Appl Unveils iPad Air

Apple International Corporation on 23.10.13 took the wraps of a slimmer, faster tablet in the market called the iPad Air and announced it would give away Macintosh operating and work-software free to its users, challenging  Microsoft Corporation’s near strangle hold on personal computing. Apple announced the surprise offer, which will be available to all users of Apple Mac books and Mac computers at a product event on Tuesday at which is also unveiled a new line of Mac notebooks and computers.

”We are turning industry on its ear, but this is not why we are doing it “.  Apple CEO Tim Cook told media and technology executives at Buena centre. “We want our customers to have our latest software.” The iPad Air is 20% thinner than the previous generation of tablets but the new tablets will face stiff competition from Nokia, Microsoft and Amazon.com Inc. and all plugging rival devices for the coming months. But while Apple is leading market share to rivals, its superior library of apps and content is to safeguard its lead for years to come.

M. Subaruna of VII - A

A Leadership Stalwart - Whom History Remembers

Abraham Lincoln was the most effective and transformational leaders in world history. Often regarded as the greatest American president, Lincoln abolished slavery ended the civil war, saved the republic and led from the front in several circumstances, adding to his kitty numerous accomplishments. He was a self taught man and was moulded by several losses and difficulties. He had an indomitable self confidence and a heart full of determination and ambition. Lincoln was a thoughtful communicator and had the ability to listen to different points of view and arrive at comprehensive conclusions. The qualities that I find noteworthy in him are his ability to share credit for success and be aware of his weaknesses. He never compromised on his integrity and lived with the principle of “MALICE TOWARDS NONE AND CHARITY FOR ALL”. He knew to control his emotions and had incredible administrative and management abilities. Lincoln fundamentally cared about people and expressed them through his words and encouraging gestures. In short Lincoln, was a leadership genius from whom every person can definitely draw innumerable leadership lessons and look upon to with ultimate reverence and regard – for he was one unblemished LEADER.

Kaaviya Ganesan of XI - B

Academic Achievement - A Definite Path To Success?

It is an unannounced rule of both the social world and corporate world that a man’s acquisition of academic achievement or qualification is a giant leap towards opportunities and success in life.

You can always make  exceptions to the rule, but the rule is still the rule for a reason. Let me take it that : “success in life” basically means occupational and economic success, the two vital necessities of life, undeniably. It goes without saying that economic success implies – you have the means  to meet your ends in life. Academic  achievement makes the difference between working at a job that is barely enough to meet your ends and a job that you really enjoy. Academic achievement is necessary for finding and keeping jobs that provide a steady income, benefits and opportunities  for growth and advancements.

Beyond work and wages academic success is important because higher level of education will be necessary to tackle the technologically demanding occupations of the future.

Sound theoretical and empirical research has established that academic achievement is the critical first step in improving self esteem, confidence, critical and analytical thinking skills, interpersonal skills and shaping a person into a well rounded personality. So academic achievement not only has a direct effect on earnings but also plays an important role in the mental makeup of a person. Hence there Is definitely a positive correlation between academic achievement and success.

Critics would rightly point out examples of people who have made it to the top with bare minimum education or no academic achievement at all. Here I would like to draw their attention to the fact that such people who have made a mark in any field be it business, sports or entertainment. They all employ highly qualified professionals to manage their affairs, to build and strengthen their empire and to retain their success in life. For instance, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs may be drop outs but they surely did prosper only with the help and support of highly qualified professionals .

Barring a few noteworthy examples what about those millions of well qualified professionals? Isn’t academic achievement their only key which opens the door to all that which life has to offer? Academic achievement guarantees insured success. Academic achievement alone guarantees a safe and comfortable path to success in life.

Kaaviya Ganesan of XI - B

India Wealthier Than Europe In Languages

Here’s a bit of news to show that money and wealth does not always count.
A recent study by People’s Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI) shows that India’s children speak about 850 languages where as Europeans can speak only 250 languages.
 On the whole, Europe has only 3 languages that are doing well-English, French and Welsh, However, each and every state in India has a different language. A good example of a state doing well in terms of language is Assam, whose people speak nearly 52 languages.
However, a shocking thing about Indian languages is that they are rapidly dying. In the past 50 years, nearly 250 languages have been lost. This is very shocking news. All of us must work towards conserving out country’s beautiful languages.

Ananya Yayavaram of VII - A

Health And Science - Brains Flush Toxic Waste In Sleep

A new study has found out that the clean-up system our brains, responsible for flushing out toxic waste products that cells produce with daily use takes place when we sleep.
 Scientists say this self-clean up by the brain provides us with a good memory power and everything is retained whenever we read or study something.  Sleep puts the brain in another state of mind where we clean out all the waste products of activities done in the day-time. Staying up all night prevents the brain from getting rid of the toxins, and this can cause crankiness, mental fog,etc.
 So better stop staying up all night and get a good night’s sleep!

R. Pratheeba of VII - A

Onion Price Hike

Due to weather change and irregular rain, onions were not grown much as they could not be harvested at the right time. Moreover, quite an amount of produce goes waste as they begin to rot. For this reason farmers produce less of onion, and hence there is less supply to the market. Hence the shopkeepers increase the rate of onion. These prices are so high that cross the limit of affordability, and this is suffered mainly by the poor. Onion is used in day to day cooking. Non-procurement affects the business growth of traders. Some even hide onions in great volumes for their use, which is not good. The people hope that the prices soon fall so that people can get to use it without any hesitation while buying.

V. Varshitha of VII - C

Auto Rickshaw Meters Reintroduced In Chennai

After almost a decade, the auto rickshaw meters are reintroduced in Chennai with revised rates. A year-long campaign by the Times Of India, a PIL in the supreme court and an online petition have culminated in the state government announcing new fares. It is now mandatory for all the auto rickshaws plying in the city to install meters with GPS facility and electronic digital printers. The new fare structure came into force on 25th august 2013. The revised fare for the first 1.8 kms is Rs 25 and Rs 12 for every additional km. late night service charges will be 50%than day time which is applicable from 11pm to 5am.in addition to this, waiting charges is applicable at Rs 3.5 per 5 minutes. Meanwhile, the government has directed rickshaw drivers to collect the new rate cards from regional transport offices by September 15. The commuters welcomed the government announcement with cheers. The operation of the auto rickshaws will be monitored effectively. 
Now drivers cannot charge high rates. People no longer have to bargain with the drivers. If the auto drivers follow the new rates, there will be more commuters. With the increasing petrol prices, the government should also revise the fares.

Arya B. Nair of X - A