Spreading financial literacy

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), with the objective of disseminating information on the Central Bank and general banking concepts to various target
groups including school and college students, has undertaken an initiative titled 'Project Financial Literacy.' The project also aims to educate women, rural and urban poor, defence personnel and senior citizens on general banking concepts.

Recently, a pilot programme has been launched on financial literacy in Karnataka. The programme, launched by RBI in collaboration with the state government, will involve introduction of financial and related material in the curriculum of schools and colleges. Significant steps would also be taken to make financial literacy a part of non-formal education.

A Udgata, chief general manager, RBI, said: "Children, today, are not money-smart and hence, it is imperative to teach them the basic concepts of banking that would be useful for them in life. As a part of our project, we visit various schools across India and hold various activities for students to sensitise them on financial concepts."

He adds, "Our literacy project has two segments. While the first one is concerned with general topics designed to acquaint people with the basics of banking, finance, markets, banking products and facilities, the second one aims at familiarising people with the functioning of our Central Bank in areas like monetary policy, currency management, forex management, public debt management and other similar topics."

For spreading awareness about RBI and banking at the regional level, RBI also conducts an essay competition for schoolchildren on subjects related to financial inclusion. Adds Udgata, "We are also working on an RBI Young Scholarship Award to generate interest and awareness about the Indian banking sector. Under the scheme, RBI will select young scholars through a countrywide competitive examination who wll be given an opportunity to intern with the bank for two to three months. The opportunity will be available to students pursuing their graduation in Indian universities."

In an attempt to 'catch them young,' RBI launched two comic books in basic banking. He explains, "Through this pictorial representation, while Raju (a comic character) explains the basics of banking to children, Money Kumar (another character) explains the role and functions of RBI. Both these comics have been published in 13 languages including English and Hindi. They have been accommodated in Braille as well."

In addition, RBI has created a special subsite to make people understand the basics of banking in an interesting manner through comics, films, interactive games and stories. Udgata adds, "We are planning to launch a story book on this site narrating the story of the evolution of money from the times of the barter system to the present system of electronic money."

Scholarship

A scholarship is an award of access to an institution or a financial aid award for an individual (a "scholar") for the purposes of furthering their education. A scholarship may be awarded based on range of criteria, which usually reflect the views or purposes of the donor or founder of the award.

Another meaning of “scholarship“ is the pursuit of a research subject, usually in arts or humanities (as opposed to science). In both scholarly and scientific fields, the word “scholarship“ is used to mean deep mastery of a research subject, often achieved through university studies

Merit-based - financial aid for which financial need is not used to determine the recipient. The recipient may be determined by students’ athletic, academic, artistic or other abilities. The actual monetary value of the scholarship may be negligible, the scholarship being meant to motivate the student and promote the study of the subject. However, this is not always the case and the largest scholarships are almost always merit-based.

Need-based - financial aid for which the student and family’s financial situation is a primary factor in determining the recipient. Usually such scholarship will cover all or part of the tuition and may even cover living-costs. Very often even need-based private scholarships require the awardees to be distinguished students, as the deed founding the award may include a phrase like: “for the studies of founder's favourite subject in founder's favourite institution of higher education for a talented youths of limited means from founder's home town/county/state etc.“

Ethnicity-based - financial aid where applicants must initially qualify by race, religion, or national origin. After filtering the applicants based on their ethnicity, additional factors are taken into consideration to determine the final recipients.

More Scholarships

1.Ron Brown Scholarships

The award: Leadership, community service, all fields. The deadline is usually in January. This is one of most prestigious scholarships and it's very, very competitive. Details at site.

2.Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

The award: $6,000 per year. Number of winners about 100. It's renewable. Academic merit, leadership, community service, all fields. Deadline is usually in April. Details at site.

3.Project Excellence Scholarships

The award: $4,000 or higher (to full tuition). Number of winners: at least 600. Academic merit, leadership, community service, all fields. Deadline: Feb. 1. Details at site.

4.United Negro College Fund Scholarships

The UNCF is one of our major scholarship gateways. The awards are of varying amounts, and there are a great many under different names and requirements Grandmet, Duracell, for example). The deadline is usually December. Details at site.

5.Kodak Scholarships

The award: varying amounts to $5,000. Number of awards: Varies. For those studying in
film/cinematography at U.S. colleges. Details at site

6.Intel Science Talent Search

The award is from $5,000 to $100,000. There are approx. 40 awards in this prestigious competition. You must present a scientific research project. Deadline: December. Details at site.

7.NACME Scholarships-(National Action Council For Minorities in Engineering).

The award amounts to $20,000, and many are awarded. This is our major engineering scholarship gateway. You must be an engineering student. The deadline is usually in
February. Go to the website for details, or contact from aid official at your college.

8.Gates Millennium Scholarships

The Gates Millennium Scholarship is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding students with significant financial need. The scholarship will cover room, board and tuition for at least 1,000 high school students a year. Nomination material for 2002-2003 will be available November 2001. Go to website for details.

9.NSBE Scholarships-(National Society of Black Engineers).

Award amount: Generally range from $1,500 to $3,000 for members of NSBE. Number of awards varies. This is primarily for engineering students, and others majoring in related disciplines. Deadlines vary. Details at website.

10.American Institute Of Certified Public Accountants Scholarships (AICPA).

For undergraduates studying accounting at a U.S. college with at least 30 credits completed. Awards up to $5,000 with about 300 winners annually. Deadline is in July. Go to website for GPA requirements and details.

11.Developmental Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology Scholarships

Award amount: $2,000 and renewable. Several Scholarships granted. This is for science or engineering students at HBCUs. Deadline is June 15.

12.Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarships

This is a major competition with hundreds of over 250 awards going to "scholars," with academic, leadership, and talent qualities. The award amount is from $4,000 to $20,000. You can apply on-line. The deadline is October 31.

13.Ambassadorial Scholarships

This is the prestigious "Rotary" organization scholarship for students who can speak another language and want to study abroad in the "host" country of that language. Award amounts are from $10,000 to $23,000 for a 3 month to full year of study abroad. You should have completed at least 2 years of college work.

14.Ronald McDonald USA National Employees Scholarships.

Students must be studying at a HBCU which is a member of the UNCF. The award is from $1,000 to full tuition. Approx. 60 students are selected. The deadline is April 1. Go to website for details.

15.Xerox Technology Minority Scholarship

type in "Scholarship" in the search engine. This is a good scholarship for strong minority scholarships for students studying in areas like chemistry, engineering, physics, and "tech" areas. The award amount is up to $4,000 for undergraduates and more for graduate students. The deadline is Sept.15. Go to web location for details.

16.Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarships

The above link is to the Chicago headquarters and that gateway of scholarships. Note that there are over 700 AKA Chapters, and you would be wise to contact sorors in your local vicinity. Scholarship opportunities abound. The deadline at AKA headquarters is Feb. 15. Applications (at the website) must be sent between Dec. 1st and January 30th each year.
*Note: all of our Greeks (listed in our Black Excel college guide) offer scholarships, and you should contact your local chapters.

17.NCAA Scholarships -(National Collegiate Athletic Association)

This is the major NCAA sport association with which student-athletes are associated. Awards are given in all sports categories, amounts from $3,000 to $12,500. Awards are also available for sports-related study (such as sports journalism). Deadlines vary, as do the number of awards each year.

18.National Alliance for Excellence Scholarships

The student competitors can be seniors or already in college. They must submit an application that can include recommendations (academics), art (slides), dance (tapes), photographs, or other materials that point to talent and achievement in all areas. The awards are for a minimum of one year, and over 100 are granted. Applications can be
submitted at any time. The selection process is ongoing. Go to the website.

19.Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The is one of the most prestigious scholarships, shaped for students who intend to pursue a career targeted to public service or government. Graduate study should be a goal, with a portion of the funds directed there. You must be at least a junior, and your college must nominate you. A "nomination package" must be created. The awards can reach as high as $30,000 over the years. Generally about 80 students are selected. The deadline is February 1st. Go to website for details.

20.National Association of Hispanic Journalist

Awards from $1000-$5000 Students interested in journalism as a career can apply. Deadline is Feb 28th. See web site for application and information.

21.National Association of Black Journalists

NABJ offers 10 scholarships. It's a $2,500 award. Students should be attending a four-year university. They must present three letters of recommendation from a school adviser, dean or a faculty member. Also, a 500-800 word article on a Black journalist must be presented. A grade point average of 3.0 is desirable. Eligible students must be majoring in journalism-print, photography, radio or television. One of those should be a career goal. Deadline is March 31. Go to website for details.

22.Hispanic College Fund Scholarships

Major site for Hispanic students majoring in business-related areas, A to Z (accounting, human resources, communications, and more). The award amount varies. Over 140 awards granted. Deadline: April.

23.Arts Recognition And Talent Search Awards

These awards are granted to high school or college students (17, 18 years of age) who show talent in dance, voice, music, art, photography, jazz, visual arts, writing, or other creative areas. You must audition or submit a portfolio or tape. The award is to be used for freshman year in college. Award amounts from $100 to $3,000. Deadline is June 1 or April 1 (for registration in specific regions).

24.Society of Women Engineer Scholarships

These scholarships are targeted for women who are majoring in engineering or computer science. Award amount are from $200 to $5,000, and at least 90 are granted. The deadline for students already in college is February 1st but is May 15 for high school seniors entering an "accredited" program.

25.McDonald's USA - Scholarships

With the aid of our franchisees and Ronald McDonald House Charities, McDonald's is proud to sponsor several education scholarship programs.
The award: Leadership, community service, all fields. The deadline is usually in January. This is one of most prestigious scholarships and it's very, very competitive. Details at site.

Sukriti Vidyut Udyog

The Company

Sukriti was established in 1972 at Ghaziabad (India) for manufacturing special conductors for Wire and Cable industry. Sukriti is preferred supplier in India and abroad, exporting 60% of its production to Europe and USA. Sukriti's range includes single and stranded silver plated copper wire, nickel plated copper wire, silver plated copper-clad steel wire and heating wires.

With quality systems equivalent to ISO 9000, we have integrated manufacturing facility with well equipped testing laboratory and Govt recognized research and development facility. Sukriti offers not just products but solutions.

Recruits R&D Engineer

Experience: 0 - 4 Years
Location: Ghaziabad
Education: B.Tech/B.E.
Industry Type: Industrial Products/Heavy Machinery
Functional Area: Engineering Design, R&D

Job Description
This is R&D engineering job in an Indian manufacturing company. It involves:
Work on live R&D engineering projects.
Design, development and enhancement of machines
Self study of engineering domains through books, internet, research papers for problem solving.
Exploring industrial market for components. So, knowledge of industrial market in NCR region is preferred.
Work under guidance of experienced engineers.
You should be able to execute assigned tasks with little supervision working in small team.

This is R&D engineering job in an Indian manufacturing company. It involves:
Work on live R&D engineering projects.
Design, development and enhancement of machines
Self study of engineering domains through books, internet, research papers for problem solving.
Exploring industrial market for components. So, knowledge of industrial market in NCR region is preferred.
Work under guidance of experienced engineers.
You should be able to execute assigned tasks with little supervision working in small team.

Desired Candidate Profile
Education: BE (Mechanical/Electrical) from reputed engineering college
We are looking for following skills in candidate:
Basic electrial/mechanical engineering skills - fundamentals, engineering drawing, components, circuit diagrams
Engineer willing to utilize and enhance engineering skill on live projects.
Prior experience (0-4 years) in engineering field is preferred
know how of industrial market in NCR region is preferred.
Ability to execute assigned tasks with little supervision.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Central Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination , 2009

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold a written Examination on 11th October 2009 for recruitment of posts of Assistant Commandants (Group A) in the Central Police Forces (CPF) viz BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.

Eligibility
Age : Not less than 20 years and not more than 25 years as on 1st August, 2009. The upper age is relaxable for SC/ST/OBC and certain other categories of candidates to the extent specified in the Notice.

Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree of any recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to the Regulations given in notice.
Sex : Both male and female candidates are eligible for appointment to CRPF and CISF. However, only male candidates are eligible for appointment to BSF, ITBP and SSB.
Possession of NCC B or C Certificate will be a desirable qualification. The desirable qualifications will be given consideration at the time of Interview/ Personality Test
only.
Selection Procedure : Selection will be based on the basis of a written examination to be conducted by the UPSC followed by Physcial Standards/ Physical Efficiency Test and Medical Standards Test to be conducted by the Miistry of Home Affairs and the Personality Test/ Interview to be condusted by UPSC.

Application Form: The candidates must apply in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examinations, which can be purchased from the designated Head Post Offices/ Post offices throughout the country against cash
payment of Rs. 20/- only.

Fee: Rs.100/- through Central Recruitment Fee Stamp only. SC/ST/PH candidates are exempted from payment (OBC candidates required to pay full fee).

How To Apply: All applications must reach the "Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069" either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by courier on or before the 8th June, 2009. Last date of application is 15th June 2008 for the candidates of far flung areas.

Candidates can obtain details of the examination and can get information about registration of their applications, venues of the examination and syllabus etc at the website of the UPSC at http://upsc.gov.in/

Yahoo to hire 150 in India

NEW DELHI: Yahoo is hiring for hundreds of job openings including nearly 150 vacancies in India, even as the internet major is set to bring down i ts global workforce by about 675 employees.

"We are currently hiring for key positions and will continue to invest in strategically important areas," a Yahoo spokesperson based in the US said.

While the spokesperson did not elaborate on country-specific hiring plans, the career section of the internet major's website shows that Yahoo is looking for about 150 positions in India alone.

The openings are for its operations in Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi, while most of them are for Bangalore. Further, the internet major has over 120 job vacancies for different offices in the US, the website shows.

The India openings are for various departments including engineering, customer care, research and product management, among others.

Last week, while announcing its first quarter results on April 21, Yahoo said that it would slash five per cent of its headcount worldwide. At present, the company has 13,500 employees globally and a five per cent reduction would amount to laying off 675 people.

The firm is resorting to job cuts in the wake of slackening advertisement revenues and a 78 per cent drop in first quarter profit at $118 million. However, it is not clear whether India operations would be affected by the job cuts. India has about 1,500 employees.

"We will be reducing the number of our current employees worldwide by approximately five per cent. We do not break out how individual countries and teams will be impacted.

"We currently have 13,500 employees worldwide. We do not break down how many employees are in each country," the Yahoo spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that the majority of impacted employees are expected to be notified within the next two weeks. In 2008, Yahoo's worldwide workforce was about 15,000 and out of them, about 1,500 employees were in India.

Yahoo last October had announced that it would reduce its headcount by as much as 10 per cent. "The goal is to reduce its current annualised cost run rate of approximately $3.9 billion by more than $400 million before the end of 2008," the Internet major had said in October.

"(since) The majority of expenses are headcount-related, Yahoo expects to reduce its global workforce by at least 10 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2008," it had noted.

Oracle to buy Sun Micro for $7.4bn

New York, April 20: Technology information company Oracle Corporation today announced that it would acquire rival Sun Microsystems for $9.50 a share, or about $7.4 billion.

The agreement with Oracle came about two weeks after IBM ended its talks with Sun.The Sun board baulked at that deal after IBM lowered its offer to $9.40 a share from $10. Still, Monday’s deal represented a 42 per cent premium over Sun’s closing price of $6.69 on Friday. Oracle and Sun said in a statement that net of Sun’s cash and debt, the deal was valued at $5.6 billion.

Lawrence J. Ellison, Oracle’s co-founder and chief executive, and Scott G. McNealy, Sun’s co-founder and chairman, have been two of Silicon Valley’s closest allies over the last 20 years. Their companies turned into two of the superstars of the Internet build-out, and both executives made ribbing rival Microsoft a favoured pastime.

Historically, most of Oracle’s database sales have occurred in tandem with Sun’s servers. Over the past few years, however, Oracle has moved to make Hewlett-Packard and Del stronger allies, as Sun’s business has declined.

“This combination is a natural evolution of our relationship and will be an industry-defining event,” McNealy said.Sun’s directors have unanimously approved the transaction. It is anticipated to close this summer, subject to Sun stockholder approval, the companies said in a statement. Oracle said it expected the purchase to add at least 15 cents a share to its adjusted earnings in the first year after the deal closes. The company also estimated that Sun would contribute more than $1.5 billion to Oracle’s adjusted profit in the first year and more than $2 billion in the second year.

Sun shares were up 36 per cent to $9.10 in early trading, while Oracle fell 5.6 per cent, to $17.99.The deal immediately disrupts the traditional relationships formed between some of the technology industry’s largest players and thrusts Oracle into the hardware business.

Oracle, for example, has long-standing partnerships with Sun’s rivals, including Hewlett-Packard and Dell. These sellers of server computers work to fine-tune Oracle’s database and business software for their computers.

IBM, which competes against Oracle in the software market, also comes under new threats with the deal. For years, IBM has used its homemade servers as leverage for selling higher-profit database and business software. With Sun, Oracle opens up the same opportunity and gains access to thousands of existing Sun customers.

In addition, Oracle has now obtained the MySQL database, which Sun acquired last year for $1 billion. The open-source software has proved popular with companies looking to expand their Internet operations.

Last year, Oracle began a flirtation with the hardware market. It started reselling a server computer from HP that relied on its software for managing and analysing large volumes of data.

NASSCOM rolls out NAC-TECH across India

One lakh candidates to take test in the next 12 months

Skills assessment program for engineering students to benchmark their entry level skills in the IT industry
NASSCOM’s GMAT-like standardised test to gauge employability of fresh graduates in engineering and technology-based industries will allow students to take a single test that will be valid for multiple employers.
Termed NAC-Tech (NASSCOM’s Assessment of Competence – Technology), it will be used to screen applicants for jobs in the two specific segments, according to Sandhya Chintala, Director – Education Initiative, NASSCOM. The test has been evolved with inputs from some of the IT majors in India, including TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro, Satyam, Hexaware, IBM, and Accenture. It will evaluate both soft skills and domain competence of candidates. “NAC-Tech is built like a first filter for all educational institutions, companies, and candidates. Students can take the tests online and will be assigned a score, which will facilitate employment.

Whereas, the certification test has two parts. 'Part A' is mandatory and has tests on verbal ability, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, learning ability, programming and written English skills; and 'Part B' is optional and has tests in IT concepts, electronics and communication, mechanical, civil, chemical, textile, bio-technology, electrical and telecommunication engineering. Candidates depending on their specialisation can take a test in any one area. All scores are valid for a period of one year from the date of assessment. NASSCOM will conduct regular feedback programmes and facilitate interviews for candidates with endorsing IT companies. The results and analysis of the NAC tech assessment will also be regularly shared with the universities and government to make any recommended changes in curriculum and faculty development programs.

According to Ms Sangeeta Gupta, Vice President, NASSCOM, “Talent suitability continues to be a key concern for the IT industry with only 25% of the total engineering graduate pool available in India having the requisite skills. The NAC Tech program aims to address this demand-supply gap by helping students understand the requirements of the IT industry, assess and improve their skills based on the program, and tap employment opportunities in the fast growing knowledge sector.