Dear united nations Essay Example for Free

Dear united nations Essay For many children around the world, their early years are far from safe, a supportive environment they require to give them the best possible start in life is non-existent.  As well as the threats from poverty, disease, violence and war, children face commercial exploitation by adults who deny them their fundamental rights to protection.  Some 1.2 million children are now estimated by you (the UN) to be trafficked annually. Around 246 million children are also thought to be involved in child labour and an estimated two million children are currently enslaved in the global commercial sex trade. Everyday millions of children are exploited, abused, or are victims of violence. Bought and sold like commodities, children are forced to be soldiers, prostitutes, sweatshop workers, and servants, and the government sit around making predictions about child exploitation, but not doing anything to change it.  Poverty, conflict, HIV/AIDS, urbanisation and migration have led to the breakdown of families and support structures in communities. Families are struggling to cope. As a result, more and more children are at risk of violence, abuse, exploitation and being abandoned. Children are particularly vulnerable in emergencies because they are physically weaker than adults and risk being separated from their families. Food and water shortages do not happen suddenly and famine can be predicted and prevented, using surveys and early warning systems.  Children have particular needs in emergencies. They fall into three main categories: material (such as shelter and food), developmental (e.g., schooling and play), and emotional (protection and psychological healing). They have immediate needs that must be met, but some needs continue long after the emergency is over. These are things that we take for granted, but millions of children die every day from the lack of them. These simple things can be provided and can save the hundreds that die every minute. The main way to combat child exploitation and trafficking is by finding a solution to poverty. Poverty is a big issue in MEDCS around the world, particularly in Africa. Victims of child trafficking are mostly of poor families and from the developing nations. Think of how many victims are from the families of ministers, company directors and top politicians. The answer is negative, so the main problem is poverty. Emphasis should be on the distribution of wealth in developing countries. If the UN can cancel world debts to these poorer countries or wipe out the huge interest on them, then taxes in the countries can go down, and money can be spent on police services, schooling and providing a better quality of life.  The children of the world are the future of tomorrow. Should more be done to protect them? Definitely. Selling a child into slavery is the same as taking away their life. Those who traffic children should receive the same penalties as a rapist or murderer. Its inconceivable that most countries do not have laws that cover this, all Western nations should pass laws to make this a very serious crime it must stop!  The UN is in control and can stop all the madness, with a bit of time and effort then millions of innocent lives can be saved.  Yours sincerely

Hdfc Bank Essay Example for Free

Hdfc Bank Essay The first modern bank was founded in Italy in Genoa in 1406, its name was Banco di San Giorgio (Bank of St. George). Many other financial activities were added over time. For example banks are important players in financial markets and offer financial services such as investment funds. In some countries such as Germany, banks are the primary owners of industrial corporations while in other countries such as the United States banks are prohibited from owning non-financial companies. In Japan, banks are usually the nexus of cross share holding entity known as zaibatsu. In France Bancassurance is highly present, as most banks offer insurance services (and now real estate services) to their clients. 1.2 DEFINITION: The definition of a bank varies from country to country. Under English law, a bank is defined as a person who carries on the business of banking, which is specified as: †¢ Conducting current accounts for his customers †¢ Paying cheques drawn on him, and †¢ Collecting cheques for his customers. 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The Objective of this on the job training is to study the importance of the potential customers and their value to the bank and creating the awareness among them about the importance of current accounts and keep a good relationship with them for the bank’s benefit. 1.4 ORIGIN OF THE BANK: The name bank derives from the Italian word banco desk/bench, used during the Renaissance by Florentines bankers, who used to make their transactions above a desk covered by a green tablecloth. However, there are traces of banking activity even in ancient times. In fact, the word traces its origins back to the Ancient Roman Empire, where moneylenders would set up their stalls in the middle of enclosed courtyards called macella on a long bench called a bancu, from which the words banco and bank are derived. As a moneychanger, the merchant at the bancu did not so much invest money as merely convert the foreign currency into the only legal tender in Rome- that of the Imperial Mint. 1.5 PRESENT STATUS OF THE BANK: Worldwide assets of the largest 1,000 banks grew 15.5% in 2005 to reach a record $60.5 trillion. This follows a 19.3% increase in the previous year. EU banks held the largest share, 50% at the end of 2005, up from 38% a decade earlier. The growth in Europe’s share was mostly at the expense of Japanese banks whose share more than halved during this period from 33% to 13%. The share of US banks also rose, from 10% to 14%. Most of the remainder was from other Asian and European countries. . The US had by far the most banks (7,540 at end-2005) and branches (75,000) in the world. The large number of banks in the US is an indicator of its geography and regulatory structure, resulting in a large number of small to medium sized institutions in its banking system. Japan had 129 banks and 12,000 branches. In 2004, Germany, France, and Italy had more than 30,000 branches each—more than double the 15,000 branches in the UK. 1,6 FUTURE OF THE BANK : The future is integration as people will have less time for banking. People will want to process more transactions on the Internet. There will be more activity in terms of applications and services on the mobile. Geography will not be an inhibitor any more as everything is executable on the Net. Integration is the next real big thing. As a customer you will want a one-stop shop that will take care of all your needs. For instance people will want to buy their mutual funds, redeem their mutual fund, buy insurance policies, renew policies, buy cinema tickets, railway tickets, and numerous similar transactions through the bank. The ATM will still serve as a cash dispensing medium, but the Internet and mobile will be very active. [pic] 2.1 ORIGIN OF THE ORGANIZATION : H.D.F.C was set up on 17th October, 1977 by I.C.I.C.I. out of the consideration that a specialized institution was needed to channel household savings as well as funds from the capital market into the housing sector. H.D.F.C. has emerged as the largest mortgage finance institution in the country. The main objective of H.D.F.C. is to develop significant expertise in retail mortgage loans to different market segments and to have a large corporate client base for its housing related credit facilities. The main aim of H.D.F.C. is to support or aid in the promotion of home ownership. H.D.F.C. is Indias leading housing finance company and for all practical purposes is synonymous with the domestic housing finance industry. The primary objective of H.D.F.C is to enhance residential housing stock and promote home ownership. One of its major objectives is to increase flow of resources for housing through the integration of housing financial institutions with the domestic market. H.D.F.C. has developed a strong market reputation large shareholder base and unique consumer franchise. H.D.F.C. is Indias premier housing finance company in India as well as in international markets. It has maintained a consistent and healthy growth in its operations to remain the clear market leader in mortgages in India. The company has been constantly engaged into innovation and innovative practices since its birth. 2.2 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION: HDFC Bank reported a 43 percent growth in net profit at Rs.75.5 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2001, as against Rs 52.8 crore in the corresponding quarter previous fiscal. The jump in net profit was primarily due to other income which almost doubled to Rs 85.5 crore from Rs 47.5 crore. Speaking to analysts at a conference call today, January 15, 2002, Paresh Suthankar, head – credit risk and investments, reiterated the bank’s earlier guidance of a 25-30 per cent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) in its top line for the next two to three years. The bank does not see any reason to revisit its guidance and stands by it. It expects the projections to hold true as long as the market environment is relatively stable and does not move to an extreme of either a boom or a total bottoming out. The bank is open to acquisitions as a vehicle of growth, but any growth via acquisitions would be over and above its projected growth rate of 25-30 per cent. At present, it is not working on any deal but there are acquisition prospects in the Indian scene, giving rise to opportunities for inorganic growth. The bank’s exposure to capital markets is around 6-7 per cent, against the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms of 5 per cent. The bank expects to bring it down to within the stipulated limit by the end of this fiscal. The bank has made a lot of headway in its retail thrust with retail accounts going up to 1.9 million from 1.4 million a year back. The branch network now stands at 147 outlets in 63 cities and the ATM network at 360 compared to 231 ATMs as on March 31, 2001. The debit card base is at six lakh. On the advances side, car loans have really picked up and now form almost 50 per cent of the total retail advances, with the remaining being accounted for by loan against securities and other loans. In fact in case of car loans, the bank now covers around 30 cities against just eight-nine a year back. 2.3 PRESENT STATUS OF THE ORGANIZATION: HDFC Bank Limited provides various financial products and services. It operates in three segments: Personal Banking, NRI Banking, and Wholesale Banking. The Personal Banking segment provides savings, and current and fixed deposit accounts. It also offers personal, home, two wheeler, new car, used car, gold, education, healthcare, commercial vehicle, working capital, construction equipment, and warehouse receipt loans. In addition, this segment provides safe deposit lockers; credit, debit, and prepaid cards; mutual funds, general and health insurance, bonds, and equities and derivatives products; and forex and payment services. The NRI Banking segment’s deposit products include rupee savings accounts, rupee current accounts, rupee fixed deposits, foreign currency deposits, and accounts for returning Indians. Its loan products comprise home loans, loans against securities, loans against deposits, and gold credit cards. The Wholesale Banking segment offers funded services, which consist of working capital finance, short term finance, bill discounting, and export credit; and non-funded services, such as letters of credit, bank guarantees, and collection of documents to corporations, and small and medium enterprises. It also various services to banks, financial institutions, mutual funds, stock brokers, insurance companies, commodity businesses, and trusts. As of March 31, 2008, it had a network of 761 branches and 1,977 automated teller machines in 327 cities in India. [pic] 2.4 FUNCTIONAL DEPARTMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION: HDFC Bank Limited is located in New Friends Colony, New Delhi. This organization Includes functional departments as follows: 1. Current Account Department 2. Saving Account Department 3. Trade Department 4. Salary Department 5. Cash Department 6. Demat Account Department 2.5 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND CHART: [pic] 2.6 PRODUCT AND SERVICE PROFILE OF THE ORGANIZATION: HDFC Bank mainly provides three kinds of banking services: †¢ Personal Banking †¢ NRI Banking †¢ Wholesale Banking The following are the products and services provided by the HDFC bank HDFC Bank provides loans like Personal Loans , Home Loans , Educational Loans , Two Wheeler Loans , New car Loans, Used Car Loans, Overdraft Against Car, Express Loans, etc. HDFC Bank provides Credit, Debit and Prepaid Cards to help you meet your financial objectives. HDFC Bank provides facilities like Mutual Funds, Insurance, General Health Insurance, Bonds, Financial Planning, Knowledge Center, Equities Derivatives, and Mudra Gold bar. If you need to deal in foreign currency and keep tabs on exchange rates every now and then, transfer funds to India, make payments etc., HDFC Bank has a range of products and services that you can choose from to transact smoothly, efficiently and in a timely manner. With HDFC Bank’s payment services, you can bid goodbye to queues and paper work. HDFC’s range of payment options make it easy to pay for a variety of utilities and services. HDFC Bank provides many types of accounts like: †¢ Saving Account †¢ Current Account †¢ Demat Account †¢ Salary Account HDFC Bank has designed two programs to make banking easier for the customers and they are †¢ HDFC Bank Preferred Programme †¢ HDFC Bank Classic Programme. HDFC Bank offers Private Banking services to high net worth individuals and institutions. HDFC Bank offers you quick, economical and convenient options to remit and transfer funds to India. Corporate Banking reflects HDFC Bank’s strengths in providing our corporate clients in India, a wide array of commercial, transactional and electronic banking products. HDFC Bank acts as an active medium between the government and the customers by means of various services. 2.7 CURRENT ACCOUNT IN DETAIL: Features Benefits: [pic]Free Account to account funds transfer between HDFC Bank accounts Free payment and collection through RTGS. Free payment and collection using NEFT (through Net banking) Free up to 50 Demand Drafts per month and can be issued from any HDFC Bank Branch Free up to 50 Pay Orders (PO) per month and can be issued from any HDFC Bank Branch. Free anywhere collection payment transactions (clearing) within HDFC Bank branch network (except Dahej), up to Rs.100 lacs per month. Convenience to withdraw deposit cash at all our branches* Free 300 At Par cheques leaves per month. Register for InstaAlert service and receive updates on your account as and when the select transaction happens all this without visiting the branch or ATM! HDFC Bank offers you Doorstep Banking*, a channel, which is convenient, secure and hassle-free. Now, you can enjoy the benefits of banking right at your doorstep. The Bank will arrange to render the services like Cash Cheque Pickup and Cash Delivery, through a reputed agency. Enjoy facilities like 24-hour Phone Banking, Net Banking and Mobile Banking that helps you check your balance transaction details, find out the status of your cheque or stop cheque payment. Fees Charges for Plus Current Account: Minimum Balance (Average Quarterly Balance)-Rs. 100,000/- Non-Maintenance Charges per quarterCharge of Rs.6,000/- per quarter, if AQB is less than Rs.50,000/- Charge of Rs.1, 500/- per quarter, if AQB is less than Rs. 100,000/- but = Rs. 50,000/- Cheque Book Charges (Issued by Bank)-Payable-at-par Free 300 cheques leave per month. Charges Rs 2/- per leaf beyond 300 leaves Remittance facility through own Bank: Demand Drafts (DD) payable HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from any branch) / Duplicate DDFree up to 50 DDs per month. Above 50 transactions, charges @ Rs. 25/- per Demand draft Pay Orders (PO) on HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from Any Branch) / Duplicate PO Free up to 50 POs per month. Above 50 transactions, charges @ Rs. 25/- per Pay-order Issuance of DD/ PO through Phone BankingAll standard charges for DD / PO are applicable as above. Only DD / PO amount up to Rs 500,000/- are accepted at Phone banking. DD/PO-Cancellation/RevalidationRs.50/- per instrument NEFT/EFT Transactions: Payments-Free CollectionsFree RTGS Transactions: Payments-Free CollectionsFree Local Transactions (At home branch location) : Local cheques collections paymentsFree Account to Account Fund Transfer within HDFC Bank- Free Anywhere Transactions (except Dahej) Account to Account Fund Transfer within HDFC Bank-Free Payments Collections at HDFC Bank Locations-Free up to Rs.100 lacs per month, beyond which charges @ Rs. 0.50/1000, min Rs. 25 Bulk Transaction ChargesAll transactions are subject to a maximum of 250 transactions per month, beyond which charges @ Rs.5/- per transaction would be levied. Includes all Local / Anyhwere clearing and transfer transactions Remittance facility through other Bank: Issue of Demand Drafts (DD) / Duplicate DD (Correspondent tieup)Rs.2.00 per Rs.1000/- Minimum Rs.50/- DD-Cancellation / Revalidation-Rs.50/- per instrument Cheque Collection: Outstation through own bankCollection: Free, only courier charges of Rs 20 per instrument Outstation through another bank (Correspondent bank locations) : Rs.4/- per Rs.1,000/-, min Rs.50/-For Clean locations (non-correspondent bank locations) Non-MICR Cheques: Rs.6.5/- per Rs.1,000/-, min Rs 50 (inclusive of courier charge of Rs 25) Cash Transactions : 1. Cash Deposit Cash Deposit-Home Branch Location-Free up to Rs.10 lacs per month or 50 transactions which ever is lower, Deposit in excess of Rs.10 lacs or 50 transactions will be charged @ Rs.2/- per Rs.1,000/-, minimum Rs.50/-. (Cash deposit at non-home branches within home-branch city subject to limit of Rs.100, 000/- per account per day) Cash Deposit -Non Home locationMaximum Rs.100, 000/- per day. Charges @ Rs. 3/1000, min Rs. 50 2. Cash Withdrawal Cash Withdrawal-Home BranchFree at Home Branch Cash Withdrawal-Non Home Branch-Intercity IntracityFree up to Rs.50,000/- per day, beyond which charges @ Rs.2/1000, min Rs.50/- (Only for incremental amount), Third party cash withdrawal allowed only up to maximum Rs. 50,000/- per transaction. Features Benefits [pic]Free Account to account funds transfer between HDFC Bank accounts. Free RTGS/NEFT Transactions. Free up to 30 Demand Drafts (DD) per month and can be issued from any HDFC Bank Branch. Free up to 30 Pay Orders (PO) per month and can be issued from any HDFC Bank Branch. Free anywhere collection payment within HDFC Bank branch network (except Dahej), up to Rs.50 lacs per month. Convenience to withdraw deposit cash at all our branches* Free 200 At Par cheque leaves per month. Register for InstaAlert service and receive updates on your account as and when the select transaction happens all this without visiting the branch or ATM! Fees Charges for Trade Current Account [pic]Description of Charges Minimum Balance (Average Quarterly Balance) -Rs. 40,000/- Non-Maintenance Charges per quarterCharge of Rs.1,200/- per quarter, if AQB is less than Rs.40,000/- Cheque Book Charges (Issued by Bank) -Payable-at-par 200 cheques leave Free per month. Charges Rs 2/- per leaf beyond 200 leaves Remittance facility through own Bank Demand Drafts (DD) payable HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from any branch) / Duplicate DD Free up to 30 DDs per month. Above 30 transactions, charges @ Rs. 25/- per Demand draft Pay Orders (PO) on HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from Any Branch) / Duplicate PO Free up to 30 POs per month. Above 30 transactions, charges @ Rs. 25/- per Pay-order Issuance of DD/ PO through Phone Banking All standard charges for DD / PO are applicable as above. Only DD / PO amount up to Rs. 500,000/- are accepted at Phone banking. DD/PO-Cancellation/Revalidation-Rs.50/- per instrument NEFT/EFT Transactions: PaymentsFree CollectionsFree RTGS Transactions : PaymentsFree CollectionsFree Local Transactions (At home branch location) Local cheques collections payments-Free Account to Account Fund Transfer within HDFC Bank -Free Anynhwere Transactions (except Dahej) Account to Account Fund Transfer within HDFC BankFree Payments Collections at HDFC Bank LocationsFree up to Rs.50 lacs per month, beyond which charges @ Rs. 0.50/1000, min Rs. 25 Bulk Transaction Charges All transactions are subject to a maximum of 150 transactions per month, beyond which charges @ Rs.5/- per transaction would be levied. Includes all Local / Anywhere clearing and transfer transactions. Remittance facility through other Bank Issue of Demand Drafts (DD) / Duplicate DD (Correspondent tie up) Rs.2.00 per Rs.1000/- Minimum Rs.50/- DD-Cancellation / Revalidation-Rs.50/- per instrument Cheque Collection Outstation through own bankRs. 0.50/1000, min Rs. 25 per instrument Outstation through another bank-Correspondent bank locations: Rs.4/- per Rs. 1, 000/-, min Rs.50/-For Clean locations (non-correspondent bank locations) Non-MICR Cheques: Rs.6.5/- per Rs.1,000/-, min Rs 50 (inclusive of courier charge of Rs 25) Cash Transactions 1. Cash Deposit Cash Deposit-Home Branch Location Free up to Rs.5 lacs per month or 40 transactions which ever is lower, Deposit in excess of Rs.5 lacs or 40 transactions will be charged @ Rs.2/- per Rs.1,000/-, minimum Rs.50/-. (Cash deposit at non-home branches within home branch city subject to limit of Rs. 50,000/- per account per day) Cash Deposit -Non Home location Maximum Rs.50, 000/- per day. Charges @ Rs. 3/1000, min Rs. 50 2. Cash Withdrawal Cash Withdrawal-Home Branch Free at Home Branch Cash Withdrawal-Non Home Branch-Intercity Intracity Free cash withdrawals up to Rs.50, 000/- per day, beyond which charges @ Rs.2/1000, min Rs.50/- (Only for incremental amount), Third party cash withdrawal allowed only up to maximum Rs. 50,000/- per transaction. HDFC Bank Trade offers you a host of features that sets it apart from regular Current Accounts that most banks offer. They are: Free inter-city clearing between HDFC Bank branch locations (except Dahej) up to Rs.50 lakhs per month. Free Accounts to account funds transfer between HDFC Bank accounts, inter-city. Free up to 30 Pay-orders per month. Free up to 30 demand-drafts per month. Free RTGS NEFT Transactions. Features Benefits Free anywhere collection payment within HDFC Bank branch network (except Dahej), up to Rs.25 lacs per month, incremental amount to be charged @ Rs.1.50 per Rs.1,000/-, min Rs.25/- Free NEFT Transactions. Free RTGS collection. RTGS payment @ Rs.100/- per transaction. Inter-city Account to accounts funds transfer between HDFC Bank accounts at a nominal charge of Rs.15/- per transactions. Free Demand Drafts (DD) above Rs.100,000/-. Demand drafts up to Rs.50,000/- at flat cost of Rs.40/-. DDs above Rs.50,000/- up to Rs.100,000/- at nominal cost of Rs.25/- and can be issued from any HDFC Bank Branch . Free Pay Order (PO) above Rs.100,000/-. Pay Order up to Rs.50,000/- at flat cost of Rs.40/-. POs above Rs.50,000/- up to Rs.100,000/- at nominal cost of Rs.25/- and can be issued from any HDFC Bank Branch . Free 100 At Par cheque leaves per month Register for InstaAlert service and receive updates on your account as and when the select transaction happens all this without visiting the branch or ATM! Fees Charges for Premium C/A Description of Charges Minimum Balance (Average Quarterly Balance) -Rs. 25,000/- Non-Maintenance Charges per quarterCharge of Rs.900/- per quarter, if AQB is less than Rs.25, 000/- Cheque Book Charges (Issued by Bank) Payable-at-par100 cheques leaves Free per month. Charges Rs 2/- per leaf beyond 100 leaves Other Current Account facilities Issue of Duplicate / Adhoc Statement Branch: Rs 100/- per statement * Phone Banking: Rs 50/- per statement (Non IVR) and Rs 30/- per statement (IVR) Net Banking: Rs 30/- per statement ATM Mobile Banking: Rs 50/- per statement. Mode of calculation of minimum average quarterly balance Average of daily closing balances of each day spread over a period of three months. Remittance facility through own Bank Demand Drafts (DD) payable HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from any branch) / Duplicate DD DD Amount Up to Rs. 50,000 charges Rs. 40/- per DD, Above Rs. 50,000 and up to Rs. 100,000- Rs. 25/-, Above Rs. 100,000- Free Pay Orders (PO) -on HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from Any Branch) / Duplicate PO PO amount Up to Rs. 50,000 charges Rs. 40/- per PO, Above Rs. 50,000 and up to Rs. 100,000 Rs. 25/-, Above Rs. 100,000- Free Issuance of DD/ PO through Phone Banking: All standard charges for DD / PO are applicable as above. Only DD / PO amount up to Rs 500,000/- are accepted at Phone banking. DD/PO-Cancellation/RevalidationRs.50/- per instrument NEFT/EFT Transactions: PaymentsFree Collections-Free RTGS Transactions: PaymentsRs. 100/- per transaction Collections-Free Local Transactions (At home branch location) Local cheques collections payments-Free Account to Account Fund Transfer within HDFC Bank -Free Anywhere Transactions (except Dahej) Account to Account Fund Transfer within HDFC Bank Rs.15/- per transaction Payments Collections at HDFC Bank Locations Free up to Rs. 25 lacs per month, Charges at Rs.1.50/1000, min Rs. 25 Bulk Transaction Charges: All transactions are subject to a maximum of 100 transactions per month, beyond which charges @ Rs.5/- per transaction would be levied. Includes all Local / Anywhere clearing and transfer transactions. Remittance facility through other Bank: Issue of Demand Drafts (DD) / Duplicate DD (Correspondent tie up) -Rs.2.00 per Rs.1000/- Minimum Rs.50/- DD-Cancellation / Revalidation-Rs.50/- per instrument Cheque Collection: Outstation through own bank Rs.2.50 per Rs.1, 000/- for Cheques drawn on HDFC Bank Locations, min Rs. 50 per instrument. Outstation through another bank Correspondent bank locations: Rs.4/- per Rs.1, 000/-, min Rs.50/-For Clean locations (non-correspondent bank locations) Non-MICR Cheques: Rs.6.5/- per Rs.1, 000/-, min Rs 50 (inclusive of courier charge of Rs 25) Cash Transactions 1. Cash Deposit Cash Deposit-Home Branch Location Free up to Rs.3 lacs per month or 25 transactions which ever is lower, Deposit in excess of Rs.3 lacs or 25 transactions will be charged @ Rs.2/- per Rs.1,000/-, minimum Rs.50/-. (Cash deposit at non-home branches within home branch city subject to limit of Rs. 25,000/- per account per day) Cash Deposit -Non Home location Maximum Rs.25, 000/- per day. Charges @ Rs. 3/1000, min Rs. 50 2. Cash Withdrawal Cash Withdrawal-Home Branch-Free at Home Branch Cash Withdrawal-Non Home Branch-Intercity Intracity Free cash withdrawals up to Rs.25,000/- per day, beyond which charges @ Rs.2/1000, min Rs. 50/- (Only for incremental amount), Third party cash withdrawal allowed only up to maximum Rs.50,000/- per transaction. With HDFC Bank Flexi Current Account your Cash Deposit and Anywhere Transaction limits are a multiple of the balance you maintain in your Current Account. So, during peak seasons, you get the benefit of higher transaction limits due to the higher average balances maintained in your account. What’s more, during lean seasons, you need not bother about maintaining huge balances to enjoy high transaction limits, which you anyway may not need. Flexi Current Account requires you to maintain a minimum Average Monthly Balance (AMB) of just Rs. 75,000. Features Benefits Enjoy dynamic free limits on Intercity Payments, Collections Funds Transfer as well as Cash Deposit at home location branches based on the AMB maintained* For example, you maintain an AMB of Rs.2,00,000/- in a particular month. Your dynamic free transaction limits for that month would be as per the following table: [pic] TransactionDynamic Free Limits* Cash Deposit at Home Branch Location Anywhere Payments, Collections Funds Transfer (except Dahej) Free up to Rs.1, 00, 00,000/- in that particular month Pay your vendors on a real time basis using Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) available across 23,000 Bank Branches*. What’s more, payments and collections through RTGS are completely free! Make and receive remittances to from your vendors customers across 20,000 + Bank Branches of more than 50 Banks through Net Banking using National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT), Absolutely Free! Free 40 Demand Drafts Free 40 Pay Orders issued from any HDFC Bank Branch* Convenience to withdraw and deposit cash at all our branches*. Competitive pricing on Demand Drafts drawn on Correspondent Banking Locations as well as Outstation Cheque Collection at HDFC Bank Locations InstaAlert service receive updates on your account as and when the select transaction happens – all this without visiting the Branch or ATM! The top position is always the coveted position. With the Apex current account, take your business to a new high. On maintaining an average quarterly balance of Rs. 10 lakhs, this account makes sure you make the most of every business opportunities coming your way. Unlimited, free, anywhere Banking experience at the APEX is reserved for you. Features Benefits Maximum transactional benefits with faster mobilization of funds Average quarterly balance requirement of Rs. 10, 00,000/- Access to more than 750 branches Huge cost savings in inter-city transactions for payable-at-par cheque issuance, funds transfers, NEFT, RTGS or Demand Draft / Pay Order Faster collection of outstation cheques Free Intercity Cheque Collection Payments within HDFC Bank Network (excluding Dahej). Free Account to Account funds transfer between HDFC Bank accounts. Free payment and collection through RTGS Free payment and collection using NEFT (through NetBanking) Free Demand Drafts which can be issued from any HDFC Bank branch Free Pay Orders which can be issued from any HDFC Bank branch Convenience to withdraw and deposit cash at all our branches* Free Cash Deposit up to Rs. 100 lacs per month across all home branches (subject to a maximum of 50 transactions per month and a per day limit of Rs.1,00,000/- on cash deposit at a non home branch) Choice of local / Payable at Par Cheques. Free 500 leaves per month Register for InstaAlert service and receive updates on your account as and when the select transaction happens – all this without visiting the branch or ATM! . Fees and Charges for Apex Current Account:[pic] Minimum Balance (Average Quarterly Balance)Rs. 10, 00,000/- per quarter Non-Maintenance Charges per quarter:Charge of Rs.5,000/- per quarter if AQB is less than Rs.10,00,000 but greater than or equal to Rs. 5,00,000/-; Rs.10,000/- per quarter if AQB is less than Rs. 5,00,000/- Cheque Book Charges (Issued By Bank) Payable-at-par 500 cheque leaves free per month. Charges Rs 2/- per leaf beyond 500 leaves Other Current Account Facilities Issue of Duplicate / Adhoc StatementRs. 100 at Branch, Rs. 30 per statement through Net Banking and Phone Banking (IVR), Rs. 50 per statement through Phone Banking (non-IVR), ATM and Mobile Banking Mode of calculation of minimum average quarterly balanceAverage of daily closing balances of each day spread over a period of three months Remittance facility through own Bank Demand Drafts (DD) Payable at HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from Any branch)/ Duplicate DDFree without limit Pay Orders (PO) – on HDFC Bank Location (Issued from Any branch)/ Duplicate PO Free without limit Issuance of DD / PO through Phone Banking-Free without limit Only DD amount up to Rs. 5, 00,000 for Current Apex Account holders accepted at Phone Banking DD/PO-Cancellation/RevalidationRs.50/- per instrument NEFT/EFT Transactions: Payments-Free CollectionsFree RTGS Transactions: Payments-Free CollectionsFree Local Transactions (At home branch location) Local cheques collections paymentsFree Account to Account Fund Transfer within HDFC Bank-Free Anywhere Transactions (except Dahej) Account-to-Account Fund Transfer within HDFC BankFree Clearing Transactions-Collections Payment at HDFC Bank locations-Free Bulk Transaction Charges: All transactions are subject to a maximum of 500 transactions per month, beyond which charges @ Rs.5/- per transaction would be levied. Includes all Local / Anywhere clearing and funds transfer transactions. Remittance facility through other Bank Issue of Demand Drafts (DD) / Duplicate DD (Correspondent tie up)-Free up to Rs 15 Lacs per month, beyond which charges of Rs. 1.50 per 1000, Minimum Rs. 50/- per instrument DD-Cancellation / Revalidation-Rs.50/- per instrument Cheque Collection Outstation Cheque collection on HDFC Bank Locations-Free Outstation Cheque Collection on non-branch locationsCorrespondent bank locations: Rs.3/- per Rs.1, 000/-, min Rs. 50/-. For Clean locations (non-correspondent bank locations) non-MICR cheques: Rs 4.5/- per Rs 1000/-, min of Rs 50 per transaction (includes courier charges) Cash Transactions 1. Cash Deposit Cash Deposit-Home Branch CityFree up to Rs. 100 Lakh per month or 50 Transactions whichever is lower. Deposit in excess of Rs. 100 Lakh per month or 50 transactions will be charged @ Rs.1/- per Rs. 1000/-, minimum Rs.50/-. (Cash deposit at non- home branches within home branch city subject to limit of Rs.1,00,000/- per account per day) Cash Deposit Non Home Branch City Charges @ Rs 3 per Rs 1000/-, minimum of Rs 50 per transaction. (Maximum deposit allowed up to Rs 1, 00,000/- per day) 2. Cash Withdrawal Cash Withdrawal-Home BranchFree. Cash Withdrawal-Non Home Branch-Intercity IntracityFree cash withdrawals up to Rs.2,00,000/- per day, beyond which charges @ Rs. 2/- per Rs.1000/-, min Presenting maximum benefits and minimum hassles for you with Max Current Account! With a Rs. 5 lakhs average quarterly balance requirement, we present to you a world of privileges that helps your business expand and grow. Features like maximum free transaction limits including other beneficial features on this current account truly enhances your business potential to the Maximum. Features Benefits Maximum transactional benefits with faster mobilization of funds Average quarterly balance requirement of Rs. 5, 00,000/- Access to more than 750 branches Huge cost savings in inter-city transactions for payable-at-par cheque issuance, funds transfers, NEFT, RTGS or Demand Draft / Pay Order Faster collection of outstation cheques: Free Account to Account funds transfer between HDFC Bank accounts Free payment and collection through RTGS Free payment and collection using NEFT (through Net Banking) Free Demand Drafts which can be issued from any HDFC Bank branch Free Pay Orders which can be issued from any HDFC Bank branch Free anywhere collection payment (clearing) up to Rs. 5 Crore per month within HDFC Bank branch network (except Dahej) Convenience to withdraw and deposit cash at all our branches* Free cash deposit up to Rs. 50 Lakh per month across all home branches (subject to a maximum of 50 transactions per month and a per day limit of Rs.1, 00,000/- on cash deposit at a non home branch) Choice of local / Payable at Par cheques. 500 leaves free per month Register for InstaAlert service and receive updates on your account as and when the select transaction happens all this without visiting the branch or ATM! Fees and Charges for Max Current Account †¢ [pic]Description of Charges Minimum Balance (Average Quarterly Balance) Rs. 5, 00,000/- per quarter †¢ Non-Maintenance Charges per quarter Charge of Rs.3,000/- per quarter if AQB is less than Rs.5,00,000 but greater than or equal to Rs. 2,50,000/-; Rs.8,000/- per quarter if AQB is less than Rs. 2,50,000/- Cheque Book Charges (Issued by Bank) 500 cheques leave Free per month. Charges Rs. 2/- per leaf beyond 500 leaves †¢ Other Current Account facilities Issue of Duplicate / Adhoc Statement Rs. 100 at Branch, Rs. 30 per statement through Net Banking Phone Banking (IVR), Rs. 50 per statement through Phone Banking (non-IVR), ATM Mobile Banking Mode of Calculation of Minimum Average Quarterly Balance Average of daily closing balances of each day spread over a period of 3 months. Remittance facility through own Bank: Demand Drafts (DD) Payable at HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from Any branch)/ Duplicate DD Free without limit Pay Orders (PO) – on HDFC Bank Locations (Issued from Any branch)/ Duplicate PO Free without limit Issuance of DD / PO through Phone Banking Free without limit Only DD amount up to Rs. 5, 00,000 for Current Max Accountholders accepted at Phone Banking. DD/PO-Cancellation/Revalidation Rs.50/- per instrument NEFT/EFT Transactions: Payments-Free CollectionsFree RTGS Transactions: PaymentsFree Collections-Free Local Transactions (At home branch location) Local cheques collections paymentsFree Account to Account Fund Transfer within HDFC BankFree Anywhere Transactions (except Dahej) Account to Account Funds Transfer within HDFC BankFree Payments Collections at HDFC Bank Locations (except Dahej) Free up to Rs. 500 Lakh per month, beyond which charges @ Rs. 0.50/1000, min Rs.25/-. †¢ Bulk Transaction Charges All transactions are subject to a maximum of 300 transactions per month, beyond which charges @ Rs.5/- per transaction would be levied. Includes all Local / Anywhere clearing and funds transfer transactions. †¢ Remittance facility through other Bank Issue of Demand Drafts (DD) / Duplicate DD (Correspondent tie up) Rs. 1.50 per 1000, Minimum Rs. 50/- per instrument DD-Cancellation / RevalidationRs.50/- per instrument †¢ Cheque Collection Outstation through own bankFree †¢ Outstation through another bank Correspondent bank locations: Rs.3/- per Rs.1, 000/-, min Rs. 50/-. For Clean locations (non-correspondent bank locations) Non-MICR Cheques: Rs. 4.5 per Rs.1, 000/-, min Rs. 50/- (inclusive of courier charge) Cash Transactions 1. Cash Deposit Cash Deposit-Home Branch City Free up to Rs. 50 Lakh per month or 50 Transactions whichever is lower. Deposit in excess of Rs. 50 Lakh per month or 50 transactions will be charged @ Rs.1/- per Rs. 1000/-, minimum Rs.50/-. (Cash deposit at non- home branches within home branch location subject to limit of Rs.1, 00,000/- per account per day) Cash Deposit Non Home City Maximum Rs.1, 00,000/- per day. Charges @ Rs.3/- per Rs.1,000/-, minimum Rs. 50/- 2. Cash Withdrawal Cash Withdrawal-Home BranchFree at Home Branch Cash Withdrawal-Non Home Branch-Intracity Intracity Free cash withdrawals up to Rs. 1,00,00/- per day, beyond which charges @ Rs. 2/- per Rs.1000/-, min Rs.50/- (Only for incremental amount), Third party cash withdrawal allowed only up to maximum Rs.50,000/- per transaction. 2.8 MARKET PROFILE OF THE ORGANIZATION: Company Profile:HDFC Bank Limited Ticker:500180 Exchanges:OTH BOM 2008 Sales:124,140,000,000 Major Industry:Financial Sub Industry:Commercial Banks Country:INDIA Employees:37836 3.1 STUDENT’S WORK PROFILE (ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES): I have completed my summer taining in HDFC Bank Limited as a SALES EXECUTIVE. During this training I played some roles and responsibilities are as: ROLE- I have worked as a sales Executive in sales department in HDFC Bank Ltd. My role was to buildup better relationship with Customers. HDFC Bank expects its employees to take up the work of opening current account in their respective locations. My main role was to contact customers and make deal for opening current account, in meeting with customers I represent a demo to customer for current account, are as: RESPONSIBILITIES- †¢ To generate leads for the Bank. †¢ To buildup better relationship with customers. †¢ To increase the sales of the Bank. †¢ To provide awareness about the current account. †¢ To achieve company’s target. 3.2 DESCRIPTION OF LIVE EXPERIENCE: Working with HDFC Bank It was a nice experience. When I entered into the bank, I was very nerves. However after entering I knew the real mean of working with the big organization. We need to follow the rules and regulations of the company. Coming at the exact time in the bank is very important. These things are very important which we need to learn : †¢ How should behave in the organization? †¢ How behave and coordinate with the customer? †¢ How we need to talk to our Boss, our superior and colleges? Working with the HDFC I increased my communication skills. Also I knew the Importance of the coordination among all the employees. All the employees are working as a team. When I was new, the entire employees helped me to learn the work culture HDFC Bank. In this company my work is to buildup the relationship with customers and to provide leads to the company for opening current account and making relationship with the bank. In present time the customers are not very well aware about the HDFC’s products. 3.3 STUDENT CONTRIBUTION TO ORGANIZATION: In this Company I am working as a Sales Executive. In this Organization my role is to buildup better relationship with Customers, and I promote the current account. My contribution towards this organization like: †¢ I provide leads everyday for opening current account. †¢ I make good relationship between Bank and customers. †¢ I provide awareness about the current account through some demos and calling. †¢ I help in making some useful marketing strategies. 1. RESEARCH INSTRUMENT : A questionnaire was prepared with the relevant questions consisting mainly of closed end questions especially dichotomous type which offered the respondents between only two alternatives either (Yes/No). The respondents were personally met and the collection of information was properly administered to avoid non-respondent error. The primary data is collected by cold calling from respected place of branch. The data is collected by using a questionnaire, which is given as an Appendix at the end of this report. 2. SOURCE OF DATA : The study is based on both primary and secondary data. Most of the findings are based on the data collection through interaction with customers. A structured disguised questionnaire is prepared together the information. Close as well as open-ended questions are asked. Some multiple-choice questions are also included. 3. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: Main Methodology -: Collection of Primary data (Consumer and Market Research) through Personal Questionnaires Collection of Secondary Data (Study of various Current Account) through Computer Data, Web sites, Books and Magazines. FIELDWORK: The respondents are personally interviewed, for about 3 to 5 minutes on an average to collect the data. The format prepared beforehand was strictly adhered to. Though it was sufficient in itself and could be matched to prospective respondents, personal interviews are conducted to be able to make first hand observation that would reveal some useful information about the subject of study. RESEARCH ANALYSIS: After the collection of data I have categorize the data into – †¢ Primary Data †¢ Secondary Data As we know the data collected in primary mode is more reliable in the comparison of secondary data. So we depend more on the primary data. SOURCES OF PRIMARY DATA: †¢ Survey †¢ Personal SOURCES OF SECONDARY DATA: †¢ Through internet †¢ Branch manager approvals †¢ Personal vehicle dealers †¢ Brochure of the bank 4. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: The Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited was introduced in 1994, after the Reserve Bank of India approved private sector banking. Operating in over 300 Indian cities, HDFC Bank has over 700 branches and 1600 ATMs. It offers personal, NRI and wholesale banking services. Net profit for the March 2006-2007 reached Rs. 1,141.5 crore. In early 2007, HDFC officially entered the microfinance market and opened branches that provide funding to self-help microfinance group. After finding primary and secondary data I find: 1. Customers don’t know about the advantage of our current account. 2. Customers are less aware about the benefits Providing Company. 3. Customers have no more knowledge about the HDFC Bank limited. 4. HDFC reduces the complexity of current account. 5. HDFC provides best way to earn more profit. 6. HDFC is beneficial for making profit and various types of works. 7. The procedure of HDFC is very easy. [pic] 1. SUMMARY OF LEARNING EXPERENCE: HDFC Ltd has the objective to enhance residential housing stock and promote home ownership. Their offerings range from hassle-free home loans and deposit products, to property related services and a training facility. They also offer specialized financial services to the customer base through partnerships with some of the best financial institutions worldwide. HDFC Bank began operations in 1995 with a simple mission: to be a World-class Indian Bank. We realized that only a single-minded focus on product quality and service excellence would help us get there. Today, we are proud to say that we are well on our way towards that goal. It is extremely gratifying that our efforts towards providing customer convenience have been appreciated both nationally and internationally. So that I learn many important things from HDFC and market are as: 1. I have gained live experience of marketing. 2. I find all types of help from my training in charge. 3. I have gained knowledge in the field of HDFC. 4. I find there are many customers are not aware about the HDFC. 5. I find there are lots of opportunities in the Banking Sector. 2. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Conclusion HDFC Ltd has the objective to enhance residential housing stock and promote home ownership. Their offerings range from hassle-free home loans and deposit products, to property related services and a training facility. They also offer specialized financial services to the customer base through partnerships with some of the best financial institutions worldwide. HDFC Bank began operations in 1995 with a simple mission: to be a World-class Indian Bank. We realized that only a single-minded focus on product quality and service excellence would help us get there. Today, we are proud to say that we are well on our way towards that goal. It is extremely gratifying that our efforts towards providing customer convenience have been appreciated both nationally and internationally. . Besides we also have a dedicated technical team as well as customer care services and its procedure is also very simple. Recommendations 1. To provides awareness about Current Account and its uses to customers. 2. To open maximum and Big accounts for getting more profit. 3. To target not only metro cities, target all big and small city or village. 4. To build the customer relationship 5. To improve its marketing strategies 6. To improve its selling process [pic] COPY OF QUESTIONNAIRE: 1. Are you aware about Current Account? a. Yes b. No 2. Are you aware about current account providing HDFC Bank? a. Yes b. No 3. Are you aware about HDFC Bank Limited? a. Yes b. No 4. Are you aware about the procedure of Current Account? a. Yes b. No 5. Is HDFC reduces the complexity of Current Account procedure? a. Yes b. No 6. Is HDFC provides you cheap and best way to earn money and to make you a independent owner? a. Yes b. No 7. Are you aware about the profit volume ratio doing business with HDFC? a. Yes b. No 8. Are you interested to open current account in HDFC Bank ? a. Yes b. No BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1. www.hdfcbankltd.com 2. www.hdfc.in 3. www.google.com 4. Business Today 5. India Today [pic] Sales Executive Team Leader Sales Manager Area Sales Manager Area Sales Head Regional Sales Manager Zonal Sales Manager National Sales Manager

Balanced And Well Rounded Education Education Essay

Balanced And Well Rounded Education Education Essay According to the mission of Singapore Education, the purpose of Singapore Education is to provide our children with a balanced and well-rounded education, develop them to their full potential, and nurture them into good citizens, conscious of their responsibilities to family, society and country. (http://www.moe.gov.sg/about/yearbooks/2005/pdf/mission-vision.pdf) Eventually, they would become the future leader who would make the right decision for their nation in future. Thus, the Desired Outcomes of Educations (DOE) is being introduced at 3 key stages, namely primary, secondary and post-secondary. It acts as a checklist or common purposes for the educators to help students strive towards the mission of Singapore education. To better achieve the desired outcomes of education, Teach less, learn more (TLLM) comes into picture in 2005. At the National Day Rally in 2004, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called on our teachers to teach less, so that our students could learn more. (http://www.moe.gov.sg/about/yearbooks/2005/teach.html). This policy is focusing on improving the quality of interaction between teachers and students. The aim of this policy is to drive Singapore education to a direction where teachers only act as a facilitator, nurturing students to become self-directed learners and individuals who are capable of think independently. Teach Less, Learn More is a call to re-examine the fundamentals of teaching and learning why we teach, what we teach and how we teach. (http://www3.moe.edu.sg/corporate/contactonline/2005/Issue13/glossary/glossary.htm#ttml) TLLM reminds teachers that their responsibility is to stimulate the students passion in learning so that students are willing to take up challenges that come to them. Disseminating the information to the students should not be the only way to teach. Teachers should always check for the understanding of students by relating them with the materials. Other than that, teachers should help students learn that they are taught to live the tests of their lives, not to learn that their lives are full of tests. The TTLM initiative also calls on teachers to focus on the whole child instead of the subject. Teachers should put more emphasis on the teaching of good values and attitudes to the students, not their grades. In addition, teachers need to help students learn that the learning process is far more important than the results or the end product. Before jumping into the answers, teachers should treasure the teachable moment by throwing the questions to the students. Let them think and encourage curiosity. TLLM urges teachers to engage student more in learning and depend less on drill, practice and rote learning. Teachers should do more guiding, facilitating and modelling and do less telling so that students could take ownership of their own learning. Every student is different. Therefore teacher should apply various differentiated pedagogies to suit students learning. Student should be accessed more qualitatively over a period of time, and less quantitatively through one-off and summative examinations. Lastly, teachers should promote the spirit of innovation and enterprise among students. I come across one journal that was published in 2005 mentioned that in response to the TLLM policy, MOE was going to provide more time and space to teachers to do the right things for the students. To date, MOE has really made some moves to provide teachers more time; such as assigning a Co-curricular Programme Executives to each school, hiring more new teachers and introduced the adjunct teachers programme. However, we still see teachers rushing for syllabuses and busy preparing students for all sorts of exams. Not to mention the large class sizes and the accompanying heavy marking load, how could teachers stay fit physically and mentally with so many workloads? I do believe that most of the teachers would like to make their lessons livelier and have more flexibility in choosing the materials and teaching methods. I also believe that teachers do not wish their students go for tuitions. Euphemistically, the textbooks, syllabuses and teachers handbooks are said to guide teachers in teaching. As a matter of fact, these materials confine teachers way of teaching. Time allocated to each subject in school is just enough for teachers to run through the concepts and basics due to the tight syllabus. Eventually students would need to sit for the standardized tests, which decide their future. To score high for the standardized test, frequent and repeated practices based on the concepts and basics taught are inevitable. And this is the main reason for the increase of tuition centers in Singapore. A lot of parents have the habit of paving the way that would grant successfulness for their children. These include house moving and become school volunteers to get their children admitted into a good school; send their children to enrichment classes and tuitions in hope that their children could pass standardized test with flying colours. Eventually, their children could get admitted into the university, studying a popular subject which promise good prospect. For most of the students, they bow to the reality at a very young age. Since young, under the influence of the media, friends, community, teacher, school and parents, they got the impression that only by doing well academically; they could have a bright future. If they find the subject or what was taught is not going to help give them promising future, even though they know that is their strength or they have passion on that, they would not pursue them. Students rather give up their passions than face failures. Civic and moral education (CME) is supposed to be the subject that helps students develops their characters and values. Good values, attitudes and characters could also be taught in other subjects; but character development and values education are not their emphasis. Recently, MOE has just completed revising the CME materials, which claim to be more interesting and could engage students more. However, a lot of people do not see the importance of the CME subject; probably because of it is not examinable. Many mother tongue teachers have experienced their CME classes being hijacked by the math and science teachers to rush for syllabuses or to prepare students for exams. The hijacking becomes more frequent especially when the exam period is approaching. School leaders are aware of that but turn a blind eye to it. This indirectly acknowledges that the schools are still more prone to grades-centric instead of values-centric. Thus, it is not surprising that students would have the percept ion that CME is the least important subject and they are less likely learn the subject by heart. Singapore is a country that adopts a highly centralised education system and a strong top-down approach in policy-making. (Catherine Chua Richard, 2007) Changes made at the national level often may be difficult to put into practice at the school level. TLLM is one of them. Catherine Chua and Richard (2007) did a study by comparing the science curriculum between two top schools and two mid-level schools. The top schools appear to exercise more flexibility in their curriculum by introducing a more diverse programme. They are placing greater emphasis on research-based and higher order thinking skills, acquiring beyond the basic knowledge. This is in line with the MOEs initiative. The middle category schools are also embarking on introducing and reinforcing some incentive programmes in their schools, especially for those less able students. However, an important observation shows that there was no corresponding decrease in the number of topics taught in class. On the contrary, the numbe r of periods allocated for the science lessons increased in 2005. They also found that the programmes offered by the top schools are more intensive and research oriented than those offered in the middle category schools. By introducing more intensive programme and increase the number of periods, both top schools and middle level schools actually did not put TLLM into practices. These schools rather play safe by teaching more, and add more to the curriculum. This can has negative impacts on the school climate, as teachers will have less time to prepare, teach and interact with their students. Sooner or later, teachers would develop resistance towards government initiatives. (Catherine Chua Richard, 2007) PSLE test is the ultimate test for all the primary students. This test focus on the end result rather than the process of learning. From time to time, different initiatives, including TLLM are being introduced by MOE to better achieve the purposes of Singapore Education. However, PSLE tests on the whole remain untouched. School principals, teachers, parents and students know that no matter what the changes that will take place, at the end, it is the examination that matters. Thus, when MOE first introduced TLLM, many of the principals and teachers would just take that as another initiative that will come and go. In 2009, MOE announced that semester exams for Primary 1 2 would no longer exist. But later announced that mini test would be in place so that teachers could provide regular feedback on pupils learning to parents. So that is a good change or a bad change? Mini tests are still TEST. They could be the replicas of semester test and could end up having few of them throughout the semester. Students stress over exam is still there and hardly reduced. After six years of study, students still need to sit for the PSLE test. This also means that the pace of preparing the PSLE test would be increased once students step into Primary 3 seeing that the time given has been shortened by 2 years. The aims of education policy are to ensure that students not only master scholastic knowledge, but that they are equipped with the knowledge needed to perform well in the globalised economy (Seaton, 2002). In Singapore Education, the decision-making in curriculum policy always lie in the hands of the government. Thus, we can say that Singapore educational policies are the mirrors of the social, economic and political needs of a society. (Catherine Chua Richard, 2007) From the TLLM policy, we can see that Singapore government would like to mould the future leaders in becoming a confident person, a self-directed learner, an active contributor and a concerned citizen. Although TLLM encourages teachers to teach less so that student could learn more, what students actually learn are still very much depends on what would be assessed finally. We still see some schools hesitating to put TLLM into practice. Thus, I would like to comment that TLLM would be just another MOEs attempt to change the direction of education in Singapore school if MOE still continue its traditional reluctance to let go or downgrade the position of the examination system. Education in Singapore is not education but just a huge examination preparation exercise, namely, the high stakes examination system.

Review of Research Paper on Cold Perecption via TRPM8 -- Biology Nerve

Introduction: The first reaction to a minor wound or sprain is to apply ice. Cold's analgesic effects are a profound and under appreciated phenomenon. The nerve providing the sensation we know as cold acts to inhibit the "pain pathway." This wonderful nervous pathway is called TRPM8. This study indicates that the ion channel called "transient receptor potential melastatin 8", or TRPM8, is a primary component of cold sensation. Cultured nerve fibers devoid of this ion channel have considerably less response to the sub-ambient temperatures and cold-simulating chemicals that these nerves normally respond to fervently. Mice that have been genetically deprived of the TRPM8 channel also display a noticeable decrease in non-noxious cold sensitivity. Essentially without this component of the nerve, mice don’t notice mild cold, and actually have no particular preference to warmth. This appears to be true only for non-noxious temperatures (roughly above 12C in this case). Below that threshhold, it is thought that cold is perceived by thermal nociceptors as pain due to the extreme and potentially harmful aspects of severe cold. Methods: The analysis of this ion channel was observed on both the cellular and behavioral perspectives in an attempt to identify the biochemical properties and characteristics of the channel and the ramifications thereof in a model organism. Methods: Gene Deletion Overview: Gene Deletion: The researchers deleted a significant portion of the TRPM8 gene. This was done through PCR, digestion, and ligation, effectively stopping the production of TRPM8 ion channel. PCR or polymerase chain reaction is a process which uses enzymes and primers to amplify or modify a DNA sequence. Deletion is accomplished by ... ...ficient, producing concurrent and decisive data. TRPM8 plays a vital role in sesation of its temperature range. These observations lead to the fact that all senastion is a balance of multiple pathways. Any perceived stimulus is actually a complex combination of neurons all being stimulated differently and decifered by the brain. So when one is exposed to cold, the sensory cortex is actully receiving stimulus of the absence of heat, the pain, the local vascular changes, and cold each delivered by a specific neuron. This must be true for all sensations. Further definition of this fact could lead to break throughs in pain management, virtual reality, artificial flavor and scent stimulation, physical therapy or perhaps futuristic massage devices. Sources Nature magazine article "The menthol receptor TRPM8 is the principal detector of environmental cold "

Modern Collegiate A Cappella Essay -- Music Art Cultural Essays Histor

Modern Collegiate A Cappella Introduction A cappella is a relatively young art form that is catching the interest of many people across the nation. The popular movement is believed to have been started in 1909, when part of the Yale Glee Club broke off and formed the Yale Whiffenpoofs, the first collegiate a cappella group; the Whiffenpoofs exist to this day, and the a cappella movement has only grown in popularity. Throughout the middle decades of the 20th century, professional a cappella groups attracted a lot of attention for their renditions of popular songs. As this new progressive style caught on, the a cappella art form evolved from its roots in harmonically complex barbershop quartets into a more modem and freely structured type of music. The trend-setting groups remained attentive to musicality, but left behind the rigidity commonly associated with barbershop performance. Songs like "Mr. Sandman," by the Chordettes, and "It Won't Be Very Long," by the Soul Stirrers, showed people that a cappella could be exciting and also that it could tackle a multitude of musical genres. The next big developments in a cappella came on the collegiate front. While professional groups retained their popularity, their numbers did not increase much toward the end of the 20th century. On the other hand, the number of college groups skyrocketed during this same time period. According to the Mainely A Cappella website's history of a cappella, since 1989, there have been about 20 new groups formed at schools across the nation every year. 1 This paper suggests that the reason for the drastic spike in collegiate interest in a cappella is because students began to realize the wide range of creative expression that can be achieve... ...ed methods of making music. 3 Quotation from Michael Kendall's "Philosophy of Music Education." See reference list. Works Cited: 1.Bethel College Website. Michael Kendall, "Philosophy of Music Education." http://www.bethelcollege.edu/acadb/und s/finearts/music/phil.htm. 2. Hemsley, Thomas. Singing and Imagination. Oxford University Press. 1998. 3. Mainely A Cappella website. "A Century of A Cappella." http://www.a-cappella.corn/misc/history.php. 4. Sawyer, Keith. Group Creativity – Music, Theater, Collaboration. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers. 2003. 5. Singer, Irving. Feeling and Imagination – The Vibrant Flux of Our Existence. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. 2001. 6. Schoenherr, Steve. "Recording Technology History." http://history.acusd.edu/ mml#di ital. 7. Ward, Finke, Smith. Creativity and the Mind. Plenum Press. 1995.

Criminology DNA Forensic Science Essay

We begin life as a single cell zygote, about 0. 1mm in diameter. The numerous biological instructions that enable our developmental and functional processes to occur from zygote to adult are encoded in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Forensic DNA analysis involves the intersection of several scientific disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics, and statistical analysis (Lynch, 2013). In order to understand the usefulness and the limitations of DNA in the analysis of physical evidence, it is important to be familiar with the basics principles underlying these diverse disciplines. Besides identical twins, each individual’s DNA is unique. After all it is the genetic material that contains all the information necessary for any organism to develop and function. However, only a one-half percent that is of interest to forensics scientists. This is the portion that varies greatly between individuals and it is what manifests itself in the individual traits such as eye color, hair color, and blood type. Most often the differences in DNA sequence do not show themselves in physical appearance; however, these sequences can only be examined using special laboratory techniques. Forensic scientists use these genetic differences from DNA to distinguish an individual between the individuals in a population. In 1944 Oswald Avery defined the role of the cellular component known as DNA as the vehicle of generational transference of heritable traits. In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick elucidated the structure of the DNA molecule as a double helix. Form follows function; the very nature of the molecule provided an explanation for its unique properties (Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Gatto & Gatto, 2012). In 1980, David Botstein and coworkers were the first to exploit the small variations found between people at the genetic level as landmarks to construct a human gene map. In 1984, while searching for disease markers in DNA Alec Jeffreys discovered the science of personal identification. He termed this method DNA Fingerprinting, a method to detect loci sequentially (Alberts, Johnson & et al, 2008). This term is later replaced by DNA typing or DNA profiling, â€Å"Early in the use of DNA, profiles for the purpose of dentification were called DNA fingerprints, a term which is now rarely used† (Porter, 2005). The first forensic use of DNA occurred in England, â€Å"†¦ a DNA test was performed by Dr. Alex Jeffreys, who had developed DNA ‘fingerprinting† (Porter, 2005). One of the most significant facts of the case is that an innocent suspect was the first accused of the murder was freed based on the DNA evidence. Perhaps the most significant scientific advance bes ides the determination of the structure of DNA was in 1986 the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR multiplies the sample and yields results which were once unobtainable, â€Å"Furthermore, the statistical chances of a random coincidence in DNA of two individuals with the same profile have now reached enormous figures in the billions (Porter, 2005). Observation of cells and embryos in the late 19th century had led to the recognition that the hereditary information is carried on chromosomes, â€Å"thread-like structures in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell that became visible by light microscopy as the cell begins to divide† (Alberts, Johnson & et al, 2008). As biochemical analysis became possible, chromosomes were found to consist of both DNA and protein. DNA is the name given to a group of molecules that occur in all cells of all living organisms and that carry that organism’s genetic information. That, is they carry the instructions for making the chemical compounds, proteins, by which cells stay alive, grow, develop, reproduce, and carry out all the functions that constitute life as we know it. DNA molecules are very large, complex molecules made of only a few simple sugar units combined with a phosphate group and one of four nitrogen bases, adenine A, cytosine C, guanine G, and thymine T (Alberts, Johnson & et al, 2008). The combination of one sugar molecule, one phosphate group and any on nitrogen base is called a nucleotide. A complete DNA molecule consists of very long chains of thousands of nucleotides joined together. The DNA molecule is comprised of two strands each wrapped around the other in the form of a double-helix. The bases on each strand are properly aligned in a manner known as complementary-base pairing. As a result, adenine pairs with thymine and guanine pairs with cytosine. Each gene is actually composed of DNA specifically designed to carry the task of controlling the genetic traits of our cells. The position a gene occupies on a chromosome in known as a locus. Approximately 30,000 human genes have been identified. DNA duplicates itself prior to cell division. DNA replication begins with the unwinding of the DNA strands of the double helix (Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Gatto & Gatto, 2012). The two separate strands, now separated, act like a template for the formation of daughter strands. Each strand is now exposed to a collection of free nucleotides that will be used to recreate the double helix using base pairing. The enzyme DNA polymerase catalyzes the sequential addition of nucleotides to the growing DNA strands. The advent of DNA technology has dramatically altered the approach of forensic scientists toward the individualization of bloodstains and other biological factors as evidence. The high sensitivity of DNA analysis and the subsequent search for DNA evidence has even altered the types of materials collected from crime scenes. Saferstein, 2013) Modern methods of obtaining DNA have made it possible to obtain convictions on blood left at the scene, on semen, or even spittle behind on a postage stamp. â€Å"It is surprising how often DNA is left behind, often when the criminal accidently cuts himself at the scene but also numerous other ways. DNA evidence makes detection of crime more probable† (Porter, 2005). During an investigation, forensic evidence is collected at a crime scene, analyzed in a laboratory and often presented in court. Each crime scene is unique, and each case presents its own challenges. Complex cases may require the collection, examination and analysis of a large amount of evidence. In terms of forensic DNA analysis, there is a variety of possible sources of DNA evidence. The more useful sources include blood, semen, vaginal fluid, nasal secretions and hair with roots. It is theoretically possible to obtain DNA from evidence such as urine, feces and dead skin cells, though this is often classed as a poor source due to the lack of intact cells and high levels of contaminants preventing successful analysis. Prior to analysis, the it will be necessary to extract DNA from the sample. This is generally achieved through the following simplified steps. The sample cells are lysed (broken down) in a buffer solution. Denatured proteins and fats are pelleted through centrifugation. The cleared lysate is then passed through a column, often containing a positively charged medium that binds to the DNA. Contaminating proteins, fats and salts are then removed through several washes. The DNA is recovered in a buffer solution (Rankin, 2005-2013). The use of DNA analysis in forensic science is based on a variety of techniques focusing on polymorphisms. â€Å"Different sequences are studied in different techniques, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, mini satellites (variable number tandem repeats), microsatellites (short tandem repeats) and mitochondrial DNA, each different with regards to length and repetition (Rankin, 2005-2013)†. The latest method of DNA typing, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis has emerged as the most successful and widely used DNA profiling procedure. Generally, â€Å"DNA extraction is the first step in forensic DNA analysis for use in human identification, and is essential to generating STR profiles from forensic biological samples (Lounsbury, Coult, Miranian, Cronk, Haverstick, Kinnon, Saul & Landers, 2012)†. STRs are locations on the chromosome that contain short tandem repeats that repeat themselves within the DNA molecule. They express a high degree of polymorphism, making them of particular use to the forensic scientist. As STR regions are non-coding, there is no selective pressure against the high mutation rate, resulting in high variation between different people (Saferstein, 2013). Though there have been thousands of short tandem repeats found in the human genome, only a small number are utilized in forensic DNA analysis. STR loci are ideal for use in forensic science for a number of reasons. They represent†¦ â€Å"discrete alleles that are distinguishable from one another, they show a great power of discrimination, only a small amount of sample is required due to the short length of STRs, PCR amplification is robust and multiple PCR can be used, and there are low levels of artifact formation during amplification (Rankin, 2005-2013)†. The method of enzyme based produced PCR-ready DNA after only 20 minute incubation and requires no centrifugation or sample transfer steps. Implementation of this method into the workflow for forensic cases could reduce sample and DNA preparation time. The enzyme based method allows easy integration for downstream processes, such as PCR (Lounsbury, Coult, Miranian, Cronk, Haverstick, Kinnon, Saul & Landers, 2012). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique for replicating small quantities of DNA or broken pieces of DNA found at a crime scene, outside a living cell. Polymerase chain reaction is the outgrowth of knowledge gained from an understanding of how DNA strands naturally replicate within a cell. For the forensic scientist, PCR offers a distinct advantage in that it can amplify minute quantities of DNA many millions of times (Saferstein, 2013). The PCR cycle consists of three primary steps: denaturation, annealing and extension. â€Å"Denaturation, the sample is heated to 94-95oC for about 30 seconds. This separates the double-stranded DNA by breaking hydrogen bonds, allowing primers access. Annealing, the samples is kept at 50-65oC, depending on the primer sequence, to allow hydrogen bonds to form between the primers and the complementary DNA sequence. Extension is also known as the elongation stage. The sample is heated to 72oC for duration depending on the length of the DNA strand to be amplified and the speed of the polymerase enzyme (Taq polymerase) which builds up the strand. Deoxynucleotide triphosphates are added to the 3’ end of the primer (Rankin, 2005-2013)†. Each PCR cycle can take only 5 minutes. This procedure can then be repeated as necessary until the original sequence has been amplified a sufficient amount of time, with the amount being doubled with each cycle. Following PCR, the products are separated using electrophoresis. Electrophoresis is essentially a method of separating molecules by their size through the application of an electric field, causing molecules to migrate at a rate and distance dependent on their size. The gel essentially acts as a type of molecular sieve, allowing smaller molecules to travel faster than larger fragments. Following electrophoresis, it may be necessary to visualize these bands using radioactive or fluorescent probes or dyes (Berg, Tymoczko, Stryer, Gatto & Gatto, 2012). Another type of DNA used for individual characterization is mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) is located outside the cell’s nucleus and is inherited from the mother (Saferstein, 2013). Recent developments in forensic mRNA profiling systems have allowed the simultaneous inference of a variety of human cell types from small amounts of samples. In addition to body fluids such as blood, semen, saliva, menstrual secretion and vaginal mucosa, the presence of skin cells can also be determined. Since more cell types can be examined, RNA profiling complements the existing detection methods of body fluids which are mainly serology-based and presumptive in nature. In forensic genetic analyses, â€Å"†¦the highest priority often goes to establishing the possible contributor(s) of DNA to an evidentiary trace. As a consequence, RNA profiling is incorporated into a DNA/RNA coassessment strategy that generates both a DNA and an mRNA profile from the same stain (Lindenbergh, Maaskant & Sijen, 2012)†. Mitochondrial DNA is generally used when other methods such as STR analysis have failed. This is often in the case of badly degraded bodies, in cases of disaster or accidents where an individual is too badly damaged to identify. The most significant advantage of the use of mitochondrial DNA is the possibility of analyzing even highly degraded samples. If a specimen is severely decomposed to the point that it is not possible to successfully extract a DNA profile using nuclear DNA, it may be possible through mitochondrial DNA. However the use of mDNA does have its disadvantages. As mitochondrial DNA is only maternally inherited, this cannot form a full DNA fingerprint of the individual, thus this technique is only beneficial if the DNA profiles of maternal relatives are available, such as the individuals mother or biological siblings (National Institute of Justice, 2012). Possibly the most momentous device to arise from DNA typing is the ability to compare DNA types recovered from crime scene evidence to those of convicted sex offenders and other convicted criminals (Lynch, 2013). Numerous countries have produced computerized databases containing DNA profiles to aid in the comparison of DNA fingerprints and the identification of suspects and victims. The first Government DNA database was established in the United Kingdom in April 1995, known as the National DNA Database (NDNAD). As of 2011, there were over 5. million profiles of individuals in the system. Similarly, the FBI in the US formed their own DNA database, the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), in 1994, though it was not implemented in all states until 1998(Saferstein, 2013). Staff members involved in the handling and analysis of evidence will often also submit their DNA profiles to the database in the case of accidental contamination. There is the possibility for DNA databases to be shared be tween countries; however some countries focus on different loci in DNA fingerprinting. Currently, U. S. crime laboratories have standardized on 13 STRs for entry into a national database (CODIS). Currently, DNA evidence is treated as exceptional, but it also is upheld as a model for other forms of forensic evidence to emulate. Many terms, such as investigation, inquiry, argument, evidence, and fact were established in law well before being associated with science. However, while legal proof remained qualified by standards of moral certainty, scientific proof attained a reputation for objectivity (Lynch, 2013). Although most forms of legal evidence, including expert evidence, continue to be treated as fallible opinions rather than objective facts, forensic DNA evidence increasingly is being granted an exceptional factual status. It did not always enjoy such status. Two decades ago, the scientific status of forensic DNA evidence was challenged in the scientific literature and in courts of law, but by the late 1990s it was being granted exceptional legal status. DNA profiling is often treated as an exceptional technique that has navigated the imaginary gulf between forensic and scientific culture, and has become so reliable that it can be used as a benchmark for evaluating all other forensic technologies. The STR system replaced the earlier systems, and automated scanning of samples replaced visual examination of profile results. The use of all these genetic tools allows forensic scientists to with more certainty find and convict criminals.

White Settlement

â€Å"What was the impact on White Settlement on Indigenous life between 1788- 1861? Describe the meeting of two cultures that we see in Bennelong and William Buckley. † 1. Early years in Sydney- Arthur Phillip and Bennelong In 1788, led by Captain Arthur Phillip (Australia’s first governor), the Europeans had arrived in Australia with the first fleet. They saw no sign of life and had no idea that the Indigenous people had been living in Australia for thousands even tens of thousands of years. But the Indigenous people were very aware that they had come and were deeply fascinated by them. At first they thought they were ghosts or evil spirits but they soon realized that these white-skinned and strangely-dressed people were planning to stay, and that they were. These â€Å"white-skinned’ people were in fact convicts who was shipped to do hard laborious work for their committed crime. Life before Europeans had settled in Australia was a very different place. There was either clear land and/or lots of bush. There were no boats, building or roads, in fact the Indigenous people probably had no idea there was such thing. This was probably why Arthur Phillip presumed the land could be theirs because no-one held sovereign right. But the Indigenous people were living there. The Indigenous people lived happily and peacefully with guidance from their elders who knew local dream time stories and customs. They comfortable living together, helping and sharing with one another and stayed alive by eating animals and berries from the bush. They didn’t need fancy clothes, building or roads unlike the Europeans to live a good life. On the 25 November 1789, Captain Arthur Phillip, captured elder Bennelong and used him as a way to learn about the language and customs of the indigenous people. Bennelong willingly liaised between the cultures, and adopted European dress and other ways. 2. Victoria- Buckley and batman After convict William Buckley’s escape from the Victorian settlement he was discovered by the Wathaurang people who thought this pale, 198cm giant carrying a spear was the ghost of one of their leaders. Buckley had arrived at Port Phillip Bay from England in 1803 with about 300 soldiers, settlers and convicts after being sentenced to transportation for life. Before the European settlement was abandoned, Buckley escaped. He wandered alone for weeks before he was befriended by the Wathaurang people. Over the next 32 years Buckley lived with the Wathaurang, learnt their language and customs, married and had a daughter. In 1835 he finally emerged to meet Batman’s colonising party and tried to work as an intermediary between settlers and aborigines, but felt he wasn’t trusted by either. 3. Overview of their decline and dispossession of land Victoria was originally the home to many Indigenous tribes that had been living there for a long period of time. Although when the Europeans settled in Australia Batman planned to negotiate his way into ‘buying’ the land of the Indigenous people. Once Batman arrived in Victoria he approached the local Indigenous leaders with a contract, to ‘buy' their land. His negotiations were successful, and he walked away with 240,000 hectares of prime farming terrain – almost all of the Kulin nation’s ancestral land even though they were technically not eligible to sell the land as it wasn’t really their land. However the transaction went ahead, and it was agreed that batman was to on a annual basis, give them 40 blankets, 30 axes, 100 knives, 50 scissors, 30 mirrors, 200 handkerchiefs, 100 pounds of flour and 6 shirts in exchange for the land. Because of this transaction between the Indigenous People and Batman the majority of Victoria’s population is, as the Indigenous people originally called us, â€Å"white-skinned†.