Grover Zampa Vineyards in association with Bhartiya City, Event Capital & Invision hosted ‘The Great Grover wine festival’, at Bhartiya City

Bangalore, 25^th Feb 2015:  Grover Zampa Vineyards in association with Bhartiya City, Event Capital & Invision introduced its first annual wine fest – ‘The Great Grover Wine Festival’ with a roster of fun events. The Great Grover wine festival had an exciting mix of music, wine and much more held at Bhartiya City was a huge success. 

The event which took place at the scenic lawns of Bhartiya City became an instant triumph with guests, with an array of fun activities. All the wine & food lovers exchanged great conversations over wine. The guests enjoyed great music, wine, drinks, food, shopping and grape stomping. The Flea market was buzzing with people who flocked to the stalls. There were a wide range of charming items for sale. That’s not all! The day long festival was complimented by various captivating performances by renowned artists like Swarathma, Ananth Menon & Trio and MadOrangeFireworks.  

The festival was attended by a bevy of glamorous personalities and many others who joined in festival celebrations, mingling over wine, music and delectable delicacies.  

Commenting about the festival, Mr. Sumedh Mandla, CEO, Grover Zampa Vineyards said, “We are delighted to create this grand; wine and performing art festival and to show case our award winning wines to the wine lovers.“The Great Grover Wine Festival” gives us an opportunity to celebrate our success with our patrons and provide a relaxed day out with an array of fun filled activities aimed at rejuvenating and providing a learning experience with wines.” 

It was an absolute experience for wine and food lovers from the city, who enjoyed a relaxing day at the picturesque venue along with some marvelous wine and fun activities.

– MAYURI.V

Mr. R S Subramanian, SVP & MD, India, DHL Express

The entire country is looking forward to the Union Budget 2015 as the government has already made it clear that they will push for reforms in every sector. What will be interesting to see is the execution and roll out of all the major initiatives announced by the government, may it be ‘Make in India’ or ‘Ease of Doing Business’.

We are optimistic and see a renewed confidence among FIIs and MNCs towards India. This is a welcome change, as it will boost India’s economy and transform the business landscape entirely. We expect strong thrust on logistical infrastructure, a commitment to implement GST and major trade facilitation initiatives in this Budget. A specific deadline on GST combined with clear guidelines on the implementation mechanism will positively impact investor confidence in the logistics sector. A strong commitment to create single-window e-biz portal for all clearances and payments related to regulatory compliance is a very positive move towards transparency and procedural simplification and will go a long way in reducing transaction costs in the country. Implementation of 24/7 customs clearances in all major airports and ports announced in the last budget and a roll-out of the single-window electronic clearance that integrates customs and other agencies is another big step towards making India world-class in terms of the doing business.

– MAYURI.V

CREDAI puts forth pre-Budget charter before CM

Bangalore, February 23, 2015: CREDAI Karnataka met the Karnataka Chief Minister Mr Siddaramaiah recently in response to the invitation from the State Government for a pre-budget interaction with various Industry bodies, to present the industry body’s pre-Budget charter to the government. The meeting was chaired by Hon’ble Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The CREDAI delegation, which met the CM, was led by Mr Nagaraj Reddy, President – CREDAI Karnataka, Mr C.N. Govindaraju, President – CREDAI Bengaluru, Mr Suresh Hari, Secretary – CREDAI Bengaluru, Mr Anil Nayak, CEO – CREDAI Bengaluru, and also included a few member builders.

The meeting was also attended by the State revenue department officials including the Inspector General of Revenue – Stamps.

According to Mr Suresh Hari, the main submission to the CM was regarding stamp duty being levied on joint development agreement. “Due to high stamp duty on this instrument without any cap on maximum, which was there earlier, it is becoming more and more difficult to do projects on joint development. We have requested the Hon’ble CM to bring back the cap on maximum so that more projects can be done with the available resources,” he explained.

Pre-Budget charter

The CREDAI delegation also requested the Chief Minister to have proper checks and balances in place to protect customers from being cheated by unscrupulous elements on multiple registration. “We have also requested that the sub-registrar’s office be modernised with better facilities for both customers and officials, and better working condition. Overall, we have requested the Hon’ble CM to look into the multiple taxations on the real estate sector which is ultimately borne by the buyers,” added Mr Suresh Hari. He said that the Hon’ble CM was requested to facilitate meeting with various departments on a round table discussion to address issues affecting the real estate industry. “After hearing to the representation, the CM assured us that he will look into the charter and do his best,” he added.

– MAYURI.V

Selva Ganesh & Pete Lockett along with Niladri Kumar gripped Bengaluru with their performances at Idea Jalsa “Music for the Soul”

Bengaluru, February 22, 2015: ‘Idea Jalsa – Music for the Soul’ is back with a new season, offering a wide variety of Indian music presenting over 20 genres of Indian Music, featuring more than 150 Performing Artistes across its 12 city Concert Tour. Idea Jalsa has always provided Music lovers worldwide, with high quality Music performances across diverse genres and has also formally entered the Limca Book of Records 2014 for being the ‘Largest Platform for Indian Music’ featuring the largest number of artistes across the most genres of Music. In its successful ninth year, this unique property reached Hyderabad with invigorating performances by Selva Ganesh & Pete Lockett along with Niladri Kumar.

Commenting on the property Durga Jasraj, Founder and Director, Art And Artistes said, “Idea Jalsa is a journey which goes beyond the proverbial “Dream come True”, it’s a “Blessing”. Its entry into the Limca Books of Records for being the largest platform for Indian Music is an acknowledgement of the phenomenal journey it has taken along with Idea Cellular. Today, Idea Jalsa is truly a celebration of Music for the Soul. We are sincerely grateful to audiences across the world, our performing artistes and Idea Cellular for this.”

On the success of the event, Artist Quote. Leading telecom brand, Idea Cellular has been a part of Idea Jalsa since its inception in 2006. Over the years, Idea Jalsa has grown from strength to strength across all mass mediums, viz.

• Television programming on DD and Zee TV (Idea Jalsa now reaches to over 165 countries worldwide through Zee TV International)
• Live Concerts across the Country in metros and many other cities & towns – the only National Indian Music Project
• FM Radio programming
• In-flight Entertainment programming – currently on more than 15 International Airlines
• CDs of special performances compiled for music lovers to purchase at Concert Venues
• Unique Mobile VAS content for Idea Cellular subscribers
• A vibrant Social Media presence highlighted by the largest dedicated Indian Music YouTube partner channel

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Siva Ganapathi – Chief Operating Officer, Karnataka, Idea Cellular, said, “Idea Cellular has always considered music to be one of the important avenues to connect with our customers across the country. Idea Jalsa is one such platform which brings together legends, maestros, stars, and rising stars from the Indian music fraternity, to present a rich & diverse showcase of Indian culture for all music enthusiasts across the country and champion Hindustani classical music. We are happy to bring these unique performers and musicians to Bangalore and are hopeful that our customers will join us in this celebration of music.” 

For details of the special Concert in Bengaluru and the following cities log onto http://ideajalsa.artandartistes.com

http://www.facebook.com/artandartistes and http://www.facebook.com/durgajasraj

http://www.plus.google.com/artandartistes

http://www.twitter.com/artandartistes and http://www.twitter.com/djasraj

http://www.youtube.com/artandartistes to watch your favourite Musicians’ performances across the years 

Notes to the Editor

Idea Jalsa Concert Tour Schedule

27^th February 2015 – Chennai

07^st March 2015 – Kozhikode

14^th March 2015 – Patna

21^st March 2015 – Jodhpur

27^th March 2015 – Jammu.

– MAYURI.V

Rotary International District 3190 announces 38th Dist. Conference – “UDDIPANA” in its 110th year of Rotary Worldwide.

Bengaluru, February 20, 2015:  Rotary District 3190 today announced its “38^th Rotary District Conference” that will be held at NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru on February 21 & 22, 2015. It is closely aligned with Rotary’s mission, which includes peace across the planet, & polio eradication. India is now declared ‘Polio Free’ and we are 99% close to eliminating polio from the planet. In keeping with Rotary’s support and care for the Envirosnment, the entire event will be plastic free, a zero garbage event, and further, all the 1400 delegates will take a ‘Swachh Bharat’ pledge, to do their bit for the environment. The keynote address will be delivered by Smt. Jaya Row, Vedanta Vision, Mumbai. The conference will also feature speeches by inspiring speakers such as R I Representative PDG Anil Agarwal, Columnist and Journalist Madhu Purnima Kishwar, K. Jairaj IAS, Saina Nehwal, Sujit Lalwani, and Ha Pa Nagarajaiah. Renowned artist Mantap Prabhakar, and the Radha Kalpa Troupe, will be performing at the cultural event.

District Governor, Rtn. Manjunath Shetty said “The Conference which attracts 6000 foot falls in over two days of presentations and deliberations, will also honour eminent philanthropists, and change makers Rtns. Arjun Menda and Rtn. Dr. Sunder Ram Shetty, for their services to society, and the community at large. World renowned sportsperson Saina Nehwal will be honoured, felicitated, and presented a purse of Rs. 1 lakh on the occasion”. While explaining the various initiatives undertaken by RI Dist. 3190, District Conference Chairperson Rtn. K. Vijayakumar said “The proceeds of the Conference add to the coffers of the Global Rotary Foundation, in support of their continuing fight to eradicate Polio, and similar global epidemics worldwide”. For Rotarians, District Conference is an opportunity to network, listen to inspiring presentations, work collectively, and enhance their reach and impact in the community around them.

– MAYURI.V

Kellogg’s replicates popular rice dish ‘Pongal’ in the savoury oats segment, with Simply Pongal

Mumbai, February 2015:  Kellogg India, the world’s leading producer of ready-to-eat cereal and leader of the breakfast cereal category in India, launches a new savoury oats variant in the breakfast market –Simply Pongal. In tradition with its commitment to nutrition and constant endeavour to Indianize its offerings with relevant taste options, Kellogg delves deeper into the Indian palate with this new flavour that is customized for South Indians and those who enjoy South Indian cuisine.

Addressing the increasing relevance of healthy foods, based on the lifestyle demands of Indians, Kellogg aims at providing the perfect combination of health and taste with this new variant. Simply Pongal replicates the popular, regional dish ‘Pongal’ of South India with the primary component as oats, including moong dal and indigenous flavours of cumin, pepper and curry leaves. Commenting on the launch, Sangeeta Pendurkar, Managing Director, Kellogg India said, “The endeavour at Kellogg’s has been to drive innovation that helps us provide consumers with food that delights them, without compromising on nutrition. Consumers today are keen to experiment and adopt new food habits which have been triggered by urbanization and increasing disposable incomes. Lifestyle choices amongst Indians have aligned towards healthier options which promise taste and health. In our constant endeavor to Indianize offerings, Kellogg India has taken the onus of customizing an Indian recipe and replicating the popular rice dish ‘Pongal’ to offer a unique oats flavour- Simply Pongal.”

She added, “The size of the oats category in India is about Rs. 200 Cr. and the savoury oats segment within oats has seen double digit growth in India. Leveraging this opportunity, we decided to launch Simply Pongal, which is an addition to our earlier flavours of Tomato Salsa and Green Pudina.”

Oats has long been recommended by doctors to patients with heart conditions; however taste was a significant barrier which restricted consumption of the grain amongst Indians otherwise. While people desire healthier options, they are not keen on compromising taste and hence they seek options that promise both taste and nutrition. Kellogg recognizes the diversity of the country and has taken this step to deliver a region specific flavour. Oats are high in fibre and provide the heart-friendly soluble fibre beta glucan that is known to help manage cholesterol. Kellogg’s Oats Simply Pongal has 69.2% oats as the primary ingredient.

The product will be supported by above-the-line promotions as well as in-store promotions and sampling.

Kellogg’s Oats- Simply Pongal variant is now available in sachets of 39gm priced at Rs. 15 per pack.

 – MAYURI.V

Unisys Announces Winners of Cloud 20/20 Version 6.0 Technical Project Contest

Bengaluru, February 20, 2015: Unisys India today announced the winners of Cloud 20/20 Version 6.0,the latest edition of one of India’s largest online technical project contests. The contest recognizes innovative thinking by students across India in addressing the technical challenges of the latest disruptive IT trends.

Following several rigorous rounds of evaluation, including technical project submissions, telephone interviews, and remote project demonstrations via video conference, project ‘3D Geo-Data Management in Geo-RDBMS in Multi-User Access and Creation of Web Based Environment for Semantic Query Execution’ submitted by Poorvak Kapoor, Dhruv Bajpai, Akshay Bhasin, and Abhinav Bhadoria from IMS Engineering College, Ghaziabad, won the first prize. Nisha O., Pavithraa P., and Sujitha G. from Pondicherry Engineering College, Puducherry, bagged the second prize for ‘V-SHARE’ Project. ‘Railway Incident Recovery System’ by M. Venkata Sunil Babu, N. Sai Babu, B. Siva Kumar, and M. Ravi Kumar from V R Siddhartha Engineering College, Vijayawada, won the third prize.

Working in teams of four, supported by project guides from Unisys and their institute, the contestants showcased projects on application development for the cloud; security issues in the cloud; big data in the cloud; cloud based testing; system programming; and potential future technologies, open source technologies and disruptive technologies. In addition, this year, UnisysIndia introduced a new category called ‘Targeted Innovation Projects,’ wherein students had the opportunity to work on project ideas proposed by the Unisys Technical team on topics of relevance to Cloud 20/20.

Unisys India will offer the finalist teams employment opportunities within the company, subject to their eligibility and availability within the organization.

Kumar Prabhas, Managing Director, Unisys India, said, “Emerging technologies are rapidly changing the way we live and work. They also present numerous challenges and opportunities for businesses and customers alike. It is imperative that we get the next generation, who have grown up with these technologies, involved in finding creative solutions to these challenges and that’s precisely what Cloud 20/20 aims to do.”

More than 1,400 teams from colleges across India participated in Cloud 20/20 Version 6.0. Unisys received about 530 project submissions, up more than 34percent from the prior year’s competition.

“Unisys has always been committed to investing in supporting the next generation of innovators,” said Jim Thompson, Chief Engineer and Engineering Vice-President, Engineering and Supply Chain, Unisys. “This year’s winners prove that with the right education, resources, and guidance, young people can indeed use their creativity and ingenuity to solve some of our most critical technology challenges.”

For further information on Cloud 20/20, visit:http://utfi.co.in/ or                                                                                              http://www.app3.unisys.com/common/about__unisys/Cloud20_20V6/index.html

– MAYURI.V

http://www.app3.unisys.com/common/about__unisys/Cloud20_20V6/index.html

Triveni’s ethnic makeover for corporates

Bangalore, February 19^th  , 2015: Corporate fashion will get more Indian with Triveni ethnics pre-launching Triveni’s Corporate Partnership, name Sang, across India in the month of February. It involves individual to experience, explore cultures for which Triveni Sang with Corporate will allow its employees to maintain a relationship fostering ethnic awear in the western business work culture.

Triveni believes that there is something paradoxical about Corporate wear in India equating to Westernwear, both in practical realities of its suitability to Indian climate, and in terms of larger notion of companies looking at Indian problems, and Indian solutions to them.

As part of is special launch scheme, Triveni is offering corporates upto 35% discounts on MRP on garments available on Triveni’s website till June 2015. On a regular basis, if an employee orders are placed from the company ID, with a minimum purchase of Rs.10,000/-qualifying the criteria, will get a flat 30% discount. The employees receives a special 5% discount coupon, on Triveni’s website, even gift coupons online discounts and rewards are offered to the employees on Triveni’s products. Triveni’s team is working with HR of various companies to enroll them Sang, which allows the above additional benefits to the company’s employees.

Interested ones can visit the following link to register for Triveni Sang: http://www.triveniethnics.com/triveni-sang

Speaking of which Mr. Arvind Saraf, Director, Triveni said, “We believe every corporate should at least have a day celebrating Indian wear, and even propose calling it the Ethnic day. The trend and fashion in the corporate reflects the cultural ideology in the working circumstances.”

-MAYURI.V

FAT CAT GAMING ANNOUNCES THE FIRST OFFICIAL WINNER OF LUCKY 6™

Bangalore, February 18^th , 2015– Fat Cat Gaming is excited to announce player Naveen Kumar, 38, from Delhi, as the first official winner of Lucky 6™, the free-to-play mobile app that guarantees cash prizes to winners. Three more lucky winners, SoniPravin, Gurpreet Singh and Ratul Singh have also won the high score prizes in subsequent games. Visit http://fatcatgaming.com/ to learn more.

Although Naveen didn’t match the top six to win the jackpot of Rs. 15 Lakh, he achieved the highest score during the game and therefore received the smaller prize of Rs. 65,000. He couldn’t be more thrilled with his win.

“I was playing Lucky 6™ for fun, just because it was an interesting game. I never thought I would actually win a cash prize!”

Naveen plans to put his cash winnings to good use, but says he will continue to play the game as the chance of winning the jackpot prize is so enticing. As for our latest winner, Ratul Singh, his success in getting the high score prize has meant that his friend and referrer, MeghnathKisku, 23,from Salboni, West Bengal, is the first person to win our Sharer Bonus. Whilst Ratul won Rs. 65,000, Megnath will walk away with Rs. 12,500 just for sharing the game!

Meghnath, who was both surprised and excited by the success of his friend, said, ” I really enjoy playing Lucky 6™ and thought my friends would love it too. I am thrilled for Ratul and amazed that I have been rewarded as well. We really have won together. Now I just have to see if I can replicate Ratul’s success and win one of the bigger prizes!”

Sulim Malook, the founder and CEO of Fat Cat Gaming, is equally thrilled for the game’s first official winners. “The entire Fat Cat team is very happy for Naveen, and the others, and we extend our congratulations to them all. He is the first of many players and referrers who will win money playing Lucky 6™. Great job Naveen!”

Lucky 6™ launched on February 3 to rave reviews from bloggers and techies. The game is easy to play: players simply download the free app from http://fatcatgaming.com/and use their skill and knowledge to select the six brands they believe will perform best, based on the gain in their stock price. There are games every Tuesday and Friday starting at 9am.

https://itunes.apple.com/app/id928084055 http://www.amazon.com/SHM-Entertainment-Limited-Fat-Gaming/dp/B00OPHVUZ8

http://fatcatgaming.com/

– MAYURI.V

KMSC felicitates CS Santosh for Dakar Rally participation

Bangalore, February 18: Multiple National supercross champion CS Santosh, 31, has achieved what no one in India has ever done before. Topping all his achievements as a motorbike rider is the fact that he created history by becoming the first Indian to compete in the Dakar Rally 2015 on a KTM machine. 

He stood a remarkable 36^th overall and the Karnataka Motor Sports Club salute his courage, resolve and hard work that has helped him achieve what no other Indian has done before. Moreover, the KMSC is proud that he is from Karnataka. 

It is for this achievement that the KMSC felicitated the rider in the presence of veteran rallyists CK Chinnappa, EG Chakrapani, Vinod Shivappa, KS Ramaswamy and a host of rallyists and enthusiasts. Also present were Santosh’s proud parents CR Shivahankar and Chandrakala. Also present were FMSCI president Bharath Raj and KMSC president Shivu Shivappa and KMSC committee members. 

The Dakar Rally is one of the toughest rallies in the world and it is not uncommon for competitors to fall sick due to extreme conditions, sustain severe injuries or even die. To even think of going to the Dakar Rally, particularly when he was severely injured in a fire accident while in his debut in the World Cross Country Championship in 2013 in Abu Dhabi. 

“It is an eye-opener for me and it only shows that we don’t have to be from any developed country to take part in a tough event like the Dakar Rally,” he said. 

“I am a home-grown talent who has been riding from when I was 17 and then took things step by step. My family is not the one who has motorsport legends. It does not need immense wealth. Motivation is the key. 

“For me to get the 36^th place is a bonus. But in the beginning I just wanted to finish and one wonders if you can make it. In the end, I felt that I can do better,” he added. 

Santosh has competed for the TVS factory team from 2003 to 2010. He has been the National Supercross Champion four times and also won numerous races in the highly-competitive Sri Lankan Championship and Asian Championship. He has won the Raid-de-Himalaya in 2012 and Desert Storm in 2014. 

Major National achievements (championship wins):

• 2005 Winner of the MRF National Supercross Championship
• 2005 Winner of the Gulf National Dirt Track championship
• 2007 National Champion Supercross Indian experts
• 2008 Winner MRF Supercross Challenge
• 2008 Winner of the Gulf Dirt Track Championship
• Winner of the 2010 MRF National Supercross Championship
• 2010 Winner of MRF Supercross Bangalore Round 1
• 2010 Winner of MRF Supercross Jaipur Round 3
• 2010 Winner of MRF Supercross Boroda Round 4
• 2010 Winner of MRF Supercross Kholapur Round 5
• 2010 Winner of MRF Supercross Pune Round 6
• 2010 Winner of the 2010 Rolon National Dirt Track Championship
• 2011 MRF National Supercross wins in India
• 2011 Winner of the Chandigarh MRF Supercross
• 2011 Winner of the Pune MRF Supercross
• 2011 2nd place in the Kolhapur MRF Supercross 

Wins in Sri Lanka:

• 2009 Winner of Maharagama Motocross
• 2010 Winner of Nur Elia Motocross
• 2010 Winner of Foxhill Supercross
• 2010 Vijayabahu Motocross Champion
• 2010 Winner of Gunners Supercross
• 2010, 2011, 2012 Winner of Gajaba Supercross
• 2010 Winner of Nalanda Motocross
• 2011 & 2012 Winner of the Gunner’s Supercross
• 2011 Winner of the Sigiri Rally Supercross
• 2011 2nd place in the Fox Hill Supercross
• 2012 2nd place in the Cavalry Supercross 

Other achievements:

• Won the 14th Raid-de-Himalaya 2012
• Won the 12th Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2014
• In 2013, CS Santosh became the first Indian to debut at the World Cross Country Championship but an unfortunate fire accident injured him badly during the 3rd Stage. He was running in the top 10 in his class.
• In 2008, CS Santosh became the first Indian in the Asian Motocross championship, to have qualified with the fastest time in Moto II in Iran, where he finished fourth, the highest ever by an Indian rider on the international circuit.
• He was ranked overall 6th in the Asian Motocross Championship 2010
• 2006 Finished 5th overall in Dubai National championship
• 2006 Winner of the Al-Ain Motocross in Dubai
• In 2014, CS Santosh became the first Indian to finish in the top 10 (overall 10th) in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, which is a part of the World Cross Country Championship. The same rally that had broken him the previous year due to a horrific fire accident.
• In 2014, CS Santosh became the first Indian to participate & finish 8th in the Sealine Cross-Country Rally (Qatar), which is a part of the World Cross Country Championship also. This rally is known for being particularly hard to navigate along with very long stages.
• Santosh ended the 2014 season with an overall 9th in the championship. This puts him in the Top 10 for this year and it shows his capabilities as a consistent & focused achiever. For someone who had a horrific debut season last year, it takes more than courage to achieve this impossible feat.

– MAYURI.V