MediaTek Is An #EverydayGenius...

In an increasingly tech-savvy world, humans are as dependent on technology as technology is on humans for breakthroughs in research in numerous fields of computer science such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and internet of things.

It comes as no surprise then, that an increasing number of people are being exposed globally to the idea of technology becoming a part and parcel of our everyday lives. Without even realizing the fact that our interaction with technology has become an obsession and intrusion for the most part of it, we carry on with our daily grind.

For the layman however, understanding the concept(s) behind even the most intricate technology may seem to be a daunting task and an element of clarity and simplicity is required to accustom the lesser-knowing self to adapt to the ease of newer innovations.

One such initiative to farther the reach of technology facilitated by crystal cut interaction interspersed with informal, yet interesting conversations is MediaTek Technology Diaries by a pioneer in the field of electronics and computer science engineering.

MediaTek is a global fabless semiconductor company that enables 1.5 billion connected devices a year. A market leader in developing innovative systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile devices, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products, MediaTek is a driving market force in several key technology areas, including highly power-efficient mobile technologies and advanced multimedia solutions across a broad range of products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, OTT boxes, wearable and automotive solutions.

MediaTek is committed to delivering the latest technologies across a range of products and solutions. From the mobile industry and automobile sector to health, entertainment and next generation wearables, MediaTek has it covered.

The use of technologies like AI, 5G, NB-IoT and the likes across their upcoming and established projects aids MediaTek in providing scalable solutions in fields like distributed computing. With Edge AI and APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MediaTek's efforts match the brand philosophy that 'This Chip Changes Everything.

According to Kuldeep Malik, Director Corporate Sales, MediaTek India,

“Consumers may not know it, but our chips and technology are an integral part of daily lives. You will find us in 20 percent of homes globally and nearly 1 of every 3 mobile phones is powered by MediaTek. MediaTek chips power next-generation smartphones, tablets, TVs and voice assistants and all kinds of intelligent devices to transform how people interact with each other and the world around them. A new category of devices is driving features and consumer expectations forward with advancements in power, performance, AI, and connectivity. With the Technology Diaries we want to help the less savvy consumers understand and be comfortable using these technologies to their advantage.”

The inaugural session of #MediaTekDiaries consisted of two personal favorites in the technology and entertainment sectors respectively on the panel - ultimate Tech Grand Master Mr. Rajiv Makhni and the country's popular voice behind the mic every morning, RJ Naved.

Forming a bridge between individuals and their environment for meaningful interaction with home appliances through leading connectivity and multimedia technologies fueling a revolution in home entertainment products and home automation through processors and chips powering the next generation of home entertainment devices, MediaTek is a reliable name in their field of work.

While the discussion focused on IoE (Internet of Everything), Neural Networks, and all there was to the omnipresence of technology in our lives,  there were also barriers to the pervasiveness of technology that were highlighted, wherein radio as a medium could help reach most, if not all nooks and corners of the country.

The vision and mission of 'Everyday Genius' was clearly evident at the inaugural Delhi chapter, and MediaTek's Technology Diaries are all set to pan national limits in the subsequent sessions. :)

CaratLane's Heaven On Earth: Noor - E - Kashmir!

CaratLane, without a doubt, is a pioneer in the jewelry industry in India. The brainchild of Mithun Sacheti and Srinivasa Gopalan established ten years back in 2008, CaratLane had a vision to make beautiful jewelry accessible, affordable and forever wearable.

With alluring collections that draw inspiration for ther design from modern roots - that is an amalgam of past and presest - CaratLane has been a one-stop-shop for the jewelry enthusiast in me.

CaratLane's craftsmanship draws from the core concept of empowering the modern-age woman who is a confident lady out there to conquer the world with her dreams. Quite recently, CaratLane joined hands with Tanishq - India’s largest retail jeweler - from the house of Titan, and is now a Tanishq partnership.

Titan Company Limited has strategically invested in CaratLane to work towards a common objective of providing a distinctive shopping experience that fits like a glove with today’s values and lifestyles - enabling CaratLane to grow as India’s 21st-century jewelry brand. 

Known for its signature jewelry-buying experience across all platforms, CaratLane now has over 42 brand stores across the country with the newest one being launched in Indirapuram at Vikas Marg, being store number 12 in Delhi NCR alone.

CaratLane also pioneered a unique Try@Home feature for jewelry buyers in the country, where customers can book an appointment, get their desired jewelry delivered at their doorsteps, and try them at their comfort with no-obligations to buy. Further CaratLane also launched a revolutionary virtual try-on app – the Perfect Look App – which enables jewelry buyers to try multiple pieces without, literally, having to putting them on.

The trinity of Virtual Try On, Perfect Look App, Try@Home functions keeping customer convenience and a hassle-free experience as its focus. Tapping into major metro and mini metro cities, with designs that are set apart from the run-of-the-mill ideologies, CaratLane impresses me with each new collection, and Noor-E-Kashmir, taking the lead from saffron, Pahalgam, Jhelum, and all such entities associated with heaven on Earth, is no exception.

On the occasion of  launch of the new CaratLane store, Founder and CEO Mithun Sacheti had this to say.

“Delhi is one of our key markets as our simplistic yet trendy designs are very well received and loved by the consumers here. This has encouraged us to launch our twelfth store which will help us make modern jewelry even more accessible. Located on East Delhi’s most prominent area Vikas Marg, the Shankar Vihar store will give users easy access to our jewelry including our latest collection ‘Noor-e-Kashmir’ inspired by the mesmerizing colors of the Valley. Like all our other stores, here too we've created a whole new world of precious jewelry - beautifully urbane and edgy designs for everyday wear.”

Designed for a truly omnichannel experience, a visit to any CaratLane store is always a delight.

While my favorites on showcase at the new store were Ornati by ace designer Farah Khan Ali, Aaranya taking on from foliage, Butterfly that captures the essence of a free-spirited woman, Bombay Deco as Mumbai styled the CaratLane way, and Banarasi Brocade and Madhubani for a tribute to our cultural heritage, Noor-E-Kashmir is definitely a worthy addition to the list.

As if the collections were not reason enough for me to love CaratLane, their Flexi Rings, Stackable Rings, and Solitaires already have my heart. 💖

18, Shankar Vihar, Vikas Marg, Delhi - 110092 is the newest and loveliest place for CaratLane to be! 😃

World-Class Education At ISH...

Indian School of Hospitality, one of the country’s most unique educational institutions was inaugurated today by Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog. Mr Frits van Paasschen, Former CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Author of Amazon Bestseller ‘The Disruptors’ Feast’ was the guest of honor along with Mr. Michel Rochat CEO - Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. The mission of  ISH is to bring in a new-age educational philosophy and re-imagine higher education for the upcoming generation of talent.

The Indian School of Hospitality bases its unique approach to higher education on a balance of understanding the current needs of the global hospitality industry with those of today’s millennial student. With a faculty comprising of hospitality industry experts and culinary veterans, the curriculum is tailor-made to prepare students to anticipate change and disruption within the global landscape – and become the disruptors of tomorrow themselves.

Through a campus that combines technology with high end design, students of ISH study in an environment that helps brings more joy into academic discovery, while providing them with spaces to put their hands-on skills to the test through an in-house fine dining restaurant, coffee shop, reception area and more. In addition to this, ISH ensures a strong academic connect with the industry, with a unique Industry Mentorship Programme for its students, alongside regular guest lectures from internationally renowned experts.

Across the entire ISH philosophy, Founder & CEO, Dilip Puri, former Managing Director of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, South Asia, makes sure to emphasize the key driving force behind his idea: “The prime basis of ISH is to inspire entrepreneurship and to give today’s incredible talent the toolkit to change the industry into one that’s brighter than we’ve ever seen before.

Every aspect of ISH promotes critical thinking, life skills, and the courage to take an idea and bring it to life – something we’re actively promoting with our in-house start up incubator Ignite”. 

In addition to their disruptive approach to education, the Indian School of Hospitality is proud to have the academic certification of Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. This certification represents and recognizes the Indian School of Hospitality’s dedication to providing educational excellence to its students, its commitment to Swiss hospitality education standards and its strong connect to the industry.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Frits van Paasschen commented, “The world we’re seeing today is moving faster than any point of time before this, and it’s imperative to have education prepare the new generation for tomorrow. For the Indian hospitality industry to realize its full potential, graduates need to know how anticipate, accept and overcome change. I believe ISH has put together all the right ingredients to give students an educational experience that can foster them into future leaders – and I look forward to seeing them grow alongside the institute”.

The Indian School of Hospitality is celebrating it’s very first batch for its Bachelors in Hotel Management and Bachelors in Travel & Tourism programmes, with admissions open for their 18-month Intensive Culinary Arts Certificate. In the near future, ISH will begin offering postgraduate and executive education programs, as well as shorter duration culinary arts programs with a unique focus on entrepreneurship and business acumen in today’s world.

Through its new age approach to education, student lifestyle and pedagogy, the  Indian School of Hospitality aims to disrupt the hospitality and culinary education space across the country. 

Nutrition From Chile To India!

A country of Latin American origin spanning three continents - South America, Oceania, and Antarctica - phytosanitary island, protected by natural barriers - the Pacific Ocean, the Andes Mountains and the Atacama desert - and a global leader in exports - CHILE has come to India with the proposition to enhance exports of kiwifruit native to Chile to various marketplaces in the India.

Chile has a distinction of being the longest country in the world and also the southern hemisphere's largest exporter of fresh fruits because as many as hundred countries receive thirty different species of Chilean fruit grown across a variety of climates and regions.

Apples, berries, citrus fruits, peaches, plums, and grapes are cultivated across the varied demographic of Chile all year round. During the last season Chile exported close to thirty thousand tonnes of fresh fruit to India, thus positioning it among the Top 5 countries in Asia for Chilean exports.

India's growing love for fruits like Kiwi stems from the fact that we've developed a liking towards tropical produce that enables us to savor the best from the global platter whilst keeping our health in check.

To facilitate the presence of Chilean Kiwi in India, the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association has joined hands with the Chilean Fruit Growers Federation (FEDEFRUTA) further cemented by the the financing by Ministry of Agriculture of Chile and support from the commercial trade wing - ProChile.

Apart from dignitaries representing the above alliance, also present at the occasion were Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and nutritionist Kavita Devgan who were quick to point out that fruit can be equated to snack, and a healthy one at that.

Kavita also added that kiwifruit is a berry good fruit for us, as it is a powerhouse of essential vitamins, anti-oxidants, and folate, added to the fact that as a fruit, kiwi is alkaline in nature, thus balancing our intestinal pH.

Additionally, Chef Sanjeev also took to whipping up a refreshing concoction of kiwi, mango and honey - a kiwi fruit smoothie - to exhibit the culinary versatility of the fruit.

On the whole, the Chile-India association is a pleasant one and shall be a well-received one too.

An Upward Trend For Deadly Chikungunya...

The year 2017 was worst for Karnataka state as far as Chikungunya cases are concerned. The state reported the highest percentage of clinically suspected cases. That was more than 50 percent, worse in comparison to any other state in the country. Next to it were not far behind Gujarat and Maharashtra at 12 per cent each. It is there important for the relevant agencies to find out what was the reason for that exorbitant per cent in Karnataka. But that is not the beginning of the story. We will have to go a few years back to see if there was a rise or decline in such cases in those years. As a matter of fact, if you see, the period during 2013 and 2017 was not good for the country as a whole as there was a sharp increase witnessed in the number of Chikungunya cases in the whole country.

These figures come from the National Health Profile (NHP) 2017. This is a national agency that keeps all the statistics and figures of related to health of the country at a micro level. Thus it keeps a track whether the overall health of the country is improving or deteriorating year by year. The same it does for the states of the country going further down to district level. As per the figures presented by NHP the number of clinically suspected Chikungunya cases, there was a tremendous increase from 2013 to 2017. The figures that were 18,840 in 2013 rose up to 63,679 by 2017. That was a whooping jump of 70 per cent in the country. There were many states contributing to this stupendous rise in the cases of this vector borne disease.

For instance, Haryana was on the top of the list contributing a rise of 99 per cent. There was only 1 case of clinically suspected Chikungunya case in the state as per records in 2013. And that rose to 240 in 2017. Delhi, in fact, was not far behind in the race. The number of cases in Delhi increased by 51 times. In Rajasthan, there was an increase by 20 times during the same period.

As we all know  Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is important to understand that Chikungunya fever symptoms include fever, severe joint pain, headache, nausea, muscle pain, rashes, and fatigue. The disease results from a bite of an infected female mosquito that is known as Aedes aegypti in medical terms. Our environment contributes a lot to our health and hygiene.

The more we care about our environment, the better it is for us in order to stay healthy and active. Chikungunya spreads faster through the open grounds and still water in potholes, clay pots, flowerpots, open vessels and containers, and open sewers. It is very essential to curb spread of this disease by curbing and checking these open areas and ensuring that water doesn’t stagnate in these areas for more than twenty four hours to provide these mosquitoes a favorable environment to breed.

After all, a small amount of awareness and proactive action are important to stay healthy and strong. There is no harm in paying attention to these activities despite however busy a life we may be leading. :)