NOKIA expands ASHA series with two smartphones

Chennai: Reinnovating consumer experience at attractive price points, NOKIA India on Friday launched two new smartphones – NOKIA Asha 308 and NOKIA Asha 309, the latest additions to the Asha touch family of smartphones, in affordable price. 

TS Sridhar, Regional General Manager (South), Nokia India unveiling new smart phones with actress Priya Anand in Chennai on Friday.

English Vinglish fame Priya Anand at the launch of NOKIA's new ASHA series phones in Chennai.

NOKIA Asha 308 and NOKIA Asha 309 have been equipped with the cloud accelerated NOKIA Xpress Browser and are optimized for faster and cheaper browsing experience, Maps, Musics, Apps, 40 premium EA games and integrated social networking experience.

The new devices are also preloaded with the NOKIA Nearby apps that allows consumers to discover, search and share places of interest around them. The app gives access to over seven million places of interest in India. Specifically in Chennai, consumers can have access to over 16,821 shopping destinations, 3627 tourism places, over 2682 places to eat and more.

Launching the products in Chennai, TS Sridhar, Regional General Manager (South), Nokia India, said, these phones are aimed at the younger generation and those who want to experience faster browsing while on the move. We have developed the more advanced touch screen as we realized that big market for such phones in the days to come. To add more value to our customers, we have tied with service providers- Airtel, Vodofone and Idea for flawless data dissemination. The innovative Xpress browser will enable the customers to access internet double the speed and faster downloads.”

The event was marked by the presence of English Vinglish fame Priya Anand who, along with Sridhar unveiled the new ASHA series smartphones.

The dual SIM Nokia Asha 308 with Easy Swap technology and Single SIM Nokia Asha 309 with WiFi come with the price tag of Rs 6149 and Rs 6349, respectively, Sridhar said, adding, “To create a smarter internet experience, Nokia has created new version of Xpress Browser, which enables up to 85 % more efficient mobile browsing and faster access to rich web applications compared to conventional browsers.” The new smart devices are available in Black and golden light colour.

The cloud-based web browser will support web apps – Nokia Nearby web app, which helps people discover new places by searching nearby locations while Nokia Xpress Web App Builder makes it even easier to build new applications. With Nokia Xpress web app builder, publishers can create appealing web apps for Asha touch devices, and even novices can turn their web content into a fun and sophisticated web app for Nokia customers, Sridhar said.

Both the devices are 2G enabled fearing 3.0” WQVGA capacity display, multiple home screens, stereo radio, and loudspeakers and up to 32GB micro SD card support. 

The phones come with the free gift of 40 premium EA games, social features such as standalone Facebook and Twitter clients, Nokia messaging service and video streaming through the browser from sites like YouTube, the first within Asha touch range.

Paracoat launches Motor Home PCP Terra

Hyderabad:  Paracoat Products Limited (PCP), a leading manufacturer in total NVH reduction components for use in the automotive industry, is all set to redefine motor homes market in India with the launch of the PCP Terra. Paracoat Products Limited PCP is the first company in India to launch ready to use Motor Home-cum-Office. 

The PCP Terra is a Motor Home cum Office, based on a standard pick-up vehicle, the base vehicle being pickup small trucks like Mahindra Genio or the Tata Xenon. It is installed with frame made of fibreglass (FRP) with resistance to road worthy conditions. It is thermal insulated and also electricity proof. The interior materials are imported from EU considering the automotive requirements, and the non-Formalin decoration Wood is imported from New Zealand. It has Double Acrylic window with vacuum system and 3 style nets (clear opaque and mosquito net).

The price for PCP Terra will be between 29 and 34 Lakhs (depending on the customization requirements of the customer). The delivery time for PCP Terra is approximately 10-12 weeks from the date of order. The first delivery in India will be done around mid 2012.

Speaking at the launch of the much-awaited home car, Rajesh Poddar, Director- Business Development, PCP, said, “PCP has always led the way when it comes to innovation, and with Terra we wish to continue our legacy in India of producing world-class products. These vehicles will be built keeping in mind varied Indian conditions and special requirements of our esteemed Indian customers. We will set up the assembly line in Uttaranchal, and we are planning to set up an installed capacity for 300 Motor Homes every year. In the first year we plan to do approximately 90 Motor Homes and based on the market we plan to expand it to 500 Motor Homes per year by 2016. Currently we will be importing the CKD kits from Thailand and in one year time we plan to localize approximately 60%.”

PCP Terra is suitable for family or a group journey of seven people (including the driver). It has luxurious interior design, and the living/ meeting area can be adjusted to a bed room with capacity of 5 people. It is fitted with all required facilities like Air Conditioner, Heater, Refrigerator, Microwave, Wash room, Shower, shelves (shoes, jackets, night wear, special design drawers for kitchen utensils, Stereo and Multimedia System (TV, Radio, DVD player, mp3 player). It has a display to monitor the level of fresh water and wastewater as well. It has a reverse camera to assist the driver to drive reverse with a monitor on the front console.

PCP with its vision to go global have initiated facility at Thailand which is planned to start production by May’ 2012.

West Bengal emerges on top for job generation in SMEs: ASSOCHAM

With over 43,000 jobs generated in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector between April 2011 and up to February 15, 2012, West Bengal has emerged as a front-runner state to facilitate growth in the SMEs sector, apex industry body ASSOCHAM said today.

Utilizing the margin subsidy money worth Rs 52.49 crore, the state of West Bengal assisted about 5,290 SME units across the state, according to a state-wise analysis of number of SMEs assisted, margin money utilized and estimated employment generation during the aforesaid period carried out by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

“Over 3.25 lakh jobs were generated in the SME sector by providing assistance to a total of 35,607 SME units across India utilizing margin money subsidy worth about Rs 700 crore during the 11 months period between April 2011 and February 15, 2012,” said Mr D.S. Rawat, national secretary general of ASSOCHAM while releasing the findings of the chamber’s analysis.

“The SME sector accounts for about 45 per cent of India’s manufacturing output and 40 per cent of the total exports of the country,” said Mr Rawat. “Besides, the sector is estimated to employ about 59 million persons in over 26 million units which produce over 6,000 products ranging from traditional to high-techs items.”

Andhra Pradesh emerged the second leading state by generating about 33,115 job opportunities and assisted about 1,459 SME units utilizing about Rs 48.9 crore of the margin money subsidy, highlights the ASSOCHAM study.

Assisting about 3,205 units, Uttar Pradesh ranked third with 30,880 jobs generated in the SMEs sector with the state government utilizing worth over Rs 107 crore of the margin money subsidy, highlights the ASSOCHAM study.

Tamil Nadu emerged as the fourth leading state by creating about 27,138 jobs and assisted about 1,827 SME units utilizing margin money subsidy of over Rs 44.6 crore during the aforesaid period.
The state of Odisha ranked fifth as about 21,010 employment opportunities were created in the SME sector as 2,101 SMEs were assisted by the state utilizing the margin money subsidy worth over Rs 39 crore.

Assam assisted about 2,234 SME units and created about 17,944 jobs utilizing about Rs 24 crore of margin money subsidy.  About 15,442 jobs were created in SME sector by providing assistance to about 1,347 units in Karnataka utilizing the margin money subsidy worth over Rs 27 crore.

About 15,423 jobs were created in the SME industry of Bihar as the state government assisted about 2,442 units utilizing over Rs 50 crore of margin money subsidy. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh were other leading states in this regard.

Environmental activist Vandana Shiva receives Fukuoka prize 2012

New Delhi, July 23: Dr. Vandana Shiva, an eminent Indian environmental philosopher and activist, was conferred the prestigious FUKUOKA PRIZE 2012 today during a press conference held in New Delhi for her remarkable work in the field of science, technology and ecology. The grand prize includes a citation and prize money of approx. Rs. 33 Lakhs. 

The other dignitaries who were present at the occasion were Mayor Takashima Soichiro, Fukuoka City, Japan; Akitaka Saiki, Ambassador of Embassy of Japan in India and Dr. Ashis Nandy, social and cultural critic who also received the Fukuoka Prize 2007.

Dr. Vandana Shiva is an Indian environmental philosopher who has enlightened many people by presenting a new and original idea about loving nature and protecting the dignity of life. In particular, her penetrating view from the perspective of poor people and women has exposed the contradictions caused by development and globalization. Dr. Shiva has made a great contribution to the earth and to humanity as a female Asian intellectual. 

This year marks its 23rd anniversary; it has presented to 88 leading figures from various fields in last 22 years. Among them are Muhammad Yunus who went on to receive the Nobel Peace prize, and six Indian distinguished individuals; Legendary Sitar Virtuoso Pt. Ravi Shankar, Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Danseuse Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam and scholars like Ms. Romila Thapar, Dr. Ashis Nandy and Mr. Partha Chatterjee. 

About Fukuoka Prize

The FUKUOKA PRIZE was established by FUKUOKA City in Japan in 1990, to annually honor the outstanding work of individuals or groups/organizations to preserve and create unique and diverse cultures of Asia. The aim is to foster and increase awareness of the value of Asian cultures as well as to institute a broad framework for exchange and mutual learning between the people of Asia.

Casio re-launches showroom in Noida

New Delhi:  Casio India recently restructured its exclusive showroom in Noida. The newly refurbished showroom is located at The Great India Place Mall, Noida The new Casio showroom promises an international shopping experience with world-class retail ambience and personalized interaction with customers, making the entire buying experience truly enjoyable.

Speaking on the new showroom, Kulbhushan Seth, Head Sales and Marketing, Casio India stated, "This new showroom will enable us to communicate and connect better with our Indian customers. Today, Casio has wide range of watches with unique concepts, appealing to specific audience. There is a watch suited to the style and personality of every customer. This new showroom will enable customers to experience through touch and feel the new collection." He added, "We plan to open many such showrooms across India and already we have opened these in Chennai, Guwahati and Mumbai."

The new showroom has an experience zone for consumers with LCD displaying the innovative Casio products. The new Casio showroom prominently displays the entire range of watches which include G-Shock, Edifice, Protrek, Sheen, G-Shock, Baby-G, Classic Series and Youth Series.

Showcased in the showroom is the all new range of G-Shock Watches including three-dimensional look that expresses toughness and strength, priced at Rs.7,495. The new G-Shock models have a bold watch face design that makes the resin material look almost as if carved out of a block of stone, conveying the tough, street culture look G-SHOCK is known for. The dial has a concave design that sinks into the watch face and a glossy finish, which creates distinctive shadows and a feeling of depth. The lines running vertically and horizontally on the bezel look like they have been carved with a knife and make the solid design stand out even more. The side buttons have an anti-slip surface for more reliable operation.

In addition to standard black and white models, the GA-150 watches are available in a striking smoky finish metallic Black, Red and blue combination.

The range of Casio Edifice is known for speed and intelligence. Some of its range watches features a display with a dual-layer construction and a recessed, dynamic face design as well as a complex, intricate sub-dial. In 2011 Edifice supported two Red Bull F1 Racing Team drivers Sebastian Vettle and Mark Webber as the official team partner. In year 2012 also this partnership is continuing.

The popular Casio Baby-G is known for its Tough, Cute, Cool look with contemporary designs and colours that add fashionable appeal to a shock and water resistant structure suited to active lifestyles. Whether cool or casual, there's a Baby-G for every woman who's proud to have a style of her own.

Casio Protrek, has cutting-edge sensors to monitor nature's changes, PROTREK reflects the essence of an outdoor tool. It has a versatile, high visibility triple sensor and analogue indications.

In addition to this Tough range of watches, Casio also has an elegant range of wrist watches. This Elegant, Smart, Shining range is a selection of sophisticated material and its facial styling expresses intelligence with an inner glow of graceful femininity. The metal watch for every woman who combines dignified elegance with gentle beauty, Casio SHEEN adds further luster to her wrist.

Concluded stated Mr. Seth, "The new showroom ambience, innovative products as well as courteous attentive staff will make the shopping experience truly international."

National SME 100 AWARDS announced at India SME FORUM

Mumbai:  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role for the growth of Indian economy by contributing 45% of industrial output, 40% of exports and employing millions of people across industries.

However, in order to sustain their growth and contribution to the nation, they need to be supported and equipped with the right amount of knowledge on marketing, funding, tax management, rating, logistics, IT and people management. The India SME Forum a not for profit initiative, has launched a 12-city free knowledge forum series to groom aspiring and eligible SMEs on various business aspects and enable them to elevate their business to the next level. The objectives of the forum are to foster the development of a flourishing entrepreneurial culture and a competitive SMEs sector to support economic development.

The forum has K V Srinivasan CEO of Reliance Commercial Finance, Mr Lakshman Gullugothu, CEO of BSE SME Exchange, Mr Parag Patki, CEO of SME Rating Agency of India and Mr V K Agarwal, President of FISME on its Jury board amongst other luminaries.

The Forum is supported by Reliance Commercial Finance, the Federation of Indian Small and Medium Enterprises, the lending arm of Reliance Capital Ltd, Bloomberg UTV, Go Airlines, SDRC, Mahindra & Mahindra and other associates.

The core strategies put in place by the Forum for bringing about a greater role of SME's in India's economic development includes Listening, Sharing and Advocating for a Pro-Business Environment and Identifying, Enabling and Seeding Innovative Start-ups and Recognising, Grooming and Supporting, Promising SMEs. The first round of the knowledge forums will be held in Jaipur, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Chennai, Kochi, Bengaluru, Surat, Indore & Mumbai starting from June 26 to September 18, 2012.
In line with the strategy to groom promising SMEs, the India SME 100 ranking will act as catalyst to identify such SMEs and recognise them for eventually becoming large global-oriented companies.

The awards also hope to inspire willing and able SMEs that have the potential to be world-class enterprises and offer them the platform to promote themselves to investors and partners to sustain growth. The Awards are aimed at:

- Celebrating India's top performing SMEs
- Creating greater awareness of the importance of SME development
- Creating a national motivational psyche in the nation's social and business community
- Encouraging SME role models to share their best practices in management
- Marketing the capabilities of the winning SMEs to regional and global investors
- Providing opportunities for SMEs to network and raise capital
- Identifying a continuous and sustainable pipeline of SMEs for a potential secondary listing of SMEs (IPO) that can attract equity capital for growth
- Providing development path for SMEs to graduate
- Supporting a culture of transparency, corporate governance and best practice sharing.
Nominations from all over India from SMEs will be invited till 15th August 2012 and winners will be shortlisted after a stringent selection process. The results for 2012 will be announced in Mumbai on October 6, 2012.

"The Awards which are being awarded not only for the top 100 performers in the SME segment, but also to the 20 most innovative, 20 most people oriented, 20 most export oriented and also to CSR aware organizations, shall definitely spur a new movement amongst the SMEs, to follow the footsteps of the winners and create a sustainable mechanism to reward and recognize them." said Mr V K Agarwal, President of FISME.

"We understand the importance of SMEs and endeavour to enable them to expand their business by providing tailor-made loans. By partnering with an initiative such as this, we are happy to extend our philosophy beyond financial solutions." said Mr. K. V. Srinivasan, CEO, Reliance Commercial Finance.

"The India SME Forum has been created with the mission to foster development of a flourishing entrepreneurial culture and a competitive SME sector to support economic development. We want to encourage knowledge sharing and want to recognize India's top performing SMEs", said Lakshman Gugullothu, CEO, BSE SME Exchange.

SMEs term RBI's monetary policy ‘unjustified’

SMEs demand immediate interest rate cut ranging b/w 100-150 basis pts.

A whopping 93 per cent of industries in the SME sector opine that the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) decision to keep the interest rate unchanged was completely out of line, according to a quick poll conducted by the apex industry body ASSOCHAM.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) conducted a telephonic interview with about 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across India during the last fortnight to ascertain their views on RBI’s decision of not to change the interest rates in its mid-quarter monetary policy review on June 18.

Besides, about 86 per cent of the respondents said that high rate of interests is having a negative impact on their business as their organizations droop under the burden of ever-rising lending rates and rest of them said this move will not impact their trade much as they are not heavily dependent upon bank finances, highlights the survey conducted by the ASSOCHAM Research Bureau (ARB).

“The SME sector had already been grappling with macro-economic slowdown together with global uncertainty and rising interest rates put an extra burden on these small capital organizations which are heavily dependent upon the banks for their finance requirements,” said D.S. Rawat, secretary general of ASSOCHAM while releasing the findings of the survey.

The ASSOCHAM representatives also tried to ascertain the impact of high costs of borrowing on the firms’ business to which about 43 per cent respondents said their cost of credit had increased by about 5-10 per cent while about 32 per cent respondents said their cost of credit soared by up to five per cent. While about 18 per cent did not respond, of the remaining about three per cent said their cost of credit has increased by about 10-15 per cent and four per cent respondents said cost of credit increased by over 15 per cent.

ASSOCHAM also sought the firms’ views on their investment decisions considering the decelerating industrial performance and drying investments to which about 79 per cent of respondents said their investment plans had been adversely impacted by RBI’s current move.
Apart from this, about half of the overall respondents also reckoned that investments had declined by about 5-10 per cent, while 21 per cent did not respond to this about 11 per cent said investments declined by about 10-15 per cent and an equal number of respondents said it had declined by up to five per cent. A meager seven per cent respondents felt that investments had declined by over 15 per cent.

ASSOCHAM sought the feedback of the SME industry as to how much they wanted the RBI to interest rates to help revive the growth of the industry. About 39 per cent of respondents reckoned that the apex bank should immediately cut down the interest rates by 150 basis points, while about 36 per cent said the interest rates should be brought down by 100 basis points.
According to ASSOCHAM, there are about 31.1 million MSMEs across India employing over 73 million people and produce over 6,000 different products. Besides, the sector contributes about 40 per cent of India’s gross exports and 45 per cent of country’s manufacturing output.