Vedic Instincts

Aspirations: Aspirations the way of life.

2010-01-25T19:55:00.008+05:30

Its been long since I last wrote in my blog. I am presently on an assignment to Dhaka for an SAP Implementation Project. I have made some good friends here in Dhaka. Interacting with them has again prompted me to restart my journey with blogging, which I had initiated some time back.

As it is, the theme of this blogsite has been to discuss how 'Inspiarations' in our life has led to our 'Aspirations'. It is amazing to note as to how these two words have an unprecedented impact on our lives, irrespective of the national borders and cultural differences that we experience across nations.

Yesterday when I was discussing with one of these new found friends, a Bangladesh national, I realised how an younger nation (as compared to India), like Bangladesh aspires to make it big on the International platform. How the aspirations of the youth match with those back home in India.

Staying here in Dhaka for the last few months, I was sort of revisiting the recent past/history of India. The way India was looked upon as a poor and backward country. The way it overcame the hurdles on its way to a prosperous future. I could feel the frustrations in the youth with the prevailing short-comings in the system, just as once upon a time we felt a few years ago in India.

I narrated to him some of my experiences as a youth in India. I had many of my classmates and friends traveling abroad in pursuit of their 'Aspirations' of earning a better living. How I stayed back despite of all the tempting offers that came my way. I always felt myself to be a nation loving person and had the urge in me to contribute my bit in the nation building process that India was going through.

Rethinking on the whole discussion in the calm of a night in Dhaka, I just kept wondering the impact this word 'Aspirations' has on our psyche across the borders.......

Aspirations : Civil Aviation - A Booming Sector

2008-05-28T15:06:00.005+05:30

Civil Aviation - A booming sector : An estimated investment of US $9 billion to be pumped in by the year 2012. The following are the facts and figures related to the Aviation Industry.

SIZE

-India has 454 airports and airstrips; of these, 16 are designated international airports.
-In 2006-07, Indian airports handled an estimated 95 million passengers and 1.5 million tonnes of cargo.
-Passenger traffic grew in excess of 30% in 2006-07 over 2005-06; Cargo grew at 11% over the previous year.

STRUCTURE

-Currently 97 airports are owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India(AAI).
-The Government aims to attract private investment in aviation infrastructure.
-Mumbai and Delhi airports have been privatized and are being upgraded at an estimated investment of US$4 billion over 2006-16.
-Greenfield airports at Bangalore and Hyderabad are being built by private consortia at a total investment of over US$800 million.
-Second Greenfield airport being planned at Navi Mumbai to be developed using PPP mode at an estimated cost of US$2.5 billion.
-35 other city airports proposed to be upgraded - city side development to be undertaken through PPP mode where an investment of US$357 million is being considered over the next 3 years.
-India now has 12 airlines including the national carriers Air India and Indian
Indian private airlines - Jet, Kingfisher, Spicejet, Go - accounted for around 70% of the domestic passenger traffic in 2006. Some have started international flights.

POLICY

-100% FDI is permissible for airports; FIPB approval required for FDI beyond 74%.
-100% FDI under automatic route is permissible for greenfield airports.
-49% FDI is permissible in domestic airlines under the automatic route, but not by foreign airline companies.
-100% equity ownership by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is permitted.
-AAI Act amended to provide legal framework for airport privatisation.
-100% tax exemption for airport projects for a period of 10 years.
-Indian Govt. plans to set up an Airport Economic Regulatory Authority to provide a level playing field to all players.
-'Open Sky' Policy of the Government and rapid air traffic growth have resulted in the entry of several new privately owned airlines and increased frequency/flights for international airlines.
-74% FDI permissible in cargo and non scheduled airlines.

OUTLOOK

-Passenger traffic is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% in the next 5 years.
-Expected to cross 145 million passengers p.a. by 2010.
-Vision 2020 envisages creating infrastructure to handle 280 million passengers by 2020.
-Investment opportunities of US$110 billion envisaged upto 2020 with US$80 billion in new aircraft and US$30 billion in development of airport infrastructure.
-Associated areas like MRO and training offer high investment potential.
-Cargo traffic to grow at over 20% p.a. over the next five years and is expected to cross 3.3 million tonnes by 2010.
-Major investments planned in new airports and upgradation of existing airports.

POTENTIAL

-Favourable demographics and rapid economic growth point to a continued boom in domestic passenger traffic and international outbound traffic.
-International inbound traffic will also grow rapidly with increasing investment and trade activity and as India's rich heritage and natural beauty are marketed to international leisure travellers.
-Consequent high demand for investments in aviation infrastructure.

MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES

-Greenfield airport projects in resort destinations and emerging metros such as Kannur, Goa, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Ludhiana, etc.
-Cityside development opportunities for upgradation of 35 non-metro airports.
-About 25 regional greenfield/unutilised airports likely to be bid out for private development.

Aspirations : Medical Tourism - The Growth Story

2008-05-27T19:13:00.004+05:30

Medical Tourism - The Growth Story : India is expected to earn $1.87 billion(Rs. 80 billion) a year in foreign exchange from medical tourism by the year 2012.

Easy visa facilities to overseas patients coupled with best emerging medical infrastructure facilities are considered as driving forces for the emerging scenario. India's medical tourism could well become a lead foreign exchange earner for the nation as the earnings are projected to grow from the existing Rs.35 billion annually to Rs. 80 billion a year by 2012.

The medical treatment costs for the various ailments like bone marrow transplant, cardiac surgery, knee surgery and liver transplant are much lower as compared to the costs incurred in the western countries. India has thus emerged as the preferred destination for the patients from Western World as well as those from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

India's expertise in traditional treatment systems like Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Unani is another contributing factor, as these systems are gaining in recognition world over.

India is witnessing proliferation of new health facilities and centres of medical excellence which is expected to boost the service provided to the patients from around the globe.

Aspirations : 20 Indian firms amongst the world's top 100 in outsourcing

2008-05-06T15:02:00.006+05:30

20 Indian firms amongst the world's top 100 in outsourcing : In a reflection of the strong growth of the Indian Industry, 20 Indian firms get themselves parked amongst the world's top 100 outsourcing companies.

The latest report on '2008 Global Outsourcing 100' compiled by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) features 20 prominant names of the Indian Industry. Five of these secure a place for themselves in the top 10. Infosys rank 3rd, TCS the 6th, Wipro 7th, Genpact the 9th and Tech Mahindra ranks 10th. The said five are the leading software service providers.

In the global list Accenture assumes the top spot, followed by IBM in the second place. The companies on the list averaged $1.7 billion in annual sales and engaged 27000 employes world wide.

The other Indian companies featuring in the list are HCL Technologies (11), Mastek(16), WNS Global Services(19), Hexaware (22), EXL Services(26), 24/7 Customer(28), Cambridge(36), ITC Infotech(40), KPIT Cummins(42), Patni(46), Zensar(53), MindTree(54), Mphasis(56), Aditya Birla Minacs(62), First Source Solutions(73) and VCustomer(84).

'Employee Management' was attributed to be the key strength of Wipro and TCS, while 'Executive Leadership' is cited as the strength of Infosys and Genpact. Whereas, 'Outsourcing Experience' is attributed as the prime strength of Tech Mahindra and HCL Technologies.

The power balance in the outsourcing industry is supposed to be shifting. Global competition in the area is intensified. This is reflected in this year's rankings as companies from 19 countries are vying for recognition.

The five Indian companies featuring in the last year's top 10 were Wipro, Infosys, Genpact, Tech Mahindra and Cambridge.

Aspirations : ISRO successfully launches 10 satellites into orbit

2008-04-28T12:26:00.004+05:30

ISRO successfully launches 10 satellites into orbit : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today created history with the launch of its latest Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV - C9). A world record was set when the mission successfully injected 10 satellites into the orbit.

The launch took off from Sriharikota Andhra Pradesh. PSLV weighs 230 tonnes and is as high as a 12-storey building. The mission was accomplished by putting two Indian satellites and eight foreign satellites. The previous record was held by Russia, which had launched eight satellites in one go.

The first stage of the rocket was ignited at the lift-off. Three minutes later a massive heat shield got peeled off. There after, the third and the fourth stages ignited taking the rocket higher.

Fifteen minutes after the flight, India's mapping satellite, CARTOSAT 2A was the first one to be put into its orbit. 45 second later India's remote sensing satellite was placed into orbit.

The other satellites were then released, sequentialy, with a gap of 20 seconds. The mission was concluded in 20 minutes after lift-up.

Japan's CUTE was the first foreign satellite to be placed in orbit and Germany's RUBIN was the last to be injected.

CORTOSAT 2A is a high resolution mapping satellite placed at a height of 600 kms. It has an ability to identify objects as small as cars from its orbit in space.

Aspirations : Italy looking for tie-ups with the Indian Biotech Firms

2008-04-22T21:53:00.007+05:30

Italy looking for tie-ups with the Indian Biotech Firms : The Italian Trade Commission is leading a distinguished delegation, comprising of 20 representatives from the Biotech and the Nanotech sectors, on a visit to India. The delegation is seeking tie-ups with the Indian companies, to reap mutual benefits, in the sunrise industry.

According to the Trade Commission Chief Vittorio Mecozzi, the Italian academia and the high-tech industry are open to partner with the Indian Biotech and Nanotech firms so as to increase cooperation in the knowledge sector to benefit from each other's domain expertise.

The availability of vast talent pool and the advantage of cost-effective production are the factors of major attraction for the Italians to explore collabrations with their Indian counterparts.

The Italian delegation has on offer cluster models developed by their industry which could be replicated by the Indian Small and Medium Enterprises(SME) to promote growth and optimise resources to achieve operational efficiency. Italy is interested in entrepreneurial partnerships, technology transfer and development of co-operation in protection of Intellectual Properties Rights(IPR) in biotech and nanotech sectors. The cross border collaborations between the two countries would provide with the required launch pad to do business globally and to tap the emreging opportunities in the global environment.

The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed a rapid growth in biotechnology in terms of developing domain capabilities and human resource pool, just as the North America is considered to be a hotbed for biotechnology for innovation and market opportunities and Europe is set to emerge as an attractive destination for biotech applications and products.

The Indian biotech sector has earned the reputation of developing capabilities to sustain growth momentum and to spread its reach by ramping up exports, making aquisitions in Europe as well as US and attracting institutional capital to meet its next leap.

In the nanotech sector too, the Italian companies and research institutions are exploring tie-ups with their Indian counterparts for developing a host of applications such as devices and sensors using nano material, nano tubes and micro electronics.

A number of Italian companies and research centres are believed to have developed technologies for nano application and products that can be used in diverse areas such as healthcare, life sciences, instrumentation, consumer appliances and industrial equipments. A huge scope is envisaged for collabrations between the two nations to manufacture nano solutions on global front.

Aspirations : India To sign the biggest defence deal with the U.S.

2008-04-21T16:32:00.004+05:30

India To sign the biggest defence deal with the U.S. : India is all set to ink the biggest defence deal with the United States. The $2.2 billion deal for eight Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance (LRMR) aircrafts will mark as a new chapter in the defence relations of the two nations.

The Indian Navy Chief Admiral Suresh Mehta's visit to the U.S. beganning shortly is expected to wrap up the negotiations for the purchase of Boeing P-81 LRMR aircrafts.

The agreement for purchase under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route will be signed between the two governments in New Delhi, later this year.

The P-81 aircraft is based on the Boeing 737 platform and has been specifically developed for the requirements of Indian Navy. It is expected to fly the Indian skies by the year 2012.

This will mark the 2nd big purchase from the U.S. in a row, in a sigle calender year. Earlier, in February, the $1 billion agreement was signed for the purchase of six lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircrafts for the Indian Army's Special Forces.

The defence relations between the two nations are expected to improve further in the years to come.

Aspirations : Australia keen to invest in India's Infrastructure Growth

2008-04-17T16:46:00.004+05:30

Australia keen to invest in India's Infrastructure Growth : Australian businesses are keen to seize opportunities in the Indian Infrastructure and Resources sector, worth over $50 billion.

A sense of urgency is being witnessed as the Australian companies identify the need to move fast in order to compete with the companies from US, UK and Spain. Opportunities are emerging in the Power sector, both in coal and alternative sources; the Transport sector in roads, ports, airports, railways, EPC contracts, construction, equipment and services.

A number of Australian companies are already doing business in India. These include, the likes of Arrow Energy(India) Pvt Ltd., Australian Road Research Bureau, BHP Billiton India, Daryl Jackson Architecture, Hydro Tasmania, Leighton India, Micromine Pvt Ltd., Tata Bluescope Steel Ltd. and Thiess India Pvt Ltd.

The Australian government has expressed its commitment to raise the Trade and Economic ties with India to a new level as senior Australian officials arrive in New Delhi to discuss the terms for Free Trade Agreement(FTA) and to move forward with the feasibility study for the same.

The key focus of the study, to be completed by early 2009, will be tariff liberalisation and removal of other impediments to the trade in Goods. The study will consider the means to take the FTA and the economic relationship to a stronger level.

It would be of interest to note here, that Australia has played a significant role in building support for a WTO signalling conference on Services, progressing an area of key interest for both Australia and India in the Doha Round - International Services Trade Reforms.

The total trade between India and Australia has been increasing by over 30% annually. India is Australia's 9th largest trading partner, while Australia is India's 10th largest trading partner. The trade between the two countries totalled over $10.7 billion in the year 2007.

New prospects of cooperation are emerging in sectors like IT, Biotechnology, Health, Films and Insurance. The ties between the two nations are expected to improve rapidly in the days to come.

Aspirations : India - A Preferred Location For Global KPO Industry.

2008-04-11T19:53:00.005+05:30

India - A Preferred Location For Global KPO Industry : India continues to remain a preferred location for the global Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) Industry. The KPO is growing rapidly with estimated projections worth $17 billion for the industry, by the year 2010.

Countries like China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Mexico are on hot pursuit to increase their share as the organisations around the world look for additional delivery centres.

The Financial Services sector account for a major portion of the KPO industry and its worth is projected to be in the excess of $5 billion by 2010. KPO has established itself as a business phenomenon moving a long way ahead from it being an elaboration of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

The Banking and the Insurance majors globally are expected to adopt KPO on the heels of financial services worlwide, maintaining its trend to remain on the forefront on each of the three waves witnessed in outsourcing, i.e. the Information Technology Outsourcing(ITO), the Business Process Outsourcing(BPO) and now the Knowledge Process Outsourcing(KPO).

A significant shift is expected in defining boundaries between the activities which are 'Outsourceable' and the ones which are 'Non-Outsourceable'. KPO may still only represent a small portion of the total outsourcing market, but with the Financial sector demonstrating its real worth in various applications, the numbers are set to increase significantly.

Other major factor influencing the KPO growth is the initiative adopted by the organisations globally towards extending the sourcing strategies beyond the traditional comfort zones and the global recognition of standards, skills, qualification and experience required to perform analytical activities.

The KPO is poised to contribute increasingly to the growth story on the global front.

Aspirations : India to invest $ 25 billion in Ports & Shipping by 2015

2008-04-10T12:26:00.008+05:30

India to invest $ 25 billion in Ports & Shipping by 2015 : Estimated investments, to the tune of $ 25 billion(Rs. 1 trillion), in the Indian maritime sector is being targetted to increase the capacities of Indian ports to 1500 million tonnes by 2015.

A massive infrastructure support is being planned for the maritime sector to match the global standards. A roadmap has been laid to increase the capacities of major ports to 1000 million tonnes and that of non-major ports to 500 million tonnes.

This leaves enough room for private sector participation. There already is a huge response from the foreign players, as well. The Investments would be channelled through the National Maritime Board (NMB). Ship building is another area of interest for the investors as investments of Rs.185 billion is being pumped in by private ship building companies in the country.

An important feature of this sector has been the emergence of non-major ports which account for 25% of the total traffic. A further increase to 35% is expected in the years to come.

A policy is being framed to address the problem related to logistics so as to lower the transaction cost. This initiative is expected to further boost the activities in the sector.

Aspirations : 'Vision Global India Infrastructure Fund'

2008-04-09T10:09:00.003+05:30

'Vision Global India Infrastructure Fund' : Fursa Alternative Strategies (An U.S. Hedge Fund), India Infrastructure Financing Group Srei and Sanjiv Gupta, ex-Coca Cola CEO, are launching a $1 billion India-Focused Infrastructure Fund called 'Vision Global India Infrastructure Fund'.

The fund plans to invest in multiple sectors like Energy, Power, Roads and Highways, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Railways, Telecom, Ports, Urban Infrastructure, Mining, Construction and Services. The fund is being raised from Middle East, the United States, South East Asia and Japan. Investors are promised returns of 25 points on investments.

The Fund will be spearheaded by Sanjiv Gupta in India and will draw on Srei's expertise. While Fursa with $750 million in assets under management worldwide will be the Principal investor in the fund. The fund is already into negotiations for some investment opportunities and is likely to close its first deal, soon.

The infrastructure sector has been an area of interest for the investors eyeing the construction boom and the number of infrastructure projects in the offing, both private as well as Government.

As per the reports of Grant Thorton, an advisory firm, real estates and infrastructure attracted investments worth $6.7 billion through 61 equity deals from private equity funds, in the year 2007. This accounted to be in excess of 1/3rd, of total PE investments. In terms of deal volume, it was second only to IT & ITES which finished with 67 deals in India.

Aspirations : 'Aerodrome India - 2008'.

2008-04-08T11:10:00.006+05:30

'Aerodrome India - 2008' : A Showcase of India's growing Aviation Industry.

New Delhi is preparing to host a three day international exhibition on airport infrastructure, security and services beginning from Thursday, April 10,2008. Leading airlines and aviation firms, like Air India, Jet Airways, kingfisher Airlines, GVK and GMR will participate in the expo, which is expected to offer business opportunities for the companies.

The event will bring airlines, vendors and the Government bodies under one roof. It will offer interactive sessions like seminars and lectures to address issues related to aviation industry. Special sessions on customer services, cargos and hubs are to feature, besides those on airport infrastructure.

The organisers of the event include, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries, Aeronautical Society of India and Airport Council International.

Aspirations : India - An attractive destination for Medical Tourism.

2008-04-06T19:18:00.004+05:30

India - An attractive destination for Medical Tourism : India is emerging as the most favoured destination for Health Tourism. A report released by the Planning Commission states that the Indian Corporate hospitals are well equipped, proficient and could measure up to or even outshine any hospital in the west, making the nation an attractive destination.

The value proposition that India has to offer is its ability to provide a highly cost competitive medical treatment with the most advanced technology.

According to an estimate 150000 medical tourists travelled to India in the year 2002, bringing in earnings of $300 mn. The CII-McKensey report projected the figures of $2 bn by the year 2012.

The report further says that a heart bypass surgery would cost a patient $6000 in India which would cost the person $7894 in Thailand, $10417 in singapore, $23938 in the US, and $19700 in UK.

A cosmetic surgery would cost $2000 in India, while the same would cost $3500 in Thailand, $20000 in the US and $10000 in UK.

The most significant aspect is the technology-savvy facilities alongwith the services of leading Indian Doctors and the most proficient Nurses.

The major problem faced by the medical tourists from the US and UK have been the reluctance of the Insurance companies to cover the treatment carried out in India. However, some hospitals are already addressing the issue by getting into alliances with the major insurance companies for encouraging patient to go ahead with their India plans.

India's competative position is further enhanced by an alternative therapy in Ayurveda, which of late has witnessed a great deal of interest from the foreign tourists. Ayurveda is useful not only for fitness and well-being, but also for the treatment of various types of chronic diseases.

Kerela is the most favoured spot for Ayurvedic treatment. The treatments in the state have proved to be most effective in dealing with certain diseases, found to be incurable by other medical systems.

Aspirations : Exports to cross $200 Bn in 2008-09.

2008-04-02T09:24:00.004+05:30

Exports to cross $200 Bn in 2008-09 : The Indian Industry is confident of exports crossing $200 Bn mark in fiscal 2008-09. This despite a strong Rupee which has appreciated by 10% in last year and the slowdown in the global marketplace.

The Indian exports has the capability of registering 20% growth annually which would reinforce the country's position as a key player in the global market. The Confideration of Indian Industries (CII) has urged the Indian Government to adhere to a stable policy to keep the momentum going.

The several measures suggested by the Indian corporate sector to encourage exports are improving Infrastructure, improving road linkages to the ports and setting targets of 10 hrs. turnaround time at ports. Another area of focus is the sea freight which has witnessed a staggering increase of 61% in the last one year.

The need for India to concentrate on Knowledge arbitrage with a shift from Labour arbitrage i.e. new technology, design and branding has been reiterrated to enhance the acceptability of its products and services on the global front.

The confidence is driven by the statistical figures achieved in the previous year. The exports to the US in the month of February'08 alone, saw an increase of 35.25%, while in the eleven month period from April'07 to February'08 an overall increase @ 22.9% to reach $138.42 Bn has been registered.

Aspirations - India set to become a hub of Academic Activities.

2008-04-01T09:31:00.004+05:30

India set to become a hub for academic activities : A conscious effort is in place to provide a necessary boost to the knowledge economy of India. The 11th five year plan targets to increase the GDP allocation to education from its present level of 3.5% to 5% by the end of the 11th plan. In a pursuit to achieve the targeted resultant, the Planning Commission intends to set aside 19.7% of the total plan resources for education.

The plan outlay for the education sector will thus cross Rs. 2,20,000 crores, a five fold increase from Rs. 43,825 crores in the 10th five year plan.

The Prime Minister in one of his speaches had announced setting up of eight new Indian Institutes of Technology(IITs), seven new Indian Institutes of Managements(IIMs) and 30 new Central Universities. The Government is working on which states will house these institutes of excellence.

The initial announcements are already featuring Gujarat to emerge central to the scheme of things. The Central Government has not only given nod to the proposal of the Gujarat Government to set up an Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) but also for a full-scale Central University to be run on the lines of Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU).

The Centre has also decided on simultaneously setting up an Indian Institute Of Information Technology-Academy (IIIT-A) at Vadodara, where training will be imparted to the teachers and an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), an institute for higher learning with a focus on IT-related cources.

A land in the excess of 300 acres, adjoining the Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT), has already been demarcated for the setting up of IIT.

A massive climb on Aspirations!

Inspirations : Discipline

2008-03-30T21:08:00.002+05:30

Inspirations : 'Discipline' - is a systematic instruction rendered to a disciple. An instruction given to follow a certain code of conduct or to adhere to a particular order.

This would lead us to 'Self Discipline', which would mean to apply a self-imposed restraint on oneself to adopt a virtue to follow a particular pattern of behaviour or to follow the best course of action.

A quote by Mahatma Gandhi seems to be most relevent here and expresses the true essense of the term 'Discipline' as he says thus :
"There will have to be rigid and iron discipline before we achieve anything great and enduring, and that dicipline will not come by mere academic argument and appeal to reason and logic. Discipline is learnt in the school of adversity".

Discipline, thus inspires oneself to an ethical behaviour in life.

Aspirations : Expats relocate to India seeking global opportunities

2008-03-27T12:24:00.000+05:30

'Destination India' seems to be the 'mantra' for expats, who are increasingly relocating to India, seeking global opportunities. Engineering, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Construction and Retail are the major sectors of attraction, thanks to India's growing manufacturing strength.

Those seeking these opportunities comprise of both the entry-level as well as higher-level professionals.

The Indian companies having turnover in the range of 100 crores and looking for aggressive growth, are the most likely recruiters for these expats. The increasing salary level in India, specially for top ranking positions is proving to be an important motivator fuelling the recent trend.

Aspirations : India to emerge as the 2nd largest Mobile Phone Market

2008-03-27T11:51:00.000+05:30

India to emerge as the 2nd largest Mobile Phone Market : In April 2008, India is set to surpass United States to emerge as the 2nd largest market for mobile phones in the world. China with 550.50 million and US with 260.50 million subscribers of mobile phone services lead the table. Close on the heels of US, India at present has 250.95 million subscribers which is set to change in April.

It is of interest to note that India is also set to surpass US to become 2nd largest wireless network after China. The teledensity of the country has increased to 25.31 % in February to cross the 25 % mark for the first time.

Aspirations : Tatas grow in stature.

2008-03-26T17:12:00.000+05:30

Tatas grow in stature : Tata Motors today concluded the aquisition of the Jaguar and Land Rover. The deal clinched by the home-grown auto major is estimated to be valued around $2.5 bn. The formal announsement is slated, to be made at 17:30 IST today.

The deal which has taken around 8-10 months is expected to cover the supply of engines to both brands by Ford.

India's Mahindra & Mahindra was a prominent player in the running in the initial stages. However, it was Tata's who won over the crucial support of Unite - the trade union of JLR to emerge as evantual winners.

This landmark deal is yet another achievement registered by the Indian corporates which demonstrated its growing stature, in the midst of slowdown, on global front.

The Indian flag is held high.

Inspirations & Aspirations : 'Jodha Akbar' - A film by Ashutosh Gowarikar

2008-03-24T20:14:00.000+05:30

'Jodha Akbar'- A film by Ashutosh Gowarikar : A film which has proved to be a wonderful experience for the viewers has been portrayed in a very poetic manner by Ashutosh Gowarikar. A story collectively scripted by HaiderAli and Ashutosh Gowarikar was composed brilliantly into a spellbounding musical naration by A.R. Rehman.

A love story of the sixteenth century between Akbar and the Rajput princess Jodha, which was seemingly lost in the glorious past and which seemed to have been hidden below resentment and extreme prejudice, was reinvented with great success by the director Ashutosh. The musical score by A.R.Rehman compliments the film in a commendable manner.'Jodha Akbar', truly is 'their' untold story.

'Inspirations' drawn from history has undoubtedly led to an unmatched creation fuelled by relentless 'Aspirations'.

Aspirations : India tests Nuclear Capable Agni - 1 Missile

2008-03-23T18:22:00.000+05:30

India tests Nuclear Capable Agni - 1 Missile :

India's Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), today successfully test-fired its all solid fuel nuclear capable surface-to-surface Agni-1 missile having a range of 700-900 kms.

The missile was launched from a mobile launcher at the integrated test range at the Wheeler's Island, a defence base in the Bay of Bengal on the coast of Orissa. The test took place at 10:15 hrs. today, and met all its parameters.

This was the second user trial, carried to test its operational readyness. Agni-1 has been inducted in the armoury of the Indian Armed Forces. The missile built indegenously is 15 mtrs. tall, weighs 12 tonnes and is capable of carrying warheads both conventional as well as nuclear, of 1000 kgs.

Aspirations : 'e-gram-vishwa-gram' initiative.

2008-03-23T11:23:00.000+05:30

'e-gram-vishwa-gram' (e-village,global-village) : In Gujarat, the western state of India, 13693 village panchayats are now connected to world wide web at a speed of 256kilobytes per second. This feat was accomplished in a period of two years with an inveatment of Rs. 1.5 bn. This initiative of the Gujarat Government will enable the remotest household to avail the advantages of Information Technology.

After successfully launching the Jyotigram Scheme(electrification of all villages), this was the second major initiative accomplished by the Government. The connectivity would make education, telemedicine, veterinary services and market linkages easily accessible to the masses. The village councils will be provided with facilities of internet, video conferencing and VoIP.

Aspirations : The Sabarmati Riverfront Project, Ahmedabad.

2008-03-21T12:05:00.000+05:30

The Sabarmati Riverfront Project, Ahmedabad : The Sabarmati Riverfront Project is rapidly assuming shape on the banks of the historical Sabarmati river from where Mahatma Gandhi launched his freedom movement.

The first phase of the project is completed while the second phase has already been initiated. The first phase has witnessed an investment of Rs.250 crores. The major work undertaken include the constuction of 2 feet thick and 40-55 feet deep 'Diaphragm' to seperate 30 feet wide walkway or Promenade. Almost 70% work on laying the intercepter sewers on either side has been completed. These sewers would transfer the sewage from the city to the sewage treatment plants, thereby keeping the rive clean.

The land is expected to be available for development by April 2009. Around 28% of the land will be utilised for construction of roads, 26% for gardens and 22% for sale for development of commercial and residential purposes.

The total investment in the two phases is expected to reach Rs.700 crores. The investment is self-financed, hence the expenditure is to be met by selling portion of the reclaimed land for commercial, recreational and residential purposes.

Aspirations : Pay Per Post - Inspirations to attain Aspirations.

2008-03-19T20:07:00.000+05:30

Pay Per Post - Inspirations to attain Aspirations :
The motivating pillars of this site, 'Vedic Instincts' has been 'Inspirations' and 'Aspirations'. 'Inspirations' drawn from the rich heritage would invariably power tall 'Aspirations'. 'Pay Per Post', I believe, is an innovative concept which fuels 'Inspirations' for a creative writing leading to an infinite reach of 'Aspirations'. It thus, seem to strengthen the two motivating aspects of this site.

Secondly, I see this as an effective opportunity of making like-minded friends around the globe. An opportunity of sharing ideas, views and opinions on varied subjects of interest pouring from different regions and cultures of our world. It truely, is a platform to create a world without boundaries and to spread the message of love and 'Universal Brotherhood'. Universal Brotherhood, incidentally, is one of the paramount feature of the 'Sanatan Dharma' or the Hindu philosophy which has the history of embracing the world with open arms.

Last but not the least, this initiative of 'Pay Per Post' provides motivation to earn through ethical means of good and creative writing, which to me is so important, when we cherish the dream of 'Universal Brotherhood'.

The success of 'Pay Per Post' will prove to be a boon for the mankind as a whole. Let us all join hands in this noble venture of 'Pay Per Post'.
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Aspirations : Digital Library of India

2008-03-19T11:33:00.000+05:30

Digital Library of India : There is a mission to create a portal for a Digital Library of India piloted by the Ministry of Information Technology with IISc and Carnegie Mellon University as partners for fostering creativity and free access to the human knowledge. This would include besides books, manuscripts and journals, which are sources of explicit knowledge, information and our heritage in all other forms including speeches, folk songs, paintings and carvings, all of which comprise implicit knowledge.

Vision - For the first time in history of mankind, all the significant literary, artistic and scietific works of mankind can be digitally preserved and made freely available in every corner of the world, for our education, study and appreciation and that for all our future generations.

Mission : As a first step in realizing this mission, it is proposed to create a digital library with free to read, searchable collection of one million books predominantly in Indian languages, available to everyone over the Internet.

Benefits : The principal benefit will be to supplement formal education system by making knowledge available to anyone who can read and has access.

A secondary benefit of online search is to make locating the relevant information inside the books far more reliable and much easier.

"Digital library is where the past meets the present and creates the future..." - Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam.