Agriculture
Hi-tech harvest
Animal-lovers will love to see this new equipment dot the countryside soon. For decades, technological innovations in equipment used by small farmers have remained in cold-storage. The recent launch of the bullockwala tractor (multi-functional agricultur
al equipment) can fill the wide gap between the traditional plough and the tractor. New Delhi-based Bharatiya Cattle Resource Development Foundation has made significant improvements in the original prototypes pioneered by Bhopal-based Central Agricultur
al Engineering Institute.
Who's afraid of WTO?
There is an air of greater co-operation among farmers in Punjab. A number of agricultural associations are being born in a State that is fondly regarded as the `bread basket of the country', to fight the perceived threat to small farmers under the ambit
of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Consumer Notes
Cold disinterest
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is a common ingredient in cough and cold medications as well as several over-the-counter (OTC) products. It is also used as a nasal decongestant. Recent researches indicate that PPA is dangerous. A letter from Dr. C.J. Shishoo o
f the Ahmedabad-based Testing Organisation for Research in Chemicals and Health Hazards (TORCH) lists the characteristics of PPA and explains why it is inappropriate for use in medical formulations.
Corporate
Focusing it right
Zen or Zenna is derived from the Chinese Ch'an or Ch'ana, which is further derived from the Sanskrit Dhyan or Dhyana meaning meditation or focus of attention. What is it about focus of attention that brings forth an entire system of philosophy and way of
life?
``Only protected usable knowledge can create wealth.''
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has 40-odd laboratories and 80 field centres engaged in fundamental and applied research in the whole gamut of science and technology.
``Acknowledging a customer in 24 hours is a religious endeavour.''
Known as the `3M of India', Thermax is an energy and environment major from Pune.
``It is better to under-promise and over-deliver.''
Infosys Technologies, the globally recognised Indian software major, has shown a dazzling performance in just under 20 years.
"We at HDFC are not just managers, but entrepreneurs and leaders as well.''
In a little over two decades, the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) has come to be regarded as a model financial institution.
``We must build on the resources represented by our young professionals and by our nation's farmers."
Chairman, Institute of Rural Management and Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd., Anand, Gujarat.
``I sold my colleagues the vision of Biocon and my own personality.''
The Biocon group (turnover Rs 100 crore) is India's largest producer and exporter of novel industrial enzymes.
Information Technology
Feeding a party
And now, a dotcom that will not only dole out gourmet recipes but also be your companion in planning for a party and throwing it right.
Miscellaneous
Step with style
In an increasingly well-groomed world, footwear has come into its own. What was once a ubiquitous pair of sandals, which saw you through all seasons, has become fashion-wear and seasonal thanks to globalisation and a growing awareness of international tr
ends. One of the leading Indian names in designer footwear is Ashley, owned by Deepika Mehra.
Golden eye
Barely 24, Sangeeta Dewan promises to be worth her weight in gold. Winner of the International Gold Virtuosi Award 2000 (considered the `Oscars for the gold and jewellery industry'), the `Overall Excellence Award' at Swaranjali 2000 and a finalist at the
De Beers Millennium Diamond design competition... it has been glitters all the way for this NIFT (accessory design) graduate.
Rediscovering the lonely planet
``Papa, Papa, there's a dinosaur outside the window!'' my five-year-old yelled the other day, grinning from ear to ear. She was right -- there were birds. She'd learned from the Discovery Walking with Dinosaurs series that one kind of dinosaur had indeed
survived -- and that they were all around us.
The right stroke
`Different strokes for diffident folks' (January 29) offered very genuine, clear and practical guidelines. I am a mother of two and also work for a HR firm. The article helped me look at things in a different perspective. It has also helped me a great de
al as a parent and otherwise.
Travel & Places
Where flamingos flock together...
During winter, if a visitor alights at Sulluripeta railway station in Nellore district -- the last stop in Andhra Pradesh for many Chennai-bound express trains -- and takes a bus to the Sriharikota Space Research Centre, he/she is most likely to stumble
upon a flock of flamingoes in the Pulicat lake. The sight is rendered even more exquisite when the multi-hued birds take wing. Although this is a familiar sight for employees of the space research centre, the thrill is not lost on them entirely.
The real Spanish adventure
Say Spain and, surely, one of the things you remember is the flamboyant flamenco, the music and dance that is said to have originated with the gypsies of Granada and Sevilla.
