25 Paise Coins Or Chavanni Is To Go Out Today

After several months of speculative talk doing the rounds and government's consideration of the rising prices of coin metal, finally it has been decided to 25 paise coins or Chavanni. RBI hasnotified that as of June 30, 2011, the coin would no longer be used in legal tender. These would not be accepted for exchange at bank branches from Friday.

50 paise is now the lowest denomination coin in the market. Other existing coins are Rs.1, Rs.2, Rs.5 and Rs.10.

For people yesterday was some last-minute rush to the nearby banks with little bags of 25 paise coins to be exchanged at face value.

For the last several months various stores and companies had stopped accepting 25 paise coins ever since the news came in the market and after the initial notification stores mainly practices the round off bill to the nearest rupee.

There are people who are saddened by this ‘demise’ of 25 paise coins. One of them is Jain community. For them 25 paise coins are more precious than any other denomination. For every auspicious occasion Jains place Rs 1.25 in the puja thali. Every family keeps 25 paise coins and use them.

25 paise or chavanni first came in the market in 1950 as ¼ annas and in 1957 it became first decimal issue as 25 paise coin. Now it is officially dead on 30th June, 2011.

‘Google +1’ – Google’s Answer to Facebook

After endless talk, leaks and buzz, at last Google officially announced launching of ‘Google +1’ yesterday. Google+1 represent a major push for the software giant and will give browsers an updated platform in the social networking spectrum.

There would be some unique concept in Google +1, among the sub-services is ‘Circles’. ‘Circles’ will allow users to selectively divide up which of their friends or followers can view which content. ‘Hangouts’ another service, will offers up multi-person video chat with members of users Circle. ‘Sparks’ is a customized feed aggregator of content one accumulate across the web, a modified version of RSS feeds.

There are some interesting questions popping in mind which we are looking for answers in the upcoming days. Is Google finally giving Facebook a run for its money? Or is this just the latest social flop from the company?

Google+ is still in a limited trial mode and has a few "rough edges," according to the company. The +1 button will be “expanding quickly to most other Google search sites” in the near future.

Axis Bank introduced e-Wallet card

India's third largest private sector Bank Axis Bank today announced the launching of the 'e-Wallet Card', a pioneering solution for online payments. The e-Wallet Card is an electronic payments method offered free of cost, which works like any credit or debit card for making online payments.

By log on to Axis Bank’s Net Banking portal, an e-Wallet Card can be generated instantly and can be possible to make payment on all those websites which accept Visa cards. e-Wallet cards cab be shared with close people in case of any emergency. Due to safety of user’s account each e-wallet card will be expired using once. Also an additional layer of security in terms of Verified-by-Visa (VBV) is added to further safeguard the account.

The minimum limit for the card is Rs 10 and maximum is Rs. 50,000. The validity period of the card is 48 hours. In case of any partial usage or zero usage, the remaining amount will be credited back to the user’s bank account within 4 working days.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. R. K. Bammi, Executive Director, Retail Banking said "The e-Wallet Card is another instance of the Bank using its technological know-how to design a product that is secure and customized for consumer's online payment needs. We hope that the e-Wallet Card will encourage consumers to embrace the e-payment platform."

Christine Lagarde becomes first Woman to Head IMF

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde create a history when she was today elected as the first woman head of the International Monetary Fund or IMF.  Christine Lagarde  is succeeding Dominique Strauss Kahn, who was forced to resigned last month after being arrested on rape charges in New York.

An official IMF announcement said “The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today selected Christine Lagarde to serve as IMF Managing Director and Madame Chairman of the Executive Board for a five-year term starting on July 5, 2011.”

India along with USA supports Lagarde and ensure her victory. India’s representative to the IMF board, Arvind Virmani said, “India looks forward to governance and quota reforms of the Fund to reflect global economic realities.”

IMF founded in 1944 and Lagarde, 55, is the first woman named to the top IMF post since its inauguration.

Huawei – A Threat to India's National Security?

National Security Agency has warned Indian Government on Chinese Telecom Giant Huawei's expanding footprints in India as ‘national security threat’. Huawei is the world's second largest telecom equipment manufacturer after Ericsson, with revenues of $28 billion and was founded by Chinese Army veteran Ren Zhengfei. Recently Bangalore-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) had signed a MOU with Huawei Technologies and generates lots of controversy across the country. 

Memorandum of Understanding says "In order for IISc to perform certain studies in respect of telecom equipments, IISc shall be requiring detailed understanding about various features, standards and related documentation. Huawei agrees to share some information, knowledge, software, hardware and equipments with IISc for its studies.” Therefore raising questions of giving access to suspicious Chinese company.
India was required to take the help of the Chinese firm because no Indian companies makes telecom gear and no other foreign company was willing to assist India because of concern about intellectual property rights.

Now the union home ministry is seriously considering a review of the pact and insisting on a prior security clearance for the agreement.  A senior official in the ministry told media that "Naturally, there are concerns ....a mandatory security clearance should have been sought in this case, as it relates to the strategic telecommunications sector."

Huawei has denied all the allegations of having any links with the Chinese Army and a threat to India’s national security. Company's spokesperson said that they had fulfilled all obligations and requirements of DoT and were committed to working in India.

Sahara Group is in Big Trouble – SEBI ordered Huge Refunds

Subrata Roy’s Sahara Group is in big trouble. SEBI (The Securities and Exchange Board of India) has ordered Sahara group to issue refund to the investors from whom they have raised money in 2008 through hybrid securities for allegedly violating securities laws. The order also asks Sahara to refund the money with 15% interest. Sahara Group has moved to Supreme Court on SEBI orders.

SEBI has discovered that Sahara group’s two companies - Sahara Commodity Services Corporation and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation, were involved in raising notable amounts of money from investors through Optionally Fully Convertible Debentures. However this is a combination of debt and equity norm which is not obeying the government public offering rules.

SEBI said that there is some discrepancy in the number of investors and subscribes and the money raising scheme.  While Sahara Commodity Services Corporation claimed that it has 6.6 million investors who subscribed to securities issued by the company, but the actual figure of any firm with the largest investor base in India has less than 4 million investors. Sahara companies raised a few thousand crores through such offerings and the market regulator said the schemes could blow up in the face of millions of unsuspecting investors.

However the Sahara Group argues that it did not fall under the jurisdiction of SEBI as these were private placements and not public offerings.

The Sahara group on last Friday outburst on SEBI and criticised them for making an order against two group companies public. Spokesperson for Sahara Group also accused the regulator of resorting to “a media-trial in a sub judice case”.  SEBI officials refused to comment.
Earlier this year Supreme Court had asked SEBI to pass an order on the issue and if SEBI’s this notification implemented and upheld by the Supreme Court then Sahara Group will have to refund a few  thousand crores, extraordinary practice in many ways.

World's Premium Banks To Hold Up-to 2.5% Capital

The Basel Committee has issues one important regulation to the top and most important central banks in the world to must hold up-to 2.5% in additional capital on their balance sheets to protect them in the event of any further global financial crisis.

The Basel Committee is the supervising body who sets standards, guidelines and recommends for the global banks. Currently 56 top central banks are enlisted as its member.

Last week Committee meeting held in Basel, Switzerland, and Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the ECB, the group that oversees the functions of Basel Committee told the media, “The agreements will help address the negative externalities and moral hazard posed by global systemically important banks.”
"The assessment methodology would be based on size, interconnectedness, lack of substitutability, global activity and complexity of the banks. The banks would have until 2019 to hit the higher levels of capital," Basel Committee issued a statement.

The plan to raise capital requirements will be reviewed by the Financial Stability Board and then be issued for public comment, the Basel Committee said. The Financial Stability Board is expected to issue the final notification next month.

Amul is the 'Top Indian Green brand' - Survey Reveals

Last week an opinion poll conducted for Green Brands Global Survey in eight countries and the survey result shows that Amul has been rated as the ‘Top Indian Green Brand’.  Amul is the largest food brand in India and largest Pouched Milk Brand in the world.

The survey was conducted by Cohn & Wolfe, Esty Environmental Partners and Penn Schoen Berland in eight countries with more than 370 popular brands and over 9000 people cast their opinion.

The poll was carried out in Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, USA, UK and India. Green Brands Global Survey focused their research on to finding the brand which encourages greenest reputation across globe. Amul came first beating brands like Dabur, Taj Hotels, Suzlon, Wipro, Maruti, Birtannia, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever and Godrej Consumer Products.

In a Press meet Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation's Managing Director, R S Sodhi said "Amul's initiative of planting 8-9 million saplings by its three million members on a single day on August 15 last year in 15,000 villages has been recognized by the consumers."  He adds, "A total of 24 million saplings have been planted so far over four years and another 10 million will be planted on August 15 this year."

Facebook Outshines Microsoft in Britain

According to online measurement body UKOM/Nielsen for the first time Facebook has overtaken Microsoft websites in Britain as per Last month’s result. It makes Facebook second-most popular website in Britain after Google.

In May, 33.9 million visitors visit Google, 26.8 million visitors browsed Facebook and 26.2 million visited Microsoft's MSN/WindowsLive/Bing sites combined. Facebook’s visits up by 7% compared to last year.
As per UKOM/Nielsen survey people over 50 age group love to browse Facebook more than Microsoft.

UKOM general manager James Smythe told,"The growth in audiences to these social networks is now primarily being driven by the 50-plus age group. Just a few years ago, this group may have found itself out of place on these sites,"

Twitter is another site which gets a rapid growth in terms of visitors. Another Business network LinkedIn, had registered 3.6 million UK visitors in May up by 57%from a year earlier.

Tata Nano launched in Nepal

Tata Nano’s dream run continues. After successful overseas launch in Srilanka, now Tata Nano is all set to roll out in Nepal’s road. Tata Nano’s three popular versions Tata Nano Standard, Tata Nano CX and Tata Nano LX has launched in Nepal yesterday. However Nepalese customers will have to pay almost three times more than Indian customers for world’s cheapest car.  It would cost about Nepalese Rs 8,00,000 (approx Rs. 5 lakh) after an addition of customs duties and insurance charges. In India Tata Nano priced at Rs 1,51,000 including taxes.

Tata Motors' International Business Head Johny Oommen said, “The car with its comfort, performance and manoeuvrability will prove to be an ideal car for the discerning customers of Nepal and will win their hearts.”

Tata Motors has tied up with Sipradi Trading for exclusive distribution of Tata Nano in Nepal. Also to give customers financial support ten commercial banks have tied up with Sipradi to provide financing for the purchase of the vehicle.

The booking of the car has already started in all major cities including capital Kathmandu with Rs. 10000/- as deposit money.

Apple Sues Samsung for Patent Infringement

Apple and Samsung are still at it. We mean they are still busy suing each other.

This time over, Apple has sued Samsung in South Korea alleging infringement of its patents by Samsung.

Ealier this year, Samsung filed a slew of patent suits against Apple in Germany, Japan, and South Korea; more have been expected from Samsung and retaliatory litigation from Apple has been just as anticipated.

There have been reports of talks between the two behemoths to arrive at some conciliation but it looks as though the talks, if any, have borne no fruit yet.

Rapid Rise of High Networth Individuals (HNI) in India

The Annual World Wealth Report of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Capgemini reveals that there has been a rapid rise in the the number of High Networth Individuals (HNI) in India and that the growth is currently the fastest in the world. In 2010 country’s HNI number stood at1.53 lakh placing India among the top 12 HNI-populated nations for the first time ever. In 2009, India was at the 14th position with HNI population of 1,26,700.

It also means that within Asia-Pacific, India has the highest number of millionaires after Japan, China and Australia.

USA has the highest HNI population with 31,04,000 millionaires, followed by Japan, Germany, China, UK, France, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Italy, Brazil and India. Among these top 12 countries India's growth in HNI population is the highest at 20.8%.

India's growth in HNI population helped Asia-Pacific region overtake Europe which has had the second highest number of millionaires.

Has RIM Commenced Job Cuts?

It has been reported in sections of the media that Research In Motion (RIM), the Canadian manufacturer of BlackBerry mobile phones, initiated job cuts from last week after RIM’s disappointing financial results. RIM’s revenue in the last quarter revenue dropped by 12% ( $4.9 billion of revenue compare to $5.6 billion) durfing the same period last year.

The company is reported to have around 17,500 personnel across the world.

A media report states that the Company announced a cost-optimisation program on Friday and that a number of employees have received layoff notices. Unconfirmed reports claim that more than 200 employees have received the lay off notice.

However a RIM spokesperson has denied the report; he said he had no information about job cuts beyond what was announced during a conference call the company held last week to discuss its first-quarter financial results.

Ducati Launches Diavel in India

Ducati, the famed Italian manufacturer of superbikes, launched two versions - Standard and Carbon - of the Ducati DIAVEL in India on 20th June 2011 after inaugurating the company's showroom in Bangalore. Mr. Mirko Bordiga, Chief Executive Officer, Ducati Asia Pacific, Mr. Ashish Chordia, Chief Executive Officer, Ducati India, and Mr. Allum Preetham, Director, Ducati Bengaluru, were present on the occasion..

The less expensive standard version of Diavel costs Rs 17.06 lac (ex-showroom, Bangalore); the Carbon version costs Rs.22.06 lac whereas the still more expensive Carbon Red version costs Rs 22.43 lac (ex-showroom, Banglaore).

Mr. Mirko Bordiga said: "The Diavel is, without any doubt, the most exciting innovation in the Ducati 2011 line because it represents a new concept of motorcycle." He added: "It is a naked bike because it is essential, light and agile; a cruiser because it is imposing and also comfortable with a passenger; and a sports bike because it has a powerful heart, muscles, and levels of performance that take your breath away"

Mr.Bordiga went on to state: "Until now no segment has ever captured these characteristics in just one motorcycle. We are extremely satisfied with the Diavel, it represents the very concept of sport and celebrates all that Ducati has achieved in recent years. If the Multistrada 1200 represents the perfect synthesis between functionality and performance, the Diavel creates a new interpretation of performance, this time combined with technology and design."

According to the company's press release "For connoisseurs of technology, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes deliver a confidence-inspiring sophistication while stunning looks, 162hp and 207kg (456lb) of authentic Ducati performance drives a comfortable new sport lifestyle. Merging the worlds of power and style has been achieved with convincing precision. A specially engineered 240 section rear tyre combined with famous Ducati chassis technology serves up mind-blowing handling and lean angles, whether carving through curves or just riding out for a night on the town."

The Ducati Diavel, weighing a little over 200 kg, is equipped with a 1198cc Testastretta 11º engine coupled with a 6-speed gear box and delivering 162 bhp @ 9500rpm and 127.5Nm of torque,  and features some latest technology like ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding modes.

Ducati, established in 1926, builds motorcycles known for their singularly innovative design and features apart from excellent cutting edge technology. Ducati manufactures motorcycles targeted at six different market segments; needless to say, the features and specifications depend on the target segment. Though Ducati's market operations are mostly in Japan, North America, and Western Europe, its motorcycles are sold in as many as 80 countries across the world.

Ducati which has had dealers only in Mumbai and Delhi so far, has hitherto sold a few over 100 of its bikes in India. The company plans to have its presence in ten major cities across India through dealerships and service centres and plans to sell more than 300 bikes per annum.

Ashish Chordia, CEO, Ducati India, said: "With India’s appreciation of luxury bikes and the opening of this showroom bike lovers can now experience what riders across the world have experienced for over a century. Also the facility will offer bikers everything they need to enjoy their Ducatis, including latest model range, technical support, parts accessories and apparels."

Ducati is expected to launch two model of super-bike series, 848 Evo and 1198SP in India in early 2012.
　
Specifications:

Engine :1198 cc Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio: 11:5:1
Max. Power: 162bhp @ 9500rpm
Max. Torque: 127.5Nm @ 8000rpm

Transmission: 6 Speed
Fuel Injection: Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies with RbW
Exhaust: Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers

Kerb Weight: 207Kg

Fuel Tank Capacity : 17 litre

Wheelbase: 1590 mm
Seat Height: 770 mm

Front Tyre: Pirelli Diablo Rosso II 120/70 17"
Rear Tyre: Tubular Steel Trellis Frame

Front Suspension: Marzoochi DLC Coated 50mm Fully Adjustable
Rear Suspension: Progressive Linkage with Sachs Adjustable Monoshock

Front Brake: 2 X 320mm semi-floating Discs, 4- Piston Radial Caliper with ABS
Rear Brake: 265mm Disc, 2-Piston Floating Calliper with ABS

Ride-by-Wire
Lateral radiators
Hands-free ignition
Split-level instrumentation

Toyota will launch Etios Liva on 27th June in Delhi

Toyota will launch much awaited Etios Liva on 27th June in Delhi. Toyota has received overwhelming response from the market for the Etios. Last year in Delhi Auto Expo Toyota first unveil the news of launching Etios Liva and instantly buzz started. Till date 'Toyota Q-World' has reached out to more than 1 lakh prospective customers for Etios Liva and Toyota is very upbeat after receiving awesome response.

Sandeep Singh, DMD Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor expressed his satisfaction and said "We are very happy to announce our entry into the popular premium hatchback segment with the Etios Liva. The Etios has been very well received by our customers across the market. We have delivered more than 20,000 cars as on date. We have successfully reduced the waiting period to less than 1 month by undertaking necessary steps to increase the production. We look forward to a good response for the Etios Liva. Details will be announced at the time of the launch."

The Etios Liva will be Toyota's venture into the highly popular premium hatchback segment. elegantly designed for today's youth, Etios Liva will be reasonably priced and will offer functionality and value for money.

Toyota is targeting the youth customer therefore the whole marketing campaign is around youthful and fun filled activities. An attractive TV ad campaign in which music composed by Oscar winner music maestro A.R.Rahman.

Nokia announces launching of four new mobiles

World’s leading mobile phone maker company Nokia announced of launching four new mobile phones including a full-screen touch-based smartphone and three new C2 Series devices.

Nokia’s new smartphone, Nokia N9 will be launched end of this year and price yet to be decided. 

  Nokia introduced two dual SIM phone Nokia C2-03 & Nokia C2-06 and a single sim phone, Nokia C2-02. All three models will be available from 3rd quarter of this year. The price range would be around $105 and $112.
 

C2 series phones are built on the Symbian operating system S 40.

 

Speaking on the occasion President & CEO of Nokia, Stephen Elop said, "Earlier this year, we outlined a comprehensive strategy to change our course. Innovation is at the heart of our strategy and today we took important steps to demonstrate a new pace of innovation at Nokia. It’s the beginning of a new era for Nokia.”

Will J.K. Rowling announce eighth book of Harry Potter series tomorrow?

World’s richest and most famous living author J.K. Rowling is all set to announce a ‘surprise’ tomorrow to billions of Harry Potter fans across the globe. The Harry Potter creator will reveal her latest project involving the boy wizard tomorrow to end long speculation about Harry Potter fans regarding what will come next.

In 2007 the seventh and "final" instalment of Harry Potter series "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" published, and after J.K. Rowling’s announcement many Harry Potter fans started speculating that it would be an eighth novel to follow on from the seventh one.

The seven-novel series has sold more than 400 million copies worldwide. Also the eighth and final Harry Potter film which will be shown in 3D will be release in theatres on July 15. The seven movies released so far have grossed over $6.4 billion.

The speculation is very much on tomorrow’s revelation as Rowling's publicist has already made clear that it would not involve a new book, then other options could be launching of social networking fan site, an online game or the launch of the novels as ebooks.

The British author has announced launching of a new website (http://www.pottermore.com/) and kept it so secret that only couple of close friends and associates only got the chance to see some of its contents so far. The website will go LIVE tomorrow at 1100 GMT. "The owls are gathering ... Find out why soon" is all the link says till now.

Huawei Devices Launches Three Stylish Smartphones in India

Huawei Devices, a subsidiary of Huawei Technologies, has launched three Android-based Smartphones targeted at the younger generations in India: IDEOS Chat, IDEOS X2, and IDEOS X5. 

The launch of these smartphones comes in the wake of the success of the company's previous launches of mobile phones worldwide. All these phones are run by Qualcomm processors.

Anand Narang, Marketing Director, Huawei Devices, said: "Backed by the success of IDEOS and on the basis of our understanding of Generation Y in India, we see an increasing shift in the demand for smart-phones in India."

"It is an opportune time for us to launch our new and exciting range of IDEOS smartphones whether its the X5, X2 or the Chat. We will continue to bring the latest, smartest and most technologically advanced handsets for our consumers at accessible prices," added Mr.Narang.

IDEOS Chat costs Rs.8,199, IDEOS X2 costs Rs.8,999 and IDEOS X5 costs Rs.14,999.

According to a press release, IDEOS Chat has a touch screen as well as QWERTY keypad, while IDEOS X2 is a sleek touch screen mobile targeted at the youth and IDEOS X5 is a smartphone for the young professional.

IDEOS X2 sports a 3.2" HVGA capacitive touch screen, an optical keypad, and a 1150 mAh battery backed up by special features to save power. The phone is driven by Android 2.2. It features WiFi 11n and supports download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps. It also comes with long-lasting 1150 mAh battery supported by battery-conserving "Proximity sensor" and eyes-friendly "Ambient Light sensor." The phone supports social media applications like Facebook and Twitter apart from supporting a host of applications like Google Mobile Suite.

The IDEOS X5 has a 3.8" WVGA full touch screen, a 5-MP flash camera, 720p HD video recording/playback. It features Qualcomm 800 MHz processor and runs on Android 2.2. The phone features "SWYPE" which allows users to type as fast as they would on a PC. The IDEOS X5 has the functionality of a WiFi hotspot and can support eight internet connections.

According to P. Sanjeev, Director (Sales) Huawei Devices, the smartphones would be available in ten cities through Redington and Ingram Micro.

Mr.Sanjiv said: "We are focusing on the reach of the product rather than the numbers. In the initial phase our smartphones will be available for sale across 10 cities through our partners Redington and Ingram Micro."

The company has also announced that a smartphone toll-free service has been established to handle queries from users of the smartphones.

Mr.Narang further announced that the company would launch tablet PCs by July-September 2011 and that the tablets would be competitively priced.

The company has announced investment plans of $2 billion in India in the next five years. While the company plans to go in for local components, it plans to increase its research and development too in India. The company has announced that product development center aimed at developing and testing mobile phones and software for the phones is being set up in Bangalore.

Mr.Sanjiv said: "The new center would take up entire design, feature, battery services, application, software content of the product. We have four product centers globally and one among them is the India product center."

Huawei which aims to capture 5-7 per cent of the mobile phone market by 2013 and 15% share by 2015 plans to launch eight to ten mobile phones in the 'above Rs.5000' category this year.

Renault Fluence Launched in Chennai

Having launched the Renault Fluence late last month in New Delhi, Renault has now launched it in Chennai and inaugurated Renault Mount Road, the first exclusive Renault dealership in Chennai. Late last week, the company released the car in Vijayawada at the showroom of its newly appointed dealer.

The diesel version of Renault Fluence costs Rs.12.99 lakh in Chennai (ex-showroom) and the petrol version costs Rs.14.40 lakh.

The diesel version is less expensive than the petrol version as the company takes care to explain.

According to Mr.Sudhir Rao, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Renault India, the company has priced the diesel version lower because customers opting for diesel versions look for lower cost of ownership and lower operating costs as well.

But this concession to the customers preferring diesel versions involves a tradeoff: the diesel version of Renault Fluence has a 1500cc engine whereas the petrol version has a 2000cc engine.

Marc Nassif, Managing Director, Renault India, said: "It is a proud moment for us at Renault India to launch not only the Renault Fluence, our first built-in-India car, but also to introduce the Renault brand to our Indian customers". According to Mr.Nassif, India, Bfrazil, and Russia are the three key countries in Renault's strategy for international development.

Renault plans to have 40 dealers all over the country by the end of 2011 and 100 dealers by the end of 2012. The company plans to introduce 5 cars by the end of 2012.

Toshiba Thrive Tablet PC Bookings Open Today

Toshiba has announced that the Toshiba Thrive Tablet PC can be pre-ordered from Toshiba Direct, Amazon, and Office Depot from today, i.e 13th June 2011. The shipments are expected to commence from 10th July.

Toshiba Thrive has a 10.1 inch, LED-backlit touchscreen display with 1200x800 pixel resolution. It hasa 5 MP camera at the back and a 2 MP camera in the front. It is driven by a 1 GH NVIDIA Dual-core Tegra 2 Processor and runs on Android 3.1 (Honeycomb) Operating System. The device is thicker and heavier than other well-known tablets.

Toshiba Thrive has an SD card slot and has USB connectivity. The back panel can be replaced with one of various available colours. The Thrive tablet PC has one USB 2.0 port, one Mini USB port, one HDMI-out port and one SD Card slot.

The battery of Thrive can be quick-charged to 90% of its capcity in just about 90 minutes.

The Thrive is reported to have a lock button that prevents the screen from rotating when the phone is rotated accidentally.

Toshiba Thrive is less expensive than several other well-known tablets: the 8GB version cosgts $429.99, the 16GB version costs $479.99, and the 32GB version costs $579.99.

According to Toshiba, the Thrive Tablet PC presents "a better way to browse the Web, enjoy e-books and HD videos, play games, listen to music" etc.

Blackberry Playbook to be Available in India from 22nd June

Blackberry Playbook will be available in India from 22nd June 2011.

Bookings for the Playbook - which was released in the US and Canada on 19th April 2011 but not in India and several other countries - have already commenced and bookings made before 22nd June are eligible for a free leather case and a free HDMI cable for connecting the Playbook to a TV.

RIM has announced that Balckberry Playbook will be released during June 2011 in the markets of 15 other countries: Australia, Columbia, France, Germany, Holland, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, UAE, UK, Venezuela, and Hong Kong.

"The price is going to be competitive with the other products and in line with the global pricing as well," the company has stated. The international prices of the Playbook are $499 (16GB), $599 (32GB), and $699 (64GB). Accordingly, the prices are expected to be in the range Rs 22,000 - 32,000.

The Playbook supports only Wifi; as a result, it has to be connected to a Blackberry mobile phone for email etc. Perhaps native GSM support can capture vast markets for the Playbook.

While the sales of Blackberry Playbook are presently lagging behind those of Apple iPad, the scales may well be tipped in favour of the Blackberry eventually because of its support for Flash and for its support of native Facebook applications.

The estimated one million strong user-base that Blackberry has in India could well prove to be the key for the success of Blackberry Playbook in the Indian market.

Legendary Painter M.F. Husain passed away

M.F. Hussain, India’s most successful painter died today in London after suffering from long illness.  He was 95. M.F. Hussain, often described as India's Picasso, died at the Royal Brompton hospital in London. Husain was the highest paid painter in India. His single canvases have bid up to $2 million at the Christie's auction.

Hussain had lived in Dubai since 2006 after self-imposed exile during an uproar over nude images of Hindu icons. Hindu hard-liners in India were furious on M.F. Hussian after he published some of his nude painting on Hindu goddess especially the ‘Saraswati’ piece. He was severely criticized and threatens by Hindu hard-liners for a controversial nude painting of a woman shaped like India's map which often depicted as "Mother India" in popular arts, folklore and literature. Several legal cases were brought against him.

Maqbool Fida Hussain came to limelight in the late 1940s when a progressive group of artists headed by Francis Newton Souza tried to break the traditional Indian painting forms. He became famous for his unique painting style and paintings of horses earlier in his career.

M.F.Hussain also tried his luck in the Bollywood and made couple movies.  Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities (with Tabu), Gaja Gamini (with Madhuri Dixit).

Maqbool Fida Hussain was born on 17th September, 1915 in Bombay. He was awarded with Padma Shri  in 1955, Padma Bhushan in 1973, Padma Vibhushan in 1991. He was also member to the Rajya Sabha in 1986. He received prestigious Raja Ravi Varma award on 2008 by the government of Kerala.

May his soul rest in peace...

Yamaha India's May Sales Up By 59 percent

Yamaha recently launched bikes like FZ and SZ series in India and the results are there for everyone to see. Unique marketing and promotion initiatives also helped Yamaha India to register a net profit in May. Yamaha Motor's Indian subsidiary Yamaha Motor India reported a domestic sales growth of 59 percent in May 2011 when compared to May 2010.

The overall sales, including exports, grew by 55 percent and stood at 38,812 units for the month compared to 25,033 units in May 2010. In May, the company exported 10,853 units with a growth of 46.28 percent as against 7,419 units than the last year.

"India Yamaha Motor has registered a growth of 58.7 percent in its domestic market for May 2011, with a sale of 27,959 units as compared to 17,614 units sold last year," the company said in a statement.

Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, Chief Executive Officer and managing Director, Yamaha Motor India, said: "Our recently launched FZ series has got a great response and it's helping us equally in boosting our sales in their respective segments."

Ford Figo Continues Its Success Story

The success story of Ford India’s sensational model Figo continues with its export to new markets in Asia and Africa.

As per the latest reports, Ford India sold, during the last five months, more than 51,000 units of Figo, registering a sales growth of more than 71% during the same period last year. In May alone Ford India sold more than 9,000 units, 7,046 in the domestic market and more than 2,000 overseas.

Ford’s fresh investment of US$72 million for the expansion of Chennai engine plant capacity takes the overall investment of the company to more than US$1 billion in India.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Michael Boneham, President & MD, Ford India, said: "The Ford Figo's fuel efficiency, value and innovation continues to grow in reputation and popularity here in India as well as internationally, and this is driving exports into new markets."

Because of continued high demand, the company began exporting the Figo to Bahrain and Kenya from this month. Ford Figo is in high demand in South Africa too and it was a runner up for 'South African Car of the Year'.

Ford India is also expanding its dealership network across the country. The company has already opened three new integrated dealership based on 3-S (Showroom, Sales and Service). AVK Ford in Mumbai, Odisha Ford in Cuttack and Omie Ford in Itanagar – expanding its presence to 173 outlets across 102 cities.

"From growing our product portfolio and expanding our presence, Ford’s commitment to India has only deepened with time," Boneham remarked.

Bharti Airtel Launches Airtel Movies

Bharti Airtel has launched Airtel Movies -a unique On-demand online movie screening service. Airtel Movies will be an On-demand digital video library with original DVD quality and exclusively will be available to Airtel broadband users through a unique 'add on monthly pack'.

Recently Bharti Airtel launched Airtel Broadband TV and Airtel Photos which can be availed of by using credit/debit cards.

Airtel Movies would be powered by BigFlix. Customers can access over 500 Movies along with 100 TV shows, 100 trailers and 100 music videos at Rs. 229/- per month on their computer/laptop/tablet at home.

The service can also be accessed via WiFi and movies can be watched anywhere in one's house. The best thing about this service is that it is totally free from advertisements.

Airtel Movies also features fast forward and rewind along with multi tasking. One can browse internet and watch a movie simultaneously.

Apple to Unveil iOS 5 tonight

Apple will demonstrate the new iOS 5 tonight. The market is rife with plenty of speculation regarding the changes and additions to this new version.

Here is a list of the most common speculations doing the rounds.

iCloud Integration:

iOS 5 is expected to feature excellent integration with iCloud. It will allow one to upload music to the cloud and stream it over the internet at any time. iCloud has the ability to upload/backup other kinds of data such as movies, contacts, bookmarks, game saves, application settings, etc. to the cloud and then transfer it to another device or restore it to the same device later. One need connect the iOS devices to a PC for using it.

Improved Notifications System:

It is expected that there will be some updation in iOS 5 notification system. If the rumours are to be believed, Apple has accomplished a pretty decent job. Some notable changes expected to be found in iOS 5 include a new top bar - for displaying notifications especially new tweets - which has doubled up in size, and a much better dark-gray camera icon.

Widgets:

It is expected that Apple may follow Android, WebOS, Symbian, Windows Phone 7 and implement widgets in iOS 5. This is the one major feature that Apple has missed so far.

The current iOS homescreen is designed in such a way that it places application icons at the forefront rather than in a separate list. Implementing widgets would probably involve reworking the entire system. And if the above screenshot is authentic, Apple hasn’t done that in iOS 5.

New Multitasking System:

iOS 5 will be based on new multitasking system. It is expected to beat the current multitasking system.

Twitter Integration:

Another big speculation is about Twitter integration. A Twitter app will be there with system-level integration which will allow Pictures app and share a picture there on Twitter without the need for any application. The phone also notifies the new tweets and market is guessing that any app with access to the notification API would be able to do that.

Automatic Download for Apps:

iTunes application update was hinting at an option that currently does not exist in the current iOS, but will allow apps on the device to automatically update themselves over-the-air as and when a new version is available.

Let us see how many of these expectations are going to be met when Apple releases its iOS 5.

Is the HTC Sensation Also Under the Death Grip?

Refuting HTC’s claims that the HTC Sensation has a true unibody design and does not suffer from the so called "death grip" as the iPhone 4 does, Nordic Hardware's tests proves that HTC’s claims are wrong and that it does suffer from the same problem as iPhone 4 and that it also affects the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity of the phone.

 Nordic Hardware said that the problem is with the back cover of HTC Sensation. The Sensation does not have a true unibody; it has a large removable battery cover which is mostly made of metal and has plastic areas that work as antennae. If one places any protective cover on the Sensation or covers it with one's hand thus physically blocking the antennae, there will be a substantial drop in the performance of the radio units within the phone, particularly of the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios.

Keeping the HTC Senasation flat or in landscape mode makes the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity weaker because the signal is not received well enough. The problem may not be there when the device is held normally in portrait mode.

Clarification from HTC is expected soon and we shall get back to you with the update.

World Bank Announces $ One Billion to Clean Up Ganga

The Ganga is considered sacred in India; but it has been badly polluted by industrial effluents, garbage, and the diversion of urban waste-water into the river all along its course. "Throw it into the Ganga!" seems to have become the mantra of the millions of insensitive people, insensitive local bodies, and insensitive governments. 

Ganga is the source of drinking water for a quarter of India's population and the need to clean up the river and make its water potable again has been in the news for several years now.

Some noise was made for a while in the name of the "Ganga Action Plan" of 1985 and after a few hundred crores went draining down the murky, muddy Ganga, the plan seemed to have died out; but here is yet another attempt to save the Ganga (and salvage our souls?), thanks to the World Bank.

For the last several years, the Government of India has tried to control the pollution in Ganga and clean up the mess. But mismanagement and corruption down the level succeeded in thwarting the ambitious plans.

Now, World Bank has sancioned this loan to continue the work and the support will go towards sustainable measures for reducing pollution - especially in wastewater collection and treatment, industrial pollution control, solid waste management, and riverfront management.

A statement issued by the World Bank in this connection says: "The World Bank's National Ganga River Basin Project will help build the capacity of the NGRBA's new operational institutions to manage the Ganga clean-up and conservation programme."

World Bank’s Country Director for India, Mr. Roberto Zagha said, "The World Bank is honoured to be able to support the government in its effort to revitalise this holy and mighty river of India." "I am confident that with sustained public and political support for the NGRBA Programme, significant progress towards cleaning the Ganga will be achieved," he added.

Should we seek a World Bank loan to clean up the system first - so that millions of dollars do not go down the drain while Ganga the river that cleans everything remains unclean?

Fiat Acquires Majority Stake in Chrysler

Fiat, the Italian car manufacturer, has announced that it has acquired a majority stake in Chrysler by buying out the stake held by the US Government.

President Obama of the US visited Chrysler's factory in Toledo (Ohio) where he told the workers that his decision to bailout Chrysler, General Motors, and their suppiers had paid off. Several million jobs might have been lost if Chrysler and General Motors had to shut down.

Mr.Obama further said: "Today, all three American automakers are gaining market share. That hasn't happened since 1995." He told the workers: "And today, I'm proud to announce the government has been completely repaid for the investments we made under my watch by Chrysler because of the outstanding work that you guys did."

Chrysler has repaid, six years ahead of schedule, the loans given to it after Obama's assumption of office in January 2009.

Nokia Announces C2-00 and X1-01 with Dual SIM

Nokia has announced two dual-SIM mobile phones: Nokia X1-01  and Nokia C2-00. While the X1-01 is a music phone, the C2-00 is richer in features. Both the phones are highly affordable even as they look very chic.

The phones can remember the settings for five different SIMs and each SIM can be assigned a different logo and ringtone.

Both the phones have a very long battery life and are particulalry useful where it is not possible to charge the battery easily as when one is on a long travel or when on is facing power cuts frequently.

Nokia X1-01 promises standby time of upto 43 days and talktime of 13 hours; the phone can play music without a break for about 36 hours. Nokia C2-00 promises about 19 days of standby time and nearly 6 hours of talk time.

The Nokia C2-00 sports the Easy Swap facility' which allows one SIM to be stored in a slot as usual while access can be had to the second card through a slot in the side of the phone so that the phone doesn't even have to be switched off or the battery removed to change the SIM. It lets users choose which SIM to use for calls, messages, etc and allows them to switch from one SIM to another easily. The Nokia C2-00 has a VGA camera and supports MMS. It supports 2GB of storage using an SD card.

Prakash Katama, Head of Nokia's Factory in Chennai, said: "Nokia C2-00 and X1-01 meet the company's stringent quality standards beside setting new benchmarks in the mobile internet and music space in the entry level dual SIM category."

The X1-01 will cost Rs.2200 (before taxes etc) while the C2-00 will cost Rs.2900 (before taxes etc).

Balance Enquiry at ATMs Will Not Be A Free Service From 1st July

The  Reserve Bank of India has taken a tough decision regarding balance enquiry through ATMs; it will be implemented from 1st July, 2011. From 1st July, customers will have to pay for all non-finance transactions like 'balance enquiry' at ATMs other than the home bank of the customer.

A source from Reserve Bank of India said that they have taken this decision to discipline the customers. There has been unreasonably excessive use of non-bank ATMs by customers for checking account balance, mini statements and other purposes leading to wastage of paper. According to RBI reports,  28% of the total ATM transactions in April 2011 occurring on the National Payments Switch related to balance enquiry and mini statement. Implementaion of the current decision can also reduce paper wastage.

As a result of this decision, apart from the transactions beyond the five free transactions to every customer at non-bank ATMs, all non-finance transactions would also have to be paid for from now.

RBI has also taken a decision in favour of the customers: from now on, all customer complaints regarding faulty ATM transactions will have to be addressed by the appropriate bank within 7 days of the complaint. Otherwise for every additional day, the customer will receive a compensation of Rs100 from the bank.

Most people have welcomed RBI’s decision to penalise banks for laxity in resolving ATM-related complaints; but the reactions to the decision regarding balance enquiry etc through ATMs is mixed..

Some have welcomed the decision saying that this can help reduce wastage of paper and protect the environment in the long run.

Some, of course, are quite angry with the decision. They doubt the intentions of the government and are distinctly unhappy and think it would inconvenience people. They feel that  the slogan of world class service will be meaningless if the government reverts to traditional ways of banking service. They demand an explanation from the RBI - though the Reserve Bank has announced a reasoned decision.

Some corporate executives suggest that the RBI should withdraw this decision and introduce an option to check balance on screen without the facility to print it out.

Honda Motorcycle Inaugurates Second Plant in India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt.Ltd. (HMSI) commissioned its manufacturing unit, its second in India, at Tapukara Industrial Area, Rajasthan.

While this plant has an installed capacity of 600,000 motorcycles now, the company plans to invest Rs.400 crore to expand the installed capacity to 1,200,000 by March 2012. At the present capacity, the plant will employ about 3,200 people.

Keita Muramatsu, President and CEO, HMSI, said: "We are committed to India market and ahve already announced huge investments to build capacity and expand our presence." He further said: "The expansion of Tapukara plant and setting up of a new plant in Bangalore will enable us to serve the vast Indian two-wheeler market more efficiently."

"We will focus on improving our products and give improved service quality to become a market leader in India," Mr.Muramatsu averred.

N.K.Rattan, Vice President (Sales & Marketing), Honda Motorcyle &Scooter India Pvt.Ltd, said: "To fulfill the diversifying needs of customers in the rapidly growing market of India, we are enhancing our product line up. This year we will introduce at least two new models. Increase in production capacity will reduce waiting period for our customers, while we are focussing on bringing distincgt product for urban and rural consumers."

Serco Acquires Intelenet for Rs.2,770 Crore

Serco has acquired Intelenet Global Services Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, for about Rs.2770 crore (385 million Pounds Sterling).

Intelenet is a major BPO company in India and Serco is a leading international service company.

Susir Kumar, Chief Executive of Intelenet, said: "becoming a part of Serco will propel us to our next phase of growth by helping us to address a wider market and to provide more end-to-end solutions. The management and organization will remain in place and I will continue as CEO while Thomas Ryan, Senior Director, Serco Group gas been appointed as Executive chairman of Serco's BPO Division. As of now, there is no decision on re-branding the company."

Thomas Ryan said: "Together with our existing BPO-related operations we will have around 40,000 employees making us strongly placed to provide customers a broad range of end-to-end business services."

Chris Hyman, CEO, Serco, said: "The acquisition of Intelenet supports our ambitions as a leading global services company. The international BPO market is growing quickly as companies seek out new ways to improve their service and reduce costs."

Coromandel International Acquires Major Stake in Sabero Organics

Coromandel International, a leading Indian manufacture of pesticides, fertilisers etc has acquired 42.22% of the promoters stake in Sabero Organics - paying a premium (estimated to be Rs.63 per share over the stock market quotation of Rs.97 as on 31st May) . The total cost of acquisition is estimated to be in the range of Rs.400 crores to Rs.450 crores. The acquisition would result in Coromandel having about 75% of the shareholding in Sabero.

Sabero has four subsidiaries - in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and Europe. It has some 240 registrations for its key products.

Kapil Mehan, Managing Director, Coromandel International said: "We thought it fit to pay a premium after our own detailed analysis. There is a lot of Sabero's und ber-utilised production capacity and we can also leverage the export potential." He further said: "We concluded that the acquisition will provide us rhe perfect synergy and position us among the top five plant protection companies in India, apart from giving us a new opportunity to strengthen our formulations business.

According to Mehan, Coromandel would now have a range of more than 16 technical grade pesticides.

Schneider Electric Acquires 74% Stake in Luminous Power

Schneider Electric of France has acquired a 74% stake in Luminous Power Technologies, India, for Rs.1400 crore. Luminous is a major manufacturer of power inverters, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), etc. The remaining will be owned by the founders of Luminous Power.

The company, after the acquisition, would continue to be called "Luminous Power Technologies"  and would continue to be a separate entity.

This is the eighth acquisition so far by Schneider Electric in India.

Olivier Blum, Managing Director, Schneidsefr electric, said: "The joint venture with Luminous will provide a strong platform for Schneider to reach out to Indian consumers." Rakesh Malhotra, founder and Chairman, Luminous Power Technologies said: "There is a great potential in the partnership with Schneider. Luminous needs global market access."

Luminous has more than 3 million users of its inverters - a huge cusgtomer base for Schneider and the joint venture to reach out to. Luminous, in addition, has several customers from the government and telecom sectors.

Luminous Technologies had a revenue of Rs.1100 crores in the financial year ending 31st March 2011.

Manish Pant, Managing Director (Strategy and Alliances), Schneider Electric India, would be the Managing Director of the joint venture with Luminous Power. Pant said: "The deal will help us tap Luminous's strong distribution network and access to over 25,000 points of sales.We will also consider development of new products in due course."