Sticky Notes: Fantastic App

Since time immemorial, it is the usual practice that people use to chronicle their day to day experience in the form of dairy. Of late, the habbit of writing in long hand has diminished. Nevertheless, the modern trend is that one will either resort to mobile phone or a computer to record the day to day incidence, either through the medium of social media domains like the Facebook or a blog. Another trend is that people resort to install stick notes software on their workstations or laptops to jot down the messages they would want to express. They also make a note of the day do day events in the form of stick message and pin the yellow piece of paper on the computer for ready reference.

Advantages of Sticky Notes

The key advantages of stick notes are that one can keep it like a reminder to see it everytime when one works, besides the fact that one can note down anything instantly without opeing any application. What is more, of late, sticky notes can be synched with cloud networking apps including Dropbox, Googledrive and Onedrive. Furthermore, it comes with differnt style and colour for one’s comfort. I use Efficient Sticky Notes, which is a fantastic app. It is far better than Evernote and other Sticky Notes that are available in the marketplace. Needless to mention, it is safe and secure, besides the fact that it comes with password protection. The best part is that one can have internet connection at any place by carrying it in a flash drive!

Suffice it to say that it comes with a recycle bin option in case one deletes it accidently, one can retreive it from there. Similarly, it is easy to search one’s ntes in the application in case one forgets what he/she keeps it as title. All one has to do is to search with any word one uses in the note the suggestions will pop up. It also comes with more than 30 language options. One can use it for 30 days as a free trial and can as well urchase it if one likes. For instance, I initially downloaded it as a trial verion. Subsequently, I got hooked to it. Now, I not only use it as alarm but also as a reminder and much more.

Windows have stopped sticky notes as default application these days. Initially, what I did was to download it as trial version. The software is being sold in excess of 117 countries across the globe and translated by more than 30 languages. The bottomline is owning Efficient Sticky Notes is not a bad choice! I recommend four stars out of five for this appication.

Quarter of world’s cervical cancer patients live in India, says Dr. Sapna Nangia

Cervical caner is the commonest cancer in Indian women. A quarter of the world’s cervical cancer patiants live in India. “It is indeed ironical that a cancer that can be prevented by a vaccine and detected in a pre-malignent state receives such little attention from the media”, laments Dr.Sapna Nangia, Seinor Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Apollo Cancer Institute, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

In an exclusive interaction with Jayashankar Menon, she throws insight on this vexatious problem of rampant cervical cancer among Indian women and how it can be nipped in the bud. Excerpts:

JM: What is the level of awareness about cervical cancer in India?

SN: Cervical cancer is the commonest cancer in Indian women and a quarter of the world’s cervical cancer patients live in India! It is indeed ironical that a cancer that can be prevented by a vaccine and detected in a pre malignant state receives such little attention from the media.

JM: What are the real causes for this infection of cervical cancer amongst Indian women?

SN: Caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV), cervical cancer involves the opening of the uterus into the vagina. It occurs more commonly in women who start sexual activity at a young age and is also more common in women with many childbirths and partners. Given that girls in rural India marry at a younger age and have more children than their urban counterparts, it is not surprising that the incidence of cervical cancer is more in rural India. Other risk factors are poor personal hygiene and of late, HIV infection.

JM: How long it takes the process of transformation of a pre-cancerous state to cervical cancer?

SN: The process of transformation of a pre-cancerous state to cervical cancer takes around ten years. During this period, a simple test called Pap smear can detect this pre-cancerous state. The affected area of the cervix can be effectively treated by a gynecologist using simple treatment methods such as laser, cryosurgery and LEEP. Pap smears are recommended for all sexually active women, the test being repeated at three yearly intervals if normal and at five yearly intervals if both Pap smear and testing for high risk strains of HPV are negative.

JM What is your take on mass screening of women using VIA?

SN: Organist ions looking to make a contribution towards improving the health status of Indian women would do well to think of mass screening of women using a technique called VIA. This simple test, which basically consists of applying vinegar to the cervix and then inspecting it, can be easily administered by health workers. In a landmark study by Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, mass screening of women was found to reduce the risk of dying due to cervical cancer by a whopping 30 percent. It is known that mass screening for cervical cancer once in ten years can reduce the incidence of this disease by 60 percent.

JM: Do we have enough vaccines to stem the rot?

SN: Vaccines are now available against some strains of HPV. Gardasil from Merck protects against four strains, two of which cause cervical cancer and two, genital warts. Cervarix, from  Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham, protects against two cancer causing HPV strains. The HPV strains that these vaccines act against are responsible for about 70 percent of all cervical cancers. Women who have  been vaccinated should therefore still undergo Pap smears for early detection of cervical cancer.

JM: What is the ideal time for vaccination?

SN: The ideal time for vaccination is prior to initiation of sexual activity. It is usually administered to  at the age of 12-13 years to girls, but can be administered between the ages of 9-45 years. When administered, after initiation of sexual activity, the vaccine does not protect against pre-existing infection.

JM: What is the recommended course of injection?

SN: A course of three injections is recommended. However, the second and third injections are being administered one and six months, respectively, after the first. The cost of the vaccine is around Rs. 2,500 per dose.

JM: What other cancers HPV is responsible for?

SN: HPV is responsible for other cancers besides cervical cancer, anal cancer, vulval cancer and that of the throat are also caused by strains of this virus. Vaccination is likely to reduce the risk of these cancers as well.

JM: How about the awareness of HPV vaccination abroad?

SN: HPV vaccination is a part of the National Immunisation Programme in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. Besides girls, immunisation of  boys  to prevent the cancers as well as the transmission of cervical cancer is also being considered and is already a part of the national Immunisation programme of some countries.

Book Review: ‘Aisle Be Damned’, exceptionally hilarious debut novel by Rishi Piparaiya

‘Aisle Be Damned’, Rishi Piparaiya’s debut novel is an exceptionally hilarious take on everything that one can relate with air travel. It has summed almost everything that can go wrong and right when you are air travelling. From what can go right when you step into the airport to what can go wrong while you choose your seat, meal and whatever else that an airline has got to offer. Every single person who has ever flown can relate to the book and those who do not like to travel by air and yet have to do that, they will relate with the every single thing mentioned in the book.

A Hilarious Take on just about Everything Associated with Air Travel.

–    Getting seamlessly upgraded to Business Class.
–    The hows and whys of micromanaging the pilots.
–    Action plans to counter the airlines Technical Snag routine.
–    Sure shot strategies for winning the affections of flight attendants.
–    Awesome icebreakers to start conversations with attractive co-passengers.
–    How smart executives deal with the Walk of Shame to the economy section.
–     How a water bottle dramatically improves flight safety.
–    Breezing through immigration and customs, always making your flight connections and a whole lot more
–    Rest assured, your flying experience will never be the same again!

Title: Aisle Be damned
Author: Rishi Piparaiya
Genre: Non- Fiction, Humour
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Pages: 216
Price: Rs. 250/-
For more details, visit: aislebedamned.com.

Rishi Piparaiya is an over-worked and over-traveled corporate executive based in the skies, 38,000 feet over India. He has spent several years at one of the largest global banks and he currently heads marketing and sales for a financial services multinational company. He did his schooling at the Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai and undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Rochester and Cornell University in upstate New York. He speaks much of English, some of Hindi and a bit of Spanish but prefers to write ‘Aisle Be Damned’ his first book.

BharatBenz achieves milestone of selling 1,000 trucks in India

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Private Ltd (DICV), the wholly-owned subsidiary of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler AG, yesterday said it had achieved a sale of 10,000 trucks, since its market launch.

Adding to this milestone, the Chennai-based commercial vehicle manufacturer has also sold 1,000 units in a month, for the first time in March 2014. Sale of BharatBenz trucks grew over 67% in the 1st quarter of 2014 (2,203 units) as compared to the same period in 2013 (1,316 units) with a significant market share of 5.3% in addressable markets above 9T segment, while the overall truck market >9T decreased by another 22% in the same period, clearly indicating that BharatBenz is steadily becoming the brand of aspiration for many Indian truckers.

While sharing his happiness at the turn of events, Marc Llistosella, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), said: “The year 2014 began well for us and it underlines some key developments in the company. The sale of the 10,000th truck is a remarkable achievement for us, given the fact that we have made it in just 18 months of operations in the country. Another notable aspect is that these trucks were sold with transparent pricing without any discount. This is a clear testimony of the trust we have built in our customers, dealer and supplier partners who have partnered us in this successful journey so far. The current slowdown in the industry has given us an opportunity to feed the market with highly competitive products and services, offering our customers an unbeatable value proposition for their business.”

VRV Sriprasad, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and After-sales, DICV, said: “BharatBenz rolled out into the market with a highly systematic planning that focused on a clear understanding of the Indian customer. This achievement of sales of 10,000 trucks in such a short time of 18 months clearly proves that BharatBenz has acquired this understanding. Our future focus will remain to stay close to the Indian trucker to provide him products of the highest quality and reliability matched by a highly efficient service package.”

DICV launched its Heavy-duty trucks in September 2012 and followed it by the launch of its Medium-duty range in February 2013. In January 2014, it launched its Tractor and Construction Mining models, covering the entire range of trucks in the medium and heavy duty segments. DICV has gained a substantial market share in the Southern region and has been registering a steady growth in other markets of West, North and Central.

The products have been well received by the customer and have been ably supported by a state-of-the art and customer-friendly after-sales across a robust network of 71 state-of-the-art dealer outlets in the country. Customers have also been able to experience industry-first finance and insurance packages that have made owning a BharatBenz a delightful experience.

On the exports front, DICV along with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has made significant inroads into the African market with the launch of robust DICV-made FUSO trucks in Tanzania, besides Kenya and Zambia as part of Daimler’s Asia Business Model. DICV received the coveted TS16949:2009 certification for implementation and maintenance of Quality Management System in the area of Design and Development and Manufacture of commercial vehicles and has been rated ‘Stable’ by CRISIL for its long term operations in the country. DICV recently laid the foundation stone for its new Bus plant in Oragadam, with an earmarked investment of INR 425 crore that will roll out front and rear engine buses under the brand BharatBenz and Mercedes-Benz, respectively.

Goa declared best honeymoon destination by Travel & Leisure India magazine

Yet another time, Goa Tourism has won honours at an awards function recently hosted by leading travel magazine Travel & Leisure India and South Asia edition, where the Western Indian state was declared as the Best Honeymoon Destination, Best Family Destination, Best Leisure Destination and the Best Party Destination for India and South East Asia.

Valsala Vijayan Deputy Resident commissioner Goa Sadan receiving these awards on behalf of Goa Government from the hands of Ambassador of Portugal, Jorge Roza de Oliviera at a function held on March 31,2014 in New Delhi.

According to a statement issued by GTDC, Goa had not only bagged four awards in various categories but also emerged as Runner Up for Best Wedding Destination. The awards were conferred on March 31, 2014 at a function held in New Delhi. The T&L Awards are considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the Travel, Hospitality and Leisure sector and winning five awards at this is a great achievement for the state, especially so following so close on the PATWA award.

While speaking about Goa’s achievement, Dilip Parulekar, Tourism Minister, Goa said: “I am very happy to note that Goa has won prestigious awards in so many categories. This matches with our aim of promoting the state as an all-round, 365-day destination and is a recognition to several steps taken by tourism department. In 2013 our tourist arrival figures went up by 12% compared to the previous year and we are optimistic that with all the initiatives taken by Goa Tourism, the number will increase further this year around”.

Audi India sells 1,404 cars in March 2014

Audi India, the domestic arm of the German luxury car major Audi AG, continued its success story by becoming the first luxury car maker in the country to sell in excess of 10000 units in a single financial year, according to a company statement.

Audi India had created history by becoming the first-ever luxury car manufacturer to achieve the same feat in calendar year 2013 as well. The brand with the four rings achieved this momentous milestone by logging a sale of 10,126 cars in the period April 2013 – March 2014, in comparision with the sale of 9,350 units sold in April 2012 – March 2013. The auto maker also clocked a sale of 2,740 units in the period January – March 2014 as against the sale of 2,616 vehicles sold in the year ago period.

Konica Minolta launches pagepro1580MF printer in India

Konica Minolta, the dominant player in the printer industry has launched the all new pagepro1580MF monochrome laser multifunctional printer, equipped with printing speed of 20 papers per minute, supporting 16 MB memory and can be used for A4, letter, B5, A5, A6, executive size printing, according to a company statement.

From (L-R): Balakrishnan, Tadhahiki Sumitani and Kuldeep Malhotra.
An easy-to-use printer, it allows functions such as copy settings colour scanning and job cancel at the touch of a button. The compact printer has an in-built colour scanner and can be easily integrate into any small office or home setting.
After launching the printer in New Delhi, Tadahiko Sumitani, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt Ltd said: “Our operations in India have seen a revenue of Rs 228 crore in the last fiscal and this fiscal is likely to end at the Rs 300 crore mark plus we are expecting to grow by 30-35 percent to touch the Rs 500 crore mark within the next two to three years”.

From (L-R): Tadhahiki Sumitani, Balakrishnan and Kuldeep Malhotra.
Balakrishnan EGM Marketing stated that Konica Minolta had been doing well, despite the general economic slowdown. “Our competitive price range, along with the high quality had helped us win the customer’s confidence and establish our brand. We always focus on customer requirements and strive to work closely with our customers. This is our differentiator and has helped us to build quickly the channel network and address the market”.
Kuldeep Malhotra, EGM Sales, Sales and Managing Division added: “In the calendar year 2013, the company has achieved market share of 27 percent in A3 colour printers, 17 percent in the A3 monochrome printers and almost 50 percent in the production printers market”.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions is the market leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies, right from the desktop to the print shop. A global developer and manufacturer of multi-functional peripherals (MFPs), printers, equipment for production print systems and graphic arts, equipment for healthcare systems, measuring instruments for industrial and healthcare applications, inkjet print heads and textile printers for industrial use, and related consumables and solution services, the company is also engaged in the development, manufacturing and sale of electronic materials (including TAC films), lighting source panels, functional films (including heat insulation films), and optical products (including lens units).

Goa Tourism bags PATWA award at ITB Berlin, Germany

Goa Tourism repeated its winning streak when it bagged the PATWA Award for the ‘Best Destination in Relaxation, Watersports and Entertainment.’ in a glittering function held at Saal 9, ICC building Berlin held on the sidelines of  ITB Berlin, Germany on March 6, 2014.  The award was accepted on behalf of Goa Tourism by Brijesh Manerkar, OSD, Department of Tourism, Goa, according to a statement issued by GTDC.

Speaking on the award, Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Tourism  said: “I am delighted to receive this award for the second time in a row. The award is recognition of path-breaking initiatives undertaken by Goa Tourism, such as introduction of Single Window System for Watersports activities on Beaches, Single Window System for according permission for Music festivals and Tourism events, as a result of which Goa managed to attract high profile Music festivals, weddings, etc. thereby cementing its place as India’s No.1 destination for Relaxation, Entertainment and Watersports.

Goa Tourism has been laying stress on World Class infrastructure Tourism and several Tourism projects have been initiated which will revolutionise Goa Tourism in the years to come. What is more, it is a matter of great pride that an International Body like PATWA has recognised the excellent work carried out by Goa Tourism”.

PATWA was established during the PATA Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The aim of PATWA is to promote professional development of travel writing and travel communication which makes invaluable contribution in the promotion of tourism. PATWA will support the fundamental objectives of PATA efforts for tourism and at the same time it will maintain adherence to the fundamental principles of the UNESCO, United Nations and of the World Tourism Organisation.

The members of the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), adhere to the Fundamental Principles of the United Nations, UNESCO and the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).

INSPIRED BY

– The wish to get acquainted with all human beings, to get to know countries and people, their habits, customs, history and civilization.
– The aspiration that commands people to live in good benevolence, co-operation and peace.
– The evolution of social living standards and the ceaseless development and process of communication to an extent when tourism becomes an essential need for the people.

Search for Tamil Nadu’s Kitchen Legacy successfully concludes with MTR and Chef Damu

MTR Foods successfully concluded the ‘Search for Tamil Nadu’s kitchen legacy with MTR and Chef Damu’ – A cooking workshop organised by MTR to help people rediscover the authentic taste of Tamil Nadu food by cooking along with Chef Damu, according to a statement issued by MTR.

Starting February 15, 2014 a big blitz campaign was done inviting food enthusiast for the event. On the day of the event the participants got an opportunity to cook along with Damu and learn forgotten and authentic dishes. Damu also prepared authentic dishes like Navadhaniya Kolumbu and Sambar for the participants and highlighted the value of using pounded Masalas like MTR instead of the grinded ones, bringing out the sought-after authentic aroma and flavour of the sambar.
This event provided the participants with ‘once in a life time’ opportunity to cook alongside an accomplished chef who has won several accolades and is also instrumental in popularising Tamilian cuisine all over India.
On the occasion, Sanjay Sharma, CEO of MTR Foods said: “MTR Foods is the guardian of authentic Indian food. Over a year ago we launched a range of authentic pounded masalas especially created for our Tamil Nadu consumers as we saw the need to bring back the authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine which the consumers are losing. We along with Damu, who is an authority in Tamil Nadu cuisine have taken the endeavor of rediscovering the authentic Tamil Nadu cuisines, tastes and cooking practices prevalent in consumer households and today’s event is another step towards the same”.
Talking on the sidelines of the event, Damu said: “MTR has taken up the noble initiative to re-introduce some forgotten recipes to the everyday life of its consumers to make sure that our food traditions and heritage are kept alive”.
Vaishnavi Madhu, a participant in the event said: “Cooking has always been my passion and I watch a lot of cookery shows to learn new recipes and hone my culinary skills. I always use MTR Masalas because I know that their pounded masalas really bring out the original flavor in my dishes. I was overwhelmed and couldn’t believe my luck when MTR gave me an opportunity to cook alongside Damu”.
MTR Foods stands tall as an Indian heritage brand. Today, a popular household name, MTR Foods has consolidated its market leadership in the south and is all set for a strong pan India presence, beginning with forays into the northern, western and eastern regions.

Nirbhaya, the award winning play based on Delhi rape begins its India tour on March 17, 2014

NIRBHAYA (Fearless in Hindi), the award-winning play based on the Delhi rape and the true life experiences of its performers, is beginning its India tour on March 17, 2014. The play took the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013 by storm, garnering unprecedented media attention and sweeping up prestigious awards such as the 2013 Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award, a prestigious Scotsman Fringe First and a coveted Herald Angel Award.

Directed by the globally acclaimed Yael Farber, the play is a thought-provoking theatre production. Seven actors (Ankur Vikal, Japjit Kaur, Poorna Jagannathan, Priyanka Bose, Sapna Bhavnani, Sneha Jawale and Rukshar Kabir) comprise the extraordinary ensemble cast of NIRBHAYA. Five of these artists share their own true testimonies, the remaining two performers evoke the key people, while the events of the night of December 16 and what followed in its wake.
NIRBHAYA is a blistering evocation of the events that changed countless lives and a nation. The India tour, made possible through crowd funding and some key partners coming together, comes fresh on the heels of its sold-out London run at Southbank Centre, as part of the Women of the World festival. The India tour of NIRBHAYA is presented by Teamwork Arts. It would not have been possible to bring this show to India if it were not for our Kickstarter donors and our partners: British Council, UN Women, Oxfam, Ford Foundation, South African Airways, GAIL and UNESCO. Time: 7:30 pm (18th-20th March). Where: NCPA, Mumbai. Tickets can be booked at kyazoonga.com/TheatreAndArts/nirbhaya/909/6.