Steep fee hike at IIMs coming up

IIM aspirants...get ready to shell out some more cash!! A steep fee hike is being planned at almost all the IIMs in India barring IIM Kolkata which hasnt raised its fees drastically.

Be prepared to shell out a huge premium to enter the country’s premier B-schools. Three Indian Institutes of Managements (IIMs) are set to effect a big hike in fees from the next academic session. Along with IIM-Ahmedabad and IIM-Bangalore, IIM-Calcutta too is all set to increase its course fee for the 2008-2010 academic session.

While IIM-Ahmedabad students would face one of the steepest hikes, followed by IIM-Bangalore, it seems that IIM-Calcutta would go in for a moderate hike. IIM-Ahamedabad is expected to raise its fees to a whopping Rs 3 lakh for the 2008-2010 batch, compared to Rs 2 lakh now. IIM-Bangalore is likely to raise its fee from the present Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 2.75 lakh.IIM-Calcutta, which currently charges Rs 2 lakh from its post-graduate students per year, however, is not bothered about the fee hikes proposed by the other two IIMs and has decided not to go for a big jump. IIM-C might hike the tuition fee by not more than Rs 25,000 to Rs 2.25 lakh.In 2007, IIM-C raised its tuition fee from Rs 1.75 lakh to Rs 2 lakh while IIM-A had raised its tuition fee from Rs 1.77 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. But IIM-B chose to increase its fee by Rs 75,000 in 2007, from Rs 1.75 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh.

The final decision regarding the fee hikes at all the IIMs will be taken by their respective Boards of Governors. IIM-C board will meet on February 26. But the institute is already examining several parameters to arrive at the exact amount to be increased. Ajit Balakrishnan, chairman of the IIM-C board of governors is to discuss the proposed fee hike with the faculty and administration.The three IIMs have decided to increase their flagship two-year PGP programme tuition fee despite reservations being voiced by HRD ministry officials, who are slated to press for smaller hikes at the board meetings.

Heath Ledger death called an accident, autopsy inconclusive

An autopsy report on actor Heath Ledger was called inconclusive on Wednesday as his publicist said the death of the 28-year-old heartthrob was an accident.Ledger was found dead in a Manhattan apartment Tuesday afternoon with reports saying he was disconsolate, had been battling a heroin addiction and that bottles of pills had been found near his body.But Wednesday's autopsy to determine how Ledger died was inconclusive and additional tests were required to determine the cause of death.

"The autopsy was inconclusive," New York City Medical Examiner spokeswoman Ellen Borakove told People Magazine. "We have to do further testing including toxicology and tissue testing. Neither cause of death or manner of death has been concluded. We expect additional results in 10 days to two weeks."There was no obvious indication of suicide or foul play, said New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne, who added police are "investigating the possibility of an overdose."The Australian actor's ex-fiancee, actress Michelle Williams, was flying to New York from Sweden with their two-year-old daughter, Matilda, Williams' father said.

Meanwhile Ledger's publicist insisted that the actor's death was an "accident" and asked for privacy for his family."We are deeply saddened and shocked by this accident," said publicist Mara Buxbaum in a statement. "This is an extremely difficult time for his loved ones. We're asking the media to please respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation until the facts are known."

Reliance Power IPO subscribes 69 times

Reliance Power Ltd's public issue has so far generated demand for shares worth more than $179.5 billion (Rs 706,000 crore) as bids continued to pour in on the last day of the Anil Ambani Group firm's IPO.

The IPO received bids for 1,507 crore (15.7 billion) shares as against the 22.8 crore (228 million) shares on offer, getting subscribed over 68.81 times.
The public offer has already set a number of records, including the highest amount to be raised at Rs 11,700 crore (Rs 117 billion) and the maximum demand generated.

The previous biggest IPO in terms of funds raised was ONGC [Get Quote] that mopped up over Rs 9,500 crore (Rs 95 billion), followed by real estate giant DLF with Rs 9,000 crore (Rs 90 billion) while the public issue of Adani's Mundra Port and SEZ Ltd had generated a demand of shares worth more than Rs 200,000 crore (Rs 2,000 billion).

The company is offering equity shares at a price band of Rs 405-450 per share. The issue had opened on January 15 and closes today. The total size of the IPO is 26 crore (260 million) shares, including promoters' contribution of 3.2 crore (32 million) shares.

Now, kiss for better health!

Exercise. Dieting. Various therapies. When it comes to healthy living, you are always a sport. Now here is something else you can try: Cheeky kisses!

The next time you greet a person, make sure you avoid shaking hands. Instead give a peck on his or her cheek -- it's healthier for you.

A team of international researchers has carried out a study and found that people who greet each other with handshakes are much more likely to pass on germs, such as flu and stomach bugs, than those who settle for a kiss.

According to lead researcher Prof Sally Bloomfield of the London School of Hygiene, "The hands are critical in the chain of infection as they transmit infections from surfaces to people and between people.

"Shaking hands is the main form of physical contact with each other but you don't know what the other person has been touching before you greet them. People avoid kissing each other when they have a cold, but in fact they are more likely to pass on an infection by shaking someone's hand." In fact, the researchers, whose study has been funded by the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, came to the conclusion after analysing the effects of handshakes and kisses on a group of people, according to media reports.

According to co-researcher Carol O'Boyle of the School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, "Hand hygiene is just as important when we are outside the home -- on public transport, in the office, in the supermarket, or in a restaurant.

"Quite often it is not possible to wash our hands in these situations, but carrying an alcohol-based hand sanitiser means we can make our hands hygienic whenever and wherever the need arises."

Bajaj to offer preview of small car at Auto Expo

Delhi's Auto Expo, starting January 9, is attracting more attention than usual this year because, among other things, Tata Motors will be displaying its much-discussed Rs 1 lakh car, the world's lowest priced car. Now, sources in Bajaj Auto have confirmed that it is expected to offer a sneak preview of its small car, priced at roughly Rs 1.17 lakh, at the Expo.

The country's second largest two-wheeler company had announced a tie-up with Renault and Nissan in October to develop an ultra-low cost small car for India. The Tata offering is expected to hit the roads in September or October this year. Bajaj's car will be ready for commercial production after two years.
Renault and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, who visited Bajaj Auto in October, said he hoped the prototype will be ready by the end of this year.

A Bajaj Auto spokesperson declined to comment. Senior company sources, however, said that Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj, who will address a press conference on January 8, will discuss some details of the small car and the road ahead with the partners.

Depressed women wear more perfume

Women who wear too much perfume may be suffering from depression. A new research shows that women suffering from depression tend to lose their sense of smell, thus wearing too much perfume.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have discovered a link between depression and the loss of a sense of smell. They showed those who are depressed lose sensitivity in their olfactory glands at the same time and thus unwittingly splash too much scent about.

''Our scientific findings suggest that women who are depressed are also losing their sense of smell, and may overcompensate by using more perfume,'' the study leader, Professor Yehuda Shoenfeld said.
''We also believe that depression has biological roots and may be an immune system response to certain physiological cues,'' he added.

The research could lead to the development of a ''smell test'' to help diagnose depression. Researchers found that in cases of various ulcerous skin diseases , a particle known as an 'autoantibody' attacked the immune system, making the patient feel low, and affecting their sense of smell as well. It is the first time that depression has been linked to smell in ulcerous skin diseases patients. The report published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism also suggests that aromatherapy could be a powerful weapon against depression, and actually helps patients regain their sense of smell.

''People who are depressed seem to respond well to aromatherapy. Certain smells seem to help them overcome the effects of the biological factors,'' Professor Shoenfeld added.

The power of a superstar can never be underestimated. Viswanathan did it for chess, Sania Mirza is doing it for tennis in India. Apart from making the game popular they have galvanised a generation to pick up the sport, infuse confidence, given a reference point.
Baichung Bhutia has been the face of Indian football for long. Now, a 23 year old who answers to the name of Sunil Chhetri looks ready to take on the mantle.

"It's a great compliment for me," says Chhetri, who was named Indian NFL player of the year last season after scoring 12 goals. "I don't believe in all the comparisons but the expectations have definitely increased. There is the pressure to perform; it only pumps me up to do better whether I am playing for the country or club."

The suave, energetic player from Delhi, who speaks faster than he dribbles the ball, is, like Bhutia, a fleet-footed striker with a boyish face and floppy hair. Like Bhutia, he has his roots in the foothills of the Himalayas -- his forefathers came from Nepal. "He has the talent to make it big," says JCT Coach Sukhwinder Singh. "Whether he will remains to be seen," says Singh, whose team's colours Chettri currently dons. "We have to understand that people like I M Vijayan and Bhutia played consistently at that level for a long time. Chhetri has to do a lot and work harder." "(As strikers) you can't compare Bhutia and Chhetri. Bhutia is more explosive; they are two different, class players." Singh took Chhetri under his wing more than two years ago when he came to JCT after three seasons with Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan.
"I didn't have to change around with his style; all I told him was what to do and what not to do with the ball. When you talk of skills, there are two parts to it: one is basic talent and second is decision-making. We have helped him in decision-making, the tactical side, and improving his concentration."

"He has football in him," added the JCT coach. "I had football in my blood, since my parents also played it," Chhetri says. "When I started playing football I wasn't aware of the format or what the future holds. It was just a passion; I didn't work too hard for it. "First it was the passion; when he played for Indian schools it was "for a certificate", and then it was the money and fame that made Chhetri stay with football. "Five hundred bucks pocket money for a 17 year old is not bad!" he exclaims at the memory, when he was thrust into a professional set-up when he signed with Mohun Bagan in his teens. "Till then I didn't know football was so big. When I was playing for Indian schools they (Mohun Bagan) saw me and called me for trials. That time it was just fun, but in the past two, three years I have started taking the game very seriously."

Just like the club call-up, an India call-up happened to Chhetri early.
"That felt like a dream come true. I think wearing an Indian jersey, whichever sport you play, gives a different high. Playing in the senior team is a great change, the teams are tougher -- that's where the big boys play!"
"Earlier, I used to be too excited and thrilled and nervous just to be playing in the team. But now that the expectations are greater I am working harder."
For a person whose "dream came true" at 17, he is startlingly realistic. Ask him about his European (the ultimate in football) ambitions and he replies sheepishly, "Indians can't choose! I'll take whatever they give me." After some pushing, he comes up with an answer: "Barcelona!" "I am not thinking too much about it. I want to go out for sure; I am preparing a CV to send out. There are so many things to learn." Though he laments that not many people recognise football players beyond traditional centres Kolkata,

and Kerala , Chhetri says it is time the players, media and public give up the blame game and come together.

"The Nehru Cup was a huge tournament. Football is not very popular from where I come, but the stands were full during the matches. Every time I scored the crowd would go crazy. Zee Sports did a great job telecasting that tournament. It just shows that for football to develop everyone has to come together."
"We are all to be blamed for the condition of the game in India. Football is the best game, it's enjoyed all over the world, but it's not given due respect in India."
"If people stay awake to watch a Chelsea versus Manchester United game late at night, I am sure they'll appreciate if we play good football. Even I would love to stay awake and watch Baichung Bhutia play. We need the right players, the right media, the right television coverage, grounds, jerseys; combine all departments to do well."
Apart from his obvious ball skills, Chhetri's understanding of the arena he operates in is different from the normally myopic football vision. He voices his concerns without an edge of cynicism, and is ready to work on the solutions.
He has the game, the attitude and the marketable 'X' factor.
Move over Bhutia, Chhetri is here!