Govt enterprise BSNL expects a major change in its board. Pitroda was asked to submit his recommendations to make BSNL a profitable enterprise. The notable recommendations are divesting 30% of Govt stakes in BSNL, VRS for one lakh employees etc.. The employee unions are continuously opposing the Pitroda's Recommendations.
BSNL has asked employee unions to comment on Pitroda's recommendations. Govt has taken decision to make changes in top level management of loss hit BSNL.
BSNL chairperson Kuldeep Koyal said," BSNL has asked the employee union to submit their comment on Pitroda's recommendations".
Employee union General secretary V.A.N.Namboodri said," We are opposing certain part of recommendation, in particular divesting shares, VRS ....."
Sunday, May 30, 2010
PMK re-joins with DMK again
Ruling Party of Tmail Nadu & the partner of the ruling UPA Govt DMK announces its candidates for Rajya Sabha election. Party chief Karunanidhi nominates the candidates. The candidates are as follows:
DMK & PMK will jointly face the assembly elections in 2011.
PMK rejoins DMK after its defeat in Parliment elections, during which they were in ADMK alliance after breaking its alliance with DMK. PMK lost all the seats.
- P.Ramalingam
- Thangavelu
- Selva Ganapathy.
DMK & PMK will jointly face the assembly elections in 2011.
PMK rejoins DMK after its defeat in Parliment elections, during which they were in ADMK alliance after breaking its alliance with DMK. PMK lost all the seats.
India Post on Twitter; grievance & comments are most welcome - Secretary
Barely three months after it started its Twitter account, India Post — it was the first GOI department to go on a social networking page — has 1,164 followers and has resolved countless complaints and queries.
About negative comments or complaints, secretary, Posts, Radhika Doraiswamy says, “We want the negative comments. We started this page as a marketing tool for our international product, but each negative comment is an opportunity to set things right,” she said, but added, “There is also a tremendous amount of goodwill for India Post.”
Women smokers on the rise in India's 'working' community
According to the survey the majority of women smokers are still unaware of the health hazards of smoking. The only health hazards they are aware of is cancer and heart disease related to smoking. Women smokers did not know that smoking is also known to cause infertility and many other problems related to child birth. Lead researcher Dr. Ravikant Singh from Non-government organization ‘Doctors for You’ said, “Smoking can cause infertility, miscarriages and still births. It is worrying that women don’t know about this.”
Prez asks China to open Banks in India
The President proposed the idea during her meeting with Shanghai (Communist) Party Secretary Yu Zheng Sheng. It was in context of the presence of Indian banks in China.
Eleven Indian banks have their offices in China, six of them in Shanghai catering to over 100 Indian companies in the city and in industrial towns Jiangsu and Zhejiang nearby.
Rohit Sharma & Kohli makes victory over SriLanka Look easy; Dinda shines
It has to be said, though, that it was a good toss to win. Overnight rain had left enough moisture on the pitch in the first half of the day to offer assistance to the seamers and also to the spinners. And Sri Lanka were forced to adopt a brand of cricket that smelt of 80s: Start slowly, build momentum in the middle overs, reach a run-rate of four by the 40th, and try to hit out in the end. They ended up on 242, which wasn't a bad effort, but the conditions eased up in the afternoon and the Indians played very sensibly to overhaul the target with ease.
Bharti & Sahara bids for Indian Cricket team Sponsorship
According to sources in the Indian cricket board (BCCI), the two groups submitted the eligibility documents and security deposits on Saturday.The bid will be submitted on Monday and thereafter, BCCI's marketing committee will decide on the new sponsor of Team India.
South-West monsoon will start in Next 48 Hrs - MET Dept
India's monsoon rains may hit the country's southern coast in the next 48 hours, the India Meteorological Department said in its latest forecast on Sunday.
"Conditions are favourable for onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala during next 48 hours," the weather office said.
"Conditions are favourable for onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala during next 48 hours," the weather office said.
Search continues after 3 Days of Rail mishap in Midnapore
Three days after the train derailment in West Bengal's West Midnapore, the search is still on for the missing relatives and friends.
The number of dead has risen to over 148, with more bodies being found from the wreckage.
Rescue work was halted at the site during the night because of rain, even as rescuers feared more bodies might be trapped under the S-6 coach.
Around 190 injured people are being treated in different hospitals in Midnapore, Kharagpur, Jhargram and in Kolkata. DNA tests will be conducted on unidentified bodies.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Police last night gave out details of the rail attack saying it was a Maoist attack. The Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and the her bitter rivals - the CPM-led government - got into a no-holds barred fight on Saturday on who was to blame for the attack.
The number of dead has risen to over 148, with more bodies being found from the wreckage.
Rescue work was halted at the site during the night because of rain, even as rescuers feared more bodies might be trapped under the S-6 coach.
Around 190 injured people are being treated in different hospitals in Midnapore, Kharagpur, Jhargram and in Kolkata. DNA tests will be conducted on unidentified bodies.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Police last night gave out details of the rail attack saying it was a Maoist attack. The Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and the her bitter rivals - the CPM-led government - got into a no-holds barred fight on Saturday on who was to blame for the attack.
Kerala Police interrogating Somali fishermen arrested in Indian Waters
The Somalis were found near Kavaratti Island in a small boat. The Somalis were handed over to the Harbour Police in Kochi.
The first batch of three Somalians were discovered by locals at Minikoy Island in an unconscious state.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Microsoft partners with NIIT & IISc to develope Cloud solutions
Software giant Microsoft (MS) today said IT firms NIIT, Cognizant and CDC Software, and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) will build solutions and train manpower based on its cloud computing platform, Windows Azure.
Cloud computing refers Internet-based computing, where applications and software are accessed over the Internet, which results in reduced IT costs.
Microsoft has partnered with IT training firm NIIT, which will train over one lakh students on Windows Azure over the next three years. IT firm Cognizant, on the other hand, will develop solutions based on Azure to help its clients implement, migrate and manage their applications on the cloud.
Apple - world's Biggest tech company
The computer giants Microsoft and Apple have been arch rivals for years. But now Apple has finally streaked past its competitor to claim the crown as the world's biggest technology company.
It's a massive coup for the firm. The huge success of their iPods, iPhones and now their iPads means Apple's now worth one hundred and fifty two billion pounds, around two billion more than its rival.
Micro'max' title sponsors of Indian cricketing seasons this Year
Micromax made its debut in sports marketing at a time when Sachin Tendulkar made history by scoring an ODI double century.
Dual SIM handsets catching rising consumer attention
Micromax has taken the title sponsorship rights for the India, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series– 2010, India , Zimbabwe T20 Series, Asia Cup 2010, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand ODI Tri-Series– 2010, and India , Sri Lanka Test Series starting from May till July 2010.
S Tel to invest Rs.700 Crores
The company will be paying Rs 338 crore to the Department of Telecom (DoT) for 3G spectrum in three circles — Bihar, Orissa and Himachal Pradesh — and the remaining fund would be invested to roll out 3G network, Shamil Das, CEO, S Tel said
Bharti raises funds for Zain Africa acquisition
"Further to our announcement dated March 30, 2010 regarding the proposed acquisition of Zain Africa BV, Bharti Airtel Ltd is pleased to report that it has initiated the funds drawdown for the completion of the said transaction," the company said in a statement.
Zain's acquisition is the largest overseas acquisition of assets in Africa by an Indian company, even though it does not cover the assets of Zain in Sudan and Morocco.
Tata Motors Net Profit raises this Fiscal
The company's total income increased to Rs.37,446.5 crore in 2009-10 as against Rs.26,555.7 crore in 2008-09.
It posted a net profit of Rs.2,571.06 crore for the year ended March 2010 whereas it had a net loss of Rs.2,505.25 crore a year ago.
Its total income stood at Rs.94,312.37 crore in 2009-10 as against Rs.71,679.91 crore in 2008-09.
In June 2008, the company acquired Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) business from Ford Motor Company. The financial results for the year ended March 2009 include the results of the operations of JLR for the period June 2008-March 2009 and due to this results for 2009-10 are not comparable with the previous year.
Strontium launches fashionable USB flash drives
The USB Flash drives in question are described below.
Key Series USB Flash drive:
Key series is a stylish, fingertip sized USB with colorful designs that will catch everybody's attention. It is available in 2GB and 4GB capacities and in black and white color.
Samsung launches 'Star Nano 3G' in India @ Rs.7,320
Designed aesthetically with a compact and curvilinear design, a large 2.6-inch screen and with a 4 page menu, the Star Nano 3G ensures to offer a great resolution with a sense of satisfaction. Emerging as a complete entertainment package, the handset comes equipped with advanced connectivity with 384kbps DL/UL (3G ready), Pop up SNS and fast multimedia downloads.
Facebook's New & simple Privacy settings
Facebook had tightened security after facing heat from users and critiques. Zuckerberg, in the blog post, states that the new privacy settings focus on three things: single control for user's content, more powerful control of user's basic information and easy control for turning off applications. Firstly, users would get a simpler control pane wherein they'd be able to choose who can view the content posted.
India to Afforest 20 Million Hectares by 10 next Yrs
The Green India Mission is one component of the national climate change action plan and, subject to consultation and final approval, would see around 6 million hectares of cleared land afforested. The remaining target area would see degraded forests, scrub and grasslands, mangroves, wetlands, degraded agricultural land and urban forest lands subject to restoration activity along with the establishment of wildlife corridors. Separate green mission targets would be outlined for each land-use restoration type.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Mayawati has assests value over Rs.88 crores
In three years, her assets have grown by about Rs. 35 crore.
Ms. Mayawati filed her nomination before the Returning Officer and the Principal Secretary of the Vidhan Sabha, Pradeep Kumar Dubey in the Purshottam Das Tandon Hall of the State Legislature.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, who is also the president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, has Rs. 12.95 lakh in cash and bank deposits of Rs. 11.39 crore, and is also the owner of five sprawling commercial properties and bungalows in prime locations in New Delhi, Okhla and Lucknow.
17 employees dismissed from Air India; strike withdrawn on HC intervention
The services of 17 employees, including union leaders who led the 33-hour strike in Air India, have been terminated and 15 engineers suspended, airline CMD Arvind Jadhav said Wednesday night.
“This strike was illegal. We have to bring in accountability and need to fix responsibility. Whatever action has to be taken, we have to go the whole hog. We do not want to compromise at any cost. We have to come (down) with a heavy hand,” Mr. Jadhav told reporters soon after the strike was called off after Delhi High Court restrained the agitators from continuing their stir.
“We explored all avenues. And after that we knocked the door of the High Court which felt there is need to restore the services”, he said.
“This strike was illegal. We have to bring in accountability and need to fix responsibility. Whatever action has to be taken, we have to go the whole hog. We do not want to compromise at any cost. We have to come (down) with a heavy hand,” Mr. Jadhav told reporters soon after the strike was called off after Delhi High Court restrained the agitators from continuing their stir.
“We explored all avenues. And after that we knocked the door of the High Court which felt there is need to restore the services”, he said.
M & M to acquire Reva; GM's deal may be withdrawn
Reva, promoted by the Maini family and a clutch of venture funds, is believed to be headed for a change in ownership at a time when the company is moving swiftly on new expansion plans, including a new plant and new electric models. While both sides remained tight-lipped with many senior executives keeping their phones switched off, Mahindra's entry into Reva appears more or less a formality now.
Passport Seva Kendras to make passport application process easy
The first such PSK will be inaugurated in Bangalore on Friday followed by six others by June. One will be a pilot project for three months after which such kiosks will be opened all over the country.
Seven PSKs will run for next three months and the government plans to open all the 77 proposed PSKs by March 2011, A Manickam, Joint Secretary (Counsellor Passports and Visas of MEA), told reporters here.
PM asks DRDO to speed up research processes
“In many areas, we have moved fast, but our competitors have often moved faster. It is a fact our current level of self-reliance in defence R and D (research and development) is less than our capabilities and it needs to be stepped up significantly,” Dr. Singh said, addressing defence scientists here on the occasion of National Technology Day.
Atlantis last flight successful
The landing marks the likely end of Atlantis’ 25 years of space flight as NASA retires the ageing space shuttle fleet.
Only two further missions, by the Endeavour and Discovery shuttles, are planned by the US space agency NASA before those vessels are also taken out of service. The last shuttle flight is set for November.
CBI arrests 4 NHAI officials
Besides CGM S K Nirmal, NHAI general manager Nitin Jain was arrested in the case after the CBI claimed to have made huge recoveries from their premises in Delhi and Jaipur, including a whopping Rs 1.86 crore from the residence and bank locker of Jain and another Rs 46 lakh from Nirmal's house.
Others arrested in the case are managing director of Oriental Structure Pvt Ltd K S Bakshi and one of his employees S K Dikshit, a CBI spokesman said adding that all the four were produced before a designated court which remanded them to CBI custody till May 31.
AirIndia changes Delhi-Patna-Delhi flight timings
AI's morning flight (IC 409/10) would reach Patna at 10.55 am instead of earlier 8.20 am. It would fly back for Delhi at 11.35 am instead of 9.05 am.
The second flight (IC 407/08), which earlier used to arrive at 12.55 pm, would now land at Patna at 3.15 pm. Its departure time would be 3.55 pm. Earlier, the said flight used to take off from Patna at 1.35 pm.
"These changes, for now introduced for three days due to the winter, may be extended," an AI official told and added passengers booked in these flights have already been informed about the changes.
India to rest senior players in Tri series in Zimbabwe
The 15-man-squad, led by Suresh Raina, will play Sri Lanka and the hosts in a double-leg tri-series that opens in Bulawayo on Friday and ends with the final in Harare on June 9.
The selectors have rested eight top stars -- captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Yuvraj Singh and Ashish Nehra -- from the tournament.
Super 30 shines in IIT-JEE tests
All 30 students of Super 30, a free coaching centre in Bihar, have cracked the highly competitive Indian Institute of Technology-Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) for the third consecutive year, the institute announced on Wednesday.
"We are really upbeat and celebrating the 100 percent success for the third consecutive year as all 30 students have cracked the IIT-JEE this year," Anand Kumar, the institute's director-cum-founder.
Super 30 that helps the economically backward students crack the IIT-JEE has been selected by The Time Magazine in the list of The Best of Asia 2010.
The magazine, in its latest issue, said that every year, about 230,000 students take the exam for a seat in the IITs but only 5,000 grab it.
Mohammad Sadab Azam, a student of Super 30, said: "Thanks to Super 30, I cracked the IIT-JEE. Everyone is in a celebratory mood. We are happy."
Azam, whose father works as a labourer in a village in Gaya district, said that he had never dreamt of cracking the prestigious exam.
"It was all because of Super 30," he said.
"We are really upbeat and celebrating the 100 percent success for the third consecutive year as all 30 students have cracked the IIT-JEE this year," Anand Kumar, the institute's director-cum-founder.
Super 30 that helps the economically backward students crack the IIT-JEE has been selected by The Time Magazine in the list of The Best of Asia 2010.
The magazine, in its latest issue, said that every year, about 230,000 students take the exam for a seat in the IITs but only 5,000 grab it.
"Last year, 30 of them came from one coaching centre in Patna, capital of the impoverished north Indian state of Bihar. That may not seem like many, but for the Super 30 centre it's a pass rate of 100 percent," it said.
Mohammad Sadab Azam, a student of Super 30, said: "Thanks to Super 30, I cracked the IIT-JEE. Everyone is in a celebratory mood. We are happy."
Azam, whose father works as a labourer in a village in Gaya district, said that he had never dreamt of cracking the prestigious exam.
"It was all because of Super 30," he said.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Reliance Communication ready for International forays
While company officials were not available for comments, analysts maintain that with the right of first refusal (RoFR) also going away with the non-compete agreement, RComm and South Africa’s MTN could once again look at a merger possibility, making the Anil Ambani firm part of the South African telco, something rival Bharti had refused to do in 2008.
“The canvas is now wide open for RComm since it was this right of first refusal clause which restrained the company from getting into a potential transaction,” said Prashant Singhal of E&Y. However, a deal with MTN could entail huge cash outflows for RComm this time since valuations of telecom companies in India have taken a hit in the last two years, he pointed out.
Samsung to Launch first smartphone running on its properiatory OS
"You need a proprietary system to drive growth in the smartphone market and bada will do the job, as it is designed to support all segments from low to high end," Lee Ho-soo, head of Samsung's smartphone operating system, said at the Reuters Global Technology Summit.
Bada, which means ocean in Korean, is at the heart of Samsung's drive to emulate success by the likes of Apple and RIM in the fast-growing smartphone market, develop new revenue sources from its own Samsung App store, and create synergies with other businesses such as its TV business, which is the world's biggest.
LiMo expects new Models based on its mobile platform
"The first one was Vodafone and three other carriers will follow this year," Morgan Gillis, Executive Director at LiMo foundation, said at the Reuters Global Technology Summit.
He said three companies from the group of France Telecom, Telefonica, Verizon or SK Telecom would introduce new models using the alternative operating system by the end of this year.
Fly mobile tags Booom MC105 for Rs.3649 in India
The Bluetooth and GPRS enabled handset packs a 3.5 mm audio jack, FM radio with recording, 5 different FM alarms, dedicated volume control keys and an audio player that displays album cover, background and lyrics. Specified channel effect allow susers to save upto 15 FM channels.
The phone has USB-chargeable 1200 mAH battery which promises upto 8 hours of talktime. As for the memory capacity, the phone has a 2GB memory card that comes pre-loaded with bollywood content and 4GB expandable external memory. It also has an inbuilt modem for web surfing.
Featuring a VGA camera, the phone packs image viewer and offers support for 3GP/AVI video player and video recorder.
Other key features include mobile tracker, password protection, call black listing, SMS filter, pre-specified SMS sending,one touch access to different features through navigation keys, phonebook memory with upto 1000 contacts and LED torch.
According to Prem Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, “We are targeting it towards the music aficionados in tier I and tier II cities at an age bracket of 18-35 who. It’s like carrying your own music system along and having a boom time wherever and whenever."
The phone is priced at Rs 3649.
US govt slams BP over oil leak issue.
BP's chief executive Tony Hayward meanwhile admitted he was "gutted" that oil was now starting to clog fragile Louisiana wetlands, as heartrending footage emerged of helpless sea birds slimed by thick, pernicious crude.
As the political fallout from the disaster mounted, BP engineers laid plans for their latest bid to stifle the leak, using a method known as a "top kill" which would see heavy drilling fluids, then cement, injected into the well.
ZEN mobile S10 priced Rs.4999 in Indian market
Equipped with a 2GB memory card, the dual SIM handset comes in metallic body. The phone's memory can be expanded upto 4GB.
Featuring a 2.2-inch TFT screen, Fly S10 packs MP4/MP3 playback system. It has a 2 megapixel camera with flash and FM.
The phone is priced at Rs 4,999.
SC of India stays Death sentence for American centre attacker
A vacation bench comprising Justices G S Singhvi and C K Prasad asked the West Bengal government to respond within four months to a petition filed by Ansari challenging his conviction and death sentence in the case.
The Calcutta High Court in February this year upheld the death sentence given by a lower court to Md. Jamiluddin Nasir and the main accused, Aftab Ansari.
Six policemen were killed and 14 injured in the attack, masterminded by Ansari, stated to be a Dubai-based don.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the death sentence of Jamiluddin Nasir, who was convicted for the 2002 American Centre bomb blast in Kolkata.
TN SSLC results to be announced tomorrow
TamilNadu state SSLC results are to be announced tomorrow. Extensive measures have been taken by the Directorate to publish the results.
Directorate has announced the results will be published by 9 A.M.
Students can check their marks in the following websites
Directorate has announced the results will be published by 9 A.M.
Students can check their marks in the following websites
- tnresults.nic.in/sslc/sslc.htm
- www.pallikalvi.in/
- http://result.dinakaran.com
- results.oneindia.in/
- results.tamilnadueducation.net/
Pune blast suspect arrested by Maharastra ATS
Abdul Samad Bhatkal, younger brother of Pune’s German Bakery blast prime suspect and Indian Mujahideen (IM) operative Yaseen Bhatkal, was picked up by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Monday morning, ostensibly for his alleged involvement in a little-known case of preparing for a supari killing.
Despite the official reason for his arrest,senior police officials told TOI that the 25-yearold native of Karnataka was suspected of having planted the bomb at Pune’s German Bakery on February 13.
Bhatkal’s arrest came 102 days after the devastating blast, which killed 17 persons. He was held soon after he landed on Monday at Mangalore’s Bajpe airport, the same airport that saw the devastating mishap on Saturday morning; he was returning from Dubai.
Despite the official reason for his arrest,senior police officials told TOI that the 25-yearold native of Karnataka was suspected of having planted the bomb at Pune’s German Bakery on February 13.
Bhatkal’s arrest came 102 days after the devastating blast, which killed 17 persons. He was held soon after he landed on Monday at Mangalore’s Bajpe airport, the same airport that saw the devastating mishap on Saturday morning; he was returning from Dubai.
Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani Exp derails, no injuries reported
The New Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani Express derailed in Bihar Tuesday but no one was hurt. A major accident was averted thanks to the train driver, who pulled the emergency brake, officials said.
Fourteen wagons of the Rajdhani Express derailed between Nawgachia and Kharik railway station under Katihar-Barauni rail section in Bhagalpur district, about 200 km from here.
'The driver of the train used the emergency brake after he heard the sound of a blast,' Divisional Railway Manager R.K. Agrawal said.
Fourteen wagons of the Rajdhani Express derailed between Nawgachia and Kharik railway station under Katihar-Barauni rail section in Bhagalpur district, about 200 km from here.
'The driver of the train used the emergency brake after he heard the sound of a blast,' Divisional Railway Manager R.K. Agrawal said.
College student turned to a cooli in TamilNadu as bks refuses Edu loan
Praveena scored 72% in HSc in the yr 2007. In counselling she chose BDS in reputed Medical college in Kancheepuram. During admission the College administration have told her father about the Fee structure.
Her father, a Cooli, thought of applying education loan, approached Indian Bk in Panruti. The officials forwarded the application to Lakshmi Vilas Bk, where the officials demand security worth 10 lacs. As he can't afford , the application was rejected by the officials.
Praveena was debarred from the college for not paying Fees. Her father have sent appeals to TN Chief minister , Prime Minister & the concerned officials. The respective offices have sent a reply saying that steps have been taken to ensure loan sanction process. Despite their reply nothing changed. The dream of a student has blown away. Now she is Working with her family.
Finance ministry directive says that Education loan should be granted without demanding Guarantee documents . But that directive is only in use for politician in every stage to publicise themselves. The future of the young students is in peril.
Published in Dinamalar(Kalvimalar) dated 25-05-2010.
Her father, a Cooli, thought of applying education loan, approached Indian Bk in Panruti. The officials forwarded the application to Lakshmi Vilas Bk, where the officials demand security worth 10 lacs. As he can't afford , the application was rejected by the officials.
Praveena was debarred from the college for not paying Fees. Her father have sent appeals to TN Chief minister , Prime Minister & the concerned officials. The respective offices have sent a reply saying that steps have been taken to ensure loan sanction process. Despite their reply nothing changed. The dream of a student has blown away. Now she is Working with her family.
Finance ministry directive says that Education loan should be granted without demanding Guarantee documents . But that directive is only in use for politician in every stage to publicise themselves. The future of the young students is in peril.
Published in Dinamalar(Kalvimalar) dated 25-05-2010.
Monday, May 24, 2010
GreenPeace finds faults in maintainance of Radioactive reactors in India
An area near shop D-2/32 of about 40-60m wide was further identified as a contaminated zone, although the levels of gamma radiation here were lower. Analysis of the findings showed the source of the gamma radiation to be Cobalt-60.
Chhattisgarh Police arrested six Naxals for their role in the Tarmetala ambush
Among the arrested are Naxal commander Barsa Lakhma.
Briefing media about the arrests, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Amresh Mishra said: "We have arrested six people in two different incidents, including Lakhma last night from Morpali, four kilometers from Chintalnar."
Maruti Alto with K-series engines to be introduced soon
In its quest to be in tune with the latest technology for its hot models Maruti has planned to launch a refined version of the Alto by giving it 1 litre petrol engine derived from K Series. Very recently Maruti Suzuki India had launched its Alto with BS IV complaint 800cc F series engine and now the company wants to give the Alto the latest K series engine.
Ambani Bros agreement would benefit the Shareholders of the Ambani group of Companies
Market experts gave an upbeat reaction to the Ambani brothers agreement to cancel all the existing non-compete pacts between the two groups executed in January 2006.
"It is a very positive development for both the groups as they will be able to deploy their energies in more productive areas now. The move will also drive the shares of the two Ambani groups northwards," Purpleline Investment
British Airways Cabin crew union on a 5 day strike
The walkout in the increasingly bitter feud follows the failure of weekend talks between the Unite union and the airline. A key issue is the union's demand that the airline restore employee travel benefits which the airline suspended following an earlier strike.
The union's joint leader, Tony Woodley, says BA already has secured its aim of cutting 1,700 jobs. Woodley said the dispute has turned personal because he believes the airline dislikes the cabin crew's Unite union branch, the British Airlines Stewards and Stewardesses Association.
Govt expects Rs 15,000 crore through the broadband wireless spectrum auctions (BWA)-A.Raja
The BWA auction has started today and it comes just days after the auctioning of airwave for third-generation mobile-phone operations that fetched the government over Rs 67,000 crore.
Eleven telecom companies, including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, RCom, the Tatas and Qualcom are in the fray for two slots of spectrum. Telcos are expected to participate in the auction aggressively.
The reserve price is Rs 1,750 crore for a pan-India BWA spectrum licence. After experiencing success in 3G spectrum auction the government is now hopeful that the BWA auction would also bring higher revenue windfall. The government expected just Rs 35,000 crore from the sale of both 3G and BWA spectrum.
3G subscriber base would touch 100million by 5 yrs
Research firm Crisil today said that the 3G services industry subscriber base is likely to touch the 100-million mark by the end of its fifth year in operation.
The firm also said that it expects an investment of around Rs 2.6-lakh crore into the segment over the next five years.
"We expect the 3G services industry subscriber base to touch the 100 million mark by the end of the fifth year of operations. Besides this, we are also expecting an investment of Rs 2.6 lakh crore over the next five years, of which 50 per cent would take place by 2010-12," Crisil Research director Nagarajan Narasimhan told reporters here.
The firm also said that it expects an investment of around Rs 2.6-lakh crore into the segment over the next five years.
"We expect the 3G services industry subscriber base to touch the 100 million mark by the end of the fifth year of operations. Besides this, we are also expecting an investment of Rs 2.6 lakh crore over the next five years, of which 50 per cent would take place by 2010-12," Crisil Research director Nagarajan Narasimhan told reporters here.
"I have been given a work and it is incomplete yet; and till I complete it, there is no question of my retirement"
Six years into the top job, the 77-year-old economist-prime minister said he was ready to make way for younger people like Rahul Gandhi, the Congress general secretary who is widely considered to be a prime minister-in-waiting, but added that the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition remained a work in progress and could do much better in the coming years.
Japan to consider sanctions to DPRK
The Japanese government said Monday it was ready to take punitive action against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over the sinking of a South Korean warship in March, Kyodo News reported.
The move would be taken in consultation with South Korea and the United States, the report said.
Earlier in the day, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama instructed cabinet ministers to consider additional sanctions on the DPRK over the South Korean warship issue at a high-level national security meeting.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano told reporters Japan would offer support if the South Korean government referred the incident to the UN Security Council for punitive measures against the DPRK.
The move would be taken in consultation with South Korea and the United States, the report said.
Earlier in the day, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama instructed cabinet ministers to consider additional sanctions on the DPRK over the South Korean warship issue at a high-level national security meeting.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano told reporters Japan would offer support if the South Korean government referred the incident to the UN Security Council for punitive measures against the DPRK.
WestBengal Govt ordered CID probe in Tamang Murder
West Bengal Government on Monday ordered a CID inquiry into the brutal murder of Gorkha leader Madan Tamang, as ten top members of the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), spearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland, resigned from the party in protest against the killing.
Director-General of Police Bhupinder Singh said a CID probe had been ordered into the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president's killing on Friday. He said Special IGP Pankaj Dutta has been sent to Darjeeling and IGP (CID) NN Pande will leave on Tuesday in connection with the probe.
In a setback to the GJM, ten central committee members, including Morcha press secretary Harka Bahadur Chhetri resigned over the killing.
Director-General of Police Bhupinder Singh said a CID probe had been ordered into the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president's killing on Friday. He said Special IGP Pankaj Dutta has been sent to Darjeeling and IGP (CID) NN Pande will leave on Tuesday in connection with the probe.
In a setback to the GJM, ten central committee members, including Morcha press secretary Harka Bahadur Chhetri resigned over the killing.
3G in India soon; global trend to be watched
These operators, including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, Vodafone Essar and Tata Teleservices, have emerged winners in the recently concluded auction that lasted for 34 days. Together, they have agreed to pay as much as Rs 67,718 crore to the Government for buying the spectrum that's required to offer 3G services. For example Vodafone will cough up nearly Rs 11,500 crore for air waves in nine circles while Reliance Communication has won spectrum in 13 circles for Rs 8,585 crore. (see table) But the worry now is whether these operators, in their desperation to get more spectrum, have overbid and as a result will consumers have to pay out a higher fee for availing all the goodies that 3G technology brings? The concerns are not unfounded because similar auctions conducted earlier in Europe ended with operators quoting astronomical amounts resulting in high tariffs.
Don Wales broke the world land speed record for a lawnmower
Don Wales broke the world land speed record for a lawnmower twice this weekend at Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire, west Wales, hitting 86.069mph on Saturday then 87.833mph yesterday. The record had been 80.792mph, set in 2006 at Bonneville flats in America.
"We are very excited and very pleased to have beaten our own record today," said Clare Hansley-Boyd, a spokeswoman for the British team. "We have finished the weekend as world record holders and have improved on yesterday's speed – so we are happy with that."
For the record attempt to qualify, challengers have to use a machine that is certified to be built primarily from lawn mower parts. Proof that it is a mower also has to be produced before the speed attempt, with a public grass cutting demonstration.
The team had hoped to break 100mph, but in the end settled for 87mph. "They're very tired after the efforts they put in over the weekend," Hansley-Boyd said. "It's a bit early to say where we'll be going from here, but I think the 100mph target is something everyone will be aiming at for the future."
Wales is the grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell, who broke the world land speed record driving a car at the same spot in 1924.
Google finally sets regultors permisson to acquire AdMob
The two companies have a significant presence in India.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said it had closed its investigation of Google’s proposed $750-million acquisition of AdMob after reviewing the deal and concluding that it is unlikely to harm competition in the emerging market for mobile advertising n etworks, it said in a statement.
The regulator said it was concerned that the two leading mobile advertising networks were combining, but technology titan Apple Inc’s entry into the business would lessen the effects of the Google-AdMob deal.
Hotmail Revamped
So earlier this week, Hotmail — that old email client that introduced many of us to the world of instant communication — got a makeover. Years after the email client with a proud Indian connection (courtesy, founder Sabeer Bhatia) gave way to younger, roomier and feature-rich email client Gmail, Microsoft appears to have pulled out of its hat an upgrade that is in keeping with the times.
Bangkok Stock trade opens Cautiously
"Investors may be temporarily relieved that a semblance of normalcy has returned but the political risk remains high and investors will likely be cautious," said Warut Siwasariyanon, head of research at Finansia Syrus Securities in Bangkok.
"The big underlying conflict is still there and the wound is deeper than ever even as the roads have been wiped clean."
Insurance firms to shell out Rs.400 crores for Air India towards Mangalore Crash
Insurance firms are already feeling the heat with the national carrier, Air India, and relatives of the passengers who died in the ill-fated Mangalore air disaster set to claim compensation worth hundreds of crores of rupees in the coming days.
It is estimated that insurers may have to collectively shell out compensation claims to the tune of Rs 350-400 crore for loss of 158 human lives and the total destruction of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed.
The Air India (AI) Express aircraft was provided a comprehensive insurance coverage by four private sector general insurance companies led by Reliance General Insurance Co Ltd and co-insured by HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz and Iffco Tokio. The entire AI fleet of 136 aircraft was insured for a total of $8.59 billion at an annual premium of around $24.3 million.
It is estimated that insurers may have to collectively shell out compensation claims to the tune of Rs 350-400 crore for loss of 158 human lives and the total destruction of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed.
The Air India (AI) Express aircraft was provided a comprehensive insurance coverage by four private sector general insurance companies led by Reliance General Insurance Co Ltd and co-insured by HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz and Iffco Tokio. The entire AI fleet of 136 aircraft was insured for a total of $8.59 billion at an annual premium of around $24.3 million.
BJP withdraws its support in Jharkhand Govt.
"The BJP will withdraw support to JMM Government on Monday," state BJP spokesman Sanjay Seth said, a day after a defiant Soren asserted that he will continue as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and was in touch with the Congress.
A BJP delegation led by Jharkhand deputy chief minister Raghuvar Das will meet Governor M O H Farrooq at 11.30 AM on Monday and hand over the letter of withdrawal of support to the JMM Government, Seth said.
Ambani Bros settled dispute in Gas pricing
"All existing non-compete agreements between the two groups executed in January 2006 are cancelled," Anil Ambani group said in a statement.
The harmony comes within a few days of the Supreme Court declining to give any relief to younger brother in the gas dispute.
"A new, simpler non-compete agreement executed and limited to only gas-based power generation. RIL (Mukesh) and RNRL (Anil) will expeditiously negotiate gas supply arrangement as per the Supreme Court order and hope to conclude negotiations very soon," it added.
"I hate goodbyes..but I guess it's time" Message on day before Mangalore Aircrash
All the six crew members aboard the Air India flight which crashed in Mangalore on Saturday morning died. Among them were airhostesses, who had just started living their dreams.
"I hate goodbyes..but I guess it's time," was the haunting message left by Sujata Survase on Orkut a day before she left on the ill-fated flight. Sujata had returned to work after a long vacation and her networking profile reveals how much she enjoyed being home in Mumbai.
Sujata who had worked with Air India for three years had also written about how she hated flying on the KWI sector faced with bad weather and delays which she described as quick death.
"I hate goodbyes..but I guess it's time," was the haunting message left by Sujata Survase on Orkut a day before she left on the ill-fated flight. Sujata had returned to work after a long vacation and her networking profile reveals how much she enjoyed being home in Mumbai.
Sujata who had worked with Air India for three years had also written about how she hated flying on the KWI sector faced with bad weather and delays which she described as quick death.
How safe is it to fly in India?
Mangalore crash raises the obvious question: How safe is it to fly in India? "After a crash, if the pilot is alive, nail him. If he is dead, blame him," goes a saying in our circles. The blame game has already begun even as vital safety deficiencies get swept aside.
* After the crash, the chairman of AAI went on record to say that the Mangalore runway and the airport met International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. But the aiming point (the point where the undercarriage of the aircraft is supposed to touch down on the runway while landing) on the runway does not conform to ICAO standards. Also, if the overrun area had 90 metres of sand laid out as per ICAO specifications for the runway-end safety area, then isn't it strange that the aircraft did not slow down? Are all the other airports in India in a similar state of (un)preparedness for a possible accident?
* After the crash, the chairman of AAI went on record to say that the Mangalore runway and the airport met International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. But the aiming point (the point where the undercarriage of the aircraft is supposed to touch down on the runway while landing) on the runway does not conform to ICAO standards. Also, if the overrun area had 90 metres of sand laid out as per ICAO specifications for the runway-end safety area, then isn't it strange that the aircraft did not slow down? Are all the other airports in India in a similar state of (un)preparedness for a possible accident?
Some Call centres in India sell Banned Drugs
Online pharmacies, mushrooming across the country and cashing in on the increasing demand for controlled psychotropic drugs in countries like the US and Canada, have found competition. The Narcotics Control Bureau has stumbled upon a major call centre in Hyderabad doing illegal business in selling psychotropic substances. The NCB cracked down on this call centre, Limra IT Solutions, and arrested its MD Imran Khan.
NCB sources in Chennai said many such call centres are active in Hyderabad and Bangalore and a few in Chennai are under its scanner. They said spurious drug manufacturers, along with agents and call centres, have turned the sale of controlled psychotropic drugs into a hugely profitable business model. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the US agency for regulation of sales and licencing of pharmacies in that country, has been providing information regarding this in India.
NCB sources in Chennai said many such call centres are active in Hyderabad and Bangalore and a few in Chennai are under its scanner. They said spurious drug manufacturers, along with agents and call centres, have turned the sale of controlled psychotropic drugs into a hugely profitable business model. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the US agency for regulation of sales and licencing of pharmacies in that country, has been providing information regarding this in India.
Godrej acquires Issue Group to emerge as the hair colour, leader in 19 countries across the world
GCPL said it has entered into an agreement to acquire the entire stake of the promoters in Laboratoria Cuenca, Consell SA, Issue Uruguay and Issue Brazil, which is collectively referred to as the Issue Group. TOI reported in its edition dated April 19, 2010, GCPL's move to buy out the Issue Group from its founders, Roberto Hlace and Oscar Villalba.
Did the pilot of Air India plane IX 812 attempt a last-minute take off?
Crucial evidence that could finally unravel the mystery behind Saturday's crash in Mangalore that left 158 people dead has been found and investigators are now trying to find answers to questions like these as they look into what could have possibly gone wrong.
According to sources, the throttle in the cockpit, extricated from the debris, was found in a forward position suggesting that the pilot may have attempted a final thrust to take-off seconds before the crash.
According to sources, the throttle in the cockpit, extricated from the debris, was found in a forward position suggesting that the pilot may have attempted a final thrust to take-off seconds before the crash.
CB-CID Chennai arrests two on Net-Banking fraudulent transactions
On November 5 2009, Tiruchi-based businessman S Salahudeen from Tiruchi noticed an illegal transaction from his account through net banking and alerted the police and bank officials, the police said. The transaction was found to be done by couriers. Cyber cell officials found involvement of eight couriers in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Sangli in Maharashtra.
Change in working style for Traffic policemen in North Indian cities
The summer has forced the men in white to change shifts and style of working. Personnel of city police's traffic branch will soon get parasols (large umbrella) at junctions and protective gear to beat the heat.
According to senior traffic branch officials, the summer is taking a toll on personnel deployed on the road due to prolonged exposure to heat. After several reported incidents of fainting and dehydration, the officials have relaxed working hours.
"We have asked all personnel to consume as much liquid as possible on duty. They have also been asked to stay in shade during lean hours or take rounds in nearby areas to reduce chances of a heat stroke," said Mohan Jha, joint commissioner of police (traffic).
According to senior traffic branch officials, the summer is taking a toll on personnel deployed on the road due to prolonged exposure to heat. After several reported incidents of fainting and dehydration, the officials have relaxed working hours.
"We have asked all personnel to consume as much liquid as possible on duty. They have also been asked to stay in shade during lean hours or take rounds in nearby areas to reduce chances of a heat stroke," said Mohan Jha, joint commissioner of police (traffic).
Black Box of the crashed flight in Mangalore found
The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) of the illfated Air India Express plane were recovered earlier from the crash site and are expected to provide vital clues about the cause of the accident that left 158 passengers and crew dead.
The CVR, which provides conversation details between the pilot and air traffic control and within the cockpit, and the FDR or the 'Black Box', containing technical data, were removed from the wreckage of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the airline sources said.
Teams, probing the worst air tragedy in the country in a decade, had begun their operations early in the morning to locate the CVR and the FDR.
Certain other instruments and aircraft portions, which would be of help in the investigation, have also been extricated from the plane's debris.
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