The Writer’s Flight

A slew of transcription apps are helping journos, lawyers, medics and others do away with manually taking down notes by converting and, in some cases, translating speech to text Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi Journalist Amit Tyagi works for a leading digital news platform and has to engage with several people through the day over Zoom Calls, telephonic discussions and webinars. What makes his life simpler is a transcription service called Speechnotes. Says Tyagi, “I speak, it notes down as its name suggests. Whatever I speak gets written down automatically. In the process I save a great deal of time.” Lawyer Lubna Yusuf uses 'live transcribe' by  Google  and 'Samsung note' app, both of which were pre-installed in her Galaxy note phone. Says Yusuf, “I use transcription services to record certain client meetings, especially the complex ones that I need to refer to again. It helps me track the details later. I also use it like a virtual typist or secretary to take down note

With stay-at-home, the house has become an office, school, fitness zone, entertainment--all rolled into one. New needs that have arisen have created demand for upgrades and renovations Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi Covid has changed the design and aesthetics of the living space in more ways than one. The need for extra space, more storage, better kitchens, getting outside inside with large windows, hygienic finishes and tiles has spurred a set of renovations into homes.  According to Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder-Chairman, Hiranandani Group and National President, Naredco, “Anything that makes our lives and homes more efficient is worth investing into. Covid has brought a paradigm shift in the way we live with  work from home  (WFH). I know CEOs of companies who are happier with WFH. Those at mid management and junior level are not required to come to office every day. We have heard stories of companies saying that five years from now, they will only have 25 per cent of staff working f

Marriage functions today are more intimate affairs, with couples saving on travel costs and elaborate buffets, spending instead on staycation, gifts and personalised events Namrata Kohli   |   New Delhi Corona time weddings are marked by fewer guests as well as adherence to norms of social distancing and rule of wearing face masks. Source: Emotiongraphers Films Reeta Govil wasn't able to find a venue for her nephew’s wedding scheduled for November 25 in all of Delhi NCR. Finally, she managed to get hold of a resort at Manesar and without much ado, booked the whole property for two nights. Weddings  are back and how. According to data by wedding tech platform, The Knot Worldwide, the business which dipped by as much as 51 per cent this April, bounced back with a 94 per cent year-on-year increase in August. Covid-19 has sealed the country’s borders, put restrictions on travel and public gatherings, capped the number of invitees to 100 guests (as per latest government regulations), im