Raining Awards for Planman Motion Pictures

Planman Motion Pictures. Planman Motion Pictures was founded by Arindam Chaudhuri, noted economist and management guru, turned into a movie producer.
Planman Motion Pictures has come up with movies like Rok sako to Rok Lo, Mithya, The Last Lear, Dosor amongst many and is about to come up with movies like I am 24, Sunglass and even Do Duni Char.
Planman Motion Pictures has recenlty started the shooting of Do Duni Chaar staring Rishi Kapoor & Neetu Kapoor. After so many years both of them has come together in this movie that is produced by Planman Motion Pictures.
Sunglass (Directed by Rituparno Ghosh) & I am 24 are about to release this year only.
Moreover, Amitabh bachchan has just won best actor award for his magnificient performance in The Last Lear at Stardust Awards.
For his towering and intense performance of an ageing theatre actor in Planman Motion Pictures ‘The Last Lear’, Amitabh Bachchan was presented the best actor award at the Stardust Awards in a glittering ceremony in Mumbai yesterday night. Amitabh was especially delighted to receive this award as it coincided with his 40th year in the film industry - 15th Feb, 1969 being the date when he signed his first film contract!
On the award, Arindam Chaudhuri, the producer of The Last Lear said, “When you make films that challenge the boundaries of film making, awards become a very important part of recognition. I am obviously very happy and excited. During the entire shoot, for me it was like a young fan watching his favourite star perform! And I feel proud to be associated with one of his career best performances”. With the screen award for best Indian film in English, the Stardust award for best actor, perhaps it’s now over to the National awards next!
Internationally "The Last Lear" film has been most sought after. Recently in Paris, at the Salon du Cinema, a retrospective of Amitabh Bachchan was showcased with The Last Lear as the opening film. The premier was extremely well attended with all the dignitaries of French cinema giving the film a standing ovation and had all the praise for the movie and all were thrilled after seeing such a power packed performance.

Corporate Cricket By Peerless

The Peerless General Finance & Investment Company Ltd. today hosted the eleventh match of the “Peerless Smart Cricket Championship- 2008-09” in continuation of its legacy to nurture the spirit of sportsmanship. The match was played between the Team Tiger and Team Lion at Calcutta Cricket Coaching Centre ground. Mr. Syed Nayeemuddin, Former Captain and Coach of the Indian Football Team, was present as the chief guest. He inaugurated the match with the toss.

Team Tiger is mentored by Mr. Tarun Maity and captained by Mr Basistha Mukherjee and Team Lion is mentored by Mr. Jayanta Roy and captained by Mr. Indranil Bhattacharya.

Team Tiger emerged winner in the eleventh match of the new series defeating Team Lion by 38 runs in a spectacular 20-20 cricket match held at C4 ground today.

Debojyoti Roy Chowdhury of Team Tiger was awarded Man of the Match. Debojyoti Roy Chowdhury of Team Tiger turned out to be the Highest Scorer of the match, while Amit Chatterjee of Team Lion came up as the Highest Wicket Taker.




Scoreboard:

Team
Run
Wickets
Overs
Tiger
218
10
20
Lion
180
9
20

The two teams had faced each other thrice previously in the second, fifth and eighth match of ‘Peerless Smart Cricket Championship 2008-09’. In all the last three encounters, Team Lion emerged winner defeating Team Tiger.


Mr. Jayanta Roy, Director (Financial Products Distribution), PGFI, said at the event, “Peerless Smart Cricket has helped us discover the sportsman hidden within us. I thank all my colleagues for their support and congratulate them for making the championship a success.”

Cleartrip.com ties up with ItzCash to facilitate online transaction

ItzCash has entered into an alliance with Cleartrip.com to facilitate online travel booking for a larger number of customers especially those who do not have banking instruments for online transactions.
This alliance is expected to generate monthly transactions worth of Rs 5 million for ItzCash from July 2009 onwards i.e. transactions worth Rs 3 million from air booking and Rs 2 million from rail booking. The alliance will help generate total transactions worth of Rs 30 35 million in this calendar year
This alliance with ItzCash is expected to expand Cleartrips customer base by also including the non-bankable population and those who do not have the requisite banking instruments for online travel booking and have to rely on travel agencies or booking counters. Using an ItzCash card the customer can make his travel bookings online at www.cleartrip.com.
The users will get the flexibility to book their travel online where they will have a choice of choosing any domestic airline at the most competent rates
Speaking on the tie-up, Mr. Naveen Surya, Managing Director, ItzCash Card Ltd said, We are a facilitator for e-commerce and want to reach across a broad spectrum of customers across different socio-economic strata. We will bring value to Cleartrip and this partnership aims to increase and facilitate various transactions for them. ItzCash will bring a new universe of customers to Cleartrip.
Travel is one of the largest segments which attract e-transactions in India with over 85% of all e-commerce customers engaging in travel related transaction in 2007-2008.
ItzCash Card, a multi-utility pre-paid card aims to bring a revolution and change in the lives of people by enabling safe transactions and facilitates secure payments ranging from on-line train & air-line ticket bookings, payment of energy & telephone bills, mobile pre-paid top-ups and post-paid bill without any hassles and thus will be a smart option as a potential tool of payment in the coming future.

Allied Blenders & Distillers Pvt. Ltd. (ABD) unfolds its new corporate identity

Allied Blenders & Distillers Pvt. Ltd. (ABD), a Kishore Chhabria promoted company has revealed a new corporate identity that visually reflects the changing times and a complete image makeover for the company. The new identity reflects the company's transformation from a single brand company to a multi brand company, which caters to different consumer segments. It also signifies the company's conscious progression from the regular to the premium alcohol segment. The launch of leading German vodka brand 'Wodka Gorbatschow' was ABD's first foray into the premium segment of the IMFL industry and the company also has plans of getting into newer premium categories like wine and rum soon.
ABD is also ready to unfold a new brand positioning for its leading brand 'Officer's Choice'. Officers Choice is the fastest growing brand in the prestige whisky segment and is on a high growth trajectory, clocking a CAGR of 31% over the last 3 years. To strengthen the connect with its TG and to make the brand more relevant to its consumer and also to further strengthen its imagery on key parameters like modernity and premiumness, the company undertook the process of repositioning the brand.

Says Roopak Chaturvedi, Director sales and marketing:" In-depth consumer research carried out by us has highlighted that the OC consumer has a deep seated desire in him to get/earn respect, recognition and admiration from his family and peers. He wants to be seen as a respected person who has authority and is conventionally successful. Recognition is his key motivation and the only way he believes he can achieve this is through his deeds and actions. Being helpful, good natured and honest, he believes will help him earn the respect of others. The choices (infact the right choices) he makes, is what he believes will make him stand out from the rest. Using these insights, our task was to ensure that we addressed these hidden motivations and aspirations of our TG. OC's new positioning "Jagaiye apne andar ka officer" stems from these insights."

OC's new brand positioning fuels the inspiration of the male, regular whisky drinker; SEC B, C, aged between 25-44 years to constantly do good and make the right choices through the choice of a rich, smooth, good quality premium whisky. OC is positioned on the "Righteousness" platform that no competitive brand owns or can own as the brand name Officer's Choice is integral to its positioning.


OC plans to launch this new communication through a holistic 360 degree integrated marketing approach, with Out of Home, Print and Radio being the key reach and image drivers. Communicating the new positioning through events will be localized at a state level.

In the last three years, ABD has emerged as the fastest growing spirits company in India with a compounded growth rate of 29%. ABD's flagship brand 'Officer's Choice' is the 2nd largest brand in the prestige whisky segment in the India and is going from strength to strength. Similarly, within just a short span of six months, WODKA GORBATSCHOW has already achieved approximately 10% market share in the premium vodka market in almost all markets that it has been launched in and will have a pan-india presence by 2010.
Says Mr. Deepak Roy, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, ABD, "Having achieved immense success with our leading brand Officer's Choice, we are now working towards expanding our portfolio with premium brands, along with a complete image makeover for the company. Our recent introduction of the premium German vodka brand 'Wodka Gorbatschow' and the soon to be launched premium Rum & wine brands are progressive steps in this direction. Going forward, I am confident that ABD, with its strong National sales and distribution network and National scale manufacturing base, coupled with a highly experienced management team and a proven field force, is on track to become one of the world's most admired companies in the areas of its operation."
In line with its new identity, ABD has created a new and refreshing corporate logo. The Energetic and the Dynamic red logo of ABD emphasizes the passion and the no-fear attitude of the company. The color Red is strong and very basic, without any subtlety. It reflects more light than it absorbs and has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is, therefore grabbing attention.

The logo is inspired from ABD's ambition to reach broader horizons. The new ABD logo also stimulates the vision, and the bold, warm and aggressive colors characterize the attitude of the company. Physical manifestation of this transformation has already been made across all stationery, letterheads, envelopes, visiting cards, continuation sheets etc of the company. ABD has also completely revamped its official company website.
ABD's vision is to be the most admired liquor company. Its new visual identity will thus reflect commitment and passion towards achieving the goals of the company and the pursuit of excellence that ABD strives for. In line with this vision, ABD has major plans for strengthening the financials of the company over the next 2-3 years. The company currently boasts of a pan-india presence with 28 manufacturing / bottling units in 22 States across the country, out of which 3 are company owned and the remaining 25 are exclusive contract bottling units. ABD plans to acquire as many as four additional greenfield bottling plants in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and West Bengal. The company also wants to set up a primary distillery unit, which will provide 20-25 % of spirits for its own use and thus reduce dependence on outsourcing. In the pipeline are also plans of getting into an IPO in the next 2-3 years.

Radico Khaitan launches M2- Magic

Radico Khaitan Ltd, the second largest liquor company of India launched its new flavored variants in vodka called Magic Moments Vodka 'Remix'. The brand is available in six flavors: Green Apple, Orange, Lemon, Raspberry, Lemon Grass & Ginger and Chocolate.
The Brand Ambassador for Magic Moments'Remix' is the bollywood style icon Mr. Hrithik Roshan.
Speaking on the occasion Mr.Rahul Gagerna VP, Marketing, Radico Khaitan Ltd. said "With the launch of 'Remix' flavored vodka, we have achieved yet another milestone in taking Magic Moments Vodka to the young and trendy with varied taste buds. We have taken utmost care in packaging the bottle by using colours which will depict each flavor. The idea of using neck tags with the bottles will help in making great cocktail recipes."
He added "The unique aspect of this is that the bottle has graphics directly printed on to it. The Remix bottles have young and trendy youth printed on them showing the spirit of the brand."
Magic Moments Remix is triple distilled from the finest grain blended with imported French grain spirit which will target the young at heart. The packaging is the first of its kind. The company has invested in the latest Packaging Decoration technology currently being used in Europe. The plant for this has been set up at Bahadurgarh. The six different flavors are available in 750 ml, 375 ml, and 180 ml size bottles. They are priced at approximately Rs 375- Rs 450 across different markets.
The six different flavors are:
Orange: Orange mixed with life and vodka, and sprinkled with the naughtiness of orange leaves an everlasting taste.
Raspberry: Join the fun with tongue-tingling Raspberries flavored Vodka.
Green apple: The combination of sharp flavor of the Green Apple and the cool serenity of vodka will never fail to tingle.
Lemon: Freshness of Lemon with the kick of Vodka- get a second life full of delight.
Lemon Grass & Ginger: The punch of Lemon Grass and the warmth of Ginger, that's what we call the vodka with split personality.
Chocolate: Tempting chocolate and indulging Vodka- A true celebration of passion.
Magic Moments Remix Orange Vodka has also received Silver Medal in the International Spirits Challenge 2008 and Magic Moments Flavoured Green Apple Vodka Silver (Best in Class) in the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2008.

SKS Microfinance,

SKS Microfinance, India's largest and world's fastest growing microfinance and ICICI Bank, India's second largest bank, completed a unique securitisation deal worth Rs.200 crore which allows the bank to purchase loans extended to weaker sections.

The transaction is a major step forward in financial inclusion since the program will deliver income-generating loans of averaging Rs.9,500 to over 2,00,000 unbanked families belonging to SC, ST and minorities identified by the RBI as 'weaker section' and hence a priority. The partnership combines SKS' robust customer acquisition and management model with ICICI's extensive experience in financial structuring for microfinance institutions, networks and investors in emerging markets to fulfil a shared objective of greater financial inclusion and poverty alleviation through commercially viable and sustainable lending programs.

Announcing this landmark transaction, Mr. S. Dilli Raj, CFO of SKS Microfinance said, "For the first time in the MFI history, a pool comprising receivables exclusively from the weaker sections of the society is securitised and placed with ICICI Bank. We will continue to manage these receivables for ICICI Bank through the term of these receivables. This structure achieves amalgam of the "Funding capability' of a Banking giant like ICICI and the "Credit Delivery Skills' of SKS.

SKS Microfinance currently has a member base of 3.6 million and has disbursed loans worth Rs 5,788 crore. It has 1,373 branches across 18 Indian states.

Increase in Job at kolkata

According to Naukri JobSpeak, the monthly job index released by Naukri.com, Kolkata saw an improved situation in Jan-09, as compared to Dec-08. The index at 718 in Jan-09 moved up by 23%, as compared to 586 in Dec-08. However, this implies a 28.2% decline in new jobs in Kolkata since Jul-08.

Prominent industries in Kolkata include IT, ITeS and Construction & Engineering. There has been a volatility in the indices for these industries at a National level.

During Jan-09, ITes saw an influx of new jobs, the index for the industry moving to 989 in Jan 09 as compared to 772 in Dec-08. Construction and Engineering saw an increase by 4%, with the index at 618 in Jan-09. The IT sector saw stability in creation of new jobs in Jan-09 as compared to Dec 08, with the index at 691.

On the report, Hitesh Oberoi, COO and Director, Info Edge (India) Ltd said, "The downtrend in jobs was arrested to an extent in January. However it may be a while before we see a recovery."

According to Naukri JobSpeak, the overall job index inched up from 697 in December to 738 in Jan-09. The gain in the index is reflected in an improved situation in industries like ITeS and BPO, Telecom.

A location wise analysis reveals an improved situation in IT centes like Bangalore Hyderabad and Pune with the index at 747, 646 and 617 respectively.

In December, Naukri.com conducted a survey of 1500+ recruiters on the hiring outlook for the year 2009, which revealed a positive hiring scenario. 38% recruiters predicted addition of new jobs, 37.8% expected replacement hiring, 14.3% expected a freeze and 9.5% anticipated layoffs during the year

Industry Analysis: ITeS , BPO and Telecom buoy the job industry
Most of the industries saw a positive hiring trend in Jan-09 as compared to Dec-08. The industry analysis reveals a positive scenario in IT, BPO, Telecom, Banking and Hospitality. Niche industries including Legal, Government and Defence continued to see an increase in Jobs, with the index above Jul-08 levels.

Functional Area / Department Analysis: Most functional areas saw an increase in demand
IT, ITeS, Sales, Project Management Accounting and Banking professionals saw an upward movement in the index, especially the ITeS sector, which saw an increase in new jobs by 18%. Functional areas including Teaching and Hospitality inched up above the Jul-08 levels indicating a robust job scenario in these sectors.

Methodology
The index has been calculated based on new jobs added to the site month on month. Jul '08 has been taken as the base month with a score of 1000 and the Aug 08-Jan 09 index is compared with the data for July. Data has been sourced from Naukri.com and it reflects of new job listings added on the site. Jobs have been categorised by location, functional area and industry. The index has been analysed across cities/ functional area - deptt / industry verticals. The report (produced monthly) will show hiring trends across industry sectors, geography and functional areas. More than 32500 national and international clients used Naukri.com in 2007-2008, leading to high reliability of data.

Mobile2win joins Altruist Group to create new leader in Mobile VAS

Mobile2win India, a leading mobile VAS company in the SMS and mobile marketing space has decided to join The Altruist Group, a leader in wireless voice services, to create a new powerhouse in the Indian mobile VAS industry. Altruist Group currently has two companies, Altruist Technologies which operates the leading Mobile Social Networking Service and JobsOnPhone, a phone based recruitment service provider.

Dheeraj Aggarwal, the co-founder of Altruist said "We are extremely excited to join hands with Mobile2win, a pioneer in the SMS and the mobile marketing industry. M2W not only brings along a robust business model and strong relationships but also an excellent management team, who have worked in blue chip companies. Together, we aim to offer the most comprehensive portfolio of products and services including Voice, SMS, WAP, ODP and Location, which will drive our growth to become one of the top 3 companies in the Indian mobile VAS space."

With this consolidation, the Group turnover will exceed Rs 200 Crores (~USD 40 mn) this fiscal While the companies will continue to operate independently, they will take advantage of their complementary Voice, SMS, WAP solutions and offer it to all the leading mobile operators, media companies and brands. This will likely contribute to over 20 percent of the domestic VAS market in the next fiscal by cross selling their products and platforms across a wider client base. Altruist currently runs a Mobile Social Networking service having an engaged subscriber base of over 6 million paid users contributing more than 50 million minutes every month making it the biggest mobile centric community not just in India but across the world.

As part of this transaction, the existing investors in Mobile2win will get shares in the Altruist Group. Rajat Jain, who is currently the MD and CEO of Mobile2Win will now hold the position of Chairman & MD of M2W and will also join the Altruist Group board. The advisers on this transaction were Avendus Capital.

"In Altruist we see a strong mobile VAS entity, who shares our vision to make a paradigm shift in the way consumer VAS services are created and delivered in this market. We have complementary strengths and skills across the mobile ecosystem. This consolidation will deliver at least a 40% incremental value to both companies' shareholders" said Rajat Jain, CMD of Mobile2win.

India is the fastest growing mobile market in the world and Indian consumers are now ready and eager to consume a wide spectrum of services on their mobile phones, and voice is the best medium for delivering these in vernacular languages. VAS in this context can now be aptly redefined as "Very Appropriate Services".

Altruist - M2W combine would be a VAS powerhouse leveraging the entire spectrum of technology, the reach of over 20 media tie-ups across print, TV, radio and digital mediums, combined with the experience of working with more than 150 of the world's leading brands like Coca Cola, Standard Chartered, Amex, Whirlpool, PizzaHut etc.

The companies will operate out of their current headquarters in Mumbai and Chandigarh respectively. It will employ over 500 employees across 13 company offices in India with onsite presence in all telecom circles, to be close to their valued telecom clients.

Euromoney declares HDFC Bank "The Best Local Bank"

HDFC Bank, one of India's premier banks, has been declared the 'Best Local Bank' in India in the Euromoney's Annual Private Banking Survey. The Survey also recognized HDFC Bank as the Best Bank in the category of 'Relationship Management' and has been voted 2nd Best Bank in the category of 'Private Banking Services Overall' by the people who knows the industry best- the private bankers themselves.
The rankings are based on qualitative and quantitative survey supported by quantitative data provided by the participating banks. The survey also includes competitors' perceptions of the best performing providers in defined client and product categories.
According to Euromoney, HDFC Bank's nomination as "Best Local Bank in India" indicates the Bank's excellence in both advisory and portfolio management across a range of asset classes and investment styles.
Commenting on this recognition, Abhay Aima, Group Head Equities, Private Banking, Third Party Products, NRI & International Consumer Business, HDFC Bank said "This award assumes even greater significance for us for two reasons; it is a peer validation and the current backdrop of economic volatility further accentuates the need for Private Banking in these turbulent times. Developing the right strategies and catalysing growth opportunities, is the only way forward in these market conditions. We at HDFC Bank understand the challenges in the market and we strongly believe that we have the right business fundamentals to address the growing market needs and capitalize on opportunities to build partnerships for mutual development with our clients."
Euromoney's private banking awards are the most prestigious in the growing area of wealth management and cover over 60 countries every year, as well as global and regional awards. They are voted for by the people who know the industry best- by the private bankers themselves.

Run Kolkata Run

The completion of four years of The Kolkata Marathon, celebrating the spirit of the city, is a statement that the event has defied all odds and exceeded all expectations. Be it the number of registered participants, the quality of the elite athlete field, the winning times, the growth and improvement curve has been significant.
Keeping with the same commitment, Bharti Airtel Limited, India's leading mobile service provider, once again is proud to present the "Airtel Kolkata Marathon" on February 22, 2009.
If at all one thing remained steady over the five years, it has been the rock solid commitment of the promoters, sponsors and partners to the event to intensify the marathon experience of each individual every year. We would like to acknowledge SAIL, Confederation of India Industries (CII), who are joint sponsors for this event, Highlife Management as the event managers for organizing the marathon and express our sincere thanks to Athletic Coaches Association of Bengal (ACAB) and Athletic Federation of India (AFI), for their technical assistance. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Selvel for being our outdoor partner for this event.
Registrations for Kolkata's foremost sports and social event has already started and will remain open till February 22, 2009. Participants can contact the Kolkata Marathon office* or any Airtel Relationship Centers to register for the Airtel Kolkata Marathon. The Registration fees for the Main Marathon is Rs. 100, the Women's Marathon is Rs. 50 and the Fun Run is Rs. 30.
*Kolkata Marathon office: Calcutta Kennel Club, Maidan Tent, Mayo Road, Kolkata: 700016 Phone: 6510 3372, 2231 3338 (between 4pm to 7pm)
The race categories for the Airtel Kolkata Marathon 2009 would be as follows: Main Marathon (42.2km); Women's Marathon (10.5km) and the Fun Run (4.2km).
Mr. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Steel, Mr. Gautam Mohan Chakraborty Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, Mr. Ajai Puri, CEO, Bharti Airtel limited, Mr. Sandipan Chakraborty, Chairman CII Eastern Region, Mr. Shoeb Ahmed, Director Commercial, (SAIL) and Mr. Noomi Mehta, Chairman, Selvel One Group would be flagging off the groups for the Airtel Kolkata Marathon from Red Road starting 7 am onwards.
"This is the fifth year of the Kolkata Marathon. Last year Kolkata Marathon witnessed more than 20,000 participants and this year we expect more people to take part in this run for the city. Apart from the mentioned marathon categories, this year we are introducing a Celebrity Run as a part of Airtel Kolkata Marathon so as to add a fun element to this sporting spectacle," said Prochy Mehta, a veteran athlete and secretary of Kolkata Marathon.
Speaking on this event, Ajai Puri, CEO, Bharti Airtel Ltd. Kolkata and West Bengal Telecom Circles said "It gives me immense satisfaction to dedicate Airtel Kolkata
Marathon 2009 to the theme 'Remember the joy of running'. Marathon is one of the most popular events and a true representation of the spirit of the city, upholding the essence of bonding among the residents for a common cause. This is the fourth year of Airtel's association with Kolkata Marathon and our aim is to salute and celebrate the spirit of this city and the dreams we share. It also symbolizes Airtel's growing presence in Kolkata and its expansion across the state as the fastest growing network with enhanced value to customers."
Already the most attractive sporting prize, the Airtel Kolkata Marathon 2009 will now offer an enhanced prize purse of Rs 11 lacs. The increase in prize money is in keeping with the stature and popularity of the event, tagged as the highest prize money offered to Indian marathon runners. The winner of the of the Main Marathon category is to be awarded a prize money of Rs. 3.20 lacs and the winner of the Women's Marathon category is to be awarded a prize money of Rs. 1.10 lacs.
To add to the celebratory spirit, Bangla Band 'Bhoomi' will perform at the venue to egg on participants to excel in this sports. There would also be a celebrity run featuring eminent personalities from the field of sports and entertainment pledging their solidarity with the cause. All registered participants of the Airtel Kolkata Marathon will receive a T-shirt, cap courtesy of Bharti Airtel and refreshments courtesy of Kinley and Sunfeast Biscuits at the venue.

ItzCash Card join hands with BharatMatrimony.com

ItzCash Card Ltd, India's first "Multi Purpose Prepaid Cash Card" has added yet another service to its customers with its alliance with the matrimony portal BharatMatrimony.com. This alliance will enable new registration and renewal available to the customers through ItzCash Card.

Speaking about the alliance, Mr. Naveen Surya, MD ItzCash Card Ltd said, "We are happy to be associated with BharatMatrimony.com which is one of the renowned and trusted matrimony brand. ItzCash always believes in providing the best service to its customer and through this association we look forward to bring smile into their life".

BharatMatrimony.com offers you various packages where one can register. There are packages like Classic, Classic Plus and Classic Super which is for a span of 3-9 months. The candidate can avail of these schemes by making payment through ItzCash Card.

Customers can now register anytime from home or office by using ItzCash Card. ItzCash cards are available in a range of denominations from Rs. 100 to Rs. 10,000/-. The card allows the consumer to be in charge of what they spend. In fact it uniquely enables the consumer to process micro payments of Rs. 10/- onwards. The card is highly renowned for its services, technology, safety & Security, reliability and enjoys premium brand status in the highly competitive Local markets. There are No hidden costs the consumer can utilize the full value of the card and it guarantees payment without fear of charge-backs and reversals. All transactions are confirmed in real time.

Siemens sets up a Graphics and Engineering Centre of Competence in India

Siemens Building Technologies Private Limited (SBTPL), a subsidiary of Siemens Ltd. has announced the setting up of its first Graphics and Engineering Centre of Competence (GECC) in India. This new GECC will provide engineering design, software configuration and graphics development services that will be delivered remotely for building automation projects of Building Technologies in the domestic as well as Asia Pacific markets. The centre will also have capabilities to provide need based, on-site support.
The new competence centre will enable Siemens to improve the quality and speed of delivery of their building technology solutions, ranging from general offerings to specific energy efficient, green technologies. In the initial phase, the GECC will have about 30 engineers and the employee strength will be ramped up in line with business demands.
Commenting on setting up a GECC in India, Mr. Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO, Building Automation Business Unit of the Building Technologies Division said, "To set up our GECC, India emerged as the preferred destination principally because of its inherent strengths including talented manpower and an efficient cost proposition. Our aim is to build a world class engineering development centre in India that will own and drive outstanding engineering developments for the building automation and management systems."
Mr. Schierenbeck further added, "Despite the current economic slowdown, the building technologies market still holds a tremendous growth potential. Across the world, customers are looking for innovative solutions that reduce energy consumption in buildings and also minimize CO2 emissions. We are confident that our GECC in Chennai will help us meet demands in emerging markets for green technologies. Siemens Building Technologies Division is one of the major companies worldwide to provide end-to-end innovative building technology solutions from a single source."
Mr. Anand Mecheri, CEO & Managing Director, SBTPL says, "We are happy that India will serve as a base for Siemens' new Graphics and Engineering Centre of Competence. With India's rich resource of engineering talent, the GECC will serve as a hub that addresses the unique requirements of the Building Technologies Division in both the domestic and international markets".
The setting up of the new GECC marks a significant milestone in the strengthened operations of SBTPL. It was back in 2007 that Siemens' Building Technologies business was merged with iMetrex Technologies to form a separate subsidiary called SBTPL. Reflecting on the business's progression, Mr. Mecheri notes, "Our combined synergies have helped us to further consolidate our leadership position in the market. Going forward, the new GECC will enable us to build on our strengths and pursue our growth strategy. In India, our focus on providing energy efficient solutions will continue. In this context, we have now introduced 'Maximize Efficiency' - a strategic initiative that will help buildings go 'Green' and consistently deliver outstanding value to them."
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of production, transportation and building technologies. With integrated hardware and software technologies as well as comprehensive Industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity and efficiency of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility, Drive Technologies and OSRAM. With around 209,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal 2007 total sales of approximately EUR 40 billion (pro forma, unconsolidated). www.siemens.com/industry
The Siemens Building Technologies Division (Zug, Switzerland), as a service provider and systems integrator and also as a manufacturer of the corresponding products, combines solutions and concepts for energy-efficient building automation, fire protection, electronic safety and electrical installation engineering. Due to this unique combination of activities, Building Technologies is a leading global player in the building automation market. The Division is an organizational unit of Siemens Schweiz AG (Zurich, Switzerland) and includes Siemens Building Technologies GmbH & Co. oHG (Erlangen, Germany), Building Technologies Inc. (Buffalo Grove, USA), their subsidiaries and holdings as well as all important Siemens activities in the field of building technologies. www.siemens.com/buildingtechnologies
Siemens Ltd is the flagship listed company in India. Siemens in India, which comprises 22 legal entities, is a leading provider of industry and infrastructure solutions with a business volume aggregating about Rs 11,800 crore. It operates in the core business areas of Industry, Energy and Healthcare. It has nation-wide Sales and Service network, 18 manufacturing plants, a network of around 500 channel partners and employs about 17,000 people.

SKS Microfinance, India's largest and world's fastest growing Microfinance Company has extended life insurance cover to one million poor women across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal through its low-premium micro-insurance product Bajaj Allianz Swayam Shakti Suraksha. The product was launched in April 2008 jointly with Bajaj Allianz.
Commenting on the success, Mr.Suresh Gurumani, CEO, SKS Microfinance said, "This insurance product has been a real success with our members who are able to get insurance benefit by paying very low premiums at their doorsteps. SKS Microfinance with its distribution network of over 3.6 million members in rural India across 18 states will play a major role in promoting such offerings which will result in greater financial inclusion."
Bajaj Allianz Swayam Shakti Suraksha which has had 50 percent penetration across SKS members, will be made available across its member base in Delhi, Bihar and Maharashtra in the coming months.
"Bajaj Allianz Swayam Shakti Suraksha has helped take the benefits of insurance to rural India at a very rapid pace. We are overwhelmed with the success of this product," said Mr. Kamesh Goyal, Bajal Allianz.
The five-year policy is initially financed by SKS by depositing Rs 500 in the beneficiary's account as an interest free loan to help the member pay the initial premium. Swayam Shakti Suraksha allows a member to get an insurance cover of a minimum of Rs.5,000/-. The policy covers the member for Rs.10,000/- in case of accidental death and obtain loans under the scheme up to 85 per cent of the surrender value.
The claims are settled at the SKS weekly center meeting where the member's nominee receives the claim amount within 7 days of submission of the claim. The guaranteed surrender value is 70% of the net premium paid subject to applicable surrender penalty.

IT Governance Institute Seeks Public Comments on New Risk IT Framework

09The nonprofit, independent IT Governance Institute is seeking public comment on its new IT risk framework, which is based on the globally recognized COBIT IT governance tool set. Comments on Enterprise Risk: Identify, Govern and Manage IT Risk: The Risk IT Framework (Risk IT) will be accepted through 13 March 2009 at www.itgi.org.

While COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and related Technology) sets good practices for the means of risk management, Risk IT sets good practices for the ends, by providing a framework for enterprises to identify, govern and manage risk.

Risk IT is designed for
Top executives and boards of directors who need to set direction and monitor risk at the enterprise level
Managers of IT and business departments who need to define risk management processes
Risk management professionals who need specific IT risk guidance
External stakeholders

The framework has nine business processes divided into three domains: Risk Governance, Risk Evaluation and Risk Response. It also offers management guidelines, RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed) charts, maturity models and goals and metrics.

As the Risk IT initiative evolves, it will include practitioner guidance, case studies and supporting materials. Additional information is available at www.itgi.org/riskit.

The IT Governance Institute (ITGI) (www.itgi.org) is a nonprofit, independent research entity that provides guidance for the global business community on issues related to the governance of IT assets. ITGI was established by the nonprofit membership association ISACA in 1998 to help executives and IT professionals ensure that IT delivers value and its risks are mitigated through alignment with enterprise objectives, IT resources are properly managed, and IT performance is measured. ITGI developed COBIT and Val IT, and offers original research and case studies to help enterprise leaders and boards of directors fulfill their IT governance responsibilities and help IT professionals deliver value-adding services.

Aditya Puri is CNN-IBN Indian of the Year (Business)

HDFC Bank Managing Director Aditya Puri is the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2008 in the Business category. Given in six categories - Politics, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Public Service, and Global Indian - these awards "recognize, celebrate and honour Indians who have contributed to our country and in turn have strengthened our society and contributed to building Brand India in 2008," says the official CNN-IBN website.

"This year's awards are even more significant as they personify the undying spirit of a billion free Indian minds, in the wake of terror, natural disaster and economic challenges," the website adds.

Each category had six nominees. Mssrs Ratan Tata, Baba Kalyani, C.B.Bhave (SEBI), S.Ramadorai (TCS) and Uday Kotak (Kotak Group) were the other nominees in the Business category.

Mr. Puri won, as CNN IBN puts it, for "steering HDFC Bank well in a tough time, ensuring growth without taking risks and leveraging his customer-base well."

The winners in the other five categories are Nitish Kumar (Politics), Abhinav Bindra (Sports), Aamir Khan (Entertainment), G. Madhavan Nair & Team Chandrayaan (Public Service) and A.R. Rahman (Global Indian).

In December 2008, leading financial daily Business Standard declared Mr.Puri as Banker of the Year (2008) for successfully leading his bank in tough times.
Below are some of the prominent awards HDFC Bank won in 2008 under the stewardship of Mr. Puri.
Business India
'Best Bank 2008'
Forbes Asia
Fab 50 companies in Asia Pacific
Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services
Best Retail Bank 2008
Asiamoney
Best local Cash Management Bank Award voted by Corporates
Business Today-Monitor Group survey
One of India's "Most Innovative Companies"
Financial Express-Ernst & Young Award
Best Bank Award in the Private Sector category
Global HR Excellence Awards - Asia Pacific HRM Congress:
'Employer Brand of the Year 2007 -2008' Award - First Runner up,
Business Today
'Best Bank' Award

ItzCash Card chosen as the Product of the Year

ItzCash Card Limited has won the coveted 'Product of the Year' award in the prepaid card category at an event held at The Taj Lands End, Mumbai. ItzCash Card Ltd has been awarded as the 'Best Multipurpose Prepaid Cash Card' making it the most innovative and preferred product in its category.

The results at the awards were based on the report by A. C. Nielsen. The research agency conducted a survey with a sample size of 40,000 people across various cities and sectors. This award has proven the prowess of ItzCash Card in the market.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Naveen Surya, MD, ItzCash Card said," we are ecstatic on receiving the Product of the Year award. This award is a special one as it is the consumers who have the say in making us the winners".


The 'Product of the Year' award provides the platform for the companies to be valued directly by the consumers. The forum offers the consumers to make their voice heard through the largest consumer survey of its type in India. The research is unique in its intention as well as in its size. As a matter of fact, 'Product of the Year' is the first consumer research exercise, which specifically asks the consumer about the interest of new innovative products currently available to them. The consumers, thousands in number, went through a face-to-face interview in filling-in the survey and yielding the results. The survey was based on three aspects:

¨ which product holds most appeal;
¨ which is always/most frequently used; and
¨ Of those used, which is the most appealing.


The competition started from 1st April, 2008 as the date for filing entries. The initial results were announced to the entrants on 10th September, 2008 after which the agency commenced its national research. The ultimate winners were declared in public in the 17th January gala.

The jury at the competition comprised of all industry leaders and experts from the spheres of manufacturing, marketing and the press. The jury members put each product through its paces – feeling, eating, squeezing and using each one as appropriate. The written submissions in which manufacturers outline why they feel their product is innovative was also considered.