The famous precision cut stone of Puma Punku

Tiwanaku (Spanish: Tiahuanaco and Tiahuanacu) is an important Pre-Columbian archaeological site in western Bolivia, South America. Pumapunku also called “Puma Pumku” or “Puma Puncu”, is part of a large temple complex or monument group that is part of the Tiwanaku.   Tiahuanaco is an example of engineering so monumental that it dwarfs even the work of the Aztecs. Stone blocks on the site weigh many tons.

The famous precision cut stone of Puma Punku

 

The quarry for these blocks was on the western shore of Titicaca, ten miles distant

 In assembling the walls of Pumapunku, each stone was finely cut to interlock with the surrounding stones and the blocks fit together like a puzzle, forming load-bearing joints without the use of mortar. One common engineering technique involves cutting the top of the lower stone at a certain angle, and placing another stone on top of it which was cut at the same angle. The precision with which these angles have been utilized to create flush joints is indicative of a highly sophisticated knowledge of stone-cutting and a thorough understanding of descriptive geometry. Many of the joints are so precise that not even a razor blade will fit between the stones. Much of the masonry is characterized by accurately cut rectilinear blocks of such uniformity that they could be interchanged for one another while maintaining a level surface and even joints. The blocks were so precisely cut as to suggest the possibility of prefabrication and mass production, technologies far in advance of the Tiwanaku’s Incan successors hundreds of years later.Tiwanaku engineers were also adept at developing a civic infrastructure at this complex, constructing functional irrigation systems, hydraulic mechanisms, and waterproof sewage lines.

Texas Radiological Society & License Info

Texas Radiological Society
6705 Hwy. 290 West
Suite 502, #243
Austin, TX 78735-8407
TRS phone: (512) 535-4920
TRS fax: (512) 535-6320
Renita Fonseca, CMP, Executive Director
E-mail: renitafonseca@yahoo.com
http://www.txrad.org/index.html

Texas Radiology License Information
Radiation Medical Radiologic Technologist Certification Program
Texas Department of State Health Services
Mail Code 1982
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
E-mail: mrt@dshs.state.tx.us
Telephone: (512) 834-6617
Fax: (512) 834-6677
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mrt/

Steps Toward Financial Security

 Steps Toward Financial Security

Dream the Impossible but Set Realistic Goals FOR INVESTING MONEY

Dreaming isn’t bad. Everyone has to look to the moon to break away from the commonness of the mundane. Nothing special has been accomplished by those that do not dream. However, what if you start dreaming things that are preposterous? That would spell trouble. You might then revert to just being realistic and doubtful.

But if you limit yourself with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream.

The secret here is to dream the impossible but work on accomplishing these dreams one realistic goal after another.

Everybody wants to be rich quick, to be a millionaire overnight. But things don’t work that way. If you want to be really rich, start with easily attainable goals and climb up the ladder as time progresses.

For example, you could dream of having a beautiful house and lot with a five matching luxury vehicles. It may seem unrealistic at first, so the first thing you do is start with easily attainable goals to reach that dream. Say, focus first on making more money than you spend. Then set the goal of a certain amount. When you accomplish this set your goals higher and higher until ultimately you reach you dream.

No one hits a target he can't see. You should define your goals and set clear, achievable results. Know what "success" looks like! Have measurable, tangible evidence of growth and accomplishment.

Post Office Savings scheme:investing money in INDIA

It is considered to be one of the best investment options for retired individual or if you have regular income needs.

POSS are very popular because they give or yield a higher return than bank FDs and besides from a low risk it provides with an attractive feature of no Tax deducted from source i.e no TDS.

The Post Office offers various schemes that includes National Savings certificate(NSC),National Savings Scheme(NSS),Kisan Vikas Patra,Monthly Income scheme and Recurring Deposits Scheme better known as RDs.

Develop A Long Term Plan for investing our money

Now that you know your current situation, goals, and personality, you should have a pretty good idea of what your long term plan should be. It should detail where the money will go: cars, houses, college, retirement. It should also detail where the money will come from. Hopefully the numbers will be about the same.

Don’t try to time the market. Get in and stay in. We don’t know what direction the next 10% move will be, but we do know what direction the next 100% move will be.

Review your plan periodically, and whenever your needs or circumstances change. If you are not confident that your plan makes sense, talk to an investment advisor or someone you trust.

The goal of savings

The goal of savings is to build up your capital. If you include the returns of your capital as part of your savings toward your capital, then you might not actually be saving as much as you think you are. If your house goes up $50k in one year, are you really going to say that you don’t need to save anything else cause your house took care of it? You could, but if the market later adjusts you’ll find you actually didn’t save any money at all, and you would not have built up any capital whatsoever.

Key Points To Starting To Invest Money Are

• Keep your money in a safe place.
• Money invested in mutual funds is less at risk from “purchasing power risk” than in savings accounts.
• Be aware that stocks, bonds and mutual funds value will go up and down.
• Buying individual stocks and bonds is much riskier than buying mutual funds.
• Invest money for the long-term to increase your chances of making money.

Key Points To Starting To Invest Money Are 

Speculative Investments in growth investing

Thrill seekers and speculators look to high-risk growth instruments such as penny stocks, futures and options contracts, foreign currency and speculative real estate such as undeveloped land. There are also oil and gas drilling partnerships and private equity for aggressive investors in high income brackets. Those who pick the right choices in this arena can see a return on capital of many times their initial investment, but they can also often lose every cent of their principal.

Tips for reducing credit card use are

Leave your credit card at home – you should only use your credit card for planned purchases, so rather than carrying it in your wallet, why not just leave it at home and avoid the temptation of using it for frivolous purchases?

Build up an emergency cash fund – open a savings fund, that you can access in emergencies, rather than relying on your credit card for paying a plumber to fix a leak

Stop trying to keep up with Joneses next door – letting go of the desire to have the latest and greatest takes a huge amount of weight of your shoulders and reduces your need to stretch your cash.

Passive Income for making money

It’s true that no income is truly passive, since you will need to do some work to maintain your income stream. But it is possible to set money-makers in motion, under the name of a home business, and cultivate revenue.

• Income investing: Create an income portfolio with dividend stocks, bonds and P2P lending.
• Real estate/rental property: Buy income property and earn money. Whether you lease it out a business, or get renters, you can receive income regularly. Hire a manager, and you won’t have to do much at all.
• Web property: Buy web sites and monetize them. Yes, this can be work at the beginning, but once you get things going, it can provide income. Hire others to write for you, or do other tasks, and you won’t have to do as much work.
• Affiliate marketing: You can sell items through affiliate programs. As long as others keep buying in, or participate, you can earn money.
• Royalties: Create something once, and keep receiving money from it. You can also do this without sharing the profits with someone else. Create your own ebook and sell it yourself on a web site, or even on Kindle.

Stock Photography and money making

Whether you’re into travel photography or simply enjoy taking pictures of your favorite baked goods, there’s money to be made in the stock photography scene. With sites like iStock and Dreamstime accepting high-quality amateur pics and handling all of the marketing and sales transactions for you, this passive income option requires most of the work to be done up front. After that, you can sit back and enjoy the sales revenue. Obviously, there’s a bit more to it than that, and certain types of pictures sell better than others. But if you have a high quality camera and an artistic eye, chances are you can eventually make a decent side income from stock photography. It’s definitely a numbers game, so although you may get lucky and have one or two images that sell repeatedly, your odds are better with a high number of pictures spread across a variety of stock sites.

Top 5 ricehst INDIANS in GCC

1.Micky Jagtiani has the  GCC’s  Richest Indian

The Landmark Group founder – who once worked as a London cab driver – has an estimated wealth of $4.5bn

2. Feroz Allana - $4.3bn

3. Ragu Kataria - $2.5bn. 

4. Yussuf Ali - $2.2bn

5.BR Shetty - $1.9bn.

Victoria Falls: Zambia

Traditionally, the majority of visitors to Africa's Victoria Falls have visited on the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River. However, with the unpredictable political situation in Zimbabwe, many travelers are now approaching the falls from the Zambian side. Although Livingstone, the town on the Zambian side of the river, is not nearly as developed as the Zimbabwean side, it still provides the same spectacular views of Victoria Falls.

Mosi-O-Tunya National Park, which encompasses the falls on the Zambian side, provides an opportunity to see multiple spectacles in one day. In addition to the falls, visitors often spot antelope, zebras, giraffe, and even elephants crossing the Zambezi and walking freely through out the park.

Lower Zambezi National Park, also on the Zambezi River, is known for both its incredible fishing and fantastic birdlife so it attracts hobbyists of all kinds. Zambia is also famous for its "walking safaris," where a game guide leads travelers deep into the bush with nothing but a few yards between them and an elephant or troop of baboons.

Nepal tourism season

Nepali New Year celebrations take place in mid-April. There are many beautiful temples and shrines to see throughout the country, scattered across hills and valleys, and colourful prayer flags can be seen draped between the trees all over the landscape. Making the walk up hundreds of steps to Swayambhunath, otherwise known as Monkey Temple (after its residents), is a must. Nepal is home to the Himalayas and Mount Everest, and avid climbers will relish the challenge of a trek to base camp, which can be achieved in a few days. Shopping in the country is extremely reasonable, but remember to barter all the same – market vendors will always try to make a few extra dollars from tourists. Insider tip: watch out for beggars and pickpockets in downtown Kathmandu. It is also advisable to resist the temptation to hand out money (give it to a registered charity instead); if you can’t say no, give sweets or biscuits.

Also visit: After monsoon season, from October to November.
Best for: Adventurers on a shoestring budget. 

Beirut tourism season

The Lebanese capital has had a turbulent history, yet the city is now renowned as a vibrant cultural hub. Part of its attraction is its gritty, urban feel: much of the old Parisian architecture is still peppered with bullet holes. The best time to visit is in May, when the weather is sunny yet not too hot, averaging 25°C. To make the most of it, join the locals for a stroll along the seafront: start at the Rock of Raouché (known as Pigeons’ Rock) and follow the corniche round the coast to the old Hotel St Georges, where you’ll spot the monument to fallen president Rafic Hariri. Other must-dos include sipping a cappuccino in the pavement cafés in the pretty Place de l’Etoile, followed by a bar crawl in buzzing Gemmayze, where hundreds of tiny urban-style bars sit shoulder to shoulder (we love Godot for its cool music and free Wi-Fi). Most outlets accept both Lebanese pounds and US dollars, so use whichever is most convenient.

Also visit: In winter, when you can ski in the mountains in the morning and hit the beach after lunch. 
Best for: Those who want the best of all worlds: culture, shopping and nightlife. 

Baku tourism season

With temperatures ranging from 19°C to 27°C and a low chance of rain, June is the ideal time to visit Baku: a city that will be cooler and greener than Dubai over the sticky months. However, Baku also shares a fair few similarities with our city: the Azerbaijani capital was designated an Islamic Culture Capital in 2009 and multiple exciting additions continue to sprout rapidly on its skyline, such as the unmissable Dhs1.2 billion Flame Towers. Top of your to-do list should be wandering Fountain Square, The Boulevard and the city’s Old Town, as well as sampling caviar from Taza Bazaar: it offers some of the best in the world.

Also visit: Skies should be mostly blue from May to October.
Best for: Those after a fantastic break in a city fizzing with energy (sound familiar?). 

Tanzania tourism season

Not only is July the warmest and driest time of the year in the East African nation, but it is also the best time to witness one of the planet’s most memorable events: the annual mass wildebeest migration, from the Serengeti (in Tanzania) to the Masai Mara (in Kenya). Watch as hundreds of species trample on or attack each other. The sun-blushed landscape is stunning, and there are a range of accommodation options, from basic two-man tents to vast marquees with guards stationed outside overnight (should a zebra wander out of bounds…). Remember to take binoculars, as well as your very best zoom lens.


Also visit: During July, August, September or October, when rainfall is typically low and the sun remains high.
Best for: Animal lovers, and those after an unforgettable cultural experience. 

Radiation Safety in Fluroscopy

Time, distance, and shielding are the three basic guides that could and should be taken for radiation safety. First and foremost, do not allow any unauthorized visitors during x-ray exams. Only individuals required for the radiographic procedure should be present in the radiographic room during exposures.

Timing. As we mentioned before, with timing, shorter fluoro times can be achieved when the physician uses intermittent fluoroscopy. Also, analyze original radiographs before performing a fluoroscopic examination. Viewing original radiographs, especially for orthopedic studies, can dramatically reduce the repeat rate for the time required for procedures.

Distance. Observers should stand on the image intensifier side of the C-arm if possible, to avoid radiation leakage from the x-ray tube. When not assisting, step away from the patient during fluoro, as feasible. Stepping even one foot further back can significantly reduce a person’s dose.

Shielding. In interventional fluoroscopy procedures the tissue of concern is the skin. The skin that is at the site where radiation enters the body receives the highest dose than any other body tissue. All workers in the x-ray room during studies must have a lead apron, and other appropriate shielding wear.

Lead Apron and Thyroid Shields. Verify that the apron is 0.5 mm lead equivalent, and be sure aprons and shields are in good condition (remove any damaged ones). Insist on well fitting protective gear with a weight your body can handle. Hang aprons and shields on racks. Do not bend or fold them as this can cause cracks and tears in the protective material, making exposed body parts susceptible to radiation.

Wrap-around Apron. When wearing lead aprons, it is imperative to keep the lead between you and the x-ray tube. Meaning, do not turn your unshielded back to the x-ray tube. If you do need to move about the room where exposing your back may be likely, insist on using a wrap around style apron.

Leaded Eyeglasses. Those who routinely fluoro for long or interventional procedures, lead glasses with side shields can provide additional protection to the lens of the eyes. Remember, you may need to look sideways from the C-arm x-ray tube to see the image on the monitor, which will leave the lens unprotected if glasses do not have side shields.
Leaded Gloves. Lead gloves are required if hands are potentially close to or in the primary beam.

Trek to kingdom in Bhutan

The hermetic kingdom of Bhutan, which has a population of just 700,000, is regarded with reverence by discerning travellers in search of spiritual fulfilment. It is also the only country in the world that measures its progress not in terms of Gross Domestic Product but by the level of happiness of its citizens, or “Gross National Happiness”. Until 1972 outsiders weren’t even allowed into Bhutan. Unlike neighbouring Nepal, which was quickly overrun with backpackers as soon as it threw open its borders, the kingdom has maintained a cautious and high-end approach to tourism. Travellers are required to obtain visas and book with an authorized tour operator (independent travel is not permitted), and they must pay a daily fee of up to $200, which covers guides, transport and basic accommodation. Yet, contrary to popular myth, Bhutan is not as difficult country to visit, and you do not have to be a guest of the royal family to enter. Tour operators such as Abercrombie & Kent include both trekking and cultural trips to their offerings. Intrepid travellers will be rewarded with a land of astonishing beauty that is best discovered on foot. Highlights include Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on the edge of a 3,000-feet-high cliff In the past couple of years, mountain biking has also taken off here. The king is an avid rider, and is often spotted winding along the valley roads. Last year, a “Tour of the Dragon” race was held, tracing a mountainous path over 267km.

Famagusta Venetian Walls-North Cyprus

The original plan of the town was laid out by the Lusignans,  but when the Venetians took over in 1489 they completely renovated the enclosing walls. They lowered the walls but increased the  thickness. Any tour of the fortifications should take into account the great heat of summer and the low parapets everywhere.

The Citadel , also known as Othello’s Tower , should be visited Four great cylindrical towers guard the comes of the Citadel. The carving over the entrance  is an impressive winged lion of St Mark. The great hall is a massive vaulted chamber.

Going clockwise, the Sea Gate and bastion, now a museum. Muskets and swords are displayd next to period dresses finished with fine embroidery.

Three bastions on the south wall lead to the Land Gate, the main entrance to the town.  It is part of the Ravelin.

Things to Do in CYPRUS

Northern Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets with plenty of options for every traveller. For hikers, the coast to coast Kyrenia Mountain Trail runs 143 miles through the Kyrenia Mountain Range and is just aching to be explored. 

Add to that Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and Crusader castles, including St Hilarion Castle which was taken by Richard the Lionheart on his intrepid trek to the Third Crusade. Nature lovers will adore a visit to Alagadi, known as ‘Turtle Beach’, near Kyrenia. Of course, beach lovers can choose to simply soak up the suns rays and unwind. 

Northern Cyprus Weather and Clothing

North Cyprus enjoys what has come to be known as typical Mediterranean weather. This is normally characterized by long dry summers which last from the middle of May to the middle of October and mild winters that last from December to February. Northern Cyprus only has a short autumn and spring.

Summer in North Cyprus is known to be a season of extreme highs and cloudless blue skies. This is also the high season in terms of tourism and beaches, and while it does get pretty hot the costal areas are given
a reprise with the pleasant sea breeze. During this season light clothing is recommended and in reality all that you will need. Also it is recommended that you wear a hat and sunglasses.

Winters in North Cyprus are mild and while snow is a rare event rain is not. In this season you should be prepared for all sorts of weather. Although it does not reach the extremes in terms of freezing it is still recommended that you pack for winter weather in Northern Cyprus.
Spring and Autumn in North Cyprus is a mild time of year and you can mostly get away with using light clothing although temperatures drop at night and you might need a light jacket or pullover.

Passports and Visas for visiting Cyprus

All foreign country passports are recognized at the entrance checkpoints of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Greek Cypriots, Greeks from Greece and citizens of Armenia should have visa. Visa applications can be done to T.R.N.C. foreign representatives for the Nations that mentioned above. If any citizen of a country that mentioned above is married to a TRNC citizen, the need of a visa is evaluated in a different manner and could be more elastic. But this special condition is determined after the application to the foreign representation of TRNC. On the other hand, it is possible for the people from different nations (except the ones mentioned above) who enter Turkey, to enter TRNC freely as a tourist or with a tourist group. The same procedure is carried out to passengers who travel separately. Separate passengers have to have enough amount of cash, returning ticket and reservation to a TRNC Hotel (proving that the purpose of travel is tourism) Under these circumstances it is impossible to have a problem during the entrance of TRNC. When entering TRNC the period of the visa given is determined by the immigration police officer. After entering TRNC and if you have valid justifications you can apply to prolong for visa to ministry of interior.

Cyprus Tourism

About Cyprus
Uniquely positioned at the crossroad between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Cyprus is easily accessible for all people whether coming from Europe or the rest of the world.

Today, Cyprus is a modern country and has been a member of the European Union since 2004. With its European culture and civilisation that stretches back to antiquity, it has much to offer including year-round sunshine, alluring beaches, vineyards, historical sites, and a family-oriented culture of open-hearted people.

Currently, the Cyprus Government is placing a lot of emphasis on promoting Cyprus as a health care destination with a current annual expenditure on health of over 700 million Euros, representing 6% of gross national product. The Cyprus health industry bears an excellent reputation of the essential post operative care after any kind of surgery where the Mediterranean climate, with its dry summers and mild winters, is ideal for recuperating both for the patient but also for people accompanying them.

Natural attractions

• Cyprus offers a relaxed, peaceful environment
• Exchange the noise and bustle of the UK 's crowded cities for the peace and tranquillity of relaxing, get-away-from-it-all Cyprus
• The island is relatively sparsely populated - well under a million people on an island the size of Devon and Cornwall combined, but with just half the population of these two counties 
• Blue-sky vistas and views of calm, brilliant blue seascapes are therapeutic in themselves
• Cyprus enjoys over 300 days of sunshine - a real tonic
• There are many natural wonders in a compact area – from the pine-scented mountains of the Troodos region to the rocks where, legend has it, Aphrodite was born
• Rich history, vibrant culture - Cyprus has been invaded many times and each visiting nation has left its mark - from Roman mosaics to beautiful Byzantine churches
• Breathtaking landscapes - from the national park of the Akamas peninsula, with its nesting turtles and wild flowers to the beautiful national park of Cape Greco
• Food and wine to indulge the senses
• Cypriot hospitality is renowned; the ease of communication with local people adds to the overall feeling of relaxation and welcome

Payday loans become the solution to the funding requirements

Many of the solutions provided by the banks that have been providing services in terms of payday loans is to accommodate the needs of the business market that the higher the velocity of money in the business market. In seeking access to a very simple way, the process of granting funds to the customer in the process of borrowing payday loans system is increasingly makes it easy for a business to overcome their financial problems.

There are times when your needs are urgent and to meet them, you need some bucks immediately, by the same day your need has come out. So, what exactly you can do at this juncture is to take some bucks as loans. Well, here are the easy loans, same day loans where the money is advanced simply to get you off the hook any time.

These are the instant cash advance programs available for emergencies like sudden medical bill or a repair in your apartment, to pay a due rent or for anything on earth that is really urgent. However, as urgent needs are short lived these loans are also short term in nature. They are advanced for a term ranging from 1 week to 15 days at the most. Yet, there are chances of getting the term extended on valid grounds. You can get an extension up to 30 days. Anyway, the amount advanced here in these finances ranges between

Merck Global Health Innovation (GHI) Fund

Merck Global Health Innovation (GHI) Fund invests in emerging companies that deliver breakthrough healthcare solutions which advance Merck's mission to discover, develop, and provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives. Established in 2010, the GHI Fund deploys its evergreen $250 million fund to rapidly identify and develop transformative global health care opportunities. GHI is focused on identifying opportunities that are adjacent to Merck’s core business of pharmaceuticals and vaccines. www.merck.com/ghi

Essential Information before South African tour

Highlights

• Experience the charming elegance of Cape Town and learn about the city’s rich history. Tuck into some traditional South African dishes, or take advantage of one of the exquisite beaches nearby.
• Journey along the south coast of the Western Cape to the town of Hermanus, where you’ll be able to drink in views of the beautiful orchards and vineyards - the perfect place to enjoy a wine tasting session. With miles of sandy beaches stretching along the coast, Hermanus is the perfect place to go whale watching. Go on an adventure at the world-famous Kruger National Park, where you’ll stay in the unique and luxurious Outpost.
• Go on morning and late afternoon game trails and encounter members of the ‘Big Five’ and other exotic animals.

Essential Information

• There are seven official languages in South Africa, although English is widely spoken.
• The official currency in South Africa is the Rand.
• If you’re going on a safari, make sure to pack comfortable and neutral clothing.
• Flights from the UK to Johannesburg take approximately 11 hours and 12 hours to Cape Town.
• Return/onward ticket is required to travel to South Africa. Passports of all non-South African nationals must contain at least 1 unused visa page for entry/departure endorsements by South African Immigration Service.

Peter Island Resort:British Virgin Islands private resort

Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

Named one of the “Best Places to Stay in the World” and “Top 20 Islands” in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, Peter Island is a private island, with all the exclusivity and romance that provides. At Peter Island there are more staff members than guests, with only 52 rooms and 1,200 acres of lush, mountainous terrain and 5 private beaches. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, the largest private island in the BVI is surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Sir Francis Drake Channel. For those seeking an unparalleled way to experience the idyllic, undeveloped serenity of the island, the resort’s self-contained luxury villas are unmatched.

Popular snacks in the Maldives

The majority of hotels and restaurants in Malé offer a combination of Eastern and Western specialities. Cafés in Malé are known as ‘hotaa’ and are a great place to get some local food and drink. Traditional Maldivian food is spicy, although not quite as spicy as in its neighbouring countries. They usually contain rice, fish broth, or garudhiya, and side dishes such as chilli, onions and lime. Curries are called riha and are quite popular, and eaten with both rice and roshi, which is unleavened flat bread similar to the Indian roti. Snacks are called hedhikaa and are usually deep fried fish-based items that are commonly found in Maldives restaurants.

- mas huni – smoked fish that is shredded and mixed with onions and grated coconuts. (This is the most common Maldivian breakfast dish)
- fihunu mas – barbequed fish marinated with chilli
- bajiyaa – stuffed pastry with fish, onions and coconut
- gulha – stuffed pastry balls with smoked fish
- keemia – fish rolls that are deep fried
- kulhi boakibaa – a spicy fish cake
- masroshi – mas huni which is wrapped in a roshi bread and then baked
- theluli mas – fried fish with garlic and chilli

Avail of minor Tax exemption in INDIA

If a parent invests in a minor child's name, the income is clubbed with that of the parent who earns more. In some cases, a minor child may have a personal income, such as a cash prize in a competition or payments for commercials and events. However, this is rare and mostly it's the parent who invests on behalf of the child. There is a small Rs 1,500 exemption per child per year for the income earned by such investments.

You can avail of this for a maximum of two children. This means, you can safely invest Rs 15,000 in a fixed deposit in your child's name. If you have two children, that's Rs 30,000 earning tax-free income every year. Opt for the annual payout option because the cumulative option will push up the earning beyond the tax-free limit in a couple of years as the compounding effect comes into play. Tax experts feel the Rs 1,500 exemption per child is too low and should be raised, but there are others who think this should be removed. A simpler tax structure will encourage greater compliance. The original DTC had proposed the removal of nearly all exemptions and deductions, but raised the basic exemption limit and tax slabs.

Naladhu : private-island escapes

Location: South Male Atoll, Maldives

One moment you want seclusion, the next to be entertained people-watching by the pool; if so, Naladhu hotel in the Maldives is for you, with just 19 villas with either a lagoon view or one of the ocean. 

All have a breezy Hamptons vibe, with semi-alfresco baths and private pools for solo splashing. Outside, relax in a shady beach cabana or dine a deux on the sand. 

Naladhu is one of several small islands owned by Anantara and, should you want to mingle, boat transfers head to nearby Anantara Dhigu and Veli, where a spa and eight restaurants beckon.

Private-island escapes : Caribbean

Parrot Cay by Como, Turks & Caicos

Location: Caribbean
Maybe you'll spot Demi Moore downward dogging at the Shambala spa or Paul McCartney reading by the pool because celebrities love Parrot Cay by Como hotel in the Caribbean the only property on a sprawling thousand-acre island. 

illustrative purpose only

Even if you don't, you'll feel star struck at this elegant 70-room sanctuary where whitewashed villas have draped four-posters and the infinity pool's sunloungers overlook the beach. 

The ultimate in luxury though are the six Parrot Cay Estates, ranging from three to 11 bedrooms, situated away from the main resort and owned by the likes of Bruce Willis and Donna Karan.

Maldives tourism season

The MaldivesThe Maldivian weather in March is dry and sunny and although humid, there is a refreshing sea breeze. Visit the Maldives for its unspoiled white sandy beaches and uninhabited islands, such as Matheerah, for a true isolated desert-island experience. Honeymooning is big business in the Maldives so it’s ideal for a romantic getaway or for peaceful reflection and relaxation, and the destination has become more accessible financially thanks to Flydubai’s new route, which launched this month. There’s plenty to do, with fishing being the most obvious – it’s is one of the islands’ largest industries. Watersports are inevitably popular in the warm Indian Ocean, and high visibility throughout the year ensures crystal-clear water for diving and snorkelling. Some of the top attractions include Sun Island Beach, the National Museum and Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque), one of the oldest mosques in the Maldives, which dates back to the 12th century when Islam was first introduced to the nation.

Also visit: In the dry season from November to April. November also offers street parades and parties for Victory Day on November 3, celebrating the failure of a terrorist coup, and Republic Day on November 11.
Best for: A romantic getaway or a few days of peaceful reflection.