BRAND KERALA DECEMBER 2011

Mr. Oommen Chandy Chief Minister of Kerala 1

Kerala @ British Parliament

Hay Festival

IFFK 2011

BrandKerala

July 2011

Nissan Sunny

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BrandKerala

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Vol 1

No.11

December 2011

Pages 60+2

Editor’s Note

Call for 2012

O

ne more year is passing by. Time is ticking. Few more days to go, then it will shrink to hours and then to seconds and when the clock strikes at 12 mid it will be 2012!

Yes, now the question is what’s up for Kerala for the coming year?!

Gear on the set rules, abide by the principles, set new goals and try to achieve them maximum with all perfections- No more, No less. By keeping development and growth in mind, this should be the aim then only we can advance towards prosperity in all fields.

In front of us many issues are looking for answer, Mullaperiyar- safety for Kerala and Water for Tamil Nadu, Global Economic crisis- IT & Tourism industry already feels the pinch, Mounting garbage through out Kerala…issues are many.

Answer is lying with us. We must change our attitude…For a better Kerala.

In 2011, even though positives and negatives are struggling to balance the Government ,Mr. Ommen Chandy ,Chief Minister of Kerala, took positive approach even in many controversies. Now It is time for planning. The state planning board prepared the12 th Five year plan, Approach Paper to receive suggestions regarding additions, deletions, modifications of the points enumerated in the text and fresh approaches to any issue. This plan covered all the areas with the development approach, Care and compassion. The Government should take the initiatives, but trade, commerce and industry in Kerala along with the people of God’s Own Country should do their duty as law obedient, socially committed and with broad mind set for a better Kerala.

Cliché’ words, Clean Kerala, Green Kerala, Transparent Kerala, Healthy Kerala, Emerging Kerala could be put aside as we all know without these there will be no success in any field. So keeping these in mind and aiming at Prosperous and Peaceful Kerala march with a positive outlook and put hands together for a better tomorrow.

Ravisankar K.V. Editor

Brand Kerala Magazine wishes

Merry Christmas

and a very Happy and Prosperous

New Year

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December 2011

Content

14 A Progressive Vision Automobile

culture

15 New Cars in Next 5 Years

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Growth in Nissan India Sales

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Rush to Introduce Diesel Cars

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Lamborghini Style Drive Lambo’s Aventador

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Between Generations The Hay Festival Kerala Concludes

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Brand Film Festival of Kerala

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Technology Banking

Worlds’ Thinnest Camera

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Banks opens branches in under-banked districts

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Ultrabook Laptop

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HDFC Enters Education Field

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World’s Fastest Computer

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Home Loans’ Subsidy

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Recognition for Dhanalaxmi Bank

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11 branches on 11-11-11

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column

Global Network Leaders

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Kerala’s 12th Five year Plan

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December 2011

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Managing Editor: Ravisankar K.V. Executive Editor: Rajani A. Copy Editor: Liza Shajan Associate Editor: Gopalakrishnan Pallath Assistant Editor: Shilo K.Dev Photo Editor: Hari P.S.

News

Chief Layout Artist: Viajayagopalan G. Visualiser: Jessy George

Vibrant Curtain Raiser for GKSF

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ic2011

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Kerala’s voice in ‘British Parliament’

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First e-filing State

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Business & Editorial Contacts:

10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be Held in Jaipur

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Kolkata: Jayasree Singh Mob: +91-9433060333

Kochi-Europe direct flight soon

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Fair Proves Craftsmanship

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Vyapaar 2011

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Pondicherry: Ramasubramanian Mob: +91-98949 77161

Kerala tops child rights index

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Trivandrum: Sreejesh.S Mob: +91-99471 60531

Vanasree Initiative Sabari Jalam

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Signature IT Firms

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Suvarna Sreyas Chitties

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Erudite Conclave 2011

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E-Book Reader WordZo

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France to Invest in Kerala

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Dazzling Moments... UDS Wins WLHA 2011

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Safer Roads

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Biodiversity Conservation Affair

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Sree Chithira Thirunal Memorial Lecture

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Kochi-Maldives Ferry Service

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Gold Medal for Kerala Pavilion

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Production Executive: Vishnu C.P.

New Delhi: Anilkumar.D Mob: +91-9868123311 Mumbai: Satyanath.K.V Mob: +91-9833677962 Chennai: Ravikumar Mob: +91-9444910380 Bangaluru: Damodaran.K. Nayar Mob: +91-9035616040 Hyderabad: Premraj. A Mob: +91- 9446514732 Coimbathore: Biju Thomas Mob: +91-9944194037 Kerala: Ravikumar.K. Mob: +91-9847560531

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Editorial & Corporate Office: Brand Kerala Anandam, P-99, Pattanikkunnu Lane, Sasthamangalam (P.O.), Trivandrum - 695 010. Kerala, India Tel: +91 471 2315256 Fax: +91 471 2315197 E-mail: info@brandkerala.biz editor@brandkerala.biz

Internet edition: www.brandkerala.biz RNI Reg. No. KERENG 2010/36920 ISSN 2249244-5

here and now Philosophy of Business Philosophy

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No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of The Publisher of Brand Kerala All rights reserved. Copyright © 2011 Owned, Edited, Printed and Published by K.V. Ravisankar at Sujilee Colour Printers, Chathannur, Kollam for Arsha Offset Graphix, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 010.

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he Fifth Grand Kerala Shopping Festival’s curtain has been raised on December 1, 2011. Kerala will be the platform for the 46 days long colourful festival. The fifth Grand Kerala Shopping Festival aims at raising the State’s profile as one of the most preferred and the biggest shopping destinations of the world. The Department of Tourism, Kerala has designed the festival to give a ‘Real Shopping Experience’ while awarding an opportunity to ‘Feel the Kerala’ where visitors can connect with the State and explore its rich art, crafts, culture, customs and architecture. Kerala has been the first state in India to promote such a shopping festival on an enormous scale.

The inaugural function of GKSF has been held at Marine Drive in Kochi on December 01, 2011. Chief minister Mr. Oommen Chandy has inaugurated the fifth season. Inaugurating the festival, Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister said “the festival was designed to give a real shopping experience. A global village is being planned in Kochi as part of the festival. Proper actions will be taken just after this festival concludes. ‘Darshan yathra’, the pilgrimage tourism package will be formulated as part of the shopping festival. The package includes the places that foreign tourists wish to visit.”

Mr. A. P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, presided over the function. He said, ’’ While consider GKSF as

Kerala’s attempt to enter the World Trade Map. The festival facilitates new possibilities in the tourism sector.”

Mr. Hibi Eden MLA, Mr.Dominic Presentation MLA, Mr.Benny Behanan MLA ,Mr. Joseph Vazhackan MLA, Mr.Anwar Sadat MLA, Mr. V. P. Sajeendran MLA, Mr. Loudy Louis MLA, Mr.Sheikh Pareeth, District Collector, Ernamkulam Cine Actors Mr.Mammotty and Mr. Jayaram were present.

Mr. Mammooty said, “Kerala needs to produce our own special products rather than Kathakali and Kettuvallam using modern technology.”GKSF- KTDC Package has been launched by Mr. K. Babu, Minister for Excise by giving its brochure to Mr. Jayaram. Mr. Tony Chammony, Mayor, Kochi has been delivered welcome speech and Dr. Rathan Kelkar, Director GKSF proposed vote of thanks.

Mr. Hibi Eden has been given away mementos to the sponsors of GKSF. Mr. Dominic Presentation has been released the model of prize money gold coin has been released by handing over to Mr. Mammotty. Mr. T. K. Manoj Kumar IAS, Secretary to Tourism has been presented the report.

After the inauguration session, ‘Fire Show’ has been presented by Chec republican artists. Show has continued with special performances of film fraternities Jayaram, Kalabahavan Mani, Hareesree Asokan, Swetha Menon, Shamna Khazim and Manikuttan. Play back Singers Sudeepkumar, Afsal, Sayanora, Rajalakshmi and Anwar

Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala is inaugurating the GKSF at Cochin by lighting the traditional lamp. Mr. A.P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, Mr. K. Babu, Minister for Excise and Ports, Kerala, Mr. Benny Behanan MLA, Mr. Hibi Eaden MLA, Mr. Joseph Vazhakkan MLA, Mr. Dominic Presenatation, Mr. Tony Chenmmani, Mayor of Cochin, Mr.T.K. Manoj Kumar IAS, Principal SecretaryTourism and Mr. Rathan Kelkar IAS Director, GKSF are also seen 8

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Sadath has been sung for the audience. Kalabhavan Navaz, Ramesh Pisharody and group has performed comedy show.

Band treat by Leslie Louis has been memorable.

Dr. Rathan Kelkar said “The gold prizes of GKSF will be distributed from December 15 onwards through the selected branches of South Indian Bank.”

GKSF plans for ‘December Fest’ from Dec. 25 to Jan. 5, 2012. The venue of December Fest at thiruvananthapuram will be at Kanakakunnu Palace. This fest includes handicraft items, Khadi, Handlooms, different products from tribal community, etc. And also features tribal cuisines, forest produce and tribal treatment. The main attraction is GKSF plans to set up a tribal settlement itself. Other attractions include performances of North Malabar art forms such as Theyyam. Evening bazaar and street trade will be new fascination.

‘The New Indian Express’ has joined as a media partner for the event.

Mathrubhumi, Malayala Manorama, Deshabhimani, Kerala Kaumudi, Mangalam, The Hindu, Asianet, Kairali, Surya, Amrita, Jeevan, Jaihind, Indiavision, Reporter and ACV are other media partners of GKSF. Mega Trade fairs or exhibition hubs will be conducted in partnership with these media houses in the State. Fairs will be conducted by Kerala Kaumudi at Thiruvananthapuram, Mathrubhumi at Kozhikode, Wayanad and Thrissur, Malayala Manorama at Kottayam and Kozhikode, Deshabhimani at Kannur and Madhayam at Malappuram. These fairs intend to promote traditional, handicraft, handlooms, and khadi products with modern artifacts. Amusement park for children and cookery hubs will be other attractions in the fairs. The performance of Kerala’s own cultural and performing art forms will be another experience for domestic and foreign visitors.

The State-level group registration for traders to enroll as partners for the fifth edition of the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) was launched. Group registration for the event was kicked off with the enrolment of

147 branches of home appliances and electronics distributor Landmark.

The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival authority bought an innovative idea to register more shops under the brand GKSF. The new method is a mobile office of GKSF, which will go to the business institution instead the institution going to GKSF for registration. The mobile office campaign has been started to attract more shops.

Mercantile establishments (MEs) which register in the golden category will be given funding for organising publicity campaigns outside the state. Half of the expense or a maximum of Rs 5 lakh will be given to the MEs selected on a first-come-first-served basis. Around 1,600 MEs have registered for this year’s edition so far. GKSF shall provide you with special tariff. GKSF will be providing 50% refund or Rs 5, 00,000 whichever is lesser for advertisements done by MEs promoting Grand Kerala Shopping Festival outside Kerala.

Syndrio Technologies will be designed websites for the participant shops in a reduced tariff. The actual cost of Rs.13, 000 will be reduced to Rs.4, 999. The reduced tariff only covers the GKSF participants. The package includes 500 MB web space, flexible email facility, five page website, contact form, Google map integration and basic search engine optimization.

The road show of GKSF has been flagged off from Kanakakkunnu palace by Mr. A. P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism. The road show will be concluded at Kannur on 15th January. Media partners of GKSF are organizing the road show.

The tourists would be facilitates with a ‘late night shopping’ and will be introduced in Kochi as pilot attempt. Based on the responses, this would be taken to more cities and towns in future. This facility will be introduced in specified places to create festive mood during Christmas and New Year.

Branding exercises with Buses and taxis in metro9

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politan areas would be attempted this time. Dr. Rathan Kelkar, Director, GKSF, said “As part of widening the platform, GKSF plans to include the malls from outside Kerala also by introducing special schemes.”

GKSF would continue its Google search facility and the work have been started for social media such as face book and twitter. An online shop would be another attraction. Online transactions will carry out through South Indian Bank, the Sponsor of GKSF. This year, GKSF will be providing 100 per cent VAT refund for the consumers from outside the state who shop through their Credit Cards up to Rs 1 lakh. Last time it was 60 percent.

15 merchants will be selected based on a lucky draw and will make possible to participate in the next Dubai Shopping festival at free of cost. The selection will be from all the three participant categories, gold, silver and general. 50 percent refund will be available in the Co-optad-scheme.

With a view to encourage even the smallest retailer to participate in the festival and thus to boost the retail chain within the State, the GKSF has rolled out with exciting contests. And will try to brand the winning item in the label of GKSF for the whole year up to the next season. Various innovative schemes, contests and competitions have been designed to attract more. Shoppers can enjoy good discounts through Scratch & Win Coupons and also avail daily and weekly lucky draws. Over 45 days, GKSF has put 101 KG of Gold on offer.

New pilgrimage package will be introduced as part of the festival. GKSF plans registration hubs at every district headquarters to avoid crowd. Dr Kelkar said” the GKSF fifth season have a budget of Rs 50 crore and expects this will be a profitable season.”

GKSF will allow shops from all across the state to participate in the festival as Member Establishments (MEs).

A voluntary participation of MEs will thus create the largest retail channel of about 7,000 retailers from various 10

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categories of jewellery, textiles, electronics, automobiles, furnishing, etc.

Dr Kelkar said, “GKSF – 5 will open during the peak tourism season in Kerala and we want to make most out of it. The shopping festival will allow huge marketing and product placement opportunities to small and large retailers across categories. With promotional schemes, contests and competitions, we intend to augment domestic retail industry. Through GKSF – 5, we want to ensure the best quality visitor experience and multiple community benefits and establish Kerala as a global brand.”

GKSF will also open up a new shopping season for the State besides Onam. Interestingly, the State has been witnessing more sales during GKSFs than Onam period.

During 2010-11, GKSF – 4 marked sales of more than Rs 2,000 crore sales, which has been more than the sales registered during the Onam period.

Major brands like South Indian Bank, Malabar Gold, World Gold Council, JOSCO, Bhima Jewellers have entered into strategic alliance with GKSF. The 45 day shopping festival will conclude on January 15, 2012.

The official concluding ceremony of the 46 day long festival will be conducted on January 21st at Malappuram.

A Government of Kerala initiative, GKSF made its debut in the year 2007 and went on to attain the stature of a much-awaited annual event. Conducted by the Department of Tourism in association with the departments of Industries & Commerce, Finance and Local Self Government, over the years, the festival has become a successful exercise in the process of transforming Kerala into a hub for international shopping experience.

Fresh enterprises mind blowing offers and exciting prizes; both for shops and shoppers, make GKSF the biggest ever shopping extravaganza. The festival will also promote art, culture, customs and architecture of Kerala.

Visitors will thus be able to have a real ‘feel’ of Kerala with a complete package of tourism with shopping.

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he state Public Works Department has organized it’s first ever Infrastructure Conference in the state at Thiruvananthapuram. Mr.Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister, Kerala inaugurated the threeday Infrastructure Conference, ic2011.

Mr. Oommen Chandy said, “The State lagged behind in infrastructure development. While the government took steps to protect public sector undertakings, nothing much had been done for the development of infrastruc-

ture which is very crucial for the development of the state. Land acquisition for the purpose still remained a challenge” Chief Minister added, the fourth airport in Kerala is being planned, but the state falls short of a world class road facility and is yet to catch up with the port-based developMr. Oommen Chandy ments along the coast. For instance, the State has not been able to utilize even five per cent of the potential in inland water transport. But roads have to be developed first and foremost.

He said that focus must be on completing the projects in a time-bound manner without compromising quality.

Fully developed roads are must for economic progress; the Government has made available four times as much amount for road construction and maintenance as was originally provided for in the State Budget. Quality of road construction is another major issue. Time-bound execution and delivery of assured quality is of paramount importance. The Chief Minister reminded planners and engineers, “Stick to target.”

The Chief Minister emphasized, rail network connectivity is also a need to be strengthened with electrification, doubling and expansion with high speed

Mr Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister, Kerala; Mr P.K.Kunhalikutty, Minister Mani, Minister for Finance and Mr V.S. Sivakumar, Transport Minister at the 12

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rail corridor planned the road contractors on between Trivandrum the durability of roads and Kochi, and Monofor 15 years.” Concreting, rail at Trivandrum and inter-locking or any new Kozhikode. He added scientific technology can the State Government be utilized for ensuring has taken up on itself the the durability of roads and challenge of pushing four the required budgetary major projects simultanesupport will be forthcomously on the infrastructure ing.” front. The four projects Mr.V S Sivakumar, are the monorail projects Minister for Transport Mr. P K Kunhalikutty Mr. K. M. Mani in Thiruvananthapuram said “The Rs 66-crore and Kozhikode, the north-to-south Highworth Sabarimala road works have begun Speed Rail Corridor and the Kochi Metro. and that includes seven major roads and In the presidential address Mr. P K sub-roads.” Mr. T P Senkumar said “the Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries said, state requires three-dimensional roads “The state as part of its infrastructure projthan the existing two-dimensional ones. ects cannot do away with public-private Priority needs to be given for construction partnership (PPP) models and toll collecof sub-roads, subways and over bridges tion for road usage.” connecting existing roads before planning Mr. K. M. Mani. Minister for Finance for Expressway.” said, “The state has set aside Rs 1,200 crore Mr. V K Ebrahim Kunju, Minister for for road improvement works, in addition Public Works, Mr. Manoj Joshi IAS, Secto the budget allocation this year for the retary, Public Works; and Mr.T.P. SenkuMr.V S Sivakumar PWD. Every year the PWD carries out mar IPS, Transport Commissioner, spoke road maintenance works, and the existing roads across at the function. Mr.G the state need to be replaced with quality roads employVijayaraghavan, Planing modern scientific technology with a guarantee from ning Board member, gave introductory talk. About 120 selected delegates were participated in the conference. The conference is structured with seven technical sessions where about 20 experts in various sectors shared their experience.

Mr. V K Ebrahim Kunju

for Industries, Mr V. K. Ebrahim Kunju ,Minister for PWD, Mr K. M. Infrastructure Conference 2011 in Thiruvananthapuram 13

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he overall performance in the 100 days programme of Mr. Oommen Chandy led Government was highly successful and did not have much to criticize even for the opposition.

It may have to be reiterated that the opposition too made certain positive gestures towards the progressive and development agenda of the government. Keeping the success of this time-bound programme, Mr. Oommen Chandy has already drawn the sketches and roadmap for his one-year programme aiming the welfare and overall progress of the State.

Mr.Oommen Chandy unveiled a year-long seven stream action plan for the state’s overall development. The action plan for November 2011 to October 2021 aims at correction free and transparent administration. The thrust areas are the basic infrastructure development, transparency, Environment Conservation and solid waste management, facilities for higher economic growth and creation of employment opportunities, development of health care sector, human resource development, social security and welfare of the people and the development of I.T. sector.

Sutharya Keralam: assures transparent and correction free administration. The programme ensures the right to services law will be brought to ensure time bound delivery of government services. The existing Information and Data Exchange Advanced System (IDEAS) will be implemented in all departments of the Secretariat to monitor the files. An online system will be introduced for single window clearance for industries. The Government will announce clear guidelines for granting no-objection certificates for CBSE and ICSE schools. Guidelines will also be issued in connection with recognition of existing schools. Whistle-blowers will be protected.

An expert committee has already been formed for setting up the state Whistle Blower Protection Policy and would become operational soon. Those who give tip-off to expose corruption would be rewarded besides being given full protection. The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau will be trifurcated to improve its functioning. ‘Nokkukooli’ and collection of excess charges for loading and unloading will be eliminated. All sports 14

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associations will be required to declare a sports charter and ensure that the services promised are made available to sportsmen.

District-level cells will be formed towards enlarging the Sutharya Keralam programme of the Chief Minister.

Help desks with women civil police officers will be set up in all police stations to accept complaints from the public. Complaints to the police would also be accepted through FRIENDS (Fast Reliable Instant Efficient Network for Disbursement of Services) centres.

Cover Story

Mr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India greets Ms. Jayalaksmi, youngest Minister of Mr. Oommen Chandy ministry during the ministerial delegation interaction at New Delhi. Mr. P.K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for IT & Industries, Mr. K.M. Mani, Minister for Finance, Mr. K. babu, Minister for Ports & Excise and Mr. M.K. Muneer, Minister for LSG and Social Welfare, Govt of Kerala are also seen

Sundara Keralam: Under the Suchitwa Keralam Programme, e -toilets will be installed at all municipalities and municipal corporations. Household-based bio-gas plants and composting units will be given with subsidy.

Plastic-shredding units will be opened in all panchayats.

The suggested programmes in Pumba action plan will be started and given importance to Sewage treatment plant.

Clean Sabarimala programme will be continued. Expert committee will prepare Development plan for Bharathapuzha. Pollution control programmes of lakes and lagoons will be continued. 10 crores has been already allotted for Vembanad lake conservation and expecting 90 crores more foreign financial support. Sasthamkotta lake conservation plan estimates 3 crore will be implemented.

Samrudha Keralam visions the speed growth of economic sector and revamping the employment opportunities.

Emerging Kerala: Brand Kerala will be promoted through an investors’ meet, Emerging Kerala, scheduled in September next year.

Mega Projects: The feasibility study of the Thiruvananthapuram-Manglore high speed rail corridor will be completed within the first year. A new company Kerala High Speed Rail Corporation will undertake the project.

Rs 48 crore was sanctioned for land acquisition to replace Kochi North Over Bridge. For the first phase of Kochi Metro, Rs 154 crore was sanctioned.

The feasibility study of the Kochi- Coimbatore industrial corridor will be completed. Importance will be given to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram monorail project. The feasibility study of Kozhikode has been completed.

Smart City work has been started. KINFRA will support the utility services such as water, power and Link roads. Kollam- Kottappuram National water way will be completed. Vizhinjam project is waiting for the union home ministry’s approval. Security approval has been obtained for the Consortiums. The upliftment of Azheekal Port will be started to develop the Port as Barging Port. New company will be formed for LPG based projects estimates 2000 crores. The scheme aims gas based mini power stations, natural gas development centres, urban gas development plants and distribution of gas through pipelines to the consumers. The development of Kochi refinery and petrochemical complex will be a reality which estimates 18,000 crores.

Kannur airport will also be a reality. DPR preparation is in pipeline and the work for the runway will be started in next year. Railway coach factory will be stared at Kanchikot, Palakkad. The construction works of NH will be restarted and NH17 and NH 47 will be developed as four line. New scheme will be developed for land acquisition and rehabilitation.

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Matsya Samrudhy scheme: aims to increase the rural fish production up to 3 lakh ton which increase employment opportunities. To find out new opportunities ten thousand matsya laboures will get Rs. 10,000 with an interest of 6%through MATSYAFED, estimates 60 crores. Coir machinery factory will be started at Alappuzha. Husk accumulation project will be activated. International Coir Fair (Coir Kerala) will be conducted. Responsible tourism project will be spread out to 10 more centres.

Tourism master plan of Alappuzha and Wayanad will be submitted to Union Ministry. The first stage of Muziris Project will be completed.

Organic Farming: Organic farming spread out project will be implemented. Organic vegetable cum medicinal centres will be opened where you get seeds to vegetables. 10 crore project will be for Areca nut farmers.

So many other projects to help farmers and agriculture field is in pipeline. 20, 000 farmers will be covered by health insurance card.200 primary cooperative societies will be executed for the transaction of loan to help farmers.50 farmers service centres will be opened which enables timely distribution of seeds and manure.

Electronic hub: will be planning at Amballoor in Kochi.

334 acre land will be acquired for the project and the master plan will be developed for the same purpose. SPV (Special purpose vehicle) facility will be implemented for the development of electronic field. The primary facility of Kannur Textile Development Centre will be enhanced and common dyeing plant will be formed. HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.) will be started work at Kinfra Industrial Park at Kasargode. Kerala State Entrepreneurship Mission will be executed.

Sudruda Keralam aims improvement of public utility services. To improve public utility services, four CIAL model companies, Kerala Bus Shelter Company, Drinking Water Supply Company, Public Toilet Company and Clean city Company will be formed. Bus shelters will be built by Bus Shelter Company. Small water filtration plants will be implemented in areas where water scarcity is high-flying by Drinking Water Supply Company. Public Toilet Company intends to build new public toilets and to renovate the existing toilets. Clean city Company aims for waste management in the urban areas.

Electricity: The work of Perinkal Kuthu, Mankulam, Upper Kallada and Vellathooval Hydel Power Projects will be started.

Tendering of Peechad, Olickal, Poovarathode and Chinnar Hydel Power Projects and the project reports of Kallar, Kanthanpara, Vaithiri, Marippuzha and Valanthode Hydel Power Projects will be completed. The wind power projects will be promoted and works of all substations will be completed. 3, 40,000 service connections will be given and 7000km. single phase line will be converted into three phase line. 337 roads in the coastal area will be completed or uplifted. Second stage of KSTP will be restarted. Public work department will acquire 8570km. roads from the local bodies.

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Mr.Oommen Chandy said since the State lacks infrastructure the thrust would be for infrastructure development. The bridge construction will be started in the coastal areas of Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kasargode with the financial support of NABARD. Orchid garden in Vagamon and Botanical garden in Munnar will be planning. The Film city’s work

will be started near Chithranjali studio. Modern theatres will be formed. Festival complex will be built to conduct film festivals. Performing art museum will be formed in national level status and Kalamandalam will be the nodal agency for the staging arts. One week festival will be conducted at Delhi to promote performing arts.

Panchayat: Rajeev Gandhi Bharath Nirmana Seva Kendra will be formed in 978 Grama Panchayat and 152 Block Panchayat. Full control will be given to the Panchayat for the implementation of the projects. Japan Drinking Water Project will be completed. 33 Water supply projects under NABARD, NRDWP and State plan will be completed. SLSSE recognized projects will be started. 200 Grama Panchayat will be included in the second stage of Jalanidhi Project. 1000 new buses will be introduced to strengthen public transport facility. Sabarimala master plan will be executed.

Arogyakeralam: aims best treatment facility for all. Kerala Arogyasree Project will be started for free treatment of diseases which cannot cover under Rastreeya Swasth Bheem Yojana. Primarily the project will be implemented at regional cancer centre, Malabar Cancer Centre, Sree Chithra Medical Centre and other 23 Govt. and Private Cooperative Medical Colleges. Total Health Insurance plan for the BPL up to 2 lakhs will be initiated. The work for Medical colleges at Idukki, Malappuram, Pathanamthitta and Kasargode will be begun. Dialysis unit will

be started in all hospitals. 100 more medical stores will be started in association with hospitals. Coclear Implantation Project estimates 5lakhs and special Schemes for cancer, heart failure and kidney failure patients. Trauma care unit in 10 hospitals and new hospitals with competent doctors will be started at every Block Panchayat.

21 Ayurveda dispensaries, 60 Homeo dispensaries and ‘Chetana’ Cancer Centre at Malappuram will be established. Special health package for Sabarimala pilgrims will be planning

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Vivara Vijnana Keralam: focuses new implementation projects to boost IT sector. Facility to pay Electricity charge at anywhere and employment registration through web based portal will be implemented. Online facility for e-governance, registration and license and online transactions in all villages will be implemented through RELIS. Revenue database of 1,634 revenue villages will be prepared with classification of ownership of the land. Online transfer of registry will be introduced in 556 villages in nine districts.

Sampruptha Keralam: aims human resource development, security and welfare. New educational package aims to the development of educational sector. The ratio of teacher and student will be fixed as 1:30 and Government sanction needs for recruitment of teachers in aided schools. The problems in the Self financing education sector will be solved. Insurance coverage will be promising for all government and aided school children.

Malayalam and Technological University will be formed. Pharmacy College at Thrissur and Cooperative Medical College at Palakkad will be started under CONSUMERFED. Arts and Science College at Attappady and Kerala Maritime institute will begin at Kodungalloor. 60 acre land will be provided for Maritime University at Kochi. New five courses will be started in cooperative education sector and Film institute will be formed.

NIFT campus will be completed and an ancestral authority will form to protect property rights.

Title deeds will be given to all who acquired land before 1977. Existing super markets will be developed as People’s bazaar to get everything under an umbrella. Existing Maveli stores will be uplifted to Supermarkets as per the sale. Distributing rice for Rs. 1 per kg for the ration card holders of BPL families and other deserved groups and the scheme for distribution of ration cards on the day of application itself will be continued. New Thriveni stores, Mobile Thriveni store, Thriveni Super markets, Neethi medical stores and Neethi medical warehouse will be initiated. 2000 stores, 20 consumer units and 5000 festival markets will be initiated under ‘Nanma’ scheme.

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Cover Story

Special police force ‘Thiruvananthapurm City Police’ will be formed under the Police Commissioner with special uniform. Swift Action Team will be handled the crime situations. Electronic beat system will be implementing in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode.

Gunda act (Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act) would be amended to make it tougher for the law breakers and State Bureau of Investigation Agency will be formed. Call centre and immediate action force will be functioned to control the violence against women. State Industrial Security Force will be formed and women help desks extend to 150 more stations.NRK meet will be conducted on December 2011 and welfare of NRK in India will also be under NORKA. Nirbhaya scheme will be functioned for the security of women and children. Identity cards will be issued for all ST. 1500 new houses and reconstruction of 8000 houses under SC department. NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) will be formed. Special package for endosulfan victims and they will get 10 year concession rather than priority in the employment recruitment.

Special security preferences for Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple and Guruvayoor temple and modern security equipments will be provided for more security.

Vision 2030’s development agenda will be timely modified by adding new ideas from various streams of the society.

The new Kerala Government under the leadership of Mr. Oommen Chandy has made vibrant and remarkable initiatives focusing the overall development of the State.

The initial steps of the government give immense hope to the people of Kerala on the ensuing development projects envisaged in the planning document. Many of the public grievances could be addressed in his 100 Days Programme which continues in the presently declared one year programme also, which made the United Democratic Front Government, a favorite. Most of the announced schemes and projects under the “100 days Programme” have either completed or initiated. The Oommen Chandy led UDF Government could meet most of the short term promises made during the campaign of assembly election through the systematic and hard work of Chief Minister and the Government. The Government has made strong foundation for the development agenda and proceeding rapidly towards its pronounced slogan of Development and Care and the people are keen to see the outcome of Chief Minister’s vision and dream.

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Column

Niyathi

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erala’s 11th Five Year Plans will end on 31st March 2012 and 12th Five Year will begin on 1st April 2012. State Planning Board has therefore started 12th Plan formulation works. As part of it, Board has prepared an approach paper and it has been published for public discussion and suggestions. Here the Board dreams the aims and objectives exercised and practised in the past of Eleven Five Year Plans.

Since the beginning of the First Five Year in 1951 to the end of 10th Five Year Plan in 2007, kerala has spent Rs.54051 crore. If we add the 11th plan outlay of Rs.40422 crore, the total amount spent will be above 94,000 crores. Having spent nearly Rs.100000 crores under five year plans, Board could have explained the growth target and achieved growth and the gap. Food deficit, water scarcity, energy deficit, low industrial growth, drinking water crisis, unemployment, poverty, poor health service, poor quality of education and inefficient civil service are the accumulated socio-economic issues under five year plans. In order to solve these issues, Board has to make structural changes in the plan process.

All our past five years plans have been generally aimed at growth, socio-economic equity, social justice, employment generation and poverty reduction. In our ten five year plans state earmarked and spent one third plan outlay on agriculture and irrigation. But food production, particularly rice production, has come down and at present only 12 percent gross cropped area is under food production. Under Five year Plans State spent Rs.4421 crores for irrigation but we could irrigate only 4.58 lakh hectares which forms 17 percent of the cropped area. In the case of milk, egg and meat production also we depend other states. Kerala produce only 75 percent milk 50 percent egg and 75 percent meat required for consump-

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Kerala and Ecconomy

tion. Such a situation has emerged although we spent Rs.9183 crore under ten Five Year Plans in the agriculture and allied sectors.

Between 1950 and 2007, Kerala spent Rs.8760 crores in the energy sector which shared 20 percent of State’s total plan expenses. But we created only a generating capacity of 2694 mw against the estimated requirement of 3528 mw. Energy deficit slow down the economic activities and hence 12th plan must give immediate attention and sustainable solution.

In health and education, Kerala made good progress and it is being recognised as ‘Kerala Model” in India and abroad. First Five Year Plans started more health and educational institutions. Low birth and death rates, low infant mortality, high average life and high bed popula-

tion ratio put Kerala in good status. But we neglect the high morbidity rate. Medical expenses are growing high.

Communicable diseases are emerging. Quality of Health Services provided through government health institutions are coming down because health personnel, drugs, diagnostic test facilities, water and electricity are inadequate. We must improve the health facilities and improve the services delivered.

In education we did well. But at present issues are varied and complex. From Lower primary schools to University, there are issues. Starting of Self Financing Educational institutions aggravated the situation. 12th Five Year Plan has to solve these issues and improve the services and quality.

Educated unemployed are 43 lakhs in 2010. We need more capital investment to generate employment.

Public Sector investment alone cannot generate employment. Therefore Kerala need private and foreign capital.

Globalisation has become a reality and therefore we must attract foreign direct investment under conditions. Out of the total inflow of foreign direct investment to India, Kerala’s share was below one percent. It has to change. In 2003 Kerala held a ‘Global Meet’. Investment proposal for Rs.26000 crores emerged in the meet. Ideological differences emerged and therefore nothing materialised.

Similar ‘Emerging Meet’ is proposed for 2012. It has to

materialise the results.

Growth under Five Year Plans have not been sustainable and uniform. Kerala aimed growth rate above national average. But during 10 Five Year Plans, Kerala’s growth rate stood below national average. In the first seven Five Year Plans, Kerala’s annual growth rate stood below 5 percent. In the eighth plan, annual growth rate was 6.5 percent and it continued during the 10th plan as well. In the Sectoral distribution of plan outlay there had been inbalance in the earlier plans. Output generating sector like agriculture and industry was accorded low priority in the first six five year Plans. It was from 7th plan onwards, 10 percent state plan outlay has been earmarked to industry. In the first ten Five Year Plans amount spent for industry was only Rs.4050 crore. Therefore Kerala could not develop an industrial base necessary for future industrial growth and employment generation. This has to be corrected in the 12th plan.

State Planning Board has proposed an investment of Rs.100000 to Rs.105000 crore for the 12th Five year Plans. It is more than what we have spent over 60 years under 11 five year plans. Increase in plan outlay may not always increase growth rate. The political will and the Civil service together determine the efficiencies of fund use. Kerala has to give a ‘big push’ to industry growth, particularly manufacturing industries to generate employment and produce consumer goods. For this civil service has to be made effective and efficient.

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News

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k- Kerala Business Forum Awards announced Two young and dynamic politicians from Kerala, Mr.Shibu Baby John, Labour Minister and Mr.Anto Antony MP, have become the first to discuss about Kerala as an emerging destination for investors in the hallowed precincts of the British Parliament building.

The occasion was an unprecedented meeting of the UK-Kerala Business Forum in a chamber named after William Pitt, chaired by Virendra Sharma, MP of the House of Commons. The honour was shared by former ambassador Mr.T.P.Sreenivasan, who responded to questions from the British MPs gathered for the occasion. In attendance was a large contingent of British and Kerala businessmen in the UK.

In September 2010 UK-Kerala Business Forum celebrated Onam in the parliament attended by several British parliamentarians.

Mr. Anto Antony analized the cultural links between India and the UK and the features that make Kerala an ideal destination for British tourists and investors. He laid out a number of avenues for co-operation between the UK and Kerala and made a convincing case for investments in education, infrastructure, IT, health care, waste management, renewable energy and others.

In the discussion that followed, the British MPs raised a number of questions, including Communism in Kerala, the caste system and tourism potential.

Four prominent Malayalees were honoured in the parliament by the UK Kerala Business Forum. Mr M G George Muthoot, Chairman of Muthoot Group

Mr. M. G. George Muthoot, Chairman, Muthoot George group receiving the UK- Kerala Business Forum award from Mr. Stephan Timms MP, Shadow Minister for Employment, UK at House of Commons Hall, London in the presence of Mr. Shibu Baby John, Minister for Labour, Food & Civil Supplies, Govt. of Kerala, Mr. Anto Antony MP and Mr. Virendra Sharma MP 22

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December 2011

News

Mr. John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director receiving the award on behalf of Mr. Jou Alukkas, Chairman, Joy Alukkas Group from Mr. Stephan Timms, MP

(‘Asian Businessman of the Year 2011’ ), Mr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman, JoyAlukkas Group (Asian Achiever of the Year 2011), Mr Haridas, Managing Director of Kerala Group of Restaurants, Lonodn (UK-Kerala Businessman of the year 2011) and Mr Rajiv Ouseph (UK - Kerala Sports Person of the Year 2011). The awards were presented by Mr Stephen Timms MP shadow minister for Employment.

“It’s a honour to be bestowed with the award of ‘Asian Achiever of the year’ I thank the UK- Kerala Business Forum for this recognition. I would like to dedicate this award to my team at Joyalukkas and our loyal customers who have helped me achieve success and recognition”, said Mr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman, Joyalukkas Group. “My father’s vision and passion has helped us achieve all our success, I feel special to have received this honour on his behalf. Every employee at

Joyalukkas is motivated by our Chairman’s drive and enthusiasm and we as a team rejoice in his achievement. Our vision is to “Ornament the world’ and Mr. Joy Alukkas along with every employee at Joyalukkas, strives towards this achieving this vision everyday”, said John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director, Joyalukkas Group.

Mr T Haridas is the Managing Director of Kerala Group of Restaurants with the flagship restaurant Malabar Junction, located in the central London. The group own over 10 restaurants in the UK. Mr Haridas is also an ardent promoter of Kerala’s culture and tourism to Kerala. Information for tourists to Kerala are freely available in all his restaurants. He has been referred as the Cultural Ambassador for Kerala in the UK. Mr Haridas was instrumental in organising the participation of Kerala at the Lord Mayor Show, held early this month.

Mr. Rajiv Ouseph is the number one English Badminton Singles player.

Mr. T. Haridas, Managing Director, Kerala Group of Restaurants receiving the award from Mr. Stephan Timms, MP 23

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December 2011

News

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he e-filing of RTI conceived by the Kerala State IT mission will make Kerala the first state in India to facilitate online RTI queries. As the work is in progress training is being imparted to all Akshaya centres, the state’s grassroot level ICT centres.

Being launched under the e-district programme, the service will make electronic network available across the state with GAD working as the nodal office through all the Akshaya Centres as the source point enabling people to file on their ease. A fee of Rs.10 will be charged on

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December 2011

each application filed online. Once confirmed the application will be routed through Akshaya centres to the Public Information Officers of the concerned department.

The Information Officers then will be provided with digital signatures to accept the application. The status of the application at each stage will be messaged to the applicant. One will have the choice to opt for the response as soft or hard copy. State IT Mission is also planning to increase the number of Akshaya centres in the state from 2,500 to 3,500.

News

Mr. Vayalar Ravi, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation addressing a Press Conference on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas -2012, in New Delhi. The Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Dr. A. Didar Singh is also seen. (File Photo)

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he 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) will be held from 7-9 January, 2012 in Jaipur. Mr. Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation announced that the Chief Guest of PBD-2012 will be the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago,. Ms. Kamla Persad Bissessar. The theme of PBD2012 is “Global Indian-Inclusive Growth”. He further said that Rajasthan will be the partner State of the 10th PBD, which would provide the Diaspora an opportunity to understand the vibrant culture and potential of State.

Mr. Vayalar Ravi said that ,Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate this annual flagship event of the Ministry on 8thJanuary, and the President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil will deliver the valedictory address on 9thJanuary and confer the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards. He also informed that two pre-conference seminars on ‘Solar Energy- Investment’ and R&D’ and ‘Social Entrepreneurship-Water’ will also be organized during the event.

According to Mr. Vayalar Ravj more than 1500 delegates are expected to participate in PBD-2012 from all over the world. Government is making efforts to make PBD more meaningful and interactive event that would address issues and concerns of the overseas Indian com-

munity effectively. He launched the PBD website- www. pbdindia.org. and announced that the event would be webcast online and summary of proceedings put out each day. The interactive website would provide an opportunity for the Diaspora to participate in the conference from any corner of the world. Speaking in the conference, Mr. Rajendra Pareek, The Minister of Industries, NRI’s, and State Enterprises of Rajasthan said that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is an efforts to bring Indian Diaspora on one forum, which expresses the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He also extended all kind of support and cooperation from Rajasthan Government to make the 10th PBD successful. Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary, MOIA & Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala will lead the Kerala delegation. Mr. P.K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for IT & Industries, Mr. K.C. Joseph, Minister for NORKA, Mr. T.K. Manoj Kumar IAS, Secretary, NORKA and Mr. Noyal Thomas IFS, CEO of NORKA - ROOTS will also attend the event. Prominent NRKs including Mr. M.A. Yusuf Ali, Dr. B. Ravi Pillai, Dr. Azad Mooppen and Mr. C.K. Menon are also attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at Capital city of Rajasthan.

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News

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erala is likely to have its first flight direct connection to Europe. The German carrier Lufthansa has reportedly responded positively to an offer by the Cochin International Airport Limited to commence a direct service from Kochi to Frankfurt.

Last week, Mr.Axel Hilgers ,Director for South Asia, Lufthansa Airlines visited Kochi and held discussions with representatives of CIAL and other stake-holders in the state’s travel industry. The visit follows a preliminary discussion between the carrier and Airport Company held earlier. The carrier now needs to conduct an independent feasibility study and calculate the yield factor before making a final decision, it is learnt.

CIAL has already announced a slew of concessions in terms of airport charges as an incentive for the carrier

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to commence service. It has also requested hotels to give concessional rates to the crew of European carriers opening routes to Kochi. As of now, passengers from Kerala are connected to Europe or North America through other Indian airports or Middle-Eastern destinations like Qatar or Dubai.

The annual average outbound movements to Europe from the three Kerala airports stands around 1.68 lakh while that to the U.S.A is about 0.92 lakh. Lufthansa was impressed by the figures, which, in turn, suggested enough passengers to fill wide-bodied aircraft to be deployed for long-haul services. The daily average passenger movement to Europe is estimated to be around 456 while for the United States it is around 258.

Courtesy www.keralalink.co.uk

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erala Artisan’s Development Corporation Ltd organised an All India Handicraft and Handloom Fair at Thiruvananthapuram. The display cum sales program was inaugurated by Mr. N. Shakthan Nadar, Deputy Speaker and presided over by Mr. K. Muralidharan, MLA. The exhibits include handicrafts, handlooms, jewellery etc. Saura paintings in palm leaf and in cloth, Saris and dupattas from Orissa, Kashmiri tops, Jaipur bed sheets and Bengal cotton saris were the main attraction to the buyers.

The costs of the material mainly depended on the quality and the engravings on it. Different varieties of pickles were the major attraction among the food products exhibited.

Saura paintings are the main attraction of the fair.

Saura Paintings is a folk art painting originated from the ‘Saura’ tribe of Orissa. The theme has been drawn from their everyday life, showing several rows of human forms engaged in daily or ceremonial activities.

In alternating set of rows, differing moods of dancing and warring people are portrayed. Seated on horses or elephants, men go on wars to protect the natural rhythm of life back home. At the base of the painting, we see men around a tree, signifying the close connection between man and nature.

The Saura paintings were traditionally made to mark special events such as birth of a child, a good harvest, marriage etc. The sacred “idital” paintings (a part of Saura art) were always painted in the darkest rooms of the house, and were used by the tribal people to contact and appease the dead ancestors of the tribe.

The Saura tribes of Orissa have a glorious past. The Saura tribe i.e. Sauras or Savaras have been mentioned in Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Savari’s devotion to Rama in Ramayana is part of the folk lore of India. In Mahabharata, Jara Savara pierces an arrow to Krisna and kills him.

The people of the Saura tribe traditionally drew ritualistic pictographs on the inside walls of their mud houses called ‘italons’. These pictographs were made for various

News

reasons – to avoid disease, preserve crops, honour the dead of the tribe, and promote fertility.

The Saura tribe is one of the oldest known communities in India. They live mainly in the hills of Rayagada district of Orissa, and have become famous for the rich variety of paintings made on the inner walls of their houses. These tribal people depend on farming for subsistence, and are inclined towards depicting the importance of land through their paintings. The tribe is sheltered from urban culture and lifestyle since its people are surrounded by the hills and have limited public access to their settlements.

The Sauras paint on the inside of the walls which is due to their religious belief. Natural colors are used mainly black and white (made from soot and rice respectively) and a bamboo brush is used to paint.

The artist needs excellent skills to make these paintings since the work on these paintings is fairly elaborate.

Saura paintings are geometric in style, but with fishing net-like approach within larger characters. For wall paintings, a brush is made from a bamboo split, black colour is collected from soot generated out of lamps, sun-dried rice is crushed to from white powder, and all these are mixed in water, and juice from roots and herbs to make a paste.

The colour that is finally obtained is black and white.

In recent times, the Saura artists have started using hand-made paper, palm leaf and cloth as the medium for their paintings and uses acrylic colours to paint. This art form reflects everyday life of the tribal people: agrarian and hunting activities as well as depiction of music and dance during the festivals.

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Te c h n o l o g y

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he world’s thinnest camera in its class features a range of innovative new technologies and expands your artistic possibilities. Just 12.2mm slim (measurement excludes lens cover), which is smaller than the thickness of a standard AA-size battery, the Cyber-shot TX55 is the world’s thinnest camera in its class (among cameras with an optical anti-shake function).With an exceptionally slim and stylish design, Sony’s new DSC-TX55 Cyber-shot camera makes it easy to capture any moment with high-quality still photos, full high-definition video and amazing 3D images, providing consumers with the ultimate in creative control of their photos and videos.

The DSC-TX55 camera features a range of innovative new technologies, including “By Pixel Super Resolution” technology, which boosts the cameras’ zoom range to a virtual 10x without losing quality at the image sensor’s maximum resolution (16.2 million pixels). The new model is also the first Cyber-shot camera to offer a “Picture Effect” mode, which expands a shooter’s artistic possibilities without the need for editing software.

The TX55 boasts a 16.2 megapixel, highly sensitive Exmor R™ CMOS sensor that delivers incredible image detail and ultra-low picture noise in both still images and Full HD video – even in low light conditions. Also the camera’s hi-speed auto focus can lock onto subject in as little as 0.1 seconds, letting users grab the most fleeting photo moments with ease.

The new model captures Full HD AVCHD video clips as well as 16.2 megapixel still images through its innovative and exceptionally thin 5x optical folded zoom lens. It introduces brand-new ‘Clear Image Zoom’ that boosts magnification without lowering the pixel count in the final image. Exclusive to Sony, ‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ processing further extends the camera’s 5x optical zoom range, allowing full-resolution 16.2 megapixel images with a maximum 10x zoom.

‘By Pixel Super Resolution’ technology also significantly boosts still image quality during movie recording. At a touch of the shutter button, ‘Dual Rec’ grabs detail-packed 12 megapixel-level still photos without interrupting Full HD video shooting. Further, the camera’s back panel is dominated by a super-sized 3.3-inch (8.3cm) Xtra Fine™ OLED wide touch-screen, perfect for showing off photos and movie clips with incredible detail.

The innovative Picture Effect mode broadens the range of artistic options with an exciting palette of in-camera image treatments. Effects can be viewed on the camera screen, allowing users to see the result of a chosen effect instantly rather than during the post-shooting experience.

Newly enhanced with additional electronic image stabilization for vertical and horizontal handshake correction, SteadyShot® image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for handheld camera movements during Full HD video shooting.

The new DSC-TX55 camera makes it simple for users to easily achieve DSLRlike picture quality. Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode also features HR (High Resolution) mode, letting users capture breath-taking up to 42.9 megapixel panoramas. 3D Still Image captures dramatic 3D photos without the need for a large, bulky stereoscopic lens. Other 3D shooting options include 3D Sweep Panorama mode and Sweep Multi Angle. Enabling its incredible slimness, the new TX55 camera includes a slot to accept Memory Stick Micro™ (Mark2) and microSD/ SDHC flash memory cards. Enjoy the art of shooting with a craftsman’s spirit.

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Te c h n o l o g y

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ewlett-Packard Co introduced its first lightweight ultrabook laptop. It’s Hewlett-Packard’s first entry into the ultrabook category of laptops created by chipmaker Intel Corp.

The HP Folio laptop has a 13.3-inch (33.8 centimeters) inches diagonal HD Bright View display screen, weighs 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) and is 0.7 inches thick. Coming to the resolution of the display, it is given as 1366 x 768 pixels.

Ultrabook Laptop is powered by Intel Core i3 / i5 processor with 1.6 GHz specs. It runs on Microsoft Windows 7 Home/Professional OS. This laptop has got 2.3 GHz Turbo Boost technology. It is provided with 4

GB of RAM and this RAM can be expandable up to 8 GB. This laptop has got 128 GB speedy solid state disk.

It is having Altec Lansing Speakers and HP True Vision HD webcam. It has got HP Cool Sense Technology and Intel Rapid Start Technology. Dolby Advanced Audio is offered on this laptop. Full sized SDHC card slot and full sized Gigabit Ethernet has been provided on this device.

HP Folio 13 Ultrabook Laptop is provided with optional TPM Embedded Security Chip and one HDMI output.

It has got USB v3.0 port and one USB v2.0 port. It has got weight of 1.49 kgs and size of 12.5 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches. Price of this laptop is given as The PC will go on sale December 7 at a starting price of $900(Rs.45, 831/-). The new standard offers slim designs, instant startup and all-day battery life.

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irtel has increased the international call rate tariffs by up to 10 per cent for some destinations for all customers and reduced certain benefits on addon services for its pre-paid subscribers.

All the schemes which allowed its pre-paid customers to get flexibility on billing plans and reduced call rates during roaming have fewer benefits now. Airtel has reduced the validity of such schemes by half to six months from one year.

The company also reduced the benefit offered under wireless Internet service on mobile phones — GPRS. It is now giving 1 GB data download limit for Rs.98 instead of 2 GB offered earlier. Airtel has, however, reduced the regular data download price of its 2G and 3G network to 10 paise per 10 KB from 30 paise per KB offered earlier.

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News

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YAPAAR 2011 will host a diverse range of products, suppliers and service providers, ready to discuss and demonstrate their technology and expertise. Whether an established name in the industry or a start-up company, the free to attend exhibition will be the most focused and value driven gathering of manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, designers, service providers and professionals. Keep up to date with the very latest consumer trend& technology established new business relationships choose the best product-meet existing partners and suppliers.

There will be participation of over 200 Indian, Global companies, Brands & organizations offering different products& services. The event will be held from 21st to 25th December ‘2011 at Mascot Hotel, Trivandrum, to be featured with a wide variety of sessions that are related to one’s specific areas of interest. These sessions will provide ultimate opportunities to all the suppliers& end-users to interact each other.

ONE ROOF ASSIGNMENTS, a full service agency headquartered in Kerala, are the organizers of Vyapaar 2011. VYAPAAR 2011 will provide an ample opportunity for Traders& Brands to meet National & International authorized partners, agents, dealers and Customers.

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erala tops the national child rights index and Arunachal Pradesh is the worst performer in protecting the rights of children. Kerala’s child marriage indicator is the lowest, and the State’s performance is far from satisfactory in early childhood care and crimes against children. One point that stands out in the indexing is that economic growth does not necessarily improve the wellbeing of children.

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Jharkhand is the only State whose economic status matches its child rights rank.

Kerala stands ninth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) status whereas Maharashtra ranks first in the GDP. This composite index brought out by the HAQCentre for Child Rights, looks into all aspects of child wellbeing in all sectors and indicators for realization of child rights.

The five best performing States are Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The worst performing States are Sikkim, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The five States falling in the not-so-well performing States category are Tripura, Assam, Mizoram, Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh. Kerala and Goa, the two best performing States in health, are performing poorly in the provision of health infrastructure.

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anasree products are sustainably harvested, hygienically processed and packaged in eco friendly materials by forest dependent communities and marketed

by Kerala Forest Department. Sabari Jalam, a Vanasree product, is packaged mineral water developed by Kerala Forest Department, a venture with a theme different from one of merely selling mineral water.

The idea of the Department was to reduce the load of many millions of plastic bottles thrown into the forest by Sabarimala pilgrims during every pilgrimage season. After the 2007 pilgrimage season, alarmed at the sight of empty bottles collected by the members of the Eco-development Committees (EDC), the Department decided to provide safe drinking water to the trekking pilgrims in returnable bottles. The scheme was to be implemented through the Eco-development Committees in Periyar West Forest Division. Even though a very good source of water was developed by the side of the Azhutha River, a tributary of the Holy River Pamba, statutory requirements for supplying packaged drinking water made ISI certification mandatory.

Since the Department was deeply committed to the cause of a plastic free environment, the Confederation of Eco-development Committees was supported by the Department to proceed with the rigorous certification procedures by setting up of modern chemical and microbiological testing laboratories with trained man power.

Finally, in November 2009, packaged mineral water of Periyar forests was certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

During the festival season of 2009-10, mineral water was supplied to the pilgrims trekking along the traditional route. A novel system of buying back the empty bottles by paying one rupee to anybody who returns a bottle was introduced. Through this means, more than 75 percent of the bottles could be bought back, a situation which was extremely encouraging.

The business motto behind Sabari Jalam is not to capture a sizeable market share, but to continue the relentless fight against the plastic pollution of the forest floor.

Sabari Jalam has already won the distinction of being the best quality packaged mineral water available in the market.

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Banking

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he Finance Ministry has asked all banks, including private sector lenders, to open branches in locations with population of more than 5,000 in the under-banked districts by September 2012.

RBI has identified 296 districts, which are underbanked, spread across 18 states and union territories.

Such branches could initially have lesser staff with ATM facilities. The staff strength could be increased as the business grows. The new bank branch opened would also provide banking services in the adjoining areas. While planning for branch expansion, it may be seen that in the unbanked areas the branches are available within a radial distance of 5 km.

As per the branch authorisation policy of RBI, prior approval of the central bank is not required to open branches in Tier-III to Tier-VI areas. In fact, opening bank branches in the under banked districts of the under banked states would entitle the banks to seek branches

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DFC Ltd, housing finance major, is planning to set up schools and provide allied services like vocational training or teachers’ training programmes. The company, which already offers educational loans through its subsidiary Credila Financial Services Pvt. Ltd, will now provide financial support for setting up educational institutions or improving existing institutions.

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in Tier-I towns under their annual branch authorisation plan. Such a branch would be assigned a service area by the State Level Bankers Committee covering one or more Gram Panchayats.

In other districts, the banks must try to open as many brick and mortar branches, in their service areas, in habitations having population of 10,000 and above by September 2012. It is to be noted that only about 5 per cent of the nearly six lakh villages in the country have bank branches. With the Financial Inclusion Plan under implementation, around 73,000 villages, having population of 2000 and above, would be provided facilities for banking services by March 2012.

As of June 2011, banks have opened banking outlets in 1.07 lakh villages up from just 54,258 as on March 2010. Out of these, 22,870 villages have been covered through brick and mortar branches, 84,274 through business correspondence outlets and 460 through other modes like mobile vans, etc.

Mr. Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC, said “We will start with some baby steps and envisage building an education organisation on the principles of efficiency, effectiveness, integrity and transparency.”

HDFC’s strategy is to enter India’s vast education sector by way of participating in the segment of schools.

The long-term objective is to create a visible impact on school systems across the country by providing school management and other allied services, apart from setting up initial flagship schools.

Banking

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he 1 per cent interest subvention scheme on housing loans up to Rs 10 lakh has been extended up to March 31, 2012, as per the notification issued by the Reserve Bank of India.

Loans sanctioned and disbursed between October 1, 2009 and March 31, 2011 are outside the ambit of the new liberalized scheme and they will be treated as per the

old instructions; that is, loans up to Rs 10 lakh with project cost up to Rs 20 lakh. Banks may continue to claim reimbursement, at present, as per the original scheme.

For claims in respect of the new scheme, revised instructions would follow. As per the revised scheme, the existing interest subvention of 1 per cent on housing loans was extended to housing loan up to Rs15 lakh, where the cost of the house does not exceed Rs 25 lakh.

hanlaxmi Bank, one of India’s fastest growing midsize private sector banks, has won the InformationWeek EDGE Award 2011 for using information technology to transform its technology infrastructure and maximize business impact.

The award highlights the bank’s commitment in using enterprise solutions to address business issue, implementing solutions critical to the overall business and to accrue benefits for business in terms of cost savings, improvement in efficiency, customer service and employee productivity.

InformationWeek India, one of the leading IT magazines, annually confers EDGE Awards to companies which have successfully deployed IT projects. Among the 200-plus companies which participated, Dhanlaxmi Bank was among the 20 companies which were shortlisted. InformationWeek India is part of New-York headquartered InformationWeek and is business technology market’s foremost multimedia brand.

Projects were evaluated by an external jury which included eminent academicians such as Prof. Pradeep Pendse, Dean of Welingkar Institute of Management (Mumbai), Dr. Nandlal L Sarda, Prof. of Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay, Dr. Bharat Bhasker, Prof. of Information Technology and Systems and Head of Internet Commerce Research Centre, IIM Lucknow and Sushanto Mitra, CEO, Society of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, IIT Bombay.

Mr. Amitabh Chaturvedi, MD & CEO of Dhanlaxmi bank Ltd 33

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Culture

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The Hay Festival Kerala Concludes

wonderful meeting of harmonizing talents and ideas, Hay Festival has been hosted for the second time at the Capital City. Eminent poets, writers, novelists, journalists, film makers and performers from India and across the world have been participated in the three-day event.

Two of the greatest Malayalam fiction writers, Mr. M. T. Vasudevan Nair and Mr. M. Mukundan, from two generations discussed the inspirations and influences that helped their own works at the inaugural session of the Hay Festival in the Kanakkakkunnu Palace.

Veteran writer Mr. M T Vasudevan Nair recalled his childhood memories at the session and said that his village and the people inspired him when he writes. He added, “I write the stories of the people whom I know.”

He said he had the urge to read from his childhood itself.

He remembered his small remote village in Palakkad District and the small school library which was the only source to get books. He recollected “Changampuzha’s Ramanan was so widely popular on those days and hard to get a copy. I travelled to the town several kilometers away; once I heard that someone had a copy of the book.

The whole book has been copied into a notebook and the original has returned to its owner next day.”

Mr.M. Mukundan too shared the similar circumstances where he had to read books under kerosene lamp since there was no electricity in his house. He also pointed out that ‘On the Banks of Mayyazhi’ was the result of inspiration of the people he knows. And the novel ‘Delhi’ was the life of people in Delhi itself. He said M T played a big role in the arrival of modern style

Famous English author Ms. Anitha Nair addressing the hay Festival in the presence of Mr. Ravi Dee Cee and other dignitaries 34

BrandKerala

December 2011

Infrastructure

in Malayalam by encouraging next generation writers and that was rarely acknowledged. Many writers from inside and outside India were present at the inauguration of the Hay Festival.

A serious discussion was brought out at the second day of Hay Festival on the topic, ‘Twice-told Fiction- the New Life of Translation’. The discussion pointed out the problem faced in the transition between languages and cultures.

Ms. Anupama Raju, the freelance journalist, writer and translator Meet the masters- Njanapeet Laureate Mr. M.T. Vasudevan Nair, and Mr. M. Mukundan shared her experiences in the field of of The Oxford India Anthology of Twelve Indian Poets, translation. She said, she enjoyed the pleasure of translating Malayalam to English. “I enjoyed translating Paul Zacharia’s said the classical literary tradition is in danger as there are no good translators. He openly criticized the weakness of short stories to English. The irony, black humour, life all Indians in English language and said the fact should be meaningfully depicted in his works.” she said. accepted. “Indians lost their skill to have, both the classi“I never realised, one day I would become a translator cal language and the English. And due to this 2000 year myself ” says Ms. Sampurna Chaterji, the poet, novelold classical tradition may become completely extinct and ist and translator. She said translating from Bengali to 80 volumes of Sanskrit works are yet to be translated’.

English was a tough job, especially the works of Sukumar “Malayali prefers English translation as compared to Ray. “Many were questioned me, how I could even think Malayalam translation of foreign books. Finding a direct of translating Sukumar Ray. But I did it.”

Ms. Anita Nair, who translated Thakazi’s ‘Chemmeen’, translator especially French and German to Malayalam is a challenge.” Said Mr.Ravi DC of DC Books. shared her experiences in translating the book. She said An interactive session was brought out at the last she was never influenced by the book which she has been day of Hay Festival on the topic ‘The Inner Courtyard: translating as she does it objectively.

Women fiction in Malayalam’. There are scores of women Mr. Aravind K Mehrotra, the author and the editor fiction writers today who are trying to express the feminine fight patriarchy in all its forms and look at individual and social life from new perspectives. The Hay festival platform has been confronted many healthy discussions and literary interactions. The three day festival turned out to be a great treat for the book lovers from Kerala as well as various countries.

Noted Malayalam Poetess Prof. Chandamathi and Ms. K.R. Meera during the Hay Festival

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culture

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nternational Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is one of the leading film festivals in India which has been got worldwide appreciation. IFFK platform enables cultural interaction and cine-interaction in an international level. Kerala boasts of one of the most cine-literate and discerning audiences in the world. Cinema and politics are two abiding passions of the people of Kerala. Bizarre experiments in the medium, with few takers elsewhere, find vociferous votaries here.

The International Film Festival of Kerala is a yearly event organized by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala. The Film Festival is the second most leading film festival of India after the International Film Festival of India held at Goa. The festival is recognized by the FIAPF thus making it part of a prestigious circle of specialized festivals. IFFK celebrates its 16th edition this year from 9th - 16th December 2011at Thiruvananthapuram.

IFFK include an exclusive and extremely popular Competition section restricted to films produced or co produced in ASIA, AFRICA & LATIN AMERICA within the last year of the festival cycle. The usual sections include world cinema, documentaries (in film formats),

short fiction (in film formats), retrospectives, homage’s and tributes.

Over the years, the festival has attracted an ever increasing number of entries and our distinguished juries have a tough choice in deciding on the prizes and there is the prospect of winning attractive cash awards.

Under the Hawthorn Tree directed by fifth-generation Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimouto screened as the inaugural film at IFFK. The film tells the tragic tale of a love story with political undertones set in the backdrop of the Yangtze River during the Cultural Revolution. This 114 minutes film screened at the Nishangandhi open-air auditorium after the inaugural function of the festival.

Ex MP and actress Jaya Bachchan was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony of the 16th International Film Festival of Kerala 2011.

The films screened for International Competition are A Stone’s Throw Away(A Tiro de Piedra), Mexico directed by Sebastian Hiriat, Aadimadhyantham, Malayalam directed by Sherrey, Adaminte Makan Abu(Abu Son of Adam) Malayalam, directed by Salim Ahmed, At the end of it all (Abosheshey) Bengali, directed by Aditi Roy, Black Blood from China|France directed by Miaoyan Zhang, Body(Vucut) (debut) Turkey directed by Mustafa Nuri, Delhi in a Day (Hindi|English) directed

by Prashanth Nair, Flamingo No.13(Flamingo Shomareh 13)( Tofighi/Iran ) directed by Hamid Ahmadi), Ndoto za Elibidi, Kenia directed by Kamau Wa Ndung’u|Nick Reding, Palawan Fate(Busong) Philippines directed by Auraeus Solito, September Rain(Matar Ayloul) Syria directed by Abdellatif Abdelhamid, The Cat Vanishes(El gato desaparece) Argentina directed by Carlos Sorin, The

Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala inaugurating the IFFK 2011 at Trivandrum 36

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Banking

Colours of the Mountains(Los colores de la montaña) Colombia/ Panama directed by Carlos César Arbeláez and The Painting Lesson(La Leccion de Pintura) Chile|Mexico|Espana directed by Pablo Perelman.

The films screened in Indian Cinema Now category includes Aadukalam(Arena) Tamil directed by Vetri Maran, Azhagarsamy’s Horse Tamil directed by Susindran N., Baboo Band Party Marathi directed by Rajesh Pinjani, Chaplin Bengali directed by Anindo Bandopadhyay, Handover Hindi directed by Saurabh Kumar, I want to be a Mother(Mala Aai Vhhaychyl) Marathi directed by Adv. Samruoddhi Sanjay Porey and Naukadubi(Kashmakash) Bengali directed by Rituparno Ghosh.

In Malayalam Cinema Today category, the following films will be screened. Akam(Palace in Bloom) Malayalam directed by Shalini Usha Nair, Karmayogi Malay-

alam directed by V K Prakash, Khaaddama(Expatriate House Maid) Malayalam directed by Kamal, Pakarnattam Malayalam directed by Jayaraj, Pranchiettan and the Saint Malayalam directed by Ranjith, Sankaranm Mohananum Malaylam directed by T.V. Chandran and Traffic Malayalam directed by Rajesh Pillai.

The Preview Committee which selected films from Asia (excluding India), Latin America and Africa for the Competition Section of 16th International Film Festival of Kerala included; Dr. Rajendra Babu , Mr. K. G. Santhosh,Mrs. Usha Zacharia, Mr. K. G. Jayan and Mr. Damodar Master. The Preview Committee for the selection of Indian films included; Mr. Kunhikrishnan, Mr. K. G. Santhosh, Mr. Shaji.M., Dr. Dominic. J. Katoor and Mrs. Renu Ramanathan. The capital city will be in a film fever during the one week long celebration.

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tate Bank of Travancore (SBT) launched 11 new branches on 11.11.2011. Mr P. Nanda Kumaran, Managing Director, SBT has announced the soft launch of the branches.

Seven of the new branches are in Kerala while the rest are in Tamil Nadu. The bank is on ‘a branch expansion spree’ and would reach a target of 1,000 by March 31, 2012.

tate Bank of India and ICICI Bank appropriated to themselves the credit of running the most extensive global networks from among the country’s public and private sector banks.

State Bank of India (SBI) owns the largest network of foreign offices (64) as at August-end. Bank of Baroda followed with 60. Together, these two accounted for 51 per cent of total foreign offices of banks. SBI also undertook the largest expansion of foreign operations by opening five new offices abroad during the year under reference.

ICICI Bank (19) led the private sector banks in terms of largest foreign presence. Foreign operations of Indian banks expanded to a network of 244 offices as compared with 233 offices in the previous year.

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echnopark based Waybeo Technology Solutions, Artin Dynamics, CellApp Technologies and Mobatia Technology have been selected as finalists from Kerala for the Red Herring Top 100 Asia award. The prestigious award honours promising technology companies from the Asian region. The finalists are selected based upon their technological innovation, management strength, market size, investor record, customer acquisition, and financial health.

Founded in 2009, Waybeo Technology Solutions has joined Technopark TBI, Trivandrum in 2010 and is a new generation business communication solution provider. Their product, BounzD™, helps enterprises to communicate with its online customers through Internet.

Founded in 2008 Artin Dynamics fo-

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cuses on Green Technology and Artificial Intelligence.

They create technology and products in the CleanTech category. Their flag ship product SPARA offers artificial intelligence based power management solutions.

Incorporated in the year 2010 CellApp technologies, a spin out from One View Systems, works in Mobile Application Development domain. They create application for Symbian, Java, Maemo/Meego, iPhone, Android, BlackBerry/Playbook etc. Q Torch, the top downloaded free app globally, a utility app that turns your device into a flashlight, is a product of CellApp. Incepted in 2010, Mobatia is a product technology company focused on delivering the most demanding products for the niche market and focuses on technologies such as Android, Apple, Microsoft Technology solutions and LAMP.

Te c h n o l o g y

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apanese supercomputer, ‘K computer’, has broken its own record as the world’s fastest machine by performing 10 quadrillion calculations per second. The “K Computer”, which has more than 88,000 central processing units- the computer’s “brain” - compared with the fewer than four in the average desktop, smashed its own record of just over 8 quadrillion calculations during an experiment in October. A quadrillion is a thousand trillion.

Supercomputers operate roughly 10,000 times faster than ordinary personal computers. Among other things, supercomputers are used by scientists investigating the effects of seismic waves and tsunamis to predict what effect they may have on buildings. The companies Riken alongside Fujitsu jointly developed the machine. It was a landmark achievement in computing.

www.tourismindia.travel www.brandkerala.biz www.keralatourismmagazine.com 39

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News

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erala State Financial Enterprises Ltd. (KSFE) has been initiated its new branded chitties named ‘Suvarna Sreyas’. 25 sovereigns of Mr. K. M. Mani, Minister for Finance, Govt of Kerala inaugurating the “Sugold will be the first prize and 10 varna Sreyas Chitties” by lighting the traditional lamp. Mr. V.S. Sivakumar, sovereigns each for 7 winners. Other prizes includ- Minister for Transport, Adv. Kottarakkara Ponnachan, Mr. E. M. Najeeb. ing 1gm gold will be given as part of this scheme. President, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce are also seen The state level inauguration has been done by Mr. K. earned the reliance of the people in the financial transacM. Mani, Finance Minister of Kerala. While Inaugurattions. Awards for the Section offices that made excellent ing the function Mr. K. M. Mani said “KSFE has done performances in the ‘Swarna Varsha Chitties’ has been a great job rather than any other public enterprises to distributed in the ceremony. grow the investment habit of the people and satisfies their Mr. P. Rajendran, MD, KSFE, Mr. Palayam Rajan, financial need.”

Councillor, Advt. Kottarakkara Ponnachan, Mr. Karamana Mr. V.S. Sivakumar, Minister for Transport, Kerala Jayan, Mr. E. M. Najeeb, Mr. R. Ramachandran Nair and has presided over the function. He said that KSFE has Mr. Attingal Ramachandran Nair were also present.

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rudite Conclave 2011, two day National festival held at Government Medical College, Trivandrum, marked a new beginning to the educational culture of our Nation. Intellectuals from varied fields around the globe interacted with budding talents about the concept of university culture - unification of the knowledge of mankind under one roof.

The young erudite were enlightened by eminent persons from the field of science, education, art and culture on the first day Prof. A. Jayakrishnan of Conclave. Erudite Conclave 2011 was inaugurated by Mr. K.V. Krishnadas, former professor of medicine and the alumnus of the first MBBS batch of Trivandrum Medical college this national event. Renowned ophthalmologist and Magsaysay award winner Dr. Sanduk Ruit inspired the young graduates by his infor-

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mative lecture on “The Price of Innovation” explaining his journey of life from a remote hilly district in Nepal to Magsaysay Award.

On the concluding day, eminent speakers from science and Mr. Rolf M. Zinkernagel arts, Nobel Laureate Mr. Rolf M Zinkernagel, Prof A Jayakrishnan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kerala and Dr. Hema Somanathan shared their ideas and inspired the growing minds.

This two-day interdisciplinary festival organised by the 2005 MBBS batch of the Medical College, Trivandrum encouraged the coming generation to chase their dreams with passion. Around 600 IIM, IIT and medical students from across the country who have already chosen their field of work and are working towards achieving eminence in it participated in this mega event. Erudite Conclave 2011, organised as part of the institution’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations has brought together students from IIM, IIT and medical colleges across the country.

Dr. Hema Somanathan

News

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yruz Web Holdings, a Kochi based IT company, launched its new digital product, WordZo. The product was launched by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, MP in the presence of Mervin Alexander, CEO, Technopark and Dr. Achuthsankar S. Nair, Director of State Inter University Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics, Kerala University.

WordZo is an online e-Book reading and language enhancement application that provides 20,000 books with the package. Single click on any word you are not familiar with and it will display the meaning of the word then and there.

WordZo has an online library of over 20,000 books which cover various genres from fictions, children’s books, history and science to name a few. The context sensitive dictionary offers the meaning of the word at a double click on the word, and the readers can translate the meaning to any language of their choice. The ad-

vantage being, the reader would learn the application of the word as he / she reads the sentence, unlike a dictionary which just provides the meaning but not the usage. Finally, the reader need not keep a track of all the new words and meanings he / she has learnt.

They are added to the list of ‘referred words’, which can be read through as and when the reader wants to, thus providing a self-testing environment. This application need not be downloaded or installed on the computer.

Being a web-based application, all that a person needs is an internet connection.

Estabilished in 2009, Ayruz Web Holdings specialize in digital marketing, web application development and social media consultancy. In the last two years, the firm has successfully helped more than 100 businesses to better utilize their digital presence for sales and marketing.

Mr.Pierre Fournier, Consul General of France in Pondicherry, addressing a meeting organised by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kochi

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rance is willing to invest in sectors such as energy, transportation, water treatment and waste management in Kerala, said Mr. Pierre Fournier, Consul General of France in Pondicherry in an interactive meeting organised by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He noted that infrastructure projects would on the basis for Kerala’s development, the price of land, frequent strikes, and labour issues were impediments in attracting investment. He promised to bring in a French delegation for a three-day visit in Kerala for studying the feasibility for investment.

He said that one-third of the French investment in India was concentrated in Chennai. India and France were cooperating in various areas such as nuclear energy, defence, and fight against terrorism.

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Mrs. Radha Nair, Director UDS receiving the World Luxury Hotel Award in the presence of Mr. Rajasekharan Nair, MD, RR Holidays & Resorts

day Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel and Spa (UDS), Kovalam won this year’s World Luxury Hotel Award in the category of Best Coastal Hotel. The World Luxury Hotel Awards are considered as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels worldwide. This Award was established as a celebration of ultimate achievement in hoteliering. It is about appreciating hotels that have taken the extra step and as such differentiated themselves from “good hotels” to “exceptional hotels”. The World Luxury Hotel Awards accounts for all categories in the Luxury Hotel industry. Award winners set the benchmark for luxury hotels in achieving recognition for their excellent facilities and service excellence.

Mrs. Radha Nair, Director and our Mr. Rajashekharan Nair, MD of UDS received the award in a glittering function held at the Capital city of Crotia recently.

UDS a complete wellness 4 star luxury resort in Kovalam and the ideal place for enjoying the warmth of an exotic holidaying. Close to the beach, nestled in the palm groves’, having 207 rooms, 3 fresh water swimming pools, 5 restaurants, 2 banquet halls, an authentic Ayurveda Spa, International Spa, Dental Clinic, Beauty studio etc.

UDS is sought by tourists in India and overseas.

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UDS has achieved lot of acclamation in its steady growth. In 2007-2008, UDS claimed three awards viz: the best Marketed Tourism Institution, the best 4 star Hotel and the best Hotel Manager. UDS was one among the finalists of the World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2009 and won the same in 2010.

RR Holiday homes Pvt Ltd, established in 1995, located at Mumbai has UDS as the flagship product followed

by Uday Suites & Uday Sky Kitchen located at Shangumugham, Near Trivandrum International Airport and other upcoming properties at Kowdiar (Hotel and Convention centre), Alappuzha and Vagamon. RR Holiday Homes is also reaching out to Europe beginning with a Multi cuisine restaurant to commence operations shortly in London. RR Holiday Homes has four restaurants in Mumbai and has plans to set up a Five Star Hotel in Mumbai.

Mr. Rajashekaran Nair, Managing Director, hailing from Neyyattinkara, Trivandrum is spanning three decades in the hospitality and tourism sector, his domain expertise has paved the way for him in reaching great heights.

As dynamic entrepreneur, his entrepreneurial skills are complemented by clear visions and optimistic thoughts.

The dynamic personality and will power are the hallmarks which urges him to go ahead in a different way.

News

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unds from the Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA) would be made available to ‘rectify’ defects in the road network, Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister has announced.

He was speaking after inaugurating a Motor Vehicle Department’s State-level training and awareness programme on road safety as part of the observance of ‘2011-2020 A Decade of Action for Road Safety’ by the United Nations. The Rs.15.6-crore action plan to create awareness among all class of road users this year is being implemented with the help of the KRSA. The Chief Minister said flaws in the construction of roads and lack of proper alignment was a contributing factor to the increasing road accidents. The funds from the KRSA would be used to rectify the defects scientifically and to make roads safe for users. The chief Minister said the Police, Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) and the Public Works Department should work in a coordinated manner to bring down the accident rate. He added a serious effort was needed to reduce fatalities in accidents and traffic rules and regulations should be strictly

enforced. The MVD and the police will be given all assistance and help in undertaking the mission to bring down road accidents.

He said the government had accorded top priority to road safety and effective measures such as frequent checking are needed on the part of the police and MVD. Funds would not be a problem for taking steps for road safety.

Mr.V.S. Sivakumar, Minister for Transport who presided, said the government would soon come out with an action plan to spread the message of road safety among the public through the 60 lakh schoolchildren in the State. At the function, the Chief Minister released the training manuals on road safety and on school road safety. Mrs.K. Chandrika, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor; Mr.Jacob Punnoose Director General of Police; Mr. M. N. Prasad, former chairman of Railway Board; Mr. Palayam Rajan councillor; Ms.B. Sridevi Director of Natpac; Mr.T.P. Senkumar IPS, State Transport Commissioner; Mr. Alex Paul, Joint Transport Commissioner; and Mr. Shajahan DPI A. were also present on the occasion.

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Te c h n o l o g y

Here and Now

N. Nandakumar Kartha

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harma Kshethre… Kurukshetre, the age old poetic words of the Bhagavad Gita, means ‘Place of Truth and Place of Action’.

Three kinds of our relationship with Truth have been beautifully described in Ramayana When Anjaneya explains his relationship with Sree Ramachandra, “O Lord, at moments when I am steeped in my body consciousness, I am thy slave; when I identify with my mind and intellect (my soul), I am part of Thee; when I am in my Swaroopa (identifying myself with Nature) I am Thyself.

In Arthasasthra, Chanakya, the legendary management guru of all time describe the meaning of Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’ is the LAW. The Dharma of oneself lies in abiding by the Law of Nature; Law of the Country; Law of the Community; and the Law of the Organization. For those who abide by such Dharma, Chanakya says wealth and prosperity follow them like their own shadow.

Religion becomes ineffectual if its followers are not ready to live its dictates of loving advice. As for that matter, is there any philosophy, political, social or cultural, which can take us to the promised land of JOY without our following that philosophy faithfully in our daily life?

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The same thing applies to an organization. If the creator of an organization does not formulate an organizational culture, not clearly communicated to the down line, not succeeded in the down - line adopts the culture, the creator itself and the organization’s fate will be hanging on a tender-hook.

The best practiced business philosophy (religion) which is globally acknowledged is none other than the principles of quality management system. Internal communication and communication matrix have a predominant role to play in an efficient and an effective quality management system.

Human values and Value additions are vehemently insisted upon on a quality management system.

Where do you acquire the knowledge of human values; from the loving advices of the religious masters? To

be a good entrepreneur it is worth knowing about what a religion is about.

However great our culture might have been in the past, the dead glory, reported in the pages of history, it is not going to help us in our present trials. Those who want to become as civilized as the modern nations, they cannot achieve this total revolution through mere discourses or even exhaustive study of literature portraying the modern civilized nations.

They will have to know and live the civilized values of life. What is civilized for one culture might be uncivilized for another one. So how do you define being ‘civilized’?

This is where the principle of ‘Dharma Kshtre- Kurukshetre’ helps you. In order to live as civilized men, they will have to renounce completely their ways of uncivilized thinking and acting. That is acting against the law or se

standards.

In fact without renunciation no progress is ever possible.

I am referring to standards that developed countries adopted and living, which made them more civilized and progressing. To cite a few examples; food safety, environmental management, social accountability, tractability, information, information security management, HR development, patents, law, politics, precisely measurable, research and development, community development, natural resource management, so on and so forth…

Let us have a look the implication of the above said with an ISO certification of an organization. Most of the blue chip companies to name a few, SBI, TATA, Reliance, Infosys, Mahindra& Mahindra, Maruti, Malayala Manorama, has a unique and distinct culture of their own and have efficient and effective value and value added processes that take them forward day after day. But the majority of the companies publicizes as ISO certified companies are seen not living up to the quality management system.

Every true religion contains two important limbs: (1) the ritualistic injunctions and (2) philosophical suggestions. The former alone is accepted generally as a religion by many of us. But, a religion (rituals, formalities, etc.) Without philosophy is superstition and philosophy without religion is madness. Both must go hand in hand.

Philosophy reinforces the external practices of rituals and formalities and blesses them with purpose and aim.

Together they bring out the full significance of Religion.

The same principle applies in quality management system in an organization. Objective evidence for six mandatory procedures stipulated in ISO 9001standard is enough for getting a company certified ISO. This corresponds to ritualistic part of the religion. In the absence of clearly defined Business philosophy, Quality policy, long term planning, gap analysis, needs assessment, prioritizing, planning at the micro process level, the entire activities of the organization is sheer madness, because they don’t know how long the company will survive.

On the other hand the business philosophy and planning reinforces the external code of ethics, procedures and work instruction, compliance to statutory and regulatory requirements, customer satisfaction, goodwill and surplus. Together they bring about the full significance of a quality management system.

(The author is a Management information consultant and Auditor for ISO Certifications Email: n.nandakumarkartha@gmail.com) 45

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Automobile

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yundai Motors will launch 15 new models within the next 5 years, in a bid to boost their market share in India. Increased competition from other top auto companies in India has necessitated that Hyundai launches newer models in the coming years. Hyundai, whose market share has dropped to 18.3% from an earlier 21% in India, is setting its sights on increasing its portfolio with highly sophisticated designs and by entering segments where it has no presence as of now.

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New models and facelifts are likely to increase enthusiasm in the market and the company is working on cost saving LPG variants of Eon especially, since the recent rise in petrol prices. The company is also planning on variants and facelifts of both i10 and i20 in the coming years.

Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai’s largest competitor in India, too has planned launches of 15 new models by 2015 while GM, Renault, Nissan and Ford too will be bringing out new passenger cars into the markets.

The widening difference in price of diesel and petrol has necessitated that Hyundai bring out compact diesel cars in the future.

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Automobile

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issan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL) reported sales of 2,688 units for the month of November, 2011, representing a 149% year-on-year increase.

Growth in sales was driven by the sales of the recently launched SUNNY sedan which accounted for 1131 of the November total and has already achieved more than 3130 sales since its launch in September. The Micra compact premium hatchback accounted for 1514 unit sales last month – a 47% increase compared to the same period in 2010. The X-TRAIL lifestyle SUV,

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Teana premium sedan and iconic 370Z sports car comprised the remaining sales.

Mr Kiminobu Tokuyama, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd said: “Achieving this level of sales performance in the current difficult market conditions in India reflects Nissan’s growing popularity in the Indian market. The locally manufactured Sunny and Micra give a great impetus to our continued growth in India, and we are confident of accelerating this journey much faster in the coming months.”

Mr Dinesh Jain Chief Executive Officer, Hover

Automotive India (HAI), Nissan’s sales and marketing partner in India, said: “Acceptance of Nissan models by customers in the most turbulent of economic conditions shows that customers’ preference towards the Nissan brand is growing day by day”.

SUNNY is available through Nissan’s 47 dealerships nationwide, priced at Rs 578,000 for its XE base variant, Rs 688,000 for its XL mid variant and Rs 768,000 for top XV variant (ex-showroom Delhi).

SUNNY also comes with a standard manufacturer’s warranty of 2 years/50,000kms (whichever is earlier), and an extended purchasable warranty of 2 years/30,000 km.

As part of its commitment to offer top level after-sales support, Nissan also provides customers with round-the-clock assistance and a portfolio of customer care and service schemes including Extended Warranty and Roadside Assistance for all its products. Nissan Motor India Private Ltd. (NMIPL), a 100% subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited Japan, was incorporated in 2005 with a vision of ‘Enriching People’s Lives’ through latest Nissan Technology and products.

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Automobile

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requent petrol price hikes are leaving petroldriven cars on the shelf while buyers are driving off with diesel cars. Petrol pumps in metros are running out of space since their design is ill-equipped to cope with the rush of diesel vehicles that have recorded a nine-fold growth in sales in the last decade as the government’s pricing policy widens the price differential with petrol.

Auto companies are doing everything in their capacity to meet the rising demand for diesel powered vehicles, including increasing production capacities at their plant and launching more diesel models. Of all the passenger cars sold in India, diesel powered variants account for around 40%. Meanwhile, the sudden increase in demand for diesel cars has led to supply constraints, leading to an increase in their prices by 8%-10%.

Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor and Volkswagen dealers are grappling with high bookings for diesel models while trying to push petrol cars with discounts ranging from Rs 18,000 to Rs 44,000. Leading car companies such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor are facing a shortfall in diesel engine capacity. There is no discount on any diesel model. Even for models such as SX4 with factory fitted CNG kits, there is no discount owing to better

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demand as compared to petrol cars.

The country’s largest passenger car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki recently launched their new diesel powered Swift car. With six to seven out of every ten cars of the Swift sold having a diesel engine. A deal between Maruti Suzuki India and Fiat to source diesel engines from the latter will be sealed in the coming months. This will aid in increased production of Swift which has been receiving tremendous response in recent months. The company has reached their peak capacity of 20000 engines per month and hence it was necessary to source out another supplier. The company has been seeing increased demand for Swift and needed to boost production. Out of the 1 lakh bookings received 88% are for diesel engines. Ford Motor is also increasing their focus on diesel powered cars. Ford India’s upcoming cars will focus more on diesel variants. The company intends to introduce 8 cars in India by 2015.

GM India, which recently launched their diesel powered Chevrolet Beat in India, intends to launch similar variants for their other models, such as the Aveo sedan, Aveo UVA and the Spark as well. The company is interested in bringing out diesel variants in other segments as well. Mercedes Benz India is also planning to launch their E Class and C Class cars in India with small diesel engines.

Automobile

With the gap between the prices of petrol and diesel fuels is getting wider and wider, a large number of the car buyers in the country are looking forward to buy a diesel run small cars like Tata Nano. The Tata Motors sales counters across the country are receiving a considerable number of enquiries for the diesel version of the small car Tata Nano, which is expected to be launched in the country by the first quarter of next year.

Hyundai Motors is working on cost saving LPG variants of Eon especially, since the recent rise in petrol prices. The company is also planning on variants and facelifts of both i10 and i20 in the coming years. The widening difference in price of diesel and petrol has necessitated that Hyundai bring out compact diesel cars in the future.

The current demand for diesel variants stands around 30 to 35% that is expected to increase to a large extend in the following couple of months. Since the past two months, six to seven out of every 10 customers opt to buy a diesel variant. The sales of diesel powered car have witnessed compounded yearly growth rate of around 22% from the fiscal year 2005-06 to 2008-09, whereas the growth for petrol powered cars in comparison has been only 12%, a clear marker of car buyer’s preference.

Comparative figures of registration of cars for the first nine months of 2010 and 2011 indicate an overall increase of 9.7 per cent in diesel car sales and a 2.39 per cent decrease in petrol car sales in the Bangalore region.

Many used car dealers, including company-operated, are unable to sell high-end petrol cars though smaller cars fare slightly better.

The diesel cars are selling higher by at least INR 1 lakhs compared to petrol cars. Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL has raised prices of diesel variants of its cars in the country in the range of Rs 2000 to 10,000.

While the price of Maruti Suzuki Ritz Diesel has been raised by Rs 2000, the diesel variants of other models are now expensive by Rs 10,000. The current portfolio of the company hosts a range of diesel cars including Ritz diesel, Swift Diesel, Swift Dzire Diesel, SX4 diesel etc. The company currently sources 1.3L multijet diesel engine from Italian car maker Fiat. The hike in the price of diesel variants of Maruti is expected to be followed by price hikes by other car makers in the diesel car segment in coming days.

According to the Transport Department registration of diesel cars is increased this year compared to last year.

The widening gap between two fuels has led to a severe dent in petrol car sales. While petrol car sales have fallen

as much as 15 per cent between April and October 2011, diesel car sales have seen an increase of a staggering 21 per cent, according to the country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki. Diesel cars that accounted for 31-32 per cent of overall car industry sales in April 2011, now account for as much as 48 - 50 per cent. Earlier this year, analysts predicted that the diesel cars may account for half of overall car sales only by next three years.

Even for Maruti’s models that have diesel and petrol options, ratio for diesel has gone up to 85 per cent as compared with 65 per cent two months ago but expectation was of selling 8,000 diesel cars a month. This is the reason for huge waiting period on i20 and Verna.

The diesel cars selling for more in comparison to petrol cars, higher by at least INR 1 lakhs, diesel cars offer great fuel efficiency and thus low running costs that attract a lot of customers. Fiat have already begun offering their diesel powered Linea and Punto cars for the same price as their petrol variants. With rising petrol prices, cars powered by diesel appear more attractive.

While the demand keeps increasing steadily, manufacturers will still require another 6 to 10 months, before they can increase their production capacity to catch up with the demand. While Maruti Suzuki and Ford India plan on increasing their production capacity in the upcoming months, GM India announced that they have the required capacity for keeping up with the new levels of demand.

It may be the best time to pick up a petrol car with heavy discounts. But, in case you are looking for a fuel-efficient diesel model like the Verna sedan or Swift hatchback, the wait has gotten even longer ranging from eight to ten months. The hike in the price of diesel variants is expected to be followed by other car makers too in coming days. And of course the diesel version of more cars will be expecting in the Indian market in coming days.

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Automobile

T

he Italian Bull, Lamborghini’s latest offering – the V12 – 700 BHP Aventador, is finally ready to grace through Indian streets. Unveiled at Geneva last year, the Aventador replaces the Murchielago as Lamborghini’s new flagship V12 model.

Automobili Lamborghini SpA, an Italian luxury sports carmaker, launched Aventador LP700-4 in India and plans to sell 40 units in the fast growing domestic market by next year. The car is powered by a 12-cylinder, the 6.5-litre engine and is among the world’s fastest cars.

The Aventador, which uses the same carbon materials that are used in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, can touch a top speed of up to 350 km per hour. Codenamed LP700-4, The LP stands for ‘Longitudinale Posteriore’ which basically means the car is mid-engined. 700 is the Horsepower. It is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) that can change gears in 50 milliseconds. And the -4 means that power is sent to all 4 wheels.

The new car is a whopping 230 kg (507 lbs) lighter and as a result can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 217 mph. This comes

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from 400 mm 6-caliper front and 380 mm 4-caliper rear discs. And the wheels you ask – they are massive 19-inch alloys up front and 20-inch at the back with 255/35 and 335/30 tires respectively.

Being a Lambo, all this ‘POWER’ fanaticism is coupled with outlandish/show-off gadgetry like electronically controlled rear spoiler and side air intakes, multimedia system with 7-inch screen, navigation and xenon lights also complete the Aventador experience. The car can be bought in 13 exterior colors and 12 interior colors.

The Company sees great potential for sports cars in the emerging markets like India. This year, the company expects to sell around 20 cars. The car, priced at Rs 3.69 crore (ex-showroom Delhi), will be imported from Italy.

The company plans to double sales in India by next year.

The car, which was launched globally in March this year, has received 1,500 orders worldwide so far. The waiting period in India will be around 18 months. It will be sold through Lamborghini s sole dealer in India, Exclusive Motors. Lamborghini has already found 11 buyers for the Aventador in India. Let’s hope to get a glimpse of the new bull on the Indian roads very soon.

News

K

erala state has formed biodiversity management committees in all Panchayats.

Kerala is the first state to implement such a committee. The committee has been formed in all Grama Panchayats

by October and will come into being in Municipalities and City Corporations in two months. With this, Kerala would become the first State to have such committees in all local self-government institutions.

The committee, chaired by the Panchayat President, will ensure conservation of biodiversity and use and equitable sharing of benefits from it. The State Biodiversity Board has completed the task of compiling the data on the biodiversity management committees. The compilation was released by Chief Minister.

Developing biodiversity registers will be one the main tasks of the committees. The biodiversity registers to be developed by the people, of their biodiversity and knowledge of biodiversity conservation, will have inventories of biodiversity and people’s knowledge that is associated with bio resources at the district, block, village, and municipality levels. They will include availability and knowledge of local biological resources, their uses, or any other traditional knowledge associated with them. The

biodiversity committees are in charge of maintenance and updating of the registers.

Each committee, having more than six members, will get the support of six special invitees from the Forest, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Livestock, Health, Fisheries, and Education departments. The tenure of the committees is three years. Technical support groups, comprising experts in the field of biodiversity drawn from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions and communities, have been established at the district level to aid the committees in their work.

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By K.S. Sasthry E-mail: sastri_astro@yahoo.in, Mob: 9446382329

ARIES

Evil influences are in predominance during this month, expenditure will increase considerably, this is not a month for speculative activities. You may face difficulties from government authorities, yet you can get unexpected help from powerful person. Extra curricular activities should be cut down as much as possible. May get money through inheritance or enjoy happiness through children.

Health of the spouse needs care.

CANCER

Much hard work is needed for success in all under takings. Litigation is needed to get back the lend money or inherit ancestral property. Vehicle needs unexpected expenditure. Little gain through speculation. Win over the enemies and opponents. Elder brother or sister continues to remain ill. The endeavors of the native bring him success. Will have frequent quarrel with spouse. May loose prestige and reputation on account of extra material relationship. Much travel is needed during this period.

Auspicious days: Dec :19,20,21,26,27,28,29 Jan: 3,4,8,9,14 Auspicious days:Dec:18,19,25,26,27 Jan:3,4,5,6,10,11,14

TAURUS

You will engage in fruitful travel. You are likely to suffer from humiliation and body injuries .Avoid quarrel with family members. Health of father likely to cause mild concern. There is no indication for a satisfactory financial position. The expenditure will increase sharply while income shrinks. Time is not favorable for real estate matters, those in service get promotion transfer but to distant places. This is not an encouraging month for business and profession.

LEO

Auspicious days: Dec: 20,21,22,23,29,30,31 Jan: 1,2,6,7,10,11

Auspicious days: Dec:20,21,26,27,28,29 Jan:6,7,8,9,12,13

GEMINI

VIRGO

Enjoy health, wealth and prestige. Those in service get promotion to their native place, may get money through inheritance and have pleasurable relation with relatives. Chronic patients may get some relief. Speculative activities are likely to yield moderate profit. This month is good for real estate matters; this period is more or less satisfactory for service and business. Chances are there for the unmarried to get married.

You will acquire considerable power and influence through the contact of a very important person.

Enemies can be defeated. There may be problems in the financial field but your friends will, however, assist you to meet your financial obligation. Goes slow on speculative transactions. Labour problems can be resolved. Good period for business and profession. Love affairs may blossom into happy marriage.

The planets are mostly unfavorable during this month. There is likely to be a setback in the undertaking. You should be careful about your health, hospital expenditure may increase. Speculative activities will not do good. Services are likely to incur the displeasure of the superiors. Profession and business are not likely to yield good result. Chances of falling in love or have a strong union established with spouse. Frequent visit to places of enjoyment is likely.

Auspicious days: Dec: 23,24,25,31 Jan: 1,2,3,4,8,9,12,13 Auspicious days:Dec:22,23,27,28,29,30 Jan:7,8,9,10,12 54

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December 2011

LIBRA

The month has an accumulation of favorable influences. Gain and rewards are indicated, accrual of wealth is indicated, enjoy good health. May get an excellent job in a reputed business enterprise. Domestic life will be peaceful and harmonious. Financial affairs will be satisfactory. This is a good time to start a new enterprises, speculation yield excellent profit, unexpected problems are likely for service people. Profitable month for business and social workers.

Capricorn

You are likely to be involved in fruitless travel. May face eye trouble and stomach trouble. There will be peace and harmony in domestic field. Creditors will press for repayment of loans. Speculation will not do good.

This is not a satisfactory month for real estate transactions. Punishment transfers are likely in servicemen. This is a good period for businessmen and professionals. No romance is possible during this month.

Auspicious days:Dec:20,21,22,23,26,27 Jan:1,2,8,9,10,11 Auspicious days: Dec:20,21,25,26,31 Jan:1,2,3,4,10,11,12,13

SCORPIO

This month is inauspicious. If any criminal proceedings are pending it may be engrossed against you. Should be extremely careful in your actions. Urinary or genital problems are likely to occur. Affairs of spouse may cause annoyance with some effort you could save some peace and harmony in domestic field. Unsatisfactory month for finances. Expenditure may increase considerably. Pressure from creditors will be saviors, you may incur loss in certain transaction. Businessmen and professionals may meet numerous obstacles. Health may be affected.

Aquarius

This month gives mixed effect.

Forecast of success over enemies and win in court cases.

Wealth, influence, and general prosperity are likely during this month. Eldest son will be successful in business activities.

Can settle all the past commitment on the due date. New financial ventures are likely to be postponed. Unmarried will get married. Labour problems in the working field will be resolved satisfactorily. Unexpected transfer is awaiting. May get immense benefit through social contacts.

Auspicious days:Dec:23,24,25,26,29,30 Jan:3,4,10,11,12 Auspicious days:Dec:23,24,26,27Jan:3,4,5,612,13,14

Sagittarius

This month give mixed effects.

Accrual of wealth and auspices celebrations in family is likely. You will get much happiness through your children. Financial affairs are quiet satisfactory. You are likely to get income from unexpected source.

Speculation may yield favorable profit. Domestic happiness exists. Good month for businessmen and professionals. Love affair will lead to a happy wedding. Have enjoyable and memorable picnic.

Pisces

This is an auspicious month. All round good result make you happy.

Financial position is satisfactory.

Can start new endeavors. Speculation will yield good profit. Successful trip to foreign countries or distant place can bring in gain. Intellectual project can bring you near success.

Professional competition vanish and will get promotion some will get a new vehicle. A marriage which is due or delayed can take place. Healths of the partner need care.

Auspicious days:Dec:19,20,26,27,28,29 Jan:1,2,6,7,12,13,14

Auspicious days: Dec:18,19,20,21,25,26,29,30 Jan:6,7,8,9 55

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December 2011

News

Memorial Lecture

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0th Sree Chithira Thirunal Lecture was conducted at Kanakakkunnu Palace by Honourable former Governor of West Bengal, Mr. Gopal Krishna Gandhi, in the presence of His Highness Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda

Varma.

Mr. Sasthamangalam Mohan welcomed the respective Guests. Mr. K.P.S. Menon has given the presidential address, followed by the Memorial Lecture by the Honourable Chief Guest Mr. Gopal Krishna Gandhi on the topic ‘ Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi’. Later, the Samithi Members were honoured for their outstanding achievements. Mr. J. Sugathan, Chairman of Indroyal Group

HH Maharaja of Travancore Mr. Marthanda Varma presenting the Sree Chithira Thirunal award to Mr. J. Sugathan, Chairman, Ind Royal Furnitures

of Companies (India) and Royal Group of Companies (UAE), Mr. M.S. Faizal Khan, MD of NIMS Medicity, Dr. Aryanad Mohanan, beautician and Dr. Divya Raveendran, Research Associate, R C C, received the awards from His Highness.

Appointment

Mr. T. Raveendran Thampi IAS (Rtd), Mr. K.P.S Menon Jr., Mr. Gopalakrishna Gandhi, HH Maharaja of Travancore Mr. Marthanda Varma and Mr. Sasthamangalam Mohanan during the function

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Mr. K.G. Mohanlal IFS, CMD of KSRTC Mr. K.G. Mohanlal IFS appointed as Chairman & Managing Director of Kerala State Transport Development Corporation Ltd. Prior to this he was the Managing Director of KTDC Hotels & Resorts Ltd. He was the longest serving MD of KTDC and during his more than 5 years tenure at KTDC, the loss making company turned one of the most profitable PSU in Kerala.

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December December 2011 2011

News

Mr. Hussain Naeem, Deputy CEO of Maldives Ports Ltd. And Mr. Paul Antony IAS, Chairman, Cochin Port Trust handing over the MoU

T Appointment

he meeting of the stakeholders at the Cochin Port Trust premises, has decided the proposed Kochi-Maldives ferry service to be commenced by the beginning of the next year. It was decided to structure the ferry service as a cargo-cum-passenger service with passenger capacity of 300 and also to carry about 15/20 containers and about 500 tonnes of break bulk cargo.

The weekly ferry service is proposed to begin by January/February, 2012. The Prime Minister of India and the President of Maldives announced the decision to launch a ferry service between Kochi and Mali, at the SAARC Summit at Mali. A team of officers from Maldives Ports Ltd. led by Mr. Hussain Naeem,Deputy CEO, Maldives Port Ltd (MPL) held discussions with the Cochin Port Trust to finalise arrangements for the service. The discussions at Cochin Port Trust was led by the Chairman Mr. Paul Antony; Mr. G. Krishnakumar, Deputy Chairman; Capt. Paul N. Joseph, Deputy Conservator; Mr. G.P. Rai, Chief Engineer; Mr.C. Unnikrishnan Nair, Traffic Man-

ager; Mr. Cyril C. George, Secretary; and Mr. K.G. Nath, Financial Advisor and Chief Account Officer. Shipping Corporation of India was also present.

The Shipping Corporation of India has been mandated to invite Expression of Interest (EOI) and identify an operator to take up the ferry service. The EOI will be sailed after receiving confirmation from the Maldivians. The Maldivian team also held discussions with representatives of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Cochin Chamber of Commerce and met representatives of shipping companies, custom house agents and Seafood Exporters Association in Kochi.

In Kochi, the ferry will be berthed at the BTP Jetty, and will use the cruise terminal being developed at a cost of Rs.7 crore. The work on the cruise terminal will be over by the March, 2012. The Maldivian team wanted the ferry to touch Kulhuduffushi Port also, but was not possible now, since the port expansion work is yet to be completed and was decided to incorporate an option to extend it to Kulhuduffushi Port after the work completed.

Mr. K.G. Girish Babu, CEO of Technopark, Trivandrum Mr. K G Girish Babu appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of TechnoPark, Trivandrum. He is holding the responsilities of the Managing Director of Kerala State IT Infrastructure Ltd. and CEO of Cyberparks Kerala. He was the Founder CEO, UL CyberPark, Kozhikode, the first IT SEZ in Malabar region and Founder CEO of Infopark, Kochi, a fast growing IT Park, owned by the Government.

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December December 2011 2011

News

K

for Kerala Pavilion

erala bagged the Gold medal for the best up a huge stall or pavilion. The stall has the traditional look pavilion at the 31st India International of that state and has one theme that it follows throughout.

Trade Fair in New Delhi. Last year also, This fair constitutes of one of the major tourist attractions Kerala had won the Gold medal for of the capital city. People from all over the city as well as the best pavilion. Kerala had won Gold the country flock to this fair where they get to buy the best medal 12 times for the best pavilion and once Silver products at the minimum possible prices. medal in the India International Trade Fair.

The biggest and the most popular fair of Delhi, India Agriculture and Food industry was the theme for International Trade Fair also has stalls set up by the this year’s pavilion which was designed by artist Mr. C. different countries of the world. The initial reason for B. Jinan. It was adjudged the best pavilion of the States, organizing the trade fair was to promote the products of and the award India amongst and gold medal foreign buywere received ers and viceby Mr. T. J. versa. However, Mathew Secretoday, people tary, Informafrom all over tion and Mr. M. the country Firoz, Director participate in in-charge, Inthis fair in huge formation and numbers and Public Relabuy goods in tions Departlarge quantities. ment, from The products Mr. T.J. Mathew IAS, Principal Secretary, Information & PR, Govt of Kerala and Mr, A. Firoz, Rajiv Khullar, Director, Public Relations Department receiving the Best Pavilion award from Mr. rajiv Khullar available at the Union ComIndia InterIAS, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Govt of India merce Secretary in New Delhi. Madhya Pradesh bagged national Trade Fair include electronics, electrical equipthe silver medal. Chandigarh emerged winner in the ments, commodities, textile, mechanical parts, crockery, Union Territories category, while Nagaland came first in etc. the Northeast category.

It is a time for business congregation and an opportuIndia International Trade Fair, or the IITF, is an annu- nity to have direct interaction between the manufacturers al fair that takes place at the grounds of Pragati Maidan in and consumers. IITF is open for one and all. For so many Delhi. Organized by the India Trade Promotion Organiyears IITF has been an attraction for both foreign as well zation (ITPO), it starts on the 14th of November every as local visitors. This popular and major trade festival in year. The fair provides a kind of platform to the manufac- India serves two purposes. First and foremost, it attracts turers, traders, exporters and importers of the country to global investors as well as buyers for whom India is a fast showcase their products. growing global trade destination. Secondly, it also attracts In the IITF, the government of each and every state sets the eager Indian consumers.

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O w n e d , E d i t e d , P r i n t e d a n d P u b l i s h e d b y R a v i s a n k a r K . V . P r i n t e d a t A r s h a O f f s e t G r a p h i x , Shreehari, T.C.9/2519-1, Janvilla Lane, Vellayambalam, Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 010 and Published from TC 9/1785, P-99, Anandam, Pullekonam Lane, Sasthamangalam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695010, Kerala, India Editor: Ravisankar K.V.

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RNI Reg. No. KERENG 2010/36920

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Vol. 01

No. 11

December 2011

Licence of Post KL/TV(S)/374/2011-2013