POLL - Annual inflation seen at 12.03 pct on July 19

Annual inflation rate is expected to have risen to 12 percent in mid July, driven by higher costs of commodities and strong demand in the economy, a Reuters poll of 12 economists showed.

The wholesale price index is forecast to have risen 12.03 percent in the 12 months to July 19, which would be the highest since annual numbers in the current series became available in April 1995. It rose an annual 11.89 percent a week earlier.

The data is due after 5.30 p.m. on Thursday.

It would be the 23rd consecutive week that the inflation rate has been above 5.5 percent, the Reserve Bank of India’s original target for inflation at end of the fiscal year ending in March 2009.

At a policy review on Tuesday where it raised its key lending rate by 50 basis points to 9 percent and also increased banks’ reserve requirements, the RBI said it was now aiming to bring inflation down to 7 percent by end March.

The double strike against inflation jolted financial markets, and analysts said the RBI was clearly prepared to sacrifice some growth for tamer prices with more tightening expected.

The wholesale price index is more closely watched than the consumer price index (CPI) because it includes more products and is also published weekly. The CPI is released monthly.

Russians reach 'bottom of the abyss'

A Russian mini-submarine on Tuesday reached the bottom of Lake Baikal in Siberia, setting a world record for the deepest dive in a lake, the crew told organisers from the vessel. “Mir-1 is at 1,680 metres”, a crew member could be heard saying in a radio link-up with a special barge near Olkhon Island that had lowered the Mir-1 and Mir-2 submarines into the waters of the world’s deepest lake.

Lake Baikal was previously believed to be a maximum of 1,637 metres deep and scientists say they could find new life-forms in its unexplored depths. “This is a world record for a submarine diving in fresh water,” an expedition organiser was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

The scientific expedition was organised by Artur Chilingarov, a pro-Kremlin member of parliament and an Arctic explorer who led the submarine team that planted a Russian flag at the bottom of the North Pole last August.

Scientists plan to collect samples at different depths and hope to document the effects of global warming on the pristine lake, as well as to draw the attention of the government to the need for greater environmental protection. “We want to study and observe Baikal, preserve it,” Chilingarov said on Monday ahead of the dive as he inspected the mini-submarines in the small fishing port of Turka on the mountainous eastern shore of the lake.

The expedition also has a political dimension. Chilingarov said he had “full support” from Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and a flag for the ruling United Russia party could be seen flying proudly from the expedition’s barge.
Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world, although not the largest in terms of surface area.

Environmental groups warn that increased pollution is threatening the lake, which has more than 800 unique wildlife species.

The lake contains around a fifth of the world’s freshwater reserves.

On Sunday and on Monday morning, what locals affectionately call “the sea” actually looked more like a raging ocean, such were the high winds. Intense water pressure means that previous expeditions have never gone below a quarter of its presumed depth. Chilingarov’s deputy Anatoly Sagalevich said the lake has “perhaps not been properly studied” given past measurements had to rely on pure mathematics alone.

“We will drop at a rate of 30 metres per minute,” Sagalevich had said before the dive. “Practically vertical. It will take in total between one hour and an hour and a quarter to complete the mission.

“The most important aspect will be visual observation,” he said, highlighting three special windows located at the front of the craft and a series of video and stills cameras attached to the pods. They may not match the find of the crew in the fictional movie ’The Abyss’,but Sagalevich expects the mission to uncover previously unidentified species.

When he says ''no to sex"

Most women blame themselves when their partner loses interest in sex. They feel that that their man doesn’t fancy them anymore. But the real culprit is someone, or something else altogether...

The number of times he says ‘no’ only leads you to think that he’s found someone else. But that is often not the case. Usually, there is something going on ‘upstairs’ that’s freezing activities ‘downstairs’. Your job is to find out what that something is, and work together to sort it out.

If your man denies you sex, it is not uncommon to be left worrying about whether he is having an affair or wants to end the relationship. The truth is that although you may experience these feelings and thoughts, it’s unlikely that his loss of desire, or ability to maintain an erection, is caused by a loss of interest in you, your looks or your relationship.

Most men suffer from other sexual problems when they are stressed out, tired or under pressure to perform in some way. In fact, the problem is more likely to originate from a demanding boss or a heavy workload, than from you...

Tiredness and overindulgence

If your partner has been working hard and trying to meet deadlines, the tiredness and worry can cause problems in focusing on lovemaking. Other causes of temporary erection loss can be overindulgence in alcohol, or a heavy meal. When this happens, stimulation during love play will not cause or sustain the act. At this stage, it is crucial to comfort him and avoid making accusations about his loss of interest in you, or imply an affair. This will only increase the pressure on him and make things worse. Sometimes, just resting for sometime will solve the problem.

Discussing feelings

It is also important to explain your feelings about what has happened and to ask for his help in coping with the emotions you may be experiencing. Explain that you are worried – it may be connected to your relationship and how he feels about you, and encourage him to open up about what’s going on with him too. Start by saying something like ‘I know this probably sounds silly but... ’ continuing with your own concerns about his loss of desire. Encourage him to do the same with you, as he is just as likely to be as concerned as you are, if not more so. In this way, you can act as a team and solve the problem together , rather than both avoiding the issue through fear of probably losing each othe

Oil prices could fall to $80: OPEC

OPEC should not consider cutting production after oil’s steep two-week decline as markets are now balanced, OPEC President Chakib Khelil said on Tuesday, adding that prices could yet fall another $50 a barrel. Khelil, who is also Algeria’s oil minister, said oil prices could fall to $70 to $80 in the long-term, if the US dollar continued to strengthen and geopolitical anxieties eased.

"The price today is abnormal at $123 a barrel," said Khelil, speaking to reporters on a visit to Jakarta to meet Indonesia’s energy minister.

He did not elaborate, but OPEC ministers have said repeatedly that they believe the surge in oil prices is not being driven by a shortage of supply.

Asked if OPEC members should cut supply if oil prices continue to decline, he said: "No, I don’t think so, why should they cut production? They always want to make sure there is good supply and demand and to satisfy the demand."

US oil prices have fallen by $22 from a record high above $147 a barrel earlier this month amid growing concerns that high prices and slowing economic growth are causing a decline in demand, but prices are still up 30 per cent on the year. "We are not worried about any price, because we don’t decide the price. We just meet the demand," he said.

Khelil said he did not see any signs of demand destruction from high prices.

"I think there is a good supply, there is a balance in the market."

Asked if there was an option to cut production at OPEC’s September meeting, he said: "It is up to the conference in light of the market at that time. The market changes so much."

Khelil said later on Tuesday after giving a lecture to energy officials that recent price moves did not reflect supply issues.

"And I think it is obvious to you that in the last week for example, you could not expect the price to come down by $25 because of a lack of supply or oversupply in one day," he said.

Khelil also said that biofuel mandates in Europe and the United States had aided the run-up in prices.

"I strongly believe bioethanol, because it’s very expensive, it had an effect on the price per barrel of products," he said.

Indonesia is Asia-Pacific’s only OPEC member but it has seen oil production slump since the 1990s and said in May that it planned to quit the cartel because it was unhappy with high oil prices after becoming a net importer.

Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that Indonesia had not yet officially submitted documents to withdraw from OPEC, but said the country’s interests were no longer in line with the cartel.

"President (Yudhoyono) has explained that we are a net oil importer. That means there is a difference in objectives from OPEC as producer countries," said Yusgiantoro.

India developing $10 laptop

After displaying its prowess in developing the world’s cheapest car, India is on track to roll out the world’s cheapest laptop computer that could cost as low as $10, a top official said. Minister of State for Human Resource Development D Purandeswari said research was being conducted to develop the laptop, especially for use by students, which will cost all of $10.

"Research in this direction is being already carried out at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras," she told the e-India annual summit on information and communication technologies.

The laptop, when produced, will prove to be a breakthrough device that could solve the problems of low computer literacy and e-learning not only in India, but also the world over, she added.

Earlier this year, India’s Tata Group had unveiled the “Nano” that was touted as the world’s cheapest car costing all of $2,500 and the announcement had grabbed global headlines.

The cheapest laptop available today is at least 10 times costlier. The “Xo” sold by the Massachusetts-based non-government organization ’One Laptop Per Child Foundation’ sells for $188.

The foundation, started by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) alumnus Nicholas Negroponte, aims to supply the low cost machines to the governments of developing countries for them to source it to school children.

But the Indian government rejected the offer in 2006, calling it an experimental model.

"India must not allow itself to be used for experimentation with children in this area," the human resource ministry had stated then.

However the project was taken up by the Reliance Anil Dhirubahi Group to be implemented as a pilot in Maharashtra’s Khairat village.

Under this initiative, Reliance Communications will provide Net connectivity, backbone, logistics, and support to the OLPC initiative. “The initiative aims at covering over 25,000 towns, and 6,00,000 villages in the country by 2008."

Do men prefer working wives?

With the dimension of family economics going through a sea change, a majority of men today prefer a working wife. Apart from contributing financially to a marriage, working women can relate to their husband in a better way as they also have to go through similar grilling at their workplace. A recent survey also claims that majority of men have no issues in sharing the title of breadwinner with their better half.

Amit Bajpai, sales and marketing manager says, “Especially in metros, where the standard of living is so high, a man would like to have a helping hand. Moreover, a working wife would understand the work pressure you are facing; you can talk to her about your work related problems. I think the working population has become more smart and sharp with the passage of time, as they have to deal with unique situations everyday.”

Model Manpreet Brar also thinks that metrosexual men prefer a working partner. “Generally, the mindset of a working woman is completely different from a house wife and she shares a better understanding with her man. Double income is another advantage. Obviously, with more earnings, you can have a better quality of life. In a situation where a guy decides to set up his own business or plans to study further post marriage, having an earning partner is a great help as she can take over the role of the primary earner in the family,” Manpreet added.

Changing economic realities have changed the attitude of masses. Men are no longer bothered with the fact that their partner has a heftier pay packet than their own.

Television actor Manish Goel says, “I really respect those women who are primary earners in their families and their husbands should be proud of them. Family is a vehicle with two wheels, one on both sides and its great if a couple can strike a balance. My wife is working for past 15 years. In our industry, we have hectic schedules and strange timings. As Poonam and I are in the same profession she understands the situation completely and does not crib about it. And the best part is that you get expensive gifts. Poonam always gives me something pricey on my birthday, which she knows I am planning to buy from long!”

New age couples do not think that the spouse who makes more money has more say in family, financial and other matters. Today men are not seeking somebody to dominate; they need a partner who can help them in making better decisions.

Anjali Sharama, a public relation executive says, “Right from our day to day expenses to long term investments my husband discusses everything with me as we have same priorities and understands the situation completely. He acknowledges my opinion and I really appreciate it. Marriage is certainly not about exercising the power; it’s about taking the right decision that is beneficial for the family. It is always better to seek advice from your partner because your spouse is the only one who can give you an unbiased suggestion.”

At the same time, we can’t forget that this lifestyle has increased the pressure on women. They really have to work in double shifts to strike a balance between work and home. Though it does affect one’s married life but there is always a way out.

Ajay Raina, lawyer says, “I got married last year and after a few months of our marriage, my wife started working. I think our relationship has enhanced since then. As both of us stay in office for eight-ten hours in a day, we value the time that we get to spend with each other. I don’t mind stepping into her shoes and cooking or cleaning sometimes. Moreover, I always try to make weekends very special for her.”

It is not only about spending time, it’s about spending quality time together. A relationship doesn’t depend on seeing each other but on the understanding, love and the bond you share.

Actor Rahul Dev discloses, “I spend half of my day with my make up man but I don’t have that zing with him. I have to travel a lot because of my work; still we try to keep that spark alive. I do several things at a time just to take out time for my family. If I am working till ten in night, I call up my wife and tell her that I will have dinner with her.”

Smoking raises spouse's stroke risk

Nonsmokers married to smokers have a greatly increased chance of having strokes, according to a US study published on Tuesday showing yet another hazard from secondhand smoke.Being married to a smoker raised the stroke risk by 42% in people who have never smoked compared to those married to someone who never smoked, the researchers said.

This jumped to 72% for former smokers married to a current smoker, according to the study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Former smokers who were married to smokers had a stroke risk similar to people who themselves were smokers.
“Quitting smoking helps your own health and also the health of the people living with you,” Maria Glymour of Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and Columbia University in New York, who led the study, said in a telephonic interview. The study involved 16,225 people aged 50 and up who had never had a stroke. They were followed for an average of nine years.

Glymour said there is accumulating evidence about the number of health problems linked to secondhand smoke.

Previous research had suggested that secondhand smoke increases the risk of stroke, but Glymour said stroke risk has been studied more extensively in smokers than in people exposed to secondhand smoke.

People who breathe in secondhand smoke also have a higher risk of lung cancer, nasal sinus cancer, respiratory tract infections and heart disease, among other conditions.

A 2006 US surgeon general’s report said secondhand smoke contains hundreds of chemicals known to be toxic or cancer-causing. These include formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide.

For this study, smoking involved cigarettes and not pipes or cigars. It looked at health consequences for the spouses of smokers, but not at the long-term stroke risk in children of smokers due to secondhand smoke. “We know that there are a lot of undesirable health consequences for kids, especially asthma and breathing problems that are exacerbated by secondhand smoke,” Glymour said.

The advice by Glymour was echoed by the Stroke Association, which said that passive smokers were nearly twice as likely to have a stroke compared with those not living in a smoky environment.

Joe Korner, from the association, said: “Smoking is a significant risk factor for stroke with a quarter of all strokes being linked to smoking and it can also contribute to high blood pressure which is the single biggest risk factor for stroke.”

“We urge people to consider the effects that smoking has on their health and others around them and do all they can to reduce their risk of stroke.”

'Sun-eating dragon' returns to China

Earth, the Sun and the Moon will align in a celestial ballet on Friday, rewarding China, where the first record of an eclipse was made more than 4,000 years ago, with a dazzling show.

Longingly awaited, the first total solar eclipse since March 2006 kicks off at 0923 GMT, when the lunar shadow touches down on the fringes of Nunavut province in northern Canada.

The dark, narrow disc, known as the umbra, then races across the roof of the world before alighting in northern Siberia, where it will skip across central Russia and central Asia and head into Mongolia and northwestern China.

It then curves to the southeast before expiring near the city of Xian at 1120 GMT, after a trek of some 10,200 kilometres.

Most of Asia, northern Europe and northern Canada will see a partial eclipse, weather permitting, according to Nasa’s veteran eclipse expert, Fred Espenak.

“More than a billion people will be in the shadow of the Moon on August 1st,” says the US publication Sky & Telescope, which is backing a trip aboard a Russian icebreaker by US amateur astronomers, who will view the eclipse from the Arctic Ocean.

Eclipses of the Sun — the bringer of light, and thus life — have long held a tenacious grip on the human mind. To the ancient Chinese, the eclipse was a sun-eating dragon which had to be chased away with clashing cymbals and pans. For Vikings, two chasing wolves, Skoll and Hati, were to blame. In Hindu mythology, a spiteful demon called Rahu takes a bite out of the sun from time to time.

The first known record of an eclipse was made in the reign of Zhong Kang, the fourth emperor of China’s Xia dynasty.

Because we know that several solar eclipses took place around that time, astronomers are uncertain of the exact date when this event took place — it could be 2128 or 2134 BC.

But even then, the brief text shows that the eclipse was clearly mind-blasting. “In the fifth year of Zhong Kang, in the autumn, in the ninth month, on the first day of the month, there was an eclipse of the Sun, when he ordered the Prince of Yin to lead the imperial forces to punish Hsi and Ho,” says the record.

Hsi and Ho, according to legend, are two astrologers of the imperial court who were beheaded because they had failed to warn the boss that the sun would be blotted out.