Sensex hits six-week high

Sensex hits six-week high; rises 117 points led by HUL

Mumbai: The BSE benchmark index Sensex on Tuesday gained 117 points to close at a six-week high in a volatile trade on buying mainly in HUL after Unilever announced open offer to hike stake in its Indian arm and government assuring investors TRCs will be accepted as certificate of residence.

Markets opened on a firm note and touched a high of 19,622.68 points on buying in FMCG stocks mainly in HUL after Unilever Plc said it will spend USD 5.4 billion to boost its stake in its Indian unit Hindustan Unilever to 75 percent.

However in afternoon trade, markets slipped into the negative zone touching day's low of 19,317.38 as the World bank scaled down India's growth forecast to 6.1 percent for the current fiscal from earlier estimate of 7 percent.

Later, passage of the Finance Bill and Finance Minister P Chidambaram assuring foreign investors that Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) issued by a foreign government will be accepted as a certificate of residence bolstered the sentiment, brokers said.
Posting gains for the second straight day, the BSE barometer closed higher by 116.68 points, or 0.60 percent, at 19,504.18. It had last ended at 19,570.44 on March 14, 2013.

The National Stock Exchange index Nifty also rose by 26.10 points or 0.44 percent to 5,930.20.

"The indices begin to look wobbly with the Opposition once again disrupting Parliamentary proceedings. The only silver lining was passage of the Finance Bill and that too without a debate," brokerage India Infoline said in a note.

"Clarity in TRC led to a pullback in markets today. However, with the political tension resurfacing yet again after the Supreme Court said that sharing information by the CBI with the government on coal block allocation scam has shaken the entire process, has created more worry and instability going ahead," India Infoline Head of Research Amar Ambani said.

FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) jumped by 17.28 percent to become the top gainer among the 30 Sensex stocks. Unilever Plc offered to acquire 48.70 crore shares, or 22.52 percent stake, in its Indian arm at Rs 600 apiece each.

In 30-BSE index-components, 18 stocks gained.

Among other major gainers, ITC rose by 1.40 percent and Mahindra & Mahindra by 2.24 percent. Tata Motors rose by 1.15 percent while ICICI Bank gained nearly one percent.

The FMCG sector gained the most by 4.65 percent to 6,548.52 backed by HUL.

The metal index was second best performer by adding 0.96 percent to 8,651.05 as copper maker Sterlite Industries rose 4.03 percent on higher quarter earnings.

Foreign institutional investors bought shares worth a net Rs 620.38 crore yesterday as per provisional data from the stock exchanges.

Asian stocks ended mostly higher today after US housing sales gained and amid speculation central banks will keep stimulating growth.

Key benchmark indices in Hong Kong,Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea rose by 0.19 percent to 1.20 percent while Japan's Nikkei eased by 0.17 percent. However, China market remained closed today.

European markets were trading narrowly mixed. DAX was quoted up by 0.68 percent while CAC and UK moved down by 0.03 percent to 0.28 percent.

Other major gainers were Wipro (1.75 percent), Coal India (1.64 percent), Dr Reddy's Lab 1.56 percent, Sun Pharma (1.04 percent).

However, HDFC dropped by 1.94 percent followed by HDFC Bank 1.71 percent, Hindalco Ind 1.57 percent and Larsen 1.10 percent.

The S&P BSE-Realty dropped by 1.07 percent.

The total market breadth turned negative as 1,271 stocks ended in red while 1,067 stocks finished in green. The total turnover shot up further to Rs 4,313.93 crs from Rs 2,358.59 crs yesterday.

The BSE and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain closed tomorrow, May 1, on account of Maharashtra day. 

Morphees

Morphees

Remember we told you about Samsung's Bendable Screens, that were all set to be on smartphones by 2013? Well, now we have a definite winner over it. What Scientists from Bristol University have developed is something they fondly call 'Morphees', the devices that can change their shape as required. Yeah, so, not just bend, we may now have devices that can alter their form altogether to say make a game easier to control or make the screen easily hidden when entering passwords or secure keys. As mentioned on The Engineer, Bristol's scientists have successfully developed 6 different prototypes using dielectric electro-active polymers (DEAPs), shape memory alloys (SMAs) and other wood-like materials. These 6 prototypes are being tested to see which one is safest to use and consumes least electricity.

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The Volcanic Origins Of Bermuda

NOAA On The Volcanic Origins Of Bermuda

Bermuda has long been known to sit atop an extinct, mid-ocean volcanic seamount but geologists remain divided on why and when the eruptions which gave birth to the island took place.

An extensive study by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] looked at the conflicting theories on the island’s volcanic origins in 2009.

NOAA concluded the oceanic crust surrounding the base of the Bermuda volcano is estimated to have formed 123  to 124 million years ago at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the submarine mountain range running along the axis of the Atlantic Ocean.

Extending toward the ocean’s surface are four northeast-to-southwest trending volcanic peaks, including the emergent Bermuda Pedestal and the submerged Challenger, Argus, and Bowditch seamounts. The islands of Bermuda are located along the southeast margin of the largest peak, the Bermuda Pedestal.

Bermuda islands and Pedestal along with the adjacent Argus, Challenger and Bowditch seamounts

Several theories have been proposed as to the origin of the Bermuda volcanoes. Initially, scientists believed that a large, underwater volcanic eruption along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge approximately 110 million years ago established a series of volcanic peaks that moved westward with the North American tectonic plate [as the Atlantic Ocean widened by plate tectonics and seafloor spreading]. However, this interpretation is not well supported by the much younger age of volcanic rocks recovered from deep drill cores in Bermuda.

Today, the most visible evidence of Bermuda’s volcanic past are two calderas that can be seen from from an aerial view of the island [pictured below]. Calderas are formed when the weight of a volcano’s explosions become too much for it to handle, causing it to collapse in on itself, leaving behind a crater like shape.

In this case, the two calderas enclose two of the islands many bays, the Great Sound and Castle Harbour.

NOAA said while it is now generally accepted that the four peaks comprising the Bermuda seamounts were formed by extensive volcanic activity occurring approximately 33 million years ago, why the eruptions occurred at this time and place is still being debated by geologists.

One theory hypothesises that the volcanism occurred over a hot spot or plume in the Earth’s crust. A newer theory proposes that the volcanic activity occurred due to a worldwide reorganisation of the planet’s tectonic plates that occurred due to the closing of the Tethys Ocean [when Arabia collided with Eurasia during the Cenozoic Era, 35 to 40 million years ago].

Based on the current area of the Bermuda Pedestal and the maximum elevation of other mid-ocean volcanoes, the elevation of the original Bermuda volcano would have been about 3.280 feet. Using typical shoreline erosion rates, it would have taken from three to 10 million years to reduce the island to sea level.

Cross-section view across Bermuda Pedestal showing relationship between limestone & volcanic rocks

As the original volcanic peaks of Bermuda were eroded below sea level by wave action, coral reefs formed in the shallows and limestone from calcareous algae and corals began depositing during the early Pleistocene [about 1.8 million years ago].

Today, a thin limestone cap — about 49 to 328 feet thick — completely covers the underlying volcanic rock.

During the Pleistocene, alternating glacial and interglacial periods, with associated changes in sea-level, resulted in the deposition of a series of limestone layers predominantly composed of carbonate eolianites [remnant sand dunes that were converted to rock], with a few marine deposits and terra-rossa paleosols [ed fossil soils composed of wind blown dust from the Sahara Desert in North Africa].

The carbonate eolianites and marine limestones would have formed during interglacial periods of higher sea levels when the platform was submerged, while the paleosols formed during times of glaciation and low sea-levels. Cycles of cementation, erosion, and re-cementation occurred due the fluctuations in sea level. Six to nine interglacial stands are represented in the rock layers that vary in their age and structure.

The surface of Bermuda is characterised by karst terrain, a landform where the principle weathering process is solution rather than erosion. Karstic areas tend to have exposed bedrock with only a thin layer of soil, few surface streams, and subterranean drainage. The surface karst in Bermuda consists of sinkholes and irregularly shaped pits with complex dissolution channels.

The best way to photograph

The best way to photograph Mumbai

Krishna Madhavan Pillai, editor of Better Photography, says it best: “Buying a Nikon does not make you a photographer, it makes you a Nikon owner.” “It is the inner eye, not the gear that makes the difference between an average and excellent photographer,” he adds.

So, if you have a camera, pocket-size or professional, here’s all you need to know.

Knowing your surroundings is important. For shooting in Mumbai, a small camera is often the best choice. “Cameras equipped with a lens that can go wide enough to shoot within a small space are ideal,” Pillai explains.

DSLRs These give you the option of using a wide range of lenses and allow you to control every aspect of your shot. Ideal when you have serious cash. Then, the sky is the limit.

According to experts, it’s best to graduate to more expensive cameras over time. The best buy for an amateur photographer is a good quality DSLR that costs between Rs. 29,000 and Rs. 35,000, and includes an additional 18-55mm lens, says photographer Parikshit Rao. “You can also opt for a telephoto zoom in the range of 70-300mm.”

DSLRs: Recommended models
Under R35,000: Nikon D3200/D3100, Canon 600D, Canon 550D
Under R50,000: Nikon D5200 and Canon EOS 650D
Above R50,000: Nikon D7000/ D600 and Canon 7D/5D Mark3

Lenses Matter
Lenses are more important than the DSLR body. They enable you to play with your shots; so spend more money on different kinds of lenses than bigger camera bodies. “For an amateur, any basic DSLR will work,” says fine art photographer Anindo Ghosh. “Invest in a lens with a cheaper body, since most camera bodies get outdated, but lenses last a lifetime.” Usually, most DSLRs come with a basic 18-55 mm lens. You can also buy an additional 50mm prime lens and a wide-angle lens (ranging from 14mm to 50mm). Invest in a nice long zoom lens like the Canon 70-200mm f/4L, a pancake lens (40mm EF f/2.8), macro lens like the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 for close-ups and a 18-250mm lens for travel photography. 

For safe keeping: Carry a waterproof camera bag that fits chargers and data transfer cables (Photo credit: JJ Mehta)

Are you Kitting me!
Pack a DSLR, varied lenses, a 5ft tripod, a wireless remote which prevents the camera from shaking, UV filters, hoods on lenses to prevent unwanted sunlight, a waterproof bag that fits chargers and data transfer cables, and a hand-held flash to assemble a complete kit. “However, try to keep it minimal. I only carry my Canon 550D, 70-300mm and 18-55mm lenses, a tripod and an extra battery,” says commercial and abstract photographer Hrushikesh Sonsurkar.

What’s available
From simple all-in-one models to more complex devices, there’s a large variety to choose from these days

Compacts 
These point-and-shoot cameras, where the lens isn’t separate from the body, are the smallest you can buy. They’re a step up from smartphone cameras, unless you have an awesome smartphone, like the iPhone 5.

Wi-Fi cameras and Eye-fi SD cards
Wi-Fi cameras will upload pictures to social media, the Net or a computer directly. Eye-Fi-enabled SD cards also upload photos any time it detects a Wi-Fi network.



Bridge cameras
This is somewhere between a DSLR and a compact. It’s smaller, portable, and comes fitted with long lenses that are not interchangeable. A less complicated option than a DSLR.

Lomo cameras
Pictures captured through lomo cameras look over saturated yet pleasant.

DSLRs 
These give you the option of using a wide range of lenses and allow you to control every aspect of your shot. Ideal when you have serious cash. Then, the sky is the limit.

Vantage points Mumbai from a new angle
“The buildings Sumer Park and La Vision at Byculla both offer super views of Mumbai, from Churchgate in the south, till Chembur in the east and Dadar in the north,” says David De Souza, veteran photographer. “The terrace of the 35-storey Sanghvi Hills in Ghodbunder Road, Thane, gives you an excellent view of the skyline till Powai,” adds Hrushikesh Sonsurkar. To gain access, first obtain the society’s permission.

Mount your camera on top of a 10-foot pole in the Dadar flower market lane and use a self-timer for excellent shots.

“Find your way into any one of the tall buildings near Mohammed Ali Road for views of the JJ flyover,” says De Souza.

Mount your tripod on the rocks at Dadar Chowpatty (near Kirti college or Hinduja Hospital) for a clear view of the Sealink.Worli Village also offers a stra-ight view of the Bandra-Worli bridge.

To shoot nature, visit Kanheri Caves at the National Park on a clear day. 

ALWAYS POPULAR: Marine Drive is a popular location to capture the bustle of city life

For a top view of the entire Queen’s Necklace, shoot from Hanging Gardens.

“If you want to shoot Marine Drive from the rooftops of one of those ‘Mahals’ facing it, you need permission from the society, which isn’t difficult,” says Anindo Ghosh. “They’re helpful if you can convince them that the picture will be taken in good faith.”

If you’re willing to brave the climb up Gilbert Hill in Andheri, you’ll get good panoramic shots. A sturdy tripod is essential, the wind makes shots difficult.

Go to Vasai fort after 6.30pm to get some excellent shots of the green.

“Heera Panna society offers a good view of Haji Ali, Marine Drive and the city. The society is lenient with permission. You just need to sound convincing,” says Sonsurkar.

Rights and permissions
“The police have the right to bar anyone from taking pictures of places if they feel the picture may be misused,” says a senior inspector at Mumbai police headquarters, who did not wish to be named. “Buildings such as the High Court and lower courts, CST station and others can’t be shot for security reasons.”

And yet, pictures of those are shot every day. Permissions vary from location to location. If you want to shoot at a railway station, you need permission from the chief public relations officer.

“One can shoot any building, except for defence premises, with a compact or smartphone camera,” says photographer Kaushik Chakravorty. “If you come to a site with fancy equipment and don’t have permission, we will stop you,” says an inspector at Kings Circle police station. “But if you have a small camera or smartphone, we may not even notice it.”

The penalty one pays if caught also differs in terms of the police station and the cop. “Most times, these guys simply harass you,” says Javed Iqbal, a former photojournalist and present freelancer. An inspector at Kings Circle police station responds, “We first warn the photographer and let him leave if he doesn’t argue. If need be, we take him to the station and ask him to delete the snap.” “The best thing is to tell a cop that you’re a hobbyist. If they find nothing wrong with your intentions, they won’t interfere,” says Chakra-vorty. Sonsurkar advises going to such places with a high-end lens fitted into a compact camera.

Street Photography
“Generally, street photography requires no permissions since the street is a public space and I can do what I want as long as I’m not doing something which will be considered offensive under normal circumstances,” says photographer Chirodeep Chaudhuri. However, even if there’s nothing legally binding, a problem may arise when a photographer shoots something objectionable. “If you shoot vendors, they will doubt your intentions. Similarly, if you take a picture of a man digging his nose and publish it, it is akin to invading his privacy. “It’s always better if you have a chat with your subjects before you take pictures if you aim to make them commercial,” adds Chaudhuri.

How to make money
Buy or rent gear “In order to make photography work for you, invest in supreme quality equipment,” says Sunil Thakkar, photographer and founder of Photocaddy.in. Or rent equipment for assignments and charge the rentals to your invoice.

Assist a senior photographer
Get ready to do anything your senior says, from arranging lights and checking if the make-up artist has arrived, to adjusting exposure. Start out on your own only once you are ready.

NEW ICON: The Sealink is the city's new landmark, so try and find a new angle to capture it.

Print cards, carry your portfolio
“Start shooting out of passion, and compile it into an enviable portfolio,” says Sonsurkar. 

Go to events
Attend family gatherings as well as your friends’ special occasions and get clicking. You’ll get exposure and, maybe, get hired.

Experiment 
Take on work from different genres, such as food photography, wedding photography, abstract and product photography. Select the one that interests you the most, and build on it. Get on a contract Leave your card with firms that provide photographers for events. “Half-day events pay about R3,000; full-day events command a fee of R5,000,” says Sonsurkar.

“Leave your card with the hosts so they can approach you directly next time.”

Build up contacts
Networking is important to gain assignments.

Intern at a print publication
It can be gruelling, but you will learn a lot.

Embellish your talent
“A course does not guarantee you a job, but it will improve lens skills and help you compile a portfolio,” says Thakkar.

Log in
Photo sharing sites such as 500px.com pay you either a fixed rate or on a download basis. Similarly, Flickr enables photographers to share their images on Getty Images, a stock photography site, and sends you a fee in case they are bought or downloaded.

Shoot model or film portfolios
“It’s the easiest way to make good money,” says photographer Gaurav Sawn.

Approach a stock agency 
Thinkstock, Getty, iStock, Shutterstock and Dinodia Photo Library trade in pictures. You cannot give the same image to more than one stock agency.

Where to buy your camera and accessories
When it comes to new equipment, always buy it from a company-owned store or authorised dealer.  One normally needs to do a price check online before going to local shops to buy the equipment. Always ask for a guarantee slip and make sure your equipment's well sealed when you get it. Then unseal it and switch it on. Take a few images just to check if it's working well. Also, make sure to get the screen guard on the spot.

Cameras
Central Camera: All the big brands -Nikon, Canon, Sony - are available here. They also do repairs, but aren't authorised service dealers for branded cameras. 195, Saheb Building, DN Road, Fort.

JJ Mehta: A well-known shop for all things connected to photography. Narayan Smruti Chhabildas Road, near Dadar railway station, Dadar (W). www.jjmehta.com

Gola Lane, CST: This is the popular camera lane near CST station. "Gola Lane market is known for its genuine new branded pieces that come with the bill and warranty card, as well as custom clearance pieces that are given without any form of guarantee or bill," says Hrushikesh Sonsurkar. "However, the ones that come without any invoice aren't necessarily fake products; they're perfectly genuine pieces but don't offer the option of free servicing after the sale. However, if you buy a billed camera kit for Rs. 34,000, you can buy a similar kit minus the bill for Rs. 28,000, a fantastic saving." Angel Photo in Gola lane is an authorised dealer and I buy gear from them," adds Aneesh Bhasin.

BE DISCREET: If you want to shoot CST station, use a smartphone or compact camera. Otherwise, make sure you have permission from the authorities.

Bags and accessories:
Kalabhai: Come here for a range of tripods, panorama equipment, custom white balance filters and more. 43/44, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Vikhroli (W).

People Camera Co: Find Canon cameras, and Lowepro and Tamrac bags and accessories here. Shop no 177/179, next to Sterling Book House, DN Road, Fort.

Servicing your camera
In terms of semi-professional and professional DSLR camera bodies, Nikon and Canon rule the branded category. Anindo Ghosh strongly recommends brands which have a direct presence in India instead of national dealer or distributor networks. "A dealership is focused on pushing sales numbers, rather than brand credibility. Once the sale is completed, they address just the most basic warranty issues," he explains.

Canon, for instance, has a world-class service and support network in India, with two company-owned service centres in Mumbai and Gurgaon. "They've repaired my second-hand cameras without receipt or warranty," says Ghosh. "In contrast, Nikon does not have a direct presence in India, and its dealerships (e.g. NN Mehta, near Central Camera in Fort) can be difficult to deal with. In the point-and-shoot segments, Sony and Olympus are well represented in India, with company-owned (not just dealership-owned) stores and service networks.

Service centres
Nikon: Satellite Silver, ground floor, opposite Star Plus, Marol Naka, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri (E.

Canon: 502, 5th floor, 194, Natraj By Rustomjee, Junction of Andheri-Kurla Road and Western Express Highway, Andheri (E).  

Olympus: Camera Care Centre, 25, Commissariat Building, next to Old Handloom House, DN Road, Fort..

Sony: Sony Service Centre, ground floor, 349, Business Point, Western Express Highway, near Sai Service Centre,  Andheri (E).

Where to buy lenses
"The Sigma EX lens family is the best for their professional line," says Anindo Ghosh. "Otherwise use Tamron lenses. While the quality is not at par with the Sigma EX, the price, especially for their image stabilised lenses, makes Tamron a great option."

Tripod: Photo credit: JJ Mehta

Second-hand film equipment: There are great bargains available, especially for second-hand film equipment, on ebay.com, says Ghosh. "I have bought a Canon EOS 3 film body (lightly used and in near pristine condition) from a seller in the UK for just Rs. 9,000."

Camera bags: Popular brands for bags are either Lowepro or Kata.

Shooting with film
Anindo Ghosh still actively shoots with film, though he says his choices are very limited. "I use Fuji Sensia color negative extensively, and occasionally various black and white C41 (color-chemistry) films." 

The best place to buy film in Mumbai, says Ghosh, is JJ Mehta in Dadar (W). For more exotic films, it's advisable to order them from abroad. "The reason I choose C41 chemistry B&W film is that the few remaining film processing studios all cater primarily to the standard colour negatives segment, so asking them to develop any other kind of film roll is met with a blank stare," adds Ghosh. You can also buy film rolls from Standard Supply at 123, Image House, Hira Chand, near City Palace Hotel, Fort.

To develop films, rolls are usually sent to Elite Photo Studio in Bandra. "They do a great job of developing as well as scanning, so I get back both a developed roll, and a CD or DVD of high-resolution scans," explains Ghosh. "I've settled on this one studio after a lot of experimentation, both for development of film, and for exhibition quality large prints."

Where to see photography exhibitions in Mumbai
National Centre for Performing Arts, Marine Drive:  The Piramal Art Gallery here is one of the few galleries in India dedicated exclusively to photography.

Chemould Prescott Road, Fort: Occasionally hosts photography shows. The last one was 'Parsis' by renowned photographer Sooni Taraporevala. Institute of Contemporary Indian Art (ICIA)

Kala Ghoda: It provides space for photography exhibitions conducted by Tasveer (an organisation from Bangalore that promotes the art of photography). Tasveer recently hosted a Raghu Rai retrospective.

The Circular Art Gallery, Nehru Centre, Worli: Hosts regular photography exhibitions.

Terrace Gallery for Photography and Visual Art, on the terrace of Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda: This is a   dedicated space for photography exhibitions.

Project 88, Colaba: Hosts regular photography exhibitions. Photographer Chirodeep Chaudhuri showcased works from his book 'A Village in Bengal' here recently. 

Photographic Society of India, Fort: PSI exhibitions are held annually at Jehangir art gallery; the last one was the 63rd All India Exhibition of Photography Salon 2013, held in January 2013. Other than this, exhibitions take place throughout the year on the premises of PSI.

Expand your knowledge
Tasveer: This quarterly newsletter has information about the various exhibitions held in Mumbai and elsewhere in the country.

PSI: Their newsletters are focused on PSI activities only, including contests and exhibitions. Only members can subscribe.

Better Photography: Subscribe to the monthly magazine, or better still follow them on @betterphoto on Twitter.  

Smart Photography: For news and features, take out a subscription or visit www.smartphotography.in.

NCPA: Subscribe to their mailing lists online for free to get updates on the exhibitions hosted there.

Flipboard - Download this app to stayed updated on what's making news in the genre of photography.

PDNOnline.com: This monthly magazine covers the photography industry. Choose from weekly, monthly or quarterly newsletters.

Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 - The Official Game comes to iPhone, iPad and Android for free

Iron Man 3 - The Official Game by Gameloft is now available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.If it isn't clear from the name itself, the game is based on the much-anticipated movie, Iron Man 3.

After the events of Iron Man 3, Tony has become a peacekeeper, but new threats emerge regularly all around the globe - and Iron Man is the only one who can take care of them. The game lets you become billionaire Tony Stark aka Iron Man and promises a fast-paced, endless running adventure.

The game is now available as a free download with a host of in-app purchases for iPhone and iPadas well as Android.

world's fastest desktop printer

HP unveils world's fastest desktop printer

Aimed at the requirements of the small and medium-sized enterprises, HP has unveiled two new series of inkjet printers . HP says the inkjet printers offer laser comparable quality at affordable prices. 

The HP Officejet Pro X500 series is recognised as the world's fastest desktop printer by Guinness World Records. The unique selling point of the HP Officejet Pro X Series is its ability to deliver high quality professional documents at up to 70 pages per minute in general office mode. This makes it the fastest desktop printer that prints documents at up to twice the speed and half the cost of colour lasers. Including both multi-function printers and stand-alone printers, it can be connected to up to 15 users. HP has launched four printers in the Officejet Pro X series at prices ranging from Rs 31,499 and to Rs 50,499.

HP has also launched the Officejet Pro Black & White series, specially designed for the Indian market.  These are inkjet printers that aim to provide laser like performance at an affordable running cost. According to HP, it consumes 50 per cent less energy in comparison to the mono laser printers. The HP ink cartridges used in this printer comes with pigment ink for fast-drying, waster-and fade-resistant prints. The Officejet Pro 3610 Black & White All-in-One printer is priced at Rs 7,999 whereas the  OfficeJet Pro 3620 comes with the fax for Rs 11,999. 

Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar

Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 40th birthday on Wednesday with a nation of cricket fans willing the Little Master to another year in his prolific international career.

students use their laptops to store study material

Most students use their laptops to store study material

NEW DELHI: Study materials, reports and assignments are the most important data stored in laptops by students, but it is the photos with boyfriend or girlfriend that are the most valuable, a survey report said.

According to a survey conducted by IT magazine PCQuest, Delhiites love to collect information, Banglaoreans love to create information, Kolkata students love to socialise, Ahmedabad is mad about games and Mumbaikars love to watch movies on their laptops. 

The survey covered 800 students in 18-27 years age group, primarily in second year of graduation from engineering, economics, law and other streams.

World's first smartphone for the blind

World's first smartphone for the blind, made in India

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(The world's first smartphone…)

AHMEDABAD: The world's first smartphone for blind people is here. Soon, they will be able to read SMSes and emails on this phone, which converts all text into Braille patterns.

"We have created the world's first Braille smartphone," says its innovator, Sumit Dagar, whose company is being incubated at the Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship, located in IIM Ahmedabad campus. "This product is based on an innovative 'touch screen' which is capable of elevating and depressing the contents it receives to transform them into 'touchable' patterns," he says.

Dagar, who is a post-graduate from the National Institute of Design (NID), says he was motivated to develop the device when he realised that so far, technology was only serving the mainstream and ignoring the marginalised. He is collaborating with IIT Delhi on making the prototype, which is currently being tested at L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad.

"The response during the test has been immense. It comes out as a companion more than a phone to the user. We plan to do more advanced versions of the phone in the future," Dagar adds.

Dagar started the project three years ago while studying interaction designing at NID. After working with a couple of companies, he gave up his job to concentrate on his technology, formed a team of six people and started his venture, Kriyate Design Solutions. Currently, the venture is being funded by Rolex Awards under its Young Laureates Programme, in which they select five people from across the world every two years and fund their projects.

How it works

· The smartphone uses Shape Memory Alloy technology, based on the concept that metals remember their original shapes, i.e. expand and contract to its original shape after use.

· The phone's 'screen' has a grid of pins, which move up and down as per requirement. The grid has a Braille display, where pins come up to represent a character or letter.

· This screen will be capable of elevating and depressing the contents to form patterns in Braille.

· All other elements are like any other smartphone.

AARUUSH 2013 SRM UNIVERSITY

AARUUSH 2013 

DESCRIPTION

AARUUSH is SRM University’s National Level Techno-Management Fest. Aaruush has nine major domains which together give rise to a plethora of events, covering a wide spectrum of fields. Here’s an overview of the domains so that you have a fair idea as to where your prospective event fits! Aaruush towards Infinity (A2I) An Aaruush ’13 initiative that provides a platform for students to break barriers, expand boundaries and open new vistas in technology and management. Our objective is to discover simpler solutions to the complex problems that plague our world, open the mental and physical borders that we have created on our planet and find the spark in you that can change our world. We reinforce basics, we transcend boundaries. Event Details: Praesentatio consists of technical events related to presenting innovative and scientific ideas. This domain is all about paper and model presentations. Fundaz deals with the basic concepts of science spiked with entertainment. This domain includes games, crosswords, quizzes and lot more. Robogyan gives you an opportunity to be innovative and co-ordinate your own unique robotics event. All kinds of manual, semi-autonomous and autonomous events are accepted. X-Zone mainly deals with events based on off-beat interests like gaming, photography, treasure-hunt and so on and so forth. These events are fun-based and offer respite from the technological mumbo-jumbo Konstruktion consists of events wherein theoretical knowledge acquired is put to test in practical conditions. The domain calls for designing, fabricating and practical testing of models. It focuses on the basic functioning of the core engineering fields. Bluebook focuses on events related to bioengineering, life sciences, biology and chemistry, clubbed together with a huge ‘fun’ quotient. Bluebook basically offers biology with a twist. Yuddhame looks at events which deal with testing software and hardware skills, more specifically coding in various languages and platforms, web designing, integrated circuitry, networking and communication techniques. Magefficie encompasses various events which test the business and management skills of a student. Crisis management, corporate strategies and business planning form the basics of this domain. Online events: Are you on the net 24*7? If so, this a nice opportunity to sit and compete in events that centre around the world wide web. This domain is all about participating online where you could sit comfortably back at home and enjoy the essence of AARUUSH. click the link to see : http://www.aaruush.net/