Sunday, November 29, 2009
Lata Mangeshkar conferred highest French honour
The 'Nightingale of India', Lata Mangeshkar has been conferred France's highest civilian award, the Insignia of 'Officier de la Legion d'Honneur' (Officer of the Legion of Honour).The award which has earlier been conferred on Oscar winning Indian director Satyajit Ray as well as megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be bestowed on the 80-year-old singer during an official ceremony in Mumbai hosted by Jerome Bonnafont, Ambassador of France to India, on December 2.Other famous personalities who have been awarded this honour include Steven Spielberg and actor Gerard Depardieu. The legendary singer who first broke onto the music scene with 'Aayega Aanewaala' in Mahal (1949), is considered the greatest playback singer in Indian cinema having sung more than 30,000 songs in a career spanning six decades.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
India-US sign six MoUs on counter-terrorism
India and the US have signed an MoU on counter-terrorism and five other agreements as they agreed to chart their ties as "one of the defining relations" in the 21st century in which New Delhi will have a leadership role in the region and the world. Besides the Memorandum of Understanding on 'Advancing Global Security and Countering Terrorism', the two countries signed pacts covering education and development, health cooperation, economic trade and agriculture, and green partnerships.
The pacts were signed after Prime Minister and US President Barack Obama held talks in Washington at the White House. PM Manmohan Singh is the first foreign leader to be hosted as the State Guest under the 10-month-old Obama Administration. They affirmed their commitment to work together to prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction- and missile-related technology and to realise their shared vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.
Earlier, at a joint press conference, Obama said US-India relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
"India today is a rising and responsible global power. So I believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century," Obama said.
With an aim of enhancing US-India cooperation on education and development, the two sides launched the Singh-Obama 21st Century Knowledge Initiative which will provide USD 10 million in combined funding to increase university linkages and support junior faculty development between US and Indian universities.
The two sides also launched "Green Partnership" to strengthen US-India cooperation on clean energy, climate change, and food security, reflecting their commitment to taking vigorous action to fight climate change.
They also announced launch of an Indo-US Clean Energy Research and Deployment Initiative, which is supported by US and Indian government funding and private sector assistance.
This new Initiative will include a Joint Research Center operating in both the United States and India to foster innovation and joint efforts to accelerate deployment of clean energy technologies. The Initiative will facilitate joint research, scientific exchanges, and sharing of proven innovation and deployment policies.
India and the US also launched a new Agriculture Dialogue and agreed on a MoU on Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security that will set a pathway to robust cooperation between the governments.
Under this, the two sides will cooperate in crop forecasting, management and market information; regional and global food security through the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative; science, technology, and education; nutrition; and expanding private sector investment in agriculture.
The United States and India expect cooperation under the agreement to expand access to knowledge to improve productivity, safety, and nutritional quality of food crops; to strengthen market institutions and foster growth of agribusiness investment and improve food security and access to adequate quantities and quality of food, particularly for women and young children.
Renewed bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property through a MoU between the Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office and Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The memorandum and action plan will focus on human resource development, capacity building and public awareness programmes in intellectual property protection and enforcement.
The pacts were signed after Prime Minister and US President Barack Obama held talks in Washington at the White House. PM Manmohan Singh is the first foreign leader to be hosted as the State Guest under the 10-month-old Obama Administration. They affirmed their commitment to work together to prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction- and missile-related technology and to realise their shared vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.
Earlier, at a joint press conference, Obama said US-India relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
"India today is a rising and responsible global power. So I believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century," Obama said.
With an aim of enhancing US-India cooperation on education and development, the two sides launched the Singh-Obama 21st Century Knowledge Initiative which will provide USD 10 million in combined funding to increase university linkages and support junior faculty development between US and Indian universities.
The two sides also launched "Green Partnership" to strengthen US-India cooperation on clean energy, climate change, and food security, reflecting their commitment to taking vigorous action to fight climate change.
They also announced launch of an Indo-US Clean Energy Research and Deployment Initiative, which is supported by US and Indian government funding and private sector assistance.
This new Initiative will include a Joint Research Center operating in both the United States and India to foster innovation and joint efforts to accelerate deployment of clean energy technologies. The Initiative will facilitate joint research, scientific exchanges, and sharing of proven innovation and deployment policies.
India and the US also launched a new Agriculture Dialogue and agreed on a MoU on Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security that will set a pathway to robust cooperation between the governments.
Under this, the two sides will cooperate in crop forecasting, management and market information; regional and global food security through the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative; science, technology, and education; nutrition; and expanding private sector investment in agriculture.
The United States and India expect cooperation under the agreement to expand access to knowledge to improve productivity, safety, and nutritional quality of food crops; to strengthen market institutions and foster growth of agribusiness investment and improve food security and access to adequate quantities and quality of food, particularly for women and young children.
Renewed bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property through a MoU between the Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office and Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The memorandum and action plan will focus on human resource development, capacity building and public awareness programmes in intellectual property protection and enforcement.
Obama hails 'friendship between a President and a PM'
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday night arrived at the White House to attend the state dinner hosted by US President Barack Obama.
This is the first state dinner hosted by Obama since his inauguration in office in January. Obama, along with his wife Michelle, warmly welcomed the PM and his wife Gursharan Kaur. Obama surprised the PM and the other invitees by welcoming them in Hindi, saying, "Aapka swagat hai (You are welcome)"
"Many of you were here when I was honored to become the first President to help celebrate Diwali -- the Festival of Lights. Some of you were here for the first White House celebration of the birth of the founder of Sikhism -- Guru Nanak. Tonight, we gather again, for the first state dinner of my presidency -- with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Gursharan Kaur, as we celebrate the great and growing partnership between the United States and India ," Obama told the high-profile gathering.
"Mr Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfill our duty --bring our countries closer together than ever before. Tonight, under the stars, we celebrate the spirit that will sustain our partnership -- the bonds of friendship between our people. It's a bond that includes more than two million Indian Americans who enrich every corner of our great nation. And it's the bond of friendship between a President and a Prime Minister who are bound by the same unshakable spirit of possibility and brotherhood that transformed both our nations," he said.
Obama also quoted India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his speech, saying, " Nehru's words speak to our hopes tonight: 'The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the great triumphs and achievements that await us. The past is over and it is the future that beckons us now.'"
At the end of his speech, Obama lightheartedly enquired if Dr Singh had a glass for the toast, and quipped, "Just logistically, we want to make sure the prime minister has a glass here".
Dr Singh started the state dinner with a short speech, in which he thanked President Obama and also stressed on the importance of Indo-US ties.
"I feel privileged to be invited to this first state banquet, Mr President, under your distinguished presidency. You do us and the people of India great honor by this wonderful gesture on your part. We are overwhelmed by the warmth of your hospitality, the courtesy you have extended to us personally, and the grace and charm of the First Lady," he said.
Mentioning Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Singh said, "We warmly applaud the recognition of the Nobel Committee of the healing touch that you have provided and the power of your idealism and vision. Your leadership of this nation coincides with profound changes in the world".
Batting for stronger Indo-US ties, the PM said, "We need to find new pathways of international cooperation that respond more effectively to the grave challenges caused by the growing interdependence of nations. As two leading democracies, India and the United States must play a leading role in building a shared destiny for all humankind. A strong and sustained engagement between our two countries is good for our people and, equally, it is highly important for the world as a whole."
Wishing President Obama and the American people a happy thanksgiving, Dr Singh said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to join me in a toast to the health and happiness of President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Mrs. Obama, the friendly people of the United States of America, and stronger and stronger friendship between India and the United States of America".
Besides several Senators and Congressmen, the high-profile guest list included CBS news anchor Katie Couric, actor Kal Pen, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and film-maker Steven Spielberg.
The menu at the dinner included potato and egg plant salad, red lentil soup with fresh cheese, roasted potato dumpling with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra or green curry prawns and coconut and basmati rice. The dessert platter comprised pumpkin pie tart, pear tatin, whipped cream and caramel sauce.
The hottest social event at the White House since Obama assumed office in January this year will also dish out a rich cultural fiesta featuring Oscar winning Indian musician A R Rehman and American singer Jennifer Hudson.
This is the first state dinner hosted by Obama since his inauguration in office in January. Obama, along with his wife Michelle, warmly welcomed the PM and his wife Gursharan Kaur. Obama surprised the PM and the other invitees by welcoming them in Hindi, saying, "Aapka swagat hai (You are welcome)"
"Many of you were here when I was honored to become the first President to help celebrate Diwali -- the Festival of Lights. Some of you were here for the first White House celebration of the birth of the founder of Sikhism -- Guru Nanak. Tonight, we gather again, for the first state dinner of my presidency -- with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Gursharan Kaur, as we celebrate the great and growing partnership between the United States and India ," Obama told the high-profile gathering.
"Mr Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfill our duty --bring our countries closer together than ever before. Tonight, under the stars, we celebrate the spirit that will sustain our partnership -- the bonds of friendship between our people. It's a bond that includes more than two million Indian Americans who enrich every corner of our great nation. And it's the bond of friendship between a President and a Prime Minister who are bound by the same unshakable spirit of possibility and brotherhood that transformed both our nations," he said.
Obama also quoted India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his speech, saying, " Nehru's words speak to our hopes tonight: 'The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the great triumphs and achievements that await us. The past is over and it is the future that beckons us now.'"
At the end of his speech, Obama lightheartedly enquired if Dr Singh had a glass for the toast, and quipped, "Just logistically, we want to make sure the prime minister has a glass here".
Dr Singh started the state dinner with a short speech, in which he thanked President Obama and also stressed on the importance of Indo-US ties.
"I feel privileged to be invited to this first state banquet, Mr President, under your distinguished presidency. You do us and the people of India great honor by this wonderful gesture on your part. We are overwhelmed by the warmth of your hospitality, the courtesy you have extended to us personally, and the grace and charm of the First Lady," he said.
Mentioning Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Singh said, "We warmly applaud the recognition of the Nobel Committee of the healing touch that you have provided and the power of your idealism and vision. Your leadership of this nation coincides with profound changes in the world".
Batting for stronger Indo-US ties, the PM said, "We need to find new pathways of international cooperation that respond more effectively to the grave challenges caused by the growing interdependence of nations. As two leading democracies, India and the United States must play a leading role in building a shared destiny for all humankind. A strong and sustained engagement between our two countries is good for our people and, equally, it is highly important for the world as a whole."
Wishing President Obama and the American people a happy thanksgiving, Dr Singh said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to join me in a toast to the health and happiness of President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Mrs. Obama, the friendly people of the United States of America, and stronger and stronger friendship between India and the United States of America".
Besides several Senators and Congressmen, the high-profile guest list included CBS news anchor Katie Couric, actor Kal Pen, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and film-maker Steven Spielberg.
The menu at the dinner included potato and egg plant salad, red lentil soup with fresh cheese, roasted potato dumpling with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra or green curry prawns and coconut and basmati rice. The dessert platter comprised pumpkin pie tart, pear tatin, whipped cream and caramel sauce.
The hottest social event at the White House since Obama assumed office in January this year will also dish out a rich cultural fiesta featuring Oscar winning Indian musician A R Rehman and American singer Jennifer Hudson.
White House Meal Heavy on Veggies
The first state dinner held at the White House under President Obama veered away from the old-school American menu of meat and potatoes. That's because the Tuesday night dinner was held to honor India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a vegetarian. Actually the potato part didn't go away. For their first course, the 338 guests could choose a potato and eggplant salad. And for the third (main) course, one choice was roasted potato dumplings with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra.
The other main course selection was curry prawns with caramelized salsify, smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati. Other appetizer choices included arugula from the White House garden with onion seed vinaigrette and red lentil soup with fresh cheese. American guests could be forgiven if they didn't know what they were eating. And all the guests probably appreciated the fact that the cheese served with the soup was fresh. The dessert menu had a slightly more American flavor: pumpkin pie tart and pear tatin with whipped cream and caramel sauce, petit fours and coffee, cashew brittle, pecan pralines, passion fruit with vanilla gelee and finally chocolate dipped fruit.
The Obamas chose a New York City chef to put together the menu, Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit.
The other main course selection was curry prawns with caramelized salsify, smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati. Other appetizer choices included arugula from the White House garden with onion seed vinaigrette and red lentil soup with fresh cheese. American guests could be forgiven if they didn't know what they were eating. And all the guests probably appreciated the fact that the cheese served with the soup was fresh. The dessert menu had a slightly more American flavor: pumpkin pie tart and pear tatin with whipped cream and caramel sauce, petit fours and coffee, cashew brittle, pecan pralines, passion fruit with vanilla gelee and finally chocolate dipped fruit.
The Obamas chose a New York City chef to put together the menu, Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit.
Obamas welcome PM Manmohan Singh at White House
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was given a rousing welcome at the White House where he was received by President Barack Obama before they sat down for bilateral talks during which the two countries are expected to take their strategic ties to a new level. Obama and First Lady Michelle personally welcomed Singh, the first State guest of the Obama Administration, and his wife Gursharan Kaur at the White House.
The elaborate ceremonial welcome, which was planned at the White House lawns, had to be shifted to the sprawling mansion due to the rains. National Anthems of both India and the US were also played during the ceremony. Singh's visit is the first state visit hosted by the administration, the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary, and the two would discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan during their one-on-one meeting.
Though the two leaders met in April on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in London and briefly at Pittsburgh's G-20 Summit, this would be for the first time they would discuss bilateral issues and possibilities of cooperation on key global issues like climate change. The two leaders are understood to have exchanged views on a range of issues, including terrorism, situation in the region, climate change, economic and business ties, agriculture and education. We can build up partnership based on principles and pragmatism, says the Prime Minister.
This is Singh's second State Visit to the US; he has also met with former President George W Bush in 2005.
The Prime Minister is also expected to have registered India's concerns over diversion of US aid by Pakistan and press for ensuring accountability to prevent misuse of funds and equipment.
After the meeting and discussions between the delegations of two countries, Singh and Obama will jointly address a press conference and issue a joint statement reflecting the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
The two countries will sign a number of pacts, including an MoU on Counter-Terrorism to provide a legal framework for stepped up cooperation against the menace, and discuss the problem of climate change ahead of the Copenhagen Summit. The Prime Minister has indicated that he would seek a "more liberal" US technology transfer to India and an early implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal.
The most anticipated part of the entire trip however has been the State Dinner, when Obama and Michell host the first black-tie dinner for the Prime Minister.
An invitation to the dinner is believed to be the hottest ticket in Washington this week. While no official list has been announced so far, media reports say that some 400 people have been invited to the dinner, which would have the President and the First Lady's personal touch, including on the menu and entertainment. Grammy and Oscar-award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will entertain the black-tie crowd, sources said.
The elaborate ceremonial welcome, which was planned at the White House lawns, had to be shifted to the sprawling mansion due to the rains. National Anthems of both India and the US were also played during the ceremony. Singh's visit is the first state visit hosted by the administration, the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary, and the two would discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan during their one-on-one meeting.
Though the two leaders met in April on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in London and briefly at Pittsburgh's G-20 Summit, this would be for the first time they would discuss bilateral issues and possibilities of cooperation on key global issues like climate change. The two leaders are understood to have exchanged views on a range of issues, including terrorism, situation in the region, climate change, economic and business ties, agriculture and education. We can build up partnership based on principles and pragmatism, says the Prime Minister.
This is Singh's second State Visit to the US; he has also met with former President George W Bush in 2005.
The Prime Minister is also expected to have registered India's concerns over diversion of US aid by Pakistan and press for ensuring accountability to prevent misuse of funds and equipment.
After the meeting and discussions between the delegations of two countries, Singh and Obama will jointly address a press conference and issue a joint statement reflecting the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
The two countries will sign a number of pacts, including an MoU on Counter-Terrorism to provide a legal framework for stepped up cooperation against the menace, and discuss the problem of climate change ahead of the Copenhagen Summit. The Prime Minister has indicated that he would seek a "more liberal" US technology transfer to India and an early implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal.
The most anticipated part of the entire trip however has been the State Dinner, when Obama and Michell host the first black-tie dinner for the Prime Minister.
An invitation to the dinner is believed to be the hottest ticket in Washington this week. While no official list has been announced so far, media reports say that some 400 people have been invited to the dinner, which would have the President and the First Lady's personal touch, including on the menu and entertainment. Grammy and Oscar-award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will entertain the black-tie crowd, sources said.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Shilpa Shetty ties the knot with Raj Kundra
Bollywood beauty Shilpa Shetty is now a married woman. In one of the most awaited weddings of tinseltown, the actress tied the knot with London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a lavish ceremony in Khandala. The 34-year-old actress wed in a traditional Mangalorean ceremony at businesswoman Kiran Bawa's villa in Khandala, 100 kms from here, in the presence of close friends and family.
The actress who shot to international fame with her stint in UK reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother' did not invite many of her Bollywood associates with only Sunny Deol, Suneil Shetty, Jackky Bhagnani and Vasu Bhagnani attending the private ceremony which was out of bounds for the media. The bride wore a burgundy and red saree, embellished with Swarovsky crystals, designed by Tarun Tahiliani while 33-year-old Kundra, who arrived at the wedding venue in a horse-drawn chariot, was dressed in a maroon and gold sherwani designed by Shantanu and Nikhil.
The actress who shot to international fame with her stint in UK reality show 'Celebrity Big Brother' did not invite many of her Bollywood associates with only Sunny Deol, Suneil Shetty, Jackky Bhagnani and Vasu Bhagnani attending the private ceremony which was out of bounds for the media. The bride wore a burgundy and red saree, embellished with Swarovsky crystals, designed by Tarun Tahiliani while 33-year-old Kundra, who arrived at the wedding venue in a horse-drawn chariot, was dressed in a maroon and gold sherwani designed by Shantanu and Nikhil.
The marriage combined the rituals of the Mangalorean bride and the Punjabi groom with the vows being exchanged according to South Indian tradition while pre-wedding rituals like 'Mehendi' and 'Sangeet' conducted as per Punjabi tradition. The groom was welcomed by Shilpa's parents and her sister Shamita Shetty, who recently left the 'Bigg Boss' house to attend the wedding. It is Shetty's first wedding while Kundra was previously married and has a young daughter.
7 dead, 53 injured in Assam blasts
Nalbari, Assam : Suspected ULFA militants triggered two back to back blasts near a police station in Assam's Nalbari district today, killing seven persons and injuring 53 others.
The bombs strapped to bicycles exploded 15 minutes of each other and 50 metres apart, Nalbari police superintendent Jitmol Doley said. Rumours of a third blast in the town were discounted by the police.
The bombs strapped to bicycles exploded 15 minutes of each other and 50 metres apart, Nalbari police superintendent Jitmol Doley said. Rumours of a third blast in the town were discounted by the police.
The first blast which was of mild intensity occurred at at 9.55 AM while the second bomb, planted inside the iron rods of two bicycles exploded 15 minutes after causing the casualty.
Though the ULFA has denied its involvement in blasts, calling it a "conspiracy by a section to derail the peace process", Inspector-General of Police (law and order) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said ULFA was indeed behind the blasts caused by an IED strapped to the bicycles. The ULFA's 709 battalion commander and in-charge of lower Assam Hira Sarania told a local news channel that his organisation was not involved in the blasts which took place six days after it burnt down 12 oil tankers and derailed for bogies of a goods train in Sibsagar district. A senior police official said there were reports of a group of nine ULFA militants belonging to its 709 and 27 battalion entering the state to carry out subversive activities.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tata's successor may be an expatriate
Industry leader Ratan Tata has said that his successor could be from outside India.
The 71-year-old chairman of Tata Group, which makes nearly everything from salt to steel to luxury cars, told the US daily Wall Street Journal in an interview that his successor could be an expatriate. Tata's tenure is till 2012. It would certainly be easier if that candidate were an Indian national. But now that 65 per cent of our revenues come from overseas, it could also be an expatriate sitting in that position with justification now that we are a company that has global reach and global presence, Tata said to a question on how he was conducting the search for his successor.
The 71-year-old chairman of Tata Group, which makes nearly everything from salt to steel to luxury cars, told the US daily Wall Street Journal in an interview that his successor could be an expatriate. Tata's tenure is till 2012. It would certainly be easier if that candidate were an Indian national. But now that 65 per cent of our revenues come from overseas, it could also be an expatriate sitting in that position with justification now that we are a company that has global reach and global presence, Tata said to a question on how he was conducting the search for his successor.
Mukesh Ambani tops India's rich list
The head of Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani, is once again the wealthiest person in India. His net worth is put at 32 billion dollars, an increase of 54 per cent from nearly 21 billion dollars last year, according to the latest Forbes’ India Rich List. Trailing behind him are Lakshmi Mittal with a net worth of 30 billion dollars, up 46 per cent from 20.5 billion dollars, and Mukesh’s estranged brother, Anil, whose net worth of 17.5 billion dollars, 40 per cent, higher than before, put him in the third place. A rebounding stock market that gained two-thirds in the past year and an economy growing at 6% have boosted the net worth of India’s richest people, according to the Forbes’ India.
Citi chief to continue with $1 salary
In the age of 10-digit salaries, Chief Executive of Citigroup Vikram Pandit continues with a compensation packet of $1 per annum. Vikram Pandit, the India-born chief executive of Citigroup, will continue to take a salary of $1 a year, although the financial services firm has raised base salaries for two of its senior officials.
In early 2009, Mr. Pandit had said he would take a $1 base salary and no bonus till the banking major returns to profitability. Citigroup had received $45 billion as federal bailout money in the beginning of the year. Although Citigroup has reported profits in the past two quarters, its continuing credit losses stands at $8 billion. In a filing to the U.S. market regulator Securities and Exchange Commission, Citigroup said the 2009 annual base salary of Mr. Pandit has not been increased and it remains at $1 per year for the fiscal year 2009.
In early 2009, Mr. Pandit had said he would take a $1 base salary and no bonus till the banking major returns to profitability. Citigroup had received $45 billion as federal bailout money in the beginning of the year. Although Citigroup has reported profits in the past two quarters, its continuing credit losses stands at $8 billion. In a filing to the U.S. market regulator Securities and Exchange Commission, Citigroup said the 2009 annual base salary of Mr. Pandit has not been increased and it remains at $1 per year for the fiscal year 2009.
Tata says search underway for successor-WSJ
MUMBAI: Tata conglomerate is looking around the world for a successor to Ratan Tata, the 71-year old chairman of the sprawling salt-to-steel group said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Wednesday. Local and foreign candidates were being looked at to head the group, which includes Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services and Tata Power among its 27 listed companies
"We are in the process of formalising a successor to me. We have some outside consultants and a formal search process is on. There are no constraints," Tata, who has steered the group for nearly two decades, said in the interview. The successor could be from within the group or outside, Tata said, adding he hoped the person would carry on the growth path that had been set. All but one of the group's past chairmans have been Tatas, although at the moment no family candidate has been publicly identified to take over the role.
"It would certainly be easier if that candidate were an Indian national. But now that 65 percent of our revenues come from overseas, it could also be an expatriate sitting in that position with justification now," Tata said. Tata group's 98 operating companies have annual revenues of $71 billion and 357,000 employees, its website shows. The group, founded in 1868, runs India's top vehicle maker, top software services firm, top private sector power producer and the world's eighth-largest steel maker by output.
Ratan Tata has led the group's international expansion. In 2007, Tata Steel paid $13 billion to buy Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus, and Tata Motors paid $2.3 billion to acquire Jaguar Land Rover in 2008. He said the group was still digesting those acquisitions, which had been made harder due to the global financial crisis and economic downturn. The downturn pushed Tata to ask his group companies to undertake a major cost-cutting drive.
"Tata Motors was able to extinguish its borrowing of $3 billion through this difficult period, and most people don't realise the magnitude of that task," he said. Tata said the conglomerate model would continue to work reasonably well in India despite falling apart in other parts of the world, saying when the group had tried to shed some business it ran into strong objections from employees and the public.
"We are in the process of formalising a successor to me. We have some outside consultants and a formal search process is on. There are no constraints," Tata, who has steered the group for nearly two decades, said in the interview. The successor could be from within the group or outside, Tata said, adding he hoped the person would carry on the growth path that had been set. All but one of the group's past chairmans have been Tatas, although at the moment no family candidate has been publicly identified to take over the role.
"It would certainly be easier if that candidate were an Indian national. But now that 65 percent of our revenues come from overseas, it could also be an expatriate sitting in that position with justification now," Tata said. Tata group's 98 operating companies have annual revenues of $71 billion and 357,000 employees, its website shows. The group, founded in 1868, runs India's top vehicle maker, top software services firm, top private sector power producer and the world's eighth-largest steel maker by output.
Ratan Tata has led the group's international expansion. In 2007, Tata Steel paid $13 billion to buy Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus, and Tata Motors paid $2.3 billion to acquire Jaguar Land Rover in 2008. He said the group was still digesting those acquisitions, which had been made harder due to the global financial crisis and economic downturn. The downturn pushed Tata to ask his group companies to undertake a major cost-cutting drive.
"Tata Motors was able to extinguish its borrowing of $3 billion through this difficult period, and most people don't realise the magnitude of that task," he said. Tata said the conglomerate model would continue to work reasonably well in India despite falling apart in other parts of the world, saying when the group had tried to shed some business it ran into strong objections from employees and the public.
Washington hungry for invite to Obama-PM banquet
WASHINGTON: It's not tickets for the hoop game involving Washington Wizards or for the Jersey Boys performing live in the capital region; it's not for the Beaujolais Nouveau celebration at the Embassy of France or Vinifera Bistro's Eastern Mediterranean world tour dinner. The hottest ticket in town is an invitation to the banquet President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are having next week for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan at the White House – the first State visit Obamas are hosting since moving into 1600, Pennsylvania Avenue.
It's an invitation everyone covets but no one has seen. Word is that the White House is telling invitees to keep it close to their chest because of the clamour and lobbying that will inevitably break out – especially in the desi crowd – once the word gets out of the honours scroll. In fact, so closely-guarded and tightly scripted is the event that there isn't even a whisper of the guest list or menu or entertainment for the evening – all of which will provide some reading of the tea leaves about how Obama intends to treat New Delhi at a very uncertain time in US-India ties.
This much is known: Prime Minister Singh will arrive on Sunday, November 22, and will NOT check into Blair House -- located right across from the White House -- which is the official state guest house used to check in most foreign dignitaries on state visits. Instead, the Prime Minister and his entourage will check into Willard Hotel, a block east of the White House, which is famous for having originated the term "lobbying." Local folklore (often challenged) has it that President Ulysses Grant often repaired here to relax and smoke a cigar in the lobby where favour-seekers would approach him, hence the term lobbying.
After a night's rest (more likely than getting lobbied), the Prime Minister will address the US-India Business Council on Monday morning and engage policy wonks at the Council for Foreign Relations later in the day. The next day, November 24, is when he will be formally feted on the White House lawns with the band-baja, pomp and ceremony, that he has already seen once as a guest of the Bush White House – which will make Singh arguably the only world leader who has been a "state guest" of two successive US presidents of two political parties.
Strictly speaking though, Singh's is not a "state visit" since such visits involves the Head of State (in India's case Pratibha Patil) whereas in India's parliamentary system the Prime Minister is the head of government. But since India's presidential post is largely ceremonial and titular, Washington, keen to mollify New Delhi with grand gestures in the absence of any substantial developments building on the nuclear deal, has gotten around the protocol issue by terming this an "official state visit."
Tuesday evening is when the Obamas will host the formal black tie dinner in the White House when the Americans will be largely tuxedoed (men) and be-gowned (women); the Indian sartorial equivalent, it was decided during the Clinton-Vajpayee banquet, will be the bandh-gala (men) and sarees (women). There will be brief speeches, toasts, fine food and entertainment – all of which has been kept under wraps. The Prime Minister will receive various cabinet principals (Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates etc) at the Willard on Wednesday before attending a reception for the Indian community in the US hosted by Ambassador Meera Shankar in the evening. He will leave Washington DC on Thursday morning, which is Thanksgiving holiday in US, for Port of Spain, Trinidad, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit.
It's an invitation everyone covets but no one has seen. Word is that the White House is telling invitees to keep it close to their chest because of the clamour and lobbying that will inevitably break out – especially in the desi crowd – once the word gets out of the honours scroll. In fact, so closely-guarded and tightly scripted is the event that there isn't even a whisper of the guest list or menu or entertainment for the evening – all of which will provide some reading of the tea leaves about how Obama intends to treat New Delhi at a very uncertain time in US-India ties.
This much is known: Prime Minister Singh will arrive on Sunday, November 22, and will NOT check into Blair House -- located right across from the White House -- which is the official state guest house used to check in most foreign dignitaries on state visits. Instead, the Prime Minister and his entourage will check into Willard Hotel, a block east of the White House, which is famous for having originated the term "lobbying." Local folklore (often challenged) has it that President Ulysses Grant often repaired here to relax and smoke a cigar in the lobby where favour-seekers would approach him, hence the term lobbying.
After a night's rest (more likely than getting lobbied), the Prime Minister will address the US-India Business Council on Monday morning and engage policy wonks at the Council for Foreign Relations later in the day. The next day, November 24, is when he will be formally feted on the White House lawns with the band-baja, pomp and ceremony, that he has already seen once as a guest of the Bush White House – which will make Singh arguably the only world leader who has been a "state guest" of two successive US presidents of two political parties.
Strictly speaking though, Singh's is not a "state visit" since such visits involves the Head of State (in India's case Pratibha Patil) whereas in India's parliamentary system the Prime Minister is the head of government. But since India's presidential post is largely ceremonial and titular, Washington, keen to mollify New Delhi with grand gestures in the absence of any substantial developments building on the nuclear deal, has gotten around the protocol issue by terming this an "official state visit."
Tuesday evening is when the Obamas will host the formal black tie dinner in the White House when the Americans will be largely tuxedoed (men) and be-gowned (women); the Indian sartorial equivalent, it was decided during the Clinton-Vajpayee banquet, will be the bandh-gala (men) and sarees (women). There will be brief speeches, toasts, fine food and entertainment – all of which has been kept under wraps. The Prime Minister will receive various cabinet principals (Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates etc) at the Willard on Wednesday before attending a reception for the Indian community in the US hosted by Ambassador Meera Shankar in the evening. He will leave Washington DC on Thursday morning, which is Thanksgiving holiday in US, for Port of Spain, Trinidad, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit.
Abhi-Aish in Obama's State Dinner top 10 wish list
At a time when there is a virtual scramble for first State Dinner of US President Barack Obama on November 24 in honour of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a US news outlet has come out with its own top 10 wish list of the invitees.
Topping the list released by Politico — known for coverage of the Capitol Hill and the White House — is top industrialist Mukesh Ambani, who met the President early this year. He is followed by writer-turned-activist Arundhati Roy.
"As India has assumed a larger role on the global stage, Roy has spoken out against globalisation, Indian poverty and the country's nuclear weapons programme — though she has often stirred up controversy," Politico said and put Thomas Friedman, author of The World is Flat next on the list, followed by Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
"Rai and Bachchan (or Aish and Abhi, as they are known to their fans) are the biggest stars of Bollywood. They have billions — not millions — of fans; Bachchan has starred in more than 40 movies, and Rai can earn up to USD 15 million per film. If Obama needed to boost his popularity around the world, here is his ticket to the heart of India," it said.
West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi too makes it to the wish list on the basis of him being the grandsons of Mahatma Gandhi; given the personal admiration of the Father of the Nation by Obama.
"But politics and admiration for Mohandas aren't the only things that Gopalkrishna and Obama have in common — both have written books, and both have two daughters," it said. Bobby Jindal, the first Indian-American to be elected as Governor of a US State, Raj Goyle — the fast emerging young Democratic leaders are the two Indian-American politicians in the wish list; which also includes Raghubir Goyal, White House Correspondent, India Globe.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Immigrants now require 'permission' to stay in UK
Further tightening its noose on immigrants, the UK has proposed a bill under which five current application categories available to such people will be replaced with a clear-cut concept - 'permission' to be in the country. Under the new Immigration Bill, immigrants will either be granted permission or refused, making the rules easier for applicants and staff. Those in the United Kingdom must gain permission or face removal for breaking the law. These proposals are the next step in building on the rapid progress the government has made in tightening up Britain's border controls.
Over the past three years the UK has seen the introduction of e-Borders to check individuals in and out of the country and the implementation of the points-based system which ensures that only those who benefit the economy can come here to work. On Thursday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown had announced that doors will be shut to highly skilled non-EU doctors and engineers, and the government will consider denying visa to students seeking entry to short-term programmes. In order to bring together the essential changes that have already taken place, the government is proposing a new bill to bring forward a new legal framework to simplify and consolidate 40 years of immigration laws.
A tough new menu of conditions is proposed for those on immigration bail, including restrictions on residence, work or study, access to public funds, and reporting and electronic monitoring. The government also published proposals for a new streamlined asylum support system wherein those plying with the rules will be rewarded and tough stance will be taken against those who do not streamline the current complex system of support. "I believe our proposals strike a fair balance between supporting asylum seekers while their claim is being determined and encouraging the return of those who have no protection needs and who have no right to be in the UK," Woolas said.
Over the past three years the UK has seen the introduction of e-Borders to check individuals in and out of the country and the implementation of the points-based system which ensures that only those who benefit the economy can come here to work. On Thursday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown had announced that doors will be shut to highly skilled non-EU doctors and engineers, and the government will consider denying visa to students seeking entry to short-term programmes. In order to bring together the essential changes that have already taken place, the government is proposing a new bill to bring forward a new legal framework to simplify and consolidate 40 years of immigration laws.
A tough new menu of conditions is proposed for those on immigration bail, including restrictions on residence, work or study, access to public funds, and reporting and electronic monitoring. The government also published proposals for a new streamlined asylum support system wherein those plying with the rules will be rewarded and tough stance will be taken against those who do not streamline the current complex system of support. "I believe our proposals strike a fair balance between supporting asylum seekers while their claim is being determined and encouraging the return of those who have no protection needs and who have no right to be in the UK," Woolas said.
Miss India USA on Nov 21
NEW YORK: The 28th Miss India USA is set to take place on November 21 at the India Cultural Center, Tampa, Florida. The pageant is organized by the New York-based IFC, the pioneer in organizing Indian pageants and fashion shows throughout the USA and the world. In its twenty eighth year, Miss India USA is the oldest Indian pageant outside of India.
Many of the past winners have made a name in the entertainment industry and have had successful modeling careers. Unmarried Indian girls between the ages of 17 and 27 from all over the United States will vie for this prestigious title by showcasing their best in Indian dress, evening gown and talent segments.
The winner of the pageant will receive an all-expense paid trip to Durban, South Africa, to represent the United States in the Nineteenth Annual Miss India Worldwide pageant to be held on March 27, 2010 at the International Convention Center, Durban, South Africa.
The pageant is presented in association with Satya Shaw, CPA, of Tampa. "It is an honor to be associated with the oldest Indian pageant in the country" said Satya Shaw "that encourages Indian values, culture, and performing arts."
Sahara One Network will be airing the pageant worldwide. "We are very delighted to be associated with this pageant," said Sudhir Vaishnav, CEO of Sahara TV network, "Our viewers worldwide will appreciate this unique pageant."
"We are very happy to tie up with Satya Shaw and Sahara One for the Miss India USA 2009" said Dharmatma Saran, Chairman and Founder of the pageant, "This will bring prestige and great exposure to the pageant," Saran said.
Many of the past winners have made a name in the entertainment industry and have had successful modeling careers. Unmarried Indian girls between the ages of 17 and 27 from all over the United States will vie for this prestigious title by showcasing their best in Indian dress, evening gown and talent segments.
The winner of the pageant will receive an all-expense paid trip to Durban, South Africa, to represent the United States in the Nineteenth Annual Miss India Worldwide pageant to be held on March 27, 2010 at the International Convention Center, Durban, South Africa.
The pageant is presented in association with Satya Shaw, CPA, of Tampa. "It is an honor to be associated with the oldest Indian pageant in the country" said Satya Shaw "that encourages Indian values, culture, and performing arts."
Sahara One Network will be airing the pageant worldwide. "We are very delighted to be associated with this pageant," said Sudhir Vaishnav, CEO of Sahara TV network, "Our viewers worldwide will appreciate this unique pageant."
"We are very happy to tie up with Satya Shaw and Sahara One for the Miss India USA 2009" said Dharmatma Saran, Chairman and Founder of the pageant, "This will bring prestige and great exposure to the pageant," Saran said.
After US giants, American SMEs make pitch in India
BANGALORE: After US giants pursuing mega defence deals in India, it now appears to be the turn of small, medium and not-so-big American firms to make a pitch in this country, eyeing a multi-billion dollar opportunity.
The US Department of Commerce's first Aerospace Supplier Development Trade Mission to India is currently on a five-day trip to the country. The Mission has 11 aerospace companies, many of which are suppliers to Tier-I and Tier-II aerospace companies in US and different parts of the world.
"This mission is one of the many steps we are taking to foster and strengthen the relationships between US companies and potential partners in India," said Karen Zens, Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Department of Commerce, leading the trade mission, at a reception hosted here by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Karnataka, yesterday.
The mission, which included representatives from a variety of US aerospace industry manufacturers and service providers, is aimed at introducing US companies to key industry and government officials, potential strategic business and joint venture partners and existing equipment manufacturers in India
According to a brief on commercial setting provided by the department, Indian aerospace sector ranks among the world's most dynamic, with airlines in India in the process of buying over 300 aircraft valued at about USD 35 billion between 2007 and 2012.
The US Department of Commerce's first Aerospace Supplier Development Trade Mission to India is currently on a five-day trip to the country. The Mission has 11 aerospace companies, many of which are suppliers to Tier-I and Tier-II aerospace companies in US and different parts of the world.
"This mission is one of the many steps we are taking to foster and strengthen the relationships between US companies and potential partners in India," said Karen Zens, Deputy Assistant Secretary, US Department of Commerce, leading the trade mission, at a reception hosted here by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Karnataka, yesterday.
The mission, which included representatives from a variety of US aerospace industry manufacturers and service providers, is aimed at introducing US companies to key industry and government officials, potential strategic business and joint venture partners and existing equipment manufacturers in India
According to a brief on commercial setting provided by the department, Indian aerospace sector ranks among the world's most dynamic, with airlines in India in the process of buying over 300 aircraft valued at about USD 35 billion between 2007 and 2012.
Apna Ghar Fundraiser collects $ 125,000
One can hardly believe that a small step taken a couple of decades ago by a few women activists to combat domestic violence and marital abuse to the women of South Asian origin by their spouses, could turn in to a giant set up - a huge and meaningful organization known as "Apna Ghar" here.
A capital fund raising campaign dinner for Apna Ghar was held last week in at Meadows club in Rolling Meadow, a north side suburb of Chicago, to raise funds for Ghar. The event was successful in that organizers were able to raise over $125,000 which goes for mortgage for the new building that was bought recently to meet the increasing demand of uprooted women and children. The manner in which people donated was an example of awareness among individuals and institutions to secure the economic conditions of suffering women and freedom from violence in the community at large.
Kamal Hans was the emcee and did a wonderful job throughout the three-hour program. Dr Surinder Nand, president welcomed the guests while Dr. Sudha Rao, secretary briefed about the activities of the Ghar. Earlier, she had visited Indian Consulate and Indian CG Attri and briefed officials about the Ghar activities. One of the highlights was an eye catching Kathak dance performance by Archana Jogleker, a global famed Kathak Guru from India.
In a talk to this paper, Prem Sharma, a founder and active member of Apna Ghar, said that the beginning of this organization was a social club for the Indian immigrant women in 1978 and later "we felt the need to do something more for the women in distress by starting a helpline." She developed this idea into Indo-Crisis Line, a helpline for this cause.
In 1983 with the help of many volunteers Ms. Sharma switched over to the plight of suffering women in the immigrant society. It was on the Gandhi Jayanti day in 1989 that she was joined by Ms. Kanta Khipple a social worker and a retiree from W.H.O. who took charge of studying the cases pouring in through the 24 hour Helpline calls.
These two and three more women from Asian immigrant community established "Apna Ghar" as a shelter for suffering women and children by registering it officially. The growing group of dedicated women to this noble cause took it up as a challenge and fought to give justice to whosoever sought their help, without any discrimination of religion, race or nationality from the Indian sub-continent. It proved to be a blessing for those who were left with broken families and ruined futures and shattered dreams.
For the past 19 years, Apna Ghar has saved many lives by giving them shelter around Chicago land where they have spread in many locations with over 150 beds to accommodate the worst hit.
The first and foremost case study done by Indo-Crisis Line in 1983 on domestic violence in the immigrant society was supported by Asian Human Services. They established the need of shelter in response to reports of emotional, physical and sexual abuse and desertion in Asian American immigrant families. And thus came the idea of Apna Ghar as the first residential shelter and social service institution in U.S exclusively working for the victims of domestic violence in the Asian immigrant community.
Apna Ghar received the first city grant in 1991 to open a supervised child visitation center. Today Apna Ghar has grown to serve immigrant women with free and confidential services and have expanded to include a 24 hour toll free hotline: A shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy and counseling, art therapy, job assistance, child visitation services and case management.
Apna Ghar has become a training ground for a number of students and researchers. A number of start up agencies all over the US have come to Apna Ghar to receive technical assistance. For the last two decades Apna Ghar has been the only source of safety and support for south Asian and immigrant women, children who experience domestic violence.
A capital fund raising campaign dinner for Apna Ghar was held last week in at Meadows club in Rolling Meadow, a north side suburb of Chicago, to raise funds for Ghar. The event was successful in that organizers were able to raise over $125,000 which goes for mortgage for the new building that was bought recently to meet the increasing demand of uprooted women and children. The manner in which people donated was an example of awareness among individuals and institutions to secure the economic conditions of suffering women and freedom from violence in the community at large.
Kamal Hans was the emcee and did a wonderful job throughout the three-hour program. Dr Surinder Nand, president welcomed the guests while Dr. Sudha Rao, secretary briefed about the activities of the Ghar. Earlier, she had visited Indian Consulate and Indian CG Attri and briefed officials about the Ghar activities. One of the highlights was an eye catching Kathak dance performance by Archana Jogleker, a global famed Kathak Guru from India.
In a talk to this paper, Prem Sharma, a founder and active member of Apna Ghar, said that the beginning of this organization was a social club for the Indian immigrant women in 1978 and later "we felt the need to do something more for the women in distress by starting a helpline." She developed this idea into Indo-Crisis Line, a helpline for this cause.
In 1983 with the help of many volunteers Ms. Sharma switched over to the plight of suffering women in the immigrant society. It was on the Gandhi Jayanti day in 1989 that she was joined by Ms. Kanta Khipple a social worker and a retiree from W.H.O. who took charge of studying the cases pouring in through the 24 hour Helpline calls.
These two and three more women from Asian immigrant community established "Apna Ghar" as a shelter for suffering women and children by registering it officially. The growing group of dedicated women to this noble cause took it up as a challenge and fought to give justice to whosoever sought their help, without any discrimination of religion, race or nationality from the Indian sub-continent. It proved to be a blessing for those who were left with broken families and ruined futures and shattered dreams.
For the past 19 years, Apna Ghar has saved many lives by giving them shelter around Chicago land where they have spread in many locations with over 150 beds to accommodate the worst hit.
The first and foremost case study done by Indo-Crisis Line in 1983 on domestic violence in the immigrant society was supported by Asian Human Services. They established the need of shelter in response to reports of emotional, physical and sexual abuse and desertion in Asian American immigrant families. And thus came the idea of Apna Ghar as the first residential shelter and social service institution in U.S exclusively working for the victims of domestic violence in the Asian immigrant community.
Apna Ghar received the first city grant in 1991 to open a supervised child visitation center. Today Apna Ghar has grown to serve immigrant women with free and confidential services and have expanded to include a 24 hour toll free hotline: A shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy and counseling, art therapy, job assistance, child visitation services and case management.
Apna Ghar has become a training ground for a number of students and researchers. A number of start up agencies all over the US have come to Apna Ghar to receive technical assistance. For the last two decades Apna Ghar has been the only source of safety and support for south Asian and immigrant women, children who experience domestic violence.
India House Bridal Expo in Chicago gets huge response
The first ever Bridal Expo Event hosted by India House Restaurant recently at its Schaumburg facility turned out to be a huge success judging form the number of participants and visitors. The organizers, Ravi Rawat and Ravi Jayara, were so overwhelmed that they announced holding another Show at Waterford Banquet on November 15. The Show started at 12 noon and ran till 8 pm. Over 500 participants, potential customers and 30 vendors attended the Expo. Vendors with marketing jewelry, dresses, mandaps and decorations, food products and items and offering variety of services for weddings at affordable prices were present. The customers were seen overwhelmed by the over 100 items Menu on display which you could try. Jyoti Parikh, mom of a bride having a wedding in 2010 was overheard saying she is a big time party person but hadn't seen such a distinctive and versatile menu in all her life.
Anil Rathi and his family were so impressed that they booked an event with India House Manager Ravi Rawat right away. An American guest, Ms. Shirley Hathway accompanied by Vandana Dalal was seen having mehendi at one of the booths. The variety of tempting dishes ranged from the Gujarati Kathiawar cuisine, Punjabi, South Indian and some international favorites from Chinese, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine. All were indigenously prepared by Chef Jot Singh Jayara, Chef Suresh Dave, Chef Alam Singh Kathait and Chef Raghuraj Singh Ranghar. Chicagoland's very own DJ Sahil Bhatti sang some of his Bollywood numbers. DJ Chirag Patel's background music was worth enjoying. Vishal from Lasting Memories was seen very keen interacting with the customers.
Sunita Sarup Booth of Fizzi's Honeymoon packages was overcrowded. Mr. Bill from Maharaja Stables had displayed his booth with Barat pictures having horses and carriers decorated in Indian jewelry and costume. Sapna Varma, a jewelry designer found it a perfect place to promote her latest designs. Vipul Patel of Shukan Mandap, Yogendera Thakkar of Bandhan Mandaps and Dew Patel of Atika Studios were so happy with the response that they decided to participate in the second Bridal Show on Nov. 15 at Waterford Banquet, India House's sister concern. Other valued vendors were Jinesh Modi Photo & Video, Kalpesh Gandhi Photo & Video, Shan Kapoor Photography, Fastway Printers, Quick Color Printing, DJ Vipul and Chicago's prominent singer Shaila Khedkar. In an interview Ravi Rawat, Manager India House and Jagmohan Jayara, President India House, said that looking at the success of this Bridal Expo, India House will make Bridal Expos an every year affair now.
Anil Rathi and his family were so impressed that they booked an event with India House Manager Ravi Rawat right away. An American guest, Ms. Shirley Hathway accompanied by Vandana Dalal was seen having mehendi at one of the booths. The variety of tempting dishes ranged from the Gujarati Kathiawar cuisine, Punjabi, South Indian and some international favorites from Chinese, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine. All were indigenously prepared by Chef Jot Singh Jayara, Chef Suresh Dave, Chef Alam Singh Kathait and Chef Raghuraj Singh Ranghar. Chicagoland's very own DJ Sahil Bhatti sang some of his Bollywood numbers. DJ Chirag Patel's background music was worth enjoying. Vishal from Lasting Memories was seen very keen interacting with the customers.
Sunita Sarup Booth of Fizzi's Honeymoon packages was overcrowded. Mr. Bill from Maharaja Stables had displayed his booth with Barat pictures having horses and carriers decorated in Indian jewelry and costume. Sapna Varma, a jewelry designer found it a perfect place to promote her latest designs. Vipul Patel of Shukan Mandap, Yogendera Thakkar of Bandhan Mandaps and Dew Patel of Atika Studios were so happy with the response that they decided to participate in the second Bridal Show on Nov. 15 at Waterford Banquet, India House's sister concern. Other valued vendors were Jinesh Modi Photo & Video, Kalpesh Gandhi Photo & Video, Shan Kapoor Photography, Fastway Printers, Quick Color Printing, DJ Vipul and Chicago's prominent singer Shaila Khedkar. In an interview Ravi Rawat, Manager India House and Jagmohan Jayara, President India House, said that looking at the success of this Bridal Expo, India House will make Bridal Expos an every year affair now.
'Incredible India' campaign wins award in Austria
The "Incredible India" promotional campaign, which showcases India's major holiday destinations, picked up yet another prestigious award at an international tourism event in Vienna Friday. The campaign bagged the Grand Prix Award CIFFT (The International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals) in Vienna. The festival has been instituted to encourage global tourism through the audio-visual medium. While receiving the award, India's Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said: "It is a great privilege for me to be receiving the Grand Prix award for our new Incredible India promotional film."
"The film has been used extensively in our global marketing campaigns and has received worldwide recognition. After winning a series of international awards at Berlin, Poland, Romania, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Croatia, the film has now been honoured with this prestigious Grand Prix award," she added. Recounting how the promos were prepared, Selja said it all started in 2002 when the tourism ministry took the initiative to brand the country with the primary objective of establishing a unique and single identity - 'Incredible India'. "The campaign has generated huge interest about Indian tourism products globally and contributed significantly in the growth of tourism in India," she said in a statement issued here.
"We have been working in close association and coordination with stakeholders in the tourism industry who have all contributed to the building of the Incredible India brand line," Selja said. Selja said the film has also been produced in collaboration with the Experience India Society - a public-private sector initiative working towards the promotion of tourism in India. The film showcases India's diverse tourism products in order to attract international travellers. "This recognition will encourage us to move forward with greater enthusiasm," she added.
"The film has been used extensively in our global marketing campaigns and has received worldwide recognition. After winning a series of international awards at Berlin, Poland, Romania, France, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Croatia, the film has now been honoured with this prestigious Grand Prix award," she added. Recounting how the promos were prepared, Selja said it all started in 2002 when the tourism ministry took the initiative to brand the country with the primary objective of establishing a unique and single identity - 'Incredible India'. "The campaign has generated huge interest about Indian tourism products globally and contributed significantly in the growth of tourism in India," she said in a statement issued here.
"We have been working in close association and coordination with stakeholders in the tourism industry who have all contributed to the building of the Incredible India brand line," Selja said. Selja said the film has also been produced in collaboration with the Experience India Society - a public-private sector initiative working towards the promotion of tourism in India. The film showcases India's diverse tourism products in order to attract international travellers. "This recognition will encourage us to move forward with greater enthusiasm," she added.
As Obama visits China, India will be watching
The detailed itinerary of the US President Barack Obama's first-ever visit to China, starting Sunday, is well guarded. But it's clear that behind the scenes of his global rather than bilateral agenda in Beijing lies relevance for India's changing ties with the two powers. Beijing has flashed three major signals ahead of Obama's four-nation tour of which the longest, four-day, stay will be in China. China hinted that it may allow the undervalued yuan to appreciate against major currencies. An official think-tank leaked figures suggesting that China should aim to cut carbon intensity by 4 or 5 per cent year-on-year by 2050. The foreign ministry painted the visit in words of "new era", but issued a terse statement against "foreign leaders" meeting the Dalai Lama. On Tibet, Beijing won't budge. But the outcome of the talks between Obama and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao will impact India's trade with China and climate change diplomacy. Will Obama's visit also shape the linkages of Sino-US-India relations? Beijing's view of India-US relations is thinly disguised distrust that they aim to contain China.
Bollywood stars drive Audi sales in India
With clients like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Bipasha Basu, German luxury car maker Audi has a vital target market in Mumbai-based film stars and is looking at a 50 percent growth in India this year. "Quite a few Bollywood stars have picked up Audi cars in India. Whether it is Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan or Katrina Kaif - each of them has one Audi parked in their garage," Martin Birkner, marketing head of Audi in India, told reporters. "I won't say they make a major market for us, but they certainly are an important market for Audi, at least in Mumbai." According to Birkner, Salman is the latest to buy the car – he bought an Audi A8, while Neil Nitin Mukesh owns Q7, a recently launched SUV by Audi. A Q7 can cost anything from Rs.63 laks to Rs.76 lakhs. An Audi A8 ranges from Rs.71 lakhs to Rs.1 crore in India. Among actresses, Bipasha pampered herself with the luxury vehicle, he said.
The company currently offers a bouquet of seven cars, including sedans, SUVs, coupe and sports cars. It is considering launching more models in the coming years. "In 2008, we sold 1,050 cars in India and we have a revised target of 1,600 cars by the end of 2009. We have had considerable growth since last year, so we are projecting a nearly 50 percent growth this time," he said. He said Asia is fast emerging as a strong customer base for the company but still has time to get used to premium and luxury cars. "We are the segment leaders in Europe and our sales there are currently stagnating. But we see that the Asian region is still not fully developed in the sense that even though there is a huge amount of cars here, not many people go for luxury or premium cars," said Birkner. To promote the brand, Audi India has been partnering with Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) for the last four seasons. This year they are displaying Q7 and sports car Audi R8, which is one of the most popular models, at the ongoing fashion and luxury event being held at Pragati Maidan here. A toy car, which costs Rs.11 lakh, is also catching people's fancy. Birkner, who has come from Mumbai to attend the event, said WIFW provides an ideal platform for them to meet "right and influential" people who can become potential buyers. "Such events provide a perfect platform to meet people who are interested in premium cars. So we get a chance to build the right contacts here," he said.
Earlier this month, Audi organised an amateur golf tournament called Quattro Cup. This was the second tournament sponsored by the company and the finals were held in Hyderabad and the winners will be taken to Sydney in December.
The company currently offers a bouquet of seven cars, including sedans, SUVs, coupe and sports cars. It is considering launching more models in the coming years. "In 2008, we sold 1,050 cars in India and we have a revised target of 1,600 cars by the end of 2009. We have had considerable growth since last year, so we are projecting a nearly 50 percent growth this time," he said. He said Asia is fast emerging as a strong customer base for the company but still has time to get used to premium and luxury cars. "We are the segment leaders in Europe and our sales there are currently stagnating. But we see that the Asian region is still not fully developed in the sense that even though there is a huge amount of cars here, not many people go for luxury or premium cars," said Birkner. To promote the brand, Audi India has been partnering with Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) for the last four seasons. This year they are displaying Q7 and sports car Audi R8, which is one of the most popular models, at the ongoing fashion and luxury event being held at Pragati Maidan here. A toy car, which costs Rs.11 lakh, is also catching people's fancy. Birkner, who has come from Mumbai to attend the event, said WIFW provides an ideal platform for them to meet "right and influential" people who can become potential buyers. "Such events provide a perfect platform to meet people who are interested in premium cars. So we get a chance to build the right contacts here," he said.
Earlier this month, Audi organised an amateur golf tournament called Quattro Cup. This was the second tournament sponsored by the company and the finals were held in Hyderabad and the winners will be taken to Sydney in December.
Outsourcing jobs pushed to rural India
In India, a growing number of outsourcing companies are moving simple typing jobs from high - tech hubs to the vast, poor rural area under a win-win strategy. RuralShores is one of the companies. The Bangalore - based business consulting company has set up three data processing centers in Bagepalli, a small town in rural Karnataka State in Southwest of India, hiring around 100 local young people with a minimum of high school education to deal with data entry. "There is a lot of talent there, and we can train them to do the job," the founder G.Srinivasan told the New York Times, and in return, he said, the company gets more profits and become more competitive.
Srinivasan said in big cities like Bangalore, companies need to pay about 7,000 rupees ($150 USD) a month for workers doing the same job, while in Bagepalli, $60 USD a month is considered "excellent." Though His workers lack of college education and English language skills, there is no problem for them to read forms, input data and even write simple E-mails in English. He said the company is planning to open 500 offices across rural india in the next five years. His confidence comes from the growing business. The three centers are serving a variety of clients including an Indian loyalty card company, a national insurance company as well as an American company which hired it as a subcontractor to track down its truck drivers' work schedules. With a population as huge as one billion, India now has only about one million people in workforce,which are only limited in major cities.
Srinivasan said in big cities like Bangalore, companies need to pay about 7,000 rupees ($150 USD) a month for workers doing the same job, while in Bagepalli, $60 USD a month is considered "excellent." Though His workers lack of college education and English language skills, there is no problem for them to read forms, input data and even write simple E-mails in English. He said the company is planning to open 500 offices across rural india in the next five years. His confidence comes from the growing business. The three centers are serving a variety of clients including an Indian loyalty card company, a national insurance company as well as an American company which hired it as a subcontractor to track down its truck drivers' work schedules. With a population as huge as one billion, India now has only about one million people in workforce,which are only limited in major cities.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A.R. Rahman to headline Sydney Festival 2010
Oscar winner musician A.R. Rahman will headline the world famous "Sydney Festival 2010" in Australia on January 16. Rahman's two-and-a-half hour free and exclusive music-dance performance will also see over 40 Bollywood dancers, singers, and musicians at outdoor Parramatta Park near Sydney, starting 7-30 pm.
Festival website says about Rahman: "Sydney Festival is proud to celebrate this inspiring and multidimensional artist". New South Wales Premier and Festival President Nathan Rees reportedly described Rahman as "without doubt one of the world's great talents".
Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed has applauded Rahman for creating a bridge between the music of east and west and for strengthening the worldwide market and stature of Indian music. Forty-three Rajasthani musicians from India will also stage during this Festival "The Manganiyar Seduction" concert in a whimsical custom-built 'magic box'.
Directed by Roysten Abel, the repertoire ranges from ballads about kings to mystics written Sufi songs and songs marking marriage-birth-feasts-rains; and the ensemble spans three generations. Showing multi-cultural Australia, Festival First Night will include music-dance performances by "Bobby Singh & Friends", including Australia's leading table player Bobby Singh, Sarangan Sriranganathan, The Bollywood Sensations, Rasa Duende, etc.
Festival website says about Rahman: "Sydney Festival is proud to celebrate this inspiring and multidimensional artist". New South Wales Premier and Festival President Nathan Rees reportedly described Rahman as "without doubt one of the world's great talents".
Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed has applauded Rahman for creating a bridge between the music of east and west and for strengthening the worldwide market and stature of Indian music. Forty-three Rajasthani musicians from India will also stage during this Festival "The Manganiyar Seduction" concert in a whimsical custom-built 'magic box'.
Directed by Roysten Abel, the repertoire ranges from ballads about kings to mystics written Sufi songs and songs marking marriage-birth-feasts-rains; and the ensemble spans three generations. Showing multi-cultural Australia, Festival First Night will include music-dance performances by "Bobby Singh & Friends", including Australia's leading table player Bobby Singh, Sarangan Sriranganathan, The Bollywood Sensations, Rasa Duende, etc.
Defence releases 10Mhz spectrum for 3G
The Defence Ministry has released 10 Mhz of 3G spectrum prior to the auction for the same in January but is irked by the telecom department's non-inclusion of this fact in the information to the prospective bidders in official document.
This has complicated the matter as it may also necessitate telcos to re-work their auction strategies. So, with this spectrum release, two additional slots can be auctioned in each circle, but the DoT first has to acknowledge this, said a mobile operator.
While the Defence Ministry is peeved at DoT, saying the release of 3G spectrum (1069-1979 Mhz) band by it has not been reflected in the revised Information Memorandum, it has also expressed unhappiness over inclusion of certain bands of spectrum release for BSNL and MTNL which has not been vacated by the forces and has in fact not even been discussed between them.
"In respect of 3G spectrum for BSNL and MTNL (as appear on the revised Information Memorandum) spectrum allocated in five states -- Punjab, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Assam falls outside the coordinated band of 1954-1979 Mhz not in the 1969-1979 Mhz, released by defence ministry," the Defence Ministry said in a letter to DoT.
This has complicated the matter as it may also necessitate telcos to re-work their auction strategies. So, with this spectrum release, two additional slots can be auctioned in each circle, but the DoT first has to acknowledge this, said a mobile operator.
While the Defence Ministry is peeved at DoT, saying the release of 3G spectrum (1069-1979 Mhz) band by it has not been reflected in the revised Information Memorandum, it has also expressed unhappiness over inclusion of certain bands of spectrum release for BSNL and MTNL which has not been vacated by the forces and has in fact not even been discussed between them.
"In respect of 3G spectrum for BSNL and MTNL (as appear on the revised Information Memorandum) spectrum allocated in five states -- Punjab, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Assam falls outside the coordinated band of 1954-1979 Mhz not in the 1969-1979 Mhz, released by defence ministry," the Defence Ministry said in a letter to DoT.
Brown vows to curb entry of foreign doctors, professionals to UK
Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Thursday pledged to curb the entry of doctors and other professionals from outside Europe into the UK in a new crackdown on immigration, a move likely to adversely impact thousands of Indians. Signalling a major shift in the Labour government's immigration policy, the Prime Minister vowed to "stem rising tide of migration". He said his government plans to restrict the points based system for determining which migrants can work in Britain. "One of the reasons that immigration will fall is the tightening of the new points system and it will continue to tighten over the next few months," Brown told the 'Daily Mail' in an interview ahead of a major speech on immigration on Thursday.
Even as insisting that immigration had been a source of "economic, social and cultural strength" for Britain, Brown said the points-based system, introduced last year to control the entry of non-EU citizens to the UK by grading incomers on the skills they can offer the country, would be further toughened up. In a major policy change, Brown is expected to announce that the door is being closed to non-EU hospital consultants, civil engineers, aircraft engineers and ship's officers, the report said. "I know people worry about whether immigration undermines their wages and the job prospects of their children and they also worry about whether they will get a decent home for their families," he underlined. Brown pledged to tighten the new points-based entry system before the next general election in June next year as large-scale immigration had put key public services in the country under severe strain and may be turned into a key electoral issue by the right wing anti-immigrant parties.
The Labour government has faced controversy as local doctors have struggled to find employment. Last week, Home Secretary Alan Johnson admitted ministers had failed to grasp growing public concern about the pressures on jobs and public services. "I understand people's concerns when they hear suggestions that levels of immigration are going to rise. Especially in difficult economic times, people have concerns," said Brown, who is preparing for a tough electoral battle with the Conservative Party which is ahead in most opinion polls. He said the British citizens want "to be assured that the system is tough and fair". "They want to be assured that newcomers to the country will accept their responsibilities...obey all the laws, speaking English is important, making a contribution," he underlined.
"We ask people to show that they abide by our laws, we ask people to show that they understand our constitution and our democracy, we ask people to show that they understand the values of liberty, fair play and responsibility," Brown was quoted as saying by the British tabloid. Brown said the latest assessments were that net migration, which hit more than 290,000 in 2005, has fallen by more than 40 per cent over the last year - and pledged it would fall further. He said this is "not an arbitrary cap". "We are going to be setting out a programme for making sure that we in Britain can train our British young people and British workers who are looking for jobs," Brown underlined.
Even as insisting that immigration had been a source of "economic, social and cultural strength" for Britain, Brown said the points-based system, introduced last year to control the entry of non-EU citizens to the UK by grading incomers on the skills they can offer the country, would be further toughened up. In a major policy change, Brown is expected to announce that the door is being closed to non-EU hospital consultants, civil engineers, aircraft engineers and ship's officers, the report said. "I know people worry about whether immigration undermines their wages and the job prospects of their children and they also worry about whether they will get a decent home for their families," he underlined. Brown pledged to tighten the new points-based entry system before the next general election in June next year as large-scale immigration had put key public services in the country under severe strain and may be turned into a key electoral issue by the right wing anti-immigrant parties.
The Labour government has faced controversy as local doctors have struggled to find employment. Last week, Home Secretary Alan Johnson admitted ministers had failed to grasp growing public concern about the pressures on jobs and public services. "I understand people's concerns when they hear suggestions that levels of immigration are going to rise. Especially in difficult economic times, people have concerns," said Brown, who is preparing for a tough electoral battle with the Conservative Party which is ahead in most opinion polls. He said the British citizens want "to be assured that the system is tough and fair". "They want to be assured that newcomers to the country will accept their responsibilities...obey all the laws, speaking English is important, making a contribution," he underlined.
"We ask people to show that they abide by our laws, we ask people to show that they understand our constitution and our democracy, we ask people to show that they understand the values of liberty, fair play and responsibility," Brown was quoted as saying by the British tabloid. Brown said the latest assessments were that net migration, which hit more than 290,000 in 2005, has fallen by more than 40 per cent over the last year - and pledged it would fall further. He said this is "not an arbitrary cap". "We are going to be setting out a programme for making sure that we in Britain can train our British young people and British workers who are looking for jobs," Brown underlined.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
129 in Colorado to lose Sun Microsystems jobs
At least 128 Sun Microsystems employees in Broomfield are expected to lose their jobs as part of the technology giant's recent announcement that 3,000 in its global workforce would be laid off. As part of the layoffs, expected to take place between Jan. 3 and Jan. 17, 128 employees in Broomfield and one in Colorado Springs will be given pink slips, according to a notice Sun filed with Colorado's labor department. The 129 Colorado employees were among 715 U.S. employees identified in the notice for the reduction. It was not clear how the remaining 2,285 employees will be affected — how many layoffs will take place outside the country or if additional rounds are planned for Sun's U.S. operations. Sun officials could not be immediately reached for comment.
Sun expects most of the 715 U.S. employees to be let go Jan. 3, officials said in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice received by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment late Monday. In the notice, which was dated Nov. 3, Sun officials said affected employees are being given notice about the reductions to ensure that each receives at least 60 days' notice of termination. Sun provides 60 days' pay and other benefits pursuant to law, officials said. The reductions come as Sun's acquisition by Oracle sits in limbo.
Sun expects most of the 715 U.S. employees to be let go Jan. 3, officials said in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice received by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment late Monday. In the notice, which was dated Nov. 3, Sun officials said affected employees are being given notice about the reductions to ensure that each receives at least 60 days' notice of termination. Sun provides 60 days' pay and other benefits pursuant to law, officials said. The reductions come as Sun's acquisition by Oracle sits in limbo.
Air India's losses at Rs 5,548 crore in FY09
State carrier Air India on Wednesday said that it has incurred a loss of Rs 5,548 crore in the fiscal year 2008-09. The Air India board, which met in Chennai, said the losses were primarily due to global economic slowdown, resulting in fewer passengers travelling and lower load factor.
The loss comes in the wake of IATA forecast which had predicted that the losses in the aviation industry for the year 2008 would be around $16.8 billion, followed by a loss of $11 billion for the year 2009, due to weak revenue environment and increase in operating costs.
In line with the market trend, Air India's total revenue has declined from Rs 15,252 crore in 2007-08 to Rs 13,479 crore in 2008-09. Its passenger load factor declined from 63.8 per cent in 2007-08 to 59.5 per cent in 2008-09 and the number of passengers travelling on Air India flights declined from 13.21 million in 2007-08 to 10.36 million in 2008-09.
Other major factors that have contributed to Air India's losses are steep hike in aviation turbine fuel (ATF), rise in depreciation costs due to induction of new fleet and interest rates on aircraft loans and borrowings.
Air India has been spending around 10 per cent of the airline's total salary bill to pay its team of over 160 foreign pilots and hiring firms.
As revealed by the airline in response to an Right To Information application, NACIL paid Rs 93.29 crore towards salaries and expenses to the agencies which provided expatriate pilots to Air India and Air India Express last fiscal.
Of this, Air India paid Rs 46.63 crore ($93,27,644.23) while its budget arm Air India Express spent Rs 46.66 crore ($93,33,732.11) on the expat pilots during the same period.
"In addition, the company spends up to Rs 7,500 per day to accomodate foreign pilots in expensive hotels and provide chauffeur-driven air conditioned cars to them for non-flying duties as well," a Indian Pilots Guild spokesperson said.
There are 163 expatriate pilots in Air India, besides 1,253 Indian pilots and about 200 trainees.
The loss comes in the wake of IATA forecast which had predicted that the losses in the aviation industry for the year 2008 would be around $16.8 billion, followed by a loss of $11 billion for the year 2009, due to weak revenue environment and increase in operating costs.
In line with the market trend, Air India's total revenue has declined from Rs 15,252 crore in 2007-08 to Rs 13,479 crore in 2008-09. Its passenger load factor declined from 63.8 per cent in 2007-08 to 59.5 per cent in 2008-09 and the number of passengers travelling on Air India flights declined from 13.21 million in 2007-08 to 10.36 million in 2008-09.
Other major factors that have contributed to Air India's losses are steep hike in aviation turbine fuel (ATF), rise in depreciation costs due to induction of new fleet and interest rates on aircraft loans and borrowings.
Air India has been spending around 10 per cent of the airline's total salary bill to pay its team of over 160 foreign pilots and hiring firms.
As revealed by the airline in response to an Right To Information application, NACIL paid Rs 93.29 crore towards salaries and expenses to the agencies which provided expatriate pilots to Air India and Air India Express last fiscal.
Of this, Air India paid Rs 46.63 crore ($93,27,644.23) while its budget arm Air India Express spent Rs 46.66 crore ($93,33,732.11) on the expat pilots during the same period.
"In addition, the company spends up to Rs 7,500 per day to accomodate foreign pilots in expensive hotels and provide chauffeur-driven air conditioned cars to them for non-flying duties as well," a Indian Pilots Guild spokesperson said.
There are 163 expatriate pilots in Air India, besides 1,253 Indian pilots and about 200 trainees.
Pepsi to fizz up image with corporate social responsibility
PepsiCo on Wednesday discussed plans to widen its product portfolio in India and build the brand's image around corporate social responsibility at the $43-billion beverages and snacks foods multinational's first global board meeting in India, an official familiar with the matter said. The three-day global board meet is being attended by PepsiCo chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi, International CEO Michael D White and 11 independent directors including Novartis AG chairman & CEO Daniel Vasella and Colgate-Palmolive president & CEO Ian M Cook. The board of directors also discussed increasing the beverages maker's presence actively in the country's health and wellness portfolio, especially in the packaged water category, said the official requesting anonymity. The meeting is seen as an indication of the importance of India in PepsiCo's global space, officials said. The only other time the company board met outside was five years ago, in Mexico.
The meet in India is believed to be the brainchild of Ms Nooyi. "We want to show them (PepsiCo board members) the glory of India and the issues in India so that we propose solutions," PepsiCo's India-born chairman and CEO had said at a meeting organised by the United States-India Business Council (USIBC) and CII on Tuesday. India has been identified as one of the top three markets for PepsiCo, which came into the country almost 20 years ago, she had said. The board will use the Mumbai meet to learn more about the Indian market place, the firm's business strategies here and the progress it's making in environmental, human and talent sustainability, the company said in an official statement. "They also will take an in-depth look at how our business and product lines are evolving to address the varied and changing needs of Indian consumers," the PepsiCo India release said.
PepsiCo allocated 'region' status to the Indian operations in 2008, which meant more room for decision-making and higher resource allocation. In January this year, it integrated beverages and snacks businesses in the country under a common leadership, in line with Ms Nooyi's 'power of one' strategy followed in many world markets. The company has already announced investments of Rs 1,000 crore ($220 million) in its beverages business this calendar to step up manufacturing capacity, market infrastructure, supply chain, product innovations and research & development. The investment, PepsiCo India's biggest in a single year in the beverages arm, is part of the company's $500-million investment allocated for India over three years. Pepsi has invested $1 billion in India so far. It has 41 bottling plants in the country, of which its franchisee bottling partner Jaipuria Group owns 28. The Indian subsidiary recorded an all-time high volume growth of 33-35% last year at a time when its parent was grappling with falling sales.
The meet in India is believed to be the brainchild of Ms Nooyi. "We want to show them (PepsiCo board members) the glory of India and the issues in India so that we propose solutions," PepsiCo's India-born chairman and CEO had said at a meeting organised by the United States-India Business Council (USIBC) and CII on Tuesday. India has been identified as one of the top three markets for PepsiCo, which came into the country almost 20 years ago, she had said. The board will use the Mumbai meet to learn more about the Indian market place, the firm's business strategies here and the progress it's making in environmental, human and talent sustainability, the company said in an official statement. "They also will take an in-depth look at how our business and product lines are evolving to address the varied and changing needs of Indian consumers," the PepsiCo India release said.
PepsiCo allocated 'region' status to the Indian operations in 2008, which meant more room for decision-making and higher resource allocation. In January this year, it integrated beverages and snacks businesses in the country under a common leadership, in line with Ms Nooyi's 'power of one' strategy followed in many world markets. The company has already announced investments of Rs 1,000 crore ($220 million) in its beverages business this calendar to step up manufacturing capacity, market infrastructure, supply chain, product innovations and research & development. The investment, PepsiCo India's biggest in a single year in the beverages arm, is part of the company's $500-million investment allocated for India over three years. Pepsi has invested $1 billion in India so far. It has 41 bottling plants in the country, of which its franchisee bottling partner Jaipuria Group owns 28. The Indian subsidiary recorded an all-time high volume growth of 33-35% last year at a time when its parent was grappling with falling sales.
Gold at record high, touches Rs 16,785
Gold prices on Wednesday hit a record high of Rs 16,785 per ten gram in futures trading at the Multi Commodity Exchange as traders enlarged their positions in tandem with a firming global trend after the US dollar weakened. Gold for delivery in far-month February contract surged to Rs 16,785 per ten grams before slipping 0.58 per cent to Rs 16,774 per ten gram in a turnover of 164 lots. In a similar fashion, April month contract rose by 0.77 per cent to hit a high of Rs 16,781 per ten gram with a business turnover of 3 lots.
Similarly, the metal for delivery in December month shot up to a high of Rs 16,749 but slipped to trade 0.57 per cent at Rs 16,729 per ten gram in a business turnover of 1,995 lots. Market analysts said firming trend in international markets as a weaker dollar raised gold's appeal as an alternative investment, attributed to the rise in precious metal at the futures market here. Meanwhile, In the Asian region gold prices traded higher at $1,106.50-1,107.50 an ounce against last close of $1,098.50-1,099.50.
Similarly, the metal for delivery in December month shot up to a high of Rs 16,749 but slipped to trade 0.57 per cent at Rs 16,729 per ten gram in a business turnover of 1,995 lots. Market analysts said firming trend in international markets as a weaker dollar raised gold's appeal as an alternative investment, attributed to the rise in precious metal at the futures market here. Meanwhile, In the Asian region gold prices traded higher at $1,106.50-1,107.50 an ounce against last close of $1,098.50-1,099.50.
Pak to buy 14 Chinese fighter jets, 114 more may come
In a major move to boost its air warfare capability, Pakistan is to purchase 36 J-10 fighter aircraft from China in a deal worth more than USD 1.4 billion, with options open for induction of more similar aircraft. China will supply the 36 J-10 fighter jets, enough to equip two squadrons, under a preliminary agreement that could lead to "more sales", a Pakistani official has said. Pakistan might buy "larger numbers" of the multi-role aircraft in the future but has not signed any deal to purchase as many as 150 jets, the official told the Financial Times.
The J-10 or Jian 10 is China's most advanced combat aircraft and is the third generation fighter comparable to American F-16 Fighting Falcons. Islamabad and Beijing are also collaborating to build an advanced fighter -- JF-17 or "Thunder" and the first of these aircraft are expected to roll out by the end of this month, air force chief Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said recently. China is one of the main arms suppliers of Pakistan and has sold combat jets to it for over three decades. But Beijing has seldom supplied Pakistan with advanced fighter aircraft like the J-10. Pakistan bought Mirage jets from France in the 1970s and F-16s from the US in the 1980s.
Pakistan has a fleet of 45 F-16s that have been used to some degree in anti militancy operations in Swat and South Waziristan, defence experts said. The US recently agreed to sell Pakistan another 18 new F-16s and officials also expect the Americans to supply about a dozen used aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force plans to acquire at least 250 JF-17s over the next four to five years, which would become its future mainstay. Defence experts have described Pakistan's agreement with China to buy the J-10 jets as a "landmark event" in the defence relationship between the two countries.
"This agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan's relations with China," said Abdul Qayyum, a retired Pakistani general. "There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is... also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly," he said.
The J-10 or Jian 10 is China's most advanced combat aircraft and is the third generation fighter comparable to American F-16 Fighting Falcons. Islamabad and Beijing are also collaborating to build an advanced fighter -- JF-17 or "Thunder" and the first of these aircraft are expected to roll out by the end of this month, air force chief Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said recently. China is one of the main arms suppliers of Pakistan and has sold combat jets to it for over three decades. But Beijing has seldom supplied Pakistan with advanced fighter aircraft like the J-10. Pakistan bought Mirage jets from France in the 1970s and F-16s from the US in the 1980s.
Pakistan has a fleet of 45 F-16s that have been used to some degree in anti militancy operations in Swat and South Waziristan, defence experts said. The US recently agreed to sell Pakistan another 18 new F-16s and officials also expect the Americans to supply about a dozen used aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force plans to acquire at least 250 JF-17s over the next four to five years, which would become its future mainstay. Defence experts have described Pakistan's agreement with China to buy the J-10 jets as a "landmark event" in the defence relationship between the two countries.
"This agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan's relations with China," said Abdul Qayyum, a retired Pakistani general. "There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is... also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly," he said.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A.R. Rahman wants to make poverty history
Oscar winner musician A. R. Rahman's ‘A. R. Rahman Foundation’ wants to make poverty history. As a first step towards achieving the vision of "strive towards making poverty history", the Foundation will set up educational institutions and provide world class, state-of-the-art infrastructure and education to underprivileged children who do not have the means to access & fund their education. This will equip them with knowledge and skill sets to pursue specialized higher studies that will provide them career opportunities to build a secure future for themselves and their families, Foundation states. Rahman is giving live ‘Jai Ho’ concert in Kolkata (India) on November 14 in support of the Foundation.
India among top 3 markets: Pepsico
US-based beverages major Pepsico said India is among its top three markets and the company will continue to build India-specific strategies to sustain growth.
"For food processing companies like us, I think India represents top three markets in the world. India is a very different market from any western developed market," Pepsico Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi said on the eve of its board meeting in Mumbai from Wednesday.This will be the second time PepsiCo's global board meeting will be held outside the US after the first one in Mexico five years ago. Nooyi said India is a large vibrant market and should focus on developing India-specific strategies to sustain it.
"For food processing companies like us, I think India represents top three markets in the world. India is a very different market from any western developed market," Pepsico Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi said on the eve of its board meeting in Mumbai from Wednesday.This will be the second time PepsiCo's global board meeting will be held outside the US after the first one in Mexico five years ago. Nooyi said India is a large vibrant market and should focus on developing India-specific strategies to sustain it.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Big B honoured with lifetime achievement award
Cine icon Amitabh Bachchan was felicitated with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th Mumbai Film Festival on Thursday for completing 40 years in the film industry.
The festival, which concluded on Thursday, hosted over 200 films from 56 countries.
Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.Fellow actor Dev Anand's production house Navketan films, was also felicitated for completing 60 years in the film industry.
The festival, which concluded on Thursday, hosted over 200 films from 56 countries.
Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.Fellow actor Dev Anand's production house Navketan films, was also felicitated for completing 60 years in the film industry.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Indian chef creates 'world's healthiest meal'
An Indian chef claims to have created the "world's healthiest meal" - a curry and rice that can help fight diseases like cancer and dementia. According to 32-year-old chef Gurpareet Bains, the chicken and blueberry curry with goji berry pilau rice is full of natural healthy "superfoods" that fight off cancer and even diseases like Alzheimer's.
In fact, the spicy meal fights off the carcinogenic cells while other traditional ingredients like ginger, chilli, turmeric and garlic, are known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties, he said.
Each serving contains the nutritional equivalent of 49 helpings of spinach, 23 bunches of grapes or nine portions of broccoli, the British media reported. "It has long been known that some foods including spices and fruits have exceptional health benefits. Combining these two genres of foodstuffs seemed logical in any quest to find the 'world's healthiest meal'. "The curry I have created is brimming with health-beneficial ingredients that could if eaten regularly deal a devastating blow to many diseases," Bains was quoted as saying.
Bains, a nutritionist and former head chef who lives in Bedford, spent almost two years perfecting the recipe. Ingredients include blueberries, which have been linked with protecting against cancer and guarding the brain against the sticky protein that clogs brain in Alzheimer's. The pilau rice is flavoured with goji berries -- a Himalayan 'superfood' bursting with vitamins A and C and iron. Spices have anti-bacterial and antiviral properties and turmeric is said to help keep hearts, brains and joints healthy. Chilli can help relieve pain. Chicken was chosen because it is low in fat and has wide appeal, he said.
"Blueberries and goji berries add a lot of superfood value but the spices are muscling in too. The dish proves that curry does not have to mean greasy, fatty, unhealthy food.
"This curry is all about health, taste and budget. It can be thrown together for about 2.50 pounds per person, and the health benefits it offers are outstanding," said Bains, whose curry will be featured in a new book of Indian superfood recipes out next year.
In fact, the spicy meal fights off the carcinogenic cells while other traditional ingredients like ginger, chilli, turmeric and garlic, are known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties, he said.
Each serving contains the nutritional equivalent of 49 helpings of spinach, 23 bunches of grapes or nine portions of broccoli, the British media reported. "It has long been known that some foods including spices and fruits have exceptional health benefits. Combining these two genres of foodstuffs seemed logical in any quest to find the 'world's healthiest meal'. "The curry I have created is brimming with health-beneficial ingredients that could if eaten regularly deal a devastating blow to many diseases," Bains was quoted as saying.
Bains, a nutritionist and former head chef who lives in Bedford, spent almost two years perfecting the recipe. Ingredients include blueberries, which have been linked with protecting against cancer and guarding the brain against the sticky protein that clogs brain in Alzheimer's. The pilau rice is flavoured with goji berries -- a Himalayan 'superfood' bursting with vitamins A and C and iron. Spices have anti-bacterial and antiviral properties and turmeric is said to help keep hearts, brains and joints healthy. Chilli can help relieve pain. Chicken was chosen because it is low in fat and has wide appeal, he said.
"Blueberries and goji berries add a lot of superfood value but the spices are muscling in too. The dish proves that curry does not have to mean greasy, fatty, unhealthy food.
"This curry is all about health, taste and budget. It can be thrown together for about 2.50 pounds per person, and the health benefits it offers are outstanding," said Bains, whose curry will be featured in a new book of Indian superfood recipes out next year.
Indian among 14 charged in Wall Street scam
The FBI has charged 14 people, out of which five have already pleaded guilty, in a case related to the USD 20 million hedge fund insider-trading scam, the largest ever such case in the US. Besides hedge fund managers, lawyers and corporate insiders, the newly charged persons included former employee of Moody's Investor Service Deep Shah who has been charged with conspiracy and securities fraud, the FBI said in a statement. Of the 14, eight were arrested on Thursday while a ninth was being sought. Five other defendants had already been charged and have pleaded guilty in federal court in New York to insider trading crimes. Atheros Communications Inc executive Ali Hariri has been charged with passing on confidential information to a hedge fund manager Ali Far who has pleaded guilty of fraud and is now reportedly cooperating with the investigators.
Sustainability group advocates students adopt green living
InvVEST, a nonprofit organization, is looking to create change in the present by looking to the future through the promotion of sustainable energy practices. Endorsed by Dr. Bruce Hutton, dean emeritus at the Daniels School of Business and board advisor of the organization, invVEST now seeks student leaders at DU.
InvVEST also promotes sustainability in high schools as well as the general community. InvVEST stands for invest in energy that is sustainable through virtual collaborative teams, said Probir Ghosh, president and former DU student, and Tanya Lehman, invVEST education ambassador to DU. InvVEST aims to affect the public's consciousness about sustainable behaviors and to advocate sustainable living.
The emphasis is placed on ways to fuel economic growth, aid the environment, and establish a safe future for the next generation. "One of our key initiatives is to work with education institutions collaboratively to increase awareness around the urgency of energy transition," said Ghosh. "We believe that the education community, especially universities that are turning out our next generation of leaders, can be the game changer our nation needs to enable a timely energy transition."
In Ghosh's mind, DU is a logical choice to be one of the universities invVEST works with because of other existing sustainability campaigns on campus. By working with the DU Sustainability Council, invVEST seeks to create a network of resources. This network creates the easiest means for communication among like-minded individuals looking to make the concept of sustainability a reality, said Ghosh.
Some students are already committed to bringing about change. Juniors Abhi Ramaswami and Ramnath Selagamsetti and senior Anandi Ramaswami all joined invVEST to bring awareness to campus and to put awareness into action. When he announced DU's sustainability initiative a few months ago, Chancellor Coombe stated that universities are agents of change and can show the way for others to follow, signaling an approval of sorts for sustainability initiatives on campus.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Indian Math Challenge
Producers of Two Million Minutes, a documentary critical of the U.S. educational system, are daring American high school kids to take "The Third World Challenge," which, they say, "is a shortened and greatly simplified version of the multi-day proficiency test that every 10th grader in India must pass to go on to the 11th grade."
Says Bob Compton, executive producer, of the documentary: "If our athletic performance at the Olympics were as poor as our global academic performance it would be a national crisis and every level of government would be attempting to respond. That we blithely ignore the declining intellectual standards of American students seems almost insane."
The test is available at http://www.2mminutes.com/third-world-challenge.asp
Says Bob Compton, executive producer, of the documentary: "If our athletic performance at the Olympics were as poor as our global academic performance it would be a national crisis and every level of government would be attempting to respond. That we blithely ignore the declining intellectual standards of American students seems almost insane."
The test is available at http://www.2mminutes.com/third-world-challenge.asp
Indiya Shine Awards 2009
Nonprofits that offer free eye surgeries to India's poor, provide educational services to underprivileged children, promote Sanskrit and supply humanitarian relief are winners of the Indiya Shine Awards contest organized by Great Nonprofits, in collaboration with Guidestar and Little India.
Nearly 70,000 people visited the Greatnonprofits.org website and 3,500 stakeholders posted reviews on more than 70 Indian nonprofits during the month long campaign, which sought to identify the best Indian nonprofits in the United States and India.
Sankara Eye Foundation, which garnered more than 800 votes, was the runaway favorite securing not just the highest votes among Indian nonprofits, but also becoming the highest reviewed organization among the nearly 1.2 million nonprofits listed on Greatnonprofits. Indeed, the top four most reviewed nonprofits on Great Nonprofits are among the winners of the Indiya Shine Awards, including Make A Difference (Cochin, Kerala); Mata Amritanandamayi Math (Parayakadavu, Kerala) and Bhumi (Chennai, Tamil Nadu). Vibha (San Jose, Calif.) and Bhumi (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) rounded out the six winners.
Nearly 70,000 people visited the Greatnonprofits.org website and 3,500 stakeholders posted reviews on more than 70 Indian nonprofits during the month long campaign, which sought to identify the best Indian nonprofits in the United States and India.
Sankara Eye Foundation, which garnered more than 800 votes, was the runaway favorite securing not just the highest votes among Indian nonprofits, but also becoming the highest reviewed organization among the nearly 1.2 million nonprofits listed on Greatnonprofits. Indeed, the top four most reviewed nonprofits on Great Nonprofits are among the winners of the Indiya Shine Awards, including Make A Difference (Cochin, Kerala); Mata Amritanandamayi Math (Parayakadavu, Kerala) and Bhumi (Chennai, Tamil Nadu). Vibha (San Jose, Calif.) and Bhumi (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) rounded out the six winners.
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