‘Niche expertise and closed networks keep everybody else out in Pharma’

Although the Indian Pharma industry has not been affected by the global economic situation, several sub-sectors within this industry are faced with some tough times leading to interesting trends. Kanchana Dwarakanath of TimesJobs.com in conversation with Rahul Nene, Partner, DEININGER Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd
What is the current HR scenario in the Pharma segment?
The Pharma segment has been by and large protected from the global economic scenario. Maintenance based by way of natural attrition still continues in this segment.  Healthy growth by top ten pharma firms (their market capitalization increased year on year) indicates robust business needs, translating to stronger human capital needs.
The world’s top generic firms continue to consolidate by way of adding capacity in India. With these factors growth in jobs is expected across functions with sales being the leader at manager and entry level hiring.
- See more at: http://content.timesjobs.com/interview-of-the-day-niche-expertise-and-closed-networks-keep-everybody-else-out-in-pharma/?fromsite=toi&utm_source=toi&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=toi-tj-whitelabel#sthash.g0TR2JDc.dpuf

‘Niche expertise and closed networks keep everybody else out in Pharma’

Although the Indian Pharma industry has not been affected by the global economic situation, several sub-sectors within this industry are faced with some tough times leading to interesting trends. Rahul Nene, Partner, DEININGER Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd

What is the current HR scenario in the Pharma segment?

The Pharma segment has been by and large protected from the global economic scenario. Maintenance based by way of natural attrition still continues in this segment.  Healthy growth by top ten pharma firms (their market capitalization increased year on year) indicates robust business needs, translating to stronger human capital needs.

The world’s top generic firms continue to consolidate by way of adding capacity in India. With these factors growth in jobs is expected across functions with sales being the leader at manager and entry level hiring.

However one sector which I believe has been impacted negatively is the hospital and healthcare segment primarily due to financial issues faced by them. The global economic gloom and doom has arrived at their footstep and the sudden mushrooming of medical tourism as a concept has led to supply exceeding demand, especially with respect to luxury hospitals. Hence hiring has been put off by several players, and workload for the existing employees has almost doubled.

Clinical research remains in a muddle due to the regulatory issue,and growth here seems to remain negative.

How has the global economic scenario affected these segments in the last six months?

Pharmaceutical sector remains insulated to short term economic indicators. However, funding options for research firms and R & D centers have reduced considerably leading to either merger of such ventures or even close downs.  This has had an impact on the HR scene, resulting in job loss or working on a single aspect of the project on a much smaller budget, which is a tough thing to do as expected short-time delivery/result projects tend to get priority.

What are the challenges faced at different levels of recruitment?

Overall hiring has been broadly impacted, although not to the extent that other industries have been facing. At different levels:

Fresher hiring is healthy although there is a big wide gap between theoretical learning and practical application.  In fact,I would say there is no focus yet on knowledge and understanding of concepts. Of course all of these do not apply at all to graduates from reputed institutes, but the problem is these form only about 0.1 % of the entry level employees.

The Mid segment continues to have demand. Compensation however is decide based on hands on experience than simply on the years of experience. The trend we have noticed is several moves have been circular with people coming back to their one time employees for jobs.

The effect on the C-level is by and large much less as compared to other industry sectors primarily because this industry segment is intrinsically conservative and niche.

The pharma segment has its own model of hiring. Has there been any impact of the tight market situation on it?

There are some key features of this industry that are impacting hiring. Although more so today. Top level connect with employees is much higher in this segment which sometimes acts as a deterrent for non-tech employees from entering this segment.

Also,firms in this sector have increased multiple-level engagements within as well with each other. Coupled with this factor is the fact that niche sectoral expertise keeps everybody else out.  Thus often even though there is a dire requirement for non-research/tech skill, the chances of these companies obtaining the best are rare

What is the current HR scenario in the Pharma segment?
The Pharma segment has been by and large protected from the global economic scenario. Maintenance based by way of natural attrition still continues in this segment.  Healthy growth by top ten pharma firms (their market capitalization increased year on year) indicates robust business needs, translating to stronger human capital needs.
The world’s top generic firms continue to consolidate by way of adding capacity in India. With these factors growth in jobs is expected across functions with sales being the leader at manager and entry level hiring.
However one sector which I believe has been impacted negatively is the hospital and healthcare segment primarily due to financial issues faced by them. The global economic gloom and doom has arrived at their footstep and the sudden mushrooming of medical tourism as a concept has led to supply exceeding demand, especially with respect to luxury hospitals. Hence hiring has been put off by several players, and workload for the existing employees has almost doubled.
Clinical research remains in a muddle due to the regulatory issue,and growth here seems to remain negative.
- See more at: http://content.timesjobs.com/interview-of-the-day-niche-expertise-and-closed-networks-keep-everybody-else-out-in-pharma/?fromsite=toi&utm_source=toi&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=toi-tj-whitelabel#sthash.g0TR2JDc.dpuf

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20 foods for healthy hair and scalp

20 best foods for healthy hair and scalp

Just as food filled with loads of oil and calories can cause acne flares and jeopardise your waistline, unhealthy food can also cause damage to your healthy hair and scalp.

Every individual craves for healthy and better looking hair, luscious locks, that won't diminish with age. Hence, be careful of what you eat, as the nutrients you consume are essential to fortify follicles, each strand of your hair and your scalp. Today, Priya Kathpal - Nutritionist, shares a list of super foods, to bring in bounce and luster back to your hair. If you want to get rid of dull, dry, or greasy hair, then pile up your plate with these foods and see the difference. Presenting 20 best foods for healthy hair and scalp.

Healthy hair food # 1: Salmon

The key ingredients for a healthy hair and scalp are protein and vitamin D. Salmon is a great source of protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. This omega-3 fatty acid is very much essential to keep your scalp and hair shaft very well hydrated. As healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, get in more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

Healthy hair food # 2: Beef

Dr. Sandeep Suttar - Hair Restoration and Skin Rejuvenation surgeon at HairRevive, Mumbai, says: "If you don't have cholesterol problems, then you must consume this meat at least twice a day. This food has all the possible nutrients that your hair needs for its up keep. The presence of protein, vitamin B, iron, zinc and other vital minerals will help to maintain the health of your scalp and hair." Lastly, Dr. Sandeep says, "Though it is rich in nutrients, the consumption of beef should be minimum to avoid other health problems."

Healthy hair food # 3: Prunes

Including prunes in your diet can help to improve your hair texture as well as proper bowl movements. As it is rich in iron, it helps prevent hair loss, dull hair, thin hair, and discoloration of your hair.

Healthy hair food # 4: Green tea

The presence of polyphenols helps in keeping your scalp healthy. If your scalp is healthy, then the overall health of your hair improves, as it helps to keep your hair shiny and dandruff free. Dr. Sandeep shares a quick fix to treat your dandruff problem with this miraculous tea. Washing your hair with green tea or applying it on your scalp will help to kill your dandruff worries.

Healthy hair food# 5: Carrots

Carrots not only help to sharpen your vision but also to maintain the health of your hair due to the presence of vitamin A. Existence of vitamin A helps in formation of sebum oil in the scalp - says Dr. Sandeep. Sebum is a very important element which helps to keep the scalp and hair very well moisturized. A moisturized scalp means healthy hair.

Healthy hair food # 6: Eggs

Eggs are rich in biotin and vitamin B. These two nutrients are very important for the health and maintenance of your hair. Biotin is a star element, which helps to keep your hair shiny and lustrous. Biotin is also present in many shampoos and conditioners and is one of the important elements needed for hair health.

Healthy hair food # 7: Dark green leafy vegetables

Include lots of dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli and lettuces in your diet. All these dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both these vitamins help in the formation of sebum, which is a natural hair conditioner and hence moisturizes your skin and scalp.

Healthy hair food # 8: Brown rice

Brown rice has some protein, vitamins and fiber. Besides giving you healthy hair and scalp, it also keeps you from over eating as it keeps you full for a longer time. Hence, switch to brown rice now to maintain your hair as well as your body.

Healthy hair food # 9: Oysters

Hair loss or dandruff is due to low level of hormone androgen production. Include oysters in your diet as they are rich in zinc, which further helps in the production of androgen and hence fights against hair fall and dandruff. Besides, it also helps your locks retain shine and health.

Healthy hair food # 10: Walnuts

Walnuts are one of the best nuts for your hair nourishment and maintenance. As they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, vitamin E and copper they protect your hair against damage from the sun by being a shield when you venture out; they also prevent hair loss and help keep your hair lustrous and rich in color.

Healthy hair food# 11: Cottage cheese

Besides it being low-fat, cottage cheese is also rich in calcium and protein. Include this healthy cheese for breakfast if your goal is to get rid of dull hair and shed some extra kilos at the same time.

Healthy hair food # 12: Green peas

Green peas are a well balanced food available for healthy hair. They are loaded with all types of minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron and vitamin B, which help in maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.

Healthy hair food # 12: Green peas

Green peas are a well balanced food available for healthy hair. They are loaded with all types of minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron and vitamin B, which help in maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.

Healthy hair food# 13: Lentils

"If you really want healthy hair and scalp, then include lentils in your diet at least 3-4 times a week," says Priya. Lentils are rich in folic acid. Presence of folic acid helps in providing the requisite amount of oxygen to your scalp and skin, which further promotes hair growth and cell renewal.

Healthy hair food # 14: Bell peppers

Include all colors of bell peppers in your diet as they are a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C guarantees efficient transition of oxygen to hair follicles. Besides, it also helps in the formation of collagen and promotes hair growth and prevents hair breakage.

Healthy hair food # 15: Whole grains

Whole grains are rich in nutrients and fibers. This promotes hair growth and makes it a super food for healthy hair. Besides, it also aids good digestion and prevents ailments like diabetes, obesity and constipation.

Healthy hair food # 16: Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene, which when consumed gets converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents dull scalp and hair and promotes growth and proper circulation of oxygen to the hair follicle.

Healthy hair food # 17: Blueberries

This super fruit is loaded with vitamin C, which helps in oxygen circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, and prevents hair breakage.

Healthy hair food # 18: Bacon

Though it is an enemy if you want to kick some calories, but if you want healthy hair then you should consume not more than 4 ounces - says Priya. It is loaded with all healthy hair promoting nutrients like vitamin B, zinc and protein.

Healthy hair food # 19: Shrimps

Shrimps are not only delicious but also a great doctor for your dull hair and scalp. Shrimps are loaded with vitamin B12, iron and zinc, all of which prevent hair loss and promote growth and maintenance.

Healthy hair food # 20: Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a perfect hair rejuvenating snack. They're good for overall health, as they are loaded with protein, omega-6 fatty acids, zinc and iron.

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Why Apple fans may be missing Steve Jobs

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, speaks on stage during the introduction of the new iPhone 5S in Cupertino, California.

I will be very happy if, by the end of it all, Tim Cook does not have blood on his hands. But, by the looks of it, Apple CEO may be assiduously murdering the legacy of legendary Steve Jobs.

Can someone like Cook spoil the broth that he himself helped cook so successfully for so many years? But then knowing Jobs, we also know how most decision-making happened at Apple while he was at the helm.

Agreed that Cook may not have been party to the spirit of innovation that Jobs so proudly touted, along with some aura and theatrics to mesmerise us during Apple's annual launch events, but the latest iPhone launch left me disenchanted.

Agreed that Cook is not at all a man incapable of filling in the big shoes as proven so far by a number of things: the product line-up (until Tuesday), Apple holding its stock price, cult following for its products, its market share and profits despite thinner margins, but can he continue the iPhone party sans the design edge so intrinsic to Apple.

More so, he was hand-picked by the God at Apple who could not go wrong in his decisions. Or could he?

To be fair, even a visionary like him did go wrong in reading a few things. He felt there was no market for smartphones bigger than 3.5 inch or tablets smaller than 9.7 inch! Runaway success of phablets around 6 inch size perhaps prompted Apple to launch 7.9 inch iPad Mini last year while it marginally increased the screen size of iPhone 5 to 4 inch.

Despite criticism and murmurs that Apple was not doing anything 'revolutionary' anymore -- in the post Jobs era -- people lapped up a thinner, lighter, glitzier iPhone 5 that sold like hot cakes, keeping its shareholders content despite initial nervousness.

It was expected that some day Apple will eventually break away from Jobs' legacy; and perhaps the onslaught of Google Android and Microsoft Windows Mobile phones will make winds of change blow faster at Apple than expected.

Yet, Apple still does one launch a year of its flagship product (although it turned the iteration clock faster on iPads last year). Like all Apple events, the Apple aficionados (me included) look forward to that ONE iPhone event anxiously and expect some gush-inspiring surprises among the announcements.

However, it is not the lack of this that I seek to blame on Cook though two or three launches won't hurt. After all, not all smartphone buyers find that one-year wait worth it and one size does not fit all.

Now, I do not expect a cult company to pander to market histrionics and hype by launching a dozen similar looking phones at every one thousand rupee price point so as to lure and capture every single buyer on earth. No, that doesn't work even for the 'cheaper' Korean rivals.

But if Apple has to continue being the icon it has been revered as all these years, it also has to be ready to thrive in a multi-polar world of mobile devices with Google Android as well as Microsoft Nokia, besides the Korean army and Taiwanese and Chinese mercenaries! And the least it could do was play the 'cheaper' game in a half-hearted manner!

Many will balk and say use of polycarbonate does not make a phone cheap. Ask now-sold Nokia and the Korean 're-inventor'. They have met with reasonable success using the same 'cheap' plastic, saving themselves better margins than with glass and aluminium shell! But whoever told Cook that he could not have cranked up the specs than serve old wine in a new bottle?

Now consider this: iPhone 5C, or the cheaper iPhone, as it has been dubbed, is targeted largely at emerging markets (though I reckon it will do well in many other markets) by offering several people a more affordable iPhone ownership option.

Yet, with the basic unlocked model being priced at $549, it is anything but affordable, at least in emerging markets like India or China. It remains in the premium smartphones category.

In a burgeoning but price-sensitive market like India, it will amount to merely getting a plastic-cased, unlocked iPhone 5 for nearly Rs 35-37,000 (more in case Raghuram Rajan effect on Indian Rupee wears off sooner than Apple decides to launch new iPhones here).

This price bracket is still largely restricted for top-end models. Even the Korean company's KitKat supportive 4th generation model (launched later than iPhone 5) comes under that price (under cashback offer).

So it does not help that iPhone 5C has a year-old specs! Either specs ought to have been bettered, or price cut further by $100-150, particularly given the formidable Android and Nokia Lumia buildup in the months to come for less than Rs 35,000. Else, instead of launching a plastic version, Apple could have simply reduced the pricing of iPhone 5 and continued with its more beautiful casing.

It does matter a lot to any CEO if he can cut the input costs while keeping the selling price around same levels. In that context, Apple will save on its hardware manufacturing costs, but it runs the risk of causing the brand to suffer an image loss.

A number of users - even some like me who swear by Apple's products -- do feel Apple has been snobbish about certain things. Like launching only one iteration a year, like bringing iPhone late to emerging markets, like its reluctance to go colourful (now addressed), like never getting off its premium positioning pedestal, like taking India non-seriously! In that context, it would not have hurt Apple to launch a genuinely affordable iPhone 5C variant, one with slightly lesser frills!

A number of Apple fan boys will want to slit my throat for saying what they may deem as sacrilegious, but much as I admire Apple for its attention to detail, innovative zest and amazing build quality wedded to ease of use in all its products, I do not allow myself to be blinded by its faux sense of ultra marketing hype. It is not missed on me after Tuesday's launch event that the Steve Jobs era may well nigh be over at Apple.

For all we know, both iPhone 5C and 5S will still turn out to be amazing hot sellers, filling Apple's coffers further, but here seems a company that is increasingly looking more and more vulnerable, rather than a strong citadel of innovation!

It cannot be lost on anyone the competition is nibbling at Apple's feet, to put it mildly. Given that, what has been dished out in form of iPhone 5S after a year's wait too is less than encouraging, and definitely misses the chutzpah. Already, despite being the best phone to me, iPhone 5 (and now 5C and 5S) seems to suffer from the lack of a slightly bigger and wider form factor.

And there is no reason why Apple should not have seriously considered a 5.5 or 6-inch phablet for better viewing, book-reading and browsing experience! And no, I am also not advocating an iPhone at every $100 or Rs 6,500 bracket, although it may be a mouth-watering prospect for some.

Brands come and brands go. Companies that turn intransigent and refuse to keep their ear to the ground start over-estimating their brand potential and gradually start bleeding themselves to death. We have seen the downfall of once-mighty Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Palm and BlackBerry.

Mobility tech and automobiles remain among the most merciless business spheres given the stiff competition and obsolescence rates. A company's perception among its target audience amidst the interplay of rival offerings and its own ability to ride the wave of innovation matters more than ever. A few successive slip-ups can cause you to start bleeding.

One more thing. Dear Tim, "Your time is limited... don't waste it living someone else's life." Bring it on, man!

Jobs is dead, but his spirit of cutting-edge innovation shall not be killed. We love Apple way too much to see its downfall for neglecting what has always been the cornerstone at 1, Infinite Loop, Cupertino: Innovation. It is time you put your success stamp where it matters. Jobs may have died, don't let Apple die.

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Ultratech buys Jaypee Cement unit

 

 

 

 

 

MUMBAI: Aditya Birla Group flagship company Ultratech Cement on Wednesday announced acquisition of Jaypee Group's Gujarat cement unit for an enterprise value of Rs 3,800 crore.

"We will infuse equity to the tune of Rs 150 crore and Jaypee Cement (JCCL) debts of Rs 3,650 crore will be transferred to the books of Ultratech. With this acquisition, our cement capacity increases to 59 mtpa and with projects underway, it will stand raised to 70 mtpa by 2015. The transaction will be accretive in the next three years," Aditya Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said on Wednesday while announcing the deal. "Ultratech will save Rs 350 crore by way tax benefits and other synergies," Birla said.

The sale will help Jaiprakash Associates reduce its debt by 15%, chairman Manoj Gaur said in New Delhi on Wednesday. JCCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates.

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Tamil Nadu's Murali Vijay harps on consistency

A couple of centuries against Australia helped him seal the spot, but the stylish Tamil Nadu opener feels that his job is only half done.

CHENNAI: Murali Vijay has been around the Indian side for five years now, but it was only in the last season that he realized his potential as a Test batsman. A couple of centuries against Australia helped him seal the spot, but the stylish Tamil Nadu opener feels that his job is only half done.

"It felt good, but that happened sometime back, it's time to look forward," Vijay told the TOI on Wednesday. The opener is preparing for a busy season ahead and he is working on a few areas of his game.

"The first thing is consistency. I have to be more consistent if I have to play for India for a long time. That's my priority," the right-hander said.

He was with the India 'A' team for the South Africa series that got over a few days back and Vijay felt it was good preparation ahead of the series that takes place in the same country at the end of the year. "I didn't get to play in all the games, but obviously it was good to be there, getting used to the conditions."



It's his opening partnership with Shikhar Dhawan that was a big hit last season, and this time too, it will be keenly watched. "We batted well together, he is a good player...Things should go well for us," Vijay added.

But the selectors have recalled the likes of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag to the India 'A' squad for a series against West Indies 'A', clearly indicating that the duo is not out of reckoning.

Vijay, though, is not losing sleep over it. "It's not about competing with others, if I can play my game to the best of my abilities, I will be happy," Vijay said.

ODIs haven't exactly gone to script for Vijay. Despite being a fluent player, he has played only 14 games till now. During India's Champions Trophy campaign and the tri-series in West Indies, he got only two games to bat, scoring 30 and 27.

When reminded about it, Vijay shot back: "Can you judge a player only by two games over one-and-a-half months whether he is good or bad in ODIs? I don't think I have played enough one-day cricket to get labelled that I'm not good enough for the format."

 

















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CLT20: No visas for Pakistan's Faisalabad Wolves

Government sources cited security worries as the main reason for refusing visas to the Wolves, who were to be led by Misbah-ul-Haq.

NEW DELHI: India has refused visas to Pakistan's domestic T20 champions Faisalabad Wolves, who had been invited by the Indian cricket board (BCCI) to participate in the Champions League T20 tournament starting on September 17.


Government sources cited security worries as the main reason for refusing visas to the Wolves, who were to be led by Pakistan's national skipper Misbah-ul-Haq.

"Taking into account security requirements as a matter of abundant caution, government is not giving green signal for the participation of the Faisalabad Wolves.

This is the approach followed in several other recent cases of Pakistani groups planning to visit India, the most recent being the Pakistani zaireen who were to participate in Amir Khusro related festivities," an official source told TOI.

The relations between the neighbours have suffered after the recent violations along the Line of Control (LOC). Till Wednesday afternoon, BCCI was under the impression that Wolves' tour for the qualifying rounds of CLT20 would be cleared.

In fact, BCCI insiders had started making arrangements for the Pakistani team which was scheduled to arrive in two batches - on September 13 and 14.

Sources said an internal communication had already been circulated within the organizing committee members of the CLT20 that the Wolves would play their qualifying matches in Mohali with three other teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL team), Otago Volts (New Zealand) and Kandurata Maroons (Sri Lanka).

The Sialkot Stallions, champions of Pakistan's domestic league last year, had taken part in the qualifying round of the CLT20 which was held in South Africa last year.

Direct entry in CLT20: Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Perth Scorchers, Trinidad and Tobago, Titans, Highveld Lions and Brisbane Heat.

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Dhoni feels I have the ability to open in ODIs: Rohit Sharma

"When you play international cricket, there are times when playing cricket alone isn't the only thing eating into your energy," Rohit Sharma said. (TOI Photo)

After a fruitful outing in the Champions Trophy, his new found role as one-day opener, a feel of the South African conditions during the 'A' tour and finally with some runs under the belt, Rohit Sharma's career is back on the right track. He spoke with TOI on Wednesday, explaining why MS Dhoni may be placing so much trust in him, his own effort in getting better and what he thinks the future could have in store.

Excerpts...

Last year, around the same time, you were going through one of the worst phases. A lot has changed since. You're opening the innings for India and have been impressive...

Yes, I clearly remember what I was going through back then. I was going through a really tough time. The World T20 campaign was a disaster, my personal form during the tour of Sri Lanka was very bad. But then, 2013 has been pleasant so far, hope it continues.

Your new role, as an opener... how did that come about. MS Dhoni had tried it once earlier (during World T20 in 2009). And now again...

We (Rohit and MSD) haven't spoken at length about this. But whatever little MS spoke with me, he did convey that he thinks I have the ability to open the batting and counter the new ball. I'm glad he finds me capable of it and I've also been working hard on it.

Opening the batting is a different challenge altogether, especially with the new ICC rules.

Oh yes, facing two new balls is not easy. The new rules have had an impact and we're happy as a team we could manage to do well and adjust to them. As far as opening is concerned, it is about how mentally strong you are, what kind of pressure can you manage take and deliver.

Is pressure an overrated word in sport? What does it mean to you?

When you play international cricket, there are times when playing cricket alone isn't the only thing eating into your energy. That's probably the case in first class cricket. But as things move on, a sportsperson begins to understand the importance of factors surrounding the game. Be it the media, critics, fans, the competition - not just in terms of the opposition but also in making it to the team and continuing. So pressure can be a very abstract term when all these factors come into play. I try and stay away as much as possible from as many things I can.

Can you give an instance when you did that?

Last year, in Sri Lanka. I wasn't scoring my, wasn't even reaching double digits. It was really getting to me, frustration was at its peak. I used to keep asking myself day in, day out why I wasn't getting it right and there were no answers. The frustration wasn't because the coach or the captain was putting pressure on me or losing faith. It was inside my own mind that I was fighting a battle. I was making things complicated for my own self. It took time for me to realize that there was no point in doing that. There are times in our careers when these things happen. I gradually learnt. I was back in Sri Lanka later that year and I did reasonably well.

How encouraging is it when you have teammates of the same age as you. Does conversation become any easy as compared to having to deal with a senior?

Trust me it's great when you have guys around you who are of the same age as you. You can simply chill, take your mind off, just chat about something else. These things matter especially when things don't go your way. You can't do that much when the seniors are around. Sometimes you're too much in awe of them, sometimes you're scared to approach.

In the last six to eight months, you've looked like a very different guy in the mid-field, at point or cover. A lot more agile, quicker as a fielder...

Maybe it is the approach, I have worked on a lot of changes and gradually inculcated them. Frankly, I like to be myself as much as possible, and more importantly I can't change overnight. Also, the change, if we're talking about one, has to be from within, for a reason. And the reasons have to be the right ones. It takes time to figure out those reasons, but eventually it does happen. If you're doing something right then you also learn with time how to take it forward.

Professional sportspersons at most times feel the pressure of having to mature beyond their age. You must have experienced it too...

Yes, and it is important. And it is also a quality that has to come to you naturally. As I said in the earlier question, the number of factors that define an international cricketer these days contribute to the maturity level as well, depend on how well he copes with them. Being in step with your teammates, the circuit, the international exposure at all times is very important.

Who do you go to when you feel low?

My family, my close friends. They know me best. When you go through a low patch or rough times, you cannot afford to be surrounded by negative people who keep putting you down all the time. I am lucky to have a few good friends around me. Most of my friends are not cricketers so it's refreshing.

Are you spiritual in any way?

Haan thoda hoon (little bit). It's in the family.

One thing held against you as a batsman is about not converting good starts. In the last one year, you might be among the top three batsman with most number of half-centuries...

Well, earlier it was about not getting runs, now it's about not converting 50s into 100s. I'm sure next it's going to be about not converting 100s into 150s. I don't know why people pick on these things so easily. Okay, I do understand that challenge is a good thing and it makes you work harder. But I've also just started playing a new role in the team (as opener). It's been just four months. People do expect too much in a very limited period of time.

You're an India cricketer. Expectations will always be there...

I know people want me to do well, they mean well. But sometimes, these expectations are just too high. I'd personally like to believe that as long as the team is winning, the contributions are in place and players are taking care of the responsibility assigned to them, it's fine. Probably, the next step is to be the match-winner and be consistent at it. It will happen with time. It's a learning process forever.

Is concentration, or the lack of it, one of the issues...

No. Thats not the case at all. There's so much competition, you cannot afford to think like that. If you look at my first class statistics, I have 16 hundreds and 22 50s which means I hold an appetite for longer innings. I have three double-hundreds and a triple. I like to bat longer. Recently, on the 'A' tour of South Africa, I played 250 balls to get my hundred in the first Test. It has not been my nature to play that kind of an innings. But eventually I was glad I did it. it was very satisfying. It is something I will keep working on.

In contrast, where T20 is concerned, you seem to have mastered the art of pacing an innings...

Firstly I love the format. It suits me very well. It's not like one-dayers or Tests don't but whether it was Deccan Chargers earlier or now Mumbai Indians now, there was always a certain responsibility I've felt and it has always brought the best out of me. In MI's case, last season, they gave me the captaincy and I relished the opportunity.

Virat Kohli says you can be a good captain...

That's very kind of him. I was in South Africa when he said it. When I came back, people told me about it. We know each other very well, we know what works for both of us. Maybe he must have liked what I did with Mumbai. But it was very nice of him.

Do you set goals for yourself?

To say that I do may sound very cool in an interview but in real life it doesn't work like that. You take it day by day, match by match, season by season. The goal has to work hard and give your best. You can't set targets like I have to score 2 hundreds, 3 fifties... It's a very abstract term. The goal has to be about keep thinking of ways to contribute to the team at all times. Sport is so much about being instantaneous.

Galli cricket was never like that, one always played purely for the fun of it...

I still play galli cricket near my old house and we enjoy it a lot. There are no restrictions, you get to play, spend time with friends and it's really nice. Two days back, I attended the Ganpati puja at my old house after three years and it still also so enjoyable.

Coming back to serious cricket, what do you make of the new ICC rules in ODIs?

The two new balls rule has certainly made life better for the bowlers in One-day cricket. It's a breather for them. With one new ball, on flat wickets, it was very difficult for the pacer bowlers. On the other hand, it tests the batsmen a lot. Batsmen need to be technically sound to counter it, gauge conditions well. There's been a huge difference in the approach. With five fielders inside the circle, it can get very tricky. If you've just come in to bat, easy singles aren't so easy any more. It's the opposite if the batsman is set. The pressure is on the bowling side because there's a fielder less in the deep. There are positives and negatives, but challenging nonetheless.

Reverse swing, the lack of it, is a factor...

Yes, in fact, in my opinion the biggest factor. What suits us (Team India) best is the reverse swing, especially when playing on the sub-continent wicket. That is our strength. Likewise, spinners are also our strength. They can get quickly into the game and start turning the ball. But with two new balls, strategies have had to be drawn again. Reverse swing is a factor that has completely gone missing.

Sehwag and Gambhir are looking to make a comeback; Dhawan is doing well. The competition is only getting tougher, especially now with you also in the fray among openers...

When I first got into the Indian team, I always knew I could not take my position for granted. The competition has always been there and now it's only getting tougher. I guess I have to keep my focus and know what I'm doing. There are guys who are looking to come back into the team and that's a healthy thing. More competition will only make players make more competitive.

There was a time when cricketers used to dream about playing 100 Tests, 200 ODIs. Do cricketers think like that any more?

I don't think they do that any more. With the amount of cricket played from season to season - which again is the question, how do you define a season? - fitness is the most important thing. You keep yourself fit and take it forward from there. If you keep fit then you may even play 200 Tests. Who knows? But setting those goals isn't a trend any more.

In terms of fitness, you'll must be really looking up to MSD...

Absolutely. He's done so well in all the three formats. He's been a great leader and he's our role model. Emulating him is something the whole team believes in.

What kind of a captain is he?

The way he is on the field is exactly the way he is off it. When he leads us on to the ground, he makes sure everything is under control, there are no hiccups, there's no sense of panic. His attitude is something he carries well and it rubs off on the rest of the players. He's extremely calm and knows how to define the connect between drawing strategies and implementing them.

What kind of access do players have to MSD? If a player is feeling low, does he go out of his way to make him feel better?

He's very friendly. He wants players to come and talk to him. He's someone who's really chilled out. If there's a young guy coming into the team, he won't feel for a minute that 'oh MS is the skipper, can I talk so freely with him? Can I express myself?' He takes care of that. If he feels someone is low or needs support, you don't need to tell him. He'll go to the player and talk to him. That's his biggest strength - man-management. He knows his players are his match-winners and he wants them to be in the best frame of mind.

Horses for courses concept for cricketers, specialist positions - such strategies are helping Team India find a lot more talent...

The most wonderful thing about this is that if a player is just starting, the horses for courses concept helps a lot in him getting to understand his role. It is easier for him to know what is required and that helps him settle down quickly.

Duncan Fletcher seems to be playing a big part in building these strategies. What is he like?

He is so passionate about the game, he loves it so much. You wake him up in the middle of the night and he'll ready to talk cricket. From my point of view -- as a batsman - he is a really good thinker of the game. He knows what it takes to be at the top of the game, he's very knowledgeable.

How exactly do you define 'very knowledgeable'?

When it comes to making strategies, he exactly knows how to plan things, things like how to get a player out and all. On the field, of course it is up to the players... but background strategizing is what I'm talking about. He's very good...

Let's wrap this with your take on your fitness and what kind of work you've put in...

The amount of cricket we play depends on how fit we manage to keep ourselves. It was a concern for me earlier. I admit it wasn't the biggest priority for me but now, I can say that it is. I've been very hard on it and really understand its importance as an international cricketer. I love the gym and a good workout makes me feel exactly how I feel after scoring a hundred.

 








































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Microsoft investors suggest CEO candidates, including Ford chief Alan Mulally

At least three of the top 20 investors in Microsoft Corp want a turnaround expert to succeed Steve Ballmer as chief executive and have urged the technology giant's board to consider Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally and Computer Sciences Corp CEO Mike Lawrie for the job, several sources familiar with the matter said.The special committee of the board, which is conducting the CEO search, and its advisers have been meeting with shareholders after Ballmer's surprise decision late last month to retire within a year, the sources said. It could name a CEO as soon as the end of this year, the sources said.
(Also see: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to retire within 12 months)
In one such meeting, Microsoft said it started with a list of about 40 people, including internal and external candidates, and has been narrowing it down, one of the sources said.
It wasn't clear whether the Microsoft board had reached out to any of the potential candidates suggested by investors or whether it was even considering them. The names of other candidates in the mix could not be learned.
Microsoft declined comment on Monday. Lawrie and Mulally could not be reached for comment. But last week, Mulally told Reuters that he was "absolutely focused on serving our Ford."
The sources requested their identity as well as those of the investors be kept anonymous because the discussions were private.
The search for a new chief executive of the world's largest software maker is one of the most closely watched developments in the technology sector this year.
(Also see: From Nokia chief to Bill Gates, guessing game begins on new Microsoft CEO)
Microsoft remains highly profitable, but it has struggled to gain traction in the mobile device business against rivals such as Apple Inc and Google Inc.
In July, the company unveiled a deep reorganization to transform into a "devices and services" leader, but has so far failed to convince investors that its strategy will work. In a sign that shareholders had already lost confidence in Ballmer, Microsoft's shares rose 7 percent after news of his planned retirement.
Last week, Microsoft said it would buy Nokia's phone business and license its patents for 5.44 billion euros. Shares of the software company fell as much as 6 percent as investors protested the acquisition of an underperforming and marginalized unit that made a $3 billion operating loss in 2012.
The move also brings Stephen Elop, who ran Microsoft's business software division before jumping ship in 2010, back to the company, positioned as another candidate to succeed Ballmer.
Microsoft Chairman and co-founder Bill Gates, who is still the company's largest shareholder with a 4.8 percent stake and is on the four-member special committee, will likely have a veto on the new CEO choice.
Gates, who has focused his day-to-day activities on philanthropy for the last five years, has not given any indication of what kind of CEO he favors.
Turnaroud men
Investors are attracted to Mulally and Lawrie because both have histories of successfully turning around companies, although the Ford CEO is more widely known thanks to his dramatic reversal of the No. 2 U.S. automaker, the sources said.
Under a succession plan at Ford outlined last November, Mulally, 68, is expected to stay on as CEO until at least the end of 2014. But people with knowledge of the matter said the executive may step down sooner than planned if he finds an appealing new role.
"There is no change from what we announced in November: Alan Mulally plans to continue to serve as Ford's president and CEO through at least 2014," Ford spokesman Jay Cooney said.
A role as the head of Microsoft would allow him to follow up his seven-year tenure as Ford's CEO with another high-profile job. It would also bring him back to Seattle, where he lived during his nearly four decades at Boeing Co and still has a home.
The other candidate on investors' radar is Lawrie, a long-time IT executive who engineered a complex fix at UK-based Misys Plc, a financial software company, before joining Computer Sciences in 2012.
Computer Sciences, which is in the midst of a multiyear turnaround plan under Lawrie, declined to comment.
Lawrie also spent nearly three decades at IBM, where he worked alongside John Thompson, Microsoft's lead independent director who is heading the special committee, the sources said.
In 2005, Lawrie worked for about a year as a general partner of activist investor ValueAct Capital, a Microsoft shareholder that had pressed for Ballmer's ouster and has been offered a seat on the company's board.
IBM experience
Even though Ballmer was more a salesman than a technology specialist, a choice of Mulally, who comes from outside the technology sector, would be a radical departure for the industry.
The major precedent for such a move was IBM's successful hiring of Louis Gerstner, a manager from the financial industry who turned around the struggling computer company between 1993 and 2002. John Sculley, who went from PepsiCo to lead Apple from 1983 to 1993, was not regarded as being very successful.
Despite its problems, Microsoft is not yet in such a dire predicament as IBM was in the early 1990s. Microsoft reported a profit of $22 billion last year, despite falling sales of PCs, which are still the key to its main businesses.
Its online and mobile computing efforts do not make money. Its Bing search engine and other online ventures have lost almost $3 billion in the last two years alone, and last quarter the company took a $900 million write-down on the value of unsold Surface tablets.
Despite billions of dollars of investment, Windows phones still have less than a 4 percent global market share, according to the latest figures from research firm IDC.



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All India Radio launches free SMS news service

All India Radio Monday launched a free SMS service to provide important news to subscribers and keep them updated with the latest happenings around.The service was launched by Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari, who also launched the Bharat Nirman online portal.
The service was launched on a pilot scale about six months back. As it received overwhelming response, its reach is being widened, Tewari said.
He hoped the service which is subscribed by two lakh people at present will touch the five lakh figure by the end of this month.
AIR is able to access information from extremely remote parts of the country, he said and added that with this service, "we want to ensure events taking place in northeast and others parts, get mainstreamed."
People willing to subscribe to the service can simply SMS 'AIRNEWS their name to 08082080820. They can also give a missed call to the said number to subscribe to the service. Along with news headlines, a small message regarding public utility schemes of the government will be tagged.
"The resource generated through such public utility scheme will enable the News Services Division of AIR to bear the cost incurred towards generating such SMSes, said an official statement.
AIR has already procured a public service message from HRD Ministry which is being tagged along with the news headlines of the day, it said.
Talking about the launch of the online portal, Tewari said the aim is to ensure "I&B Ministry has an institutionalised presence".
Bharat Nirman campaign seeks to highlight government's major achievements in the run-up to the 2014 general elections. The second phase of the campaign was launched last month.

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