Bangalore & Sanfrancisco - Bonds get stronger !

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

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

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

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

'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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

''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

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

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

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

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 ?

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

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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Website on flood info launched

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

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

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.