India / All Themes
Fortified cassava ‘can offer a day's nourishment in one meal’
01.07.2008 09:25
b4uindia.com
An international team of scientists has engineered how to fortify the cassava plant – a staple root crop – with enough vitamins, minerals and protein so that it can provide a day's worth of nutrition in a single meal. The team has further engineered the cassava plant so that it can resist the crop's most damaging viral threats and are refining methods to reduce cyanogens, substances that yield poisonous cyanide if they are not properly removed from the food before consumption. The reduction of cyanogens also can shorten the time it takes to process the plant into food, which typically requires three to six days to complete. The international team, led by Richard Sayre, a professor of plant cellular and molecular biology at Ohio State University, hopes to translate the greenhouse research into a product that can be field tested in at least two African nations by 2010. Sayre presented an update on the BioCassava Plus project June 30 at the American Society of Plant Biologists meeting in Mérida, Mexico. "This is the most ambitious plant genetic engineering project ever attempted," Sayre said. "Some biofortification strategies have the objective of providing only a third of the daily adult nutrition requirements since consumers typically get the rest of their nutritional requirements from other foods in their diet. But global food prices have recently gone sky high, meaning that many of the poorest people are now eating just one meal a day, primarily their staple food,” Sayre added. The roots of cassava can be banked in the ground for up to three years, providing food security, but the plant must undergo time-consuming processing immediately after harvest to remove compounds that generate cyanide. Unprocessed roots also deteriorate within 48 hours after harvest, limiting the food's shelf life. Sayre and colleagues from multiple institutions set out to tackle virtually all of cassava's problems to make the plant more nutritious and to increase the crop's revenue-producing potential for farmers. The labs in the project have used a variety of techniques to improve on the model cassava plant used for the research. They used genes that facilitate mineral transport to produce a cassava root that accumulates more iron and zinc from the soil. To fortify the plants with a form of vitamin E and beta-carotene (also called pro-vitamin A because it converts to vitamin A in the body), the scientists introduced genes into the plant that increase terpenoid and carotenoid production, the precursors for pro-vitamin A and vitamin E. They achieved a 30-fold increase in pro-vitamin A, which is critical for human vision, bone and skin health, metabolism and immune function. Adding protein to the cassava plant has posed a challenge, Sayre said. The scientists discovered that most of the nitrogen required to make the amino acids used for protein synthesis in roots is derived from the cyanogens that also cause cyanide toxicity. So their strategy for increasing protein levels in roots focuses on accelerating the conversion of cyanide-containing compounds into protein rather than completely eliminating cyanogen production, which would hinder the efforts to increase protein production, Sayre explained. To further address the cyanide problem, the scientists have also developed a way to accelerate the processing methods required to remove cyanide – a days-long combination of peeling, soaking and drying the roots before they are eaten. To strengthen the cassava plant's resistance to viruses, the scientists introduced a protein and small interfering RNA molecules that interfere with the viruses' ability to reproduce. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Overdose of energy drinks may harm your health
01.07.2008 09:25
b4uindia.com
Intake of beverages containing caffeine might be a way of getting energized but an overdose of the drinks may give you more than just a buzz, says a leading health expert. According to Dee Rollins, R.D., PhD, dietitian with Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, energy drink consumers should keep careful track of the amount of caffeine they get in a day because an overdose of it can lead to jitteriness and nausea. “There was a time when we would get our caffeine intake from coffee and cola, but now there are a number of caffeine containing beverages and we need to be careful because over a period of 24 hours that caffeine intake is cumulative,” says Rollins. “If you know that 400 milligrams a day is the upper limit you can check the back of the labels and make sure that you don’t get more than that,” adds Dr. Rollins. According to the health expert, 400 milligrams is roughly the equivalent of just one energy drink and two cups of coffee. Getting more than that can lead to jitteriness, nausea, heart palpations—and in extreme cases more severe symptoms. “It can be so bad that if you take too much caffeine you can end up in the hospital thinking you have flu-like symptoms and really it’s caffeine overdose,” adds Rollins. So remember as you’re sipping—take it slow or it may not just be energy you end up with, says Rollins. “We don’t think of caffeine as being a drug that we need to monitor, but we can overdo it,” says Dr. Rollins. The expert has provided some guidelines for all those who love the energy drinks. They are: don’t drink energy beverages while exercising. It can lead to severe dehydration, don’t ever mix these drinks with alcohol—it’s popular—but doing so can not only mask how intoxicated you really are, it again can be extremely dehydrating. In addition to caffeine, most of these energy drinks contain very high amounts of sugar and sodium, which can be dangerous for diabetics or those with high blood pressure. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Amarnath pilgrims complain poor arrangements by local administration
01.07.2008 08:23
b4uindia.com
The ongoing protests in various parts of the Jammu and Kashmir have left many pilgrims stranded in the valley. The pilgrims are blaming the government authorities for poor A large number of pilgrims are fuming with anger here over the government authorities’ poor transport and accommodation arrangements. The pilgrims, returning from the revered Amarnath shrine are desperate to return homes at the earliest. "The government should have made proper arrangements for the pilgrims. But the local administration didn’t bother about it. The protests are being staged so openly. We are facing problem for the last three days. We don’t feel safe amidst all this," said Sangeeta, a pilgrim. "All tourists are facing problems here. It’s close everywhere, wherever one may go. There is no food arrangement for the tourists. The tourists have stuck here, they are just thinking how to get out of this place," said Nitish Kumar, another pilgrim. Department of Tourism, however, claims to have done all necessary arrangements like extra buses to move the pilgrims to Jammu. "The government is very much concerned and we are taking care of the tourists. Our tourists are not facing any problem. Our hoteliers are taking care of the tourists and besides that all the arrangements, the basic arrangement they want are being made for the tourists by local residents and also by the department,” said Sarmand Hafiz, Joint Director of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir. “Besides there are some tourists who have either returned from pilgrimage or going to Sonmarg or Pahalgam, the arrangements have been made for them also. Vehicles are available for them and they are being dispatched to their respective places," said Hafiz. The PDP's (People's Democratic Party) withdrawal from the ruling coalition followed intense protests in different parts of the State for about a week, demanding revocation of a government order transferring 100 acres of forest land to the SASB. On Sunday (June 29), the State government revoked the transfer decision after the SASB voluntarily gave up its demand for transfer of land amidst violent protests by extremists and separatists. But now Jammu has become the centre of violent protests by other groups protesting revocation of the transfer of land. During the two-month-long pilgrimage, tens of thousands of devout Hindus trek to the cave, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,700 feet), to worship before the Shivaling (ice stalagmite) that symbolizes presence of Lord Shiva at Amarnath shrine. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Pakistan Radio discovers that Sikhs are being discriminated
01.07.2008 08:23
b4uindia.com
The latest ‘discovery’ by the Pakistan radio that Sikhs are being discriminated in India has caused surprise in Punjab. The Punjabi Darbar programme has suddenly found out that the Sikhs are “victims of discrimination against their religion, culture, language, human rights and in justice.” The Radio said in one of its recent programmes that the Sikhs are being blamed by the Indian security agencies. People feel that Radio Pakistan should keep the ‘discovery’ to itself. The malicious propaganda against India, and particularly, people in Punjab, lacks credibility. People are angry that Punjabi Durbar programme is continuing is spreading propaganda against Sikhs which is totally false and unacceptable. Sikhs are living peacefully all over India. They feel that the Punjab government should do something to stop Pakistan from spreading propaganda against India and Sikhs.” “Our request to Pakistan government is that they should stop anti- India and anti-Sikh propaganda. We hope they will take care of our emotions. We are living a very happy life here in Punjab and they should not try to vitiate environment here,” Jagjit Singh , a Sikh youth said. Surjit Singh Kalsi, one Sikh priest, said: “Pakistan is spreading false information that there is feud inside the Sikh community. This is also wrong that there are tensions between Sikhs and other religions. Hindu, Muslims and Sikhs all are living peacefully in harmony. It is completely wrong to say that voices of Sikhs are not heard in India. Pakistan should look after their own affairs rather then interfere in our matters.” Baba Jeevan Singh, a Sikh elder, said: “Pakistan through its programme Punjabi Durbar is trying to create division among Sikhs. We don’t speak anything against them. We want them to remember that all of us --Hindu, Muslim, Sikhs and Christians-- are living with peace and in full harmony in India without any problem.” The Pakistan Radio must remember the government in Punjab as well as at the Centre are being headed by Prakash Singh Badal and Manmohan Singh respectively and both are Sikhs. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Muslims holding makeshift kitchens for stranded Amarnath pilgrims
01.07.2008 08:23
b4uindia.com
As various political groups are busy fanning communal passions through protests and violence in Jammu and Kashmir state over 100 acre forest land transfer issue, scores of Muslims are holding Langar (free community kitchen) for the stranded Amaranath pilgrims here. Thousands of pilgrims, who either have returned from the holy cave Amarnath or were on their way to the cave, were stranded in Srinagar due to the continuous violent protests. The fraternal gesture by members of the Muslim community here is setting an example of how general public feels for each other especially during crisis irrespective of each other’s religious faith in the Kashmir valley. "We are trying to provide them every help we can. At Tanmarg, Balatal Road, we provided them tea, juice and fruits. Here we are providing them food. We are providing them all the facilities that we can as we feel that is a duty of a Muslim. We have started four Langars, two on Baltal, one here and another at Nehru Park. We'll continue doing it until the prevailing conditions are under control," said Parvez, one of the volunteers offering free food to stranded pilgrims. There has been complete shutdown for eight days in the Valley over the Jammu and Kashmir Government’s decision to transfer 100 acres (39.88 hectares) of forest land to Sri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) for establishing basic facilities for the Amarnath pilgrims. On Sunday (June 29), the State government revoked the transfer decision after the SASB voluntarily gave up its demand for transfer of land amidst violent protests by extremists and separatists. But now Jammu has become the centre of violent protests by other groups protesting revocation of the transfer of land. (ANI)
India
Social Life
United States leads the world in illegal cocaine, cannabis use
01.07.2008 08:23
b4uindia.com
The United States of America might be riding high on its happiness levels, but according to a new research, the country has the highest level of illegal cocaine and cannabis use. A survey of 17 countries has found that despite its punitive drug policies the United States has the highest levels of illegal cocaine and cannabis use. The study, by Louisa Degenhardt from University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia and colleagues, is based on the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and is published in this week's PLoS Medicine. The scientists found that 16.2 percent of people in the United States had used cocaine in their lifetime, a level much higher than any other country surveyed (the second highest level of cocaine use was in New Zealand, where 4.3 percent of people reported having used cocaine). Cannabis use was highest in the US (42.4 percent), followed by New Zealand (41.9 percent). In the Americas, Europe, Japan, and New Zealand, alcohol had been used by the vast majority of survey participants, compared to smaller proportions in the Middle East, Africa, and China. The survey found differences in both legal and illegal drug use among different socioeconomic groups. For instance, males were more likely than females to have used all drug types; younger adults were more likely than older adults to have used all drugs examined; and higher income was related to drug use of all kinds. Drug use "does not appear to be simply related to drug policy," say the authors, "since countries with more stringent policies towards illegal drug use did not have lower levels of such drug use than countries with more liberal policies." Data on drug use were available from 54,068 survey participants in 17 countries. The 17 countries were determined by the availability of research collaborators and on funding for the survey. Trained lay interviewers carried out face-to-face interviews using a standardized, structured diagnostic interview for psychiatric conditions and drug use. Participants were asked if they had ever used alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or cocaine. (ANI)
India
Social Life
UFO Moviez joins hands with NDTV for their advertising business
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
NDTV Media, India's best-known and most respected Media Marketing and Consulting Company has been appointed by UFO Moviez India Limited as the sole and exclusive sales partner for their Digital Cinema Advertising Business in the Private Sector. UFO Moviez India Limited. has the largest digital cinema network in the world with more than 1200 installations screens across India. As a part of this arrangement, NDTV Media will be responsible for selling the advertising at the cinema theatres for which UFO Moviez India Limited has the advertising rights. This would include the selling of airtime on the cinema screens as well as on ground activation at these cinema halls, which will include seat branding, ticket branding, putting up standees & stalls and other ground activation for advertisers. Speaking on this appointment, Niraj Dutt, Chief Operating Officer, NDTV Media Limited said, "We are extremely pleased to partner with UFO Moviez India Ltd. on this pioneering initiative. Digital Cinema is a powerful innovation in the space of cinema advertising and brings with it a host of benefits including flexibility, reach and transparency. With a satellite based delivery mechanism, Digital Cinema offers the opportunity to advertisers to reach cinema halls across the country in multiple languages with just one Digi-Beta. For the first time, this format allows for theatre-wise and spot-wise monitoring of the client's activity". He further added, "After having a stronghold in the Television and Internet space, Digital Cinema is another medium that NDTV Media is venturing into thereby being able to offer its clients multiple touch points to reach its consumers. In keeping with the expansion plan that we have at NDTV Media, Digital Cinema Advertising provides a new platform which we can offer our clients. We are confident that this relationship will be mutually beneficial." Rajesh Mishra, CEO - India Operations, UFO Moviez India Limited said, "Earlier the single screens were largely unable to monetize the advertising opportunities in their cinemas owing to the fragmented nature of the market. Now that we have reached 1200 screens across India, we can begin to tap the advertising opportunities that are possible with our network of cinemas. Their handling of the ad sales activity will allow us to focus on our core business of Digital Cinema Operations. NDTV Media will bring to the table their extensive and specialized expertise and contacts in the field of advertising. We look forward to a long association with NDTV Media." (ANI)
India
Economics & Finance
UFO Moviez joins hands with NDTV for their advertising business
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
NDTV Media, India's best-known and most respected Media Marketing and Consulting Company has been appointed by UFO Moviez India Limited as the sole and exclusive sales partner for their Digital Cinema Advertising Business in the Private Sector. UFO Moviez India Limited. has the largest digital cinema network in the world with more than 1200 installations screens across India. As a part of this arrangement, NDTV Media will be responsible for selling the advertising at the cinema theatres for which UFO Moviez India Limited has the advertising rights. This would include the selling of airtime on the cinema screens as well as on ground activation at these cinema halls, which will include seat branding, ticket branding, putting up standees & stalls and other ground activation for advertisers. Speaking on this appointment, Niraj Dutt, Chief Operating Officer, NDTV Media Limited said, "We are extremely pleased to partner with UFO Moviez India Ltd. on this pioneering initiative. Digital Cinema is a powerful innovation in the space of cinema advertising and brings with it a host of benefits including flexibility, reach and transparency. With a satellite based delivery mechanism, Digital Cinema offers the opportunity to advertisers to reach cinema halls across the country in multiple languages with just one Digi-Beta. For the first time, this format allows for theatre-wise and spot-wise monitoring of the client's activity". He further added, "After having a stronghold in the Television and Internet space, Digital Cinema is another medium that NDTV Media is venturing into thereby being able to offer its clients multiple touch points to reach its consumers. In keeping with the expansion plan that we have at NDTV Media, Digital Cinema Advertising provides a new platform which we can offer our clients. We are confident that this relationship will be mutually beneficial." Rajesh Mishra, CEO - India Operations, UFO Moviez India Limited said, "Earlier the single screens were largely unable to monetize the advertising opportunities in their cinemas owing to the fragmented nature of the market. Now that we have reached 1200 screens across India, we can begin to tap the advertising opportunities that are possible with our network of cinemas. Their handling of the ad sales activity will allow us to focus on our core business of Digital Cinema Operations. NDTV Media will bring to the table their extensive and specialized expertise and contacts in the field of advertising. We look forward to a long association with NDTV Media." (ANI)
India
Economics & Finance
Fidelity announces new business initiative in India
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
Fidelity International today announced that it would launch its world-renowned, award winning, online fund platform, FundsNetworkT in India. FundsNetworkT will be an open architecture fund platform that will offer online a range of funds from a number of fund houses. It will help intermediaries to grow their business by allowing them to focus on customer acquisition, advice and relationship management without being concerned about back office and administration issues. India will be the fifth country in the Fidelity Group to launch FundsNetworkT, after the U.S., U.K., Germany and Taiwan. In Phase one, Fidelity today launched the Fidelity Advisers Institute, Fidelity's centre for excellence, for advisers. Robert Higginbotham, President, Fidelity International, said, "I am delighted that we are bringing our best-in-class online fund platform to India. Backed by our experience in international markets, FundsNetworkT will be a business partner for mutual fund agents (MFAs) by providing them Business Coaching to help them grow their business aided by state-of-the-art Practice Management tools. India is a strategic market for us and the FundsNetworkT initiative demonstrates our commitment to expanding the mutual fund industry here." FundsNetworkT is a technology powered solution that allows MFAs to devote their time entirely to their professional role of managing and advising their clients. Advisers will benefit from business tools that will support transactional and reporting requirements as well as planning and guidance needs. Ashu Suyash, Managing Director and Country Head - India, Fidelity International, added, "Market development and penetration of mutual funds has been severely limited by the smaller number of agents selling funds, especially when compared to the insurance industry's strength in number of agents. The challenge has been further aggravated by poor acceptance of mutual funds among insurance agents. "In the first phase of FundsNetworkT, we are launching the Fidelity Advisers Institute, Fidelity's centre for excellence, for advisers, which will focus on Business Coaching and Practice Management with programmes tailored to help MFAs grow their business. The Fidelity Advisers Institute will also seek to bring in new advisers by helping them learn about mutual funds and becoming registered agents with AMFI. I believe that our AMFI Certification Preparatory Module can help improve the percentage of candidates passing the AMFI exam. At the same time, MFAs who are currently selling mutual funds can also avail of other training modules that will help them upskill and upsell." The Fidelity Advisers Institute will offer comprehensive training and development programmes for advisers free of charge. This will include both e-learning and face-to-face training from a panel of trainers on a range of subjects, including marketing, holistic financial skills and soft skills, while also helping them learn good business practices. Advisers can visit www.fundsnetwork.co.in to see the programme schedule and to register themselves for training courses which begin in July. One of the highlights of the online training is the AMFI Certification Preparatory Module which can be used by anyone who wants to become an adviser and is required to take the AMFI exam. This Module includes all 15 chapters in comprehensive detail and in an easy-to-understand format. It also provides mock exams that evaluate the candidates' preparedness and identify the topics that need more study. (ANI)
India
Economics & Finance
UFO Moviez joins hands with NDTV for their advertising business
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
NDTV Media, India's best-known and most respected Media Marketing and Consulting Company has been appointed by UFO Moviez India Limited as the sole and exclusive sales partner for their Digital Cinema Advertising Business in the Private Sector. UFO Moviez India Limited. has the largest digital cinema network in the world with more than 1200 installations screens across India. As a part of this arrangement, NDTV Media will be responsible for selling the advertising at the cinema theatres for which UFO Moviez India Limited has the advertising rights. This would include the selling of airtime on the cinema screens as well as on ground activation at these cinema halls, which will include seat branding, ticket branding, putting up standees & stalls and other ground activation for advertisers. Speaking on this appointment, Niraj Dutt, Chief Operating Officer, NDTV Media Limited said, "We are extremely pleased to partner with UFO Moviez India Ltd. on this pioneering initiative. Digital Cinema is a powerful innovation in the space of cinema advertising and brings with it a host of benefits including flexibility, reach and transparency. With a satellite based delivery mechanism, Digital Cinema offers the opportunity to advertisers to reach cinema halls across the country in multiple languages with just one Digi-Beta. For the first time, this format allows for theatre-wise and spot-wise monitoring of the client's activity". He further added, "After having a stronghold in the Television and Internet space, Digital Cinema is another medium that NDTV Media is venturing into thereby being able to offer its clients multiple touch points to reach its consumers. In keeping with the expansion plan that we have at NDTV Media, Digital Cinema Advertising provides a new platform which we can offer our clients. We are confident that this relationship will be mutually beneficial." Rajesh Mishra, CEO - India Operations, UFO Moviez India Limited said, "Earlier the single screens were largely unable to monetize the advertising opportunities in their cinemas owing to the fragmented nature of the market. Now that we have reached 1200 screens across India, we can begin to tap the advertising opportunities that are possible with our network of cinemas. Their handling of the ad sales activity will allow us to focus on our core business of Digital Cinema Operations. NDTV Media will bring to the table their extensive and specialized expertise and contacts in the field of advertising. We look forward to a long association with NDTV Media." (ANI)
India
Economics & Finance
Castrol to become an official sponsor of FIFA World CupT
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
Castrol has strengthened its position in football by signing a prestigious six-year deal as a FIFA World Cup Sponsor until 2014. The agreement awards the global lubricants company worldwide rights for the 2010 FIFA World CupT in South Africa, the 2014 FIFA World CupT in Brazil and the two FIFA Confederations Cups which fall within the 2007-2014 period. The news comes following the company's successful sponsorship of the recent European championships - the UEFA EURO2008 - which saw Castrol develop the Castrol Performance Index, a new tool which helps football fans to objectively analyse individual player and team performances. "Our investment in football has proved a tremendous success and allowed Castrol to develop new opportunities in a way that has added value to our business partners; excited and rewarded our fans; and motivated our staff," said Senior Vice President for Lubricants, Mike Johnson. Commenting on the announcement, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, said "With Castrol, we are delighted to welcome a committed football supporter into our global sponsorship family. The FIFA World Cup, with more than 26 billion TV viewers, attracts massive involvement from fans and non-fans alike, who are drawn to the drama and excitement that comes with top national-team football. With its new Performance Index, Castrol has enhanced the fans' experience with exclusive data on the players' speed, efficiency and performance in matches. The index was developed with renowned football experts such as Arsène Wenger, Ottmar Hitzfeld and Emilio Butragueño and it underlines Castrol's passion for the game," "This partnership not only highlights FIFA's confidence in South Africa and Brazil as the host nations, but also shows that the global business community believes in the incredibly positive impact the events will have," Blatter added. Through the creation of the Castrol Performance Index, Castrol was able to showcase the importance of the brand's core values of passion, technical progress and performance in a way that was both innovative and engaging. Also commenting on the deal, Castrol ambassador Arsene Wenger said "I chose to work with Castrol because its football sponsorship went beyond simply ticket promotions and branding. The development and launch of a new performance index was something which really interested me, and I was impressed by the way they used their experience in improving vehicle performance to champion the objective measurement of players and teams." The FIFA World CupT sponsorship is the biggest in the company's 100-year history and will help Castrol continue to modernise its brand to deliver even more powerful and relevant offers for its consumers, which include a simplified product range and new technology benefits. The connection with events such as the 2010 FIFA World CupT in South Africa and the 2014 FIFA World CupT in Brazil provide a route to a mass football audience that overlaps strongly with the brand's 45 million consumer base. Football fans can look forward to Castrol and FIFA making further announcements about concepts related to their new partnership later this year. (ANI)
India
Economics & Finance
Fidelity announces new business initiative in India
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
Fidelity International today announced that it would launch its world-renowned, award winning, online fund platform, FundsNetworkT in India. FundsNetworkT will be an open architecture fund platform that will offer online a range of funds from a number of fund houses. It will help intermediaries to grow their business by allowing them to focus on customer acquisition, advice and relationship management without being concerned about back office and administration issues. India will be the fifth country in the Fidelity Group to launch FundsNetworkT, after the U.S., U.K., Germany and Taiwan. In Phase one, Fidelity today launched the Fidelity Advisers Institute, Fidelity's centre for excellence, for advisers. Robert Higginbotham, President, Fidelity International, said, "I am delighted that we are bringing our best-in-class online fund platform to India. Backed by our experience in international markets, FundsNetworkT will be a business partner for mutual fund agents (MFAs) by providing them Business Coaching to help them grow their business aided by state-of-the-art Practice Management tools. India is a strategic market for us and the FundsNetworkT initiative demonstrates our commitment to expanding the mutual fund industry here." FundsNetworkT is a technology powered solution that allows MFAs to devote their time entirely to their professional role of managing and advising their clients. Advisers will benefit from business tools that will support transactional and reporting requirements as well as planning and guidance needs. Ashu Suyash, Managing Director and Country Head - India, Fidelity International, added, "Market development and penetration of mutual funds has been severely limited by the smaller number of agents selling funds, especially when compared to the insurance industry's strength in number of agents. The challenge has been further aggravated by poor acceptance of mutual funds among insurance agents. "In the first phase of FundsNetworkT, we are launching the Fidelity Advisers Institute, Fidelity's centre for excellence, for advisers, which will focus on Business Coaching and Practice Management with programmes tailored to help MFAs grow their business. The Fidelity Advisers Institute will also seek to bring in new advisers by helping them learn about mutual funds and becoming registered agents with AMFI. I believe that our AMFI Certification Preparatory Module can help improve the percentage of candidates passing the AMFI exam. At the same time, MFAs who are currently selling mutual funds can also avail of other training modules that will help them upskill and upsell." The Fidelity Advisers Institute will offer comprehensive training and development programmes for advisers free of charge. This will include both e-learning and face-to-face training from a panel of trainers on a range of subjects, including marketing, holistic financial skills and soft skills, while also helping them learn good business practices. Advisers can visit www.fundsnetwork.co.in to see the programme schedule and to register themselves for training courses which begin in July. One of the highlights of the online training is the AMFI Certification Preparatory Module which can be used by anyone who wants to become an adviser and is required to take the AMFI exam. This Module includes all 15 chapters in comprehensive detail and in an easy-to-understand format. It also provides mock exams that evaluate the candidates' preparedness and identify the topics that need more study. (ANI)
India
Economics & Finance
Fidelity announces new business initiative in India
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
Fidelity International today announced that it would launch its world-renowned, award winning, online fund platform, FundsNetworkT in India. FundsNetworkT will be an open architecture fund platform that will offer online a range of funds from a number of fund houses. It will help intermediaries to grow their business by allowing them to focus on customer acquisition, advice and relationship management without being concerned about back office and administration issues. India will be the fifth country in the Fidelity Group to launch FundsNetworkT, after the U.S., U.K., Germany and Taiwan. In Phase one, Fidelity today launched the Fidelity Advisers Institute, Fidelity's centre for excellence, for advisers. Robert Higginbotham, President, Fidelity International, said, "I am delighted that we are bringing our best-in-class online fund platform to India. Backed by our experience in international markets, FundsNetworkT will be a business partner for mutual fund agents (MFAs) by providing them Business Coaching to help them grow their business aided by state-of-the-art Practice Management tools. India is a strategic market for us and the FundsNetworkT initiative demonstrates our commitment to expanding the mutual fund industry here." FundsNetworkT is a technology powered solution that allows MFAs to devote their time entirely to their professional role of managing and advising their clients. Advisers will benefit from business tools that will support transactional and reporting requirements as well as planning and guidance needs. Ashu Suyash, Managing Director and Country Head - India, Fidelity International, added, "Market development and penetration of mutual funds has been severely limited by the smaller number of agents selling funds, especially when compared to the insurance industry's strength in number of agents. The challenge has been further aggravated by poor acceptance of mutual funds among insurance agents. "In the first phase of FundsNetworkT, we are launching the Fidelity Advisers Institute, Fidelity's centre for excellence, for advisers, which will focus on Business Coaching and Practice Management with programmes tailored to help MFAs grow their business. The Fidelity Advisers Institute will also seek to bring in new advisers by helping them learn about mutual funds and becoming registered agents with AMFI. I believe that our AMFI Certification Preparatory Module can help improve the percentage of candidates passing the AMFI exam. At the same time, MFAs who are currently selling mutual funds can also avail of other training modules that will help them upskill and upsell." The Fidelity Advisers Institute will offer comprehensive training and development programmes for advisers free of charge. This will include both e-learning and face-to-face training from a panel of trainers on a range of subjects, including marketing, holistic financial skills and soft skills, while also helping them learn good business practices. Advisers can visit www.fundsnetwork.co.in to see the programme schedule and to register themselves for training courses which begin in July. One of the highlights of the online training is the AMFI Certification Preparatory Module which can be used by anyone who wants to become an adviser and is required to take the AMFI exam. This Module includes all 15 chapters in comprehensive detail and in an easy-to-understand format. It also provides mock exams that evaluate the candidates' preparedness and identify the topics that need more study. (ANI)
India
Economics & Finance
HP ProCurve launches Gigabit golution for SMBs
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
HP ProCurve Networking today launched two affordable Gigabit Ethernet switches for small and medium businesses (SMBs) that need increased network performance for large file transfers and high bandwidth applications such as graphical data, video streams, large databases, network backup and data storage. The standards-based ProCurve Switch 2510G Series comprises two fully-managed Layer two switches that offer Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The new plug-and-play switches are easy to deploy, manage and maintain for SMBs which typically do not have a large or specialized IT staff. Backed by ProCurve Lifetime Warranty, the 2510G Series is a cost-effective solution for SMBs whose existing networks are pushing the performance limits and which are seeking an upgrade to Gigabit connectivity to improve efficiency. “ProCurve offers a choice of secure and affordable plug-and-play enterprise-grade networking solutions for SMBs that will enable them to expand their networks as their needs grow, said Louis Au, HP ProCurve Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan. "Our products are standards-based and engineered to the legendary HP quality.” ProCurve Switch 2510G Series Features and Benefits: -- 24- and 48-port 10/100/1000 switches, each with SFP (small form-factor pluggable transceiver designed for Gigabit and Fast Ethernet) slots for optional fiber uplinks -- Protected ports allow secure traffic segregation and control of network traffic -- Secure network access to protect business assets by utilizing 802.1X, Web Authentication and MAC Authentication methods -- Choice of ProCurve management interface includes an intuitive Web user interface, full-featured console access with Command line interface, and a centralized management option using ProCurve Manager Pricing and Availability: The ProCurve Switch 2510G Series will be available from 1 July 2008 with the following pricing. -- ProCurve Switch 2510G-24: INR 51,100 -- ProCurve Switch 2510G-48: INR 92,980 (ANI)
India
Economics & Finance
Castrol to become an official sponsor of FIFA World CupT
01.07.2008 06:03
b4uindia.com
Castrol has strengthened its position in football by signing a prestigious six-year deal as a FIFA World Cup Sponsor until 2014. The agreement awards the global lubricants company worldwide rights for the 2010 FIFA World CupT in South Africa, the 2014 FIFA World CupT in Brazil and the two FIFA Confederations Cups which fall within the 2007-2014 period. The news comes following the company's successful sponsorship of the recent European championships - the UEFA EURO2008 - which saw Castrol develop the Castrol Performance Index, a new tool which helps football fans to objectively analyse individual player and team performances. "Our investment in football has proved a tremendous success and allowed Castrol to develop new opportunities in a way that has added value to our business partners; excited and rewarded our fans; and motivated our staff," said Senior Vice President for Lubricants, Mike Johnson. Commenting on the announcement, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, said "With Castrol, we are delighted to welcome a committed football supporter into our global sponsorship family. The FIFA World Cup, with more than 26 billion TV viewers, attracts massive involvement from fans and non-fans alike, who are drawn to the drama and excitement that comes with top national-team football. With its new Performance Index, Castrol has enhanced the fans' experience with exclusive data on the players' speed, efficiency and performance in matches. The index was developed with renowned football experts such as Arsène Wenger, Ottmar Hitzfeld and Emilio Butragueño and it underlines Castrol's passion for the game," "This partnership not only highlights FIFA's confidence in South Africa and Brazil as the host nations, but also shows that the global business community believes in the incredibly positive impact the events will have," Blatter added. Through the creation of the Castrol Performance Index, Castrol was able to showcase the importance of the brand's core values of passion, technical progress and performance in a way that was both innovative and engaging. Also commenting on the deal, Castrol ambassador Arsene Wenger said "I chose to work with Castrol because its football sponsorship went beyond simply ticket promotions and branding. The development and launch of a new performance index was something which really interested me, and I was impressed by the way they used their experience in improving vehicle performance to champion the objective measurement of players and teams." The FIFA World CupT sponsorship is the biggest in the company's 100-year history and will help Castrol continue to modernise its brand to deliver even more powerful and relevant offers for its consumers, which include a simplified product range and new technology benefits. The connection with events such as the 2010 FIFA World CupT in South Africa and the 2014 FIFA World CupT in Brazil provide a route to a mass football audience that overlaps strongly with the brand's 45 million consumer base. Football fans can look forward to Castrol and FIFA making further announcements about concepts related to their new partnership later this year. (ANI)
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