Karthik Writes..

Keep insurance and investments separate A N Shanbhag We have often pointed out and will do so once more - we are not in favour of any plan from whichever insurance company that seeks to combine insurance and investment. Such a blend, without exception, tends to be sub-optimal. It is always better to keep insurance and investments separate. All endowment, whole life policies and ULIPs are examples of combination insurance plans. On the other hand, a term insurance plan has no cash payout at the end of the term. This means if the policyholder were to pass away during the term of the policy, his family will get the sum assured. However, were he to survive he will not get a single rupee. In other words, term cover is pure life insurance and has no cash or surrender value. If this is indeed the case, why do we favour term insurance as against a traditional endowment or whole life policy which, at least pays, at the end of the day, no matter what, either the sum assured or the maturity value...

Good news is here......... If you are in Chennai and have the habit of watching Tamil regional channels, you would have seen the ad where two men standing on top of their residence terrace, fixing their "Dish" antenna, try to snub each other whose choice of DITCH TV is the best..!! Now, we go to the next stage where BSNL plans on launching the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) in India. IPTV is a system that delivers digital content services to subscribers using the Internet protocol over a broadband connection using closed network infrastructure. The subscribers of BSNL's IPTV services will have access to over 140 television channels and an extensive movie library with Hollywood and Bollywood titles at no extra cost. Additionally, video, music, games and education on demand can also be availed. The company has launched services initially in three cities - Gurgaon, Faridabad and Ambala - and will later take it to the rest of the state. In the first phase, the IPTV serv...

As I was observing on the Process of Appraisals that were going on in my new Organisation, it brought about the subjectivity that is present in the system. The only way to come out in flying colors is, be a pet to your Boss and reap rich dividends. Though the companies claim about the various thought process that has been put forward in designing the appraisal system, it all boils down to the previous line you just read. I know a guy who always came out with the best score possible during the appraisal not because he did a great job but for his attitude to tasks given by his Boss. I do not claim that he is a person who just thrives because of the "pet" tag , though he does pretty decent job. But if you consider his peers who do the same "decent" job, they somehow end up lower than him. WHY ? Again it is how he presents himself to the boss...Watch below some of his action. Never disputes the idea told by the Boss. Can always spot some think good in the Worst of ...