10 types of home loans you must know

Home loans are an attractive and popular means of buying a dream house for most people. In India, the demand for home loans has increased manifold in the last decade. Every day numerous people apply for home loans to own a perfect abode for themselves. The fact that home loans come with added advantages (like tax benefits) is the icing on the cake.

Lenders provide home loans not only for buying houses but for a variety of related purposes. The home loan market is brimming with diverse home loan products which cater to different needs of individual customers.
The following are some popular types of home loans available in the Indian housing finance market:

1. Land purchase loans

Land purchase loans are taken to buy a plot of land on which a borrower wishes to construct her/his house. Most banks offer up to 85 per cent of the price of the land. These loans can be availed for residential as well as for investment purposes. Almost all leading banks offer this loan like ICICI Bank (land loan), Axis bank (loan for land purchase) etc.

2. Home purchase loans

The home purchase loans are the most popular and the most commonly available home loan variants. These loans can be used to finance the purchase of a new residential property or an old house from its previous owners.

In this type of loan also, lenders usually finance up to 85 per cent of the market value of the house. These loans are provided either on fixed interest rates or floating interest rates or as hybrid loans.
All banking institutions and housing finance companies provide this type of loan.

3. Home construction loans

These loans can be availed by those individuals who want to construct a house according to their wishes rather than purchasing an already constructed one. The loan application and approval process for home construction loans are somewhat different from those of the commonly available housing loans.

The plot of land on which the borrower wishes to construct the house should have been bought within a year for the cost of the land to be included as a component for calculating the total price of the house. If the plot has been purchased more than a year ago, then the above clause is not applicable.

The borrower has to make a rough estimate of the cost that will be incurred for the construction of the house and then apply for the loan with the same amount. The lender then takes over from there and analyses the application to decide whether or not to sanction the loan.

The approval or disapproval of the same is intimated by the lender to the applicant. The loan amount may be disbursed at one go or in several installments according to the progress in the construction of the house. Banks like Canara Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Baroda provide these loans.

4. Home expansion/Extension loans

Home expansion or extension loans are useful in situations when people want to expand their existing house. Expansion includes alteration in the current structure of the residence to add extra space such as constructing a new room, a floor, a bigger bathroom or enclosing a balcony. Though many banks provide loans for these purposes as part of home expansion loans, some banks lend for the same purposes as part of their home improvement loans.

It depends on how a bank categorises its loans. Some popular banks which provide home expansion loans are HDFC Bank (HDFC Home Extension Loan), Bank of Baroda etc.

5. Home improvement loans

Home improvement loans are availed by individuals who already own a house but lack the funds to renovate it. All kinds of renovations and repair works can be financed using this variant of home loans such as internal and external painting, external repair works, electrical work, water-proofing and construction of underground or overhead water tank etc.

ICICI Bank, Vijaya Bank and Union Bank of India are among those banks which provide specialised home improvement loans.

6. Home conversion loans

Those borrowers who have already purchased a house by taking a home loan but now want to buy and move to another house opt for the home conversion loans. Through these loans, they can fund the purchase of the new house by transferring the current loan to the new house. There is no need to repay the loan on the previous home.

Though useful, this segment of home loans is accused of being quite expensive. This housing finance scheme is provided by HDFC Bank among others.

7. NRI home loans

NRI home loans is a specialised home loan variant which has been developed to assist non-residents in acquiring housing finance to buy residential property in India. These loans are meant exclusively for the non-resident Indians.

The formalities of availing this segment of home loans is similar to the regular home loans which are offered to residents, only the paperwork is a bit elaborate. Almost all public and private sector banks provide NRI home loans.

8. Balance transfer loans

Balance transfer option can be availed when an individual wants to transfer his home loan from one bank to another bank. This is usually done to repay the remaining amount of loan at lower interest rates or when a customer is unhappy with the services provided by his existing lender and wants to switch to another lender.
Banks such as Deutsche Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank offer this facility among other lenders.

9. Stamp duty loans

Stamp duty loans are provided to pay off the stamp duty charges on the purchase of a property. The amount from this loan can be used solely for this purpose. This segment of home loans has yet not gained much popularity.

10. Bridged loans

Bridge loans are short term loans which are meant for people who already own a residential property but are planning to buy a new house. It helps borrowers to fund the purchase of the new house until a buyer is identified for the old house.

It is extended for a period of less than two years and requires the mortgage of the new house with the lender. Some banks offering this type of loan are Vijaya Bank, HDFC Bank etc.

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EAMCET 2013 Notification online apply for web Counselling

AP EAMCET Notification 2012 ,Fee . web Counselling Dates for Certificate verification..

Andhra Pardesh State EAMCET Notification 2013 announced by APSCHE from the January 2nd week or February first week 2013(onwards). The Eamcet 2013 Online application Submission Started from last week of February 2013 at the AP EAMCET official Web site of www.apeamcet.org
The AP EAMCET 2013 of Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test Application submission thought online only at www.apeamcet.org for admissions into Engineering. Agriculture & Medical Government and Private colleges in Andhrapradesh state for 2013 academic year .

Suggested Details for for AP EAMCET 2013 Online application and counseling .
S.S.C./ 10th Class Hall ticket Number , H.S.C/ equivalent Hall ticket Number , Date of Birth as per SSC/10th Class certificates , PH, NCC, Sports etc , Caste certificates for ( ST/BC/SC candidates),Income certificates for more or less than Two Lakhs , Residence certificate for Proof of local status.
All the 2013 EAMCET applied Candidates will must mentioned above documents at time for wed counseling Certificate verification .

AP EAMCET Web Counselling Certificate verification Dates available after the EAMCET 2013 Notification officially announced ..

AP EAMCET 2013 online application fee.
EAMCET 2013 Application Form filling and fee payment thought online Rs. 250/ with the payment gateway modes of E-SEVA/CSC/AP ONLINE/DEBIT CARD/CREDIT CARD/Net Banking.
Follow the EAMCET 2012 Fee payments Details with Late fee ...

Without late fee:	last week of March 2013
With Late Fee (Rs. 500/-):	First week of April 2013
With Late Fee (Rs. 1000/-):	Third week of April 2013
With Late Fee (Rs. 5000/-):	Last week of April 2013
With Late Fee (Rs. 10000/-):	First week of May 2013

Apply online EAMCET 2013 Directly at www.apeamcet.org

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DSC 2013 Exam Pattern for AP TEST 2013 DSC New Syllabus

AP DSC New Syllabus 2013 | AP TEST New Syllabus 2013|AP TEST Cut-off | AP TEST Pattern for Parer -1 and Paper -2 Syllabus and Model Paper for Part - A and Part - B DSC New Model Papers ..

The Andhra Pradesh State Teacher Recruitment Examination Test Conducted in One test that’s AP T.E.S.T. (TET+DSC)

The AP DSC Recruitment Examination Test of AP TEST will Conducted Totally in Seven Subjects .

1.CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND PEDAGOGICAL CONCERNS
2.GENERAL ENGLISH
3.GENERAL TELUGU
4.SUBJECT CONTENT
5.METHODOLOGY
6.PERSPECTIVES IN EDUCATION
7.COMPUTERS AND GK&CURRENT AFFAIRS

The DSC 2013 Recruitment Examination Test of AP TEST 2013 Written Examination Test in Two sessions ..

The AP DSC 2013 Examination Test of AP TEST 2013 written Examination all Papers had totally 160 Questions for the Marks of 160 (one mark Question ) each Question had 1 mark only, the DSC 2013 AP TEST Examination Duration is 150 Mints (H 2:30 M)( Paper -1 for 60 min and paper -2 for 90 min ).

The AP TEST 2013 of DSC 2013 Recruitment Examination Test Conducted in two Sections there are Paper-1 and Paper-2 OR Part –A and Part –B .

The DSC 2013 Recruitment Examination Test of AP TEST 2013 Paper -1 or Part – A Subjects and Syllabus with Marks ..

Subject	Marks
CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND PEDAGOGICAL CONCERNS	30
GENERAL ENGLISH	15
GENERAL TELUGU	15
Total Marks	60

Paper-1 or Part-A Total Marks = 60 , this session only Qualifying like TET

The DSC 2013 Recruitment Examination Test of AP TEST 2013 Paper -2 or Part-B Subjects Syllabus With Marks ….

Subject	Marks
CONTENT Subject	55
METHODS	20
PERSPECTIVES	10
GK&CURRENT AFFAIRS & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS	15
Total Marks	100

The DSC 2013 Recruitment or AP TEST 2013 had I.E Cut-off for
OC Candidates 60% CUT OFF like 36 MARKS
BC Candidates 50% CUT OFF like 30 MARKS
SC&ST Candidates 40% CUT OFF Like 24 MARKS

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Shilpa Singh Miss Universe 2012 in a bikini Photos

The Miss Universe crown has eluded India ever since Sushmita Sen brought it home in 1994 followed by Lara Dutta in 2000. And as the competition heats up once again this year, all hopes are pinned on Shilpa Singh, a software engineer from Bihar. In an interview on Zee Cafe recently, the 23-year-old spoke about her fashion sense, how she prepared for the contest and other little known facts about herself.

“Fashion is all about feeling good about oneself,” she observed. “You wear something and you feel good, you feel confident, you stand in front of the mirror and say,‘Oh, I look good’, that for me is fashion,” Shilpa said.

When it comes to fitness, the beauty queen feels that the exercise regime should not be monotonous but fun and varied. “Getting in shape involves two things — diet and exercise. I did not starve myself but ate smaller, more frequent meals every two hours. Also, keeping oneself hydrated is important,” she added. Shilpa’s workout included weight training and cardio. “I also did kick boxing so that I don’t get bored,” she said.

What most people don’t know about this passionate dancer and runway model is that she loves cooking, playing basketball and swimming.

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Tena Desae's film Table No. 21 nominated for the Golden Globe Awards

Actress Tena Desae is thrilled with a Golden Globe nomination for her Hollywood film 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'. The movie is in the run for the best motion picture (Musical or Comedy) award, it was announced in Los Angeles.

"I had the best feeling about this film from the word 'go' and always expected the best for it. I'm thrilled the film has been nominated for the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Awards and Critics' Choice Awards. They're all much respected awards and a nomination is supremely exciting," Tena said in a statement.

The actress, who plays Sunaina, a call centre worker in the movie, added: "The competition is tough and has some truly fantastic films this year, which makes the nomination all the more incredible. Fingers crossed."

Tena will soon be seen opposite Rajeev Khandelwal and Paresh Rawal in 'Table No.21'. Directed by Aditya Dutt, the movie is dark and intense and hits theatre on Jan 4, 2013.

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Bipasha Basu HOT Bikini Photos on Maxim

Bipasha Basu has certainly the best body among the female actresses in Bollywood. The last time Bipasha was on Maxim, she went topless, and this time she is flashing her curves in a cut-out swimsuit.

Whenever it’s Maxim and Bipasha, expect the combination to be lethal. The mag loves its ladies in black, and once again has got Bips donning the dark colour.

“She's back in black!” screams the magazine, while Bipasha poses in sexy swimsuits, sports poker-straight long hair with fringes, and scorches the pages of Maxim with her oomph and vim.

Putting her best body forward on Maxim, she proves why she is the sexiest Indian actress alive. After the super success of Raaz 3, she is on cloud nine, and is now looking forward to her film Aatma in the coming year; in the flick she will sharing screen space with Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

The mag also features an interview with Bipasha Basu. The actress talks about her desires and relationships, and redefines hotness.

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Kim Kardashian HOT Photoshoot for magazine

Hot Kim Kardashian has done a bold photoshoot for French magazine Factice. Kim raises temperatures in a racy lace bra and panty. Her ensemble is topped off with a luxurious-looking fur coat.

Kim does her best pout and smouldering stare for the camera. Kim shows her famous cleavage. Kim on a shell-shaped sofa, wearing a vintage white lace basque, matching silk stocking and white heels. She once again drapes her feather boa around her body and gives a smouldering stare into the camera.

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Foods that help prevent Cancer

Can food help prevent diseases such as cancer?

Research states that more than 50 per cent of all cancers are linked to your daily lifestyle choices such as diet, smoking and exercise.

In fact, thousands of studies on lifestyle conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research point out strong cancer prevention links to primarily plant foods like broccoli, berries and garlic.

Do note, however, that while many colourful fruits and vegetables help fight heart disease, diabetes and cancer, no one food can stop the disease in its tracks.

The link between antioxidants and cancer

Studies have found that individuals who eat meals that are rich in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of cancer; in other words, natural plant foods rich in antioxidants help fight the disease.
Antioxidants help protect cells from harmful compounds found in food and the environment, and also help prevent cell damage and mutations.

Folate-containing foods protect against pancreatic cancer. Foods rich in carotenoids help protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and lung.

Foods rich in beta-carotene help protect against esophageal cancer; lycopene and selenium-containing foods help protect against prostate cancer; Vitamin C-containing foods also protect against esophageal cancer.
So opt for plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meat or fish in your diet.

Sulphur-containing compounds in garlic

The allium family of vegetables that includes garlic, onions, leeks, chives, and scallions helps protect against stomach cancer; garlic is also known to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

To reap the health benefits of garlic fully, peel and chop the garlic cloves and let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. The chopping helps release the sulfur-containing compounds that have the most protective effect.


Lutein-rich spinach

Lutein, an antioxidant found in spinach, helps fight cancer and it is also excellent for your eyes.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in spinach that help remove free radicals from your body before they damage it.

Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables help protect against cancer of the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Its carotenoids help reduce the risk of ovarian, endometrial, lung, and colorectal cancer. Dark leafy greens also contain folate and fibre, thus making them a nutritional powerhouse as folate helps your body produce new cells and repair DNA.
Opt for raw or lightly-cooked spinach to get most of its lutein content.

Antioxidant-rich strawberries

Antioxidants Vitamin C and ellagic acid found in strawberries help fight cancer. Ellagic acid has anti-cancer properties as it revs up enzymes which destroy cancer-causing compounds, thus slowing the growth of tumours.

Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cranberries all also a rich source of flavonoids, a phytochemical that helps reduce the risk of lung cancer. They can also help prevent cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.

Beta carotene-rich carrots

Carrots are rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from toxin damage and slows the growth of cancer cells.

Vitamins and phytochemicals in carrots help protect against cancers of the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Carrots also help protect against cervical cancer. Note that cooked carrots provide more antioxidants than raw carrots.

Glucosinate-rich broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale contain phytochemicals called glucosinolates that help protect against cancers of the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

Broccoli and cruciferous vegetables are also an excellent source of vitamins A, C and E that stimulate the body's immune system.

Broccoli contains a high concentration of sulforaphanes, which are potent anti-cancer agents.

Lycopene-rich tomatoes

The powerful antioxidant lycopene gives tomatoes their red colouring and helps fight prostate cancer by boosting the immune system.

Lycopene may also help reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, lung and endometrium (in the lining of the uterus). It also stops the growth of tumours by interfering with abnormal cell growth.

Note that cooked tomatoes provide more lycopene.

Energy-boosting whole grain containing lignans

Lignans found in whole grains help fight cancer as they act as antioxidants, and saponins in whole grains keep cancer cells from multiplying.

Whole grains are rich in nutrients like B vitamins and fibre, but they also contain phytic acid, a compound found especially in wheat bran, oat, legumes, beans and peas.

Phytic acid inhibits the formation of tumors in the colon and increases apoptosis (death) of mutated or cancerous cells; fiber in whole grains also promotes colon health.

Whole grain foods are energizing as they contain protein, magnesium, phosphorus and Vitamin B1, all nutrients that help boost energy levels. They also contain complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest, thus giving sustained energy for a longer time.

Hence, whole grain foods are beneficial in providing an energising boost to individuals suffering from cancer.

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Anushka Sharma’s Behind 'Dekho Magar Pyaar Se' tattoo

Anushka Sharma plays a naughty and hot Bijlee in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, but what’s the secret behind the tattoo Dekho Magar Pyaar Se that she flaunts daringly in the film?

The tattoo adorns her lower back right above the bum-line and is suggestive enough to make men go weak at their knees. The inked statement not only teases, but titillates too, and there is an interesting anecdote as to how she got the idea of the tattoo.

It’s learnt that earlier Anushka’s tattoo was to read buri nazar waley tera mooh kaala -- a most common sentence generally found emblazoned at the back of the trucks that ply the expressways. But, during the research for her role, Anushka Sharma found another interesting line, and that was Dekho Magar Pyaar Se.

“While researching for the role Anushka fell in love with the line: 'Dekho magar pyar se', also another very popular saying that has found posterity on many trucks and even T-shirts. She asked filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj if she could use Dekho magar pyar se instead of Buri nazar wale tera mooh kala,” tells a source to a daily.

Vishal Bhardwaj, being a creative genius, took fancy to the line and thought it was a good idea. Also the line was short and crisp, and suits Anushka’s feisty image.

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola stars Imran Khan in the main lead, and Pankaj Kapur in a pivotal role. The movie will release on January 11, 2013.
 Anushka Sharma’s Behind 'Dekho Magar Pyaar Se' tattoo

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Katrina Kaif's shimmery Bra visible in see-through top

Katrina Kaif was caught at the airport by the paparazzi in a see-through black top

 Actor Katrina Kaif seems to have taken her nickname too seriously. Kat-woman, dressed in an all-black figure hugging, sheer outfit, stepped out that way to board a flight from Mumbai to Delhi on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old was caught at the airport by the paparazzi, and her see-through  black top with the ruffly lapel didn’t make things better.

The light bounced off her shimmery lingerie, giving passers by quite a view as she chose to do a quick cover-up for her face with her tablet.

Onlookers, half bedazzled and half amused, couldn’t help take their eyes off the breeches and boots-clad diva as she dodged all the attention.

“Okay, we know she’s hot stuff, but wearing that flimsy see-through thing at an airport really wasn’t a good idea. That too while coming to Delhi in this weather,” said Nishi Rai, 21, a fan.

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Pregnant Marisa Miller Goes Topless!

Allure shared these shots of a pregnant Marisa Miller posing topless. The mom-to-be and her husband, Griffin Guess, are expecting their first child very soon.

The supermodel has shown skin before in her Sports Illustrated and Victoria's Secret spreads, but not as much as this. Check out the gorgeous photos by Brian Bowen Smith and see what Marisa had to say about her impending motherhood.

 On how posing nude is different when you're pregnant...

Miller: "I always felt, even before I got pregnant, that it's better to accentuate your curves. A lot of women try to tuck their butt in or kind of slouch because they're trying to hide. Obviously, you can't suck it in, but it's important to really show off the belly. For some reason, for me, from the side, it looks the biggest, so that's what I tried to do."

On changing her fitness routine...

Miller: "I did Pilates five times a week during my second trimester, but it's so modified now, mostly stretching and breathing. It's easy to feel swollen and puffy, and moving really helps with the circulation."

 On handling the inevitable weight gain...

Miller: "Embrace everything and all the changes. My sister said to me, 'You're eating healthy and you're working out, so whatever your body gains, it knows what it's doing.' I had never even owned a scale before, but gaining weight is part of charting your progress. Yes, I was seeing numbers I'd never seen before, but I let go of that because I had a new goal and focus."

Somehow, we think Marisa will have no problems bouncing back. Just check out her fellow former Victoria's Secret Angels Miranda Kerr, Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima -- who all returned the runway after giving birth!

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How to Make Rice Healthy

Rice is an essential part of Indian cuisine. Be it plain dal rice or khichdi or the richly-flavored dum biryanis and kheers, they are always an essential part of everyday meals and special occasions. But doctors have been labeling rice as unhealthy as it contains unhealthy starch that leads to lifestyle diseases like diabetes. However, rice can be made healthy in many ways. Here are a few suggestions.

Choose the right variety of rice: Rice is usually considered to be unhealthy and fattening, but can actually be good for your health if you choose the right kind of rice. Opt for brown or unprocessed red rice over the white variety. And if you prefer the white variety, choose premium quality basmati rice, like Radikal that contain amino acids and is a good source of vitamin B. These help prevent cardio vascular and other lifestyle diseases like diabetes.

Don’t pressure cook it: Cooking rice in a pressure cooker will only trap in the starch making it unhealthy. Slow cook rice the traditional way in a pot. Want to lose belly fat? Opt for Radikal’s brown rice as it has zero cholesterol and healthy carbohydrates that works well for weight loss. It also has nutrients like vitamin B, manganese, selenium and iron.

Add soya/ tofu to it: One of the easiest ways to make rice yummy and nutritious is to add healthy ingredients to it. Think protein rich additions like tofu and soya. Pack a healthy lunch of soya pulao made with aromatic Radikal basmati rice.

Add veggies/lean meat: Add colourful veggies like carrots, peas, bell peppers and broccoli to make healthy risottos or add some smoked chicken and herbs to your rice dish to make it healthy yet delicious. Up the health factor by choosing apica by Radikal; it will make your meal healthy and tasty.

Cook it in olive oil: The Indian palate can never get enough of pulaos and biryanis, isn’t it? But the amount of ghee and butter that goes into making them doesn’t make it easier for you to lose weight. So as important it is to choose healthy Radikal rice, it is important that you cook it with olive oil so that you are at a lower risk of contracting lifestyle diseases like cholesterol and diabetes.

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Salma Hayek Shows Major Cleavage, Risks Wardrobe Malfunction

Salma Hayek squeezed herself into a tiny pink dress at the Acapulco Film Festival on Friday, showing as she walked the red carpet why she is considered to be one of the most beautiful women on the planet.  Hayek, who almost had a wardrobe malfunction while showing off her ample assets proved you do not have to be super skinny to look absolutely amazing in Hollywood.


Hayek, who is of Mexican heritage, showed  that she is truly a stunner in a riffled pink dress that was way low cut in the front.  The dress also highlighted a floral arrangement around the waist.
With a ruffled lower half, the dress did wonders for Salma’s curvaceous figure, drawing attention away from her hips, and accentuating her prominent bust.


Salma Hayek is one of the few women of Hollywood who ignored the rule that top heavy women should avoid strapless gowns when walking the red carpet.  It is assumed that she was ok highlighting her cleavage and was confident she would not suffer the same type of nipple slip her Hollywood pals have had.
The actress held a small, gold clutch bagas she posed for photographs and also accented her look with a deep red sultry lipstick.  She wore her hair in a loose natural way highlighting her curls and the natural color of her hair.

Salma looked refreshed and happy even though she has endured a rigorous travel schedule for the last few weeks.  Just two days before she arrived in Acapulco she was in the UK for the British Fashion Awards.  A weeks ago she was in Germany with her husband Francois-Henri Pinault at the Bambi Awards.

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IBPS Bank Exam 2013: The new changes in the IBPS bank exam

 For the young generation, banking has emerged as one of the most lucrative career providers.

With positions being available at various levels from Bank Clerks to Bank Probationary Officers (PO), the prospects look brighter for Indian graduates.

For those considering a career in banks, there is a greater job security and the salary is also very good, the greatest high being their loans for employees.

Till recently, careers existed only in nationalised banks, but with liberalisation, a host of private banks have been set up thus widening the horizon for the aspiring candidate. As a result, the demand for trained professionals has increased substantially.

On November 15, 2012, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram announced that public sector banks and financial institutions will hire about 63,000 personnel comprising officers and clerks.

This has created a fresh hope for aspirants looking for government job in public sector banks.
As per the announcement, among the total of 84,489 bank vacancies, selections for about 63,000 positions including officers and clerks will be made this fiscal year.

Recruitment in PSUs

All PSUs, except the State Bank of India and its associate banks, recruit through a Common Written Examination (CWE) conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).
As per the current system, IBPS conducts following four types of Common Written Exams (CWEs) every year:

• CWE for Probationary Officer (PO) posts
• CWE for Clerical Cadre recruitments
• CWE for Regional Rural Banks (for both assistant level and officer level)
• CWE for Specialist Officer posts (like IT Officer, Marketing Officer, HR, Agriculture etc)

What are the new changes?
The Common Written Exam for clerical cadres is scheduled on December 15, 16, 22 and 23, 2012.

Last year around 43 lakh candidates appeared for the CWE for Clerk and this time, the number is expected to be around 30 to 35 lakhs.

Also, this year there have been some major changes in the clerical recruitment process. Some of the changes are as given below:

Online test: Till last year, the IBPS used to conduct all its exams in the paper pencil format. But, as per the latest notification, IBPS will conduct all bank recruitment tests online.

The CWE Clerical, will be the first CWE to be conducted online. As a matter of fact, the IBPS CWE (Clerical) will become India's largest exam to be conducted online.

Change in age criteria: This year, candidates who are in age group 20 to 28 years are eligible to apply for this exam (as on October 1, 2012). Till last year, the minimum age to apply was 18 years.

Changes in the educational qualification: From this year, candidates need to have a minimum graduate degree to apply for the Common Written Examination for clerical cadre recruitment.

Until last year, the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for the CWE was 10+2 pass.

Change in the exam format: Last year's CWE for clerk had 250 questions, with five sections of 50 question each: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and Computer.

This time, sections will remain the same, but each section will have only 40 questions (instead of 50 earlier) and thus total number of question in IBPS Clerical 2012 exam, will be 200.

The total time to attempt the paper has also been reduced to two hours (against an earlier time of two and half hours).

In keeping with the new changes, here are some tips and strategies that will help candidates make the most of the exam and perform better:

Familiarity with the online interface: Since this is the first time, test will be online, candidates should be mentally prepared for this new format.

In fact, IBPS will also publish the details of the format (look and feel) on its website, yet candidates should practice some online tests available on the internet (free or through paid websites).

It will give them the desired confidence on the exam day and during the exam. Candidates will be able to build the momentum only if they are familiar with the format.

Time management: Although being able to manage time is very essential for every competitive exam, in the case of the CWE, candidates should keep in the mind that the exam duration has been reduced to two hours (as compared to last year, when it was two and half hours).

Avoid hopping between various sections: To avoid wastage of time, candidates are advised to complete one section at a time and then move to the next section. If they keep on doing four to five questions from each section and moving around between sections, it will result in losing precious time.

Refine your strategy: This includes -- which section to attempt first and which should be attempted last and also how much time should be devoted to each section.

There are no fixed rules for above, but it has be a individual strategy -- keeping in mind that IBPS CWE contains sectional cutoffs and candidates are expected to maintain a minimum score in each section.

So, one should form a strategy such that s/he is able to clear the sectional cutoffs and also maximise his/her overall score.

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The Risk factors and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

About 30,000 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed in the US each year. Men are affected somewhat more often than women and most cases are seen between 50 and 70 years of age. Majority of kidney cancers (about 85 per cent) originate in the tiny tubules of the kidney and are known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Less common kidney cancers are transitional cell carcinoma (renal pelvic tumor), sarcomas and collecting duct tumours. The outcome is good in more than 75 per cent cases that are detected early. However, many people with kidney cancer get diagnosed only when there cancer has advanced.

Symptoms of kidney cancer

• Kidney cancer may not produce any symptoms in the initial stages. Fortunately, some people get diagnosed in the course of imaging studies such as ultrasound, CAT scan, or MRI done for some unrelated complaint. As the tumour grows, some symptoms that may be noticed are:
  
  Blood in your urine (hematuria)
• A lump in your side or abdomen
• A persistent pain in your flanks
• Rapid, unexplained weight loss
• Fever for several weeks with no apparent cause
• Persistent fatigue
• Anaemia
• Hypertension
• Swelling in the legs or ankles

Risk factors for kidney cancer




The causes of kidney cancer are not very well understood. Some gene mutations that seem to play an important role are being actively studied by researchers. Some other risk factors associated with the disease are:

• Smoking or tobacco use in any form
• Chronic kidney failure
• Being on dialysis
• Polycystic kidney disease
• von Hippel Lindau disease
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Obesity
• Low vitamin E intake
• Hypertension
• African ethnicity
• Exposure to asbestos, cadmium, and organic solvents

Diagnosis of kidney cancer
 
Urologists mostly make the diagnosis of kidney cancer from imaging studies such as an ultrasound, CT scan or a combination of both. The appearance is typical and biopsy is rarely needed to confirm the diagnosis.
More investigations such as an abdominal CT scan, MRI, chest X-ray, blood tests or bone scans are done to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the kidney.

Treatment of kidney cancer

Cancer limited to the kidney

Surgery: Surgical removal of a part or whole of the kidney is the primary treatment in most cases. Radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney while partial nephrectomy removes just the affected area to preserve as much normal tissue as possible.

Tumour ablation: It's a process in which the tumour is not removed, but destroyed using techniques such as cryotherapy, interstitial radiofrequency ablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound, microwave thermotherapy and laser coagulation. It is less invasive than surgery, but the effectiveness of this technique in the long-run is currently not known.

Embolisation: This technique involves killing the tumour cells by cutting off their blood supply. It is typically considered for patients who are not fit for more aggressive forms of therapy or as an added step with kidney removal.

Cancer that has spread beyond the kidney

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy agents prompt the body's immune system to destroy the cancer cells. Common immunotherapy agents used are interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon.

Surgical therapy: Surgery in combination with other treatments may be of value in selected cases.

Radiation therapy: It is generally used to relieve pain caused by the spread of cancer or in patients who are unfit for surgery.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy involves the use of agents that preferentially work against cancer cells and spare normal cells. Some examples are anti-angiogenic agents that inhibit blood supply within the tumour, multikinase inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors that block an enzyme involved in tumour growth, and m-TOR inhibitors that interfere with blood supply to the tumour.

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Things you need to know about the new cheque books

Your old cheque books may become invalid, come January 1, 2013.

But what is different or should be different in your new, regulation compliant cheque book?
Most of the new features have been introduced to make the cheque payments a more secure and universalized mode of payment.

The idea according to RBI was triggered by growing use of multi-city and payable-at-par cheques at any branch of a bank, increasing popularity of Speed Clearing for local processing of outstation cheques and hence, implementation of grid based Cheque Truncation System (CTS) for image-based cheque processing

1. The IFSC and MICR codes, predictably are a must on every cheque leaflet.
2. All cheques shall carry a standardised watermark, with the words "CTS-INDIA" which can be seen when held against any light source. This would make it difficult for any fraudster to photocopy or print an instrument.
3. Bank's logo shall be printed in ultra-violet (UV) ink. The logo will be captured by / visible in UV enabled scanners / lamps.
4. Background of cheques shall be kept as clutter free as possible for improving quality and clarity of images.
5. No changes / corrections should be carried out on the cheques (other than for date validation purposes, if required). For any change in the payee's name, amount in figures or amount in words, etc., fresh cheque forms should be used by customers.
6. "payable at par at all branches of the bank in India" text will be at the bottom of all the cheques.
7. There should also be words 'please sign above this line' at the right bottom corner of the cheque. The customers will also be required to use a darker ink for their signatures on the cheque so that the signatures are scan-able.

You can see the image above for the sample layout of the cheque leaflet as mandated by RBI.
However, most of the specification in there are technical and are more specifically intended for the Banks rather than the consumers.

As far as an average consumer is concerned, the above checklist would be more than sufficient to establish the validity of the cheques.

All that an aware consumer is required to do is to spend a couple of seconds checking the cheque.

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Sherlyn Chopra exposed her bra, panties

Sherlyn Chopra, who soon will appear nude on the cover of adult magazine 'Playboy', listens to her fans up to an unexpected extent! She posted her naked pictures on the micro-blogging website Twitter for her fans and now she uploaded a picture of three sets of lingerie on Twitteratis' demand.

She wrote on her Twitter page, "As most of you have been askin' me to show you the lingerie sent by Mister or Miss Anonymous.....here are the 3 sets..."

The Victoria Secret manufactured brassieres and panties were a gift from one of her tentative fan whom she christened as Mr. Anonymous.

Sherlyn's earlier tweet read, "A while ago, the front desk sent me a gift box from Mr. Anonymous. I opened it and found in it...3 sets of beautifully wrapped brassieres & panties of Victoria's Secret!! Thanks, Mr. Anonymous, whoever & wherever u r!♥."

Soon after the Indian Playboy girl revealed about the unique gift, her fans urged her to show the pictures of the bra and panties. Fans also asked her upload a picture after being clad in those sexy lingerie.
 
Fulfilling the fantasies of her fans, Sherlyn uploaded the picture of her gifted sets of innerwear. But Sherlyn, its only half done as fans have asked you to get snapped in those ever warming outfits.

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Invest in tax-free bonds to get higher post-tax returns

With most long-term fixed deposit rates settling in the 8.5-8.75% range, investors looking for fixed-income instruments have an opportunity to invest in tax-free bonds that can give higher post-tax returns than bank fixed deposits (FDs).

By March 2013, 10 government-owned infrastructure companies would issue Rs 53,500-crore worth of tax-free bonds. As interest earned from these bonds would not be taxed, investors would earn a better post-tax return than from FDs.

The interest earned on bank FDs and other normal bonds are added to the income of the investor and taxed as per the income-tax slabs. Post-tax return from an FD that offers 8.5% annual interest would be 5.9% for an individual in the 30% tax bracket.

Tax-free bonds are rated long-tenure (usually 10-15 years) fixed-income securities offering annual interest at rates less than the yield of government securities of similar tenure. At present, 10-year government bonds are trading around 8.2%. Going by these rates, one can expect the interest rate to be 7.5-8%.

One can buy and sell these bonds on the stock exchanges. Though the interest earned on these bonds is tax-free, any capital gain from sale in the secondary market is taxable.

Short-term capital gains are taxed at the normal rate, while long-term capital gains are taxed at 10% without indexation and 20% with indexation. Indexation is adjusting the purchasing price with annual inflation.

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Padma Lakshmi's hot photoshoot in sexy Bikini

Padma Lakshmi donned sexy, lacy lingerie for Playboy magazine. Age and childbirth have actually done wonders for her and she looked smoking hot as she flaunted hot innerwear. Padma Lakshmi shows off her svelte figure in white lace underwear and a see-through lace overlay dress in the December issue of Playboy magazine.

In the accompanying interview, the 42-year-old Top Chef star admits that her model good looks makes her something of a man magnet, although she is usually unaware of her own attraction.

"A lot of men get frustrated with me, actually, because I am like a guy," she was quoted as saying. "Honestly, I'm like a truck driver trapped in this body. I don't want to be your best friend. I don't expect you to give me a birthday card or send me flowers." she said.

"Don't get me wrong. That stuff's nice, but I am a physical and sensual person. I love to be held. I love massages. I'm just not a Hallmark kind of gal," she said.

Lakshmi, who hails from Chennai, India, also revealed what attracts her in a man. "I want someone who's a challenging adversary, who can tease me and get away with it, who can flirt and make me think and laugh and blush," she said.

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Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell pose naked for magazine

Supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell have stripped off for a racy photoshoot that saw them admit their love for each other. The pair cuddled up in the striking black and white snap for Interview Magazine that saw Campbell, 42, expose her famous assets.

And in a teaser of the interview inside, it is titled, "I love you, Kate! Naomi Campbell talks to Kate Moss." The supermodels, who reunited for a cover for the first time since their Vogue Paris shoot in 2008, talked about their beginnings in the industry.

Moss, 38, asked Campbell, "I read that you made your first public appearance in a Bob Marley video." To which Campbell replied, "Yeah. I was seven, I think. He was such a handsome man. I remember I started crying when I saw his dreadlocks because I thought they were worms. But he was really, really gentle."

The pair also discussed ethnic prejudice in the modelling world, with Moss saying, "When I first got to New York, I was like, 'What are they talking about?' I could not tell, you know. "It was really weird and I also think growing up in South London, it is so mixed race." And Campbell added, "Exactly, we just know our area and how we were raised, so it was a big eye opener to me." 

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