Major Chunk of Indians can’t live without their Gizmos

Love for Smart Devices

New Delhi, 11^th December, 2014: It seems we Indians are getting too addicted to our smartphones. As per a global survey by B2X Care Solutions, a provider of customer care for smartphones, 57% of Indians said they can’t live without their smartphones. As if this was not enough, it was discovered that 98% Indians sleep with their smartphones and 83% keep it on their body or within reach throughout the day. The survey on mobile device usage, consumer behaviour and service expectations polled more than 2,500 smartphone and tablet users from the United States, Germany, Brazil, India and China, the top five smartphone regions globally.

Incidentally, Americans, Chinese and Indians would be less likely than Germans to hand over their smartphone, even if they were given $100 a day or $500 a week to go without it; they’d be much more willing in the case of tablets. In all countries respondents said they would give up their TV before their phone. In the US they were willing to forgo a best friend while Brazilians suggest they don’t mind saying bye to their spouse or partner to retain their phone. Thankfully, in India and China the trade-off ended with the car.

A Dynamic Platform of Smart Devices

A third of the Indians surveyed and more than half the Chinese had used a repair or exchange service for a device, more often than not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Repairs in India, China and the USA were covered by an extended warranty than it was the case for other countries. The top 3 smartphone pain points were listed as software problems, damage to the display and faulty batteries, while for tablets this was battery, software and screen freezes. While new companies in India vouch by the existence of a hotline for customer support, it was identified as the least used channel as most go to the store where they purchased the device. While 15% of devices are not fixed correctly the first time, India has the least efficiency with this number dropping to 22%. China is most efficient with just 8% incorrect repairs. While a high 24% Indian respondents said they need customer support at least once a month, 39% of them had no idea where to get help if they need support.

Brazilians are the global leaders when it comes to smartphone usage and 63% spend more than 3 hours per day on the phone. India is number two with 42%, well ahead of USA at 26%. 

Adios to Long Queues in Kolkata Airport

A Panoramic View of Kolkata Airport

Kolkata, 9^th December, 2014:  Long queues at airport check-in desks will soon walk off into the sunset. Self-check-in kiosks, which were recently installed at the domestic departure lounge, have become a big hit with one among every four fliers using them to avoid serpentine queues. With the Airports Authority of India (AAI) planning to increase the kiosk count, airlines expect to cut down the waiting time at check-in counters by half.

Six kiosks that have been installed just beyond the entrance to the domestic departure lounge are for fliers with only cabin bags. "Nearly 25% of passengers are already using the facility. Frequent fliers are able to issue their own boarding pass in less than a minute. That's a saving of nearly 20-25 minutes during rush hours," an airport staff of a private carrier said.

Life for trader Rajesh Dwivedi, who takes the first flight out to Delhi and the last flight back the same day nearly once a week, has become easier after the kiosks were introduced last month. A resident of Tollygunge, he often had to take a cab at 3.30 AM to catch the 6.10 AM flight. Now he leaves his home an hour later, assured that it won't be an anxious touch-and-go at the end of a never-ending queue at the check-in desk.

A Passenger moving swiftly across the Kolkata Airport

"I was twice denied boarding as the system shut down 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure. The kiosks have come as a boon. At least, I get to sleep an hour more. I have been using the facility at other major airports and am glad that it's finally come to Kolkata," said Dwivedi.

According to airlines present in Kolkata, up to 60% of fliers to other metros travel with hand baggage only. For travellers to other cities, around 30% don't have checked in bags. "Most of those who travel light are on a business trip or have short stays, very often returning the same day or the next at most," an IndiGo ground staff explained.

With many passengers now preferring the kiosk route to check-in, AAI has ordered four more kiosks to ensure that passengers don't end up in queues before self-check-in machines. "By March 2015, the domestic wing will have 10 kiosks, two at each of the five entrances. Once 40% passengers begin using the kiosks, we will evaluate the need to further increase the count," airport director BP Sharma said.

Negotiating the system is fairly simple. The passenger has to first touch the logo of the airline he is travelling in. Thereafter, he is required to fill in either the PNR number or the flight number. If it is the former, the boarding card is generated and can be printed out. In case of the latter, the passenger manifest appears for selection and printing thereafter.

For business and premier-class passengers, there's double joy with CISF introducing a dedicated security portal for them. Located between portal A and B, this facility will help nearly 300 passengers who pay more for exclusivity. At the international terminal where airline staff verifies passport details before issuing boarding pass, such self-check-in facilities are unlikely. But international passengers will be glad to see the registered baggage X-ray queues disappear as inline baggage X-ray system will be commissioned in March 2015.

"We have received permission from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to install the two inline baggage X-ray systems. Smith, the company that supplied the two X-ray units, is carrying out the modification following which they will be installed," Sharma said. Delhi, Mumbai and other airports with inline baggage machines have also had to modify their system to adhere to the latest BCAS norms.

In the domestic terminal though, the inline baggage system remains on hold as BCAS is yet to clear the proposal. While the BCAS is insisting on CTX/EDS machines, it is yet to approve the systems from the two suppliers — one American and the other European. Officials are hopeful that the matter will be resolved early next year so that the tender can be floated, machines ordered and installed by the year end. But with the inline X-ray jinx plaguing Kolkata airport for more than two years now, the airport director was unwilling to commit or comment on any fresh deadline.

Sonakshi Sinha says NO to Politics

8^th December, 2014: Actress Sonakshi Sinha says she likes conversing politics with her actor-politician father Shatrughan Sinha but has no bent on of trying her stroke of luck in it.

The 27-year-old Rowdy Rathore star said politics is not her cup of tea and she would like to ponder on films only.

Actress Sonakshi Sinha with her father Shatrughan Sinha

"I will never join politics. There is no possibility for me to join politics. I am a creative person and I always want to do something creative in my life," Sonakshi told PTI.

The Action Jackson actress, however, said off late she has started taking interest in political affairs.

"My interest started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government came at the centre. I often talk to my father about this because everyone wants to know what our PM and government are doing and I also have interest in this," she said.

Shatrughan is the sitting MP from Patna Saheb. His daughter was here to attend the inaugural event of Kabaddi World Cup. She even owns a Kabaddi team United Singhs in the World Kabaddi League.

Sonakshi will be next seen in Arjun Kapoor-starrer Tevar, which is scheduled for release on January 9, 2015.

Proclamation of RED FM’s ‘Dabaa Ke Bajaa’ Voting Campaign

Kolkata, 19^th April, 2014: The fever of general elections is being spread throughout the nation. 93.5 RED FM which is India’s largest FM radio network took another vivid step to impulse people to press for vote. They organized this genre of event at Diamond Plaza, Dumdum to launch the campaign DABAA KE BAJAA in a big way. RED FM’s RJ Praveen who has been pronounced as Kolkata’s Official Youth Ambassador by Election Commission for this year’s election launched the campaign- ‘Dabaa ke Bajaa’ which is a special initiative of the radio station, in association with the Election Commission of India, targeting at increasing voter participation in the forthcoming General Elections. The event proved to be a milestone success with a remarkable number of people who pledged to vote.

RED FM volunteers were also deployed all over the plaza with tablets and each member personally went up to the audience asking them to pledge by using the ‘Dabaa ke Bajaa’ app. The youth ambassador of the Election Commission in Kolkata, RJ Praveen along with other RJs also presented RED FM anthem for the campaign LIVE for the masses.  A FLASHMOB presented by the RED FM RJs took the crowd by surprise.

RJ Neelam and RJ Praveen showcasing 'Dabaa Ke Bajaa' app

On this juncture, Ms. Nisha Narayanan, COO, 93.5 RED FM said, “Dabaa Ke Bajaa is our attempt at channelizing the energy of the people in all parts of India into one simple, and yet difficult act- pressing the button on the voting machine! We have partnered with the Election Commission of India to increase the voter turn-out in the upcoming General Elections, and we look forward to collectively mobilizing people, especially the youth, to come out and vote. RED FM, being the ‘Station for Expression’ has always encouraged people to come out and talk. But this time, talking won’t suffice- Button Dabao! We are proud to have associated with the Election Commission of India on this. The insights and associations that they bring to the campaign are invaluable. It is Red FM’s humble initiative to get people to vote and we are confident that we will play a valuable role in mobilizing them to come out and vote in unprecedented numbers.”

There was another heartthrob musical performance done by the upcoming Bollywood playback singer Sukanya who has recently sang in the film ‘Heartless’ along with ‘Ashchorjyo Prodeep’, ‘Baishe Srabon’ etc. engrossed the audience.

Singer Sukanya with RJ Praveen at the event 

RED FM RJs will continue to pledge to vote by using the ‘Dabaa ke Bajaa’ app and FLASHMOB in Avani Mall, Quest Mall and different colleges along with RJ Praveen. The prime idea is to support the Election Commission of India in influencing people, especially the first time voters, to come out on the polling day, and press the button of the voting machines in the upcoming General Elections.

Priority to ‘WhatsApp’ than ‘Hands Up’ by Ludhiana Police

Ludhaina, March, 2014: WhatsApp is now one of the most popular and instant messaging app globally. This app is the best tool to use in our leisure. Presently WhatsApp has grabbed so much curiosity among the masses that an individual his sharing his/her personal update through this messenger service.

Recently, a senior Police Officer of Ludhiana Police gets caught in the CCTV camera while he was watching some videos in WhatsApp during a vital security alert meeting among the department. The meeting was somewhat regarding more safety & security strategies form the Ludhiana Police but seemed that the concerned personnel was more bothered about a video he received in his WhatsApp which is certainly absurd.

WhatsApp led to a big robbery in Ludhiana few days back. Usha, a maid used to work near Tagore Nagar and was successful in stealing articles worth more than lakhs. She made it possible with the help of this trending app WhatsApp where she looted an iron industrialist Vimal Kumar. Within only 47 minutes, Usha robbed all the precious items like jewelleries in the absence of the family members at Vimal’s house.  

  

King of Super Sunday

Kolkata, February 9, 2014: College Street of Kolkata is a place which remains abuzz with activities where people throng for all small little books, novels and short stories that suits their needs. But on Sundays the entire area wore a deserted look with no signs of life. And on this day we met the King of Super Sunday Paritosh Bhattacharjee at the grand old historic ‘Coffee House’. 

Paritosh Bhattacharjee at Coffee House- NBI

Sunday is conventionally known as the home sickness day, no office, no work and nothing.  It is the days when people sit back home and spend lovely time with their friends and family members. Yet one striking moments that mesmerised us was the view of a roving bookseller at the Coffee House, Kolkata. Paritosh Bhattacharjee, a graduate from Scottish Church College, in his eighties makes it a point that he hops in every table at the Coffee House on Sundays like other weekdays. He seemed to be dynamically passionate about his profession and love for books always push him to the doors.

Unfortunately, Paritosh lost his parents at a very small age which made him a weak in all aspects. Despite of the demise of his parents, he didn’t lose his faith and continued his studies with his own earnings as he used to give tuitions. The books sold by him are basically the rare collections which we wouldn’t be able to get in the market easily and he is also a reseller of books. Paritosh presents himself unlike the other sellers of books due to his insight knowledge for books as well as his love & devotion for the same. His way of communicating to his prospects, his manners and etiquettes towards every other people makes him impeccable for the profession. When he has been asked eventually the reason behind visiting Coffee House on Sundays as the crowd is lesser, so he firmly replied, “Visiting Coffee House on Sundays makes me visiting new faces at times which are again a good prospect for me to sell books and interacting too. Also I don’t feel like sit back at home during the holidays and hope that it would certainly keep me eventful.”

Paritosh Bhattacharjee has a son who is also doing a business and his family is running smoothly according to his own words. He is a resident from Dum Dum and he exits from his home at 10 AM and reaches at around 10 PM every day to home. During his professional career in selling books in Coffee House, he had words with many eminent people like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Manna Dey and many more. His attire dhoti and kurta makes him look more tangible while operating. The frequent visitors of Coffee House are too much emotionally involved with him and accompany him in his tougher situations of life.

Paritosh Bhattacharjee at Coffee House- NBI

“It gives me immense pleasure while selling books across the entire Coffee House. I also feel like a king of Sunday as being the monopolist who sells books on Sundays in the whole College Street area.” The streets of College Street was all empty, the shutters of the book shops were shut and there was no single chaos of the pedestrians in College Street, therefore it makes this old man really a challenge taker to do trade and committed to do so until his last breath.     

Anti-Obesity Initiative with a Global Symbol by VLCC

Kolkata, November 26, 2013: VLCC has launched its largest Anti-Obesity initiative with a global symbol which is being simultaneously observed across 12 countries in Asia by urging people with weight-related issues to take the ‘Orange Pledge’. As we all know that 26^th of November is celebrated as the Anti-Obesity day worldwide, henceforth VLCC has created an easily identifiable symbol – the orange dot – to serve as a global mnemonic for Anti-Obesity and also a call for action to make people get out of their comfort zones and take charge for their health and wellbeing.

Anyone & everyone can sign up for the ‘Orange Pledge’ by knocking any VLCC Slimming, Beauty & Fitness Centre in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar or online on www.orangepledge.com. Even the individuals and corporate groups are amiably invited to join the ‘Orange Pledge’ initiative.

Mrs Vandana Luthra, Founder & Mentor, VLCC in this public service campaign said, “Individuals can be responsible for their own well-being only when they have access to a healthy lifestyle. Our aim is to make people aware about the importance of developing wholesome eating habits, implementing a suitable exercise regime, and adopting healthy lifestyle choices. The ‘Orange Pledge’ is all about leading people towards a better quality of life. At VLCC, the core of our business is to transform lives by making fitness, beauty and health accessible to all sections of society and this initiative brings us a step forward in achieving this vision.” The WHO says that Overweight and Obesity are also on the rise in India. According to the WHO’s NCD Country Profiles 2011, 9.9% of Indian males and 12.2% of Indian women are overweight. The WHO says that 1.3% of Indian males and 2.4% of Indian women are obese.

In this upright initiative, the famous tabla player, composer and actor, Mr Bikram Ghosh has also marked his gracious presence. The ‘Orange Pledge’ initiative has sturdily pointed out its active points in combatting obesity across the globe. VLCC has already started steering its various health & wellness camps at different corporate workplaces throughout India. Not only this, the organisation has also managed to reach as many children in order to educate them regarding the prominence of keeping healthy and structured certain painting competitions among them based on the theme of healthy living. Awareness programmes on obesity are being conducted at joggers’ parks & various Resident Welfare Associations.

Even the people residing at slum areas of Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad & Meerut are facing the glitches of obesity as 1/4^th population of women are suffering from obesity. Therefore, VLCC’s ‘Orange Pledge’ initiative hits each & every corner of the nation with its diverse segments of eradicating obesity.