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UK Banks reduce interest rate to 1%

Snigdha — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:27:55 +0000

In a battle to combat recession, the banks of the United Kingdom have reduced interest rate to 1 percent creating a historic record ever since their services. This cut rate of interest is supposed to be effective from next month onwards. The deduction in interest rate is a result of voting done by the monetary policy committee after judging and reviewing Britain’s poor economical situation. Both borrowers and homeowners are likely to welcome this reduced interest rate. Those homeowners who have £ 150,000 variable rate mortgage will find that their monthly payments have dropped to £565, a reduction by £45.

According to Michael Coogan, the director general of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, “While borrowers on tracker rates will welcome the rate cut, it is doubtful whether it will create the conditions to achieve significantly more new lending.” He has also opined that it is not going to be at all surprising if banks and building societies are trying to prioritize savers in this situation of very low interest rate.

On the other hand, business director of British Retail Consortium, Jane Milne is of the opinion that reducing interest rates are not going to prove as the only tool to fix the current recession. Cost of credit is not the key issue now, the main issue lies with the availability of the credit. According to her, “The Bank of England faces a fine balancing act between further weakening sterling and attempting to revive the economy. What we need now is better access to credit and a boost to consumer confidence.”

The British Economy and the Words of Charles Bean

Charles Bean, the deputy governor of the Bank of England has said that the British economy is going to perform worse than has been expected by the Bank of England. It requires further action from the monetary policy committee to press on the price rise back to reach its 2 percent target. To quote Bean, “It is possible that efforts to restore the banking system may take longer to bear fruit, and that the adoption of protectionist measures abroad as the downturn deepens may slow the recovery. Consequently the risks are heavily weighted to the downside, with roughly a three in four chance of growth turning out weaker than in the central case.”

Bean is also of the opinion that the monetary policy committee is supposed to take further action to combat recession and get back inflation to reach the objective in medium term. The central bank will buy the government bonds and other financial and economic assets so as to press down long-term interest rates in the economy and gear up the money supply in the market.

Interest Rate Cut and the Economist’s View
Howard Archer, the chief UK and European economist at IHS Global Insight states that the monetary policy committee minutes denotes that it is nearly impossible to tell when the Bank of England will engage in quantitative easing. Meanwhile, it is possible that the “Bank of England will cut interest rates by a further 50 basis points to just 0.50 percent in March.”

HILL REDRAWS TREASURE MAP

Snigdha — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:48:19 +0000

Trying to capitalize on her Pennsylvania victory, Hillary Rodham Clinton moved quickly to win over superdelegates yesterday by dispatching a top adviser to Congress armed with special, national electoral maps highlighting her advantages over Barack...

Healing Hillary

Snigdha — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:46:07 +0000

WHEN Pennsylvania primary exit polls on Tuesday afternoon showed a puny lead of 3.6 points for Hillary Clinton against Barack Obama, Democratic leaders who desperately wanted her to end her candidacy weren’t...

Zaheer's fitness worry for India ahead of Boxing Day Test

Snigdha — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:48:17 +0000

Zaheer Khan, the optimistic pace bowler of India with an ankle injury is a matter of agonizes for the Indian cricket team in their current Test against the enigmatic world cup winner Australia. The left-arm seamer is yet to recover.
Previously he was unfortunate enough to miss the final Test against Pakistan in Bengaluru for his injury, and today the Indian cricketers ended their first practice session at the Melbourne Cricket ground.
Zaheer proved himself ones again in his unfathomable performances since November. He picked up 13 wickets at 30.38 from three tests against South Africa and also more interestingly 18 wickets against the country where sun never sets, i.e. England. Since the last year, the Mumbai pace bowler was able to grab 40 wickets from 34 one-dayers.
In spite of all these, it is still remembered that his previous trip to Australia was not fair enough although he had picked up a five-wicket lug in the opening test in Brisbane. But apart from this gallant start he was not even successful to grab a single wicket in the Melbourne Test. Giving a run of 103, Zaheer Khan took no more part in the series.
It can be thought that Zaheer’s physical fitness could force the team management to mull over the gangly Munaf Patel as his replacement in the first test.
The 17th member of the side is a stand-by presently.

Girls be ready in your office suits

Snigdha — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:44:20 +0000

The party used to be your place where you could dress according to your own fashion. But that too was not enough because your hours are busy with your jobs. Your wrinkles on your forehead will vanish now. You have got the chance to dress and make yourself trendy with the new office suit.
Working women be ready to dress up yourself with the new office suit- a new thought with new hues. From short to long, it is just mind blowing with a lovely look in itself and making you sexy and brilliant among everybody.
So call out yourself “I am Fashion“. It is true to think that the life becomes better with a finer apparel.

Levi's style jeans to look more trendy

Snigdha — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:39:20 +0000

The style and trend of wearing jeans have been improved and powered ones more by Levi’s. Inspired by Madonna’s Material World Levi’s have created jeans that would suit you perfectly if you are trendy and fashion conscious. The new style combines the high waist jeans wear trend of the 1980s.

The Deaths of U.S. troops in Iraq

Snigdha — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:49:53 +0000

The deaths of 76 U.S. troops in July was one of the lowest 30-day tolls in months, the U.S. military reported Tuesday, even as the admiral named to be the country’s top military leader predicted the United States will be in Iraq for “years, not months,” and another Pentagon official said the war was costing even more than expected.Three U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded Tuesday by a sophisticated armor-piercing bomb in eastern Baghdad, the U.S. military said today.

The U.S. military said Tuesday a Marine died Monday in Anbar province west of Baghdad, bringing to 3,655 the number of U.S. troops killed in Iraq. Meanwhile, reported Iraqi deaths rose 23 percent in the month of July over June, with at least 2,024 civilians, government officials and security forces killed.

U.S. deaths had spiked in recent months as the military fanned out into insurgent strongholds under President Bush’s buildup of 28,500 more troops to help reduce sectarian violence so that Iraqi leaders could find a political settlement.

Tribals of Orissa

Snigdha — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:03:00 +0000

Orissa, a state with distinct cultural, social and economic features is a home for 62 different tribes, enriching the perspectives of ancient Indian Civilization. In the present India, Orissa houses the maximum number of tribal groups practicing their own culture and style that can be well understood in the paradigm of nature. On the other hand it is one of the most charming regions of India banking on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Its exotic sandy beaches, plenteous wild life, holy temples and the primitive life style of the residents add grandeur to its beauty.
Different tribes of Orissa:
In India, the tribes are classified into four categories according to the use of language. The categorized tribes are- Indo-Aryan speakers, Dravidian speakers, Tibet- Burmese speakers and Austria speakers. In Orissa, the Tibet- Burmese speaking families are absent and therefore the other three tribes are the inhabitants of this region. The Indo-Aryan language family in Orissa includes Dhelki-Oriya, Matia, Haleba, Jharia, Saunti, Laria and Oriya. The Dravidian language family includes 9 languages namely, Pengo, Gondi, Kisan, Konda, Koya, Parji, Kui, Kuvi and Kurukh or Oraon. The Austria language family includes 18 tribal languages namely, Birija, Parenga, Kisan, Bhumiji, Koda, Mahili Bhumiji, Mirdha Kharia, Ollar Gadaba, Juang, Bondo, Didayee, Karmali, Kharia, Munda, Ho, Mundari and Savara.
Apparel and Ornaments:
The tribal folk of Orissa are hardworking and strong people. Men usually wear loin attire and female wrap a long stretch of cloth around them. Women also like to wear ornaments like bangles, armlets, bracelets, necklaces, rings, hairpins and many others made up of brass, silver and aluminum. They also dress themselves with different tattoos.
Life and Practices of the tribes:
Each tribes of Orissa practices a distinct livelihood. The Kharia, Mankidi, Mankidia and Birhor live in the forests of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts. They exclusively live on hunting, gathering and collecting. Koya is the only pastoral and cattle-breeder tribal community of Orissa. Tribes like Mahali and Kol-Lohara practice crafts like basketry and black smithy. Tribals of the northern and southern Orissa like Juang, Bhuyan, Kondh, Saora, Koya, Parenga, Didayi, Dharua and Bonda practice shifting cultivation.
Religion and Marital Practices:
The tribes of Orissa practice animism, animalism, nature-worship, fetishism, shamanism, anthropomorphism and ancestor worship. Their religious performances also include life-crisis rites, cyclic community rites, ancestor and totemic rites and observance of taboos. They practice variety of methods at their marriage such as, capture, elopement, purchase, service and negotiation.
Festival of the tribes:
There are various festivals attached to the different communities of the tribes. During the month of March-April, the tribes who practice agriculture start their festival with the first clearance of crops from the hill. Some start their function with the first fruit eating ceremony of mango. All livestock and crop festivals are observed on a common date, which is fixed by the village headman in consultation with the village priest. But the most significant festivals of the year are ‘Chaita Parab’ and ‘Push Parab’. On this day the village men go on an expedition for hunting.
Socio-economic facet:
The tribal economy of Orissa is largely based on activities around the jungles. Food gathering, hunting and fishing are the main sources of their economic growth. The tribes of Orissa enjoy a rich and varied cultural heritage. This aspect is proved by their folklore, which is musical as well as rhythmical. This is celebrated with a grand vigor and grace in their families or in the community.
Summary:
Tribals of Orissa comprising of 62 different tribes are a major part of Indian ancient civilization. Several features of their life play a successive role in the tribal history of India. Today they are also a good feature for the tourists, economist, historians and several others. The cram of the tribes in India is surely a study in contrast.

Khajuraho Temples

Snigdha — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:00:29 +0000

Built between 9th and 11th century by the Chandela dynasty, the Khajuraho temples are an enigma for historians and visitors. These temples are the finest example of central Indian style of art and architecture. The temples depict art in the form that demonstrates that a sense of human emotion has taken the form of spiritual and physical love in various figures of art in Khajuraho. These sculptures congeal in stone a melodious mystery of love and passion and reflect the Chandela dynasty’s appreciation for art.
Location:
The fascinating temples of Khajuraho are located in the heart of Central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Actually they are built in the Bundelkand area, 44km northwest of Panna in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the top tourist places in India. There is also a small airport built in this village. The residents and some foreigners in the village run a number of hotels. People with a keen desire to relish the beauty of the awe-inspiring art and architecture of the Chandela art visit the place and quench their thirst for splendor and magnificence.
History of the temples:
The creators of the Khajuraho temples claimed descent from the moon. The origin of this dynasty is described in a fascinating way: The moon god while bathing in the Rati one evening seduced Hemavati, the beautiful young daughter of a Brahmin priest. The child born of this union between a mortal and a god was a son, Chandravarman. Harassed by society, the unwed mother sought refuge in the dense forest of Central India where she was both mother and guru to her young son. The boy grew up to found the great Chandela dynasty. When he was established as a ruler, he had a dream-visitation from his mother, who implored him to build temples that would reveal human passions, and in doing so bring about a realization of the emptiness of human desire. Chandravarman began the construction of the first of the temples, successive rulers added to the fast growing complex.
The different groups of temples at Khajuraho:
The 22 surviving temples among the original 85 are divided into three groups- the western group, the eastern group and the southern group. Among these, the western group is the largest and easily accessible. The largest of the Khajuraho temples is the Kandariya Mahadeva in the western group that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other notable temples of the western group are Matangeshwara temple, Lakshman temple, Devi Jagadamba temple, Visvanath and Nandi temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and the oldest surviving Chaunsath Yogini temple. The prominent temples of the eastern group are the Jain temples of Parasnath, Adinath, Shantinagh, and Ghantai. These temples are the fine examples of elaborate carvings and are bereft of the erotic sculptures seen in Hindu temples. The southern group has two temples only, the Chaturbhuj temple and the Duladeo temple.
Categories of carvings:
All the walls, windows, pillars, and ceilings are carved with figures of mythical and historical origin. Many of these depict women in postures of innocent play, while others depict carnal love (mithuns). Brahma, Vishnu, Surya and the Jain Tirthankars are also depicted in figures for general worship. Real and mythical animals and beasts, people working, listening to teachers are also finely portrayed in the temples. The erotic sculptures on the other hand are symbolic of cosmic love. The philosophy behind it is that life’s effort is to fight decay and death, and this challenge is symbolized in the mystic union of Shiva and Shakti.
Summary:
The temples are a world heritage site and belong to the whole world. Its beauty, awe and grandeur are for the true visitors who can realize the real majestic and gorgeousness of the temples. Each and every carving in the temples bears rich choice of beauty of the maker. They bear a past that riches and cultivates the ancient Indian history.

Wedding- the dream of a woman's eye

Snigdha — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:52:34 +0000

At last the dream has come true. Every family wants to dream of the same dream. Yes, it is about your wedding. So, finally you have decided to get married and have chosen the ultimate partner of your life. When we girls are at our tender age, we play with our dolls. Be rich or poor, every one of us has the same way of our upcoming. Some play with the Barbie and some with the clay models- the thinking goes on in the same direction.

Planning refers to the arrangement or the setting up of something with things accumulated, so that the happenings go on smoothly. Similar definition is to be set up for a wedding planning. A wedding planning includes decorations with flowers (both house and the wedding ground), selection of ornaments, garments and etiquettes. Planning helps to get the right thing at the right moment. A planning, especially for a wedding, needs to be handled with supremacy and care at the same time so that things remain at our fingertips and the wedding ends with easiness.

The wedding planning should be appealing to all from the groom’s party to the invited ones so that they speak with a heart full of pleasure for every delicacy they have received. It should have a refinement of its own. Whenever we plan for a wedding we should keep in mind about every object, be it small or big, things do not change if a wrong is been done.

The planning should include proper choice of things so that the wedding seems to be really a special occasion for someone really special. Care should be taken regarding the choice of the invitation card, photographer, foods and drinks to be served, as well as the whole of wedding collection. Wedding collection primarily includes garments, ornaments, and beauty objects such as the make-up and the perfume.

Wedding is a special moment in one’s life. It naturally comes ones in a lifetime. With this occasion the woman stretches her colored wings to enjoy her life completely. Only a perfect planning can give such a heavenly pleasure so that every one will remember this day.

Be it a Bengali Vivah, a Christian wedding, a Muslim Nikah or any other wedding, a perfect plan is necessary to make the occasion a remarkable one. Choosy about everything, in some time very special, makes a dream more perfect. It is you who is going to bring out a perfect marriage. Though we are never all perfect in our life.

Sometimes, people speak of the color of the bridal dress, the foods and drinks served in, the delicacies arranged for the groom and the guests, the decoration all around in a soothing way. It not only soothes the father’s heart but also it becomes a great pleasure for the organizer and the planner. The words used by every people are what they really feel.

Though the traditions of wedding have changed to great range from the bride’s departure in a palanquin to a Limousine, from a marriage being performed in a pandal to an air craft or under the sea, everything is nothing but for love and commitment. So, however perfect planning we make, we should be perfect in our heart of hearts.