DSP BlackRock Micro-Cap Fund - Growth 69.94
Sundaram BNP Paribas Select Focus - Institutional Plan - Growth 64.68
Kotak PSU Bank ETF - Growth 63.99
Reliance Pharma Fund - Growth 60.45
Reliance Pharma Fund - Bonus 60.44
SBI Magnum Sector Funds Umbrella - FMCG - Growth 60.22
PSU Bank Benchmark Exchange Traded Scheme - Growth 59.87
Religare Mid N Small Cap Fund - Growth 59.81
Religare Mid N Small Cap Fund - Dividend 59.70
Sundaram BNP Paribas Select Thematic Financial Services Opportunities - IP - Dividend 57.50
Franklin Pharma Fund - Growth 57.29
Franklin Pharma Fund - Dividend 57.29
Reliance Banking Fund - Growth 56.85
Reliance Banking Fund - Bonus 56.85
Reliance Equity Opportunities Fund - Institutional Plan - Dividend 53.30
Sahara Banking and Financial Services Fund - Growth 53.21
Sundaram BNP Paribas Select Thematic Financial Services Opportunities - IP - Growth 53.12
Reliance Equity Opportunities Fund - Growth 53.09
Reliance Equity Opportunities Fund - Dividend 53.09
Reliance Equity Opportunities Fund - Bonus 53.09
DSP BlackRock Small And Mid Cap Fund - Growth 52.24
Reliance Banking Fund - Institutional Plan - Dividend 52.03
UTI Banking Sector Fund - Growth 51.94
UTI Transportation and Logistic Fund - Growth 51.62
Reliance Pharma Fund - Dividend 51.01
* We do not rate mutual funds that are less than a year old.
rediff.com
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sensex ends below 18K level
MUMBAI: The BSE benchmark Sensex fell by 228 points today to close below the 18,000-level on heavy selling by foreign funds amid apprehensions of a slowdown in the US.
The 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, which remained range-bound in early trade, fell sharply in the last 30 minutes of trade to close with a loss of 227.94 points, or 1.25 per cent, at 17,998.41.
The Sensex lost 403.41 points, or 2.19 per cent, this week, its biggest ever fall since the week ended May 21.
The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also fell by 69.20 points, or 1.26 per cent, to 5,408.70 today.
Marketmen said selling was more pronounced in information technology and tech stocks as major market participants were nervo us ahead of the Federal Reserve's outlook for the US economy, one of their key markets.
A mixed trend in Asia and a lower opening in European stock markets also influenced the trading sentiment here in domestic markets.
In the 30-BSE index components, 26 stocks declined, while four remained higher. IT, tech, banking, realty and consumer durable stocks were the major losers.
The realty sector index was the major loser, losing 2.67 per cent to 3,379.98, followed by the banking index, which fell by 2.07 per cent to 12,216.07.
Analysts said shares of software exporters fell after the Union Cabinet approved the new Direct Taxes Code bill wherein it proposed a hike in the rate of minimum alternate tax on book profits to 20 per cent from the prevailing 18 per cent.
The information technology sector index dropped by 1.84 per cent to 5,408.36, with software exporting companies like Infosys, Tata Consultancy and Wipro badly affected by the hike in MAT. Infosys Technologies dropped by Rs 54.65 to Rs 2,708.85, while TCS fell 2.10 per cent.
The most valuable firm on the Sensex and oil refinery major Reliance Industries continued to lose ground and fell by Rs 6.95 to Rs 949.75.
Among the other losers in the Sensex pack, DLF fell by 3.30 per cent, followed by Hero Honda (3.18 per cent), ICICI Bank (2.84 per cent), Tata Power (2.55 per cent), Jaiprakash Associates (2.40 per cent), Jindal Steel (2.38 per cent), R- Infra (2.17 per cent) and SBI (2.16 per cent).
Small-cap and mid-cap equities also witnessed similar and jitters and lost ground after investors offloaded their holdings.
Barring the oil and gas index, all the sectoral indices were in the red. Oil and Natural Gas Corp, the largest explorer, climbed 2.87 per cent to Rs 1,317.65 after the company discovered oil in a block in the western onshore basin.
TOI
The 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, which remained range-bound in early trade, fell sharply in the last 30 minutes of trade to close with a loss of 227.94 points, or 1.25 per cent, at 17,998.41.
The Sensex lost 403.41 points, or 2.19 per cent, this week, its biggest ever fall since the week ended May 21.
The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also fell by 69.20 points, or 1.26 per cent, to 5,408.70 today.
Marketmen said selling was more pronounced in information technology and tech stocks as major market participants were nervo us ahead of the Federal Reserve's outlook for the US economy, one of their key markets.
A mixed trend in Asia and a lower opening in European stock markets also influenced the trading sentiment here in domestic markets.
In the 30-BSE index components, 26 stocks declined, while four remained higher. IT, tech, banking, realty and consumer durable stocks were the major losers.
The realty sector index was the major loser, losing 2.67 per cent to 3,379.98, followed by the banking index, which fell by 2.07 per cent to 12,216.07.
Analysts said shares of software exporters fell after the Union Cabinet approved the new Direct Taxes Code bill wherein it proposed a hike in the rate of minimum alternate tax on book profits to 20 per cent from the prevailing 18 per cent.
The information technology sector index dropped by 1.84 per cent to 5,408.36, with software exporting companies like Infosys, Tata Consultancy and Wipro badly affected by the hike in MAT. Infosys Technologies dropped by Rs 54.65 to Rs 2,708.85, while TCS fell 2.10 per cent.
The most valuable firm on the Sensex and oil refinery major Reliance Industries continued to lose ground and fell by Rs 6.95 to Rs 949.75.
Among the other losers in the Sensex pack, DLF fell by 3.30 per cent, followed by Hero Honda (3.18 per cent), ICICI Bank (2.84 per cent), Tata Power (2.55 per cent), Jaiprakash Associates (2.40 per cent), Jindal Steel (2.38 per cent), R- Infra (2.17 per cent) and SBI (2.16 per cent).
Small-cap and mid-cap equities also witnessed similar and jitters and lost ground after investors offloaded their holdings.
Barring the oil and gas index, all the sectoral indices were in the red. Oil and Natural Gas Corp, the largest explorer, climbed 2.87 per cent to Rs 1,317.65 after the company discovered oil in a block in the western onshore basin.
TOI
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sensex ends flat, consumer durables gain
MUMBAI: A benchmark index for Indian equities ended flat in a day of volatile trading on Monday.
FMCG stocks weighed the markets down, while consumer durables shot up handsomely and PSU scrips made robust gains.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,400.33 points, closed at 18,398.91 points, almost unchanged from its previous close at 18,401.82 points.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty shut shop 0.19 percent higher at 5,540.9 points.
Broader markets indices, however, performed better, with the BSE midcap index closing 0.75 percent up and the BSE smallcap index ending 0.92 percent higher.
TOI
FMCG stocks weighed the markets down, while consumer durables shot up handsomely and PSU scrips made robust gains.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,400.33 points, closed at 18,398.91 points, almost unchanged from its previous close at 18,401.82 points.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader 50-share S&P CNX Nifty shut shop 0.19 percent higher at 5,540.9 points.
Broader markets indices, however, performed better, with the BSE midcap index closing 0.75 percent up and the BSE smallcap index ending 0.92 percent higher.
TOI
Friday, August 20, 2010
After hike, Indian MP gets 13 times less pay than US lawmaker! Read more: After hike, Indian MP gets 13 times less pay than US lawmaker!
NEW DELHI: Even after a three-fold pay hike, Indian MPs still rank much below their fellow parliamentarians in major countries in terms of their monthly salaries.
With the Cabinet today giving its nod to the MPs' pay rise besides doubling several other emoluments, the basic monthly salary of Indian lawmakers has now gone up to Rs 50,000 from Rs 16,000.
However, the new salary component, excluding perks and other allowances, is not on a par with the monthly emoluments their counterparts in other major economies are drawing at present.
For example, the current salary for all Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in the US is USD 174,000 per annum, or USD 14,500 per month. If converted into Indian currency, the monthly salary of a US lawmaker becomes Rs 675,203, which is more than 13 times the new salary of an Indian MP.
When compared with the monthly pay of a Canadian MP, the new salary of Indian MPs is almost 11 times lower, while it is eight times lower than that of British lawmakers.
A member of Canada's House of Commons is currently drawing USD 12,611 as salary per month while it is 5,478 pounds or Rs 399,941 for a British parliamentarian.
According to the Australian government's website, the base salary of a MP in that country is about USD 118,000 per annum or USD 9,833 per month.
Similarly, a member of Japanese Parliament (Diet) gets about 1.3 million yen, or USD 15,200, every month. The net monthly pay of a MP in Singapore is 13,710 Singapore dollars, or Rs 471,364.
The monthly salaries of lawmakers in France, Italy, Germany and Spain are EUR 7,002, EUR 5,487, EUR 7,688 and EUR 3,126 respectively.
With the Cabinet today giving its nod to the MPs' pay rise besides doubling several other emoluments, the basic monthly salary of Indian lawmakers has now gone up to Rs 50,000 from Rs 16,000.
However, the new salary component, excluding perks and other allowances, is not on a par with the monthly emoluments their counterparts in other major economies are drawing at present.
For example, the current salary for all Senators and Members of the House of Representatives in the US is USD 174,000 per annum, or USD 14,500 per month. If converted into Indian currency, the monthly salary of a US lawmaker becomes Rs 675,203, which is more than 13 times the new salary of an Indian MP.
When compared with the monthly pay of a Canadian MP, the new salary of Indian MPs is almost 11 times lower, while it is eight times lower than that of British lawmakers.
A member of Canada's House of Commons is currently drawing USD 12,611 as salary per month while it is 5,478 pounds or Rs 399,941 for a British parliamentarian.
According to the Australian government's website, the base salary of a MP in that country is about USD 118,000 per annum or USD 9,833 per month.
Similarly, a member of Japanese Parliament (Diet) gets about 1.3 million yen, or USD 15,200, every month. The net monthly pay of a MP in Singapore is 13,710 Singapore dollars, or Rs 471,364.
The monthly salaries of lawmakers in France, Italy, Germany and Spain are EUR 7,002, EUR 5,487, EUR 7,688 and EUR 3,126 respectively.
TOI
Gold surges for ninth day in a row;closes in crucial 19K level Read more: Gold surges for ninth day in a row;closes in crucial 19K level
NEW DELHI: Gold prices on Friday rose by Rs 35 to settle near the crucial 19,000 level in bullion market on steady buying by jewellers to meet festive season demand amid firming global trends.
Extending gains for the ninth straight session, gold settled at Rs 18,985 per 10 gram, higher by Rs 35 over the previous close.
Sustained buying by stockists and jewellers in the last nine trading sessions brought the gold prices near to a psychological level last seen on July 1. A firming trend in overseas markets also influenced the uptrend.
The gold in overseas markets, which normally set the price trend on the domestic front, traded 35 cent higher at 1,232.50 dollar an ounce. The price jumped to 1,237.50 yesterday after US jobless claims climbed.
On the domestic front, gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity rose further by Rs 35 each to Rs 18,985 and Rs 18,885 per ten gram respectively. Sovereigns continued to trade around previous levels of 14,800 per piece of eight grams in limited deals.
On the other hand, silver ready fell further by Rs 100 to Rs 29,600 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 130 to Rs 29,185 per kg, silver coins remained steady at Rs 34,500 for buying and Rs 34,600 for selling of 100 pieces.
TOI
Extending gains for the ninth straight session, gold settled at Rs 18,985 per 10 gram, higher by Rs 35 over the previous close.
Sustained buying by stockists and jewellers in the last nine trading sessions brought the gold prices near to a psychological level last seen on July 1. A firming trend in overseas markets also influenced the uptrend.
The gold in overseas markets, which normally set the price trend on the domestic front, traded 35 cent higher at 1,232.50 dollar an ounce. The price jumped to 1,237.50 yesterday after US jobless claims climbed.
On the domestic front, gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity rose further by Rs 35 each to Rs 18,985 and Rs 18,885 per ten gram respectively. Sovereigns continued to trade around previous levels of 14,800 per piece of eight grams in limited deals.
On the other hand, silver ready fell further by Rs 100 to Rs 29,600 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 130 to Rs 29,185 per kg, silver coins remained steady at Rs 34,500 for buying and Rs 34,600 for selling of 100 pieces.
TOI
Sensex sheds 53 points on profit-booking
MUMBAI: Snapping a two-day winning streak, the BSE benchmark Sensex declined by over 50 points on profit-booking, coupled with negative global cues.
After gaining a record 406 points in the last two sessions, the Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-share bellwether today opened weak and remained range-bound throughout the day to finally settle at 18,401.82 points, down 0.29%, or 53.12 points.
"The negative mood of the market was primarily in line with the weak global cues. Besides, there was portfolio churning by the investors, which suggests there was no fresh buying in stocks," CNI Research CMD Kishore P Ostwal said.
The National Stock Exchange's wide-based Nifty-50 ended 0.17 per cent lower at 5,530.65 points.
Analysts noted that Nifty managed to end above the psychological mark of 5,500, which it regained yesterday after 30 months, which shows the strength of the market.
Among the 13 indices on the BSE, the maximum loss was seen in IT, bank and FMCG.
IT bellwether Infosys, which carries the maximum weight in the Sensex after Reliance Industries, fell by 1.24 per cent to Rs 2,769.20. Other IT majors, Wipro and TCS, also declined by 1.77% and 0.56%, respectively.
"The US data that indicated the slowdown in the economic recovery is primarily taking the IT counters down," HDFC Securities Head for Private Broking and Wealth Management Vinod Sharma said.
Out of 30 Sensex scrips, 21 stocks ended in the red, while the remaining nine closed in positive terrain. The loss in the Sensex was offset by a 1.16% gain in the country's most valued firm, Reliance Industries.
Meanwhile, Tata Motors was the biggest Sensex loser, registering a fall of 2.41% to Rs 1,015. The country's largest car-maker, Maruti Suzuki, also closed down 0.97% from the previous close at Rs 1,239.35.
Among banking stocks, the country's largest lender, State Bank of India, ended with a loss of 0.79%, while private sector lender ICICI Bank plunged by 1.78 per cent. In addition, HDFC Bank was down 0.15%, while HDFC lost 0.68%.
"There is nervousness in the market due to weak global cues. Banking stocks have also reacted just in line with the negative broader market," SMC Capitals Equity Head Jagannathan Thunuguntla said.
FMCG counters ITC and HUL witnessed a fall of 1.36% and 1.74%, respectively.
Telecom majors Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications finished the day on a negative note, with the former losing 1.16% and the latter shedding 0.49%.
TOI
After gaining a record 406 points in the last two sessions, the Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-share bellwether today opened weak and remained range-bound throughout the day to finally settle at 18,401.82 points, down 0.29%, or 53.12 points.
"The negative mood of the market was primarily in line with the weak global cues. Besides, there was portfolio churning by the investors, which suggests there was no fresh buying in stocks," CNI Research CMD Kishore P Ostwal said.
The National Stock Exchange's wide-based Nifty-50 ended 0.17 per cent lower at 5,530.65 points.
Analysts noted that Nifty managed to end above the psychological mark of 5,500, which it regained yesterday after 30 months, which shows the strength of the market.
Among the 13 indices on the BSE, the maximum loss was seen in IT, bank and FMCG.
IT bellwether Infosys, which carries the maximum weight in the Sensex after Reliance Industries, fell by 1.24 per cent to Rs 2,769.20. Other IT majors, Wipro and TCS, also declined by 1.77% and 0.56%, respectively.
"The US data that indicated the slowdown in the economic recovery is primarily taking the IT counters down," HDFC Securities Head for Private Broking and Wealth Management Vinod Sharma said.
Out of 30 Sensex scrips, 21 stocks ended in the red, while the remaining nine closed in positive terrain. The loss in the Sensex was offset by a 1.16% gain in the country's most valued firm, Reliance Industries.
Meanwhile, Tata Motors was the biggest Sensex loser, registering a fall of 2.41% to Rs 1,015. The country's largest car-maker, Maruti Suzuki, also closed down 0.97% from the previous close at Rs 1,239.35.
Among banking stocks, the country's largest lender, State Bank of India, ended with a loss of 0.79%, while private sector lender ICICI Bank plunged by 1.78 per cent. In addition, HDFC Bank was down 0.15%, while HDFC lost 0.68%.
"There is nervousness in the market due to weak global cues. Banking stocks have also reacted just in line with the negative broader market," SMC Capitals Equity Head Jagannathan Thunuguntla said.
FMCG counters ITC and HUL witnessed a fall of 1.36% and 1.74%, respectively.
Telecom majors Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications finished the day on a negative note, with the former losing 1.16% and the latter shedding 0.49%.
TOI
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sensex opens 81 points higher in early trade
MUMBAI: The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex opened higher by 81 points on buying in auto, banking and oil stocks by funds.
The 30-share index recovered by 81.44 points to 18,132.22 points in the first five minutes of trading. It had lost 116.25 points in the previous session,
Similarly, the wide-based National Stock ExchangeNifty rose by 20.15 points to 5,438.45 points.
Brokers said investors indulged in buying in fundamentally strong shares available at attractive levels after a fall in the previous session.
Other Asian markets were mixed in early trade. Chinese shares were up 0.28 per cent on hopes of strong first-half corporate earnings, while Japanese Nikkei index lost 1.16 per cent. Hong Kong shares fell by 0.10 per cent in early trade.
TOI
The 30-share index recovered by 81.44 points to 18,132.22 points in the first five minutes of trading. It had lost 116.25 points in the previous session,
Similarly, the wide-based National Stock ExchangeNifty rose by 20.15 points to 5,438.45 points.
Brokers said investors indulged in buying in fundamentally strong shares available at attractive levels after a fall in the previous session.
Other Asian markets were mixed in early trade. Chinese shares were up 0.28 per cent on hopes of strong first-half corporate earnings, while Japanese Nikkei index lost 1.16 per cent. Hong Kong shares fell by 0.10 per cent in early trade.
TOI
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Tata becomes India’s most valued group
NEW DELHI: Coinciding with the beginning of a search for chairman Ratan Tata's successor, the Tata Group has become the country's wealthiest, with a market value of about Rs 3,71,000 crore — higher than that of the business houses led by the two Ambani siblings.
The Tata Group is followed by Mukesh Ambani-runReliance Industries (RIL) group as the second-most valued firm (Rs 3,21,750 crore), Anil Agarwal-promoted Sterlite group at third (Rs 1,35,300 crore), Anil Ambani group (ADAG) at fourth (Rs 1,25,000 crore) and Sunil Mittal-led Bharti group at fifth (Rs 1,20,500 crore), in terms of cumulative market capitalisation.
However, the Tatas would be relegated to second position if the market values are combined of the two Reliance groups — one led by Mukesh and another by younger sibling Anil — in the backdrop of their now harmonious relationship after years of acrimony till a few months ago.
The combined market capitalisation of the two Ambani groups currently stand at nearly Rs 4,47,000 crore — higher than the Tatas by nearly Rs 77,000 crore. At the end of the previous quarter (April-June 2010), the Tata group had a total market cap of Rs 3,26,000 crore — making it the second-most valued firm after the Mukesh Ambani group. With just two listed companies — RIL and Reliance Industrial Infrastructure Ltd (RIIL) — the Mukesh Ambani group had a market cap of nearly Rs 3,58,000 crore at the end of the previous quarter. It has declined by nearly Rs 37,000 crore so far in the current quarter.
ADAG's m-cap, with seven listed companies, was around Rs 1,42,400 crore at the end of the June quarter. The group was the country's third-most valued after the Mukesh Ambani and Tata Group at the end of the previous quarter.
pti
The Tata Group is followed by Mukesh Ambani-runReliance Industries (RIL) group as the second-most valued firm (Rs 3,21,750 crore), Anil Agarwal-promoted Sterlite group at third (Rs 1,35,300 crore), Anil Ambani group (ADAG) at fourth (Rs 1,25,000 crore) and Sunil Mittal-led Bharti group at fifth (Rs 1,20,500 crore), in terms of cumulative market capitalisation.
However, the Tatas would be relegated to second position if the market values are combined of the two Reliance groups — one led by Mukesh and another by younger sibling Anil — in the backdrop of their now harmonious relationship after years of acrimony till a few months ago.
The combined market capitalisation of the two Ambani groups currently stand at nearly Rs 4,47,000 crore — higher than the Tatas by nearly Rs 77,000 crore. At the end of the previous quarter (April-June 2010), the Tata group had a total market cap of Rs 3,26,000 crore — making it the second-most valued firm after the Mukesh Ambani group. With just two listed companies — RIL and Reliance Industrial Infrastructure Ltd (RIIL) — the Mukesh Ambani group had a market cap of nearly Rs 3,58,000 crore at the end of the previous quarter. It has declined by nearly Rs 37,000 crore so far in the current quarter.
ADAG's m-cap, with seven listed companies, was around Rs 1,42,400 crore at the end of the June quarter. The group was the country's third-most valued after the Mukesh Ambani and Tata Group at the end of the previous quarter.
pti
Sensex opens lower on weak global cues
MUMBAI: The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex opened 73 points lower on profit booking by funds in line with weak global cues.
The 30-share barometer fell by 73.32 points to 18.093.71 points in the first five minutes of trading.
The wide-based National stock Exchange Nifty index declined by 5.80 points to 5,446.30 points.
The selling pressure following a weak opening in the Asian region. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index traded lower by 0.26% while Japan's Nikkei was down 1.18% in early trade.
TOI
The 30-share barometer fell by 73.32 points to 18.093.71 points in the first five minutes of trading.
The wide-based National stock Exchange Nifty index declined by 5.80 points to 5,446.30 points.
The selling pressure following a weak opening in the Asian region. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index traded lower by 0.26% while Japan's Nikkei was down 1.18% in early trade.
TOI
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sensex slips in last session, off day's highs
MUMBAI: A benchmark index for Indian equities Friday closed 96 points higher, paring some of its intra-day gains.
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened higher at 18,080.29 points, closed at 18,168.99 points (provisional), 95.09 points or 0.53 percent up from its previous close at 18,073.9 points.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader
50-share S&P CNX Nifty followed a similar trajectory to close 0.69 percent higher at 5,456.65 points.
Broader markets also did well with the BSE midcap index closing 0.98 percent up and the BSE smallcap index ending 0.63 percent higher.
TOI
The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened higher at 18,080.29 points, closed at 18,168.99 points (provisional), 95.09 points or 0.53 percent up from its previous close at 18,073.9 points.
At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the broader
50-share S&P CNX Nifty followed a similar trajectory to close 0.69 percent higher at 5,456.65 points.
Broader markets also did well with the BSE midcap index closing 0.98 percent up and the BSE smallcap index ending 0.63 percent higher.
TOI
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Taj Palace is back in business
MUMBAI: The Taj has chosen Independence Day to reaffirm the values it stands for. On August 15, it will open its heritage wing — that was gutted during the 26/11 siege — to an expectant public.
Born as India's answer to British pride, the hotel built by Jamsetji Tata opened its doors in 1903 to 17 guests. A century later, tragic circumstances forced the Taj to shut its doors for the first time since it opened. But the staff and the management used this to their advantage and turned adversity into an opportunity to match the best hotels of the world.
After the terror strike, the hotel was opened in stages and by September this year, it will be fully functional. On Independence Day, although most of its rooms in the palace wing will accommodate guests, some of its opulent spaces — like the Tata Suite — will be unveiled in a month or so. A night’s stay at the Tata Suite, formerly the Presidential Suite, complete with personalised butler service will set one back by Rs 7 lakh. There are more than 40 suites in the heritage wing of the building, with some of them being named after marine motifs, given the sea-front location.
“Each suite tells a story,” says Ajoy Misra, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, Taj hotels. So you can ride on a dolphin, search for coral reefs or chase a seagull for a price ranging from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh.
While it may be difficult for a visitor to spot the small differences, the management has finetuned the hotel’s interiors. For instance, the ceiling in the Taj Palace lounge has been lowered by 8 inches. Its spacious rooms are now soundproof.
Another feature it has added to its rooms is the special levers that allow guests to open the window in an emergency. Upping the security quotient, special access control elevators are installed on the premises, allowing only guests to operate them with a valid key.
TOI
Born as India's answer to British pride, the hotel built by Jamsetji Tata opened its doors in 1903 to 17 guests. A century later, tragic circumstances forced the Taj to shut its doors for the first time since it opened. But the staff and the management used this to their advantage and turned adversity into an opportunity to match the best hotels of the world.
After the terror strike, the hotel was opened in stages and by September this year, it will be fully functional. On Independence Day, although most of its rooms in the palace wing will accommodate guests, some of its opulent spaces — like the Tata Suite — will be unveiled in a month or so. A night’s stay at the Tata Suite, formerly the Presidential Suite, complete with personalised butler service will set one back by Rs 7 lakh. There are more than 40 suites in the heritage wing of the building, with some of them being named after marine motifs, given the sea-front location.
“Each suite tells a story,” says Ajoy Misra, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, Taj hotels. So you can ride on a dolphin, search for coral reefs or chase a seagull for a price ranging from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh.
While it may be difficult for a visitor to spot the small differences, the management has finetuned the hotel’s interiors. For instance, the ceiling in the Taj Palace lounge has been lowered by 8 inches. Its spacious rooms are now soundproof.
Another feature it has added to its rooms is the special levers that allow guests to open the window in an emergency. Upping the security quotient, special access control elevators are installed on the premises, allowing only guests to operate them with a valid key.
TOI
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sansui to enter mobile handset business
Sansui to enter mobile handset business
New Delhi, Aug 9: Japanese audio and video equipment maker Sansui said it will enter the mobile phone business in India, launching 10 handsets by the end of this year, as part of an expansion plan. The company on Monday launched its new range of slim, LCD televisions and digital video disc players. “We have launched our new range of LCDs with a plan to target a 5 per cent share in the Indian LCD market by the end of the current financial year. We also plan to increase our market share in television to 12 per cent,” said Jaideep Rathore, chief marketing officer, Sansui.
The new range of LCDs launched by the company offers high audio and video quality and enables customers to store movies, music and photographs with high storage capacity. The slim television, which has a touch control sensor, also offers access to tweeter networking website. Sansui has a dedicated customer call centre as well to ensure healthy after sales services, besides exclusive service centers. “We also plan to invest over Rs 40 crores in the next six months in advertising and marketing promotion initiatives,” Rathore added. The company expects a turnover of Rs 2,000 crore by the end of 2011, currently it enjoys a sales turnover of Rs 1,000 crore. (IANS)
Mamata urges Maoists to give up violence, sit for talks
Mamata urges Maoists to give up violence, sit for talks
Lalgarh (West Bengal), Aug 9: Railway minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged the Maoists to eschew violence and come for talks, and appealed to social activists and thinkers like Swami Agnivesh, Medha Patkar and Mahashweta Devi to broker the discussions.
Addressing a huge rally in this Maoist-hit area of West Midnapore district, Banerjee also promised to shower development goodies like renovating schools, setting up hospitals, colleges and a railway factory for giving employment to the local people.
“I request everyone with folded hands, please eschew violence, stop killings. I am telling all those, including the Maoists who are indulging in violence, to help in restoring peace. Medhaji (Medha Patkar), Swami (Agnivesh) are here. They should talk to the Maoists and ensure restoration of peace”.
Banerjee said she was not in favour of establishing peace by using rifles, condemning the manner in which Maoist spokesman Cherukiri Rajkumar alias Azad was ‘killed’ last month.
“What happened is not right. Azad had reposed faith in the democratic process,” she said at the ‘apolitical’ rally organised under the banner of the Anti-Atrocities Democratic Forum.
The Moists and the pro-rebel tribal body People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) had extended support to the rally also attended by social activists like Agnivesh and Patkar, and pro-rebel writer Mahasweta Devi, among other intellectuals.
“Let the peace process start from today. Let negotiations begin. Let Bengal show the way to India, wherever there is disturbance and misunderstanding,” Banerjee said.
“Tell us when and where you will sit. We all want to sit. However, if my presence poses problems in the peace process, I won’t mind if I am kept out of it,” she said.
“If a policeman dies, or a mediaperson, or a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) activist or a Maoist, that’s equally sad. All are human beings. I don’t want anybody to die. I don’t want politics of death”.
She also appealed to the left ultras not to obstruct railway services as it adversely hit the daily life of the common man. Categorically saying she did not support the Maoists’ politics of violence and killings, Banerjee asked the CPI-M and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee should think why the Lalgarh movement was on despite their 34-year rule. “There is a dearth of development, schools, colleges and hospitals. The government could ensure only 12 days’ work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS),” she said.
Banerjee said Rs 20 lakh would be sanctioned for the Ramakrishna Vidyalaya here from Minister of State for Shipping Mukul Roy’s MPs Local Area Development fund. Apparently referring to the Maoists, she asked: “What do you want? Schools, college, rights over forests? I feel tribals should have rights over forests.”
The Trinamool chief, whose party is the second largest constituent of the ruling United Progressive Alliance at the centre, however, said her powers were limited. “We are in power. But our party has only 19 MPs. It’s not that they (Congress) listen to whatever we say”.
On land acquisition, she said she was against taking land by force. “In railways whenever we have to take land we provide employment to the landlosers and take minimum land with their consent”.
“Show me one area where I have deviated. If I have, I will publicly admit it and apologise,” she said, in an apparent reply to some questions made by the Maoists in an open letter to her on and acquisition and some other issues.
Banerjee told the ultras that their policy of violence was only benefiting the CPI-M. Accusing the CPI-M of misleading the people and committing atrocities by putting on police and military fatigues, she appealed to Patkar and Agnivesh to visit other violence-prone areas of the state. “If necessary, we can go to areas outside the state like Dantewada also to bring back peace”. Addressing a party rally at Tamluk of East Midnapore district, state Congress chief Manas Bhunia welcomed Banerjee’s rally at Lalgarh. However, Congress general secretary in charge of the state K Kesava Rao stayed away from the Trinamool Congress’ invitation to attend the Lalgarh rally citing the party’s meeting at Tamluk around the same time. (IANS)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sensex rises by 44 points in early trade
MUMBAI: The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today gained nearly 44 points in early trade on buying by funds and retail investors in select heavyweight stocks.
The 30-share BSE barometer rose by 43.98 points, or 0.24%, to 18,187.97 points.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange's Nifty also moved up by 15.50 points, or 0.28%, to 5,454.75 points.
Brokers said fresh buying by funds in realty, auto, PSU and capital goods stocks helped the index post gains despite weak trends on other Asian bourses.
Among major gainers, Reliance Industries rose by 0.24% to Rs 1,002.90, Maruti Suzuki by 0.31% to Rs 1,224.95, Tata Motors by 0.97% to Rs 903, Mahindra and Mahindra by 0.69% to Rs 653.95, Hero Honda by 0.78% to Rs 1,855, Tata Steel by 0.72% to Rs 535, State Bank of India by 0.38% to Rs 2,630.05 and DLF Ltd by 0.94% to Rs 310.50.
The 30-share BSE barometer rose by 43.98 points, or 0.24%, to 18,187.97 points.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange's Nifty also moved up by 15.50 points, or 0.28%, to 5,454.75 points.
Brokers said fresh buying by funds in realty, auto, PSU and capital goods stocks helped the index post gains despite weak trends on other Asian bourses.
Among major gainers, Reliance Industries rose by 0.24% to Rs 1,002.90, Maruti Suzuki by 0.31% to Rs 1,224.95, Tata Motors by 0.97% to Rs 903, Mahindra and Mahindra by 0.69% to Rs 653.95, Hero Honda by 0.78% to Rs 1,855, Tata Steel by 0.72% to Rs 535, State Bank of India by 0.38% to Rs 2,630.05 and DLF Ltd by 0.94% to Rs 310.50.
TOI
Friday, August 6, 2010
Cloudbursts ravage Leh: 113 dead, 500 missing
NEW DELHI: Amid the mounting death and debris of Choglamsar village -- located 5 km from Leh and a bustling settlement of Ladakhis and Tibetan refugees -- that has borne the major burnt in the massive mudslide sparked by Friday's cloudburst, comes stories of miraculous escapes bordering on divine intervention.
According to sources in Leh that ToI was able to contact through defence sources, the wife of an Indo-Tibet Border Police officer was found alive after being swept away by the slithering mass of mud. Another officer's child was saved by a sofa in their quarters. She was found under the furniture that saved her from being smothered.
Sources said the situation could have been worse but for the rumbling of the slithering mass of mud -- akin to cold lava -- and screams of people warning people in the defence settlements dotting the plains. Many in the defence establishment managed to escape nature's wrath since the slithering mass of mud did not gush like a stream of water, and the preceding rumbling gave some precious time to the people in the lower reaches to beat an hasty retreat.
Sources expected the Leh-Manali road to be opened in a couple of days as heavy earth-moving equipment, called JCB by
the defence establishment, have been pressed into service. "Once the slush and big boulders are cleared, trucks can start moving even if the surface is strewn with small rocks or streams," a source said. Indeed, fjording streams of snow-melt is a norm rather than exception for truckers in this part of the world.
The urgency to get the road opened -- one of the two lifelines for Ladakh -- is understandable. First, material for relief and reconstruction has to be moved in quickly. Second, this is the time when food, fuel and military supplies for the entire year have to be moved in before the passes get inaccessible due to heavy snow. Troops, too, are replaced around this time, with fresh Army and paramiliatry units relieving those who had done their stint through the hostile winter. Any loss of time due to slides can prove to be costly.
Unconfirmed reports said the airport could be operational by Saturday, at least for military planes or choppers. But, BSNL's telephone exchange, in all liklihood, has to be rebuilt. Its transmitter has been damaged badly as it was on a slope outside Leh.
Restoration of power supply, too, will take time as the Stakna hydel plant is believed to have been choked by silt. While Leh could still get some power in the evening from the diesel generating station, the fate of a similar plant at Choglamsar remains uncertain.
Villagers living in the upper reaches were not so lucky as they bore the full impact of the sliding pile of mud and rocks, living as they were in mudhouses built cheek-by-jowl.
There is a patch of land -- 500 m long and 300 m wide -- near this village, about 15 minutes' drive on the road to Manali that has completely been overrun by mud that appears like mortar. This was where most of the Choglamsar village stood. The area is a plateau, with rising hills to its north and west. The wind-swept plain gently slopes towards the Indus that flows in a reverse arc towards its east and south. The road to Manali runs right through the middle of this patch of land, which at many places appears like a desert.
But this openness is deceptive. The surrounding hills and the depressions in the ground -- making it extremely difficult to figure out the locations of man-made structures -- give the place the character of a very wide bowl, or more aptly the bed of a sauacepan.
Contrary to popular perception, the unprecedented cloudburst did not trigger flood. Mountains in the dry, cold desert of Ladakh are made of rocks stuck in loose, sandy formations. Concentrated rains, thus, immediately turn them into mortar which then slithers down as a rumbling mass of cold lava and obliterates anything that comes in its way. Once the mass settles after exhausting its momentum, the water locked in the mortar and blocked behind the mass breaks free into gushing streams.
TOI
According to sources in Leh that ToI was able to contact through defence sources, the wife of an Indo-Tibet Border Police officer was found alive after being swept away by the slithering mass of mud. Another officer's child was saved by a sofa in their quarters. She was found under the furniture that saved her from being smothered.
Sources said the situation could have been worse but for the rumbling of the slithering mass of mud -- akin to cold lava -- and screams of people warning people in the defence settlements dotting the plains. Many in the defence establishment managed to escape nature's wrath since the slithering mass of mud did not gush like a stream of water, and the preceding rumbling gave some precious time to the people in the lower reaches to beat an hasty retreat.
Sources expected the Leh-Manali road to be opened in a couple of days as heavy earth-moving equipment, called JCB by
the defence establishment, have been pressed into service. "Once the slush and big boulders are cleared, trucks can start moving even if the surface is strewn with small rocks or streams," a source said. Indeed, fjording streams of snow-melt is a norm rather than exception for truckers in this part of the world.
The urgency to get the road opened -- one of the two lifelines for Ladakh -- is understandable. First, material for relief and reconstruction has to be moved in quickly. Second, this is the time when food, fuel and military supplies for the entire year have to be moved in before the passes get inaccessible due to heavy snow. Troops, too, are replaced around this time, with fresh Army and paramiliatry units relieving those who had done their stint through the hostile winter. Any loss of time due to slides can prove to be costly.
Unconfirmed reports said the airport could be operational by Saturday, at least for military planes or choppers. But, BSNL's telephone exchange, in all liklihood, has to be rebuilt. Its transmitter has been damaged badly as it was on a slope outside Leh.
Restoration of power supply, too, will take time as the Stakna hydel plant is believed to have been choked by silt. While Leh could still get some power in the evening from the diesel generating station, the fate of a similar plant at Choglamsar remains uncertain.
Villagers living in the upper reaches were not so lucky as they bore the full impact of the sliding pile of mud and rocks, living as they were in mudhouses built cheek-by-jowl.
There is a patch of land -- 500 m long and 300 m wide -- near this village, about 15 minutes' drive on the road to Manali that has completely been overrun by mud that appears like mortar. This was where most of the Choglamsar village stood. The area is a plateau, with rising hills to its north and west. The wind-swept plain gently slopes towards the Indus that flows in a reverse arc towards its east and south. The road to Manali runs right through the middle of this patch of land, which at many places appears like a desert.
But this openness is deceptive. The surrounding hills and the depressions in the ground -- making it extremely difficult to figure out the locations of man-made structures -- give the place the character of a very wide bowl, or more aptly the bed of a sauacepan.
Contrary to popular perception, the unprecedented cloudburst did not trigger flood. Mountains in the dry, cold desert of Ladakh are made of rocks stuck in loose, sandy formations. Concentrated rains, thus, immediately turn them into mortar which then slithers down as a rumbling mass of cold lava and obliterates anything that comes in its way. Once the mass settles after exhausting its momentum, the water locked in the mortar and blocked behind the mass breaks free into gushing streams.
TOI
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
TRAI consults telcos on measures for protecting consumers
TRAI consults telcos on measures for protecting consumers
New Delhi, Aug 2: Telecom regulator TRAI today asked for comments from telecom operators on measures for protecting consumers'' interest and redressal of customer grievances. The consultation paper aims to strengthen the regulatory framework and provide adequate protection to telecom consumers.
“The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today issued a consultation paper seeking the views of various stakeholders on measures to protect the interest of consumers,” the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said in a statement. Stakeholders have been asked to send their comments by September 1, 2010.
In May this year, TRAI had convened a meeting of the chief executives of different telecom service providers and consumer advocacy groups relating to telecom consumer protection and redressal of consumer grievances. TRAI said while the authority has brought out regulations on quality of service, grievances redressal and telecom consumer protection, it was a constant endeavour to continually evolve the redressal mechanism to further benefit the consumers. (PTI)
Price rise dominates parliament
Price rise dominates parliament
New Delhi, Aug 4: Soaring food prices generated heat in parliament on Wednesday, with the Lok Sabha unanimously urging the government to act and come to the rescue of the common man.
While Sachin Tendulkar’s cricketing feat and the violence raging in the Kashmir Valley also figured in the house, members were mostly concerned over inflationary pressures. After vocal attacks on what the opposition said was the government’s failure to check food prices, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee put up a spirited defence of what the government was doing -- and would do.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned over the Babhali barrage row between Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) apologized after one of its members shouted at Mukherjee, the leader of the house. The debate on price rise ended in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday with the house adopting a resolution.
“This House, having considered the inflationary pressure on the economy, urges the government to take further action to contain its adverse impact on the common man,” said the resolution read out by Speaker Meira Kumar.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sensex jumps 171 points in opening trade
MUMBAI: The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex on Monday opened 171 points higher on buying in banking, auto and metal stocks amid firming Asian trends.
The 30-share index gained 171.69 points, or 0.83 per cent, to trade at 18,039.98 points. The index had lost 123.71 points in the previous session.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange's Nifty also regained 5,400 points by rising 51.90 points, or 0.96 per cent, to 5,419.50 points.
Brokers said buying by foreign funds as well as retail investors helped the Sensex trade above the psychological 18,000 points level. Better trends on other Asian bourses also boosted the sentiment.
Auto stocks were in keen demand after auto makers reported a significant growth in sales in July 2010. Bajaj Auto was up by 1.82 per cent to Rs 2,737, Hero Honda by 1.02 per cent to Rs 1,833.90, Maruti Suzuki by 1.02 per cent to Rs 1,210.35 Tata Motors by 1.46 per cent to Rs 858.50 and Mahindra and Mahindra by 1.21 per cent to Rs 669.50.
ICICI Bank, country's top lender in the private sector, shot up by 2.44 per cent at Rs 926.50 after it reported a 17 per cent growth in its quarterly net earnings.
Among other gainers, Reliance Industries was up by 0.79 per cent to Rs 1,017.55, Reliance Infra by 0.65 per cent to Rs 1,114.95, State Bank of India by 1.05 per cent to Rs 2,530.15, DLF by 1 per cent to Rs 304.30, Hindalco by 1.50 per cent to Rs 162.70, Tata Steel by 0.87 per cent to Rs 541.80 and Sterlite by 1.69 per cent to Rs 177.85.
The Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up by 1.37 per cent, while Japanese Nikkei by 0.47 per cent in morning trade.
TOI
The 30-share index gained 171.69 points, or 0.83 per cent, to trade at 18,039.98 points. The index had lost 123.71 points in the previous session.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange's Nifty also regained 5,400 points by rising 51.90 points, or 0.96 per cent, to 5,419.50 points.
Brokers said buying by foreign funds as well as retail investors helped the Sensex trade above the psychological 18,000 points level. Better trends on other Asian bourses also boosted the sentiment.
Auto stocks were in keen demand after auto makers reported a significant growth in sales in July 2010. Bajaj Auto was up by 1.82 per cent to Rs 2,737, Hero Honda by 1.02 per cent to Rs 1,833.90, Maruti Suzuki by 1.02 per cent to Rs 1,210.35 Tata Motors by 1.46 per cent to Rs 858.50 and Mahindra and Mahindra by 1.21 per cent to Rs 669.50.
ICICI Bank, country's top lender in the private sector, shot up by 2.44 per cent at Rs 926.50 after it reported a 17 per cent growth in its quarterly net earnings.
Among other gainers, Reliance Industries was up by 0.79 per cent to Rs 1,017.55, Reliance Infra by 0.65 per cent to Rs 1,114.95, State Bank of India by 1.05 per cent to Rs 2,530.15, DLF by 1 per cent to Rs 304.30, Hindalco by 1.50 per cent to Rs 162.70, Tata Steel by 0.87 per cent to Rs 541.80 and Sterlite by 1.69 per cent to Rs 177.85.
The Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up by 1.37 per cent, while Japanese Nikkei by 0.47 per cent in morning trade.
TOI
Kashmir: 15 dead in four days, curfew continues
SRINAGAR: Curfew remained in force in the entire Kashmir Valley on Monday which has been hit by a fresh wave of violence since Friday.
One person identified as Tariq Ahmed, who was hit by a teargas shell three days back in Bijbehara in south Kashmir, succumbed to his injuries last night, police sources said.
With his death, the total number of people who died in the Valley since Friday has gone up to 15 which includes eight persons who were killed in separate incidents yesterday.
Security forces maintained a tight vigil across all the ten districts in Kashmir to maintain law and order, the sources said.
In New Delhi, the Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) had met last night for the second time in a month to take stock of the situation.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has appealed for calm and asked political parties and leaders to cooperate with the Government for return of peace in the state. He has vowed to deal sternly with law breakers and the perpetrators of violence, asserting that he will not allow them "to win".
Among those killed in protests yesterday were four civilians who had died when a mob last night set afire a police station, where explosives and a LPG cylinder were kept, triggering a massive blast in Khrew area on outskirts of Srinagar city. A fifth person succumbed to injuries later in the night while another was in a very critical condition, police had said.
A mob had also laid siege to the police station, 20 kms from here, and started pelting stones after which additional forces were rushed to the area who rescued the police personnel in the police station. Army personnel were involved in the rescue work.
Protesters had also attempted to set afire a police post in Khrew and take away the weapons. As the crowd refused to calm down, police fired at them leading to the death of a woman identified as Afrosa.
In other incidents, two persons were killed as police opened fire to disperse mobs who blocked a national highway on the city outskirts.
The situation in saffron-rich area of Pampore turned ugly when agitators blocked NH-1A at a number of places by erecting barricades from Pantha Chowk to Pampore, a police spokesman had said.
The mobs blocked the highway at Galandar, Kadlabal, Barsoo, Frastabal and Pampore and also torched office-cum- residence of a tehsildar. They set afire a police vehicle and damaged several others.
The protesters snatched weapons from local court guards and also indulged in heavy stone pelting on a police station and security personnel, the spokesman had said, adding the situation turned worse when suspected terrorists fired on the personnel from amongst them.
TOI
One person identified as Tariq Ahmed, who was hit by a teargas shell three days back in Bijbehara in south Kashmir, succumbed to his injuries last night, police sources said.
With his death, the total number of people who died in the Valley since Friday has gone up to 15 which includes eight persons who were killed in separate incidents yesterday.
Security forces maintained a tight vigil across all the ten districts in Kashmir to maintain law and order, the sources said.
In New Delhi, the Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) had met last night for the second time in a month to take stock of the situation.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has appealed for calm and asked political parties and leaders to cooperate with the Government for return of peace in the state. He has vowed to deal sternly with law breakers and the perpetrators of violence, asserting that he will not allow them "to win".
Among those killed in protests yesterday were four civilians who had died when a mob last night set afire a police station, where explosives and a LPG cylinder were kept, triggering a massive blast in Khrew area on outskirts of Srinagar city. A fifth person succumbed to injuries later in the night while another was in a very critical condition, police had said.
A mob had also laid siege to the police station, 20 kms from here, and started pelting stones after which additional forces were rushed to the area who rescued the police personnel in the police station. Army personnel were involved in the rescue work.
Protesters had also attempted to set afire a police post in Khrew and take away the weapons. As the crowd refused to calm down, police fired at them leading to the death of a woman identified as Afrosa.
In other incidents, two persons were killed as police opened fire to disperse mobs who blocked a national highway on the city outskirts.
The situation in saffron-rich area of Pampore turned ugly when agitators blocked NH-1A at a number of places by erecting barricades from Pantha Chowk to Pampore, a police spokesman had said.
The mobs blocked the highway at Galandar, Kadlabal, Barsoo, Frastabal and Pampore and also torched office-cum- residence of a tehsildar. They set afire a police vehicle and damaged several others.
The protesters snatched weapons from local court guards and also indulged in heavy stone pelting on a police station and security personnel, the spokesman had said, adding the situation turned worse when suspected terrorists fired on the personnel from amongst them.
TOI
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Teenaged girl, two others killed in police firing in Kashmir
Teenaged girl, two others killed in police firing in Kashmir
Srinagar, Aug 1: Two 17-year-olds, including a girl, and another young man were killed Sunday when security personnel fired on mobs attacking police stations in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district as escalating violence engulfed Kashmir Valley.
With the three deaths, the toll of protesters killed in police firing across the Valley since Friday has risen to nine. The law and order situation has deteriorated with violent protests rocking most cities and towns and mobs attacking police stations, police camps, vehicles on the highways and also beating up trapped security men.
“A violent mob attacked the Khrew police post in Pulwama district today (Sunday) afternoon forcing the policemen inside to fire in self-defence. A girl identified as Afroza Bano, 17, was among the three people critically wounded in this firing incident,” a senior police officer told IANS here.
HTC-Rcom tie up to launch ‘Android’ smartphone
HTC-Rcom tie up to launch ‘Android’ smartphone
New Delhi, Aug 1: Taiwan-based handset maker HTC today entered into an exclusive partnership with cellular operator Reliance Communications to launch a 3G-enabled smartphone in the Indian market, priced at Rs 16,590. The new Android phone – HTC Wildfire – will be available at authorised HTC resellers across the country, a statement said.
Android is an operating system for mobile devices such as cellular phones, tablet computers and netbooks. “The stylishly designed HTC Wildfire brings all your communication requirements into one place, whether it’s through Facebook, Orkut, Twitter, Flickr,” HTC India Country Head Ajay Sharma said.
Reliance Communications (RCOM) GSM customers upgrading to this new phone, which features a 3.2’ touch screen and a 5-megapixel camera, will get up to 500 MB of free data usage for a period six months. “The launch of HTC Wildfire is in line with our strategy to offer next-generation service on mobile phones enabled with superior voice quality, high speed wireless data network access,” RCOM President (Marketing-Wireless Business) Mahesh Prasad said. HTC is a leading manufacturer of smartphones powered by Google Android and Windows Mobile operating systems. (PTI)
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