A Truly International Hypermarket Shopping Experience Comes to Jaipur
HyperCITY Retail (India) Ltd inaugurated its hypermarket format at Triton Mall, in Jaipur on Friday. The new store is spread across 40,000 sq feet, offers a wide and authoritative selection of innovative products sourced from both local and international markets. The store will be host to merchandise viz. food, grocery, electronics, appliances, home ware and linen, fashion, children’s toys & games and sports goods.
Speaking on the inaugural, Mr. Andrew Levermore, CEO HyperCITY said- “We are happy to launch HyperCITY at Triton Mall in Jaipur. With HyperCITY, we aim to provide a rich shopping experience in a large, modern and exciting environment, where customers will have a wide assortment to choose from at great value.”
-- Over 40,000 sq feet of international shopping experience
-- Great assortment at great value
-- Exciting new offers everyday
-- Exclusive International Quality brands - Raleigh Bicycles, Ebano, Avorio, Waitrose U.K., Maxit, Organica
-- Eco-friendly home delivery bikes and Bio-degradable carry bags
HyperCITY Jaipur promises customers an opportunity to ‘Discover something new’ and exciting every time they walk into the store. The store will stock Fresh produce (vegetables and fruits), home appliances, Home entertainment, Hi-tech, sports goods, toys, Home ware and fashion, all at unmatched value.
Be sure to fine top notch brands across Home-entertainment, Hi-tech & Appliances, at affordable prices. From small & large appliances, digital cameras, scanners, laptops, state-of-the-art surround systems & LCD televisions to MP3 players & video games; Hypercity is a one stop shop for all your needs.
Sports enthusiast and health fitness conscious will find an exhaustive range of sports equipment from leading brands. With its wide selection of fashion clothing, accessories and footwear, HyperCITY offers everything that the customer needs to step out in style.
HyperCITY Jaipur will also house a plethora of exclusive brands across categories like Food, Home, and General Merchandise. ‘Raleigh’ the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer and ‘Waitrose’ the food shops of John Lewis Partnership, to name a few; will find home at HyperCITY. HyperCITY being a socially responsible retailer will also offer customers 100% bio-degradable carry bags.
About Hypercity
Hypercity Retail (India) Ltd. is part of the K. Raheja Corp. Group, a leader in the Indian retail sector. Hypercity, a hypermarket in the true sense, has two stores in Mumbai & Navi Mumbai which stock a wide array of product categories like—groceries, food, home needs, fresh food, garments, sports & fitness equipment, consumer durables—and offers time-pressed consumers more convenience, variety and value for their money, all under one roof. Hypercity has won many national & international awards, including the prestigious U.S. International Design Awards, New York under the Large Format Specialty Store category for its first outlet at Malad in Mumbai.
Thanks Business Wire India
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tanla Solutions Ltd Announces the Deployment of its 3G Platform with MTNL
Tanla Solutions Ltd., the leading telecommunications software and services provider with worldwide operations today announced deployment of its 3G VAS platform with state owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL). Tanla now has the distinction of being the first company to have live services over a 3G network in India.
MTNL is the first Indian mobile operator to launch 3G services in India and the services were formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.
Commenting on the occasion Mr. Uday Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, Tanla Solutions Ltd said “We are proud to be associated with MTNL in this marquee event and look forward to operationalising our international suite of products and services here in India. Tanla is helping operators attract new users and build loyalty with existing customers by offering the newest applications and services supported by third generation networks.”
Tanla‘s 3G VAS platform enables a number of Video based interactive applications like Video IVR Portals, Video Chat, Video SMS and Video alerts. This enables mobile operators and service providers to enhance portal offerings with feature-rich, personalized video interactivity. The visual component of services created with Tanla’s Video IVR platform makes the user experience much more intuitive and attractive than traditional voice-or-text based services and is proven to drive the uptake of 3G services like Video Calling.
Other deployments of Tanla’s 3G platform within the sub continent include Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka’s largest network with over 5 million subscribers.
Tanla Solutions Ltd was recently named as the Seventh fastest growing company in India as part of the Deloitte Fast 50 program. Its Finnish subsidiary Tanla Oy (formerly Openbit Oy) was ranked 2nd in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Finland 2008 program. With the combined strength of its subsidiary businesses Tanla now operates in over 50 countries with over 150 operator relationships.
Tanla Mobile is one of the youngest and fasted growing Network Aggregators working in partnership with leading operators like MTN, Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Airtel and 3 amongst others. Tanla Oy’s mobile payments and application rights management solution is now on tens of millions of Nokia and other smartphones powering Navigation, Business and Entertainment applications.
About Tanla Solutions Ltd:
Tanla is a leading provider of Telecom infrastructure headquartered in Hyderabad, India with offices in London, New York, Dubai, Madrid, Singapore, Dublin, Helsinki, Tampere, Johannesburg and Colombo. It is listed on both the National and Mumbai Stock Exchanges (Reuters TNSL.BO and Bloomberg TANS: IN). For the half year ending 30th September 2008, Tanla recorded Revenues in excess of Rs.381 crores and Net Profit of almost Rs.127 crores. Tanla was awarded the Deloitte Fast 50 award and named as the Seventh fastest growing company in India as part of the Deloitte survey. Tanla Mobile is a leading innovator of next-generation mobile application solutions, m-commerce and interactive services. Tanla Mobile works in partnership with global mobile operators across Asia, Europe and North America to deliver and bill mobile content over SMS, WAP, MMS, Video, etc. Its product suite includes Mobile Payments Solutions, Campaign Management, Content Management, 3G Video Management and Interactive TV Management applications, all of which are supported by powerful online reporting and CRM tools. Tanla OY, Finland (formerly Openbit Oy) is recognized as a leading provider of solutions that seamlessly integrate on-device payment and mobile application rights management, with an installed base of tens of millions of handsets worldwide. Tanla Oy has been ranked 2nd in the Technology Fast 50 Finland 2008 program.
Visit www.tanla.com and www.openbit.com for further details.
Thanks Business Wire India
MTNL is the first Indian mobile operator to launch 3G services in India and the services were formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.
Commenting on the occasion Mr. Uday Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, Tanla Solutions Ltd said “We are proud to be associated with MTNL in this marquee event and look forward to operationalising our international suite of products and services here in India. Tanla is helping operators attract new users and build loyalty with existing customers by offering the newest applications and services supported by third generation networks.”
Tanla‘s 3G VAS platform enables a number of Video based interactive applications like Video IVR Portals, Video Chat, Video SMS and Video alerts. This enables mobile operators and service providers to enhance portal offerings with feature-rich, personalized video interactivity. The visual component of services created with Tanla’s Video IVR platform makes the user experience much more intuitive and attractive than traditional voice-or-text based services and is proven to drive the uptake of 3G services like Video Calling.
Other deployments of Tanla’s 3G platform within the sub continent include Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka’s largest network with over 5 million subscribers.
Tanla Solutions Ltd was recently named as the Seventh fastest growing company in India as part of the Deloitte Fast 50 program. Its Finnish subsidiary Tanla Oy (formerly Openbit Oy) was ranked 2nd in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Finland 2008 program. With the combined strength of its subsidiary businesses Tanla now operates in over 50 countries with over 150 operator relationships.
Tanla Mobile is one of the youngest and fasted growing Network Aggregators working in partnership with leading operators like MTN, Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Airtel and 3 amongst others. Tanla Oy’s mobile payments and application rights management solution is now on tens of millions of Nokia and other smartphones powering Navigation, Business and Entertainment applications.
About Tanla Solutions Ltd:
Tanla is a leading provider of Telecom infrastructure headquartered in Hyderabad, India with offices in London, New York, Dubai, Madrid, Singapore, Dublin, Helsinki, Tampere, Johannesburg and Colombo. It is listed on both the National and Mumbai Stock Exchanges (Reuters TNSL.BO and Bloomberg TANS: IN). For the half year ending 30th September 2008, Tanla recorded Revenues in excess of Rs.381 crores and Net Profit of almost Rs.127 crores. Tanla was awarded the Deloitte Fast 50 award and named as the Seventh fastest growing company in India as part of the Deloitte survey. Tanla Mobile is a leading innovator of next-generation mobile application solutions, m-commerce and interactive services. Tanla Mobile works in partnership with global mobile operators across Asia, Europe and North America to deliver and bill mobile content over SMS, WAP, MMS, Video, etc. Its product suite includes Mobile Payments Solutions, Campaign Management, Content Management, 3G Video Management and Interactive TV Management applications, all of which are supported by powerful online reporting and CRM tools. Tanla OY, Finland (formerly Openbit Oy) is recognized as a leading provider of solutions that seamlessly integrate on-device payment and mobile application rights management, with an installed base of tens of millions of handsets worldwide. Tanla Oy has been ranked 2nd in the Technology Fast 50 Finland 2008 program.
Visit www.tanla.com and www.openbit.com for further details.
Thanks Business Wire India
In-spite of Recession, Science & Technology in India has shown Steady Growth – Prof. CNR Rao
The technical sessions at the 2nd Bangalore Nano began today with the opening address by Professor CNR Rao, Chairman of the Science Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister of India, followed by highlight lectures and scientific presentations by Prof. Pulickel M. Ajayan, Rice University and Prof. Dipankar Chakravorty - Indian Association for The Cultivation of Science. Bangalore Nano 2008 is jointly organised by The Department of IT, BT and Science & Technology, Govt. of Karnataka and JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research) and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications at the Grand Ashok Hotel, Bangalore.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor C N R Rao, said, “Nano Technology has tremendous potential and I see lot of young people taking a keen interest in this field. In India, in spite of the economic slowdown, science & technology has done well and has shown steady growth. In the past year or so many positive developments have taken place in the NanoTech field. Even though science is not very attractive monetarily, many youngsters have shown great interest in R&D. The future seems very exciting with large scale applications waiting to happen in NanoTech.”
Professor CNR Rao, advices students to beware of Educational institutions that offer Masters Degree in NanoTechnology. “Please beware of institutes that offer Masters Degree in Nanotechnology. The field of nanotech is still in a nascent stage and one cannot give a master's degree in Nano. R&D is fine but not a master's degree.” he said.
Presenting a highlight lecture on the future and challenges in engineering at the nanoscale Prof. Pulickel M. Ajayan, said, “The status of India has gone up in recent times. There are good investments coming-in and many youngsters are being motivated towards science & nanotech. The major challenge facing the Nano industry is nanoengineering. One of the best examples is the Carbon Nano tube. The various approaches that have been taken to develop applications using carbon nano tubes are a blend of the traditional top-down approach and the bottom-up approach, but there are several bottle necks in that approach.”
Prof. Dipankar Chakravorty spoke on his recent findings on composites containing nanocore shell, nanowires and nanosheet structures.
The various topics that are addressed in the 2nd Bangalore Nano 2008 are - Nano Biotechnology Health & Pharma industry & manufacturing, Nano food & agriculture, Chemicals & Nano materials, ICT & Electronics Energy, Environment & Greentech. A panel discussion will also be held on Nano Vision & Nano Mission. A special program for children "Nano for the Young" is being organized on December 12, 2008. The 2nd Bangalore Nano 2008 features a Poster Session, where-in young Scientists and Researchers are given the opportunity to share their Innovations and Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology with the Industry, Research Institutes and Venture Capitalists. About 75 posters from IITs, NITs, Michigan Technological University, CSIR, NCBS, IISc, JNCASR, AIIMS, etc. are presented during the event.
Thanks Business Wire India
Speaking on the occasion, Professor C N R Rao, said, “Nano Technology has tremendous potential and I see lot of young people taking a keen interest in this field. In India, in spite of the economic slowdown, science & technology has done well and has shown steady growth. In the past year or so many positive developments have taken place in the NanoTech field. Even though science is not very attractive monetarily, many youngsters have shown great interest in R&D. The future seems very exciting with large scale applications waiting to happen in NanoTech.”
Professor CNR Rao, advices students to beware of Educational institutions that offer Masters Degree in NanoTechnology. “Please beware of institutes that offer Masters Degree in Nanotechnology. The field of nanotech is still in a nascent stage and one cannot give a master's degree in Nano. R&D is fine but not a master's degree.” he said.
Presenting a highlight lecture on the future and challenges in engineering at the nanoscale Prof. Pulickel M. Ajayan, said, “The status of India has gone up in recent times. There are good investments coming-in and many youngsters are being motivated towards science & nanotech. The major challenge facing the Nano industry is nanoengineering. One of the best examples is the Carbon Nano tube. The various approaches that have been taken to develop applications using carbon nano tubes are a blend of the traditional top-down approach and the bottom-up approach, but there are several bottle necks in that approach.”
Prof. Dipankar Chakravorty spoke on his recent findings on composites containing nanocore shell, nanowires and nanosheet structures.
The various topics that are addressed in the 2nd Bangalore Nano 2008 are - Nano Biotechnology Health & Pharma industry & manufacturing, Nano food & agriculture, Chemicals & Nano materials, ICT & Electronics Energy, Environment & Greentech. A panel discussion will also be held on Nano Vision & Nano Mission. A special program for children "Nano for the Young" is being organized on December 12, 2008. The 2nd Bangalore Nano 2008 features a Poster Session, where-in young Scientists and Researchers are given the opportunity to share their Innovations and Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology with the Industry, Research Institutes and Venture Capitalists. About 75 posters from IITs, NITs, Michigan Technological University, CSIR, NCBS, IISc, JNCASR, AIIMS, etc. are presented during the event.
Thanks Business Wire India
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Intel Honours Innovative Young Scientists
In its third consecutive year, IRIS (Initiative for Research & Innovation in Science), India’s largest science initiative for students and a government and private partnership between Department of Science and Technology (DST), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Intel was scheduled from 4th -6th December in Kolkata.
IRIS, which promotes innovation with students in science and technology, concluded today with the announcement of the winners (refer the attached document). This year, with more than 1000 project entries from school students across the country, the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) of IRIS shortlisted 100 best projects for final assessment.
Commenting on the success of IRIS 2008, Praveen Vishakantaiah, President, Intel India said, “IRIS has been created to ignite the appetite of our youth for innovation and nurture scientific temperament among the young Indians. We are pleased to see the success IRIS had this year and we believe that these young innovative minds will drive our country in the future course of time, much ahead of the rest of the world”
Talking about the efforts undertaken for IRIS, Dr. D.K. Pandey, NCSTC Department of Science and Technology said, “The key to learning is in applying the concepts to a real life problem. It not only nurtures curiosity, but it also satiates ones creative abilities. It was really difficult for the Scientific Review Committee this year to select the winners because of the superior quality entries. We are on the right track here and hope to enlarge our reach in the next edition of this competition”
Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Deputy Director, Space Application centre, ISRO (Chandrayaan - I Team) commented, “I am thrilled with the quality of projects for IRIS 2008. I am sure that IRIS is committed to groom the future of the country, empowering/supporting them to reach newer heights in the field of science and research – future owners of proud programs like Chandrayaan – I. These young and innovative brains have the ability to be rated among the best in the future.”
The IRIS is a merger of two programs, ‘Intel’s Science Talent Discovery Fair’ and DST-CII’s ‘Steer the Big Idea’. This year, participants in two categories are eligible for participation. The first category involves participation from students in 5th to 8th standard (under the age of 13 yrs) and the second category involves 9th to 12th standard students (under the age of 20 yrs).
This is a unique platform in India to provide stimulation and encouragement to young scientists in the making and Intel is proud to be involved in this exciting educational program. This is Intel’s way of nurturing bright young minds so that they can shine in future.
To learn more about Intel’s commitment to education around the world, visit www.intel.com/education and to join Intel’s community of people inspired by education, visit www.inspiredbyeducation.com. To learn more about Society for Science & the Public, visit www.societyforscience.org.
Intel [NASDAQ: INTC], the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.
IRIS, which promotes innovation with students in science and technology, concluded today with the announcement of the winners (refer the attached document). This year, with more than 1000 project entries from school students across the country, the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) of IRIS shortlisted 100 best projects for final assessment.
Commenting on the success of IRIS 2008, Praveen Vishakantaiah, President, Intel India said, “IRIS has been created to ignite the appetite of our youth for innovation and nurture scientific temperament among the young Indians. We are pleased to see the success IRIS had this year and we believe that these young innovative minds will drive our country in the future course of time, much ahead of the rest of the world”
Talking about the efforts undertaken for IRIS, Dr. D.K. Pandey, NCSTC Department of Science and Technology said, “The key to learning is in applying the concepts to a real life problem. It not only nurtures curiosity, but it also satiates ones creative abilities. It was really difficult for the Scientific Review Committee this year to select the winners because of the superior quality entries. We are on the right track here and hope to enlarge our reach in the next edition of this competition”
Dr. A.S. Kiran Kumar, Deputy Director, Space Application centre, ISRO (Chandrayaan - I Team) commented, “I am thrilled with the quality of projects for IRIS 2008. I am sure that IRIS is committed to groom the future of the country, empowering/supporting them to reach newer heights in the field of science and research – future owners of proud programs like Chandrayaan – I. These young and innovative brains have the ability to be rated among the best in the future.”
The IRIS is a merger of two programs, ‘Intel’s Science Talent Discovery Fair’ and DST-CII’s ‘Steer the Big Idea’. This year, participants in two categories are eligible for participation. The first category involves participation from students in 5th to 8th standard (under the age of 13 yrs) and the second category involves 9th to 12th standard students (under the age of 20 yrs).
This is a unique platform in India to provide stimulation and encouragement to young scientists in the making and Intel is proud to be involved in this exciting educational program. This is Intel’s way of nurturing bright young minds so that they can shine in future.
To learn more about Intel’s commitment to education around the world, visit www.intel.com/education and to join Intel’s community of people inspired by education, visit www.inspiredbyeducation.com. To learn more about Society for Science & the Public, visit www.societyforscience.org.
Intel [NASDAQ: INTC], the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.
Manipal Cure and Care (MCC) Moves to Corporates in Bangalore to Educate about HIV and Effective Prevention of AIDS
Celebrating World AIDS Day, MCC held awareness workshops to educate and discuss open talk among the general public. A series of informative and educative discussions were carried on “how to prevent HIV infection”.
A complete counseling and comprehensive sex education were prominent topics discussed. Few corporate addressed were Team Lease Services, Tantra info solutions, Syntax soft Tech etc. The corporate visits by Manipal Cure and Care Counselors were held on 4th and 5th of December respectively. More than 300 guests participated in the programs held in various locations.
MCC’s team addressed on preventive needs of the communities at risk from HIV infection, especially focusing on post exposure testing, pre-marital counseling with advise on correct measures to combat transmission. These talks also focused on psychological needs of a person exposed and also the means to access health care for an infected person.
“It is 20th World AIDS Day and there is a need to promote prevention policies and programs in India that are comprehensive, integrated and based on evidence rather than ideology,” said Dr. Satish Amarnath, Medical Director, Manipal Cure and Care. He also mentioned that MCC’s post exposure, pre-marital counseling and testing services coupled with contraceptive advice delivered by dermatologist, gynecologist and counselors respectively. This has helped a huge number of people mitigate their worry and lead normal lives.
TESTIMONIAL By: Mr. Subramaniyam-CEO-India -EzEMRx
“The presentation made by Dr. Satish Amarnath was excellent and very informative. The most appreciable part of the presentation was where Dr. Satish Amarnath enlightened us on all the myths and misconceptions related HIV/AIDS. In an industry like ours, where most of the resources are young and in most cases single, this presentation really made a big impact of breaking all the myths and misconceptions associated with HIV/AIDS, and in spreading awareness on adopting preventive measures. Overall, it was a high impact presentation and fully appreciated by all of us. It was indeed a very pleasant surprise when Dr. Satish Amarnath personally came over to make this presentation to our entire group companies. Thanks a lot.”
ABOUT MANIPAL CURE AND CARE:
Manipal Cure and Care is an initiative of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). Founded by the late Padmashree Dr. T.M.A. Pai in 1953, Manipal Education and Medical Group today stands tall with an enviable track record of success in the spheres of Healthcare, Education and Research nationally and internationally. Its operations are spread across India, Middle East and several Southeast Asian countries.
The integrated Manipal Cure and Care (MCC) centers offer a mix of world-class products and services in preventive, wellness and beauty care. They are the first in India to provide qualitative monitoring of healthcare driven by well-trained doctors and paramedical staff. They offer health services that are customized based on each individual's lifestyle and family medical history.
MCC is the first to achieve the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) certification for customer safety & service quality in India.
MCC is the winner of the Most Admired Retailer of the year – Innovative Retail Concept, 2008 at Indian Retail Forum (IRF), the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Innovative Product / Service Award – 2007 and Golden Peacock Innovation Award – 2008.
www.manipalcureandcare.com
Thanks Business Wire India
A complete counseling and comprehensive sex education were prominent topics discussed. Few corporate addressed were Team Lease Services, Tantra info solutions, Syntax soft Tech etc. The corporate visits by Manipal Cure and Care Counselors were held on 4th and 5th of December respectively. More than 300 guests participated in the programs held in various locations.
MCC’s team addressed on preventive needs of the communities at risk from HIV infection, especially focusing on post exposure testing, pre-marital counseling with advise on correct measures to combat transmission. These talks also focused on psychological needs of a person exposed and also the means to access health care for an infected person.
“It is 20th World AIDS Day and there is a need to promote prevention policies and programs in India that are comprehensive, integrated and based on evidence rather than ideology,” said Dr. Satish Amarnath, Medical Director, Manipal Cure and Care. He also mentioned that MCC’s post exposure, pre-marital counseling and testing services coupled with contraceptive advice delivered by dermatologist, gynecologist and counselors respectively. This has helped a huge number of people mitigate their worry and lead normal lives.
TESTIMONIAL By: Mr. Subramaniyam-CEO-India -EzEMRx
“The presentation made by Dr. Satish Amarnath was excellent and very informative. The most appreciable part of the presentation was where Dr. Satish Amarnath enlightened us on all the myths and misconceptions related HIV/AIDS. In an industry like ours, where most of the resources are young and in most cases single, this presentation really made a big impact of breaking all the myths and misconceptions associated with HIV/AIDS, and in spreading awareness on adopting preventive measures. Overall, it was a high impact presentation and fully appreciated by all of us. It was indeed a very pleasant surprise when Dr. Satish Amarnath personally came over to make this presentation to our entire group companies. Thanks a lot.”
ABOUT MANIPAL CURE AND CARE:
Manipal Cure and Care is an initiative of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). Founded by the late Padmashree Dr. T.M.A. Pai in 1953, Manipal Education and Medical Group today stands tall with an enviable track record of success in the spheres of Healthcare, Education and Research nationally and internationally. Its operations are spread across India, Middle East and several Southeast Asian countries.
The integrated Manipal Cure and Care (MCC) centers offer a mix of world-class products and services in preventive, wellness and beauty care. They are the first in India to provide qualitative monitoring of healthcare driven by well-trained doctors and paramedical staff. They offer health services that are customized based on each individual's lifestyle and family medical history.
MCC is the first to achieve the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) certification for customer safety & service quality in India.
MCC is the winner of the Most Admired Retailer of the year – Innovative Retail Concept, 2008 at Indian Retail Forum (IRF), the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Innovative Product / Service Award – 2007 and Golden Peacock Innovation Award – 2008.
www.manipalcureandcare.com
Thanks Business Wire India
Friday, December 5, 2008
Latin America to Account for more than 10 Percent of Global WiMAX™ Subscribers by 2012
The WiMAX Forum® projects that more than 13 million consumers in Latin America will be WiMAX users by 2012. Additional data from this WiMAX Forum study estimates that approximately 70 percent of the forecasted WiMAX subscribers by 2012 will utilize mobile and portable WiMAX devices to access broadband Internet services.
The WiMAX Forum Worldwide Subscriber and User Forecast examines the progress of WiMAX service providers, equipment vendors, content developers and subscribers in regions around the world. The results reflect the accelerated growth of the WiMAX ecosystem, the acceptance of WiMAX technology and demand for mobile Internet services across the world. The forecast is based on results of an independently commissioned research study published this year.
“WiMAX devices are available now for deployment worldwide delivering best in class broadband services to consumers at a cost significantly lower than any other technology” said Ron Resnick, president and Chairman of the WiMAX Forum. “Toward this end, Latin American countries have started making the commitment and taking steps to ensure wireless broadband services are a reality that enables operators to meet the region’s diverse market and economic needs and growing population.”
WiMAX in Latin America
Currently, there are 95 WiMAX deployments in the Caribbean and Latin American region, with 10 deployments in Brazil and seven in Peru. WiMAX is quickly taking center stage in Latin America with several key auctions expected in 2009.
Argentina - Over 100 companies have expressed interest in purchasing licenses at the Resolution 250/2008 spectrum auction, where 3.3-3.7 GHz spectrum for WiMAX will be auctioned off.
Colombia - The Colombian Communications Ministry expects to award spectrum licenses in 2009.
Jamaica - The Jamaican Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce (MCT) has released information about the upcoming auction for 2.5GHz band licenses. Information released included details about 125MHz distributed for wireless broadband and 3G services, and 65MHz for subscriber TV services (STV) in the 2500MHz-2650MHz band.
“In November, the Brazilian Telecom Regulator, Anatel, requested comments and suggestions from interested parties on its drafted proposal of conditions for use and channelization of band 3.4 – 3.6 GHz allocated primarily for Mobile and Mobile Personal Services,” said Resnick. “This alludes to a future auction of frequencies in that prime WiMAX band, clearing the way to intensify the WiMAX movement in Brazil and Latin American overall. We expect that this region will be a major growth area for WiMAX in the next few years.”
The Robust WiMAX Ecosystem
The WiMAX Forum represents more than 530 member companies, committed to the success of the WiMAX standard. WiMAX Forum membership consists of 148 ecosystem content developers, 166 service providers, 85 silicon component manufacturers and 133 system vendors.
Currently, more than 35 WiMAX Forum member companies are producing WiMAX base stations, 30 companies are providing PC Cards, USB modems, MIDs, and other personal devices, 25 companies provide chipsets and reference designs, and seven of the top eight global device manufacturers are developing WiMAX products.
Further signifying the rapid growth of the WiMAX ecosystem, the first Mobile WiMAX™ products have been WiMAX Forum Certified™ in the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands. 3.5 GHz products are currently under certification testing are expected to be announced by the end of the year. The WiMAX Forum estimates that by 2011 there will be more than 1,000 Mobile WiMAX Certified products found throughout the world.
There are currently more than 400 deployments of WiMAX networks in more than 133 counties. The WiMAX Forum also expects to have a comprehensive global roaming plan available to operators by the end of 2008.
For more information on the WiMAX ecosystem, including the WiMAX Forum Subscriber and User Forecast, please visit the WiMAX Forum website at www.wimaxforum.org.
About WiMAX Forum®
The WiMAX Forum® is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified products are interoperable and support broadband fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements. Through the WiMAX Forum Congress Events Series of global trade shows and events, the WiMAX Forum is committed to furthering education, training and collaboration to expand the reach of the WiMAX ecosystem. For more information, visit the trade show link at www.wimaxforum.org.
Thanks Business Wire India
The WiMAX Forum Worldwide Subscriber and User Forecast examines the progress of WiMAX service providers, equipment vendors, content developers and subscribers in regions around the world. The results reflect the accelerated growth of the WiMAX ecosystem, the acceptance of WiMAX technology and demand for mobile Internet services across the world. The forecast is based on results of an independently commissioned research study published this year.
“WiMAX devices are available now for deployment worldwide delivering best in class broadband services to consumers at a cost significantly lower than any other technology” said Ron Resnick, president and Chairman of the WiMAX Forum. “Toward this end, Latin American countries have started making the commitment and taking steps to ensure wireless broadband services are a reality that enables operators to meet the region’s diverse market and economic needs and growing population.”
WiMAX in Latin America
Currently, there are 95 WiMAX deployments in the Caribbean and Latin American region, with 10 deployments in Brazil and seven in Peru. WiMAX is quickly taking center stage in Latin America with several key auctions expected in 2009.
Argentina - Over 100 companies have expressed interest in purchasing licenses at the Resolution 250/2008 spectrum auction, where 3.3-3.7 GHz spectrum for WiMAX will be auctioned off.
Colombia - The Colombian Communications Ministry expects to award spectrum licenses in 2009.
Jamaica - The Jamaican Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce (MCT) has released information about the upcoming auction for 2.5GHz band licenses. Information released included details about 125MHz distributed for wireless broadband and 3G services, and 65MHz for subscriber TV services (STV) in the 2500MHz-2650MHz band.
“In November, the Brazilian Telecom Regulator, Anatel, requested comments and suggestions from interested parties on its drafted proposal of conditions for use and channelization of band 3.4 – 3.6 GHz allocated primarily for Mobile and Mobile Personal Services,” said Resnick. “This alludes to a future auction of frequencies in that prime WiMAX band, clearing the way to intensify the WiMAX movement in Brazil and Latin American overall. We expect that this region will be a major growth area for WiMAX in the next few years.”
The Robust WiMAX Ecosystem
The WiMAX Forum represents more than 530 member companies, committed to the success of the WiMAX standard. WiMAX Forum membership consists of 148 ecosystem content developers, 166 service providers, 85 silicon component manufacturers and 133 system vendors.
Currently, more than 35 WiMAX Forum member companies are producing WiMAX base stations, 30 companies are providing PC Cards, USB modems, MIDs, and other personal devices, 25 companies provide chipsets and reference designs, and seven of the top eight global device manufacturers are developing WiMAX products.
Further signifying the rapid growth of the WiMAX ecosystem, the first Mobile WiMAX™ products have been WiMAX Forum Certified™ in the 2.3 and 2.5 GHz bands. 3.5 GHz products are currently under certification testing are expected to be announced by the end of the year. The WiMAX Forum estimates that by 2011 there will be more than 1,000 Mobile WiMAX Certified products found throughout the world.
There are currently more than 400 deployments of WiMAX networks in more than 133 counties. The WiMAX Forum also expects to have a comprehensive global roaming plan available to operators by the end of 2008.
For more information on the WiMAX ecosystem, including the WiMAX Forum Subscriber and User Forecast, please visit the WiMAX Forum website at www.wimaxforum.org.
About WiMAX Forum®
The WiMAX Forum® is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified products are interoperable and support broadband fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements. Through the WiMAX Forum Congress Events Series of global trade shows and events, the WiMAX Forum is committed to furthering education, training and collaboration to expand the reach of the WiMAX ecosystem. For more information, visit the trade show link at www.wimaxforum.org.
Thanks Business Wire India
Sakhalin-1 Project Receives Award for Excellence from International Petroleum Technology Conference
ExxonMobil announced that the Sakhalin-1 project has earned the Excellence in Project Integration Award from the committees and sponsoring societies of the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC).
The award recognizes the project for successfully integrating geoscience knowledge; reservoir and production engineering; construction and facilities engineering practices; safety, health and environmental processes; human resources policies; community programs; and overall project teamwork.
“We are extremely proud of the Sakhalin-1 project achievements,” said Mark Albers, senior vice president, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM). “The Sakhalin-1 project is one of the largest energy investments in Russia and is a testament to international cooperation to successfully execute this project in one of the most challenging arctic environments in the world in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.”
Exxon Neftegas Limited (ENL), an ExxonMobil affiliate, holds a 30 percent interest in and operates the multi-billion dollar Sakhalin-1 project.
The project received the award at a banquet at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on the opening day of the conference, which more than 4,000 oil and gas scientists, engineers and other professionals from throughout the world are attending. The sponsoring organizations for the IPTC include the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Since 2005, the Sakhalin-1 project to develop the Chayvo field in the Sea of Okhotsk has produced more than 157 million barrels of crude oil for export to world markets. It also has been a key supplier of natural gas to Russia’s Far East. Consumers there have received over 105 billion cubic feet of gas to heat their homes and meet growing energy needs. Gas produced by the project will continue to help meet natural gas demand in this region for many years to come.
Sakhalin-1 project development has involved many accomplishments:
Three-dimensional seismology, invented by ExxonMobil, increased exploration success and reduced finding costs.
To plan operations in seas with ice six feet thick, state-of-the-art computer models, based on 5 years of ice data, calculated ice loads on the offshore production platform.
The design of the facilities is protective of the Western Gray Whale, the Orlan eagle and other wildlife native to Sakhalin Island.
Employees have worked over 80 million hours with industry-leading safety performance.
Detailed and integrated front-end execution planning, utilizing a phased development strategy and a large module “plug-and-play” approach, allowed the project to capture efficiencies and minimize risk.
The world's most powerful land-based rig drilled vertically and horizontally beneath the sea floor to the Chayvo field, located 5 to 7 miles (8 to 11 kilometers) offshore to set 17 world records for extended-reach drilling. It also set new records for drilling speed.
Contracts valued at over $5 billion have been awarded to Russian companies or joint ventures.
The project has funded over $120 million in Sakhalin infrastructure improvements, including hospitals, clinics, roads, bridges, harbors, airports, and power and water facilities. It also has provided over $3.5 million in charitable contributions to local community organizations, including health, youth, arts and civic projects.
The co-venturers with ENL in the Sakhalin-1 project include the Japanese consortium SODECO (30 percent), the Indian state-owned oil company ONGC Videsh Ltd. (20 percent), and affiliates of Rosneft, the Russian state-owned oil company, Sakhalinmorneftegas-Shelf (11.5 percent) and RN-Astra (8.5 percent).
In addition to the Sakhalin-1 project, another development in which ExxonMobil has an interest, the RasGas LNG Train 5 project, is also a 2008 IPTC award recipient.
More information about the Sakhalin-1 project is available at
http://www.sakhalin1.com.
The award recognizes the project for successfully integrating geoscience knowledge; reservoir and production engineering; construction and facilities engineering practices; safety, health and environmental processes; human resources policies; community programs; and overall project teamwork.
“We are extremely proud of the Sakhalin-1 project achievements,” said Mark Albers, senior vice president, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM). “The Sakhalin-1 project is one of the largest energy investments in Russia and is a testament to international cooperation to successfully execute this project in one of the most challenging arctic environments in the world in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.”
Exxon Neftegas Limited (ENL), an ExxonMobil affiliate, holds a 30 percent interest in and operates the multi-billion dollar Sakhalin-1 project.
The project received the award at a banquet at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on the opening day of the conference, which more than 4,000 oil and gas scientists, engineers and other professionals from throughout the world are attending. The sponsoring organizations for the IPTC include the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Since 2005, the Sakhalin-1 project to develop the Chayvo field in the Sea of Okhotsk has produced more than 157 million barrels of crude oil for export to world markets. It also has been a key supplier of natural gas to Russia’s Far East. Consumers there have received over 105 billion cubic feet of gas to heat their homes and meet growing energy needs. Gas produced by the project will continue to help meet natural gas demand in this region for many years to come.
Sakhalin-1 project development has involved many accomplishments:
Three-dimensional seismology, invented by ExxonMobil, increased exploration success and reduced finding costs.
To plan operations in seas with ice six feet thick, state-of-the-art computer models, based on 5 years of ice data, calculated ice loads on the offshore production platform.
The design of the facilities is protective of the Western Gray Whale, the Orlan eagle and other wildlife native to Sakhalin Island.
Employees have worked over 80 million hours with industry-leading safety performance.
Detailed and integrated front-end execution planning, utilizing a phased development strategy and a large module “plug-and-play” approach, allowed the project to capture efficiencies and minimize risk.
The world's most powerful land-based rig drilled vertically and horizontally beneath the sea floor to the Chayvo field, located 5 to 7 miles (8 to 11 kilometers) offshore to set 17 world records for extended-reach drilling. It also set new records for drilling speed.
Contracts valued at over $5 billion have been awarded to Russian companies or joint ventures.
The project has funded over $120 million in Sakhalin infrastructure improvements, including hospitals, clinics, roads, bridges, harbors, airports, and power and water facilities. It also has provided over $3.5 million in charitable contributions to local community organizations, including health, youth, arts and civic projects.
The co-venturers with ENL in the Sakhalin-1 project include the Japanese consortium SODECO (30 percent), the Indian state-owned oil company ONGC Videsh Ltd. (20 percent), and affiliates of Rosneft, the Russian state-owned oil company, Sakhalinmorneftegas-Shelf (11.5 percent) and RN-Astra (8.5 percent).
In addition to the Sakhalin-1 project, another development in which ExxonMobil has an interest, the RasGas LNG Train 5 project, is also a 2008 IPTC award recipient.
More information about the Sakhalin-1 project is available at
http://www.sakhalin1.com.
Bill Gates Urges U.S. Lawmakers to Honor and Intensify Commitments—and Spend Smarter—to Improve Lives during Economic Crisis
During a major policy address today, Bill Gates, co-chair and trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, strongly urged the incoming Obama administration and new Congress to renew America’s commitment to expand opportunity in the United States and in the developing world.
Speaking at The George Washington University, Gates argued that—even as the world struggles to address the global economic crisis—it is more important than ever to expand opportunities for all American students to have a high-quality education, and to fight disease and poverty around the world. Gates described investments in health, education, and development that have made big differences during the past decade, and argued that it is imperative to build on these gains.
“Long-term strategic interests do not disappear in an economic downturn,” Gates said. “Developing the talent of our young people, addressing poverty, preventing disease is always smart, no matter what the budget outlook.”
Gates argued that by forcing a new fiscal vigilance—cutting waste and inefficiency, and demanding more accountability—and using data to see what works, lawmakers can make smarter decisions on how to support the programs making the greatest impact.
Gates noted that to thrive now and in the future in the United States, we must ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education while dramatically increasing the number of low-income youth who graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and earn postsecondary degrees. In sharing examples of schools around the country already helping disadvantaged young people reach these goals—and illustrating the importance of effective teaching for student success—Gates explained that the federal government has the potential to be the agent of reform to bring the nation out of the downturn stronger than before it began.
The federal government can help accelerate school reform by providing incentives and supports to states to:
Boost the recruitment and retention of effective teachers
Align state standards with top international standards and adopt curricula that help students meet them
Make postsecondary completion a national priority by rewarding college completion
Build data systems to create the infrastructure to help drive evidence-based reform in high schools and colleges
“Today’s down economy doesn’t mean education will be less important for the future, so a down economy doesn’t mean we should cut back on education,” Gates said.
Gates also urged the nation to support President-elect Barack Obama as he honors his campaign pledge to double foreign assistance to $50 billion by 2012, especially in the face of the global financial crisis.
“It will make a phenomenal statement about the kind of partner America plans to be in the world,” Gates said. “Of course, the point isn’t only to enhance America’s reputation in the world—that’s a byproduct. The point is to improve lives.”
Evidence shows that investments in development and health work. Gates described how key federal and global initiatives are dramatically saving and improving lives around the world—reducing child mortality, raising life expectancy, and helping people lift themselves out of hunger and poverty.
For example, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria and PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) have helped deliver antiretroviral drugs to nearly 2.5 million people in four years. Global health programs have also helped to drive malaria deaths down by more than 50 percent in some areas of Africa and Asia, and to reduce measles deaths in Africa by more than 90 percent. Overall, the percentage of people in developing countries living in extreme poverty has fallen from more than 30 percent in 1990 to under 20 percent today.
“If you look at the stock market, business activity, or budget deficits, things are dark,” Gates said. “But if you consider our capacities and opportunities, our passion and vision, the outlook is bright. We can keep moving toward a world where every child grows up in good health, goes to a good school, and has opportunities waiting—as long as we stay confident about the future, and keep investing in it.”
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
For a transcript of this speech, please visit: www.gatesfoundation.org.
For broadcast-quality sound bites and footage, high-resolution still photography, and information about the foundation’s work, please visit: www.gatesfoundation.org/press-room/Pages/news-market.aspx.
Thanks Business wire India
Speaking at The George Washington University, Gates argued that—even as the world struggles to address the global economic crisis—it is more important than ever to expand opportunities for all American students to have a high-quality education, and to fight disease and poverty around the world. Gates described investments in health, education, and development that have made big differences during the past decade, and argued that it is imperative to build on these gains.
“Long-term strategic interests do not disappear in an economic downturn,” Gates said. “Developing the talent of our young people, addressing poverty, preventing disease is always smart, no matter what the budget outlook.”
Gates argued that by forcing a new fiscal vigilance—cutting waste and inefficiency, and demanding more accountability—and using data to see what works, lawmakers can make smarter decisions on how to support the programs making the greatest impact.
Gates noted that to thrive now and in the future in the United States, we must ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education while dramatically increasing the number of low-income youth who graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and earn postsecondary degrees. In sharing examples of schools around the country already helping disadvantaged young people reach these goals—and illustrating the importance of effective teaching for student success—Gates explained that the federal government has the potential to be the agent of reform to bring the nation out of the downturn stronger than before it began.
The federal government can help accelerate school reform by providing incentives and supports to states to:
Boost the recruitment and retention of effective teachers
Align state standards with top international standards and adopt curricula that help students meet them
Make postsecondary completion a national priority by rewarding college completion
Build data systems to create the infrastructure to help drive evidence-based reform in high schools and colleges
“Today’s down economy doesn’t mean education will be less important for the future, so a down economy doesn’t mean we should cut back on education,” Gates said.
Gates also urged the nation to support President-elect Barack Obama as he honors his campaign pledge to double foreign assistance to $50 billion by 2012, especially in the face of the global financial crisis.
“It will make a phenomenal statement about the kind of partner America plans to be in the world,” Gates said. “Of course, the point isn’t only to enhance America’s reputation in the world—that’s a byproduct. The point is to improve lives.”
Evidence shows that investments in development and health work. Gates described how key federal and global initiatives are dramatically saving and improving lives around the world—reducing child mortality, raising life expectancy, and helping people lift themselves out of hunger and poverty.
For example, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria and PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) have helped deliver antiretroviral drugs to nearly 2.5 million people in four years. Global health programs have also helped to drive malaria deaths down by more than 50 percent in some areas of Africa and Asia, and to reduce measles deaths in Africa by more than 90 percent. Overall, the percentage of people in developing countries living in extreme poverty has fallen from more than 30 percent in 1990 to under 20 percent today.
“If you look at the stock market, business activity, or budget deficits, things are dark,” Gates said. “But if you consider our capacities and opportunities, our passion and vision, the outlook is bright. We can keep moving toward a world where every child grows up in good health, goes to a good school, and has opportunities waiting—as long as we stay confident about the future, and keep investing in it.”
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
For a transcript of this speech, please visit: www.gatesfoundation.org.
For broadcast-quality sound bites and footage, high-resolution still photography, and information about the foundation’s work, please visit: www.gatesfoundation.org/press-room/Pages/news-market.aspx.
Thanks Business wire India
FatWire Launches Content Server 7.5 to Extend Leadership in Managing Websites while Controlling Costs
FatWire Software announced the launch of FatWire Content Server 7.5, a new release that extends the market-leadership of FatWire’s web content management (WCM) solution. FatWire Content Server 7.5 drives greater efficiencies in content management and promotions online, and delivers powerful capabilities to make content publishing more transparent, configurable and error-proof.
The web is one of the most powerful vehicles for engaging with customers and prospects to drive business growth while controlling costs. As websites grow in complexity and scale – and audiences increasingly demand personalized content and a rich and interactive online experience – a robust platform becomes a necessity to cost-effectively manage the web experience.
FatWire Content Server 7.5 addresses this need by automating the entire WCM process, including content authoring, site design, content publishing, targeted content delivery, web content analytics, and user participation. With this new release, the Content Server platform delivers even greater levels of ease of use and power.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial that organizations utilize resources more efficiently across the enterprise and simplify managing web content,” said Mark Mitchelson, Senior Systems Project Leader, Kohler Company. “FatWire Content Server 7.5 lets us manage our own content and control online campaigns more effectively. This frees up IT staff to address mission critical tasks.”
Key features in FatWire Content Server 7.5 include:
Site Preview: lets business users set up time-based versions of their website and preview what their site will look like on different future dates, including side by side preview of date-based versions. With this new tool, business users and marketers can create seasonal and time-based online campaigns with ease.
Customizable Business User Interface: provides the ability to configure the content management user interface by role to support customers’ business processes entirely. Now, users can have a dashboard tailored specifically to their content management process for dramatically improved efficiencies.
RealTime Publishing: provides a transparent look into the publishing process via a dashboard view. New capabilities give full control over content publishing at a granular level, as well as error prevention and process recovery for maximum impact in this critical step of the WCM process.
FatWire Content Server 7.5 also includes enhanced search for both the content management environment and the live website, enhanced Microsoft Office integration for easy content authoring, and much more.
“The web needs to be managed at the same rapid pace and on the same scale as the business it supports,” said Peter Simpson, Chief Architect of AIRMILES, a subsidiary of British Airways. “As the UK's most popular travel loyalty program, FatWire Content Server helps us to improve the marketing effectiveness of our online campaigns and more efficiently manage our web presence, even as our scale and scope increases.”
“In today’s economic climate, web experience management is a cost effective method for improving customer engagement and communication,” said Yogesh Gupta, president and CEO of FatWire Software. “With Content Server 7.5, FatWire delivers best-in-class web experience management, so organizations can leverage their web presence to achieve their business goals with the greatest effectiveness and at the least cost.”
“Companies need to use the web to create efficiencies and greater customer communication,” said Mirko Minnich, vice president and chief technology officer at Elsevier Health Sciences. “FatWire provides us with new levels of flexibility and new tools to enable companies like ours to do even more for our prospects, end users and buyers.”
About FatWire
FatWire Software (http://www.fatwire.com) provides industry-leading web experience management (WEM) solutions that enable organizations to deliver a rich online experience to users and to simplify management of their web presence. FatWire is headquartered in Mineola, N.Y. and serves over 500 customers from offices in 10 countries.
Thanks Business Wire India
The web is one of the most powerful vehicles for engaging with customers and prospects to drive business growth while controlling costs. As websites grow in complexity and scale – and audiences increasingly demand personalized content and a rich and interactive online experience – a robust platform becomes a necessity to cost-effectively manage the web experience.
FatWire Content Server 7.5 addresses this need by automating the entire WCM process, including content authoring, site design, content publishing, targeted content delivery, web content analytics, and user participation. With this new release, the Content Server platform delivers even greater levels of ease of use and power.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial that organizations utilize resources more efficiently across the enterprise and simplify managing web content,” said Mark Mitchelson, Senior Systems Project Leader, Kohler Company. “FatWire Content Server 7.5 lets us manage our own content and control online campaigns more effectively. This frees up IT staff to address mission critical tasks.”
Key features in FatWire Content Server 7.5 include:
Site Preview: lets business users set up time-based versions of their website and preview what their site will look like on different future dates, including side by side preview of date-based versions. With this new tool, business users and marketers can create seasonal and time-based online campaigns with ease.
Customizable Business User Interface: provides the ability to configure the content management user interface by role to support customers’ business processes entirely. Now, users can have a dashboard tailored specifically to their content management process for dramatically improved efficiencies.
RealTime Publishing: provides a transparent look into the publishing process via a dashboard view. New capabilities give full control over content publishing at a granular level, as well as error prevention and process recovery for maximum impact in this critical step of the WCM process.
FatWire Content Server 7.5 also includes enhanced search for both the content management environment and the live website, enhanced Microsoft Office integration for easy content authoring, and much more.
“The web needs to be managed at the same rapid pace and on the same scale as the business it supports,” said Peter Simpson, Chief Architect of AIRMILES, a subsidiary of British Airways. “As the UK's most popular travel loyalty program, FatWire Content Server helps us to improve the marketing effectiveness of our online campaigns and more efficiently manage our web presence, even as our scale and scope increases.”
“In today’s economic climate, web experience management is a cost effective method for improving customer engagement and communication,” said Yogesh Gupta, president and CEO of FatWire Software. “With Content Server 7.5, FatWire delivers best-in-class web experience management, so organizations can leverage their web presence to achieve their business goals with the greatest effectiveness and at the least cost.”
“Companies need to use the web to create efficiencies and greater customer communication,” said Mirko Minnich, vice president and chief technology officer at Elsevier Health Sciences. “FatWire provides us with new levels of flexibility and new tools to enable companies like ours to do even more for our prospects, end users and buyers.”
About FatWire
FatWire Software (http://www.fatwire.com) provides industry-leading web experience management (WEM) solutions that enable organizations to deliver a rich online experience to users and to simplify management of their web presence. FatWire is headquartered in Mineola, N.Y. and serves over 500 customers from offices in 10 countries.
Thanks Business Wire India
Silicon Image and Scalado Collaborate to Offer Accelerated High-Resolution Photo Rendering on Mobile Phones
Silicon Image, Inc. (NASDAQ:SIMG), a leader in semiconductors and intellectual property for the secure distribution, presentation and storage of high-definition content, and Scalado AB, a leader in mobile imaging software solutions for camera phones, announced that the companies have signed an agreement to integrate Scalado SpeedTags™ technology into the Silicon Image mobile phone camera processor IP (intellectual property) core product line. SpeedTags technology features a modified hardware JPEG encoder that allows high-resolution images to be processed and displayed more quickly than standard JPEG images, the popular format used for compressing still images.
The new Silicon Image camera processor IP core integrates Scalado’s SpeedTagged JPEG technology and the Scalado Camera Engine, which uses SpeedTagged JPEGs to provide high-performance camera functions such as zero shutter lag, instant viewing, zooming and panning, powerful burst-mode viewing, and quick SpeedView Meta Object (SPMO) generation for ultra-quick use of Scalado CAPS™ mobile imaging platform functions.
“We are pleased to be working with Silicon Image, one of the world’s leading camera processor IP core providers,” said Fadi Abbas, vice president of business development at Scalado AB. “Silicon Image’s hardware implementation of our mobile imaging technologies will provide handset manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with superior imaging capturing and unrivalled viewing performance for photos displayed on mobile phones. As a result, the end user’s experience of mobile photography will reach a whole new level.”
The Silicon Image camera processor IP core supports 1, 3, 5, 8, 12 and 16 megapixel resolutions for a wide range of high-resolution imaging applications. Silicon Image’s camera processor design incorporates image signal processing, post processing and image compression in several efficient hardware blocks, and requires minimal software support.
“The collaboration between Silicon Image and Scalado offers vastly improved software processing compared to other software-based camera solutions,” said Ron Richter, director of IP licensing at Silicon Image, Inc. “With less than one million instructions per second (MIPS) to process each image, there is virtually no wait time for the display of pictures. This is a compelling and differentiating new feature for Silicon Image customers working on next generation mobile products.”
Scalado SpeedTags technology makes a minimal modification to the hardware JPEG encoder to enable the encoder to produce modified JPEG images, referred to as SpeedTagged JPEGs. SpeedTags allow images to be processed faster than normal JPEGs and are automatically removed as soon as the image has been processed. The modification requires an insignificant number of additional gates and minimal expense from a silicon perspective.
In addition to the SpeedTags and the Scalado Camera Engine technologies, Scalado licenses its world-leading mobile imaging platform, CAPS SDK, to top tier one handset manufacturers, hardware/software platform companies, and operators who want to offer their users a complete capture, view, edit and share user experience.
Silicon Image’s comprehensive IP product offering includes camera processor IP cores, HDMI™ transmitters and receivers, low-power HDMI and MHL mobile transmitters, Serial ATA link-transport digital RTL and analog PHYs, high-definition and standard definition video decoders (MPEG-2/4, H.264, VC-1), as well as various set-top-box (STB) and smart card IP cores. More information about Silicon Image’s IP product line can be found at http://www.siliconimage.com/iplicensing.
About Scalado AB
Scalado AB is a Swedish imaging Software Company that focuses on the wireless device industry. It provides mobile imaging software solutions that are powerful, scalable and modular for any camera phone. Its mission is to make imaging on mobile phones more efficient – bringing higher usability for end-users and cutting hardware costs for device manufacturers. With unique and patented software technologies, it is solving critical performance issues with less memory and CPU requirements. Founded in 2000, Scalado has its head office in IDEON Research Park in Lund, Sweden. The company’s principal shareholders are venture capitalists NorthCap Partners, Industrifonden, and Teknoseed as well as company’s founders. For more information, please visit www.scalado.com.
About Silicon Image, Inc.
Silicon Image, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductor and intellectual property products for the secure distribution, presentation and storage of high-definition content. With a rich history of technology innovation that includes creating industry standards such as DVI and HDMI, the company’s solutions facilitate the use of digital content amongst consumer electronics, personal computer (PC) and storage devices, with the goal to securely deliver digital content anytime, anywhere and on any device. Founded in 1995, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with regional engineering and sales offices in China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.siliconimage.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the features, functionality, costs and anticipated benefits of Scalado’s SpeedTags technology and Silicon Image’s camera processor IP cores. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those described from time to time in Silicon Image’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Silicon Image assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Thanks Business Wire India
The new Silicon Image camera processor IP core integrates Scalado’s SpeedTagged JPEG technology and the Scalado Camera Engine, which uses SpeedTagged JPEGs to provide high-performance camera functions such as zero shutter lag, instant viewing, zooming and panning, powerful burst-mode viewing, and quick SpeedView Meta Object (SPMO) generation for ultra-quick use of Scalado CAPS™ mobile imaging platform functions.
“We are pleased to be working with Silicon Image, one of the world’s leading camera processor IP core providers,” said Fadi Abbas, vice president of business development at Scalado AB. “Silicon Image’s hardware implementation of our mobile imaging technologies will provide handset manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with superior imaging capturing and unrivalled viewing performance for photos displayed on mobile phones. As a result, the end user’s experience of mobile photography will reach a whole new level.”
The Silicon Image camera processor IP core supports 1, 3, 5, 8, 12 and 16 megapixel resolutions for a wide range of high-resolution imaging applications. Silicon Image’s camera processor design incorporates image signal processing, post processing and image compression in several efficient hardware blocks, and requires minimal software support.
“The collaboration between Silicon Image and Scalado offers vastly improved software processing compared to other software-based camera solutions,” said Ron Richter, director of IP licensing at Silicon Image, Inc. “With less than one million instructions per second (MIPS) to process each image, there is virtually no wait time for the display of pictures. This is a compelling and differentiating new feature for Silicon Image customers working on next generation mobile products.”
Scalado SpeedTags technology makes a minimal modification to the hardware JPEG encoder to enable the encoder to produce modified JPEG images, referred to as SpeedTagged JPEGs. SpeedTags allow images to be processed faster than normal JPEGs and are automatically removed as soon as the image has been processed. The modification requires an insignificant number of additional gates and minimal expense from a silicon perspective.
In addition to the SpeedTags and the Scalado Camera Engine technologies, Scalado licenses its world-leading mobile imaging platform, CAPS SDK, to top tier one handset manufacturers, hardware/software platform companies, and operators who want to offer their users a complete capture, view, edit and share user experience.
Silicon Image’s comprehensive IP product offering includes camera processor IP cores, HDMI™ transmitters and receivers, low-power HDMI and MHL mobile transmitters, Serial ATA link-transport digital RTL and analog PHYs, high-definition and standard definition video decoders (MPEG-2/4, H.264, VC-1), as well as various set-top-box (STB) and smart card IP cores. More information about Silicon Image’s IP product line can be found at http://www.siliconimage.com/iplicensing.
About Scalado AB
Scalado AB is a Swedish imaging Software Company that focuses on the wireless device industry. It provides mobile imaging software solutions that are powerful, scalable and modular for any camera phone. Its mission is to make imaging on mobile phones more efficient – bringing higher usability for end-users and cutting hardware costs for device manufacturers. With unique and patented software technologies, it is solving critical performance issues with less memory and CPU requirements. Founded in 2000, Scalado has its head office in IDEON Research Park in Lund, Sweden. The company’s principal shareholders are venture capitalists NorthCap Partners, Industrifonden, and Teknoseed as well as company’s founders. For more information, please visit www.scalado.com.
About Silicon Image, Inc.
Silicon Image, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductor and intellectual property products for the secure distribution, presentation and storage of high-definition content. With a rich history of technology innovation that includes creating industry standards such as DVI and HDMI, the company’s solutions facilitate the use of digital content amongst consumer electronics, personal computer (PC) and storage devices, with the goal to securely deliver digital content anytime, anywhere and on any device. Founded in 1995, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with regional engineering and sales offices in China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.siliconimage.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the features, functionality, costs and anticipated benefits of Scalado’s SpeedTags technology and Silicon Image’s camera processor IP cores. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those described from time to time in Silicon Image’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by these forward-looking statements. Silicon Image assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Thanks Business Wire India
Integrated Solutions Required to meet Energy Challenge, ExxonMobil Says in New Outlook for Energy: A View to 2030
An integrated series of solutions will be required to manage increases in global energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions that will result from population growth and economic expansion, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) said , releasing the corporation’s Outlook for Energy: A View to 2030.
“The world needs to meet the ever-growing need for reliable and affordable energy while minimizing the effects on the environment,” said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer.
“ExxonMobil welcomes increased public discussion about how best to meet economic, energy and environmental challenges and hopes this expanded Outlook for Energy can be useful in increasing understanding of the challenges and alternative solutions.”
The Outlook for Energy is developed annually, and is the product of an ongoing process that has been conducted over decades. The results are used to assist ExxonMobil's business planning and to increase public understanding of the world's energy needs and challenges. The outlook is developed through a detailed analysis of approximately 100 countries, 15 demand sectors and 20 fuel types and is underpinned by economic and population projections and expectations of significant energy efficiency improvements and technology advancements.
This year’s Outlook for Energy has been expanded to include a new section, entitled the Energy Imperative, which contains a detailed examination of integrated solutions that include improved energy efficiency, development of all viable forms of energy, and technology and public policy options to manage climate risk.
As well, the report outlines ExxonMobil’s proactive approach to managing the risks posed by rising greenhouse gas emissions and the corporation’s role in reducing its own emissions as well as assisting consumers of hydrocarbon-based fuels in reducing their emissions.
Among this year’s findings:
Driven by growing populations and expanding economies, global energy demand is expected to increase by an average 1.2 percent per year between in 2005 and 2030, even assuming significant gains in energy efficiency. Global demand is expected to increase 35 percent from the equivalent of 229 million barrels of oil per day in 2005 to the equivalent of 310 million barrels per day in 2030. This forecast is down slightly from the 2007 Outlook, which projected a 1.3 percent average annual growth rate. The changes are spread across various demand sectors and reflect improved energy efficiency.
Oil, gas and coal will continue to provide the vast majority of the world’s energy needs -- meeting close to 80 percent of global demand through 2030 -- due to their abundance, affordability and availability. Nuclear energy will grow, as emphasis on low-carbon fuels increases. Renewable fuels, such as wind, solar and biofuels, will also grow rapidly.
Power generation will be the largest and fastest-growing energy-demand sector through 2030. China, which today meets almost 90 percent of its power needs with coal, will see its energy demand for power generation more than double by 2030, surpassing U.S. demand by more than one-third.
Transportation, currently responsible for more than half of total oil demand, is expected to grow substantially. From 2005 to 2030, demand in developed countries is expected to be relatively stable, as increases in the number of vehicles are offset by significant efficiency improvements. In contrast, demand in developing countries is likely to more than double as economies grow and rising prosperity enables a dramatic increase in personal vehicles.
Global carbon-dioxide emissions are projected to rise by close to 30 percent between 2005 and 2030 even with improved energy efficiency and growth in nuclear and renewable energy sources. While carbon-dioxide emissions are expected to begin declining in the United States and Europe over the period to 2030, those declines will be more than offset by larger increases in developing countries. For example, by 2030, China is expected to have CO2 emissions comparable to the United States and Europe combined.
“Providing affordable energy to meet growing demand is one of the world’s foremost challenges in the next 20 years," said Tillerson. "We must invest in the production of existing fuel sources, develop new sources of energy and create new technologies that will reduce the environmental footprint of energy production and use.”
For more information on the Outlook for Energy: A View to 2030, visit www.exxonmobil.com/energyoutlook.
Thanks Business Wire India
“The world needs to meet the ever-growing need for reliable and affordable energy while minimizing the effects on the environment,” said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer.
“ExxonMobil welcomes increased public discussion about how best to meet economic, energy and environmental challenges and hopes this expanded Outlook for Energy can be useful in increasing understanding of the challenges and alternative solutions.”
The Outlook for Energy is developed annually, and is the product of an ongoing process that has been conducted over decades. The results are used to assist ExxonMobil's business planning and to increase public understanding of the world's energy needs and challenges. The outlook is developed through a detailed analysis of approximately 100 countries, 15 demand sectors and 20 fuel types and is underpinned by economic and population projections and expectations of significant energy efficiency improvements and technology advancements.
This year’s Outlook for Energy has been expanded to include a new section, entitled the Energy Imperative, which contains a detailed examination of integrated solutions that include improved energy efficiency, development of all viable forms of energy, and technology and public policy options to manage climate risk.
As well, the report outlines ExxonMobil’s proactive approach to managing the risks posed by rising greenhouse gas emissions and the corporation’s role in reducing its own emissions as well as assisting consumers of hydrocarbon-based fuels in reducing their emissions.
Among this year’s findings:
Driven by growing populations and expanding economies, global energy demand is expected to increase by an average 1.2 percent per year between in 2005 and 2030, even assuming significant gains in energy efficiency. Global demand is expected to increase 35 percent from the equivalent of 229 million barrels of oil per day in 2005 to the equivalent of 310 million barrels per day in 2030. This forecast is down slightly from the 2007 Outlook, which projected a 1.3 percent average annual growth rate. The changes are spread across various demand sectors and reflect improved energy efficiency.
Oil, gas and coal will continue to provide the vast majority of the world’s energy needs -- meeting close to 80 percent of global demand through 2030 -- due to their abundance, affordability and availability. Nuclear energy will grow, as emphasis on low-carbon fuels increases. Renewable fuels, such as wind, solar and biofuels, will also grow rapidly.
Power generation will be the largest and fastest-growing energy-demand sector through 2030. China, which today meets almost 90 percent of its power needs with coal, will see its energy demand for power generation more than double by 2030, surpassing U.S. demand by more than one-third.
Transportation, currently responsible for more than half of total oil demand, is expected to grow substantially. From 2005 to 2030, demand in developed countries is expected to be relatively stable, as increases in the number of vehicles are offset by significant efficiency improvements. In contrast, demand in developing countries is likely to more than double as economies grow and rising prosperity enables a dramatic increase in personal vehicles.
Global carbon-dioxide emissions are projected to rise by close to 30 percent between 2005 and 2030 even with improved energy efficiency and growth in nuclear and renewable energy sources. While carbon-dioxide emissions are expected to begin declining in the United States and Europe over the period to 2030, those declines will be more than offset by larger increases in developing countries. For example, by 2030, China is expected to have CO2 emissions comparable to the United States and Europe combined.
“Providing affordable energy to meet growing demand is one of the world’s foremost challenges in the next 20 years," said Tillerson. "We must invest in the production of existing fuel sources, develop new sources of energy and create new technologies that will reduce the environmental footprint of energy production and use.”
For more information on the Outlook for Energy: A View to 2030, visit www.exxonmobil.com/energyoutlook.
Thanks Business Wire India
ICICI Prudential Life Launches Pure Protect
ICICI Prudential Life today, announced the launch of ICICI Pru Pure Protect, a flexible and affordable term product. The product is designed to provide customers with the option of availing an insurance cover and provide total security to their dependents in case of an unfortunate event.
Commenting on the launch of Pure Protect, Mr. Bhargav Dasgupta, Executive Director, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, said, “While designing our products, we have always kept our consumers’ convenience in mind. Following this philosophy of consumer-centricity we have introduced various innovative, yet simple products to enable consumer their life, health and pensions needs, effectively. Further, we believe it is crucial to provide customers, across all income segments, the ability to cover their life and provide security to their dependents. Hence, we have further strengthened our term products portfolio with the launch of Pure Protect, a product designed to provide life cover at one of the lowest rates in the market.”
ICICI Pru Pure Protect is available in two variants, ICICI Pru Pure Protect Classic for sum assured of up to Rs 25,00,000 and ICICI Pru Pure Protect Elite for sum assured of Rs 25,00,000 and above. The term policy aims at providing insurance at the lowest rates in the market with premium starting from as low as Rs 2,400 p.a.
ICICI Prudential Life has always been sensitive to the needs of the customers and has customized its product and service offerings to meet customer needs. Keeping in line with this, ICICI Pru Life’s Pure Protect is designed to help consumers customize their policy with additional benefits such as Accidental Death and Disability Benefit Rider and Waiver of Premium Rider. Accidental Death and Disability Benefit Rider provides enhanced protection in case of accidental death of life assured while the Waiver of Premium Rider covers total and permanent disability in case of accident along with payment of all future premiums till maturity.
In case of death of the life assured during the term, the sum assured will be paid to the beneficiary. ICICI Prudential Life’s Pure Protect provides tax benefits applicable under Sec 80C.
Key benefits of Pure Protect
-- Insurance protection at one of the lowest market rates
-- Policy enhancement with the optional Waiver of Premium Rider and Accidental Death and Disability Benefit Rider
-- Tax benefits under Sec 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961
About ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company is a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential plc. It was one of the first players to commence operations when the insurance industry was opened to the private sector in 2000. For the half year ended September 30, 2008, the company garnered Rs 6,726 crore of total premium and has underwritten over 8 million policies since inception. The company has a network of over 2,050 offices and 278,000 advisors. It is also the only life insurer in India to be assigned AAA (Ind) credit rating from Fitch Ratings. For the past eight years, ICICI Prudential has maintained its leading position amongst life insurers in the country, with a wide range of flexible products that meet the needs of the Indian customer at every step in life. To know more about the company, please visit www.iciciprulife.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Commenting on the launch of Pure Protect, Mr. Bhargav Dasgupta, Executive Director, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, said, “While designing our products, we have always kept our consumers’ convenience in mind. Following this philosophy of consumer-centricity we have introduced various innovative, yet simple products to enable consumer their life, health and pensions needs, effectively. Further, we believe it is crucial to provide customers, across all income segments, the ability to cover their life and provide security to their dependents. Hence, we have further strengthened our term products portfolio with the launch of Pure Protect, a product designed to provide life cover at one of the lowest rates in the market.”
ICICI Pru Pure Protect is available in two variants, ICICI Pru Pure Protect Classic for sum assured of up to Rs 25,00,000 and ICICI Pru Pure Protect Elite for sum assured of Rs 25,00,000 and above. The term policy aims at providing insurance at the lowest rates in the market with premium starting from as low as Rs 2,400 p.a.
ICICI Prudential Life has always been sensitive to the needs of the customers and has customized its product and service offerings to meet customer needs. Keeping in line with this, ICICI Pru Life’s Pure Protect is designed to help consumers customize their policy with additional benefits such as Accidental Death and Disability Benefit Rider and Waiver of Premium Rider. Accidental Death and Disability Benefit Rider provides enhanced protection in case of accidental death of life assured while the Waiver of Premium Rider covers total and permanent disability in case of accident along with payment of all future premiums till maturity.
In case of death of the life assured during the term, the sum assured will be paid to the beneficiary. ICICI Prudential Life’s Pure Protect provides tax benefits applicable under Sec 80C.
Key benefits of Pure Protect
-- Insurance protection at one of the lowest market rates
-- Policy enhancement with the optional Waiver of Premium Rider and Accidental Death and Disability Benefit Rider
-- Tax benefits under Sec 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961
About ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company is a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential plc. It was one of the first players to commence operations when the insurance industry was opened to the private sector in 2000. For the half year ended September 30, 2008, the company garnered Rs 6,726 crore of total premium and has underwritten over 8 million policies since inception. The company has a network of over 2,050 offices and 278,000 advisors. It is also the only life insurer in India to be assigned AAA (Ind) credit rating from Fitch Ratings. For the past eight years, ICICI Prudential has maintained its leading position amongst life insurers in the country, with a wide range of flexible products that meet the needs of the Indian customer at every step in life. To know more about the company, please visit www.iciciprulife.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Manipal Cure and Care (MCC) Launches Pre-wedding Makeover Packages
Manipal Cure and Care presents pre-wedding makeover packages for the brides and grooms to be. MCC’s beauty services – ‘MASK’ offers a range of safe and effective services to prepare the bride and groom for the wedding day.These special packages suit the varying needs of the guests.
These special packages are Mini Derma Refresh Package, Revitalizing package, Express Skin Care Package and Cosmeceutical Packages. Apart from this, these packages also include diet evaluation, gynecology and physician consultation along with medical advice on personal hygiene and healthy habits. Experts at Manipal Cure and Care guide the would-be couple on grooming of skin, hair, eye and diet care.
These packages are personalized as per the needs of the couple and the time left for their marriage. There are packages that take as little as a week to the extensive ones that spread for 45 days. These packages include dermatologist consultation, tips on daily grooming including eye care, skin hydration, pigmentation control, skin protection and hair care, gynecologists/ physician consultation on personal hygiene and contraceptives, diet evaluation -body composition analysis and dietary counseling. The skin wellness checkup consists of CBC, Blood group and Glucose Random.
“While all bridal packages present in the market are specific to beauty and skin, our packages provide overall solutions with healthcare and sexual advice. This makes our packages comprehensive and unique,” said Dr. Charu Sharma, Category Manager (Dermatology), MCC.
Reinstating on the health background of these beauty packages, Dr. Satish Amarnath, Medical Director, MCC said “Our services are delivered by expert clinicians and trained professionals to ensure absolute safety and optimum benefits of our guests. The products used are of the best quality imported exclusively by MCC.”
ABOUT MANIPAL CURE AND CARE:
Manipal Cure and Care is an initiative of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). Founded by the late Padmashree Dr. T.M.A. Pai in 1953, Manipal Education and Medical Group today stands tall with an enviable track record of success in the spheres of Healthcare, Education and Research nationally and internationally. Its operations are spread across India, Middle East and several Southeast Asian countries.
MCC offers a range of preventive, wellness, beauty products and services under one roof. It is the first to achieve the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International certification for customer safety & service quality in India.
MCC is the winner of the Most Admired Retailer of the year – Innovative Retail Concept, 2008 at Indian Retail Forum (IRF), the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Innovative Product / Service Award – 2007 and Golden Peacock Innovation Award – 2008.
Thanks Business Wire India
These special packages are Mini Derma Refresh Package, Revitalizing package, Express Skin Care Package and Cosmeceutical Packages. Apart from this, these packages also include diet evaluation, gynecology and physician consultation along with medical advice on personal hygiene and healthy habits. Experts at Manipal Cure and Care guide the would-be couple on grooming of skin, hair, eye and diet care.
These packages are personalized as per the needs of the couple and the time left for their marriage. There are packages that take as little as a week to the extensive ones that spread for 45 days. These packages include dermatologist consultation, tips on daily grooming including eye care, skin hydration, pigmentation control, skin protection and hair care, gynecologists/ physician consultation on personal hygiene and contraceptives, diet evaluation -body composition analysis and dietary counseling. The skin wellness checkup consists of CBC, Blood group and Glucose Random.
“While all bridal packages present in the market are specific to beauty and skin, our packages provide overall solutions with healthcare and sexual advice. This makes our packages comprehensive and unique,” said Dr. Charu Sharma, Category Manager (Dermatology), MCC.
Reinstating on the health background of these beauty packages, Dr. Satish Amarnath, Medical Director, MCC said “Our services are delivered by expert clinicians and trained professionals to ensure absolute safety and optimum benefits of our guests. The products used are of the best quality imported exclusively by MCC.”
ABOUT MANIPAL CURE AND CARE:
Manipal Cure and Care is an initiative of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG). Founded by the late Padmashree Dr. T.M.A. Pai in 1953, Manipal Education and Medical Group today stands tall with an enviable track record of success in the spheres of Healthcare, Education and Research nationally and internationally. Its operations are spread across India, Middle East and several Southeast Asian countries.
MCC offers a range of preventive, wellness, beauty products and services under one roof. It is the first to achieve the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International certification for customer safety & service quality in India.
MCC is the winner of the Most Admired Retailer of the year – Innovative Retail Concept, 2008 at Indian Retail Forum (IRF), the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Innovative Product / Service Award – 2007 and Golden Peacock Innovation Award – 2008.
Thanks Business Wire India
AMD and ATI Enter into MPEG LA’s MPEG-2 License
MPEG LA, LLC announced that Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. and ATI Technologies, Inc. have entered into the MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License offered by MPEG LA. As a result of this agreement, several companies that license their essential MPEG-2 patents through MPEG LA will withdraw a patent enforcement action pending before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
MPEG LA, LLC
MPEG LA is the world leader in alternative technology licenses, enabling users to acquire worldwide patent rights necessary for a technology standard or platform from multiple patent holders in a single transaction as an alternative to negotiating separate licenses. Wherever an independently administered one-stop patent license would provide a convenient marketplace alternative to assist users with implementation of their technology choices, the licensing model pioneered and employed by MPEG LA may provide a solution. Among MPEG LA’s licenses is one for MPEG-2 digital video compression that has helped produce the most widely employed standard in consumer electronics history. The MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License, which includes more than 870 MPEG-2 essential patents in 57 countries, has more than 1400 licensees accounting for most MPEG-2 products including set-top boxes, DVD players, digital television sets, personal computers and DVD Video Discs in the current world market. MPEG LA is an independent licensing administrator; it is not related to any standards agency and is not an affiliate of any patent holder. For more information, please refer to http://www.mpegla.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
MPEG LA, LLC
MPEG LA is the world leader in alternative technology licenses, enabling users to acquire worldwide patent rights necessary for a technology standard or platform from multiple patent holders in a single transaction as an alternative to negotiating separate licenses. Wherever an independently administered one-stop patent license would provide a convenient marketplace alternative to assist users with implementation of their technology choices, the licensing model pioneered and employed by MPEG LA may provide a solution. Among MPEG LA’s licenses is one for MPEG-2 digital video compression that has helped produce the most widely employed standard in consumer electronics history. The MPEG-2 Patent Portfolio License, which includes more than 870 MPEG-2 essential patents in 57 countries, has more than 1400 licensees accounting for most MPEG-2 products including set-top boxes, DVD players, digital television sets, personal computers and DVD Video Discs in the current world market. MPEG LA is an independent licensing administrator; it is not related to any standards agency and is not an affiliate of any patent holder. For more information, please refer to http://www.mpegla.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
T-WORKS Launches Board Marker Projector Screen - A New Generation of Board Screen
T-WORKS Co., Ltd., manufacturer of next generation screen displays such as two-way screen based on the world’s first photo storage method and high gain screen, announced today that they have launched a new “Non-reflection Board Marker Screen,” a revolutionary screen with interactive touch board that can be erasable and written by marker.
Developed by the latest technology from T-WORKS, this Board Marker Screen provides high projection capability together with excellent writing and easy cleaning ability.
The new Board Marker Screen can be used in various presentations at schools, governments, church, and conference. The users of this Board Marker Screen can freely write, draw, and erase with marker during the presentation and conferences. The touch software and senor also enables the board to be used as interactive touch board for gaming.
The Board Marker Screen is based on high strength matting surface treatment technology, which provides free writing function and beam projector screen function by maintaining the same projection capability level as the existing screen board.
T-WORKS has previously introduced the new Board Marker Screen during ‘IT ASIA 2008 Tour’ from November 3rd to 14th at ‘Korea IT Business Partnership 2008’ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ‘Vietnam Int’l Trade Fair 2008’ in Hanoi, Vietnam, and ‘Korea IT Business Partnership 2008’ in Shenzhen, China.
As a result of the exhibition, the superb technology of Board Marker Screen was recognized by numerous international buyers and T-WORKS is currently involved with serious discussion for exporting with companies from Vietnam and China.
T-WORKS also manufactures other 3-D image products such as new 3-D Solid Screen, 3-D Glass, and polarized light filter in order to continue to lead the way in the 3-D display industry.
Along with the 3-D image products, T-WORKS has developed new touch sensor and hard screen, and currently is working on new technology such as LCoS and PVPro as well as new screen devices for the 3rd generation compact mobile projectors.
Based on these new developments, T-WORKS plans to expand its brand power to the global market including Middle East and South America through various tradeshows and exhibitions.
Thanks Business Wire India
Developed by the latest technology from T-WORKS, this Board Marker Screen provides high projection capability together with excellent writing and easy cleaning ability.
The new Board Marker Screen can be used in various presentations at schools, governments, church, and conference. The users of this Board Marker Screen can freely write, draw, and erase with marker during the presentation and conferences. The touch software and senor also enables the board to be used as interactive touch board for gaming.
The Board Marker Screen is based on high strength matting surface treatment technology, which provides free writing function and beam projector screen function by maintaining the same projection capability level as the existing screen board.
T-WORKS has previously introduced the new Board Marker Screen during ‘IT ASIA 2008 Tour’ from November 3rd to 14th at ‘Korea IT Business Partnership 2008’ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ‘Vietnam Int’l Trade Fair 2008’ in Hanoi, Vietnam, and ‘Korea IT Business Partnership 2008’ in Shenzhen, China.
As a result of the exhibition, the superb technology of Board Marker Screen was recognized by numerous international buyers and T-WORKS is currently involved with serious discussion for exporting with companies from Vietnam and China.
T-WORKS also manufactures other 3-D image products such as new 3-D Solid Screen, 3-D Glass, and polarized light filter in order to continue to lead the way in the 3-D display industry.
Along with the 3-D image products, T-WORKS has developed new touch sensor and hard screen, and currently is working on new technology such as LCoS and PVPro as well as new screen devices for the 3rd generation compact mobile projectors.
Based on these new developments, T-WORKS plans to expand its brand power to the global market including Middle East and South America through various tradeshows and exhibitions.
Thanks Business Wire India
American Based Company Enriching Gifts International Sets Eyes on Expansion in India-Owned and Operated by Ronald K Schneider, Nobel Prize Nominee
Enriching Gifts International, the world's most premier Natural and Dietary supplement Company delivering Health supplements from past 18 years is planning to expand their product portfolio in Indian market. There are over 10 different product lines registered on their name. Five of the products are licensed in Africa to fight against the H.I.V- A.I.D.S virus and they also plays an effective role in fighting against malaria, hepatitis, dengue fever, heart disease, cancers, diabetes, arthritis and further ailments.
The company already distributes its product line in 75 plus countries across the world. They supply their product to hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations, government health care funded programs, and more. Similarly they are focusing on Indian healthcare industry for further expansion.
The company is based out of Miles City , Montana in the United States of America. The company deals into variety of supplements, there are different product lines available in the International market. Enriching gifts natural products line are enzymes and mineral based, which help to strengthen the human body's digestive and immune systems, so they function more efficiently and stronger. There are other products which help people in losing weight, increasing muscle size, strength, detoxify, and cleanse the body and organs.
Enriching Gifts International will be unveiling its premier product line to India, at this following event:
2) Medifest India
December 5-7, 2008
Venue: Pragati Maidan
New Delhi
About Mr. Ronald K. Schneider
Mr. Ronald K. Schneider is the Founder and Formulator of Enriching Gifts International and he specializes in the field of Immunoenzymology and Darkfield Phase Contrast Microscopy. Mr. Schneider had studied alternative and holistic medicine for many years and eventually got focused on research with enzymes. He had developed and provided private label products to over 180 different health product distribution companies using his formulations. He decided to focus on his own premier line of nutritional products. He further established Enriching Gifts International. To view the profile of Mr. Schneider please click on the link given below:
About Mr. Tom Manno
Tom Manno is an endorsed associate of Enriching Gifts International. Mr. Tom Manno is the worlds strongest man in bench press competition over the age of 50. He has played three years in the NFL(National Football League) in America, with the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a result of an knee injury and not being able to play football any longer because of the injury. Tom started bench pressing as a way to stay in shape. In 1994 when Tom started using Enriching Gifts International's enzyme based nutritional products, he was only bench pressing 432 pounds. He is currently the oldest man in the world, to be able to bench press more than 735 pounds. He is in India to promote and educate young people and athletes about the benefits of using Enriching Gifts enzymes and supplements instead of harmful drugs and steroids, to become bigger and stronger.
His many records and accomplishments include,
-- 27 time National Champion.......24 time World Champion
-- In the bench press 110 American Records & 80 World Records in the bench press
-- 2 time Arnold Classic Finalist & 2 time Bench America Finalist
-- 3 time N.A.S.A.(Natural Athletes Strength Association)) Bench Presser of The Year Award.
Winner of over 50 Outstanding Lifter Awards through the years.
Enriching Gifts International corporate representatives are in India, looking for investors, importers/ exporters, wholesalers and retail distributors to distribute its exclusive product line in India and surrounding countries. For more information please contact Mr Sanjeev Virk at +919911278204.
Media credentials reserved for working media. Please bring credentials that identify you as a working representative of the media, such as a business card. Interviews may be arrange between December 5th to December 10th.
About Enriching Gifts International
Enriching Gifts International, the world's most premier Natural and Dietary supplement Company delivering Health supplements from past 18 years. The company is based out of Miles City , Montana in the United States of America
The company markets its best products and formulations to ensure that quality, effectiveness and activity remains constant without regard to development costs. Enriching Gifts International represents the most current and effective technology in the dietary supplement industry world wide, with its revolutionary enzyme based GR8-CF77 trademarked formulation.
Enriching Gifts International is poised for rapid growth, in an increasingly health and wellness conscious world.
Thanks Business Wire India
The company already distributes its product line in 75 plus countries across the world. They supply their product to hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations, government health care funded programs, and more. Similarly they are focusing on Indian healthcare industry for further expansion.
The company is based out of Miles City , Montana in the United States of America. The company deals into variety of supplements, there are different product lines available in the International market. Enriching gifts natural products line are enzymes and mineral based, which help to strengthen the human body's digestive and immune systems, so they function more efficiently and stronger. There are other products which help people in losing weight, increasing muscle size, strength, detoxify, and cleanse the body and organs.
Enriching Gifts International will be unveiling its premier product line to India, at this following event:
2) Medifest India
December 5-7, 2008
Venue: Pragati Maidan
New Delhi
About Mr. Ronald K. Schneider
Mr. Ronald K. Schneider is the Founder and Formulator of Enriching Gifts International and he specializes in the field of Immunoenzymology and Darkfield Phase Contrast Microscopy. Mr. Schneider had studied alternative and holistic medicine for many years and eventually got focused on research with enzymes. He had developed and provided private label products to over 180 different health product distribution companies using his formulations. He decided to focus on his own premier line of nutritional products. He further established Enriching Gifts International. To view the profile of Mr. Schneider please click on the link given below:
About Mr. Tom Manno
Tom Manno is an endorsed associate of Enriching Gifts International. Mr. Tom Manno is the worlds strongest man in bench press competition over the age of 50. He has played three years in the NFL(National Football League) in America, with the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a result of an knee injury and not being able to play football any longer because of the injury. Tom started bench pressing as a way to stay in shape. In 1994 when Tom started using Enriching Gifts International's enzyme based nutritional products, he was only bench pressing 432 pounds. He is currently the oldest man in the world, to be able to bench press more than 735 pounds. He is in India to promote and educate young people and athletes about the benefits of using Enriching Gifts enzymes and supplements instead of harmful drugs and steroids, to become bigger and stronger.
His many records and accomplishments include,
-- 27 time National Champion.......24 time World Champion
-- In the bench press 110 American Records & 80 World Records in the bench press
-- 2 time Arnold Classic Finalist & 2 time Bench America Finalist
-- 3 time N.A.S.A.(Natural Athletes Strength Association)) Bench Presser of The Year Award.
Winner of over 50 Outstanding Lifter Awards through the years.
Enriching Gifts International corporate representatives are in India, looking for investors, importers/ exporters, wholesalers and retail distributors to distribute its exclusive product line in India and surrounding countries. For more information please contact Mr Sanjeev Virk at +919911278204.
Media credentials reserved for working media. Please bring credentials that identify you as a working representative of the media, such as a business card. Interviews may be arrange between December 5th to December 10th.
About Enriching Gifts International
Enriching Gifts International, the world's most premier Natural and Dietary supplement Company delivering Health supplements from past 18 years. The company is based out of Miles City , Montana in the United States of America
The company markets its best products and formulations to ensure that quality, effectiveness and activity remains constant without regard to development costs. Enriching Gifts International represents the most current and effective technology in the dietary supplement industry world wide, with its revolutionary enzyme based GR8-CF77 trademarked formulation.
Enriching Gifts International is poised for rapid growth, in an increasingly health and wellness conscious world.
Thanks Business Wire India
ENERTECH to Enter the Global Market with New EnerKeeper Power-Saving Device
ENERTECH Co., Ltd, a manufacturer of various power-saving devices in South Korea, announced today that they have launched a new power-saving device named “EnerKeeper” and expanded its distribution to the global market.
EnerKeeper is an innovative power-saving device that eliminates harmonic, unbalance, and inactive power for effective power usage and cost savings.
EnerKeeper is built through Zig-Zag Winding method in its core and coil instead of using other electronic parts, IC, or condenser. Based on this structure, ENERTECH applied its exclusive ATW (Auto Transformer Winding) technology to eliminate energy-wasting factors such as harmonics, unbalance, and reactive power in order to achieve higher energy efficiency and up to 15% in electronic cost savings.
EnerKeeper is developed for various applications such as home, commercial, and industrial uses and has already been installed Korea’s major factories and facilities such as Bank of Korea, Korea District Heat Corporation, Korea Electronic Power Corporation, POSCO, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanjin Heavy Industries, KT, Seoul National University, and other major apartment complexes.
EnerKeeper was also recognized as “highly recommended product for government facilities” by Korean government, and earned various certifications including ISO 9001, CE, and product certifications from China, Korea, and Europe.
Based on their product achievement, ENERTECH is jointly developing new products such as hybrid power-saving transformer, preventative current transformer, and photopile modules with Korea Electronic Power Corporation and 5 other major electronic power corporations.
Hoon Yang Park, the CEO of ENERTECH, said, “ENERTECH provides safe and highly efficient power-saving devices through our AWT technology. We will also become a major contributor of the global green energy movement as well when we complete the development of a new hybrid power-saving device.”
About ENERTECH Co., Ltd.
Established in 2003, ENERTECH is an expert in electronic power devices as it manufactures power-saving devices, intelligent robots, and photopile modules. Their product research and development are recognized with 5 domestic patents, 3 international patents, and PCT as well as recognition from Korean government such as “INNO-BIZ” award. For more information, please visit www.enerkeeper.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
EnerKeeper is an innovative power-saving device that eliminates harmonic, unbalance, and inactive power for effective power usage and cost savings.
EnerKeeper is built through Zig-Zag Winding method in its core and coil instead of using other electronic parts, IC, or condenser. Based on this structure, ENERTECH applied its exclusive ATW (Auto Transformer Winding) technology to eliminate energy-wasting factors such as harmonics, unbalance, and reactive power in order to achieve higher energy efficiency and up to 15% in electronic cost savings.
EnerKeeper is developed for various applications such as home, commercial, and industrial uses and has already been installed Korea’s major factories and facilities such as Bank of Korea, Korea District Heat Corporation, Korea Electronic Power Corporation, POSCO, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanjin Heavy Industries, KT, Seoul National University, and other major apartment complexes.
EnerKeeper was also recognized as “highly recommended product for government facilities” by Korean government, and earned various certifications including ISO 9001, CE, and product certifications from China, Korea, and Europe.
Based on their product achievement, ENERTECH is jointly developing new products such as hybrid power-saving transformer, preventative current transformer, and photopile modules with Korea Electronic Power Corporation and 5 other major electronic power corporations.
Hoon Yang Park, the CEO of ENERTECH, said, “ENERTECH provides safe and highly efficient power-saving devices through our AWT technology. We will also become a major contributor of the global green energy movement as well when we complete the development of a new hybrid power-saving device.”
About ENERTECH Co., Ltd.
Established in 2003, ENERTECH is an expert in electronic power devices as it manufactures power-saving devices, intelligent robots, and photopile modules. Their product research and development are recognized with 5 domestic patents, 3 international patents, and PCT as well as recognition from Korean government such as “INNO-BIZ” award. For more information, please visit www.enerkeeper.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Press Note -: Decisions Regarding Pricing and Commercial Utilization of Natural Gas under New Exploration Licensing Policy
The supply of natural gas would be made at a selling price of US$4.2/mmbtu (for crude price greater or equal to US$60/barrel) for all customers across all sectors from D-6 field, as decided in the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) meeting held on 12.09.2007. This excludes transportation cost, taxes, etc.
Keeping in view the long standing shortage of natural gas in the country, leading to under-utilized/stranded assets, the EGoM in its meeting held on 28.5.2008 decided about the priority sectors to which 40 mmscmd natural gas expected to be produced from RIL's KG D6 field by March 2009 would be supplied; the details are mentioned in Ministry’s press note dated 25.6.2008. While confirming the overall prioritization of sectors, Government has accorded priority to Ratnagiri Power Project Limited (RGPPL) along with fertilizer units. It has been decided that RGPPL be supplied 1.4 mmscmd during January to March 2009 and 2.7 mmscmd during April to September 2009, subject to commencement of production, within the overall allocation of power sector (18 mmscmd) decided earlier. Further, 8.5 mmscmd would be supplied to RGPPL after September 2009 from the production from RIL’s KG D6 field.
The decisions taken by the Government regarding supply of natural gas to priority sectors, along with the modification decided in this meeting as noted in para 2 above, would be made applicable to the first 40 mmscmd of gas produced from RIL’s KG D-6 field, irrespective of the date on which this production is attained.
With regard to supply of 18 mmscmd earmarked for the power sector to various power plants, it has been decided that after RGPPL, priority should be given to the power plants in Andhra Pradesh. MOP&NG would discuss with Ministry of Power to arrive at a mutually acceptable decision and decide supply of natural gas to various power plants.
Regarding the NTPC-RIL sale price, it has been decided that the verdict of the court should be awaited.
MoP&NG would ensure that a workable Gas Sale Purchase Agreement (GSPA) is evolved for sale of gas to be produced under NELP to consumers across the country.
MOP&NG would take decisions regarding supply of natural gas to consumers by the Operator, in accordance with the decisions of the Government and taking into account Court orders, after consultations with the concerned Ministries and other stakeholders, with which the Operator would comply.
MoP&NG would take decisions regarding supply of natural gas to sectors/individual customers consequent to gas being available on account of short offtake, delay and any other unforeseen circumstances.
It has also been decided that MOP&NG would facilitate finalization of GSPAs by Fertilizer Companies for supply of gas.
It has been decided to give priority to the existing natural gas-based sponge iron/steel plants after the sectors prioritized earlier. However, the supply would be made from the production beyond the first 40 mmscmd to be produced from RIL’s KG-D6 field.
It had been earlier decided to supply 3 mmscmd for existing natural gas-based LPG plants. It has been decided that MOP&NG would undertake a study of the cost benefit analysis of supply of 3 mmscmd natural gas to LPG plants.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
New Delhi: December 4, 2008 / Agrahayana 13, 1930
Keeping in view the long standing shortage of natural gas in the country, leading to under-utilized/stranded assets, the EGoM in its meeting held on 28.5.2008 decided about the priority sectors to which 40 mmscmd natural gas expected to be produced from RIL's KG D6 field by March 2009 would be supplied; the details are mentioned in Ministry’s press note dated 25.6.2008. While confirming the overall prioritization of sectors, Government has accorded priority to Ratnagiri Power Project Limited (RGPPL) along with fertilizer units. It has been decided that RGPPL be supplied 1.4 mmscmd during January to March 2009 and 2.7 mmscmd during April to September 2009, subject to commencement of production, within the overall allocation of power sector (18 mmscmd) decided earlier. Further, 8.5 mmscmd would be supplied to RGPPL after September 2009 from the production from RIL’s KG D6 field.
The decisions taken by the Government regarding supply of natural gas to priority sectors, along with the modification decided in this meeting as noted in para 2 above, would be made applicable to the first 40 mmscmd of gas produced from RIL’s KG D-6 field, irrespective of the date on which this production is attained.
With regard to supply of 18 mmscmd earmarked for the power sector to various power plants, it has been decided that after RGPPL, priority should be given to the power plants in Andhra Pradesh. MOP&NG would discuss with Ministry of Power to arrive at a mutually acceptable decision and decide supply of natural gas to various power plants.
Regarding the NTPC-RIL sale price, it has been decided that the verdict of the court should be awaited.
MoP&NG would ensure that a workable Gas Sale Purchase Agreement (GSPA) is evolved for sale of gas to be produced under NELP to consumers across the country.
MOP&NG would take decisions regarding supply of natural gas to consumers by the Operator, in accordance with the decisions of the Government and taking into account Court orders, after consultations with the concerned Ministries and other stakeholders, with which the Operator would comply.
MoP&NG would take decisions regarding supply of natural gas to sectors/individual customers consequent to gas being available on account of short offtake, delay and any other unforeseen circumstances.
It has also been decided that MOP&NG would facilitate finalization of GSPAs by Fertilizer Companies for supply of gas.
It has been decided to give priority to the existing natural gas-based sponge iron/steel plants after the sectors prioritized earlier. However, the supply would be made from the production beyond the first 40 mmscmd to be produced from RIL’s KG-D6 field.
It had been earlier decided to supply 3 mmscmd for existing natural gas-based LPG plants. It has been decided that MOP&NG would undertake a study of the cost benefit analysis of supply of 3 mmscmd natural gas to LPG plants.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
New Delhi: December 4, 2008 / Agrahayana 13, 1930
Statement of Finance Ministry on Inflation
The following is the statement of Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on inflation :
“Annual rate of inflation, year-on-year as conventionally measured, declined to 8.40 per cent for the week ending November 22, 2008 compared to a rate of 8.84 per cent reported in the previous week. For the fourth week in a row inflation continues to be in single digit with a marked decline of 44 basis points over the previous week.
An analysis of the contribution of commodity groups to year-on-year inflation rate for the week ending 22 November shows that primary articles covering food, non-food and minerals accounted for nearly 32.61 per cent of inflation, which is 10 percentage points more than their contribution to the WPI basket.
In the ‘primary articles’ group, the annual year–on-year inflation increased further to 11.98 per cent, as compared to 11.90 per cent reported last week. In the commodity group ‘fuel and power’, the rate of year–on- year inflation declined to 5.28 per cent in the current week compared to an inflation of 7.81 per cent reported in the previous week. In the case of ‘manufactured products’, the year-on-year inflation rate in the current week increased marginally to 8.15 per cent, as compared to 8.01 per cent in previous week.
For the food total i.e. primary articles and food products the year-on-year inflation was 8.81 per cent as against 1.2 per cent last year.
The monthly deseasonalised inflation rate has been negative during September and October, suggesting a continuing moderation in WPI inflation in the coming months. For the month of October 2008, the deseasonalised inflation for primary food showed some increase, though there was significant decline in inflation rate of manufactured food. The overall monthly deseasonalised inflation in manufactured products shows a continuing decline since September 2008.
In respect of CPI for industrial workers, for the month of October 2008, the year-on-year inflation rate crossed into double digits for the first time in ten years when it touched 10.45 per cent. For the same month, CPI for agricultural as well as rural labour was recorded at 11.41 per cent as against monthly WPI inflation of 10.97 per cent.”
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“Annual rate of inflation, year-on-year as conventionally measured, declined to 8.40 per cent for the week ending November 22, 2008 compared to a rate of 8.84 per cent reported in the previous week. For the fourth week in a row inflation continues to be in single digit with a marked decline of 44 basis points over the previous week.
An analysis of the contribution of commodity groups to year-on-year inflation rate for the week ending 22 November shows that primary articles covering food, non-food and minerals accounted for nearly 32.61 per cent of inflation, which is 10 percentage points more than their contribution to the WPI basket.
In the ‘primary articles’ group, the annual year–on-year inflation increased further to 11.98 per cent, as compared to 11.90 per cent reported last week. In the commodity group ‘fuel and power’, the rate of year–on- year inflation declined to 5.28 per cent in the current week compared to an inflation of 7.81 per cent reported in the previous week. In the case of ‘manufactured products’, the year-on-year inflation rate in the current week increased marginally to 8.15 per cent, as compared to 8.01 per cent in previous week.
For the food total i.e. primary articles and food products the year-on-year inflation was 8.81 per cent as against 1.2 per cent last year.
The monthly deseasonalised inflation rate has been negative during September and October, suggesting a continuing moderation in WPI inflation in the coming months. For the month of October 2008, the deseasonalised inflation for primary food showed some increase, though there was significant decline in inflation rate of manufactured food. The overall monthly deseasonalised inflation in manufactured products shows a continuing decline since September 2008.
In respect of CPI for industrial workers, for the month of October 2008, the year-on-year inflation rate crossed into double digits for the first time in ten years when it touched 10.45 per cent. For the same month, CPI for agricultural as well as rural labour was recorded at 11.41 per cent as against monthly WPI inflation of 10.97 per cent.”
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High Court verdict strengthens IT department: CBDT Chairman
The CBDT, Chairman Shri N.B. Singh said that the decision of the Mumbai High Court in favour of the Income Tax Department in the case relating to transfer of securities of Vodafone Essar Limited has strengthened the hands of the Income Tax Department.
In a writ petition, the validity and legality of the notice issued by the Income Tax department was challenged. The Hon’ble High Court has dismissed the writ petition with cost.
Yesterday, the Hon’ble Mumbai High Court had delivered its judgement on the writ petition filed against a notice issued by the Income Tax department under section 201(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 to Vodafone International Holdings BV, asking it to show-cause as to why it should not be treated as an assessee in default for failure to deduct tax on payment made in respect of transfer of securities relating to Vodafone Essar Ltd.
Shri Singh said that the judgement has strengthened the hands of the Income Tax department in its attempt to bring to tax in India, the transactions involving transfer of assets situated in India between entities located outside the country.
In a writ petition, the validity and legality of the notice issued by the Income Tax department was challenged. The Hon’ble High Court has dismissed the writ petition with cost.
Yesterday, the Hon’ble Mumbai High Court had delivered its judgement on the writ petition filed against a notice issued by the Income Tax department under section 201(1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 to Vodafone International Holdings BV, asking it to show-cause as to why it should not be treated as an assessee in default for failure to deduct tax on payment made in respect of transfer of securities relating to Vodafone Essar Ltd.
Shri Singh said that the judgement has strengthened the hands of the Income Tax department in its attempt to bring to tax in India, the transactions involving transfer of assets situated in India between entities located outside the country.
Press Note -: Guidelines for publication of Indian editions of foreign magazines dealing with news and current affairs
The Union Government has decided to allow publication of Indian editions of foreign magazines publishing news and comments on public news i.e., periodicals falling in the news and current affairs category, by Indian entity(ies), with or without foreign investment. Entities/publishers of such editions would be eligible for attracting 26% foreign investment. The ceiling of total Foreign Direct Investment {which includes foreign direct investments by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and portfolio investments by recognized Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), together} is up to 26%, as per the provisions of the FDI Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting from time to time.
1. Definition of Magazine/Periodical
‘Magazine’ for the purpose of these guidelines will be defined as ‘a periodical publication brought out on non-daily basis containing public news or comments on public news’.
2. Eligibility:
Any Indian entity, with or without foreign investment, will be permitted to publish an Indian edition of a foreign magazine falling in the news and current affairs sector. Entities/Publishers of such editions would be eligible for attracting 26% foreign investment as per FDI Guidelines issued by this Ministry from time to time.
3. Verification of Title of the Publication and its Registration:
The title of the magazine should be got verified and subsequently registered by the Indian entities/publishers from the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 and as per procedure in vogue.
4. Basic Conditions/Obligations:
The broad parameters for granting such permission are as under:
(a) That the publisher/owner of the foreign magazine of which Indian edition is proposed to be published should have sound credentials.
(b) Permission to publish such editions would be granted only to those entities/publishers which are registered as an Indian company with the Registrar of Companies under the provisions of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
(c) The Indian companies would be allowed to enter into financial arrangements (such as royalty payment arrangements, etc.) with the owners of the foreign magazines subject to the rules and regulations of the Government of India issued on the matter from time to time.
(d) At least 3/4th of the Directors on the Board of Directors of the Applicant Indian Company and all key executives and editorial staff should be resident Indians.
(e) The applicant Indian company shall frame its Articles/Memorandum of Association to ensure compliance with the prescribed eligibility criteria.
(f) 100% identical content of the foreign magazine concerned would be allowed and the Indian publisher would be free to add local content and advertisements.
(g) That permission may be granted for publication of only such magazines which are being published in the country of their origin with the approval of the regulatory authority of the respective Governments of those countries in cases where such approvals are granted by the Governments.
(h) That the proposed publication should have been published continuously for a period of at least 5 years, and the publication must have had a circulation of at least 10,000 paid copies in the last financial year in the country of its origin. The period of continuous publication and circulation must be certified by the respective Governmental authority of the country, and if there is no such Governmental authority regulating such matters, the certificate should be from respected and recognized agencies engaged in the business of certification.
(i) Any Indian company publishing Indian edition of foreign magazines in India shall be subject to all the relevant laws and guidelines applicable to Indian news magazines and their publishers.
(j) The applicant entity shall make full disclosure, at the time of application, of the Licence Agreement/ Financial Arrangement with the foreign entity for publishing such Indian editions. Any subsequent change, shall be disclosed to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting within fifteen days of such a change.
(k) The applicant company shall inform the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting within 15 days of effecting any changes in the composition of resident Indian Directors or key executives and editorial staff. Such a change would be subject to post facto approval of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
(l) The applicant company shall be liable to intimate the names and details of any foreigners/NRIs/PIOs proposed to be employed/engaged in the Entity for more than 60 days in a year, either as Consultant or as regular employees or in any other capacity. The Entity shall be liable to dispense with the services of such persons if subsequently not found security cleared.
(m) The applicant company shall obtain prior clearance from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting of all persons not being resident Indians who are proposed to be inducted in the Board of Directors/Key Executives/Editorial Staff of the company.
(n) The applicant company shall permit the Government agencies to inspect the facilities required for publishing Indian edition of foreign magazine, as and when required.
(o) The Government of India, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting shall have the right to suspend/ withdraw/ cancel the permission of the company for a specified period or for whole time, if the conditions specified in the grant of permission is violated or in public interest or in the interest of national security. The company shall immediately comply with the directives issued in this regard.
(p) The company shall stop publication of the Indian edition of the magazine whenever approval for such publication is suspended/withdrawn/ cancelled by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
(q) The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting shall have the right to amend these Guidelines, as and when necessary.
5. Procedure for Application (i) Eleven copies of the prescribed application form, duly filled in, along with the requisite documents shall be submitted to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
(ii) Application fee of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty thousand only) will have to be deposited through demand draft made in favour of Pay & Accounts Officer, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, payable at New Delhi.
In case the original foreign magazine is in a language other than English/Hindi, the certified/ authenticated English transcripts of the magazine, one issue each for the last five years alongwith the original copy may be provided with the application. Certification/ authentication shall be done by the publisher of the original foreign magazine.
6. Processing of Applications:
All new applications for publication of Indian editions of foreign magazines dealing in news and current affairs sector, shall be processed and decided in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on the basis of inter-ministerial consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and other Ministries/Departments, as may be required.
1. Definition of Magazine/Periodical
‘Magazine’ for the purpose of these guidelines will be defined as ‘a periodical publication brought out on non-daily basis containing public news or comments on public news’.
2. Eligibility:
Any Indian entity, with or without foreign investment, will be permitted to publish an Indian edition of a foreign magazine falling in the news and current affairs sector. Entities/Publishers of such editions would be eligible for attracting 26% foreign investment as per FDI Guidelines issued by this Ministry from time to time.
3. Verification of Title of the Publication and its Registration:
The title of the magazine should be got verified and subsequently registered by the Indian entities/publishers from the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 and as per procedure in vogue.
4. Basic Conditions/Obligations:
The broad parameters for granting such permission are as under:
(a) That the publisher/owner of the foreign magazine of which Indian edition is proposed to be published should have sound credentials.
(b) Permission to publish such editions would be granted only to those entities/publishers which are registered as an Indian company with the Registrar of Companies under the provisions of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
(c) The Indian companies would be allowed to enter into financial arrangements (such as royalty payment arrangements, etc.) with the owners of the foreign magazines subject to the rules and regulations of the Government of India issued on the matter from time to time.
(d) At least 3/4th of the Directors on the Board of Directors of the Applicant Indian Company and all key executives and editorial staff should be resident Indians.
(e) The applicant Indian company shall frame its Articles/Memorandum of Association to ensure compliance with the prescribed eligibility criteria.
(f) 100% identical content of the foreign magazine concerned would be allowed and the Indian publisher would be free to add local content and advertisements.
(g) That permission may be granted for publication of only such magazines which are being published in the country of their origin with the approval of the regulatory authority of the respective Governments of those countries in cases where such approvals are granted by the Governments.
(h) That the proposed publication should have been published continuously for a period of at least 5 years, and the publication must have had a circulation of at least 10,000 paid copies in the last financial year in the country of its origin. The period of continuous publication and circulation must be certified by the respective Governmental authority of the country, and if there is no such Governmental authority regulating such matters, the certificate should be from respected and recognized agencies engaged in the business of certification.
(i) Any Indian company publishing Indian edition of foreign magazines in India shall be subject to all the relevant laws and guidelines applicable to Indian news magazines and their publishers.
(j) The applicant entity shall make full disclosure, at the time of application, of the Licence Agreement/ Financial Arrangement with the foreign entity for publishing such Indian editions. Any subsequent change, shall be disclosed to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting within fifteen days of such a change.
(k) The applicant company shall inform the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting within 15 days of effecting any changes in the composition of resident Indian Directors or key executives and editorial staff. Such a change would be subject to post facto approval of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
(l) The applicant company shall be liable to intimate the names and details of any foreigners/NRIs/PIOs proposed to be employed/engaged in the Entity for more than 60 days in a year, either as Consultant or as regular employees or in any other capacity. The Entity shall be liable to dispense with the services of such persons if subsequently not found security cleared.
(m) The applicant company shall obtain prior clearance from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting of all persons not being resident Indians who are proposed to be inducted in the Board of Directors/Key Executives/Editorial Staff of the company.
(n) The applicant company shall permit the Government agencies to inspect the facilities required for publishing Indian edition of foreign magazine, as and when required.
(o) The Government of India, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting shall have the right to suspend/ withdraw/ cancel the permission of the company for a specified period or for whole time, if the conditions specified in the grant of permission is violated or in public interest or in the interest of national security. The company shall immediately comply with the directives issued in this regard.
(p) The company shall stop publication of the Indian edition of the magazine whenever approval for such publication is suspended/withdrawn/ cancelled by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
(q) The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting shall have the right to amend these Guidelines, as and when necessary.
5. Procedure for Application (i) Eleven copies of the prescribed application form, duly filled in, along with the requisite documents shall be submitted to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
(ii) Application fee of Rs.20,000/- (Rupees Twenty thousand only) will have to be deposited through demand draft made in favour of Pay & Accounts Officer, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, payable at New Delhi.
In case the original foreign magazine is in a language other than English/Hindi, the certified/ authenticated English transcripts of the magazine, one issue each for the last five years alongwith the original copy may be provided with the application. Certification/ authentication shall be done by the publisher of the original foreign magazine.
6. Processing of Applications:
All new applications for publication of Indian editions of foreign magazines dealing in news and current affairs sector, shall be processed and decided in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on the basis of inter-ministerial consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and other Ministries/Departments, as may be required.
Awards for National Photo Competition on “Tribal: Forest Dwellers” Declared
Shri Guntaka Gopala Reddy from Vijayawada has got the first Prize in the National Photo Competition organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with the Photo Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on the theme of ‘Tribal: Forest Dwellers’ for his photograph “Old Bonda”. Second Prize has been bagged by Shri Girish J. Kingar of Indore for his photograph “Foodmaker”. Saikat Mukherjee bagged the third Prize. First prize carries an award of Rupees Twenty five thousand cash and a citation. Second and third prizes carry Rupees fifteen thousand and Rupees Ten thousand respectively along with a citation each. Besides, 10 commendation prizes of Rupees Two thousand were also awarded. The Jury could, however, not find any entry for the Special Talent Award for the best Tribal Photographer which carries an award of Rupees Twenty thousand.
A total of 1165 photographs were received from the 191 photographers from 25 States including the states of north east like Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim and the other states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chattishgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
A Jury comprising Shri Gautam Buddha Mukherjee, Secretary, Tribal Affairs, and an eminent tribal photographer Shri Michael Shylla and Shri Debatosh Sengupta, Director, Photo Division screened all the entries and selected the award winning photographs including 10 commendation awards and another ninety four photographs for the exhibition. Commendation awards winners are S/Shri Somenath Mukherjee from Birbhum, Chinmoy Bhattacharjee, Jayanta Roy and Biswajit Ray from West Bengal, Vanam Paparao from Vijayawada, Gurudas Dua, Subandhu Dube, Pravin Rawat and Pulkit Rawat from Indore and Ravi Shrivas from Bhopal.
A total of 1165 photographs were received from the 191 photographers from 25 States including the states of north east like Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim and the other states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chattishgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
A Jury comprising Shri Gautam Buddha Mukherjee, Secretary, Tribal Affairs, and an eminent tribal photographer Shri Michael Shylla and Shri Debatosh Sengupta, Director, Photo Division screened all the entries and selected the award winning photographs including 10 commendation awards and another ninety four photographs for the exhibition. Commendation awards winners are S/Shri Somenath Mukherjee from Birbhum, Chinmoy Bhattacharjee, Jayanta Roy and Biswajit Ray from West Bengal, Vanam Paparao from Vijayawada, Gurudas Dua, Subandhu Dube, Pravin Rawat and Pulkit Rawat from Indore and Ravi Shrivas from Bhopal.
Vice President meets children in connection with International Children Broadcasting Day 2008
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari met a group of children in connection with International Children Broadcasting Day 2008 here today. He recorded an interactive session with them which will broadcast on 14th December. The children asked him questions ranging from his school days,food habits, hobbies, childhood memories to serious national problems such as low girl literacy and terrorism. They enjoyed every moment spent with the Vice President and were impressed with his humility and friendly behaviour with children. The Vice President stressed on the need for unity and integration in our society and wished the children bright future, success and happiness in life.
International Children Broadcasting Day is celebrated every year on the 2nd Sunday of the December month. The concept of celebrating this day was introduced by the UNICEF. The concept of having this day for the children is to let them have an opportunity to express themselves in the media. All India Radio celebrates this occasion by letting children interact with eminent personalities and organises special programmes for them.
International Children Broadcasting Day is celebrated every year on the 2nd Sunday of the December month. The concept of celebrating this day was introduced by the UNICEF. The concept of having this day for the children is to let them have an opportunity to express themselves in the media. All India Radio celebrates this occasion by letting children interact with eminent personalities and organises special programmes for them.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Jeil Industries Launches Series of New Eco-Friendly Special Purpose Adhesive Tapes Including “Alkali-Souluble Tape”
Jeil Industries Co., Ltd, a global expert in manufacturing various industrial adhesive tapes in South Korea, announced that they have launched two new adhesive tapes that are eco-friendly and recyclable under water or alkali solution.
Jeil’s new adhesive tapes dissolves easily under water or alkali solution, which means that the packing materials can be recycled without removing the tapes and contribute significantly to protecting the environment.
The adhesive tapes can be applied to various materials including newspapers, regular paper packaging, medical packaging, and food packaging materials. Water-dissolving tape (model JL614) and alkali-dissolving tape (model JL615) has width of 50 mm and length up to 50 M.
Another eco-friendly adhesive tape from Jeil, KT, is non-coated paper tape using special adhesiveness to achieve 100% recyclability for box packaging. Instead of using the traditional rubber-material glues, KT paper tape uses special eco-friendly adhesiveness in the coating in order to provide excellent adhesive power in low and high temperatures.
The safe adhesiveness of KT provides great value by recycling the packaging materials and proving economic benefit as well as the environmental benefit. KT also comes with water-dissolving and alkali- dissolving types and applicable to newspaper material, paper material, medical packaging, and food packaging. Jeil has earned patent for KT based on these achievements.
Jeil also launched a new special industry purpose tapes (model 700 series) in the global market, including industrial tape for electricity wiring, silicon tape for water and heat resistant, industrial tape for paint protection, copper tape for electronic appliances.
Jeil has developed a new foil-type aluminum tape for aluminum taping and aluminum PET taping used in electronic parts and appliances such as refrigerator. With this development, Jeil also began marketing the aluminum foil tapes to the electronic appliance manufacturers around the world. The new foil-type aluminum tape has adhesion spread on its aluminum surface similar to the normal OPP tapes, which significantly reduces the volume of the aluminum tape.
Cheol Ho Kim, the CEO of Jeil Industries, said, “These eco-friendly products will be the main product for our expansion in the U.S, Europe, and South America market, starting the 1st quarter of next year. With 26 years of experience in taping, we are confident that we have built the system to provide all of our customers with variety of adhesive tape products as well as customized products according to the special demand.”
About JEIL INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD
Established in 1981, Jeil Industries has been developing and manufacturing quality, specialized, eco-friendly adhesive tapes for industrial purposes. Jeil focuses on achieving the highest quality possible on all of its “Jeil Tapes” by applying strict quality control and advanced adhesive technology, providing various taping solution for electronic, construction, and other specialized industries in 10 countries around the world. All of Jeil’s products are manufactured under ISO 9001 certification standard, and Jeil was awarded numerous awards such as INNO BIZ Award, Eco-friendly Mark, Innovative Small/Mid Business Award, and Emerging Small/Mid Business Award from Korean government for their advancement and superior quality products.
Thanks Business Wire India
Jeil’s new adhesive tapes dissolves easily under water or alkali solution, which means that the packing materials can be recycled without removing the tapes and contribute significantly to protecting the environment.
The adhesive tapes can be applied to various materials including newspapers, regular paper packaging, medical packaging, and food packaging materials. Water-dissolving tape (model JL614) and alkali-dissolving tape (model JL615) has width of 50 mm and length up to 50 M.
Another eco-friendly adhesive tape from Jeil, KT, is non-coated paper tape using special adhesiveness to achieve 100% recyclability for box packaging. Instead of using the traditional rubber-material glues, KT paper tape uses special eco-friendly adhesiveness in the coating in order to provide excellent adhesive power in low and high temperatures.
The safe adhesiveness of KT provides great value by recycling the packaging materials and proving economic benefit as well as the environmental benefit. KT also comes with water-dissolving and alkali- dissolving types and applicable to newspaper material, paper material, medical packaging, and food packaging. Jeil has earned patent for KT based on these achievements.
Jeil also launched a new special industry purpose tapes (model 700 series) in the global market, including industrial tape for electricity wiring, silicon tape for water and heat resistant, industrial tape for paint protection, copper tape for electronic appliances.
Jeil has developed a new foil-type aluminum tape for aluminum taping and aluminum PET taping used in electronic parts and appliances such as refrigerator. With this development, Jeil also began marketing the aluminum foil tapes to the electronic appliance manufacturers around the world. The new foil-type aluminum tape has adhesion spread on its aluminum surface similar to the normal OPP tapes, which significantly reduces the volume of the aluminum tape.
Cheol Ho Kim, the CEO of Jeil Industries, said, “These eco-friendly products will be the main product for our expansion in the U.S, Europe, and South America market, starting the 1st quarter of next year. With 26 years of experience in taping, we are confident that we have built the system to provide all of our customers with variety of adhesive tape products as well as customized products according to the special demand.”
About JEIL INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD
Established in 1981, Jeil Industries has been developing and manufacturing quality, specialized, eco-friendly adhesive tapes for industrial purposes. Jeil focuses on achieving the highest quality possible on all of its “Jeil Tapes” by applying strict quality control and advanced adhesive technology, providing various taping solution for electronic, construction, and other specialized industries in 10 countries around the world. All of Jeil’s products are manufactured under ISO 9001 certification standard, and Jeil was awarded numerous awards such as INNO BIZ Award, Eco-friendly Mark, Innovative Small/Mid Business Award, and Emerging Small/Mid Business Award from Korean government for their advancement and superior quality products.
Thanks Business Wire India
ZETRO Electronic Expands its Industrial and Military CCTV Camera into the Global Market
ZETRO Electronic Co., Ltd, a global manufacturer of video surveillance equipments in South Korea, announced that they have developed a new color CCTV camera series with 580 horizontal resolution for Day & Night time usage. ZETRO also added that they will begin the distribution of this new product in the global market.
Previously, ZETRO has been providing various CCTV products such as general consumer’s DIY product, professional camera, and specialized military camera.
ZETRO’s latest development of CP-47 Series camera (Model No. CP-47SNhL) features professional camera with WDR to overcome backlight, 3D-DNR, HS-BLC, Automatic White Balance, Privacy function for the user’s Privacy protection, Motion detection, user-friendly interface with 14 menus from OSD, and Dual voltage.
CP-47SNhL can monitor a target’s movement on a real-time basis, and features 580 TV lines horizontal resolution which enables the CCTV to record vivid color and audio under the minimum illumination of 0.00001 LUX without any LED lights.
Specialized Military purpose IR camera series (Model No. CI-501SNhSVFb-EX) features high performance with 580 TV-lines horizontal resolution, 8 pcs of Super Giant IR-LED to provide Minimum visible Distance of 100 meter (outdoor).
Hee-Jun Shim, the CEO of ZETRO, said, “ZETRO is already providing high performance CCTV surveillance solution to the U.S and Europe based on our technology and production of CCTV cameras. ZETRO will continue to expand its global distribution through South America, Middle East, and South Asia as we are hearing a lot of positive feedbacks from those regions.”
About ZETRO Electronic Co., Ltd.
ZETRO is specialized manufacturer of CCTV Cameras & Industrial LCD Monitors in South Korea and has been the leader of Korean CCTV Industry development. ZETRO was the first company in the world to apply Motion-Detection on CCTV monitor (patent). ZETRO continues to invest in the research and development of the next generation video surveillance solution and make top-quality products to lead the market with reliable products. For more information, please visit www.zetro.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Previously, ZETRO has been providing various CCTV products such as general consumer’s DIY product, professional camera, and specialized military camera.
ZETRO’s latest development of CP-47 Series camera (Model No. CP-47SNhL) features professional camera with WDR to overcome backlight, 3D-DNR, HS-BLC, Automatic White Balance, Privacy function for the user’s Privacy protection, Motion detection, user-friendly interface with 14 menus from OSD, and Dual voltage.
CP-47SNhL can monitor a target’s movement on a real-time basis, and features 580 TV lines horizontal resolution which enables the CCTV to record vivid color and audio under the minimum illumination of 0.00001 LUX without any LED lights.
Specialized Military purpose IR camera series (Model No. CI-501SNhSVFb-EX) features high performance with 580 TV-lines horizontal resolution, 8 pcs of Super Giant IR-LED to provide Minimum visible Distance of 100 meter (outdoor).
Hee-Jun Shim, the CEO of ZETRO, said, “ZETRO is already providing high performance CCTV surveillance solution to the U.S and Europe based on our technology and production of CCTV cameras. ZETRO will continue to expand its global distribution through South America, Middle East, and South Asia as we are hearing a lot of positive feedbacks from those regions.”
About ZETRO Electronic Co., Ltd.
ZETRO is specialized manufacturer of CCTV Cameras & Industrial LCD Monitors in South Korea and has been the leader of Korean CCTV Industry development. ZETRO was the first company in the world to apply Motion-Detection on CCTV monitor (patent). ZETRO continues to invest in the research and development of the next generation video surveillance solution and make top-quality products to lead the market with reliable products. For more information, please visit www.zetro.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
ZETRO Electronic Expands its Industrial and Military CCTV Camera into the Global Market
ZETRO Electronic Co., Ltd, a global manufacturer of video surveillance equipments in South Korea, announced that they have developed a new color CCTV camera series with 580 horizontal resolution for Day & Night time usage. ZETRO also added that they will begin the distribution of this new product in the global market.
Previously, ZETRO has been providing various CCTV products such as general consumer’s DIY product, professional camera, and specialized military camera.
ZETRO’s latest development of CP-47 Series camera (Model No. CP-47SNhL) features professional camera with WDR to overcome backlight, 3D-DNR, HS-BLC, Automatic White Balance, Privacy function for the user’s Privacy protection, Motion detection, user-friendly interface with 14 menus from OSD, and Dual voltage.
CP-47SNhL can monitor a target’s movement on a real-time basis, and features 580 TV lines horizontal resolution which enables the CCTV to record vivid color and audio under the minimum illumination of 0.00001 LUX without any LED lights.
Specialized Military purpose IR camera series (Model No. CI-501SNhSVFb-EX) features high performance with 580 TV-lines horizontal resolution, 8 pcs of Super Giant IR-LED to provide Minimum visible Distance of 100 meter (outdoor).
Hee-Jun Shim, the CEO of ZETRO, said, “ZETRO is already providing high performance CCTV surveillance solution to the U.S and Europe based on our technology and production of CCTV cameras. ZETRO will continue to expand its global distribution through South America, Middle East, and South Asia as we are hearing a lot of positive feedbacks from those regions.”
About ZETRO Electronic Co., Ltd.
ZETRO is specialized manufacturer of CCTV Cameras & Industrial LCD Monitors in South Korea and has been the leader of Korean CCTV Industry development. ZETRO was the first company in the world to apply Motion-Detection on CCTV monitor (patent). ZETRO continues to invest in the research and development of the next generation video surveillance solution and make top-quality products to lead the market with reliable products. For more information, please visit www.zetro.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Previously, ZETRO has been providing various CCTV products such as general consumer’s DIY product, professional camera, and specialized military camera.
ZETRO’s latest development of CP-47 Series camera (Model No. CP-47SNhL) features professional camera with WDR to overcome backlight, 3D-DNR, HS-BLC, Automatic White Balance, Privacy function for the user’s Privacy protection, Motion detection, user-friendly interface with 14 menus from OSD, and Dual voltage.
CP-47SNhL can monitor a target’s movement on a real-time basis, and features 580 TV lines horizontal resolution which enables the CCTV to record vivid color and audio under the minimum illumination of 0.00001 LUX without any LED lights.
Specialized Military purpose IR camera series (Model No. CI-501SNhSVFb-EX) features high performance with 580 TV-lines horizontal resolution, 8 pcs of Super Giant IR-LED to provide Minimum visible Distance of 100 meter (outdoor).
Hee-Jun Shim, the CEO of ZETRO, said, “ZETRO is already providing high performance CCTV surveillance solution to the U.S and Europe based on our technology and production of CCTV cameras. ZETRO will continue to expand its global distribution through South America, Middle East, and South Asia as we are hearing a lot of positive feedbacks from those regions.”
About ZETRO Electronic Co., Ltd.
ZETRO is specialized manufacturer of CCTV Cameras & Industrial LCD Monitors in South Korea and has been the leader of Korean CCTV Industry development. ZETRO was the first company in the world to apply Motion-Detection on CCTV monitor (patent). ZETRO continues to invest in the research and development of the next generation video surveillance solution and make top-quality products to lead the market with reliable products. For more information, please visit www.zetro.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
ExxonMobil Expands Black Sea Presence with Romanian Agreement - Deepwater Neptun Block to be Evaluated
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) announced its affiliate, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited, has signed an agreement with Petrom SA to help explore deepwater portions of the Neptun Block offshore Romania. The Petrom agreement is ExxonMobil’s second major exploration venture announced in the promising Black Sea in two weeks.
ExxonMobil and Petrom, the largest Romanian oil and gas company and a member of the OMV group, agreed to cooperate on a 3D seismic acquisition and evaluation program of the Neptun Block. Petrom will operate the initial work program. ExxonMobil will help fund the work program and provide expertise in evaluating the deepwater seismic data.
“We are pleased to assist Petrom in its Romanian offshore exploration program,” said Elwyn C. Griffiths, Vice President, Business Development, ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “ExxonMobil has considerable expertise in all facets of deepwater exploration and we see this as an opportunity to apply that experience in a new and promising region.”
ExxonMobil affiliates are currently exploring for hydrocarbons in deepwater locations around the world, including offshore Angola, Brazil, Canada, Greenland, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Madagascar, Nigeria, The Philippines and the United States.
“Petrom looks forward to working with ExxonMobil,” said Johann Pleininger, Petrom Executive Board Member for Exploration and Development. “This co-venture with ExxonMobil is an important step for Petrom to explore the hydrocarbon potential in the Black Sea.”
ExxonMobil pioneered the development of 3D seismic technology and other technologies for gathering and interpreting data to improve the success rate of deepwater oil and gas exploration efforts. ExxonMobil’s history in Romania dates back more than 100 years. Operations have included oil production and refining, and marketing of lubricants.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Statements in this release regarding future events or conditions are forward-looking statements. Actual future results, including future business plans, could differ materially due to factors such as changes in prices and other market conditions affecting oil and gas industries; the outcome of exploration efforts; the outcome of commercial negotiations; political and regulatory developments; and other factors described under the caption "Factors Affecting Future Results" in the Investor Information section of our website (www.exxonmobil.com) and in Item 1A of our most recent Form 10-K.
Thanks Business Wire India
ExxonMobil and Petrom, the largest Romanian oil and gas company and a member of the OMV group, agreed to cooperate on a 3D seismic acquisition and evaluation program of the Neptun Block. Petrom will operate the initial work program. ExxonMobil will help fund the work program and provide expertise in evaluating the deepwater seismic data.
“We are pleased to assist Petrom in its Romanian offshore exploration program,” said Elwyn C. Griffiths, Vice President, Business Development, ExxonMobil Exploration Company. “ExxonMobil has considerable expertise in all facets of deepwater exploration and we see this as an opportunity to apply that experience in a new and promising region.”
ExxonMobil affiliates are currently exploring for hydrocarbons in deepwater locations around the world, including offshore Angola, Brazil, Canada, Greenland, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Madagascar, Nigeria, The Philippines and the United States.
“Petrom looks forward to working with ExxonMobil,” said Johann Pleininger, Petrom Executive Board Member for Exploration and Development. “This co-venture with ExxonMobil is an important step for Petrom to explore the hydrocarbon potential in the Black Sea.”
ExxonMobil pioneered the development of 3D seismic technology and other technologies for gathering and interpreting data to improve the success rate of deepwater oil and gas exploration efforts. ExxonMobil’s history in Romania dates back more than 100 years. Operations have included oil production and refining, and marketing of lubricants.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Statements in this release regarding future events or conditions are forward-looking statements. Actual future results, including future business plans, could differ materially due to factors such as changes in prices and other market conditions affecting oil and gas industries; the outcome of exploration efforts; the outcome of commercial negotiations; political and regulatory developments; and other factors described under the caption "Factors Affecting Future Results" in the Investor Information section of our website (www.exxonmobil.com) and in Item 1A of our most recent Form 10-K.
Thanks Business Wire India
Gemalto Confirms its Intention not to Raise its Bid for Wavecom
Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 - GTO), the world leader in digital security, confirms that it will not raise its bid for Wavecom. Gemalto will inform the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) of its intention to terminate its public tender, in accordance with the timetable of article 232-11 of the AMF General Regulations.
Olivier Piou, Gemalto's Chief Executive Officer, remarked: "As part of its mid to long-term strategy Gemalto has several options to grow in the M2M market and in others. We do not intend to bid at a price that would not be in the best interests of Gemalto and its shareholders. I wish the best to Wavecom and all its employees."
Gemalto SA's offer is the subject of an Offer Document ("Note d'Information") on which the AMF affixed its visa n° 08-225 on 24 October 2008, in accordance with its conformity decision of 24 October 2008. Gemalto's Offer Document, as approved by the AMF and the additional press release dated 4 November 2008, as well as information concerning the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of Gemalto S.A. and Gemalto are available on the Gemalto website (www.gemalto.com) and the AMF website (www.amf-france.org) and can be obtained free of charge from:
Gemalto S.A.
6, rue de la Verrerie
92190 Meudon
HSBC France
103, avenue des Champs-Elysées
75419 Paris Cedex 08
The circulation, publication or distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain countries. This press release is not intended, directly or indirectly, for persons subject to such restrictions. Receipt of this press release does not constitute an offer in a jurisdiction where a tender offer or an offer for securities would be illegal.
This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Wavecom S.A. The terms and conditions of the U.S. Offer are set forth in the U.S. Offer to Purchase dated October 28, 2008 and the related materials, as amended, that Gemalto filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on Schedule TO. The terms and conditions of the International Offer are set forth in the Note d’Information, as amended, that Gemalto filed with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF"), and on which the AMF affixed its visa n° 08-225 on October 24, 2008, in accordance with its conformity decision of October 24, 2008. Wavecom securityholders and other investors are urged to read carefully such offer materials (as updated and amended) prior to making any decisions with respect to the Offers because these documents contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the Offers. Wavecom security holders and other investors can obtain copies of these tender offer materials and any other documents filed with the Commission from the Commission’s website (www.sec.gov) and with the AMF from the AMF’s website (www.amf-france.org), in each case without charge. Such materials filed by Gemalto will also be available for free at Gemalto's website (www.gemalto.com).
Questions and requests for assistance regarding the U.S. offer may be directed to the Information Agent, Georgeson Inc. (the "Information Agent") (199 Water Street, 26th Floor New York, NY 10038-3650; U.S. Toll Free Number for holders of Wavecom securities in the United States: (800) 257-5271; U.S. Number for banks and brokers: (212) 440-9800). Requests for additional copies of the U.S. offer documents and other materials may be directed to the Information Agent and will be furnished promptly at Gemalto's expense. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the U.S. Offer.
Questions and requests for assistance outside the U.S. may be directed towards Georgeson on the following toll-free number (from France): 00 800 2667 8826.
The publication or distribution of this press release may be subject to statutory or regulatory restrictions in certain countries. The press release is not addressed to individuals subject to such restrictions, either directly or indirectly. Receipt of this press release does not constitute an offer in countries where a tender offer or an offer of securities would be illegal.
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is the leader in digital security with 2007 annual revenues of over €1.6 billion, more than 85 offices in 40 countries and about 10,000 employees including 1,300 R&D engineers. In a world where the digital revolution is increasingly transforming our lives, Gemalto’s solutions are designed to make personal digital interactions more convenient, secure and enjoyable
Gemalto provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the development of software applications through design and production of secure personal devices such as smart cards, subscribers’ identification modules (SIM’s), e-passports and tokens to the deployment of managed services for its customers. More than a billion people worldwide use the company's products and services for telecommunications, financial services, e-government, identity management, multimedia content, digital rights management, IT security, mass transit and many other applications.
As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the company is poised to thrive over the coming years.
Thanks Business Wire India
Olivier Piou, Gemalto's Chief Executive Officer, remarked: "As part of its mid to long-term strategy Gemalto has several options to grow in the M2M market and in others. We do not intend to bid at a price that would not be in the best interests of Gemalto and its shareholders. I wish the best to Wavecom and all its employees."
Gemalto SA's offer is the subject of an Offer Document ("Note d'Information") on which the AMF affixed its visa n° 08-225 on 24 October 2008, in accordance with its conformity decision of 24 October 2008. Gemalto's Offer Document, as approved by the AMF and the additional press release dated 4 November 2008, as well as information concerning the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of Gemalto S.A. and Gemalto are available on the Gemalto website (www.gemalto.com) and the AMF website (www.amf-france.org) and can be obtained free of charge from:
Gemalto S.A.
6, rue de la Verrerie
92190 Meudon
HSBC France
103, avenue des Champs-Elysées
75419 Paris Cedex 08
The circulation, publication or distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain countries. This press release is not intended, directly or indirectly, for persons subject to such restrictions. Receipt of this press release does not constitute an offer in a jurisdiction where a tender offer or an offer for securities would be illegal.
This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Wavecom S.A. The terms and conditions of the U.S. Offer are set forth in the U.S. Offer to Purchase dated October 28, 2008 and the related materials, as amended, that Gemalto filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on Schedule TO. The terms and conditions of the International Offer are set forth in the Note d’Information, as amended, that Gemalto filed with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (the "AMF"), and on which the AMF affixed its visa n° 08-225 on October 24, 2008, in accordance with its conformity decision of October 24, 2008. Wavecom securityholders and other investors are urged to read carefully such offer materials (as updated and amended) prior to making any decisions with respect to the Offers because these documents contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the Offers. Wavecom security holders and other investors can obtain copies of these tender offer materials and any other documents filed with the Commission from the Commission’s website (www.sec.gov) and with the AMF from the AMF’s website (www.amf-france.org), in each case without charge. Such materials filed by Gemalto will also be available for free at Gemalto's website (www.gemalto.com).
Questions and requests for assistance regarding the U.S. offer may be directed to the Information Agent, Georgeson Inc. (the "Information Agent") (199 Water Street, 26th Floor New York, NY 10038-3650; U.S. Toll Free Number for holders of Wavecom securities in the United States: (800) 257-5271; U.S. Number for banks and brokers: (212) 440-9800). Requests for additional copies of the U.S. offer documents and other materials may be directed to the Information Agent and will be furnished promptly at Gemalto's expense. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the U.S. Offer.
Questions and requests for assistance outside the U.S. may be directed towards Georgeson on the following toll-free number (from France): 00 800 2667 8826.
The publication or distribution of this press release may be subject to statutory or regulatory restrictions in certain countries. The press release is not addressed to individuals subject to such restrictions, either directly or indirectly. Receipt of this press release does not constitute an offer in countries where a tender offer or an offer of securities would be illegal.
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is the leader in digital security with 2007 annual revenues of over €1.6 billion, more than 85 offices in 40 countries and about 10,000 employees including 1,300 R&D engineers. In a world where the digital revolution is increasingly transforming our lives, Gemalto’s solutions are designed to make personal digital interactions more convenient, secure and enjoyable
Gemalto provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the development of software applications through design and production of secure personal devices such as smart cards, subscribers’ identification modules (SIM’s), e-passports and tokens to the deployment of managed services for its customers. More than a billion people worldwide use the company's products and services for telecommunications, financial services, e-government, identity management, multimedia content, digital rights management, IT security, mass transit and many other applications.
As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the company is poised to thrive over the coming years.
Thanks Business Wire India
Citibank Launches Unique Solution Against Financial Uncertainty
Citibank N.A. today announced the launch of Citibank Protect & Grow, a first-of-its-kind product offering customers the safety of a fixed deposit with the option to channel the interest earned into mutual funds. Customers will be able to choose any combination of a maximum of four open-ended mutual funds from among those distributed by Citibank. Citibank Protect & Grow is designed to address the needs of investors seeking the potential to obtain returns that are greater than just the interest on the fixed deposit. The product offering is available for a minimum deposit of Rs.15 lakhs for a minimum tenure of 1 year. The fixed deposit interest rates, computed quarterly (simple interest), applicable for Citibank Protect & Grow are similar to those on Citibank’s vanilla fixed deposits.
Announcing the launch of Citibank Protect & Grow, N Rajashekaran, Country Business Manager, Global Consumer Group, Citi India, said, “In the current environment, wealth preservation is as important as wealth creation. Therefore, we are very happy to provide our customers with an innovative solution that helps them get more out of their safe money.”
“We believe that choice is not just a privilege but also a prerogative for our customers. With Citibank Protect & Grow, customers no longer have to choose between capital preservation and potentially higher returns. I am very pleased to present this innovation to our customers and offer them the best of both worlds,” Rajashekaran added.
Sameer Kaul, Citibanking Head, said, “Citibank Protect & Grow places our customers’ needs at the forefront and makes their money work harder for them. We are confident that Protect & Grow will find resonance amongst our customers and reinforce our commitment of driving success for them.”
One of the key advantages of Citibank Protect & Grow is that it operates like a Systematic Investment Plan. The interest earned on the fixed deposit is invested every quarter into mutual funds, helping investors ride over the market highs and lows and averaging out the cost of purchase.
Citibank Protect & Grow will be distributed via the Bank’s 40 branches across 28 cities nationwide.
About Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi's major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Nikko. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Announcing the launch of Citibank Protect & Grow, N Rajashekaran, Country Business Manager, Global Consumer Group, Citi India, said, “In the current environment, wealth preservation is as important as wealth creation. Therefore, we are very happy to provide our customers with an innovative solution that helps them get more out of their safe money.”
“We believe that choice is not just a privilege but also a prerogative for our customers. With Citibank Protect & Grow, customers no longer have to choose between capital preservation and potentially higher returns. I am very pleased to present this innovation to our customers and offer them the best of both worlds,” Rajashekaran added.
Sameer Kaul, Citibanking Head, said, “Citibank Protect & Grow places our customers’ needs at the forefront and makes their money work harder for them. We are confident that Protect & Grow will find resonance amongst our customers and reinforce our commitment of driving success for them.”
One of the key advantages of Citibank Protect & Grow is that it operates like a Systematic Investment Plan. The interest earned on the fixed deposit is invested every quarter into mutual funds, helping investors ride over the market highs and lows and averaging out the cost of purchase.
Citibank Protect & Grow will be distributed via the Bank’s 40 branches across 28 cities nationwide.
About Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi's major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Nikko. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Scotland's ‘Energy Challenge to the World ' Unveiled
-- £10 Million Saltire Prize to Push Frontiers of Innovation in Green Marine Energy – First Minister
-- Indian Economist and Environmental Scientist Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri Part of the World Wide Saltire Prize Challenge Committee
Details of one of the world’s biggest ever international innovation prizes were unveiled in Edinburgh today.
The £10 million Saltire Prize will be awarded to the team which successfully demonstrates – in Scottish waters – the best commercially viable wave or tidal technology capable of providing electricity to thousands of homes.
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond is to host a reception at Edinburgh Castle for an audience of leading scientists, environmentalists and potential entrants to the competition, where the much-anticipated details of the challenge will be revealed.
The international experts on the Saltire Prize Challenge Committee met earlier today where they agreed the terms of the world’s largest single prize for renewable marine energy development.
The international committee includes renowned economist Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri highlighting the importance of collaboration between Scotland and India in the field environmental sciences.
Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland and Chair of the Challenge Committee, will announce the details of the challenge, which is:
The Saltire Prize will be awarded to the team that can demonstrate in Scottish waters a commercially viable wave or tidal energy technology that achieves a minimum electrical output of 100 GWh over a continuous 2 year period using only the power of the sea and is judged to be the best overall technology after consideration of cost, environmental sustainability and safety.
The First Minister said:
“The Scottish Government’s £10 million Saltire Prize is one of the biggest international innovation prizes in history
“It is Scotland’s energy challenge to the world – a challenge to the brightest and best minds worldwide to unleash their talents and push the frontiers of innovation in green marine energy.
“The Saltire Prize has the potential to unlock Scotland’s vast marine energy wealth, putting our nation at the very forefront of the battle against climate change, to make a lasting and decisive difference to our planet.
“The Saltire Prize Challenge Committee has tasked the world’s leading scientists and innovators to design, build and test a renewable marine energy device, in Scottish waters, which is capable of powering thousands upon thousands of households. Scotland has one quarter of Europe’s tidal power potential; the Pentland Firth is our Saudi Arabia of renewable marine energy.
“The prize-winning solution will herald a historical breakthrough in renewable development and strengthen Scotland’s place in the world as a leader in clean, green energy.
“The reward for Scotland is to maximise our natural resources and competitive advantage in renewable energy, lead the fight against climate change and reap the full economic benefits that come with the position of a world-leader in renewable energy.
“I would like to thank all the Challenge Committee and the Technical Advisory Board for their work and I wish all the possible entrants the very best of luck.”
Professor Anne Glover, Chair of the Challenge Committee, said:
“Scotland has an outstanding history in science, engineering and technology and continues to excel. It is natural that we set an inspirational challenge to the world. The Saltire Prize challenge aims to accelerate the rate at which wave and tidal technologies can deliver power output that will represent real commercial opportunity. And make a meaningful contribution to Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy and carbon emissions targets.”
Members of the Saltire Prize Challenge Committee are:
- Professor Anne Glover is Chair of the Committee and Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland;
- Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri is an economist and environmental scientist who has served as the chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change since 2002;
- Dr Bernard J Bulkin is a world leader in energy technology and education, and a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Energy Institute;
- Nicholas Moore Eisenberger is an environmental entrepreneur and business strategist who serves on the X-Prize Foundation Energy and Environment Advisory Board;
- Terry D. Garcia is Executive Vice President for mission programs for the NationalGeographic Society;
- Richard Hemsley is Chief Operating Officer, Group Manufacturing Division at the Royal Bank of Scotland;
- Professor Paul Jowitt is Vice President of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh;
- Jaison Morgan is senior director of Prize Development with the X Prize Foundation;
- Jonathan Porritt CBE is Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission and co founder of Forum for the Future;
- Professor Lu Yongxiang is Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China and President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- David Wilson is Director of Enterprise, Energy and Tourism within the Scottish Government.
A Technical Advisory Board has also been established. Membership includes:
Professor Jim McDonald (Chair), Professor .Johannes Falnes, Professor Stephen Salter, Professor Anne Glover, Professor António Sarmento, Dr Stephen Wyatt, Richard Knight and Dr Alison Wall.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
-- Consultation on Saltire Prize guidelines will open in January and close in March 2009
-- Entries will be open from Summer 2009
-- Entries will be closed by June 2013
-- The Saltire Prize will be awarded on the basis of demonstrated 2 years production in a way that best satisfies the criteria of the prize
-- For images and downloads, please visit: www.scotland.gov.uk/saltireprizedownloads.
Thanks Business Wire India
-- Indian Economist and Environmental Scientist Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri Part of the World Wide Saltire Prize Challenge Committee
Details of one of the world’s biggest ever international innovation prizes were unveiled in Edinburgh today.
The £10 million Saltire Prize will be awarded to the team which successfully demonstrates – in Scottish waters – the best commercially viable wave or tidal technology capable of providing electricity to thousands of homes.
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond is to host a reception at Edinburgh Castle for an audience of leading scientists, environmentalists and potential entrants to the competition, where the much-anticipated details of the challenge will be revealed.
The international experts on the Saltire Prize Challenge Committee met earlier today where they agreed the terms of the world’s largest single prize for renewable marine energy development.
The international committee includes renowned economist Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri highlighting the importance of collaboration between Scotland and India in the field environmental sciences.
Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland and Chair of the Challenge Committee, will announce the details of the challenge, which is:
The Saltire Prize will be awarded to the team that can demonstrate in Scottish waters a commercially viable wave or tidal energy technology that achieves a minimum electrical output of 100 GWh over a continuous 2 year period using only the power of the sea and is judged to be the best overall technology after consideration of cost, environmental sustainability and safety.
The First Minister said:
“The Scottish Government’s £10 million Saltire Prize is one of the biggest international innovation prizes in history
“It is Scotland’s energy challenge to the world – a challenge to the brightest and best minds worldwide to unleash their talents and push the frontiers of innovation in green marine energy.
“The Saltire Prize has the potential to unlock Scotland’s vast marine energy wealth, putting our nation at the very forefront of the battle against climate change, to make a lasting and decisive difference to our planet.
“The Saltire Prize Challenge Committee has tasked the world’s leading scientists and innovators to design, build and test a renewable marine energy device, in Scottish waters, which is capable of powering thousands upon thousands of households. Scotland has one quarter of Europe’s tidal power potential; the Pentland Firth is our Saudi Arabia of renewable marine energy.
“The prize-winning solution will herald a historical breakthrough in renewable development and strengthen Scotland’s place in the world as a leader in clean, green energy.
“The reward for Scotland is to maximise our natural resources and competitive advantage in renewable energy, lead the fight against climate change and reap the full economic benefits that come with the position of a world-leader in renewable energy.
“I would like to thank all the Challenge Committee and the Technical Advisory Board for their work and I wish all the possible entrants the very best of luck.”
Professor Anne Glover, Chair of the Challenge Committee, said:
“Scotland has an outstanding history in science, engineering and technology and continues to excel. It is natural that we set an inspirational challenge to the world. The Saltire Prize challenge aims to accelerate the rate at which wave and tidal technologies can deliver power output that will represent real commercial opportunity. And make a meaningful contribution to Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy and carbon emissions targets.”
Members of the Saltire Prize Challenge Committee are:
- Professor Anne Glover is Chair of the Committee and Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland;
- Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri is an economist and environmental scientist who has served as the chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change since 2002;
- Dr Bernard J Bulkin is a world leader in energy technology and education, and a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Energy Institute;
- Nicholas Moore Eisenberger is an environmental entrepreneur and business strategist who serves on the X-Prize Foundation Energy and Environment Advisory Board;
- Terry D. Garcia is Executive Vice President for mission programs for the NationalGeographic Society;
- Richard Hemsley is Chief Operating Officer, Group Manufacturing Division at the Royal Bank of Scotland;
- Professor Paul Jowitt is Vice President of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh;
- Jaison Morgan is senior director of Prize Development with the X Prize Foundation;
- Jonathan Porritt CBE is Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission and co founder of Forum for the Future;
- Professor Lu Yongxiang is Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China and President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- David Wilson is Director of Enterprise, Energy and Tourism within the Scottish Government.
A Technical Advisory Board has also been established. Membership includes:
Professor Jim McDonald (Chair), Professor .Johannes Falnes, Professor Stephen Salter, Professor Anne Glover, Professor António Sarmento, Dr Stephen Wyatt, Richard Knight and Dr Alison Wall.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
-- Consultation on Saltire Prize guidelines will open in January and close in March 2009
-- Entries will be open from Summer 2009
-- Entries will be closed by June 2013
-- The Saltire Prize will be awarded on the basis of demonstrated 2 years production in a way that best satisfies the criteria of the prize
-- For images and downloads, please visit: www.scotland.gov.uk/saltireprizedownloads.
Thanks Business Wire India
Peplink Launches New Internet Link Balancers Featuring Industry First VPN Load Balancing and Failover
Peplink, the pioneer in Internet link balancing and failover solutions, today announces the release of its new Balance 210 and Balance 310 Internet Multi-WAN Routers, along with firmware 4.6 upgrade, which comes with the industry first multi-site Virtual Private Network (VPN) Load Balancing and Failover feature. Peplink's new products and features give businesses of all sizes an affordable way to leverage today's technologies.
100% Reliable Internet That Also Helps Cut Costs
Peplink Balance multi-WAN routers allow customers to easily combine multiple Internet services from different providers. As new generation of broadband Internet such as DOCSIS 3.0, FTTB becomes readily available, Peplink Balance 210 and 310 will meet businesses’ new bandwidth requirement without giving up Internet reliability. Because of Peplink's advanced failover and load balancing algorithms, businesses can easily substitute their existing high-cost dedicated Internet to a combination of low-cost connections. Peplink's enterprise-class Internet link balancing technology has received rave reviews for ease of use, stability and affordable pricing.
“Internet link balancing and failover used to be complicated and expensive. Many businesses still rely on a single Internet connection. Whenever there is a service outage, all you could do is to wait and complain. This is not true anymore,” said Keith Chau, General Manager at Peplink. “Customers can now subscribe to Internet services from any provider and combine them easily with our devices, not to mention the cost savings when they change from expensive dedicated Internet to regular DSL or Cable! If one of the Internet services goes down, the system administrator will be notified but other users will not notice a thing.”
VPN Load Balancing and Failover, All Protected with 256-bit AES
Peplink is also shipping firmware 4.6, which provides the industry first Multi-Site VPN Load Balancing. Multi-Site VPN Load Balancing enables businesses to easily connect multiple locations with the highest reliability possible by leveraging multiple low cost Internet connections at each site.
“With business demanding reliable and faster VPN connections across multiple locations for enterprise applications, our advanced VPN Load Balancing and Failover technology will allow this to be done without complex setup,” added Chau. Whereas traditional VPNs will fail when the Internet link gets disconnected, Peplink's technology creates VPN sessions across multiple Internet connections. Transparent to the users, this technology maintains a reliable VPN by dynamically performing load balancing and failover. Users will also benefit from a faster VPN as a result of the combined and optimized bandwidth. Peplink's VPN Load Balancing technology is key to enhancing today's business productivity.
Availability
Peplink Balance 210/310 and Firmware 4.6 are immediately available. VPN Load Balancing and Failover feature is available for 210/310 and other business-class models.
For more information on the Peplink Balance 210/310 Multi-WAN Routers, as well as their complete product line, please visit www.peplink.com.
About Peplink
Peplink is a leader in developing Internet load balancing and failover solutions. The Balance dual-WAN and multi-WAN routers have allowed business to increase Internet reliability, get better performance and save costs. Peplink Balance routers have been deployed around the world, helping thousands of businesses to stay connected to the Internet and to enhance their productivity. Peplink has formed partnership with distributors and system integrators worldwide. Information about Peplink can be found at http://www.peplink.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
100% Reliable Internet That Also Helps Cut Costs
Peplink Balance multi-WAN routers allow customers to easily combine multiple Internet services from different providers. As new generation of broadband Internet such as DOCSIS 3.0, FTTB becomes readily available, Peplink Balance 210 and 310 will meet businesses’ new bandwidth requirement without giving up Internet reliability. Because of Peplink's advanced failover and load balancing algorithms, businesses can easily substitute their existing high-cost dedicated Internet to a combination of low-cost connections. Peplink's enterprise-class Internet link balancing technology has received rave reviews for ease of use, stability and affordable pricing.
“Internet link balancing and failover used to be complicated and expensive. Many businesses still rely on a single Internet connection. Whenever there is a service outage, all you could do is to wait and complain. This is not true anymore,” said Keith Chau, General Manager at Peplink. “Customers can now subscribe to Internet services from any provider and combine them easily with our devices, not to mention the cost savings when they change from expensive dedicated Internet to regular DSL or Cable! If one of the Internet services goes down, the system administrator will be notified but other users will not notice a thing.”
VPN Load Balancing and Failover, All Protected with 256-bit AES
Peplink is also shipping firmware 4.6, which provides the industry first Multi-Site VPN Load Balancing. Multi-Site VPN Load Balancing enables businesses to easily connect multiple locations with the highest reliability possible by leveraging multiple low cost Internet connections at each site.
“With business demanding reliable and faster VPN connections across multiple locations for enterprise applications, our advanced VPN Load Balancing and Failover technology will allow this to be done without complex setup,” added Chau. Whereas traditional VPNs will fail when the Internet link gets disconnected, Peplink's technology creates VPN sessions across multiple Internet connections. Transparent to the users, this technology maintains a reliable VPN by dynamically performing load balancing and failover. Users will also benefit from a faster VPN as a result of the combined and optimized bandwidth. Peplink's VPN Load Balancing technology is key to enhancing today's business productivity.
Availability
Peplink Balance 210/310 and Firmware 4.6 are immediately available. VPN Load Balancing and Failover feature is available for 210/310 and other business-class models.
For more information on the Peplink Balance 210/310 Multi-WAN Routers, as well as their complete product line, please visit www.peplink.com.
About Peplink
Peplink is a leader in developing Internet load balancing and failover solutions. The Balance dual-WAN and multi-WAN routers have allowed business to increase Internet reliability, get better performance and save costs. Peplink Balance routers have been deployed around the world, helping thousands of businesses to stay connected to the Internet and to enhance their productivity. Peplink has formed partnership with distributors and system integrators worldwide. Information about Peplink can be found at http://www.peplink.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
British Council in Partnership with TERI Launches International Climate Champions 2009 to Inspire GenY in India, Sri Lanka
British Council, in partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), launched The International Climate Champions 2009 -- a youth oriented programme that aims to inspire young people, especially students, to spread the word about Climate Change, its effects and what can be done to mitigate them. Sixty young Indians and five Sri Lankan students will be selected as ambassadors for communicating the message of Climate Change, and work towards mitigating its effects in India.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the British Council and TERI to jointly manage and implement the ‘International Climate Champions Programme’ across India and Sri Lanka.
Highlighting the relevance of the young ambassadors, Dr RK Pachauri, Director General, TERI and Chairman IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), said, “Catching the young minds and orienting them towards environmental stewardship is our ultimate goal. This programme has an enormous potential for transforming Indian society towards greater environmental consciousness and support for sustainable development.”
Dwelling on the synergy of the programme, Dr Pachauri said, “The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has come a long way in strengthening human and institutional capacity on nature conservation and environmental protection, with the help of environment education and allied activities.”
Lauding British Council’s initiative, Dr Pachauri pointed out, “It is really the youngsters of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow, and in their role as ‘Climate Champions’ they would be major agents of change for a sustainable future.”
Mr Les Dangerfield, Acting Director, British Council Division, British High Commission addressing the audience said, International Climate Champions is an important part of the British Council’s global work to encourage awareness and action on climate change. We are delighted to be working in tandem with TERI on this initiative in India.
Training and Awareness Building workshops will be jointly conducted by TERI’s Environment Education and Awareness (EEA) Area, supported by the Institute’s office establishments across India , and the British Council offices. British Council alongwith TERI will design, implement, manage and monitor the programme.
The Indo-Sri Lankan exercise is part of the British Council’s international programme conducted in the G8+5 countries (Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, UK and USA). Last year, 20 Indian Climate Champions were selected through a rigorous country-wide competition. Three of these young champions were later chosen as International Climate Champions 2008, and represented India at the London meets and G8+5 summit in Kobe, Japan.
Selection
Young people aged between 18-21 years are eligible to enter the competition. The selection process consists of two phases. In Phase 1, applicants will be shortlisted based on their online applications. Selection during Phase 2 will be based on the proposals and interviews of the shortlisted applicants.
For more information and to apply, visit www.britishcouncil.org.in, http://edugreen.teri.res.in
Notes to editors:
Young people are the future leaders of tomorrow and hence they play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change in India. The aim of the programme is to provide multiple opportunities to the climate champions, which will enable them to develop a plan of action for mitigating climate change; and also interact with policy makers, leaders and media to communicate the urgency for a positive action against climate change.
Climate Change related training camps and field visits will be organized to build the capacity of these Climate Champions. The Champions will be visiting UK to interact with experts. Their first hand experiences will further prepare them to conceptualize an action plan for communication, adaptation and mitigation of Climate Change for India.
Climate Change is one of the most important challenges the world is facing. People all around the world live their lives mostly by burning fossil fuels for energy and this along with the cutting down of forests is increasing the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is affecting the climate in extreme ways, such as heat waves and flooding. The vast majority of scientists agree that to avoid radical changes in India’s weather in the future, we need to act together, now. The first step is to help people to start thinking about climate change as a problem that affects us all, how it is caused and what we all can do to help tackle it.
British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. Our purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK and other countries and increase appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements. The British Council is active in 109 countries and 227 towns and cities worldwide.
For further information on the International Climate Champions, please contact:
For any query on the programme, please contact:
Dr. Sudhanshu Sinha
Head, Regional Climate Security Project (LCF)
British Council Division, British High Commission
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001
Tel: +91 11 41497237 (Direct)
Tel: +91 112371 1401 (Ext. 7237), Fax: +91 11 23710717
Mobile: 981077-9159
e-mail: sudhanshu.sinha@in.britishcouncil.org
Website: www.britishcouncil.org.in
For media related queries, please contact:
Anjoo Mohan/Angeles Micah
British Council Division, British High Commission
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001
Tel: +91 11 41497335 (Direct)
Tel: +91 112371 1401 (Ext. 7335), Fax: +91 11 23710717
e-mail: anjoo.mohan@in.britishcouncil.org; angeles.micah@in.britishcouncil.org
Website: www.britishcouncil.org.in
Environment Education and Awareness (EEA) Area at TERI has dedicated itself to the task of creating an informed group of young citizens who will become the leaders of tomorrow and for whom environmental issues will become a part of their daily lives. It has conducted several projects on issues related to water, air, climate change, energy, etc. The Area develops and disseminates resource material (both print and electronic) for effective communication, besides networking with like-minded institutes, for wider outreach at the national and global platform.
The EEA Area targets mainly students and teachers and through them the community. To bring about a spirit of participatory competition for addressing environmental concerns innovative projects and activities are undertaken such as conferences, interactive sessions and discussions. An annual international environmental examination – GREEN Olympiad for middle and senior school students is conducted in association with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India that culminates in the TERRAQUIZ, the first environmental quiz programme for school students on Indian television. School Health and Hygiene programme is being carried out in the government schools of Haryana (Gurgaon, Sonepat and Panipat) and Delhi under the Yamuna Action Plan – II. Workshops, seminars, training programmes and educational field trips on environmental issues are organised for teachers and students at regular intervals.
To know further details about the programme, contact :eea@teri.res.in
Thanks Business Wire India
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the British Council and TERI to jointly manage and implement the ‘International Climate Champions Programme’ across India and Sri Lanka.
Highlighting the relevance of the young ambassadors, Dr RK Pachauri, Director General, TERI and Chairman IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), said, “Catching the young minds and orienting them towards environmental stewardship is our ultimate goal. This programme has an enormous potential for transforming Indian society towards greater environmental consciousness and support for sustainable development.”
Dwelling on the synergy of the programme, Dr Pachauri said, “The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has come a long way in strengthening human and institutional capacity on nature conservation and environmental protection, with the help of environment education and allied activities.”
Lauding British Council’s initiative, Dr Pachauri pointed out, “It is really the youngsters of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow, and in their role as ‘Climate Champions’ they would be major agents of change for a sustainable future.”
Mr Les Dangerfield, Acting Director, British Council Division, British High Commission addressing the audience said, International Climate Champions is an important part of the British Council’s global work to encourage awareness and action on climate change. We are delighted to be working in tandem with TERI on this initiative in India.
Training and Awareness Building workshops will be jointly conducted by TERI’s Environment Education and Awareness (EEA) Area, supported by the Institute’s office establishments across India , and the British Council offices. British Council alongwith TERI will design, implement, manage and monitor the programme.
The Indo-Sri Lankan exercise is part of the British Council’s international programme conducted in the G8+5 countries (Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, UK and USA). Last year, 20 Indian Climate Champions were selected through a rigorous country-wide competition. Three of these young champions were later chosen as International Climate Champions 2008, and represented India at the London meets and G8+5 summit in Kobe, Japan.
Selection
Young people aged between 18-21 years are eligible to enter the competition. The selection process consists of two phases. In Phase 1, applicants will be shortlisted based on their online applications. Selection during Phase 2 will be based on the proposals and interviews of the shortlisted applicants.
For more information and to apply, visit www.britishcouncil.org.in, http://edugreen.teri.res.in
Notes to editors:
Young people are the future leaders of tomorrow and hence they play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change in India. The aim of the programme is to provide multiple opportunities to the climate champions, which will enable them to develop a plan of action for mitigating climate change; and also interact with policy makers, leaders and media to communicate the urgency for a positive action against climate change.
Climate Change related training camps and field visits will be organized to build the capacity of these Climate Champions. The Champions will be visiting UK to interact with experts. Their first hand experiences will further prepare them to conceptualize an action plan for communication, adaptation and mitigation of Climate Change for India.
Climate Change is one of the most important challenges the world is facing. People all around the world live their lives mostly by burning fossil fuels for energy and this along with the cutting down of forests is increasing the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is affecting the climate in extreme ways, such as heat waves and flooding. The vast majority of scientists agree that to avoid radical changes in India’s weather in the future, we need to act together, now. The first step is to help people to start thinking about climate change as a problem that affects us all, how it is caused and what we all can do to help tackle it.
British Council is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. Our purpose is to build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK and other countries and increase appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements. The British Council is active in 109 countries and 227 towns and cities worldwide.
For further information on the International Climate Champions, please contact:
For any query on the programme, please contact:
Dr. Sudhanshu Sinha
Head, Regional Climate Security Project (LCF)
British Council Division, British High Commission
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001
Tel: +91 11 41497237 (Direct)
Tel: +91 112371 1401 (Ext. 7237), Fax: +91 11 23710717
Mobile: 981077-9159
e-mail: sudhanshu.sinha@in.britishcouncil.org
Website: www.britishcouncil.org.in
For media related queries, please contact:
Anjoo Mohan/Angeles Micah
British Council Division, British High Commission
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001
Tel: +91 11 41497335 (Direct)
Tel: +91 112371 1401 (Ext. 7335), Fax: +91 11 23710717
e-mail: anjoo.mohan@in.britishcouncil.org; angeles.micah@in.britishcouncil.org
Website: www.britishcouncil.org.in
Environment Education and Awareness (EEA) Area at TERI has dedicated itself to the task of creating an informed group of young citizens who will become the leaders of tomorrow and for whom environmental issues will become a part of their daily lives. It has conducted several projects on issues related to water, air, climate change, energy, etc. The Area develops and disseminates resource material (both print and electronic) for effective communication, besides networking with like-minded institutes, for wider outreach at the national and global platform.
The EEA Area targets mainly students and teachers and through them the community. To bring about a spirit of participatory competition for addressing environmental concerns innovative projects and activities are undertaken such as conferences, interactive sessions and discussions. An annual international environmental examination – GREEN Olympiad for middle and senior school students is conducted in association with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India that culminates in the TERRAQUIZ, the first environmental quiz programme for school students on Indian television. School Health and Hygiene programme is being carried out in the government schools of Haryana (Gurgaon, Sonepat and Panipat) and Delhi under the Yamuna Action Plan – II. Workshops, seminars, training programmes and educational field trips on environmental issues are organised for teachers and students at regular intervals.
To know further details about the programme, contact :eea@teri.res.in
Thanks Business Wire India
Rediffmail Aggregates Activity Updates, Scraps and News Feeds from Popular Social Networking Sites in India
Sign Into Rediffmail and Keep Track of Orkut, Facebook, Linkedin and Hi5 Updates
Rediff.com India Limited (NASDAQ: REDF), India’s leading online portal, has introduced a new aggregator service. Users can now log into their favorite social networks through Rediffmail and receive updates from their friends in one place. This service is currently available for Orkut, Facebook, Hi5 and Linkedin. Rediffmail users can also use this service to access their Orkut scrapbooks. Users can sign into Rediffmail through http://www.rediff.com
About Rediff.com
Rediff.com (NASDAQ: REDF) is one of the premier worldwide online providers of news, information, communication, entertainment and shopping service.
Rediff.com provides a platform for Indians worldwide to connect with one another online. Rediff.com is committed to offering a personalized and secure user experience. Founded in 1996, Rediff.com is headquartered in Mumbai, India, with offices in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and New York, USA.
Rediff.com India Limited (NASDAQ: REDF), India’s leading online portal, has introduced a new aggregator service. Users can now log into their favorite social networks through Rediffmail and receive updates from their friends in one place. This service is currently available for Orkut, Facebook, Hi5 and Linkedin. Rediffmail users can also use this service to access their Orkut scrapbooks. Users can sign into Rediffmail through http://www.rediff.com
About Rediff.com
Rediff.com (NASDAQ: REDF) is one of the premier worldwide online providers of news, information, communication, entertainment and shopping service.
Rediff.com provides a platform for Indians worldwide to connect with one another online. Rediff.com is committed to offering a personalized and secure user experience. Founded in 1996, Rediff.com is headquartered in Mumbai, India, with offices in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and New York, USA.
CoP 14 Meet of Climate Change at Poznan - IDENTIFICATION OF GOAL FOR STABILIZATION OF GHG EMISSION
14th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and 4th Meeting of the Parties under the Kyoto Protocol is in progress at Poznan, Poland. The main outcomes expected are identification of the possible elements of a shared vision for a long-term and mid-term goal for stabilization of GHG emissions. The meeting started on 1st of this month and will continue till 12th December 2008. Two Subsidiary Bodies of the Convention e.g. the Subsidiary Body for Scientific & Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body of Implementation (SBI) will also meet during this period in Poznan and will have their 29th sessions. Two temporary Bodies e.g., the Ad-hoc Working Group (of the Convention) on Long Term Cooperative Action (AWG-LCA), and the Ad-hoc Working Group (of Kyoto Protocol) on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties (AWG-KP) set up for specific purposes will also have their 4th session and 6th session respectively.
An inter Ministerial Delegation from India consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Planning Commission and experts drawn from various Governmental and other institutions are attending this Conference.
Bali Action Plan mandates the Parties to negotiate and secure full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention through long-term cooperative action now, up to and beyond 2012. The negotiations are aimed at identifying the specific elements of a shared vision for long term cooperative action amongst the Parties and enhancing the actions of the Parties for mitigation of climate change, adaptation to climate change, and transfer of technology and provision of financial resources to support actions for mitigation and adaptation. Specific areas e.g. mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer and provision of finance where enhanced actions are expected from the Parties are known as four pillars of Bali Action Plan. Besides, the Parties have to agree on the quantified emission reduction targets for the industrialised countries (known as Annex I Parties) under the Kyoto Protocol in the 2nd commitment period commencing from 2013. The Action Plan also expects the Parties to reach an agreed outcome of their negotiations at the next Conference of Parties that will take place in Copenhagen in December 2009.
The negotiations of the Ad Hoc Working Groups’ meetings of official level comes to an end today which prepared smooth ground for the meetings of the CoP 14. The meetings at Poznan are the fourth in series since the Bali Conference. After the CoP 13 at Bali, the two Bodies (AWG-KP and AWG-LCA) of the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol met earlier at Bangkok (March-April 2008), Bonn (June 2008), and Accra (August 2008). These meetings were held in pursuance of the objectives of the Bali Action Plan and the target date set for the conclusion of an agreed outcome in 2009.
The meetings at Poznan are intended to advance the work of the Parties initiated at Bali and carried forward at Bangkok, Bonn and Accra. At Poznan, the Parties will make a transition from the brainstorming to negotiating mode of discussions. The main outcomes expected are identification of the possible elements of a shared vision for a long-term and mid-term goal for stabilization of GHG emissions, and the measures necessary for (i) emission reductions by the Annex I Parties, (ii) evolving the financial architecture of a Convention Fund, (iii) strengthening of adaptation measures, and (iv) facilitating the transfer of climate friendly technologies.
Mitigation
The negotiations for enhanced national/international action on mitigation of climate change have to deal with the emissions of Annex I countries that have been steadily increasing since 2000, contrary to the provisions of the Convention. Attainment of the ultimate objective of the Convention will be impossible unless the rising trends in the Annex I country emissions which are already very high compared with the rest of the world are speedily reversed. The developed countries must sharply reduce their emissions so as to release atmospheric space for the development of poorer countries, in a manner that is consistent with achievement of stabilization of the greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Efforts are on to achieve early agreement on the medium targets for emission reductions by the Annex I countries as projected by Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change.
It is also critical that the “nationally determined” commitments or actions of the Annex I Parties reflect comparable efforts among all developed country Parties. Annex I Parties should, therefore, adopt quantified emission limitation and reduction objectives, regardless of whether a Party chooses to describe this as a “commitment” or an “action”.
Adaptation
Enhancing the implementation of adaptation is a priority for India, given India’s high vulnerability to climate change and the fact that climate change impacts can pose a significant risk to economic and social development and poverty alleviation efforts. Recognizing that there is a diversity of views and needs, a pragmatic approach might be to focus on a set of core principles that would guide the approach for enhancing the implementation of adaptation. These principles could cover, inter alia, the generation of resources, the delivery of resources and the institutional arrangements required for this purpose. These principles may be given a more precise operational form through the ongoing deliberations, and a new mechanism for adaptation that captures these principles may be created through the negotiations under the BAP.
Technology transfer
India’s position on technology transfer, as formalized in the submission to the UNFCCC, provides for the creation of a mechanism to address all aspects of cooperation on technology research, development, diffusion, and transfer in keeping with the relevant provisions of the Convention and decisions of the Conference of Parties (Convention) and Meetings of Parties (Kyoto Protocol). It calls for a strategic support for transfer of technology that can accelerate carbon mitigation in developing countries; compensation for all additional costs related to accelerated transfer of technology to promote mitigation and adaptation e.g. full costs of capacity building, research, and guarantees; incremental costs of commercialization, including costs associated with compulsory licensing, IPRs, creation of manufacturing facilities, and procurement of products and appliances; setting up a venture capital fund to provide equity investment for the manufacturer of these technologies; and monitoring and verification of financial and technological contributions.
Financing architecture
The Convention lays down legally binding commitments on the part of developed country Parties to provide financing to developing country Parties to meet the costs of mitigation and adaptation. These provisions are at the core of the balance of commitments between developed and developing country Parties as reflected in Article 4.7 of the Convention. Annex I Parties are obliged to provide for new, additional, adequate and predictable financing to developing country Parties to implement the UNFCCC. The financial resources committed under the Convention cannot be new and additional if they merely divert any existing or likely resources, including ODA and other net foreign inflows, available for economic and social development and poverty alleviation to developing country Parties. The magnitude of funds needs is also enormous compared to what is available under the current financial mechanism of the Convention. The proposed funding sources can also not be voluntary because voluntary contributions are not predictable and cannot service legal commitments under the Convention. Further, agreed incremental costs of combating climate must be funded with resource transfers or grants. Hence, the negotiations would be aimed at creating a mechanism under the control of the Conference of Parties which should decide the defined contributions of the Annex I Parties for funding the mitigation and adaptation requirements of the developing country Parties.
Future work
The Parties will continue to meet in various sessions during 2009 to advance the discussions on the above and related subjects with a view to conclude the negotiations and reach an agreed outcome. At least, 4 meetings of the Parties including the next CoP are already scheduled at the official level in 2009 and more meetings may be scheduled depending on the pace of negotiations.
Conference of Parties to UNFCCC meets every year to review the progress of work of the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol and take important decisions relating to future actions on climate change. Last meeting of the Conference of Parties (CoP-13) was held at Bali in December 2007 where an Action Plan, known as ‘Bali Action Plan’, was adopted by the international community with a view to address urgent global concerns on Climate Change.
An inter Ministerial Delegation from India consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Planning Commission and experts drawn from various Governmental and other institutions are attending this Conference.
Bali Action Plan mandates the Parties to negotiate and secure full, effective and sustained implementation of the Convention through long-term cooperative action now, up to and beyond 2012. The negotiations are aimed at identifying the specific elements of a shared vision for long term cooperative action amongst the Parties and enhancing the actions of the Parties for mitigation of climate change, adaptation to climate change, and transfer of technology and provision of financial resources to support actions for mitigation and adaptation. Specific areas e.g. mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer and provision of finance where enhanced actions are expected from the Parties are known as four pillars of Bali Action Plan. Besides, the Parties have to agree on the quantified emission reduction targets for the industrialised countries (known as Annex I Parties) under the Kyoto Protocol in the 2nd commitment period commencing from 2013. The Action Plan also expects the Parties to reach an agreed outcome of their negotiations at the next Conference of Parties that will take place in Copenhagen in December 2009.
The negotiations of the Ad Hoc Working Groups’ meetings of official level comes to an end today which prepared smooth ground for the meetings of the CoP 14. The meetings at Poznan are the fourth in series since the Bali Conference. After the CoP 13 at Bali, the two Bodies (AWG-KP and AWG-LCA) of the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol met earlier at Bangkok (March-April 2008), Bonn (June 2008), and Accra (August 2008). These meetings were held in pursuance of the objectives of the Bali Action Plan and the target date set for the conclusion of an agreed outcome in 2009.
The meetings at Poznan are intended to advance the work of the Parties initiated at Bali and carried forward at Bangkok, Bonn and Accra. At Poznan, the Parties will make a transition from the brainstorming to negotiating mode of discussions. The main outcomes expected are identification of the possible elements of a shared vision for a long-term and mid-term goal for stabilization of GHG emissions, and the measures necessary for (i) emission reductions by the Annex I Parties, (ii) evolving the financial architecture of a Convention Fund, (iii) strengthening of adaptation measures, and (iv) facilitating the transfer of climate friendly technologies.
Mitigation
The negotiations for enhanced national/international action on mitigation of climate change have to deal with the emissions of Annex I countries that have been steadily increasing since 2000, contrary to the provisions of the Convention. Attainment of the ultimate objective of the Convention will be impossible unless the rising trends in the Annex I country emissions which are already very high compared with the rest of the world are speedily reversed. The developed countries must sharply reduce their emissions so as to release atmospheric space for the development of poorer countries, in a manner that is consistent with achievement of stabilization of the greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Efforts are on to achieve early agreement on the medium targets for emission reductions by the Annex I countries as projected by Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change.
It is also critical that the “nationally determined” commitments or actions of the Annex I Parties reflect comparable efforts among all developed country Parties. Annex I Parties should, therefore, adopt quantified emission limitation and reduction objectives, regardless of whether a Party chooses to describe this as a “commitment” or an “action”.
Adaptation
Enhancing the implementation of adaptation is a priority for India, given India’s high vulnerability to climate change and the fact that climate change impacts can pose a significant risk to economic and social development and poverty alleviation efforts. Recognizing that there is a diversity of views and needs, a pragmatic approach might be to focus on a set of core principles that would guide the approach for enhancing the implementation of adaptation. These principles could cover, inter alia, the generation of resources, the delivery of resources and the institutional arrangements required for this purpose. These principles may be given a more precise operational form through the ongoing deliberations, and a new mechanism for adaptation that captures these principles may be created through the negotiations under the BAP.
Technology transfer
India’s position on technology transfer, as formalized in the submission to the UNFCCC, provides for the creation of a mechanism to address all aspects of cooperation on technology research, development, diffusion, and transfer in keeping with the relevant provisions of the Convention and decisions of the Conference of Parties (Convention) and Meetings of Parties (Kyoto Protocol). It calls for a strategic support for transfer of technology that can accelerate carbon mitigation in developing countries; compensation for all additional costs related to accelerated transfer of technology to promote mitigation and adaptation e.g. full costs of capacity building, research, and guarantees; incremental costs of commercialization, including costs associated with compulsory licensing, IPRs, creation of manufacturing facilities, and procurement of products and appliances; setting up a venture capital fund to provide equity investment for the manufacturer of these technologies; and monitoring and verification of financial and technological contributions.
Financing architecture
The Convention lays down legally binding commitments on the part of developed country Parties to provide financing to developing country Parties to meet the costs of mitigation and adaptation. These provisions are at the core of the balance of commitments between developed and developing country Parties as reflected in Article 4.7 of the Convention. Annex I Parties are obliged to provide for new, additional, adequate and predictable financing to developing country Parties to implement the UNFCCC. The financial resources committed under the Convention cannot be new and additional if they merely divert any existing or likely resources, including ODA and other net foreign inflows, available for economic and social development and poverty alleviation to developing country Parties. The magnitude of funds needs is also enormous compared to what is available under the current financial mechanism of the Convention. The proposed funding sources can also not be voluntary because voluntary contributions are not predictable and cannot service legal commitments under the Convention. Further, agreed incremental costs of combating climate must be funded with resource transfers or grants. Hence, the negotiations would be aimed at creating a mechanism under the control of the Conference of Parties which should decide the defined contributions of the Annex I Parties for funding the mitigation and adaptation requirements of the developing country Parties.
Future work
The Parties will continue to meet in various sessions during 2009 to advance the discussions on the above and related subjects with a view to conclude the negotiations and reach an agreed outcome. At least, 4 meetings of the Parties including the next CoP are already scheduled at the official level in 2009 and more meetings may be scheduled depending on the pace of negotiations.
Conference of Parties to UNFCCC meets every year to review the progress of work of the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol and take important decisions relating to future actions on climate change. Last meeting of the Conference of Parties (CoP-13) was held at Bali in December 2007 where an Action Plan, known as ‘Bali Action Plan’, was adopted by the international community with a view to address urgent global concerns on Climate Change.
Encroachments of Forest Land
A large area of the forest land in the country is under unauthorized occupation or encroachment. As per the reports received from State/UT Governments, approximately 16.2 lakh hectare forest area in the country is under encroachment. The Union Territories of Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Lakshdweep and Puducherry do not face this problem. Protection and management of forest areas is primarily the responsibility of concerned State/UT Governments. Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued guidelines to State/UT Governments to get the encroached land evicted from ineligible encroachers. The state of Assam shows highest area, i.e. almost 3.5 lakh hectare land under encroachment. Andhra Pradesh has 2 lakh 93 thousand hectare and Madhya Pradesh has 2 lakh 40 thousand hectare land under encroachment.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Award-Winning Architect of Incheon International Airport, Curtis W. Fentress, Modernizing Los Angeles International Airport
Fentress Architects, Selected to Modernize Los Angeles International Airport, Has Designed Some of the Best Airports in the World
Fentress Architects has been announced as design architect for the new world-class facilities at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Curtis W. Fentress, founder of Fentress Architects, has earned international recognition for designing some of the world’s finest airport terminals. These include Incheon International Airport in South Korea (the first airport ever to earn “Best Airport in the World” for three consecutive years, 2005 – 2007, by the Airport Council International’s Quality Passenger Survey), and Denver International Airport in Colorado (named “Best Airport in North America” three consecutive years, 2005 – 2007, by Business Traveler Magazine).
As the gateway between the U.S. and the fast-growing Asia Pacific region, LAX has served millions of international travelers who have experienced the inconvenience of the outdated facilities at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The Fentress design will provide travelers a modernized terminal and concourse that will dramatically improve passenger experience.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa described the design concepts by Fentress Architects as “spectacular,” “embodying the character of Los Angeles and creating a remarkable sense of place. It is unmistakably L.A.”
“Los Angeles is one of the world’s centers of entertainment, fashion and international trade,” said Curtis W. Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, Lead Designer. “The airport is the first and last impression travelers have of this great city. Los Angeles deserves a world-class airport that is recognized as a landmark worldwide. This modernized airport will change LAX into L.A. WOW.”
Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, the dynamic design concepts capture the city’s sense of place with rooftops flowing as waves breaking on the shore. The design unifies the airport with a cohesive theme honoring the distinctive arched structure built during the Jet Age of LAX in 1961. Two parabolic arches, forming a pedestrian bridge, are incorporated into the design concept.
Fentress Architects’ design concept is environmentally responsible, and will serve travelers today while honoring the needs and concerns of future generations. The modernization addresses the airport’s goal for a "greener" LAX and its intention to apply for the highest level of LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Curtis W. Fentress founded Fentress Architects in 1980 to create exceptional, humanistic, contextual architecture. The firm has been honored with over 240 awards for design excellence, and over 285 million people worldwide visit Fentress’ buildings annually.
Thanks Business Wire India
Fentress Architects has been announced as design architect for the new world-class facilities at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Curtis W. Fentress, founder of Fentress Architects, has earned international recognition for designing some of the world’s finest airport terminals. These include Incheon International Airport in South Korea (the first airport ever to earn “Best Airport in the World” for three consecutive years, 2005 – 2007, by the Airport Council International’s Quality Passenger Survey), and Denver International Airport in Colorado (named “Best Airport in North America” three consecutive years, 2005 – 2007, by Business Traveler Magazine).
As the gateway between the U.S. and the fast-growing Asia Pacific region, LAX has served millions of international travelers who have experienced the inconvenience of the outdated facilities at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The Fentress design will provide travelers a modernized terminal and concourse that will dramatically improve passenger experience.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa described the design concepts by Fentress Architects as “spectacular,” “embodying the character of Los Angeles and creating a remarkable sense of place. It is unmistakably L.A.”
“Los Angeles is one of the world’s centers of entertainment, fashion and international trade,” said Curtis W. Fentress, FAIA, RIBA, Lead Designer. “The airport is the first and last impression travelers have of this great city. Los Angeles deserves a world-class airport that is recognized as a landmark worldwide. This modernized airport will change LAX into L.A. WOW.”
Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, the dynamic design concepts capture the city’s sense of place with rooftops flowing as waves breaking on the shore. The design unifies the airport with a cohesive theme honoring the distinctive arched structure built during the Jet Age of LAX in 1961. Two parabolic arches, forming a pedestrian bridge, are incorporated into the design concept.
Fentress Architects’ design concept is environmentally responsible, and will serve travelers today while honoring the needs and concerns of future generations. The modernization addresses the airport’s goal for a "greener" LAX and its intention to apply for the highest level of LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Curtis W. Fentress founded Fentress Architects in 1980 to create exceptional, humanistic, contextual architecture. The firm has been honored with over 240 awards for design excellence, and over 285 million people worldwide visit Fentress’ buildings annually.
Thanks Business Wire India
Tech Mahindra to Launch Tech Talenta - A Workforce Management Business in UK Aligned with Tech M’s Service Portfolio Enhancement Plans
Tech Mahindra (TechM), the largest independent India-based IT services provider in the telecom space today announced the launch of Tech Talenta - a workforce management business aim at offering well screened high-end contract resources with attractive, fit-for purpose commercial models. Tech Talenta will be the new division of Tech Mahindra that will address contract recruitment needs of clients across Europe.
With the launch of this new business, TechM now offers a complete portfolio of services – from IT Services and System Integration to IMS, BPO and staffing. Tech Talenta blends the World Class Technical & Project Management Competence from Tech Mahindra with the speed and flexibility needed for contract resourcing. It offers recruitment, fulfillment and ongoing management of local contract resources in the areas of Business Change, IT Development, IT Systems Support and Operations.
Vikram Nair, Vice President-Sales Europe, Tech Mahindra said, “This capability will help Tech Mahindra to engage with our clients in a critical area where many of our competitors do not have any offering and thus make TechM a stronger partner. Over the past 12 months, the teams have carefully tested this business model and have already built a workforce of over 500 consultants with some of our leading customers. These customers now have the capability to seamlessly transition their contractors into our global delivery model”.
About Tech Mahindra
Tech Mahindra is a leading provider of solutions and services to the telecommunications industry, majority stake owned by Mahindra & Mahindra, in partnership with BT Plc. With total revenues of USD 934.7 million in the year ended March 31, 2008, Tech Mahindra is India’s 6th largest software exporter, and serves telecom service providers, equipment manufacturers, software vendors and systems integrators. Tech Mahindra has principal offices in the UK, United States, Germany, UAE, Egypt, Singapore, India, Thailand & Australia.
Thanks Business Wire India
With the launch of this new business, TechM now offers a complete portfolio of services – from IT Services and System Integration to IMS, BPO and staffing. Tech Talenta blends the World Class Technical & Project Management Competence from Tech Mahindra with the speed and flexibility needed for contract resourcing. It offers recruitment, fulfillment and ongoing management of local contract resources in the areas of Business Change, IT Development, IT Systems Support and Operations.
Vikram Nair, Vice President-Sales Europe, Tech Mahindra said, “This capability will help Tech Mahindra to engage with our clients in a critical area where many of our competitors do not have any offering and thus make TechM a stronger partner. Over the past 12 months, the teams have carefully tested this business model and have already built a workforce of over 500 consultants with some of our leading customers. These customers now have the capability to seamlessly transition their contractors into our global delivery model”.
About Tech Mahindra
Tech Mahindra is a leading provider of solutions and services to the telecommunications industry, majority stake owned by Mahindra & Mahindra, in partnership with BT Plc. With total revenues of USD 934.7 million in the year ended March 31, 2008, Tech Mahindra is India’s 6th largest software exporter, and serves telecom service providers, equipment manufacturers, software vendors and systems integrators. Tech Mahindra has principal offices in the UK, United States, Germany, UAE, Egypt, Singapore, India, Thailand & Australia.
Thanks Business Wire India
Maximizer Mobile CRM Now Available in India for Nokia – The Global Leader in Smartphone Sales
Expanding its reach across smartphone platforms, Maximizer Software Inc. (TSX:MAX), a leading provider of simple, accessible customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, announced today that its mobile CRM solution is now available in India for Symbian OS, an operating system recently acquired by Nokia, the global leader in smartphone sales. Maximizer Mobile CRM is now supported across the widest array of smartphones in the industry, as the Symbian operating system (OS) supports nearly 80 mobile devices, including Nokia N and E series, as well as specific Samsung, LG, and Siemens smartphones.
Maximizer Mobile CRM is accessible for Symbian OS smartphone users, through wireless web access, for on-the-go sales and service professionals and executives to view and update information anywhere, anytime. It enables real-time online access and updates to the corporate CRM system for management of customers, leads, sales opportunities, service cases and online document repositories directly via the smartphone.
“We believe mobile CRM will proliferate beyond sophisticated IT and business users to widespread global adoption across all industries and customer-facing job functions in small and medium-sized businesses,” said Vivek Thomas, managing director EMEA, Maximizer Software. Our support of Symbian OS gives Maximizer Mobile CRM the greatest reach in the global market and with mobile device and OS manufacturers aggressively pursuing this expanding market, we are committed to ensuring our CRM solution works on devices that mobile and field workers are demanding.”
Availability & Pricing
In addition to Symbian supported devices, Maximizer Mobile CRM is available for BlackBerry®, Windows Mobile®, iPhoneTM, and Palm smartphones. Please call +44 (0) 1344 766900 or visit http://www.maximizer.com/mobileCRM for further information and demos.
About Maximizer Software
Maximizer Software is a leading provider of simple, accessible, customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, providing the best value for small and medium-sized businesses. Maximizer Software has sold over 1 million licences to more than 120,000 customers such as Siemens, Société Générale, HSBC, TD Securities, Lockheed Martin, Brian Tracy International, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Oxford University Press. More information at: www.max.co.uk.
Thanks Business Wire India
Maximizer Mobile CRM is accessible for Symbian OS smartphone users, through wireless web access, for on-the-go sales and service professionals and executives to view and update information anywhere, anytime. It enables real-time online access and updates to the corporate CRM system for management of customers, leads, sales opportunities, service cases and online document repositories directly via the smartphone.
“We believe mobile CRM will proliferate beyond sophisticated IT and business users to widespread global adoption across all industries and customer-facing job functions in small and medium-sized businesses,” said Vivek Thomas, managing director EMEA, Maximizer Software. Our support of Symbian OS gives Maximizer Mobile CRM the greatest reach in the global market and with mobile device and OS manufacturers aggressively pursuing this expanding market, we are committed to ensuring our CRM solution works on devices that mobile and field workers are demanding.”
Availability & Pricing
In addition to Symbian supported devices, Maximizer Mobile CRM is available for BlackBerry®, Windows Mobile®, iPhoneTM, and Palm smartphones. Please call +44 (0) 1344 766900 or visit http://www.maximizer.com/mobileCRM for further information and demos.
About Maximizer Software
Maximizer Software is a leading provider of simple, accessible, customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, providing the best value for small and medium-sized businesses. Maximizer Software has sold over 1 million licences to more than 120,000 customers such as Siemens, Société Générale, HSBC, TD Securities, Lockheed Martin, Brian Tracy International, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Oxford University Press. More information at: www.max.co.uk.
Thanks Business Wire India
Standard Chartered Bank Creates Global Reconciliation Platform Powered by SmartStream’s TLM
Standard Chartered Bank Selects Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM) to Manage Rapid Growth in its Financial Markets Business Integrates Reconciliations Platforms to Reduce Operational Risk in its Back Office Processes Robust and Scalable Solution Enables Standard Chartered to Meet Transaction Volume Demands
SmartStream Technologies, the Transaction Lifecycle Management specialist, announced that Standard Chartered Bank has selected SmartStream’s TLM Reconciliations to create a global reconciliations platform.
Standard Chartered, a leading bank in Asia, Africa and Middle East, has built a strong reputation in emerging markets for delivering customer-centric operations. As part of an ongoing strategic review to ensure the bank continues to put in place best in class solutions, the bank highlighted reconciliations as a potential area for development.
With the bank growing rapidly and volumes rising, Standard Chartered has chosen to integrate its existing reconciliations process into a single reconciliations platform using TLM Reconciliations. This will enable the bank to increase efficiency, help reduce operational risk in its back office operations and further improve its customer service levels.
Sahba Saint-Claire, COO of Financial Markets, Standard Chartered Bank, said: “SmartStream’s TLM Reconciliations is the ideal solution for creating a single, automated reconciliations platform. We selected SmartStream because they offer a best-of-breed solution which suits our needs and enables us to manage our global growth and meet volume demands, while at the same time benefiting from economies of scale. Introducing exceptions-based processing will also help to reduce our operational risk by enabling our staff to focus only on those transactions that represent a significant issue. With the advantages TLM can clearly bring to our Financial Markets operations we’re already examining its use in the wider bank.”
Commenting on the deal, Richard Cummings, SmartStream’s Regional Director for Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted that Standard Chartered has chosen to invest in TLM as a long-term, scalable solution for processing its global transactions. TLM provides a robust, scalable solution enabling Standard Chartered to effectively support its operations around the world and, crucially, provide the highest level of service to its clients. This deal is also further proof of SmartStream’s ongoing penetration of the Asian market and highlights, once again, how our range of TLM solutions can help the leading financial services firms in this region overcome the operational challenges that come from continued, rapid growth.”
SmartStream Technologies provides industry-leading Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM®) solutions that automate complex process flows to efficiently scale, track and control financial transactions. 1,000 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 banks, rely on SmartStream’s solutions to reduce operational risk and cost while addressing regulation and improving customer service. For more information about SmartStream and our solutions visit: www.smartstream-stp.com
Thanks Business Wire India
SmartStream Technologies, the Transaction Lifecycle Management specialist, announced that Standard Chartered Bank has selected SmartStream’s TLM Reconciliations to create a global reconciliations platform.
Standard Chartered, a leading bank in Asia, Africa and Middle East, has built a strong reputation in emerging markets for delivering customer-centric operations. As part of an ongoing strategic review to ensure the bank continues to put in place best in class solutions, the bank highlighted reconciliations as a potential area for development.
With the bank growing rapidly and volumes rising, Standard Chartered has chosen to integrate its existing reconciliations process into a single reconciliations platform using TLM Reconciliations. This will enable the bank to increase efficiency, help reduce operational risk in its back office operations and further improve its customer service levels.
Sahba Saint-Claire, COO of Financial Markets, Standard Chartered Bank, said: “SmartStream’s TLM Reconciliations is the ideal solution for creating a single, automated reconciliations platform. We selected SmartStream because they offer a best-of-breed solution which suits our needs and enables us to manage our global growth and meet volume demands, while at the same time benefiting from economies of scale. Introducing exceptions-based processing will also help to reduce our operational risk by enabling our staff to focus only on those transactions that represent a significant issue. With the advantages TLM can clearly bring to our Financial Markets operations we’re already examining its use in the wider bank.”
Commenting on the deal, Richard Cummings, SmartStream’s Regional Director for Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted that Standard Chartered has chosen to invest in TLM as a long-term, scalable solution for processing its global transactions. TLM provides a robust, scalable solution enabling Standard Chartered to effectively support its operations around the world and, crucially, provide the highest level of service to its clients. This deal is also further proof of SmartStream’s ongoing penetration of the Asian market and highlights, once again, how our range of TLM solutions can help the leading financial services firms in this region overcome the operational challenges that come from continued, rapid growth.”
SmartStream Technologies provides industry-leading Transaction Lifecycle Management (TLM®) solutions that automate complex process flows to efficiently scale, track and control financial transactions. 1,000 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 banks, rely on SmartStream’s solutions to reduce operational risk and cost while addressing regulation and improving customer service. For more information about SmartStream and our solutions visit: www.smartstream-stp.com
Thanks Business Wire India
SPIRIT Licenses Voice and Audio Software to ARM - Multimedia Performance Evaluation Vehicle for New Processors
SPIRIT DSP, the world's leading provider of voice and video software engines, announced that ARM (LSE:ARM)(Nasdaq:ARMH) has selected SPIRIT Voice and Audio software to evaluate the multimedia performance of its next-generation processors.
Fully optimized for ARM® processor-based devices, awarded multiple industry awards and being used by more than 200 customers, SPIRIT software significantly increases VoIP and multimedia quality and power-efficiency on all embedded platforms: mobile phones, MIDs, PMPs, STBs, etc.
The importance of multimedia performance is growing every day as multimedia functionality becomes a required part of every up-to-date consumer electronic device. ARM pays great attention to the multimedia performance of its processors in every consumer electronic market segment, including the fast evolving MID market. By 2010 around 400 Million Internet enabled mobile devices are expected to be shipped, more than notebooks and desktops combined.
SPIRIT software will enable ARM to test and optimize the performance of its new processors for the most comprehensive voice and audio processing features that define multimedia performance of a device like High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding technology (also known as eAAC+) that operates at very low bitrates and uses the most sophisticated encoding techniques or Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband (AMR-WB) GSM speech codec that provides wideband speech in third-generation mobile telephony applications using comprehensive speech compression algorithms.
“To evaluate our architecture decisions, we needed well respected codec implementations that have been optimized for the ARM v5TE, ARMv6 and ARMv7A architectures,” said Rob Coombs, director of mobile solutions, ARM. “SPIRIT Audio and Voice software is among the most optimized and power-efficient solution for ARM processors, so we chose SPIRIT’s codec implementations as the reference for high-quality processing performance.”
SPIRIT’s solutions have already proved their high quality sound with low power consumption repeatedly, and serve as the industry’s ultimate performance benchmarks: early in 2007 Toshiba licensed SPIRIT’s audio software as the standard for their hardware platforms comparative benchmarking to evaluate its next-generation semiconductor designs.
"We are glad to contribute again to one of the world’s best processor cores developed by our strategic partner ARM,” said Slava Borilin, VP Products at SPIRIT. “ARM is at the very center of mobile multimedia computing technology. Many SPIRIT customers including leading smartphone OEMs (HTC, Compal, Quanta, Arima, E-TEN, etc. collectively shipping more then 60% of smartphones worldwide) already benefit from SPIRIT software running on ARM processors. ARM Cortex™ family of processors will enable many SPIRIT customers to expand their businesses into new consumer markets. SPIRIT will ensure that SPIRIT’s Audio and Voice Engines will continue to make ARM processor-based consumer devices the best choice for end-users.”
SPIRIT will optimize and offer for licensing its software to coincide with the release of new ARM Cortex family processors.
About SPIRIT
SPIRIT DSP (www.spiritDSP.com) employs 140 professionals, and has been in the international software licensing business since 1992. A bootstrap company, SPIRIT has been profitable for 15 years. For the last 10 years, SPIRIT's focus has been on voice, audio and video communication software products. SPIRIT counts among its customers Adobe, Agere, ARM, Blizzard, BT, Cisco, Compal, Ericsson, HP, NXP, HTC, Huawei, Korea Telecom, Kyocera, LG, Microsoft, NEC, Nortel Networks, Oracle, Polycom, Quanta, Radvision, Reigncom, Samsung, Siemens, DSP Group, Texas Instruments, Tensilica, Toshiba, ZTE, and 200+ other communication OEMs and software vendors. SPIRIT communication software is used in over 80 countries and powers more than 100 million voice channels. Today SPIRIT mobile OEM customers jointly ship more that 60 percent of smart-phones worldwide.
About ARM
ARM designs the technology that lays at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM’s comprehensive product offering includes 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company’s broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.
ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. Cortex is a trademark of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. “ARM” is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries: ARM, Inc.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan Limited; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc., ARM Germany GmbH; ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Norway, AS.
Thanks Business Wire India
Fully optimized for ARM® processor-based devices, awarded multiple industry awards and being used by more than 200 customers, SPIRIT software significantly increases VoIP and multimedia quality and power-efficiency on all embedded platforms: mobile phones, MIDs, PMPs, STBs, etc.
The importance of multimedia performance is growing every day as multimedia functionality becomes a required part of every up-to-date consumer electronic device. ARM pays great attention to the multimedia performance of its processors in every consumer electronic market segment, including the fast evolving MID market. By 2010 around 400 Million Internet enabled mobile devices are expected to be shipped, more than notebooks and desktops combined.
SPIRIT software will enable ARM to test and optimize the performance of its new processors for the most comprehensive voice and audio processing features that define multimedia performance of a device like High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding technology (also known as eAAC+) that operates at very low bitrates and uses the most sophisticated encoding techniques or Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband (AMR-WB) GSM speech codec that provides wideband speech in third-generation mobile telephony applications using comprehensive speech compression algorithms.
“To evaluate our architecture decisions, we needed well respected codec implementations that have been optimized for the ARM v5TE, ARMv6 and ARMv7A architectures,” said Rob Coombs, director of mobile solutions, ARM. “SPIRIT Audio and Voice software is among the most optimized and power-efficient solution for ARM processors, so we chose SPIRIT’s codec implementations as the reference for high-quality processing performance.”
SPIRIT’s solutions have already proved their high quality sound with low power consumption repeatedly, and serve as the industry’s ultimate performance benchmarks: early in 2007 Toshiba licensed SPIRIT’s audio software as the standard for their hardware platforms comparative benchmarking to evaluate its next-generation semiconductor designs.
"We are glad to contribute again to one of the world’s best processor cores developed by our strategic partner ARM,” said Slava Borilin, VP Products at SPIRIT. “ARM is at the very center of mobile multimedia computing technology. Many SPIRIT customers including leading smartphone OEMs (HTC, Compal, Quanta, Arima, E-TEN, etc. collectively shipping more then 60% of smartphones worldwide) already benefit from SPIRIT software running on ARM processors. ARM Cortex™ family of processors will enable many SPIRIT customers to expand their businesses into new consumer markets. SPIRIT will ensure that SPIRIT’s Audio and Voice Engines will continue to make ARM processor-based consumer devices the best choice for end-users.”
SPIRIT will optimize and offer for licensing its software to coincide with the release of new ARM Cortex family processors.
About SPIRIT
SPIRIT DSP (www.spiritDSP.com) employs 140 professionals, and has been in the international software licensing business since 1992. A bootstrap company, SPIRIT has been profitable for 15 years. For the last 10 years, SPIRIT's focus has been on voice, audio and video communication software products. SPIRIT counts among its customers Adobe, Agere, ARM, Blizzard, BT, Cisco, Compal, Ericsson, HP, NXP, HTC, Huawei, Korea Telecom, Kyocera, LG, Microsoft, NEC, Nortel Networks, Oracle, Polycom, Quanta, Radvision, Reigncom, Samsung, Siemens, DSP Group, Texas Instruments, Tensilica, Toshiba, ZTE, and 200+ other communication OEMs and software vendors. SPIRIT communication software is used in over 80 countries and powers more than 100 million voice channels. Today SPIRIT mobile OEM customers jointly ship more that 60 percent of smart-phones worldwide.
About ARM
ARM designs the technology that lays at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM’s comprehensive product offering includes 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company’s broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.
ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. Cortex is a trademark of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. “ARM” is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries: ARM, Inc.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan Limited; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Belgium N.V.; AXYS Design Automation Inc., ARM Germany GmbH; ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; and ARM Norway, AS.
Thanks Business Wire India
AMCC's Arches Dual PowerPC 460GT Reference Design Shows Path to More Power-Efficient Basestations
Applied Micro Circuits Corporation (NASDAQ:AMCC), a global leader in embedded Power Architecture® processing, optical transport and storage solutions, will demonstrate advanced technology for more power-efficient basestations at Next Generation Networks and Basestations USA, Dec. 3-5 in Dallas, Texas.
With two Power Architecture processors performing at 1 GHz and producing 4,000 DMIPS integrated into a standard Advanced TCA Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC), AMCC's Arches reference design kit provides basestation developers with a turnkey platform that typically consumes less than 6W per processor. The energy efficiency reduces heat dissipation in systems, thereby reducing the need for large heat sinks, elaborate cooling resources and additional facilities costs for operators. On-chip integration for the two PowerPC® 460 GT processors offers high-speed interfaces for industry-standard solutions based on Serial RapidIO, Gigabit Ethernet, and PCI Express interconnects.
The Arches compact AMC design conforms to the SCOPE Alliance profile for connectivity, enabling communications via Gigabit Ethernet or Serial Rapid IO with other modules using a carrier board. With Arches performing MAC layer processing, designers can quickly prototype a radio subsystem using a DSP board for the physical layer.
AMCC will share its technical expertise, leverage its co-development efforts with industry-leading partners and demonstrate the Arches reference design at its booth during the conference at the Marriott, Los Colinas in Dallas. The company will also display its dual port 10GBASE-KR and OTN solutions to show the future of 10-Gigabit per second interconnect. Additionally, AMCC's CTO Dan Bouvier is scheduled to speak on a panel discussion entitled “Green Basestations – Are There Tangible Benefits?” on Friday, Dec. 5.
“A major development trend today is the so-called green basestation but to capture the interest of mobile network operators, technology providers have to show a reduction in the total cost of ownership for these systems,” said Bouvier. “The Arches reference design kit is a highly efficient platform with abundant processing density. It provides basestation developers with plenty of performance without creating heat issues inside the system. It eliminates the need for elaborate and costly for cooling systems and it greatly reduces the need to build new facilities to house next-generation equipment.”
AMCC Overview
AMCC is a global leader in energy efficient sustainable solutions to process, transport, and store information for the next generation of internet data center and carrier central office. AMCC is a leader in high-speed signal processing, IP and Ethernet packet processing, and storage controllers and processors. AMCC's patented innovations in high-speed mixed signal, Forward Error Correction, RAID, and packet processing provide high value solutions. AMCC's corporate headquarters are located in Sunnyvale, California. Sales and engineering offices are located throughout the world. For further information regarding AMCC, please visit our web site at http://www.amcc.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
With two Power Architecture processors performing at 1 GHz and producing 4,000 DMIPS integrated into a standard Advanced TCA Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC), AMCC's Arches reference design kit provides basestation developers with a turnkey platform that typically consumes less than 6W per processor. The energy efficiency reduces heat dissipation in systems, thereby reducing the need for large heat sinks, elaborate cooling resources and additional facilities costs for operators. On-chip integration for the two PowerPC® 460 GT processors offers high-speed interfaces for industry-standard solutions based on Serial RapidIO, Gigabit Ethernet, and PCI Express interconnects.
The Arches compact AMC design conforms to the SCOPE Alliance profile for connectivity, enabling communications via Gigabit Ethernet or Serial Rapid IO with other modules using a carrier board. With Arches performing MAC layer processing, designers can quickly prototype a radio subsystem using a DSP board for the physical layer.
AMCC will share its technical expertise, leverage its co-development efforts with industry-leading partners and demonstrate the Arches reference design at its booth during the conference at the Marriott, Los Colinas in Dallas. The company will also display its dual port 10GBASE-KR and OTN solutions to show the future of 10-Gigabit per second interconnect. Additionally, AMCC's CTO Dan Bouvier is scheduled to speak on a panel discussion entitled “Green Basestations – Are There Tangible Benefits?” on Friday, Dec. 5.
“A major development trend today is the so-called green basestation but to capture the interest of mobile network operators, technology providers have to show a reduction in the total cost of ownership for these systems,” said Bouvier. “The Arches reference design kit is a highly efficient platform with abundant processing density. It provides basestation developers with plenty of performance without creating heat issues inside the system. It eliminates the need for elaborate and costly for cooling systems and it greatly reduces the need to build new facilities to house next-generation equipment.”
AMCC Overview
AMCC is a global leader in energy efficient sustainable solutions to process, transport, and store information for the next generation of internet data center and carrier central office. AMCC is a leader in high-speed signal processing, IP and Ethernet packet processing, and storage controllers and processors. AMCC's patented innovations in high-speed mixed signal, Forward Error Correction, RAID, and packet processing provide high value solutions. AMCC's corporate headquarters are located in Sunnyvale, California. Sales and engineering offices are located throughout the world. For further information regarding AMCC, please visit our web site at http://www.amcc.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
GVK Biosciences Strengthens Focus on “Development” Services - Appoints Dr. Shoibal Mukherjee as Senior Vice President – Clinical Development
GVK Biosciences Private Limited (GVK BIO), one of Asia’s leading CROs, today announced the appointment of Dr. Shoibal Mukherjee to the position of Senior Vice President – Clinical Development.
“Expanding and enriching our leadership team is critical for GVK BIO’s vision of being a leading life-sciences services company," said D S Brar, Chairman, GVK BIO. "Dr.Shoibal Mukherjee has extensive experience in managing global clinical trials and will play a pivotal role in the growth of the company’s ‘Development’ services."
Prior to joining GVK BIO, Dr. Mukherjee served in Ranbaxy and Pfizer in senior positions. Dr. Mukherjee graduated as a physician and is an MD and DM in Pharmacology. Professionally trained in clinical & pharmaceutical medicine, Dr. Mukherjee has vast experience in managing Clinical Trials, Medical Affairs, Clinical Data Management, and Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Mukherjee has authored several research papers and is a visiting faculty for established universities and medical institutions. Dr. Mukherjee is the Founding President of the Indian Society for Clinical Research and a member of several committees.
Dr. Shoibal Mukherjee is the most recent in a series of senior-level appointments at GVK BIO. Earlier this year, GVK BIO had recruited Dr. Sailendra Goswami as Vice President for Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Goswami previously worked as CEO of Veeda Clinical Research Pvt. Ltd. and played a key role right from its inception.
GVK BIO has also strengthened its international Clinical Research Business Development team by recruiting William Harel as Vice President – Business Development, in the West Coast of USA. A PhD in Immunology, William is responsible for developing the business of Clinical Research in the US and globally. William has over 20 years of experience in various companies including Chiron Corporation, AAI Pharma and Neeman Medical International.
In addition to its well established services in Discovery Research and Informatics, GVK BIO offers Clinical Development services that span Special population studies to Phase II – IV clinical trials, Data Management, Biostatistics, Medical Writing, Pharmacovigilance, Bioequivalence studies, and Bioanalytical services.
"I am delighted to join GVK Biosciences and look forward to making GVK BIO a global clinical development service provider” said Dr.Shoibal Mukherjee on his appointment.
About GVK BIO
GVK Biosciences (www.gvkbio.com), Asia’s leading Contract Research Organization, delivers integrated research services to big Pharma and Biotech companies globally. The company accelerates the Drug Discovery and Development process of its customers through science and innovation. Currently the company has more than 1,300 employees spread across facilities in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Gurgaon.
“Expanding and enriching our leadership team is critical for GVK BIO’s vision of being a leading life-sciences services company," said D S Brar, Chairman, GVK BIO. "Dr.Shoibal Mukherjee has extensive experience in managing global clinical trials and will play a pivotal role in the growth of the company’s ‘Development’ services."
Prior to joining GVK BIO, Dr. Mukherjee served in Ranbaxy and Pfizer in senior positions. Dr. Mukherjee graduated as a physician and is an MD and DM in Pharmacology. Professionally trained in clinical & pharmaceutical medicine, Dr. Mukherjee has vast experience in managing Clinical Trials, Medical Affairs, Clinical Data Management, and Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Mukherjee has authored several research papers and is a visiting faculty for established universities and medical institutions. Dr. Mukherjee is the Founding President of the Indian Society for Clinical Research and a member of several committees.
Dr. Shoibal Mukherjee is the most recent in a series of senior-level appointments at GVK BIO. Earlier this year, GVK BIO had recruited Dr. Sailendra Goswami as Vice President for Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Goswami previously worked as CEO of Veeda Clinical Research Pvt. Ltd. and played a key role right from its inception.
GVK BIO has also strengthened its international Clinical Research Business Development team by recruiting William Harel as Vice President – Business Development, in the West Coast of USA. A PhD in Immunology, William is responsible for developing the business of Clinical Research in the US and globally. William has over 20 years of experience in various companies including Chiron Corporation, AAI Pharma and Neeman Medical International.
In addition to its well established services in Discovery Research and Informatics, GVK BIO offers Clinical Development services that span Special population studies to Phase II – IV clinical trials, Data Management, Biostatistics, Medical Writing, Pharmacovigilance, Bioequivalence studies, and Bioanalytical services.
"I am delighted to join GVK Biosciences and look forward to making GVK BIO a global clinical development service provider” said Dr.Shoibal Mukherjee on his appointment.
About GVK BIO
GVK Biosciences (www.gvkbio.com), Asia’s leading Contract Research Organization, delivers integrated research services to big Pharma and Biotech companies globally. The company accelerates the Drug Discovery and Development process of its customers through science and innovation. Currently the company has more than 1,300 employees spread across facilities in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Gurgaon.
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2008- Result Declared
On the basis of the results of the Written Examination held by the Union Public Service Commission in April, 2008 and the interviews held by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence, 456 candidates have qualified for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy for the 121st Course and Naval Academy 10+2 (Executive Branch) for the 41st Course commencing from 30th December, 2008.
There are some common candidates in the three lists for Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. The total number of such candidates in the three lists is 183. The number of vacancies as intirnated by the Government is 335 (195 for Army, 39 for Navy, 66 for Air Force and 35 for Naval Academy 10+2 (Executive Branch).
The results of Medical Examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists. The result of Roll No. 041824, 115290 and 171429 have been withheld.
The candidature of all the candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth and educational qualifications etc. claimed by them, directly to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting, Adjutant Generals branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army), West Block No.III, Wing–I, R.K.Puram, New Delhi-110066 wherever this has not already been done and NOT to UPSC.
For any further information, the candidates may contact the Facilitation Counter of the Commission near ‘C’ Gate in UPSC premises either in person or on Telephone Nos. 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098543 between 1000 hrs and 170 hrs on any working days.
The result will be available on the UPSC’s Website http://www.upsc.gov.in and PIB website http://pib.nic.in.
There are some common candidates in the three lists for Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. The total number of such candidates in the three lists is 183. The number of vacancies as intirnated by the Government is 335 (195 for Army, 39 for Navy, 66 for Air Force and 35 for Naval Academy 10+2 (Executive Branch).
The results of Medical Examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists. The result of Roll No. 041824, 115290 and 171429 have been withheld.
The candidature of all the candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth and educational qualifications etc. claimed by them, directly to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting, Adjutant Generals branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army), West Block No.III, Wing–I, R.K.Puram, New Delhi-110066 wherever this has not already been done and NOT to UPSC.
For any further information, the candidates may contact the Facilitation Counter of the Commission near ‘C’ Gate in UPSC premises either in person or on Telephone Nos. 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098543 between 1000 hrs and 170 hrs on any working days.
The result will be available on the UPSC’s Website http://www.upsc.gov.in and PIB website http://pib.nic.in.
Sufficient Water in Keoladev National Park - FUNDS RELEASED UNDER ASSISTANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL PARK & SANCTUARIES
The Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan received approximately 450-500 m.eft water from the Ajan Bandh and Chiksana Canal this year. The annual requirement of the park is about 540 m.eft of water. Availability of water in the Keoladeo National Park depends on adequate rainfall in the area.
Various steps have been taken to address the water problem in the Park in view of earlier water crisis. This national Park faced water crisis earlier during 2000-01 to 2004-05 and again during 2006-07 to 2007-08. However, during the current year, has received sufficient water. Four new deep bore wells and two new shallow bore wells have been dug inside the Park for the emergency situation. The State Government has completed the Chiksana Canal Project, which along with the Ajan dam, would bring about 200 million cubic feet of flood water to Keoladeo National Park during the monsoon period. Provision has been made to supply water to Keoldeo National Park in the Dholpur- Bharatpur Chambal drinking water project. The Ministry of Environment & Forests has been providing financial and technical assistance to the State Government for the better management of Keoladeo National Park. An amount of Rs. 28.00 lakhs has been released as first installment during the current financial year ( 2008-09) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Assistance to Development of National Park & Sanctuaries”. A UNESCO funded project has been launched for better management of the Park.
The Government of Rajasthan had submitted two proposals in the past in 2005 and in2008 with financial implication of Rs. 100.00 crores and Rs 61.23 crores respectively. The first proposal was to bring water from the Chambal river through a regular supply to the Park and the other involved diversion of flood waters from Govardhan drain to Keoladeo National Park. Both the proposals were also recommended to the Planning Commission where feasibility reports were prepared.
Various steps have been taken to address the water problem in the Park in view of earlier water crisis. This national Park faced water crisis earlier during 2000-01 to 2004-05 and again during 2006-07 to 2007-08. However, during the current year, has received sufficient water. Four new deep bore wells and two new shallow bore wells have been dug inside the Park for the emergency situation. The State Government has completed the Chiksana Canal Project, which along with the Ajan dam, would bring about 200 million cubic feet of flood water to Keoladeo National Park during the monsoon period. Provision has been made to supply water to Keoldeo National Park in the Dholpur- Bharatpur Chambal drinking water project. The Ministry of Environment & Forests has been providing financial and technical assistance to the State Government for the better management of Keoladeo National Park. An amount of Rs. 28.00 lakhs has been released as first installment during the current financial year ( 2008-09) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Assistance to Development of National Park & Sanctuaries”. A UNESCO funded project has been launched for better management of the Park.
The Government of Rajasthan had submitted two proposals in the past in 2005 and in2008 with financial implication of Rs. 100.00 crores and Rs 61.23 crores respectively. The first proposal was to bring water from the Chambal river through a regular supply to the Park and the other involved diversion of flood waters from Govardhan drain to Keoladeo National Park. Both the proposals were also recommended to the Planning Commission where feasibility reports were prepared.
Lt Gen Jasbir Singh is new DG, infantry
Lt Gen Jasbir Singh has taken over as Director General of Infantry at Army Headquarters. An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Gen Singh was commissioned into the Dogra Regiment on March 31, 1972. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, he has held various staff and command appointments. He has attended the prestigious Higher Command and NDC courses. Gen Singh has commanded an Infantry Battalion in counter-insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir, an Infantry Brigade in active operations in India’s western theatre and later an Infantry Division, again in J&K. He has also been the Colonel Administration of an Infantry Division and Brigadier General Staff of a Corps deployed in Super High Altitude Terrain. Gen Singh has also served as Defence Attaché in Yangon, Myanmar for three years.
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An integrated approach is required for a successful movement of heritage preservation and promotion : Ambika Soni
The Culture and Tourism Minister Smt. Ambika Soni has said that an integrated approach is required for a successful movement of heritage preservation and promotion. Addressing the Asian Regional Cooperation Conference here today she said heritage can not be preserved in isolation. We need to emphasize its strong linkages with other fields, particularly education and tourism to succeed in our endeavour. The Minister said the heritage belongs to the entire humanity and not to one particular Nation or community. Therefore, the primary objective of promoting and preserving cultural heritage for the benefit of the present as well as the future generation needs to be carried forward jointly with active participation and cooperation of not only all sections of society within a Nation-State but the international community as a whole. Perhaps there is no better way of initiating this cooperation than amongst the countries of Asian region, which share with each other a close historical, cultural and economic links. India is quite conscious of its shared history and bonds with the Nations of Asian region and is making all endeavors to expand, strengthen and deepen these links through its ‘Look East’ policy.
Smt. Ambika Soni paid tributes to those innocent citizens who lost their lives during the recent terror attacks on Mumbai. She also paid glowing tributes to members of the police and security forces who made supreme sacrifice while combating terror in Mumbai attacks.
Here are excerpts from the speech of Smt. Ambika Soni:-
“It gives me great pleasure to be with you here this morning in the inaugural session of the Asian Regional Cooperation Conference, which is focusing on the important areas of Heritage Management, Art Conservation, Education and Tourism and their inter linkages.
It was exactly a year ago on 3rd December 2007 that I participated in the 12th International Conference of National Trusts hosted by the INTACH in Delhi. I am happy to see that one of the recommendations of that Conference has been realized into action by organizing this Conference focused on regional cooperation.
I find the subject of the Conference interesting and significant particularly, from the two perspectives. Firstly, I am confident the initiative of INTACH in organizing this Conference will help us in building a new regional co-operation in the field of heritage and culture. Secondly, heritage cannot be preserved in isolation. We need to emphasize its strong linkages with other fields, particularly, education and tourism to succeed in our endeavor. In other words, an integrated approach is required for a successful movement of heritage preservation and promotion.
Thus, it is only appropriate that last year’s International Conference has been followed up by a more specific conference on Regional Cooperation in Heritage, Art-Conservation, Education and Tourism. I would like to congratulate INTACH and its Chairperson for their foresightedness in choosing the subject.
I would like to share with you some of my thoughts on basic dimensions around which we need to construct a strategy for an integrated preservation and promotion of our heritage.
Firstly, there are no basic conflicts between heritage preservation and economic development. In fact, contrary to general belief, heritage is not a burden but a valuable resource and asset. This asset can be utilized by following an appropriate policy of preservation and promotion so as to contribute to poverty reduction, employment generation and environmental re-generation.
Secondly, it is necessary to create a partnership with the civil society and local communities in heritage preservation so that they develop a stake and sense of belonging. Education and awareness generation are some of the powerful tools for creating such stakes and partnerships. The Ministry of Culture is in the process of launching a Cultural Heritage Young Leadership Program, with an objective to reach schools, colleges and universities and inculcate among the younger generation a deeper understanding and awareness about the Nation’s culture and heritage.
Thirdly, we should create a Public-Private Partnership with the Corporates and private organizations in raising resources for jointly promoting and preserving our heritage. We in India have already set up a National Culture Fund (NCF) for this purpose under which Corporate Houses and other private organizations can donate funds, for preservation of monuments as well as other forms of art and culture. The contributions to NCF are eligible for 100% tax exemption.
Fourthly, but most importantly, the Government has to play the role of a catalyst through its policies and legislative measures. India has large number of monuments and heritage sites spread across the length and breadth of the country running into lakhs. Only a small fraction of these are protected under various statutes of Central and State Governments. Most of them still remain unprotected. The Ministry of Culture has already launched a National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities at a total estimated cost of Rs. 90 crore. Soon this is going to be revised to Rs. 400-500 crore to cover the entire country extensively and intensively. As a part of legislative measures, the Ministry of Culture in the Government of India is also in the process of setting up a National Commission for Heritage Sites through an Act of Parliament. These measures will go a long way in preserving and conserving the unprotected monuments and sites in the country.
Fifthly, there is a need for capacity building in the sector of management of heritage and cultural resources to obviate the serious dearth of expertise and manpower in this area. The Ministry of Culture has proposed, as part of its XI Plan, to set up a Centre for Management of Cultural Resources. There are also suggestions to set up a network of Indian Institute of Art and Culture on the lines of IIMs and IITs.
If simultaneous measures are taken along all these five dimensions, then we are bound to succeed in our endeavor in preservation of our valuable heritage.
As the Minister for Culture and Tourism I am also acutely aware of the strong link between culture and tourism. Tourism acts as a catalyst in bringing visitors from all over the world, in an organized manner, to India and present them a unique glimpse into the yet living civilization of India and some of the best tangible evidences that are kept well preserved in our National Museums, state-level museums, IGNCA, private museums, several site museums along with monuments and in private individual collections. This will give you an idea of our long uninterrupted history, our socio-cultural mores and an unprecedented refinement that our craftsmen of yesteryears achieved. Heritage tourism is, therefore, an important plank of our tourism development strategy. So, I am glad that a separate session in the present Conference will be focusing on the issue related to this linkage.
An area of heritage that is often ignored is intangible heritage. I was, therefore, very pleased to note that a whole segment of this Conference will focus on Heritage Education where, among other topics, the best practices in Intangible Heritage Education will be examined. I keenly look forward to the results of this Session.
For a country like India, as indeed anywhere else in the world, the conservation of cultural property constitutes an extremely important domain of activity. Given the tremendous riches that India possesses in terms of tangible heritage in the form of art objects and built heritage, both religious and secular and a perhaps unrivalled wealth in the area of intangible heritage, there is a sense of urgency in India today about preserving and conserving these various aspects of Indian cultural heritage.
A glimpse into the past makes us all proud of our inheritance, our cultural lineage, and stokes passion and pride in displaying our cultural and national identity. It is, therefore, our bounden duty to safeguard our heritage so that the best of our history, culture and civilization is not only enjoyed by us, but also can be passed on to our children and our grandchildren in a form that warms their hearts and instills a pride in who they are. Such efforts can add to the corpus of human civilization, increase the value of the fruits of artistic creation and preserve the best of our natural heritage and our varied traditions – tangible and intangible.
If we can undertake this task with sensitivity, transparency and dedication with the application of knowledge, science and technology in a collaborative manner among different communities, societies and nations; we can not only preserve our precious heritage but also help in bringing closer cooperation among diverse peoples.
Our world today seems to be heading inexorably towards violence, energy crisis and ecological collapse. In a world where there appears to be so many stories of doom, we need the stories of creativity, beauty and artistic excellence that our cultural heritage can give us. Our cultural heritage in many ways is the best of us and in it, lies the possibility of bringing people together in unlocking its many secrets and its genius. Above all, our cultural heritage holds out the hope of an improved present and a better tomorrow. I am sure the galaxy of experts gathered here will exchange their knowledge and work out collaborative strategies to preserve our valued heritage”.
Smt. Ambika Soni paid tributes to those innocent citizens who lost their lives during the recent terror attacks on Mumbai. She also paid glowing tributes to members of the police and security forces who made supreme sacrifice while combating terror in Mumbai attacks.
Here are excerpts from the speech of Smt. Ambika Soni:-
“It gives me great pleasure to be with you here this morning in the inaugural session of the Asian Regional Cooperation Conference, which is focusing on the important areas of Heritage Management, Art Conservation, Education and Tourism and their inter linkages.
It was exactly a year ago on 3rd December 2007 that I participated in the 12th International Conference of National Trusts hosted by the INTACH in Delhi. I am happy to see that one of the recommendations of that Conference has been realized into action by organizing this Conference focused on regional cooperation.
I find the subject of the Conference interesting and significant particularly, from the two perspectives. Firstly, I am confident the initiative of INTACH in organizing this Conference will help us in building a new regional co-operation in the field of heritage and culture. Secondly, heritage cannot be preserved in isolation. We need to emphasize its strong linkages with other fields, particularly, education and tourism to succeed in our endeavor. In other words, an integrated approach is required for a successful movement of heritage preservation and promotion.
Thus, it is only appropriate that last year’s International Conference has been followed up by a more specific conference on Regional Cooperation in Heritage, Art-Conservation, Education and Tourism. I would like to congratulate INTACH and its Chairperson for their foresightedness in choosing the subject.
I would like to share with you some of my thoughts on basic dimensions around which we need to construct a strategy for an integrated preservation and promotion of our heritage.
Firstly, there are no basic conflicts between heritage preservation and economic development. In fact, contrary to general belief, heritage is not a burden but a valuable resource and asset. This asset can be utilized by following an appropriate policy of preservation and promotion so as to contribute to poverty reduction, employment generation and environmental re-generation.
Secondly, it is necessary to create a partnership with the civil society and local communities in heritage preservation so that they develop a stake and sense of belonging. Education and awareness generation are some of the powerful tools for creating such stakes and partnerships. The Ministry of Culture is in the process of launching a Cultural Heritage Young Leadership Program, with an objective to reach schools, colleges and universities and inculcate among the younger generation a deeper understanding and awareness about the Nation’s culture and heritage.
Thirdly, we should create a Public-Private Partnership with the Corporates and private organizations in raising resources for jointly promoting and preserving our heritage. We in India have already set up a National Culture Fund (NCF) for this purpose under which Corporate Houses and other private organizations can donate funds, for preservation of monuments as well as other forms of art and culture. The contributions to NCF are eligible for 100% tax exemption.
Fourthly, but most importantly, the Government has to play the role of a catalyst through its policies and legislative measures. India has large number of monuments and heritage sites spread across the length and breadth of the country running into lakhs. Only a small fraction of these are protected under various statutes of Central and State Governments. Most of them still remain unprotected. The Ministry of Culture has already launched a National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities at a total estimated cost of Rs. 90 crore. Soon this is going to be revised to Rs. 400-500 crore to cover the entire country extensively and intensively. As a part of legislative measures, the Ministry of Culture in the Government of India is also in the process of setting up a National Commission for Heritage Sites through an Act of Parliament. These measures will go a long way in preserving and conserving the unprotected monuments and sites in the country.
Fifthly, there is a need for capacity building in the sector of management of heritage and cultural resources to obviate the serious dearth of expertise and manpower in this area. The Ministry of Culture has proposed, as part of its XI Plan, to set up a Centre for Management of Cultural Resources. There are also suggestions to set up a network of Indian Institute of Art and Culture on the lines of IIMs and IITs.
If simultaneous measures are taken along all these five dimensions, then we are bound to succeed in our endeavor in preservation of our valuable heritage.
As the Minister for Culture and Tourism I am also acutely aware of the strong link between culture and tourism. Tourism acts as a catalyst in bringing visitors from all over the world, in an organized manner, to India and present them a unique glimpse into the yet living civilization of India and some of the best tangible evidences that are kept well preserved in our National Museums, state-level museums, IGNCA, private museums, several site museums along with monuments and in private individual collections. This will give you an idea of our long uninterrupted history, our socio-cultural mores and an unprecedented refinement that our craftsmen of yesteryears achieved. Heritage tourism is, therefore, an important plank of our tourism development strategy. So, I am glad that a separate session in the present Conference will be focusing on the issue related to this linkage.
An area of heritage that is often ignored is intangible heritage. I was, therefore, very pleased to note that a whole segment of this Conference will focus on Heritage Education where, among other topics, the best practices in Intangible Heritage Education will be examined. I keenly look forward to the results of this Session.
For a country like India, as indeed anywhere else in the world, the conservation of cultural property constitutes an extremely important domain of activity. Given the tremendous riches that India possesses in terms of tangible heritage in the form of art objects and built heritage, both religious and secular and a perhaps unrivalled wealth in the area of intangible heritage, there is a sense of urgency in India today about preserving and conserving these various aspects of Indian cultural heritage.
A glimpse into the past makes us all proud of our inheritance, our cultural lineage, and stokes passion and pride in displaying our cultural and national identity. It is, therefore, our bounden duty to safeguard our heritage so that the best of our history, culture and civilization is not only enjoyed by us, but also can be passed on to our children and our grandchildren in a form that warms their hearts and instills a pride in who they are. Such efforts can add to the corpus of human civilization, increase the value of the fruits of artistic creation and preserve the best of our natural heritage and our varied traditions – tangible and intangible.
If we can undertake this task with sensitivity, transparency and dedication with the application of knowledge, science and technology in a collaborative manner among different communities, societies and nations; we can not only preserve our precious heritage but also help in bringing closer cooperation among diverse peoples.
Our world today seems to be heading inexorably towards violence, energy crisis and ecological collapse. In a world where there appears to be so many stories of doom, we need the stories of creativity, beauty and artistic excellence that our cultural heritage can give us. Our cultural heritage in many ways is the best of us and in it, lies the possibility of bringing people together in unlocking its many secrets and its genius. Above all, our cultural heritage holds out the hope of an improved present and a better tomorrow. I am sure the galaxy of experts gathered here will exchange their knowledge and work out collaborative strategies to preserve our valued heritage”.
Media should play a leading role in creating purposeful and creative mass awareness for strengthening of NREGA -Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh
Union Minister of Rural Development, Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, has urged the media fraternity to play a leading role in creating purposeful and creative mass awareness for the benefit of rural masses in the country. Inaugurating the Round Table on the Role of Media in strengthening the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the 1st of its kind organized by the ministry at NASC Complex, PUSA here today the minister said it is necessary for achieving zero tolerance for implementing the NREGA in right perspective.
Dr. Singh stated that during the three years since inception of the programme and up to end of October of the current year Rs 26,489 crores have been spent on wages and altogether Rs 36,832 crores have been utilized. Impact on minimum wages has been significant and the bargaining capacity of workers has strengthened. Minimum wages have gone up from Rs 65 in 2006 to Rs 85 per day in 2008. Now 4.92 crore bank and post office accounts have been opened in the country. This marks a major step towards transparency in payment of wages to the workers and financial inclusion of the weaker sections of the society. He said in order to make the implementation process more transparent, the Comptroller and Auditor General have been requested to appraise the implementation of the programme and submit their findings to the Ministry so that the States may be directed to improve the implementation of the programme. Ministry is promoting the life and medical insurance of the workers through the Jan Shree Bima Yojana and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. Toll free helpline has been set up in the Ministry. Lok Adalats are being organized to settle disputes under NREGA, Dr. Singh added.
Earlier, welcoming the participants, Dr. Rita Sharma Secretary, Department of Rural Development,Govt. of India described the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act as the Magna Carta of rural unemployment and said that rural unemployment the major cause of rural poverty in India. Since its inception in 2005, NREGA has played a critical role in providing supplementary employment opportunities to the rural households mostly belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Water conservation, irrigation and land development projects constitute the majority of the projects taken up under NREGA which has greatly contributed to the strengthening of the natural resources base of the country. NREGA has the potential to be an effective instrument of adaptation to climate change.
During the round table it was reiterated that the important issues to be focused on by the media include generation of awareness. It was urged that Press briefs prepared by the Ministry should be given due consideration for onward coverage. It was suggested that Field visits can be made by the media persons to have interaction with the people and to have first hand information on the programme. The participants emphasized the importance of Prasar Bharti for outreach communication in an interactive manner so that information is disseminated and villagers can be invited to share their experiences. It was also mentioned that there is a need to have a Media roundtable at the District and Block level for regular feedback and sharing. It was also suggested that citizen journalism should be encouraged. Suggestions regarding creation of more durable works under NREGA to improve the quality of assets created under the programme also came up during the deliberations.
Dr. Singh stated that during the three years since inception of the programme and up to end of October of the current year Rs 26,489 crores have been spent on wages and altogether Rs 36,832 crores have been utilized. Impact on minimum wages has been significant and the bargaining capacity of workers has strengthened. Minimum wages have gone up from Rs 65 in 2006 to Rs 85 per day in 2008. Now 4.92 crore bank and post office accounts have been opened in the country. This marks a major step towards transparency in payment of wages to the workers and financial inclusion of the weaker sections of the society. He said in order to make the implementation process more transparent, the Comptroller and Auditor General have been requested to appraise the implementation of the programme and submit their findings to the Ministry so that the States may be directed to improve the implementation of the programme. Ministry is promoting the life and medical insurance of the workers through the Jan Shree Bima Yojana and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. Toll free helpline has been set up in the Ministry. Lok Adalats are being organized to settle disputes under NREGA, Dr. Singh added.
Earlier, welcoming the participants, Dr. Rita Sharma Secretary, Department of Rural Development,Govt. of India described the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act as the Magna Carta of rural unemployment and said that rural unemployment the major cause of rural poverty in India. Since its inception in 2005, NREGA has played a critical role in providing supplementary employment opportunities to the rural households mostly belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Water conservation, irrigation and land development projects constitute the majority of the projects taken up under NREGA which has greatly contributed to the strengthening of the natural resources base of the country. NREGA has the potential to be an effective instrument of adaptation to climate change.
During the round table it was reiterated that the important issues to be focused on by the media include generation of awareness. It was urged that Press briefs prepared by the Ministry should be given due consideration for onward coverage. It was suggested that Field visits can be made by the media persons to have interaction with the people and to have first hand information on the programme. The participants emphasized the importance of Prasar Bharti for outreach communication in an interactive manner so that information is disseminated and villagers can be invited to share their experiences. It was also mentioned that there is a need to have a Media roundtable at the District and Block level for regular feedback and sharing. It was also suggested that citizen journalism should be encouraged. Suggestions regarding creation of more durable works under NREGA to improve the quality of assets created under the programme also came up during the deliberations.
On-Line High Power Test Laboratory
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed amongst NTPC, NHPC, POWERGRID & DVC in New Delhi for incorporation of a Joint Venture for setting up an ‘On-line High Power Test Laboratory’ (OHPTL) for short circuit test facility to ensure quality and reliability of the high capacity electrical equipments in the country.
Presently, manufacturers and utilities are sending their equipments to overseas testing labs which is not only time consuming but expensive too. The OHPTL facility will test power transformers, LT/HT Switchgears, bus-ducts, CTs etc.
Shri V.Ramakrishna, Member (Power Systems) from Central Electricity Authority, Shri R.S Sharma, CMD, NTPC, Shri S.K.Chaturvedi, CMD, POWERGRID, Shri A.K Chatterjee, Director DVC, Shri R.S. Meena, Executive Director, NHPC and senior executives were present on the occasion.
Presently, manufacturers and utilities are sending their equipments to overseas testing labs which is not only time consuming but expensive too. The OHPTL facility will test power transformers, LT/HT Switchgears, bus-ducts, CTs etc.
Shri V.Ramakrishna, Member (Power Systems) from Central Electricity Authority, Shri R.S Sharma, CMD, NTPC, Shri S.K.Chaturvedi, CMD, POWERGRID, Shri A.K Chatterjee, Director DVC, Shri R.S. Meena, Executive Director, NHPC and senior executives were present on the occasion.
PM meets the apex group on economy
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh held a meeting of the apex group and discussed in detail the measures required to be taken to counter the economic slowdown. Based on his directions, a package of measures is being prepared which will be finalized and announced by the end of the week.
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Curtains down on IFFI-2008 - SERGEI DVORTSEVOY WINS BOTH GOLDEN & SILVER PEACOCK - SPECIAL JURY AWARD GOES TO SRI LANKAN ACTRESS MALINI FONSEKA
Curtains came down on the 39th International Film Festival of India today with the screening of Iranian film ‘The Song of the Sparrows’, directed by Majid Majidi. Director Sergei Dvortsevoy bagged the best film award with the Golden Peacock and a cash award of 40 lakh for the Kazakhstan film ‘Tulpan’. The Director also got the Most Promising Director Award for the film. The award comprises the Silver Peacock and a cash award of Rs. 15 lakh. Tulpan is a cinematic triumph that pulls us in a world where man can live in peace with nature said the citation. Dvortsevoy thanked the audience for sharing his very Kazakh but universal story. He said films cannot change the world but they can change people and people can change the world.
The Special Jury Award has gone to Sri Lankan actress Malini Fonseka whose film ‘Akasa Kusum’ featured in the Competition Section. The winner was presented a Silver Peacock, a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh and a certificate. Fonseka said that her film was an India Sri Lanka co-production and the time has come for a closer relationship between the two countries. She also hoped for peace and happiness everywhere in these troubled times.
Five Member competition jury was headed by the noted Director from Hong Kong Mr. Peter Chan. Other members of the jury are Mr. Marco Mueller (Venice), Ms. Niki Karimi (Iran), Mr. Lav Diaz (Philippines) and Ms. Tabassum Hashmi (Tabu- India). Two Indian entries — S. Priyadarshan’s Tamil film “Kanchivaram” and Ramesh Laxman More’s acclaimed Marathi film “Mahasatta” —were in the “competition” section among 13 other films chosen from Bangladesh, Russia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Iran, the Philippines, Argentina, China and Japan.
Chief Guest at the closing ceremony was noted Film Actor Shri Kamal Hasan. Mr Hasan said that despite setbacks and dark moments normal life must go on. He congratulated the organizer for putting together such a rich collection of movies.
Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat in his remarks said that IFFI 2008 was a landmark event. He said that Government of Goa is keen to develop the State as a hub of entertainment industry. He said that additional multiplexes and other facilities are being created in Mudgaon.
The Jury Chairperson Mr Peter Chan said that the Jury process took them to the various cultures from the all the corners of globe. Decision was not easy but it was unanimous said the eminent director. Festival Director Shri S M Khan thanked all the individuals and organizations associated with the Festival for putting together a grand extravaganza. Mr. Khan said that the Festival condemns terrorism in all forms. Cinema has a great potential to stir the consciousness of human kind thus it has a great role to play. He also remembered the ailing Shri P. R. Dasmunsi for his contribution to IFFI and wished him a speedy recovery.
Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting ,Shri V.B.Pyarelal said that the Festival gave us an opportunity to experience the visual interpretation of the various facets of life. He said that the occupancy remained very high throughout the Festival as compared to last year.
The closing ceremony started with a minute of silence in memory of victims of recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
During the 11-day extravaganza, which began on November 22, with the screening of Peter Chan’s ‘Warlords’, A total of 185 movies were shown from 44 countries. Films from Russia, Switzerland and Iran were screened under Country Focus section. The films of Aki Kaurusmaki (Finland), John Landis (USA) and Wong Kar Wai (Hong Kong) were screened in Foreign Retrospective. 8 restored heritage film classics were included in the Film Heritage – Thematic “Women” section. Five films were shown in Film India Worldwide Besides there were special tributes to Niki Karimi and Peter Chan.
83 Indian movies including 47 in the Indian Panorama were screened. As Indian Panorama was screened twice there were total of 130 screening of Indian films under seven different segments. Besides the section Indian Panorama wherein 26 Feature and 21 Non Feature films were screened, Centenary tributes were paid to Bimal Roy, Devika Rani and L V Prasad. Under the Lifetime Classics, Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, B. Saroja Devi and Tapan Sinha were screened. G. P. Sippy, B. R. Chopra, F. C. Mehra, Jayshree Gadkar, Raghuvaran, Mahendra Kapoor, Jeeva, Sridhar, Vijay Tendulkar and Nabendu Ghosh were paid tribute under Homage section. A talk by Ms. Kishwar Desai on ‘Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai: Globalization of early Indian Cinema’ was delivered. Taj Mahal: A Celluloid Journey screened four films based on Taj Mahal to showcase the monument. There was a section to commemorate 75 years of Kannada Cinema. Treasure from the National Film Archives were also showcased at the Festival.
During the course of the Festival besides film shows, a host of films-related events like Film Bazaar, Master Class and some seminars were also held to facilitate interaction and business meets in this sector. Short Film Centre, for the first time provided a platform to short filmmakers to promote the sector in the country.
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The Special Jury Award has gone to Sri Lankan actress Malini Fonseka whose film ‘Akasa Kusum’ featured in the Competition Section. The winner was presented a Silver Peacock, a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh and a certificate. Fonseka said that her film was an India Sri Lanka co-production and the time has come for a closer relationship between the two countries. She also hoped for peace and happiness everywhere in these troubled times.
Five Member competition jury was headed by the noted Director from Hong Kong Mr. Peter Chan. Other members of the jury are Mr. Marco Mueller (Venice), Ms. Niki Karimi (Iran), Mr. Lav Diaz (Philippines) and Ms. Tabassum Hashmi (Tabu- India). Two Indian entries — S. Priyadarshan’s Tamil film “Kanchivaram” and Ramesh Laxman More’s acclaimed Marathi film “Mahasatta” —were in the “competition” section among 13 other films chosen from Bangladesh, Russia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Iran, the Philippines, Argentina, China and Japan.
Chief Guest at the closing ceremony was noted Film Actor Shri Kamal Hasan. Mr Hasan said that despite setbacks and dark moments normal life must go on. He congratulated the organizer for putting together such a rich collection of movies.
Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat in his remarks said that IFFI 2008 was a landmark event. He said that Government of Goa is keen to develop the State as a hub of entertainment industry. He said that additional multiplexes and other facilities are being created in Mudgaon.
The Jury Chairperson Mr Peter Chan said that the Jury process took them to the various cultures from the all the corners of globe. Decision was not easy but it was unanimous said the eminent director. Festival Director Shri S M Khan thanked all the individuals and organizations associated with the Festival for putting together a grand extravaganza. Mr. Khan said that the Festival condemns terrorism in all forms. Cinema has a great potential to stir the consciousness of human kind thus it has a great role to play. He also remembered the ailing Shri P. R. Dasmunsi for his contribution to IFFI and wished him a speedy recovery.
Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting ,Shri V.B.Pyarelal said that the Festival gave us an opportunity to experience the visual interpretation of the various facets of life. He said that the occupancy remained very high throughout the Festival as compared to last year.
The closing ceremony started with a minute of silence in memory of victims of recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
During the 11-day extravaganza, which began on November 22, with the screening of Peter Chan’s ‘Warlords’, A total of 185 movies were shown from 44 countries. Films from Russia, Switzerland and Iran were screened under Country Focus section. The films of Aki Kaurusmaki (Finland), John Landis (USA) and Wong Kar Wai (Hong Kong) were screened in Foreign Retrospective. 8 restored heritage film classics were included in the Film Heritage – Thematic “Women” section. Five films were shown in Film India Worldwide Besides there were special tributes to Niki Karimi and Peter Chan.
83 Indian movies including 47 in the Indian Panorama were screened. As Indian Panorama was screened twice there were total of 130 screening of Indian films under seven different segments. Besides the section Indian Panorama wherein 26 Feature and 21 Non Feature films were screened, Centenary tributes were paid to Bimal Roy, Devika Rani and L V Prasad. Under the Lifetime Classics, Dilip Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, B. Saroja Devi and Tapan Sinha were screened. G. P. Sippy, B. R. Chopra, F. C. Mehra, Jayshree Gadkar, Raghuvaran, Mahendra Kapoor, Jeeva, Sridhar, Vijay Tendulkar and Nabendu Ghosh were paid tribute under Homage section. A talk by Ms. Kishwar Desai on ‘Devika Rani and Himanshu Rai: Globalization of early Indian Cinema’ was delivered. Taj Mahal: A Celluloid Journey screened four films based on Taj Mahal to showcase the monument. There was a section to commemorate 75 years of Kannada Cinema. Treasure from the National Film Archives were also showcased at the Festival.
During the course of the Festival besides film shows, a host of films-related events like Film Bazaar, Master Class and some seminars were also held to facilitate interaction and business meets in this sector. Short Film Centre, for the first time provided a platform to short filmmakers to promote the sector in the country.
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Smt. Sowmya Raghavan joins as Financial Commissioner, Railways
Smt. Sowmya Raghavan has taken over as the charge of the office of Financial Commissioner, Railways. Prior to this, she was General Manager of Central Railway. Before joining as the first lady General Manager in the history of Central Railway, Smt. Raghavan was Advisor (Finance), Ministry of Railways (Railway Board). She belongs to the 1973 batch of the Indian Railway Accounts Service. She has served in various capacities on Indian Railways and has got rich and varied experience.
She was also the first lady Divisional Railway Manager of Bangalore Division and Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer of Southern Railway, Eastern Railway and Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka. As the Financial Advisor to the Massive Construction Project on Southern Railway, she was in charge of Finance Management of Railway Projects spread over the three southern states.
She has had extensive training abroad in areas related to ‘Staff Productivity in Workshops’ in Germany, USA and Japan as also ‘High Speed System’ at Paris, France. She has attended advanced leadership programme at Stern Business School in New York.
She was also the first lady Divisional Railway Manager of Bangalore Division and Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer of Southern Railway, Eastern Railway and Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka. As the Financial Advisor to the Massive Construction Project on Southern Railway, she was in charge of Finance Management of Railway Projects spread over the three southern states.
She has had extensive training abroad in areas related to ‘Staff Productivity in Workshops’ in Germany, USA and Japan as also ‘High Speed System’ at Paris, France. She has attended advanced leadership programme at Stern Business School in New York.
Astra Microwave Wins INR 570 mn Order from Israel’s ELTA Systems
-- Astra to supply microwave wireless sub-systems for India’s defense radar program.
-- Contract effective between November 2008 and mid-2010.
-- Astra’s first contract under offset obligations clause of India’s Defence Procurement Policy.
-- “ELTA contract showcases Astra’s tech ability and scale to build on offset obligations opportunity”: B Malla Reddy, Managing Director.
BSE: 532493
NSE: ASTRAMICRO
Reuters: ASTM.BO
Bloomberg: ASTM.IN
Astra Microwave Products Ltd, India’s leading provider of microwave wireless technologies used in defense, space, and telecommunications, today announced that the company has won an order worth INR 570 million (USD 11.5 million) from Israel’s ELTA Systems Ltd. A group subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, ELTA is a world leader in electromagnetic sensors-based advanced defense systems for radar, electronic warfare, and communications.
The order is for the supply of microwave wireless sub-systems for India’s defense radar program. The contract is effective between November 2008 and mid-2010.
The order from ELTA is Astra’s first contract under the offset obligations clause of India’s Defence Procurement Policy, 2006. The offsets clause mandates that 30% of all defense contracts worth INR 3 billion and above must be invested in the Indian defense industry by way of sourcing components, sharing technology, setting up training facilities, or using IT services.
Comment by B Malla Reddy, Managing Director, Astra Microwave Products
The ELTA contract showcases Astra Microwave’s global technological capabilities and scale of operations to meet the demand from obligations mandated by the Defence Procurement Policy, said B Malla Reddy, Managing Director, Astra Microwave.
“Offset obligations are a significant opportunity for manufacturers and technology providers in the Indian defense space. Our proven technological expertise, infrastructure, and processes are a strong positive differentiator with global defense suppliers. Going forward, we are confident of forging many such relationships,” Mr Malla Reddy said.
About Astra Microwave Products Ltd
Headquartered in Hyderabad, India, Astra Microwave Products Ltd (www.astramwp.com) designs, develops, and manufactures components and sub-systems for microwave wireless communications systems used in defense, space, and civilian applications. Prominent customers include, among others, the Defence Research Development Organization, Bharat Electronics, Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Dynamics, Electronics Corporation of India, the Indian Space Research Organization, Reliance Communications, Ericsson, and Tata Teleservices.
In FY08, Astra Microwave gross revenue was INR 1.27 billion on an equity capital of INR 107.5 million.
Thanks Business Wire India
-- Contract effective between November 2008 and mid-2010.
-- Astra’s first contract under offset obligations clause of India’s Defence Procurement Policy.
-- “ELTA contract showcases Astra’s tech ability and scale to build on offset obligations opportunity”: B Malla Reddy, Managing Director.
BSE: 532493
NSE: ASTRAMICRO
Reuters: ASTM.BO
Bloomberg: ASTM.IN
Astra Microwave Products Ltd, India’s leading provider of microwave wireless technologies used in defense, space, and telecommunications, today announced that the company has won an order worth INR 570 million (USD 11.5 million) from Israel’s ELTA Systems Ltd. A group subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, ELTA is a world leader in electromagnetic sensors-based advanced defense systems for radar, electronic warfare, and communications.
The order is for the supply of microwave wireless sub-systems for India’s defense radar program. The contract is effective between November 2008 and mid-2010.
The order from ELTA is Astra’s first contract under the offset obligations clause of India’s Defence Procurement Policy, 2006. The offsets clause mandates that 30% of all defense contracts worth INR 3 billion and above must be invested in the Indian defense industry by way of sourcing components, sharing technology, setting up training facilities, or using IT services.
Comment by B Malla Reddy, Managing Director, Astra Microwave Products
The ELTA contract showcases Astra Microwave’s global technological capabilities and scale of operations to meet the demand from obligations mandated by the Defence Procurement Policy, said B Malla Reddy, Managing Director, Astra Microwave.
“Offset obligations are a significant opportunity for manufacturers and technology providers in the Indian defense space. Our proven technological expertise, infrastructure, and processes are a strong positive differentiator with global defense suppliers. Going forward, we are confident of forging many such relationships,” Mr Malla Reddy said.
About Astra Microwave Products Ltd
Headquartered in Hyderabad, India, Astra Microwave Products Ltd (www.astramwp.com) designs, develops, and manufactures components and sub-systems for microwave wireless communications systems used in defense, space, and civilian applications. Prominent customers include, among others, the Defence Research Development Organization, Bharat Electronics, Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Dynamics, Electronics Corporation of India, the Indian Space Research Organization, Reliance Communications, Ericsson, and Tata Teleservices.
In FY08, Astra Microwave gross revenue was INR 1.27 billion on an equity capital of INR 107.5 million.
Thanks Business Wire India
Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.'s Fatburger Unit Opens First Dubai Location
Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.'s (OTCBB:FCCG) Fatburger unit has announced the opening of its first Middle East restaurant at The Dubai Mall in the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates. Fatburger Franchisee Khalil Asfour of Vetra Investments is responsible for the planned multi-unit development Fatburger in Dubai.
Fatburger is one of several global businesses making their Middle East debut at The Dubai Mall which is centrally located in the Downtown Burj Dubai development – ‘the new heart of the city’ where the world’s tallest tower is under construction. When fully operational, The Dubai Mall will have over 1,200 stores of which nearly 165 retailers – equaling 1.1 million sq ft, or 30% of the total gross leasable area of the mall - are either new to the region, or opening standalone or flagship stores for the very first time in Dubai.
Fatburger is a quick-casual, takeout and sit-down restaurant serving big, juicy burgers custom made to guests’ taste buds. The taste and quality of Fatburger inspires a fierce loyalty among customers that crosses all demographic lines, including Hollywood personalities and sports stars. For more than 55 years, Fatburger has been dedicated to serving big, fresh, 100 percent pure lean beef burgers custom made and grilled right in front of customers.
About Fatburger
Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1952, the Fatburger restaurant chain has 93 restaurants serving big, fresh, 100 percent pure lean beef burgers custom made and grilled right in front of customers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Washington, Canada, Dubai, Hong Kong and Macao. Fatburger operates 37 company owned restaurants with franchisees operating 56 locations. Based in Santa Monica, California, the company is actively seeking new franchisees for available territories. Fatburger is a subsidiary of Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc. (OTCBB:FCCG). For more information, or to find a Fatburger restaurant near you, go to www.fatburger.com.
Thanks Business Wire india
Fatburger is one of several global businesses making their Middle East debut at The Dubai Mall which is centrally located in the Downtown Burj Dubai development – ‘the new heart of the city’ where the world’s tallest tower is under construction. When fully operational, The Dubai Mall will have over 1,200 stores of which nearly 165 retailers – equaling 1.1 million sq ft, or 30% of the total gross leasable area of the mall - are either new to the region, or opening standalone or flagship stores for the very first time in Dubai.
Fatburger is a quick-casual, takeout and sit-down restaurant serving big, juicy burgers custom made to guests’ taste buds. The taste and quality of Fatburger inspires a fierce loyalty among customers that crosses all demographic lines, including Hollywood personalities and sports stars. For more than 55 years, Fatburger has been dedicated to serving big, fresh, 100 percent pure lean beef burgers custom made and grilled right in front of customers.
About Fatburger
Founded in Los Angeles, California in 1952, the Fatburger restaurant chain has 93 restaurants serving big, fresh, 100 percent pure lean beef burgers custom made and grilled right in front of customers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Washington, Canada, Dubai, Hong Kong and Macao. Fatburger operates 37 company owned restaurants with franchisees operating 56 locations. Based in Santa Monica, California, the company is actively seeking new franchisees for available territories. Fatburger is a subsidiary of Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc. (OTCBB:FCCG). For more information, or to find a Fatburger restaurant near you, go to www.fatburger.com.
Thanks Business Wire india
Toshiba Inducted into Software Product Line Hall of Fame at Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute
Toshiba Corporation has been inducted into the Software Product Line Hall of Fame at Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute (SEI), the prestigious honor roll that recognizes outstanding achievements in software development. Toshiba was elected for its Electric Power Generation Plant Monitoring and Control Systems, a family of products that delivers time-tested, reliable operation of thermal and nuclear power plants.
Toshiba is a leading manufacturer of thermal, nuclear and hydroelectric power equipment and systems, and of renewable energy equipment. It supports these systems with highly versatile electric power generation plant monitoring and control (EPG M&C) that combines non-variable software components with variable software dedicated to particular plant types. Induction into the Software Product Line Hall of Fame represents world-class recognition of the design concept, execution and operating efficiency of Toshiba’s EPG M&C software and architecture.
The home of the Software Product Line Hall of Fame, Carnegie Mellon SEI, is known worldwide as a pioneer in software innovation. SEI’s Software Product Line Hall of Fame recognizes excellent examples of standard software product lines that allow excellent reusability of architecture and software components and flexible application that achieves enhanced productivity. SEI inaugurated the Hall of Fame eight years ago to recognize software that achieves world-class best practices. The essential characteristic of selected software is the ability to provide long-term, pioneering solutions in an important area of achievement, and to deliver a core framework versatile enough to withstand diverse demands and system evolution over considerable time.
Most past inductees into the Software Product Line Hall of Fame have been drawn from manufacturing, including telecommunications, automotive and consumer products. Toshiba’s EPG M&C is the first product line elected as the Hall of Fame from the power generation field.
Toshiba’s Power Plant Control System
Toshiba brought computerization to its EPG M&C systems at an early stage, in the 1960s, first in thermal power systems, later in nuclear power plants. Today, the company has installed more than 150 systems in Japan and overseas. While detailed specifications, performance and features have undergone constant upgrading over the last 40 years, reflecting technological progress and advances in computer downsizing, the overall architecture and software configuration process of Toshiba’s EPG M&C remains basically unchanged.
The essential functions of EPG M&C are plant monitoring (status monitoring display, alarms and automated data log), which is done by gathering data from as many as 24,000 input points; calculation of optimized plant performance; and plant control, which covers both individual components and overall automated operation. This centralized total plant supervision and control system allows plant operators, whatever the type of plant, to monitor and manage all aspects of operation via a large display panel and the operator console in the main control room.
For nuclear power plants, the system is known as A-PODIA (Advanced Plant Operation by Displayed Information & Automation), and the version for thermal power plants is called COPOS/TOSMAP-DS.
A highly versatile differentiated approach
The key characteristics of the product line that have allowed it to achieve universal application, build up a long-standing record of operational achievement, and win high level recognition, are: (1) the division of the software into variable and non-variable modular software components that can be integrated to optimally meet the individual requirements of various power plants, and that realizes an excellent environment for easy system construction, software engineering and maintenance; and (2) the achievement of a plant operation environment where engineers are not required to have high-level software skills, but can use a dedicated tool, the plant table, to interface with and directly program all aspects of plant operation.
In addition, in order to maximize the total development efficiency of the entire system, Toshiba has developed a proprietary system to configure the total architecture by integrating the appropriate software components (modules) to customize the entire system for individual plant requirements.
Going forward, Toshiba will continue to refine its EPG M&C and apply it to next generation systems and fast reactors.
Note: Product Lines mean a series of products whose basic system can be reused over and over again to make it possible to develop new products with a consistent design philosophy and with high efficiency. Product Line-type development means the enhanced software programming efficiency by reusing the core Product Lines for new products.
Thanks Business Wire india
Toshiba is a leading manufacturer of thermal, nuclear and hydroelectric power equipment and systems, and of renewable energy equipment. It supports these systems with highly versatile electric power generation plant monitoring and control (EPG M&C) that combines non-variable software components with variable software dedicated to particular plant types. Induction into the Software Product Line Hall of Fame represents world-class recognition of the design concept, execution and operating efficiency of Toshiba’s EPG M&C software and architecture.
The home of the Software Product Line Hall of Fame, Carnegie Mellon SEI, is known worldwide as a pioneer in software innovation. SEI’s Software Product Line Hall of Fame recognizes excellent examples of standard software product lines that allow excellent reusability of architecture and software components and flexible application that achieves enhanced productivity. SEI inaugurated the Hall of Fame eight years ago to recognize software that achieves world-class best practices. The essential characteristic of selected software is the ability to provide long-term, pioneering solutions in an important area of achievement, and to deliver a core framework versatile enough to withstand diverse demands and system evolution over considerable time.
Most past inductees into the Software Product Line Hall of Fame have been drawn from manufacturing, including telecommunications, automotive and consumer products. Toshiba’s EPG M&C is the first product line elected as the Hall of Fame from the power generation field.
Toshiba’s Power Plant Control System
Toshiba brought computerization to its EPG M&C systems at an early stage, in the 1960s, first in thermal power systems, later in nuclear power plants. Today, the company has installed more than 150 systems in Japan and overseas. While detailed specifications, performance and features have undergone constant upgrading over the last 40 years, reflecting technological progress and advances in computer downsizing, the overall architecture and software configuration process of Toshiba’s EPG M&C remains basically unchanged.
The essential functions of EPG M&C are plant monitoring (status monitoring display, alarms and automated data log), which is done by gathering data from as many as 24,000 input points; calculation of optimized plant performance; and plant control, which covers both individual components and overall automated operation. This centralized total plant supervision and control system allows plant operators, whatever the type of plant, to monitor and manage all aspects of operation via a large display panel and the operator console in the main control room.
For nuclear power plants, the system is known as A-PODIA (Advanced Plant Operation by Displayed Information & Automation), and the version for thermal power plants is called COPOS/TOSMAP-DS.
A highly versatile differentiated approach
The key characteristics of the product line that have allowed it to achieve universal application, build up a long-standing record of operational achievement, and win high level recognition, are: (1) the division of the software into variable and non-variable modular software components that can be integrated to optimally meet the individual requirements of various power plants, and that realizes an excellent environment for easy system construction, software engineering and maintenance; and (2) the achievement of a plant operation environment where engineers are not required to have high-level software skills, but can use a dedicated tool, the plant table, to interface with and directly program all aspects of plant operation.
In addition, in order to maximize the total development efficiency of the entire system, Toshiba has developed a proprietary system to configure the total architecture by integrating the appropriate software components (modules) to customize the entire system for individual plant requirements.
Going forward, Toshiba will continue to refine its EPG M&C and apply it to next generation systems and fast reactors.
Note: Product Lines mean a series of products whose basic system can be reused over and over again to make it possible to develop new products with a consistent design philosophy and with high efficiency. Product Line-type development means the enhanced software programming efficiency by reusing the core Product Lines for new products.
Thanks Business Wire india
IAVI Launches Video Commitments Project on World AIDS Day 2008 - Testimonials to help Raise Global Support for AIDS Vaccine Development
On the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) invites individuals from around the world to show their support for the development of an AIDS vaccine by contributing their voices to a new gallery of video clips about why the world needs such a vaccine.
Available at www.iavi.org/Commitments, the collection of 20- to 40-second videos captures the personal testimonies of ordinary individuals, activists, community workers, scientists and politicians who have been moved in some way by the impact of the AIDS pandemic. Individuals are encouraged to film and submit for posting on IAVI’s website their own videos about why the world needs an AIDS vaccine.
The first World AIDS Day, established by a group of international health ministers in 1988, was dedicated to raising awareness about HIV. Twenty years later, the agenda is considerably more ambitious. This year’s official slogan is “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.”
With 33 million people on the planet living with HIV, and 7,500 people infected with the virus daily, it’s clear that far more needs to be done to stop AIDS. Progress has been made getting life-prolonging antiretroviral treatments to those infected with HIV, and that progress must continue. But for every two people put on antiretroviral therapy, five people become newly infected with HIV. We need to prevent people from becoming infected in the first place.
Current prevention efforts have helped stabilize HIV transmission rates in many places, but at alarmingly high levels. The world needs a better method of protecting people from HIV. History has shown that no health intervention is cheaper or more effective at combating viral epidemics than a vaccine.
Developing an AIDS vaccine is one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time. But evidence from both human observations and animal studies suggests such a vaccine is possible, and researchers are now following novel leads that are opening up new promise in AIDS vaccine development.
The testimonial videos IAVI debuts this World AIDS Day help to demonstrate that there continues to be broad and global support for the development of an AIDS vaccine. Anyone can play a role in helping to achieve a world without AIDS.
For more information, please visit www.iavi.org/WAD2008.
About IAVI
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is a global not-for-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the development of safe, effective, accessible, preventive HIV vaccines for use throughout the world. Founded in 1996 and operational in 24 countries, IAVI and its network of collaborators research and develop vaccine candidates. IAVI's financial and in-kind supporters include the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, The John D. Evans Foundation, The New York Community Trust, the James B. Pendleton Charitable Trust, The Rockefeller Foundation, The Starr Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; the Governments of Canada, Denmark, India, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the Basque Autonomous Government as well as the European Union; multilateral organizations such as The World Bank; corporate donors including BD (Becton, Dickinson & Co.), Bristol-Myers Squibb, Continental Airlines, Google Inc., Henry Schein, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; leading AIDS charities such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Until There's A Cure Foundation; other private donors such as The Haas Trusts; and many generous individuals from around the world. For more information, visit www.iavi.org.
Thanks Business Wire India
Available at www.iavi.org/Commitments, the collection of 20- to 40-second videos captures the personal testimonies of ordinary individuals, activists, community workers, scientists and politicians who have been moved in some way by the impact of the AIDS pandemic. Individuals are encouraged to film and submit for posting on IAVI’s website their own videos about why the world needs an AIDS vaccine.
The first World AIDS Day, established by a group of international health ministers in 1988, was dedicated to raising awareness about HIV. Twenty years later, the agenda is considerably more ambitious. This year’s official slogan is “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.”
With 33 million people on the planet living with HIV, and 7,500 people infected with the virus daily, it’s clear that far more needs to be done to stop AIDS. Progress has been made getting life-prolonging antiretroviral treatments to those infected with HIV, and that progress must continue. But for every two people put on antiretroviral therapy, five people become newly infected with HIV. We need to prevent people from becoming infected in the first place.
Current prevention efforts have helped stabilize HIV transmission rates in many places, but at alarmingly high levels. The world needs a better method of protecting people from HIV. History has shown that no health intervention is cheaper or more effective at combating viral epidemics than a vaccine.
Developing an AIDS vaccine is one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time. But evidence from both human observations and animal studies suggests such a vaccine is possible, and researchers are now following novel leads that are opening up new promise in AIDS vaccine development.
The testimonial videos IAVI debuts this World AIDS Day help to demonstrate that there continues to be broad and global support for the development of an AIDS vaccine. Anyone can play a role in helping to achieve a world without AIDS.
For more information, please visit www.iavi.org/WAD2008.
About IAVI
The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is a global not-for-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the development of safe, effective, accessible, preventive HIV vaccines for use throughout the world. Founded in 1996 and operational in 24 countries, IAVI and its network of collaborators research and develop vaccine candidates. IAVI's financial and in-kind supporters include the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, The John D. Evans Foundation, The New York Community Trust, the James B. Pendleton Charitable Trust, The Rockefeller Foundation, The Starr Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; the Governments of Canada, Denmark, India, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the Basque Autonomous Government as well as the European Union; multilateral organizations such as The World Bank; corporate donors including BD (Becton, Dickinson & Co.), Bristol-Myers Squibb, Continental Airlines, Google Inc., Henry Schein, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; leading AIDS charities such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Until There's A Cure Foundation; other private donors such as The Haas Trusts; and many generous individuals from around the world. For more information, visit www.iavi.org.
Thanks Business Wire India
Silicon Image Introduces 225 MHz HDMI v1.3 PHY IC and Soft Link IP Core for Consumer Electronics Applications
New Solution Offers Lower Cost and Faster Time-To-Market for HDMI v1.3 Transmitter Implementations
Silicon Image, Inc. (NASDAQ:SIMG), a leader in semiconductors and intellectual property for the secure distribution, presentation and storage of high-definition content, announced its 225 MHz HDMI™ version 1.3 PHY solution, consisting of the SiI9204 HDMI v1.3 transmitter PHY semiconductor and companion HDMI v1.3 link layer intellectual property (IP) core for use in consumer electronics and high-end mobile device applications. This latest offering complements the Silicon Image family of HDMI v1.3 transmitters which include stand-alone discrete semiconductors, PHY semiconductors for use with link layer IP cores and full HDMI v1.3 link and PHY IP cores.
Today, integrated circuit (IC) providers have the option of either using external discrete HDMI chips or fully integrating HDMI functionality into their consumer electronics ICs. Silicon Image now offers an HDMI v1.3 transmitter solution that provides the benefits of both approaches, with a lower bill-of-materials (BOM) cost compared to discrete IC implementations and faster time-to-market compared to a fully integrated system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution. In addition, Silicon Image’s HDMI v1.3 transmitter technology is a silicon-proven, high-volume solution that has shipped in more than 10 million HDMI v1.3 transmitter chips since 2007.
“HDMI version 1.3 is already the standard for digital TVs and is now becoming prevalent in high-definition digital set-top-box and Blu-ray Disc™ player implementations,” stated Ron Richter, director of business development at Silicon Image, Inc. “Silicon Image’s PHY IC and link IP core solution delivers the high-quality video and audio capabilities of HDMI v1.3 without the engineering challenges associated with an SoC analog integration.”
Key features of Silicon Image's SiI9204 transmitter PHY include:
225 MHz HDMI v1.3 support for Deep Color applications
SiI9002 compatibility mode (for those who use SiI9002 today)
Low power at high resolutions & frame rates (<90mW @ 1080p/60fps 12 bits/pixel)
Low power down current (<10µA)
Integrated CEC hardware support
Display Data Channel (DDC) support
Can support High Bit-Rate audio and x.v.Color with full featured SoCs
40-pin 6X6mm QFN package
Competitive pricing for link IP core licensing and SiI9204 chip
The SiI9204 IC, with built-in Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), is ideal for consumer applications such as digital set-top-boxes, personal video recorders, Blu-ray Disc players, game consoles, high-definition (HD) camcorders and high-end mobile devices. The link layer IP core, designed to be integrated into an SoC, can be quickly targeted to any foundry or process, delivering a key time-to-market advantage when compared to a fully integrated mixed-signal solution.
Planned availability for the SiI9204 transmitter PHY is Q1 2009 and the accompanying link layer IP will be available for integration in Q4 2008. More information on the Silicon Image transmitter IC and IP core solutions can be found at www.siliconimage.com. Companies, engineers and developers interested in additional information should contact Ron Richter at Tel: 1-408-962-4259 or via email at ron.richter@siliconimage.com.
About Silicon Image, Inc.
Silicon Image, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductor and intellectual property products for the secure distribution, presentation and storage of high-definition content. With a rich history of technology innovation that includes creating industry standards such as DVI and HDMI, the company’s solutions facilitate the use of digital content amongst consumer electronics, personal computer (PC) and storage devices, with the goal to securely deliver digital content anytime, anywhere and on any device. Founded in 1995, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with regional engineering and sales offices in China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.siliconimage.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Silicon Image, Inc. (NASDAQ:SIMG), a leader in semiconductors and intellectual property for the secure distribution, presentation and storage of high-definition content, announced its 225 MHz HDMI™ version 1.3 PHY solution, consisting of the SiI9204 HDMI v1.3 transmitter PHY semiconductor and companion HDMI v1.3 link layer intellectual property (IP) core for use in consumer electronics and high-end mobile device applications. This latest offering complements the Silicon Image family of HDMI v1.3 transmitters which include stand-alone discrete semiconductors, PHY semiconductors for use with link layer IP cores and full HDMI v1.3 link and PHY IP cores.
Today, integrated circuit (IC) providers have the option of either using external discrete HDMI chips or fully integrating HDMI functionality into their consumer electronics ICs. Silicon Image now offers an HDMI v1.3 transmitter solution that provides the benefits of both approaches, with a lower bill-of-materials (BOM) cost compared to discrete IC implementations and faster time-to-market compared to a fully integrated system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution. In addition, Silicon Image’s HDMI v1.3 transmitter technology is a silicon-proven, high-volume solution that has shipped in more than 10 million HDMI v1.3 transmitter chips since 2007.
“HDMI version 1.3 is already the standard for digital TVs and is now becoming prevalent in high-definition digital set-top-box and Blu-ray Disc™ player implementations,” stated Ron Richter, director of business development at Silicon Image, Inc. “Silicon Image’s PHY IC and link IP core solution delivers the high-quality video and audio capabilities of HDMI v1.3 without the engineering challenges associated with an SoC analog integration.”
Key features of Silicon Image's SiI9204 transmitter PHY include:
225 MHz HDMI v1.3 support for Deep Color applications
SiI9002 compatibility mode (for those who use SiI9002 today)
Low power at high resolutions & frame rates (<90mW @ 1080p/60fps 12 bits/pixel)
Low power down current (<10µA)
Integrated CEC hardware support
Display Data Channel (DDC) support
Can support High Bit-Rate audio and x.v.Color with full featured SoCs
40-pin 6X6mm QFN package
Competitive pricing for link IP core licensing and SiI9204 chip
The SiI9204 IC, with built-in Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), is ideal for consumer applications such as digital set-top-boxes, personal video recorders, Blu-ray Disc players, game consoles, high-definition (HD) camcorders and high-end mobile devices. The link layer IP core, designed to be integrated into an SoC, can be quickly targeted to any foundry or process, delivering a key time-to-market advantage when compared to a fully integrated mixed-signal solution.
Planned availability for the SiI9204 transmitter PHY is Q1 2009 and the accompanying link layer IP will be available for integration in Q4 2008. More information on the Silicon Image transmitter IC and IP core solutions can be found at www.siliconimage.com. Companies, engineers and developers interested in additional information should contact Ron Richter at Tel: 1-408-962-4259 or via email at ron.richter@siliconimage.com.
About Silicon Image, Inc.
Silicon Image, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductor and intellectual property products for the secure distribution, presentation and storage of high-definition content. With a rich history of technology innovation that includes creating industry standards such as DVI and HDMI, the company’s solutions facilitate the use of digital content amongst consumer electronics, personal computer (PC) and storage devices, with the goal to securely deliver digital content anytime, anywhere and on any device. Founded in 1995, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with regional engineering and sales offices in China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.siliconimage.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Ubiquoss Adds LG Powercom as Newest FTTx Customer With Teknovus as EPON Chip Supplier
Ubiquoss, a leading supplier of optical communications equipment in Korea and Teknovus, the leading provider of Gigabit Ethernet Optical Network (G-EPON) chipsets for deployment of triple-play services in broadband access networks, announced that LG Powercom has selected the Ubiquoss Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB) solutions, based on Teknovus’ 2.5G Turbo-EPONTM chips for major deployment throughout Korea. LG Powercom is one of the largest and most advanced communications service providers in Korea, with an extensive, modern optical network throughout the country.
Ubiquoss is a rapidly growing communications equipment supplier headquartered in Seoul. Focused on last-mile solutions, Ubiquoss’ customers include Korea Telecom, Versatel in Europe, and most recently, LG Powercom.
Teknovus is the sole supplier of EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network) chips and embedded software to Ubiquoss for their FTTx optical networking equipment in Korea and around the world. “We are delighted to announce yet another service provider win in Korea,” stated Mr. Insoo Park, VP of Strategic Sales for Teknovus. “Our chips are enabling reliable, low-cost, triple-play services for the top communications providers throughout Asia. Ubiquoss has adopted our Turbo-EPONTM, providing a smooth upgrade path in speed from 1G to 2.5G and onward to 10G.”
“Ubiquoss’ FTTx solutions are enabling LG Powercom to provide high-speed data, quality voice, and a wide range of advanced video services for residential and business subscribers in single-units and multi-tenant units,” stated Mr. Subong Lee, CTO of Ubiquoss’ R&D Center. “Teknovus’ EPON chips guarantee QoS (Quality of Service) per service type per subscriber with the highest subscriber split ratios possible, along with the lowest power consumption available – these are all crucial parameters for winning FTTx deployments. Our win at LG Powercom is based on Teknovus’ Turbo-EPONTM chips: the TK3714 and the TK3723, supporting 2.5G EPON with compatibility to all 1G EPON deployments.”
About Teknovus
Teknovus is the leading developer and supplier of access chips and embedded software for the FTTx market, supporting EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Networking) at 1G, 2.5G and 10G speeds. Teknovus products are deployed by more than 35 service providers around the world, enabling the delivery of advanced triple-play services, including IPTV, via optical fiber networks. Teknovus products support the full FTTx network, covering the Central Office (OLT) and the Customer Premises (ONU). Teknovus is headquartered in Petaluma, California with sales, design and support centers in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, San Jose and Boston. To learn more about Teknovus, visit www.teknovus.com.
Ubiquoss is a rapidly growing communications equipment supplier headquartered in Seoul. Focused on last-mile solutions, Ubiquoss’ customers include Korea Telecom, Versatel in Europe, and most recently, LG Powercom.
Teknovus is the sole supplier of EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network) chips and embedded software to Ubiquoss for their FTTx optical networking equipment in Korea and around the world. “We are delighted to announce yet another service provider win in Korea,” stated Mr. Insoo Park, VP of Strategic Sales for Teknovus. “Our chips are enabling reliable, low-cost, triple-play services for the top communications providers throughout Asia. Ubiquoss has adopted our Turbo-EPONTM, providing a smooth upgrade path in speed from 1G to 2.5G and onward to 10G.”
“Ubiquoss’ FTTx solutions are enabling LG Powercom to provide high-speed data, quality voice, and a wide range of advanced video services for residential and business subscribers in single-units and multi-tenant units,” stated Mr. Subong Lee, CTO of Ubiquoss’ R&D Center. “Teknovus’ EPON chips guarantee QoS (Quality of Service) per service type per subscriber with the highest subscriber split ratios possible, along with the lowest power consumption available – these are all crucial parameters for winning FTTx deployments. Our win at LG Powercom is based on Teknovus’ Turbo-EPONTM chips: the TK3714 and the TK3723, supporting 2.5G EPON with compatibility to all 1G EPON deployments.”
About Teknovus
Teknovus is the leading developer and supplier of access chips and embedded software for the FTTx market, supporting EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Networking) at 1G, 2.5G and 10G speeds. Teknovus products are deployed by more than 35 service providers around the world, enabling the delivery of advanced triple-play services, including IPTV, via optical fiber networks. Teknovus products support the full FTTx network, covering the Central Office (OLT) and the Customer Premises (ONU). Teknovus is headquartered in Petaluma, California with sales, design and support centers in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, San Jose and Boston. To learn more about Teknovus, visit www.teknovus.com.
CUP Data Signs Credit Processing Agreement with China Postal Savings Bank
TSYS announced that China UnionPay Data Services Co., Ltd. (“CUP Data”), TSYS’ joint venture with China UnionPay, has signed a credit card processing agreement with China Postal Savings Bank, China’s fifth largest lender.
China Postal Savings Bank holds more than US$200 billion in deposits and has more than 36,000 branches throughout every city in China.
“We are pleased to do business with an institution that has the size and reach of China Postal Savings Bank,” said Mr. Yan Fang Wang, president of CUP Data. “The group has a uniquely competitive edge, which makes it a privilege to work with them to develop their new credit card program.”
“The signing of China Postal Savings Bank demonstrates again that CUP Data is viewed by the Chinese banking community as the most reliable, highest-value processor of credit and debit transactions in China, ” said David Duncan, group executive of TSYS Asia Pacific. “As a company who has already issued more than 100 million debit cards, TSYS has great expectations for substantial growth in China Postal Savings Bank’s credit card program.”
Terms of the multi-year agreement were not released.
About CUP Data
CUP Data is China’s largest third-party processor of bankcard accounts, providing transaction processing, disaster recovery, data migration, system integration and other value-added services for issuing banks in China. CUP Data was established in 2003, and now has more than 50 signed credit- and debit-processing client banks.
TSYS owns a 44.5-percent equity stake in CUP Data, a subsidiary of China UnionPay (CUP). CUP is the only payments network sanctioned by the People’s Bank of China, China’s central bank, and has become one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing payments networks.
About TSYS
TSYS (NYSE: TSS) is one of the world’s largest companies for outsourced payment services, offering a broad range of issuer- and acquirer-processing technologies that support consumer-finance, credit, debit, debt management, healthcare, loyalty and prepaid services for financial institutions and retail companies in the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. For more information contact news@tsys.com or log on to www.tsys.com. TSYS routinely posts all important information on its website.
Thanks Business Wire India
China Postal Savings Bank holds more than US$200 billion in deposits and has more than 36,000 branches throughout every city in China.
“We are pleased to do business with an institution that has the size and reach of China Postal Savings Bank,” said Mr. Yan Fang Wang, president of CUP Data. “The group has a uniquely competitive edge, which makes it a privilege to work with them to develop their new credit card program.”
“The signing of China Postal Savings Bank demonstrates again that CUP Data is viewed by the Chinese banking community as the most reliable, highest-value processor of credit and debit transactions in China, ” said David Duncan, group executive of TSYS Asia Pacific. “As a company who has already issued more than 100 million debit cards, TSYS has great expectations for substantial growth in China Postal Savings Bank’s credit card program.”
Terms of the multi-year agreement were not released.
About CUP Data
CUP Data is China’s largest third-party processor of bankcard accounts, providing transaction processing, disaster recovery, data migration, system integration and other value-added services for issuing banks in China. CUP Data was established in 2003, and now has more than 50 signed credit- and debit-processing client banks.
TSYS owns a 44.5-percent equity stake in CUP Data, a subsidiary of China UnionPay (CUP). CUP is the only payments network sanctioned by the People’s Bank of China, China’s central bank, and has become one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing payments networks.
About TSYS
TSYS (NYSE: TSS) is one of the world’s largest companies for outsourced payment services, offering a broad range of issuer- and acquirer-processing technologies that support consumer-finance, credit, debit, debt management, healthcare, loyalty and prepaid services for financial institutions and retail companies in the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. For more information contact news@tsys.com or log on to www.tsys.com. TSYS routinely posts all important information on its website.
Thanks Business Wire India
Royal Philips Electronics Purchases Fast Logic™ Portfolio License
Alliacense announced that Royal Philips Electronics has purchased a Fast Logic™ Portfolio license from The TPL Group. Philips becomes the second company to purchase a Fast Logic license following Robert Bosch GmbH.
About the Fast Logic Portfolio
The Fast Logic Portfolio contains intellectual property that was initially developed by Thunderbird Technologies of Morrisville, NC. The Fast Logic Portfolio includes many popular design techniques for the implementation of high-speed logic circuits that improve the speed, power consumption, and noise immunity of digital CMOS based integrated circuits. The Fast Logic Portfolio technologies are used widely in the memory and logic circuits on which modern microprocessor-based systems rely. After pursuing the technologies for over a decade, Thunderbird entered into a joint venture with TPL in 2007 to strengthen and extend their R&D efforts as well as to commercialize the proprietary Fast Logic Portfolio technologies.
About Alliacense
Alliacense is a TPL Group Enterprise executing best-in-class design and implementation of Intellectual Property (IP) licensing programs. As a cadre of IP licensing strategists, technology experts, and experienced business development/management executives, Alliacense focuses on expanding the awareness and value of TPL’s IP portfolios. Founded in 1988, The TPL Group has emerged as a coalition of high technology enterprises involved in the development, management and commercialization of proprietary product technologies as well as the design, manufacture and sales of proprietary products based on those technologies and corresponding IP assets. For more information, visit www.alliacense.com.
Thanks Business Wire india
About the Fast Logic Portfolio
The Fast Logic Portfolio contains intellectual property that was initially developed by Thunderbird Technologies of Morrisville, NC. The Fast Logic Portfolio includes many popular design techniques for the implementation of high-speed logic circuits that improve the speed, power consumption, and noise immunity of digital CMOS based integrated circuits. The Fast Logic Portfolio technologies are used widely in the memory and logic circuits on which modern microprocessor-based systems rely. After pursuing the technologies for over a decade, Thunderbird entered into a joint venture with TPL in 2007 to strengthen and extend their R&D efforts as well as to commercialize the proprietary Fast Logic Portfolio technologies.
About Alliacense
Alliacense is a TPL Group Enterprise executing best-in-class design and implementation of Intellectual Property (IP) licensing programs. As a cadre of IP licensing strategists, technology experts, and experienced business development/management executives, Alliacense focuses on expanding the awareness and value of TPL’s IP portfolios. Founded in 1988, The TPL Group has emerged as a coalition of high technology enterprises involved in the development, management and commercialization of proprietary product technologies as well as the design, manufacture and sales of proprietary products based on those technologies and corresponding IP assets. For more information, visit www.alliacense.com.
Thanks Business Wire india
BIO Announces Takeda President to Present Keynote at BIO Asia Partnering Conference 2009
Yasuchika Hasegawa to Speak at BIO Asia Partnering Conference on Jan.19 in Tokyo, Japan
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce that Yasuchika Hasegawa, President of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, will be Monday’s keynote luncheon speaker for the sixth annual Bio® Asia Partnering Conference, Jan. 19-20, 2009, at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Japan.
“We are honored to have Yasuchika Hasegawa serve as a Bio®Asia 2009 keynote speaker and share his vision for how Takeda will become a global biopharmaceutical leader,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “As one of the key leaders in our space, we look forward to Mr. Hasegawa’s discussion regarding Takeda’s strategic approach in its business.”
“As Takeda continues to make progress on becoming a world-class pharmaceutical company, we have been fortunate to establish a number of strong collaborations with exceptional partners,” said Yasuchika Hasegawa, President of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. “I am honored to have an opportunity to speak at Bio®Asia 2009, as it is an excellent platform for us to meet again with our current partners and build relationships with our partners of the future.”
Mr. Hasegawa began his career at Takeda in 1970 and gained considerable international experience when working for the company in Germany for three years and in Executive level roles in the US for 10 more years. Mr. Hasegawa became a member of the Company’s Board in 1999, helping to focus the company’s operations on its core pharmaceutical operations. He became President of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited in June 2003 and since that time has successfully overseen the further growth and internationalization of the company, as well as its increasing presence in the biotechnology field.
BIO Asia is an exclusive, customized partnering forum that brings together Asian-Pacific, North American and European biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies interested in research collaborations and licensing agreements. The event features private, pre-arranged one-on-one meetings between senior-level executives and provides a number of ways to explore a range of international partnering and licensing opportunities. Over the course of two days, BIO Asia 2009 is expected to host more than 1,500 private meetings and provide numerous formal and informal networking opportunities. BIO-Asia 2008 attracted more than 550 professionals from more than 325 companies and 26 countries around the world.
BIO brings more than ten years of experience and expertise in biotech and pharmaceutical partnering to the Asia-Pacific region, after successfully establishing the largest partnering-focused events in the U.S. and Europe.
For registration and information, please visit bioasia.bio.org. Media registration is complimentary to credentialed members of the media. Please contact bioasia@bio.org for media registration details. If you have any questions, please contact bioasia@bio.org.
Upcoming BIO Events
BIO-Asia Partnering Conference 2009
January 19-20, 2009
Tokyo, Japan
BIO CEO & Investor Conference 2009
February 9-10, 2009
New York, New York
BIO-Europe Spring
March 16-18, 2009
Milan, Italy
BIO Windhover 2009
April 13-15, 2009
New York, New York
2009 BIO International Convention
May 18-21, 2009
Atlanta, Ga.
BioEquity Europe
June 9-10, 2009
Munich, Germany
World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
July 19-22, 2009
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to striving toward better health for individuals and progress in medicine by developing superior pharmaceutical products. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate Web site, www.takeda.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce that Yasuchika Hasegawa, President of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, will be Monday’s keynote luncheon speaker for the sixth annual Bio® Asia Partnering Conference, Jan. 19-20, 2009, at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Japan.
“We are honored to have Yasuchika Hasegawa serve as a Bio®Asia 2009 keynote speaker and share his vision for how Takeda will become a global biopharmaceutical leader,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “As one of the key leaders in our space, we look forward to Mr. Hasegawa’s discussion regarding Takeda’s strategic approach in its business.”
“As Takeda continues to make progress on becoming a world-class pharmaceutical company, we have been fortunate to establish a number of strong collaborations with exceptional partners,” said Yasuchika Hasegawa, President of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. “I am honored to have an opportunity to speak at Bio®Asia 2009, as it is an excellent platform for us to meet again with our current partners and build relationships with our partners of the future.”
Mr. Hasegawa began his career at Takeda in 1970 and gained considerable international experience when working for the company in Germany for three years and in Executive level roles in the US for 10 more years. Mr. Hasegawa became a member of the Company’s Board in 1999, helping to focus the company’s operations on its core pharmaceutical operations. He became President of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited in June 2003 and since that time has successfully overseen the further growth and internationalization of the company, as well as its increasing presence in the biotechnology field.
BIO Asia is an exclusive, customized partnering forum that brings together Asian-Pacific, North American and European biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies interested in research collaborations and licensing agreements. The event features private, pre-arranged one-on-one meetings between senior-level executives and provides a number of ways to explore a range of international partnering and licensing opportunities. Over the course of two days, BIO Asia 2009 is expected to host more than 1,500 private meetings and provide numerous formal and informal networking opportunities. BIO-Asia 2008 attracted more than 550 professionals from more than 325 companies and 26 countries around the world.
BIO brings more than ten years of experience and expertise in biotech and pharmaceutical partnering to the Asia-Pacific region, after successfully establishing the largest partnering-focused events in the U.S. and Europe.
For registration and information, please visit bioasia.bio.org. Media registration is complimentary to credentialed members of the media. Please contact bioasia@bio.org for media registration details. If you have any questions, please contact bioasia@bio.org.
Upcoming BIO Events
BIO-Asia Partnering Conference 2009
January 19-20, 2009
Tokyo, Japan
BIO CEO & Investor Conference 2009
February 9-10, 2009
New York, New York
BIO-Europe Spring
March 16-18, 2009
Milan, Italy
BIO Windhover 2009
April 13-15, 2009
New York, New York
2009 BIO International Convention
May 18-21, 2009
Atlanta, Ga.
BioEquity Europe
June 9-10, 2009
Munich, Germany
World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
July 19-22, 2009
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Located in Osaka, Japan, Takeda is a research-based global company with its main focus on pharmaceuticals. As the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan and one of the global leaders of the industry, Takeda is committed to striving toward better health for individuals and progress in medicine by developing superior pharmaceutical products. Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate Web site, www.takeda.com.
Thanks Business Wire India
Oerlikon Systems Environmental Audit Successful
Underlining a Corporate Commitment to Sustainability
Balzers, Liechtenstein, Tuesday, December 02, 2008 -- (Business Wire India)
Oerlikon Systems successfully concluded an ISO re-audit of its Balzers (Liechtenstein) development and production site, which is recertified for ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards. The rapid certification without any discrepancies identified by the audit body emphasizes the company’s focus on sustainable manufacturing techniques.
The ISO 9001 standards address quality management issues that include client quality requirements and regulatory guidelines, while ISO 14001 standards deal with the environmental management within an organization to minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by e.g. manufacturing, or environmental impacts of the production solutions offered to customers, and to achieve continual improvement of overall environmental performance.
“Today’s microchips and solar cells are a key part of the CO2 reduction efforts that help bring climate change under control,” explains Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems. “We are firmly committed to the development of sustainable – and increasingly environmentally friendlier – production solutions for the semiconductor and advanced nano industry.”
Because the strict adherence to high levels of quality and reliability are vital for the success of the production solutions developed and marketed by Oerlikon Systems, the company utilizes stringent environmental management procedures corresponding to ISO 14001.
“We have made notable progress over the past two years in minimizing the use of resources and successively eliminating or substituting problematic materials used in our production and manufacturing processes,” adds Andreas Dill. “And the current adverse market conditions make such efforts even more important – in terms of customer requirements and cost efficiency.”
The official ISO certification ceremony for Oerlikon Systems took place on November 26, 2008 at the Balzers facility.
Oerlikon – Enabling High Technology
Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) is one of the world's most successful high-tech industrial groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin-film solar and thin-film coating, drive, precision and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of more than 19,000 at 170 locations in 35 different countries. The company’s sales amounted to CHF 5.6 billion and it ranks either first or second in the respective global markets. In 2007, approx. 5 percent of the turnover was invested in research and development (CHF 274 million).
Thanks Business wire India
Underlining a Corporate Commitment to Sustainability
Balzers, Liechtenstein, Tuesday, December 02, 2008 -- (Business Wire India)
Oerlikon Systems successfully concluded an ISO re-audit of its Balzers (Liechtenstein) development and production site, which is recertified for ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards. The rapid certification without any discrepancies identified by the audit body emphasizes the company’s focus on sustainable manufacturing techniques.
The ISO 9001 standards address quality management issues that include client quality requirements and regulatory guidelines, while ISO 14001 standards deal with the environmental management within an organization to minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by e.g. manufacturing, or environmental impacts of the production solutions offered to customers, and to achieve continual improvement of overall environmental performance.
“Today’s microchips and solar cells are a key part of the CO2 reduction efforts that help bring climate change under control,” explains Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems. “We are firmly committed to the development of sustainable – and increasingly environmentally friendlier – production solutions for the semiconductor and advanced nano industry.”
Because the strict adherence to high levels of quality and reliability are vital for the success of the production solutions developed and marketed by Oerlikon Systems, the company utilizes stringent environmental management procedures corresponding to ISO 14001.
“We have made notable progress over the past two years in minimizing the use of resources and successively eliminating or substituting problematic materials used in our production and manufacturing processes,” adds Andreas Dill. “And the current adverse market conditions make such efforts even more important – in terms of customer requirements and cost efficiency.”
The official ISO certification ceremony for Oerlikon Systems took place on November 26, 2008 at the Balzers facility.
Oerlikon – Enabling High Technology
Oerlikon (SWX:OERL) is one of the world's most successful high-tech industrial groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin-film solar and thin-film coating, drive, precision and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of more than 19,000 at 170 locations in 35 different countries. The company’s sales amounted to CHF 5.6 billion and it ranks either first or second in the respective global markets. In 2007, approx. 5 percent of the turnover was invested in research and development (CHF 274 million).
Thanks Business wire India
Monday, December 1, 2008
Jaipal Reddy to Inaugurate National Conference on JNNURM and Urban Mobility
Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, Union Minster for Urban Development will inaugurate a mega Conference-cum-Exhibition on Urban Mobility and JNNURM on 3rd December 2008 at Pragati Maidan, Hall No. 7. The aim of this Conference-cum-Exhibition is to bring all technology and service providers from India and abroad in all the fields of Urban Transport Planning from Pedestrians, Non-Motorised Transport, Metro, Bus, BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), LRT (Light Rail Transit), Trams, Inland Water Transport, Ropeways, Parking and the ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) so as to bring together all the policy makers, practitioners and officials of national and international level (from Singapore, Germany, Brazil, Italy, etc.) at one platform to exchange and benefit with the experience, development of each other for better transportation planning. This will go a long way not only in dissemination of information but also in capacity building at various levels. Ministry of Urban Development had decided that from the year 2008, a mega Conference-cum-Exhibition on Urban Mobility be organized by the Ministry at New Delhi every year coinciding with the anniversary of the launch of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), 3rd December, 2005. This year the Conference-cum-Exhibition is being organized from 3rd to 5th December Dr. M. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development told to Media Persons at a briefing, here today.
Dr. M. Ramachandran informed that Ministry has decided to give awards for performing best in the field of urban transport by various agencies of State Governments / UTs / Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). It has also been decided to recognize the efforts of some agencies who have made considerable contribution towards implementation of various aspects of NUTP, 2006 by way of Special Awards.
The Conference will have panel discussions with eminent national and international authorities / experts, on various subjects relating to urban mobility such as Comprehensive Mobility Planning, Land Use - Transport Integration, PPP Mode in Urban Transport, PPP in Guided Mass Transit Systems as sustainable options for urban mobility, Best Practices in Organising Para-Transit and Travel Demand Management, Best Practices in Promoting Non-Motorised Transport, Planning Feeder Systems for Mass Transit, Climate Change And Opportunities for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in urban transport, Innovative Financing for Urban Transport, Use of Intelligent Transport Systems and Institutional Arrangements. Besides this an exhibition showing the progress made in the field of urban transport will also be organised in Hall No. 6 at Pragati Maidan.
Briefing the Press on JNNURM, the Secretary mentioned that the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) has accelerated growth in the selected 63 Mission cities spread all over the country in mission-mode approach and aims to provide quality urban infrastructure and governance in these cities during the 7 year Mission period (2005-12). So far 365 projects have been approved with project cost of Rs. 35,801.75 crores. In all likelihood, the demand for urban infrastructure development would exceed far beyond Rs. 25,500 crores allocation for 7 years under the Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) component of JNNURM. Another components of JNNURM is the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT), which is as its name suggests, for towns & cities other than 63 Mission cities. Against the allocation of Rs. 6,400 crores during the Mission period; 691 projects in 558 towns in 23 states and two Union Territories have been sanctioned having a project cost of Rs. 8045.45 crores. A number of parallel initiatives i.e. Credit Rating of Urban local Bodies, Bench marking of Urban services, launch of Urban Sanitation Policy, National Mission Mode project on e-governance, Peer experience and Reflective Learning (PEARL), and Public Private Partnership (PPP) have been launched to sustain Mission activities.
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Dr. M. Ramachandran informed that Ministry has decided to give awards for performing best in the field of urban transport by various agencies of State Governments / UTs / Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). It has also been decided to recognize the efforts of some agencies who have made considerable contribution towards implementation of various aspects of NUTP, 2006 by way of Special Awards.
The Conference will have panel discussions with eminent national and international authorities / experts, on various subjects relating to urban mobility such as Comprehensive Mobility Planning, Land Use - Transport Integration, PPP Mode in Urban Transport, PPP in Guided Mass Transit Systems as sustainable options for urban mobility, Best Practices in Organising Para-Transit and Travel Demand Management, Best Practices in Promoting Non-Motorised Transport, Planning Feeder Systems for Mass Transit, Climate Change And Opportunities for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in urban transport, Innovative Financing for Urban Transport, Use of Intelligent Transport Systems and Institutional Arrangements. Besides this an exhibition showing the progress made in the field of urban transport will also be organised in Hall No. 6 at Pragati Maidan.
Briefing the Press on JNNURM, the Secretary mentioned that the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) has accelerated growth in the selected 63 Mission cities spread all over the country in mission-mode approach and aims to provide quality urban infrastructure and governance in these cities during the 7 year Mission period (2005-12). So far 365 projects have been approved with project cost of Rs. 35,801.75 crores. In all likelihood, the demand for urban infrastructure development would exceed far beyond Rs. 25,500 crores allocation for 7 years under the Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) component of JNNURM. Another components of JNNURM is the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT), which is as its name suggests, for towns & cities other than 63 Mission cities. Against the allocation of Rs. 6,400 crores during the Mission period; 691 projects in 558 towns in 23 states and two Union Territories have been sanctioned having a project cost of Rs. 8045.45 crores. A number of parallel initiatives i.e. Credit Rating of Urban local Bodies, Bench marking of Urban services, launch of Urban Sanitation Policy, National Mission Mode project on e-governance, Peer experience and Reflective Learning (PEARL), and Public Private Partnership (PPP) have been launched to sustain Mission activities.
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Rehabilitation Services Provided to victims of Kosi Floods – an update
To mitigate the suffering of the people affected due to Kosi floods- especially those suffering from disability and psychological trauma- the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment took up Relief work through a team drawn from its three National Institutes viz. the National Institute of Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), Secunderabad, the National Institute of Rehabilitation, Training & Research (NIRTAR), Cuttack, and the National Institute for Orthopaedically Handicapped (NIOH), Kolkata. The team, comprising doctors, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, Nurses etc. has been working in the camps set up by the State Government and has been providing various services to affected people.
Rehabilitation work by the above team commenced from 08, September, 2008. Up to 24, October, 2008 the team had provided services of various kinds to about 6500 flood victims. Of these, assistive devices were given to 267 disabled persons, 20 corrective surgeries were performed, medicines were given to over 3300 persons and counselling provided to over 2800.
The team covered 4 mega camps in Saharsa District. Besides, outreach services were provided in 4 blocks- Sour Bazar, Sone Barsa, Patherghat and Banma Ithari. Awareness programmes on rehabilitation of persons with disabilities were also conducted in 6 schools.
It may be recalled that on 16, September, 2008 Smt. Meira Kumar, the Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, had done an aerial survey of flood-affected areas, visited the Mega Relief Camp at Saharsa, and had discussed relief measures with senior officers of the State Government and peoples’ representatives. She had given directions that National Institutions of the Ministry should also play a proactive role in providing succours to the flood victims, especially those suffering from disability and psychological trauma.
Rehabilitation work by the above team commenced from 08, September, 2008. Up to 24, October, 2008 the team had provided services of various kinds to about 6500 flood victims. Of these, assistive devices were given to 267 disabled persons, 20 corrective surgeries were performed, medicines were given to over 3300 persons and counselling provided to over 2800.
The team covered 4 mega camps in Saharsa District. Besides, outreach services were provided in 4 blocks- Sour Bazar, Sone Barsa, Patherghat and Banma Ithari. Awareness programmes on rehabilitation of persons with disabilities were also conducted in 6 schools.
It may be recalled that on 16, September, 2008 Smt. Meira Kumar, the Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, had done an aerial survey of flood-affected areas, visited the Mega Relief Camp at Saharsa, and had discussed relief measures with senior officers of the State Government and peoples’ representatives. She had given directions that National Institutions of the Ministry should also play a proactive role in providing succours to the flood victims, especially those suffering from disability and psychological trauma.
Recommendations of the Third Conference of the heads of missions
Following are the Recommendations of the Third Annual conference of the heads of missions held in New Delhi on November 27-28, 2008.
1. Launching of Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
The Scheme for the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) proposed to be set up in the seventeen ECR Countries was adopted. The ICWF would facilitate our Missions to extend a host of welfare services for overseas Indian workers.
The Fund to be operated by the HOM will be as per the scheme document and the sanction orders issued by the MOIA with the concurrence of MEA in this regard.
2. Activating the Joint Working Groups (JWGs)
The Ministry has signed bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour with the Governments of UAE, Kuwait and Oman, apart from signing an Additional Protocol with Qatar. An MoU already exists with Jordan which is dated. We therefore need to negotiate a fresh agreement. Similar MoUs have been finalized with Bahrain and Malaysia. The Missions concerned may coordinate the dates for signing these MOUs with the respective Governments.
The Joint Working Groups (JWG) which have been set up under the MoUs should be activated and regular Meetings of the JWG should be organized to sort out bilateral issues on labour such as model contract, minimum wages, documentation requirements, labour dispute redressal, retention of passports, substitution of contracts, dealing with recalcitrant employers, practical solutions to problems of exploitation and abuse of workers, regulation of intermediaries, sharing of experience in manpower deployment, exchange of information on legislative and administrative measures, exchange of labour market information, providing welfare support services through Indian workers Resource centres etc.
A calendar of JWG Meetings may be prepared by the HOMs.
3. Operationalizing the Office of Director, Community Affairs (Development) in the GCC Countries.
The Charter of the duties of Director, Community Affairs (Development), posted in the Overseas Indian Centre (OIC) in the UAE and reporting to the Ambassador will be finalized shortly in consultation with the MEA. This Office would be operationalized in the first Week of January, 2009 to render a wide variety of services including counseling to the migrant workers in legal, medical and financial matters. The Centre would act as a Resource Centre for the GCC Countries. A similar Centre would be set up in Kuala Lumpur, shortly.
4. Finalization of the Model Contract for universal application by the Missions.
The model Work Contract may be made applicable to all the ECR Countries subject to the local laws. HoMs can customize the model Work Contract to accommodate country specific laws which can be enforced through administrative instructions. Country specific variations in the Work Contract can be discussed and finalized in the meetings of the Joint Working Group set up under the provision of MoUs. This should be made effective from 1 March 2009.
5. Universal Attestation of the Work Contract through outsourcing.
The attestation of the Work Contract by the Missions should be universalized. This would ensure creation of a Master Data Register and reinforce the legal migration process. The Kuwaiti model of attestation of work contract through outsourcing can be adopted and the cost of outsourcing can be met from the attestation charges to be levied from the workers. This facility should work on an electronic platform so that data collection would be instantaneous and verifiable.
6. Establishing Indian Workers Resource Centre (IWRC) which includes a Help Desk and a 24 X 6 Help Line in the GCC Countries and Malaysia.
Indian Workers Resource Centre (IWRC) with which includes a Help Desk and a 24 X 6 Helpline may be made functional in the Missions in the GCC Countries and Malaysia. This would facilitate redressal of the grievances of the migrant workers, provide information dissemination to intending migrants and act as a Resource Centre for State Governments to interact with, in times of distress. A model RFP for soliciting proposals for outsourcing the Helpline for the IWRC was circulated.
7. Operating a Shelter - cum- Counseling Centre in the GCC Countries through Indian Associations / NGOs / Outsourcing.
The Shelter –cum – Counseling Centre should be given attention by the HoMs. These Centers, apart from providing temporary shelter, food and medical facilities etc. to the runaway workers and housemaids, should also provide counseling services and legal assistance to the distressed workers. The HoMs can consider management of the Shelter Homes in partnership with Indian Associations / NGOs or through outsourcing to reputed agencies on the model of the Shelter Home operated by EOI Kuwait.
8. Designing and Implementing an on-site Insurance Programme.
8. Since the existing PBBY Scheme has not proved beneficial to a large segment of the migrant workers, an alternative Insurance Scheme may be developed which would be in conformity with the local laws. The Insurance Scheme should in particular cover cashless hospitalization. The premium of the Insurance cover can be levied from the Employers.
9. Implementation of the Indo-UAE Pilot Project on Temporary Labour Mobility Partnerships and initiating similar Pilot Projects in other GCC Countries.
A Brief on the Indo-UAE Pilot Project on Temporary Labour Mobility Partnerships in three sectors, viz., Construction, Health Care and Hospitality was circulated. Similar Pilot Projects can be initiated in other Countries of the region to adopt best practices in Labour Migration Management. HOM’s may explore these possibilities in consultation with the host Government.
10. Organizing focused India Investor Meets in all the GCC Countries.
One Investor Interactive Meet was successfully organized at Muscat in partnership with OIFC on 12th November, 2008. Similar Investor Meets may be organized in the other GCC Countries to attract maximum investment from this region. OIFC to lay emphasis on developing customized products for overseas Indian workers to transform them from being mere savers to becoming investors.
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1. Launching of Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
The Scheme for the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) proposed to be set up in the seventeen ECR Countries was adopted. The ICWF would facilitate our Missions to extend a host of welfare services for overseas Indian workers.
The Fund to be operated by the HOM will be as per the scheme document and the sanction orders issued by the MOIA with the concurrence of MEA in this regard.
2. Activating the Joint Working Groups (JWGs)
The Ministry has signed bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour with the Governments of UAE, Kuwait and Oman, apart from signing an Additional Protocol with Qatar. An MoU already exists with Jordan which is dated. We therefore need to negotiate a fresh agreement. Similar MoUs have been finalized with Bahrain and Malaysia. The Missions concerned may coordinate the dates for signing these MOUs with the respective Governments.
The Joint Working Groups (JWG) which have been set up under the MoUs should be activated and regular Meetings of the JWG should be organized to sort out bilateral issues on labour such as model contract, minimum wages, documentation requirements, labour dispute redressal, retention of passports, substitution of contracts, dealing with recalcitrant employers, practical solutions to problems of exploitation and abuse of workers, regulation of intermediaries, sharing of experience in manpower deployment, exchange of information on legislative and administrative measures, exchange of labour market information, providing welfare support services through Indian workers Resource centres etc.
A calendar of JWG Meetings may be prepared by the HOMs.
3. Operationalizing the Office of Director, Community Affairs (Development) in the GCC Countries.
The Charter of the duties of Director, Community Affairs (Development), posted in the Overseas Indian Centre (OIC) in the UAE and reporting to the Ambassador will be finalized shortly in consultation with the MEA. This Office would be operationalized in the first Week of January, 2009 to render a wide variety of services including counseling to the migrant workers in legal, medical and financial matters. The Centre would act as a Resource Centre for the GCC Countries. A similar Centre would be set up in Kuala Lumpur, shortly.
4. Finalization of the Model Contract for universal application by the Missions.
The model Work Contract may be made applicable to all the ECR Countries subject to the local laws. HoMs can customize the model Work Contract to accommodate country specific laws which can be enforced through administrative instructions. Country specific variations in the Work Contract can be discussed and finalized in the meetings of the Joint Working Group set up under the provision of MoUs. This should be made effective from 1 March 2009.
5. Universal Attestation of the Work Contract through outsourcing.
The attestation of the Work Contract by the Missions should be universalized. This would ensure creation of a Master Data Register and reinforce the legal migration process. The Kuwaiti model of attestation of work contract through outsourcing can be adopted and the cost of outsourcing can be met from the attestation charges to be levied from the workers. This facility should work on an electronic platform so that data collection would be instantaneous and verifiable.
6. Establishing Indian Workers Resource Centre (IWRC) which includes a Help Desk and a 24 X 6 Help Line in the GCC Countries and Malaysia.
Indian Workers Resource Centre (IWRC) with which includes a Help Desk and a 24 X 6 Helpline may be made functional in the Missions in the GCC Countries and Malaysia. This would facilitate redressal of the grievances of the migrant workers, provide information dissemination to intending migrants and act as a Resource Centre for State Governments to interact with, in times of distress. A model RFP for soliciting proposals for outsourcing the Helpline for the IWRC was circulated.
7. Operating a Shelter - cum- Counseling Centre in the GCC Countries through Indian Associations / NGOs / Outsourcing.
The Shelter –cum – Counseling Centre should be given attention by the HoMs. These Centers, apart from providing temporary shelter, food and medical facilities etc. to the runaway workers and housemaids, should also provide counseling services and legal assistance to the distressed workers. The HoMs can consider management of the Shelter Homes in partnership with Indian Associations / NGOs or through outsourcing to reputed agencies on the model of the Shelter Home operated by EOI Kuwait.
8. Designing and Implementing an on-site Insurance Programme.
8. Since the existing PBBY Scheme has not proved beneficial to a large segment of the migrant workers, an alternative Insurance Scheme may be developed which would be in conformity with the local laws. The Insurance Scheme should in particular cover cashless hospitalization. The premium of the Insurance cover can be levied from the Employers.
9. Implementation of the Indo-UAE Pilot Project on Temporary Labour Mobility Partnerships and initiating similar Pilot Projects in other GCC Countries.
A Brief on the Indo-UAE Pilot Project on Temporary Labour Mobility Partnerships in three sectors, viz., Construction, Health Care and Hospitality was circulated. Similar Pilot Projects can be initiated in other Countries of the region to adopt best practices in Labour Migration Management. HOM’s may explore these possibilities in consultation with the host Government.
10. Organizing focused India Investor Meets in all the GCC Countries.
One Investor Interactive Meet was successfully organized at Muscat in partnership with OIFC on 12th November, 2008. Similar Investor Meets may be organized in the other GCC Countries to attract maximum investment from this region. OIFC to lay emphasis on developing customized products for overseas Indian workers to transform them from being mere savers to becoming investors.
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Round Table Meet on the Role of Media in strengthening NREGA
The Ministry of Rural Development is organising a Round Table Meet on the Role of Media in strengthening National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) here tomorrow at NASC Complex, PUSA . The one day meet to be inaugurated by the Minister of Rural Development, Dr Raghuvansh Prasad Singh will discuss most appropriate means of disseminating information to create mass awareness on the progress of implementation of NREGA in the country. A large number of Media persons are expected to deliberate and suggest useful tips on the issue.
As of now the Act extends to the entire country and currently provides employment to about 3 crore households reaching out to the marginalized group as SCs/STs who constitute 57% the NREGA workforce to woman who are 49% of the workforce. 17.29 lakh works have been undertaken during the current year, of which 46% relates to water conservation. NREGA has proved to be a major vehicle for financial inclusion of the marginalized sections of the rural community. Thus for 4.22 crore NREGA workers, Bank and Post Office Accounts have been opened to disbursed wages. Information Technology is being used to manage one of the largest data base of rural households engaged under the Act. An amount of over Rs.20,000 crores have been paid as wages to the rural households till date since the inception of the programme. To payment to the right beneficiary and the right amount, wages are to be disbursed through banks/post offices in the Savings Accounts of the workers. Thus, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Puduchhery have achieved 100% payment of wages through bank and post offices accounts. Other states are also making efforts to ensure this system. With this transparent arrangement for disbursement of wages a new milestone has been achieved in the history of development administration of the country.
As of now the Act extends to the entire country and currently provides employment to about 3 crore households reaching out to the marginalized group as SCs/STs who constitute 57% the NREGA workforce to woman who are 49% of the workforce. 17.29 lakh works have been undertaken during the current year, of which 46% relates to water conservation. NREGA has proved to be a major vehicle for financial inclusion of the marginalized sections of the rural community. Thus for 4.22 crore NREGA workers, Bank and Post Office Accounts have been opened to disbursed wages. Information Technology is being used to manage one of the largest data base of rural households engaged under the Act. An amount of over Rs.20,000 crores have been paid as wages to the rural households till date since the inception of the programme. To payment to the right beneficiary and the right amount, wages are to be disbursed through banks/post offices in the Savings Accounts of the workers. Thus, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Puduchhery have achieved 100% payment of wages through bank and post offices accounts. Other states are also making efforts to ensure this system. With this transparent arrangement for disbursement of wages a new milestone has been achieved in the history of development administration of the country.
Secretary, Civil Aviation reviews security arrangements at airports
The Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Madhavan Nambiar today held a High Level meeting to review the security arrangements at airports across the country. The meeting was attended by the Commissioner of Civil Aviation Security (COSCA), Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), I.G. (Airports) CISF, Member (Operations), Airport Authority of India (AAI) and senior officials of Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The meeting reviewed the preparedness of the different layers of mechanism of safety and security in the airports as well as in the airspace. It also identified immediate steps to be taken in case of any emergency situation.
The Secretary, DGCA, COSCA earlier met the Air Chief Marshall and discussed measures to step up coordination between the Air Force and Civil Aviation authorities in air surveillance and other related areas.
The meeting reviewed the preparedness of the different layers of mechanism of safety and security in the airports as well as in the airspace. It also identified immediate steps to be taken in case of any emergency situation.
The Secretary, DGCA, COSCA earlier met the Air Chief Marshall and discussed measures to step up coordination between the Air Force and Civil Aviation authorities in air surveillance and other related areas.
Consultation paper on quality of Service issues for Cable TV Services in Non CAS areas and for DTH Services
TRAI takes further steps for protection of consumers’ interests and initiates consultation for Quality of Service aspects for Non-CAS cable TV service and DTH services.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today issued a consultation paper on Quality of Service issues for Cable TV Services in Non-CAS areas and for DTH Services.
2. There are nearly 78 million consumers receiving cable TV services in non-CAS areas, being served by about 60,000 cable operators. In 2004, the Authority had indicated the code and guidelines for Quality of Service for cable TV services. However, no formal regulations were issued in view of highly fragmented nature of cable TV sector, because of implementational difficulties at ground level. Subsequently, TRAI has issued Quality of Service Regulations for cable services for CAS notified Areas in 2006. The DTH subscribers are also benefited by the Quality of Service Regulations for DTH Services issued by TRAI in 2007.
3. As a result of the lessons learnt after issuing QoS Regulations for cable TV services in CAS notified areas, the Authority felt it appropriate to commence the consultation process for putting in place the quality of service regulations to empower the consumers in non-CAS areas also. In addition, the Authority has simultaneously written to various State Governments for effective monitoring and enforcement of quality of service parameters, once the regulations are issued for non-CAS areas. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has also been addressed for enlarging the scope of the existing District level monitoring committees in order to enable these committees to monitor the proposed QoS Regulations. It is a fact that the enforcement of the proposed regulations is a challenging task. The proposed regulations have largely to be seen as a tool for self regulation by the service providers and one expects from them a high degree of sensitivity and responsiveness towards the subscribers. This is primarily due to the fact that there are a very large number of cable operators widely spread over large geographical areas. The consultation paper attempts to solicit the view of stakeholders on the following issues involving quality of service aspects of cable television service in non-CAS area.
Ø Proper procedures and timelines for connections, disconnections, transfer of cable services
Ø Proper procedure for billing and effective mechanism for handling technical and billing related complaints
Ø Procedure for overall complaint handling and redressal by the service provider
Ø Timeline and the procedure for services relating to provision of digital decoders and STBs in non-CAS areas, wherever service providers are providing digital services
Ø Procedure for informing the subscribers about change of channels alongwith their channel position
Ø Mechanism of rebates in cases of interruption of service
Ø Technical standards to be observed by the service providers
Ø Effective monitoring of Quality of Service standards
5. Moreover, it is desirable to have regulatory provisions relating to QoS to be forward looking in-sync with the existing CAS Quality of Services Regulations. This will help the service providers in seamless migration on QoS front whenever CAS is extended by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in their areas of operation in future. This will also help in achieving the objective of digitalization and addressability in cable services at a faster pace without compromising the quality of service.
6. Further, there are some new issues that have emerged after the issuance of QoS Regulations for DTH Services. The Authority has taken the opportunity to address these issues also in this consultation paper. The issues raised for DTH Quality of Services pertain to dropping of channels by the service providers, maintenance and visiting charges and protection to the subscribers regarding their tariff plans.
7. The stakeholders can send their comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper by 31st December, 2008. The full text of the consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in also.
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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today issued a consultation paper on Quality of Service issues for Cable TV Services in Non-CAS areas and for DTH Services.
2. There are nearly 78 million consumers receiving cable TV services in non-CAS areas, being served by about 60,000 cable operators. In 2004, the Authority had indicated the code and guidelines for Quality of Service for cable TV services. However, no formal regulations were issued in view of highly fragmented nature of cable TV sector, because of implementational difficulties at ground level. Subsequently, TRAI has issued Quality of Service Regulations for cable services for CAS notified Areas in 2006. The DTH subscribers are also benefited by the Quality of Service Regulations for DTH Services issued by TRAI in 2007.
3. As a result of the lessons learnt after issuing QoS Regulations for cable TV services in CAS notified areas, the Authority felt it appropriate to commence the consultation process for putting in place the quality of service regulations to empower the consumers in non-CAS areas also. In addition, the Authority has simultaneously written to various State Governments for effective monitoring and enforcement of quality of service parameters, once the regulations are issued for non-CAS areas. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has also been addressed for enlarging the scope of the existing District level monitoring committees in order to enable these committees to monitor the proposed QoS Regulations. It is a fact that the enforcement of the proposed regulations is a challenging task. The proposed regulations have largely to be seen as a tool for self regulation by the service providers and one expects from them a high degree of sensitivity and responsiveness towards the subscribers. This is primarily due to the fact that there are a very large number of cable operators widely spread over large geographical areas. The consultation paper attempts to solicit the view of stakeholders on the following issues involving quality of service aspects of cable television service in non-CAS area.
Ø Proper procedures and timelines for connections, disconnections, transfer of cable services
Ø Proper procedure for billing and effective mechanism for handling technical and billing related complaints
Ø Procedure for overall complaint handling and redressal by the service provider
Ø Timeline and the procedure for services relating to provision of digital decoders and STBs in non-CAS areas, wherever service providers are providing digital services
Ø Procedure for informing the subscribers about change of channels alongwith their channel position
Ø Mechanism of rebates in cases of interruption of service
Ø Technical standards to be observed by the service providers
Ø Effective monitoring of Quality of Service standards
5. Moreover, it is desirable to have regulatory provisions relating to QoS to be forward looking in-sync with the existing CAS Quality of Services Regulations. This will help the service providers in seamless migration on QoS front whenever CAS is extended by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in their areas of operation in future. This will also help in achieving the objective of digitalization and addressability in cable services at a faster pace without compromising the quality of service.
6. Further, there are some new issues that have emerged after the issuance of QoS Regulations for DTH Services. The Authority has taken the opportunity to address these issues also in this consultation paper. The issues raised for DTH Quality of Services pertain to dropping of channels by the service providers, maintenance and visiting charges and protection to the subscribers regarding their tariff plans.
7. The stakeholders can send their comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper by 31st December, 2008. The full text of the consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in also.
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INDIA’S FOREIGN TRADE DATA: OCTOBER, 2008 - Exports up by 23.7% in April-October 2008
India’s cumulative value of exports for the period April- October, 2008 was US $ 107796 million (Rs.467505 crore) as against US $ 87144 million (Rs.354064 crore) registering a growth of 23.7 per cent in Dollar terms and 32 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year. Exports during October, 2008 were valued at US $ 12822 million which was 12.1 per cent lower than the level of US $ 14588 million during October, 2007. In rupee terms, exports touched Rs.62387 crore, which was 8.2 per cent higher than the value of exports during October, 2007.
India’s imports during October, 2008 were valued at US $ 23360 million representing an increase of 10.6 per cent over the level of imports valued at US $ 21126 million in October, 2007. In Rupee terms, imports increased by 36.2 per cent. Cumulative value of imports for the period April- October, 2008 was US $ 180789 million (Rs.786059 crore) as against US $ 132780 million (Rs.539879 crore) registering a growth of 36.2 per cent in Dollar terms and 45.6 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.
Oil imports during October, 2008 were valued at US $ 7960 million which was 22 per cent higher than oil imports valued at US $ 6525 million in the corresponding period last year. Oil imports during April- October, 2008 were valued at US $ 65774 million which was 60 per cent higher than the oil imports of US $ 41115 million in the corresponding period last year.
Non-oil imports during October, 2008 were estimated at US $ 15400 million which was 5.5 per cent higher than non-oil imports of US $ 14601 million in October, 2007. Non-oil imports during April- October, 2008 were valued at US$ 115015 million which was 25.5 per cent higher than the level of such imports valued at US$ 91665 million in April- October, 2007.
The trade deficit for April- October, 2008 was estimated at US $ 72993 million which was higher than the deficit at US $ 45636 million during April- October, 2007.
India’s imports during October, 2008 were valued at US $ 23360 million representing an increase of 10.6 per cent over the level of imports valued at US $ 21126 million in October, 2007. In Rupee terms, imports increased by 36.2 per cent. Cumulative value of imports for the period April- October, 2008 was US $ 180789 million (Rs.786059 crore) as against US $ 132780 million (Rs.539879 crore) registering a growth of 36.2 per cent in Dollar terms and 45.6 per cent in Rupee terms over the same period last year.
Oil imports during October, 2008 were valued at US $ 7960 million which was 22 per cent higher than oil imports valued at US $ 6525 million in the corresponding period last year. Oil imports during April- October, 2008 were valued at US $ 65774 million which was 60 per cent higher than the oil imports of US $ 41115 million in the corresponding period last year.
Non-oil imports during October, 2008 were estimated at US $ 15400 million which was 5.5 per cent higher than non-oil imports of US $ 14601 million in October, 2007. Non-oil imports during April- October, 2008 were valued at US$ 115015 million which was 25.5 per cent higher than the level of such imports valued at US$ 91665 million in April- October, 2007.
The trade deficit for April- October, 2008 was estimated at US $ 72993 million which was higher than the deficit at US $ 45636 million during April- October, 2007.
Plot Points gets Golden Lamp tree Award for Best Short Film
Nicolas Provost’s Plot Point (Belgium) received Golden Lamp Tree Award at first ever Exhibition-cum-business platform for Short Films at the IFFI. Geetika Narang’s Good Night, a story of retired engineer who has decided to start his life afresh, got Silver Lamp Tree. Gabriel Brennen’ L’Ecrivain/The Writer received Special Jury Award. Spanish Director Albert Bayona’s short film Monday to Friday bagged Vasudha Award for the best short film on environmental issues.
Golden Lamp Tree Award, carrying a cash price of Rs 5 lakh went to Provost’s 15 minutes of seemingly random succession of shots of Manhattan sidewalks. The film questions of boundaries between reality and fiction by merely suggesting cinematic narrative codes(tension curve, climax, plot point) but ultimately leaves the mystery unrevealed. The second award to Good Night carry cash prize of Rs 3 Lakh and Special Jury award carries the cash award of Rs two lakh.
Vasudha Award a replica of Goddess Gajalaxmi in her abode at Valpoi, Sattari in Goa. Depicting Jal Water Jamin Land and Jungle. The trophy is designed by Gurudas M Kamat the regional coordinator of the Indian Documentary Producers Associations. Bayona’s film an audiovisual about the environment change and human interference in landscape by alien elements.
Giving away the awards Shri Pratap Singh Rane congratulated the winners and congratulated IFFI and ESG for taking this valuable initiative. CEO ESG Manoj Shrivastava called it a fulfillment of long pending desire of short filmmakers in the country. Noted Filmmaker and president of IDPA Janu Barua said that the selection was a tough task and hoped that the platform like Short Film Center will give the short films a platform to flourish. Festival Director Shri SM khan delivered the vote of thanks.
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Golden Lamp Tree Award, carrying a cash price of Rs 5 lakh went to Provost’s 15 minutes of seemingly random succession of shots of Manhattan sidewalks. The film questions of boundaries between reality and fiction by merely suggesting cinematic narrative codes(tension curve, climax, plot point) but ultimately leaves the mystery unrevealed. The second award to Good Night carry cash prize of Rs 3 Lakh and Special Jury award carries the cash award of Rs two lakh.
Vasudha Award a replica of Goddess Gajalaxmi in her abode at Valpoi, Sattari in Goa. Depicting Jal Water Jamin Land and Jungle. The trophy is designed by Gurudas M Kamat the regional coordinator of the Indian Documentary Producers Associations. Bayona’s film an audiovisual about the environment change and human interference in landscape by alien elements.
Giving away the awards Shri Pratap Singh Rane congratulated the winners and congratulated IFFI and ESG for taking this valuable initiative. CEO ESG Manoj Shrivastava called it a fulfillment of long pending desire of short filmmakers in the country. Noted Filmmaker and president of IDPA Janu Barua said that the selection was a tough task and hoped that the platform like Short Film Center will give the short films a platform to flourish. Festival Director Shri SM khan delivered the vote of thanks.
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PM stresses close monitoring and timely steps to maintain growth momentum
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh called the Finance Secretary and other Secretaries of the Ministry of Finance today after assuming charge of the Ministry. They briefed him on issues of importance in the current context specially those relating to the economic slowdown which have been engaging attention of Govt. The Prime Minister gave his overall directions regarding the transaction of official business in the Ministry of Finance and stressed the need for close monitoring and timely steps for maintaining the growth momentum.
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Press Statement of the President of India on board her special aircraft on her way back from her state visits to Vietnam and Indonesia
Following is the text of the Press Statement of the President of India,Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on board her Special Aircraft on her way back to India, after completing her State Visits to Vietnam and Indonesia:-
“We had departed from Delhi on 24th November to visit Vietnam and Indonesia. Earlier in the day, I held bilateral talks with President Sushilo Yudhoyono covering bilateral and other subjects of regional and international importance. We agreed on the need to give substance and content to the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two countries. We expressed satisfaction at the growth of institutional linkages between India and Indonesia, the rapid expansion in bilateral trade and investment and the development of closer linkages in science & technology and culture.
In response to the expression of sympathy and support, in the aftermath of the recent terror attacks in Mumbai, I conveyed India’s determination to face the challenges squarely and root it out completely. I indicated that India and Indonesia should cooperate actively in dealing with this menace to which President Yudhoyono responded positively.
I also had separate meetings with the Chairmen of the three Houses of Parliament of Indonesia. During these meetings I had the occasion to reiterate the willingness of India to receive more parliamentary delegations from Indonesia. As the two largest democracies in Asia, this would enable the democratic institutions in both countries to grow strong for diversified cooperation in the coming years and decades.
An MOU on Agriculture and allied sectors as well as an MOU on Exchange in Youth Affairs and Sports were signed today after the bilateral talks.
I visited Bali, a region with which we have had more than two millennia of cultural contacts. Bali has been very successful in preserving its cultural traditions. During my stay there, I met with the Governor of Bali and with eminent Balinese personalities from various fields. We discussed ways of enhancing our linkages with Bali. The Governor of Bali expressed condolences at the loss of lives in the acts of terrorism in Mumbai. While in Bali, I visited the Taman Ayun Temple where I participated in a traditional prayer ceremony. At the temple, I planted a Mangosteen fruit tree which is regarded as a symbol of peace, serenity and harmony. I, along with others present, prayed for peace in India and all over the world.
During my visit to Vietnam earlier, I was able to meet with the entire leadership of Vietnam and a cross section of the Vietnamese society in the field of economic, commercial and social spheres. This was the first high level visit to Vietnam after the declaration of the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam made in July 2007. The leadership congratulated India on its great economic achievements through the advancement of science & technology posted over the last couple of decades. They expressed the desire to work closely with India to strengthen the Strategic Partnership. While condemning the terrorist attacks in Mumbai the Vietnamese leadership expressed full support to India.
In my discussions with the leadership we laid emphasis on increased contacts through tourism, trade and commerce, assisted by direct air links between India and Vietnam. There was a keenness on the side of Vietnamese leaders and business organisations, to invite more investment from India, and thus to diversify our economic partnership. An MoU was concluded between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the two countries. At the social-cultural level, I look forward to the exchange of women’s delegations between India and Vietnam, and increased cooperation in the field of education and modern science & technology, in the coming months and years. We have decided to open a Cultural Centre in Hanoi.
As I look back at the visit, I see the significance of India’s ‘Look East’ policy with two members of ASEAN, Vietnam at its northern periphery and Indonesia at its southern rim. During my discussions, I was able to sense the feeling of genuine friendship that exists in both countries. I am, therefore, satisfied that the objective of further deepening and strengthening relations with these countries have been achieved. My visit was a step in the 21st century, which offers us many opportunities and yet equally complex challenges. I am confident that with the experience, maturity and wisdom that all countries possess, we can work towards a bright future.
As you are aware, due to the sad demise of former Prime Minister V.P. Singh, a number of events during the visit had to be cancelled on account of the State mourning declared in India. I also limited the State Visit to Indonesia to the events on the main day of engagements on 1st December and decided to return to India after undertaking all scheduled engagements, in view of the situation in Mumbai.
The incidents in Mumbai were an act of terrorism committed by those who have no respect for human life. The armed and trained terrorists deliberately targeted innocent lives to cause panic, to disrupt normal life, to inflict damage and hamper the progress of the country. Many innocent lives were lost and many more injured. I would once again like to convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and my heartfelt sympathies to those who are injured. I am returning directly to Mumbai today.
Those brave men of my defence forces, the security personnel of NSG and the Maharashtra police who fought valiantly and those among them who lost their lives deserve the nation’s gratitude. The consensus of the nation is that terrorism is unacceptable. The need of the hour is for the whole nation to stand unitedly and to support all measures to deal effectively with the situation. The Government is looking at strengthening the laws as well as the security systems. With this in mind, the Government had convened an All Party meeting also.
Countries across the globe have condemned the horrendous act and expressed their solidarity with India. The Governments of Vietnam and Indonesia have been unequivocal in extending their full support and co-operation to India on this issue.
The safety and the security of citizens is of the utmost importance. I call upon all fellow citizens to work together in the fight against terrorism. This is important for the nation’s security. It is only when we are united, that the nation will continue to progress”.
*****
“We had departed from Delhi on 24th November to visit Vietnam and Indonesia. Earlier in the day, I held bilateral talks with President Sushilo Yudhoyono covering bilateral and other subjects of regional and international importance. We agreed on the need to give substance and content to the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two countries. We expressed satisfaction at the growth of institutional linkages between India and Indonesia, the rapid expansion in bilateral trade and investment and the development of closer linkages in science & technology and culture.
In response to the expression of sympathy and support, in the aftermath of the recent terror attacks in Mumbai, I conveyed India’s determination to face the challenges squarely and root it out completely. I indicated that India and Indonesia should cooperate actively in dealing with this menace to which President Yudhoyono responded positively.
I also had separate meetings with the Chairmen of the three Houses of Parliament of Indonesia. During these meetings I had the occasion to reiterate the willingness of India to receive more parliamentary delegations from Indonesia. As the two largest democracies in Asia, this would enable the democratic institutions in both countries to grow strong for diversified cooperation in the coming years and decades.
An MOU on Agriculture and allied sectors as well as an MOU on Exchange in Youth Affairs and Sports were signed today after the bilateral talks.
I visited Bali, a region with which we have had more than two millennia of cultural contacts. Bali has been very successful in preserving its cultural traditions. During my stay there, I met with the Governor of Bali and with eminent Balinese personalities from various fields. We discussed ways of enhancing our linkages with Bali. The Governor of Bali expressed condolences at the loss of lives in the acts of terrorism in Mumbai. While in Bali, I visited the Taman Ayun Temple where I participated in a traditional prayer ceremony. At the temple, I planted a Mangosteen fruit tree which is regarded as a symbol of peace, serenity and harmony. I, along with others present, prayed for peace in India and all over the world.
During my visit to Vietnam earlier, I was able to meet with the entire leadership of Vietnam and a cross section of the Vietnamese society in the field of economic, commercial and social spheres. This was the first high level visit to Vietnam after the declaration of the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam made in July 2007. The leadership congratulated India on its great economic achievements through the advancement of science & technology posted over the last couple of decades. They expressed the desire to work closely with India to strengthen the Strategic Partnership. While condemning the terrorist attacks in Mumbai the Vietnamese leadership expressed full support to India.
In my discussions with the leadership we laid emphasis on increased contacts through tourism, trade and commerce, assisted by direct air links between India and Vietnam. There was a keenness on the side of Vietnamese leaders and business organisations, to invite more investment from India, and thus to diversify our economic partnership. An MoU was concluded between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the two countries. At the social-cultural level, I look forward to the exchange of women’s delegations between India and Vietnam, and increased cooperation in the field of education and modern science & technology, in the coming months and years. We have decided to open a Cultural Centre in Hanoi.
As I look back at the visit, I see the significance of India’s ‘Look East’ policy with two members of ASEAN, Vietnam at its northern periphery and Indonesia at its southern rim. During my discussions, I was able to sense the feeling of genuine friendship that exists in both countries. I am, therefore, satisfied that the objective of further deepening and strengthening relations with these countries have been achieved. My visit was a step in the 21st century, which offers us many opportunities and yet equally complex challenges. I am confident that with the experience, maturity and wisdom that all countries possess, we can work towards a bright future.
As you are aware, due to the sad demise of former Prime Minister V.P. Singh, a number of events during the visit had to be cancelled on account of the State mourning declared in India. I also limited the State Visit to Indonesia to the events on the main day of engagements on 1st December and decided to return to India after undertaking all scheduled engagements, in view of the situation in Mumbai.
The incidents in Mumbai were an act of terrorism committed by those who have no respect for human life. The armed and trained terrorists deliberately targeted innocent lives to cause panic, to disrupt normal life, to inflict damage and hamper the progress of the country. Many innocent lives were lost and many more injured. I would once again like to convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and my heartfelt sympathies to those who are injured. I am returning directly to Mumbai today.
Those brave men of my defence forces, the security personnel of NSG and the Maharashtra police who fought valiantly and those among them who lost their lives deserve the nation’s gratitude. The consensus of the nation is that terrorism is unacceptable. The need of the hour is for the whole nation to stand unitedly and to support all measures to deal effectively with the situation. The Government is looking at strengthening the laws as well as the security systems. With this in mind, the Government had convened an All Party meeting also.
Countries across the globe have condemned the horrendous act and expressed their solidarity with India. The Governments of Vietnam and Indonesia have been unequivocal in extending their full support and co-operation to India on this issue.
The safety and the security of citizens is of the utmost importance. I call upon all fellow citizens to work together in the fight against terrorism. This is important for the nation’s security. It is only when we are united, that the nation will continue to progress”.
*****
Shri Deora announces petroleum products dealerships to the next-of-kin of martyrs of Mumbai terror attack
The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Murli Deora said today at the funeral of former ATS Chief, Mr. Hemant Karkare in Mumbai that the Indian security personnel displayed exemplary bravery and courage in defeating the nefarious designs of terrorists while neutralizing Mumbai terror attack. He has said that it is our national duty to take care of the dependents of our national heroes who attained martyrdom making supreme sacrifices in order to ensure safety and security of our countrymen and its guests. Shri Deora said “these brave-hearts have given their today to secure our tomorrow”
Shri Murli Deora informed that for the officers of security forces who have laid down their lives while fighting terrorists, a rehabilitation package is being worked out by his Ministry and one of the dealerships of petroleum products like retail outlets, LPG , SKO dealerships or CNG stations will be offered to the families of martyrs. These agencies would be offered on the lines of those provided to the martyrs of Operation Vijay in Kargil and the Parliament attack. The Government and the citizens of this country are with victims of this gruesome incident and all necessary help in the form of medicines, food etc. is being provided to them as per the requirement.
The Minister also said that we have witnessed a very gruesome terrorist attack on the enduring vibrancy of India’s financial capital. This was an audacious attack on our country’s sovereignty and is akin to Kargil intrusion. In this condemnable incident, a large number of civilians have lost their lives and a number of persons have suffered casualties. “I express my heart felt condolences for the departed souls and sympathize with the grieved families in this hour of crisis. Our security forces including NSG and other police officials have defended the terrorist attack on two most famous landmarks of the city (Taj and Oberoi Hotels) and have restored the prestige of country by killing terrorists. I would like to convey my heart felt thanks to the officers involved in this difficult operation for their commendable job and I salute those who have laid down their lives while fighting the terrorists” Shri Deora said.
Shri Murli Deora informed that for the officers of security forces who have laid down their lives while fighting terrorists, a rehabilitation package is being worked out by his Ministry and one of the dealerships of petroleum products like retail outlets, LPG , SKO dealerships or CNG stations will be offered to the families of martyrs. These agencies would be offered on the lines of those provided to the martyrs of Operation Vijay in Kargil and the Parliament attack. The Government and the citizens of this country are with victims of this gruesome incident and all necessary help in the form of medicines, food etc. is being provided to them as per the requirement.
The Minister also said that we have witnessed a very gruesome terrorist attack on the enduring vibrancy of India’s financial capital. This was an audacious attack on our country’s sovereignty and is akin to Kargil intrusion. In this condemnable incident, a large number of civilians have lost their lives and a number of persons have suffered casualties. “I express my heart felt condolences for the departed souls and sympathize with the grieved families in this hour of crisis. Our security forces including NSG and other police officials have defended the terrorist attack on two most famous landmarks of the city (Taj and Oberoi Hotels) and have restored the prestige of country by killing terrorists. I would like to convey my heart felt thanks to the officers involved in this difficult operation for their commendable job and I salute those who have laid down their lives while fighting the terrorists” Shri Deora said.
Evergreen Dev Anand felicitated in IFFI- Goa, 2008
Legeandary actor and evergreen hero of Bollywood, Shri Dev Anand was honoured at IFFI 2008 today for his contribution during his six decades in Indian cinema.
Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat felicitated Shri Dev Anand with a shawl and a cheque of Rs. 51,000 at a function held at Kala Acadamy. Mr Jackie Shroff presented a citation to Dev Saab.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dev Anand expressed his gratitude for the nationwide support during his long career in the film industry.
Chief Minister Shri Kamat unveiled the Desktop Calendar prepared by the ESG for the first time. Shri S. M. Khan, Director, DFF and Shri Manoj Shrivastav, CEO, ESG were also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat felicitated Shri Dev Anand with a shawl and a cheque of Rs. 51,000 at a function held at Kala Acadamy. Mr Jackie Shroff presented a citation to Dev Saab.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dev Anand expressed his gratitude for the nationwide support during his long career in the film industry.
Chief Minister Shri Kamat unveiled the Desktop Calendar prepared by the ESG for the first time. Shri S. M. Khan, Director, DFF and Shri Manoj Shrivastav, CEO, ESG were also present on the occasion.
Obama calls PM condemns Mumbai terror attack
U.S. President-elect Mr. Barack Obama called the Prime Minister in connection with the Mumbai terror attacks. He expressed his deepest condolences on the tragedy.
Conglomerates restrict freedom of filmmaker: John Landis
‘Indian public is great movie-going public and I have great affection for that’ said the American filmmaker John Landis. He told that Satyajit Ray is among his five favourite directors and his Apu Trilogy was an accomplished piece of art. John Landis’ retrospective is being shown in IFFI-Goa-2008.
On the subject movie making, the director remarked that filmmaking is a craft which in the hands of certain practitioners is lifted to the level of art. He said that in the current system where international conglomerates control the movie making, it is becoming increasingly difficult to experiment. This is evident in heavy reliance on remakes as the management of these big conglomerates is interested in the box office performance in the first few days. ‘Films are 105 years or so old and always it had been film industry or film business…. This has implications for freedom of filmmakers’, the director said.
About the messages in his films, John Landis said that every film has something political in it. ‘When I put something political in my movies I want it to be seen not told’ the director pointed out. Subtlety always wins over in your face approach. Giving examples of Vietnam, Watergate and Iraq war the director emphasized on the need to be careful about the fact that calamities are often used for furthering political agendas.
He said that the filmmakers have a responsibility for their output but they must not be dictated in the formulation of their work. On the advent of technology, Landis said that it has opened new avenues and made the art accessible to many new practitioners and ‘has left no excuses for the directors’ but no technology can change the basic fact of story-telling in filmmaking. It basically remains creating montage that tells the story. ‘There will always be the need of director who can tell a good story, howsoever the advanced the technology becomes’ the director added.
John Landis began his career in the mailroom of 20th Century Fox Studios. With enduring comedies such Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), National Lampoon's Animal House (1978), The Blues Brothers (1980), Trading Places (1983), Spies Like Us (1985), Three Amigos! (1987) and Coming to America (1988), Landis has directed some of the most popular blockbusters of all time. His horror film An American Werewolf in London (1981) enjoys a multigenerational fan following. In 1983, Landis reinvented the concept of music videos with Michael Jackson's Thriller. He has been the executive producer and director of many television series. In 2004, Landis produced and directed Slasher, a feature documentary following a veteran used car salesman, and in 2007, Mr. Warmth, The Don Rickles Project, honouring the career of the famed 'rat pack' comedian Don Rickles which premiered on HBO. Landis was honored with the Chevalier dans l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government in 1985. In February, 2009, the Cinemathéque Français in Paris will honour Landis with a comprehensive career retrospective.
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On the subject movie making, the director remarked that filmmaking is a craft which in the hands of certain practitioners is lifted to the level of art. He said that in the current system where international conglomerates control the movie making, it is becoming increasingly difficult to experiment. This is evident in heavy reliance on remakes as the management of these big conglomerates is interested in the box office performance in the first few days. ‘Films are 105 years or so old and always it had been film industry or film business…. This has implications for freedom of filmmakers’, the director said.
About the messages in his films, John Landis said that every film has something political in it. ‘When I put something political in my movies I want it to be seen not told’ the director pointed out. Subtlety always wins over in your face approach. Giving examples of Vietnam, Watergate and Iraq war the director emphasized on the need to be careful about the fact that calamities are often used for furthering political agendas.
He said that the filmmakers have a responsibility for their output but they must not be dictated in the formulation of their work. On the advent of technology, Landis said that it has opened new avenues and made the art accessible to many new practitioners and ‘has left no excuses for the directors’ but no technology can change the basic fact of story-telling in filmmaking. It basically remains creating montage that tells the story. ‘There will always be the need of director who can tell a good story, howsoever the advanced the technology becomes’ the director added.
John Landis began his career in the mailroom of 20th Century Fox Studios. With enduring comedies such Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), National Lampoon's Animal House (1978), The Blues Brothers (1980), Trading Places (1983), Spies Like Us (1985), Three Amigos! (1987) and Coming to America (1988), Landis has directed some of the most popular blockbusters of all time. His horror film An American Werewolf in London (1981) enjoys a multigenerational fan following. In 1983, Landis reinvented the concept of music videos with Michael Jackson's Thriller. He has been the executive producer and director of many television series. In 2004, Landis produced and directed Slasher, a feature documentary following a veteran used car salesman, and in 2007, Mr. Warmth, The Don Rickles Project, honouring the career of the famed 'rat pack' comedian Don Rickles which premiered on HBO. Landis was honored with the Chevalier dans l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government in 1985. In February, 2009, the Cinemathéque Français in Paris will honour Landis with a comprehensive career retrospective.
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Master Editor Bhosle and Director K. Balachander Honoured in IFFI 08
Bollywood famed Film Editor Shri Waman Bhosle and Chennai based veteran Director K. Balachander was honored at IFFI 2008 today for their contribution in Indian cinema.
Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat offered a shawl and Shri Pratapsingh Rane, Speaker, Goa Assembly presented Shri Waman Bhosle a cheque of Rs. 51,000 and a citation at a function held at Kala Academy.
Prominent actor Shri Kamal Hasan offered shawl and presented a Citation to K. Balachander and Chief Minister Shri Kamat presented a Cheque of Rs. 51,000.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bhosle said that, this is my biggest honour in my land and very grateful of Goan peoples for showing love of affection with me. Director K. Balachander said that he used Goa’s elegant and natural beauty places in his many Tamil and other languages films.
Shri Bhosle is basically from Goa started career as assistant of D. N. Pai at the filmistan Studios, Mumbai, he started freelancing with the film ‘Yeh Raaste hain Pyar ke’, Directed by R. K. Nayyar. He got his first independent film soon afterwards, Raj Khosla’s ‘Do Raaste’ beginning with the R. K. Nayyer’s ‘Inteqam’ he formed the Waman Guru team with Guru Dutt Shirali. The partnership continued till 1995, when Guru Dutt retired. He has won many awards including for the film ‘Inkaar’, ‘Saudagar’. He is edited almost 600 of notable films.
K. Balachander is the writer, Director and producer of more than 101 films in Tamil, Telgu, Kannada and Hindi. He got his break in films as a scriptwriter for Deivathai in 1964 and a year later; he made his directorial debut with Neerkumizhi, which was based on one of his plays.
Prominent actor of Bollywood Shri Suresh Oberai, Shri S. M. Khan, Director, DFF and Shri Manoj Shrivastav, CEO, ESG were also present on the occasion.
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Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat offered a shawl and Shri Pratapsingh Rane, Speaker, Goa Assembly presented Shri Waman Bhosle a cheque of Rs. 51,000 and a citation at a function held at Kala Academy.
Prominent actor Shri Kamal Hasan offered shawl and presented a Citation to K. Balachander and Chief Minister Shri Kamat presented a Cheque of Rs. 51,000.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bhosle said that, this is my biggest honour in my land and very grateful of Goan peoples for showing love of affection with me. Director K. Balachander said that he used Goa’s elegant and natural beauty places in his many Tamil and other languages films.
Shri Bhosle is basically from Goa started career as assistant of D. N. Pai at the filmistan Studios, Mumbai, he started freelancing with the film ‘Yeh Raaste hain Pyar ke’, Directed by R. K. Nayyar. He got his first independent film soon afterwards, Raj Khosla’s ‘Do Raaste’ beginning with the R. K. Nayyer’s ‘Inteqam’ he formed the Waman Guru team with Guru Dutt Shirali. The partnership continued till 1995, when Guru Dutt retired. He has won many awards including for the film ‘Inkaar’, ‘Saudagar’. He is edited almost 600 of notable films.
K. Balachander is the writer, Director and producer of more than 101 films in Tamil, Telgu, Kannada and Hindi. He got his break in films as a scriptwriter for Deivathai in 1964 and a year later; he made his directorial debut with Neerkumizhi, which was based on one of his plays.
Prominent actor of Bollywood Shri Suresh Oberai, Shri S. M. Khan, Director, DFF and Shri Manoj Shrivastav, CEO, ESG were also present on the occasion.
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PM addresses All Party Meet
Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Opening Remarks at the All Party Meeting in New Delhi on Sunday:
“Esteemed Chairperson UPA, respected colleagues and friends. I thank you all for being here at such short notice.
The ordeal at Mumbai, which occupied the attention of the entire nation, has finally come to an end. All of us share the grief of those who have lost their loved ones in this dastardly and brutal attack and also the pain and anguish of those grievously wounded. We cannot lessen their grief. But we will do all we can to alleviate their suffering. I give you my solemn assurance that we will look after the needs of those who survive this horrible tragedy.
We salute the bravery of our security forces who fought the terrorists in exceptionally difficult circumstances. They tried their utmost to save innocent lives at great personal risk. Twenty officers and men made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives. The entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to these men that we can never repay.
We have had terrorist attacks before also. But this attack was different. It was an attack by highly trained and well-armed terrorists targeting our largest city. They came with the explicit aim of killing large numbers of innocent civilians, including foreign visitors. They sought to destroy some of the best known symbols of our commercial capital.
We share the hurt of the people and their sense of anger and outrage. Several measures are already in place to deal with the situation. But clearly much more needs to be done and we are determined to take all necessary measures to overhaul the system.
We are further strengthening maritime and air security for which measures have been initiated. This will involve the Navy, the Coast Guard and the coastal police, as well as the Air Force and the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The anti-terrorist forces of the country will be further strengthened and streamlined. The National Security Guard, which is the principal anti-terrorist force of the country, will be given additional facilities and the size of the force is being augmented. Steps have also been initiated to establish another 4 NSG hubs in different parts of the country. Additionally, the special forces at the disposal of the Centre would be appropriately utilized in counter insurgency operations.
We have finalized a set of legal measures based on the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission which includes the setting up of a Federal Investigating Agency.
In the face of this national threat and in the aftermath of this national tragedy, all of us from different political parties must rise above narrow political considerations and stand united. We should work together in the interest of the country at this critical juncture.
We should build a consensus on what needs to be done to strengthen the ability of our system to meet these threats. The terrorists and enemies of our nation must know that their actions unite rather than divide us.
I do hope that at the end of our discussions today we will be able to give our collective assurance to the nation that, across the political spectrum, we stand together at this hour. I look forward to hearing the views of each one of you.”
The Prime Minister then requested his cabinet colleague Shri P. Chidambaram to open the discussions.
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“Esteemed Chairperson UPA, respected colleagues and friends. I thank you all for being here at such short notice.
The ordeal at Mumbai, which occupied the attention of the entire nation, has finally come to an end. All of us share the grief of those who have lost their loved ones in this dastardly and brutal attack and also the pain and anguish of those grievously wounded. We cannot lessen their grief. But we will do all we can to alleviate their suffering. I give you my solemn assurance that we will look after the needs of those who survive this horrible tragedy.
We salute the bravery of our security forces who fought the terrorists in exceptionally difficult circumstances. They tried their utmost to save innocent lives at great personal risk. Twenty officers and men made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives. The entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to these men that we can never repay.
We have had terrorist attacks before also. But this attack was different. It was an attack by highly trained and well-armed terrorists targeting our largest city. They came with the explicit aim of killing large numbers of innocent civilians, including foreign visitors. They sought to destroy some of the best known symbols of our commercial capital.
We share the hurt of the people and their sense of anger and outrage. Several measures are already in place to deal with the situation. But clearly much more needs to be done and we are determined to take all necessary measures to overhaul the system.
We are further strengthening maritime and air security for which measures have been initiated. This will involve the Navy, the Coast Guard and the coastal police, as well as the Air Force and the Civil Aviation Ministry.
The anti-terrorist forces of the country will be further strengthened and streamlined. The National Security Guard, which is the principal anti-terrorist force of the country, will be given additional facilities and the size of the force is being augmented. Steps have also been initiated to establish another 4 NSG hubs in different parts of the country. Additionally, the special forces at the disposal of the Centre would be appropriately utilized in counter insurgency operations.
We have finalized a set of legal measures based on the recommendations of the Administrative Reforms Commission which includes the setting up of a Federal Investigating Agency.
In the face of this national threat and in the aftermath of this national tragedy, all of us from different political parties must rise above narrow political considerations and stand united. We should work together in the interest of the country at this critical juncture.
We should build a consensus on what needs to be done to strengthen the ability of our system to meet these threats. The terrorists and enemies of our nation must know that their actions unite rather than divide us.
I do hope that at the end of our discussions today we will be able to give our collective assurance to the nation that, across the political spectrum, we stand together at this hour. I look forward to hearing the views of each one of you.”
The Prime Minister then requested his cabinet colleague Shri P. Chidambaram to open the discussions.
****
Press Communique
The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister of India, has accepted the resignation of Shri Shivraj V. Patil,Minister of Home Affairs, from the Council of Ministers, with immediate effect.
Further, as advised by the Prime Minister of India, the President has directed that Shri P. Chidambaram be allocated the portfolio of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister of India shall look after the Ministry of Finance.
Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, November 30, 2008/Agrahayana 9, 1930
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Further, as advised by the Prime Minister of India, the President has directed that Shri P. Chidambaram be allocated the portfolio of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister of India shall look after the Ministry of Finance.
Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, November 30, 2008/Agrahayana 9, 1930
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Sunday, November 30, 2008
Voluntary Health Association of India(VHAI) Condemns GoM Decision
Profit before People: Government Bows Down to Tobacco Industry Pressure, Public Health Betrayed for Maximizing Industry Profits
The tobacco control community and public health organizations strongly condemn the shocking decision taken at a meeting of the GoM on 24 November 2008 to defer the much awaited implementation of pictorial warnings on all tobacco products from 30 November 2008. This decision on has been repeatedly postponed several times since February 2007.
According to Alok Mukhopadhyay, Chief Executive, VHAI, “It is a matter of great shame that the guardians of the largest democracy in the world decide to put aside the critical health concerns of Indian citizens to boost the health and profits of the tobacco industry, particularly the bidi sector”. The bidi industry which is talking about lost jobs for its workers if pictorial warnings are implemented is the same which does not pay minimum wages, exploits women and children, constantly exposes its workers to hazardous substances, flouts labour laws and spreads serious illnesses and death.
Ironically, the news of this postponement came in while at Durban, South Africa, India along with nearly 160 nations came together on 22 November 2008 and signed a treaty unanimously adopting the guidelines for Article 11 of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) which refers to the packaging and labeling of tobacco products. The Government of India was present in that meeting and its decision to implement pack warnings was greatly applauded in the conference of parties.
According to Bhavna B Mukhopadhyay, Senior Director, VHAI, “The government should set up strong and transparent mechanisms at the highest levels to prevent industry interference in the implementation of tobacco control measures and policy making processes. Since the tobacco industry sells a product that kills one million people in India annually, therefore, industry’s interests will always be in conflict with the nation’s public health and economic aspirations.”
Why are picture health warnings important? Are they effective?
Pictorial warnings on tobacco products are intended to increase consumer knowledge of the deadly health effects of tobacco consumption, to encourage cessation and to discourage uptake. In India, they also break the linguistic and cultural barrier, in addition to informing the illiterate population (a large proportion of this segment smoke bidis), about the harms of tobacco use.
Around 17 countries around the world including Brazil, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Uruguay, Chile, Venezuela and a number of other developed nations have successfully introduced picture-based warnings and many of them are stronger with gorier images than the proposed Indian pictures. In a survey in Brazil, 3 months after the introduction of new picture warnings in April 2002, 73% of smokers approved of them, 54% had changed their opinion on the health consequences of smoking and 67% said that the new health warnings made them want to quit the habit. Similar is the experience of countries like Canada and Australia. The evidence is unequivocal that warning labels improve public health.
The tobacco control community and public health organizations strongly condemn the shocking decision taken at a meeting of the GoM on 24 November 2008 to defer the much awaited implementation of pictorial warnings on all tobacco products from 30 November 2008. This decision on has been repeatedly postponed several times since February 2007.
According to Alok Mukhopadhyay, Chief Executive, VHAI, “It is a matter of great shame that the guardians of the largest democracy in the world decide to put aside the critical health concerns of Indian citizens to boost the health and profits of the tobacco industry, particularly the bidi sector”. The bidi industry which is talking about lost jobs for its workers if pictorial warnings are implemented is the same which does not pay minimum wages, exploits women and children, constantly exposes its workers to hazardous substances, flouts labour laws and spreads serious illnesses and death.
Ironically, the news of this postponement came in while at Durban, South Africa, India along with nearly 160 nations came together on 22 November 2008 and signed a treaty unanimously adopting the guidelines for Article 11 of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) which refers to the packaging and labeling of tobacco products. The Government of India was present in that meeting and its decision to implement pack warnings was greatly applauded in the conference of parties.
According to Bhavna B Mukhopadhyay, Senior Director, VHAI, “The government should set up strong and transparent mechanisms at the highest levels to prevent industry interference in the implementation of tobacco control measures and policy making processes. Since the tobacco industry sells a product that kills one million people in India annually, therefore, industry’s interests will always be in conflict with the nation’s public health and economic aspirations.”
Why are picture health warnings important? Are they effective?
Pictorial warnings on tobacco products are intended to increase consumer knowledge of the deadly health effects of tobacco consumption, to encourage cessation and to discourage uptake. In India, they also break the linguistic and cultural barrier, in addition to informing the illiterate population (a large proportion of this segment smoke bidis), about the harms of tobacco use.
Around 17 countries around the world including Brazil, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Uruguay, Chile, Venezuela and a number of other developed nations have successfully introduced picture-based warnings and many of them are stronger with gorier images than the proposed Indian pictures. In a survey in Brazil, 3 months after the introduction of new picture warnings in April 2002, 73% of smokers approved of them, 54% had changed their opinion on the health consequences of smoking and 67% said that the new health warnings made them want to quit the habit. Similar is the experience of countries like Canada and Australia. The evidence is unequivocal that warning labels improve public health.
Joint Official Statement from Live Earth Founder Kevin Wall, The Office of the Honorable Al Gore and Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Chairman IPCC
Everyone involved with Live Earth India, from our U.S.- and India-based staff, artists and crew to our India-based broadcast, production, non-profit and marketing communications partners, is stunned and saddened by the tragic events of the past few days in our host city Mumbai. We always felt very welcomed and safe as we spent more time on the ground in Mumbai to finalize plans for Live Earth India, scheduled for December 7.
Due to circumstances far beyond our control, we are saddened to announce that Live Earth India has been cancelled. We will continue to work for solutions to the climate crisis for the good of the people of India and around the world. But for now, our thoughts and our prayers are with the victims of this terrible attack, with the bereaved, with the people of Mumbai and with everyone in India. For updated information, please visit www.LiveEarth.org.
Thanks Business Wire India
Due to circumstances far beyond our control, we are saddened to announce that Live Earth India has been cancelled. We will continue to work for solutions to the climate crisis for the good of the people of India and around the world. But for now, our thoughts and our prayers are with the victims of this terrible attack, with the bereaved, with the people of Mumbai and with everyone in India. For updated information, please visit www.LiveEarth.org.
Thanks Business Wire India
Friday, November 28, 2008
Command Area Water Management Programme to be modified for optimum utilisation of Water Resources
The Command Area Development and Water Management (CADWM) Programme was launched for development of adequate delivery system of irrigation water up to farmers’ fields with an objective to enhance water use efficiency and production and productivity of crop per unit of land and water for improving socio-economic condition of farmers. During the remaining period of 11th Five Year Plan, some modifications have been proposed in CADWM.
Financial assistance is proposed to the States for development of infrastructure to facilitate use of sprinkler/drip irrigation systems as an alternative to construction of field channels to promote water use efficiency in irrigation. The assistance under this item will not be admissible for sprinkler and drip irrigation systems because the assistance for installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems is available under the schemes of Ministry of Agriculture. But it will be limited to construction of stilling tank, pump house and laying conveyance pipes up to farmers’ fields. The cost norms as applicable for On-Farm Development (OFD) works will also be applicable for such works.
Under this Programme any new project is included only in lieu of completion/deletion of an on-going project in a particular State under the existing Programme. This condition is proposed to be relaxed for the projects included in the PM’s package for agrarian distress districts, projects benefiting the drought prone/tribal areas and projects in the States having irrigation development below the national average. It is also proposed to be relaxed for the projects located in Special Category ‘States namely NE States, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK districts of Orissa.
In the year 2003-04 the existing cost norms under the Programme were approved. Due to price escalation the cost of material (such as bricks and cement) and labour has increased significantly. Therefore, the existing cost norms of the predominant activities under the Programme are proposed to be enhanced as given below:
The existing cost norms for On-Farm Development (OFD) works for special category States/areas is Rs. 18.0000/15,000 per hectare whereas the proposed cost norms is Rs. 22,000 per hectare & for projects in other States/areas the existing norm of Rs. 10,000 per hectare has been revised to Rs. 15,000 per hectare. The existing cost norms for correction of system deficiencies is Rs. 4000 per hectare has been revised to 6000 per hectare. The existing cost norms for one time functional grant to Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) is Rs. 600 has been revised to Rs. 1000 per hectare. Survey, Planning & design of OFD works Not prescribed1000
With effect from 1st April 2008 the components of renovation and desilting of existing irrigation tanks and R&D activities are proposed to be excluded as separate schemes with similar objectives are already under implementation in the Ministry.
Financial assistance is proposed to the States for development of infrastructure to facilitate use of sprinkler/drip irrigation systems as an alternative to construction of field channels to promote water use efficiency in irrigation. The assistance under this item will not be admissible for sprinkler and drip irrigation systems because the assistance for installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems is available under the schemes of Ministry of Agriculture. But it will be limited to construction of stilling tank, pump house and laying conveyance pipes up to farmers’ fields. The cost norms as applicable for On-Farm Development (OFD) works will also be applicable for such works.
Under this Programme any new project is included only in lieu of completion/deletion of an on-going project in a particular State under the existing Programme. This condition is proposed to be relaxed for the projects included in the PM’s package for agrarian distress districts, projects benefiting the drought prone/tribal areas and projects in the States having irrigation development below the national average. It is also proposed to be relaxed for the projects located in Special Category ‘States namely NE States, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK districts of Orissa.
In the year 2003-04 the existing cost norms under the Programme were approved. Due to price escalation the cost of material (such as bricks and cement) and labour has increased significantly. Therefore, the existing cost norms of the predominant activities under the Programme are proposed to be enhanced as given below:
The existing cost norms for On-Farm Development (OFD) works for special category States/areas is Rs. 18.0000/15,000 per hectare whereas the proposed cost norms is Rs. 22,000 per hectare & for projects in other States/areas the existing norm of Rs. 10,000 per hectare has been revised to Rs. 15,000 per hectare. The existing cost norms for correction of system deficiencies is Rs. 4000 per hectare has been revised to 6000 per hectare. The existing cost norms for one time functional grant to Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) is Rs. 600 has been revised to Rs. 1000 per hectare. Survey, Planning & design of OFD works Not prescribed1000
With effect from 1st April 2008 the components of renovation and desilting of existing irrigation tanks and R&D activities are proposed to be excluded as separate schemes with similar objectives are already under implementation in the Ministry.
Lt. Gen. R.k. Karwal is new DG, NCC
Lt. General Raj Kumar Karwal today took over as Director-General, National Cadet Corps (NCC) from Lt. Gen. Prakash S. Chaudhary who laid down office after 40 years of distinguished service.
Commissioned into the Rajput regiment in December 1970, General Karwal has the distinction of having raised the Human Rights Cell in the Army Headquarters. He was India’s Military Advisor in the Pakistan High Commission during the crucial Operation Parakram in the year 2000.
General Karwal has wide-ranging experience of various high profile command, staff and instructional appointments. He headed a Rashtriya Rifles battalion in intense counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir besides commanding a Rapid Infantry Division in a strike corps. General Karwal later went on to lead the Indian army’s largest corps deployed on the most sensitive portion of the Line of Control.
General Karwal has won many distinctions including the Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
Commissioned into the Rajput regiment in December 1970, General Karwal has the distinction of having raised the Human Rights Cell in the Army Headquarters. He was India’s Military Advisor in the Pakistan High Commission during the crucial Operation Parakram in the year 2000.
General Karwal has wide-ranging experience of various high profile command, staff and instructional appointments. He headed a Rashtriya Rifles battalion in intense counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir besides commanding a Rapid Infantry Division in a strike corps. General Karwal later went on to lead the Indian army’s largest corps deployed on the most sensitive portion of the Line of Control.
General Karwal has won many distinctions including the Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
Hindi Advisory Committee meeting of Department of Posts held
A meeting of Hindi Advisory Committee attached with the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (Department of Posts) held here today under the Chairmanship of the Minister of State for Communications & IT, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. The members of the Committee, Members of Parliament and Hindi scholars took part in the meeting. Progressive use of Hindi was the key issue of discussion of the meeting. The members of the Committee suggested some solid points regarding the progressive use of official language policy of the union in the Department of Posts and under the administrative control of Department of Posts.
The All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers
All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of October, 2008 increased by 2 points and stood at 148 (one hundred and forty eight).
During October, 2008, the index recorded maximum increase of 8 points in Tiruchirapally centre, 5 points in Mumbai centre, 4 points each in Jalandhar, Quilon, Munger- Jamalpur, Darjeeling, Goa, Hyderabad, Salem, Haldia, Delhi and Madurai centres, 3 points each in 11 centres, 2 points in 22 centres and 1 point in 24 centres. The index decreased by 1 point in Warrangal centre, while in the remaining 8 centres the index remained stationary.
The maximum increase of 8 points in Tiruchirapally centre is mainly due to increase in the prices of Rice, Goat Meat, Poultry (Chicken), Vegetable & Fruit Items and Gas Stove etc. The increase of 5 points in Mumbai centre is on account of increase in the prices of Goat Meat, Milk (Buffalo), Vegetable Items, College Fee, Primary/Secondary School Fee, Private Tuition Fee and Washing Soap etc. While, the decrease of 1 point in Warrangal centre is due to decrease in the prices of Rice, Groundnut Oil, Ginger and Sugar etc.
The point to point rate of inflation for the month of October, 2008 is 10.45% as against 9.77% in September, 2008.
The CPI-IW for November, 2008 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 31st December, 2008.
During October, 2008, the index recorded maximum increase of 8 points in Tiruchirapally centre, 5 points in Mumbai centre, 4 points each in Jalandhar, Quilon, Munger- Jamalpur, Darjeeling, Goa, Hyderabad, Salem, Haldia, Delhi and Madurai centres, 3 points each in 11 centres, 2 points in 22 centres and 1 point in 24 centres. The index decreased by 1 point in Warrangal centre, while in the remaining 8 centres the index remained stationary.
The maximum increase of 8 points in Tiruchirapally centre is mainly due to increase in the prices of Rice, Goat Meat, Poultry (Chicken), Vegetable & Fruit Items and Gas Stove etc. The increase of 5 points in Mumbai centre is on account of increase in the prices of Goat Meat, Milk (Buffalo), Vegetable Items, College Fee, Primary/Secondary School Fee, Private Tuition Fee and Washing Soap etc. While, the decrease of 1 point in Warrangal centre is due to decrease in the prices of Rice, Groundnut Oil, Ginger and Sugar etc.
The point to point rate of inflation for the month of October, 2008 is 10.45% as against 9.77% in September, 2008.
The CPI-IW for November, 2008 will be released on the last working day of the next month, i.e. 31st December, 2008.
IFFI-2008 -‘Life is easy’ is a portrayal of life’s complexities
“I started out as a journalist but that was long time ago, now my passion drives me in the field of cinema.’’ Said Wen Wu, Director of’ Life is Easy’ a film that that dwells on the lose of romance and ‘capacity to love’. ‘Life is Easy’ is a story of four people. Like four people who are playing cards on a table, each with the knowledge of what the others are holding, each of the four characters knows the intimate secrets of one another.
The director said that the IFFI-Goa, 08 was a memorable experience and he felt the vibrancy and passion in the people here. He has seen many Indian movies and liked their emotions and fervor. On being asked about the current state and sensibilities of Chinese cinema, he said Chinese Cinema along with Hong Kong, Taiwan is becoming a major player. Apart from mainland there is a big overseas market for Chinese movies. This has resulted in adoption of contemporary themes and a global outlook.
The director acknowledged the presence of restriction on creativity for a Chinese filmmaker. ‘Life is Easy’ basically portrays the complexities of life and how capacity to trust and romance can make it bearable, the director said.
‘Life is Easy’, Wen Wu’s first feature film portrays characters where every one knows their frameworks and everyone behaves as if nothing is amiss, but there is actually no rapport between their hearts and minds. Standing at the four corners of a crossroad in a city that seems to want to cut off from the past, the four individuals gaze at one another through the darkness with expectation and a sense of loss. In this materialistic age, every person is like a fish caught in sludge, too sluggish to move, and is backed into a corner of life by reality. But then the movie’s ending takes an unexpected turn to dealing with another kind of life.
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The director said that the IFFI-Goa, 08 was a memorable experience and he felt the vibrancy and passion in the people here. He has seen many Indian movies and liked their emotions and fervor. On being asked about the current state and sensibilities of Chinese cinema, he said Chinese Cinema along with Hong Kong, Taiwan is becoming a major player. Apart from mainland there is a big overseas market for Chinese movies. This has resulted in adoption of contemporary themes and a global outlook.
The director acknowledged the presence of restriction on creativity for a Chinese filmmaker. ‘Life is Easy’ basically portrays the complexities of life and how capacity to trust and romance can make it bearable, the director said.
‘Life is Easy’, Wen Wu’s first feature film portrays characters where every one knows their frameworks and everyone behaves as if nothing is amiss, but there is actually no rapport between their hearts and minds. Standing at the four corners of a crossroad in a city that seems to want to cut off from the past, the four individuals gaze at one another through the darkness with expectation and a sense of loss. In this materialistic age, every person is like a fish caught in sludge, too sluggish to move, and is backed into a corner of life by reality. But then the movie’s ending takes an unexpected turn to dealing with another kind of life.
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Death Without Consent: an insider’s take on Bio-Terrorism - IFFI 2008
“My film, while exploring the thrilling theme aims to send a message about how the people are being tested for weapon of mass destruction…..it is a film that can be seen as the fourth film in the line of ‘The constant Gardener, ‘Syriana’ and ‘Blood Diamond’ where people are being exploited for the interests of the bigger and unscrupulous organizations”, Said Vera Chawla, Director of ‘Death Without consent’.
She explained that the idea of fi
She explained that the idea of fi