Why to settle down abroad ??

No, there's nothing with India neither I am ashamed of being an Indian. It's the people here who sometimes become the driving force and make me hate my own country so much so that I end up drawing comparisons with countries abroad and even look for options to move one to those better off cities.Talk of economy, lifestyle, culture, people, mindsets and many other factors, most countries in the West give a tough competition to India. Well, though my list of reasons why I would prefer staying abroad goes beyond these basic reasons and logic  as a free spirited woman, I look for more. Here's what attempts me to settle outside of India.

1. Unlike India, you can live abroad without any fear of being judged all the time. Precisely no one has to time to be judgmental about others and would rather focus on their lives.

2. You can be rest assured about your choice of wardrobe for it won't be the hottest topic of gossip whereas Indians love to make passes at almost everything you wear.

3. You really need not worry that you are committing a sin if you are hanging out with a guy. It's just normal. People abroad don't have the time to scrutinize whether you are in a serious relationship with them or just enjoying a casual fling.

4. There is no rule book you need to follow with regards to your lifestyle and basic conduct. 

5. You can roam freely on the streets of Vegas of Sydney without the constant fear of getting raped by some sick mentality men. Owe it to the strict security and safety measures of people's mindset, cities outside India are much safer in this regard.

6. There is no set rule book that you have to abide by if you a girl. No one dictates the job you should take, clothes you should wear, time you should be back home etc.

7. Driving can be enjoyed as a true passion for people behave like humans while on roads unlike India where lane driving apparently is considered to be the most insane thing to do.

8. No corporate houses or companies would ever disturb you over the weekends. Once the working week is over, you can very conveniently switch off your mobile phones and be at peace.

9. Sex is definitely a 'natural' phenomenon, even if happens before marriage. You won't be looked down upon as a whore if you indulge in sex with someone.

10. Respect comes your way without even you asking for it. It has certainly not got anything to do with your bank balance, status in the society or professional power.

11. Power of money is not misused like the way Indians would love. Abiding by law is a much easier choice abroad than bribing the cops all the time.

12. Staying single at 30 is not a crime. Marriage is not considered as a business transaction and you are free to decide when it's time for you to tie the knot. No parental or societal pressure can force you to get married.

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Views on India's Narendra Modi

A kaleidoscope of events – lot told, half heard and less explored - Narendra Modi’s political life has been quite eventful which on one side is being adored as a role model and the most competent leader in the country while on the other, he is still the most divisive figure and a hated pariah for much of the Western world.

“Ill-told and ill-heard” - the Modi brigade rubbishes the never-ending stories on their enigmatic leader for whom he is the most possible future prime minister of India and his opponents, despite his fast evolving image changeover, still term his a mass murder of Muslims, on the memories of the 2002 Gujarat riots - the darkest chapter that refuses to fade away from history. His rise would rejuvenate the economy of the country but his lineage of aggressive Hindutva nationalism would polarize the country on religious lines and in all possibility, would undermine the long-cherished secular identity of the world’s largest democracy and a key American strategic ally, writes Simon Denyer of the Washingtonpost.

He is being looked upon quite enviously, even by his opponents, for his administrative excellence by which he has uprooted corruption and promoted economic and industrial growth in Gujarat. The Gujarat government under the leadership of Modi attracted investment from all over the world and many leading companies, including those from America like Ford and General Motors, flocked to the new-found favorite investment destination to do business.

However, the United States didn’t seem to have taken these good records into consideration as it denied him a visa over and again for his alleged involvement in the Gujarat riots. He was accused of failing to stop the riot during which nearly 1,000 to 2,000 Muslims were massacred and is also accused of actively encouraging the slaughter.

However, what reflects in his ever swelling popularity is a public demand among certain sections of the middle classes for a strong and decisive leader who can cure the plague of corruption, challenge the Chinese upper hand in the region, prevent the recurring terrorist attacks and finally, it also represents the general impatience of the overstated liberal principles of human rights and social justice, the Washingtonpost reads.

Modi, a man with few close friends, sleeps just three and half hours a night, admits of being a workaholic and his only pastimes is an early-morning spell of yoga. The article takes a look into his office ambience and says Modi demands a similar dedication from his colleagues and the other bureaucrats who work on tight deadlines. It portrays a quite unusual and a radically different way of working as even his cabinet ministers keeps him updated about their day-to-day schedules.

His policies, often harshly criticized as pro-industry and anti-people by his critics, had made sure that every village in the state is served by a paved road and has a reliable supply of electricity and drinking water, claims the report. With aggressive investment in irrigation, Gujarat saw a great leap in agricultural sector.

It’s there Narendra Modi came to be known as a man who can get things done and that reputation made him the favorite to become India’s next prime minister. He outstripped Rahul Gandhi to be voted favorite for the top job in a recent survey by India Today magazine with 24 percent opting Modi to be their desired PM while the Gandhi scion scored just 17 percent.

If the public sentiments grow stronger for Modi and if he climb’s the Prime Minister’s chair, it would be slightly uncomfortable for the United States. US doesn’t permit its diplomats to meet with Modi and Britain wouldn’t deal with him at all while many other countries won’t be worried by his record. “Private conversations with Western diplomats suggest that there is a general desire to rehabilitate Modi,” writes Denyer who also quoted the leaked 2006 cable from U.S. Embassy by WikiLeaks which said, “We believe it would dilute our influence to avoid Modi completely.” The cable also says that waiting until Modi “achieved national stature” to engage with him could be seen as opportunistic.

While it’s not very easy to wash away the stains of his past, his supporters say it is time to move on but his critics still call for his head saying that the systematic nature of violence makes this impossible. They says his increased efforts to do an image makeover is an attempt to fetch the national job but Modi rubbishes these allegations which he puts on “some vested interest groups” and says, “because I have not done anything wrong, and I am committed to the human cause.” With his Sadbhavana mission, Modi tried to reach out to his people with his development stories and to highlight the fact that there had been no major violence between Hindus and Muslims since 2002.

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Current Average Salaries for IT Jobs in India

In 2012 Indian salaries are set to rise by 12 percent; the largest hike amongst Asian countries for the 10th year in a row reveals a recent survey conducted by human resource consultancy Aon Hewitt. If you are looking for a job in the IT sector and wondering, what is the present salary range in the IT sector, then you should definitely know that at present the highest salaries go to IT project managers and consultants compared to the other software and IT jobs, according to the salary survey data highlighted in the “payScale” website. However, the report also demonstrates that the average pay in Bangalore is currently ranking higher than salaries in other cities in India. In terms of experience, individuals with five to nine years of experience tend to earn significantly higher salaries than those in entry-level positions. Infosys, IBM, Accenture, Wipro, HCL and Tata Consultancy Services emerge to be the most popular employers in the country. Listed below are the salaries for most popular tech jobs in India.

1.Software Engineer: Software engineers are skilled professionals mainly focused on the design and creation of software. Software engineers explain business functions to programmers and technology restraints to non-technical business managers. For being a software engineer one should have a BS in Computer Science or a B- tech, BE degree in computer science. Software engineers should be very familiar with specialized languages relevant to the technologies employed for example Java, C++, C#.NET. The pay Package of software engineers varies according to years of experience. Software engineers earn 339,509 annually. According to glassdoor, software giant Tata consultancy pays an average salary of 410, 067 to software engineers, Infosys pays an average salary of 346,074, Wipro and Accenture pays an average salary of 352,273 and 380,124 respectively.

2. Sr. Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer: A senior software engineer is responsible for planning, processing and performing all jobs in an efficient manner with no assistance from the manager. They design and develop programming systems making detailed determinations about system performance. They also review and repair legacy code. Sr. Software Engineers make 557, 472 annually. You can easily earn an average pay package of 437,984, if you are senior software engineer at Infosys. Likewise, technology giant Wipro pays an average of 483, 086 to its senior software engineers. Reputed companies like Accenture and IBM pay an average of 596, 810 and 635, 804 respectively.

3. Project Manager, Information Technology (IT): Project Managers assist to facilitate and manage the implementation of an IT Project. They are involved in all phases of the project from accomplishing requirements to roll out and training of end users. The project managers maintain the budget integrity time constraints, and goal of the project. Although the salary of project managers varies from company to company the salary drawn by project managers annually is 1, 040, 533.

4. SAP consultant: A SAP consultant’s role is quite similar to that of a Systems Analyst in the established IT world. SAP consultants understand the business requirements and deliver a SAP solution that meets the user needs. Annually the SAP consultants earn 583,792. Bachelor's degrees in IT, a related major, or math is a must to become a SAP consultant.

5. Software Developer: Software developers are concerned with aspects of the software development process. They research, design, develop, and test software. They can also take part in design, computer programming, or software project management. You need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, good knowledge of the programming languages and new developments in its industry; likewise, you should posses’ good technical knowledge and a good amount of computer-related experience in order to become a software developer. Software developers make 315, 365 annually.

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Top 10 Cars in India

India has seen an exceptional growth in the auto industry in the past decade or so. Let's take a look at 10 top selling cars in India.

Maruti Alto 

The Suzuki Alto is a small car designed by Suzuki. Its selling points have long incorporated a low price and good fuel economy. The model, presently in its seventh generation, was introduced in 1979. It was launched in the local market on September 27 in 2000. The Alto badge has often been used on different cars in Japan and in export markets. The sales volume for Alto has reached 32,965.

Maruti Swift

Swift is a sub compressed car fashioned by Suzuki in Japan since 2000. Previously, the "Swift" nameplate had been applied to the Suzuki Cultus in export markets such as Australasia, Europe, India and North America. In India, Swift was launched by Suzuki as a joint venture with Maruti and the car is known as Maruti Suzuki Swift. In the Indian auto market Swift is offered with seven alternatives, four with petrol and three with diesel engine option. The sales volume is around 18,756. 

Wagon R

Wagon R was introduced in Japan in 1993 and in production by Suzuki till date. The 'R' sets for Recreation.
It is one of the first cars to use the "tall wagon or tall boy" design in which the car is designed to be strangely tall with a short bonnet and more or less vertical hatchback and sides in order to make the most of cabin space while staying within the car dimension restrictions. The sales volume for Wagon R has escalated to 14,888. It has been a money-making car for Suzuki even in the International market, largely since establishing the car in India. Sales of Suzuki Wagon R have reached 5 million units at the end of February 2010. 

Tata Indica Vista

Indica Vista was introduced at the ninth Auto Expo in New Delhi. The Tata Indica is a rear door automobile range by Tata Motors of India. It is the first ever passenger car from Tata Motors and is also measured as India's first indigenously developed passenger car. Around 910,000 Indicas were produced as of August 2008, and the platform had generated close to 1.2 million vehicles. In 2006-07, the annual sales of Indica have been as high as 144,690 units. Current monthly sales of Indica are around 8000 units. The models have also been exported to Europe, Africa and other countries since late in 2004. The sales volume for Vista is around 11,534. 

Hyundai i10

The 5-door hatchback subcompact, Hyundai i10, is produced by the Hyundai Motor Companies. It replaced the Hyundai Atos in some markets with its launch in October 2007. Produced in India at Hyundai's Chennai plant for the domestic and export markets, it is placed at the lower end of Hyundai's hatchback subcompact range. At present i10's sales volume are around 10744. 

Mahindra Bolero

The rugged car, Bolero Camper is the pick-up version of Mahindra's Bolero UV, a basic pick-up with an optional air conditioner for comfort and designed to be a strong vehicle. Despite the fact that it is based on a decades old platform, its high ground clearance makes it easier to drive on rural Indian roads. The sales volume for Bolero has reached 9,338. 

Tata Indigo Manza

The Tata Indigo is a compact car manufactured by Tata Motors of India. The Indigo Manza was launched on 14 October 2009.

The variation is based on the Tata X1 platform which was exhibited by Tata Motors in its prototype form called Elegante Concept during the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The sales volume for Manza is around 9,272.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Suzuki launched a sedan based version of the Swift called the "Maruti Swift Dzire" in the Indian market. Swift DZire replaced Maruti Suzuki's well-liked entry level sedan, Maruti Suzuki Esteem on March 26, 2008, as the production of Esteem was halted in late 2007. Swift DZire was introduced only in the Indian market.

The Dzire has exactly the same wheelbase as the hatchback version and has an increased overall length due to the addition of the boot. It shares the same 1.2-liter K-series gasoline and 1.3-liter DDIS diesel engines fitted to the hatchback variation. The sales volume for this car is 8,637. 

Tata Nano

The city car, Tata Nano was launched by Tata Motors. The smallest and the lowest powered car in the world, was designed to be the cheapest car in India aiming at the lowest price section in the Indian domestic market. The car was launched in the Indian market in March, 2009, with a pre-launch price offer of 100,000 (US$ 2100). Among other reasons, the new emmission regulation forced Tata to refine the engine with a higher price tag. The sales volume reached around 7,723 for Tata Nano. 

Maruti Omni

Indian automaker Maruti Suzuki has manufactured the microvan, the Maruti Omni. The first version of Maruti Omni had 796 cc engines, same as the Maruti 800. Omni was the second vehicle to be launched by Maruti, one year after the 800, in 1984. The Omni is divided into two categories, the family version and the cargo version. The newer family version has two extra seats directly behind the front seating and facing away towards the rear of the van making it an eight seater. The sales volume for Maruti Omni went up to 7,668. 

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Exotic Honeymoon Destinations in Incredible India

Honeymoon is the most beautiful time that a couple could probably cherish for their entire lifetime. People look for places that offer soothing climate, serene surroundings and beautiful landscape. In India, there are some perfect places for honeymooners to travel. Below are some of the places where you and your partner can visit.

Goa

Glistering sands and swaying coconut palms make Goa one of the most favorite honeymoon destinations in India. The major attractions of Goa are the beaches, which are Anjuna, Baga, Colva, Calangute, Varca, Vagator, Candolim, Dona Paula, and Benaulim Beach. Goa offers wide range of choices for the newly-wedded couples, like pristine beaches to spend some beautiful moments, superb night life, restaurants and pubs. Moreover, couples can try out some of the adventurous activities in Goa like beach activities and water sports. The amusing blends of many beaches make Goa one of the beautiful places to spend time with your partner. Goa, is easily accessible with well connected roads.


Kashmir, Heaven on Earth

The Paradise on Earth, Kashmir is one of the perfect honeymoon destinations for couples. Kashmir's major attraction lies in its scenic beauty, snow clad peaks, lush green valleys, Alpine villages, cascading waterfalls, flower gardens etc. Kashmir is a destination worth visiting, during winter season where you can enjoy the boat ride on picturesque Dal Lake. The other major attractions are Gulmarg, Srinagar, Sonmarg and Pehalgam among others. The idyllic weather is sure to fascinate you, enthrall and rejuvenate you, which will make your honeymoon one of the most memorable moment ever. 


Kasauli, the cantonment town

The picturesque hill station Kasauli, is one of the most preferred honeymoon destination in India. The cantonment town is situated in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. The scenic attraction of Kasauli is covered with rhododendrons, wild roses, tall deodar, wild flowers and flowering kichnar. The place is also admired for bird-watchers and snowfalls in winter, which are worth watching. The other appealing things are weather, cleanliness and serene hilly areas, which made the place attractive and exotic. Kasauli is located at a distance of about 75 km from Shimla, 65 km from Chandigarh and is well connected by roads.


Coorg, the Scotland of India

Coorg is famously known as "the Scotland of India" and one of the most favorite places for honeymoon. The couple can enjoy the beauty of lush green forest, tall hills, essence of coffee estates and pale green rice valleys in Coorg. The other main attractions that made the place mesmerizing are lies in the calm banks of Kaveri River; waterfalls like Iruppu, Abbey and Mallalli, and Abbi Falls, which would serve a complete honeymoon trip for couples. Well connected roads are there to reach Coorg from places like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Ooty and Mysore.


Andaman

Andaman, the eastern coast of India is one of the popular destinations for newly-wedded couples. The dazzling sandy white beaches and the rich coral life make the place one of the most exotic. The attraction of this place lies in its natural beauty and places like Neil Island, Rangat, Long Island, Limestone Cave are Parrot Island near Baratang are the most eye-catching. You can also enjoy adventurous activities like cruising, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, water skiing, windsurfing and speed boating. The picturesque landscape and beautiful climate make the place attractive for the couples. 

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Incredible India - Unexplored Destinations

India is diverse; tourists who traverse through various parts of India have always been fascinated by India's cultural and geographical richness, architectural marvels, exclusive heritage sites, majestic monuments, and exotic flora and fauna. There are zillions of unexplored destinations within the country which offer an unforgettable experience to all types of tourists and make India an awe-inspiring nation. From Himalayas in the north to the Indian ocean in the south, India has an ample number of places that are still left unexplored and unheard of. Lets have a glimpse of some of the best unexplored destinations.

Sandakphu (East India) 

Sandakfu or Sandakphu is the highest peak in the state of West Bengal, India. The Sandakphu is the culminating point of many trekking routes in the Darjeeling-Sikkim region. It is the highest point on the Singalila ridge that forms the border between Eastern Nepal and India. The peaks of Kanchanjanga and Everest can be seen from its summit. Sandakphu is resplendent with the ethereal beauty of magnolias, rhododendrons, primulas and other sub-alpine flowers. It also contains more than 600 varieties of orchids.The temperature swings from -20 C (including wind chill factor) in winter to +15C in summer. Sandakphu gets snowfall in late December to early february. 


Sar Pass and Chanderkhani Pass, Himachal Pradesh

Sar Pass Trail offers an opportunity to enjoy the exquisite beauty of Parvati Valley. For those looking forward to experiencing an adrenaline rush or for those seeking solace with a bit of thrill, head to Sur pass and Chanderkhani pass in Himachal Pradesh, where it is inspiring to tread as very few have done so before. Situated at a height of 13,800ft, The Sar Pass territory has places for trekking and a landscape that changes with every turn you take on the 80km trail.

Lepchajagat, West Bengal

Lepchajagat is located on a hill covered with Oaks forests and beautiful rhododendron. It is situated on Ghoom-Mirik road at the Sukhipokhri near Darjeeling. This place has an astonishing exquisiteness that is difficult to get over. The curious play of colors in the sky strikes you straight away. Partly black and white clouds drift from one hill to another. The other places close by that are not to be missed include Jorepokri, Mirik and Pashupati

Gokarna, Karnataka

Gokarna, with its blue seas and clean sands, coconut palms andpristine quaint beaches is perfect for an idyllic vacation by the sea. Gokarna is located in North Karnataka. A pleasant surprise is the beach which resembles 'Om', the Sanskrit symbol for the invocation that is believed to have created the universe. Gokarna is pretty much a round-the-year destination, although you'd be well advised to avoid it during the monsoon. Also in the Northern part of Karnataka, on a thin strip of tropical sand lies Karwar, bound by the Western Ghats on its eastern side and embraced by the Arabian Sea on the west. 

Sindhudurg fort, Malvan Region, Maharashtra

Filled with fascinating forts and coastlines, the Malvan region is one the premiere places for a peaceful holiday to seep in history or to soak up the sun. Sindhudurg fort stands on a rocky island, known as Kurte, barely a km, from the Malavan is 510kms south of Mumbai and 130kms north of Goa. It is one of the best preserved forts of the Marathas; the 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four kms long zigzag line of 9 metres high and 3 metres wide rampart with 42 bastions. The massive walls were designed to serve as a deterrent to approaching enemies and to the waves and tides of the Arabian Sea. Apart from the Fort, one can relax on the beaches of Tarkarli and Chiwla beach in Malwan region. These beaches are neat and clean and very less crowded.

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Top 10 Richest Man from India in 2011

Mukesh Ambani lead a top ten dominated by industrial tycoons, including ArcelorMittal chairman Lakshmi Mittal, who came in second with a net worth of USD 19.2 billion.

Energy and metal barons Shashi and Ravi Ruia lie fourth with a combined worth of USD 10.2 billion.

Kumar Birla, head of the fabrics-to-cement Aditya Birla conglomerate, Adi Godrej of the Godrej Group and construction tycoon Pallonji Mistry -- the largest individual shareholder of the Tata Group and father-in-law to Noel Tata, touted as a likely successor to Ratan Tata -- are also in the top ten.
Many of those companies are benefiting from India's plans to spend USD 1 trillion in the five years to 2017 to overhaul its creaking infrastructure, seen as a barrier to continued economic growth.

Only one name from India's showpiece IT sector made the top ten: Azim Premji, chairman of Wipro, India's No. 3 software services provider, ranked third with a net worth of USD 13 billion.

Savitri Jindal, head of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, was India's richest woman, sitting fifth on the list with a net worth of USD 9.5 billion. Jindal was one of only five women on the list of one hundred.

A USD 39 billion telecom scandal, likely India's largest ever graft scam, made its mark on the list, with two accused in the case, Vinod Goenka and Shahid Balwa, falling out of the top 100. Both deny any wrongdoing.
Debutants on the annual list include Kapil Bhatia and his son Rahul, founders of budget airline IndiGo, and V.G. Siddhartha, whose coffee shop chain Cafe Coffee Day gave him a net worth of USD 595 million.
India's biggest gainer in percentage terms was Brijmohan Lall Munjal, head of two-wheeler HeroMoto Corp, whose net worth rose to USD 2.7 billion in the year his firm ended a 26-year partnership with Japan's Honda Motor.

India's auto industry has seen car sales declining on high interest rates while families of four continue to buy two-wheelers, most of which can be bought without relying on loans.

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