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TVS Velocity 160

2010-12-09T02:44:00.000-08:00

TVS recently unveiled the concept for the TVS Velocity 160 at the Jakarta Motorcycle Show. This bike looks more like the modified version of the Apache RTR 160. The bike also has lots of similarity to the Yamaha FZ 16 that we see on the Indian roads. The bike employs the saber tooth design that has taken over many Honda design on the tank element. This bike is more like a street fighter version of the Apache RTR 160 and has huge front petal disc brakes, upside down forks, a non-faired front, wide tires and wait for it, a rear mono-shock as the hallmarks of its design.

Though Yamaha and Honda both have already introduced such street fighter concept bikes in Indonesia earlier, this launch by TVS was a measure to understand the first reactions of the Indonesian markets to such style of bikes.

The front tires on the Velocity 160 concept are Battlax 120/70-17, while rear alloys are wrapped in 150/60-17 Battleax rubber. The monoshock unit at the rear is said to be an YSS unit.

Benny Yuniardi Widiatmoko, GM TVSMCI Marketing Group said, “This is a street fighter concept of TVS Indonesia to see the market reaction on the design of this bike”

TVS Velocity 160 rough specs

Head lamp: TVS Neo X3i

Brakes: Kitaco

Front tyre: Bridgestone Battlax 120/70-17

Rear Tires: Bridgestone Battlax 150/60-17

Front Suspension: upside down forks (Mito)

Rear Suspension: YSS Monoshock unit

Front / Rear disc: After Market

Swing Arm: Custom

Body Work: Custom Fiberglass

Tank: TVS Apache RTR 160 DD

Speedo Meter: TVS Apache RTR 160

Revision of electoral rolls

2010-11-15T10:36:00.001-08:00

Niranjan Mardi, Poll Observer for Tuticorin District, reviewed the progress of receipts of claims and objections to the summary revision of electoral rolls at a meeting here on Saturday, the last date for revision.

Collector and District Election Officer C.N. Maheswaran, Electoral Registration Officers of six Assembly constituencies, tahsildars and revenue officials, besides representatives of major political parties and cadre were present.

When the cadre demanded that the title page should have details of part number, poll area and number of electors for the booths, Mr. Mardi replied that a software to give the details in print form would be ready soon. Till Friday, 14,427 applications had been received.

According to draft rolls released earlier, Tuticorin district had 10,47,550 voters of which 5,17,543 were men and 5,30,007 women. Sajjansingh R. Chavan, Sub-Collector; D. Ravichandran, District Revenue Officer; Samuel, Tahsildar (Election); Sivan, Personal Assistant to Collector (General); and N.B. Nagarajan, PA to Sub-Collector, were present.

BSNL introduces 3-G mobile services

2010-11-09T03:03:00.001-08:00

3G Postpaid and Prepaid Data Service

3.1 Activation of Data Plans : SIM and Activation charges as applicable to 3G Postpaid & Prepaid voice plan will also be applicable for 3G data services.

(i) In place of existing FRC 120 for activation of 3G data plan, the following two new FRCs for activation of data plan are introduced.

Particulars	FRC 51
MRP of FRC (Incl. of S.Tax)	Rs.51
Free usage value in Rs.	Nil
Validity	180 days
Free Data usage	1 GB per Month for 2 months
Availability	Through C-Topup
Applicability	Any data plan with sale of BSNL data card or any of the BSNL bundled data card
Base Voice Tariff plan	As per prepaid General 120 plan

In case of postpaid connections, the customer will be allowed 1GB/Month for two months or 500MB/Month for 3 months from the date of activation depending upon the data card purchased by customer.
The customer buying data card from open market will have to use FRC 120 for activation of data plan and use any of the data RCV for usage.
The above free data usage will be allowed at the time of activation only.

3.2.1 3G Postpaid Data Plans & Prepaid Data Recharge Vouchers

a) 3G Postpaid Data Plans

Fixed Monthly Charge in Rs.(Service Tax Extra)	Day/Any time usage in GB	Night * usage in GB	Total bundled free Usage in GB	Data Charges in Rs./10 KB*** (except APN 'bsnlstream')	Data Charges in Rs./MB***(For APN bsnlstream)
~~299~~ 199 Promotional Tariff valid up to 20.12.2010	0.50	--	0.50	0.01	0.25
~~399~~ 319 Promotional Tariff valid up to 20.12.2010	1	--	1	0.01	0.25
549	1	5	6	0.01	0.25
~~649~~ 519 Promotional Tariff valid up to 20.12.2010	2	--	2	0.01	0.25
999	10	--	10	0.01	0.25
1359	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	--	--

b) 3G Prepaid Data Plans

Data RCV in Rs.(Inclusive Service Tax)	Day/Any time usage in GB	Night * usage in GB	Total bundled free Usage in GB	Validity (days)**	Data Charges in Rs./10KB*** (except APN 'bsnlstream')	Data Charges in Rs./MB***(For APN bsnlstream)
~~275~~ 222Promotional Tariff valid up to 20.12.2010	0.50	--	0.50	30	0.01	0.25
~~440~~ 352 Promotional Tariff valid up to 20.12.2010	1	--	1	30	0.01	0.25
606	1	5	6	30	0.01	0.25
~~716~~ 572 Promotional Tariff valid up to 20.12.2010	2	--	2	30	0.01	0.25
1102	10	--	10	30	0.01	0.25
1499	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	30	--	--

*11.00 PM to 07.00 AM
This will increase the validity of main and dedicated accounts both. * Data charges beyond free usage shall be deducted from the available balance in his main account. Free data usage is available both from home LSA and while roaming.

3.2.2 Short term validity data recharge vouchers for 3G prepaid services

MRP of RCV in Rs. (Inclusive of Service Tax)	Service Tax in Rs.	Cost of RCV in Rs.	Free data usage in MB	Validity in days
10	0.93	9.07	20	1
25	2.33	22.67	50	3
50	4.67	45.33	100	7

Note: In case of STVs/Data RCVs, the circle can suitably adjust the MRP in the price band up to Rs.3 (+/-) of price mentioned in the website, considering the technical feasibility.

3.2.3 3G Data Top-up Voucher

Type of Voucher	MRP (Incl. of S. Tax)	Free Usage in MB	Validity
3G Data Top-up	Rs.197	500 MB	Nil

Promotional Scheme:
A) Promotional Scheme for 90 days: The 3G customers who make a commitment of longer period may be provided 3G data card (Make/Model-Linktop/LW 272, Data speed-3.6 Mbps, Single Band, USB Type) free of cost as per following scheme:-

i) Postpaid data plan:-

Free Usage in GB/Month	FMC in Rs.	No. of months advance payments	Total advance payments in Rs. (S. Tax Extra)
2 GB	519	19 months	9861
10 GB	999	10 months	9990
Unlimited	1359	7 months	9513

ii) Prepaid data plan:-

Bundled free Usage in GB/Month	FRC in Rs. (S. Tax Extra)	Validity of FRC in months
2 GB	9861	19 months
10 GB	9990	10 months
Unlimited	9513	7 months

iii) No other freebies/discounts are allowed with the above scheme.

iv) The above free data card scheme shall be made available through BSNL, CSC only.

v) This is a promotional scheme for 90 days w.e.f. 22.09.2010.

B) Promotional 3G unlimited data plans:
i)Postpaid plan:-

Sl. No.	Amount in Rs. (Incl. of S. Tax @ 10.3%)	No of months advance FMC
a)	Rs.2000	2 Months
b)	Rs.2500	3 Months
c)	Rs.4200	6 Months

The amount will be recovered as advance Fixed Monthly Charges (FMC).

ii) Prepaid plan:-

Sl. No.	Amount in Rs. (Incl. of S. Tax @ 10.3%)	Validity
a)	Rs.2000	60 Days
b)	Rs.2500	90 Days
c)	Rs.4200	180 Days

The amount mentioned above will be charged through RCVs.

iii) This offer will remain open for a promotional period of 90 days from 01.11.2010.

3.3 Trial Pack :( Inclusive of Service Tax)

1	MRP of Trial pack in Rs. (Incl. of S. Tax)	Rs.121
2	Free usage in MB	300 MB
3	Validity in days*	15 days

Data charges for trial pack customers after use of 125MB / 300MB or 15 days expiry shall be as per his base plan.

*This will increase the validity of Main and dedicated accounts both.

3.4 Base Voice Tariff for Data plans:-

(A) POST-PAID

Sl. No.	Particulars	Postpaid Plan-99
1	Call Charges	Rs./Min
2	Voice Call
3	Local- On-net	0.49
4	Local - Off-net	0.49
5	STD - On-net	0.49
6	STD- Off-net	0.49
7	Video Call
8	Local-Video calls	0.70
9	STD - Video calls	1.00
10	ISD Calls in Rs./Min
11	Voice Call	As per 2G postpaid plan 99
12	Video Call	Not available
13	P2P SMS	Rs./SMS
14	Local	0.49
15	National	0.49
16	International	5.00
17	National Roaming	Rs./Min
18	Voice - Local Outgoing	1.00
19	Voice - STD Outgoing	1.00
20	Voice Call - Incoming	1.00
21	Video Call - Local Outgoing	1.50
22	Video Call - STD Outgoing	1.50
23	Video call - Incoming	1.00
24	Local/National SMS (Rs./SMS)	1.00
25	International SMS (Rs./SMS)	5.00
26	Data usage charges	As per data plan
27	All other charges not covered above	Postpaid plan 99

(B) Prepaid Plan - As per prepaid General 120 plan

3.5 Sale price of USB and PCMCIA type HSDPA data cards

Sl. No	Name of the Vendor (Type)	Make/ Model	Data Speed	Frequency Band	MRP (Rs.) (Incl. of all taxes)
1	M/s. TERACOM LTD (USB Type)	Linktop / LW272	3.6 MBPS	Single Band	2000
2	M/s. TERACOM LTD (USB Type)	Linktop / LW273	7.2 MBPS	Tri Band	2500
3	M/s. Capitel Wireless Pvt. Ltd (PCMCIA Type)	Option / GTMAX having Qualcom chipset 7200 Globe Trotter HSUPA	3.6 MBPS	Single Band	4000
4	M/s. Capitel Wireless Pvt. Ltd (PCMCIA Type)		7.2 MBPS	Tri Band	4500

Airtel 3G Tarrif

2010-11-09T03:01:00.001-08:00

Bharti Airtel to unleash Broadband Revolution in India – To launch 3G in 2010

• Set to lead the next phase of India’s telecom success story by introducing a new range of services in areas of Mobile Commerce, Health and Entertainment
• Airtel in advanced stage of discussion to offer all India coverage

New Delhi, October 25, 2010 : Bharti Airtel, which has been at the forefront of the mobile revolution in India, today said that it will launch its 3G services before the end of 2010, to usher in broadband data revolution in the country.

Airtel, the largest mobile services provider in India, will offer customers the widest 3G network in India. Airtel successfully bid for 3G spectrum in 13 telecom circles across India and is rolling out state-of-the-art networks in these geographies. These 13 telecom circles also constitute 68% of Airtel’s revenue market share. This includes key metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, which account for 21% of all data traffic in the country and are expected to have the strongest uptake of 3G services.

Airtel is also in advanced discussions with other quality operators to offer 3G services to its customers across the country. This will not only ensure seamless roaming, but also offer 3G broadband to its entire customer base in India.

Mr. Sanjay Kapoor, CEO – India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel said, “3G services will mark the beginning of the next phase of India’s telecom growth story and elevate India’s telecom sector at par with most advanced telecom markets in the world. 3G services have the potential to transform the lives of millions of Indians by taking a variety of life enhancing services on high speed broadband to the remotest corners and bridge the digital divide. In addition, 3G services will have a strong multiplier effect on economic growth and bring in enhanced efficiencies. It will be Airtel’s endeavor to lead India’s journey on the information superhighway with world-class 3G services.”

Bharti will be deploying high speed HSPA networks provided by Ericsson, Nokia Siemens Network and Huawei. The High Speed Packet Access network will be the best in world in terms of technology and will enable high peak user throughputs.

Airtel's 3G services will usher in a new era of unique life style enabling products. Along with meeting the growing demand of high speed surfing and wireless entertainment, Airtel will introduce a suite of products in areas such as mobile commerce and mobile health.

In 2006, Bharti became the first Indian operator to launch 3G services when it started 3G operations in Seychelles. Currently, Bharti Group is successfully running 3G broadband services in four countries - Sri Lanka, Jersey, Guernsey and Seychelles. For India, Bharti will also draw significantly from the expertise of its partner Singtel, who offers one of the world’s most advanced 3G networks in Singapore, Australia, Philippines and Indonesia.

Airtel 3G Data Card Price

2010-11-09T03:00:00.002-08:00

Airtel 3G data card – Now surf wirelessly at broadband speed with Airtel 3G USB modem. Airtel has started offering 3G broadband services in India.

But there is a catch currently you can access internet with Airtel 3G Data Card at only 256kbps of speed not 3.6 Mbps. The reason behind this – India is yet to complete the auction of licences for the 3G spectrum.

As we know 3G auction will be completed in next three months then you can access Internet at speeds up to 3.6 Mpbs with Airtel 3G USB modem.

Airtel 3G Data Card Price in India – Rs. 3,499/- Indian Rupee (INR)
Airtel 3G USB modem is available in both prepaid and postpaid tariff. It will take minimum 6 months to enjoy full freedom of 3G but if you are very eager to use 3G data card then we suggest you to try MTNL or BSNL 3G data card.

Airtel 3G to Launch

2010-11-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

After the bidding war we witnessed during the 3G Auctions, Indian telcos are all set for another race. To (finally) begin offering 3G services in India. Tata DoCoMo and Vodafone have already announced their timelines for rolling out 3G. While DoCoMo is set to win this race by declaring November 5th as their D-day. Vodafone is expected to begin their 3G operation sometime in the first quarter of 2011. Airtel has one-upped them with this announcement.

During the Auction, Airtel had successfully bid for 13 zones including key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. These cities account for 21 per cent of data traffic in the country. They are also most likely to have early adopters who are eagerly waiting to get their hand(set)s on 3G. Incidentally, the 13 circles also account for 68 per cent of the telco’s revenue market share.

Airtel is also reportedly in talks with other operators across the country to ensure that all Airtel subscribers in India have access to its 3G services. The high speed networks deployed will be provided by the likes of Huawei, Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Network.

Apart from when, the bigger question on the minds of potential adopters is ‘how much’ these services will cost. Most Indians were very lucky to be able to use 2G data services at very low costs, and in many cases – at no cost. That is unlikely to be the case with 3G given the intense bidding battle during the 3G Auction. Several experts had even raised doubts over whether many of the telcos would be able to sustain themselves given the cost of acquiring spectrum, especially if a pricing war was to break out – akin to the one following DoCoMo’s per second pulse.

Of course, promising and actually offering services are two very different things. 3G has been ‘coming’ to India for years now. A year ago, Airtel had estimated they would be able to launch their 3G services by Diwali 2010.

It will be interesting to see how many of them are able to stick to their deadlines. Come November 5th, we will have a clearer picture of what lies ahead.

THOOTHUKUDI

2010-11-08T02:03:00.001-08:00

Corals in Mannar Gulf dying

THOOTHUKUDI: Corals in the Gulf of Mannar may soon be a thing of the past if the current die-off trend continues. A reef research team from the Suganthi Devadason Marine ResearchInstitute (SDMRI) in Thoothukudi recorded coral mortality this October — a first since 2002 — during a meticulous rapid monitoring in theGulf of Mannar.
The reputable research institution has regularly been monitoring coralreef in the Gulf of Mannar since 2005 after developing a baseline oncoral status here during 2003-2005.
According to the director of the institute, Dr J K Patterson Edward,mass bleaching and coral mortality were earlier witnessed in 1998 and2002.
Explaining the phenomenon of bleaching and mortality, Edward saidcoral bleaching occurs when the water temperature reaches 31ºC inmid-April every year in the Gulf of Mannar and recovery is usuallyrecorded in June-July, depending on rainfall and winds.
“In 2010, we found that due to the elevated temperature (32.2-33.2ºC),which prolonged for four months (April to July), recovery could nottake place,” he said.
He pointed out that due to this six to eight per cent of live coral inthe Gulf of Mannar had died and since most are covered with turfalgae, chances of recovery were slim.
Interestingly, live coral cover in the Gulf of Mannar increased from37 per cent in 2005 to 42.85 per cent in 2009, which according toEdward had been due to the proactive measures of the government.
According to the data provided by SDMRI, the average percentage ofbleached corals during 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was 14.6,15.6, 12.9, 10.5, 8.93 and 9.01, respectively.
Edward called for eco-friendly fishing and support for protectionmeasures by the park management to save the coral reef. The SDMRI, anacclaimed underwater research institution in India, is one of the fiveinstitutions identified by the Government of India for environmentalmonitoring of the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project.

Thoothukudi

2010-11-08T02:01:00.001-08:00

Naval base to come up at Thoothukudi

NEW DELHI: Thoothukudi and Paradip would be developed into forward operating bases by the Navy as it seeks to strengthen its position on the eastern coast.

The move is aimed at reducing the turn-around time of the eastern fleet that depended only on Visakhapatnam and Chennai for replenishments.

The west coast is already packed with the navy having forward operating bases at Porbandar and Mangalore apart from major hubs at Mumbai, Kochi and Karwar.

The government has finally given nod to navy’s proposal and these bases would now be developed in the next two to three years.

The issue of their development plan was discussed at the naval commanders’ conference that got underway in New Delhi.

It would not be a difficult task as Paradip and Thoothukudi are already major ports and would be able to meet navy’s logistical demands, said officials.

Along with developing new bases, the navy will also seek to engage the Indian Ocean countries in a far more aggressive manner in a move to counter China’s growing footprints in the region.

Defence Minister A K Antony told naval commanders to concentrate on this area and extend every possible help to smaller nations.

The effort has already begun with New Delhi gifting basic patrol aircraft to Seychelles.

Antony said India is committed to deploying ships and aircraft for surveillance of seas near Maldives and Seychelles.

Navy has been asked to concentrate particularly on friendly African countries in the western Indian Ocean region particularly Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. Under the same plan, navy had organised a three-nation exercise earlier this year involving Brazil and South African off the African coast.

THOOTHUKUDI

2010-11-08T02:00:00.000-08:00

Salt producers turn to BBC for weather updates

THOOTHUKUDI: While many people sit in front of the television to know the weather forecast, the salt industry in Thoothukudi has minimised its dependence on Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and with good reason. Being a industry which is entirely dependent on weather conditions, the salt producers now rely more on BBC weather and weather.com to plan their activities.

A Dhanaraj, a salt producer in Thoothukudi told Express that these service providers give more specific and wide-ranging data than the IMD. “Most importantly, the forecast is 90 pc accurate,” he claimed. According to him, the salt industry needs weather forecasts with maximum accuracy and only then, the industry can survive. “I have been observing the weather through internet for the past three years and it has come in handy for my business,” he said, adding, “it is good that even 10-days’ weather forecast is available on these websites, which is more useful.”

“Though not all salt producers in Thoothukudi go online to know weather forecasts, the information is passed on”, he added.

It may be noted that Thoothukud i is the second largest salt producer in India after Gujarat with a production capacity of approximately 20 lakh tonnes. Secretary of Thoothukudi salt manufacturers association, ARAS Dhanapalan told Express that comparison of correct annual weather data would be of immense help in planning purposes and would result in increased productivity. On the current year’s production, he said that approximately 18 lakh tonnes were produced and so far, around 12 lakh tonnes of it was sold with 1 lakh tonne being exported.

“Six lakh tonnes remain and it should be sold before the next salt producing season, which starts by February end,” he added.

S Pechimuthu, another salt producer said that incorrect weather forecast results in hardships, especially to small producers like him. “On many occasions I have suffered losses due to unexpected rainfall, contrary to what was forecast,” he said, adding, “there are also occasions when rain did not fall as forecasted, creating logistics problems.” He demanded that the weather forecast should be more area-specific rather than a general one.

Obamas visit Humayun's Tomb

2010-11-08T01:57:00.001-08:00

US President Barack Obama (2R) and First Lady Michelle Obama (R) tour through Humayun's Tomb in New Dehli on November 7, 2010.

US President Barack Obama urged India and Pakistan to talk to resolve their differences as he stressed the need for peace between the neighbours, who are vital for his plans in Afghanistan. (AFP)

US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle today had a glimpse of India's rich cultural and historic heritage as they visited the 450-year-old Mughal marvel Humayun's Tomb in New Delhi.

Nifty below 6300; ONGC, ICICI, Infosys down

2010-11-08T01:56:00.000-08:00

MUMBAI: Benchmarks continued to witness profit booking as investors booked profits at higher levels. Subdued cues from European peers kept the bulls under check.

At 2:30 pm; National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 6293.80, down 18.65 points or 0.30 per cent. The broader index touched low of 6268.70 and high of 6335.90 in trade so far.

Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 20917.96, down 87 points or 0.41 per cent. The 30-share index touched intraday low of 20845.77 and high of 21075.71.

BSE Midcap Index was flat and BSE Smallcap Index was 0.20 per cent higher.

Sectorally, BSE IT Index was down 1.36 per cent and BSE Bankex declined 0.93 per cent. BSE Metal Index was up 0.79 per cent and BSE Healthcare Index was up 0.70 per cent.

Sensex losers included ONGC (-2.11%), ICICI Bank (-1.74%), Infosys Technologies (-1.62%), HDFC Bank (-1.48%) and NTPC (-1.45%).

Jaiprakash Associates (3.59%), Sterlite Industries (3.61%), ACC (2.94%), Tata Motors (2.12%), and Tata Steel(1.95%) were amongst the top gainers.

Market breadth was negative on the BSE with 1538 declines against 1333 advances.

European markets were witnessing a lackluster session. CAC 40 was down 0.18 per cent and DAX slipped 0.03 per cent. FTSE 100 was up 0.09 per cent.

Obama presents King memorabilia to Rajghat

2010-11-08T01:55:00.001-08:00

New Delhi: It was a rare gift from US President Barack Obama to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi -- a stone used to built a memorial of civil rights icon Martin Luther King who was inspired by the Father of the Nation.

Obama handed over the memorabilia to Rajnish Kumar, Secretary of Rajghat Samadhi Committee, when he along with First Lady Michelle visited Gandhi's memorial on the banks of the Yamuna on Monday.

Michelle Obama wins India with her understated style

2010-11-08T01:54:00.000-08:00

NEW DELHI: US First Lady Michelle Obama , who has a reputation of being a fashionista, kept her sartorial choice for her India visit trendy but understated though some designers felt she should have opted for a saree at some events.

All eyes were on the wife of visiting US President Barack Obama for a peek on the choice of her ensemble as she landed in Mumbai on Saturday. She opted for a a chic grey knee-length tunic dress with pearl buttons that resembled an Indian kurti.

Fashion designers noted today that the outfits Michelle wore in Mumbai were sombre and toned down and that she opted for simple colours.

46-year-old Michelle's clothes, which is used by her to make a statement hower subtle--both personal and political--, have often led to a comparison with Jackie Kennedy and Lady Diana.

After her arrival, she switched to a high-waist chequered skirt teamed with a green top during her visit to the Mumbai University where she and President Obama interacted with students.

However, when she landed in Delhi, Michelle picked a more colourful turquoise dress with her hair swept in an updo. She also decided to go a bit jazzy during the dinner later in the evening hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with a black tunic with golden emroidery for the dinner, which was attended by noted personalities from different fields.

Indian fashion designers believe that by opting for simple colours and designs Michelle is trying not to attract too much attention to herself and keep her visit understated as far as fashion is concerned.

"She's definitely more covered up," says designer Poonam Bhagat referring to the First Lady's trademark off shoulder dresses. "She is very gracious as a person and she is able to carry off waist high dresses with style that is narrow on the top," she said.

"However, I didn't like the printed skirt with the blue top it didn't complement her and gave her a girl next door look. Otherwise most of the time she has been dressed appropriately," added the Delhi designer.

Michelle usually is seen favouring sheath dresses with silhouette's body-skimming cut that flatters both her height and her curves.

While some designers like Ritu Kumar expected the First Lady to wear some India inspired clothes like the sari others say she might have dificult in carrrying it off. "I think she has the statuesque frame to carry off the sari or a draped garment like a sari-inspired gown,"

"I would have loved to see her in something traditional like a sari or an Indian embroiudered dress" adds Kumar.

"With her tall athletic frame with good height and skin tone, she carry off colours like yellows and red similar to what Indians wear. She has the body for a saree," says Bhagat.

7 Spells To Unstoppable Magnetic Attraction

2010-11-08T01:49:00.000-08:00

Beauty holds a golden mirror to the shimmering inner essence. It reflects true self-perception as well as the extent of one's discipline.

Attractiveness indicates a sensitivity to those around us. Just as we shine our shoes, wash our cars or trim our lawns to provide "eye-candy" to passers-by, we keep our bodies in the pink of health to offer delightful icons worthy of emulation.

I believe that beauty is not trivial; it is core to civilized society. Imagine everyone abandoning restraint and shuffling around in tattered clothes, drooping bellies, dishevelled hair, blackened fingernails and breath so foul only a mother could love? No one would be happy- except the mouthwash manufacturers. Those who shun beauty as superficial are probably too lazy to reach for a bar of soap or the jump rope.

But, beautiful people are not necessarily supermodels withGreek-god faces and unreal proportions. That is a myth promulgated by sneaky salesmen of snakeoil creams and dangerous bust implants. Let them slather that muck on their faces 24/7. Then, I'd believe them.

Beautiful people are Normal people who watch their diet, keep their bodies clean, and don tasteful, yet inexpensive clothing. They maintain an empowered lifestyle, indulge in mind-expanding books and engage in varied activity that enriches their awareness.

Beauty, more importantly, is internal. The attractive assert their opinions and fight for convictions. Whether handsome or pretty, bland or plain, the internally beautiful betray an intelligence and burning diligence that reflects their personality. Recall that personality is molded by how we carry ourselves and associatewith the world at large.

Finally, beauty is holistic. Magnetic people take effort to be the best that they can be. They understand that they are fusions of body, soul and spirit. Hence, they build up each facet by honing their talents and passions. They may have ordinary faces but lead extraordinary lives. These exceptional people are the best humanity can offer; they easily outshine the empty-headed Greek Models of the catwalk.

Augmenting beauty simply means caring of the body and the mind. It doesn't take much effort, just a tad of self regulation. Here's how to ooze magnetic attraction:

1. Books and periodicals are your best friend. Beef up what's in your head and rack up more beauty points with your enlightened discussions. Intelligence is attractive.

2. Watch stand-up comedy. You will develop your sense of humour. Wit is a rare and valued commodity.

3. Is that a burger you're shovelling down your throat? Stop. You are literally what you eat. Want to be a lard bucket? Then chomp that burger.

4. Soap, shampoo and mouthwash are better than all the pheromone sprays, libido enhancers and failed nose lifts. Good hygiene is the honey that attracts the delightful bees.

5. Dress to impress- 24/7. You probably had one of those moments. There you were, in sloppy coveralls at the mall. Then you run into the boss or a beautiful stranger. Say this with me: "NEVER AGAIN." One more time. "NEVER AGAIN."

6. Ask and Listen. The most dazzling conversationalists avoid monopolizing conversations. Rather, they ask tons of questions…. And listen for hours on end. Stop and think about that. Isn't your best friend a great listener?

7. Finally, think sexy. Feel sexy. You are what you think you are. Your body follows what the mind dictates. The $3000 executive coaches like to pass this astounding piece of common sense for a hefty fee. Save the money.

So, get out there and glow. You can be attractive without those creams, lotions and surgeons.

Be bold. Choose beauty.

Learning each day from Gandhi's life: Obama

2010-11-07T03:14:00.000-08:00

Mahatma Gandhi's journey is a never-ending source of inspiration for the young generation, US President Barack Obama said on Sunday. Answering a question on how he implements the principles of Mahatma Gandhi in his day to day life, Obama said: "One of the things I draw from Gandhi is that you have to be persistent on your journey, you just have to keep going on and never say die."

"Gandhi, Sir Martin Luther King, and Abraham Lincoln are people we are constantly reading and studying about. I'm often frustrated by how far I fall short of their example," the US president added in his interaction with the students of St. Xavier's college in Mumbai.

The Obamas in Mumbai

2010-11-07T03:12:00.000-08:00

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama charmed the maximum city and were charmed in turn as they danced with children at the Holy Name School and engaged in an open discussion with young men and women at the St. Xavier's College. A few images of the Mumbai leg of their landmark Indian visit.

Very severe cyclone Jal became severe cyclone

2010-11-07T03:09:00.000-08:00

Hyderabad, Nov 7: People of coastal region may breathe a little sigh of relief as Andhra Pradesh Revenue Minister D Prasada Rao on Nov 7 announced that cyclone 'Jal' has lost its strength over the period of time and it became a "severe cyclone" from a "very severe cyclone."
"The cyclone is likely to lose strength further so that people in low-lying areas should come forward to stay in the relief camps at least for a day," stated Rao.
Stating about the bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Rao also claimed that the 'Jal' laid centred 300 kms of Chennai and 420 kms of Nellore.
According the minister, nine fishermen were caught in the sea between East and West Godavari districts and efforts were on to rescue them.

Obamas arrive in Delhi, Manmohan receives them at the airport

2010-11-07T03:06:00.000-08:00

The Obamas were greeted warmly by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who in a significant gesture welcomed the U.S. President and first lady at the airport, with his wife Gursharan Kaur.

U.S. President Barack Obama today arrived here on the second leg of his three-day visit to India and was personally received by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who set aside protocol to welcome the guest.

The Air Force One carrying Mr. Obama, his wife Michelle and the official delegation touched down at the Delhi Airport at 3.19 PM and the President and the First Lady waved their hands while getting down from the aircraft.

Soon after alighting from the aircraft, Mr. Obama hugged Dr. Singh after shaking hands with him and greeted his wife Gursharan Kaur with a peck on her cheek. Ms. Michelle greeted Dr. Singh and Ms. Kaur the same way.

The couples were seen chatting for a few minutes before the visiting dignitaries were introduced to officials in the reception line including Minister-in-Waiting Salman Khursheed, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Meera Shankar.

Dr. Singh’s receiving the Obamas is a special gesture signifying the importance India attaches to the U.S. President’s maiden visit. Mr. Obama said specific announcements on issues like counter-terrorism, regional security and clean energy are likely after talks between the two leaders tomorrow.

Dr. Singh had received Mr. Obama’s predecessor George W. Bush at the airport when he visited India in 2006. The Prime Minister had also gone to the airport to personally receive Saudi Arabia King Abdullah.

Mr. Obama, who arrived in Mumbai yesterday afternoon, paid tributes to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai carnage and said his stay at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the targets of the Mumbai terror strikes, was intended to send a strong message against terrorism.

Before embarking for Delhi, Mr. Obama and Ms. Michelle celebrated Diwali with children at the Holy Name School in Colaba and then interacted with students at the St. Xavier’s College in a typical U.S. townhall style.

Featured Technology Talk Coming soon

2010-10-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Washington: Scientists are on track to develop a software which they claim would help self-guiding robots navigate accurately by breaking down large maps as well as rapid recalculation.

An international team, led by Mark Whitty of the University of New South Wales, is working on such a system that enables autonomous robots to rapidly recalculate their route to overcome errors in mapping and scanning which would otherwise prevent accurate navigation.

According to the scientists, the software breaks down large maps into small sections and detects any errors that have occurred due to scanning or mapping inaccuracies, then allows the robot to rapidly recalculate its path to eliminate the errors.

It has particular advantages for multiple robots operating together, say the scientists. "Imagine you are blindfolded and you are told to walk around in a square to come back to where you started - in many ways that's what an autonomous robot is like. I'm aiming to improve the accuracy of that movement," Mark said.

Scientists estimate Earth-sized planets could be common

2010-10-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

A group of astronomers has estimated that as many as one in four stars similar to the Sun could be orbited by Earth-size planets.

A five-year observation of 166 stars within 80 light years of Earth, using the powerful Keck telescope in Hawaii, counted planets orbiting the stars, down to the smallest planets now detectable by telescopes.In findings to be published in the journal Science on Friday, the researchers found larger numbers of smaller planets than of larger planets. Although the smallest planets they saw are still several times the size of Earth, the findings caused them to conclude that Earth-sized planets could be even more common.

“Of about 100 typical Sun-like stars, one or two have planets the size of Jupiter, roughly six have a planet the size of Neptune, and about 12 have super-Earths between three and 10 Earth masses,” astronomer Andrew Howard said.

“If we extrapolate down to Earth-size planets - between one-half and two times the mass of Earth - we predict that you’d find about 23 for every 100 stars.” The scientists found 33 detectable planets orbiting 22 of the stars and then used estimates to conclude that 1.6 per cent of the stars had Jupiter-sized planets and 12 per cent had super-Earths.They also found 12 possible planets that need to be further examined.Previous studies have looked only at larger Jupiter and Saturn- sized planets.Astronomers hope to be able to find planets similar to Earth that also are close enough to their suns to be warm and have liquid water, but far enough away to not be boiling in the so-called “Goldilocks” zone, where conditions are just right for life.Last month, a group of US-based scientists said they had discovered what might be the first habitable planet outside Earth’s solar system. The team of planet hunters found an Earth-sized planet - three times the mass of Earth - in orbit around a nearby star at a distance where liquid water could exist on the surface.

Scientists hope the Kepler space telescope launched last year, which is finely tuned enough to detect Earth-sized planets orbiting distant stars, will find more such planets.

Spice Mobile launches India's first 3D phone

2010-10-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

New Delhi: Handset maker Spice Mobility said that it has launched the country's first 3D display mobile phone, View D, priced at Rs 4,299.View D will allow users to experience images and videos in 3D without the 3D glasses, making it very convenient for a common user.

"With growing popularity of 3D content and devices, this is one segment we wanted to tap. We have created this new device for people looking for smart mobile phones," Spice Mobility Vice President (Marketing) Naveen Paul told a news agency. The company is looking at selling 20,000-30,000 units per month of View D, he added.In the competitive Indian market, handset makers are looking at innovations to drive sales.

"One has to keep innovating to offer the market compelling products, but at reasonable price points as

India

is a price-conscious market," Paul said.

According to IDC, 38.63 million handsets were sold in

India

during April-June 2010.Asked about the lack of 3D content in

India

, Paul said, "In India, 3D is catching up and soon there would be more devices which support 3D and with that content would also come in."

The handset is equipped with a 2.4-inch 3D display screen, two megapixel camera, FM Radio, MP3 player and expandable memory up to 16GB.View D's screen is designed in a way that allows the user to toggle between a normal 2D or 3D user interface. It also has a 'remote wipe' feature, which allows users to delete the data stored on their phones remotely, in case of loss of handset.Targetted at the metros and Tier I cities, the company will also launch a new television commercial along with other promotional activities for the product.The handset would be available through more than 50,000 retail points, including 750 Spice HotSpot retail stores.

Clues to the spread of cancer 'discovered'

2010-10-26T00:34:00.002-07:00

In what may pave way for more effective treatments for some of the most aggressive cancers, scientists claim to have discovered vital clues to the spread of the disease in the body.An international team, led by University of New South Wales, has found that cancer cells are accompanied by growth-enabling stromal cells when they travel in the bloodstream to new sites in the body.The finding challenges the belief that metastasis is the sole preserve of cancer cells and has implications for all solid tumours, say the scientists.In fact, the team found that “enabling” pancreatic stellate cells from primary tumours have the ability to invade blood vessels to travel via the bloodstream to distant sites, where they create a hospitable environment for cancer cells to seed and grow, the ‘American Journal of Pathology’ reported.

“It’s always been presumed that only cancer cells travel in metastasis. But we’ve shown for the first time that stellate cells also travel in tandem with the cancer cells.”

“It’s like the cancer brings its own luggage with it - the stellate cells - allowing it to settle in a new place more comfortably and more quickly,” said the study’s lead author Prof. Minoti Apte.In the study, the scientists used a gender mismatch approach to investigate whether these enabling cells could migrate. Female mice were injected in the pancreas with a female cancer cell line and male pancreatic stellate cells.After seven weeks, metastatic nodules in all mice showed the presence of Y chromosome-positive male cells.

“These could only have come from the original tumour and the male pancreatic stellate cells. The challenge now is to stop PSCs from aiding and abetting pancreatic cancer cells, not only in the primary tumour site but also to prevent or diminish cancer growth in distant sites,” Apte said.

China's iPad users get free TV broadcast

2010-10-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

China

’s state-owned television network China Xinhua News Network Corporation (CNC) will provide a 24—hour free broadcast to iPad users in the country.

Users of Apple Inc’s wireless tablet computer would be able to watch programmes of CNC’s Chinese and world channels by downloading and installing the software from Apple stores free of charge, Xinhua reported.

The network’s channels were earlier connected to iPhone users a month ago.Wu Jincai, CNC president and deputy editor—in—chief of Xinhua news agency, said the broadcast through iPad will provide a new medium to audiences around the world to acquire Xinhua news.

The CNC started broadcasting Chinese programmes Jan 1 this year and officially launched its English language service called CNC World July 1.

Featured Technology Talk

2010-10-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

Flipkart delivers on the dot

Four months ago, Flipkart.com was selling one book every minute on the Internet. Today, it sells four items every minute. The firm's success mantra: employing technology for speedy and accurate delivery to customers.Sachin and Binny Bansal co-founded the e-commerce site in 2007 after resigning from their jobs at Amazon

India

. With Rs. 4 lakh in seed capital and just the two of them as employees, they were pouncing on a demand-supply gap in online bookselling. The duo initially did everything, from programming, forging supplier relationships and book procurement to logistics, packing and shipping. “It was a minimal start and a case of figuring out things as they came,” Sachin recalls. “We started earning customer goodwill, and what followed was phenomenal word-of-mouth publicity. We became profitable in six months.”In 2007, Flipkart started by offering 50,000 titles. Today, it offers four million. It has 500,000 registered users, and has sold 750,000 books so far. Half the buyers have returned to buy a second book.There are websites that offer better discounts, but Flipkart plans to focus on expanding logistics and adding value. “For now, we are not joining the pricing game. The discounts and free shipping are possible because of our sales volumes, and low expenses on overheads like rent — all of which we are passing on to the customer.” The cash-on-delivery (CoD) scheme for those who hesitate to pay online owing to security fears now brings in 30 per cent of the revenue.Flipkart also continually tweaks its website, for that is where customer satisfaction first meets the technology. A preview of select pages from books will soon be up. Users have been demanding a loyalty scheme, and that too is being worked out. A better search engine, a simpler payment mechanism…the wish list stretches.

When you browse the website, add items to the shopping cart, and confirm your order, you trigger Flipkart's automated communication system. It reads your postal address code and routes the purchase order to one of the company's four warehouses — in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore. If the book is not in stock, the nearest supplier is automatically queried. When the book is available, it is packed and picked up by a courier company within four to 24 hours. The book arrives at your address within one to three days.According to Sachin, the company is “aiming at 24-hour delivery of most books because that's what the customer seeks. In the future, a customer can order a book in the morning and get it by evening.”

REGIONAL MARKET

The company is also busy switching to selling music, movies, mobile phones and game, besides books. Flipkart is also deepening its presence in book selling by targeting the regional language book market, which has largely been untapped. “More books are read in regional languages. It is tough to get book suppliers on board, but once that is in place, this business will further explode,” says Sachin.

Top 10 security threats in IT

2010-10-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

Bangalore: As the world of information technology advances, so is the threats to it are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The world recently saw a stealthy malware called Stuxnet which even exploits 4 zero-day vulnerabilities. The IT industry have realized the danger and so increased amount of attention and investments are being done in the area of data security now. Here are the top 10 IT security threats that should be taken care of. The threats are not listed in any order of severity. Malware

This is a software designed to secretly access a computer system without the owner's informed consent. A malware can be installed in many ways including the use of client-side software vulnerabilities. Browsers are the main target for vulnerabilities. Data-stealing malware are on increase now and Bancos, Gator, LegMir and Qhost are a few of them.

Web site attacks that exploit browser vulnerabilities

Web browser exploitation is the main tool for malware installation used by the cyber-criminals. Web browser vulnerabilities are commonly exploited when the user of the vulnerable host visits a malicious Web site. Web browser vulnerabilities are commonly exploited when the user of the vulnerable host visits a malicious Web site. Such attacks depend upon malicious content being rendered by the appropriate built-in interpreter or vulnerable plug-in technology. The attackers are actively placing exploit code on popular, trusted web sites where users have an expectation of effective security.

Malicious insider attacks

The insider attacks are being done by disappointed employees, consultants and/or contractors of an organization. A complete elimination of the threat of malicious insiders is not possible. As the insiders have a fair degree of physical and logical access to systems, databases, and networks, these attacks can be severe in nature.

Mobile devices

In this world of advanced technology, with iPhone worm being an example, there are worms and other malware that specifically target these devices. These attacks can potentially steal banking data and enlist these devices in a botnet.

Sophistication of botnets

Botnets have become the platform of choice for launching attacks and committing fraud on the Internet. A recent study suggested that more than 100 million computers are currently infected with botnets. Botnets are malware that infect computers and run automatically to compromise large numbers of machines for malicious activity. The present trend is to unleash a large-scale botnet attack to hide more targeted malware attacks against a specific firm.

Threats emerging form social networking

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace can evoke serious threats to organizations. Phishing becomes very successful here by stealing IDs of users of other technologies. The trust component attributed to these sites provides an easy target for identity thieves. As the popularity of these sites grows, the amount of threat is sure to increase as well.

Cyber Espionage

It is an act of obtaining secrets without the permission of the holder of the information from individuals, organizations, governments etc through the use of cracking techniques and malicious software. Economic espionage is ever increasing nowadays.

Web application security exploits

The websites with cross site scripting, SQL injection, and other vulnerabilities largely resulted from programming errors. As the user-supplied data is not fully trusted, web 2.0 applications are very much vulnerable.

Zero-day attack

This is a computer threat that tries to exploit computer application vulnerabilities that are unknown to others or undisclosed to the software developer. These are shared by attackers before the developer of the target software knows about the vulnerability. These attacks are found largely in secure protocols such as SSL and TLS. The zero-day vulnerability could also be in providers.