Night Blooming Cereus - Ornamental Flower

Bangalore is a city blessed with salubrious climate and exotic plant life. The plants and flowers which one can see here will surely be a rare sight anywhere else. We have one such plant in our house which is called 'Brahma Kamala' locally. The flower blooms only for one night. The buds take about a month to develop and the flower starts blooming after sunset and is at its best by midnight after which it withers away. The origin of this plant is said to be Mexico and is called 'Epiphyllum Oypetium' belonging to the family ' Cactaceae' in Botanical terms.

June/July is the time many households in Bangalore eagerly await to see this flower blooming. Those who have it in their houses consider it an 'auspcious' occasion to see the flower bloom. The amazing part is that the flower shoots out of the leaf. Smaller leaves also shoot out of veins of larger ones and there is no way one can tell whether a particular vein will shoot out a leaf or a flower. See the attached photos and marvel at this beautiful wonder of nature.

The Brahmal Kamala flower bud.

Note how the flower bud is coming out of the leaf.

The Brahma Kamala bud about to bloom


The majestic Brahma Kamala

The Brahma Kamala in full bloom

'Fauji' Sites

Guys,

Here are two awesome sites related to the Indian Armed Forces and Defence :

1. http://www.bharat-rakshak.com

2. http://www.india-defence.com

The first site has Indian and International Military links, a discussion forum and top stories related to defence. It contains all information about the Indian Army, Airforce, Navy, Paramilitary Forces and the Police. A lot of historical facts and photographs can be found here. Dont be surprised to see the exact number of troops, weapons, armament, combat vehicles etc held by the Indian defence forces. All the wars that India has fought are also described in detail. A lot of information on regimental history is given. It is like attending a 'Military History' class all over again - duly updated. Even a link to 'Janes Weekly' is provided. This is a must see for all 'faujis' , patriotic Indians and security analysts & practitioners.

The second site is related to news and analysis regarding defence of India. A free newsletter 'Daily News & Updates' is provided on registeration. This is also worth a try.

So go ahead and take a trip down memory lane and be enlightened about the latest as well.

International Academy for Security Management

International Academy for Security Management, UK, has been posting various articles and news related to security management for the past couple of months. Some of the posts provide links to original stories/articles which are of interest to the security professional. Some of them even provide handouts etc. For those of you who are interested in keeping themselves abreast with the latest in the security industry, here is the address : http://www.internationalacademy.blogspot.com I have provided a link to this blog on the right sidebar so all you have to do is click on it. The blog is very informative and upto date. Another reason to visit this blog is that there is a very flattering post about me under the heading "Delegate Profile ....." dated 15 June 2007. So go ahead and see my mug yet again - but dont forget to add this site to your 'favourites'.

MY CPP EXPERIENCE

I have been getting a lot of queries about the CPP examination from many of our friends of late. I hope the following article will serve them in good stead and help them in becoming Board Certifed in Security Management.

Introduction
The idea about achieving the CPP certification took root when the Bank had detailed me for a two week course on Security Management and Asset Protection at the International Academy for Security Management, Pangbourne, Berkshire, UK, in May 2002. Mr David Cresswell, CPP, who was the chief instructor and coordinator for this course at that time told me about the value of this certification. I was posted at the New Delhi office of Reserve Bank of India at that time and life was so busy that my resolve slowly took a backseat.

In 2005 I got transferred to RBI, Bangalore, and during the later part of that year, happened to come across an ex-army officer who had passed the CPP examination. This rekindled my desire and I also happened to read about it in ‘Security Today’, a magazine, which I was subscribing to. I became a member of ASIS in 2006 and was hoping to take the test at New Delhi in November 2006. I could not do so as New Delhi was not declared a test site by ASIS since the number of examinees was not sufficient. I am told that there should be a minimum of eight candidates for a particular venue to be declared as a test site by ASIS. I got in touch with the ASIS New Delhi chapter who assured me that they were hopeful of conducting the examination at New Delhi in May 2007. The option of going to Singapore at my own expense just to take the test was not very appealing. To this end I kept pestering Mr G.B.Singh, the editor (besides a host of other designations) of ‘Security Today’ to make all efforts so that New Delhi would be declared a test centre for the May 2007 exam. A confirmation was received in March 2007 that the test for CCP certification would be held at New Delhi on 05 May 2007.

Reading Material

1. The CPP study guide which one gets as a package deal in case the examination fees are paid online is good for a general overview and practice questions. It is priced at $100/- which is quite steep considering the ROI. Reading the guide alone will NOT ensure success in the exam – a disclaimer to this effect is given in the book. The same can be said for the CPP online review which is priced at $ 400/-. At best these resources develop one’s confidence to take the test.

2. Material from the Internet. There is a plethora of material available through the internet provided one has the patience to search, sift and sort it out. Various ASIS Chapters have a study resources or CPP corner which contains articles, practice questions and power point presentations which can be downloaded and studied. The presentations make sense only if one has gone through the subject/topic. There are other sites related to security which have articles and material on security management which provides good reading.

3. Recommended Study Material (priced at $ 1207/-) The kit consists of 12 books on security topics including the Emergency Planning Handbook which can be downloaded from the ASIS website. Most of the candidates for the CPP examination who were from the private sector had the study kit provided to them by their employers. If the same has to be purchased by individuals it will burn a big hole in the pocket. I thought of purchasing second hand books and surfed the internet for sites offering such books. The following are some of them :

(a) http://www.betterworldbooks.com/
(b) http://www.alibris.com/
(c) http://www.ebay.com/
(d) http://www.biblio.com/
(e) http://www.bookfinder.com/
(f) http://www.abebooks.com/
(g) http://www.amazon.com/

4. I found that books were available on all the sites but most of them were charging an enormous amount for shipping to India except the first one. Betterworldbooks ships free within the US and charges only $2.97 worldwide. I managed to buy seven of the recommended books for only $35/-. If someone has a relative or a friend living in the US the books can be arranged at minimum cost. The only downside is that the books will be older editions which in any case does not make too much of a difference as the basics remain the same. This is thus the second best option in case new books are not available. Some of the other sites mentioned above also have reasonable shipping rates.

5. Reading various articles on security management published in magazines like ‘Security Today’, ‘IndiaSafe’ or ‘Security Management’ is also helpful in brushing up one’s knowledge of the subject. Another good idea is to subscribe to various newsletters related to security which are delivered free through e-mail.

Exam Preparation

1. I had tried to collect as much information about the exam as was possible besides what was available on the ASIS website (which is quite comprehensive). I got in touch with ASIS New Delhi Chapter members who were CPPs (6 in all) and requested them for tips for exam preparation. A couple of them were not in India but they responded. Some gave very valuable tips and some did not even acknowledge my mail. The tips I am going to mention in the subsequent narrative include inputs received from these gentlemen. I hope that future CPP aspirants will benefit from the experience of their predecessors.

2. Having collected all the relevant material I set a study routine for myself. I studied for an average two hours every day for three months between 8.30 PM to 10.30 PM. For this purpose I stopped sitting in front of the idiot box and thereby was not a cause of inconvenience for the family who were busy watching soap serials during this time. Studying at any other time or in the office was just not possible and I was loath to take leave for this purpose.

3. One serious reading of the books available was enough. I have been told that the Asset Protection Manual (set of four) is enough to tide one over provided they have been read through. I spent considerable time on practice questions.

Tips to Remember

1. The annual ASIS membership fee is $150 which expires on 31 December every year. For applications accepted after 01 July the fee is $ 95. It makes sense to become a member in January so that one gets full membership benefits. This fee includes subscription to ‘Security Management’ monthly magazine, ASIS ‘Dynamics’ a bi-monthly publication and an annual directory of members. The fee for CPP examination is $ 200 for international candidates who are ASIS members. In case the CPP study guide is included with the exam fee the cost is $ 330. Once an application is accepted the candidate gets three chances to take the test in a two year validity period which is counted from the first attempt.

2. The examination consists of 225 questions of multiple-choice type out of which only are 200 are marked. The remainder 25 questions are for exam development purposes. The beauty is that the examinee does not have any means to identify these questions.

3. Four hours are allowed for the test, which is very long time and everyone can comfortably complete it. One should not get bogged down on a particular question if the answer seems elusive. The question should be skipped and the next one tried. The first question I could answer with confidence was the sixth one. All the skipped questions can be answered after the known ones are over. Some answers come to mind only after reading the question 2 –3 times over.

4. Questions should be read very carefully as the language in some can be very tricky. This holds good especially for the narrative type of questions. If a question seems confusing at first reading it should be skipped and attempted later on.

5. One should remember the exam structure and content (the percentage spread of questions). For example nearly 50% questions asked are from Security Principles & Practices and Physical Security. So one should devote more time to these domains rather then getting stuck with something from which very few questions are asked like ‘Information Security’.

6. Questions on ‘Legal Aspects’ are not set for international candidates so there are only seven domains and not eight as given in exam content and structure. I spent a lot of time cramming up US legal aspects which was of no use. The percentage spread of questions, therefore, is as follows:

(a) Security Principles & Practices 24.34 %
(b) Business Principles & Practices 11.64 %
(c) Personnel Security 10.58 %
(d) Physical Security 25.93 %
(e) Information Security 5.82 %
(f) Emergency Practices 8.99 %
(g) Investigations 12.70 %

7. There is no point in memorizing figures and statistics as there were very few questions related to them. Most questions are set to test one’s analytical skills based on the reading material. There is really no shortcut but to go through the recommended books.

8. Though stationery is provided at the exam venue one should carry pencils, sharpener, a good rubber and pen to the test site.


Conclusion

Meticulous preparation, a systematic study plan and a bit of luck are the ingredients for success in the CPP exam. No one can hope to pass this examination on the basis of experience alone. The recommended study material has to be read. More often than not, I have noticed that someone who has passed the exam is reluctant to share his material, resources and experience. However, I am willing to guide and share my knowledge with future CPP aspirants if they get in touch with me at nandanbisht@gmail.com. I have a lot of material in electronic form which I am willing to share with someone who does not have the study material provided to him by his employer. I only wish that more and more security professionals from our country become Board Certified in Security Management.

Counter Terrorism Training Academy

ITA Group launches counter-terror training academy

ITA is launching the International Training Academy, a new City and Guilds centre designed to provide a range of specialist training to help organisations manage the threats from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), dirty bombs, chemical weapons and biological attacks (CBRN).The Academy’s instructors each draw their knowledge from over 20 years serving in the British Military as Search and Bomb Disposal specialists and the Academy’s courses have been designed to enable civilian personnel to be able to gain specialist knowledge in an environment which encourages the development of practical skills as well as theoretical learning.The Academy will also be launching a series of one-day courses specifically designed to help commercial and public sector personnel recognise the threats from IEDs, and chemical / biological attacks delivered with ITA Group company, the CBRN Team.“The recent chlorine weapon attacks in Iraq highlight the sort of problem that now faces us in the UK. There is a general assumption that the police and the emergency services are totally geared up to deal with this type of attack but it is not always the case that they have the resources to be able to do so” said Mark Ayres, ITA’s CEO. “Instructors from the International Training Academy work with commercial and public sector organisations to teach them how to reduce their vulnerability to terrorist attacks and to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) in case the worst happens.”Mark Ayres added “One of the Academy’s more graphic one-day courses is its Recognition of Firearms and Explosives course (RFX). We take the students onto the military firing range and demonstrate under controlled conditions the blast effect of a variety of explosive compositions and show just how easy they are to conceal. This is an essential course for anyone that performs an operational security role, from x-ray screeners to security directors”.For more details, contact ITA Global Services Ltd, Tournai Hall, Normandy Barracks, Evelyn Woods Road, Adershot, Hampshire, GU11 2LL, United Kingdom, Tel: +44 (0) 1252 342300, Fax: +44 (0) 1252 356060, Website: www.ita.gb.com

This post has been taken from the SecurityPark newsletter http://www.securitypark.co.uk

CPP Results

Guys,
Here's some good news !! I got my CPP Results just today and I am thru having scored above the minimum required scores. A scanned copy of the communication is attached. Since I was the test case, this should prod all of you to go ahead and get your certification. All the best.

Lungar Gupp XXII

1. Superannuation Arithmetic

(This has reference to my earlier post regarding taking voluntary retirement on attaining the age of 50 years.)

Basic Pension = (Basic Pay + PA + FPA)/2 X No. of Years of Service/33
For example (in my case)
Basic Pay = Rs 27425/-
PA = Rs 550/-
FPA = Rs 835/-
Total Rs 28810/-
Hence Rs 14415/- would be multiplied by the service factor so as to arrive at the basic pension per month. DA is payable at prevailing rates. Assuming that I retire voluntarily on attaining the age of 50 years (ie on or after 10 October 2007), the service factor in my case will be 1 (entitled for full pension). Service in the Bank = 17 years 10 months + 10 years 3 months military service already counted. 5 years of notional benefit is also applicable as balance service left for normal superannuation is more than 5 years.

Commutation value is one third of the basic pension X 12 X 12.95 (this is a factor depending on your age one year after retirement – in my case on attaining the age of 51 years). The maths works out to 4805 X 12 X 12.95 or Rs 7,46,697/-

Monthly pension after commutation would work out to Rs 13,600/- approx (two thirds basic pension and DA) at present rates. DA is paid on the full basic pension. The other receivables would be as follows :

(a) Provident Fund As applicable
(b) Gratuity Rs 3,15,000/- (maximum)
(c) Leave encashment
(d) GSLI contribution

Not a bad picture at all – isn’t it ???

2. Career Progression

It seems that there is a move to increase the vacancies in Grade 'C' in our cadre. Let us expect at least doubling of the present five posts in Grade 'C'. For now two vacancies are being taken into account (anticipated) for fresh interviews to AGM (maybe next year).

3. Postings

My friend Sahni has had his request for transfer to Patna instead of Chennai turned down yet again. Sad case !!

4. Back to Snail Mail at Bhopal

I am told that our friends at Bhopal do not have internet access as the facility has been withdrawn. This is a case of regression unless the guys out there were spending all their time surfing.

Gyan from NCDC, Nagpur

I had been wanting to post the following tips on completion of the Fire Safety course which I attended in March. In case something is left out or if there are any errors, please feel free to tell me so that the post can be amended.

TIPS FOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF HYDRANT SYSTEMS

1. AMC contractor should check the system viz : hydrant lines, valves, rubber parts, greasing and oiling, and operation of pumps and water pressure at least once a month.
2. Routine maintenance as well as defects noticed should be recorded in a register which serves as a check for certification of the contractor’s bills as well as a reminder for getting defects rectified.
3. Sufficient spares should be maintained like rubber gaskets, gland packing and branch pipe nozzles.
4. Complete cleaning of hose reels, hydrant valves, hydrant boxes and oiling of moving parts and threaded parts.
5. Checking of female couplings, lugs and cap nuts.
6. Every hose box should have two hoses and one branch pipe.
7. Canvas hoses should conform to specifications (ISI mark). Rubber hoses are now available (Fire Safe brand).
8. In case of wet risers the jockey pump should get activated when the pressure falls to 6.5 kg/cm2.
9. Check gland packing and coupling guard in the main pump and the jockey pump.
10. The main pump should be in auto start – manual off mode so that it will start when more valves are opened in a fire condition.
11. Main pump and the jockey pump should maintain a pressure of 7 kg/cm2.
12. A terrace pump is put when there is only one pump (main) available.
13. Check in the pump house whether the pump is on ‘manual’ or ‘auto’ mode.
14. A hydrant system consists of piping, pumps, water tank, hydrants, hose reels, valves and risers.

TIPS FOR CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

1. In a new extinguisher check fitment items and tightness of various components.
2. All rubber washers (under the cap) should be changed annually.
3. Check movement of spring loaded plunger (it should not make a scratchy/squeaky sound – otherwise greasing should be done).
4. Check ‘snifter’ valve (this works on low pressure and caters for expansion of air inside the water type extinguisher especially when it is placed in open areas).
5. Check the vent holes in the cap for clogging.
6. CO2 Gas Cartridge. The dimensions are given on the neck. Up to 10% loss in weight is acceptable otherwise it should be refilled. The cartridge should be discarded after 20 years of use (year of manufacturing is given on the neck) unless it passes the hydraulic pressure test.
7. In case of extinguishers which have been subjected to hydraulic pressure test – insist on the certificate issued by the testing authority.
8. At least 10% of spares for Fire Extinguishers should be kept in stock.
9. In case of Mechanical Foam extinguishers 540 ml foam concentrate is to be mixed in 9 litres of water and poured into the extinguisher.
10. In case of Dry Chemical Powder extinguishers which are suitable for class ‘B’ and ‘C’ fires the powder content is either Sodium Bicarbonate or Potassium Bicarbonate. In case of ABC powder type (DCP which is suitable for class A, B or C fire) the content is Mono Ammonium Phosphate which is an excellent extinguishing agent.
11. In refilling DCP extinguishers only a single brand and type of powder should be used so as to avoid a chemical reaction.
12. In CO2 extinguishers relevant data is given on the neck of the cylinder viz : cylinder number, year of manufacture etc. Tally the cylinder number with the explosive certificate. Under IS specifications only wheel type valve mechanism cylinders are manufactured rather than the squeeze grip type which are used in other countries.
13. Pressure test can be done within the premises in case a cage is available. Pressure at 20 kg/cm2 has to be maintained for two minutes (as per IS specifications).
14. In case of CO2 extinguishers, pressure test has to be carried out every time they are refilled (ask for the test certificate).
15. Of all the fire extinguishers due for hydraulic pressure test if the failure rate is more than 10% then all should be subjected to the test.
16. Fire extinguishers should be installed at least 1000 mm above the floor away from entry/exit points.
17. For ordinary or low hazard areas one Fire Extinguisher per 600 sq mtrs should be installed. For special or high hazard areas every 100 sq mtrs area should have two extinguishers.
18. ABC type extinguishers can be installed everywhere.
19. For storage tank fires or transformer/generator fire high velocity spray emulsifier is ideal.

Diversity in our Job Profile

Hello Friends,

The following photos have been posted to show the diverse range of our duties !!

We not only protect assets, sometimes we dish out the (seasonal) assets too !!

A senior officer handling a Fire Extinguisher after a lecture demonstration on Fire Fighting.

DGM (Estate) handling a Water CO2 type Fire Extinguisher

Lungar Gupp XXI

Guys !!
Here are some tid-bits for your consumption !!!

1. The Hunt for Greener Pastures. After my return from Delhi last week I got a call from one of our friends at Mumbai and he literally dropped a bomb – telling me that we can retire voluntarily (and have our military service counted too). I told him that to the best of my knowledge we HAVE to serve for 20 years in the Bank before we can think of chucking this job. I drew his attention to Para 3.4 of the Master Circular on Superannuation and Retirement in this connection. The clarification he obtained from the Central Office is that in terms of Staff Regulations 26 (3) any employee can retire voluntarily on attaining the age of 50 years. This means that any one of us who has reached his golden jubilee can leave the Bank. However, knowing the way our Bank works, I am going to wait for someone to set a precedent before thinking about jumping into “waters of unknown depth and temperature”.

2. Dress Code. After being “dressed to kill” in our Safari Suits all this time in the Bank, there is some good news if rumours are to be believed. It is learnt that a proposal for Security Officers to be dressed in ‘shirt and tie’ is being considered by the Bank. This is indeed heartening news. At least we will not look like “Government Drivers” once this proposal is accepted by the powers that be. One has to be a ‘Kabir Bedi’ to look good in a safari which we are not. In this context I must mention that our colleagues at Mumbai have been advocating this case to whosoever was willing to listen for quite some time now. In case it comes through they deserve all the credit.