Think India Foundation

Innovation to be key in ICT research

Vijay Bhatkar, eminent scientist and architect of PARAM series of supercomputers, underlines a dire need for filing innovative patents through researchers in the field of information and communication technology.

Technology has become an integral part of human life. Information and communication technology (ICT) is a force to reckon with in every field right from education, administration, communication and healthcare to governance. From the Indian perspective, technology is reaching the grassroots and the country needs good engineers and researchers to take it further. Invention of transistors in laboratory, which won the Nobel Prize, was a landmark research. This field gradually spread its wings encompassing electronics, semiconductors and microprocessors . Computers, supercomputers , Internet, web-tech and mobile are all manifestations of ICT. Computing and IT research is far-reaching . It is the base of human evolution as no other field has transformed human life so much. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Kerala to set up IT hardware innovation zones, says minister

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government plans to set up Information Technology innovation zones in the state where emphasis would be given on hardware, Industries and IT minister PK Kunhalikutty said today.

"The state government is now working on setting up innovation zones in the state and here the emphasis would be given to the hardware industry because this is a sector where the country is relying heavily on imports," the minister told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. Read more

Source : www.ndtv.com

Spend more on R&D to spur innovation: Pranab

NEW DELHI : ‘To compete in the global arena, India has to unleash its innovation potential’

President Pranab Mukherjee, along with Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences S. Jaipal Reddy, presenting the National Award for Technology Business Incubator to P. Sathiya Moorthy and S. Kuppuswami of Tamil Nadu’s Kongu Engineering College, during National Technology Day celebrations in New Delhi on Saturday. Photo: V.Sudershan

India needs to step up expenditure on research to pursue innovation in a big way, said President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday, while expressing concern that the country’s innovation bottom line was “not very encouraging.” He urged the private sector to increase their share of spending to the levels prevailing in countries such as South Korea, Japan and USA. Read more

Source : www.thehindu.com

Bihar Innovation Forum looks for innovations and rural solutions

KOCHI : Jeevika (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society) is looking at innovations and rural solutions from across the country for the second Bihar Innovation Forum.

The Society has organised a road show in Kochi in this connection to interact with high impact social innovators from the city and surrounding regions. Read more

Source : www.thehindubusinessline.com

Allowing quadricycles

Bajaj innovation could help upgrade urban public transport

New Delhi : Car manufacturers are intensively lobbying against Bajaj Auto's attempts at securing approval to market what it calls the "quadricycle" by seeking to meet weaker emission and safety standards than those applicable to cars. They fear that if this is allowed, the upgraded four-wheel version of the currently ubiquitous three-wheeler will eat into the car market by offering a lower price. That is because lower standards will allow the use of cheaper technologies. Mindful of this, Bajaj Auto has from the beginning carefully refrained from describing its product as a car. The firm says it is proposing to essentially make an upgraded three-wheeler that will meet emission standards applicable to similar vehicles in Europe. But while in Europe these are usually used by the old or very young (below driving-licence age) and treated as recreational vehicles, in India Bajaj Auto seeks to launch the quadricycle not just on city roads but highways too, and aim at volume sales.

In the first place, the quadricycle is unlikely to pose any challenge to cars. The disappointing sales of Tata Motors' Nano should make it clear that the Indian consumer does not go for a car simply because it is cheap, even if it scores well technologically. The declining popularity of the Maruti 800, even when it was available in cities, further underlines this preference. Read more

Source : www.business-standard.com

Innovate to make debt available, says Montek Singh Ahluwalia

NEW DELHI: Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia has urged multilateral development banks like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and others to come up with innovative ways that will enable domestic debt to be raised and invested in infrastructure development in the country. 

According to Ahluwalia, we need institutional arrangements that will mobilise all domestic savings and transform them in the long-term debt which is rupee denominated.

India has set a target of investing $1 trillion in infrastructure in the 12th five-year plan (2012-17). Read more

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com

India calls for increasing ADB’s resources to support growth in region

GREATER NOIDA (UTTAR PRADESH) : India has called for increasing the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) resources so that it can provide more impetus for growth in this region. At the same time it has also asked for innovative instruments to be brought by the multilateral agency for the long-term infrastructure needs of the region.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said ADB should take the initiative to find innovative ways to channelise global savings into infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific. (file photo)

Addressing the opening ceremony of ADB’s annual meeting here, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the level of lending that the multilateral agency can sustain is projected to come down. “At this juncture, ADB should take the initiative to find innovative ways to channelise global savings into infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific. ADB’s good rating and technical expertise can be leveraged to raise resources in domestic and international markets through appropriate instruments,” Singh said. Read more

Source : www.thehindubusinessline.com

Use of knowledge, technology needed for inclusive growth: Chidambaram

Finance Minister P Chidambaram today pitched for greater use of knowledge and technology to meet the challenges of economic growth and improve the plight of people at bottom of pyramid.

"India has the ability to take leadership position in the world in the next few decades by evolving into a knowledge society and finding innovative solutions to socio-economic challenges and it is an idea whose time has come. We commit ourselves to work towards it", Mr Chidambaram said in his address, which was read by Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram. Read more

Source : profit.ndtv.com

India to set up Rs.5,000 crore as innovation fund

Government of India has a plan to set up Rs. 5,000 crore fund to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, top official said Thursday.

An initial amount of $20 million (Rs.100 crore) would be provided to the India Inclusive Innovation Fund and the remaining amount would come via scheduled banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, corporates, high net worth individuals as well as bilateral and multilateral institutions, said Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram. Read more

Source : www.newstrackindia.com

‘Bangalore needs innovative solutions to sustain growth’

 BANGALORE : If Bangalore has to sustain its rapid growth, innovative and sustainable solutions to manage its waste, water, environment and transport are the need of the hour, Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC) member and waste management expert Kalpana Kar said.

Speaking at a panel discussion on sustainable cities on Saturday, she said, “The waste management crisis is an opportunity. There lies a business prospect in converting the inert waste into power. There is a lack of institutional capacity in the current structure to deal with solid waste management issues. Hence, it is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions which will lead to sustainable cities.” Read more

Source : newindianexpress.com

Rajasthan to promote tourism around its salt lake Sambhar

JAIPUR : To attract more tourists, the Rajasthan Government is working on innovating new products in the sector such as salt tourism.

Flamingos at the Sambhar Lake

“Sambhar (salt lake) is the largest inland salt lake in the country. The State Government is taking steps to restore basic tourist infrastructure to promote it as a unique destination,” Rajasthan Principal Secretary (Tourism) Rakesh Srivastava said. Read more

Source : www.thehindubusinessline.com

A pledge for sustainable construction

The world is ri­ghtly concerned about the environmental impact of industrial activities. Ever since the rise of Asia, where hundreds of millions of households have moved out of poverty and where new middle classes now share the consumption patterns and material comforts that up to recently had been the privilege of the industrialised societies in the west, the challenge to deal responsibly with the limited resource base in the world has grown bigger. We now know that man is having an impact on global climate and that, if the whole world follows the living patterns of the west, resources will soon be exhausted. On the other hand, we also know that the world cannot exist peacefully, if prosperity is limited to a few islands, while the majority of ma­nkind has to survive on minimal resources.

DEPICTING GROWTH: A major measure of economic progress is found in the construction industry. The construction industry is a major contributor to economic growth and to the improvement of the quality of life

The need of the hour is to improve products and production procedures so that more output can be achieved with less consumption of energy and raw materials. The political, social and economic elites in the developing world and in the emerging countries ha­ve to recognise that if gr­owth is to be sustainable in the long run, they should not imitate the outdated pattern of production and consumption that had been employed by western societies. Whenever there have been crises and bottlenecks, it was innovation that led mankind to new shores. Therefore, it is essential that today, the most innovative and up-to-date technology is being used to satisfy the demands of the consumers worldwide. Read more

Source : www.mydigitalfc.com

Scrap dealers to get you good deals on your e-junk

New Delhi : Your local scrap dealer would soon offer you vouchers redeemable at electronics stores in exchange for your dead computer or old cellphone. He may have other interesting schemes.

This innovative idea too was born out of necessity: Electronic goods manufacturers’ fear of penal action under electronic waste management rules, which requires setting up of collection centres for electronic waste. The rules, based on the European model of mandatory take-back policy and adopted by India in 2011, has made manufacturers liable for collection of used electronic products. Read more

Source : www.hindustantimes.com

In pursuit of a solar-powered world

Maharani's College holds conference on harnessing solar energy.

Abigail, a student of Maharani Science College, rides a solar powered cycle that was displayed at the National solar energy convention at Maharani College in Bangalore on Tuesday

Bangalore : Here’s something for those who want to save the environment without breaking a sweat. If commuting without increasing your carbon footprint is the goal, then a cycle exhibited at the national conference on solar energy organised by Maharani’s Science College for Women holds the key. Powered by solar energy, the cycle pedals itself.

15 companies displayed their best innovations that would directly help the society at the conference-cum-exhibition. Apart from the self pedaling cycle, there were solar lanterns, solar heaters and other solar powered devices on display. A solar cap with an in-built fan that powers itself when the sun is at its peak was another star attraction at the exhibition. Read more

Source : www.dnaindia.com

Rural areas can become back offices for urban India: Pitroda

New Delhi: Rural areas in India can operate as back offices for the country's urban centres, like Bangalore has emerged as a crucial centre for the US, National Innovation Council Chairman Sam Pitroda said Wednesday.

If Bangalore can become the back office of the US, then there is no reason as to why rural India cannot become the back office of urban India, he said at CII's AGM meeting here. Read more

Source : zeenews.india.com

Parched India harvesting dew

NEW DELHI: The film grabbed one's attention. It showed a billboard spouting water out of thin air. It seemed just the answer to the drought in India's western regions. Though this was a recent advertising gimmick by the University of Engineering and Technology in Lima and Mayo Peru DraftFCB, can such innovative ideas solve our water crisis? 

The billboard, located in Bujama village, Peru, has condensers inside it which generate water from humid air. This is filtered, stored in tanks and dispensed through taps. In just a few months, it has produced over 9,000 litres of drinking water. The cost? $1,200. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

HUDA's 250-cr drain plan draws flak from residents, activists

GURGAON: The Rs 250-crore innovative drainage system proposed by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) for the city has drawn flak from residents and citizen's forum. The drain has been planned from Badshahpur nallah to NH-8 and construction work will start in the next four months. 

The residents groups claimed that HUDA, instead of making huge investment in constructing a drain, should draw plans to create dams and artificial water bodies. "This is a mindless exercise, especially when the city's ground water level is depleting every year. Now, instead of boosting the water table through rain water by setting up water bodies, the authority is constructing drains," said R S Rathee, president, Gurgaon Citizen's Council. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Roof over roads to tap solar power?

Gandhinagar: India's major roads may double up as solar highways, if an innovative proposal by some scientists gets the government's approval. The proposal is the brainchild of scientists at the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) in the state capital. 

In a paper just published in the International Journal of Energy, Environment and Engineering, the scientists say highways can be used to generate solar power, if a roof of solar panels was laid over them, across the length of the roads. Read more

Source : zeenews.india.com

Andhra Speaker’s standing panels’ idea hits CM roadblock

HYDERABAD: Speaker Nadendla Manohar's innovative idea to form standing committees in the state assembly has hit a roadblock. Coming in the way is none other than chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, who is not gung ho about the initiative. Thanks to the cold war that has broken out between the two constitutional authorities on this issue, the committees, which were to have been set up by March 15 and start functioning after the budget session was adjourned sine die on March 26, are still to be constituted. 

In Parliament, standing committees comprising ruling party and opposition members study the budgetary allocations and submit reports. Unlike the House session which could face adjournments on various issues and see no transaction of any business for days together, the standing committees ensure that important financial issues do not get delayed. Once the panels prepare the reports, Parliament takes them up after which the passage of the budget becomes a smooth affair. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

MIT seeks collaboration with India to solve complex problems

MUMBAI: Dr L Rafael Reif, President,Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) addressed the session titled "MIT: An Instrument for Inventing the Future" in Mumbai. While speaking at the session organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which was well attended by captains of the Indian Industry, MIT alumni and academia from across the State, Dr Reif mentioned that through the work of individual faculty and the life work of countless MIT graduates, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has had a long significant global impact. 

He emphasized that the increasing breadth and intensity of MIT's global engagements, including ambitious research programs focused on global issues like poverty, water, health and online learning and Institute-level collaborations with nations developing their own innovation hubs. He opined that innovation and technology in education would be the key driver for developing academic institutes in the 21st century. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

India needs to create 15 mn jobs annually: Sam Pitroda

NEW DELHI : India needs to create 15 million jobs every year, the National Innovation Council Chairman Sam Pitroda said today.

“We need to re-create the entrepreneurial vigour so that we can ensure 15 million jobs every year because if we do not have entrepreneurs, innovation will be difficult,” says Sam Pitroda.

“We have about 550 million youths under 25 years of age and considering this, we also need to create 15 million jobs annually,” Pitroda said at a FICCI event on next generation entrepreneurs here. Read more

Source : www.thehindubusinessline.com

DSK launches Mobiliz for farmers

Pune : Now farmers staying in remote villages will be able to carry out financial transactions and use banking facilities on their doorstep. City-based construction group DSK has launched a multifunctional portable device called Mobiliz which can be used by the banking sector to simplify the monitory transaction process, especially for people staying in rural parts of the country. 

Raghunath Mashelkar (2nd from R) launched Mobiliz designed by DSK Group on Friday. Also seen are DS Kulkarni, wife Hemanti and son Shirish Snehil Sakhare | DNA  

Mobiliz can be operated on electricity, battery and even solar power. Read more

Source : www.dnaindia.com

Innovation fund not for boosting competition among SMEs

The total corpus of the fund is proposed to be Rs 5,000 crore of which the government contribution may be up to a maximum of only 20% or Rs 1,000 crore

The proposed Rs 5,000-crore India Inclusive Innovation Fund focuses on supporting enterprises that develop novel solutions primarily for weaker sections who have limited access to basic services, government said today.

The fund, however, does not aim making small and medium enterprises (SMEs) technologically better or boosting competition amongst them, Minister of State for MSME K H Muniappa informed the Lok Sabha. Read more

Source : www.business-standard.com

Innovative ideas to save the planet

In an effort to promote and popularise the cause of saving the environment and use of renewable energy, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced, in a press conference recently, that the Earth Hour, will be observed on March 23 from 8.30 to 9.30 pm. The Earth Hour is observed globally every year. 

The theme, for this year is to switch off and switch on to renewable energy. Former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has joined hands with the WWF-India and pledged his support for the cause. Read more

Source : www.deccanherald.com

MBA sabziwallas strike green gold

AHMEDABAD: They have an MBA from the most sought-after business school in the country but are busy selling vegetables. 

Nirmal Kumar and Kaushlendra Kumar — both graduates from IIM-Ahmedabad, have brought respectability to the business of vegetable selling through their innovative ventures. Read more

 

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Dental stem cell banking arrives in Nashik

NASHIK: Dental Stem Banking, an innovative concept which became popular in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and other metro cities has arrived in Nashik, with Stemade Biotech, India's first private dental stem cell bank launching its operations here.

The innovative concept of Dental Stem Banking which has gained popularity and response from the people in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and other metro cities has arrived in Nashik, with Stemade Biotech, India's first private dental stem cell bank, launching its operations in Nashik. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Now, SMS to charge cellphone’s battery using solar power

London : Out of battery? Just send a text! People living off-grid can now power their phones simply by sending a text message. A London-based company Buffalo Grid has introduced a solar-powered cellphone charging station that is activated by text message.

A patchy or absent power grid poses a conundrum of problems for rural areas in the developing world, particularly in Africa and Asia, where the use of cellphones is rapidly rising. The company's basic technology, which was recently trialled in Uganda, should help tackle this issue, 'NewScientist' reported. Read more

Source : www.indianexpress.com

Get innovative on the housing sector

The slowdown in the Indian economy since 2008 is a cause of concern for policymakers. The growth rate continues to be stubborn at the lower end and the current global environment is not very helpful for increasing exports.

The Indian economy has to look inward for avenues to grow. One productive way to spur demand would be to address the issue of shortage of houses in the country. Read more

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com

Venture capitalists go green

CHENNAI: The venture capital funding market for renewable energy is expected to triple globally by 2020 due to positive regulatory policies, environmental support for a lower carbon footprint, and innovation in renewable technologies.

Analysis from Frost & Sullivan reveals that Europe and North America would be hubs for main deal activity in renewable energy. "Bidders are also looking at south Asia and Asia Pacific as emerging regions of renewable energy development," Frost & Sullivan said. The research covers venture capital investment opportunities in solar, wind, biofuels, and geothermal and marine/hydro energy segments. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

IIT Gandhinagar students offer mathematical models for real life problems

AHMEDABAD: Students from Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) are working on providing innovative solutions to real life problems like water woes, earth's health, among other things.

Twenty one students from IITGN are taking part in a one-of-its-kind competition called 'Mathematical Contest in Modelling' (MCM), a worldwide contest where teams of undergraduates use mathematical modelling to solve real life problems. The participation is the largest from any institute in India until now. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Seer champions sanitation cause at Kumbh

ALLAHABAD/LUCKNOW: Swami Chidanand Saraswati of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram has earned sanitary distinction for the campaign he is running during the ongoing Maha Kumbh to provide clean toilets in religious places. The seer from Rishikesh has recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Defence Research and Designs Organisation (DRDO) to use their technology of bio-toilets in places where proper sanitation facilities are not available. Industry body FICCI is also supporting the endeavor. 

The DRDO's technology for bio-toilets is called bio-digester. It resolves the problem of non-decomposed human waste. The innovative system converts human waste into usable water and gases in an eco-friendly manner. The gas generated can be utilised for energy/cooking and water for irrigation purposes. The process involves the bacteria which feed upon the faecal matter inside the tank, through anaerobic process which finally degrades the matter and releases the gas methane, which can be used for cooking. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Now, get a postage stamp with your picture

ALLAHABAD: In sync with the changing scenario, the postal department is coming up with series of innovative experiments with postage stamps. While scented stamps with fragrances of sandal, rose and jasmine and golden postage stamps in association with Hallmark were issued in the in the past years, now personalised stamps with the name of "My Stamp" are being launched by the department, wherein a person can get his photo printed on postage stamps. The scheme was inaugurated by the director, postal services, Krishna Kumar Yadav at the Central Post Office in Kumbh Mela on Friday.

Inaugurating the "My Stamp" scheme at Kumbh Mela, Yadav said to avail the facility of "My Stamp" a buyer needs to fill up a form and deposit Rs 300 with a photo. A sheet of "My Stamp" contains 12 postage stamps. "In case people don't come with the photo, arrangements have been made to get the photo clicked on the spot," he said. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Fest to draw focus on solar power

Sunplugged, the GreenKarbon Solar Festival, is being organised at Bhavan’s College in Andheri. The festival aims to encourage innovation, and adapt and build a sustainable future for urban India. It highlights the connection between biodiversity conservation and the battle against climate change, while showcasing practical low carbon alternatives and ways of efficiently cut down energy use and thus carbon emission.

The festival will take to mediums like film, dance, music and technical demonstrations, to showcase the work of some of India’s most passionate green warriors. It will take place between January 18 to January 20. Read more

Source : www.asianage.com

TERI calls for greater investments in smart technologies to boost green growth

New Delhi (ANI): Pledging their support to reduce emissions, entrepreneurs and policymakers unanimously rooted for greater investments in eco-friendly innovations at the 'Smart Design Technology for Clean Energy Applications Conference 2013' held today.

Organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and National Instruments India, the Conference provided an international platform for comprehensive discussion on issues pertaining to clean energy, smart system designs and their applications. Read more

Source : www.newstrackindia.com

Farooq Abdullah to attend World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi

Dubai: Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah is among the leaders and government officials from key renewable energy markets scheduled to attend the sixth World Future Energy Summit (WFES), to be held in Abu Dhabi from January 15-17. WFES is a leading platform for renewable energy innovation and investment and is part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The WFES2013 will also be the host venue for the biennial International Renewable Energy Conference.

WFES2013 will also be the host venue for the biennial International Renewable Energy Conference. The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will open with the third session of the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The conference programme includes four high-level Ministerial Panels. Read more

Source : ibnlive.in.com

'Karnataka can achieve Rs 4 lakh cr revenues from IT exports by 2020'

ICT Group urges state govt to put in place a proper policy framework to tap the potential

Bangalore : The Karnataka Information Communication Technology (ICT) Group has estimated that the state can achieve a revenue of Rs 4 lakh crore from the ICT sector in the next eight years by initiating proper policy framework.

The ICT Group headed by TV Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Manipal Global Education Services, in its latest report submitted to state government noted that Karnataka has second largest technology cluster after the United States. The group submitted the report to state's Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, here on Tuesday. Read more

Source : business-standard.com

Ahmedabad to host national symposium on innovations in pharma

AHMEDABAD: A national symposium on innovations in pharmaceutical sciences will be held in Ahmedabad on February 16, 2013.

To be themed on innovation in the pharma industry, the symposium will be called 'Innovative Insights on Pharmaceutical Industry'. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

PM unveils new science, technology and innovation policy at 100th Indian Science Congress

Kolkata (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Thursday, unveiled the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STI) 2013 by presenting its first copy to President Pranab Mukherjee at the inaugural session of the 100th Indian Science Congress here today.

Union Science and Technology Minister Jaipal Reddy, Union Communication and Information Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other dignitaries from the field of Science and Technology were present during the event held at the Salt Lake Stadium here. Read more

Source : www.newstrackindia.com

Students propose innovative solutions to cities' challenges

The Transform Urban India – National Student Challenge 2012 elicited pioneering alternatives to resolve urban issues. A glimpse of what was on offer.

C B Bhave with the winners of National Student Challenge 2012. Pic courtesy: IIHS

A portable, comfortable work-surface for underprivileged kids. An alternate short distance public transport. These were among the entires that broke new ground at the National Student Challenge (NSC) 2012 organized by the Bangalore based Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) on 5th and 6th December. NSC is an all India annual challenge that aims to involve the youth of the nation in tackling issues related to India's urbanisation. Read more

Source : bangalore.citizenmatters.in

Environ Cong underscores renewable energy for all

The Odisha Environment Congress (OEC)-2012 concluded on a high note on Saturday with major recommendations and suggestions in the lines that match the strategy of the State Government in view of the Chief Minister’s advocacy for green energy sources and declaration of formation of a Green Energy Development Corporation.

The OEC’s next year’s theme will be ‘Agriculture and Environment in Odisha’, Scientists, researchers, experts and policymakers on energy came out with a conclusion that a long-term policy is required to ensure sustainable renewable energy for all. Read more

Source : www.dailypioneer.com

West Bengal sees turnaround in revenue collection

NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government has managed a turnaround in revenue collection, thanks to innovative use of technology and the impending need to raise resources and repair the state's tattered finances. 

Data shows tax receipts during the first quarter of 2012-13 have risen 35%. In 2010-11, before the Trinamool Congress-led government came to power, tax collection by the Left Front government stood at Rs 21,000 crore, while in 2012-13 revenue collection is expected to touch Rs 31,000 crore. This will be realized due to efficiency of revenue collection and not by raising tax rates. The state government has undertaken several tax reform measures and plugged revenue leakages, a move which officials in the state say is paying dividends. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Sibal blames Oppn for stalling reform process

New Delhi : India's economy will have to grow by at least 9 percent if the "innovative" government schemes are to be successfully implemented but the stalling of reform process by Opposition in Parliament is posing hurdles, Union Minister Kapil Sibal said today.

Sibal, the Minister for Communications and Information and Technology, said the opposition should go hand in hand with the government in taking forward the reforms agenda. Read more

Source : www.business-standard.com

Innovations displayed

Chandigarh : From companies displaying their solar water heating systems to new tractor brands, Agro Tech 2012 was a show of new innovations.

The Inter Solar Systems (ISS) displayed a smaller size and low cost solar water heating system at the expo. “Use of solar power is growing but there is still a lack of awareness,” said Bhupendra Kumar, director of ISS. He said that solar water heating system is becoming popular in Punjab. “Many new hotels and hostels in Punjab and Baddi are using the solar water heating system as it is eco friendly and also reduces the water heating costs by up to 90 per cent.” Read more

Source : www.indianexpress.com

Innovative green idea makes Mumbai lad a ‘UN envoy’

Mumbai : Armed with an innovative idea, 23-year-old Swapnil Kokate from Matunga was one of two Indians chosen to be a UN envoy to Germany to study green economy. Kokate, who was one among 50 youngsters chosen from 19 countries, bagged a spot with his electricity-free egg incubator (EFEI), which can be used by Indian farmers who are troubled by frequent power cuts.

A polymer engineering student of the Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Kokate said that he was inspired to design the incubator after talking to a friend’s father, a poultry farmer, who complained about power cuts. Read more

Source : www.dnaindia.com

Indian awarded top education prize in Doha

Dubai : An Indian scholar has been awarded the USD 500,000 WISE prize for innovation in the field of education, for his relentless work of providing low cost education to children in Mumbai slums.

Madhav Chavan, a former Chemistry lecturer was awarded at the fourth World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in the Qatari capital Doha, before more than 1,200 innovators from over 100 countries, including figures from the worlds of social enterprise, business, government, media and education. Read more

Source : www.business-standard.com

Stanford B-school to start course in India

The part-time certificate programme for entrepreneurs will be launched from July 2013

Mumbai : Stanford Graduate School of Business is looking to kindle the innovative mindset of students by launching new courses for entrepreneurs across the world, with support from Silicon Valley experts. The institute will soon launch Stanford Ignite, a part-time certificate programme for Indian entrepreneurs in Bangalore. To be launched in 2013, the theme of the course will be entrepreneurship and innovation.

The highlight is that Silicon Valley professionals would be a part of this endeavour, guiding prospective start-up entrepreneurs in their endeavours. Read more

Source : www.business-standard.com

Imported cycles to add zing to Cong campaign

Ahmedabad : The state Congress has adopted an innovative electioneering mechanism by hiring cyclists carrying hoardings of their 12-point agenda under the “Gujarat Praja Vikas Darshan-2012” to popularise their election agenda in metro cities of the state.

A total of 12 cyclists carrying mobile hoardings have been doing the rounds of each and every ward of Ahmedabad city for the last three days. Read more

Source : www.indianexpress.com

Amdavadis to get a taste of forgotten recipes at IIM-A in December

AHMEDABAD: The forgotten tastes of traditional recipes will be revived at a food festival in the city in December. Sattvik, an organic food festival highlighting diversity in cultures and taste, will be held at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) from December 21 to 23, 2012.

The 10th traditional food festival, organised by Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI) in collaboration with Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN),National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and IIM-A, aims to stimulate demand of local crops and their varieties from dry regions so as to generate market based incentives for their conservation. Read more

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Banking on change in insurance and pension sectors

The new ‘Use and File’ guideline will allow life insurers to introduce certain standard products without approval from the regulator, thereby reducing time to market.

Retire in peace: Pension fund assets constitute 5 per cent of the GDP — much lower than the 67 per cent in OECD countries. Jothi Ramalingam

The insurance industry went through a challenging period after regulatory changes in September 2010, coupled with a volatile macroeconomic scenario. The proposed reforms could spur growth while also encouraging innovation to make insurance attractive to consumers. Read more

Source : www.thehindubusinessline.com

Oracle India, telecom incubator partner to train Kerala students

Will integrate Oracle's computer science curriculum into Startup Village's engineering program to train students, teachers

Mumbai : Oracle India and Startup Village, the first telecom business incubator in the country, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to integrate the Oracle Academy’s Advanced Computer Science curriculum into Startup Village’s engineering program in Kerala.

The Startup Village, located at Kinfra Hi-Tech Park, Kochi has been set up jointly by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), under the DST Government of India, and the Kerala Government-run Technopark in collaboration with MobME wireless. It is being projected as the largest national attempt to scale up innovation in the country through incubators in collaboration with the private sector. Read more

Source : www.business-standard.com