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Luminous launches emergency lights Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 19 : Luminous Electronics Limited a manufacturer of 'Luminous' brand of power conditioning equipments ......more Bombay
chamber MUMBAI, Oct 19: Indian businesses should be taken through a phased program on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).....more Pharma
exports NEW DELHI, Oct 19: Pharmaceutical exports from the country have crossed the five-digit figure in the financial year....more Telecom
competition NEW DELHI, Oct 19: Fierce competition in telecom, which has led to a steady fall in call charges, particularly in STD and.....more |
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Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 19 : WagonR, Maruti's premium compact car popular for its performance, comfort ride and inspired engineering now .......more Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 19 : Applying its innovative ideas in shoe technology by studying the consumer needs, the House of Action......more Entry fee
for foreign, JAISALMER, Oct 19: Foreign as well as domestic tourists visiting famous spots in this border town in Rajasthan will now....more ONGC to
invest 1.5 JAISALMER, Oct 19: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) would invest Rs 1.5 crore dollars to intensify...more |
Luminous launches emergency lights Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 19 : Luminous Electronics Limited a manufacturer of 'Luminous' brand of power conditioning equipments like inverters, UPS, voltage stabilizers and DC Power Suppliers has launched the Emergency Lights. The luminous Emergency Light comes with unique features like 'battery overcharge as well as deep discharge protection' which has a long battery back up time upto eight hours a company handout issued here today said. The Luminous Emergency Light priced at Rs 990 has widest charging window which ensures battery charging even at input voltage as low as 170 v. The handout said the Luminous Light has Hi tech battery overcharging protection with battery deep discharge protection, besides a technology for high energy efficiency which makes it work continuously for eight hours. The Luminous Emergency Light has automatic change over. It will be automatically on at the time of mains failure and automatically off on mains restoration and auto battery charging. Besides these advanced technological features, these wall mountable emergency lights are very light and weight just 1.60 kgs. They are available in different colours and can be chosen from the range of maroon, white and blue. The Luminous Electronics Ltd set up in 1992 is a leading manufacturing of power conditioning equipment like UPS, voltage stabilizers, inverters and DC Power suppliers. These products are manufactured at a state of art manufacturing plant located at New Delhi. The luminous products are sold through more than 1000 dealers nationwide and are also exported to over dozen countries worldwide. |
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Bombay chamber moots phased program on patenting MUMBAI, Oct 19: Indian businesses should be taken through a phased program on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), especially patenting, comprising awareness, identification, protection and leveraging of patents and other forms of IPR in software and business methods, according to white paper prepared by core group of Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC I). The core group includes crawford bayley company senior partner R A Shah, Pfizer Ltd Senior Director (Corporate Affairs) S Ramakrishna, ILFS education Technology Services Ltd Advisor (legal services) S Vutha, Tata International Ltd Divisional Manager - Corporate V S Gupte, Mahindra Mahindra Ltd Head (Legal Affairs) Usha Amonkar and Tata Consultancy Services vice president (Legal Secretarial) A Kumaresan. India had amended its Patent Act in April 1999 and June 2002, in order to align itself with its obligation under TRIPs (Trade Related Intellectual Property) and it needs to further strengthen its IPR regime and introduce products patents by 2005. In its recommendation to Government, Bombay chamber has requested to set up a multi - disciplinary task force of lawyers, technologists, officials and academicians to undertake a study of the patenting laws, regulations, guidelines in other countries, in relation to software and business methods. "Indian patent office should formulate and issue guidelines for the patenting of software programs and business methods", it said. The report mooted adopting a global approach to the problem. "the severe worldwide shortage of qualified patent examiners, search agencies, prior art databases and other ‘soft infrastructure’ for patenting in these areas, should be seen as great opportunity for India and Indian technologists and lawyers. India has the necessary pool of scientists and technologists who can be trained to do patent searches, patent drafting, patent examinations, researching for prior art, litigation and opposition for patent offices and clients in the west", it said. "India did a similar exercise during the Y2K crisis, in another context. There is no reason why we cannot use our talents in the various areas of domain expertise needed for patent administration to solve some of the pressing problems threatening to overwhelm the patenting systems worldwide", the chamber report added. According to the industry officials, India should study the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 in the USA and examine how it helped us academic and research organisations to own and exploit patents even while using federal Government funding for Research and Development (R D). The core group pointed out that multinational corporations with software or services subsidiaries in India as well as certain Indian software companies are seeking patents for their products, tools and processes in the US, European union and elsewhere. "For instance, texas instruments, microsoft, IBM, novell and other multinationals are believed to have filed scores of applications for patents based on inventions developed in their Indian Development Centers", officials added. For Indian it and other businesses the issues related to patenting of software and business methods are of crucial importance as they seek to globalize, take full advantage of the post WTO scenario and to harness the power of the internet to make India a services and knowledge products exporter of repute. Referring to copyright, the officials pointed out that copyright was designed to protect, with some exceptions, non-functional matter, whereas computer programs or computer based business methods are clearly functional works of technology. Copyright does not protect ideas, methodolgies, processes, techniques and the like which are often the most important features of software programs and business methods. Independent creation and reverse engineering can be prevented by patenting but not copyright protection. "Copyright and patent protections are not mutually exclusive. Both copyright and patent protections are possible, one for the expression of the computer prgram or of the business model itself and the other for their innovative and qualifying features", the report added. The report further warned that "without patents and IP strategies, Indian business will be challenged more easily by low cost competitors in Asia, Eastern Europe and elsewhere. Indian businesses will lack negotiating strength because licensing or cross licensing of patents is an accepted way of striking deals, alliances and colloborations". The core group cautioned that Indian businesses will contiue to pay significant prices for access to patented products and processes from their clients, vendors, partners, colloborators or principals abroad even while succumbing to pricing pressures from overseas clients. (UNI) |
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Pharma exports up 21 pc in 2003 NEW DELHI, Oct 19: Pharmaceutical exports from the country have crossed the five-digit figure in the financial year 2003, clocking exports worth Rs 11,925 crore, according to the Directorate-General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS). It indicated a growth of 21 per cent over exports clocked in the previous year, DGCIS said in a statement. The growth rate last year was 11.2 per cent and the higher growth this year was due to increased exports to regulated markets such as the US, Germany, Canada, the UK, Russia, Mexico and Spain. The US market was the most preferred destination for Indian pharma exports, touching Rs 2,023 crore during 2002-03 with an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year. Exports to germany were to the tune of Rs 727 crore, a 40 per cent increase over the previous year’s performance. Pharma exports to China touched the high figure of Rs 397 crore, as compared to Rs 382 crore last year. Russia accounted for Rs 497 crore of pharma exports against Rs 481 crore last year. In Asia, China is the leading importer of Indian drugs. It is followed by Vietnam, Japan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, Bangladesh, Nepal and Philippines - together accounting for Rs 100 crore worth of drugs imports from India, DGCIS added. (UNI) |
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Telecom competition to stiffen
further NEW DELHI, Oct 19: Fierce competition in telecom, which has led to a steady fall in call charges, particularly in STD and ISD rates, is set to be fuelled further this week by the new Inter-Connect Usage Charges (IUC) and Access Deficit Charges (ADC) to be announced by the Telecom Regulatory and Development Authority of India (TRAI). TRAI has already clarified that the new IUC regime, which includes the ADC component, would reduce the overall burden due to a "lower overall access deficit." The revised charges would thus allow competition in the market to sustain and even "leave scope to reduce the prevailing tariff levels in all services," the regulator has asserted, allaying apprehensions that the new regime would push up the STD and isd charges for cellular users by about 25 per cent. A TRAI official today confirmed that the new IUC and ADC regime is "most likely" to be announced this week. The authority has already finalised the principles for the revised IUC regime, under which the amount of access deficit calculated is much lower than that estimated earlier. To remove the regulatory distortions perceived in the current IUC regime, the funding of the access deficit will be spread over calls from all access providers, and not only those which involve fixed line service providers. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), which provides inter-connect facility to cellular operators for STD calls, has sought a revision of IUC. TRAI had, in its consultation paper on the subject, estimated BSNL’s access deficit at Rs 13,000 crore. However, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) disputed this, contending that BSNL has made a cumulative profit of Rs 53,453 crore in the ten years between 1991-92 to 2001-02. These surpluses cannot be ignored and continued profitability of BSNL year after year "clearly shows that there is no justification for an ADC levy," COAI has argued in a letter to TRAI. Further, an accurate estimation of access deficit cannot be made unless BSNL has a separate accounting system for the process, according to COAI. "In the absence of accounting separation, even if the balance sheet data is relied upon, it must be looked at in a holistic manner — Considering both the costs as well as revenues of the organisation and not by looking at the costs on account of rentals and free calls alone," the cellular companies aver. (UNI) |
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Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 19 : WagonR, Maruti's premium compact car popular for its performance, comfort ride and inspired engineering now comes with a brand new look as well. The new upgraded WagonR was unveiled by Car Market leader, Maruti Udyog Limited today. It has a completely redesigned clear headlamp, clear tail lamps and a new flowing chrome grille with provision for front fog lamps. These make for a truly eye catching exterior styling. A company spokesman said the new look has been imparted to all variants of the WagonR- the Lx, LXi, AX ad VXi. In addition to these features, the WagonR VXi also has a rear Defogger, a day night rear view mirror inside, wheel covers and wide tyres. He said upgraded WagonR comes in three new colours Pearl Silver, Silky Silver and a unique Brilliant Yellow. It will continue to be available in superior white, Midnight Black and Mountain Mist colours. He said with this a car acknowledged for its great performance, great comfort and great safety features now comes with great styling as well making for a complete premium compact car which is the magic of the Upgraded WagonR. He said the brand WagonR has been growing at a sharp pace for over 18 months now. During 2002-03, it grew by 27 percent over the same period last year. Growth has accelerated this fiscal: it has grown 44 per cent during the first half April-September of this fiscal. He said in all over 1,00,000 WagonRs have been sold in India since it entered the market in February 2000. |
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Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 19 : Applying its innovative ideas in shoe technology by studying the consumer needs, the House of Action has launched the Long Boot for trekking. A company handout issued here, today said the Action shoes are a well established name in country and they use high standards of quality procedures to make shoes wearing a comfortable and an enjoyable experience. Trekking long boot are especially designed for the adventurous souls, it said, adding, the Long boot has technologically advanced high grip soles. ''Its rugged sole absorbs shock and provides skid resistant. The shoe has comfortable ankle pads which absorb extra energy''. The handout further said the insole does not shrink with age. The long Boot also losts for long. It has durable cushion counter and comfortable resilient cushioning for the collars. Its soft and conforming tongue provide maximum comfort, the handout added. It said the long boots give more grip for the trekking purposes. The trekking long Boots are available for kids and males. The sizes range from two to five and six to 10 respectively. The trekking shoes are also available at affordable price range from Rs 500 to Rs 699. |
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in Jaisalmer on anvil JAISALMER, Oct 19: Foreign as well as domestic tourists visiting famous spots in this border town in Rajasthan will now have to pay an entry fee, a senior municipality officer has said. Jaisalmer Municipality has passed a resolution to this effect recently. As a large number of tourists come for sight-seeing to the township annually, the entry fee would help earn a considerable revenue to the municipality, said its Commissioner Ratan Vishnoi here. The additional funds would be utilised on the development programmes, including better cleanliness at the city, known as "Swarna Nagari", he said. As per the proposal, the entry fee for foreign tourists would be Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for minors. Domestic tourists would pay Rs 10 and Rs 5, respectively, Mr Vishnoi said. The fee of Rs 50, 20 and 10 would be imposed on a bus, mini bus and vans, taxi car and jeep and two wheeler, respectively. (UNI) |
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ONGC to invest 1.5 crore dlrs for oil JAISALMER, Oct 19: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) would invest Rs 1.5 crore dollars to intensify exploration of oil and gas in the western region of Rajasthan, ONGC sources have said. The amount was for the initial stage of the programme and with progressive results of the finds, the corporation would increase the investment accordingly, the sources added. The ONGC had already chalked out a programme for exploration work at several places in this broder district and for the purpose. Two oil wrigging machines were expected here soon, the sources added. Apart from this, the corporation had started surveying, with most modern techniques, Kharatar area of this border district. A few months back, "better quality" oil and gas had was found in Chinewala Tibba area in the district, the sources pointed out. This was the outcome of about four decades of efforts with an investment of Rs 350 crore by the corporation in western Rajasthan, the sources said adding a widespread survey for digging oil well had been started. (UNI) |
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FIIs pump Rs 2,353-cr in equity and debt markets MUMBAI, Oct 19: Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) pumped Rs 2,353.3 crore in the equity and debt markets during the week ended October 17. According to data available from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), FIIs were net buyers in the equity markets for Rs 2,201.7 crore as their total buying worth Rs 3,795.5 crore exceeded their total sales worth Rs 1,593.7 crore. In the debt market, their net investment stood at Rs 151.6 crore as they bought for Rs 176.6 crore against their sales worth Rs 25 crore during the week. FIIs were net buyers in equity and debt markets in all the five trading sessions. Mutual funds were net sellers in equity market during the week for Rs 41.64 crore with their sales worth Rs 590.43 crore, surpassing their purchases for Rs 548.79 crore. However, in debt market, they were net buyers for Rs 178.34 crore as they purchased worth Rs 887.39 crore against a sales of Rs 709.05 crore. FIIs net buying in October stood at Rs 4,756.2 crore while their total investment since january one stood at Rs 23,211.2 crore. (UNI) |
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MTNL union threatens stir over bonus issue NEW DELHI, Oct 18: The MTNL staff union has rejected the management offer to pay a Rs 5,500-7,000 bonus for 2002-03. Exhorting its members to be ready for a stir over the issue, the staff union described the offer as unjustified. The union in a statement here also accused the management of not reining in its mounting expenditure. (UNI) |
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Assam Governor for border trade
with GUWAHATI, Oct 19: Assam Governor Lt Gen Ajay Singh has emphasised that efforts should be made by all for opening up of the border trade with Bangladesh and Mynmar. Talking to a group of visiting journalists Gen Singh said the law and order situation has improved a lot in the entire North Eastern Region (NER) and perhaps this is the best investment climate in the state as well as in the entire region. He, however, cautioned, "if we miss this opportunity, the militancy might again resurge with more renewed vigour and that will not only pose a danger signal for the region but for the entire country. "The people had given a good-by to militancy as they are fade up with it and now they want to see quick procative actions from the Central Government for the region." He said a major responsibility lies on both the Central as well as State Governments for attracting more and more investments in the regions so that the youth could get employment opportunities. This would not only help in bringing a permanent normalacy in Assam and in the entire region, he added. He said once these initiatives were taken, the disillusioned youth will automatically come back to the mainstream. "The entire NER is geopolitically the most strategic region in the entire South East Asia, so there is an urgent need for boosting the economic growth of the region and it could be easily obtained by opening up of the border trade with Bangladesh and Mynmar," he said adding that its benefits will augment economic activities in the eastern part of the country. The Governor said, "NER is the gold mine of the country but the country must know how to utilise it. There will be no role of militancy, if the region has a strong economic base with good trading activities with its bordering neighbours." (UNI) |
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