Sex sells. A tactic even the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has resorted to promote vegetarianism. After decades of screaming about cruelty to animals by slaughter, PETA softened its shrillness with a new ad. And this one is aimed at the male ego. It features an Indian man sitting up in bed, looking down at himself, while the tag line flashes, "Eating meat got you down? Get it up: Go vegetarian".

The ad shot by Dilip Bhatia of Playboy is targeted at cities with large South Asian populations. PETA says research has shown that artery-clogging cholesterol in meat plays a major part in erectile dysfunction. "It is an example of instant karma," says Alka Chanda, PETA's campaign manager. "The Viagra craze reflects increasing impotence. But vegetarianism can help you rise to the occasion." So the next time you decide to stay in for the evening between the silken sheets, you could try some sabzis and rotis.

-Sonia Chopra

High Interest

No credit, just debit. That seems to be what Indians prefer. Debit cards, launched five years ago, have been a huge success (see graph). Debit cards, first launched by Citibank, got a big push last year when public-sector banks like SBI, Bank of Baroda and Corporation Bank started issuing them. Initially, banks charged for debit cards but now most offer them free-converting ATM cards into debit cards. Not without reason: it helps banks halve their operational costs. Also, the stiff eligibility norms required for a credit card mean that only 25-30 million Indians qualify, whereas debit cards can reach the vast banking population pegged at 130 million.

-Malini Goyal

Stitching Tax

Saris, now declared readymade garments by the Delhi Government, will cost more. A 12 per cent tax will be levied on silk sarees and 4 per cent on others. Delhi's sari traders went on a two-day strike to protest against the sales tax department's decision to club saris with bedsheets and tablecloths. The tax is applicable from April 2001, which means traders will have to pay tax on saris sold in the past two years. Settlement seems to be many yards away.