Beat the swine flu season

A simple mask can provide 62 per cent protection against viruses, compared to 98 per cent protection with a professional-grade N95 mask with 14 layersSocial media is abuzz with photographs of an unpainted Sonam Kapoor, the proof that even Bollywood starlets are not safe from the H1N1 influenza virus, colloquially known as swine flu, that has already claimed over 1,000 lives in the country in the past few weeks. Over 20,000 people have fallen prey in this fresh spate of infections, and with a rare rainstorm hitting most parts of north and central India this week, as well as some areas in the south of the country, there is a greater likelihood of more cases erupting.

The reason behind the 2015 swine flu epidemic, considered much worse than its 2009 predecessor, is how the H1N1 infection is akin to regular seasonal flu or "viral", and thus escapes early detection. Exhibiting similar symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, the virus is spread mainly from coming into contact with infected people. Sometimes people may also get infected by touching surfaces or objects infected with the flu virus and then touching their mouth or nose. An infected person runs the risk of infecting others from a day before he or she develops symptoms and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.

However, there are various methods of prevention available, with varying degrees of success. As far as protective gear is concerned, medical health professionals agree on the prudence of using a face mask for effective prevention. "Swine flu spreads through respiratory droplets that are transmitted by coughing, sneezing or inhaling. A simple mask can provide 62 per cent protection against these particles, compared to 98 per cent protection with a professional-grade N95 mask with 14 layers," says Srikant Sharma, consultant, internal medicine, Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi. Even family members and medical help tending to a patient should invest in these masks, and if the N95 mask is not available, two three-layered masks could also be used.

While health activists in the states are currently embroiled in a battle for making flu vaccinations mandatory for children, the state of the vaccines isn't much better in the country either. According to R K Singal, head of the internal medicine department at BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, government guidelines have constantly fluctuated on the use of vaccines, and the fact that they are expensive (Rs 500-1,000) and in short supply only impedes their widespread use. "There are two types of vaccines for swine flu: injectable and intranasal. But these need to be taken before the onset of this influenza season, as the minimum time taken for the vaccine to be effective is three weeks," says Singal. Since we are nearing the end of the influenza season, barring the sudden drop in temperature and rise in moisture, he advises that the best thing to do is to follow other preventive methods and to get vaccinated later in the year, around October or November.

For most adult patients with confirmed or suspected H1N1 infection and those who need treatment, Singal recommends a neuraminidase inhibitor oral oseltamivir, 75 mg, twice a day for five days. Sharma suggests a thorough doctor's consultation, after which the patient can take antiviral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza that have proved to be most effective if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Patients are advised to stay indoors for at least a week from the first day of the onset of symptoms.

Singal lists a few dos and don'ts for the general public, everyday steps that can be taken to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since germs spread this way. In case you are sick with a flu-like illness, try to stay at home for a few days or for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

People can increase their immunity to safeguard themselves against an H1N1 infection by following simple tips like eating a well-balanced diet, including food rich in Vitamin C and E, dry fruits, high-protein food. Sharma advocates following a strict daily exercise regime, while consuming four basil leaves with water on an empty stomach every morning to help boost immunity.

NASA’s Dawn spacecraft reaches dwarf planet Ceres

NASA’s Dawn spacecraft has created history by becoming the first mission to achieve orbit around the dwarf planet Ceres with an aim of providing new insights and capturing images from the distant world.

The spacecraft was approximately 61,000 kilometres from Ceres when it was captured by the dwarf planet’s gravity, NASA said.

Mission controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California received a signal from the spacecraft that Dawn was healthy and thrusting with its ion engine, the indicator Dawn had entered orbit as planned.

“Since its discovery in 1801, Ceres was known as a planet, then an asteroid and later a dwarf planet,” said Marc Rayman, Dawn chief engineer and mission director at JPL.

“Now, after a journey of 3.1 billion miles (4.9 billion kilometres) and 7.5 years, Dawn calls Ceres, home,” said Rayman.

In addition to being the first spacecraft to visit a dwarf planet, Dawn also has the distinction of being the first mission to orbit two extraterrestrial targets.

From 2011 to 2012, the spacecraft explored the giant asteroid Vesta, delivering new insights and thousands of images from that distant world, NASA said.

Ceres and Vesta are the two most massive residents of our solar system’s main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Summarization on Global Roundtable on Inclusive Innovations

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the Rapporteurs’ Summarization on Global Roundtable on Inclusive Innovations

1.At the outset, I extend a warm welcome to the distinguished national and international participants of this Global Round-table on Inclusive Innovations. I have listened with interest the summary of outcomes of the discussions that took place in this forum, as presented by Prof. Gupta. I also thank the two distinguished delegates for sharing their perspectives. This topic, according to me, is pertinent for any nation desirous of ensuring inclusive development for all sections of society through innovation. Ladies and Gentlemen: 2.India has had a long tradition of grassroots innovation.From time to time, the common people in this country have ushered in novel solutions to overcome their day-to-day difficulties.The drivers that influence the pursuit of innovation are many – from basic survival to propulsion of growth.A healthy eco-system is needed for harnessing the innovative potential of various segments in different sectors and at multiple levels in our society. 3.Creating an inclusive eco-system calls for linkages between grassroots innovators on the one hand, and academic institutions and market forces, on the other. Countries successful in building such a network have become innovation leaders. As an attempt to bring educational institutions and grassroots innovators within the ambit of an inclusive innovation system, a programme for Innovation Scholars In-Residence was started in Rashtrapati Bhavan last year. I am glad that the second batch of innovation-scholars has joined us today. During their two-week stay at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, they will be mentored and connected with relevant stakeholders to give wings to their ideas. Ladies and Gentlemen: 4.Educational institutions have a critical role to play in nurturing innovations in the society. India, with a large network of 713 universities and over 36,000 colleges, is poised to play a leading part in developing an innovation eco-system. To catalyze the institutions of higher learning in this process, I have been urging the leaders of the higher education sector to establish a connection between their institutes and grassroots innovations in their hinterland, and to also set up Innovation Clubs. Youth power has to be galvanized for nation-building. Thus, the students have to be encouraged tosensethe unmet needs of the common man, and search, spread and celebrateinnovations.The members of these Innovation Clubs are participating in the Festival of Innovation, which is taking place for the first time in Rashtrapati Bhavan. The presence of distinguished participants from India and abroad will definitely provide a global platform to all the innovators and participants of this important Festival. 5.Many outstanding social, educational and corporate leaders present here have pioneered initiatives aimed at taking the Indian grassroots story forward.Our traditional knowledge has contributed to the introduction of many popular ayurvedic medicines and other such products.At the same time, modern applications of science and technology have increased livelihood opportunities for the people. A significant breakthrough in our march towards development and progress is possible; but with challenges, to overcome which, a collaborative effort of all stakeholders is necessary. 6.Noble Laureate Prof. Yunus had created an outstanding model for micro-finance that has led to the emancipation of poor in developing countries.To my mind, the next major breakthrough will come through micro venture innovation finance, which has been pioneered by the Honey Bee Network and National Innovation Foundation.By partnering with companies and colleges in India and abroad, our grassroots innovators will propel a different kind of globalization.The products and services based on grassroots knowledge and creativity will reach global markets in an affordable, accessible and accountable manner. Distinguished participants: 7.The Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Harshvardhan, is spearheading the scientific and technological strategies for an inclusive growth under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The Make in India, Clean India, and Inclusive India, under which financial inclusion is of prime essence, needs a significant push. Many amongst you have shared your experiences about how your countries and institutions have made progress in the direction of inclusive innovation. I am also happy at the interest evinced by you to engage with stakeholders from India. Some of you will share your insights tomorrow as well. You may take this opportunity to give your valued suggestions for a strategic roadmap for India to become much more inclusive and innovative.I assure you of our highest consideration for your suggestions and ideas. 8.An ‘Atal Innovation Mission’ as an Innovation Promotion Platform involving academics, entrepreneurs and researchers has been announced recently. It will draw upon national and international experiences to foster a culture of innovation, R&D and scientific research in India. The platform will also promote a network of world-class innovation hubs to address the grand challenges of our country. I call upon you to participate in the Indian development story, which will exhibit frugal and sustainable pathways for other countries and communities. In this era of globalization, the Indian innovations and development will not only benefit India but the rest of theworld as well. The ingenious goods and services developed through inclusive innovation, and by blending affordability, accessibility, acceptability and availability, will have the potential to transform the global landscape. 9.In the end, I do hope that your interactions with various innovators at this forum are productive and trigger long-term partnerships for peace, progress and prosperity in the world. I wish a pleasant stay to the visiting dignitaries from abroad. I invite you all to visit the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I wish you the very best for the future

President confers Stree Shakti Puraskars and Nari Shakti Puraskars for the year 2014

On International Women’s Day, the President confers Stree Shakti Puraskars and Nari Shakti Puraskars for the year 2014 Women achievers at grassroots level being given Rajya and Zila Mahila Sammans this year: Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee gave away Stree Shakti Puraskars and Nari Shakti Puraskars for the year 2015 at a function organized on the International Women’s Day in Rashtrapati Bhawan today. Speaking on the occasion, the President said “we should remind ourselves that the empowerment of women and their equality, liberty and dignity are not a distant goal or fond aspiration of the women of our country. It is one of their sacred rights. It is not a privilege that they should seek. It has been a key element in the codes of conduct that our ancient societies prescribed for themselves more than 3000 years ago.” He also said that we must make the required effort to remove the structural and institutional barriers that inhibit the economic and social transformation of women in India. The President congratulated the winners of Stree Shakti and Nari Shakti Puruskars and appreciated the efforts of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development for encouraging the distinguished awardees to work towards a noble cause. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi thanked the President for honouring the awardees of Stree Shakti Puraskars and Nari Shakti Puraskars. She said that every year we observe 8th of March as International Women’s Day when we celebrate womanhood and the contribution of women to the world. She also said that this year the Government has decided to further recognize the singular contribution of women in specific areas by way of Nari Shakti Puraskars. The Zila Mahila Sammnas and Rajya Mahila Sammnas have also been instituted this year to recognize and reward selfless work done by exceptional and committed women, in particular at the community and grass root levels, she said. Smt Maneka Gandhi said that the Prime Minister launched Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme on January 22, 2015 which aims to reverse the decline in the child sex ratio. The Government is setting up one stop crisis centres for women in distress which will be connected by a universal women’s helpline, she added. The Minister also proposed 33% reservation for women in police. In another measure to tackle crimes against women, Smt Maneka Gandhi also proposed appointment of women as Special Police Officers who will work as honorary police women and provide interface between the police force and the women affected by violence. The Stree Shakti puraskars are conferred to six womenin the area of women’s endeavor and exceptional contribution each year. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 300,000 and a citation. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award has been given to Anyay Rahit Zindagian NGO of Goa, Seema Prakash of Madhya Pradesh got Rani Lakshmibai Award, Astha Sansthan (NGO) of Rajasthan has been awarded Rani Rudramma Devi Award), Smt. Chandraprabha Bokey from Maharashtra has been conferred Mata Jijabai Award, Dr. P Bhanumati of Kerala gets Kannagi Award, Sister while Mariola from Rajasthan has been conferred Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award. The Nari Shakti Puraskarshave been conferred for the first time this year. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and a citation. They have been instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to honour8 women to recognize theirindividual contribution in specific areas. This year’s awardees are: Smt. Rashmi Anand (Delhi), Dr. Nandita Krishna (Tamil Nadu), Dr. Laxmi Gautam (Uttar Pradesh), Ms. LatikaThukral (Haryana), Ms. Neha Kirpal (Delhi), Dr. Sailakshmi Balijepally (Tamil Nadu), Ms. P.Kousalya (Tamil Nadu), Dr. Swaraj Vidwan (Uttarakhand).

Draconian measures on black money a problem

Among the most discussed proposals of the Union Budget are the legislative provisions outlined by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to address the question of money hidden from the taxman, or "black money". On domestic unaccounted wealth, the finance minister said that a fresh and strong "benami" transactions law would be drafted - benamitransactions are those with false names. But black moneyabroad appeared to receive special attention. Four strong penal provisions were announced. First, the concealment of income or of assets and the evasion of tax related to foreign assets will lead to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, if proved. Even the failure to file returns or to "inadequately" disclose foreign assets will have a sentence of seven years' rigorous imprisonment. Offenders will not be allowed to approach the Settlement Commission to come to an agreement about tax dues. And there will be a penalty to pay at the rate of 300 per cent of the tax due.

Few can disagree with the basic substance of the concern. Tax evasion is endemic in India, which has far too limited the base of taxpayers. The political salience of the fight against black money is also undeniable, and so the government could not be seen to be slow in framing tougher legal provisions. Yet the final decision by the government reveals that it is unwilling and unable to step out of an outdated mindset. After all, the idea of such stringent penal provisions gives an enormous amount of discretion and power to the taxman, when the government should be moving away from a confrontational and adversarial approach to tax collection. Many have been reminded of the awful days of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, or FERA, which was introduced as a "temporary" measure in 1973 but stayed as the law of the land for three decades. It is worth noting that the existence of FERA did not stop the well-connected from building up ill-gotten wealth overseas. The government has now merely introduced a lever for harassment while doing little to address the real problem.

If the government was serious about black money, the approach should have been straightforward, and need not have involved tinkering with the criminal code. First, the government should have recognised that the real problem lay in India and not in Switzerland. The larger amount of black money either goes into domestic real estate or bullion, or is round-tripped back into India anyway. So the government should have instead worked to ensure that black money left real estate - not through making the payment of more than Rs 20,000 in cash for property a crime, but through following more sensible recommendations of the 2012 white paper on the subject, such as deducting tax at source in such transactions. Second, basic routes into India for black money, which in addition drive up asset prices and distort the market, should be closed off. Instead of announcing penal provisions, why is the government not closing off the "Mauritius route" for fund flows into India? It is known to be misused. Instead of going back to the failed methods of the 1970s, deal with black money as a 21st century problem.

Mr #Buffett's great ride

Attentive readers will notice that Tesco, which last year appeared in the list of our largest common stock investments, is now absent. An attentive investor, I'm embarrassed to report, would have sold Tesco shares earlier. I made a big mistake with this investment by dawdling … In 2013, I soured somewhat on the company's then- management and sold 114 million shares, realizing a profit of $43 million. My leisurely pace in making sales would prove expensive. Charlie calls this sort of behavior 'thumb-sucking.' (Considering what my delay cost us, he is being kind.) During 2014, Tesco's problems worsened by the month ... In the world of business bad news often surfaces serially: You see a cockroach in your kitchen; as the days go by you meet his relatives." 

This delightful passage is from Warren Buffett's most recent letter to shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway. It captures his wit and wisdom and ability to distil business lessons - bad business sagas often can be like a soap operatic serial - but most of all it captures Mr Buffett's capacity for self-deprecation. This is a man, after all, who has not only willed his billions to charity but to a foundation with someone else's name on it because he is convinced his friend and bridge partner Bill Gates has a better strategy to put those billions to work.

The loss in question was $444 million, only 0.2 per cent of Berkshire's net worth. But Mr Buffett is as much a teacher as an investor in these shareholder letters. Presumably, he deemed the Tesco experience worth dwelling on because he hopes others will learn from his mistake. In an accompanying letter from Berkshire's 91-year-old vice-chairman, Charlie Munger, Mr Munger says that one of Mr Buffett's aims was to "personally contribute, like [value-investing legend] Professor Ben Graham, to the spread of wisdom attained".

The 2014 letter is especially long because it commemorates 50 years since the company was founded in 1964. It has been parsed over for clues about whether his successor will be Ajit Jain or Greg Abel, both more directly mentioned in Mr Munger's accompanying letter.

The letter, however, is well worth reading and rereading for all it teaches about investing, work and ultimately, since both are building blocks to being happy, about life. Early on, there is a pretty robust defence of investing in shares: "The inescapable conclusion from the past fifty years is that it has been far safer to invest in a diversified collection of American businesses than to invest in (US) Treasuries, whose values have been tied to American currency."

This is especially relevant because with the advances in medicine, many of us face the prospect of a life expectancy that is likely to be closer to Mr Munger's 91 than the mid-70s of an earlier generation. And we need to be precise about what we define as risk. As Mr Buffett points out, "In business schools volatility is almost universally used as a proxy for risk ... It is dead wrong: Volatility is far from synonymous with risk. Popular formulas that equate the two terms lead students, investors and CEOs astray."

Another wonderful bit of advice from Mr Buffett for CEOs on an acquisition trail is to ignore bankers' typical tendency to tout the " 'customary' premiums-to-market price that are currently being paid for acquisitions - an absolutely asinine way to evaluate the attractiveness of an acquisition - or whether the deal will increase the acquirer's earnings per share". Beware of so-called synergies and focus instead on ensuring that the "intrinsic value of shares you give in an acquisition must not be greater than the intrinsic value of the business you receive".

Unusually, for letters to shareholders but not for Mr Buffett's annual missives that have been compiled into a book, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as you retrace the journeyBerkshire Hathaway has made over the past 50 years from being an investment company with a dud investment in textiles in the 1960s to the much admired company it is today. Famously, the annual meeting has become a pilgrimage for thousands of grateful shareholders. This year's will feature the "fourth International Newspaper Tossing Challenge". Mr Buffett estimates he tossed half a million newspapers as a teenager with a daily newspaper delivery run. "So I think I'm pretty good. Challenge me! Humiliate me ... I'll buy a Dilly bar for anyone who lands his or her throw closer to the doorstep than I do." Mr Buffett and Mr Gates will also kick off a table tennis challenge against a US 2012 Olympics woman player who we learn did not even yield a point to Mr Buffett when he played her, aged nine.

A curmudgeonly Bloomberg commentator has opined that such antics all add to the folksy aura Mr Buffett has long enjoyed and benefits Berkshire's stock price. Even if true, so what? Mr Buffett's wry account on how he goofed up in not selling out of the textile company that gave Berkshire its name has this gem. "The northern (American) textile industry is finally extinct. You need no longer panic if you hear I've been spotted wandering around New England."

This country has a few easygoing and down-to-earth corporate leaders - Harsh Mariwala, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Rajan Anandan and Nandan Nilekani among them - but self-deprecation is a trait so rarely seen in Indian public life, it might as well be un-Indian. Which is my excuse for ending on a self aggrandizing note. Years ago as a pedantic fact-checker at Fortune magazine in New York, I called Mr Buffett's office in Omaha to ask what he meant by the term "elephant-bumping affairs". Mr Buffett called back to explain that he was referring to giant leadership summits - such as World Economic Forum-styled events today. These were conferences where big egos went to meet other big egos, Mr Buffett explained. To Mr Buffett's eternal credit, he attributes much of Berkshire's success to good investment calls by Mr Munger. And somehow still finds time for newspaper throwing antics with his grateful shareholders.

Shanghvi is richest Indian: Forbes

sun Pharma founder overtakes Mukesh Ambani

#DilipShanghvi of Sun Pharmaceuticals, with a net worth of $21.5 billion, surpassed Mukesh Ambani as the world’s richest Indian on Wednesday, two days after the Reliance Industries Ltd. chief was ranked India’s wealthiest for the eighth consecutive year.

A real-time update by the business magazine Forbes reworked the rankings. On the global rich list, Mr. Shanghvi moved up to the 37th position, while Mr. Ambani slipped to the 43rd.

Earlier on Monday, Forbes released its annual rich list for 2015, ranking Mr. Ambani at the 39th position and Mr. Shanghvi at the 44th. Azim Premji of Wipro was ranked 48th, from which he has moved up one place now. Mr. Shanghvi’s net worth stood at $ 21.5 billion, following a sharp rally in the share prices of his group companies.