Tata Teleservices (TTSL) has come up with a industry-first, ‘Customr Service Charter’ initiative wherein the company guarantees pre-determined levels of service and support and which also includes a compensation clause to pay back subscribers if they do not feel that the set levels have been met.
The offer presently is available only to TTSL’s CDMA subscribers under the Tata Indicom brand.
TTSL says that it aims to differentiate itself from competitors in terms of customer service.
The Charter includes five salient propositions identified by TTSL namely The Bill Dispute Commitment, The Call Drop Commitment, The Handset Replacement Commitment, The VAS Commitment and The Call-Back Commitment.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tata DoCoMo in Gujrat Now
Tata Teleservices today launched its GSM services offered under TATA DOCOMO brand name in Gujarat circle.
The company has positioned the tariff for its services under the “Pay-for-what-you-use” model which includes per-second pulse tariff structure.
“The value proposition offered by TATA-DOCOMO is a unique and revolutionary idea which symbolizes the spirit of innovation and inventive genius. This launch is truly a moment of triumph for the consumer. The launch of the pay-per-use concept by TATA-DOCOMO will create a paradigm shift in the overall telecom experience for the customer and provide a service that is refreshingly different,” said Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons.
The company has positioned the tariff for its services under the “Pay-for-what-you-use” model which includes per-second pulse tariff structure.
“The value proposition offered by TATA-DOCOMO is a unique and revolutionary idea which symbolizes the spirit of innovation and inventive genius. This launch is truly a moment of triumph for the consumer. The launch of the pay-per-use concept by TATA-DOCOMO will create a paradigm shift in the overall telecom experience for the customer and provide a service that is refreshingly different,” said Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons.
MicroMax launches its New handset C112 in partnership Tata Indicom
Micromax mobile has rolled out its new handset C112. Micromax has partnered with Tata Indicom offering for its prepaid customers Tata Indicom connection free of cost along with 200 minutes of talk-time with per second billing option.
Subscribers also have a choice of recharging with a RCV of Rs. 38 as many times they want till May 31, 2010. The validity for each installment of promotional talk-time is 30 days.
C112 is a basic handset which is equipped with 1.44 inch screen with 65k colours. The handset weighs only 70gms. The phone is vaunts FM Radio receiver with features like 20 channels and scheduled FM recording. It also comes with a Hindi keypad, a calendar and a mobile tracker.
The handset has a CDMA band (800 Mhz). The Dimensions of the handset are 107*47*12.57. The handset is incorporated with five way navigation key, talk time up to three hours and standby up to five days.
Other features of the handset include:
• Games
• Phonebook Memory – 500
• SMS Memory – 300
• speakerphone
• SMS
Micromax C112 comes with an affordable price tag of Rs. 1699.
Subscribers also have a choice of recharging with a RCV of Rs. 38 as many times they want till May 31, 2010. The validity for each installment of promotional talk-time is 30 days.
C112 is a basic handset which is equipped with 1.44 inch screen with 65k colours. The handset weighs only 70gms. The phone is vaunts FM Radio receiver with features like 20 channels and scheduled FM recording. It also comes with a Hindi keypad, a calendar and a mobile tracker.
The handset has a CDMA band (800 Mhz). The Dimensions of the handset are 107*47*12.57. The handset is incorporated with five way navigation key, talk time up to three hours and standby up to five days.
Other features of the handset include:
• Games
• Phonebook Memory – 500
• SMS Memory – 300
• speakerphone
• SMS
Micromax C112 comes with an affordable price tag of Rs. 1699.
IPL licesed rights to transmit over Mobile platform to vRock
Indian Premier League (IPL), the world's largest cricket league, on Thursday licensed the exclusive rights for its transmission over various mobile platforms across the world.
This move will curtail a revenue stream for the telecom companies, which were offering IPL updates to their customers for a fee.
Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of IPL said the league has partnered with Gurgaon-based vRock Mobile Communications (vRock Mobile) for taking the events and news related to the third edition of IPL to mobile subscribers.
This move will curtail a revenue stream for the telecom companies, which were offering IPL updates to their customers for a fee.
Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of IPL said the league has partnered with Gurgaon-based vRock Mobile Communications (vRock Mobile) for taking the events and news related to the third edition of IPL to mobile subscribers.
Google's Transit to help Commuters of Delhi Metro
Anyone who’s commuted in Delhi knows it’s nothing to blink at. Hour long traffic jams, choking fumes and an endless sea of cyclists, pedestrians, motorbikes, panhandlers, buses, cows, cars and carts make getting around India’s sprawling capital a challenge for even the best equipped. So when the first section of the Delhi metro opened in December 2002, it was hailed by residents as a welcome step towards a pleasant commute.
That being said, even with the construction of the metro, a city as big and ever changing as Delhi makes figuring out how to get from point A to B without asking several passersby (most of whom are likely to be as confused as you are) a challenge – particularly for tourists or those new to the city. That’s why Google Transit, a partnership between Google and Delhi Metro comes as a welcome announcement.
That being said, even with the construction of the metro, a city as big and ever changing as Delhi makes figuring out how to get from point A to B without asking several passersby (most of whom are likely to be as confused as you are) a challenge – particularly for tourists or those new to the city. That’s why Google Transit, a partnership between Google and Delhi Metro comes as a welcome announcement.
Bajaj & Nissan in talks for Ultra low cost Car
A day after Japanese auto major Nissan confessed that it has not found an engineering solution for its proposed 'ultra low-cost car' for India, its partner Bajaj Auto today said the small car project is going on as per the plan.
"The partners are aligned to the project and to the agreed objectives. The project is proceeding as planned," Bajaj Auto Vice-President (Business Development) S Ravikumar said in statement.
The Bajaj comments come in response to a statement made by Nissan Motor executive vice-president Collin Dodge that neither it nor Bajaj Auto has found engineering solutions for the proposed ultra low-cost car.
Nissan and its French partner Renault had joined hands with Bajaj Auto in 2008 to manufacture an ultra low-cost car, whose price tag it initially estimated at $2,500.
"It is over two years that Bajaj is trying to produce the car. The physics of it is very difficult. We have not yet found a solution as there are lot of engineering solutions required," Dodge said on the sidelines of the ongoing Geneva Motor Show yesterday.
He also confirmed that Nissan is talking to the Hindujas flagship Ashok Leyland for developing a small car for the global markets that could be priced around $4,500-5,000.
In response, Ravikumar said Nissan's two Indian projects--with Bajaj Auto and Ashok Leyland--are different and non-conflicting.
"The partners are aligned to the project and to the agreed objectives. The project is proceeding as planned," Bajaj Auto Vice-President (Business Development) S Ravikumar said in statement.
The Bajaj comments come in response to a statement made by Nissan Motor executive vice-president Collin Dodge that neither it nor Bajaj Auto has found engineering solutions for the proposed ultra low-cost car.
Nissan and its French partner Renault had joined hands with Bajaj Auto in 2008 to manufacture an ultra low-cost car, whose price tag it initially estimated at $2,500.
"It is over two years that Bajaj is trying to produce the car. The physics of it is very difficult. We have not yet found a solution as there are lot of engineering solutions required," Dodge said on the sidelines of the ongoing Geneva Motor Show yesterday.
He also confirmed that Nissan is talking to the Hindujas flagship Ashok Leyland for developing a small car for the global markets that could be priced around $4,500-5,000.
In response, Ravikumar said Nissan's two Indian projects--with Bajaj Auto and Ashok Leyland--are different and non-conflicting.
Essar oil's CBM holds double the amount of Gas than estimated
Essar Oil's coal bed methane (CBM) blocks hold about 7 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of recoverable gas resources, more than double the previous estimate, which may be worth over $4 billion at current prices.
"Essar's exploration and production business is set to become a major wealth creator for Essar Oil," the company, which engaged independent consultants to assess reserves in the acreage it holds, said in a filing to the stock exchanges.
Renowned international consultants, Netherland Sewell and Associates Inc and RPS Energy and Advanced Resources Inc of US have certified an aggregate in-place gas resources below coal seams (CBM) of 15 Tcf and recoverable CBM resources of around 7 Tcf in its Raniganj, Rajmahal and Mehsana blocks.
"Essar's exploration and production business is set to become a major wealth creator for Essar Oil," the company, which engaged independent consultants to assess reserves in the acreage it holds, said in a filing to the stock exchanges.
Renowned international consultants, Netherland Sewell and Associates Inc and RPS Energy and Advanced Resources Inc of US have certified an aggregate in-place gas resources below coal seams (CBM) of 15 Tcf and recoverable CBM resources of around 7 Tcf in its Raniganj, Rajmahal and Mehsana blocks.
Indian Cos to hike the salaries this yr
Double-digit salary hikes are likely to be back this year in India with employees expecting an average hike of 10.6% in 2010, the highest in the Asia Pacific, according to a survey conducted by HR consulting firm Hewitt Associates.
The average salary increments had shrunk to just around 6% last year (from around 15% in 2007) as the economic slowdown hit India Inc’s bottomlines.
According to the survey, while the overall average in India will be around 10.6%, Indian-owned companies are expected to outperform multinationals this year, offering better salary hikes. Indian companies are expected to give an average salary hike of about 11.4%, compared to MNCs, which are likely to give hikes of around 10.2%.
“Organisations in India are positive and are looking at measured, realistic growth,” points out Hewitt Associates leader of performance & rewards consulting practice in India Sandeep Chaudhary.
The average salary increments had shrunk to just around 6% last year (from around 15% in 2007) as the economic slowdown hit India Inc’s bottomlines.
According to the survey, while the overall average in India will be around 10.6%, Indian-owned companies are expected to outperform multinationals this year, offering better salary hikes. Indian companies are expected to give an average salary hike of about 11.4%, compared to MNCs, which are likely to give hikes of around 10.2%.
“Organisations in India are positive and are looking at measured, realistic growth,” points out Hewitt Associates leader of performance & rewards consulting practice in India Sandeep Chaudhary.
ANZ banking to reopen its operations in India
Ten years after selling off its business in India, Middle East and other parts of South Asia, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Banking
Group received an in-principle approval from RBI to open a branch in India. To start with, Australia’s largest lender plans to kick off corporate banking to the top-tier corporates and financial institutions, which will be followed by retail banking for the higher end of the market.
StanChart had taken over ANZ operations in the Middle-East and South Asia and the associated private banking business of Grindlays for $1.34 billion in 2000. This amount also included a goodwill amount of $700 million. Incidentally, when the operations were sold, ANZ Grindlays had 29 branches in 15 cities in India while StanChart had 19 branches in eight cities.
Group received an in-principle approval from RBI to open a branch in India. To start with, Australia’s largest lender plans to kick off corporate banking to the top-tier corporates and financial institutions, which will be followed by retail banking for the higher end of the market.
StanChart had taken over ANZ operations in the Middle-East and South Asia and the associated private banking business of Grindlays for $1.34 billion in 2000. This amount also included a goodwill amount of $700 million. Incidentally, when the operations were sold, ANZ Grindlays had 29 branches in 15 cities in India while StanChart had 19 branches in eight cities.
ZiCom to restruct its business model
Zicom Electronic Security Systems surged 16% to Rs 131, after the company announced strategic restructuring in its business model.
The stock opened at Rs 113 and touched 52-week high of Rs 134. As many as 1.58 million shares have changed hands so far on the BSE, as compared to an average 83,000 shares that were traded in last two weeks.
Zicom has signed a Business Transfer Agreement with Schneider Electric for the integration of business comprising Building Solutions Group (BSG) and Special Projects Group (SPG) business that caters to institutional and government markets. The total consideration for the sale is for an amount not higher than Rs 224.75 crore.
The stock opened at Rs 113 and touched 52-week high of Rs 134. As many as 1.58 million shares have changed hands so far on the BSE, as compared to an average 83,000 shares that were traded in last two weeks.
Zicom has signed a Business Transfer Agreement with Schneider Electric for the integration of business comprising Building Solutions Group (BSG) and Special Projects Group (SPG) business that caters to institutional and government markets. The total consideration for the sale is for an amount not higher than Rs 224.75 crore.
Senate passes Jobs bill
After stalling briefly, the Democrats' jobs agenda regained momentum on Thursday as the House passed one measure designed to boost employment and the Senate pressed forward on a more ambitious bill that is expected to come to a vote next week.
The House voted 217 to 201 to approve a $15 billion measure that would give tax breaks to companies for hiring new employees. Six Republicans joined the vast majority of Democrats in supporting the bill, which also includes a one-year reauthorization of the law governing federal highway funding, as well as an expansion of the Build America Bonds program and a provision allowing companies to write off equipment purchases.
The House voted 217 to 201 to approve a $15 billion measure that would give tax breaks to companies for hiring new employees. Six Republicans joined the vast majority of Democrats in supporting the bill, which also includes a one-year reauthorization of the law governing federal highway funding, as well as an expansion of the Build America Bonds program and a provision allowing companies to write off equipment purchases.
Shiv Shankar Menon in Afghan with Security proposal to protect 4,000 Indians there
Carrying certain proposals for ensuring security of about 4,000 Indians in Afghanistan, National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon arrived here today to discuss the issue with the Afghan leadership.
During his two-day visit, Mr Menon will meet President Hamid Karzai and some other leaders of Afghanistan.
Soon after his arrival, Mr Menon held discussions with Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad on the safety of 4,000 nationals working on various projects across Afghanistan in the backdrop of last Friday's attack here.
During his two-day visit, Mr Menon will meet President Hamid Karzai and some other leaders of Afghanistan.
Soon after his arrival, Mr Menon held discussions with Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad on the safety of 4,000 nationals working on various projects across Afghanistan in the backdrop of last Friday's attack here.
Extra small condoms in Swiss causes mixed reaction
There is controversy in Switzerland over a new brand of extra small condoms that has gone on sale for boys as young as 12.
Called the Hot Shot, the condoms were produced after government research showed a growing number of 12 to 14-year-olds were sexually active.
Swiss manufacturer Lamprecht AG is marketing the new Hot Shot as the condom that "fits when passion hits".
It is smaller than the average - not in length but in diameter.
Called the Hot Shot, the condoms were produced after government research showed a growing number of 12 to 14-year-olds were sexually active.
Swiss manufacturer Lamprecht AG is marketing the new Hot Shot as the condom that "fits when passion hits".
It is smaller than the average - not in length but in diameter.
2 Person on board dead as Monstrous waves hit the cruise
Passengers on board a cruise ship that was hit by monstrous waves in the Mediterranean described scenes of pandemonium as water shattered windows and poured through the vessel.
Two passengers, a German and an Italian, died, and a spokesman for the ship’s owner, Louis Cruise Lines, said they had been killed by flying glass and moving furniture when the waves hit on Wednesday.
The spokesman said 14 other passengers suffered minor injuries. The ship, which was carrying 1,350 passengers and 580 crew members, was hit with three waves of more than 33 feet off the northeast coast of Spain, the spokesman said.
Large waves are not rare in the Mediterranean, but ones that size occur only once or twice a year, said an oceanographer with the Spanish government.
Two passengers, a German and an Italian, died, and a spokesman for the ship’s owner, Louis Cruise Lines, said they had been killed by flying glass and moving furniture when the waves hit on Wednesday.
The spokesman said 14 other passengers suffered minor injuries. The ship, which was carrying 1,350 passengers and 580 crew members, was hit with three waves of more than 33 feet off the northeast coast of Spain, the spokesman said.
Large waves are not rare in the Mediterranean, but ones that size occur only once or twice a year, said an oceanographer with the Spanish government.
It could take us more than 4 Yrs to Reconstruct - Chileans
Chile's president says it will take three years to rebuild the region wracked by an earthquake and tsunami, something all too clear to the people cleaning up this splintered tourist town.
Dichato is nestled between pine-forested hills and a lovely sheltered bay where colorful fishing boats served coastal communities and export companies. Its population of 4,000 triples each January and February with tourists — many were in town when disaster struck — and residents count on that brief summer vacation for much of their income.
Dichato is nestled between pine-forested hills and a lovely sheltered bay where colorful fishing boats served coastal communities and export companies. Its population of 4,000 triples each January and February with tourists — many were in town when disaster struck — and residents count on that brief summer vacation for much of their income.
Taliban tries to convert my SON - says father of Robin singh released by Taliban
Desperate for the safe release of his 32-year-old son Robin Singh from the Pakistani Taliban, Toronto-based Bishan Dass said his son faces threat of conversion.
An IT professional with degrees from the US, Robin Singh was kidnapped by the militants in Peshawar Feb 12 for a ransom of 10 million rupees. A father of three sons, Singh is one of the four Sikhs abducted recently by the Pakistan Taliban from Peshawar for ransom.
"My wife Shama and I have been broken by this tragic happening. We don't have the money pay, and we don't know what to do. We have slept very little since then,'' 70-year-old Dass said.
An IT professional with degrees from the US, Robin Singh was kidnapped by the militants in Peshawar Feb 12 for a ransom of 10 million rupees. A father of three sons, Singh is one of the four Sikhs abducted recently by the Pakistan Taliban from Peshawar for ransom.
"My wife Shama and I have been broken by this tragic happening. We don't have the money pay, and we don't know what to do. We have slept very little since then,'' 70-year-old Dass said.
Women Scientist in BARC commits Suicide in her apartment
Tital Pal, a 27-year-old woman scientist working with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), committed suicide at her home near here, police said Thursday.
Her body was found by some colleagues late Wednesday night hanging from a ceiling fan on the 14th floor residence at the Nilgiri Apartments, a BARC staff quarters at Anushakti Nagar, north-east Mumbai. No suicide note has been found by the police.
Pal was planning to get married and live in Kolkata, officials said.
Her body was found by some colleagues late Wednesday night hanging from a ceiling fan on the 14th floor residence at the Nilgiri Apartments, a BARC staff quarters at Anushakti Nagar, north-east Mumbai. No suicide note has been found by the police.
Pal was planning to get married and live in Kolkata, officials said.
Maha govt draft budget has more money for security & development
The February 13 blast at German Bakery that took 17 lives and brought the city up-close to terror has had a deep impact on the Rs 3,196.12-crore draft budget for 2010-2011 tabled by outgoing standing committee chairman Nilesh Nikam on Thursday.
Installation of closed circuit television cameras in the busy parts of the city, new fire stations and more ambulances to handle crises have been recommended by the draft budget.
Installation of closed circuit television cameras in the busy parts of the city, new fire stations and more ambulances to handle crises have been recommended by the draft budget.
Godman arrested over sex racket reveals some influential names
The sex racket run by ‘godman’ Shiv Murat Dwivedi seems to have some influential names involved in it.
The godman was arrested last week by south district police for running a sex racket from his ashram.
Police investigations have revealed now that a TV actress was also actively involved in the racket.
The godman was arrested last week by south district police for running a sex racket from his ashram.
Police investigations have revealed now that a TV actress was also actively involved in the racket.
FBI to investigate on 2 Police officers shooting in the Pentagon station
An investigation into the shooting of two police officers outside the Pentagon subway station will close the transit hub Friday, affecting the commute of thousands of Washington-area residents, transit officials said.
A man calmly and cooly approached the officers Thursday, before pulling a gun out of his pocket and grazing them, authorities said. The two Pentagon Force Protection Agency officers returned fire with their semi-automatic weapons, critically wounding him, said Pentagon Police Chief Richard S. Keevill.
Subway trains will bypass the Pentagon station Friday as the FBI investigates, transit officials said.
A man calmly and cooly approached the officers Thursday, before pulling a gun out of his pocket and grazing them, authorities said. The two Pentagon Force Protection Agency officers returned fire with their semi-automatic weapons, critically wounding him, said Pentagon Police Chief Richard S. Keevill.
Subway trains will bypass the Pentagon station Friday as the FBI investigates, transit officials said.
Oz PM Kevin Rudd condemns killing of Child in Melbourne
A three-year-old boy of an Indian family holidaying here went missing and was found dead on the outskirts of Melbourne with no signs of trauma or bruises. The child, Gurshan Singh, was holidaying there with his parents.
Police are hunting a child killer after Gurshan's body was found near Melbourne airport. He had gone missing while his mother was having a shower in a Lylo home near Melbourne on Thursday.
Police are hunting a child killer after Gurshan's body was found near Melbourne airport. He had gone missing while his mother was having a shower in a Lylo home near Melbourne on Thursday.
Naxals plan protest against Haripur atomic plant
The Naxals are planning to launch protest similar to the one witnessed in Nandigram against the government's drive to acquire land to build an atomic power plant.
This has come to light after the arrest of Telugu Deepak, a prominent Naxal leader on March 2 from Kolkata. Deepak is a crucial catch for West Bengal police as he was the man said to be the mastermind behind the attack on security forces in Sildah.
This has come to light after the arrest of Telugu Deepak, a prominent Naxal leader on March 2 from Kolkata. Deepak is a crucial catch for West Bengal police as he was the man said to be the mastermind behind the attack on security forces in Sildah.
Thane court orders imprisonment sentence for 4 officers ..
Erin Brockovich may not quite be here, but a Thane court order has got greens grinning from ear to ear. Four officials of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation have been sentenced to two years’ simple imprisonment for their apathy in checking the flow of pollutants into the Vasai Creek.
In perhaps the first time that the new anti-pollution law has been used for prosecution, Thane chief judicial magistrate S M Bhosale found VVMC deputy municipal commissioners Govind Pawar, Vilas Dhage, Devidas Tekhale and Maruti Kodke guilty of dereliction of duty. He also held them responsible for the civic agency’s failure to set up a sewage treatment plant in the taluka.
In perhaps the first time that the new anti-pollution law has been used for prosecution, Thane chief judicial magistrate S M Bhosale found VVMC deputy municipal commissioners Govind Pawar, Vilas Dhage, Devidas Tekhale and Maruti Kodke guilty of dereliction of duty. He also held them responsible for the civic agency’s failure to set up a sewage treatment plant in the taluka.
Govt sensititive towards price rise - PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday said the rising prices of essential commodities was a "byproduct" of global inflation and that his government was sensitive towards the issue.
"I will be the last one to deny that the behaviour of food prices in the last one year is something which doesn't worry us. We have been worried... The house has my assurance that if any practical methods can further bring relief to our people our government will always be sensitive to the concerns of the house," Manmohan Singh said, speaking on the motion of thanks to President Pratibha Patil for her address to the joint session of parliament.
"I will be the last one to deny that the behaviour of food prices in the last one year is something which doesn't worry us. We have been worried... The house has my assurance that if any practical methods can further bring relief to our people our government will always be sensitive to the concerns of the house," Manmohan Singh said, speaking on the motion of thanks to President Pratibha Patil for her address to the joint session of parliament.
LG Cookie GD510 to be launched in India
It might have sold over 1 million units across the globe since its launch, but LG thought it was only now, 6 months after the international launch that they should bring the GD510 to India.
The phone will be known as the "Cookie Pep" in India - thanks to the brand value that the Cookie has in India. LG has described the GD510 as the most compact 3-inch full touchscreen handset and we agree with that. The phone, like its competitors, comes with scores of applications and social networking features - and is aimed at youngsters.
The phone will be known as the "Cookie Pep" in India - thanks to the brand value that the Cookie has in India. LG has described the GD510 as the most compact 3-inch full touchscreen handset and we agree with that. The phone, like its competitors, comes with scores of applications and social networking features - and is aimed at youngsters.
BSNL has 1 Lac employees in excess - reports
Bharat Sanchar Nigram Ltd, the state run telecom company, should retire or transfer 100,000 employees and should consider divesting a 30
percent stake, the Business Line reported, citing recommendations from a committee headed by Sam Pitroda, an advisor to the prime minister.
“BSNL needs to improve organisation performance and employee productivity substantially. Retire or transfer around 100,000 employees through best possible processes such as voluntary retirement scheme (VRS),” stated the committee according to the news report.
percent stake, the Business Line reported, citing recommendations from a committee headed by Sam Pitroda, an advisor to the prime minister.
“BSNL needs to improve organisation performance and employee productivity substantially. Retire or transfer around 100,000 employees through best possible processes such as voluntary retirement scheme (VRS),” stated the committee according to the news report.
China annouonced a little increase to its military in its budget
China on Thursday announced its smallest defence budget increase in years amid national belt-tightening, and vowed that its rapid military modernization posed no threat to other countries.
The proposed military budget for 2010 is 532.1 billion yuan ($77.9 billion), up 7.5% from actual defence spending in 2009, a government spokesman said.
The figure breaks a string of double-digit increases going back many years that has caused worry among China's neighbours and the US over the objectives of an effort to rapidly modernise its once-backward armed forces.
The proposed military budget for 2010 is 532.1 billion yuan ($77.9 billion), up 7.5% from actual defence spending in 2009, a government spokesman said.
The figure breaks a string of double-digit increases going back many years that has caused worry among China's neighbours and the US over the objectives of an effort to rapidly modernise its once-backward armed forces.
Nithyananda blames an ashram inmate for the episode.
Swami Nithyananda Paramahamsar, whose alleged sexual acts were shown in a private Tamil TV channel, claimed that he was innocent and blamed an ashram inmate for the episode.
In his affidavit filed in a civil court in the city, the swamy said that one Perumananda alias Lenin Karupannan joined the ashram for “peace” but later started creating all kinds of nuisances on the ashram premises and caused hardship to the inmates.
He wanted to destroy religious sentiments and made false propaganda and defamatory statements against the swamy and the ashram.
In his affidavit filed in a civil court in the city, the swamy said that one Perumananda alias Lenin Karupannan joined the ashram for “peace” but later started creating all kinds of nuisances on the ashram premises and caused hardship to the inmates.
He wanted to destroy religious sentiments and made false propaganda and defamatory statements against the swamy and the ashram.
Major aircraft manufacturers to step up their operations in India
Boeing and Airbus remain upbeat over India’s aviation growth potential. Airbus, in fact, on Thursday upped its 20-year global market forecast for the country, saying India will need 1,032 new aircraft worth $138 billion by 2028.
Its’ last forecast released two years back had said that the country would need 992 aircraft worth $105 billion over the same period.
Boeing’s current market outlook (2009-2028) for India is only a shade a little less optimistic. The US major predicts the country will require 1,000 aircraft worth $100 billion over the next two decades. “There are all signs that Indian airlines are emerging from the recent downturn,” said Boeing (India) head Dinesh Keskar.
Its’ last forecast released two years back had said that the country would need 992 aircraft worth $105 billion over the same period.
Boeing’s current market outlook (2009-2028) for India is only a shade a little less optimistic. The US major predicts the country will require 1,000 aircraft worth $100 billion over the next two decades. “There are all signs that Indian airlines are emerging from the recent downturn,” said Boeing (India) head Dinesh Keskar.
Yeddyurappa to prasent budget---
When Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa walks into the Assembly to present a fifth successive Budget on Friday, he will be the first person to admit that Budget 2010-11 exercise proved to be more difficult than the previous four.
At a time when the global recession is yet to fade out, and with the position of public finances in the doldrums, Yeddyurappa has the twin task of balancing a healthy fiscal position without burdening the common man, besides ensuring that there was no deviation from the populism that had been a hallmark of his Budgets.
At a time when the global recession is yet to fade out, and with the position of public finances in the doldrums, Yeddyurappa has the twin task of balancing a healthy fiscal position without burdening the common man, besides ensuring that there was no deviation from the populism that had been a hallmark of his Budgets.
We killed him because he was a friend turned enemy -Maoists
Maoist military commander in Bengal, Venkateswar Reddy alias Telugu Deepak, has confirmed that his men — and not the CPM — gunned down senior Trinamool Congress leader Nishikanta Mondal in Nandigram because he “betrayed them”.
Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee had all along accused CPM of the killing, though Kishanji claimed responsibility for the murder. Deepak’s statement indicates that no matter how close one is to the Maoists, their ‘friendship’ comes at a price.
Deepak, who is learnt to be handling interrogators with ease, answering questions selectively, surprisingly opened up on the Nishikanta killing, say sources. “We killed him because he was a friend turned enemy,” he is reported to have said.
Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee had all along accused CPM of the killing, though Kishanji claimed responsibility for the murder. Deepak’s statement indicates that no matter how close one is to the Maoists, their ‘friendship’ comes at a price.
Deepak, who is learnt to be handling interrogators with ease, answering questions selectively, surprisingly opened up on the Nishikanta killing, say sources. “We killed him because he was a friend turned enemy,” he is reported to have said.
NHAI increases the distance between Delhi & Meerut expressway
As it embarks on an ambitious plan to construct highways to criss-cross the country, government may be making people pay more by getting them to travel longer on a tolled road.
This is evident from the way the proposed alignment of Delhi-Meerut expressway has been finalized. As per details available , NHAI had carried out a feasibility study and detailed project report to improve connectivity between the two cities by widening a portion of NH-58 from Delhi border upto Hindon river, and a new 4-lane road between Hindon and Meerut bypassing Ghaziabad, Muradnagar and Modinagar, which could come to 44km. Later, it was decided to construct a 66km expressway instead.
This is evident from the way the proposed alignment of Delhi-Meerut expressway has been finalized. As per details available , NHAI had carried out a feasibility study and detailed project report to improve connectivity between the two cities by widening a portion of NH-58 from Delhi border upto Hindon river, and a new 4-lane road between Hindon and Meerut bypassing Ghaziabad, Muradnagar and Modinagar, which could come to 44km. Later, it was decided to construct a 66km expressway instead.
Temple stampede in UP - another stampede death after 2004 in UP
Sixty-three people, all women and children, were killed and another 64 injured in a massive stampede at an ashram at Mangarh in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.
The tragic incident took place when a portion of the entrance gate collapsed under pressure of the surging crowd that thronged the ashram belonging to Kripalu Maharaj to collect food and utensils. The dead included 37 children and 26 women. An official spokesman put the death toll at 61.
The function at the ashram, located 80 km from the district headquarters of Pratapgarh and about 200 km from here, was held to commemorate the death anniversary of Kripalu Maharaj's wife.
The tragic incident took place when a portion of the entrance gate collapsed under pressure of the surging crowd that thronged the ashram belonging to Kripalu Maharaj to collect food and utensils. The dead included 37 children and 26 women. An official spokesman put the death toll at 61.
The function at the ashram, located 80 km from the district headquarters of Pratapgarh and about 200 km from here, was held to commemorate the death anniversary of Kripalu Maharaj's wife.
Retired Women army officer sentenced for a year
For the first time in the Army, a woman officer, who retired in 2007, was sentenced to one-year rigorous imprisonment and cashiered on Thursday by a general court martial (GCM).
Major Dimple Singla, 37, who had served in Judge Advocate General branch for 10 years under short service commission, was found guilty by GCM under sections 63 and 69 of Army Act (read with Prevention of Corruption Act).
Major Dimple Singla, 37, who had served in Judge Advocate General branch for 10 years under short service commission, was found guilty by GCM under sections 63 and 69 of Army Act (read with Prevention of Corruption Act).
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