World Tourism Day September 27, 2012 14:37
This day is the most special day for global audience, as the day emphasizes on meeting people and enjoying other cultures. Yes today is World Tourism Day (WTD). Tourism builds an everlasting bond between the cultures and ethnicity, which deals with long standing relationships. This year the WTD celebrations are underway in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain. And the theme is “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development”, WTD 2012 highlights the need to bring the tourism sector and energy stakeholders closer together, to spur tourism’s contribution to sustainability. While tourism encourages social harmony among global public, it also brings in huge amounts to the exchequer. WTD is an annual celebrations that enlightens the need for this segment to move ahead and address global issues . While this year theme is centred around 'power tourism',every year the theme varies and the event is conducted in various countries. Since decades September 27 was celebrated as the WTD by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Formally the date was chosen in 1970 but formally the celebrations commenced in 1980 and the theme was 'preservation of cultural heritage and to peace and mutual understanding.' Today UNWTO’s membership includes 155 countries, 6 Associate Members and over 400 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. On the whole this sector is sure to bloom for ever as traveling rejuvenates the tired soul and gives us a glimpse of the other cultures, while helping us to bond well. Extensive expanse of tourism is sure to foster a healthy relationships between global inhabitants. And coupling the endeavor with the issues that trouble the countries, is an excellent idea. WTD 2012 is the perfect time to change your energy habits and make a commitment to a brighter energy future. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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GATE inspires many, no fee for girls September 25, 2012 13:47
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is the most sought out by students purely because of two reasons. One is due to the slowing down of recruitment and the other is that Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are recruiting in large numbers. GATE qualification is mandatory for most of those jobs. Hence that explains the reasons for this surging of figures taking up the exams. GATE-2013 to be conducted by the IIT Bombay has almost 400 percent increase in participation. In 2008 the number of applicants were 1.8 lakhs and now in 2012 they are 1.7 lakhs. That sounds great... With growing patronage for the test the exams are going tougher to filter the competitors further. And this year out of 21 papers in GATE, 15 papers will be conducted in online mode. Another heartening news is that the female candidates are exempted from exam fees which is a great news for the Eves. For the rest the normal fee for general and OBC is Rs 1,200 while it is Rs 600 only for SC ST and PH boys. Another tougher measures adhered by the authorities is the calculation of marks. However the positive point is that the score would valid for two years. The three hour exam which has 65 questions with 30 (one mark) and 35 (two mark) questions summing up to a total of 100 marks. And they will be from core subjects, engineering maths and general aptitude. Most of them are to test the applicant's expertise on the concept and the ability for trouble shooting. The two aspects sum up for a successful engineers. Experts say that looking at the previous questions under the guidance of a tutor who will help you schedule strategically would help in the scores. The modus operandi of the questionnaire would be based recall, comprehension, application and Analysis and Synthesis. All the four test the skills of the candidate in the given subjects. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Beware Kaun Baneaga Crorepati scammies! September 22, 2012 12:24
Beware of the scammies in the name of the popular TV quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. Yes scamsters are on the prowl, stating that the recipient has won the KBC lottery and needs to deposit a certain amount into some accounts. Believing the big money involved in the game the victim gets lured in and the result is getting cheated once more. Recently the Delhi Police have arrested three young men who were cheating gullible youth, in similar ways. Ketan Verma, 25, Nizam Khan, 27 and Shahid Ansari, 51, were arrested from Allahabad. And mind you at the time of arrest the alleged scamsters had 15 ATM cards, a cheque book and four mobile phones, by which they were in contact with their associates in foreign countries. There is a big International gang operating on these lines say sources. As far as the actual program is concerned, the live host, Shahenshah of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan is rocking with soaring TRP ratings. Produced by Big Synergy Media Ltd, this season of KBC (06) was launched at 8:30 P.M on September 7, 2012 and takes on the week end slot. The quiz programme is popular equally across all the metros. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Mahindra Quanto to take Indian dreams to places September 21, 2012 13:16
The next in the line that is sure to take you to places on the sports utility vehicles (SUV) segment is of course the Mahindra Quanto. Mahindra India just launched its Quanto competing with its own Xylo. The car is spacious and elegant ideal for the sports loving personality in the young Indian. This car is economical due to its provision for two extra seats provision ideally making it a seven seater. And of course as usual if not in use could be ideal luggage boot for those long journeys. Youth must be enthralled with this car that shall soon be exported to Europe and South Africa. That simply means out here get a vehicle of international standards. The car currently runs on a 1.5-liter diesel unit with 100 hp, which drives the front wheels through a five-speed gearbox. The national and the global versions are supposed to be fitted with the standard fittings like electric door mirrors, MP3 compatible CD player, ABS and electric windows, in most of the variants too. Sources reveal that Mahindra has started selling the Quanto, targeting customers of Maruti’s Swift and DZire with the vehicle that’s 12 percent shorter in length than the Xylo. The Quanto, priced at 5, 82,000 rupees, is the most competent in its range, say industry sources. If it stands the Indian enduring road conditions the best too. Happy time folks for getting the Indian version of the global car, that fits in the elegance bill as well as your pocket, equally alike. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Ganesh Chaturthi: Bring home eco-Ganesha September 18, 2012 10:51
Incredible India is proud of its unity in diversity. True inspite of our diverse culture, caste, community and creed, we are united to be proud to be called as Indians. Probably the sync non existent elsewhere. Tolerance is zero on most global shores towards other beliefs at their home turfs. Numerous examples could be quoted in this regards. But we are not into controversy. India is a nation that has developed compassion for fellow human beings. In this country we mourned the deaths of scores of our dear brethren in the 9/11 attacks, yet we felt little sad over the death sentence to Kasab. Oh God I am lucky to be in India, my mother-land. Elsewhere it is an eye for an eye, but the father of our nation said that this phenomenon will only end the whole world blind. Well well why did I land here, the main aspect that I wanted to say is that, India is a country of many cultures and equally celebrated by one and all. If I am not exaggerating or painting a rosy picture of this nation I love, it is a rare instance when communal riots take center stage, unlike elsewhere. This is one unique place in the solar system that many Hindu friends fast during Ramzans. Similarly we gear up to celebrate the English new year and Christmas along with our Christian friends. And like wise the fireworks festival and the immersion of Lord Ganesha is also participated by many from other beliefs too. Harmony is the watch word for this mammoth nation and we are proud of it. When we talk about community and society, we have to understand the responsibility we have towards them and only in their health is our development. Close after the Viswakarma Jayanti is the Ganesha Chaturthi. Let's all bring home an Eco friendly Ganesh idol, which would solve in water easily with out leaving any residues. This is the best service to our fellow countrymen, at the moment. Bring home Eco Lord Ganesha and save the city from water pollution. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Ganesh Chaturthi after Viswakarma Jayanti marks beginning of festive India September 17, 2012 13:18
What really makes the metro dwellers charged up is the on and off festivals we celebrate. Otherwise life in metros becomes monotonous after the initial hype especially for those who have landed here from remotest corners with hopes of a bright future. After Viswakarma Jayanti is the Ganesh Chaturthi which is a festival of sumptuous menu. Normally Indian festivals have a variety of ways to celebrate each festival like Diwali is celebrated with fireworks and Sankranti with freshly harvested rice, and the Durga Pooja or the Vijaya Dasami in an altogether different ways with dolls exhibition (Golu). But Ganesh festival is celebrated by one and all of the Hindu society with sumptuous delights. While the celebrations are most popular in states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The other places also do celebrate the festival but in rather calmer way. The south is a pet to the Lord, but all the above states make the event a rejoicing one. The hype for the festival is increasing year after year by leaps and bounds. especially the immersion day after the ten days carnival is the largest gathering of any sorts. And the moments are worthily cherished. As per the Hindu myth Lord Ganapati is the son made from the paste obtained from the body of the divine mother Parvati the wife of Lord Shiva. Ganesh is given life by the goddess to protect the women clan when the males are out on a war. Shiva on returning from a war is stopped by this protector of woman. Infuriated Shiva beheads the small boy with out knowing that he is his own son legally. Then realizing his folly he commands his lieutenants to bring in the first head that lies in the north direction. And after severe search an Elephants head is brought. The boy regains life with the head by the grace of the Lord. And then on he becomes the pet of the parents, like most of us. Just like at home, he was also well fed by his parents and hence his movement was a little low due to the over weight. Adding to that our Bal Ganesh had a small rat as his vehicle to give it a better position in life. On one such occasions he was traveling across the skies after heavily gorging on the delicacies at a rather slow speed. Looking at his woos the Moon good out on a stroll (due to ill luck) laughs at him. This infuriates the Bal Ganesh and he curses the Moon, saying that those who look at him shall face all turmoil. Realizing the intensity of the curse the Moon God urges Bal Ganesh to excuse his impudence and show him the way out. Moved the plight of the Moon God, Bal Ganesh asks him not to worry and said the best solution would be for the people to worship him on the Shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period), in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada. And this year we celebrate the festival on Wednesday (September 19). Wishesh wishes all our readers a Happy Ganesh Chaturti. And kindly go green in celebrations to save water from pollution. An ideal way to get the blessings of the Lord with no harm to anyone. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Engineer day wishes September 15, 2012 11:59
Down the memory lanes a quick look, would remind the 40+ aged eduactes that engineers in our early days where infrastructure builders or designers. Later as the segment got popular with the advent of numerous engineering colleges mushrooming the states, many more disciplines got the status. And today is celebrated as the 'Engineer Day' a day to denote the importance of this profession. This is in remembrance of a doyen who pioneered in vision for infrastructure development. And he is none other than Sir 'Mokshagundam Vishveshwarya.' He was basically hailing from the state of Mysore now known as the State of Karnataka. He had pioneered in modern India's infrastructure development. Sir 'Mokshagundam Vishveshwarya,' born to Telugu parents, was the Diwan of Mysore and ruled the community (of Engineers) with his towering vision. He was knighted as a Commander of the British Indian Empire by King George V for his myriad contributions to the public good. To this day studying in the Vishveshwarya Technical University in Belgaum is a prestige for many aspiring civil engineers. When ever I think of 'Sir', I remember a story retold by my lecturer in my first year about this towering visionary. It seems a developed nation came up to 'Sir' and asked him to design an infrastructure project for their country. 'Sir' put forth a condition that the project must have 'made in India' inscribed on it. However ego came in the way and the country refused to oblige. 'Sir' who realized how much that project would benefit mankind gave a second thought and obliged to move ahead unconditionally. But as the project came to an end, an aerial view of the project looked like the words, 'INDIA.' Well I know not where this is, as we never questioned our gurus those days. But it just spoke of the witty and social attitude of the 'Sir.' he neither wanted to deprive service to man kind nor had he wanted to compromise on his principles. He balanced both all through his cherished life which is text book to all of us. Sir, you are the real Bharat Ratna and the Kohinoor of Engineers. Wishesh salutes this great man on this day once again. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Life is beautiful, when mosquitoes are not around September 14, 2012 13:45
It is absolutely true that life is beautiful when there are no mosquitoes around. Frankly speaking after watching S S Rajamouli's 'Eega'/Naan Ee, we think twice before clasping our hands to kill a mosquito, leave alone squatting flies. Such was the impact of the film. But now let's assess the damages that this winged monster does. It sets of on prowl in monsoons. Staying on the fifth floor for sometime I felt that we were immune from this little demons unlike our home towns. But my myth was short-lived as they swooned on me once monsoon started creeping in. I used to jokingly tell my friends that the metro cities are so densely packed that the mosquitoes find no place to live, but they proved me wrong. Do we need a divine help to get over the crisis, well of course not. We need more of self help and the help from the corporation. Well now lets see hoe our corporation comes in aid to curb this winged menace. The corporation is embarked on a dual mission. In the first way it tries to curb the adult mosquito population. And in the second mission, the department sources the origins or the breeding grounds and eliminates them at the larvae stage. The weekly fogging operations we see in our colonies is a part of this mammoth task. Even the malaria workers have been instructed to spray larvicides on waterways and clear any waste and containers that could turn into breeding areas. On our part we are suppose to ensure that stored water must be kept in close containers and see that no open container is allowed to remain like that for more time. All the huge conventional grinding stone has to be cleaned and covered. Also never throw waste food material at odd places but reserve them for the dust bin. Mosquito menace is a national problem and all of us must contribute for effectively curbing their sting. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Female Condom will empower the Eves! September 13, 2012 12:46
Inspite of making inroads since 1980, Female Condoms or Femidons have found low takers, especially in India. Femidon, is an exclusive way to empower women and prevent transmission of diseases. While the metros are growing at a rapid pace, why is this female initiative neglected, even by the elite, is an unanswered question. And Wishesh looks into the various issues that has made us shy away from this most effective global product. As we celebrate the first international day to promote the contraceptive, something neglected by the society, is worth mentioning. Statistics show alarming figures by the main manufacturer of the femidons, HLL Lifecare Ltd in technical collaboration with Britain's Female Health Company (FHC). As per HLL nearly three million femidons were marketed last fiscal year and that was in no comparison to the 1,500 million male condoms marketed by the same company. Why this disparity when there is a general slogan that there is no gender inequality. Reasons for low female condom sales: The main reason for low figures, is due to the male dominated population. These figures look like a joke and as some say the femidon has become a taboo in the Indian culture, where bedtime secrets are mostly not discussed in the open. Inspite of the latest technology available the takers seem to be low. One of the main reason is the cost of the contraceptive when compared to the male counterpart, is pretty expensive. HLL markets the female contraceptive as 'Velvet', and a pack of three costs Rs 100 in the open market. And the second issue that crops up is that most women are home makers and the decision to go, the family way rests on the hubby. This again keeps the women in the dark, always over the issue. Then the third point is that even for those women in jobs, awareness is a little low, as we discuss less on such issues. Advantages of Female condom: The female contraceptives not only empowers the Eves, but also gives them a say in planning the family. It also gives a chance for the woman to lead a hygienic life, even if the partner is reluctant to use a male contraceptive. Femidons also prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STD diseases. On the whole a gifted product with abundant advantages is being neglected by our society which speaks modern, but remains ancient. If the price is taken care by the government and brought down to the affordable level then the most happiest person in this nation would be the millions of women from all walks of life. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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T20 World Cup 2012 fever catching up fast September 12, 2012 12:55
Well if you are fun loving and would like to freak out then the T20 World Cup 2012 is the ideal occasion. Because most hotels in the city could give you the feel of being right in the middle of the tournament with giant LED displays. Either dining with your heart's delight, or partying with friends, or enjoying a solo drink all by your one, its is awesome with fun all around. Catch up the mania at one of the premier hotels and if you have your plastic money on scout for good discounts while you enjoy your favorite encounters. Time to chill out friend....whether you are a boy or a girl, it is enjoyment unlimited. Whatever be the outcome, all eyes are set on Yuvraj Singh who is welcomed into the team after his brief illness. Infact the hard hitter has hit hard on the face of cancer and survived all odds for the mighty second innings. However in the second T20 match against New Zealand on Tuesday in Chennai, Yuvvy looked good. Experts predict that with the kind of pertinence shown by Yuvraj, another couple of matches will put him back on the saddle. It would be best if he is able to be out there the whole day that will be the most important thing at the moment. And if he is out there, then he is sure to sign the T20 World cup with an Indian victory. T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka would be the first Asian country to host this mammoth event. The island country is striving hard to match the international standards, as twelve countries are participating in this cricket carnival that shall start from 18 of this month. The countries shall be teamed into four groups. Of these two from each group will graduate to the super eight level which will have two groups of four teams each. From Super Eight, the top two teams will move to the semi-finals. And later the two semi-final winners will play in the final match on October 07. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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Shriya Saran: sensuous beauty, graceful posture September 11, 2012 12:57
The multi lingual Shriya ruled all the languages of the tinsel world. She is known for her dance skills and is an exponent in Kathak. Under the aegis of a renowned Guru Shovana Narayan, she mustered the art and dominates it in most of her dance shows. Undeterred by controversial the star was on the highs in most filmy circles. Now being her birthday , let's all join and wish her a happy special birthday as she enters the third decade of her life, today. If you get it right its time to plan for a settlement, especially when she is fast turning grey as age approaches. But this star due to her dance prowess had maintained a zero figure and looks younger, even at thirty. Her entry into south was in a film called Ishtam in 2001, which took her no where. But her role with King Nagarjuna in her second film, Santhosham took her to places and she embarked on a surging career. She became the most sought after star and has acted with almost all the top brand in the last twelve years. As a part of her second innings she is donning role in the Telugu film titled as 'Life is Beautiful' directed by Shekar Kammula. Another lead lady on the show is Amala, who also makes a comeback in this film. As far as Tamil is concerned Shriya had edged over her contemporaries by bagging the role in Superstar Rajnikanth's Sivaji: The Boss. Infact more recently the film is in news for being remade in 3 D. For that matter Shriya is the first star to be in a full length 3D in the recent times. And her remarkable achievement was in 2011 when she grabbed the best actor's award for her character in Rowthram. Most of her films are commercial success because of the stars she chose to act with. Few such endeavors were Vikram-starrer Kandasamy and Pokkiri Raja in Malayalam. The actor has her own list of English films too in which she had donned a decent portrayal too. Cooking with Stella and The Other End of the Line both earned her critical acclaim. The latest that are right now baking in the oven are Tamil-Kannada bilingual, Chandra, directed by Roopa Iyer and an untitled project with Jimmy Shergill in Hindi. The star is right now basking in Toronto for the ongoing film festival where her film based on Salman Rushdie’s book Midnight’s Children is being screened. From here she flies off to Japan for the premiere of her Tamil film Sivaji with Rajnikant which is being showcased in the 3D format on September 15. Lucky Shriya, wish you a very special birthday. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay) {besps}stories/slideshow/Shreya{/besps}
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Amul: The Taste of India September 10, 2012 12:32
Imagine the life in the metros, be it Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad or anywhere for that matter. Though the cereals ready to eat foods like Kellogg, Noodles and Oats have just popped up on our dining tables have yet to make an impact as much as bread and butter has made. India thrived on agriculture and animal husbandry, though we are yet to make it to the top on the international out put index due to various constraints. However one brand that beats the multinationals on their own native lands is AMUL: The taste of India. There could be no good morning with out a toast of bread scaled with a layer of fresh butter from AMUL. The entire range that started with butter, milk powder and chocolates, expanded its horizon and ranges to numerous sumptuous items. The range includes ice-cream, cheese powder, shrikhand....and more. This has become our regular morning intakes especially for the busy urbanites. But what made the difference for this brand AMUL which showed the prowess of Brand India. AMUL was not just a brand but vibed well our personal lives too. Especially the AMUL girl taking on the current affairs did play a vital phenomenon on an average Indian psych, making the brand linger in our minds all through. Think butter think AMUL had become a way of tradition for all of us in the metros. Hope most agree with me. All this brand building exercise is courtesy to the market guru Dr Vergehese Kurien, who envisaged the brand with his personal innovate treatment and made it a global brand representing the nation of billions. He contributed much in making us understand the value of brand building, which probably was the latest in his times and yet innovate in the recent times. He concentrated on giving the best at the best rates and making them available at the nearest point for consumers to pickup. The last not the least is that he made his brand get involve in the people issues with current affairs. This left an mark on the mindset on the consumers for ever. The hoardings at the Majestic circle in Bengaluru, on Mount Road in Chennai and the ones near Hitech city in Hyderabad speak public opinion on crucial issues. And believe me I never miss any of them to have a moment of critical laughter, probably admiring that what we cannot do AMUL does. True striking the chord with the common man paves the sustainability of the brand and that is what AMUL is remembered whenever we think of butter....truly the Taste of India. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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