Mobiles and iPods lead to rise in FM Radio Listeners!

Ever wondering which media is making waves across the Indian sub-continent, not LED or LCDs but it’s the free wave FM Radios, that has been buzzing across students, professionals, or house wives etc.

According to a recent announcement in various FM radio channels, Hansa Research, a pioneer in IRS Survey states that there has been a tremendous rise in the popularity of radio in recent times. According to AP. State Co-ordinator for IRS, Korrapati Venu Gopal, the rising sales of mobile phones, iPods and handheld mini radios, have also led to the rising radio users.

Hansa|GCR, headed by Ashok Das, the founder CEO, once a 13-employee office in India has soon catapulted into a humongous international research organization spread across India and USA and currently employs around 250 employees worldwide.

Interestingly, Radio has become the most notable medium for many commuters in cars, bikes and individuals to keep track of traffic in twin-cities. Moreover, most of them rely on radio as it is the cheapest and free means to listen to breaking news etc.

No doubt, why more and more advertisers are queuing up to radio stations.

Keep watching this space for more news and updates.

Until then, its Venky, Signing Off!

You can contact the author at: businessbanter@gmail.com

Now TATA Manza clocks 46.33 Kmpl to enter Limca Book of Records

Tata Motors seems to be having a good time, firstly for launching the world’s cheapest car — TATA Nano, and is already creating buzz as bookings cross 10,000 units in April 2011, as its sophisticated Sanand Plant at Gujarat, churns out A Nano Car per Minute, yes you heard it right or for its New Indica V2 that clocks 25 kmpl of diesel.

Now, Tata Manza, the latest sedan from India’s most trusted brand, has added another feather in its cap, after one of its car — TATA Manza, Quadrajet Aura ABS, diesel version, achieved a stupendous mileage of 46.33 Km per litre to make it into Limca Book of Records.

Narayanan R Menon, a proud owner of the Tata Manza, who is also the Managing Director of Aromen Engineering Company drove the car on the Coimbatore- Avinashi by-pass on 25th of May 2011, where the car zoomed on the 72.3 Km highway, while burning just 1.58 litres of diesel.

Now, truly a remarkable feat!

Keep coming back for such interesting news from the auto world.

Until then,

Venky, Signing Off!

Cholesterol Levels: Diet and Treatment!!!

What Is Cholesterol? We may associate cholesterol with fatty foods, but most of the waxy substance is made by our own bodies. The liver produces 75% of the cholesterol that circulates in our blood. The other 25% comes from food. At normal levels, cholesterol actually plays an important role in helping cells do their jobs. But cholesterol levels are precariously high in more than 100 million Americans. Symptoms of High Cholesterol High cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. But it does cause damage deep within the body. Over time, too much cholesterol may lead to a buildup of plaque inside the arteries. Known as atherosclerosis, this condition narrows the space available for blood flow and can trigger heart disease. The good news is high cholesterol is simple to detect, and there are many ways to bring it down. Cholesterol Testing People older than 20 should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years. This is done with a simple blood test known as a fasting lipoprotein profile. It measures the different forms of cholesterol that are circulating in your blood after you avoid eating for 9 to 12 hours. The results show your levels of "bad" cholesterol, "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides." "Bad" Cholesterol Most of the cholesterol in the blood is carried by proteins called low density lipoproteins or LDL. This is known as the bad cholesterol because it combines with other substances to clog the arteries. A diet high in saturated fats and trans fats tends to raise the level of LDL cholesterol. For most people, an LDL score below 100 is healthy, but people with heart disease may need to aim even lower. "Good" Cholesterol Up to a third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoproteins or HDL. This is called good cholesterol because it helps remove bad cholesterol, preventing it from building up inside the arteries. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better. People with too little are more likely to develop heart disease. Eating healthy fats, such as olive oil, may help boost HDL cholesterol. Triglycerides The body converts excess calories, sugar, and alcohol into triglycerides, a type of fat that is carried in the blood and stored in fat cells throughout the body. People who are overweight, inactive, smokers, or heavy drinkers tend to have high triglycerides, as do those who eat a very high-carb diet. A triglycerides score of 150 or higher puts you at risk for metabolic syndrome, which is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Total Cholesterol Total cholesterol measures the combination of LDL, HDL, and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) in your bloodstream. VLDL is a precursor of LDL, the bad cholesterol. A total cholesterol score of under 200 is considered healthy in most cases. People who score in the "high" range have an increased risk of developing heart disease compared to those who score below 200. Cholesterol Ratio To calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. For example, a total score of 200 divided by an HDL score of 50 equals a cholesterol ratio of 4 to 1. Doctors recommend maintaining a ratio of 4 to 1 or lower. The smaller the ratio, the better. While this figure is useful in estimating heart disease risk, it's not as important in guiding treatment. Doctors look at total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol to determine treatment. Cholesterol in Food Cholesterol-rich foods, like eggs, shrimp, and lobster are no longer completely forbidden. Research shows that the cholesterol we eat has only a small effect on blood cholesterol levels for most people. A few people are "responders," whose blood levels spike up after eating eggs. But for most, saturated fat and trans fats are bigger concerns. Daily cholesterol limits are 300 mg for healthy people and 200 mg for those at higher risk. One egg has 186 mg of cholesterol. Cholesterol and Family History Cholesterol comes from two sources -- the body and food -- and either one can contribute to high cholesterol. Some people inherit genes that trigger too much cholesterol production. For others, diet is the main culprit. Saturated fat and cholesterol occur in animal-based foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy products made with milk. In many cases, high cholesterol stems from a combination of diet and genetics. What Boosts Your Risk? Several factors can make you more likely to develop high cholesterol: A diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol A family history of high cholesterol Being overweight or obese Getting older Cholesterol and Gender Until menopause, women typically have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. They also have higher levels of HDL cholesterol, the good kind. One reason is estrogen: The female sex hormone raises the level of HDL cholesterol. Estrogen production peaks during the childbearing years and drops off during menopause. After age 55, a woman's risk of developing high cholesterol begins to climb. Cholesterol and Children There's evidence that cholesterol can begin clogging the arteries during childhood, leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease later in life. The American Heart Association recommends kids and teenagers with high cholesterol take steps to bring it down. Ideally, total cholesterol should be below 170 in people ages 2 to 19. Why High Cholesterol Matters High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It also appears to boost the risk of Alzheimer's disease. As we saw earlier, high cholesterol leads to a buildup of plaque that narrows the arteries. This is dangerous because it can restrict blood flow. If the blood supply to a part of the heart or brain is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol Buster: Eat More Fiber Diet changes offer a powerful way to fight high cholesterol. If you've ever wondered why some cereals claim to be heart-healthy, it's the fiber. The soluble fiber found in many foods helps reduce LDL, the bad cholesterol. Good sources of soluble fiber include whole-grain breads and cereals, oatmeal, fruits, dried fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as kidney beans. Cholesterol Buster: Know Your Fats No more than 35% of your daily calories should come from fat. But not all fats are equal. Saturated fats -- from animal products and tropical oils -- raise LDL cholesterol. Trans fats carry a double-whammy, boosting bad cholesterol, while lowering the good kind. These two bad fats are found in many baked goods, fried foods (doughnuts, french fries, chips), stick margarine, and cookies. Unsaturated fats may lower LDL when combined with other healthy diet changes. They're found in avocados, olive oil, and peanut oil. Cholesterol Buster: Smart Protein Meat and full-fat milk offer plenty of protein, but they are also major sources of cholesterol. You may be able to reduce LDL cholesterol by switching to soy protein, such as tofu, at some meals. Fish is another great choice. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. Cholesterol Buster: Low-Carb Diet There's growing evidence that low-carb diets may be better than low-fat diets for improving cholesterol levels. In a two-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health, people who followed a low-carb plan had significantly better HDL (good cholesterol) levels than those who followed a low-fat plan. Cholesterol Buster: Lose Weight If you're overweight, talk to your doctor about beginning a weight loss program. Losing weight can help you reduce your levels of triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol. Shedding even a few pounds can also boost your good cholesterol level -- it tends to go up 1 point for every 6 pounds you lose. Cholesterol Buster: Quit Smoking Giving up tobacco is tough, but here's one more reason to try. When you stop smoking, your good cholesterol is likely to improve by as much as 10%. You may be more successful if you combine several smoking cessation strategies. Talk to your doctor about which options are best for you. Cholesterol Buster: Exercise If you're healthy but not very active, starting an aerobic exercise program could increase your good cholesterol by 5% in the first two months. Regular exercise also lowers bad cholesterol. Choose an activity that boosts your heart rate, such as running, swimming, or walking briskly, and aim for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. It doesn't have to be 30 continuous minutes; two 15-minute walks works just as well. Treatment: Medications If high cholesterol runs in your family, diet and exercise may not be enough to get your numbers where you want them. In that case, medication can give your cholesterol levels an extra nudge. Statins are usually the first choice. They block the production of cholesterol in the liver. Other options include cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid resins, and fibrates. Your doctor may recommend a combination of these medications. Treatment: Supplements Certain dietary supplements may also improve cholesterol levels. These include flaxseed oil, fish oil, and plant sterols, such as beta-sitosterol. Prescription niacin, a b-complex vitamin, has been found to raise good cholesterol while reducing bad cholesterol. Niacin found in ordinary supplements should not be used to lower cholesterol. Herbal Remedies Some studies suggest garlic can knock a few percentage points off total cholesterol. But garlic pills can have side effects and may interact with medications. Other herbs that may reduce cholesterol include: Fenugreek seeds Artichoke leaf extract Yarrow Holy basil How Low Should You Go? Many people are able to lower cholesterol levels through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. But how low is low enough? For people with diabetes or a high risk of developing heart disease, an LDL score of less than 100 is desirable. If you already have heart disease or coronary artery disease, some doctors recommend reducing LDL to 70 or lower. Can the Damage Be Undone? It takes years for high cholesterol to clog the arteries with plaque. But there is evidence that atherosclerosis can be reversed, at least to some degree. Dean Ornish, MD, has published several studies showing that a low-fat vegetarian diet, stress management, and moderate exercise can chip away at the build-up inside the coronary arteries. Other research supports the idea that big drops in cholesterol can somewhat help open clogged arteries.

Good (HDL) Cholesterol: What's Your Target?

Good (HDL) cholesterol can help protect your heart from a heart attack. Is your HDL cholesterol where it should be.

watch goals and guidelines you should be targeting for your good cholesterol.


http://www.nidokid

Apple finally launches iPhone 4 in India after a year

 

Call it sheer competition from rivals or to the growing demand for the smartphones, Apple’s iPhone, the pioneer in touch screen smartphone has finally launched its much awaited predecessor iPhone 4 in India, after its initial launch in US a year ago.

With Indian mobile market already flooded with smartphone makers from Samsung, LG, HTC, Blackberry and Nokia, the entry of iPhone will surely intensify the already crowded market.

Telecom Analysts believe that India is touted as the second largest market for smartphones and with the implementation of new technologies like 3G, will further boost the sales of iPhone in India — the darling of millions worldwide.

As of now, Google’s Android seems to be the market leader with already 6 out of 10 smartphones being powered by Android Operating System, one has to wait and watch how Microsoft—Nokia combine, who promise to bring the best of hardware capabilities, courtesy Nokia, and Microsoft which is already making waves for its Windows 7 Mobile OS compete against giants like Apple and Google. However, the only way Microsoft can compete against Apple is to churn out millions of Addons, probably for free and mimic the Apple iStore concept to stay in the race.

Operator in India

Apple has tied up with India’s most trusted air carrier — Airtel to launch its iPhone 4 in India and is priced between Rs. 34,500 with a memory capacity of 16 GB and Rs. 40,990 with 32 GB capacity and boasts of new exciting features like Facetime for VideoChat, Retina Display and five mega pixel rear camera with LED flash capable of HD recording.

“The iPhone 4 boasts a higher-quality screen and longer battery life than the previous model” said Airtel CEO, PD Sharma who heads the West Bengal and Orissa Operations in India and added, “With the high number of mobile users, smartphone market will grow in the country.”

To check out the latest features, log on to: http://www.apple.com/in/iphone/

Keep watching this space as we bring more from the tech world.

Venky, Signing Off!

You can reach the author at: businessbanter@gmail.com

New Fluidic Verna: The hot 'chic' in India

As the new fluidic Verna mesmerizes the views with its teaser ad during the ongoing DLF IPL 4 this season, the company stated that the bookings for this new beauty has already clocked 5,000 Pan India. The company is working round the clock to meet the whopping demand  of the customers in India.

Check out the various features of the car, the first in its segment, is sure to turn on the heat on its competitors like Ford Motors, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors.

Photos:

Features:

    * Front map lamps with Sun glass holder

    * 4 Speakers

    * Illuminated P/Window switches with Drv side Auto Down

    * Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors

    * Keyless entry - integrated on folding key

    * Air conditioner

    * Driver information display

    * Electric power steering with tilt function

    * Front seats back pockets

    * Driver & Passenger vanity mirror

    * MT shift indicator

    * Alternator management system

Exteriors:

    * Full Wheel Cover

    * Body colored outside mirrors with LED turn lndicators

    * Chrome front grille

    * Door black out tapes

    * Chrome tipped dual mutfler

Luxury Interiors:

    * Rear Center Armrest w/ Cup Holder

    * Full Cloth Upholstery

    * Blue interior illumination

    * 2 DIN MP3 player with AUX-in & USB

    * Audio hand remote

Safety Features:

    * Central locking system

    * Front Fog Lamps

    * Clutch lock system

    * Immobiliser

Check out the various variants available in India

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 VTVT

CC: 1396cc Petrol

Transmission: Manual            

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 7,04,943

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 VTVT

CC: 1591cc Petrol

Transmission: Manual

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 7,70,992

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.4 CRDI

CC: 1396cc Diesel

Transmission: Manual

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 8,15,891

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 VTVT SX

CC: 1591cc Petrol

Transmission: Manual

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 8,31,502

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 CRDI

CC: 1582cc Diesel

Transmission: Manual

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 8,81,942

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 VTVT SX Opt

CC: 1591cc Petrol

Transmission: Manual

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 9,02,096

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 CRDI SX

CC: 1582cc Diesel

Transmission: Manual

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 9,42,451

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 VTVT SX Opt AT

CC: 1591cc Petrol

Transmission: Automatic

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 9,72,691

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 CRDI SX Opt

CC: 1582cc Diesel

Transmission: Manual

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 10,13,411

Hyundai Verna Fluidic 1.6 CRDI SX Opt AT

CC: 1582cc Diesel

Transmission: Automatic

Ex-Showroom Price: Rs. 10,84,025

Watch out this space as we bring you the latest from the auto world.

Venky, Signing Off!

Google forays into Mobile Payments through Wallet

“In the past few thousand years, the way we pay has changed just three times—from coins, to paper money, to plastic cards. Now we’re on the brink of the next big shift,” exhorts Google, the undisputable king of Online search.

In what could certainly be a bad news for rivals, and which could further mark its growing dominance of the fast-growing mobile arena, more importantly, m-Commerce, Google yesterday unwrapped its soon-to-be launched mobile payment application, Google Wallet. The application, the search giant promises, will transform your tiny phone into your wallet. “You’ll be able to tap, pay and save using your phone and near field communication (NFC),” a communiqué from the Mountain View, California-based behemoth said. Google Wallet is currently under field test now and the company is planning for its commercial launch soon.

Google Wallet is a key part of the Online search major’s ongoing efforts to extend its Web dominance to the fast-growing yet still-to-explode field of mobile commerce or m-Commerce. According to the company, while its new application is aimed at further enhancing the convenience factor for the customers and save them from the hassles of carrying a number of cards from credit/debit cards, gift cards, coupons, loyalty cards etc, it also aims to give merchants more ways to offer coupons and loyalty programs to customers, as well as bridging the gap between online and offline commerce.

“When you tap to pay, your phone will also automatically redeem offers and earn loyalty points for you,” it says. And the 800-pound Search gorilla hopes that ‘Someday, ‘even things like boarding passes, tickets, ID and keys could be stored in Google Wallet.’

However, the new service is only limited to United States of America and will roll out in United States and other European Countries in the near future. For users residing in the US can enter their zip code, in the image below, to check the availability of the Google Wallet in your area:

http://www.google.com/wallet/where-it-works.html

While the world awaits the formal launch of Google Wallet, you may also expect some more exciting moves by the giant as it straddles across the Web and Mobile spaces swiftly to protect and extend its dominance. Rivals better watch out!

Keep watching this space, as we bring you the latest from the technology world. 

With inputs from Venky, its Amy, Signing Off!
 
(Image courtesy: Google)