Bangalore News

Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award

2012-01-30T19:25:00.000-08:00

Indian filmmaker, 3 otherswin prestigious

Sundance Institute | Mahindra Global FilmmakingAward

· Emergingartists from India, Australia, South Africa and Chile honored
for their visionary projects

· AnandMahindra presents award to Indian winner Shonali Bose

· RobertRedford thanks Anand Mahindra for joint global commitment
to nurturing new storytellers and getting their voices out to the widestpossible audiences

PARK CITY, UTAH — Sundance Instituteand Mahindra today announced the winners of the prestigious 2012 Sundance Institute| Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award, in recognition and support of emergingindependent filmmakers from around the world. The winning directors andprojects are: ShonaliBose, Margarita. With A Straw from India; ArielKleiman, Partisan from Australia; Etienne Kallos, Vrystaat (FreeState) from South Africa; and Dominga Sotomayor, Late To Die Young from Chile.

The awards werepresented at a private ceremony at the Sundance Film Festival by AnandMahindra, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Mahindra Group; RohitKhattar, Chairman, Mumbai Mantra, Michelle Satter, Director and AlesiaWeston, Associate Director, Sundance Institute.

Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman andManaging Director of the Mahindra Group, who presented the award to India’s ShonaliBose, said "Our core purpose is to use all our resources to drivepositive change in the lives of our stakeholders and communities across theworld - to enable them to Rise. The Global Filmmaking Award fits perfectlywith this intent. We are delighted to assist the Sundance Institute in itsmission of finding new voices in independent filmmaking from around the world."

"Weare grateful to the Mahindra Group for building with us, this multifacetedprogram, which embraces our joint global commitment to nurturing newstorytellers and getting their voices out to the widest possible audiences,"said Sundance Institute President and Founder Robert Redford. "Itis particularly exciting to join with Anand Mahindra and his Group to expandthis collaboration by bringing Sundance Institute's renowned Screenwriters Labprogram to India in March, to support one of the most extraordinary cultures onthe globe," he added.

Rohit Khattar,Chairman, Mumbai Mantra, said, “We are at an exciting storytelling stage inthe history of Independent Cinema in India. With the help of our partners,Sundance Institute, we are keen to recognize, nurture and hone extraordinarytalent in India and across the world. We congratulate the four incrediblefilmmakers who have won the awards this year, and look forward to their nextfilms with great anticipation.”

The Indian awardwinner Shonali Bose was ecstatic on her win and said, “I am deeplyhonoured to be the first Indian film maker to receive this prestigiousaward. To get an award at Sundance is a dream come true! Myfilm, Margarita. With a Straw is indeed a global film rooted in India, and thisaward will make a huge difference to its life. This is a fantasticinitiative taken by the Mahindra Group and Sundance Institute, and will bea wonderful opportunity for so many talented independent filmmakers in ourcountry. It will help India shine on the stage of world classcinema."

For the selection ofthe Award for the Indian project, the Global Filmmaking Award Nomination Committeecomprised of eminent screenwriters, directors, film critics and film academics.They went through over 20 screenplays and directorial samples of thecandidates. After intense debate and deliberation and consultation with theSundance Institute, Shonali Bose was chosen to receive the award. The GlobalFilmmaking Award Nomination Committee in India included: Shabana Azmi(Actor, Activist), Shyam Benegal (Filmmaker), Ira Bhaskar (FilmProfessor), Anupama Chopra (Film Critic), Gautam Ghose(Filmmaker), K. Hariharan (Film Academy Director), Shekhar Kapur(Filmmaker), Anjum Rajabali (Screenwriter, Film Professor) and RameshSippy (Filmmaker).

Each ofthe four winning filmmakers will receive a cash award of $10,000, attendance atthe Sundance Film Festival for targeted industry and creative meetings,year-round mentoring from Institute staff and creative advisors, participationin a Feature Film Program Lab, and ongoing creative and strategic support. Thismarks the first year that one of the four award recipients is an Indianfilmmaker – a commitment to fulfill the vision of Mahindra Group and ofSundance Institute to champion a new generation of Indian filmmakers.

TheSundance Institute | Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award is part of amultifaceted collaboration that exemplifies a commitment to and support ofworld cinema by the Mahindra Group,one of the largest industrial conglomerates in India known throughout the worldfor its dedication to excellence and to social responsibility, and thenonprofit Sundance Institute, one of the world’s leading culturalorganizations.

Thepartnership, which also includes the establishment of the Mumbai Mantra| Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab in India, extends over athree-year period. The Lab will provide an annual opportunity for eight Indianscreenwriters to develop their works under the guidance of accomplishedinternational screenwriters and directors in an environment that encouragesstorytelling at the highest level. The first Mumbai Mantra | SundanceInstitute Screenwriting Lab shall take place in March 2012 in India.

TheWinners of the 2012 Sundance Institute | Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award are:

Shonali Bose / Margarita. With a Straw (India):

She falls repeatedly inlove, yearns to have sex and wants to be a Bollywood songwriter. Laila. Abrilliant mind trapped in a disobedient body.

Shonali Bose has beenan activist all her life. She received an MA in Political Science atColumbia University followed by an MFA in Directing from the UCLA School ofTheater Film and Television. As a student at UCLA she received a number ofawards: Ely Award for Best Documentary, Wasserman Award, Jack Sauter Award,Hollywood Radio and Television Society International Broadcasting Award, MotionPicture Association of America Award.

Bose’s firstfeature, Amu, based on the 1984 genocide against Sikhs, won twoNational Awards (Best Film, Best Director), the FIPRESCI Critics Award amongst teninternational awards. The film was an official selection at the Berlin FilmFestival, followed by Toronto and many others. The film was releasedtheatrically in North America (2007) by Emerging Pictures and in India(2005) by Shringar. Bose converted the screenplay into a novel which waspublished by Penguin.

Bose co-wrote andco-produced the feature film Chittagong, directed by her husbandBedabrato Pain. The film is slated to release in 2012. She currently lives inDelhi.

EtienneKallos / VRYSTAAT (FREE STATE) (South Africa):

Setduring the annual corn harvest in the Free State, Vrystaat explores the ritesof passage into manhood for a new generation as they navigate identity andsexuality within the fractured realm of post-Colonial Africa. Developed inconjunction with the Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab and the CannesCinefondacion Residence.

EtienneKallos is a Greek/South African filmmaker with an MFA in film directing fromNYU. His work has screened at festivals worldwide, including Sundance, Cannes,Berlin, and Telluride. His film Eersgeborene was the first Afrikaans-languagefilm to be awarded a Lion for Best Short Film at the 2009 Venice Film Festival.He recently developed Vrystaat at the Cannes Cinefondation Residence program inParis

Ariel Kleiman /PARTISAN (Australia):

In an undisclosedcommune cut-off from the outside world, a guarded criminal named Gregoricontrols a group of women and children who not only assist him on the farm butalso carry out dangerous assassinations in the neighboring towns. His authorityis undisputed until one child, Alexander, decides to quietly undermine hisplans.

Ariel Kleiman lastappeared at Sundance with his short film DEEPER THAN YESTERDAY, which receivedthe Jury Prize in International Filmmaking. The year prior, his student filmYOUNG LOVE received Honorable Mention in Short Filmmaking.

Dominga Sotomayor /TARDE PARA MORIR JOVEN (LATE TO DIE YOUNG) (Chile):

In an isolatedcommunity far from the city, three women face a forest fire that threatens theirsense of belonging and their lives.

Dominga Sotomayor wasborn in Santiago de Chile in 1985. In 2007, after finishing her Directionstudies at the Universidad Católica de Chile, she received a scholarship tocomplete a Masters in Film Direction at the ESCAC, Barcelona. She has taughtfilm at Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica, in Santiago.

She has recentlyfinished her first feature film, DE JUEVES A DOMINGO (Thursday To Sunday),which was selected to participate in the Cannes Cinéfondation Résidence andsupported by Hubert Bals Fund, Fondo de Fomento Audiovisual (Chile) and CORFO.

Dominga has alsodirected the short films CESSNA (2005), NOVIEMBRE [November] (2007), DEBAJO[Below] (2007), LA MONTAÑA [The Mountain] (2008) and VIDEOJUEGO [Videogame](2009) which have taken part and received awards in different festivals.

TARDE PARA MORIRJOVEN is her second feature film. The project has been previously developed atthe Binger Filmlab and the Jerusalem International Film Lab.

About Sundance Institute

Sundance Institute isa global nonprofit organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981. Through itsartistic development programs for directors, screenwriters, producers,composers and playwrights, the Institute seeks to discover and support independentfilm and theatre artists from the United States and around the world, and tointroduce audiences to their new work. The Institute promotes independentstorytelling to inform, inspire, and unite diverse populations around theglobe. Internationally recognized for its annual Sundance Film Festival,Sundance Institute has nurtured such projects as Born into Brothels, Troublethe Water, Son of Babylon, Amreeka, An Inconvenient Truth, Spring Awakening, IAm My Own Wife, Light in the Piazza and Angels in America. Join SundanceInstitute on Facebook, Twitterand YouTube.

About Mahindra Group

Mahindra embarked onits journey in 1945 by assembling the Willys Jeep in India and is now a US$14.4 billion Indian multinational. It employs over 1,44,000 people across theglobe and enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, tractors andinformation technology, with a significant and growing presence in financialservices, tourism, infrastructure development, trade logistics and, recently,the entertainment industry.

Its media andentertainment company, Mumbai Mantra Media Ltd, presented Indian NationalAward-winning Best Feature Film, ‘Antaheen’ in 2009, and has recentlyco-produced ‘The Tempest’ directed by Julie Taymor . It is evaluating variousopportunities in the media and entertainment space in India as well as internationally.www.mumbaimantra.com

The Mahindra Grouphas a long standing commitment to the arts and humanities. The MahindraExcellence in Theatre Awards (META) were created to encourage both emerging andestablished theatre and celebrated its Sixth Anniversary in 2011. The Group’sencouragement and support to world music will be at its fore at the secondannual Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai in February 2012 – the largestfestival of its kind in Asia, showcasing the best international Blues artistsand providing a common platform for emerging Indian Blues bands.

Mr. Anand Mahindra,Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Mahindra Group, recently gave anendowment of $10 million to the Humanities Centre at the Harvard University,his alma mater.

To encourage andsupport the ‘young and the unknown’ and to give back to the communitiesit operates in, has been the core of the Mahindra Group’s involvement in artand culture. www.mahindra.com.

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THE BODY SHOP & DIA MIRZA SPREAD THE SPIRIT OF JOY THIS GIFTING SEASON

2011-12-23T23:44:00.000-08:00

THE BODY SHOP &DIA MIRZA SPREAD THE SPIRIT OF JOY THIS GIFTING SEASON

Lovingly interact with the Garden City’s Slum children with giftsto light up their lives.

December23, Bengaluru. The Body Shop, an ethical beauty brand that believes in nature’s way tobeautiful, today celebrated the spirit of giving in the gardencity of Bengaluru with Brand Ambassador Dia Mirza at The Body Shop store at 100ft Road, Indranagar.

“The festive season is the best time to discover the joy ofgiving. At this special time of the year, it’s good to know that giving apresent from the vast range of gifting options available at The Body Shop helpsto spread joy and love.Most of our gifts contain at least one Community Fair Trade ingredient whichmeans that the gift purchases help light up the lives of thousands of people inmarginalized communities across the world!” said TheBody Shop Official present at the event.

Earlierthis season, The Body Shop introduced gorgeous gifting ideas from small valuepacks to great-value luxury sets to suit everyone and each pocket. The Giftrange is a big hit with customers. The Body Shop gifts are perfect pamperingdelights to suit all gifting occasions ranging from festivals to birthdays toweddings and anniversaries!

Talking to the media on the occasion, Dia Mirza said, “I adore the Body Shopon two levels, my skin and my soul. This is why The Body Shop products are myfavorite give-away’s no matter what the occasion! Recently I gifted their” Beauty Must haves Gift” to my mother.A very close friend was also thrilled to receive the “Vitamin E gift box” which is also one of my all time favorites.What is wonderful and unique about The Body Shop products is the sense ofcommunity and pride they give you. When you buy the products, you immediatelybecome a part of something big, whether it is joining the fight against HIV/AIDS,spreading environmental awareness or helping a community by participating infair trade practices. It is all thesewonderful attributes that make The Body Shop my favorite brand and the ultimategifting destination! “

Childrenfrom “Akhanda Seva for International Shanti’, an NGO that works for spreading peace, goodwill and hope in the lives of exploited destitute childrenhad come done all the way from Mysore to be part of the event. Also presentwere slum children from the city’s Nagavar Palya Region. For thechildren, it was an unbelievable dream come true to meet Bollywood star and TheBody Shop Brand Ambassador Dia Mirza as well as receive Giftsand goodies from her.

Dia wasseen happily engaging with the kids talking about their Christmas plans. Thegift kits for all children made the day hugely memorable for them! The kidswere invited to be a part of this celebration on the request of Prathima M.,The Body Shop Store Manager, Indranagar, who is also The Body Shop ActivistAward Winner 2011 on account of her devotion to volunteering activities. “These kids come from the slum where Ivolunteer occasionally. Once these kids had casually shared their desire tomeet Dia! This will be the best Christmas gift for them! I am touched that TheBody Shop accepted my request.”

The Spirit ofGiving and Celebration is also being celebrated through a weeklong donationcollection which invites customers to donate generously across all The BodyShop stores in Bangaluru, The donations will be given to the NGO. Thisinitiative is a part of the ’Give Joy’ Program being run by The Body Shop.Customers and well wishers are requested to donate generously at The Body Shopstores in Bengaluru and help spread Joy and Love.

The Body Shop’s Gifting Campaign “Give Joy”has been hugely successful and an occasion true to its name!

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Shilpa Sings at WebCert !!

2011-12-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

Shilpa Rao, one of the most promising singers in Bollywood now went online on December 19^th.Shilpa reached out to her fans across the globe with her ‘never seen before’ performance through Nokia Smartnights WebCert powered by ArtistAloud.com at Andrew's Auditorium, Bandra. This WebCert for sure left her fans mesmerized and wanting for more. WebCert which is a regular property of India’s premiere digital music platform ArtistAloud.com, and streamed her performance live on ArtistAloud.com, Facebook.com, Youtube.com, Dailymotion.com and through Mobile.

Shilpa Rao is known for her popular songs like Jazba – Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, Khuda Jane – Bachna Ae Haseeno, Tose Naina Lage – Anwar, I Feel Good – Anjaana Anjaani, etc. This is the first time Shilpa performed for the web audience with all her popular tracks.

Speaking about her first WebCert, Shilpa Rao says, “It feels great to perform LIVE on web and to be able to reach thousands of people via internet. It was a great experience performing for the WebCert as one could interact with audiences on real time basis even when they are not in front of you. I want to thank ArtistAloud.com for giving me such a wonderful opportunity.”

Soumini Paul – Assistant Vice President, ArtistAloud.com further added “It’s wonderful to have an emerging singer like Shilpa Rao on board. It’s great to see such a budding talent in the Indian Music industry and we would like to wish her all the very best for an even more promising career ahead”

About Webcerts

Live WebCert is a unique concert concept where the music lovers can listen and view the live performances at the comfort of home, office or anywhere in the vicinity. All one needs is an internet enabled computer and a well good broadband connection. This monthly series started in June and has seen well known Indian artists/ bands like Shibani Kasyup, Parikrama, Nakash- Sargam perform live for the web thus taking digital media to another level.

Artistaloud.com is one of the premier brands to have started the event in India and has got a tremendous response. With these events Artistaloud.com hopes to take the music listening experience to an all together another level in India.

About ArtistAloud.com

ArtistAloud.com is a digital platform that provides music lovers access to unreleased music, which they can sample, buy as well as share with the world. An initiative pioneered by Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Private Ltd., ArtistAloud.com is an opportunity for independent artists to build a connect with their fans and for fans to have access to their music that is previously unreleased and created by the Artist for them. The site currently houses original music from over a hundred artistes - both well known and new. It has music from several genres ranging from Alternative Pop, Fusion, English and Hindi Rock, Bollywood Pop and Classic Indi-Pop in Hindi, English, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, etc. ArtistAloud.com is a revolution in the Indian independent music scene that aims to give not only artists but also music lovers the control and right to build the demand for independent music from India on a global level.

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Innovent Engineering Solutions Private Limited

2011-12-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

About INNOVENT Engineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd...

INNOVENTEngineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Bangalore is into training, consultancy and salesin the field of CAE. Their mission is to bridge the gap between academiaand Industry through training and Institute Industry interaction and to earnrecognition globally for engineering skill development through innovative ideasand methods. INNOVENT’s vision is to create a progressive and rigorousengineering culture for Indiaby building Organic-Wealth (Knowledge) in the areas of Science and Technologythrough continuous learning, research and interaction with academia andIndustry.

INNOVENT is theauthorized distributor and support partner for ANSYS academic products in India &other SAARC Countries. The company is also the authorized distributor andsupport partner for CollabCAD – a CAD software developed by NationalInformatics Centre, New Delhi.It is also the authorized distributor and support partner for CivilFEM, aproduct from Ingeciber Inc., Spain.INNOVENT is also one of the first companies in India to become a member of NAFEMS,an international association for the engineering analysis community.

InnoventEngineering Solutions is a member of National Small Industries Corporation andis rated by SMERA as a high Performance and financially stable company.IES has the proficiency and the experience in successfully marketing, sellingand providing technical support to more than 800 educational institutions allover Indiaincluding IISc, IIT’s & NIT’s.

BUSINESS PORTFOLIO

Training

Engineering Services

Product Sales

Staffing& recruitment

India

has the largest unharnessed potential to be the ESO (Engineering ServicesOutsourcing) hub of the world (Source : NASSCOM study). Definition of ESO ischanging globally and it is no more technically repetitive and non-coreengineering activity. To prepare the large engineering talent pool of India forthe challenges of the Engineering industry and the top research organizationsof India and to get our engineers ready to the challenge of grabbing thelargest share of ESO, which would touch an incredible $1 trillion by 2020,INNOVENT is conducting a job assured program called the ANALYST Program to fillthe gap.

INNOVENT is into skill assessment and competency mappingfollowed with remedial measures for academia and corporates, to fill the gap onskill set between academic institutions and industrial practices.

INNOVENTis also conducting regular training programs on various CAE simulation toolswith certification and also on engineering subjects with industry flavor forstudents, faculty and corporates.

URL : www.innoventengg.com

Contact nos. : +91-80-2520 5015 / 16 / 17.

About the Book : Engineering Critical Thinking by Ganesha H.N., ourCTO.

A concept was envisaged byINNOVENT Engineering Solutions to develop engineering spontaneity and problemsolving skills amongst young engineers aspiring to take up assignments in NewProduct Introduction. The concept gained wide acceptance with both corporateand academia as a means of improving scientific reasoning and ability to applythe physics fundamentals to real world engineering-situations. INNOVENT decidedto bring out the course in the form of a text book.

Most of the existing textbooks comprehensively deal with one aspect of design and may not have anintegrated approach needed for product development. The book has a completelydifferent style of presentation which makes engineers think laterally andinterrelate the varied facets of the situation. A simple component may have tobe looked at from different points of view such as stress, dynamics/vibration,life, assembly, manufacture, cost, weight, SFC, NVH, electrical properties,fire resistance and many more. The book has 7 chapters which covers all theseaspects systematically through theory and moderately complex situationsrelevant to the industry.

The faculty also may gainvaluable insights into different situations such as industry situations, bestpractices and rigorous application of subject fundamentals.

The book could be 'Go tomaterial' for young designers and analysts. The OEM’s could use the book to trainthe young engineers for New product introduction. Universities could use this book for a 3credit course for UG and PG students to enhance the competency andemployability. This in turn helps to bridge the gap between industry andacademia.

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International Conference on Quality & Reliable Engineering in the city of Bangalore

2011-12-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Press Release

International Conference in the city ofBangalore

A three-day internationalconference on “Quality and Reliability Engineering” (ICQRE 2011) organized byBangalore Centre of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) began this morning atHotel Atria, Bangalore. Prof. T.S. Arthanari, Department of Information Systemsand Operations Management (Business & Economics), University of Auckland,New Zealand inaugurated the conference in the presence of several distinguishedscientists from India and overseas as well as representatives from variousindustries. While inaugurating the conference, Prof. Arthanari focused on therole of SQC & OR division which could play towards improving quality oflife in particular. He felt that it is imperative to contribute to societalquality for all citizens of India in the present day context. He also stressedthe importance for the applied research to enable the industries to producehigh quality products/ services at low cost making optimum uses of availableresources.

Prof. A.K. Chaudhuri,Chairman of the organizing committee, spoke on the importance for holding suchinteractive conference so that in one hand, the industry people couldunderstand the applied research being carried out by the scientists across theglobe and on the other hand, the scientists could understand as to which problemsfrom the industry require innovative solutions from the academics. Boby John,organizing secretary of ICQRE 2011, highlighted the objectives of theconference and felt that the conference would facilitate sharing of researchbased knowledge relating to quality control, quality management, processperformance modeling and reliability engineering between the academicians andindustry people. Somnath Ray, Head,SQC&OR Unit of the ISI, Bangalore gave the vote of thanks.

Internationally acclaimed scientistslike Prof. Jeff Y. Lei (The University of Texas, Arlington), Prof. William Q.Meeker (Iowa State University, USA), Prof. Raghu Kakkar, (National Institute ofStandards and Technology, USA) and Prof. T.S. Arthanari, Department ofInformation Systems and Operations Management (Business & Economics),University of Auckland, New Zealand participated in the first day’s proceedingsand delivered keynote addresses. Representatives from various industries werepresent on this occasion.

Several other renownedscientists and experts like Prof. Shiegeru Yamada, (Tottori University, Japan)Prof. Alex Douglas (Liverpool Business School, UK), Prof. GopinathChattopadhyay (CQ University, Australia), Prof. Martin Newby (City University,London), Prof. Min Xie (City University, Hong Kong), Prof. Peihua Qiu(University of Minnesota, USA) and several other eminent academicians ofvarious research institutions from abroad and India are participating in theconference and will deliver keynote addresses in the remaining two days of theinternational conference.

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INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF THE 19th INTERNATIONAL YOGA CONFERENCE

2011-12-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF THE 19th INTERNATIONAL YOGA CONFERENCE

It was unique gathering in the form of the 19th International Yoga Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research & Its’ applications, being organized at S-VYASA. Yoga University, Bengaluru. The theme

of the conference is “Yoga for Global Health, Peace and Education”. This has evolved as a result of consequences the world has been facing with regards to health, education and peace.

Remarkable advances in science and technology have provided powerful tools in the fields of diagnosis, surgery and target oriented pharmaceuticals and has actually taken us away from the natural and
healthy living. We are obsessed by the conventional modern medical system for treating life style related disorders, which can be easily treated by mere life style changes and few healthy habits. Modern
medicine is promising in managing these disorders but remains far unsuccessful in rendering a cure.

Yoga is an Art, a Science and Philosophy. More practically it is a way life. It was the subject of various eminent dignitaries who were present in the Inauguration of the International Yoga Conference on
20th

Dec.2011 at 5.00 pm in Prashanti Kutiram. Dr.H.R.Nagendra, Vice Chancellor, S-VYASA spoke of the research base wealth of knowledge which the university has. He also mentioned about USA’s huge funding
on defense, which could if be utilized for health issues, it could be five years budget for the whole world. The power hunger has to be reduced. Materialized world has to be regulated.

Swami Gautamanadaji, President, RK Math, Chennai released the book – The Evolution of Enlightenment, which explains the new relationship between the new enlightenment and moksha.

The ex-Chief Minister Sri Yedurappa, wished all the delegates of the conference the greater heights of enlightenment.

Dr.Acharaya, Education Minister, Govt. of Karnataka said that Karnataka has first state to have UG and PG level Yoga Courses.

HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Guruji, Founder of Art of Living said that “Science and Spirituality” were never contradictory. He said that if you understand an atom, you will understand spirituality. Yoga is not
a philosophy to be kept in a library but is to be lived. Sri Sri Ravi Shakar answered a question about Russia banning the Bhagat Gita! He said that banning the Bhagawat Gita is injustice to the people of Russia and an insult to 1.2 billion people of India.

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Sharktribe – A Young -@ -Heart Apparel Brand Launched amidst Glamour & Fashion

2011-10-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Bangalore, 22nd October, 2011: SharkTribe Fashion (India) Private Limited launched its flagship brand – SharkTribe, at the F. Bar & Lounge in the city tonight. Founded by four young friends from Tamil Nadu, SharkTribe Fashion boasts of a unique mix of MBAs and Designers aiming to target the young ‘Gen-Y’ segment.

The atmosphere at F. Bar & Kitchen proved to be racy as the collections were displayed in a swanky fashion show choreographed by Sheetal Sharma entertained the guests present. The city’s very own Ramesh Dembla walked the ramp along with actress Meghana much to the delight of the onlookers.

“We were driven by the desire to create an Indian clothing and fashion brand which would offer quality clothes with great designs at reasonable prices.” said one of the founders Girish Sreevatsan.

Based out of India’s global apparel hub, Tiruppur (In Tamil Nadu), SharkTribe proposes a unique goal of an Indian clothing brand, which would be at par with the top clothing and fashion brands in the world.

Bangalore was chosen as the city of choice for the launch of the brand.

The lead designer, Parishith drew inspirations for the designs mostly from the lifestyle and interests of the Generation-Y. For example, the ‘intoxicated’ t-shirt has many words in the shape of a bottle. All these words are synonymous with the state of being intoxicated.

Customers can look forward to many such quirky and fun concepts in SharkTribe clothing. One can also find designs based on party life, disco, graffiti, pop-culture, sarcasm etc. The core philosophy of the brand and design ideations can be summed up in one word: “Regenerate” – symbolizing the breathing of new life into something.

Another founder, Arun laid down the growth plans for SharkTribe fashion. “Initially, our products will be polo t-shirts, round neck t-shirts and hoodies.” he said. “Soon we will be extending our product line with shirts, denims and other accessories. Initially we will sell our products through our online store at our website. We are also in talks with multi-brand retailers and other stores to retail our products.” he added.

SharkTribe products can be bought online at – www.SharkTribe.in.

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JAQUAR CELEBRATES AN EVENING OF ART & GLAMOUR AS IT REVEALS IT’S WORLD CLASS RANGE OF SANITARYWARE

2011-10-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

JAQUAR CELEBRATES AN EVENING OF ART & GLAMOUR AS IT REVEALS IT’S WORLD CLASS RANGE OF SANITARYWARE

Neha Dhupia & Isha Sharvani show off grace, style & aplomb, in the city

Bangalore, 14th October, 2011: Jaquar revealed its Complete Bathing range and hosted a swish evening comprising of art and entertainment to introduce their concept of “J” class, leaving Bangalore spellbound. The evening saw grace and glamour come together in a classy, stylish celebration during the revelation of the brand’s new identity.

Held at the swanky hotel - The Lalit Ashok, the evening commenced with an International Ariel Act by Isha Sharvani, followed by a fashion show with the sensuous and classy Neha Dhupia as the show stopper.

Everything that the aesthetic evening showcased was a mere reflection of how customers can now experience bath-ware like never before with the all new brand positioning & offerings by Jaquar. Jaquar now boasts of a variety of products, ranging from aesthetically designed high performing faucets, sanitary ware, wellness products, shower enclosures, water heaters and flushing systems.

Jaquar products are unique and provide world class bathroom ensembles solutions to their customers. Today, Jaquar has established itself as a complete bathroom ensemble solutions provider, with a vast portfolio to its credit. Jaquar is the only brand that provides all functional products for a complete bathroom under one roof.

Mr. Rajesh Mehra, Director & Promoter, Jaquar said at the event, “To keep Jaquar timeless and in line with our vision, the repositioned Jaquar stands for the new age customer who aspires for complete and coordinated bathing requirement. Thus, we are moving away from Jaquar as a faucet brand to Jaquar as a complete bathing brand. Since the inception of the company, it has been our passion to deliver world class bathing solutions, suiting every requirement of our customers, through constant development and continuous innovation.”

About Jaquar

Jaquar group was built on the platform of highest quality standards, aesthetics and with the intent of providing world class products. Conceived way back in 1960 by Mr. N.L. Mehra, Jaquar group is an undisputed market leader in the bath fittings category that has transformed the industry from merely utilitarian to inspirational. With the Group’s vision to evolve into a ‘Complete Bathing Solutions’ enterprise, Jaquar has also successfully diversified into various bath verticals like sanitaryware, shower enclosure, water heaters, concealed cisterns, wellness range of products like whirlpool, shower panels, showers, steam cabin and spa.

Jaquar group has recently forayed in concept lighting solutions for all residential, commercial and outdoor applications. As a one window solution, Jaquar concept lighting offers wide range of high quality products, design consultancy, installation and post care.

Over the year’s innovation, commitment and performance has been the group’s core philosophy. A globally renowned super brand, Jaquar has created worldwide presence through continuous R&D in design and today Jaquar group has:

• World class brands, products and ranges for residential and commercial purpose

• Over 60% market share in bath fittings industry

• Presence over 5 continents making it a true global player

• 3 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities spread over 1 lac sq. mts.

• Trained technicians producing 45,000 faucets a day

• 1 million happy new customers every year

• Large company operated orientation centers showcasing world class display

• Unmatched customer service and product warranty

Crossing 1000 crore mark in FY-10-11, Jaquar is truly a global bath solutions company creating benchmarks in the industry and the most preferred one stop solutions brand across the globe.

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Share Your Favorite Skin Moment With Nivea & Win A Chance To See Rihanna Live In Concert At Germany!

2011-10-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

Share Your Favorite Skin Moment With Nivea &

Win A Chance To See Rihanna Live In Concert At Germany!

Bangalore: As NIVEA India continues its 100^th year celebrations, the pace of consumer engagement goes one notch above. With a company built on Skin, NIVEA believes skin is vital and is the mirror to our soul. And the NIVEA My Skin Lounge Activation across Major Metros showcases the journey and it’s expertise on skincare.

NIVEA has signed up international star Rihanna as the voice of its 100 year celebration. The song ‘California King Bed’ accompanies the NIVEA anniversary campaign internationally. With the NIVEA MY Skin Moment Contest which forms a part of the NIVEA My Skin Lounge Activation, consumers will get an opportunity to meet Rihanna perform live at Hamburg, Germany. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter also communicate the My Skin Moment Contest to mobilize superstar Rihanna’s vast fan community.

NIVEA believes that every skin has its own story, the first time you held a loved one’s hand or the first time you felt your baby’s cheeks. Share your cherished skin moment and particiapte in the NIVEA My Skin Moments Contest and you could win:

· Tickets to see RIHANNA live in concert in Germany*

· Opportunity to feature in a special NIVEA My Skin Moments series in COSMOPOLITAN magazine – India

*Terms & Conditions apply

Bangalore will witnesses 100 year journey celebration at the NIVEA My Skin Lounge in Garuda Mall starting 14^th October and 16^th October. Kannada Actress Priyanka Upendra will also be present at the Nivea Skin Lounge. Other interesting aspects to the NIVEA My Skin Lounge is the unique psychological survey done internationally among 8,000 people from across the globe to understand the psychological interrelationships between biography, character and skin condition.

You too can discover the Language of Skin today, come indulge in a:

· Free NIVEA Skin Analysis

· Free NIVEA Skin Personality Test

· Free NIVEA Skin Lounge Services

For millions around the world, the trusted NIVEA brand has been a staple part of their household and their fondest memories. Since 1911, Skin continues to inspire NIVEA; fuelling skincare feats like pioneering the first ever stable cream, body lotion, deodorant with caring properties, Sun Protection Factor standard (SPF)& HYDRA IQ an intelligent 24H+ moisturizer –amongst others. NIVEA 100 YEARS OF SKINCARE – FOR LIFE.

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A Knowledge Conclave

2010-02-21T04:37:00.000-08:00

Mindlogicx partners Dun & Bradstreet India to host “Universities of India 2008-09” – a Knowledge Conclave

Landmark event to brainstorm relevance of IT in education delivery and creating employment opportunities in higher education segment by fostering industry-academy tie-up

Bangalore, January 16, 2009: Mindlogicx Infotech Ltd, an R & D based technology company pioneering in providing end-to-end solutions in virtual knowledge management and delivery domain, in association with Dun & Bradstreet India, one of world’s leading companies for global business information, will be hosting a Knowledge Conclave - “Universities of India 2008-09” in Bangalore between January 22 and 24, 2009. The conclave will be attended by vice chancellors of leading Universities across India, as well as leading academicians, academic administrators besides senior officials from University Grants Commission, Association of Indian Universities, NASSCOM, State Education Departments, State Service Commissions and top corporate houses in India.

This land mark event is an attempt to bring together intellectuals, academicians and corporate leaders who aspire to shape the future of emerging India as knowledge super power by 2020. Importantly the conclave would deliberate, debate and discuss key issues related to technology enabled education delivery and empowering final year college student to become “Job Ready” using technology as the enabler. Further, the conclave will ponder on increasing the employability quotient of final year students passing out of colleges & universities across various streams. Leveraging IT enabled education delivery for online delivery programmes would be another key issue that would be debated.

On this occasion Dun & Bradstreet & Mindlogicx would release a publication - ‘Universities of India 2008’, which is a repository of information on UGC recognized universities in India and the publication is expected to serve as a reference tool on Indian universities. The publication would be released by Smt. D Purandareswari, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Government of India, on the concluding day of the event. The online version of this publication will also be made available for universities and corporate houses to connect with each other for purposeful exploration of industry-academic collaboration. Further details are available at www.universitiesofindia.org.

“Universities of India 2008 publication and the conclave are first initiative of this kind which would provide information and insight to all segments and stakeholders interested in nurturing the growth of higher education in India. Further, the publication would enable Indian universities to reach out to the international market and create employment opportunities for their students globally” observed Raj Devireddy, Convenor of the conclave.

Commenting on the knowledge conclave, Suresh Elangovan, Managing Director & CEO, Mindlogicx Infotech Limited said, “The objective of this event is to foster industry-academic collaboration that would usher in a meaningful partnership between them in the long run. This event would be an ideal launch pad for students of participating universities as they would gain immediate access to world class employment opportunities”. Also he added this event would enable show-case the knowledge base of Indian universities to the world and more specifically to the corporate and industry partners.

About Dun & Bradstreet:

Dun & Bradstreet (NYSE:DNB), the world's leading source of global business information, knowledge and insight has been enabling companies to decide with confidence® for 165 years. D&B's global commercial database contains more than 131 million business records. The database is enhanced by D&B's proprietary DUNSRight® Quality Process, which transforms the enormous amount of data collected daily into decision-ready insight. Through the D&B Worldwide Network - an unrivaled alliance of D&B and leading business information providers around the world - customers gain access to the world's largest and highest quality global commercial business information database. D&B features on FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Companies Industry List, ranking first in the Financial Data Services category. D&B ranked first in the areas of employee talent, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of management and use of corporate assets. D&B has achieved this distinction for the second consecutive year.

About Mindlogicx Infotech:

Mindlogicx Infotech Ltd, an R & D based technology development company, straddles products and services verticals in knowledge management space. The company operates with two key portfolio differentiators catering to education and business space respectively with the common objective of powering competency. The company undertakes large turnkey projects of setting up virtual education framework for universities and offers services in digital content management, learning management, digital library and other allied services. It also handles e-business integration, Research & Analysis, contract R & D and IT consulting.

The company has developed and successfully deployed world’s first integrated technology platform known as “VEDAS” that powers the major solutions and services of the company.VEDAS (Virtual Education Delivery and Assessment System) provides technology platform for the flagship services of Mindlogicx including MindSpace, the virtual education solution for universities; Knowledge Assessment Platform (KAP) for corporate skills assessments and Knowledge Network (K.Net) services for its Online Finishing School.

The company has been identified as one among the “Top 15 Exciting & Emerging Companies to work for” by NASSCOM. The company is “Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific 2008” winner and Red Herring 100 Asia winner in 2008 for disruptive technology development.

South India’s largest mall to open in Feb 2010 in Bangalore

2010-01-05T03:27:00.000-08:00

South India’s largest mall is 97 pc leased, to open in February

04 Jan 2010

With 215-plus retail units, 30 escalators, 18 lifts and a built-up area of a whopping 1.3 million square feet, the much-awaited Mantri Mall (now formally named Mantri Square) in Bangalore is getting ready to open next month.

One of the many key features of Mantri Square is its portfolio of 14 anchors and mini-anchors. These include a 70,400 sq.ft Spar hypermarket, a 6-screen Inox (including Inox’s first ever Aura 70-seater VIP auditorium), a 44,000 square feet Lifestyle, a 43,000 square feet Shoppers Stop, a 33,100 square feet Pantaloons, a 23,000 square feet Amoeba FEC (with a 12-lane bowling alley), a 22,000 square feet Home Centre, an 18,000 square feet Reliance Trends, a 15,800 square feet Reliance Living, a 15,600 square feet Marks & Spencer, a 13,000 square feet Reliance Digital, a 12,800 square feet international retailer (name not disclosed), a 11,000 square feet Reliance Timeout, and a 9,800 square feet Showoff store.

The retail trading area of this mall is 60 per cent larger than Spencer Plaza Chennai (currently the largest mall in South India), more than two and a half times that of Forum Mall at Koramangala (currently Bangalore’s largest mall) and about 12 per cent more than Ambience Mall in Gurgaon.

Apart from the 14 anchors and mini-anchors, Mantri Mall also has as many as 10 superstores (outlets with a carpet area of 4,000 to 8,000 square feet), including Prestige – The Man Store, Mom & Me, Crazy Concepts, Oviesse, Office Depot, Reliance Footprint, Kalanjali Sarees, Reliance Jewels, Neeru’s Elite and Reebok Performance Store.

For food lovers, there will be 34 F&B outlets in this mall, including India’s first Taco Bell from Yum Brands Inc. and Bangalore’s first The Great Kabab Factory, the award-winning North Indian restaurant from Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.

The shopping centre's planning consultant and sole leasing agents Asipac has got new leases for more than 6,00,000 square feet in the last 8-9 months. The property is currently 97 per cent leased.

Apart from tenants such as Metro, Mochi, Adidas, Nike, William Penn, Archies among others, Asipac has strategically targeted strong local retailers, including several well established high street names from Bangalore, including Showoff, Prestige – The Man Store, Favourite Shop, Vijaylakshmi Silks & Sarees, Davanam Jewellers, Shiv Sagar, Lal’s, Fazal’s, Kushal’s Fashion Jewellery, Sanskruti and Gangotree, as well as strong ethnicwear retailers from Hyderabad, including Kalanjali and Neerus.

Mantri Square also has a number of firsts to its credit. Apart from Taco Bell, Great Kabab Factory and Aura, it will also boast of Bangalore’s first OVS, Hush Puppies, Howards Storage World, Crocs, Celio, Marvel, Manyavar, Early Learning Centre, Esbeda, Alcott, Presto, Sunglass Hut, Addons, Holii, Boggi Milano, Toyopia, Bagzone, The Eyewear Store, Tie Rack London, Tissot, Rado, Editions, Addons, Hi Chai, Men & Boys and Ayesha stores. Also, 26 of the tenants will be doing business for the first time in a mall.

In addition to clothes, footwear and lifestyle accessories, Mantri Square will offer a wide range of ETIT (electronics, telecommunications and information technology) products under one roof in India with 11 ETIT stores, the widest range of sarees under one roof with eight stores, furniture & home accessories, bicycles, toys, prescription eyewear, maternity & newborn products, Indian sweets, real and fashion jewellery, luggage, wines & liquors, haircuts, pharmaceuticals, health & nutrition products, handicrafts, foreign exchange, photo processing, men’s tailoring, ladies tailoring, air and bus ticketing, financial services, personalised awards & trophies, express printing and even a multi-brand car gallery.

Asipac is projecting footfalls of 44,000 average daily visitors in 2010, going up to 72,000 average daily visitors when the Swastik Metro Station opens adjoining the mall in 2012

Bangalore & Sanfrancisco - Bonds get stronger !

2009-12-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

Bangalore and San Francisco on Monday signed seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) strengthening the ‘sister cities’ arrangement.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Yedddyurappa and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom at Vidhana Soudha. “The sister cities concept is unique - it is a two-way process, which ensures give and take by both the sides,” the Chief Minister told reporters. Healthcare, water and sanitation, education and research, art, museum and culture, trade and commerce and fashion technology were the areas wherein MoUs were signed. Promoting growth The two cities had signed an MoU in October last year to form sister cities arrangement, aimed at promoting cooperation and understanding between the two cities and to partner in the areas of economic growth, cultural exchange, knowledge transfer and fostering clean technology. It has now been extended to seven more areas. Great output Gavin Newsom said San Francisco would take the MoU seriously and provide great results. The main thrust will be on exchanges in infrastructure development, waste disposal, environment initiatives. “Bangalore is a remarkable place which attracts creative people...I am a huge fan of India and Bangalore. Having cordial relations with India is essential,” he stated.

Source : deccan.com

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Shriram Properties launches new projects

2009-12-03T04:05:00.000-08:00

Shriram Properties, property development arm of Shriram Group, on Wednesday, announced the launch of it’s housing project consisting of over 7,000 homes across Bangalore, Chennai, Vizag and Kolkata.

Priced in the range of Rs 9 lakh to Rs 30 lakh, the houses will have amenities like swimming pools, jogging tracks, multipurpose community hall, children’s play area, shopping complexes, club houses and proximity to transportation hubs. In addition to this, the company also tied up with a school chain, which will provide educational opportunities to the residents. Shriram Properties Managing Director M Murali said “in India, there is a huge need for affordable housing and we are privileged to have all the approvals in place and to commence construction.” The Bangalore project ‘Shriram Surabhi’ and ‘Shriram Smrithi’ are being developed off Kanakpura Road and Athibele Sarjapur Road respectively. ‘Shriram Sankari’ is coming up in Chennai. In Vizag, it is coming up in Madurawada, and in Kolkata, in Uttarpara. The project, which involves an investment of Rs 850 crore, is being funded largely by private equity and will be completed within next 24 to 30 months. Bought to you by : Ravina Media Media &PR Division of Ravina Consulting No.429 Mahavir Tuscan Near Hoodi Circle, Whitefield Mahadevapura Post BANGALORE 560048 Mobile : +91.98800.80321 raghav@ravinaconsulting.com www.twitter.com/bangalorenews

Tatas, L&T in race for Bangalore high-speed rail project

2009-11-27T23:46:00.000-08:00

The Karnataka government will soon select a consortium bidder for the 35-km high-speed rail transport between Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli and the city centre, a top official said here today.

The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 5,767 crore.

"We have short-listed five consortia for the project and one of them will be selected in the next 15 days to execute the project under the public private partnership (PPP) model," V Madhu, principal secretary, infrastructure development department, government of Karnataka told reporters on the margins of a trade fair.

The five consortia are led by ADAG, Tata, L&T, ICM and Lanco. Out of the total project cost, Rs 1,040 crore will be the share of the Central government as viability gap fund and Rs 532 crore by the state government as the cost of the land.

"The state government will acquire the land for the project. The balance funds will be invested by the selected consortium," Madhu said at a special session on Karnataka: infrastructure development agenda and investment opportunities at Excon 2009, an international exhibition on construction equipment and construction technology fair.

Madhu said though the Central government had cleared the project in principle after it was vetted by the empowered committee, it needs to be cleared by the finance ministry. The financial tenders will be issued after that and 75 days time will be given for them to respond. Financial closure will be achieved by May next year, he said.

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) will be set up to execute the project and decide on the required equity.

During the 30-year term of the project, he said the state government will explore the possibility of taking a stake in the SPV in the form a golden share.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation managing director E Sreedharan had prepared the detailed project report (DPR) for the rail link in 2007.

Karnataka on a fast to complete Infra Projects

2009-11-27T23:42:00.000-08:00

Karnataka has stepped up its efforts to take up 48 of the 148 projects worth about Rs 1 lakh crore under Public Private Partnership by actively pursuing the Centre's clearance, while sorting out local bottlenecks of land acquisition, reports Business Line.

The State, which had to struggle for a long time to executive its new green international airport, is now confident of overcoming the hurdles and set in motion the process of implementation, the report added.

The Infrastructure Department plans to take up 48 projects for early implementation and it has already prepared preliminary project reports for 20 projects, it said.

According to government officials, the State had proposed 110 projects in the transport sector alone, which relates to roads, railways and smaller airports.

Though private sector companies and investors have shown interest to invest in the projects, delay caused by clearances from the Central Government and departments, land acquisition and litigation had put paid to the hopes of the projects taking off early. Some of the projects were proposed three to four years ago, the officials were quoted as saying.

The projects, proposed to be offered to investors on design, build, operate and transfer modes, could not be taken up earlier because of enormous time taken in preparing the feasibility reports, it added.

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India to be third largest economy by 2050

2009-11-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

'India to be third largest economy by 2050'
New York, Nov 21 (PTI)

India will be the third largest economy in the world after China and United States by 2050, a US-based internationally recognised foreign-policy think tank has said. An article "The G20 in 2050", carried in November bulletin of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said, "China, India, and the United States will emerge as the world’s three largest economies in 2050. Their total GDP, in real US dollar terms, will be over 70 per cent more than that of the other G20 countries combined." Other main findings include, China will become the world’s largest economy in 2032, and grow to be 20 per cent larger than the United States by 2050. Over the next forty years, nearly 60 per cent of G20 economic growth will come from Brazil, China, India, Russia, and Mexico alone. The article was written by Uri Dadush and Bennett Stancil. A Frenchman and former director of World Bank, Dadush is the director of the International Economics Programme at the Foundation, and Stancil is a Fellow at the Programme. "In China and India alone, GDP is predicted to increase by nearly USD 60 trillion—the current world GDP—but the wide disparity in per capita GDP among these three will persist," they noted. India's annual average GDP growth between 2009-2050 is predicted to 6.19 per cent, and these emerging markets will not rise among the world’s richest countries in per capita terms- their average income in 2050 will still be 40 per cent below that of the G7 nations presently. Stressing that the world's economic powers are shifting dramatically, the economists noted that the "G20's recent transformation into the world’s principal economic forum highlights the beginning of a more integrated and complex economic era." Over the next 40 years, the G20 GDP is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.6 per cent, rising from USD 38.3 trillion in 2009 to USD 161.5 trillion in 2050, in real US dollar terms. Nearly 60 per cent of this USD 123 trillion dollar expansion will come from Brazil, Russia, India, China and Mexico (BRIC+M). The experts also find that out of the G20 countries, "India is predicted to grow most rapidly, but its current modest size will prevent it from surpassing either China or the United States in real US dollar terms." The authors observe that the growth could be even faster, but the low quality of education, infrastructure, governance, and business climate will hold back progress in developing countries. Technological convergence is expected to be lower in India and Indonesia than in China and Russia. India’s Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) will be 97 per cent as large as that of the United States by 2050. India is expected to become the world’s most populous nation in 2031—and an average exchange rate appreciation of 0.9 per cent per year will push annual GDP growth to an average of 6.2 per cent, according to the study. "India’s US dollar GDP will balloon to USD 17.8 trillion in 2050, sixteen times its current USD 1.1 trillion level," write Dadush and Stancil. On the future of Europe, the report stresses that "to retain their historic influence, European nations will increasingly need to conduct foreign policy under an EU banner, a shift implied by their recently ratified constitution." It warns that the once great power Russia may be marginalised in the new economic order if it remains outside regional coalitions. Currently, Germany, the UK, France, and Italy are the fourth through seventh largest economies in the world. By 2050, the UK, helped by demographic trends, will be the largest of the four, ranking seventh in the world. Italy will be the smallest, ranking fifteenth. PPP GDP in these four countries will be less than half of that in India and less than one-fourth of that in China, the report finds. Ravina Media Media &PR Division of Ravina Consulting No.429 Mahavir Tuscan Near Hoodi Circle, Whitefield Mahadevapura Post BANGALORE 560048 raghav@ravinaconsulting.com www.twitter.com/bangalorenews

Grohe launches tech centre in City

2009-11-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

Grohe AG, one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of sanitary fittings, on Saturday, announced the launch of Grohe Technology Centre in the City.

Inaugurated by Water Resources Minister Basavraj Bommai, the centre is primarily designed to provide visitors with a first-hand experience of the Grohe product range. The range offers water saving solutions comprising faucets, showers and kitchen mixtures, highlighting the brand’s commitment towards water conservation. Briefing reporters, Grohe Vice President & Managing Director Mathew Job said “we see a lot of potential here as Bangalore is one of the fastest growing markets in the country and the consumer is exposed to international trends.” He said the estimated market size for sanitary fittings in the country is Rs 2,000 crore, and the company targeted a Rs 400 crore business here by 2012. The company plans to investment Rs 15 crore annually, and launch three more technology centres in the country by the year 2010. It recently launched an academy in collaboration with Don Bosco school in Mumbai called ‘Don Bosco Grohe Jal Academy’ to train the underprivileged with skills to become plumbers. The showers are priced in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 5 lakh.

Metro Reach-1 will be ready by December next year

2009-11-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Friday said it was on track to complete the 8-km stretch (Reach-1) from Baiyappanahalli to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium by December 2010.

Addressing members of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) here, Managing director of BMRCL, N Sivasailam, said: “The opening of the first line is a very feasible option. It is most likely to happen. We are on track.” Admitting that the award of underground (UG) tenders has suffered a delay, Sivasailam said the UG tender package would be rebid and awarded in three-month time. “However, we will open the line on the Northern stretch anytime between June and September 2011 and the Southern stretch between September 2011 and January 2012” Contract The BMRCL also announced that a contract has been signed with Johnson to supply 176 lifts to stations of Bangalore Metro at a cost of Rs 120 crore. Sivasailam further added that elevated stations will only have passenger space and there will be no room for merchandising. “Five per cent of our revenue is expected from sources other than fares, such as advertising. At the moment, our priority is to get the Metro running. It is better to test the market after the trains run” he said. Afforestation On a query from FKCCI members, Sivasailam said the BMRCL has begun an afforestation drive on 300 acres of land in the Tippagondanahalli catchment area. “Despite trees being cut, 90 per cent of them will be back, after project construction is done” he assured. The BMRCL also announced that it was working with BBMP to offer option of Transfer of Development Rights in lieu of a rehabilitation package for land losers. Source : deccanherald Bought to you by : Ravina Media Media &PR Division of Ravina Consulting No.429 Mahavir Tuscan Near Hoodi Circle, Whitefield Mahadevapura Post BANGALORE 560048 raghav@ravinaconsulting.com www.twitter.com/bangalorenews

Centre’s aid for 8 projects in Karnataka

2009-11-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

The Union water resources ministry has approved a Rs 2,019-crore assistance for eight major irrigation projects in Karnataka, involving construction of new canals and faster completion of pending works.

Karnataka Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who met Union Water Resources Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal here on Friday, told reporters that the Centre had approved financial assistance for the projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and the Prime Minister’s Special Package for farmer suicide-prone districts.

The projects are: phase III in stage I of Upper Krishna Project, Bhima Lift Irrigation Scheme, Guddadamallapur Lift Irrigation Scheme, UKP stage II, Ghataprabha Project stage III, Karanja Project and Malaprabha Project.

Bommai said the minister informed him that his ministry had written to the Planning Commission to enhance the financial allocation under the AIBP project from the existing Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,000 crore.

He also disclosed that the Union ministry of environment had cleared the Upper Bhadra Project, conceived to utilise 23 tmc feet of water from the Tunga and Bhadra reservoirs for irrigation and drinking water requirement of drought-prone areas of Chitradurga, Tumkur and Kolar districts.

As the total project cost is over Rs 5,900 crore, the State government has requested the Central government to consider this as a national project and allocate more funds, the minister said.

More funds

Meanwhile, the State government has requested the Centre to allocate more funds to repair canals in flood-hit districts. It was estimated that due to the recent floods, a total Rs 233.80 crore worth of irrigation infrastructure were damaged, including breach of several canals. As the existing Calamity Relief Fund does not have a provision to provide funds to repair damaged canals, the State government requested the Centre to allocate separate funds for the work.

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Rainwater Harvesting by BBMP

2009-11-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which has completed installing rainwater harvesting system in 16 of its buildings in the first phase, has called for tenders for rainwater harvesting structures in another 16 of its offices in the city.

The Rs 65 lakh project is expected to save nearly 1.2 crore litres of water every day in the future.

The Palike intends to complete the projects by April 2010. “We are targeting all the BBMP buildings in the city including hospitals, schools and ward offices for rain water harvesting for our internal use,” informed a Palike official.

In all, over 300 BBMP buildings are currently being targeted by the officials for rainwater harvesting. Palike officials said that the 16 buildings that already have RWH mechanism will save 1.2 crore litres of rainwaterper day.

“In the second phase Palike head office, the Council building and the IPP centre will be taken up for rain water harvesting,” said the official.

The Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, consultants to the project, has provided the feasibility report. Officials state that the third phase of rainwater harvesting, as in the previous phases, will have the same number of buildings and cost around Rs 65 lakh.

Solar power

On the other hand, the BBMP still awaits for the Government to approve two projects of installing solar panel systems to generate electricity for their internal use.
The projects were to establish the Grid connect Solar PV Systems at the BBMP Main Building and the Council Building in the same vicinity. The project was to cost Rs 2.25 crore in total to install the system.

“While solar energy will be eco-friendly and cut down on our electricity consumption in conventional terms, the capital cost is on the higher side,” opined the official.
According to the officials, the project has been approved in-principle but is yet to be approved on paper.

The Horticulture Department in the meantime has decided to create at least a 1,000 recharge pits for water percolation in the parks under its
jurisdiction.

Source : deccanherald.com

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Petition on Tagore circle

2009-11-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

The issue of Tagore Circle underpass was taken to the Central Government, with Hasiru Usiru, the Green Organisation submitting a petition to the Union Minister for Urban Development, Jaipal Reddy, on Saturday

More buses: Union Minister for Urban Development S Jaipal Reddy flagging off the BMTC buses at Shantinagar on Saturday. Transport Minister R Ashok, Principal Secretary Shankarlinge Gowda are also seen. DH PHOTOThe underpass project has been taken up by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) at a cost Rs 22 crore.

The NGO submitted the petition to Reddy, who was in the City for the flagging off 380
buses .

The petition states: “The BBMP claims that 12,000 passenger car units (PCUs) passed through the (Tagore) Circle. Independent survey done by traffic management experts about three months ago confirmed a figure of hardly 4,500-5,000 PCUs. This is a serious intentional exaggeration to justify the huge expenditure. It is reported in the media that ACP (Traffic) has disassociated with the traffic density figures assumed by BBMP.”
Reddy said that he was not for flyovers or grade separators in the City. “The flyovers (grade separators) will only cause traffic jams on it. I have tried to keep the number of projects for grade separators to a minimal through the JnNURM,” he said.

Twitter users meet Shashi Tharoor

2009-11-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

This was the moment tweeple (people who use twitter) were waiting for - a meeting with poster boy Shashi Tharoor.

There was no proverbial ice to be broken during the tweetup (meeting of tweeple) at the Bangalore International Centre. No sooner had the minister of state for external affairs finished his introduction on how he got tweeting than questions gushed in torrents -- from whether he had become a Twitter addict to problems of dealing with the Left Front government in his constitutency.

He had the audience in splits as he described his adventures on the social networking platform. Stating that the cattle-class row did a lot of damage, he said, "I was called to defend Twitter on TV and explain what Twitter was to the Prime Minister. Some even advised me to give it up for the sake of my political career."

Why did he persist? "I am not revealing any state secrets. I see this is as a tool to demystify the process of governance. It brings in an element of transparency and accountability." One overzealous suggestion was that tweeting be made compulsory for all ministers. Tharoor quipped: "I shouldn't be the one to do that."

On the transition from diplomacy to politics: "I am here for the long haul. We are all here with a mission, to serve the society. When we leave, it should be a better place."

At one point, it seemed the roles had reversed: Tharoor was the listener. The audience, comprising mostly computer professionals generously offered suggestions on how his ministry could be made more transparent and interactive by using technology. But it's evident there is a long way to go, as Tharoor said, "Twitter is banned in the MEA."

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SKF unveils its Global Testing Centre in Bangalore

2009-11-05T04:38:00.000-08:00

SKF, a leading global supplier in areas of bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems, today inaugurated its India Global Testing Centre here.

Unveiling the new Testing Centre, Tom Johnstone- Group President and CEO, SKF told reporters "we are putting in place in India a knowledge infrastructure that will significantly reduce lead time for our customers and ensure we are able to respond speedily to the requirements for new products".

The main objective, Johnstone said, will be to conduct testing at close proximity to its customers for design process and supplier validation. This shall entail greater support for SKF's processes in a faster and cost effective manner by applying global test standards that adapt to local customer specific requirements.

The Global Testing Centre at the onset will cater to the two wheeler, automotive and sealing solutions businesses of SKF and will subsequently expanded to to encompass the industrial segment as well. The Centre will also cater to teting value added solutions that integrate SKF's five technology platforms.

"The Rs 10 crore Testing Centre is the first phase of the Global Technical Centre comprising the Testing Centre, Laboratory and Development Centre involving a total investment of Rs 30 crore and an overall employee strength of 100-130", he said.

Source : PTI

Bullet Train to link Bangalore - Chennai

2009-11-05T04:25:00.000-08:00

Japanese investors have shown a keen interest in introducing a bullet train connecting Chennai and Mysore via Bangalore under a public private partnership model, besides setting up a Japanese industrial park on a 1,000-acre land in Tumkur.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has given the approval in principle to the proposal put forth by the representatives of the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO). JETRO representatives held a meeting with the chief minister in this regard on Wednesday.

However, it is not clear which Japanese companies were interested in taking up the train project, its estimated cost, the State Government’s role in it and other details. Official sources said the plan was still in its preliminary stage. JETRO, sources said, has already conducted a survey and found the Chennai-Mysore route very viable for investment.

The Union government is seriously considering developing the Chennai-Mumbai industrial corridor on the lines of the Mumbai-Delhi industrial corridor.
Moreover, Japanese car manufacturing companies Hyundai and Toyota already have their units in Chennai and Bidadi near Bangalore. Toyota has plans to set up another unit in Mysore. This will throw up lucrative business propositions as far as freight service is concerned, sources said.

55 more underpasses, flyovers on cards

2009-11-05T04:24:00.000-08:00

Many of the projects are bound to resemble the flyover at Windsor Manor and the underpass a few yards away at the Cauvery theatre junction. The only difference would be that the BBMP is likely to reduce the usage of the controversial magic box or the pre-cast element technology to almost zero.
According to BBMP sources, the Palike has proposed to build at least 55 more underpasses and fly overs at many bottleneck areas of the City including Minerva Circle, Shoole Circle, Kasturba Road, Shivananda Circle and near Commercial street. “Already we have planned to have a steel bridge from Minerva Circle to Hudson Circle. Work would start soon at Vidyapeetha Circle where an underpass is coming up. At Shoolay Circle we may require one project.

As the Metro Rail project is underway, we do not want to add more to the chaotic traffic in the City by starting new infrastructure projects. First we would like to have a clear picture of Metro Rail to take further steps in this regard,” said a top BBMP official.

Rediff picks minority stake in Imere Tech

2009-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Imere Technologies, a Bangalore-based company has got backing from India's leading online portal, Rediff.com, both in terms of capital and as a platform.Imere brings location-awareness to applications and provides a host of comprehensive geospatial features for cutting-edge mobile and Internet location-based services. Imere's technologies work without the need for GPS on mobile phones.

On the Internet, Imere endeavors to bring high levels of user location accuracy without entirely being dependant on IP addresses.

Ajit Balakrishnan [ Images ], chairman and CEO, Rediff.com said, "Location-awareness in applications is critical for hyper-local search and local advertising besides many evolving social networking and enterprise applications. Imere's technology is very cost effective in delivering location awareness."

"The investment from Rediff will not only help us achieve our goals, but also is strategically very important for the company" said Anil Mathews, founder of Imere.

Imere uses Cell-ID, Wi-Fi, GPS, IP Addresses and proprietary algorithms in its technologies, bringing best in class location accuracy for both mobile and Internet applications.

CM thanks donors

2009-10-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

It’s thanksgiving time for chief minister B S Yeddyurappa. In the wake of an overwhelming response from the public that resulted in
the state government mopping up over Rs 1,000 crore for flood relief works, Yeddyurappa has thanked the people of Karnataka, Bangaloreans in particular, for their support in contributing to flood relief.

Besides the Rs 1,000 crore from the public, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has promised to give Rs 1,000 crore. State government employees have given Rs 195 crore from their dearness allowance and Rs 30 crore from a day’s salary. Pensioners have contributed Rs 80 crore.

People who wish to contribute can draw their cheque/DD in favour of ‘Calamity Relief Fund of Karnataka’ account No. 823500111002.

Source : timesofindia.com

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‘Breast Cancer Handbook’ released

2009-10-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

A “Breast Cancer Handbook”, a guide for women in dealing with breast cancer was released by Health Care Global Enterprises Ltd, here on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion Dr BS Ajaikumar, Chairman & CEO, HCG said, “Our attempt is to spread the core message that breast cancer is not a single disease; truly it is multiple diseases behaving differently in each individual.”

According to Dr Niti Raizada, Consultant, Medical Oncology and Consultant-in-charge, Center of Breast Health & Genetic Counselling Clinic, HCG, “The challenge today is to create awareness about growing incidence of breast cancer not only in urban centres but also rural areas. With breast cancer increasingly afflicting women even in their early 40’s and in some cases even 30’s, we should strive to encourage women to visit doctors for early detection as it is the best possible remedy.”

Sharing her thoughts, Sashi Venkat, key member of the Pink Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, said “Awareness about breast cancer is minimal in India. Efforts should be made by all concerned to reach this handbook to as many women as possible and persuade them to follow it in letter and spirit.”

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Bangalorean wins prize in Korean contest

2009-10-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

A cartoon submitted by Bangalore-based cartoonist, B V Panduranga Rao has won a prize in the “Free Themes” category at the 18th Deojeon International Cartoon Contest 2009 organised in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

The prize-winning cartoon shows a big pot as a globe containing a little water at the bottom, to be distributed to millions of small pots all around. This cartoon has been included in the album brought out by the organisers and will be exhibited in the Korean Gallery in Seoul.

Rao is a former president of the Karnataka Cartoonists Association. His cartoons have been exhibited in Israel, Taiwan, Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Switzerland.

Source : deccanherald.com

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Wanted Freelance Journalists / Blog Writers, Students, Interns

2009-10-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

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Job Description: Requires a passion for writing. Reporting on things that matter around the world and ready to debate, discuss, and comment with the rest of the Ravina Media family.

Qualifications: Good English, ability to dissect and report the news without bias and with facts. Bloggers, part- time writers, students, professionals, journalists and anyone with an interest in writing and earning through writing and qualified to sign up.

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Cisco will build 4,000 houses at a cost of $10 million

2009-10-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Bengaluru
Oct. 22: When it pours… Flood victims in the under-developed north must place their faith in a state government turning increasingly to corporates to rebuild homes and infrastructure in Karnataka’s 16 flood ravaged districts.

Kicking off the launch on Thursday with the B.S. Yeddyurappa government on their new initiative Aasare or shelter was Cisco, which became the first multinational to sign on to the new public-private partnership programme.

Cisco will build 4,000 houses at a cost of $10 million. It will also set up two schools and provide healthcare software as part of a plan to introduce a telemedicine facility in the northern districts where floods destroyed the existing facilities.

Under the Aasare programme, the government will identify land on which the corporates will build houses for flood victims, a tired looking Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said, clearly signaling that he intends to get moving on the issue.

Appreciating Cisco’s gesture, Mr Yeddyurappa lauded the company “for exhibiting its corporate social responsibility,” and praised it “as a model for other companies to follow.” Last count, the chief minister’s kitty was overflowing. Rs 500 crore. Is there more coming?

Nirvana Infotech Pvt Ltd - Does a vanishing act !

2009-10-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

Vanishing act by call centre
Bangalore, Oct 21, DH News Service:

Another call centre on Prime Rose Road is in news for wrong reasons as the company directors vanished with expensive telecommunication equipment on Wednesday.

Ashok Nagar police received a number of complaints against Nirvana Info Tech Pvt Ltd and its Delhi-based directors - Sandeep Jagi, Karthik Sahai and Jayant Adhikari - all in their mid twenties. Police said, the company, which was set up three months ago, had hired expensive telecommunications equipment. Without giving any notice, the directors vacated the office premises and took away equipment with worth around Rs 30 lakh. The company also owes about Rs 6 lakh to Vinayaka Travels.

Sources said, the directors were in financial mess after their Australian counterparts let them down. The company had orders on hand when it started. Police have secured one of the employees for questioning. At least 40 employees were sent on leave, a fortnight ago

H1N1 private testing lab inaugurated in City

2009-10-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

H1N1 private testing lab inaugurated in City

'We are geared up to tackle the second wave of Influenza A (H1N1). Large scale awareness programme about the flu has been scheduled at district level at the end of this month,' said State Health Commissioner P N Srinivasachari here on Wednesday.

Inaugurating the first H1N1 swab testing private laboratory at the Narayana Nethralaya hospital here, the commissioner said: “The second wave of H1N1 influenza has already started in the United Kingdom and we are prepared to face the situation. Opening more testing labs will help people to cope with this health condition.”

While confirming that there was a second wave of the flu in the UK, Dr V Ravi, Prof and HoD, Department of Neurovirology, Nimhans, who visited Kingscross Hospital in UK, said: “With the winter having started in the UK, the Kingscross Hospital has received more numbers of patients in October than in the past two months.”

Dr Ravi said that four international pharma companies Bayer, Sanofi Pasteur, Novartis and GSK Glaxo Smith Kline have been given the licence to produce H1N1 vaccine for India by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research).

Currently, the companies are conducting clinical trials. The vaccine is likely to be out by January 2010 in the country. The hospital will charge Rs 5,500 to test one sample at their lab. The laboratory has the capacity for processing 80 samples per day.

Death toll rises to 111

Two more persons succumbed to influenza A (H1N1) taking the death toll to 111 in the State, with 67 in Bangalore alone. A 52-year-old man and a 22-year-old women expired at two different private hospitals in Mysore. Their swab test results were found to be positive on Wednesday.

Seven more cases have tested positive for the flu, of which five were reported in Bangalore, and one each in Ramanagara and Bidar. Till date 1,283 persons have tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1).

Discover Darwin Now - exhibition opens in Bangalore

2009-10-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

''A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life,'' so said Father of Evolution — Charles Robert Darwin. Feteing the bicentennial birth anniversary of the celebrated English naturalist and founding father of controversial Origin of Species theory, country’s Science City, is hosting a 15-day long Darwin Now Exhibition.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, British Library Manager Charu Sapra, said the idea behind bringing the globally travelling fair to India’s Silicon City was to inculcate an interest, and kindle a revival of scientific spirit, not only among City’s young adults, but equally among its larger highly erudite diaspora.

Darwin Now, she said, is a stunning exhibition created by British Council to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book ‘On the Origin of Species’.

The exhibition explores the origins of Darwin’s book, outlines his central ideas and explains how those ideas are as important to us today as they were when they were first published.

Yes, nearly, 150 years ago — One man, and one book, came to symbolise the new biology of evolution, whose seminal study on the workings of nature and the variety of life re-imagined the ways that underlie all modern biology.

Further, Sapra said, the educative fair is aimed at walking students of various schools and colleges, as also others keen on pursuing science, through different facets of the scientist and the thesis he propounded and indirectly help in catalysing science education in the portals of various education in India and world.

The exhibits, with attractively designed posters seek to address Who was Charles Darwin? Why was he so controversial? Why is he still relevant today? and help explore his exciting world through interactive materials as people go through the discover Darwin now programme.
It explores the origins of Darwin’s book, outlines his central ideas, and explains how they remain at the core of contemporary research in biology and medicine till date.

Darwin Now is an international programme which investigates evolutionary theory and the influence that Darwin has made on our society, Sapra pointed out. As British Council Director Science Dr Lloyd Anderson succinctly put it: the Darwin Now exhibition is both colourful and interactive, to be enjoyed by children and adults. Each panel tells its own story. These activities are designed for teachers and facilitators to help students to look at the world around them and to see how Darwin’s legacy lives on today.

While first leg of the exhibition is at The Forum, Hosur Road till October 26, the second leg shifts to Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, T Chowdiah Road and will be on till November 2, 2009, Sapra said.
Darwin Now Exhibition Caravan, she said, will then chug on to Ahmedabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, right through the year into the New Year. Yes, celebrate life, evolution and discover Darwin Now.

Source : deccanherald.com

The Kingfisher Great Indian October Fest 2009

2009-10-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

October 16, 2009, Posted by Kingfisher at 4:23 pm

The Great Indian October Fest (TGIOF) is produced on the lines of internationally renowned German Oktoberfest, which takes place in Munich, Bavaria. TGIOF has the essence of Oktoberfest felicitously blended with Indian flavor.

Charm of the event lies in having oodles of fun with friends and family; along with non-stop live music performances, great art to see and participate, games to be enjoyed, spending time and searching the flea market for funky memorabilia, seeing and experiencing unique range of automobiles from past and present, enjoying classic movies and finally eating great, sumptuous food with fresh and refreshing beer.

TGIOF is a total package of fun and frolic to entertain one and all for three full days starting from Friday to Sunday. TGIOF is a carnival, a melting point for people to have a good time.

A total of 20 Food courts and comfortable covered seating areas for 400 people will be organized at the Food Fest area.

Sumptuous food will be available at the venue, catering all taste buds from starters to full course meals.

Food fest in its true style will have the following caterers with their stalls:

* BJN group: Chinese, Thai, Italian, German, English continental and Arab cuisines
* Clarks Resorts: North Indian, South Indian, Goan and Guajarati cuisines
* Pizza by U.S. Pizza
* Coffee and Pastries by Barista
* Chats and Mouth watering starters by Chef Victor
* Mirchi Fries: Indian Varieties – Chilli, Potato, Onion, Capsicum, Banana and many more
* Frankie Rolls: Vegetarian & Non Veg
* Plus loads of Popcorns, Sweet Corns, Candies and Roasted Starters

Special Attraction: Bombay Mithai & Ice Gol Guppies.

All the above caters will maintain high levels of hygiene and are well known for their great food. The overall arena will be cleaned & maintained hygienically for guests to enjoy their time.

Come Join the Party and be part of most happening event in Bangalore 23-25 Oct 2009

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S.F. sustains ties with Bangalore Andrew S. Ross

2009-10-17T22:39:00.001-07:00

San Francisco is turning its eyes toward India.

Next month, a delegation of city officials and corporate executives, led by Mayor Gavin Newsom, will be spending three days in Bangalore, where initial agreements on projects involving sustainable building, health technology, water treatment and solid waste management are expected to be signed. All areas in which Bangalore, India's version of Silicon Valley, have said it could use some help.

The trip also marks a coming-out party of sorts for San Francisco and Bangalore as sister cities. "It's our fanfare," says Jim Herlihy, co-chair of the San Francisco-Bangalore Sister City Initiative. Herlihy, a managing director of Deutsche Bank, and Madhav Misra, who formerly headed a hedge fund and private equity group at Citibank in San Francisco, have been quietly building on the relationship since the two cities officially became siblings, at Newsom's behest, last year.

As with San Francisco's growing relationship with Shanghai, the aim is to develop business and trade ties - sustainably, the organization's mission statement emphasizes - with an Indian metropolis that is exploding, technologically and geographically, with a population estimated to be 10 million by 2012. "Given Bangalore's growth rate, and the role Indians already have in the Bay Area economy, there's enormous untapped potential," Misra said.

The two co-chairs have already rounded up some heavy hitters. Board members include Kumar Malavalli, founder of San Jose's Brocade Communications, Vish Mishra, president of the Indus Entrepreneurs, an Indian-American business group in Silicon Valley, and Regis Kelly, who chairs the Bay Area Scientific Innovation Consortium. (A specific biotech agreement is on the November trip's agenda.)

Corporate sponsors range from Cisco Systems, whose LEED-compliant building - India's first - on its Bangalore campus will be highlighted on the trip, to Taj Hotels, a subsidiary of the giant Tata Group conglomerate, which numbers San Francisco's Campton Place among its U.S. properties.

The latter's involvement, along with Bangalore's UB Group, which owns the Mendocino Brewing Group (Red Tail Ale, Blue Heron) along with India's Kingfisher Beer and Kingfisher Airlines, points to the two-way-street nature of the relationship. "We want Indian investors and businesses to look at the Bay Area as a logical point of entry," Herlihy said.

Misra added: "As this becomes India's as well as China's time, we want to see the Bay Area benefiting from it."

More information on the San Francisco-Bangalore Sister City Initiative at www.sfbangalore.org.

Another passage to India: Coincidentally, the San Francisco delegation arrives one week after the Obama administration wraps up its business trip there.

This one's being led by another Bay Arean, Ro Khanna, a deputy assistant secretary in the Commerce Department. Khanna, formerly an intellectual property lawyer at the San Francisco office of O'Melveny & Myers, is the first Indian American to lead an official trade delegation to India.

He was not available to talk about the five-day trip to New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, but the focus is supposed to be on energy efficiency, "clean" energy, and what U.S. companies could bring to the Indian table in those areas.

Despite India's demurrers on mandated emission reduction targets, it has been investing more in the renewable energy field of late. Last week, it signed an agreement with Scotland "to drive innovation in renewable energy and support both governments' goals to increase supplies of wind energy, solar power and biofuels," according to a Scottish government statement.

Time for the United States to play catch-up.

Blogging at sfgate.com/columns/bottomline. Tweeting at twitter.com/andrewsross. Tips, feedback: E-mail bottomline@sfchronicle.com.

RCB out ICL20

2009-10-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

Bangalore, Oct 17 (PTI)

Bangalore Royal Challengers and Delhi Daredevils crashed out of the Champions League Twenty20 after the formers' eight-wicket victory over their Indian Premier League opponents here today.

In a dramatic League B Super Eight match at the packed Chainnaswamy Stadium, Ross Taylor smashed a blistering 65 off just 38 balls to help Bangalore surpass the target of 139 with nearly five overs to spare.

Earlier, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Anil Kumble led from the front by grabbing three wickets to restrict Delhi Daredevils to a modest 138 for six.

Bangalore were only playing for pride as they were already out of contention for a semifinal berth after Cape Cobra's victory over Victoria Bushrangers in another League B match earlier in the day.

PTI

KSPBC - Noise Pollution

2009-10-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

The Board has set up air quality and noise level monitoring apparatus in 33 places in the State including Bangalore. Air quality monitoring stations will be set up in nine places and noise monitoring stations in five places in the city.

The Board’s staff will calculate levels of sulphur di oxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and respirable suspended particulate matters in these centres. An official said pollution levels are being monitored during Deepavali for the last few years.. During the festival in 2006 the average noise level in Jayanagar residential area was 56 decibels and in 2008 it went up to 73. Similarly in Vijayanagar club premises (residential area) the average noise level in 2006 was only 70 dB, while two years later it was 81 dB.

The KSPCB staff takes readings throughout the day and compare the same with the those on normal days. For this year the staff will record the pollution levels on October 17, 18 and 19. In addition, they will take readings on October 21.

Air quality monitoring
TERI, Domlur; NIMHNS campus; Central Silk Board; Victoria Road; Yeshwantapur; Victoria Hospital; Graphite India, Bangalore East; RR Foundry, Yelahanka; Urban Eco Park, Peenya

Noise monitoring
Cubbonpet; ESI hospital, Rajajinagar; Vijayanagar Club; AECS layout; Yelahanka New town

Do you want to learn Rain Water Harvesting ?

2009-10-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

Residents keen on getting to know more about rainwater harvesting (RWH) can attend a free awareness workshop to be organised by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), shortly.

Experts in the field will be delivering lectures, said an official. Those interested in taking part can contact the PRO on this number: 22945114.

The BWSSB has also printed four lakh pamphlets, in both Kannada and English, to spread awareness among the people. They were being distributed door to door by meter readers, the official added.

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Silk City Near Bangalore

2009-10-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

The Karnataka government is proposing to set up a ‘Silk City’ near Bangalore to provide better infrastructure to silk-based industries at one place.

“The proposed project is likely to come up near the Bangalore International Airport and the State government is planning to spend Rs 50 crore for it as initial investment to develop facilities,” Karnataka Minister for Textiles and Sports Gulihatti D Shekar told reporters at the national capital on Thursday.

According to proposal, the government will provide facilities to manufacture, market and design silk products in one place. Shekhar, who met Union Minister of Textiles Dayanidhi Maran here on Thursday to discuss about this project, sought Centre’s grant for it.

“Maran has asked the State to submit a detailed proposal and has promised to provide financial assistance,” Shekar said.

Karnataka produces 65 per cent of country’s raw silk and around 75,000 weavers are involved in manufacturing silk products including silk sarees, fabrics and garments.
The State government has also planned to set up a “Vasthra Grama” at Muddenahalli near Yelahanka, adjacent to the airport, with an investment of Rs 20 crore. The project will facilitate handloom and power loom weavers to produce their products at one place and market it. The government has already identified 18 acres of land and will soon start construction works, he said.

Shekar said that the Union Minister has assured to provide 50 pc assistance for restructuring Karnataka State Handloom Co-operative Societies Federation. The Centre also asked the State to submit a proposal to provide special rehabilitation package for weavers of North Karnataka affected by flood.

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2009-10-12T10:52:00.001-07:00

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Website on flood info launched

2009-10-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Sunday launched an exclusive website -- www.karnataka.gov.in/floodrelief2009, which gives a detailed information about the recent flood fury.

It also has information about the relief and rehabilitation works the Government has taken up. The website will post the names of those who contribute for the relief works. It is connected to the official website of Karnataka Government -- www.karnataka.gov.in Meanwhile, donations for flood victims kept pouring in. As a contribution towards relief of flood victims, Sri Panduranga Vishnu Sahasranama Mandali, has transported and distributed 20,000 chapatis and bun packets. The President of the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA), Bangalore, Ronald Colaco has donated a sum of Rs 10 lakh towards the CM’s relief fund. Karnataka Medical Council has contributed Rs 1 lakh towards Chief Minister's relief fund to help rehabilitate flood affected victims. Basavanagudi Srinivasa BJP Mahila Morcha collected Rs 21,600 and donated it towards CM’s flood relief fund. Karnataka State Tailor’s association contributed Rs. 1 lakh towards CM’ relief fund. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Karnataka have sent 5 truck loads of relief materials. Federation of Karnataka Electricity Board Employee's Union and Associations and all Escoms has contributed one-day's salary and Rs 3 crore towards Chief Minister's relief fund. Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited have contributed Rs 50 lakh towards CM's relief fund.

Adobe Counteracts Software Piracy in India

2009-04-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Adobe Counteracts Software Piracy in India

India. — April 24, 2009 — Adobe Systems Incorporated has launched one of its largest initiatives to battle software piracy working in collaboration with local law enforcement and government authorities across the country. Designed to curb software piracy across various industries, this initiative includes 25 civil enforcement actions recently conducted across six major cities and other key locations within India. Organizations suspected of unlawfully using Adobe software are potentially liable for both civil and criminal penalties, including payment of damages and undertaking actions to use fully licensed software only.

The enforcement actions recently undertaken on behalf of Adobe encompassed a broad cross section of users within commercial institutions, the IT and BPO industry, and other organizations dealing with creative content. Each year, software companies worldwide lose over $47 billion in revenue to piracy, according to research conducted by the Business Software Alliance.

Commenting on the drive, Sandeep Mehrotra, Sales Director, Adobe India said, “Our first priority is to inform and excite our customers about the power of Adobe Creative and Business Solutions. At the same, time we educate our users on Adobe licensing programs and the concept of Software Asset Management to ensure they are working within the law. Where we find flagrant violations of our intellectual property, we will take legal action against both the distribution channel and purchaser to protect our rights,” added Mr. Mehrotra.

With corporate governance in the limelight, more and more organisations are embracing software asset management to ensure peace of mind and business integrity. Adobe is actively engaged with various industry bodies working on educating companies on the importance and value of software asset management.

More information on the impact of piracy on the Indian software industry and on Adobe’s licensing policies (including free seminars on software asset management) can be obtained by writing to write2us@adobe.com.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information – anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

For further information, please contact:
Prabhjeet Singh
Adobe Systems
981-027-4546
prsingh@adobe.com

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Launch - Honda Activa in Bangalore today

2009-04-17T23:55:00.001-07:00

Honda Motorcycles & Scooter India Pvt Ltd (HMSI), 100 per cent owned two-wheeler subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Japan, on Friday, announced the Bangalore launch of New Honda Activa Standard variant in the City.
Briefing reporters, Honda Motorcycles & Scooter India General Manager Finance Kabra said “we believe in constant innovation and providing the best quality products for our customers. We are confident of the southern market as South India accounts for 34 per cent of the total sales of the company.” Priced at Rs 41, 336 ex-showroom Bangalore, the new Activa is powered with a 110 cc engine and enhanced features including increase in storage capacity. The company claims it comes with 15 per cent increased mileage capacity and will be available in six colours — Candy Lucid Red, Pearl Sunbeam White, Wild Purple Metallic, Space Silver Metallic, Geny Grey Metallic and Black.

The Deluxe variant, which will be launched in August will be the first scooter in India to be equipped with a Combi-brake which enables shorter braking distance for the rider.