The Future of Business Growth is India

Many western nations have this idea of India as some place that is overcrowded and not quite in step with the rest of the developed world; however, this assessment could not be further from the mark as India is likely to overtake China before too long as the largest economic power on Earth. Leveraging her immense population, her high standards of education, her vast natural resources, and the greatest resource of all, her citizenry, India is swiftly becoming the go-to place for business and business investments of all kinds. The groundswell of exponential entrepreneurial growth and business opportunities in India make it ideal for all industries to begin pursuing growth opportunities there, especially for tech savvy Australian companies. Working with India’s thriving industry sector is a winning digital strategy for marketing agencies in Australia.

Industry Growth

India’s leading hospitals, doctors, and dentists meet the standards of many industrialized and developed nations of the West. However, even though their capabilities are the same, the pricing is not. Treatments which can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in the United States or Europe cost much less in India. This has led to a surge in medical tourism where individuals from wealthy western nations travel to private doctors or hospitals in India to seek treatment, getting both the treatment they need and a vacation for less than the price of the treatment alone in Europe or the United States. This medical boom and industrial charge means experts are needed in digital marketing to help bring knowledge of these opportunities outside of India. This huge industry growth is leading to immense opportunities for Australian businesses with experience in digital marketing to help piggyback on this boom by providing high quality digital services to India’s tech industry.

Room for Growth

Even the supposedly negative issues in India are actually opportunities for businesses with the foresight, the decisive nature, and the entrepreneurialism to turn a negative into a positive. One of the cons of India’s large population is also its ineffectual ability to deal with its pollution, its garbage, and its other industrial wastes. However, environmentalists in India, private corporations and non-profits, and even the government are beginning to understand the importance of proper industrial waste management, recycling, and proper rubbish disposal techniques. For the right kind of advertising business, garbage can be big business with lots of room to grow. The ability to recycle materials in India at a fraction of the cost and then reselling them back to Europe or the United States is a huge potential business that not only can lower India’s pollution problem but can make the removal of pollution profitable for the industry that does it and the companies that market, advertise, and mainstream their services.

Favourable Business Laws

Currently there is no better time to be investing in India. Due to their legacy of having been a British colony for so many decades, many of the business laws in India are reflective of laws in Europe and the United States. With similar business laws, a large industrious population, and near unfettered access to resources, personnel, and foreign investment, the future is bright and shining for India and as its star is on the rise, prospective businesses and entrepreneurial investment groups can rise with it.

Posted on
Dentistry in India

Dentistry in India: Boom or Bust Business?

According to global statistics, the dental market in the world is growing steadily for the last five years. The major bulk of the market expansion is attributed to Asian countries, where India is said to be the forefront of this progress. As a matter of fact, dentistry in India is so huge that it will become the single largest nation market for dental services, products, and materials. Having said that, the dentistry in India faces a serious challenge; that is, the oral health care awareness in the Indian population is decreasing. This leads to the shrinking of the demand in dental services. You can click here to know more about figures and statistics about this decline. This begs us to the question, is dentistry in India a boom or bust business?

Dentistry in India: Boom or Bust Business

Over the last decade, India has become an international destination for medical treatment and services, including dental procedures. As per the recent government data, dental tourism accounts for the tenth of India’s medical tourism. And this number is seen to grow in the coming years.

Dental procedures and services in India is fairly cheap in contrast to its Western counterparts. For instance, a dental filling in the United States or in Europe ranges from $300 to $400. But in India, you can undergo a dental filling treatment for 20 bucks. Basically, you can avail the same services using state of the art equipment and technology at a very reasonable price.

The burgeoning population of India is a good sign that the demand for dental services will always be there. In fact, an increasing number of higher learning institutions are offering programs to accommodate the current and future needs of dentistry in India.

Challenges of Dentistry in India

  • Oral Care Infrastructure

Almost 99 percent of the dental service providers in India are private entities. There are a few multinational companies that have an active presence in the country’s dental market. After earning their degrees, dentists in India set up their own clinics, where most can be found in the city. The challenge about the infrastructure of dentistry in India is the competition. Each year, at least 200,000 students graduate from dental schools. And with the declining awareness in oral health care in the country, the supply of dental practitioners in the country will surpass the demand.

  • Marketing

Some dental practitioners see having a website as an effective marketing tool, which is good. However, most of them fail to look after the website and maintain it. Creating a website requires a lot of time and effort. Ideally, it will take a year, utmost, to evaluate and assess how the website contributed to the practice’s marketing efforts.

,
Posted on

The Gambling Business in India: Is it Skill or All Luck Based?

As a billion strong nation, India is a hotspot in terms of gambling businesses and related activities. For instance, sports betting on cricket events, horse race betting, and playing in casinos are among the favourite pastimes and popular gambling businesses in the country. But despite the public’s acceptance to the gambling business in India, most forms of gambling are technically against the law. Some legislations about the gambling business in India are either obsolete or unclear. Nevertheless, these betting activities attract a huge crowd which, in turn, yield substantial revenues. The recent data regarding the profits of the gambling business in India are discussed in depth when you click here.

The Gambling Business in India: Is it Skill or All Luck Based?

As mentioned earlier, there are forms of gambling in India that are prohibited by their laws and customs. Among the few gambling business in India that are authorised to operate are lotteries. There’s even a legislation — the Lotteries Act of 1998 —that guides the whole enterprise. Like any other betting activity in the country, the lotteries in India are based on luck with absolutely no skill required.

Online gambling is also highly popular among punters in India. Ironically, there are laws passed in the country which may or may not pertain to the lawfulness of online gambling. For instance, the Information Technology Act of 2000 has provisions that may be associated with online gambling, but there is no specific allusion that online gambling is indeed prohibited by the law.

An example of online gambling that involves skill is sports betting. In fact, bookies know the science of sports betting to the point that they can influence the winning odds, depending on the amount of the wager involved. Suffice to say, sports betting requires certain skills for you to win that pot.

Another gambling business in India that requires great skill is poker. It is a universal knowledge that playing poker involves skill. According to gambling laws in the country, anything that entails making a wager and is based on luck is illegal. Sports betting and poker is skills-based, so on the premise of the law, these are deemed as legal. However, due to the convoluted gambling laws in India, a law enforcer may or may not arrest you for gambling depending on how he/she interprets such law.

,
Posted on
Business Of Working With One Billion People

The Business of Working with One Billion People: How are Things Kept in Order

People in the Western countries are used to FedEx and online delivery services that drop-ship items right at their doorstep. But in India, a century-old delivery service called the dabba wallahs, hand delivers hot meals to thousands of hungry Indians across the metropolis. One would wonder how are things kept in order by the dabba wallahs, especially that this vast network of dispatching things tends to get tricky as the demands and stops increase. You can click here to know more about the history of the dabba wallahs of India.

The Business of Working with One Billion People: How are Things Kept in Order

The dabba wallahs are a good example of working with one billion people. It is also interesting to understand how are things kept in order, given that the dabba wallahs are part of India’s “poorly educated and decentralised workforce.”

According to the Harvard Business Review, the dabba wallahs have a system whose backbone is perfectly positioned and mutually reinforcing. If one would correlate it with the Western corporate sector, it is rare for team members to do all they can to achieve that synergy.

The New York Times also observed how the dabba wallahs in Mumbai were able to intricately organise a labour-intensive operation “that puts some automated high-tech systems to shame.” And for over a hundred years, this tradition of delivering and eating home-cooked meals for lunch thrived.

The Dabba Wallahs as a Trusted Brand

If you are going to ask Neeraj Aggarwal, the Senior Director of Flipkart, the dabba wallahs are among the most dependable and trusted brands in the country. In fact, they are highly noted for their unique delivery network that has been tested by time to be smooth and reliable, and can withstand extreme conditions.

For those who are familiar with the movie ‘The Lunchbox’, it touches the dabba wallahs and how their system is fool proof. The secret to how are things kept in order is the structure and methodicalness of their process. According to Stefan Homke of the Harvard Business School, the system of the dabba wallahs is a “very complicated dance of many, many elements, including the railway system in Mumbai.” Truth be told, the railway assists the dabba wallahs in a number of ways. One of which is that the railway compels the whole network of lunch delivery couriers to run based on a rhythm.

,
Posted on

Rubbish in India: Are We Becoming the Rubbish Dump of the World?

The Daily Mail Online reportedrubbish in India that an elephant was caught in video eating rubbish in India. In Bangalore, the once called ‘Garden City’ has deteriorated into a garbage metropolis. As a matter of fact, the residents are woken up in the middle of the night by the foul smell of the mountains of garbage on the streets. That’s how serious the trash problem in India is. This makes us think that the country is becoming the rubbish dump of the world. Truth be told, the indications of India’s rubbish crisis are everywhere. You can click here to find out about these signs.

Rubbish in India: Are We Becoming the Rubbish Dump of the World?

Did you know that Western nations and Arab countries also contribute to the tons of rubbish in India? According to news reports, tons and tons of garbage from Spain, Malaysia, Greece, and Saudi Arabia were sent to India last year. This is because shipping municipal waste to the country is four times more cost efficient than recycling these waste.

Over the past years, the government has been making an effort to resend the confiscated waste in ports back to where they came from. However, there are still companies that were able to import waste one way or another.

Dealing with Rubbish in India

The growing population in India has its pros and cons. One of the advantages is that its economy is rising. In addition, the country made its way to one of the most powerful countries in the world. But despite these drastic improvements, the government is lagging behind in terms of dealing with rubbish in India. In fact, the country is drowning in garbage.

But not everything reeks and is gray in India’s rubbish. Environmental advocates, private organisations, and the government are all looking for ways on how they can get away from the moniker as the rubbish dump of the world. For instance, Mumbai has these so-called rag pickers. These women, in spite of sweeping up the streets for low salary, are dedicated to managing the rubbish in India and segregating them for recycling.

There are also waste management services companies commissioned by the local government to tackle the growing problem of rubbish in India. But ultimately, addressing India’s garbage problem should begin in the household.

,
Posted on

Indian Business Law: A Brief Primer

Indian business lawMuch of the Indian business law is based on the English common law. As a matter of fact, various legislations introduced by the Brits are still being enforced in a modified form until now. The country’s legal history can be traced as early as the Bronze Age and the Indus Valley civilisation. Since then, the laws in India, including Indian business law, have changed from a religious direction to the existing constitutional and legal system the country has today. You can click here to know more about the brief history of Indian business law.

Indian Business Law: A Brief Primer

When the East India Company was established in India, it became the major turning point of the country’s legal history. The company was given the authority to create laws and enact them in a manner they deem as necessary. In most cases, some people criticise the  complexity of the country’s legal system, especially in terms of the Indian business law. Having said that, there are still provisions of the law that are much simpler than those in the United States and Australia.

There are four major sources of Indian business law. These are the English Mercantile law, the Statutory law, judicial decisions, and those from customs and usages. The English Mercantile law, which directly translates to the ‘merchant law’, served as the basis of the structure of the Indian business law. On the other hand, the Statutory laws are the legislations created by the Parliament. A lot of Indian business laws are Statutory laws.

Judicial decisions are crucial sources of the Indian business law. The previous cases decided by the higher courts are often referred in cases being tackled in the lower courts. Meanwhile, Indian business laws based on customs and usages play a significant role in business transactions in the country.

Indian Business Law and Charitable Institutions

In 2014, a law was enacted wherein businesses in India are compelled to ‘give’ two percent of its profits to charitable institutions. According to The Guardian, India is the first nation to enact such law. Companies with annual profits of at least £105m should give away two percent of it in organisations that focus on improving the country’s education system, alleviating poverty, promoting gender equality, and decreasing hunger incidence. As per India’s lawmakers, the law will greatly help the social development efforts in the country.

,
Posted on

Chiropractors in India: Ergonomics Introduced To Indian Businesses

Ergonomics is a term derived from two Greek words, “ergon,” meaning work, and “nomoi,” which means natural laws. It is the science that studies the relationship between work and human abilities, limitations and characteristics. Ergonomist are responsible for studying human capacity and its relativity to work demands.

Ergonomists, recently have attempted to explain postures which minimize excessive static work and reduce the forces acting on the body. An individual can considerably reduce risk of injury if they could adhere to some ergonomic principles. However, there is a serious challenge to conservative ergonomic thinking. A person must be a great observer of his or her own joint and muscle functions in order to put these into practice.

Ergonomics Introduced To Indian Businesses

SMEs or small and medium enterprises are almost always the leading pillar of an economy in India. That is why minor accidents, ergonomics snags, out-of-date machinery, and the absence of awareness have generated a necessity for carrying out safety practices. The influence of chiropractors from around the world produced fully ergonomic solutions.

Gopal Ramnayaran, an entrepreneur in India researched in America some ergonomic garden furniture. Hence, he returned home so intrigued and saw the potential for such market in India. He finally began manufacturing the first aluminum-based furniture in the country since 1965. That’s how Gopal Ramnayaran found Featherlite, now a leading furniture company in India.  Feartherlite’s 50 year journey started from aluminum chairs to ergonomic furniture.

Employees who spend a great time every day in the office. They tend to lose the distinction between home and office space. They would prefer office space designs that keep in mind the ergonomics. Industries are continuously changing their operating environment in terms of organization and culture.  Proper ergonomics will be of great help for an employee to avoid health hazards at work.

Dr. T Rajagonal, Vice-President of Uniliver, have teams observing for employees silently. Uniliver spent a lot of time and effort into educating employees on the right posture to implement at their work stations, among other things, for their own benefit. The correct posture on the appropriate chair with a desk at the right height and perfect computer screen position. The temperature and the right kind and amount of light, these are all critical factors.

Ergonomics is still a developing discipline in India.  There is the need to increase holistic ergonomic thinking in every work place. Good ergonomics can help, that is why a trained occupational health specialist should do a series of ergonomic assessments at the workplace.

Posted on

High Humidity in India and Its Negative Effects

The common and abrupt effect of high humidity is personal discomfort. When it is too hot and humid, our bodies are less efficient at releasing heat which means we sweat. However, this may not deem too dangerous some people might say. But going to work wearing a suit and tie while one’s shirt sticks to your body, and constantly wiping drips of sweat off the forehead!

 

Dust mites also love humidity, and they’re one of the main nemeses for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. Needless to say, all sorts of bacteria can originate in spaces with comparatively high humidity. People who stay in households or offices that are hit by mold growth and mildew get more often get sick, and their overall health is a lot poorer.

 

How To Combat High Humidity in India and Its Negative Effects with Dehumidifiers:

Humidity levels in the city of Mumbai peaked, hitting 98% in the of south Mumbai and 80% in the suburbs. Experts says, peaked moisture levels have great potential to hold pollutants. Changes in temperature, precipitation, drought, storms and floods can have negative and positive effects. In Chandigarh, a doctor from PGI infers, made a recent analysis. According to him, the old age prescription of covering oneself with a towel and inhaling steam to fight common cold may no longer be valid.  Doctor Meenu Singh analysed and reviewed all worldwide trials conducted on steam inhalation. She concluded in her published work that the process has no effect and only works as a feel good factor!
With ‘global warming’ distressing the world India included, the necessity for office and factory dehumidifier is ever increasing in all areas affected by high humidity. The awareness has been a great challenge. A muggy environment is a breeding ground for all types of microscopic organisms that can be detrimental to your health. Mildew and mold spores flourish in it, and they can be highly toxic once they get into your body. If mold is evidently noticeable inside your home, you have a problem that requires instant attention.

 

Companies can decrease waste, increase productivity and enhance manufacturing yields by ensuring the correct humidity level with a dehumidifier. It is very important to invest in a high quality dehumidification device because standard systems for heating, air-conditioning or ventilation cannot deliver the desired conditions. By getting a dehumidifier, it is likely to solve these problems if not the very least alleviate them.

Posted on

Can Indian Businesses Put Their Faith in Mystics & Yogis?

The east has always had its differences from the west. Since Roman times, the world has been split into two distinct spheres: the eastern empire and the western empire. The east, as Alexander the Great discovered, is a rich and exotic realm, with a flavour quite unlike that of its hemispheric counterpart. The spiritual overlaps the material in the east, and there is not the clear demarcation between the zones, as exists in western thought and deed. India, in many ways, is at the centre of eastern consciousness. It is, also, the gateway to this ‘other world’.

Can Indian Businesses Put Their Faith in Mystics & Yogis?

It is the twenty first century, however, a time of technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft and the digital age. Is there still a place for that overlap of the spiritual, the ghost in the machine? Can Indian businesses put their faith in mystics & yogis? Does it offer some unseen competitive edge? Or, is it the chain that drags this nation forever backwards? How does this rich tradition impact upon the modern Indian business person and their activities? Does it still shape Indian thinking? So many questions, it beggars belief that these answers must still be given, despite the ever-changing contemporary world.

Tradition is the bedrock of identity. The Indian yogi, guru and mystic: the Babaji, the Bhagwan, the Buddha, the Mahatma, the Saint, the Holy Man. These are all players on a spiritual stage, which dates back thousands of years. Disciples and devotees, Sannyasins and seekers, form a saffron line that snakes across a great land mass, which stretches from the Himalayas to the sea. Is it any wonder that people in India still believe and still seek out the guidance that these babas offer?

Astrology has its roots in India, coming over from Babylonia in ancient times, brought by the Aryans to this subcontinental land. Since then, stargazing has spread all over the globe, to every corner and crevice. Horoscopes are cast in Charlestown and Canberra, Kolkata and Koln, Cusco and Cheboksary. Transits are cast and examined for businesses, projects and ideas. Mergers, marriages and deals are assessed with the assistance of the zodiac. Even, maybe seeking our western psychics, to summon a little occidental magic. When it comes to measuring market trends, is there really anything truly scientific to it? We all like to pretend that sociology is a science, but deep down the tarot readers are just as scientific. Can Indian businesses put their faith in mystics & yogis? Psychic powers? Why not? Donald Trump and his ilk have been doing it for years.

 

Posted on

Healthcare Opportunities for Indians Worldwide

The West is no stranger to top-quality Indian healthcare workers operating in their countries. There are many fine doctors of Indian extraction helping people in both public and private practice in the US, the UK, Australia and elsewhere around the globe. In many ways, this is the classic story of hard working migrants getting ahead and their children going to college to graduate as medical professionals. It is also, about healthcare workers migrating directly from India to fill those places in Western nations. There are opportunities at all levels of the healthcare spectrum for Indians to find jobs.

Healthcare Opportunities for Indians Worldwide

Of the 175 million people who were living outside of their country of birth in the year 2000, some 65 million of these people were economically active. The WHO report, that these figures are drawn from, warns that the loss of the medical practitioners from the developing world is significant. Highly skilled, tertiary educated, professionals lost to the developing world, means the loss of their much-needed skills and a wasted investment by these nations through costly education services. Migration figures have double since the 1970s for healthcare workers from India and other developing countries to the West.

Indian podiatrists in India-centric communities such as Parramatta in Sydney, Australia, are one such example of this globalisation of skilled labour markets. Another, is the many Indians working as chiropractors in Sydney. Migration from Indian cities to cities in countries like Australia and the UK in the healthcare sector is increasing every year. It is the case of the individual bettering himself and his family, but at the expense of his country of origin. Democratic nations, however, cannot prevent this movement, which is, generally, based on economic determiners. Only through the overall economic growth of India can they begin to compete in a globalised labour market.

Meanwhile, in places like Sydney, their communities are benefitting from this influx of talented Indian doctors and nurses. The wealthy nations maintain and improve their levels of healthcare, often at the expense of nations that desperately need more healthcare of a higher standard. This is an example of market forces not taking care of things. Health as an industry is not served well by a purely free market economy, there needs to be government intervention in health if a nation’s people are to be properly looked after. Whether restrictions on Indian doctors needing to complete a decade of national service in local hospitals should be instigated is, perhaps, a question worth discussing.

Posted on

Indian Elderly Vulnerable To Selfish Younger Generations

The statistics are shocking: one in every three senior citizens in India is a victim of abuse. Why are the elderly being left in the cold by their families in a land that reveres the old? The scale of the problem in fact goes much deeper than teenage addiction to smart phones, Instagram and ‘selfie’ culture, that is not the worst of it.

Hundreds and thousands of elderly people are being dumped like unwanted house pets by uncaring family members who take their limited riches before throwing them out of their homes. A recent report by a voluntary organisation working for abandoned and needy elderly people, revealed some shocking statistics. According to the report, one in three senior citizens is a victim of abuse in India.

“Some of the abuses we found are as brutal as severe beating of elderly people by their own sons, daughters and daughters-in-law” states the report. It also says that in more than 50 per cent of abuse cases, the perpetrators are family members, with the son being the primary abuser in over 56 per cent of cases, followed by daughters in 23 per cent of cases. The most common reason for the abuse is property related.

Mathew Cherian, chief executive of Help Age India says, “Earlier, people lived with their children when they were too old to work, but society is no longer parent oriented and the rising trend we notice is that the elderly are moving out of their homes to places that cater to their needs. But there aren’t enough old-age homes in India to house all the abandoned elderly people”, he says.

More than half of India’s 1.1 billion population is younger than 25 and two-thirds is below the age of 35. The number of seniors is growing. By 2016, around 113 million people will be older than 60, and if the recent reports are any indication, a sizeable number of them will require an old-age home.

Stories about mistreatment of the elderly can be truly horrifying. A few years ago, there were reports in the Indian media about how police caught a man striking a deal with doctors and an organ-transplant broker to sell his unsuspecting father’s kidney, first taking him to hospital for a ‘check-up’ and then telling him he needed an operation. Doctors say such practices are commonplace.

According to an activist and charity worker, “All senior citizens we spoke to in Delhi said they had been verbally abused, while 33 per cent confided they had been physically abused – often beaten and tied to chairs.”

Elderly parents being abused and abandoned is not just an urban phenomenon. In rural India, the family system is eroding, with the younger generation increasingly heading off to cities with their spouses and their children to start a new life – without their parents or grandparents.

According to a 2016 survey, less than 40 per cent of Indians now live with extended family. While Delhi has the highest number of senior citizens who own property, over the years they become meek and dependent on their children. And that is generally when problems arise.

Those who have worked in government service or for a reputed private company receive pensions, but a large majority of India’s population still work as farmers or day labourers. Once they are too old to work, they are forced to rely on their children or extended family for support.

There is a government-backed pension programme for the poor called the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, which provides Rs200 a month to people over 60 who live below the poverty line, meaning they earn less than $1.25 (Dh4.59) per day. But the amount they receive is barely enough to get them food for a week. The government also approved a bill to increase the pension to Rs500 a month to those over the age of 80.

There are shelters for homeless elderly people run by charity organisations across India, but these shelters are usually packed to capacity.

In June 2012, the Delhi High Court issued an order to all court judges to give “special focus” to the cases involving senior citizens and ever since, courts in other cities are also taking similar steps.

Significantly, the bill states that a person would be disinherited if he or she fails to take care of their elderly parents. Local communities have welcomed the legislation but says it may have little practical effect. It is said that most parents are far too demoralised, destitute or frail to begin a battle to get a ruling. Also very few people want to wash their personal problems in public.

, , , ,
Posted on

Mam Ramaswamy’s Racing Legacy

Mam Ramaswamy was a man of many talents – a brilliantly successful businessman, a lover of fine horses, and, more than that, a horse racing legend. With a career spanning several decades, it was his unofficial record of 600 classic wins in the races that set him apart. So what were Mam Ramaswamy’s secrets to business, life, horses and betting? A man who has become a legend in his country is a man who got horse racing down to a science. Apart from breeding incredibly fine horses, Mam also had his own personal inside tricks and tips for being able to win repeatedly, tips like wearing his lucky suit and his lucky tie. However, unless the suit and tie were blessed by Mercury and Pegasus themselves, we suspect there is probably a little bit more science than luck in over 600 wins. So unless you can convince the executors of Mam’s estate to sell you his lucky tie and suit, we best speculate as to some of the scientific factors that can improve your betting and give you an edge?

A legend in the world of horse-racing and called the ‘Turf Moghul’ for his expensive passion, Ramasamy was the biggest owner of thoroughbreds, having owned at least 1,000 horses in active training in race courses across the country. “Not long ago, I would invariably spend a major part of my day with the horses, but now that’s not possible. My trainers take good care of them and I don’t necessarily need to worry,” Ramasamy told The Times of India in an exclusive interview just a couple of months before his soul left this earth.

Racing surface

As the Indian business mogul certainly knows, condition of the track is an incredibly important factor second only to the qualities of the horse itself. The condition and type of track plays an enormous factor into whether you’ve picked a winner or a dud. Horse racing tips can differ in different areas; for horse races in India this can be particularly important especially given varying climate conditions. Horses on a wet or muddy track will race entirely differently than horses on the dry dirt. This matters because a horse which has typically been last might find itself at the advantage due to a slightly slower but more sure footed gallop. Determining the type of racing surface and how well previous horses have done on that given track under those conditions is a great metric by which you can determine the statistical likelihood of a win.

Has the horse beat the odds in the past?

This is a tip that can help you make significant amounts of money and that is by looking to see if a given horse has won against high odds in the past. A horse that has won against high odds in the past is statistically speaking much more likely to win again against high odds in the future. This is an important factor to consider because if this particular horse is showing good odds of winning then actually it is less likely to win. By being able to identify these statistical patterns in the horses you can see a significant return.

When the odds are at their highest against this particular horse, it’s actually most likely to win. This is not true of every horse, mind you, and each horse is unique and must have specific research done to determine the types and factors that lead to its winning at the races.

Along with this tip is another important one and that is not looking merely at wins in a row to determine a winning horse but how those wins are spread out. If a horse has won two or three races in a row previously but has not won for two or three races in a row, its odds of winning the current race may show it going down but by looking at a horse’s history you can determine that this horse is actually due for a win. This is often the case with race horses where they will win after a gap of several races they lost, then go on for several more winning races.

This is because racing takes a significant toll on the body of a horse. Those optimal peak times of output cannot be maintained for every single race but you know that the horse has that potential inside it and if it shows a pattern of a few losses and a few wins you can see if this horse is overdue for a win and place your bets accordingly. This is why it’s important to look at not just how often it wins but what were the odds back when it won and how long has it been since its last win. If it has won five times in a row, the odds will seem to be in its favor but the horse is actually more likely to lose.

Keeping this in mind can help you bet against the odds and win your money back multiple times over. With these racing tips you will be ready to compete against the 600 race record of Indian business legend Mam Ramaswamy.

,
Posted on

Restrictive Indian Abortion Laws Require Reform

With the widely controversial Donald Trump Policy roller coaster both making global headlines and impacting an immediate ripple-effect if you like on women’s abortion rights worldwide, the already heated abortion debate now enters a hard-line period of conflicted exchange in many global countries, developed and undeveloped alike, including of course, the Mother of the East, India.

In 1971, abortion was made legal in India when the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed with an aim to reduce illegal abortion and maternal mortality. In a society that frequently considers sexuality as taboo, the MTP act was a welcome move and a validation of a woman’s fundamental right. It also established bodily sovereignty wherein each woman has the sole right to make decisions about what happens to her body. The word ‘abortion’ has always been a sensitive topic. Throughout history, induced abortions have been a source of considerable debate and controversy. Many countries still consider it as murder, while women’s rights insist it to be a woman’s fundamental right to have control over her body.

Here are some things you should know about Abortion in India. So stay safe and well informed.

What is Abortion?

Mainstream Wikipedia defines abortion as the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in, or caused by, its death. This could occur either spontaneously as a miscarriage, or be artificially induced through chemical, surgical or other means.

When can it be done?

Abortion in India is legal only up to twenty weeks of pregnancy under specific conditions and situations which are broadly defined as:

  1. The continuance of the pregnancy would involve a risk to the life of the pregnant woman or of grave injury of physical or mental health
  2. There is a substantial risk that if the child were born, it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped.

A woman has the right to abort:

  • If the woman has a serious disease and the pregnancy could endanger her physical/mental health
  • If the continuation of pregnancy could lead to substantial risk to the newborn leading to serious physical / mental handicaps
  • If the pregnancy is the result of rape
  • If the socio-economic status of the mother hampers the progress of a healthy pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.
  • If the contraceptive device irrespective of the method used (natural methods/ barrier methods/ hormonal methods) failed

Permission/Consent:

  • If a woman is married, her own written consent is sufficient. Her husband’s consent is not required
  • If a woman is unmarried and over 18, she can provide her own written consent
  • If a woman is unmarried and under 18, she must provide written consent from her guardian
  • If a woman is mentally unstable, she must provide written consent from her guardian

Where and Who can perform the abortion:

Abortions can be performed in any medical institution that is licensed by the government to perform medically assisted terminations of pregnancy. Such institutions must display a certificate issued by the government.

Abortions must be performed by a doctor with one of the following qualifications:

  • A registered medical practitioner who has performed at least 25 medically assisted terminations of pregnancy
  • A surgeon who has six months’ experience in obstetrics and gynaecology
  • A person who has a diploma or degree in obstetrics and gynaecology
  • A doctor who was registered before the 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and who has three years’ experience in obstetrics and gynaecology
  • A doctor who registered after 1971 and has been practising in obstetrics and gynaecology for at least a year

Types of Abortion treatment:

There are two types of abortion treatment, ‘Medical’ and ‘Surgical’ abortion:

Medical abortion: A type of non-surgical abortion which involves taking medication to cause an early miscarriage. Abortifacient pharmaceutical drugs made by combination of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol is an option for women who are 10 weeks pregnant or less.

Abortion pill from 10 weeks up to 24 weeks: Involves taking medication to cause the womb to contract and push out the pregnancy.

Surgical abortion: Surgical abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the mother’s womb and involves a quick, minor operation. There are two types of surgical abortion:

Vacuum aspiration ( first trimester) which removes the pregnancy by gentle suction with local anaesthetic.

Dilation and evacuation is done when an abortion occurs in (second trimester) of pregnancy. It usually includes a combination of vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage and the use of surgical instruments (such as forceps) to clear the uterus of fetal and placental tissue.

Evolution of the MTP Act

To understand the issues surrounding abortion in India, it is necessary to contextualise the evolution of the MTP Act, which liberalised abortion laws in India. The MTP was enacted two years before the landmark judgement of the US Supreme Court in Roe v Wade – which held that laws which criminalise all abortions, except those required to save a mother’s life, were unconstitutional and violated the right to privacy of a pregnant woman. But this right should be balanced against the right of the state’s legitimate interest in protecting both the pregnant woman’s health and the potentiality of human life at various stages of pregnancy.

The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 needs to be amended to better address the varying concerns of Indian women be they rape survivors, married women or sexually active single women.

, , , ,
, ,
Posted on

Double Standards in India’s Sex Industry

You can find in India some of the largest red light district in the world. In fact, the documentary Born into Brothels discussed what it’s like having parents who are prostitutes. Among the major red light districts in the country are Sonogachi in Kolkata, and Kamathipura in Mumbai.

Unfortunately, some girls here are coerced into the sex industry. Human trafficking is rampant, as well as forced prostitution. This being said, many Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) help sex workers, especially with regards to their sexual health.

UNODC reported that even though some sex workers would want to leave the industry, they are afraid of the stigma of the society. No matter what they do, they will always be labeled as prostitutes. As ironic as it may sound, sex is not that a taboo topic in India. Although the sex industry is thriving, the Indian culture does not consent this in contrast to more liberal attitudes to brothels in Australia.

Sex in Hinduism

Hinduism does not consider sexual desires as evil. However, the religion stresses the value of purity and living morally. Regardless of the social stigma and reputation for prostitution, the religion regards the sexual fulfillment as a primary goal of human life.

Intention plays an important role as to whether or not sex, in general, is allowed or disallowed. If the sexual purpose is only for pleasure, Hinduism sees it as adharma or unlawful. On the other hand, if sex is for procreation, it is dharma or lawful.

Hindus of high social ranking also deem sex outside marriage as against the religion. An article from the BBC tells how a judge in New Delhi asserted pre-marital sex as morally wrong and in contradiction of religious teachings.

Prostitution and the Sex Industry

As much as Hinduism detest prostitution, the sex industry in India continues to boom. The sex trade in the country can be traced back in the 1800s during the British occupation. Brothels were established to accommodate and meet the sexual needs of British soldiers. More than a hundred years later, India’s red light districts are still the same poverty-stricken areas.

Instead of regarding sex workers as an outcast, the society should help them if they are serious in enforcing the tenets of Hinduism. Moreover, one should refrain from paying for girls then loathing them after satisfying your sexual desires. It is equally wrong.

 

, ,
Posted on

Creating the Perfect Indian Kitchen

In India we love our food – eating has to be one of our most favourite pastimes. Some succulent and spicy curry with naan bread and rice will make most of my compatriots fulfilled for at least the length of the meal. Certainly the Indian kitchen of old with dirt floor and a fire on the ground, can be considered basic in its structure and form. Still, it did and still does, produce some sensational dishes for a very appreciative one billion, or so, diners, around the country. Despite the continued proliferation of the traditional Indian kitchen, there are more post-millennial Western style kitchens being built in middle class Indian homes.

Building the Perfect Kitchen

These Western style kitchens have been adapted to facilitate more Indian types of cooking and food preparation. This is because, let’s face it, a lot of western style food is fairly dire in terms of taste and spice. The gleaming stainless steel look with benches and surfaces reflecting this commercial type obsession with home cooks pretending to be professional chefs has captured a large chunk of the market. Indian food can be very labour intensive and so maximum bench space well serves the Indian home cook.

Building the perfect kitchen is very much about designing a functional space that best serves what is being created in that space. To get a contemporary and global influence, it’s worth exploring international high-quality kitchens renovations websites but then even more importantly, the planning should only be started after consultation with the person who does the majority of the cooking in the home. It is no point building a kitchen that is modelled on a Michelin starred French restaurant’s kitchen and plonking that inside an Indian home. No sir, this would be a travesty of clashing culinary concepts. This would only complicate and confuse the Indian cook at home. Where would he or she roll her chapattis? Where would the tandoor oven be? How would all that rice get cooked?

Questions like these must be answered by the kitchen renovation company before any actual construction work is started. Building the perfect kitchen in India will, of course, be different in Mumbai and different again in Calcutta. The many distinct regions of India have their own cuisines and therefore require quite different cooking facilities. Kitchen renovation designers must be adaptable to the demands of their different customers in different parts of the country. No raita is the same! No mango chutney is alike! And no cook in Southern India is anything like a cook in Northern India.

 

Posted on

Overseas Property Investment Opportunities

A huge number of Indian companies and private individuals today engage in foreign investments as they expand their services and reach new financial heights. It is important for companies to grab every investment opportunity to help them secure their financial future. And while property investment within India is looking rosy-cheeked for the foreseeable future, many Indian companies today think outside of the box as they engage in investment to other countries. Let us look at who goes inside overseas property investment and the opportunities they provide to its investors.

When it comes to overseas property investment, one country that has been growing and popularity and has received their fair share of the spotlight over the years is India. It should be noted that India is a prosperous and wealthy country that is home to many of the richest people in the world. One good example of this is the Jindal family who is ranked among the world’s top 80 richest by Forbes. Jindal Steel & Power have bought two minor stakes, worth a total of $26 million, in Australian iron ore and coal mines. This was followed by Gautam Adani, a self-made Indian billionaire with his US$2 billion purchase of a coal mine in the state of Queensland. Another company by the name of Silverneedle Hospitality that is owned by an Indian philanthropist Nadathur S. Raghavan and co-founder of software company Infosys Technologies has also bought a hotel in Brisbane for $57 million.

You will indeed not be finding any shortage of foreign investors who are interested with overseas property investment opportunities in Sydney. As a matter of fact, India has become Australia’s biggest source of migrants, including a large number of IT entrepreneurs. One contributing factors is Australia embarking on an immigration campaign to attract long-term investment. A huge number of foreign investors have been into a lot of private investments in Australia because it is seen as a safe-haven. Even though Britain and North America were once traditionally favored by Indian nationals as offshore investment destinations, noticed a growing demand for Australian real estate has been noticed by private wealth bankers particularly hotels and serviced apartments.

The commercial property prices in Australia are considered to be very attractive which led to the growth of foreign investors who are interested by buying properties. In addition, the country also possesses a fairly strong economic performance compared with Western peers boasting a pristine triple A rating with a stable outlook. Furthermore, Australia has indeed an abundance of natural resources, white sand beaches as well as a kind climate which is many dub it as the lucky country.

Australia has also spent a good amount of their resources to further improve upon their facilities. Such schemes tend not only to bring much-coveted long-term investment, but also contribute greatly to economic growth and job creation. This is the reason why New infrastructure in cities, like the new busport, is attracting property investment in Perth which is very appealing to new migrants who cannot initially afford to buy and run a car. Even small business take-overs in Perth such as the Indian owned chartered accountant company taking over the 30-years-established RJ Webb and Associates is another example of Indian smarts gradually gaining power even in small industries.

It is good to hear that many consider overseas property opportunities is considered to be a worthwhile investment. A huge number of foreign investors today were able to find the property that was able to cater to their preference and needs that was not present in their country. Furthermore, looking for investment properties today is also made relatively easy with many developers and providers integrating their services over the internet.

,
Posted on

Disability Services in India Need Major Improvements

Men balanced on seesaw over a stack of coins

Providing access to disability services throughout India is an ethical imperative that the Government and Community leaders need to spend more time thinking about and being more proactive in fixing the most essential services as soon as possible.

Currently their are too few systems set in place for individuals with disabilities throughout all the major cities and towns. The outcome of this unfortunate situation is that by not giving more services that help disabled people, the country as a whole will further push these people into a more vulnerable situation, one in which they are unable most likely to every get out off.

Some of the major concerns that exist relate to wheelchair access into all new building constructed. If a student cannot access the school or university classroom most of the time this will cause the students to be rejected from education institutes. Another primary concern is to do with assisting people with learning disabilities.

If we can all join hands, increase government funding and work together as a team not only will these deserving members of our society end up with a better quality of life. They will also be more empowered and have more facility as individuals to go out into mother India and be productive workers that can also then give back to the community. Empowerment, facilitation and education make good people sense and  good business sense.

Posted on

Meniere’s Disease In India: Audiologists Hearing The Call

Menieres-disease-in-India-Audiologists-hearing-the-call

Meniere’s disease (Idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder characterized by recurrent vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus or ringing in the ear and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Fluid build-up in the inner ear creates pressure and causes damage to organs responsible for balance and hearing. This disease is named after the French physician Prosper Meniere who first described the condition in 1861. It is usually seen in young and middle aged adults. 75% of cases occur in 30-60 year olds but it can occur in anyone, even children. The disease is diagnosed by an audiologist through clinical examination and audiometry test.  The relapsing nature of the disease may affect balance, hearing and the patient’s quality of life.

The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but it is believed that build-up of excess fluid in the inner ear and the body’s inability to reabsorb the fluid plays an important role in creating the symptoms. Meniere’s disease affects 2 out of 1,000 people in the world. Approximately 100,000 people develop this disease every year. People who are at greater risk include those who had middle or inner ear infection, respiratory infection, head injury, those with a history of allergies, smoking, alcohol use and taking certain medicines like aspirin.

The primary signs and symptoms of Meniere’s disease can be a combination of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, sensitivity to loudness, impaired vision and feeling of fullness in the ear. A typical attack might start with a feeling of fullness in the ear, increasing tinnitus and hearing loss followed by severe vertigo which is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. An attack might last for 20 minutes to four hours or even longer, after which signs and symptoms improve. Attacks often occur in cluster, for example you could have severe vertigo and only mild tinnitus or you could have mild vertigo, severe hearing loss and frequent tinnitus. Episodes could be frequent or there may be periods of remissions in between for weeks or months. The frequency, duration and severity of each episode vary, especially early in the disease. Although Meniere’s disease is considered a chronic condition, various treatment strategies can help relieve symptoms and minimize its long-term impact on patient’s life. An MRI is often suggested to rule out tumour of 8th cranial nerve.

The prevalence of hearing loss in India was estimated to be around 5.9 to 16.56 per cent. More than 5 million Indians suffer from hearing impairment. According to the WHO, India is among the countries that have the highest prevalence of hearing loss. It is estimated that there are more than 500,000 people affected by Meniere’s disease in India. The increasing number of cases is attributed to the increasing risk of air pollution, noise pollution and chemical toxicity.

The treatment of ear disorder in India dates back to the early fourth century through the use of Ayurvedic Medicine.  However, Audiology is relatively new only half a century ago. Audiologists are specialists that help in diagnosing and treating patients of Meniere’s disease and other hearing related damage. Audiology has grown exponentially during this short period of time and made significant progress in the treatment of hearing loss. A large proportion of audiologists in India are performing test, post-surgical rehabilitation for cochlear implants and hearing aid fitting in children as well as adults. However, the number of audiologist is not enough to help the growing number of people with hearing disability. There is a severe shortage of audiologist in the country. No matter how audiologists want to be part of the solution, the ratio between audiologist means each specialist should handle 20,000 patients a day which is impossible. Due to this shortage, many people with hearing disability go untreated. This is situation is impending the government’s hope of eradicating hearing impairment in the next 20 years.

Emotional instability, stress and improper diet are the common trigger factors for Meniere’s disease.  There are many ways from many cultures to treat Meniere’s disease. In Ayurveda in India the disease is believed to happen because of Vata and Pitta disorder. Excess heat (Pitta) can produce symptoms like vertigo, headaches and migraine while Vata can cause tinnitus or ringing in the ear. Ayurvedic treatments are very successful in treating Meniere’s disease and its accompanying symptoms since it produces balance from the root cause. Patients just need to follow certain diet, take Ayurvedic herbs and implement lifestyle changes.

In traditional Chinese medicine the ideas about the cause of Meniere’s disease has a direct link with the kidney (shen) and the endocrine system. Kidney qi weakens with age and hearing difficulty as well as failure in vision arises as a result. Chinese medicine treatment of Meniere’s disease is based on dealing with symptoms, eliminating condition of excess and tonifying the body in case of deficiency. The treatment aims to nourish yin, detoxify the kidneys and replenish the body. Taking special Chinese herbs, patent Chinese medicine such as Qiju Dihuang bolus, Guipi bolus, Fugui Bawei , Longdan Xiegan is recommended. Acupuncture and moxibustion are also helpful for alleviating the symptoms of tinnitus and vertigo.

In Western medicine treatment comprises of symptom management, medication, chemical ablation and surgery is considered. Medical treatments are aimed to reduce symptoms, prevent hearing loss and reduce the severity of attacks. Doctors recommend low sodium diets to help control water retention and reduce inner-ear fluid pressure. Doctors may prescribe medication to reduce vertigo and nausea to lessen the severity of the attack. To reduce fluid retention (diuretic) medications can also be prescribed. Noninvasive therapies and procedures, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy, hearing aid and Meniett device can benefit people with Meniere’s disease. Surgery is needed if the symptoms are severe and the patient does not respond to other treatments. Surgical procedures may include endolymphatic sac procedures, vestibular nerve section or labyrinthectomy. People experiencing symptoms of Meniere’s disease should consider all options and seek medical advice to find out what particular treatment is right for them.

 

,
,
Posted on

A Rich History of Furniture in India

A-Rich-History-of-Furniture-in-India

Furniture manufactured in India has garnered appreciation all over the world, but not many people are aware of the tradition and history of Indian furniture. India has a long and rich history as far as wooden furniture is concerned. Furniture making in India is heavily influenced by the country’s art and literature. Furniture making has been practiced in India since 1336 AD during the Vijayanagar Empire. The empires and the kings from southern India are the primary patrons. Furniture making was considered more of an art and trade. Craftsmen were held in high esteem by the royalty because they were able to preserve legends and folklore in wood. The conventional and standard furniture items can be found in ancient temples and modern buildings.

Most people sat, eat and slept on the floor because of the extreme climate of Rajasthan. In the early days only utilitarian furniture like low chairs and charpoys are used in palaces, temples or public houses. The conventional furniture we know today was developed from foreign influence. The Portuguese were the first European that came to India, they influence the domestic furniture making in the country. Indian carpenters were commissioned to produce copies of the furniture Portuguese used to at home. Indian furniture makers are precocious in adapting their foreign designs but they created a combination of eastern and western styles. Indians used the vast number of local tree species in manufacturing Portuguese designed furniture

Foreign culture continues to influence Indian furniture making as the British, French and Dutch commissioned the Indians to manufacture their own furniture designs. The amalgamation of European sensibilities and Indian craftsmanship was known as Anglo-Indian furniture. The foreign influences paved the way to Mughal style, Goanese, Indo-Dutch style and the use of ebony and ivory like the Chippendale and Sheraton. The English predominance in the 18th century resulted in English furniture styling and give teak the popularity in quality furniture. The ornamentation assumed primacy in the 19th century.

In the 20th century utility and simplicity gained primacy over art and ornamentation. Price consideration drove the ornamentation to the minimum as cheaper wood varieties were used to cater to the low cost demand. Antique and ornamental furniture were manufactured and exported to Western customers. Indian furniture makers still continue to be renowned to convert wood into great pieces of furniture. Locally found wood such as teak, sandal, mango and coconut are widely used in the manufacture of tables, chairs, entertainment units, bed, armoire and other decorative pieces.

The majority of modern Indian furniture today is made from Himalayan teak, acacia, rosewood and mango. Some furniture is recycled from old discarded furniture and crumbling traditional Indian mansions and palaces in the villages. The recovered pieces like old doors and panels are crafted to make new furniture. The luxury lifestyle furniture such as charpais (string beds) almaris (cupboards) jhulas (swings) ornamented master beds and old fashioned round tables with bloated legs are making a comeback in furniture stores lately.

Indian maintains its traditional way of using simple tools in the manufacturing process. Despite the rapid developments in information and technology, Indian furniture is still carved from traditional tools. Because of this the wooden furniture pieces retains its ethnicity. The traditional furniture making process made Indian furniture the symbol of durability and elegance.

Posted on

12 Organisations Helping Indian Students Around The Globe

12-Organisations-Helping-Indian-Students-Around-The-Globe

Studying abroad is an exciting prospect for many Indian students. Better educational quality, travel opportunity and other factors may compel them to leave the country and gain qualification in overseas schools. Venturing to a new country with different culture is not easy; students will surely face problems and obstacles. But there are organisations, government, cultural and even private companies, who can provide a listening ear to Indian students who get into difficulty and help make their student experience easier. Here’s a list of 12 organisations helping Indian students around the globe.

1. Indian Students Association
ISA is a non-profit student organisation in different colleges and universities abroad that strives to unify all Indian students. It was formed to create cultural awareness, promote Indian tradition and unite Indian students with different ethnic backgrounds. It aims to spread Indian culture and provide students with a community. It’s like a family away from home.

2. AIESEC
AIESEC is an international non-governmental not-for-profit organisation run by students and recent graduates of institutions of higher education that develops leadership to young people through experiential learning, volunteer experiences and professional internships. It enables employers and students across India to connect with global network of talent.

3. Indian Graduate Students Organisation (IGSO)
IGSO is a non-profit organisation which supports every cause of the Indian student community in the triple cities area. They have programs to help Indians who want to pursue their educational aspirations. They organise different cultural activities and regular events including sport tournaments, movie shows, spiritual lectures and coffee hours to give students a break from strenuous academics at Binghamton University. They ensure that each student is nestled in a family like environment.

4. International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE)
ICYE is an international non-profit youth exchange organisation that started in India in 1983 promoting youth mobility, intercultural learning and international voluntary service, in more than 40 countries around the world. ICYE is a leader in international youth exchange programmes that enhances student’s intercultural understanding and commitment to peace and justice.

5. ACM Group
ACM Group is a community of Asian people in Sydney which provide moral support to Indian students and new arrivals to Australia in the form of advice and communications. ACM Group help foster positive interaction between Australians, Asians and Asian Australians through art, music, culture, social events and other interactive cultural activities.

6. ASHANET
Asha for Education is an organisation dedicated to change in India by focusing on basic education because they believe education is a critical requisite for socio-economic change. They are involved with support projects that are education related. Asha helps students get better access to education, nutrition and health care.

7. Foundation for Excellence (FFE)
FFE is a non-profit organisation based in California which provides the largest scholarship programs in India. They help exceptionally talented but poor students in India become doctors, engineers, and computer scientists. They award scholarships to high school students and help them secure admissions to quality engineering and medical colleges.

8. Federation of Indian Student Associations in Australia (FISA)
FISA aims to unify Indian students in Australia and integrate them with the Australian community. It provides a long lasting communication network from university unions and organisations and other associations. FISA helps increase the spiritual, political, social and economic strength of Indian students in Australia.

9. Bradman Foundation
The Bradman Foundation with partnership from University of Wollongong offers undergraduate scholarship to Indian students. The scholarship grant has been established with the blessing of Sir Donald Bradman to provide Indian students with opportunity for educational advancement and to promote cricket as a cultural and sporting force.

10. The United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF)
USIEF enable the most outstanding students, academics and professionals in India to study, research and engage in work experiences in the US. Selected scholars receive a high level of support ranging from visa processing and health insurance to a comprehensive pre-departure orientation.

11. UPAKAR – Indian-American Scholarship Foundation
UPAKAR’s goal is to address the needs of Indian American community by supporting students in their academic pursuits. They help educate high school counsellors who are middle and low income to realize their educational goals by providing annual scholarship and financial aid. They host benefit concerts and art shows that feature local south Asian artist to help raise awareness for their cause.

12. National Indian Students Union – UK
NISU is an organisation that represent Indian and Asian students in the UK from India and home-grown. NISU is not just an organisation but a movement. This youth led movement unifies the voice of Indians in the UK, through their students and alumni to bring about change in society. It aims to make Indian students life comfortable and enriching.

,
Posted on

Women’s Health in India: A Business Opportunity Also?

Womens-Health-in-India-A-Business-Opportunity-Also

India is the second most populous country in the world, with over 1.29 billion people. 48.4% of the total population is female. Despite the two decades of rapid economic growth in India, women’s health is generally worse than other countries. Indian women usually suffer from different health concerns due to poor nutrition, reproductive issues, medical problems, mental problems, low social status, poverty and violence. The health of Indian women has a direct link to their status in the society. Because of discrimination, women’s health lags behind those of males.

Women in India face issues like lack of maternal health, malnutrition, suicide, domestic violence, breast cancer and diseases like AIDS. More than 70% of women in India have some kind of health problem due to inadequate knowledge. Lack of maternal health decreases women’s ability to work and participate in economic activities and it adversely affect their child’s health. Maternal mortality in India contributes to nearly 20% of maternal deaths worldwide. High levels of maternal mortality can be attributed to limited access to care and disparities of economic conditions. Urban areas with adequate medical resources have lower maternal mortality compared to rural areas. States with higher literacy rates tend to have greater maternal health and lower infant mortality.

India has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in women among developing countries. Maternal malnutrition is associated with child birth defects and increased risk of maternal mortality. The government needs to address the issues on malnutrition to have a beneficial outcome to women and children. Suicide is a major problem in India, suicide rate was found higher in women compared to men in India. The most common reasons for women’s suicide are depression, gender discrimination, domestic violence and anxiety. Female sex workers who face different forms of discrimination has higher suicide rate.

Domestic violence in physical, psychological and sexual form is a major issue in India. Domestic violence is currently viewed as a hidden epidemic by the World Health Organisation. 31% of women in India reported to having been the victim of domestic violence but the actual number could be much higher. A study found that more poor women fall victim to domestic violence compared to middle and high-income women. One of the biggest factors associated with domestic violence against women in India was the prevalence of alcohol use by men within the households. Physiotherapy and Psychotherapy plays a major role in rehabilitating victims of domestic violence.

There is a growing cancer epidemic in India, with a large increase in the number of Indian women with cancer particularly breast and cervical cancer. Middle aged women between 40 and 55 years especially those from the lower economic status who fail to carry out regular health check-ups due to financial constraints are mostly affected by cancer. Early detection through regular screening such as mammography and colposcopy can aid in significantly controlling the prevalence of cancer in the country.

HIV and AIDS epidemic in India is spreading rapidly affecting women’s health. Women represent approximately 40% of HIV cases in India. Despite the alarming growth of the disease, most women in India have little knowledge of AIDS. A study found that a large majority of Indian women had never heard of it. The rise in infections can primarily be attributed to lack of education and lack of access to contraceptives like condoms. The government public health system should provide education and adequate measures such as free HIV testing to combat the growing epidemic.

More than forty-eight per cent of Indian population are female. Women’s health in India presents a big business opportunity for enterprising companies. The opportunities for companies to cater to women are enormous. They could find a whole new range of commercial opportunities in women’s health concerns. The growing population and rising health needs of women may create new opportunities for companies to meet these challenges. Healthcare is one of India’s largest sectors in terms of revenue and employment. The healthcare is comprised of hospitals, medical tourism, clinical trials, health insurance, medical equipment, telemedicine and outsourcing. The healthcare sector in India is growing at a rapid pace and any company will be wise to target this growing sector.

Posted on

Pests Threatening Indian Agriculture Require Vigilance

Pests-Threatening-Indian-Agriculture-Require-Vigilance

Agriculture is the keystone of the Indian economy and the largest contributor to the country’s GDP. Over 58% of the rural households rely on agriculture as their primary means of livelihood. Ensuring food security for more than 1.3 billion population is an arduous task considering the diminishing cultivable land resource because of urbanization. Agricultural pest contribute to a great degree in agricultural loss. It has caused losses virtually on enumerable number of crops.

India may face an increase crop losses and growing insecurity as agricultural pests, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects and weeds are spreading. Pests belong to a broad spectrum of organism which causes annoyance, harm or damage to people, animals, crops or possessions. They harm the ecology by preying directly on native fauna, decreasing their number and the balance on ecology. Pests harm agriculture by feeding on crops or parasitizing livestock. Plants need to be protected from variety of different pests that presents threat to the crops.

Farm pest in India destroy about 15 – 25% of potential food production each year amounting to Rs 0.9-1.4 lakh crore. The threat posed to crop production by agricultural pest can threaten food security in India in the coming years. This loss happens despite the application of pest control. The causes of pest outbreaks and crop losses are due to different factors creating changes in the agricultural ecosystem. Outbreaks can impair fertilization rates or seed recovery. The use of pesticide destroys beneficial natural enemies, damage crops and alters physiology of crops making them susceptible to pest attack.

Pests attack a crop, that’s why farmers must be diligent in looking for solution. Some pests appear due to certain weather patterns, too much or too little rain can trigger pest outbreak. Sudden pest outbreak could ruin a whole season’s worth of planting and cultivation, leading to financial loss. The most direct economic impact of agricultural pest is the reduced efficiency of agricultural production may it be crops or animals, which reduces farmers’ income.

Pest threatening Indian agriculture requires vigilance. There are plenty of issues for farmers need to watch for in their fields because it will significantly affect the yield of their crop. The threat post by agricultural pest is not only ecological but social as well because Indian farmers are tied to traders by debt and dependent on traders for technical advice. Some farmers resorted to illegal activities like teak smuggling to pay their debts. Suicide through ingestion of insecticide becomes prevalent due to insecticide-induced depression over debts.

Many of the known pest control methods and technologies provide economic benefits when used in a satisfactory manner. Crop protection products such as insecticides, fungicides and herbicides are chemical method of pest control management. By their nature, crop protection can be toxic against the targets they are aimed at but sometimes have a negative impact on agriculture. Some people and ecological institutions are calling for the non-use of chemical pesticides because they present serious effect on public health.

Part of the vigilance in pest management in India is raising awareness of the vast range of pest that threaten agricultural crops. The use of low external inputs and traditional techniques by using non-chemical alternatives is widely advocated. The efforts are broadly classified as integrated pest management, low external input sustainable agriculture and organic agriculture. Other sustainable agricultural initiatives based on these principles proved to be successful. Among the three IPM is the most commonly recommended and widely adopted. These technology options could help create sustainable ways and decrease the needs for expensive and undesirable effects of chemical pesticides and promote greater production.

Posted on

The ABC of Telecommunications in India: Advancements Beyond Culture

The-ABC-of-Telecommunications-in-India-Advancements-Beyond-CultureTelecommunication has been an important tool for socio-economic development of a nation. Telecommunication industry is considered the backbone of industrial and economic development of the nation. Telecom is needed for rapid growth and modernization of the different sectors of the economy. Telecommunication in India is the fastest growing market in the world. India is currently the second-largest telecommunications market in the world. The rapid growth is substantially contributing to India’s gross domestic product. As per Mobile Economy 2015 report, the industry has been a major contributor to India’s growth accounting to 6.1 per cent of India’s GDP in 2014.

The telecommunications in India have seen great advancement beyond culture through significant policy reforms with the announcement of the New Telecom Policy 1994 and carried forward under NTP 1999. The policy initiatives drove the phenomenal growth in telecommunication in the last two decades. Telecom in India is a spectacular success after deregulation and liberalization. The degree of achievements stand out compared to other infrastructure sectors such as coals, roads and electricity. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the government  played a strong role for this unqualified success.

The advancements in telecommunication in India can be attributed to regulatory liberalization, structural reforms and competition. The telecom growth can be seen in the unprecedented grown in mobile telephony, the number of mobile subscribers grew from 5,000,000 in the year 2000 to 280,742,532 in June 2015. The figures only validate the importance of access to communication particularly the internet. Internet access opens opportunities for all people connected. It’s a way to get access to information particularly on the issues of health, education, banking, market information and government services.

The only downside to the increasing internet access is the growing use of telecom to commercial sex industry. In India, commercial sex is a multibillion dollar industry which includes adult phone sex services, strip clubs, massage brothels and escort prostitution. Although adult lines are forbidden in India explicit materials and advertisements like the Star Wars Phone Sex Hotline continue to proliferate with the video sharing sites like YouTube. The government required internet service providers to block 857 objectionable websites and the list is growing. Telecom officials said the censorship is meant to control easy access to sexually explicit materials to promote moral decency and protect children. But the ban maybe revised to apply only to sites containing child pornography or depicting dangerous sexual scenarios. This moved was done after India’s internet user’s fire up on social media with angry rants, accusing the government of infringing personal freedom and moral policing.

Telecommunications in India has been instrumental in creating jobs for talented and knowledgeable IT professionals. India became an important outsourcing destination for the world transforming the economic dynamics. Another sector benefited by the advancement in telecom is the financial services. The growth and progress in the financial industry has been the key factor that drives the real economy. The telecommunication industry in India will continue its growth because of the immense market potential. It still continues to be the lowest penetrated market with 28.3% population penetration. The increasing government thrust on rural telecom coverage, liberalization, positive reforms and favourable investment climate will help insure that India will realize the high potential in the years to come.

Posted on

Children’s Health In India: The Ultimate Frontier

Our children are our future. But what are some of the gravest challenges to children’s health in India? Lack of sanitation … water issues, food, environmental problems?

India even with their leap and advancements in the tech industry are still struggling in managing health especially with regards to their children. One of the reasons behind this is that in India, 84% of all health care expenditure is out of the pocket. High health expenses places huge number of families at risk of falling into poverty. As such, malnourishment becomes something that millions of children in India are at risk with. Furthermore, children with mental issues are not given the necessary attention especially since there are little to no services of programmes that revolve around them. In addition, children with disabilities and mental disorders are stigmatized and hence have little access to health facilities. Something like auditory processing can be a struggle that a lot of parents in India face.

Another thing to note is that when compared to the world, India actually ranks as one with the poorest health records along with the highest TB prevalence. Polio eradication is actually backsliding and every three out of four children have anaemia. Health indicators differ greatly across the country with varying social sector budget. Its mental health budget stays at 1% of the total health budget.

Two million children die every year from diseases that could have been prevented according to UNICEF India. Even though prospects for India’s children seem to be improving, there is still a lot more that needs to be done as it still lags behind the world.  During infancy, less than 50% of children receive full immunization and this number has been dropping over the years.

One of the main problems with regards to children’s health in India can be attributed poor sanitation. Despite longstanding efforts by the various levels of education government and communities at improving coverage, drinking water supply and sanitation in India continues to be insufficient. As such, the lack of adequate sanitation and clean water result to significant negative health impacts that affected both children and adults alike. In fact, diarrhea is experienced by about 10 million visitors annually.

Despite the efforts of the government behind its mass toilet-building programme, there are millions of Indians who continue to defecate in the open despite having a household toilet. This is mostly found in the rural areas of India where people find going outdoors to be much more comfortable and this resulted to the rejection of new latrines making them mostly unused. This in turn lead to children becoming highly exposed to a bacterial brew which makes them sick resulting to them unable to attain a healthy body weight no matter how much food they eat.

Children’s health in India is indeed something that needs to be addressed. There is more that needs to be done and the government will not be able to fix the problem on their own and they need to work hand in hand with the community and share with the efforts in providing a safe and clean environment that benefit everyone and mostly the children. It is also important to help them realize how their old ways and practices are affecting and holding their growth and development.

Posted on

Indian Technology Companies: Matching The World For Innovation

Back then, one may not imagine India to be amongst the leaders with regards to technological innovation. With that being said, India has been steadily keeping up with the pace and is now able to match the world for innovation particularly with the products and services that they provide to their clients on a regular day to day basis.

A huge part of India’s success can be attributed to the huge increase rise of smartphone users. Since 2013, the number of smartphone users in India has ballooned significantly and will reach 168 million this year, the research firm eMarketer predicts, with 277 million Internet users in India expected over all which a very impressive figure. It is no surprise that a number of individuals find India Replacing China as Next Big Frontier for U.S. Tech Companies. In fact, India already conducts more mobile searches on Google than any country besides the United States.

A testament to their huge success can be seen with Bangalore which has now become widely known as India’s Silicon Valley. Previously, it was once known for its lush farmlands however today it is now home to some of the best international and domestic technology companies which are creating millions of jobs for young Indian engineers from all across the country. It should be noted that the nickname, Silicon Valley of India signifies Bangalore’s status as a hub for IT companies in India and is a comparative reference to the original Silicon Valley, Santa Clara Valley, California, a major hub for IT companies in the United States.

You will find the Top 10 Information Technology Companies in India 2015 which includes giants like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, HCL. The other prominent companies in the top 10 are Rolta, Cyient, Oracle Financial Services, Mphasis & Mindtree. As such, you will not be finding any shortage of information technologies in India that is able to compete and ready to take on the world.

This is the reason why several companies outside India have taken interest to what they have to offer to world for. For instance, Google and Microsoft have a plan to get all of India onto the internet. This is quite apparent especially with the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi meeting with the biggest tech companies in Silicon Valley. Among those jostling for the Asian premier’s attention include the likes of Google, Facebook, and Tesla. This is the reason why many feel that India’s future with regards to world innovation is becoming even more promising than ever before.

A number of people want to learn the secret of India’s success. As such, there are Investors to Scrutinize India’s Information Technology Company Earnings. Analysts expect Infosys Ltd. and Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., India’s two largest outsourcers by sales, to show healthy growth when they reported their earnings.

Moving forward requires companies to take some risk make use of the latest innovation to be able keep themselves relevant in the industry. Sharepoint is able to provide their clients integrate such technologies to their respective companies. It eases the way information are stored, organized and shared making it possible to access them from almost any device. This is what several Indian Technology Companies have been using making it possible to keep them connected at any given time.

, , ,
Posted on

Commercial Security: Will Your Business Investments Be Safe In India?

Commercial-Security-Will-Your-Business-Investments-Be-Safe-In-IndiaIndia is the seventh largest country in the world and the second most populated country in the world. India has a high rate of economic growth with huge potential. With high human capital, India is a main workforce venue for foreign companies to hire because of inexpensive work force. But the high rate of corruption and many business scammers pose a main problem for investors to start and develop their businesses in the country. India offers a variety of investment opportunities. But will your business investments be safe in India? With lower fiscal deficit and current account deficit, high growth, stable currency and moderate inflation, India’s Finance Minister assured foreign investors that India is a safe place to invest. On top of that Indian economy is more liberal and free from government regulation.

India’s middle class is estimated to be 267 million people. For these reason, many international companies in different fields from clothing to cars have arrived, manufacture and market their goods in India. More and more companies are entering and establishing their business in India. The critical aspect of doing business in India is keeping inventory and people safe at the business location to prevent loss and protect assets. There is a continuous security problem due to terrorism, left wing extremism and local crime. Security becomes the key concern for businesses, individuals and the government. Matters of security should be taken seriously no matter your business size or industry. Small businesses can protect themselves and their customers by staying informed about commercial security.

According to a study, India’s security market is highly fragmented and unorganized. That is why it is important for business owners to keep their premises safe. Commercial security is the method by which a business protects against fire, theft, damage or destruction. Common security techniques include installation of lock, key, fire and alarm systems to ensure the safety of the premises because commercial buildings are a prime target of criminal mischief. Traditionally, large companies tend to invest in manned security systems, with private security agencies on the payroll whose job simply involves protecting the premises.

In the age of digital technology, it is more effective and affordable to replace manned security with integrated business alarm system with remote monitoring solution. This can be done without compromising the level of security using modern technology. Custom security solution can be fitted and installed on your premises to ensure safety and security. Business premises will be safe for employees, clients and customers with the use of intelligent electronic systems. Along with physical security devices such as locks, bar, grill and alarm; having an easy to see commercial security system will deter criminals from doing harm to your business. Your video system that record the activities in your business can be used in court to prove a crime and helpful to catch thieves and accidents.

India is the fifth largest economy in the world. It offers variety of investment opportunities in different sectors from financial service, energy, banking, agriculture, mining, textile and retail. You’ll find that India is a good lucrative market for business. With variety of safety and security techniques available, it is up for you how you are going to keep your business and investments safe.

Posted on

Linen Sheets From India Are Status Symbols

The Indian sub-continent (generally core lands of India Pakistan Bangladesh Nepal Bhutan Sri Lanka and the Maldives, more recently referred to as South Asia) has had a long history of involvement in textiles manufacture and production.

Traditionally the textiles industry in India generated huge employment, second only to agriculture and contributes a significant proportion of India’s total exports.

Thousands of fabric weaving factories and textile finishing factories exist across India. Fabrics produced include jute, silk, cotton and wool. Less known but highly valued is linen, used for home textiles in addition to garments.

Production ranges from hand looms to mass manufacturing. Flax fields in northern France supply 60% of the raw materials for the world’s linen, a significant proportion of which is exported to India where it is processed into finished production of items including linen sheets, other home textiles and linen shirts.

According to Bloomberg Business a linen shirt is a status symbol, this is underpinned by the Indian prime Minister’s love of linen kurtas, although the US and Europe remain the biggest markets for linen.

On websites around the planet, and in quality bedding shops in the finest suburban areas in the world’s wealthiest cities, customers can purchase fine French flax woven to specific needs (especially wide, fine and durable) resulting in finished pieces including a range of luxurious linen sheets and table linen, featuring hand-worked drawn thread work and hand-embroidered monograms.

An article in Vogue magazine India www.vogue.in earlier this year reviewed an ongoing exhibition at the Devi Art Foundation entitled ‘Fractured’ where 20 textile artists from varying disciplines reinvent Indian textiles in a modern context and the innovations are something our entire global Indian community can be very proud of.

The Fractured exhibition features form and colour collaborations from diverse artists in various textiles media, and for lovers of lifestyle inspiration, the results are so luxurious as to take our breath away.

One thing is for sure, we Indians can sleep easy when we know our linen sheets have been lovingly crafted by our wonderful artisans – and that the quality is so sound that the sheets and table linen may even last for generations.

,
Posted on

Will The Law Protect Foreign Business Investors In India?

India has had a bad reputation in the international business world for companies that come over here to do business. They have had to pay kick backs, baksheesh, to get things done and the black market in India is a huge source of illegal and pirated goods. Things are changing, however, as the modernisation of India continues and the growing middle class demands a fully functioning economy. The government is being forced to balance its protectionist stance with new laws to open up India to greater levels of foreign investment.

In 2006, foreign companies were given, for the first time, legal permission to own one hundred percent of wholesale cash and carry businesses in India. To prevent these foreign entities from operating within the retail sector the government introduced a raft of restrictions relating to group company sales. Some foreign corporations searched for loopholes in the legislation and formed partnerships with Indian retailers to allow them to reap their supply chain economic advantages. The government determined later that these company structures violated the intentions of the regulations and many foreign partners were forced to get out of these joint ventures. Compensation lawyers were consulted in some of these cases.

In 2011, the Indian government allowed foreign companies to own one hundred percent of single-brand retail operations, and at the same time to own fifty one percent of multi-brand retail operations. There was much local opposition to this opening up of the market and the multi-brand opportunity was revoked, before being reintroduced in 2012 with a host of new onerous regulations. Foreign ownership was only allowed in towns with populations greater than one million, and state bodies were given discretionary powers to ban them anyway if they so desired. Foreign businesses were required to invest at least $100 million and fifty percent of that amount had to be put into back-end infrastructure within the first three years. In addition, thirty percent of the products sold by these multi-brand, foreign controlled, retail operations had to be sourced locally from India. The result is that very few major brands have opened stores in India.

Indian companies can only borrow in foreign currency under extremely restrictive conditions imposed by the reserve Bank of India (RBI). In 2007, the RBI changed the way they viewed equity investments in the form of debt or preferred securities, treating them as illegal ways to circumvent their rules on foreign currency loans. The RBI went on to prohibit put options on equity shares to Indian investors and other such structures that foreign investors were utilising to reduce their risk in the Indian market.

Posted on

16 Ways To Promote Your Business In India

16-Ways-To-Promote-Your-Business-In-IndiaPromoting your business using traditional and digital media increases awareness of your brand, reaches new buyers and extends buying choices for your existing customers. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, promoting your business is an ongoing challenge. Whether your business is small, medium or big you can start planning your promotional campaign now. Let us give you some ideas; here are 16 ways to promote your business in India:

1. If your business focuses on a particular area, distributing flyers is a great way to promote your business. Have someone help you design the flyer and have the flyer printed in-house or look for an inexpensive printer. Let your staff distribute the flyers in traffic areas or have them put it on parked cars or house entry doors.
2. If you’re just starting out, having a business card and business stationery show prospective customers that you take your business seriously. Don’t forget to put your web address on your business card and letterhead. Get your cards into the hand of your family, friends or anyone who can help you in your search for new customers.
3. People normally research online before purchasing offline. You’ll have an online presence and stop being invisible to people trying to find you online if you have a website. Design your website to inform, engage and convert visitors to paying customers. Your website will serve as your internet shop where customers can come and get information about your company and you can address your customers’ concerns.
4. Having a website is not enough; search engine optimisation will help your company website be found by people easily online. SEO is an important strategy to get your website showing on the top of search engines like Google when people search for products or services related to your business. Look for how-to-guide on SEO online or look for professionals who can help your site rank higher for your preferred keywords.
5. Social media greatly increases awareness about your business. Add social media to your marketing mix by setting your business page up on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram or any social networking sites your customers are most likely be hanging out. Social media isn’t just a tool to gain exposure but it can help generate engagement with your business and get more customers in your door.
6. Submit your website to local listing services and directories. Register your business with Google Places so that your website will be found more easily on Google searches and it will show up on Google Maps. Yahoo also has a large database of business called Yahoo Local which is free and it only takes a few minutes to sign up. Find trade organization sites and specialised directories, register your business, then verify and claim your information on these sites.
7. Join online community and participate in online forums related to your business. Join a community but avoid spamming or talking incessantly about your business. Don’t pitch just listen, comment, offer helpful advice and insights. Build rapport with community by actively contributing for the good of others. Passively promote your business by mentioning it once in a while when the context is appropriate.
8. Start a blog on your business website, Offer excellent content and update it regularly. People will comment and link to it, this increases your page ranking. Your blog will help your company to get its name to followers and connect with your consumers directly.
9. Put up video on video sharing sites like YouTube and Vimeo. Video is an easy way to distribute information about your business in a short time. Create creative content relevant to your business that people want to view. Videos that link to your site will help your site rank higher. Top ranking informative videos on YouTube that mention your site will drive traffic to your business site.
10. Promotional products provide the opportunity for your business to get your marketing message to targeted customers. Many people are willing to switch their brand just to receive a free promotional gift item. Use logo branded promotional products that your customers will actually use to brand your business. A study shows that 94% of people who received promotional products could remember who gave it two years later.
11. Promote your business using traditional media. Continue using print advertising that you found effective in the past. Be sure to include your web address in any display or classified advertisements you purchase in newspapers, yellow pages or magazines. Use the ad to capture readers’ attention then refer them to your business site to obtain more information. Use your website as supplement to these ads. You can also use other traditional media like direct mail, post cards and classifieds to drive people to your site.
12. Send offers to your customers and visitors. Send special offers, referral program, coupon specials and product updates to your customers and site visitors who provided their contact information. Special offers often initiate another visit to your site, if you have newsletter you can also include it to your regular emailing list.
13. People love getting something free. Run a contest and make the prize desirable and related to your business. Prizes can be free gift basket of your products or free services. Utilise social media to announce your contest. Prizes will attract people and generate more traffic to your site.
14. Social media ads prove to be cost effective compared to other digital advertisements. Learn how to play the game of Facebook or Twitter ads target specific demographics that have similar interest to your product. Even if people don’t make a purchase immediately because of the ad, many of them will end up liking your business page.
15. Find social media influencers like bloggers or important people in your community with many followers and ask them to review your product or service. Many will be happy to oblige if you give them free products that they can use. There is no better endorsement than a satisfied customer. And if you can’t find a blogger that will write a review about your product or services for free, the internet provides plenty of bloggers who will give a review for a fee. Endorsements are typically more effective but less expensive compared to advertisements.
16. If you use a car or company service for your business have your business name, contact information and URL professionally painted on the side. That way your vehicle becomes transit advertising for your business. If you don’t want your vehicle to be painted, consider getting a magnetic sign made for your vehicle. For one time cost, your business name and contact information will be on display everywhere you go.

,
Posted on

Waste Management in India: Opportunities in Rubbish

It is quite apparent that India has mountains of garbage, and the cities are drowning in sewage. Is there any hope?

It’s not like the government has not been taking actions to handle India’s waste crisis. However, there is more that can be definitely done. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) was a massive city-modernisation scheme launched by the Government of India under Ministry of Urban Development. It aims to create ‘economically productive, efficient, equitable and responsive Cities’ by a strategy of upgrading the social and economic infrastructure in cities. However, aside from that, there has been no national level effort found to address the problem.

This basically means that municipal corporations got their hands full and will not be able to deliver solutions right away. It should be noted that for about eight years, officials of Hyderabad’s municipal corporation have been conducting interviews with locals and were quite unsuccessful with their efforts. This can be attributed to the track record of dumpsite operations and maintenance in India making the task of finding new landfills in and around cities is nearly impossible along with the Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) phenomenon. What corporations can do however is to take measures in their own hands by reducing landfill fires and open burning, and control pollution which is the result of leachate and odor and vector nuisance. This in turn, provides the needed relief to adjacent communities and allows corporations some time to plan better. Working closely with the community is also of utmost importance as they navigate through this sensitive issue. This is made possible by increasing clarity and transparency over such issue.

Indeed, waste management is a shared effort and should not be handled by the government and corporations by themselves. The community needs to join with the cause by practicing proper waste management procedures in an effort to reduce waste. Of course, waste will not go away overnight but such activities will make sure that this lessens over time.

Waste management goes under different category that needs to be separated from each other. This in turn makes recycling much easier and more efficient than before.  For instance, BMW of Bio-medical Waste means any waste generated in health care processes like diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of human beings or animals. BWM needs to be handled in a timely manner not it causing any adverse effect to human health and environment. It also needs to be segregated in containers at point of generation and handled and disposed off in accordance with prescribed standards.

Another popular waste product that is used on a regular basis is the batteries. It should be noted that batteries that are not disposed properly can end up to leak with used lead acid batteries and their components which can be very dangerous. As such, the community is advised to deposit used batteries with dealer, manufacturer, importer, assembler, recycler, re-conditioner or designated collection centres instead of throwing them away. Cleaners services of plastic waste also needs to be handled effectively especially since plastic takes a very long time for them to decompose compared to other types of waste. Finding the nearest recycling center is able to make waste management activity much easier to handle. We can only hope for the best with India’s waste management problem.

, , ,
Posted on

Business Loans: The Risks & The Opportunities

Loans have helped a huge number of business owners start and manage their business. Companies can end up running out of resources which in turn require them to seek the aid of business loans or else they risk running out of business. Business loans have been in the industry for quite some having their fair share of risk & opportunities.

Business owners are required to pay a regular monthly payment for a set period of time with a standard small business loan. It should also be noted that unless it’s a variable rate loan, the payment amount and terms don’t adjust with time. Similar to money given to homeowners for home improvements and various expenses, some banks will extend you a line of credit to help fund your small business which is a very much welcomed addition. As such, businesses are able to find the much needed funding that they need to manage their company.

Business loans do play a very important role in helping provide companies backup funding that they need until they are able to reach a breakeven. There have been a number of loan officers that provide their services for small businesses. They step in where a traditional bank might not lend to a small business. They exist online, where a nice suit and an open face won’t impress them. As a result, their techniques are sometimes unorthodox.

With opportunities, also comes risk and business loans have the consequences of default. This is where lenders may seize your assets and collateral if one is unable to pay for their loan. With small business loans there is a risk that the bank may require borrowers to sign up for a business bank account to make automatic withdrawals to pay the obligation which is quite problematic if one is running out of resources. Bad loans often become a problem and the Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Indian Overseas Bank, SBI and Punjab National Bank are banks with a major share in bad loans. In fact, bad loans by public sector banks soar 27 pc in a year which is quite an alarming number.

Online Lenders does indeed offer a faster lifeline for small businesses and this is especially true today where obtaining a bank loan or credit line has always been painful. The paperwork takes days to prepare, approval decisions can drag on for weeks or months and this involves a tiresome and gruesome process. There is also a chance where your loan will not get granted wasting you a considerable amount of time as a result.

With that being said, RBS to suggest peer-to-peer lending to rejected business loan applicants. It should be noted that the RBS, provides a third of all lending to small and medium-sized enterprises in Britain, and they are expecting to advise thousands of businesses to contact peer-to-peer lenders Funding Circle and Assetz Capital.

It is important to be wary about business loans that can be approved with little to no effort. There have been cases in which a man attempted suicide as he was harassed by loan sharks. As such, when seeking a high-risk small business loan, you must expect to pay a very high interest rate. You don’t want to end up with an over increasing business loan so plan your actions carefully.

Posted on

Horse Racing Opportunities In India

Free-Bets-Horse-Racing-Opportunities-In-India

Horse racing in India  started more than a century ago, it was first introduced by the British. The first Indian racecourse was set up in Madras in 1777. The British aristocrats and other racing patrons were part of an elite social circle. Today, Royal families still own horses together with a new generation of sporting people including businessmen, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and professionals who are interested in the game. India today has a very well established racing industry with five Turf Authorities that conduct horse racing events at nine racetracks located around the country.

British in India viewed horse racing as a sport and past-time, betting and wagering on horses was exempted to the criminal sanctions imposed on gambling. The Supreme Court legitimized this activity in 1992 with a ruling that wagering on horse races is a game of skill and not just luck, that’s why it doesn’t constitute an illegal form of gambling. This ruling made the horse racing popularity reach an unprecedented level. Lotteries and betting on horses Win-at-Horse-Racing with a licensed bookmaker is exempted from the gambling ban. There are plenty of opportunities for Indian residents to bet on horse racing via the internet. There are no laws prohibiting people from placing bet and free bets  even with online bookmakers based abroad.

Horse racing opportunities in India is vast for people who want to make money in this sport. Horse racing is a profitable business; there are lots of ways a horse owner can make money. There are purses that can be won and money that can be made from using a winning horse as a stud. There’s also money in betting on horses to win. Even retired horses make money from renting his services to broodmares. Professional horse owners who want to make money employ the best trainers, jockey and staff to help ensure their horses win.

Racing also provides numerous opportunities for those who love riding and seeking to make a career in this sport. Horse racing offers a huge economic activity with multiple career options. Some jobs  require an intensive education and experience while others only require experience and high school education. At the administrative level, there are talented people who can work as racing officials, veterinary doctors and race day officials. Horse racing also gives a wide scope of employment opportunities through the club and several license holders.

Horse racing jobs include racetrack operation as well as those which require direct interaction with horses. There are many career options if you have the passion for this sport. Here are some possibilities for those seeking a career with horses:

Horse Jockey
A jockey rides racehorses in competition and delivers commands to encourage the horse to win. They participate in horse training and exercise regimen with horse trainer supervision.

Racehorse Trainer
Trainers oversee the total care of the horse and prepare horses for racing events. They work with jockeys, veterinarians, exercise rider and farriers to provide comprehensive care and maximise each horse’s performance.

Equine Veterinarian
Veterinarians give preventive health care and treat horse injuries. Track veterinarians perform pre-race inspections to determine of horses are fit to compete. They also care for injured horses on the racetrack premises. They take post-race samples for testing of banned and illegal medication. They also perform different exams at the request of horse owners and trainers.

Equine Veterinary Technician
Technicians provide assistance to veterinarians when they perform complete exams and surgical procedures. They must have a two year degree and pass licensure examination in this field.

Equine Dental Technician
Dental technicians are involve in horse dental care and ensures that the horse is eating and performing properly. They perform “floating” or removing sharp points from a horse’s teeth.

Horse Breeder
Breeders are in-charge for caring and raising horses and also sell offspring or charge for access to prized studs. They keep genealogies and detailed records of weight, diet and horse characteristics.

Riding Instructor
Instructors must be specialized in different riding disciplines such as saddle seat, hunt seat, dressage, reining and show jumping. They supervise students and direct them in training sessions and riding lessons.

Exercise Riders
Riders ride horses during morning workouts. Their work begins before down and normally ends before noon. They usually ride 6 to 8 horses each morning. Riders are licensed to be able to ride the racetrack.

Farrier
Farrier’s job is concerned with maintaining equine hooves. They perform routine trims, shape and apply horse shoes. On the average they attend each equine client about 7 times a year.

Groom
Grooms provide daily care for the horses and noting changes on the horse’s behaviour or body that might need veterinary care.

,
Posted on

Driving India Towards More Ethical Business Practices

Driving-India-Towards-More-Ethical-Business-Practices

Traditional Indian business culture puts a premium on favours, clanship and friendship. Friendship is regarded with high value, whether based on personal friendship, family friendship or school friendship. Conflict of interest does not blend well with the Indian value of group loyalty. Businesses breaking the law in India are rampant. Tax evasion and corrupt practices are commonly seen from individual citizens to businesses of all kinds and scale.

Almost all of the unethical business behaviour in India can be seen in the areas which are government administration related whether national, state, city and village. This business culture even extends to million dollar businesses out of the country. Indian billionaire businessman Gautum Adani makes special request to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to introduce a law that prohibits environmental activist groups from seeking judicial review of environmental approvals for major projects like his coal mine, rail and port project in Queensland.

There are number of impractical or restrictive laws causing more corruption in public services and the citizen. Businessmen and common men are subjected to many conditions making them resort to corrupt practices. Corruptions happen in different ways such as speed money, nepotism, underhand commission, nuisance value, avoiding legal punishment by breaking the law. A study showed that the most corrupt areas in India are the legal system and the police. Many Indian business people now even have their own police escorts driving them not just around Indian cities, but all over the world.

21st century businesses are finding ways not to succumb to corrupt practices by the government. Transparency International analysis showed that businesses can manage to get their rights without going the routes of corruption. A firm resolve by company executives can make it possible for businesses to behave ethnically in its relationship with the government and private sectors. Adhering to ethical standard makes good business sense. There are good examples of successful and ethical businesses in India worth emulating. Three Indian companies made it to the 2015 World’s Most Ethical Companies including The Tata Power Company Limited, Wipro Limited, Tata Steel Limited.

The World’s Most Ethical Companies are leaders in their industries measured by key ethical criteria such as corporate social responsibility, employee well-being, environmental compliance and company track record. The three companies are shining example of how ethics can be the foundation of how companies function. Globalisation is driving India towards more ethical business practices. Today nsw compensation lawyers in India are increasingly integrated with businesses from highly industrialized countries that adhere to ethical business behaviour. Younger generation of Indian entrepreneurs are willing to adhere to ethical business standards. Most of their companies are now creating Chief Ethics Officer position for their business.

Digital technology helps to bring great transparency and sustainability in the system. Business organisations have discovered that working together with non-profit and government organisations not only solve social problems but can give them new insights and approaches to creating business opportunities. Helping to solve community needs creates opportunities and develops ideas and demonstrates business technologies, to widen the market, and solve longstanding business problems. In today’s global economy ethical business practices increase competitiveness in the industry while helping to further sustainable excellence.

,
Posted on