Daily Excelsior...Business

Rly helpline flooded with complaints..........

After TV, reality radio shows seek singing talents: Sonu........

20 Indian firms among world’s top 100 in outsourcing: Report.........

Par panel expresses ‘dismay’ over not launching 12 health prog..........

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Kavinder Gupta inaugurated a center of STIC Infotech Computer Institute at Janipur today.

In his inaugural address, Mayor stressed on computer education and said that IT sector has opened new vistas in the field of employment.

"Without having latest technology it is rather impossible for anyone to compete with the rest of the modern world" he said, adding, "Computer Education is must to equip future generation to meet the prospective challenges in the field of science and technology."

Expressing hope that information technology would bring rapid changes in the sphere of life he said, " In the areas like Janipur colony, which are on outskirts of the city, opening up of such institutes will impart quality education to the students."

On the occasion, MD of the institute, Yashwant Parihar informed that the institute is successfully running 15 such computer centers across the State including four within the city.

He added that the institute imparts education in basics of IT, E-Accounting, Multimedia Program along with diploma courses in several other professional studies.

Among others who were present on the occasion were, Centre Director, Sonalika Gupta, Councilor, Harjeet Singh, Sanjeev Kumar and Satish Mahajan.

ESHL agrees to acquire Esmark for USD 1.1 billion

AHMEDABAD, May 2: Essar Steel Holdings Limited (ESHL), part of Essar Global Limited, today announced that it has agreed to acquire Esmark Incorporated for an estimated enterprise value of USD 1.1 billion.

ESHL has agreed to the material terms of a proposed tender offer, for cash purchase price of USD 17 per share of all outstanding shares of Nasdaq listed Esmark. The proposed tender offer was unanimously accepted by the Board of Esmark and is subject to customary approvals including those of the US government and United Steel Workers.

Esmark plans to enter into definitive documentation upon expiration or waiver of the approximate 52-day ''right to bid'' period set forth in the collective bargaining agreement with the United Steel Workers. Esmark is a steel production and distribution company with a capacity of 2.4 MTPA and steel distribution centres across USA.

Mr Shashi Ruia, Chairman, Essar Global said, ''This is another step in realizing our global steel vision of having world class low cost assets, with a global footprint. Having acquired Algoma and Minnesota Steel last year, this acquisition provides us with an excellent platform for the Canadian and North American markets. With the above acquisitions of Esmark and projects under implementation in Trinidad and Tobago, Essar Steel Holdings will have 10 million tonnes of flat steel production in America.'' (UNI)

MRF to set up radial tyre factory in Perambalur dist

CHENNAI, May 2: Tyre Major MRF is to set up a new radial tyre factory in the backward Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu, besides expanding its capacity at its Chennai and Arakonam units.

A MOU in this regard was signed by the company with the Tamil Nadu Government, an official press release said today.

In the first phase of project, 3.50 lakh tyres would be manufactured at the Perambalur unit, which would go to seven lakhs in the second stage.

The programme would cost the company Rs.900 crore and would provide direct employment to 2500 persons in the first phase and to 5000 in the second phase, it said.

MRF chairman K M Memon and State Industries Secretary M O H Farooki signed the MOU in the presence of the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, the release added. (PTI)

Rubber prices likely to increase further

KOTTAYAM, May 2: The price of rubber is likely to increase further due to the shortage of the commodity and the upwrd trend in the price at international market, according to traders.

The highest price quoted for RSS-four variety was Rs.118 per kg on May 30, 2006. The price touched Rs.117 on April 29, 2008 and marginally decreased to Rs.116 on May 1. The price hovered between Rs 115 to Rs 117 in the International Market during these days.

The shortage in production was due to unfavourable climatic conditions and the unseasonal rains for the past couple of months.The fall in production was to the extent of 60 per cent on an average and there is substantial loss in tapping days due to rain, traders said.

The domestic price of Rs 117 for RSS-four grade crossed the international price of Rs 116 on April 28, 2008,they said

The country exported 8053 tonnes of natural rubber during January 2008 as against 656 tonnes in Jan 2007. The total export during April 2007 to January 2008 was 32163 tonnes against 52272 tonnes in the analogous period of the previous year, a Rubber Board spokesman told PTI here.

Rubber goods manufacturing industry imported 8663 tonnes in January 2008 compared to 10216 tonnes during January 2007. The quantum of imports of natural rubber during the first ten months of the year 2007-08 was 79,179 tonnes against 55482 tonnes during the corresponding period of the previous year.

The production of natural rubber during January 2008 rose to 103515 tonnes compared with 96450 tonnes in January 2007. The cumulative production in the first ten months of the financial year 2007-08 was 723575 tonnes against 758835 tonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year,registering a negative growth of 4.6 per cent, he said. (PTI)

Now, jet fuel to be traded in futures market

NEW DELHI, May 2: Aviation turbine fuel, prices of which has skyrocketed in the recent past, may soon find its way to futures market with the country’s leading commodity bourse MCX planning to launch a contract for trading in ATF.

The futures trading of ATF, for which MCX has received approval from the commodity market regulator Forward Markets Commission (FMC), is likely to offer air carriers a domestic platform to hedge against the spiralling fuel prices.

However, trading in its futures contract may take some time to start, as MCX would launch it only after studying the current environment, sources close to the development said.

When contacted, Multi Commodity Exchange Managing Director Joseph Massey said that the exchange has not yet decided on when the contract would be launched.

Experts in aviation industry believe that futures trading of ATF would help set a benchmark for the fuel’s prices, which at present is arrived at after negotiations between airlines and oil marketing companies.

PSU oil firms recently raised ATF prices by over 9 per cent in line with the rise in international crude oil rates.

In Mumbai, the price has been hiked by Rs 5,276 per kl to 60,467.58 per kl effective from April 30 midnight. Following this, airlines have also decided to hike fuel surcharge. (PTI)

BHEL gets award from ICWAI for
excellence in cost management

NEW DELHI, May 2: State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals today said it has won the ‘ICWAI National Awards for Excellence in Cost Management 2007.’

The annual award is presented by the Instititute of Cost and Works Account of India (ICWAI) to corporate entities for excellence in cost, quality and delivery.

During the year, BHEL recorded the highest-ever turnover of Rs 21,608 crore, crossing the Rs 20,000 crore mark for the first time, the company said in a release.

The company aims to become a Rs 45,000-crore firm by 2011 -12 and has unveiled a ‘Strategic Plan 2012’ that would enable it to grow at an annual growth rate of 20 per cent.

Recently it joined hands with country’s largest power producer NTPC Ltd to set up a joint venture to carry out engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) contracts for power Infrastructure projects as well as manufacture and supply of equipment in India and abroad. (PTI)

US courier firm to pay Rs one
lakh to exporter for deficiency

NEW DELHI, May 2: An American courier company has been asked by the Delhi Consumer Commission to pay Rs one lakh to an export house here for its failure to inform it about the refusal of a Gulf-based consignee to take delivery of goods, resulting in their auction by the airport authorities.

There was a "lapse" on the part of courier company, Polar Air Cargo, in not informing the export house as to the refusal of consignee, Golden Eagle, to take the delivery of the consignment of readymade garments, resulting in its auctioning, Commission Chairman Justice J D Kapoor said.

City-based Memsahab Exports, engaged in the business of manufacturing, sale and export of readymade garments, had booked consignments with the courier company at Delhi in 1997 for delivery to Falcon Readymade Garments Factory at Sharjah in UAE.

The Falcon Readymade Garments Factory, however, cancelled the order, making the export house to request the courier company to deliver the goods to another firm Golden Needle Enterprises at Ajman in UAE.

In its complaint before the Commission, the export house said the consignment worth 27,966 US Dollar was auctioned by the airport authorities at Dubai as the courier company did not tell it about the consignment lying unclaimed at airport.

The courier company, on the other hand, claimed, it had already informed the consignee about the arrival of the goods.

"The contention of courier company that its obligation was to give notice to the consignee on the arrival of the goods does not mean it is not obliged to inform the consignor about the fate of the consignment," the Commission said.

It, however, held the courier company’s liability as limited after noting that there was no contract between the parties for indemnification of the consignment. (PTI)

Rly helpline flooded with complaints

NEW DELHI, May 2: Complaints like uncleaned toilets, unauthorised entry into coaches and late running of trains have flooded the public grievance helpline launched by the Northern Railway (NR).

NR has started a 24-hour toll-free helpline (1800112511) service, first of its kind, to address the grievances of the commuters yesterday.

"Calls are coming from far flung areas like Ambala, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jammu and Amritsar since yesterday," said a senior railway official involved in the helpline service.

People facing problems in getting refund of tickets booked through e-ticketing have called up to lodge complaints. Some have called up to register theft cases while many have complained about absence of railway staff in trains.

However, majority of callers complained about late running of trains, uncleaned coaches and toilets, unauthorised entry of passengers in trains and also about bad quality of food being served in trains.

General Manager of Northern Railway Sri Prakash said though there was an existing public grievance system, the purpose behind launching the 24-hour helpline service was to address the grievances of travelling commuters in a faster way.

The function of the helpline is just not to receive the complaints but also to address it as soon as possible, he said.

NR has set up a separate cell with seven lines and deployed personnel to receive the calls round the clock.

Northern Railway contributes 24 per cent of total passenger revenue of Indian Railways.

While commuters are calling up to lodge complaint against Train Ticket Examiners (TTE), some are also making calls to know more about the helpline and its grievance redressal mechanism.

"We will soon launch an awareness campaign to popularise the helpline among commuters so that more complainants come forward," a senior official said.

After receiving the calls, complaints are being processed and forwarded to concerned officials immediately for necessary action.

"We will review the functioning of the helpline after a week to ensure the functioning of the redressal system effectively," he said.

Recently, Northern Railway has provided hand held terminals (HHT) to 28 TTEs in Amritsar Shatabdi, Ajmer Shatabdi and Dehradun Shatabdi for providing reservations to passengers in trains. (PTI)

After TV, reality radio shows seek singing talents: Sonu

NEW DELHI, May 2: After playing the judge on TV reality shows, playback singer, Sonu Nigam says that it is the turn of radio stations to bring out new singing talents through their music reality shows.

"Radio channels are coming up with many talent hunt shows. Participants shared stage with me in Big FM’s "Sing with Sonu" contest. Similarly, in Fever 104 FM’s "Sing with AR Rahman" contest winners got the chance to performed live with Rahman sahab," says Sonu.

The singer has judged popular music talent hunt ‘Indian Idol’ on small screen besides hosting his own radio show ‘Life Ki Dhun With Sonu Nigam’ on Radiocity 91 FM, where he had interviewed famous music personalities including legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.

Sonu, however, says finding talented singers is not easy, "It is appreciative that various radio stations are discovering promising talents but I think they must understand that the effort requires great responsibility from their side," he says.

The singer is currently cashing in on the success of his latest music album ‘Classically Mild’, which has classical songs of different genres that targets different age groups.

"It’s not a typically classical music album. Every listener will love it as I have taken care of each and every aspect. The album is very personal and very close to my heart and provides me inner satisfaction," says Sonu.

Famous for his unique style of playback singing, Sonu says he likes to experiment with his voice, "I have sung classical songs in films like ‘Baabul’, ‘Dev’ and ‘Dharam’. At this stage of my career, I can experiment with myself and can do something of my choice," he says.

He has won many awards for his playback singing, the latest being the Annual Central European Bollywood Awards for Best Male Playback Singer for ‘Mein Agar Kahoon’ from ‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007) and Bollywood Music and Fashion Awards, Best Male Playback Singer for ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ song in 2006.

The singer is known for his beautifully blending his voice with emotions and making them memorable with effortless singing. Songs like ‘Main Agar Kahoon’ (Om Shanti Om), ‘In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein’ (Jodhaa Akbar) and ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ are immensely popular.

After having sung in Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi lanugages he has generated a sizeble fan following for himself.

However, Sonu does not believe in restricting himself to singing alone and has tried his hand in acting as well. He has performed in films like ‘Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani’ with Sunny Deol, Manisha Koirala and Akshay Kumar, ‘Kash Aap Hamare Hote’ with Juhi Babbar. Sonu’s last film was ‘Love in Nepal’ with Flora Saini and Sweta Keswani.

Although the singer has not taken up any new project there are unconcirmed reports that he is seriously considering playing a lead role in ‘Ankhon Ankhon Mein’, which is supposedly about a blind singer.

Sonu, however, says he does not have much time to think about acting in some more films as he is already very busy with his private albums and singing career.

"It’s tough to decide between singing and acting at the same time. Though, I am regularly getting offers for acting but I have not decided on anything right now given my tight schedule," he says.

He adds that singing would always be his first love. "I love both, but singing is first as it is from where I started my innings. I think both have their own place and both are my choices. They are part of my success." (PTI)

20 Indian firms among world’s top
100 in outsourcing: Report

NEW DELHI, May 2: Reflecting strong industrial growth, 20 Indian firms, including Infosys and TCS are among top 100 outsourcing companies in the world.

The latest ‘2008 Global Outsourcing 100’, compiled by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) that features at least 20 Indian firms has five of them-Infosys (third rank), TCS (sixth), Wipro (seventh), Genpact (ninth) and Tech Mahindra (tenth) in the top 10.

All the five are leading software service providers.

"Half of the top 10 companies are from India, reflecting a strong growth in the outsourcing industry. Infosys Technologies was number three on the Leaders List, representing firms with annual sales of 60 million dollars or more," IAOP said in a statement.

Accenture has cornered the top slot and IBM is on the second spot. Companies on the list averaged 1.7 billion dollars in annual sales and engaged about 27,000 employees across the world.

Other Indian companies in the list are HCL Technology (11th rank) Mastek (16), WNS Global Services (19), Hexaware (22), ExlService (26), 24/7 Customer (28), Cambridge (36), ITC Infotech (40), KPIT Cummins (42), Patni (46), Zensar (53), MindTree (54), Mphasis (56), Aditya Birla Minacs (62), FirstSource Solutions (73) and VCustomer (84).

According to IAOP, the key strength of Wipro and TCS is their ‘employee management’ while ‘executive leadership’ is cited as the strong point of Infosys and Genpact.

On the other hand, ‘outsourcing experience’ is attributed as the main strength of Tech Mahindra and HCL Technologies.

The power balance in the outsourcing industry is shifting... Global competition in outsourcing is intensifying and that was reflected in this years ranking with companies from 19 countries vying for recognition, IAOP’s Managing Director, thought leadership and who head the judges panel, Jagdish Dalal said.

In last year’s list, there were five Indian firms in the top 10 -- Wipro, Infosys, Genpact, Tech Mahindra and Cambridge.

Among this year’s top five Indian entities, Infosys, TCS and HCL have improved their positions, while Wipro and Genpact have slipped in their rankings.

In 2007, Infosys was ranked seventh, TCS 26th and HCL 15th whereas Wipro and Genpact were placed at sixth and eighth place respectively.

Sodexo (fourth rank), Capgemini (fifth), Hewlett-Packard (eighth), CSC (23), CB Richard Ellis (29) and ADP (50) are among the other prominent names in the list.

Companies were ranked on quality following a rigorously judged application process that examined 18 criteria. The ranking is done by a panel judges on performances in the field of demonstrated competencies, size and growth, management capabilities and customer references, the statement added. (PTI)

Par panel expresses ‘dismay’ over
not launching 12 health prog

NEW DELHI, May 2: Even as the Centre is busy announcing new health schemes, a Parliamentary Committee has expressed "dismay" over the Government not launching around 12 health programmes scheduled to take off in 2007-08.

Every year, the Health Ministry announces new schemes, and programmes, many of which are without finalising the modalities and proper ground work, thereby resulting in under or no utilisation of funds, the Parliamentary Committee on Health, headed by senior Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, said in its report.

Some of the programmes, scheduled to take off in 2007-08, which have not been launched are the Pilot Project on Prevention and Control of Human Rabies, Medical Rehabilitation, National Organ Transplant Programme and the Oral Health programme.

The Committee recommends to the department to enhance its efforts to complete all necessary formalities and launch the programmes at the earliest so that funds do no get blocked in such schemes.

It also found fault with the fact that the department had taken large scale construction work under PMSSY or giving grants to states for upgradation of redevelopment plans.

It asked the Government to take care of the eco-friendly part of the whole exercise.

Taking note of the acute shortage of dialysis machines, it asked the authorities to work out modalities for establishing specialised kidney centres immediately and in the meantime approach the Planning Commission for funds with a proposal to improve dialysis facility in the country. (PTI)