ISRO’s South Asia Satellite Launch on May 5 Not to Benefit Pakistan

India plans to launch on May 5 the 'South Asia Satellite' that will benefit all the countries in the region, except Pakistan which is not a part of the project.

"It's going up in the first week of May," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman A S Kiran Kumar told PTI in a telephonic interview.

According to ISRO sources, the launch of this communication satellite (GSAT-9) is scheduled for May 5 on board the space agency's rocket GSLV-09 from Sriharikota spaceport.

Kiran Kumar said the satellite, with a lift-off mass of 2,195 kg, would carry 12 ku-band transponders.

"Pakistan is not included in that. They did not want (to be part of the project)," he said.

Sources said the satellite is designed for a mission life of more than 12 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made an announcement about this satellite during the SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in 2014 calling it a "gift to India's neighbours."

"It (name) was changed to this (South Asia Satellite) because of that only (Pakistan not being part of it)," Kiran Kumar said.

Earlier, it was named as 'SAARC Satellite.'

"Basically, it (the satellite) is meant for providing communication and disaster support, connectivity among States (countries of South Asia region). It will provide a significant capability to each of these participating States in terms of DTH, certain VSAT capacity plus linking among the states for both disaster information transfer and also in terms of library type of things," he said.

"So, there is a significant amount of inter-linking possible among the States (these countries)," Kiran Kumar said.

According to ISRO officials, there is a potential for each participating country to use a dedicated transponder with a capacity of 36 to 54 Mhz for its own internal use.

Each country would be responsible for content generation and its use, they said.

Agencies

Apple Recruits Google Satellite Executives for Its New Hardware Team

After revolutionizing phones, Apple Inc. is testing self-driving cars and exploring augmented reality. Recent hires suggest the company is now also looking to the skies.

The iPhone maker has recruited a pair of top Google satellite executives for a new hardware team, according to people familiar with the matter. John Fenwick, who led Google’s spacecraft operations, and Michael Trela, head of satellite engineering, left Alphabet Inc.’s 

Google for Apple in recent weeks, the people said. 

They report to Greg Duffy, co-founder of camera maker Dropcam, who joined Apple earlier this year, the people said. They asked not to be identified talking about Apple’s private plans. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment, as did Google. Fenwick, Trela and Duffy didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Apple iPhone 7 (RED) Version: Here's A Closer Look

With the recruits, Apple is bringing into its ranks two experts in the demanding, expensive field of satellite design and operation. At the moment, these endeavors typically fall into two fields: satellites for collecting images and those for communications.In a regulatory filing last year, Boeing Co. detailed a plan to provide broadband access through more than 1,000 satellites in low-earth orbit. The aerospace company has talked with Apple about the technology company being an investor-partner in the project, a person familiar with the situation said. It’s unclear if those talks will result in a deal.

At the annual Satellite 2017 conference in Washington DC last month, industry insiders said Boeing’s project was being funded by Apple, Tim Farrar, a satellite and telecom consultant at TMF Associates Inc., wrote in a recent blog. A Boeing spokesman declined to comment. “It’s not hard to discern why Apple might want to consider a satellite constellation,” Farrar wrote, noting a Wall Street Journal report that Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. has forecast $30 billion in revenue from satellite internet by 2025.

A lure for technology companies like Apple, Google and Facebook Inc. is to connect billions of people who don’t have internet access yet. The broadband services being explored by Boeing and others would feature low latency and faster speeds than existing cellular systems. “You have a new wave of enthusiastic people who aren’t inhibited by the hard knocks of the past,” said Roger Rusch, who heads satellite consulting firm TelAstra Inc.

Agencies

jivi Mobiles Unveils ‘Sumo T3000’ with 3600 mAh Battery in Karnataka

jivi Mobiles – the Mobile Division of Magicon Impex Pvt Ltd, - has expanded its portfolio of feature phones with the launch of Sumo T3000 at Rs 1490 in Karnataka. The feature phone has a powerful battery of 3600 mAh that makes phone last up to 50 days (under standard operating conditions) in standby, even with 3600 mAh battery, phone looks slim and stylish. These innovations from jivi further the product philosophy of amalgamation of technology meeting millions of lives.

Pankaj Anand, CEO, jivi Mobiles said “Today we’ve added a new feature phone to our line up in Karnataka with a huge battery that meets the need of people working for long hours. Karnataka is a very important market for us.” 

jivi Mobiles is offering double assurance policy “111 days” replacement warranty & free screen (breakage) replacement on all its feature phone range. The company has also launched a scheme applicable with 5 jivi models namely Sumo T3000, N210, N3270, N4332 and N300. On purchase of any of the model, customer will get free T-shirt worth Rs. 300.

Pankaj Anand, CEO, jivi Mobiles added “We have taken a thoughtful step in catering to the needs of the less privileged section of the society. We are the only company in India to offer the scheme of “double assurance policy” in which our customers are not only secured for 111 days, but also have a replacement for their screens in case it gets broken for any functional reason.”

jivi Mobiles revolutionary double assurance policy “111 Days Replacement Policy” has been introduced where in case of functional failures, customer will get replacement, within first 111 days from date of activation/Purchase Bill. This policy is effective from April 15, 2017 i.e. on all handsets which are activated or purchased on or after April 15, 2017.

“Screen Breakage Policy” has been introduced under which customer will be given free screen replacement on all jivi Models, for one time only within first 111 days from date of activation/Purchase Bill. This policy is effective from April 15, 2017 i.e. on all handsets which are activated or purchased on or after Apr 15, 2017.

Sumo T3000 is an innovative product priced at Rs1490 comes with 3600 mAh battery, Dual Sim, 2.8 inch screen size with screen resolution of 240*320 pixels. The device also features like Camera with flash, Vibrator, Bluetooth, FM Radio, Auto call record, Mobile Tracker, Torch Light, Sound record, GPRS, WAP, speed Dial, Calculator, Indian Calendar, Festival List with Tithi Details  , World clock , Ebook  Reader, Schedule  Power On/Off, Power management,  Blacklist, Contacts  Import/Export to Memory Card , Pre Loaded Game, jivi App, Schedule SMS…

Every feature that is present in the feature phone has been made keeping in mind the requirements and understanding the mindset of the people. jivi mobile promises to offer mobility solutions that stand on three firm pillars of On the go Concept (OTG), durable and cost effective products. All jivi products meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications. The device would be ‘Made in India’, atour newly opened facility in Mahipalpur.

Anand further added “We are extremely happy to introduce our new device Sumo T3000 to match the needs of people who are constantly supporting us in a big way. The device has a potent battery which will help the people to keep them going when they work tirelessly with all their might. No frills and only right amount of features make this affordable phone a wise choice for people who want to invest their hard earned money on something worth their sweat.”

jivi Mobiles has taken a major step in the direction of realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of ‘Make in India’ by setting up two new facilities with an investment of Rs. 200 crores. jivi Mobile first factory is in Mahipalpur, New Delhi built up on an area of 15000 sq. ft. which would cater to North and East India demand of jivi Mobile phones. Second facility of jivi Mobiles which is located in Lonavla, Maharashtra to cater to the South and Western parts of the country, would be operational in the coming months.

The purpose of setting up these manufacturing facilities is to save on the imports duties and hence cut on the manufacturing cost by 10-15%. We would pass on the benefit to our customers,” said Pankaj Anand.

McCormick & Company Ups 15% Stake to Own 100% of ‘Kohinoor’ Branded Basmati Rice in India

McCormick and Company, Inc., a global leader in flavor, is set to acquire remaining 15% equity ownership in Kohinoor Speciality Foods India Private Limited (KSF), i.e. ‘Kohinoor’ branded Basmati Rice business in India, from Kohinoor Foods Ltd (KFL), thus becoming 100% owner to Indian business of ‘Kohinoor’ branded basmati rice, one of the country’s best basmati rice brand. Earlier in September 2011, McCormick purchased the ‘Kohinoor’ brand and other trademarks along with 85% ownership in KSF.

This development places the company in prime position to accelerate its growth and investments plans in India - ethically, sustainably and with no compromise on its commitment to the highest standards of quality.

McCormick has invested more than $150 million in India since 1994 through four ventures which employ over 2000 people today.

The company’s two joint ventures in South India are equipped with the latest processing technologies and produce high quality spices products for India and international markets.

In 2014, it set up a corporate services entity based out of Gurgaon, India, leveraging on India’s IT talent to serve the company’s global needs.

“As a key emerging market, India presents exciting growth opportunities for McCormick.  We have invested in India continuously for over two decades and are deeply committed to the ‘Kohinoor’ brand in this market. Our goal is to leverage ‘Kohinoor’ brand from a Basmati rice brand to a “Rice and Spice” leader in this market through our passion for flavor” said Malcolm Swift, President of McCormick’s International Business.

Quality to consumers remains a priority and in establishing a stronger operating model, McCormick has ceased operating arrangements with Kohinoor Food Limited and its promoters, by way of an amicable settlement agreement. Both parties have initiated the process to withdraw all legal proceedings.

“Our recent infrastructure enhancements, the building of stronger RnD capabilities at our Food Factory in Haryana and our plan to expand our offerings under the ‘Rice and Spice’ platform are building on our decades of commitment to this market,” said Amit Mehta, Managing Director, Kohinoor Speciality Foods India Private Limited. “We’re here to stay and we are set on our mission to provide the ‘Best quality food products for our Indian consumers’ as we believe India deserves the best”.

Honeywell Selects 17 Indian Students to Train Like An Astronaut At US Space & Rocket Center

Honeywell has announced that 17 Indian children joined 320 students from 45 countries for a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience at the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy (HLCA). The unique leadership program was run for two consecutive weeks at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama.

Ansh Bhagania, from Pune, who attended HLCA said, “Launching model rockets and flying a fighter jet on a simulator was terrific. I never thought I could do that too. The more interesting part was to meet students of my age from different parts of the world. We are all great friends now. What could be better than this?”  

HLCA aims to encourage excitement and engagement around science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects for students between the ages of 16-18. Activities are delivered in fun and innovative ways to bring STEM studies to life.

“The act of bringing this global Honeywell community together with Space Camp allows these students to plan for a future of improving life on our planet and beyond,” said Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO and executive director, USSRC. “They bring the best of their diverse cultures to Space Camp, where they will use teamwork and technology to prepare them for a future they have yet to imagine.” 

Interactive and experiential sessions around rocket designing, building, and testing; participation in simulated astronaut training, shuttle missions and a moon walk, infuse vigor and expands students’ learning curve. They also meet scientists, engineers, and former astronauts, who reinforce core leadership competencies and share their first-hand professional experiences. The program is designed to educate students on the importance of STEM in an ever-changing connected world.

Naomi Varghese, a 17-year-old student from Bangalore, said, “Standing next to a rocket, the step-by-step demonstration of rocket-building, and moonwalking like an astronaut were life-changing. I almost felt like I was in space.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Pranav Kaushik from Delhi, said, “Meeting students from around the world who share the same passion for rockets, jets, space shuttles, and the moonwalk was extremely exciting. We learnt a lot from the experiences of scientists and astronauts. What’s really great is that the program combines science and engineering with fun and friendship for life.”

Since its launch in 2010, Honeywell, in partnership with the USSRC, has awarded 2,090 such scholarships to students. Scholarships are granted after a rigorous application and review process based on academic achievement and community involvement. Financial contributions from Honeywell and its employees fund the scholarships, which cover the cost of tuition, meals, accommodation, and program materials.

Crescent School of Business Invites Application for the Academic Year 2017-18

Crescent School of Business (CSB), Chennai’s new, unique management school is inviting applications for its one year PGDM in Strategy and Leadership for the academic year 2017-18. Designed to enable young professionals with skills required to excel in today’s dynamic work environment, this one-year, full-time, residential program offers a customizable MBA course as part of its pedagogy.  The application window for the one-year PGDM will remain open till May 30.

Tailor-made to support career transitions, CSB has designed a contemporary curriculum, comprising relevant pedagogical practices and blended learning to meet the growing needs of the industry. The course is structured to accommodate the interests of every student and delivers personalized instruction based on the strengths, weaknesses and career aspirations of each student. While pursuing the course, students will also have an opportunity to undertake certificate programs in Business Analytics offered in collaboration with the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.

Designed for working professionals, the program aims to further enhance skill-based education in the country by preparing industry-ready talent. Monitored and mentored by a CXO Advisory Board, comprising some of the most respected thought leaders from the industry, the program offers students an opportunity to work closely with both entrepreneurs and academicians to further sharpen the skill set.

Scheduled to begin in July 2017, the method of instruction includes a combination of visiting faculty, periodic guest lectures, seminars, workshops and industry visits. Faculty members are experts and thought leaders in their respective fields, and will enrich the students’ education, keeping in mind the core philosophy of the PGDM Programme.

The total fee for the course is Rs 7.65 lakhs, inclusive of food and accommodation in fully furnished serviced apartments. http://www.csbedu.in/

William O’Neil Unveils Stock Research Platform MarketSmith to India

William O’Neil, has launched its flagship global brand MarketSmith for the Indian investor community. MarketSmith is a comprehensive stock research platform that provides data, analysis tools to support the investors making informed investing decisions. MarketSmith India is available to the investor community through internet platforms such as website and Apps, which can be downloaded from various platforms like Amazon, Google Play, Opera Mobile Store and APTOIDE currently.

Steven Birch, President, William O’Neil + Company, while formally launching MarketSmith India said, “We are excited to bring MarketSmith to India at a time, when the whole world is looking at India as one of the growth engines of global economy. India’s vast telecom-enabled population and very low exposure to financial markets currently presents a very big opportunity for us to remain present in the fintech space like never. William O’Neil’s global expertise in stock picking through innovative research tools is sure to build further a great deal of knowledge-driven investment culture in India among the market participants.”

MarketSmith India has four key sections to support investment decisions viz. Idea Lists, Evaluation, Market Outlook and Model Portfolio. The App provides institutional quality data and efficient stock quality analysis and helps a user to simplify the stock search process.

Anupam Singhi, Chief Operating Officer, William O’Neil India said, “MarketSmith India empowers the investors with knowledge enabling them to make better profits in uptrends and protect their capital during downtrends. It facilitates strengths and weaknesses of Indian stocks based on data-backed research almost instantaneously. The App works on a growth-oriented research methodology based on last 50-years of experience and delivers pattern recognition, stock reports, market commentary apart from offering a model portfolio to the subscribers.”

MarketSmith India App is based on the O’Neil Methodology (OM), which uncovers stocks with the potential to generate alpha. In 1960s, William O’Neil noted certain characteristics like accelerating revenues and earnings growth, high relative strength, increasing trading volumes, new products or management and the industry group strength repeatedly emerge before the stocks made their big moves.

For more than 50 years, William O'Neil has been educating U.S. investors on the proven investing method he created. His investing classic How to Make Money in Stocks has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide and his perfected method (CAN SLIM), rooted in historical precedent, which has been evolving with the market for more than 40 years.

William O’Neil India is part of the O’Neil companies, a family of businesses dedicated to providing industry-leading financial services and information. William O’Neil India focuses on individual equities, mutual funds, ETFs and indices across the globe. Their professional teams are passionate about stock market research and the development of services that support all O’Neil brands.