Dish TV announces Basic Channel Tier free of cost to all customers in the First phase of digitization

New Delhi, 10th October 2012: Dish TV, India and Asia’s largest DTH service provider today announced a game changing initiative aimed at viewers in the 4 metros which fall under the digitization. Under the offer these customers will be eligible to receive a basic channel tier comprising of 70 channels free of cost for life, as against this, TRAI had recommended and all cable MSO’s are providing the basic tier at Rs 100/- per month to their subscribers. Viewers availing this offer will have to remain active by subscribing to a regular package at least twice during a year this is a highly differentiated and extremely consumer friendly move. Consumers in the four Metros are apprehensive about moving to the digital environment where TV signals will get disconnected on depletion of account balance.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. R.C. Venkateish, Chief Executive Officer, Dish TV said, “This is a never before kind of unique facility for all those valued subscribers who will choose our services during digitization. This is a highly differentiated and extremely consumer friendly move. Consumers in the four metros are apprehensive about this sudden switch off of their highly valued TV viewing. This will translate into huge competitive advantage for Dish TV as none of the other competitors both from cable as well as DTH offer this facility, moreover as stated above Cable operators have already announced a Rs 100 monthly charge for Basic tier, which will be provided free of cost by Dish TV”.

Adding further Mr. Salil Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer, Dish TV, said “TV viewing is ubiquitous and most affordable means of entertainment in this country.  For the subscribers ‘switch off’ of the services or their TV going blank suddenly cuts of their information and entertainment lifeline.  Dish TV is now ensuring that this lifeline never gets cuts of for their valued subscribers. Our endeavor of never ending commitment to our consumers to provide highly differentiated competitive advantage over cable and other DTH making us the platform of choice.

Dish TV has provided various innovative products and offerings for DTH excellence experience for its consumers and keeps evolving new offers and services. It has tied up with various government bodies to provide easy recharge options to the consumer which is again first in the industry. Dish TV’s ‘Go Digital’ with Lifetime free TV will enable consumers to digitize with the Dish TV DTH experience of best technology and content and empowering consumers to minimise the fear of approaching digitization.

About DishTV India

www.dishtv.in 

DishTV is India’s largest direct-to-home company and part of the biggest media conglomerate – Zee Group. DishTV has on its platform 400+ channels and services including 21 audio channels with 13.5 million subscribers, which is growing. The company has a vast distribution network of about 1400 distributors and 55,000 dealers that spans around 6600 towns across the country. DishTV has 24*7 call centres with 1600 seats in 11 different languages to take care of subscriber requirements at any point of time.

For further information contact:

Tahseen Fatima

E-mail: Fatima_t@dishtv.in

Assistant Vice President - Corporate Communication - Dish TV India Ltd.

Steady Nalini takes two-shot lead in Hero-Classic Golf Resort Women’s golf

Gurgaon, October 10: Nalini Singh Siwach maintained her steady form with a fine even-par round of 72 to take a two-shot lead at the end of the first round of the Hero-Classic Golf Resort Women’s Pro Golf, the eighth leg of the Indian women’s domestic Tour. She was two shots clear of Saaniya Sharma, who is still looking for her first win this season.

Smriti Mehra, winner of three titles this year, paid for her triple bogey eight on the par-5 third hole to finish at 75 and three behind the leader. She was tied for third with Vani Kapoor.

Nalini, who has already won once on the Hero-WGAI Tour, had three birdies and three bogeys. She bogeyed the seventh but got that back on the very next hole to turn in even par. On the back nine, a birdie on par-3 11^th got her under par, before she gave away bogeys on 13^th and 15^th, but a closing birdie on 18^th saw her finish at even par.

Saaniya Sharma, who has time and again given away the advantage, had one birdie against three bogeys in her two-over 74.

Vani Kapoor, winner last week at Delhi Golf Club, birdied the third, but then had back-to-back bogeys on fifth and sixth and then again on 15th and 16^th. The rest were pars in her 75.

Neha Tripathi with one birdie, four bogeys and one double bogey carded 77 and was fifth, while Meghna Bal, Nikki Ponappa and Rani Sonti were sixth at 78.

On the Money List Smriti has won Rs. 7,67,750 this year, while Nalini has Rs. 6,98,000. Vani is just behind with Rs. 6,72,250 in third place.

This season Smriti has won three times, while Vani has won once. Sharmila and Nalini have won once each.

Tee times for Second round

8:30 AM: Seema Sobti (85) / Pallavi Jain (83)

8:40 AM: Preetinder Kaur (80)/Shraddhanjali Singh (80)/Ankita Tiwana (80)

8:50 AM: Priya Puri (79) / Rani Sonti (78) / Nikki Ponappa (78)

9:00 AM: Meghna (78) / Neha Tripathi(77) / Vani Kapoor (75)

9:10 AM: Smriti Mehra (75) / Saaniya Sharma(74) / Nalini S. Siwach(72)

To get more info on Hero Women's Professional Golf Tour please visit us on our websitewww.wgai.co.in and join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or contact Abhoy Chattopadhyay / Deependra Chetri on +91 98113 25251 / +91 98111 82106.

--

100th Indian Science Congress to be steered by Hon’ble Prime Minister as its General President








· To be held in Kolkata, the city to host 1st edition of ISC



· To focus on “Science for Shaping the Future of India”



· To witness participation from Nobel laureates & eminent scientists across the world







New Delhi, October 09, 2012: The centenary session of the Indian Science Congress (ISC), the largest national science event with thousands of delegates participating, exploring, understanding, analyzing and interacting on matters of science, was announced by Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology today. The highly prestigious Indian Science Congress (ISC) is scheduled to be organized from 03 – 07 January 2013 in Kolkata, West Bengal. This was announced at an august gathering of scientists from all over India to discuss the forthcoming event.







The event is likely to be attended by around 10,000 participants including Nobel laureates and several eminent scientists from India and abroad, besides lakhs of students and general public.







The focal theme of the centenary session of Indian Science Congress would be “Science for shaping the future of India”. Emphasis will be on how science should emerge as a building block for the future of India. The manner in which the new Science, Technology and Innovation policy 2013 could be implemented would form the central theme of the annual session. A road map for investing science into the development process of India is the main topic for discussion. Various economic sectors like agriculture, housing, energy, environment, health care, water, home land security, communication etc may require new scientific knowledge for shaping their future. The centenary session is expected to serve as a platform for creating coalition among all stake holders of science and society to pave a new path of progress for the country in the emerging global knowledge economy.. Special emphasis will be laid on bridging the divide in our society using Science and Technology to achieve inclusive development – be it economic, geographical or gender based biases.







Announcing this significant event, Dr. T. Ramasami, Secy, Department of Science & Technology said, “It has been well realized that Science, Technology and Innovation are the three pillars from which future societies could not only benefit but also rely for solving social challenges. Thus the focal theme of the centennial session of ISC has been chosen as “Science for Shaping the Future of India”. The magnificence and glory of this celebrated edition of ISC would be fully reflected in the activities associated with the summit.”







Mr. Ravi Boratkar, MD MM Activ Sci – Tech Communications Pvt. Ltd., “Over the years ISC has emerged as a milestone event to promote the cause of science in India. The centenary session of ISC will showcase cutting-edge technologies, leading scientific products and services, path breaking R&D initiatives and achievements of India’s foremost and leading public and private sector organizations, government departments, research labs, educational institutions and defense services.”







The five day event will comprise Technical Sessions, Plenary Sessions, Vision Talks, Panel Discussions, Vigyan Sancharak Sammelan, Public Lectures, Pride of India Expo, Children Science Congress, Women Science Congress, Genesis- Symposium, Cultural Programme, Valedictory Function and Vigyan Jyot.







PoI Expo is spread over an area of 10,000 sqm with dedicated pavilions like Union Ministries, R&D, States of India, PSUs, Corporate/Industry, Countries/International, Edu Vision, Defence, SMEs/BFSI/Tourism etc. and special pavilion - Hall of Pride. Hall of Pride” (HoP), a dedicated section designed to raise a toast to the life and works of a prominent scientist and a philanthropist; Theme pavilion “Edu Vision” brings various educational institutions under one roof & other stake holders in education sector.







Concurrent to the centenary session of ISC, Genesis, a one day symposium will also be organized. The theme will be “India's R&D Vision, Innovation and the Opportunities for Industry growth”. Genesis has emerged as an important forum where best of minds from Industry, Scientific Fraternity, Policy Makers and Academia come together on a common platform and delve on the issues related to science and technology of national importance. On the occasion of 100th ISC Genesis Symposium will go one step further and would be Research Industry Collaboration Hub – RICH with the help of web base partnering tool – Interlinx.







Another attraction of Science Congress will be Vigyan Jyot (Flame of Knowledge), will travel from Delhi to Kolkata by road spreading importance of science amongst youth en-route encouraging them to take pure science as career and remains lit at the PoI Expo site throughout the event.

India Tablet Market sales (unit shipments) touch 0.55 million units in 2Q 2012 recording a QoQ increase of 59% and YoY increase of 673%




Increase in shipments mainly due to entry of new tablet vendors and introduction of offerings from existing vendors at low to medium price points



Micromax emerges leader, followed by Samsung and Apple



New Delhi, October 8, 2012: The overall India Tablet market recorded sales of 0.55 million units in 2Q 2012 (Quarter ended June 30, 2012). This was reported in the India Quarterly Media Tablet Market Review for 2Q 2012 released today by CyberMedia Research, the premier IT, Telecoms, Semiconductor & Electronics, Government, Entrepreneurship, Energy, Healthcare and User research firm.



In the overall India tablets market, Micromax leads with 18.4% share, followed by Samsung at second position with 13.3% and Apple at third position with 12.3%, in terms of sales (unit shipments) during the 2Q 2012.



Table 1. India Quarterly Media Tablets Market Review for 2Q 2012*



Vendors

%Share



Micromax

18.4



Samsung

13.3



Apple

12.3





*Source: CyberMedia Research (CMR) India Quarterly Media Tablets Market Review, 2Q 2012, September 2012



Though the India Tablets market is still at a nascent stage but at the same time has become competitive due to entry of new vendors with entry level offerings. Close to 90 vendors launched their tablets till 2Q 2012.The ASV of the tablets in 2Q 2012 has dropped to little above INR 13,000 from INR 26,000 in 1Q 2012, as a majority of vendors in early 2012 launched their products in the INR 5,000-10,000 price range.



Trends: According to Faisal Kawoosa, Lead Analyst, CMR Telecoms Practice, "During 2Q 2012, 47.4% of tablet sales were from new entrants in the market with a strong focus on addressing application areas in the Education and Entertainment segments. This trend demonstrates clearly that vendors are positioning their devices at India's youth."



Some of the key trends in terms of specifications of media tablets in India noted in 2Q 2012 are in the table below.



Table 2. India Quarterly Media Tablets Market Review for 2Q 2012*: Trending



Feature

Trending

% Share



Connectivity

Wi-Fi

69.6



Display

7”

79.7



OS

Android

87.5



Processor Speed

1 Ghz

45.9



RAM

512 MB

59.7



Call Feature

No

83.5





*Source: CyberMedia Research (CMR) India Quarterly Media Tablets Market Review, 2Q 2012, September 2012.



"As Android devices become increasingly popular with users across the world, competition is increasing in the India Tablets market with more and more vendors launching devices based on the Android OS. The share of devices based on other operating systems like Windows, iOS and QNX are expected to rise in future in view of the recent announcement of the Microsoft Windows Surface Tablet, the global launch of the Apple iPad 3 and reduction in BlackBerry Playbook prices",Faisal further added.



"Going forward we see vendors launching segments specific segments such as Healthcare, Retail and e-Governance. In terms of tablet use cases, the popular categories are Internet browsing, Email, Entertainment, Gaming, Social Networking, Information (Cricket, Flights etc). Clearly, the Indian user is also taking to the Tablet as a content consumption device", added Tarun Pathak, Analyst, CMR Telecoms Practice.



Notes for Editors



1) CyberMedia Research (CMR) uses the term “shipments” to describe the number of Tablets leaving the factory premises for OEM sales or stocking by distributors and retailers. For the convenience of media, the term shipments has been replaced by 'sales' in the press release, but this reflects the market size in terms of units of tablets and not their absolute value. In the case of tablets imported into the country it represents the number leaving the first warehouse to OEMs, distributors and retailers. CMR does not track the number of tablets brought on their person by individual passengers landing on Indian soil from overseas destinations or ‘grey market’ tablets. CMR also does not include one-off, large institutional / government deals. These are, therefore, not part of the CMR numbers reported here.



2) CMR tracks shipments of Tablets on a quarterly basis. However, as per convention, the market size may be reported on a calendar quarter basis where appropriate to the context; in all such cases this refers to an aggregated number for the three calendar months in the quarter to which the press release refers.



– ENDS –



About CyberMedia Research



A part of CyberMedia, South Asia’s largest specialty publisher, CyberMedia Research (CMR) has been a front runner in market research, consulting and advisory services since 1986.



CMR offers research and consulting services – insights, market intelligence, market sizing, ecosystem mapping and go-to-market services – covering the Information Technology, ITeS, Semiconductor & Electronics, Telecommunications, Government, SMB & Entrepreneurship, Smart Infrastructure, Energy andHealthcare & Life Sciences verticals.



Cyber Media Research Ltd., an ISO 9001: 2008 company, is a member of the Market Research Society of India (www.mrsi.in) and enrolled with ESOMAR (www.esomar.org).



CMR’s forthcoming studies include stakeholder satisfaction surveys, mega spender assessments and market mapping studies for these domains.



For more details, please visit http://www.cybermediaresearch.co.in orhttp://www.cmrindia.com.

France’s Mayotte, 3 dead, 13 missing after shipwreck off

October 8, 2012

MAMOUDZOU: Three people were dead and 13 missing Monday after a ship carrying illegal immigrants capsized in the Indian Ocean off the French overseas territory of Mayotte, the local prefect’s office said. Eight others survived the accident on the ship, which had departed from the Comoran island of Anjouan, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Mayotte.

Naresh, are you with me?Thanks, Barack

Naresh --

My first run for office started way back in 1995. Back then I knocked on doors, stood in front of grocery stores shaking hands, and printed my own flyers at the local copy shop.

I haven't won everything I've taken on since then, but I've learned a heck of a lot from the challenges I've faced -- and I've never regretted a single fight.

This time, losing just isn't an option. Too much is at stake. Millions of Americans have fought too long and too hard for health care reform, the opportunity for their kids to go to college, and for a steady job with a good wage. But a Romney-Ryan White House would roll back so much of our progress.

Just remember, these are the guys that talk about repealing the Affordable Care Act on their first day in office, taking away a woman's right to make her own health decisions, turning Medicare into a voucher system -- and giving huge tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires at the expense of middle-class families.

I am going to do everything in my power to make sure they don't get the chance -- but I can't do this alone. If you're waiting for the perfect time to step up and do your part to support this campaign, that's right now. Please take the next step and donate to this campaign.

What you give right now will decide whether we can get enough voters to the polls on November 6th.

So, are you with me?

https://donate.barackobama.com/30-Days

Or, if you can't chip in today, sign up to volunteer -- head on over to Dashboard and get to work in our online field office:

http://my.barackobama.com/Head-to-Dashboard

Thanks,

Barack

P.S. -- When we wake up exactly one month from today, we'll know the outcome of this election. Don't spend that day -- and the next four years -- wishing you had done more. Donate $5 or more today to have an impact in the time we have left.

MAHINDRA FELICITATES OLYMPIC MEDAL WINNING BOXER MC MARY KOM

BY SAGARMEDIA

October 5, 2012
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today felicitated London 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner, MC Mary Kom, with its best-selling Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), the ‘Bolero’. The company stated that the felicitation symbolizes the association of two strong entities both with the spirit of ‘Taking on Anything’ – ‘MC Mary Kom’ and ‘Mahindra Bolero’. Built to take on anything from bad roads to bad weather, the tough and rugged Bolero is a perfect match with Mary Kom’s ability to boldly take on competition in the boxing ring.
The company said that Bolero is an ideal vehicle for India’s champion boxer, who, with her explosive performance at the recently concluded London 2012 Olympics, personified the Bolero attitude of ‘taking on any challenge’. In fact, Mary Kom is the epitome of Mahindra’s RISE philosophy by storming an otherwise male-dominated bastion by ‘Accepting No Limits’. She is also ‘Driving Positive Change’ – another element of Mahindra’s RISE ethos by altering society’s perception of what a courageous, confident and determined woman can achieve.
Presenting the keys to the Olympic medal winner and 5 times world boxing champion, Mr. Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said “We are proud to be associated with MC Mary Kom. She has become a role model for the youth in India who wants to excel not just in sports but in any arena. Fighting all the odds to come out on top, she clearly symbolizes the ‘take on anything’ spirit of the Bolero SUV. With its rugged looks and plush interiors, the all-conquering Mahindra Bolero is the ideal choice for Mary Kom to make a personalized style statement.”
While receiving the keys to the vehicle, MC Mary Kom said, “I am very pleased to own the Bolero and I thank Mahindra & Mahindra for this very special gesture. With its rugged looks and power-packed performance, the Bolero is indeed a great compliment to my personality and I am looking forward to owning and driving this stylish SUV.” Despite being an Olympic medal winner and 5 time world boxing champion, the holder of 3 Asian titles and 11 national titles, an Arjuna Award winner, a Padma Shri Award winner, a Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee, Mary also fulfills her roles as a mother, wife and daughter, with complete élan.

Invitation for a meeting about India's policy on West Asia.

From: mahalingam marimuthu  Fri, 5 Oct '12 4:59p

To: You

Show full Headers

Dear 

Naresh

West Asia with all its complications is very much in the news, with Syria in complete upheaval. Former foreign secretary Shyam Saran has very graciously agreed to speak to a few friends at the Centre for Policy Analysis office on Wednesday, October 10 at 3pm on India's policy on West Asia.

The meeting, as per our rules, will remain strictly off the record. We hope you will find the time to attend the interactive meeting.

A line in confirmation will be greatly appreciated as we have limited space.

Thanks a lot, and hope to see you,

Regards,

Seema Mustafa

--

Dr.Mahalingam M

Research Fellow

Centre for Policy Analysis

N 24 A, First Floor,

Green Park Extension,

New Delhi - 110016

Ph:- 011-26176992

SHANKAR LODGE DTF International Theosophical Society

DELHI THEOSOPHICAL FEDERATION

24, EAST PATEL NAGAR, NEW DELHI-110008

           Dear Sister / Brother,

                                   You are cordially invited to attend the following program with family and friends:-

                           SHANKAR  LODGE :  24, EAST PATEL NAGAR, NEW DELHI-08 : EVERY SATURDAY AT 5:00 P.M.

                  

DATE		SUBJECT / TOPIC		SPEAKER
06-10-12		GOD		BRO. SATISH VARMA
13-10-12		EXTRA SENSORY PERCEPTION (ESP)		BRO. SAURAB RANJAN
20-10-12		HOW NIGHT HELPS US IN THEOSOPHIC LIFE		BRO. M.L. KHATRI
27-10-12		HUMAN REGENERATION		SIS. LALITA MILWANI
03-11-12		CONSTITUTION OF MAN		BRO. R.N.SHUKLA
10-11-12		LIGHT ON THE PATH		BRO. RAMHARI VERMA
17-11-12		IS KARMA JUST AND MERCIFUL ?		BRO. HARBANS SINGH
24-11-12		COMPASSION		SYMPOSIUM

India and Netherlands Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation On the invitation of Ms Edith Schippers, Minister of Health, Sports and Welfare, Government of Netherlands, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare visited Netherlands on 3rd and 4th October, 2012.

During his two day visit, Shri Azad attended the Ministerial Meeting on the Responsible Use of Medicines and Anti-Microbial Resistance at Amsterdam on 3rd October and held a bilateral meeting with Ms Schippers at The Hague on 4th October.

Addressing the Ministerial Conference on 3rd October, Shri Azad said responsible and rational use of medicines is an important part of the national health policy in India. He said that due to high out of pocket expenditure on health, of which a larger part is on medicines, it is vitally important that drugs are prescribed rationally. He highlighted the need to look at adherence to Standard Treatment Guidelines, curbing unethical promotion of medicines by the drug manufacturers, better regulatory control over prescriptions and dispensing of medicines and to make the consumer aware the hazards of self medication. He said several steps have been taken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare towards universalization of health care in its endeavour to make health care services accessible, affordable and equitable, such as Free Maternal Health Services, Free Child Health Services, Free Immunization, Adolescent Health Services, Family Planning Services, NCDS and JSSK.

Shri Azad said the Government of India proposes to further expand the Initiative for Universal Health Coverage by taking up Free Supply of Essential Medicines in Public Health Facilities in the country. This step, he said, is aimed at providing affordable health care to the people by reducing out of pocket expenses on medicines. Besides, Universal Health Coverage will also promote rational use of medicines and reduce the consumption of inessential medicines.

During the discussions on the issue of anti-microbial resistance, Shri Azad pointed out that this is an area of serious concern the world over. He stated that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has developed the National Policy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance to tackle the issue of antimicrobial resistance and promote rational and responsible use of antibiotics in India. He highlighted certain salient features of the the National Policy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance India, such as curbing antibiotic use in animals, conducting infection surveillance in hospitals, improving hospital surveillance for monitoring antibiotic resistance, promoting rational drug use through education, monitoring, and supervision, developing and implementing a standard and more restrictive antibiotic policy, educating health professionals in good prescribing practices and using prescription guidelines, promoting improvements in personal and hospital hygiene and hospital infection control programmes, establishing a multidisciplinary national body to coordinate policies on antibiotic use and monitor their impact, promoting systems of supervision, prescription audit and feedback in institutional settings to ensure rational use of antibiotics.

Following the Ministerial Meeting on 3rd October, a bilateral meeting was held between Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ms Edith Schippers on 4th October, 2012 in the Ministry of Health, Sports and \Welfare at The Hague, Netherlands. During the bilateral meeting several matters of mutual interest and benefit were discussed.

Shri Azad and Ms Schippers agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation through signing of a broad based MoU between the two governments in the field of health & medicine for mutual benefit as well as a sectoral MoU between the respective food regulatory authorities to formalize cooperation in the important area of food safety

Press Invite:




On October 2nd, Arvind Kejriwal had announced that we would reveal details of corruption of two big powerful politicians on Oct 6th. There is a slight change in this program. We would be revealing details of one of the persons tomorrow (Oct 5th) and the second on October 10th.



The details of the press invitation are as under:



Date: Tomorrow (October 5th)

Time : 5.00 pm

Venue: Deputy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club, Rafi Marg

Enjoy the atmosphere of a Czech Christmas

Enjoy the atmosphere of a Czech Christmas

Prague, September 2012 Visit the Czech Republic at Christmas and enjoy the unique atmosphere of advent. Try some hot wine or mead while observing the craftsmen at work demonstrating their traditional crafts and trades. There is so much more to see outside the Czech capital with Christmas markets taking place in many smaller Czech towns or in the courtyards of numerous castles all over the country. You can see nativity scenes and live performances. Christmas concerts at cathedrals or in one of the country’s beautiful concert halls are an unforgettable experience.

Many Christmas markets take place in the Czech Republic during advent. Some of them start at the end of November and carry on until the beginning of January. The Czechs celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, i.e. December 24. The festive meal is served that day and consists of fish soup then fried carp accompanied by traditional potato salad. Christmas carp is one of the symbols of the Czech Christmas. That is why you can spot large tubs full of fish in the streets of many Czech towns during advent.

After the festive meal the whole family turns to the decorated Christmas tree where there are presents left behind by Baby Jesus in the Czech Christmas tradition. At midnight many churches put on a special midnight mass. Delicious Christmas cookies are an important part of the Czech Christmas. Among the favourites are vanilla rolls, vanocka – Christmas buns with almonds, butter cookies with jam or beautifully decorated gingerbread.

If you happen to visit Prague during advent, make sure you take a walk through the Old Town Square where the largest Christmas market takes place. There is also a market in Wenceslas Square where you can enjoy your shopping from November 27, 2012 until January 5, 2013. Live performances take place on the main stage and the children´s choirs singing Christmas carols are particularly memorable. Make sure you taste hot mead, an alcoholic drink made of honey. The stalls which sell mead usually also offer a great range of bee products including honey and wax candles. If you are looking for a gift for younger relatives, the traditional Czech wooden toys on sale will delight them.

For shopping sprees go to the Palladium Shopping Mall at Namesti Republiky. The Christmas market held here has also plenty to offer. Warm up with a glass of hot wine, enjoy “trdelnik” – a special sweet pastry made of rising dough and covered in sugar and almonds. Don´t forget to take a proper look at the art-nouveau Municipal House (Obecni dum) and if you fancy a little exercise climb the Powder Tower (Prasna brana) to enjoy a wonderful view of Prague at Christmas.

Enjoy Christmas Concerts

Your Christmas itinerary should include at least one classical music concert. The ornate halls of the Rudolfinum Concert Hall or the Municipal House create the perfect Christmas atmosphere. Classical music will also be heard in many of the churches in Prague city centre including the St Simon´s and Jude´s Church (Kostel sv. Simona a Judy) or St Nicholas’ Church (Kostel sv. Mikulase) in Old Town Square.

Prague is unforgettable when covered in snow. If you take the steps leading from the Charles Bridge to Kampa, you will discover romantic corners lit by beautiful old fashioned street lamps. Inside the churches you will be able to admire various nativity scenes. The nativity scenes are constructed to the smallest detail and will fascinate children and adults alike.

Experience a Czech Christmas outside of Prague

You will be able to experience a traditional Czech Christmas at Zelny Market in Brno as well. The local Christmas celebrations will be inspired by Josef Lada´s paintings which have always been one of the symbols of the Czech Christmas. There will be an entertaining programme for adults and children and the market stalls will offer a range of attractive products. The Christmas market will be open from November 26 until December 23, 2012.

Cesky Krumlov is known as a fairy tale town throughout the year. But it is during advent that it becomes even more special. The local Christmas market which is held every weekend from Friday to Sunday starts on November 30 and runs until January 6. Among the highlights of the programme for children are the living nativity scene, St Nicholas or Christmas with the castle bears.  

The Krivoklat Castle also offers an interesting programme on the weekends of December 8, and 9 and 15 and 16. You will see dance and theatre performances at the traditional Christmas market and you will be able to buy gifts and souvenirs. To keep the chill away there will be plenty of hot mead and wine available. The children can enjoy a steam train ride which runs to Krivoklat from Prague and Plzen.

For more information please contact:

Jitka Šnobrová

Press Department Manager

ČCCR - CzechTourism

tel.: +420 221 580 485

e-mail: snobrova@czechtourism.cz

Godrej Properties launches Godrej Gold County in Bengaluru

October 4, 2012

The Mumbai-based real estate developer launches a luxury villa project at Tumkur Road, Bengaluru.
Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL) (BSE scrip id: GODREJPRP), the real estate development arm of the Godrej Group, today announced the launch of its residential villa project, Godrej Gold County, at Tumkur Road, Bengaluru. Spread over approximately 12 acres, this project will comprise of 87 villas built over a total saleable area of 2.8 lac sq. ft. Customers can choose from 4 types of contemporarily designed villas ranging in size from 3,303 sq. ft. to 4,113 sq. ft., at prices starting from Rs. 2 crores.
The Tumkur Road location offers excellent connectivity with its close proximity to Nelamangala-Bangalore Expressway. Furthermore, Hesaraghatta Cross metro station is located near the project and will offer excellent connectivity to all parts of the city.
The project offers a variety of amenities including a modern clubhouse, a well-equipped gymnasium, a swimming pool, a health club and a cafeteria. Sports facilities include a tennis court, an indoor squash court, a table tennis and snooker room. A meeting room and a party hall are also provided in the project. Most importantly, almost 1.5 acres of the project will be dedicated to a well manicured central park, which will greatly enhance the quality of life at Godrej Gold County.
Godrej Gold County is designed on the principles of sustainability. The project will use eco-friendly materials and will integrate environment-sensitive passive architectural solutions to minimize the carbon emission associated with the development. Features like an electric car charging facility with every villa, rainwater harvesting, solar heating, low VOC paints, large glazed windows for natural light and enhanced ventilation and water efficient fixtures will be incorporated in the project design.
As is the case for almost all Godrej Properties’ projects, Godrej Gold County is a joint development project, which Godrej Properties is developing in partnership with Fardeen Khan and Laila Khan.
Mr. Pirojsha Godrej, Managing Director & CEO, Godrej Properties said, “We are very happy to launch Godrej Gold County in Bengaluru. The project will offer a world class lifestyle to its residents and will adhere to the highest standards of quality in all aspects. This is our fourth project in Bengaluru, which is a very important market for Godrej Properties.”
About Godrej Properties Ltd.:
Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) brings the Godrej Group philosophy of innovation and excellence to the real estate industry. GPL has completed several landmark projects and is currently developing significant projects in 12 cities across India. Throughout its operations, GPL aims to deliver superior value to all stakeholders through extraordinary and imaginative spaces created out of deep customer focus and insight.
GPL is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and The National Stock Exchange (NSE).
GPL has received several recognitions for its processes and performance which include receiving the ‘Best Emerging National Developer’ award at the Zee Business – RICS Real Estate Awards 2011. GPL has also featured as the #1 ranked real estate developer for four consecutive years in ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ survey conducted by ‘The Economic Times’ and ‘The Great Place To Work Institute’. GPL has been ranked #2 amongst the Top 50 companies having up to 1000 employees and has been ranked #14 in the overall list in the 2012 survey. GPL has been featured for six consecutive years as one of “India’s Top 10 Builders” by Construction World magazine.

Smriti takes 2-shot lead, set for fourth win on Hero-WGAI Women’s Tour

October 4, 2012

New Delhi, October 4: Smriti Mehra will carry a two-shot lead into the third and final round of the seventh leg of the Hero-WGAI Women’s Pro Tour. Smriti was one of the two players to come back with a sub-par round as she registered one-under 71 and set up things for a fourth win this season.
Also coming in with a round of 71 was Nalini Singh Siwach, who has superb two-under back nine. Smriti leads the field with a 36-hole total of 146, while Nalini is at 148 at the Delhi Golf Club course.
Vani Kapoor, who had a great birdie-birdie start, lost her momentum on the back nine, where she gave away back-to-back bogeys on 15th and 16th and ended with a 74 that gave her the third place after two rounds with a total of 150.
Smriti had birdie to start and close the round and one in between on the 14th, but she also dropped bogeys on fifth and 11th. She has already won three titles this season.
Nalini was the most consistent player with just one bogey on par-3 seventh and had two birdies, on the 13th and 14th.
Neha Tripathi, lying second after the first round, slipped with a round of 76 as she paid the price of a triple bogey on par-4 ninth. She had as many as four birdies, the most by any player in the second round, but she also gave away five bogeys and a triple for a four-over card. She has a total of 151.
Shraddhanjali Singh had a highly eventful round with four birdies, five bogeys and one double in her 77, which put her in fifth place at 153. Behind her in sixth was Saaniya Sharma (79) at 156.
Rani Sonti fired in a great round of 74 and moved up to tied seventh after a disappointing first round of 85.
Tee times: Round 3
8:30 AM: Nikki Ponappa (168)/ Priya Puri (167)
8:40 AM: Pallavi Jain (163) / Preetinder Kaur (163)
8:50 AM: Ankita Tiwana (161) / Meghna Bal (159) /Rani Sonti (159)
9:00 AM: Saaniya Sharma (156) / Shraddhanjali Singh(153) / Neha Tripathi (151)
9:10 AM: Vani Kapoor (150) / Nalini S. Siwach(148) / Smriti Mehra (146)
To get more info on Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour please visit us on our websitewww.wgai.co.in and join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or contact Abhoy Chattopadhyay / Deependra Chetri on +91 98113 25251 / +91 98111 82106.

NDA had readied Cabinet note favouring FDI in retail: Sharma








Seeking to punch holes in BJP's opposition to allowing Foreign Direct Investment in multi-brand retail, Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma on Monday said the NDA government had readied a Cabinet note favouring 100 pc FDI in the sector.





Addressing a gathering of Congress supporters in New Delhi, Sharma lambasted the BJP for trying to "mislead" the country on the issue and asserted that UPA government had taken the decision with "conviction" and "clarity" and there will not be any rethink on it.



"When it (BJP) was in power, a cabinet note was prepared. I had urged repeatedly that let the Parliament function. I would have tabled the Cabinet note seeking to allow 100 per cent FDI in retail," Sharma said, attacking the BJP on the issue.



Sharma said government has taken the decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail considering the economic fundamentals and ground realities of the country and BJP's opposition to it reflected the party's "hollowness".



"We have framed the policy considering the ground realities and the social and economic disparities in the country," he said adding, it is people of India who have approved the policy and it has not been brought in under the influence of any other country.



Sharma was addressing a gathering at Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's residence, which was organised to educate party workers on the issue.

Smriti looks to extending domination on Hero-WGAI Womens Tour








New Delhi, October 1: Smriti Mehra, who has won three of the six legs held so far on the Hero-WGAI Women’s Pro Tour will attempt to further her domination this season, as she tees up for the seventh leg at Delhi Golf Club course on Tuesday.







Smriti, who won the second, fourth and sixth legs of the Tour, has a huge lead over her closest rival, Nalini Singh Siwach on the Order of Merit. She is well on her way to retaining the Order of Merit title, which won last season. In the last four years, during which the WGAI has grown by leaps and bounds, Smriti has won no less than 16 titles, the most by any player on the Women’s Tour. The next best is Sharmila with 10, but after the first two legs in Bengaluru this season, she has been playing on the Ladies European Tour.







Other players to stand out this season include Nalini Singh Siwach, who has so far won once this season, as has rookie Vani Kapoor.







Smriti leads by over a lakh of rupees over second place Nalini on the Money List, while Vani Kapoor ad Neha Tripathi, still without a win this year, are third and fourth. Sharmila is fifth, winning the season-opener and coming second in the only other event she has played this season.







Smriti has so far won Rs. 7,10,250, while Nalini has accumulated Rs. 6,03,00 and Vani Rs. 5,31,000







Tee times for Round 1



8:30 AM: Vani Kapoor/ Neha Tripathi



8:40 AM: Saaniya Sharma / Meghna Bal / Smriti Mehra



8:50 AM: Ankita Tiwana/ Shraddhanjali Singh/ Priya Puri



9:00 AM: Nikki Ponappa/ Rani Sonti/ Pallavi Jain



9:10 AM: Nalini S. Siwach/ Rashika Chauhan (A)/ Preetinder Kaur