15 odd interview questions by tech cos in 2010

What is the philosophy of Martial Arts? or If you could be any superhero, who would it be? - Don't be surprised, these are some of the odd interview questions shared on the IT careers portal Glassdoor.com. Hiring as been on high in again especially in IT after the global economic downturn and top technology companies like Apple, Facebook, Google have surprised many job applicants with such odd questions which are very tricky but has no definitive answer at all. Here are the top 15 odd questions companies asked in 2010.

1.

How many basketballs can you fit in this room. This was a question asked by Google to one of the job seekers who felt it's odd enough and an answer seems downright impossible.

2.

The global investment banking and securities firm Goldman Sachs asked a job aspirant for the post of an analyst - If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and put in a blender, how would you get out? The analyst had no idea as to how to analyze this question to give a satisfactory answer.

3.

The smart and the world's biggest social networking site Facebook had a very smart but an off-the-wall question to a candidate applied for a software engineer post - Given the numbers 1 to 1000, what is the minimum numbers guesses needed to find a specific number if you are given the hint "higher" or "lower" for each guess you make - which left him with no guesses.
4.

How many ridges around a quarter? The project analyst candidate was stunned with the whacky question by Deloitte interviewers for which a definite answer was impossible.

5.

A sales associate applicant was asked by the supplemental insurance Aflac - What is the philosophy of Martial Arts? - who really wished he knew a bit of martial arts then.

6.

Explain me what has happened in this country during the last 10 years? - for a consultant post at Boston Consulting - too broad a question to even come close to answering.
7.

IBM asked for a software engineer position: How do you weigh an elephant without using a weigh machine? - A question beyond the reach of a software engineer to even attempt to answer it.

8.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 how weird you are - asked at Capital One and the candidate wonders what would be the weirdness of this question.

9.

Amazon asked to a managerial position - If you had 5,623 participants in a tournament, how many games would need to be played to determine the winner? - A question that leaves the candidates with no other options but to call it a quit.
10.

How many traffic lights in Manhattan? - Argus Information & Advisory Services asked during an interview for the position of an analyst.

11.

Apple showed its touch of uniqueness even in the interview with a question quite enough to confuse the candidate - There are three boxes, one contains only apples, one contains only oranges, and one contains both apples and oranges. The boxes have been incorrectly labeled such that no label identifies the actual contents of the box it labels. Opening just one box, and without looking in the box, you take out one piece of fruit. By looking at the fruit, how can you immediately label all of the boxes correctly?

12.

Another question asked for a project manager position at Epic Systems is even funnier - An apple costs 20 cents, an orange costs 40 cents, and a grapefruit costs 60 cents, how much is a pear?
13.

You have 8 pennies, 7 weight the same, one weighs less. You also have a judges scale. Find the one that weighs less in less than 3 steps. - Intel asked this during an interview for validation engineer.

14.

How many bottles of beer are drank in the city over the week? - asked the global information and measurement firm, The Nielsen Company asked for a research analyst position.

15.

Out of 25 horses, pick the fastest 3 horses. In each race, only 5 horses can run at the same time. What is the minimum number of races required? - asked for the position of a Financial Software Developer by Bloomberg LP.

Although they say the intention of such bizarre questions is to evaluate how one would react in stressful and challenging situations, candidates are often effaced by these whacky questions with no definitive answers. We encourage you to drop your comments with any such bizarre questions you have ever come across.

Indian F1 Grand Prix in 2011

2011 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF INDIA

New Delhi

Formula One racing is forever on the move and in 2011 ventures east yet again for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. In light of recent F1 successes in Korea and Singapore, India - and more specifically its capital city New Delhi - is the latest Eastern powerhouse to welcome the paddock with open arms. After learning plenty of lessons from hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games, New Delhi plans to wow the international sporting stage once more with its first race in October.

A brand new circuit has been built to the south of the city in the suburb of Noida. The track, designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, stretches to 5.141-kilometres and is expected to seat up to 150,000 spectators. Two sizeable straights and an interesting mix of corners should guarantee a track full of challenges for drivers and engineers alike.

In an interesting move, organisers also consulted several of the Formula One teams before construction began in earnest. The track design was run in various factory simulators and as a result several amendments were made in an effort to boost overtaking for the drivers - and excitement for the fans.

Four million cubic tons of earth was moved to give the track plenty of undulation, and it rises 14 metres between Turns One and Three alone. Inspiration has also been drawn from rival venues' best features, with Turkey's infamous Turn Eight inspiring a double-apex corner, slightly banked, which forms part of a 'mini-arena' which alone will accommodate 13,000 spectators.

The earthworks for the circuit were finished ahead of India's 2010 monsoon season and everything is on course for the track to be completed well ahead of its October debut.

DESTINATION GUIDE

Location

New Delhi

Population

21.5 million

Currency

Indian Rupee

First Grand Prix

2011

Timezone

GMT +5.5

Language

Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi

Religion

Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian and other 6.1%

Visa / Passport Requirements

Why go?

Empires have come and gone, but Delhi has remained. It’s a fascinating fusion of the crumbling, narrow lanes of Old Delhi - once the capital of Islamic India - the tree-lined imperial avenues of the British Raj-built New Delhi and the chaotic modernity of a growing metropolis. With one foot in the past and another very firmly in the future, this city of cities hopes to rule the road too with its very own Grand Prix.

“Delhi is the buzzing capital of a buzzing country,” says Indian driver Karun Chandhok. “It is a great modern Indian city with good roads, hotels, shopping malls, parks, markets and cultural sights. I have always loved to visit there since I was a kid. My dad used to take me with him when he was going for business.”

Staged on a purpose-built 5.141-kilometre circuit, on the outskirts of the city’s hustle and bustle in the Noida suburb, the race should rival the best. Designed by Hermann Tilke, with extensive input from the Formula One teams, the track features a raft of interesting features and gradient changes, and is a worthy rival to more established venues.

Did you know? At 72.5 metres tall, the Quatab Minar is the tallest brick tower in the world and you need to climb up 399 steps to get to the top.

Transport

Delhi is a city on the move and it couldn’t be better connected. The Indira Gandhi International Airport, to the west of the city, is the major gateway. International visitors will arrive at the newly-opened Terminal Three, which is expected to handle almost 35 million passengers a year. The much smaller Safdarjung Airport is still in use too.

For public transport aficionados, buses are best avoided to get into (and around) the city, but Delhi's metro system is one of the most modern and efficient in the world and a high-speed line from the Indira Gandhi airport will be in place well ahead of the Grand Prix. Trains, hire cars, pre-paid taxis and, of course, auto rickshaws are popular alternatives, so keep some change handy. The track’s location at Noida is a 45-minute journey by train from the city centre and an hour's drive from the airport.
Book a Package

Useful tips

Eat. Sampling some of Delhi’s diverse and iconic street food is a must do. The best stalls can be found in the Jama Masjid area, Dilli Haat, and at the Chandini Chowk market. Try papri chaat (fried pastry with chickpeas, potatoes, and a yoghurt-like sauce), golgappas (fried dough filled with chickpeas and spicy potatoes) and for the sweet-toothed there’s joyful Jalebi (rounds of sugary flavoured batter). Avoid ‘Delhi belly’ by following the crowd and watching where’s popular with the locals.

But the city’s culinary repertoire stretches well beyond street food. For delicious Mughal style food, the Karim Hotel offers some of the best, while Chor Bizarre - with outposts in downtown Delhi, near the track at Noida and London’s Mayfair - aims to mimic a ‘thieves market’ and offers delicious Kashmiri cuisine.

“The food in Delhi is also outstanding and it has a great mix of the past and modern India with New and Old Delhi,” says Chandhok. “It's definitely worth checking out the markets. Khan Chacha's in Khan market is a good one for a lower budget as is Pindi on Pandara road. For the high end, Bukhara at ITC Maurya hotel is widely recognised to be the best Indian restaurant in the world but you need to book a table as the queue is huge normally!”

Where to go?

You might have guessed already, but in Delhi you’re spoiled for choice. Visit the massive sandstone Red Fort to see Mughal majesty at its best, enjoy a breather at the massive Lotus-shaped Bahai temple, be wowed by the Indian art on display at the National Museum, or wander around the Lodhi gardens. Rashtrapathi Bhavan (residence of India’s President) and India Gate (a memorial for the soldiers who fought in World War One) should also be on your itinerary.

Delhi is such a cultural powerhouse, it would easy to forget to go shopping - but don’t, as Delhi is as much a paradise for shoppers as it is for history buffs. Connaught Place has plenty to attract, with both Janpath’s Indian craft emporiums and underground shopping centre Palika Bazar nearby. The narrow Bazaars of Old Delhi are equally enthralling, as are the boutiques of the Hauz Khas district.

“You'll see some incredible architecture,” says Chandhok. “Check out the markets - either Khan Market, or the South extension market, are great for shopping and trying out local food. If travelling with kids, Lodhi Gardens is a great place to relax in the evenings and if there's a cricket match on that week, then you must go to Feroze-Shah Kotla Cricket ground to soak up the atmosphere.”

Where to stay?

From deluxe top-end hotels and international chains to inexpensive guest houses, Delhi boasts accommodation to suit everybody’s tastes. The area around Connaught Place is a favoured haunt, thanks to its close proximity to the main shopping areas and tourist attractions. Five-star hotels include the Lutyens-designed Imperial, Le Meridien, The Metropolitan Nikko, and the Intercontinental. The south of the city, handy for the circuit, also has many comfortable places to stay, including the Park Royal and The Surya. Don’t forget India’s two well-known Indian hotel chains, The Taj and The Oberoi, which are also worthy options, while for those on a tighter budget - and on the lookout for a home-cooked meal - a government initiative has devised a list of vetted ‘friendly families’ willing to take in tourists.
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Extended stay

Delhi itself has more than enough to offer, but for an extended stay look further afield to experience even more of India at its best. To the north, the picture-perfect villages and awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan ranges await, while the exquisite Taj Mahal is just 200 kilometres to the south. Several wildlife reserves can also be found close to Delhi, with the Sariska tiger reserve and Sultanpur bird sanctuary two highlights.

“Agra and the home of the Taj Mahal is only a drive away with the circuit actually on the way from Delhi to Agra,” says Chandhok. “Jaipur is also only four hours away and is one of my favourite places with the exotic palaces and heritage properties. Shimla is a famous 'hill station' just a few hours away in the mountains if you want somewhere a bit cooler.”
Book a Package

Enthusiasts only

Cricket may be the national obsession, but India’s interest in motorsport is growing rapidly. There are a few notable circuits in the Asian country including Mumbai’s Hiranandani Kart Track and Chennai’s 3.7-kilometre Irungattukottai Circuit, where hopefuls can try to emulate Indian racers Chandhok and former Jordan driver Narain Karthikeyan.

EVENT TIMETABLE

Note - please be advised that this timetable is subject to change.

Friday 28th October
Formula One	Practice 1	TBC
Formula One	Practice 2	TBC

Saturday 29th October
Formula One	Practice 3	TBC
Formula One	Qualifying	TBC

Sunday 30th October
Formula One	Race	TBC

Nano satellite designed by Chennai students, to be launched April

A group of 54 engineering students from the city has designed a 10-kg nano satellite to monitor greenhouse gases (GHG) that the Indian space agency is planning to launch in April.

The students from the SRM University, some 40 km from the capital city, have been working on the project 'SRMSAT' since 2008. The satellite weighing just 10 kg is being developed under the guidance of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at a cost of 1 crore.

With climate change becoming a cause of serious concern globally, the satellite will monitor GHG - mainly carbon dioxide - in the atmosphere. A grating spectrometer is employed for monitoring earth-based sources and sinks of anthropogenic and natural sources of GHG.

The students from 12 disciplines of engineering in the university have been working closely with the ISRO to develop the nano satellite.

A nano satellite is one that weighs less than, or equal to, 10 kg.

"The satellite is scheduled for launch in April this year with ISRO's Megatropics G satellite. We have signed a memorandum of understanding with the national space agency for the project," M. Loganathan, former ISRO scientist who is heading the team, told IANS on the sidelines of the ongoing Indian Science Congress at the SRM University campus here.

According to Loganathan, the students are very passionate about the project and would work on it after their classes.

"Their classes get over by 4 p.m. and after that all of them hang on in the research laboratory for say till midnight to work on the nano satellite. It's their baby and an outcome of their hard work," he said.

The ISRO said the satellite has to be tested before it can be included as a payload.

The students have been wholly involved in the project, right from procuring components to assembling and testing the satellite.

Explaining the initial problems they faced, Sarwesh Narayaan, a mechanical engineering student, told IANS: "It was difficult to communicate technically as we all come from different disciplines of engineering, but we did overcome it as each of us had to understand the concepts of all the other disciplines before designing the project."

"All of us are multi-tasking, and an electrical engineer student in the group is also conversant with the concepts of mechanical, aerospace, electrical communication and information engineering. We have been solving each others' problem," Guruditya Singh, a final year student, told IANS.

It's the team spirit that keeps this group of 51 men and 3 women students going.

"Whenever we get some time, maybe over lunch or dinner or during weekends, our point of discussion is only SRMSAT. Each one of us enjoys talking about it and our sessions go on for hours. There is nobody junior or senior but a team, and our mantra is value for thought. A first year student can also give a good piece of advice to the group," said Anushree Mahapatra, a student of electronic and information engineering.

The conception of SRMSAT dates back to August 2008 when the vision of launching a student satellite was put forward at a seminar taken by eminent space scientist D. Raghavamurty.

"It is planned to make our first nano satellite as a SRMSAT bus so that further missions can be continued with different payloads that can be supported with this design," said Loganathan.

More and more students are showing interest in the space science.

In 2010, ISRO launched Studsat -- a tiny satellite built by 35 students from four engineering colleges in Bangalore and three in Hyderabad -- which can take pictures of the earth from space, helping in weather forecasting.

During the golden jubilee celebrations of IIT-Kanpur last year, President Pratibha Patil handed over to the ISRO a nano satellite 'Jugnu' developed by students of the country's premier institution.

Other institutes have got in the act as well. A 3.5-kg satellite 'Pradhan' is being built by students of IIT-Mumbai. Students of Sathyabhama University, Chennai, are also working on a nano satellite.

In Vellore Institute of Technology University (VITU), Vellore, the students have designed the TubeSat, which is a pico-satellite, weighing less than 1 kg.

Top 10 Piano Songs

Songs with piano accompaniment leave us with a mix of emotions -- feeling melancholy, inspired, playful or even loved. Piano songs fused with rock are no different, especially when the talent behind the melodic chord progressions derives from iconic artists such as Paul McCartney, Billy Joel and Elton John.

10 'Werewolves of London'

Warren Zevon

Co-written by LeRoy Marinell, Waddy Wachtel (who has worked with Keith Richards, James Taylor and Stevie Nicks) and Warren Zevon, the 1978 single features Fleetwood Mac's bassist John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwood. The notable playful piano melody fits well with chorus refrain ("Ah-ooo!") and the bizarre lyrics: "I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's / His hair was perfect." Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffett and even Adam Sandler have all covered the tune, which was Warren Zevon's only successful single.

iTunes | Lyrics

09 'The Way It Is'

Bruce Hornsby and the Range

Written by Hornsby, The beautifully composed piano-driven song references the civil rights movement: "Well they passed a law in '64 / To give those who ain't got a little more / But it only goes so far / Because the law don't change another's mind." Generation Y may recognize the piano medley, which was heavily sampled in Tupac's 1998 single 'Changes.'

iTunes | Lyrics

08 'Maybe I'm Amazed'

Paul Mccartney

Initially featured on McCartney's eponymous 1970 album, the piano song was never released as a single. The live track from the Wings' 1976 Tour of America however, became insanely popular -- reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Pop charts. The romantic song is dedicated to McCartney's late wife Linda.

iTunes | Lyrics

07 'Walking in Memphis'

Marc Cohn

Singer/Songwriter Marc Cohn wrote this after seeing an Al Green sermon in Memphis. The lyrics emphasize a "spiritual awakening" in the world of blues and soul rock. The piano driven song -- with elements of Billy Joel melodies and Bruce Springsteen vocals -- grew in popularity on both the US and UK charts, resulting in a Best New Artist Grammy win for Cohn in 1991. A 2008 live performance of the song proves that Cohn's still got it.

iTunes | Lyrics

06 'Imagine'

John Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band

I don't even need to dwell on this favorite. Written in 1971 on a white grand piano (alongside Yoko) while at his estate in Tittenhurst, England, the song's piano melody is so simplistic, chills linger as Lennon sings about world peace and love: "Imagine there's no countries / It isn't hard to do / Nothing to kill or die for / And no religion too / Imagine all the people / Living life in peace." Almost 40 years later and this prolific song is still classic. 'Rolling Stone' agrees: They ranked the song No. 3 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

iTunes | Lyrics

05 'Clocks'

Coldplay

According to frontman Chris Martin, the song's repeating, pulsing piano riff was inspired by the band Muse. 'Clocks' was not even supposed to be featured on 'A Rush of Blood to the Head,' but once Martin played the haunting tune on a keyboard for lead guitarist Johnny Buckland, Buckland had worked out a chord progression. Lyrics soon followed, and the album was delayed two months to include the song. 'Clocks' won Record of the Year at the 2004 Grammy Awards and is considered their biggest hit to date.

iTunes | Lyrics

04 'Let It Be'

The Beatles

Inspired by a dream McCartney had of his mother, the song's lyrics evoke subtle religious imagery. The piano melody -- written in the key of C Major -- features a series of cadences and inversions, which set the mood of the song. There are three versions in existence: two are official releases (the single, and the 'Let It Be' album track) and the third (an unofficial track from the aborted 'Get Back' album) is the least tampered with, and only available illegally. The other two had much work -- overdubbed with string orchestration and guitar.

Lyrics

03 'Lean on Me'

Bill Withers

The lyrics stem from Withers' childhood memories growing up in the coal-mining town of Slab Fork, WV. The fond memories of community were vapid once he moved to Los Angeles, which inspired him to write this song. The piano intro grabs you immediately, followed by Withers soulful, R&B vocals. The song reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972.

iTunes | Lyrics

02 'Tiny Dancer'

Elton John

Penned by Bernie Taupin, the lyrics are about Taupin's first wife Maxine Feibelman, a seamstress for John's band. Taupin's romantic lyrics paired with Paul Buckmaster on strings and Rick Wakeman on the organ help the song, but the backbone is John's breathtaking piano melody. This piano song -- featured on John's 1972 'Madman Across the Water' -- only reached No. 41 on the US Pop chart, but was revived after it's inclusion in the Cameron Crowe flick 'Almost Famous.' Ben Folds, Tim McGraw, and even Dave Grohl have covered this tune. Check out Grohl's acoustic cover on Kilborn.

iTunes | Lyrics

01'Piano Man'

Billy Joel

Sometimes the best songs have the simplest melodies. If you take out the lyrics, which reference people's unfulfilled dreams and disappointing lives, this 1973 tune is quite repetitive. But Joel's intentions of the song -- to be a distraction to those who feel miserable -- turned out to be quite effective. The piano riff and spliced harmonica sound are so beautiful, jovial, and almost romantic, you "forget about life for a while," and start singing. Go on: "La la la, de de da / La la, de de da da da."

iTunes | Lyrics

Tracking of lost laptops made easier

Quick Heal, an Internet security tools provider, has introduced a new technology called Laptop Tracker that helps to track and recover lost laptops. The technology works on the premise that every laptop or PC has a Media Access Control ID (MAC ID) - the physical address of the device. When the stolen devices are connected to the Internet, its IP location can be found using the physical address number.

To use the services of the Laptop Tracker technology, one needs to register into its website known as www.trackmylaptop.net. All one needs to do there is key in the physical address number of the laptop or PC.

The solution from the Pune-based company is open for everyone. However those of who are using its anti-virus solution do not have to fill the MAC IDs. The technology would help the cyber crime departments and law enforcement departments of the country and the company is in talks with them to deploy the technology.

At 12, he is newspaper editor, reporter and publisher

He is all of 12 years but Utkarsh Tripathi painstakingly brings out a handwritten newspaper every week to spread awareness among his peers on issues like the environment and female foeticide. And all this to satisfy his urge to "serve the country".
A Class 8 student of the Brij Bihari Sahai (BBS) Inter College in Allahabad, Utkarsh has been bringing out the newspaper Jagriti for the last one year.
And for the four-page, black-and-white newspaper, Utkarsh not only dons the role of a reporter, editor and publisher, but also turns hawker for circulating the weekly.
Unlike other papers, readers of Jagriti don't have to spend a single penny -- Utkarsh distributes it free of cost.
"Yes, I manage it all alone. Right from gathering the content, its editing, publishing and ultimately distributing the copies to readers," Utkarsh, a resident of Khatju colony in Allahabad, told IANS.

"I know, you would like to know how I publish the newspaper. First I prepare a handwritten copy of Jagriti and later take out copies at a photocopy shop in my locality. It's simple," he explained.

Jagriti has about 150 readers belonging to varied age groups in Allahabad, some 200 km from the state capital Lucknow.

"Children comprise the major chunk of Jagriti readers - my school friends, my seniors in school, teachers and also my neighbours," he said.

According to Utkarsh's father Hari Prasad, who runs a coaching institute, his son has a flair for writing and wanted to serve the country in some way.

"More than a year ago, he read an article on Indo-China relations in a Hindi daily. I don't know what came into his mind... After reading the article, he came to me and asked me to suggest a way he could serve the country," Prasad said.

"At that time I wasn't sure how serious he was about the question... I said that joining the defence services was one of the best options to serve the country... To this, he said that he wanted to start serving the society from his school life itself. I then suggested why not work like a journalist and make people aware of their rights," he added.

Utkarsh took the suggestion seriously and came up with Jagriti.

"I named the newspaper Jagriti, as my mission was to make people aware of various issues affecting them," the 12-year-old said.

"I try to cover social issues pertaining to environment, female foeticide and others in the editorial section, and also information about public welfare schemes and important government policies for the betterment of the poor or children," Utkarsh added.

Jagriti also has success stories of scientists, political leaders and other prominent personalities.

But how does he get time from his studies to bring out a weekly newspaper.

"I believe if anyone is passionate about something, he or she can take out some time to purse his passion, irrespective of the hectic schedule," Utkarsh replied.

"I spend some time daily on researching topics and gathering public utility information from sources like magazines, news dailies and the internet. On Sunday I get more time to work on my project and make pictorial representations that could go along with the articles," he said.

Utkarsh's efforts are much appreciated by people in Allahabad.

"He has shown all of us that an ordinary person can contribute to the society in one way or other...You just need to have an urge for that," Kashi Kesarwani, a resident of Chandpur area, told IANS.

Nutan Devi, a local journalist and the boy's neighbour, said; "For me it's real journalism... It has revived the decades-old objective of journalism that seems to have now have got lost somewhere..."

Pod car in India

The Pod car used in personal rapid transit system has been designed by the UK-based firm ULTra.

ULTra-Fairwood, the joint venture which wants to introduce personal rapid transit (PRT) system in India, is in talks with infrastructure developers for partnership. It is also in talks with small car manufacturers to ensure local manufacturing of the pod car.
In a PRT system – small, driverless, battery powered vehicles with Central control system or pod cars – run on slender, special purpose tracks. The tracks (or guideways) can be on ground or elevated. The cars – with capacities of seating 4-6 people – provide on-demand transport.
ULTra (Urban light rapid transit) is a UK-based company, which owns this PRT technology, and has just concluded trials on its 4-km track at Heathrow airport (between Terminal 5 and parking).
The company is hopeful of getting its first projects off ground in Amritsar and Gurgaon; and is pursuing its case with State Governments of Punjab and Haryana. According to the project proposal, the Amritsar project is expected to cost about Rs 500 crore, while the Gurgaon project is expected to cost about Rs 5,000 crore.
In Amritsar, the company proposes to build 3.2 route km stretch with seven stations. In Gurgaon, it aims to build 105 km of route with 143 stations powered by about 3,000 vehicles.
“For users, the ticket pricing will be at a level lower than auto rickshaw fares, and higher than bus fares,” said Mr Ranbir Saran Das, Managing Director, Fairwood. Mr Das shared that the company is in talks with infrastructure developers and small car developers but declined to share details.
ULTra-Fairwood proposes to implement the project on a build operate transfer (BOT) basis, so that the State Governments do not have to make any financial investments. For this, apart from the right to operate the system for a long-term (30-35 year) period, it requires to get right of way from the State Government to make elevated guideways on which the pod cars can move. It also requires land for building stations.
On the company's fund raising plans, Mr Das said that the company is in talks with developers and financial investors, but the exact contours of financing will emerge only after there is further clarity on the concession terms being extended by the State Governments.
However, the challenge for State Governments would be to give out the project to ULTra-Fairwood through a bidding process.

Vehicle Overview

The ULTra Heathrow vehicle design.

The ULTra vehicle's modern design immediately conveys the feeling of travelling in an iconic “streamlined” mode of travel, with clean and subtle lines the result of extensive design and customer focus research. ATS began developing the ULTra system in 1995, and the design of the vehicles has progressed from initial concept, through prototyping and testing (the Cardiff Test Facility opened in 2001), to reach the sleek and high quality product supplied to BAA for the London Heathrow application.

Capacity

A standard ULTra vehicle is fitted with four contoured seats, with ample space for other items such as shopping, pushchairs and luggage (Total ~450kg). Other arrangements are possible, such as bench seating (selected by BAA for the Heathrow vehicles) which allows further flexibility in group sizing, such as five adults plus luggage, or two adults with four children. The vehicles can also easily accommodate bicycles and wheelchairs, and are designed to meet access requirements for both the UK (Disability Discrimination Act, DDA) and the US (Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA) - see the Accessibility page for further information.

An example of an ULTra vehicle interior; this option is fitted with four contoured seats, with room for shopping, pushchairs or luggage. The vehicles can also easily accommodate bicycles and wheelchairs.

The vehicle is designed to make the passenger feel safe, secure, and comfortable at all times.

Passenger Comfort & Security

The personal nature of the ULTra experience ensures that passengers feel safe and secure at all times: passengers have exclusive use of their vehicles and travel only with chosen companions - once a passenger journey starts the vehicles do not stop to pick up other passengers. In addition, the vehicle is continuously monitored by the control system during use - passengers may contact the system controller at any time, and the controller can talk to the passengers, see them via onboard CCTV, and respond to any concerns immediately.
Air-conditioning and heating systems provide passenger comfort during journeys, and can be adapted to suit the most extreme environments. The vehicle controls, lighting and information systems are designed to the latest standards to aid usability, with the option of in-vehicle media systems (e.g. music/video clips) to provide entertainment if desired.
For further details, please see the pages on the user benefits of the ULTra system.

An ULTra vehicle under construction.

Construction

ULTra vehicles are four wheeled with rubber pneumatic tyres, front-wheel steering and conventional damped spring suspension. They comprise an aluminium ladder frame chassis on which the majority of the vehicle propulsion and guidance equipment is mounted. Sitting on top of the chassis is an aluminium honeycomb floor. The above floor level is constructed of a steel frame and an ABS panel body that can be fitted with single side or double side electric doors.
See the Configuration & Features and Vehicle Specifications pages for more details.

Guidance and Power

Vehicles use a laser sensor system to guide the vehicles on the guideway and in the stations. Vehicles are currently lead acid battery powered to allow for rapid charging (up to 150amps) and to achieve recyclability. The vehicles are designed to be adaptable for future battery developments and for other power sources such as hydrogen fuel cells, ultracapacitors, and Tesla Motors-style lithium ion battery systems. Batteries are charged via electrical contacts at station berths, or at waiting points. ULTra vehicles have a very low energy usage of 0.15Kw h/vehicle km at 25mph.
See the Control Systems page for an operational overview of the ULTra control system.

2 tips for filling petrol and diesel

2 tips for filling petrol and diesel:-

Only buy or fill up your car or bike during early morning, when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks underground. . The colder the ground, the more dense the fuel. When it gets warmer, petrol expands. So, buying in the afternoon or in the evening, your litre is not exactly a litre. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature play an important role. 1 degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

Another most important tip is to fill up when your tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is, the more fuel you have in your tank the less is the air occupying its empty space. Petrol evaporates faster than you can imagine.

DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS - IT IS IMPORTANT FOR AS MANY PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THIS, ESPECIALLY IN THE WAKE OF RISING PETROL PRICES.

Ford Figo wins Indian Car of the Year award

In the fiercely competitive and rapidly growing market, Ford Figo was selected the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2011 on Thursday.
Now in its sixth year, the ICOTY is awarded to a new vehicle after comprehensive testing by a jury of leading automobile journalists in India.
Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India, accepted the award from R P Singhania, vice chairman and managing director, JK Tyre & Industries, at a ceremony in Mumbai.
The Ford Figo is a celebration of the best-in-class features, style, comfort and ownership.

• Robust build and construction
• Interiors more comfortable than chief competitors i10 & Swift
• 1.4 Diesel's proven driveability and fuel efficiency. No turbolag
• The Ford Figo's mature big-car-like ride quality
• Ford's DNA in the on-road behaviour and quick steering
• Class-topping 284 liter boot space
• Lacks the modernity of recently launched hatchbacks
• Both of the engines in the Figo are lacking in outright performance. Neither engine can exploit the car's dynamics
• No true top-end variant (tilt adjustable steering, rear power windows, MID etc.)
• Average backseat legroom. Not in the league of, say, an Indica Vista
• Ford's sub-par dealership experience

Dimensions
The Figo is one of the longest, widest and shortest in height in its segment. This contributes to the best aerodynamic design and its spacious interiors.

• Overall length - 3795 mm
• Overall width - 1680 mm
• Overall Height - 1427 mm

Wheelbase

With a 2489 mm wheelbase, the Figo clearly offers the most spacious interiors in its category.
Leg Room
Smart designing makes the Figo one of the most spacious cars available.

• Front leg room - 1084 mm
• Rear leg room - 860 mm
• Rear shoulder room - 1300 mm

Boot space
The Figo has 284 litres of boot capacity - again, the largest among all hatchbacks.
Air-conditioning
The Figo boasts of the most powerful air conditioner in its segment.
With the largest compressor and the best air speed, the Ford Figo offers the fastest-in-class time to comfort.

Bluetooth
Plug and unplug mobile phones to make and receive calls and hear the other person's voice over car speakers, access your complete phonebook on the audio unit without reaching for the phone, browse the last 10 dialed numbers, the last 10 missed and received calls, redial a particular number and swap, hold, mute and transfer calls from audio to phone.
Smart audio allows you to stream songs from mobile phones to the car audio via Bluetooth and enjoy music over the car speakers without transferring files.

Intelligent features

• Programmable keyless entry
• Intelligent safety locking features (central locking, drive away, crash unlock, ignition off auto unlock, and auto relock)
• Distance to empty display
• RDS capable audio
• Speed sensing volume controls
• Electric boot release
• Lane change indication
• Hazard deceleration warning
• Variable (6 Speed) intermittent wipers
• Intelligent PATS

Styling
The Figo is designed in line with Ford's Global Kinetic Design philosophy.
Streaky side repeater lamps, raising belt line, door lines, grille-less front, wide open trapezoidal lower grille, wrap-around head lamps and stylish tail lamps make it stamp a style statement.
Interiors: The Figo sports a unique coral theme on the inside, along with colour coordinated instrument panels and stylized door boards with pull cup type handles.
Vibrant Instrument Panel: The Figo is the first in its segment to make a style statement with colour infused vibrant interiors.
The coral Instrument panel makes for the most vibrant looking Interiors available in its segment.