International Year of Children 2002 : International Mountain Year
1981 : International Year of Disabled 2003 : International Fresh Water Year
1983 : World Communication Year 2004 : International Rice Year
1985 : International Year of Youth 2005 : Year of Physics
1986 : International Year of Peace 2006 : International Year of Desert and
1987 : International Year of Shelter for the Homeless Desertification
14 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Current events
World
RAFAEL NADAL : 6TH TIME WINNER
Rafael Nadal has become the
champion of French Open 2011
for the 6th time and has equalled
the World Record of Swedish
Bjorn Borg of winning title for
the maximum times. He has
beaten Roger Federer, his arch
rival in the final match by clear
margin. Spanish Rafa was
outclassed from the onset of
game and has maintained his title, as he was the defending
champion as well.
SANTIAGO (CHILE)
A volcano in the
southern Chile
erupted for the
second day ,
shooting out
pumice stones and
pluming a cloud of
ashes 10 km high
and 5 km wide. A
group of 122 people
were being moved
from a shelter for
fear that eruption could cause flooding on the Nilahue River.
There were no reports of injuries.
With the Andes running along its entire length , Chile has
more than 3000 volcanoes, of which 500 volcanoes are
considered active and 60 have had eruptions recorded over the
past 450 years.
Sao Paulo : Striker Ronaldo says goodbye to Soccer in
Brazil's lackluster 1-0 win over Romania on Tuesday.
However, accompanied by his sons, he walked off the field
with a smile on his face and a sense of satisfaction.
LEE NA CREATES WORLD RECORD
Lee Na from China, with her glorious triumph, becomes
Asia’s first female grand slam winner in the individual category.
She is elated on winning the Final French Open Tennis
tournament in women Single Category. The 29-year-old Lee
became the archetypical from her state to win a tennis title on
Saturday when she trounced defending defender Francesca
Schiavone 6-4, 7-6 (0) in the French Open Final.
RAJ KAPOOR TO BE HONOURED
International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) in its 12th awards
ceremony, will honour the legendary Raj Kapoor in Canada.
Soon, a street in Brampton city in Canada will be named after the
biggest showman and veteran director.
ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS
Elizabeth Buse, the group president for Visa, one of the
world’s largest payment companies , has said that governments
can curb black money by partnering commercial institutions to
promote electronic payments. Electronic payments include the
gamut of channels through the banking channels, which include
credit cards, internet and mobile payment.
WESTERN LIFE STYLE NOT SUITABLE FOR INDIA
American college of cardiology says that Indian youngsters
should not blindly and thoughtlessly follow western lifestyle.
Fast food causes obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. This
lifestyle is not appropriate and does not suit Indian climate.
America and other foreign countries themselves are trying their
best to ban such drinks like Coca Cola and Pepsi but it is sold
like hot cakes in India on the contrary. Centre of Chronic
Disease Control based in Delhi has taken a due cognizance of
the matter.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 15

Current events
Business and economy
16 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011
CROSSWORD ON SALE
Shoppers Stop would sell Cross word : Crossword is a Book
retailing chain having 72 stores across the country, mostly in
southern and western states. K. Raheja, the owner of Shoppers'
Stop acquired the bookstore about 11 years ago and it has been
one of the most profit-making ventures since then. In 2010-11
fiscal year, Crossword's revenue was 150 crores. Tata's
Landmark, Deccan Chronicles' Odyssey and Amazon are giving
it a tough fight. 'Some organized players like Tata, Reliance
Retail, Future Group, Birla Group , Aaditya Birla Group and
RPG Spencers are interested in buying it.
I CLOUDING IS ON STEVE JOBS 'S MIND
Electronic appliances
manufacturing giant, Apple
Inc.'s CEO Mr. Steve Jobs, will
soon launch I clouding in
Fransisco. The investors
particularly view it as a
significant move from the
technology point of view. With
this feature, Music will be
easily accessible through any Apple appliance. The company is
confident enough to give Google Inc. and Amazon. Com a tough
competition. I cloud will substantiate the existing feature
iTunes. As of now, users themselves upload songs on Google and
Amazon. But the latest technique by Apple will scan the hard,
drive which ensures the access to the songs via company's server.
The company hopes that it would be monetarily benefiting for
its analysts and shareholders as well.
BROAD VISION OF SPENCER’S
Spencers closes down its hundred small-sized stores and
plans to open big-sized stores with 15000 to 40,000 square foot
space. President Vineet Kapila
says “ We have experienced in
a few last quarters that small
stores are good from the
connectivity and facility point
of view but does not help in
even meeting the break-even
point and generating profit.
“They will be modeled as
hyper stores.” Some analysts
disagree with the
hypermarket model of
business, as there are a lot of
problems associated with it. It is difficult to find a place in the
centre of the city. The locality might not be feasible and
accessible for all the customers and in turn, can cause a reverse
effect to the business.
FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR RETAILERS
The journey further is not easy for big retailers. Because of
price hikes, high interest rates and food inflation, the retail
giants can be severely affected in the next quarters. Well, the
business might be affected but that has not deterred any of the
players from expanding. Pantaloon says that recession is more
visible in automobile and consumer durables segment but not in
other segments.
HOME CALLING…
NRI have become opportunist; they want to come back to
India for grabbing better opportunities, as compared to abroad.
Many engineers working in Saudi Arabia are offered equivalent
packages in India now. This is alluring many NRIs.

News in brief
The Index of Industrial Production shrinks by 6.3% in April
from 13.1% in the same period last fiscal primarily because
of poor performance by the manufacturing and mining
sectors.
if not adhered to by companies. This may be the first ever
instance of the govt. talking tough, as nearly all codes
discussed have been voluntary in nature.
The 2011wild life census was conducted at the Sanjay
Gandhi National Park and the nearby Tungareshwar Wildlife
Sanctuary by the national park's officials. Experts say that
the Mumbai region is headed for an ecological disaster, with
the number of leopards dwindling and the civet cat going
extinct.
Indian companies have
increased their usage of social
networks like Facebook, besides
blogs, micro-blogs like Twitter
and other on-line to win new
business in 2011, a survey said.
In India, 67% of firms encourage
A new rape protocol is a must for a country where the capital
itself is the rape capital of the country. Total women raped in
70 select cities in India in 2009 was 1696. Maharashtra
their employees to join social
networks such as LinkedIn, Xing and Video, compared to
53% globally.
accounted for 6.9% of total rapes in the country. High Court
directs State Govt. to implement scientific norms to
examine victims of sexual assault. Lawyers say the
guidelines will ensure that trials will now be based on
medical proof and not on distorted opinions.
Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of theft
and burglaries in the country for the fifth consecutive year,
say figures obtained from the National Crime Records
Bureau. Maharashtra is number one , with Madhya Pradesh,
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka,
Japan's govt. has doubled the estimate of the radiation leaked
from a tsunami-hit nuclear plant and says the damage to the
Tamil Nadu, Bihar, UP, Delhi and West Bengal following in
that order.
reactors was more severe than previously thought. The
Nuclear and Industrial Safety agency says that the damage
would be one-fifth of the amount released at Chernobyl,
instead of the earlier estimate of one-tenth.
The kind of research grants available abroad is absent in
India, said HRD Minister, Kapil Sibal. Also, there is lack of
infrastructure and investment. In India, $8billion is spent on
research while the US spends $250 million. IIT–Bombay will
Fourteen people were dead and 53 missing as rain- triggered
floods deluged large areas of a southwest Chinese province.
rank 20 in the global index, followed by IIT-Delhi at 24, IIT-
Kanpur(37) and IIT-Madras (39).
The floods destroyed roads, bridges and thousands of
homes.
Wilhelmus Weijdeveld, a 58–year-old Dutch national
arrested on charges of child sexual abuse and possession of
The self- regulatory draft code for putting an end to
unethical marketing practices by pharmaceutical
companies, formulated by the govt., will be made mandatory
child pornography in November 2009, is convicted and
sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment by a fast-track court in
Chennai.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 17

US retail giant Wal-Mart has indicated its willingness to
partner 'Kirana stores' in its India journey, with the
ministerial panel appointed by the PM favouring foreign
investment in multi-brand retail to tame inflation.
Mono rail project
Eastern freeway
Sahara elevated road
Corporate India has suddenly woken up to the massive
branding and commercial potentials of being eco-friendly.
For instance, Wipro is to turn electronic city in to Biodiversity
Park. Bisleri is to harvest rain water, recycle PET scrap and
revive lakes. CCD is to distribute sapling till June 5 in
Mumbai and switch off sign ages. Ernst & Young is to plant 1
lakh saplings and become carbon neutral.
Aiming to improve infrastructure in Mumbai, the Mumbai
Metropolitan Region Development Authority has
undertaken many ambitious
projects.
Bandra- Kurla Complex is
an as international finance
and business centre.
Metro-Rail project
Mumbai urban transport
project –II
Extended Mumbai urban infrastructure project
Resettlement and rehabilitation with livelihood cell
After terror mastermind Osama bin Laden, the US has got
another big fish. Al-
Qaida –linked
terrorist Ilyas
Kashmiri, a key
plotter of the 26/11
Mumbai attacks who
is on the 50 ‘Most
Wanted’ list that India
has given Pakistan, has been killed in a US drone hit in South
Waziristan.
Tiger Woods remains at the top of the
list of the world's highest paid
athletes, according to Forbes
magazine, though fallen to 13th in the
world golf rankings without a title
since November of 2009.
Mumbai trans-harbor link
Eastern freeway
Mumbai urban infrastructure project
Food inflation fell marginally to 8.06% during the week
ended May 21, but the rate of price rise of non-food items
continued to remain above 20%, driven basically by the surge
in petrol prices last month.
ROADS
India has the third largest road network in the world. At present, the total length of roads in India stood at 33.2 lakh kms. Roads in
India fall into three categories. The development and maintenance of the national highways is looked after by the Central
Government whereas the state highways and rural roads are looked after by the state governments.
18 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Profile
Rupert Murdoch
The Australian-American Global
media and entertainment tycoon
and CEO of News Corporation,
Keith Rupert Murdoch was born in 1931 in
Melbourne, Australia. The 2010 list of
Forbes ranked him 13th most powerful and
117th richest person in the world. Time
listed him thrice as one among the most
influential people in the world.
The News Corporation is one of the
largest media empires in the world. His
outstanding operational leadership and
broad strategic vision has taken the once
family-owned Australian newspaper to the
global public media company. It includes television, movies,
book publishing, cable networks, satellite TV, magazines and
newspapers, operating in the US, Australia, Latin America,
Europe, Asia and the Pacific Basin. Murdoch's best known
brands include 20th century Fox, Fox television, Harper Collins
and myspace.
Early life
The credit of his fantastic grooming at the early age goes to
his father, Sir Keith Murdoch, who was a regional newspaper
king at that time. Mr. Rupert studied at Oxford University in the
UK, where he was a staunch supporter of labour party.
The battle field invites him.
The untimely death of his father prompted him to return
from Oxford and head his family business.
He became Managing Director of News Limited in 1953. His
spunky attitude led to an increase in circulation. With a strong
sense of business, he acquired the 'Sunday Times' in Perth,
Western Australia. His next acquisitions included ' The Daily
Mirror', the Sydney afternoon tabloid, and 'Festival Records,
Sydney-based recording company.
In 1964, he launched The Australian, the country's first
national paper. By the mid-1970, Murdoch papers were a
dominant force in Australia and he began using his editorials to
push conservative political issues.
Murdoch's British papers solidly backed Margaret Thatcher,
John Major, and Tony Blair, and his American mouthpieces have
vocally backed Republicans since Ronald
Reagan.
He bought the New York post in 1976.
He was criticized for his brutal labour
relations and megalomaniac attitude. In
1999, The Economist reported that despite
billions in profits, News Corporation had
paid no corporate taxes for more than a
decade.
In 2000, he purchased a leading
American newspaper, The Wall Street
Journal.
The summary of his fascinating journey is as follows :
Director of British Sky Broadcasting
(1990-2007)
Director of Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc.
(2001-2008)
Murdoch took residence in the United States in 1974 and
became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1985, based in New York
City.
His ever popular quotes are extremely thoughtstimulating.
Let us take a look.
No one's going to be able to operate without a grounding
in the basic sciences. Language would be helpful,
although English is becoming increasingly international.
And travel. You have to have a global attitude.”
“Much of what passes for quality on British television is
no more than a reflection of the narrow elite which
controls it and has always thought that its tastes were
synonymous with quality.”
“The buck stops with the guy who signs the checks.”
There is so much media now with the Internet and
people, and so easy and so cheap to start a newspaper or
start a magazine, there is just millions of voices and
people want to be heard.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 19

PT Panorama
Let us unravel the financial enigma
FINANCIAL SYSTEM
A financial system broadly consists of
three elements.
Financialmarkets
Financialinstitutions
Financialservices
The financial market has both
organized as well as unorganized
sectors. In both the sectors, there are
again two types of markets, one the
primary markets and the other secondary markets. As it exists
today, based on liquidity and maturity
concepts, these markets can also be broadly
categorized as Capital Market, Money
Market and the Govt. Securities Market.
Financial market : A financial market
is one in which financial assets are created
or transferred. Financial assets represent a
claim to the payment of sum of money
sometime in future or periodic payment in
the form of interest or dividend. This
system now is completely automated
through electronic interfaces.
Capital market : Sources from which long-term capital is
raised for setting up and sustaining growth of companies . The
stock exchange is a part of capital market, not only because it
readily provides money for new or existing ventures but also
because it helps investors to trade in their shares and maintains
the liquidity of investments.
Capital market deals with transactions related to long term
debts (with a period of maturity above one year) like corporate
debentures, government bonds etc. or stocks (equity and
preference shares)
Primary market : A market for new issues of shares,
debentures and bonds where investors apply directly to the
issuer for allotment and pay application money to the issuer's
a/c.
Secondary market : Stock exchanges and
over-the-counter markets where shares are traded
after they have been issued in the primary market.
In secondary market, investors buy and sell already
issued or listed shares on the stock exchange
through brokers.
Money market : It comprises institutions
such as discount houses, merchant banks and sometimes even
the govt.'s central bank which deal in very short-term loans (with
a period of maturity of one year or less) such as treasury bills,
bills of exchange, commercial paper, certificate of deposits etc.
1. Regulators
Thus, a secondary market is a segment of the
capital market, which operates through the
medium of stock exchanges, which regulate the
trading activities in this market.
PARTICIPANTS IN FINANCIAL MARKETS
Ministry of Finance : This is the
top most office as far as all the financial
matters in the country are concerned. Mr.
P Chidambaram, the Finance Minister
heads this office and oversees all the
financial participants in the country.
SEBI : Securities and
Exchange Board of India mainly regulates
Capital Markets. U.K. Sinha heads this
institution.
Malpractices of companies, brokers,
merchant bankers and investment
consultants to the detriments of the interests of investors
compelled the govt. to constitute the SEBI in April 1988, to
regulate and promote the securities market.
The 'Board' can regulate the business in stock exchanges
and any other securities market.
20 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

SEBI was constituted in
order to :
1. Prevent fraudulent
trade practices
relating to securities
market.
2. Prohibit insider
trading; promote
investor education.
3. Regulate the work of brokers, sub-brokers and transfer
agents, bankers to an issue, underwriters, portfolio
managers, investment advisers or any other bodies
associated with securities market.
4. Regulate mutual funds.
5. Provide protection to the investors and safeguard their
rights and interests to ensure steady flow of savings in
to the market.
SEBI has been empowered to impose penalties on
brokers, mutual funds and market intermediaries for
variouslapses of followingnature.
Failure to furnish information
Failure to redress investor grievances
Defaults by mutual funds
Failure to dispatch unit certificates
Failure to refund money within a specified period.
Failure to invest money collected under the schemes
Complaints from investors against a company should be
addressed to the SEBI, Investor Grievance and Guidance
Division, Nariman Point, Bombay 400021. Investors are however
advised to write to the company first, wait for a month for a
satisfactory reply, and then complain to the SEBI.
RBI : At the head of the Indian Banking structure is the
Reserve Bank of India, which is the Central Bank of the
country. It was established in 1935 under the RBI Act,
1934. Originally a shareholders bank, it was nationalized
in 1948.Mr. D Subbarao is the Governor of RBI. It
derives its powers from the RBI Act, 1934 and the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949. These include :
Monopoly of currency issue
Banker to the Govt.
Bankers' Bank
Administers monetary and credit policies
Supervises operations of banks and other credit
institutions
Manages liquidity reserves
Maintains exchange value of rupee
Controls payments and receipts for international trade
and regulates other foreign exchange transactions
Undertakes developmental activities such as extension
of banking of unorganized financial sector with the
organized financial sector, promotion of new institutions
etc.
AMFI : Association for Mutual Funds in India is a regulatory
body, headed by Mr. A.P. Kurien.
IRDA : Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
regulates and looks after the licensing and development of all the
insurance companies in India. Mr. J.H. Narayan is the Chairman
of IRDA.
2. Stock Exchange
A stock exchange, share
market or bourses is a
corporation which facilitates
stock brokers and traders to
trade in company stocks and
other securities.
There are two recognized
Stock exchanges in India for
share trading.
BSE- BombayStock Exchange
NSE- NationalStock Exchange
BSE is the first stock exchange in the country which
obtained permanent recognition in
1956.It is the oldest stock exchange
in Asia with a rich heritage, in its 133
years of existence. It migrated from
the open outcry system to an online
screen-based order driven trading
system in 1995.
NSE is a computerised floorless
exchange leading to an openness,
which is lacking in the regional stock
exchange as no one knows while
trading who is buying or selling what.
Investors sitting in any part of the
country can trade through these
exchanges via electronic interface
provided by the exchanges.
The other top stock exchanges in
the world are :
New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE):
At 11 Wall Street, New York city. Established in
1792, the oldest and the largest, and the best known
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 21

among the stock exchanges in the world. Over 2300
shares are listed there, and approximately 60% of the US
stock trading is done at the NYSE.
NASDAQ : Short for National Association of Securities
Dealers Automated Quotation System. Started in 1971,
NASDAQ was the first screen-based, floorless trading
system, now the second largest stock market in the
Unites States.
Fotsie : A weighted index of the price of 100 shares of
major companies traded on the London Stock Exchange.
A track record of consistent growth in turnover or
profitability with steady / improving gross profit margins
and consistent dividend paying record.
Sound fundamentals, with comfortable leverage and
liquidity ratios.
Promoters with vision by a progressive, result-oriented,
quality conscious management
Product preferably commanding brand equity.
Promoters having financial flexibility /resourcefulness
to tide over adverse circumstances.
Investors' confidence in the company reflected by share
price movements.
Dow Jones
Industrial Average
: This comprises the
following US bluechips
:- Coca-cola,
McDonalds,
General Electric,
General motors,
Exxon, IBM, Procter & Gamble etc.
Hang Seng Index : Based on the capital value of 33
stocks on the Hong Kong stock Exchange. Taking its
name from Hang Seng Bank, it was first quoted in 1964.
33 stocks, because the bank was founded in 1933 and 33
is a lucky number in Chinese astrology.
Nikkei Stock Average : Index of share prices of Tokyo
Stock Exchange. It is a price-weighted index and
represents 225 companies.
Bull Market : Prolonged rise in the price of shares,
sustained by buying pressure of actual investors. News of
favourable economic growth, decontrol, political developments,
lifting of price controls,
budgetary concessions
etc. can trigger off a bull
market.
Bull, if referring to a
person, means a stock
market operator who
believes that share prices
are going to rise and keeps
buying to sell later at a
profit; from the attacking
posture of the bull, giving
an upward thrust. The
bull's action causes buying pressure in the marketplace and
pushes up share prices.
3. Broker/ Intermediary
A member of the stock exchange who is licensed to buy or
sell shares on his own or on his client's behalf. He charges a
commission (brokerage) on the gross value of the deals.
WHAT IS BLUE CHIP?
Shares of particularly well-known and established
companies, which have shown consistent growth over the years,
have bright future prospects, and are expected to continue
sustained growth in the future.
It is derived from Casino gambling, where the blue chips is
usually the one with the highest value in a game of Poker.
Blue-chip securities : As lenders, we should consider a
company to be blue-chip if it broadly conforms to most of the
under-mentioned parameters.
Bear Market : Prolonged period of falling share prices,
dominated by selling pressure in the market place brought about
by Bears, or adverse economic or political factors, e.g. a change
in the industrial policy of the govt., imposition of price control,
drought or flood, free imports, etc, or a change in the govt.,
income tax raids, etc.
Bear, if referring to a
person, means a stock
market operator who
expects share prices to
fall and keeps selling (to
pick up the shares later at
lower price for actual
delivery), causing selling
pressure and lowering prices further. The term 'bear' is derived
from the attacking posture of the bear, pushing downwards.
22 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

ASSET CLASSES
1. Equity &Commodity
This is a high risk and high return asset class, generally
preferred for longer term investment, with high volatility in
short term cycles, which, in turn, makes it the most preferred
product for traders.
Equity shareholders share the ownership in the company.
They have a residual claim on the earnings and assets of a
company. They enjoy limited liability, i.e. liability only to the
extent of their share-holding. If the company prospers, it is the
equity shareholder who is the greatest gainer and vice versa.
Here the return on the asset depends on various economic
and political factors including industry's performance. It is
always advisable to invest for a longer term in these instruments.
Commodity markets are the place where trading in tangible
products like gold, silver, sugar, pulses, oil, rubber, cotton etc.
takes place.
2. Fixed interest bearing instruments : This asset
class has a low risk and low return profile. They are considered
as the safest ways of investment.
Bond : An instrument of loan raised by the govt., bank or
a company against a specified interest rate and promised
date of repayment.
Debentures : A long-term instrument of debt, called
bond in the US. A debenture holder is a creditor to the
company who loans funds for a period of 7-10 years
against a fixed rate of interest.
After the stipulated loan period, the debentures are
redeemed. i.e. the loan is paid back, sometimes with a very
small premium.
Treasury bills : They are short term bills or bills of
exchange from 91 days to 364 days maturity, issued by the RBI or
Govt. These are considered highly liquid and risk-free, being
backed by govt. guarantee. While commercial bills are backed by
transactions in goods, treasury bills are not.
Commercial paper : Short-term loan instrument with a
maturity period of 30 days or more, issued by banks, institutions
and other borrowers to attract idle cash in the hands of investors.
They are either discounted or bear an interest, which is lower
than the bank lending rates.
Certificate of deposit : A certificate from a bank stating
that a company has so much money in the bank on term deposit.
It is a negotiable instrument and can be sold at a discount at a
short notice to raise cash.
A certificate of deposit is a source for raising deposits by a
bank whereas a commercial paper is a source for raising short
term funds by a corporate borrower.
PARTICIPANTS IN SECONDARY MARKET
Trader : One who is frequently involved in buying and
selling of securities.
Day Trader : One who trades and squares off the position at
the end of the day whether long or short, without taking or giving
delivery. Such traders benefit from the difference in rates.
Investor: One who invests in the markets for a longer term.
Financial Institutions (FI) : Money management company
or corporation which collects funds from the public and invests
or lends to borrowers. These are of two types :-
Those which do not accept deposits but sell a product,
such as life insurance policies or units in a unit trust or
shares in mutual funds;
Others which accept deposits from the public for fixed
periodic return.
The money that is collected by either is invested in a
company stocks, bonds, short term money market instruments,
real estate and other profitable operations. Some of these
institutions have very large funds and can influence stock prices
considerably. They are the largest players of the stock market,
with honest money.
Foreign Institutional Investor(FII) : Foreign financial
companies are now permitted to operate in the Indian stock
market. Besides operating mutual funds, they sometimes invest
on their own. With large amounts of funds, these have a
considerable clout in the market. They deluge the market by
bringing in huge flow of foreign currency. They need to get
registered with SEBI for due diligence and transparency.
Depositories : An institution registered under
Depositories Act, 1996 for holding, receiving and transferring
securities in electronic form.
In order to promote dematerialization of securities, NSE
joined hands with leading financial institutions to establish the
National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL), the first
depository in the country with the objective of enhancing the
efficiency in settlement systems, as also to reduce the menace of
fake and stolen securities. The second depository in the country,
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 23

CDSL, promoted by BSE and a few commercial banks, was
granted certificate of commencement of business in February
1999.
SEBI has made dematerialized settlement mandatory.
Today, more than 99% of settlement of securities takes place in
dematerialized form.
Mutual Fund : They are
professionally-managed investment
institutions that collect the small saving
of public at large and after making a big
corpus under the scheme, invest the
same in the capital market. Thus they act
as a bridge that allows a group of
investors to pool their money with a
predetermined investment objective.
Types of MutualFunds Schemesin India
Open -end Fund : A publicly held investment company with
a diversified portfolio of investments, which can sell more and
more shares and become larger. Its shares are issued at prices
fixed from time to time and can be redeemed at prices
announced by it. The Unit Trust of India is an open-ended
investment institution.
Close-end fund : A mutual fund which owns a diversified
portfolio of investments, but which after the initial issue of
shares, cannot sell more shares in the primary market.
Examples are Master-shares, Canshares etc. Shares of these are
traded in the stock exchange and usually have a market price
different from their Net Asset Value.
Income fund : Mutual fund for investors who want income,
rather than growth. Investments are usually in debentures,
bonds and high dividend shares.
Growth fund : A mutual fund which invests only in equity
shares which offer chances of good capital growth, rather than
current income.
Balances mutual fund : A mutual fund which invests in
equity shares, debentures, govt. bonds and Unit trust
certificates so as to balance gain with risk. A balanced fund
usually offers a higher yield than a fund which consists only of
equity shares, but its share price rises slowly. In a bear market, a
balanced fund performs well, whereas in a bull market, an allequity
fund shows a faster capital appreciation.
Index fund : Mutual fund whose portfolio of shares is
identical to a well-known index, such as the BSE sensitive Index
or the BSE National Index. Such an investment policy reflects
the belief that trying to beat the market index over the long term
is futile, and it is best to keep up with the market.
FAQ
What is FDI?
In simple terms, Foreign Direct Investment refers to the
investment made by an entity (generally a company) in an
enterprise located in a different country. By virtue of making this
investment, the investor gains a certain degree of influence or
control over the management of the enterprise. It is generally
believed that to qualify as FDI, the investor should be in
possession of at least 10% of the shares of the company and have
access to voting power in the company.
FDI can be both outward and inward. In the case of inward
FDI, the investor in the country in corporates a company, either
by getting in to a joint venture with an Indian company or setting
up a wholly owned subsidiary. Alternatively, he could retain the
status of a foreign company and simply set up a liaison, project or
branch office in India. However, it is generally expected that FDI
signals long-term commitment on the part of investor, as there
is a lot of physical investment included.
What are the benefitsof FDI?
FDI comes with benefits for both the investor and the
economy where the investment is made. For the investor, it could
be a chance to tap markets where he could make profits. The
investors are wooed with techniques such as tax breaks, easier
regulations, low interest rate on loans and so on. For the
economy, FDI has provided a much-needed push in terms of
injecting liquidity, apart from bringing in better technology,
creating more job opportunities and so on.
What is the differencebetweenFDI and FIIs ?
The most visible difference would be that while FDI
includes investment directly in to a particular company, Foreign
Institutional Investors (FIIs) are known to invest either in the
primary or secondary markets, in stocks, mutual funds or via
instruments such as participatory notes, dated govt. securities,
commercial papers etc. There is also a greater perception of
stability that is associated with FDI. In periods of market
instability, FIIs are known to beat a hasty retreat, leaving the
market in a lurch.
What is Insidertrading?
An illegal activity in which persons in a company having
confidential information, such as expansion plans, financial
results, takeover bids etc., take advantage of such information to
24 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

make a profit on the stock exchange by buying or selling shares.
What is short selling?
Selling without even owning shares is known as short selling.
Bears resort to short selling in anticipation of a fall in market
prices.
What is portfolio?
Combined holdings of many kinds of financial securitiesshares,
debentures, govt. bonds, Unit Trust Certificates, and
other financial assets. Making a portfolio is putting one's eggs in
different baskets, with varying elements of risk and return.
Reducing risk by diversification and maximization of gains are
the primary objects of making a portfolio.
What is meant by Portfoliomanager?
A professional who manages other people's or institution's
investment portfolios with the objectives of profitability, growth
and risk minimization. He is expected to manage the investor's
assets prudently and chooses
particular investment avenues,
such as cash equivalents, real
estate, bonds, shares etc.
appropriate for particular times,
aiming at maximization of
profit.
What is Risk layering?
A strategy of investment for
those who have a low riskbearing
capacity. The total
investible funds layered in to
minimum risk fair-return (bank deposits, bonds, debentures
etc), medium-risk satisfactory- return (mutual funds, bluechip
shares etc) and high-risk high-return (growth shares)
investments, in descending order.
What is meant by Analyst?
An investment professional, in a journal, bank or mutual
fund, who studies the fundamentals and technical features of a
company or a group of related companies or an industry, and
makes buy or sell recommendations. Successful analysts not
only influence the fortunes of their employers, but of the shares
listed on the stock market as well.
What is Fundamentalanalysis?
Scientific study of the basic factors which determine a
share's value. The analyst studies the industry and the
company's sales, assets, liabilities, debt structure, earnings,
products, market share; evaluates the company's management,
compares the company with its competitors, and then estimates
the share's intrinsic worth.
The fundamental analyst's tools are FINANCIAL RATIOS
arrived at by studying a company's BALANCE SHEET and
PROFIT AND LOSS A/C over a number of years. More effective
in fulfilling long-term growth objectives of shares, rather than
their short-term price fluctuations.
What is Technicalanalysis?
A method of prediction of share price movements based on a
study of price graphs or charts on the assumption that share
price trends are repetitive, that since investor psychology follows
a certain pattern; what is seen to have happened before is likely
to be repeated. The technical analyst is not concerned with
fundamental strength or weakness of a company or an industry.
He studies investor and price behavior.
SAY THESEIF YOU CAN AS FAST AS POSSBILE
TONGUE TWISTERS
If you understand you say you understand; if you don’t understand and you don’t say you don’t understand how can I
understand what you understood.
If you notice this notice you will notice that this notice is not worth noticing.
How much wood would a wood chuck if a wood chuck would chuck wood?
A woodchuck would chuck as much wood as a woodchuck could chuck wood.
Red lorry yellow lorry.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 25

DIRECTIONS : Identify the place whose photo appears below.
Photo quiz
! "
#
$
26 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

7
8
9
10
11
12
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 27

13
14
15
17 18
28 PT's PrepTalk – May 2011

Answers to Photo quiz
1. Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The Falls, which straddle the U.S.-Canadian border, have been a tourist Mecca since the mid-19th century.
With statistics from the Niagara Falls Tourism Bureau and Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, visitors are
approximated at 12 million a year.
2. Grand Canyon, AZ
The canyon is the most famous natural attraction in the USA and possibly in the world. The Grand Canyon is a
steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona.
It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the first national parks in the United
States. Tourists have arrived at a much quicker rate since the canyon achieved National Park status in 1919.
3. Canada’s Wonderland – Maple, Ontario
Canada’s Wonderland is home to the largest wooden roller coaster in existence in Canada. It’s also the location
of the only “flying coaster” in the country – the Time Warp. More than 3.35 million people visit this incredibly
fun theme park each year and, according to news sources, the park is still expanding.
4. Scoresby Sund in eastern Greenland, the longest fjord in the world.- A long narrow inlet of the sea between
steep cliffs.
5. The tallest waterfall in the world – Angel Waterfall, Venezuela.
6. Brazilian Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, considered one of the greatest shows on Earth.
7. The Buenos Aires Teatro Colón, one of the world's great opera houses.
Buenos Aires is one of the great capitals of theater. The Teatro Colón is a national landmark for opera and
classical performances.
8. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900
islands, stretching for over 2,600 kilometres over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres. The reef
is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia.
9. The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre on Bennelong Point in Sydney, New South
Wales, Australia. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, who in 2003, received the
Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour.
10. The Super Pit in Kalgoorlie, Australia's largest open cut gold mine.
11. The Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, built during the Old Kingdom, are modern national icons that are
at the heart of Egypt's thriving tourism industry.
12. The world's largest solar parabolic dish at the Ben-Gurion National Solar Energy Center, Israel
13. A TGV Sud-Est.
The Railway network of France, which stretches 31,840 kilometres (19,784 mi), is the most extensive in
Western Europe.
14. The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.
15. The largest wind farm and solar power capacity in the world is installed in Germany.
16. Here stands the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s largest mosque, with one of the world’s tallest minarets…
Morocco-Country
17. Famous for its world's biggest rock monolith, the Uluru and the deep gorges of Kata Tjuta, the whole area now
converted to a park, is a sacred area to the Aboriginals.Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, South Australia
18. The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in northern China, built originally to
protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups. There is a
famous Chinese saying, "He Who Has Not Climbed the Great Wall Is Not a Real Man".
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 29

Guestroom
Better, Be An Idiot!
Lt. Col P. Deogirikar (Retd.)
It was a coincidence. My viewing ‘3 Idiots’ on the TV on a
Sunday and this gentleman walking in to my office next day
for an interview for a vacancy in the security department.
This man was only 23 years old and had a wife aged 21. But it was
not ‘Bobby’ all over again; they had two kids as well! And he had
never earned a penny in his life thus far!! When I asked him as to
why did he get married at the tender age of 20 when he could not
even support himself, he had a typical reply. "Sir my grandfather
is the main person in our combined family. He wished to see me
married before he breathed his last and I had to." Of course,
when I asked him why did you start the family then, he had a
similar reply. Grandfather. When questioned about the second
child, he got irritated and mumbled "Ab Sir, ho gaya, kya kar
sakate hain!" ‘Kya kar sakate hain’, I was getting angry. And
personal. Somehow, I managed to finish this interview.
After his interview was over, I thought about it more. How
many of the important decisions of youth are taken by them
individually? Decisions regarding education, marriage (with
‘khap khauf’, of course!) , job, location? That is when I
remembered this powerful newsletter forum where I could talk
directly with the youth today. Of course, we will restrict to the
career choice only. Please read on.
Now this aspirant security guard was not very literate. But
are even the highly educated ones in the new generation taking
their important, vital decisions independently? While thinking
about this subject, I was reminded of that famous and
interesting comparison which Stephen Covey made between
Clock and Compass.
Which one is better? Clock or a compass? Of course, you
would ask me the context! Okay, context is your career. Now
which one is better.? Many students favour clock, which shows
precision, efficiency and adherence to time. GOOD, but the
compass is BETTER! Compass stands for vision and direction.
Right direction is more important than efficiency. If you are to go
to Delhi by road and you turn towards Mumbai, it does not
matter how efficiently are you proceeding! Or even if you don’t
have any plans at all to go to a specific place. As it is said, ‘If you
don’t know where to go, every road would lead you there!’
So compass it is. In our context, you must choose the right
field for your career first. And then ‘watch the clock’! (Pun
intended)
But, again, how many of us do so? I still feel many are in the
wrong profession, the ‘3 Idiot’ message ("follow your heart")
notwithstanding. I could think of the following reasons for it.
Not Attributableto Individual
1. Parental – I have already broached this subject with a
‘grandparental pressure’. Why go far to illustrate parental
one? ‘3 idiots’ is always there ‘for giving demonstration’!
Don’t worry, no ‘chutney’ is going to come your way!
Example is of Madhavan in that movie. He was born at a
particular time and his father, Parikshit Sahani, proudly
declares a minute letter ‘Mera beta engineer banega!’ This
tendency of a parent to make his/her offspring live his/her
dreams must be resisted by him/her.
2. Teacher – Sometimes a teacher takes a fancy on one of the
brighter students and plans for his/her career. Let us say,
this teacher teaches Mathematics. Now a bright guy would
excel generally in all other cerebral fields. That student may
be doing equally well, if not better, in Physics. This teacher
may be meaning good for him but he does not know the
aptitude of this pupil. Who knows, this youngster may be of
the caliber of another C V Raman, but will never realize it, if
the teacher compels him to take mathematics. That is where
this teacher is making a career-defining mistake.
3. Society– Sometimes I hear this. ‘Sir I had no guidance in my
small village, did not even know that a branch of my liking
exists! Was told by the village elders that teaching was good,
so I took admission in B Ed."
Sad if you are coming under one of these categories. I can
only sympathize with you if it is so. All I would advise then is to
30 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

draw interest in the field you are forced in to. May be we would
get into these unfortunate persons some other day, let us
proceed to the next category for this session.
Attributableto Individual
Now these are the ones you have complete control on. You
cannot blame anyone if you commit such ‘hara-kiri’! Let us take
them one by one.
1. Parental Influence - This happens for some. Having seen
the grand life father has had in a particular department or
field, the child feels he/she should follow the suit. Now a
father may have those skills/traits which a son/daughter may
or may not possess. Rohan Gavaskar, unfortunately, could
not measure up to the tremendous success his father, Sunil,
had. On the contrary, one does not know whether Dhoni’s
father even played cricket!
2. Peer Pressure - Just because your best friend is getting into
engineering you don’t have to! If your mathematics is weak
and you enjoy the commerce subject, there is no logic at all
for you to sacrifice your career for ‘dosti’. And, by the way, if
you two are such great pals ("ye dosti ham nahin todenge,
todenge dum magar.." type), why does not your friend take
the commerce subject instead? Having friendship is great
but having dependence is fatal.
3. Competition - I have known people ignoring ‘their’ fields
just because the competition was too hot. A badminton
player once confined to me "I wanted to play cricket
desperately but the competition was very tough!" Tell him
how many of the Indian cricket players today have come from
a very meagre background! Please note, if you are good and
you are in the ‘right’ field (compass aligned correctly), no
one can deny you the success. You may be delayed, but not
denied.
4. Show Off - There are young people who would get into a
particular field just to ‘show off’ to an individual or a group,
‘what they can do!’ While this ‘Chanakya like’ determination
is appreciated, why spoil your life-long happiness just to get
even with someone? I might become an engineer from an IIT
to ‘show off’ but would I not feel deep inside all my life that I
could have become a great writer?
‘she’ is getting into Arts and I should get into Engineering?
Not see her daily in the class? I would rather die!" Explain to
that love bird that she can still be married to him if he
becomes an engineer and then he can keep seeing her all his
life! Tell him that mixing career and love is as dangerous as
mixing drinking and driving!
One more thing. Once you are sure that you are indeed in the
right direction, put your heart and soul to achieve . And take my
word, you would. Then don’t bother about the college you are
getting, or the locality or the level you can break through at. On
level, here is a conversation I had with one of the guys who
wanted to get into an automobile company as an engineer. His
qualification was BBA and he had worked for four years as a sales
person in an automobile company.
Me - But, if you think you are good in engineering, why did
you not take engineering after secondary level?
He - Sir I have always been in love with automobile
engineering but could not get a seat in engineering.
Me - Fine, but why not get a diploma in the subject of your
choice?
He - Sir, I could have got admission in a polytechnic and did
not have financial resources to join.
Me- If it was not possible, why not join in ITI to pursue your
technical interest?
He - Honestly, never thought about it.
Me - Honestly, if you had a reply justifying it, I would have
asked you as to why did you not join a local automobile garage as a
mechanic!
You would have realized what I was driving at. If your passion
for a subject is indeed great, how could you not get into it at any
level and, then, show what you are capable of?
So, dear Reader, if you are at that critical juncture which will
determine your career, be very careful. Try to get into the field
which gives you intrinsic pleasure and, then, you would never
have to work for a day!
5. Love (or whatever!) - Next, it could be love or infatuation
(or whatever) which may be responsible for a wrong career
choice. One reaction from a youngster sums it up, "You mean
So, Better Be an Idiot!
Right, Aamir?
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 31

Profile
W. Edwards Deming: Quality Guru
Dr. W. Edwards Deming, the father of Japanese post-war
industrial revival, was regarded by many as the quality
guru in the United States. Trained as a statistician, his
expertise was used during World War II to assist the United
States in its efforts to improve the quality of war materials.
Deming's business philosophy is summarized in his famous “14
Points”, which have inspired significant changes among a
number of leading companies in the world striving to compete in
the world's increasingly competitive environment.
INTRODUCTION
William Edwards Deming (1900-1993) was an American
statistician, college professor, author, lecturer and consultant.
Deming is widely credited with improving production in the US
during World War II, although he is perhaps best known for his
work in Japan. From 1950 onwards, he taught top management
in Japan how to improve design (and thus service), product
quality, testing and sales through various methods, including the
application of statistical methods and hypothesis testing.
Deming made a significant contribution to Japan's later
renown for innovative high-quality products and its economic
power. He is regarded as having had more impact on Japanese
manufacturing and business than any other individual not of
Japanese heritage. Despite being considered something of a
hero in Japan, it was only at the time of his death that he was
beginning to win widespread recognition in the U.S. Deming
was the author of Out of the Crisis (1982- 1986) and The New
Economics for Industry, Government, Education (1993), which
includes his system of Profound Knowledge and the 14 points
for Management .
WORK IN JAPAN
After World War II (1947), Deming was involved in early
planning for the 1951 Japanese Census. He was asked by the
Department of the Army to assist in this census. While he was
there, his expertise in quality control techniques, combined with
his involvement in Japanese society, led to his receiving an
invitation from the Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers
(JUSE) for his lectures. A number of Japanese manufacturers
applied his techniques widely and experienced unheard – of
levels of quality and productivity. The improved quality,
combined with the lowered cost, created new international
demand for Japanese products.
When Deming declined to receive royalties from the
transcripts of his 1950 lectures, JUSE established the Deming
Prize (1950) to repay him for his services. The Deming Prize –
especially the Deming Application Prize, which is given to
companies – has exerted an immeasurable influence directly or
indirectly on the development of quality control and quality
management in Japan.
WORK IN THE US
Ford Motor Company was one of the first American
32 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

corporations to seek help from Deming. In 1981, Ford recruited
Deming to help jump-start its quality movement. Ford's sales
were falling. Between 1979 and 1982, Ford had incurred $3
billion in losses. Deming questioned the company's culture and
the way its managers operated. To Ford's surprise, Deming
talked not about quality but about management. He told Ford
that management actions were responsible for 85 percent of all
problems in developing better cars.
In a letter to Auto-week Magazine, Donald Petersen, then
Ford Chairman, said, “We are moving toward building a quality
culture at Ford and the many changes that have been taking
place here have their roots directly in Dr. Deming's teachings.”
By 1986, Ford had become the most profitable American auto
company. For the first time since the 1920s, its earnings had
exceeded those of arch rival General Motors (GM). Ford had
come to lead the American automobile industry in
improvements. In the following years, Ford confirmed that its
success was not a fluke, for its earnings continued to exceed
those of GM and Chrysler.
as inherent defects, poor maintenance of machines, poor
tools and fuzzy operational definitions.
Drive out fear, so that everyone may work effectively for the
company.
Break down barriers between departments. People in
research, design, sales and production must work as a team
to foresee problems of production that may be encountered
with various materials and specifications.
Eliminate numerical goals, posters and slogans for the
workforce, asking for new levels of productivity without
providing methods.
Eliminate work standards that prescribe numerical quotas.
Remove barriers that stand between the hourly worker and
his right to pride of workmanship.
Institute a vigorous programme of education and retraining.
Create a structure in top management that will push every
day on the above 13 points.
DEMING'S 14 KEY PRINCIPLES
Deming offered 14 key principles of management for
transforming business effectiveness. In summary:
Create constancy of purpose towards improvement of a
product and service with a plan to become competitive and
stay in business. Decide to whom top management is
responsible.
Adopt the new philosophy. We are in a new economic age. We
can no longer live with commonly accepted levels of delays,
mistakes, defective materials and defective workmanship.
Cease dependence on mass inspection. Require, instead,
statistical evidence that quality is built in (prevent defects
instead of detecting defects).
End the practice of awarding business on the basis of price
tag. Instead, depend on meaningful measures of quality
along with price. Eliminate suppliers that cannot provide
statistical evidence of quality.
Find problems. It is the management's job to work
continually on the system (design, incoming materials,
composition of material, maintenance, improvement of
machine, training, supervision, retraining).
Institute modern methods of training on the job.
The responsibility of the foreman must be to change from
sheer numbers to quality, which will automatically improve
productivity. Management must prepare to take immediate
action on reports from the foeman concerning barriers such
QUOTATIONS UNSCRAMBLED
“There is no substitute for knowledge”. There is a need to
know more, about everything in the system. It is considered
as a contrast to the old statement, “There is no substitute for
hard work” by Thomas Alva Edison (1847- 1931). Instead, a
small amount of knowledge could save many hours of hard
work, just as knowing a password could save hours trying to
remember or getting the password reauthorized or reset.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 33

“The most important things cannot be measured.” The
issues that are most important in the long-term cannot be
measured in advance. However, they might be among the
factors that an organization is measuring, without being
understood as the most important at the time.
efforts on zero – defect goals”. Dr. Deming stressed the
importance of establishing a level of variation, or anomalies,
acceptable to the recipient (or customer) and efforts to
remove all defects would be an excessive waste of time and
money.
“Experience by itself teaches nothing” This statement
emphasizes the need to interpret and apply information
against a theory or framework of concepts that is the basis for
knowledge about a system. It is considered as a contrast to
the old statement, “Experience is the best teacher. “To Dr.
Deming, Knowledge is best taught by a master who explains
the overall system through which experience is judged;
experience, without understanding the underlying system,
is just raw data that can be misinterpreted against a flawed
theory of reality.
“Devise a policy of acceptable defects rather than waste
“The worker is not the problem”. “The problem is at the top
Management!”. Deming states that workers represent only
15 percent of the problem and that “system” is responsible
for the other 85 percent. The “system” is the responsibility
of management. Instead of blaming production and service
problems on the work force and demanding that workers
work harder to do their jobs in the way they were taught,
management should evaluate the system and work to
transform it. The essence of quality management is the
ability to treat problems of the system and of the people
simultaneously.
WINDSURFING
Windsurfing uses the wind’s energy as a driving force. Windsurfers
stand on a board, and steer by controlling the position of the boom.
Beginners can use a fun-board, but experienced slalom racers and speed
windsurfers often have a custom-built board.
Fun boards are good for
beginners. They provide easy
control and good paddle ability.
Custom Board
Slalom Board
34 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

PT Panorama
Poetry
Will I ever be able to changethe picture someday?
Will I be able to do somethingfor my societysubstantially?
Or I 'll be busy makingmy own ends meet like others...
Will I be able to changethe picture ever?
Why the deprived downtrodden strata has to be dazzled by the
glitz of the riches?
Can I give them a ray of hope?
Can I be the silver line in their gloomylives?
Can I give them a Qualitylife?
Am I so self-centred that in the 'so-called' rat-raceof just making
money and empires , I'll lose the true essence of life -
Compassion
God! Endowme with those lastingvirtuesof humanityand love.
I don't want to turn in to a hawkish intellectual who turns a cold
shoulderto the wideninggaps betweenthe rich and the poor.
CouldI make a difference ever through Education?
Yes, I believein the very conceptof Education.
Educationis enlightenment.
Educationis refinement.
How long will they be stimatised?
How long will they be victimised?
Let me bring smile on those poor innocent faces who suffer an
identitycrisis.
Look at me ! At least I have a ''So-called" identity which I keep on
relishing but what about those- rag-pickers, child labourers,
pavementdwellers...
Don't they even deserve to smile?
Sometimes,this brutalpoliceforce,
Sometimes,these blood-suckinglandlords,
Sometimes,these politiciansbeguilingthem
These naive lives are duped by these intellectually dishonest
peopleover the centuries.
Why Povertyengulfsthe innocentlives?
Why Farmer- the actual ' Life-giver' next to God is struggling to
get two mealsa day.
What an irony ! The food- creator himselfis deprivedof food.
I don't despise an ultra-luxurious life but certainly not at the
expenseof others' bloodand sweat.
Don't be merely rich financiallybut rich in every sense.
This sense of responsibility makes me realise that I have to
shapemy students' lives.
Patriotism is not only about singing national anthem on
Independenceday and Republicday.
Patriotismis reflectedin every work done passionately, positively
and whole-heartedly
which is ultimately for the betterment and upliftment of the
society.
If this messageevokes the impulseof the students,
I'll feel , the ultimate purpose of Education is fulfilled up to an
extent.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 35

General knowledge
Highest, longest, biggest, largest,
deepest, smallest of the world
Largest Airport : King Abdul Khalid International Airport
(SaudiArabia)
Highest Airport : Lhasa Airport, Tibet
Tallest Animal : Giraffe
Largest Animal : Blue Bottom whale
Largest Bay : Hudson Bay, Canada.
Fastest Bird : Swift
Largest Bird : Ostrich
Smallest Bird : Humming bird
Longest Bridge : Huey P. Long Bridge (USA)
Tallest Building : Taipei 101 Financial Tower (Taiwan)
Longest Canal : Baltic Sea White Canal
Largest Cathedral : Cathedral Church of New York
Largest Cemetery : Ohlsdorf Cemetery (Hamburg,
Germany)
Largest Church : Balisca of St. Peter in the Vatican City,
Rome.
Largest Continent : Asia
Smallest Continent : Australia
Largest Country (Area) : Russia
Smallest Country (Area) : Vatican City
Biggest Cinema House : Roxy, New York
Highest City : Wenchuan, China
Most Populous City : Tokyo
Longest Day : June 21
Shortest Day : December 22
Largest Delta : Sunderban (India)
Largest Desert : Sahara, North Africa
Biggest Dome : Gol Gumbaz (Bijapur), India
Largest Dam : Grand Coulee Dam, USA
Tallest Fountain : Fountain Hills, Arizona
Largest Gulf : Gulf of Mexico
Largest Hotel : Excalibur Hotel (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)
Largest Island : Greenland
Largest Lake : Caspian Sea
Deepest Lake : Baikal (Siberia)
Highest Lake : Titicaca (Bolivia)
Largest Library : United States Library of Congress,
Washington
Largest Mosque : Jama Masjid, Delhi (India)
Highest Mountain Peak : Mount Everest (Nepal)
Highest Mountain Range : Himalayas, Asia
Largest Mountain Range : Andes (South America)
Biggest Museum : American Museum of Natural History
(New York)
Largest Minaret : Sultan Hassan Mosque (Egypt)
36 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Tallest Minaret : Qutub Minar, Delhi (India)
Biggest Oceans : Pacific Ocean
Deepest Oceans : Pacific Ocean
Biggest Palace : Vatican (Rome)
Largest Palace : Imperial Palace (China)
Largest Park : National Park of North-Eastern (Greenland)
Largest Peninsula : Arabia
Highest Plateau : Pamir (Tibet)
Longest Platform : Kharagpur, W. Bengal (India)
Largest Platform : Grand Central Terminal, (Rly. Station),
New York (USA)
Biggest Planet : Jupiter
Smallest Planet : Mercury
Brightest Planet : Venus
Coldest Planet : Pluto
Nearest Planet (to the Sun) : Mercury
Farthest Planet (from the Sun) : Pluto
Longest River : Nile, Africa
Longest River Dam : Hirakud Dam, India
Largest Sea : South China Sea
Largest Stadium : Starhove Stadium, Prague (Czech
Republic)
Brightest Star : Sirius A
Tallest Statue : Motherland (Russia)
Largest Sea-bird : Albatross
Biggest Telescope : Mt. Palomar (USA)
Longest Train : Flying Scotsman
Largest Temple : Angkor Wat in Cambodia
Oldest Theatre : Teatro Olimpico (Italy)
Tallest Tower : C. N. Tower, Toronto (Canada)
Longest Wall : Great Wall of China
Highest Waterfall : Angel (Venezuela)
Widest Waterfall : Khone Falls (Laos)
Lowest Water Level : Dead Sea
Longest Epic : Mahabharata
Hottest Place : Azizia (Libya)
Rainiest Place : Mosinram, near Cherrapunji (India)
Highest Road : Leh-Nobra, Ladakh Division India
Highest Village : Andean (Chile)
Highest Volcano : Ojos del Salado, (Argentina) Chile
Largest Volcano : Manuna Lea (Hawaii)
Lightest Gas : Hydrogen
Fastest Animal : Cheetah
Biggest Flower : Rafflesia (Java)
Longest Corridor : Rameshwaram Temple (India)
Largest Democracy : India
Highest Cable Car Project : Gulmarg (Jammu-Kashmir)
Biggest Airbus : Double Decker A-380
Highest Rail Track : Kwinghai Tibet Railway (China)
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 37

Subject-Specific Words
ARTS
2D OR TWO- DIMENSIONAL : things that look flat. For
example,a square is a 2-D shape.
3D OR THREE- DIMENSIONAL : things that look (or
are) solid. For example,a cube is a 3-D shape.
ABSTRACT : art that does not attempt to represent the
appearance of objects, real or
imaginary. The artist takes an
image or object and changes its
appearance by leaving out details,
simplifying or rearranging its parts
to express his or her idea or feeling.
Abstraction can occur in varying
degrees, perhaps to the extent
where you may not recognize the
subject in the final product.
Abstract work with no recognizable
subject matter is called nonobjectiveart.
Acrylic : pigment in a plastic binder medium; water-based
paint that adheres to most surfaces.
Artifact : hand-made object that represents a particular
culture or period.
Calligraphy : fine handwriting in ink
with a quill, reed pen, or brush; follows
specificrules or designs.
Classical : originating in Greece and
Rome;representsunadornedbeauty.
Crayon: a stick of wax used for coloringor drawing
Embellish: to add ornamentaldetailsto.
Focal point : an area of an artwork that first attracts and
usuallysustainsthe viewer's attention.
Horizonline : a level line where water or land seems to end
and the sky begins. It is usually on the eye level of the observer. If
the horizon cannot be seen, its placement may be imagined
based on the placement of trees, grasses, mountains and the
like.
Mosaic : a design or picture created by
imbeddingstones or pieces of glass on a floor, vault or
wall
Mural : a large painting or artwork, generally designed for
and created on the wall or ceilingof a publicbuilding.
Museum/gallery : A place where collections of objects,
artifacts,and art are on displayand are protected.
Origami: Japaneseart of paperfolding.
Rainbow : an arc of colors made from the sun and refraction
of water.
REALISM (1850-1900) : a style in which artists try to create
an imagethat resemblesthe naturalworld.
Renaissance : a period in the 15th and 16th centuries when
there were lots of new discoveriesin art and science.
Romantics : a group of late 18th and early 19th-century
artists, including Caspar David Friedrich, who were inspired by
a love of nature.
Sculpture: a statueor 3-D work of art.
Silhouette: portraitor picture cut from black paper or done
in solid black upon a light background.
Surrealism : a 20th-century art
movement which used bizarre, dream-like
images. Rene Magritte and Salvador Dali
were famousSurrealists.
38 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Terra cotta : reddish clay that contains grog,
commonlyused for ceramicsculpture.
Translucent : clear enough to allow light to pass
through.
Transparent: see through.
Wedging : kneading moist clay to eliminate air bubbles and
producea uniformtexture.
AGRICULTURE
Agribusiness : large-scale capital-intensive, commercial
farming.
Agricultural : to do with farming. The work of growing
crops or rearinganimals.
Buying in Bulk : negotiating low prices from the supplier
by offeringto buy very large quantitiesof a particularproduct.
Buying in Bulk : negotiating low prices from the supplier
by offeringto buy very large quantitiesof a particularproduct.
Capital: money.
Capital-Intensive : an activity which requires a lot of
money.
Cash Crop : where a crop is sold in the market for cash; the
term is often applied to crops grown in less economically
developed country (LEDCs), which are exported to the more
economicallydevelopedcountry (MEDCs).
Cereals : crops where the seeds are the main product e.g.
wheat,corn.
Commercial Farming : farming for a profit, where food is
produced by advanced technological means for sale in the
market. Often, very few workers are employed. Market
Gardening in the Barcelona area is an example of commercial
farming.
CommonAgricultural Policy (CAP) : the policy used by
the EU to control farming.
Compensation : money paid to someone who has
experiencedloss or injury.
Contour Ploughing : the practice of ploughing along the
contours or a slope in order to minimise the down-slope run-off
of waterand thereby prevent soil erosion.
Co-operatives : groups of farmers who join together to
share expensive items of machinery, to buy in bulk and to sell
their produce. The co-operativeseeks the best possibleprice for
the product and stops farmers competing among themselves to
sell the most produce,whichoften causespricesto fall.
Aid : the giving of resources by one country or organisation,
to anothercountry.
AmalgamatedFarms : small farms joined together to form
one large agriculturalunit.
Arable Farm : one which specialises in producing crops e.g.
wheatfarmingin East Anglia.
Crop Rotation : a method of farming which avoids growing
the same crop in a field continuously. A regular change of crops
maintainssoil fertilityand reducesthe risk of pests and diseases.
Cultivation: the growingof crops.
Dairy Farm : one which specialises in dairy cows,
producingmilk, butter, cheeses,yoghurtetc.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 39

egan in the 1960s with the breeding of new high-yielding
varietiesof wheatand rice.
Guaranteed Prices : a type of farm subsidy: the farmer is
guaranteeda minimumprice for everythingproduced.
H erbicide : poisonous chemicals applied to crops to kill
weeds.
Hybrid : a new higher-yielding plant variety obtained from
deliberatecross-pollinationof two other selectedvarieties.
HYVs : High Yielding Varieties: new types of seed which
have been scientifically developed to produce more food per
plant.
lR8 Rice : a high yielding variety of rice developed from
hybridsduringthe Green Revolution.
Irrigation: the artificialwateringof the land.
Delta : an area of flat, very fertile land at the mouth of a river,
which extends out into the sea. Deltas are formed from mud and
silt broughtdown by rivers.
Desertification : the reduction in the fertility of the land as
a result of human or natural processes. Causes include
overgrazing,over-cropping,gradualdestructionof trees for fuel,
the use of cattle dung as a fuel, deforestation and climate
change.
Economiesof Scale : the cost savings gained by production
on a large scale.
Factory Farming : keeping animals in intensive artificial
conditionsindoors.
Fallow : a field left for a year with just grass in order for it to
naturally regain its nutrients after several years of crops. This is
usuallypart of a Crop Rotationcycle.
Famine : a shortage of food causing malnutrition and
hunger.
Fertiliser : nutrients applied to the soil, either artificial
(inorganic)or natural(organic).
Fodder : crops grown for animal feed, usually stored and fed
to the animalsduringthe wintermonths.
GreenRevolution: the attemptto improve the productivity
crops in less economically developed country (LEDC) which
Labour-Intensive: where many workers are required; this
is typical of less economically developed country (LEDC)
subsistence or peasant farming, where there is an absence of
advancedmachinery.
Land Degradation : the deterioration of the suitability of
land for farming due to soil erosion, desertification and
salinisation.
Organic Farming : this avoids the use of inorganic
chemicalfertilisers,pesticidesand herbicides.
Over-Cultivation : the excessive use of farmland to the
point where productivity falls due to soil exhaustion or land
degradation.
Overgrazing : the destruction of the protective vegetation
cover by havingtoo many animalsgrazingupon it.
Over-Production : where too much food is produced as a
result of EU policies to ensure that Europe is self- sufficient in
food; this resultsin very expensivestorage.
Paddy Field : a floodedfield where rice is grown.
Pastoral Farm : one which specialises in the production of
animals/animalproductse.g. sheepfarmingin the Welsh hills..
Peasant Farming : small-scale farming in less
economically developed country (LEDC) in which subsistence
still plays a part.
40 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Pesticide : poisonous chemicals applied to crops to kill
pests.
Pests : these affect crops and animals reducing yields, e.g.
locusts.
Ranching: rearingof beef cattle on a large scale.
Soil Conservation : methods of protecting the soil from
erosion e.g. hedges,terraces,contourploughing,strip cropping.
Soil Erosion : The loss of soil from a field's surface by the
action of wind or water, often accelerated by human actions.
Certain types of soil are more at risk from erosion than others, as
are soils on slopes. Erosion can be reduced by soil conservation
measures, whichmay involvea changein cultivationpractices.
Soil Exhaustion: where the soil has lost its fertility.
Solar Energy : the main source of energy on Earth, taken
into the food chain by photosynthesisin plants or used by people
as a source of electricityand heating.
Brief: Instructionsto a barrister - also US written statement
of facts for a court
Case: Statement of the facts in a trial, esp. the argument of
one side
Contract : A formal agreement, usually in writing, between
two or more parties
Court of law : The place where law cases are heard and
decided;court - courtroom
Evidence : Information presented to a court to prove or
supporta point in question
Guilty: Responsiblefor wrong; culpable
Judge : Public official with authority to hear and decide
cases in a court of law
Jury : A group of people chosen to hear the evidenceof a case
and give a decision
Lawsuit : A trial at court between two private
parties
Lawyer : A person trained in law and who advises or
representsothers
Plead : To defend a law case; to declare oneselfto be guilty or
not guilty
Sentence : Decision of a court, esp. as to the punishment;
the punishment
Solicitor : UK lawyer advising clients & briefing barristers;
US law officer for a city etc
Sue : To start legal actionagainstsomeonein a court of law
Transnational Corporation : a very large company, with
factories in many different countries, often making and selling a
rangeof products.
Tropics : the areas of the world which are close to the
equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of
Capricorn.
Law
Attorney : A person appointed to act for or represent
anotherperson; lawyer
Barrister: A lawyerwho pleadsbefore a superiorcourt
Sum up : To summarise & review the evidence of a case
[said of a judge]- summingup
Trial : A formal examination of a case in a court of law
8
erdict: The formaldecisionor findingof a judgeor jury
Without prejudice : Without detriment or damage to a
legal right or claim
POLITICS
Every clique has its own language - an insider's jargon that
peopleoutsidethe group don't alwaysunderstand.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 41

Bipartisan: A cooperativeeffort by two politicalparties.
Checks and Balances : The system of dividing power
among the three branches of government (executive, legislative,
and judicial) to prevent anyone from having too much power.
Each branch has some authority to checkthe power of the
others,thereby maintaininga balanceamongthe three.
Red Tape : Government
paperworkand procedures that are
slow and difficult. Stems from an
18th-century British practice of
binding official papers with a reddish
twine.
+KJ JDA
4A@ 6=FA
Convention : A national meeting of a political party, where
delegatesformallyelect a party's nominee.
Dark Horse: A long-shotcandidate.
Fishing Expedition : An investigation with no defined
purpose,often by one party seekingdamaginginformationabout
another. Such inquiries are likened to fishing because they pull
up whateverthey happento catch.
Grass Roots : Political activity that originates locally, or
arisesfrom ground level.
Ideology : An integrated system of ideas about politics,
values, and culture. Those who espouse an ideology are
sometimescriticizedas rigid and narrow-minded.
Incumbent: A current officeholder.
Lame Duck : An officeholder whose term has expired or
cannotbe continued,who thus has lessenedpower.
Left-wing : Liberal. The labeling system originated from
the seating pattern of the French National Assembly, which put
liberals on the left, moderates in the middle, and conservatives
on the right.
Lobby : A group seeking to influence an elected official, or
the act of doing so. The term originated in the 17th century,
when people waiting to speakwith legislators at the English
House of Commons waited in a large atrium outside the
legislators' hall, calledthe lobby.
Muckraker : A journalist who seeks out the scandalous
activities of public officials. Derived from the Man with the
MuckRake, a character in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's
Progress," who could never lookup, only down.
Rubber Chicken Circuit : The endless series of public
dinners and luncheons politicians must attend in order to raise
funds and make speeches. The food often includes chicken,
which is cooked hours earlier and then reheated, giving it a
rubbery texture.
Silent Majority : The mass of Americans whose opinions
are not loud and public, but who together have enormous power.
Popularized by President Richard Nixon, who claimed that
Vietnam War protesters comprised a minority, while a "silent
majority"supportedthe war.
CULTURE
Clan : a kinship group, based on descent through either
males or females. Clan members frequently live and work
together and believe they are descended from a common
ancestor.
Descendants: peoplewho share a commonancestry.
Dialect : a local variationof a language.
Diffusion : the process of accepting, borrowing, and
exchanging traits from one society to another; the spatial
spreadingor disseminationof a culture element.
Ethnic group : a group of people who share a language,
history, or place of origin; a large group of people who have more
in commonwith each other than they do with other peoples.
Ethnocentrism : regarding one's own culture as being
superior to others and judging other cultures from the
perspectiveof your own culture.
Mores : social norms that provide the moral standards of a
group or societyand that are strictlyenforced.
42 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

General knowledge
Important inventions
Invention Date Country Invention Date Country
Aeroplane 1903 USA Photography 1888 France
Balloon 1783 France Printing Press 1455 Germany
Ball-Point Pen 1888 USA Pyramid 2685 B.C. Egypt
Barometer 1644 Italy Radar 1922 USA
Battery (Electric) 1800 Italy Radio Telegraphy 1864 USA
Car (Steam) 1769 France Razor, Safety 1895 USA
Carburetor 1876 USA Record 1948 USA
Cement 1824 Britain Refrigerator 1850 USA
Cinema 1895 France Safety Pin 1849 USA
Diesel Engine 1895 Germany Sewing Machine 1829 France
Dynamo 1832 France Ship (steam) 1775 France
Electric Lamp 1879 USA Skyscraper 1882 USA
Electric Fan 1873 Belgium Spectacles 1289 Italy
Electronic Computer 1824 Britain Spinning Frame 1769 Britain
Fountain Pen 1884 USA Spinning Jenny 1764 Britain
Glider 1853 Britain Steam Engine 1698 Britain
Gramophone 1878 USA Steam Engine (Piston) 1712 Britain
Helicopter 1924 France Steel Production 1855 Britain
Jet Engine 1937 Britain Steel (Stainless) 1913 Britain
Laser 1957 USA Submarine 1776 USA
Lift 1852 USA Tank 1914 Britain
Lightning Conductor 1752 USA Telegraph 1787 France
Linoleum 1860 Britain Telegraph code 1837 USA
Locomotive 1804 Britain Telephone 1876 Italy
Machine Gun 1718 Britain Telescope 1608 Netherlands
Maps 3800 B.C. Britain Television (Mechanical) 1926 Britain
Match, safety 1826 Britain Television (Electronic) 1927 USA
Microphone 1876 USA Terylene 1941 Britain
Microscope 1590 Netherlands Thermometer 1593 Italy
Motor cycle 1855 Germany Transformer 1831 Britain
Neon Lamp 1910 France Transistor 1948 USA
Nylon 1937 USA Typewriter 1805 Italy
Paper 105 A.D. China Washing Machine 1907 USA
Parachute 1797 France X-Ray 1895 Germany
Pasteurization 1867 France Zip Fastener 1891 USA
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 43

Give me a one-word substitution
1. A child born after the death of his father or a book
publishedafter the deathof its author.
2. A diseaseaffectingmany personsat the same time.
3. A forecast of the result of a diseaseor illness.
4. A generalpardon of politicaloffenders.
5. A great lover or collectorof books.
6. A medicineto counteractpoison.
7. A person who renounces all the worldly pleasures for
the good of the soul.
8. A person whose manners are more like that of woman
than those of a man.
9. A person whose only motive is to make money by any
means.
10. A place where soldiersare quartered.
11. A place where treasures, stores, ammunition are
hidden.
12. A place with a good climatefor invalids.
13. A schoolfor infantsand youngchildren.
14. A speechmadewithoutany prior preparation.
15. A state in whichsuccessionis through womenalone.
16. A state of completecontinence.
17. An order prohibitingships to leave the ports.
18. Gradualrecovery from illness.
19. Incapableof beingwounded.
20. One who believesin singleGod.
21. One who can use both the handsskillfully.
22. One who collectspostagestamps.
23. One who comesas a settlerin a foreign country.
24. One who compilesa dictionary.
25. One who devotes his life to the welfare and interests of
other people.
26. One who donatesliberallyfor good causes.
27. One who eats humanflesh.
28. One who has been before another in office or
employment.
29. One who has grown old in or had long experience.
30. One who hates mankind.
31. One who is hater of women.
32. One who is an expertin storytelling.
33. One who is all powerful.
34. One who is given to questioning of facts and the
soundnessof inferences.
35. One who journeysfrom place to place.
36. One who listensto the conversationof others.
37. One who makes a displayof his learning.
38. One who makes an eloquentpublicspeech.
39. One who makes and sells cushions, chair-covers,
motorcar seats,etc.
40. One who pretendsto be what he is not.
44 PT's PrepTalk – May 2011

41. One who studiesscienceof rocks and minerals.
42. One who studiesthe evolutionof mankind.
43. One who studiesthe scienceand originof words.
44. One who totallyabstainsfrom alcoholicdrinks.
45. One who undergoes the penalty of death for the
persistenceof his faith/convictions.
46. Propertyinheritedfrom one's fatheror ancestor.
47. Resultingin death.
48. Signingfor some other personwithouthis permission.
49. That letter which is of unknown or non-admitted
authorship.
50. That whichis a governmentby the military class.
51. That whichis a governmentby priestsor ecclesiastics.
52. That which is a government in which no distinction is
madebetweenpersonsof different religion.
53. That which is conferred as an honour, or performed
withoutpay.
54. That whichis everlasting.
55. The absenceof a governancein a country.
56. The act of talkingimpiouslyaboutsacred things.
57. The act or practiceof spying.
58. The cessationof warfare before a treaty is signed.
59. The dormant condition in which plants and animals
pass winter.
60. The murder of a new born infant.
61. The murder of one's own brother or sister.
62. To banishfrom one's country.
63. Violatingor profaningreligiousthings.
64. Willful and persistent resistance due to lawful
authority.
Answers to one-word substitution
1. Posthumous
2. Epidemic
3. Prognosis
4. Amnesty
5. Bibliophile
6. Antidote
7. Ascetic
8. Effeminate
9. Mercenary
10. Cantonment
11. Cache
12. Sanatorium
13. Kindergarten
14. Extempore
15. Matriarchy
16. Celibacy
17. Embargo
18. Convalescence
19. Invulnerable
20. Monotheist
21. Ambidextrous
22. Philatelist
23. Immigrant
24. Lexicographer
25. Altruist
26. Philanthropist
27. Cannibal
28. Predecessor
29. Veteran
30. Misanthropist
31. Misogynist
32. Raconteur
33. Omnipotent
34. Sceptic
35. Itinerant
36. Eavesdropper
37. Pedant
38. Orator
39. Upholsterer
40. Hypocrite
41. Lithologist
42. Anthropologist
43. Etymologist
44. Teetotaller
45. Martyr
46. Patrimony
47. Fatal
48. Forgery
49. Anonymous
50. Stratocracy
51. Hierarchy
52. Secular
53. Honorary
54. Perennial
55. Anarchy
56. Blasphemy
57. Espionage
58. Armistice
59. Hibernation
60. Infanticide
61. Fratricide
62. Expatriate
63. Sacrilege
64. Contumacy
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 45

Rock climbing
Rock climbing involves coordinated and controlled
movement using the natural features on the surface of the rock.
At times, the climber will have to work out, which holds to use,
the sequence to use them in and then perform that series of
moves. As kids, you would probably have gone through that
process every time you climbed a wall, building, tree etc.,
without a great deal of thought, particularly to the
consequences.
Being older and wiser, we all know that falling from any
height on to a hard surface hurts; hence the ‘mature’ climber
also has to deal with the stress associated to this hard-wired
psychological response to falling. The equipment is very
complex, but to have fun and be safe, you need to have it all. A
harness is the most important part of the equipment. It is the key
equipment to protect you, if you fall. To have climbing clothing is
very important. Some of this includes a sling, a harness, a
helmet, and shoes.
The present lifestyle persuades many to opt for an
operational hobby as compared to a sedentary one. The
answer lies in choosing a challenging hobby that brings
out the passionate and adventurous side of you to the fore.
The remarkable aspect of a venturesome hobby is that it is
fraught with the element of defying danger! You learn things that
a house-bound hobby can never ever make you to dream of !
Such a hobby ensures a whole lot of excitement plus it makes
your less ambitious friends look up to you in wide-eyed wonder !
Rock climbing is a great sport for all ages. Rock climbing in
India started off as a training for mountaineering. As a sport, it
took off only 15 years ago. As the climbing standards reached to
the greater heights in the rest of the world, the gear and the
standards were left far behind in India in the 1950s. However,
due to the influx of the visiting climbers and climbing literature
in the past few years, the climbing standards have improved.
You may want to wear
specialized climbing shoes to make
climbing easier and more fun.
Some other equipments include
carabineers for the ropes, chocks,
nuts, hex, a first-aid kit, bags, a
cord, crampons, and a rope to tie
around the waist to help you if you
fall. Collect all your equipment and
you are ready to start climbing.
Knowledge of many other
important facts will help you in climbing. You will have to watch
Lining
Heel
Sole
Subsidiary/Heel Loops
Rand
Tongue
Lacing
out for some dangers : high
winds may occur and cold
temperature can make climbing
extremely dangerous. Also,
avalanches and falling rocks and
ice may put you at risk. There
may be hidden cracks in the
rocks. Plus high elevations can
cause sickness such as
pulmonary and cerebral edema,
which can be life threatening.
46 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

You can undergo a training to prepare yourself for outside
climbing. You might want to keep your schedule up all through
the year. This will keep you in shape mentally and physically.
This will also reduce your potential for injury and will result in
high strength, endurance and aerobic capacity.
Rock climbing has its ups and downs but it is worth all the
trouble once you reach the top. So, get set and go.
STYLES OF ROCK CLIMBING
“Trad” (traditional) climbing
A key element of ‘trad’ rock climbing is to protect yourself.
This involves using some very specialized bits of kit to place in
naturally occurring cracks and pockets on the rock. Then you
clip your rope to these via an extender. This complete set up of
protection and extender is referred to as runner.
Your eagle-eyed partner at the bottom of the climb uses a
device called belay plate to pay out the rope as you ascend. If you
blow it at the sharp end, you take wing, and if you have done a
good job of protecting the route and your partner is good at
belaying, you only fall twice the distance you have climbed past
your last runner. This whole process of being on the sharp end of
the rope(minus the falling bit) is called leading. Of all the
climbing disciplines, ‘trad’ climbing is the most complex
activity to be involved in, due to the equipment and safety
systems involved. It is also the most prevalent style of climbing
outdoors.
Although, it takes time to be an expert in ‘trad’ climbing, at
the same time it opens up all sorts of mountaineering doors to
you.
SPORT CLIMBING
Sport climbing is radically different from ‘trad’ climbing. It
is much common in France and Spain.
All you have to do is clip your extender to the bolt, clip the
rope through the extender and be sure that your eagle-eyed
belayer is still doing a good job. This style of climbing has the
advantage that it is very quick and easy, technically, to pick up.
Although bear in mind that there are still key skills that require
specific training and practice.
BOULDERING
Bouldering allows the climber to concentrate on the pure
difficulty of short sequences of very dynamic and powerful
climbing. It takes place on boulders or small outcrops, without
the clutter of ropes and hardware, which means that it is just you
and the rock.
Working out how to use the sequence of holds effectively
provides a mental aspect to what is a very physical activity. Being
a very absorbing pursuit in its own right, it is also a good way to
hone your rock climbing skills without the distraction of
worrying about how good the protection is, or worrying about
taking a fall.
Just a cautionary word- although bouldering is seen as being
‘low risk’, it is still possible to hurt yourself through landing
badly on uneven surfaces when you jump/fall.
SOME CLIMBING SPOTS IN INDIA
One of India’s best climbing areas exists in Bangalore.
Within a radius of 60 kilometers, it is possibly the biggest
concentration of granite in the country. The granite can at times
have loose fakes, and cleaning the rock on new routes sometimes
becomes essential. Savandurga is the biggest dome near
“Bangalore Bill’. Another very popular climbing area situated 50
km from Bangalore is known as ‘ Ramanagram’.
Hampi, ‘City of rocks’, 350 km to the north of Bangalore, is
another climbing area considered to be rock climbers’ paradise.
The area has seen lot of action from world class climbers such as
Jerry Moffat, Johny Dawes, Kurt Albert and recently Isabelle
Patiesser.
Among other interesting places for rock climbing, Dhauj is
one of the places which is situated at 50 km south west of Delhi.
It is a worthwhile stop for visiting climbers. Few of the climbs
have fixed protection apart from a few pegs on the harder routes.
Other great climbing areas are : Mount Abu, Golden Gorn spire,
Adhar Devi slab and Sariska in Rajasthan also provide
exhilarating bouldering experiences. Pavagadh in Gujarat has
exciting possibilities. In Himachal Pradesh, the Manali valley,
Manikaran and Rohtang Pass, as well as Spiti, all provide some
great climbing opportunities. In Maharashtra, Igatpuri,
Malshejghat, Kanheri caves, Mumbra, Dudha and Manori beach
all have great bouldering possibilities. In Karnataka, the
Chamundi Hills has a variety of rock faces. In West Bengal,
Darjeeling and Susunia hills offer climbing experiences. The
Himalayan peaks are a climber’s dream. A high-altitude climber
will enjoy the rocks at Sonamarg in Kashmir and Gangotri in
Garhwal, Uttaranchal.
The Ministry of Defence, jointly with the concerned State
Governments, has set up three Mountaineering Institutes
namely, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI),
Darjeeling, in West Bengal, the Nehru Institute of
Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi, in Uttar Pradesh and the
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 47

Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter
Sports (JIM). These Institutes are run as
private Registered Societies. The broad
objectives of the Mountaineering Institutes are
a.
b.
c.
To impart theoretical and practical
training in mountaineering and rock
climbing techniques;
To awaken interest and love for
mountains and exploration; and
To encourage and provide training in
Winter Sports.
The Institute conducts basic and advanced Mountaineering
Courses, Method of Instruction
courses, Search and Rescue courses.
The syllabi, duration, age limit of
participants and grading system for
various types of courses are uniform at
all the institutes. During the lean
period, the institutes detail their
instructors to conduct rock climbing
courses at the request of
Mountaineering Clubs/Organisations
around the country. The instructors
also join various expeditions.
Trainees for these courses come from all parts of the country
and include Army, Air Force, Navy, ITBP and BSF Personnel,
NCC Cadets and private students.
World Top 10 - Tourist Destination
FRANCE:
France is the most visited country by tourists as the country
is rich in culture and has some of the finest places to see. Villas in
France, the French wine and weather make a fantastic reason for
tourists to see the country
SPAIN:
Country International Visitors (2001)
France 76500000
Spain 49500000
USA 45500000
Italy 39000000
China 33200000
UK 23400000
Russia 21200000
Mexico 19800000
Canada 19700000
Austria 18200000
Spain is the second most visited country in the world, with more
than 50 million tourists visiting it annually. A tour of Spain would
include a visit to its famous cities Barcelona and Madrid. Apart
from sampling some ethnic Spanish food and wine, one can see
some of the most beautiful architectural designs on the
buildings of Spain.
ITALY:
Italy an important tourist destination in Europe which is a
favorite with honeymooners and all, romantic souls. Vacations to
Italy are an invitation to spend ones time indulging in the senses,
be it eating delicious Italian pasta or drinking some of the best
Italian wine, seeing Italian art or simply breathing in the scented
air of the country.
USA:
USA is a top destination for tourists. Holidays in USA are an
experience in diversity, as the country is diverse in its weather
conditions, the composition of the population and the
topography. This diversity has led to people defining USA in
their own terms and one can see the states of USA having a
distinct identity of their own.
MEXICO:
Mexico is a top world destination for people to visit. Be its
ancient pyramids lost in the rainforests, or its flaming hot
dishes, or simply the colorful people of the country, to travel to
Mexico is to be a part of a larger adventure.
CHINA:
China has grown as a top tourist spot, as the people of the
country and their unique culture attract people from far and
wide. The impressive Great Wall of China and the tasty food of
the country make every China holiday well worth the time.
48 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Flag quiz
DIRECTIONS : Identify the country whose flag appears below.
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8
9
10
11
12
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 49

13 14 15
16 17 18
19 20 21
22 23 24
Answers on page 60
50 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Word Power
DIRECTIONS:Select from among the four choices, the word that
is closest to the questionword.
1. Affinity
(1) Antagonism
(2) Fondness
(3) Sagacity
(4) Inclusivity
2. Exculpate
(1) Flay
(2) Convict
(3) Scotch
(4) Exonerate
3. Terseness
(1) Brevity
(2) Monomania
(3) Ornamentation
(4) Exaggerate
4. Invigorate
(1) Revitalize
(2) Cling
(3) Enervate
(4) Sap
5. Rowdy
(1) Phlegmatic
(2) Boisterous
(3) Unflappable
(4) Impish
DIRECTIONS:Select from among the four choices the word that
is oppositeto the questionword.
6. Nonchalant
(1) Blithe
(2) Appalling
(3) Introvert
(4) Ardent
7. Vitriolic
(1) Amiable
(2) Venomous
(3) Chum
(4) Exacerbating
8. Penchant
(1) Predisposition
(2) Finicky
(3) Dislike
(4) Orientation
9. Delineate
(1) Bifurcate
(2) Demarcate
(3) Confine
(4) Unlimited
10. Virtuoso
(1) Doyen
(2) Greenhorn
(3) Consummate
(4) Accomplished
DIRECTIONS:Identifythe meaningof the idioms.
11. Breathe down someone's neck
(1) To express love amorously
(2) Conspiringagainstsomeone
(3) To keep a close watchand hurry somethingalong
(4) To breathe convulsively
12. Build castlesin the air
(1) Toilingday and night
(2) To make plans whichcan nevercome true
(3) Culturalcreativity
(4) Fortify the structure
13. Chinkin one's armour
(1) Vulnerablearea
(2) Stumblingblock
(3) Forte
(4) Domainexpertise
14. Cold comfort
(1) Freezingcold
(2) Cozy feeling
(3) Slightor no consolation
(4) Absolutereluctance
15. Forty winks
(1) Promiscuousapproach
(2) Flirtatiousgestures
(3) A nap
(4) Feelingdizzy
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 51

16. Gung-ho
(1) Exuberance
(2) Massacre
(3) Birthdaybash
(4) Spanking
17. Rap on someone's knuckles
(1) Crackingfinger-joints
(2) Reprimand
(3) Beat to the pulp
(4) A style of Rap music
18. Beat aboutthe bush
(1) Hyperbole
(2) To beat a competitor
(3) Conquersomeone
(4) Not comingto the point directly
(3) To gift a hearingmachine
(4) To give approval
20. Hanky-panky
(1) Lameexcuses
(2) Lofty talks
(3) Verbal misrepresentationthat can take advantage
(4) An amusinggame
Answers to Word power
19. Lend an ear
(1) Listenattentively
(2) To help a deaf person
SURREALISM
Surrealism was influenced by the ideas of Freud, and
sought to express the imagination as shown in dreams,
unshackled by reason or convention. This idea was given
literary voice almost exclusively in France, by writers
such as Jean Cocteau. In art, the movement spread
throughout Europe. Artists such as Salvador Dali used
disturbing, dream-like symbols. Others, such as Max
Ernst, juxtaposed incongruous images, depicted in a
realistic style.
52 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Health and fitness
A FIT BODY HELPS TO MAKE A BETTER MIND
Balancing a hectic study schedule with social and family life
can be draining for the most energetic of persons. No matter
how sincere our intentions, sometimes it seems impossible to
make time for a routine physical fitness programme. Sure, you
might take a weekly walk or a stroll to the market once in a while,
but that is not enough. Here are a few suggestions for building
physicalactivityin to a typicalbusy day.
1. Walk the extra mile. Not literally, perhaps, but walk
whenever you
can, to get a
little extra
movement out
of your
schedule. For
example, run
up the steps
instead of
s l o w l y
climbing,
chatting with your friends. Instead of chatting on the cell
phone,walk down wheneverpossible.
2. March in place. Even during stationary activities, you
can get rid of extra calories and tone leg muscles. Stand
rather then sit before the television and walk or march in
place. During commercials, pick up the beat a bit until
you feel warm or breathe a little heavier. Don't push
yourself to the point where you can't easily talk. You may
even want to add a few arm stretches as you move in
place.Don't botherif your familythinksyou are crazy.
without tearing your muscles, reaching arms high and
bending from side to side for a moment or two. Even
slight movements can add up over the course of a few
days.
5. Have fun. During breaks, indulge in some physical
activity with your friends, even playing catch with an
emptylunchbox will do.
6. Make your transition from a sedentary lifestyle to a more
active one in small steps. Enjoy the feeling of movement
and gentle exercise of your muscles, and soon you may be
doingit more often,and with good results!
Once you start to feel the good effects, set aside some time
for a regularfitnessroutine.
SURYA NAMASKAR: THE COMPLETE YOGIC EXERCISE
Surya namaskar is a complete yogic exercise designed for
all. It is an exercise which takes only a few minutes to do but
provides immense advantages. It is one of the best home
exercises. You will feel the difference in just a few weeks. Your
concentration will improve, anxiety levels will drop and above all
it will give you a sense of well being. Once you start doing it, you
will get hooked to it.
3. Bathroom is a good place to exercise. Have a bucketbath,
standing up, instead of a shower. Towel vigorously,
do a dance number, which you may not like to do in front
of others.
4. Fidget at work. While sitting at your desk, move your
feet up and down rhythmically to keep them moving.
This can help improve blood circulation and tighten calf
muscles. Every hour or so, stand up and stretch gently
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 53

Surya namaskar consists of a sequence of 12 postures
performed continuously and combined with synchronized
breathing. Each position counteracts the preceding ones,
producing a balance between flexions and extensions. The
postures are as follows:
1. Namaskar
Stand erect with feet together and join the palms in the
centre of the chest and inhale. Then exhale and push the
hands down straightening and lowering the arms until
the elbows touch the sides. This standing pose is also
knownas tad-asana.
2. Chandrasan
Crescent moon pose. Inhale and
raise the arms above the head
and extend the spine
backwards arching the back
from the waist and moving
the hips forward. Let the
eyes follow the hands
while relaxing your
neck.
3. Hastapadasan
Bending pose. Begin
to exhale bending
forward from the waist
and place the hands on
the floor beside each
foot. Relax with your
head and neck in a
bendingpose.
4. Surya darshan
Sun gaze. Inhale. Putting your
weight on the hands stretch the
right leg behind like as stick resting
on the toes. Bend the knee and place it on the floor with
your weight on the left foot and arch the spine backward.
Lift the head and neck first up and then back. Roll the
eyes up. The left foot remainsbetweenthe hands.
5. Himalayan –mountain pose
Exhale and bring the left foot back in line with the right.
Lift the hips up high like a mountain. Push the heels and
head down and look at the toes with the head down
betweenthe arms.
6. Sashtang dandawat
Lie down. Put the knees down first and then bring the
chest down. See that eight parts of the body are touching
the floor including two feet, two knees, two hands, the
chest and the chin or forehead. Sashtang means eight
limbs and dandawat means paying homage by touching
the floor. Make sure the hips are slightly raised above the
ground. Inhale and exhale in this position. Keep the feet
together.
7. Bhujangasan
Cobra pose. Lower the pelvis and abdomen to the floor.
Inhale and stretch the toes on the floor. Raise your head
slowly up, arch the spine and neck and look up. Keep your
legs together and the elbows
alongside the body slightly bent and
keep the shouldersdown.
Exhale and wiggle your
toes forward allowing
your feet to rest on the
soles while you raise
the hips as you did in
number5.
Inhale and bring the right
foot forward and
assume pose number
4 exactlyas before.
Exhale and bring the right
foot forward and assume
pose number3.
Inhale and stretch up in a standing pose with your arms
up and bend backwards like in pose number2.
12. Namaskar
8. Himalayan aasan
11. Chandrasan
9. Surya darshan
10. Hastapadasan
Exhale and stand erect bringing the hands back to the
centre of the chest with palms together as in pose
number1.
Surya namaskar's sequence of postures aims to improve our
blood circulation. The cycle of blood flowing in and out from the
heart in to the right and left sides of the body is completed in a
systematic way. Each asana should take half a minute. Start with
one round and keep increasingthe frequency.
54 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Brand icon
Nestle
was producing and marketing “ Fairine Lactee”, the first of its
long range of products to come, in the subsequent years.
From these humble beginnings the company evolved in to a
respected and trustworthy food, beverage, nutrition, health and
wellness company.
GROWTH
NESTLE , based in Switzerland, is the world's largest
food and beverage company and boasts its presence in
almost every country in the world. With 468 factories
in 86 countries and 2,50,000 employees , it is also one of the
world's largest manufacturing concerns. In the company motto
“Bringing superior taste, pleasure and wellness whenever”,
however, “whenever” summarizes the company operations and
motives.
BEGINNING
Baby food was unheard of in the 1860s, and a lot of children
succumbed to various diseases, as they were unable to be
breast-fed properly. The scenario changed when Mr. Henri
Nestle, a pharmacist , came up with a cereal formula for infants
and helped save babies from dying. Thus began the world's
largest food company- Nestle. It was only a matter of years before
people realized the importance of the product and soon Nestle
Nestle had been marketing its infant food for over 50 years,
when the war demands of World War I increased demand and
caused it to make its first acquisition in the form of Anglo-Swiss
condensed milk company. The company's first foray outside the
milk sector came in the 1920s, with the company acquiring
chocolate Suisse. After this, there was no looking back for the
company. Nestle soon diversified its operations, entering the
instant drinks and culinary segments. Nestle also has equity
interests in the fashion and cosmetics company L'Oreal and the
pharmaceuticals company Alcon Labs.
PRINCIPLES
With Henri Nestle's infant formula saving the life of the child
of a neighbor, the company progressively aimed at building
business, based on sound human values and principles. With the
changing world scenario, the company adopts and evolves but its
basic driving principles remain fairness, honesty and a concern
for people.
The universally understood company logo of a bird's nest
represents motherhood, love, nourishment, family, tradition and
safety. Today, the symbol is central to the company's corporate
identity and closely parallels its culture.
The company aims to create value for its shareholders,
employees, consumers and business partners through
optimizing manufacturing and marketing processes.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 55

The company believes in sacrificing short term profits for
successful long term business development. This is indicative
of the importance of foresight and acumen in the company's
principles.
The consumers' interests are paramount in the company's
books and it continuously strives to meet the trust that people
place in its brands. This is evident from the level of
professionalism and quality control maintained at all Nestle
units throughout the world.
Today, the product brand name “Nestle” is associated with “
Quality Products” in world-wide consumer markets.
NESTLE IN INDIA
Nestle set up
operations in India in
1912 as a trading
company and began
manufacturing in 1961
at its plant in Mogha,
in Punjab. The
company was
incorporated in 1978.
Today, the company has six factories located at Mogha,
Samalkha, Nanjangud, Choladi, Bicholim and Ponda. Along with
these factories, the company has numerous packaging and
marketing concerns. The Mogha factory is one of the largest
Nestle production units in the world.
The company employs around 3000 people apart from
collaborating with thousands of farmers and small producers.
The annual turnover of Nestle India Ltd. in 2003 was US $ 497
million. It is rated as one of the “Most trustworthy companies “
and “Top wealth creators” in the FMCG sector.
THE PRODUCT RANGE IN INDIA
Milk and infant dietetics
Nestle manufactures and markets its infant dietetics
products according to the principles and aims of the WHO
International Code of marketing breast milk substitutes, thus
making the offering concerned by the 125- year-long experience
the company gained in the manufacturing of infant foods. The
company markets its international brands Cerelac, Nestum,
Lactogen and Nestogen in India.
Milk products have been one of the earliest in the list of
company brands marketed in India. The company, through
cooperatives, acquires and markets milk and associated
products under the brand names Milkmaid, Everyday Dairy
Whitener, Coffeemate and Standardized Milk.
BEVERAGES AND INSTANT DRINKS
Nescafe was the world's first successful soluble instant
coffee. It was the official drink of the US military in the Second
World War. It has become one of the most trusted and popular
brands of the company. The company has the largest share in the
Indian instant coffee market through its flagship brand Nescafe.
Such is the popularity of the brand that coffee vendors refer to
coffee as Nescafe-coffee. Other brands under the Nestle
umbrella are Nestea and Sunrise.
FOOD PRODUCTS
With the widespread demand of easy to cook and digest food
products, Julius Maggi, a miller and an innovator, was
commissioned to develop a product for this market. Soon, Maggi
& Company was manufacturing and marketing instant soup
powder. It was merged with Nestle in 1947.
In India, Nestle has been manufacturing and marketing the
most popular precooked food of the Indian households-Maggi
noodles. Meeting the demands of the Indian market, Nestle has
developed Atta and Dal noodles suited to the Indian taste. Apart
from noodles, the other products by Nestle include soups and
the Maggi range of sauces and ketchups.
CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONERY AND MALTED MILK
PRODUCTS
Nestle Milo and Nes Quick are brands becoming
increasingly popular with the growing young population of India.
A new addition to the Nestle portfolio in India, these brands are
facing stiff competition from established brands like Cadbury's
Bournvita, but the brand trust of Nestle ought to help rapid
growth of these products.
56 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

Nestle also markets the immensely popular chocolate
brands Munch and Kit Kat.
NESTLE AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The company policy of Nestle has made it imperative for its
operations in India to assist and develop its supporting farmers .
Following its long tradition of empowering people, Nestle has
initiated a large farmer upliftment program in Mogha. It
includes digging of tubewells, setting up of Milk cooperatives
and educational initiatives.
The company also
recognizes its responsibility
towards the environment and
has set up the Nestle
environmental management
scheme. The factory operations
are made as environment
friendly as possible. The
company meets all the emission
norms set by the government
and has taken steps towards efficient energy conservation and
waste recycling.
PRODUCT RANGE AT A GLANCE
Nestle Product Range : IndianMarket
Instant Coffee
Brands : Nescafe, Sunrise
Milk Products
Brands : Milkmaid (condensed milk and ready mixes), Coffeemate
(coffee creamer), Everyday(dairy whitener)
Weaning foods (for infants)
Brands: Cerelac, Nestum, Lactogen
Chocolates/confectioneries and Malted Milk products
Brands: Milo, Kit Kat, Charge, Munch, Polo
Food Products
Brands: Maggi Noodles, Maggi Soups, Maggi Ketchup
New /proposedlaunches
Maggi Atta/Dal Noodles
Nestle range of breakfast cereals
Nestle Mineral water
Nestle Ice cream
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 57

General knowledge
First in the world
The first person to cross the Atlantic in an open wicker
basket hot air balloon : David Hempleman Adams
The first woman civilian police adviser of the U.N. : Kiran
Bedi
The first person in the world to land on the moon : Neil
Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin
The first men to enter space : Major Yuri Gagarin (Russian)
The first woman cosmonaut of the world : Velentina
Tereshkova
The first unmanned spaceship to have soft-landed and lifted
off from the moon to return to the earth : Luna-16 (USSR) Sept.
21, 1970
The first space vehicle to land on the moon : Lunar
Exploration Module (LEM), nick-named 'Eagle”
The first space ship which carried three American
astronauts to land two of them on the moon : Apollo-11
The first country to send man to the moon : USA
The first space rocket brought back to earth after orbiting
the moon : Zond-5
First crew transfer between the orbiting space ships : Soyuz
T-15 with Mir Space Station
The first mission of a ling-up in space by manned space
ships of USA and Soviet Union : Apollo-Soyuz
Test Project Mission (ASTP) (launched on July 15and linked
up in space on July 17, 1975)
The first man to fly in to space belonging to a country other
than Russia or the USA : Remek (Czechoslovakia)
The first country to send nuclear powered space craft to
explore Jupiter : USA
The first to launch earth satellite or artificial baby moon :
USSR
The first spaceship in the world to sample moon's crust :
Surveyor – 3 (USA)
The first space vehicle to soft land on the moon : Luna 9
(USSR)
The first manned spaceship to perform the longest stay in
space (11 days) : Apollo-7 (USA)
The first man to win 4 Olympic gold medals : Alvin Kranzein
(USA) in 1900
The first lawn tennis player who won the Wimbledon
championship for five years consecutively : Bjorn Borg
First batsman to score three Test centuries on debut : Mohd.
Azharuddin (India)
World' first cricketer to score more than 11,000 runs in his
test career : Allan Border of Australia, with more than 11,000
runs.
The first person to reach the South Pole : Amundsen
(Norway)
The first person to have climbed Mount Everest : Edmund
JD
Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay 19 May, 1953
The first person to sail round the world : Ferdinand
Magellan (Portugal)
The First woman to conquer Mount Everest : Mrs. Junko
Tabei (Japan)
The first man to have climbed Mount Everest Twice :
Nawang Gombu
The leader of the expedition 'Ocean to Sky' : Sir Edmund
Hillary
58 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

The first two mountaineers who reached the summit of
Everest without using oxygen : Peter Habeler (Austria) and
Reinhold Messner (Italy)
The first woman Prime Minister of a country twice : Mrs. S.
Bandarnaike (Sri Lanka)
The first President of the Chinese Republic : Sun Yet Sen
The first Governor-General of Pakistan : Mohd. Ali Jinnah
The first European to visit China : Marco Polo
The first US President to resign Presidency : Richard Nixon
The first woman Ambassador of Britain : Anne Warburton
The first woman Prime Minister of a European Country :
Margaret Thatcher (England)
Woman Bishop : Rev. Barbara C. Harris (USA)
Lady President of a country : Maria Estela Person
(Argentina)
The first Muslim woman to win Nobel Prize : Shirin Ebadi
The First African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize :
Wangari Maathai
The first woman to cross seven seas across the world : Bula
Chowdhury
First person ever to fly around the world solo : Steve Fossett
First woman to have been elected president of the
International Court : Judge Rosalyn Higins
Six hundred wicket taker in Test cricket : Shane Warne
(Australia)
Hat-trick claimer in the very first over of a test match : Irfan
Pathan (India)
One thousand wicket taker in cricket (ODI & Test Match
Cricket) : Muthiah Murlidharan (Sri Lanka)
BIVALVE
Bivalves are mollusks whose shells consist of
two hinged valves that protect the soft body;
when faced with danger, the two halves are
pulled together by a powerful abductor
muscle. Found in marine and freshwater
habitats, mollusks are typically unable to
extend far out of their shells, and live either
embedded in sand or mud, or fastened to
rocks. A few, such as scallops, can open and
close their shell to propel themselves away
from danger. Most bivalves have large grills
that are used both for breathing and filterfeeding.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 59

Voice and accent
Voice and accent is an important feature of English language.
Getting rid of mother tongue influence and regional accent is
very important if one aims for polished and classy language.
TEN TIPS FOR ACCENT REDUCTION
1. Observe the mouth movements of native speakers and try to
imitate them. When you are watching TV, look at the mouth
movements of the speakers. Repeat what they are saying,
imitating the intonation and rhythm of their speech.
2. Until you learn the correct intonation and rhythm of
English, slow down your speech. If you speak too quickly
with the wrong intonation and rhythm, people will have a
hard time understanding you. Don't worry about your
listener getting impatient with your slow speech- it is more
important that everything you say be understood.
3. Listen to the music of English. Don't use the music of your
native language when you are speaking English. Each
language has its own way of “singing”.
1. Australia
2. Brazil
3. Canada
4. Colombia
5. Cuba
6. Costa Rica
7. Denmark
8. Egypt
9. Finland
10. France
11. Italy
12. Japan
13. Luxembourg
Answers to Flag quiz
14. Malaysia
15. Mexico
16. North Korea
17. Singapore
18. South Africa
19. Sri Lanka
20. United Kingdom
21. United States
22. Switzerland
23. United Arab Emirates
24. Venezuela
4. Use your dictionary. Become familiar with the phonetic
symbols of your dictionary and look up the correct
pronunciation of words that are hard for you to say.
5. Make a list of frequently used words that are difficult for you
to pronounce and native speakers to pronounce them for
you. Record these words, listen to them and practice saying
them.
6. Buy books or tapes. Listen and read at the same time.
Record yourself reading some sections of the book.
Compare the sound of your English with that of the speaker
from the books or tape.
7. Pronounce the ending of each word. Pay special attention to
“s” and “ed” endings.
8. Read aloud in English for fifteen to twenty minutes each
day. This will help you strengthen the mouth muscles that
you use when you speak English. Research has shown that it
takes about three months of daily practice to develop strong
mouth muscles for speaking a new language.
9. Record your own voice and listen for pronunciation
mistakes. Many people hate to hear the sound of their voice
and avoid having to listen to themselves speaking. However,
this is a very important exercise because doing it will help
you become conscious of the mistakes that you are making.
10. Be patient. You can change the way you speak but it won't
happen overnight. People often expect instant result and
give up too soon. You can change the way you sound if you
are willing to put some effort in to it.
English as a language has its own idiosyncrasies. The
spelling is something of which the pronunciation is something
else. At times, it makes it difficult to grasp quickly. Therefore,
knowing the enunciation of a word is important in English.
Enunciation means the way a word is actually pronounced
irrespective of the spelling. Let's take a sneak peek .
60 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011

PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 61
D(ih)+vell+lp+int
Op+per+chu+nit+tee
A+phol+le+jize
A+dress
Khm+phyou+ter
Ph+cent
Ph+cent+idge
Ih+khon+nimy
Ihkhe+nom+icks
Pholl+e+ticks
Phull+it+tih+kll
Khan+sult
Khn+firm
Khon+fer+may+shin
Mess-sidge
S+tim+it
Ih+midge
Khum+myyou+nih+khay+shin
Min+it
In+tress+ting
Aahskh
Khumf+tibble
Vej+tibble
Vill+idge
Preff+ribble
Diff+ih+kll+tee
By+oll+ijy
Th(buzz)+air
Sed
Sez
Saye
Kh+ree+err
Jool+ree
Fie+nance
1+der
Khon+trast
Sweet
In+khurr+ridge
Phr+nun+see+aye+shin
For+chu+nit
A+vail+libble
Voll+in+tree
Reg+you+lay+shin
A+phro+pree+it
Ud+vaan+tidge
Wimin
Development
Opportunity
apologise
address
Computer
percent
percentage
Economy
economics
Politics
Political
Consult
Confirm
Confirmation
Message
Estimate
Image
Communication
Minute
Interesting
Ask
Comfortable
Vegetable
Village
Preferable
Difficulty
Biology
There
Said
Says
Say
Career
Jewellery
finance
Wonder
Contrast
Suite
Encourage
Pronunciation
Fortunate
Available
Voluntary
Regulation
Appropriate
Advantage
Women

Bhagwad Gita: a brief introduction
When the first atomic explosion took
place in the desert of mid west
United States, Oppenheimer, the
American theoretical physicist, is
said to have quoted a hymn from the
Gita. Such is the impact of this great
work!
The epic Mahabharata is
compared to the Iliad of Homer in
that it is an account of war between
two armed alliances. It is in fact not a
religious work in the strict sense of
the word. However, it contains a
number of interpolations in the form of didactic poems. Of these
is what is known as the Bhagwad Gita-Upanishad, or loosely
translated, ‘ the secret doctrines delivered by the Exalted Lord.”
Probably no religious book other than the Bible has
influenced people, transcending borders. It comprises eighteen
divisions, each with about fifty to sixty verses. It is a kind of
compendium of teachings from the Upanishads.
It is theistic, and in spite of its comprehensiveness, on the
whole favours the rise of Vaishnavism, with its emphasis upon
the doctrine of avatars.
It is post-Buddhist, and professes to furnish a defence of the
way of the Kshatriya against the uncompromising pacifism of
Gautama.
Himself, abiding in a secret place,
all-pervading Absolute-a
compromise, which has endured to
the present day.
I reproduce a portion from the
Gita which I feel is very relevant to
our readers aspiring to succeed in
one of the toughest tests. This
translation is by Professor Franklin
Edgerton.
Let the disciplined man ever
discipline
Solitary, restraining his thoughts and soul,
Free from aspirations and without possessions.
In a clean place establishing
A steady seat for himself
That is neither too high nor too low,
Covered with a cloth, a skin and kusa grass,
There fixing, the thought-organ on a single object,
Restraining the activity of his mind and senses,
About 150 years ago, Gita was held in less esteem than it is
today in the western world. However, during the first half of the
20th century, largely due to men like Gandhi, Aurobindo and
Radhakrishnan, the Gita found its rightful place. Hindus now
regard it with something of the fervor and reverence, which
Christians accord to the Gospels.
Perhaps, the chief importance of Gita lies in the fact that it
marks the establishment of a kind of permanent compromise
between those of us who desired to retain the belief in a personal
God who could be an adored friend, and those who still held to
the higher Brahminism, with its concept of an impersonal and
62 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011
Sitting on this seat, let him practice
Discipline unto self-purification.
Thus ever disciplining himself,
The man of discipline, with controlled mind,
To peace that culminates in nirvana,
And rests in me attains.
Discipline, focus and faith –the road to success.

Movie Review
I, ROBOT
CAST : Will Smith, Alan Tudyk, Bridget Moynihan, Chi
McBride, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell
DIRECTOR
: Alex Proyas
PRODUCER: Topher Dow, John A Davis, Laurence Mark, Will
Smith, Wyck Godfrey, James Lassiter, Jonathan King
The year is 2035 and Del Spooner (Will Smith) is a Chicago
homicide detective, investigating
the apparent suicide of revered
scientist Dr. Alfred Lanning
(James Cromwell), the “father” of
robotics technology. While all the
evidence concludes that Lanning
threw himself out of a high-rise
window, a vague holographic
message he left behind
specifically has someone
involved. But he’s not sure how.
Robots, now completely
integrated in to Robotics, are
governed by the Three laws of
Robotics, which state that 1) A
robot may not injure a human
being or, through inaction, allow a
human to come to harm, 2) A
robot must obey orders given to it
by human beings, except where
such orders would conflict with
the First Law, and 3) A robot must
protect its own existence as long
as such protection does not
conflict with the First or Second
Law. With the help of psychologist Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget
Moynihan), whose job is to make the robots appear move
human, Spooner begins to unravel the mystery behind
Lanning’s death. The key lies in Sonny- a unique robot much
more advanced than the commonplaceNS-5 models. In what
Lanning described as his ghosts in the machine theory, Sonny is
able to a evolve much like a human and is even capable of
dreaming. Through Spooner’s recurring dreams, we discover
what his belief is with these seemingly perfect robots, and Smith
does not waste the opportunity to craft a character that is bitter
and suspicious. Perpetually bleeding from one open head wound
or another, Smith scowls a lot and delivers one-liners with blunt
impact. He is less convincing in the film’s more sentimental
moments, including a scene in which he tells Calvin how he lost
his left arm, which has been replaced with a robotic one. I,
Robot’s ultramodern Chicago looks look fantastic, with its
soaring glass skyscrapers with futuristic transit system with
self-piloting cars that move sideways. But what’s more
impressive is Proyas’s stylized
production of Patrick Tatapoulos’
robots, specifically Sonny, whose
face are especially intriguing to look
at. While he is a hard-wired robot,
his mechanical structure resembles
bone structure, making the robots
features look very human. The soft
emulsion that makes up the “skin”
has a soft transparent quality to it;
his crystal-blue eyes appear to have
depth. But despite Sonny’s
personification, there is an overall
disconnection with the robot. The
problem, however, stems from the
way Sonny was written rather than
rendered. The film’s 10-year old
space-script by Jeff Vintar, titled
Hardwired- a sci-fi murder mystery
revolving around a robot- was
merged with elements of Isaac
Asimov’s I, Robot, after the studio
acquired the right to the film, years
later. Scribe Akiva Goldsman’s reenvisioning
seems to have lost
Asimov’s tender touch. Even before we know whether Sonny is
guilty or not, we root for him because he comes across as naïve,
but the emotional connection is never there. In fact, one of the
film’s most touching moments has nothing to do with Sonny but
with an abandoned warehouse, full of obsolete robots crowded
together in a human-like way. Although I, Robot is visually
masterful and at times moving, it lacks emotion and depth
because the connection between its characters, both human and
robotic, is never fully explored.
PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011 63

Book Review
Faith in Conservation
New Approaches to the
Religion and the
Environment by Martin
Palmer with Victoria Finlay.
The world's 11 major religions
inspire two thirds of the world's
population, own around 7 percent of
the planet's habitable surface to have a
role in more than half of the world's
schools and are serious stakeholders
in development. In the book “Faith in
Conservation”, the authors, Finlay
outlines the stances of these religions
on global development, along with
their impact on the environment. The
authors argue that through
storytelling, celebration, practice,
spiritual guidance and worldwide
advocacy, these faiths can be powerful
and effective partners in a wide range
of conservation initiatives. These
religions of the world, if galvanized,
also have the potential to be a vital
force in the fight against our planet's degradation.
For example, Palmer and Finlay cite the joint campaign by
religious groups and conservationists to maintain Lebanon's
Harissa forest- which has been declared a world Heritage Site by
UNESCO- green. In 1995, The Duke of Edinburgh introduced a
non-governmental organization (NGO), the Alliance of
Religions and Conservation, to assist and enlarge the work of
faith groups involved in ecological and development issues.
During a recent tour of the European Maronite Diaspora,
Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir of Antioch visited the Duke at
Buckingham Palace to enlist his support in a religious
conservation project to protect the Harissa forest from urban
development spilling out of Beirut.
During the meeting, Sfeir insisted
on the multi-faith nature of his
mission. He said, “We have been living
here since the origins of Christianity,
and together with Muslims since the
birth of Islam, so our interests are the
same.” Sfeir is a firm advocate of interreligious
dialogue, and he weaves it in
to his discussion on the Harissa forest
project. Through finding common
interests, aside from religion, Muslims
and Christians can better understand
their common humanity. Rather than
viewing the project in ecological terms,
he cites its inter religious significance.
“It's not an important project in itself,
but an example to other belief’s work in
the real world”, he insisted.
The forest of Harissa, north of
Beirut, has been owned by the
Maronite Church for 1500 years.
Known as the Holy Forest of our Lady of Lebanon, the Maronite
Cathedral of our lady stands in its center, beside a giant statue of
the Virgin Mary, the Protector of Lebanon. The forest, which is
now threatened by the expansion of Beirut's suburbs, has
enormous importance for the Maronites.
To Sfeir, the Beirut sprawl threatening Harissa and the
Syrian stranglehold on Lebanese politics are thematically and
structurally linked: They symbolize each other. Sfeir conflates
religion, the doctrine, with the physical world in which it finds
representation. In the same way he, wishes to conserve the
Harissa forest surrounding his Church, from the encroachment
of the external world.
64 PT’s PrepTalk – May 2011