Academic Institutions take Digital Strides with Paytm on board!

New Delhi, 11^th February 2016: Paytm, India’s largest mobile payment and commerce platform, has taken its cashless solution to campuses through tie-ups with over 100 schools and colleges, including Delhi Public School, India Institute of Technology, Lovely Professional University, Sharda University to name a few.

As per the statistics, over 60% of the students in most campus’s are already active users of the Paytm app. Users can now pay school fees and dues, cafeteria bills as well as buy uniforms, books and merchandise through the Paytm Wallet. By minimizing cash, the initiative shall be highly beneficial for the students and parents alike.

Kiran Vasireddy, Senior Vice President at Paytm said, “In line with our vision for a cashless economy, we are committed to bring more and more use cases of wallet payments across categories. We have enabled wallets for admission & fee collections in some of the most prominent educational institutions and now students can also pay at canteens, cafeterias, tuck shops and other vendors on campus with their wallets. With this, students can now experience a complete cash free environment at these campuses.”

Upbeat about the cashless campuses concept, the institutes are implementing wallet-based payments in different styles and phases. Students applying to institutes such as Lovely Professional University (LPU) can pay on LPU Nest using Paytm and when they join the campus they can use Paytm’s offline payment solution at their 100+ canteens and tuck-shops apart from paying their fee online using Paytm.

In Delhi, Indraprastha Institute of Information and Technology (IIIT) shall allow making payments using Paytm at the shops based inside the university. The wallet payments are being initiated at the Café Coffee Day unit, stationary shop, juice corner, canteen and monthly mess services. Post the success of the 1^st Phase it will be extend to fees submission as well.

MSSRF to implement International Network of Emerging Library Innovators (INELI) in India

Chennai, February 12, 2016: A select group of 26 public librarians from across India gathered in Chennai as part of the first ever convening of public librarians in the country, for the International Network of Emerging Library Innovators (INELI) initiative. The programme being implemented by the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation through the Global Libraries programme of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an effort to build leadership skills of Public Library professionals.

The programme aims to build capacity of public library professionals for changes in the public library landscape in India, with the rationale that access to information facilitates opportunities for people who lack easy access and/or skills to use relevant information to improve their lives. It aims to build leadership skills and strengthen the network of library professionals in the country. The first batch of 26 professionals from 16 states and 2 Union Territories in India had its first convening from 9 – 12 February in Chennai.

Speaking about the INELI-India launch, Prof M S Swaminathan, Founder MSSRF said “The vision of knowledge leading to transformation in society is one very close to the philosophy of MSSRF.  It is an honour and privilege that we have been chosen as the only institution in India to lead this initiative. I hope every librarian who is part of each cohort plays an active role to transform communities in their district and region and thereby across the country.”

The INELI programme covers over 13,000 libraries in 20 countries globally. It is being replicated at the regional level in India, Africa, South East Asia, the Balkans, Latin America, Oceania, and the Middle-East.

MSSRF is a recipient of a grant from the Gates Foundation for a 3-year project period in India during which over 40 public library professionals, selected through a systematic process, will be trained in 2 batches. A mix of online and three face-to-face sessions, including one in a neighbouring country are planned. The online program with seven modules will be facilitated by learning coordinators and a group of mentors while an online platform will facilitate the course.

The second cohort is expected to begin 6 months from now and MSSRF will select another batch of mid-career public library professionals from across the country for this purpose.

* EBITDA up by 10% YoY to Rs 202 Cr

* To enter OTR radial market with initial capex of Rs 330cr

Mumbai / Chennai, 12th February, 2016: CEAT Limited, an RPG Group company, announced their unaudited results for the third quarter ending 31st December, 2015. On a consolidated basis, the company’s PAT increased by 27% YoY to Rs 113 crore, while revenue declined marginally by 2% to Rs 1,374 crore. The EBITDA increased by 10% to Rs 202 crore on a YoY basis. The consolidated EBITDA margins rose to 14.7% in Q3 FY15-16 compared to 13.1% in Q3 last year.

On a standalone basis, PAT rose by 46% YoY to Rs 118 crore for the quarter. The standalone EBITDA for Q3 FY15-16 stood at Rs 197 crore which corresponded to an increase of 15% on a YoY basis. The standalone EBITDA margins stood at 14.9% in Q3 FY 15-16 compared to 12.7% in Q3 last year.

“Reduction in average borrowings levels coupled with reduction in interest rates led to interest costs reduction this quarter. Our debt/equity currently stands at a healthy 0.4,” Mr. Manoj Jaiswal, Chief Financial Officer, CEAT Ltd, said.

CEAT has made an equity investment of Rs 25 crore in its 100% subsidiary CEAT Specialty Tyres Limited (CSTL). Further, it has transferred its Ambernath land to CSTL which will be used for setting up a facility to manufacture OTR (off the road) radial tyres.

“Given the strong growth potential in the OTR sector and its synergy with CEAT capabilities, we have taken a strategic decision to increase our focus there. CSTL has been created to ensure dedicated focus and drive towards this opportunity. We will be investing Rs 330 crore for an initial capacity of 40 MT/day. The facility, with a primary focus on exports market, will witness phased expansion over the years,” Mr. Anant Goenka, Managing Director, CEAT Ltd said.

CEAT’s OEM segment started catering to Mahindra Imperio, Hero Maestro Edge and Duet models. Further, Royal Enfield Himalayan and Honda Navi was recently launched on CEAT. The company has further roped in one of India’s finest batsmen, Rohit Sharma, for a 3-year bat endorsement deal this quarter.

Rising like a phoenix to chart a new growth trajectory

Chennai’s is amongst those Indian metros which has more than one economic growth driver. Interestingly Chennai’s economy has a broad industrial base with the port along with IT/ITES and BFSI sectors contributing to its growth. Manufacturing sector in Chennai mostly includes the automobile industry, computer, technology and hardware manufacturing. It is known as the Detroit of Asia as it accounts for over 60% of the country’s automobile exports.

In addition to this Chennai’s economic development has been closely tied to its port and transport infrastructure. Showing their faith in India’s economic growth after a long time after the global financial crisis the corporate occupiers also have been in an expansion mode Chennai. Companies especially in the sectors of e-commerce, telecom and health care have expanded strongly and drove the demand for office space.

Lately we have seen a shift in global and Indian economy towards technology driven enterprises out of which several cities which are a hot bed to such activities emerged as big commercial centres. Chennai continues to be a preferred growth market for BFSI. Scope Intl, Citibank, BNP Paribas, BNYM & Yes Bank transacted over 1.2 million sq ft in 2015. 

Although the contribution of space take-up by start-up firms has not been very significant they were seen to pick up pace and leased over 0.1 mn sq ft of space in 2015. Private Equity investments have also seen a tremendous growth in the country. Income yielding projects were a major attraction for Private Equity Investments and Chennai stood third in the country by attracting 14% of the share of these investments.

Market Highlights

* Housing sales remained stable in 2015 and was around 20, 500 units which were close to sales reported in 2014.

* Chennai witnessed a 62% drop in launch of units in 2015 as compared with 2014. This indicates that developers have been cautious to launch projects and have check on the piling inventory.

* Absorption rate increased to 31.3% in 2015 from about 26.6% in 2014. Even though there was a decrease in launches this year the sales rate showed a rise. This resulted in the much needed sales of the piling unsold inventory and helped in the correction of the market. Chennai stands last amongst the top four metros in India in terms of to be sold inventory.

* Rents stagnate across all sub markets. Rental values and Capital values remained stable across all sub-markets over the past year.

* Most of the sales were registered in projects in Southern Suburbs followed by Western Suburbs and Northern suburbs. Increasing activity in office space in these location are attracting buyers towards these sub-markets.

Outlook

As the state government went all out to bring investments by conducting a Investors meet, heightened economic activity can be expected to further support the residential market. Developer’s initiatives like offering attractive deal terms and schemes coupled with the lowering of interest rates by RBI have given the fence sitters a much needed inspiration. The improvement in the overall business scenario will prompt the developers to build fresh supply in order to meet with the growing demand.

Key demand drivers

* Senior Living: Gone are the days where only youngsters and middle aged people are the major investors. Lately, seniors have marked their presence in the market owing to the fact they are independent and are better equipped to take decisions post retirement. This offers a tremendous growth opportunity to the service providers.

* Luxury consumerism: The current increasing prosperity in India’s economy has resulted in the increased number of rich people. Thus, luxury consumerism is seeing new heights. More developers are now looking to tie up with the international brands and are working towards launching more units.

* Foreign Direct Investment: Foreign Investors interest in real estate sector is on a rise after almost five years. Recent easing of FDI rules is expected to bring in more capital into the property sector.

* Make In India: Once the GST is rolled out, warehousing sector will take a huge leap forward reaching an inflecting point. Developers / Investors acquire corporate owned land parcels across the city with deals in excess of INR 1,100 crores. 1.5 –1.8 mn sq. ft. of Grade A Industrial / warehousing space leased in Chennai

The government at the Centre has been actively working towards formulating positive measures to boost up the economy and promote business expansion in all the sectors. The effort is clearly reflected by the increased demand in the year of 2015. Occupiers’ expansion and growth plans in the city have continued despite the recent floods. However, they are now engaging in the study of flood plains, proximity of water bodies to their facilities and indulging in rigorous technical due diligence to assess possible risks and mitigation measures.

Likewise, developers are also taking precautionary measures such as revaluating the placement of electro-mechanical equipment in the basement, gradient of land and building to alleviate the possibility of damage from future floods. When the tide turns the other way local developers and domestic investors with their familiarity in the micro markets are the ones to rely on.

சவால்களை வெற்றிகரமாக எதிர்கொண்டு மீண்டெழும் சென்னை

Delhi/NCR: In a recent summit organised by ASSOCHAM India, SMART CITIES: SMART INDIA, NCR’s establishing real estate developer JM Housing was awarded the ‘Best Residential High Rise in Noida’. The award was conferred in the presence of cabinet ministers Shri Nitin Gadkari and Shri Prakash Javadekar.

The summit was organised on the lines of the Union Government’s Smart Cities Mission under which 98 urban areas are to be developed as smart cities. It is warming to see that a body like ASSOCHAM has recognised Noida as a region which does not belong to the ‘Smart List’ but has performed at par with what is expected from the areas under consideration.

Being a neighbour of the capital of our country, it always received the fruits of acceptance by people more than any other region of the NCR. On the development front as well, Noida has been a skyline of NCR, with infrastructure on a continuous development and upgradation spree.

Speaking jubilantly on the occasion, Mr. Rupesh Gupta, Director JM Housing said, “It is always an encouragement more than anything else to receive such a prestigious award from highly placed dignitaries. It goes out to show that your work is monitored and appreciated; and if you do a decent job, it doesn’t go unrecognised. Over the last one decade especially, Noida has emerged as the perfect destination for residents and commuters.

This award is not just me or us, infact the entire team of JM Housing, who work tirelessly to make sure we deliver on the promises. Also, I would take this opportunity to thank ASSOCHAM who considered us worthy for the award and the central government under Shri Narendra Modi which has been working selflessly for the betterment of the country.”

From Left to Right: Director Jayendra Panchapakesan, Renowned Carnatic Vocalist T.M.Krishna, Mr N.Ram, Chairman of Kasthuri and Sons and Mr. C Srikant, Producer at the DVD /Blu Ray launch of ONE.

ONE, an Indian Classical Musical Film conceived and directed by Jayendra Panchapakesan, features renowned Carnatic vocalist T.M.Krishna. Filmed on the hills of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, ONE captures the artistic journey of T.M. Krishna's profound process of creating music inspired by nature. The 90-minute film captures the essence of the artist's imagination and allows you to be transported to the place and moment of the music's creation.

The Film was featured in special screenings across the USA and in theatres in Chennai during the December Music season of 2014 and is now set to be available to music lovers across the world for home viewing.

(வாரந்தோறும் ஞயிற்றுகிழமை இரவு 8.00 மணிக்கு)

பெப்பர்ஸ் தொலைக்காட்சியில் “மாமா நடிப்ப பாத்துக்கோ” எனும் நிகழ்ச்சி நேயர்களின் பெரும் வரவேற்பை பெற்றுள்ளது. வாரம்தோறும் தமிழகத்தில் உள்ள கல்லூரிகளுக்கு சென்று அங்கு இருக்கும் மாணவ, மாணவிகளுடன் கலந்துரையாடி அவர்களின் தனித்திறமையை வெளிக்கொண்டுவருவது மட்டுமில்லாமல் நடிப்பு, பாட்டு, நடனம், மிமிக்ரி, மற்றும் பிரபல சினிமா நடிகர், நடிகைகளை போன்று, நடித்தும் வசனம் பேசியும் ஆடியும் பாடியும் மாணவர்கள் நம்மை குதுகலப்படுத்துகின்றனர்.

இந்நிகழ்ச்சியில் முதல் முறையாக வேலூர் மாவட்ட பொறியியல் கல்லூரி மாணவ மாணவிகள் கலந்து கொண்டு நம்மை கலகலப்பூட்டுகிறார்கள்.

நிகழ்ச்சியை தொகுத்து வழங்குபவர் பிரபல மிமிக்ரி கலைஞர் சென்னை கிரி. மாமா நடிப்ப பாத்துக்கோ வாரந்தோறும் ஞயிற்றுகிழமை இரவு 8.00 மணிக்கு பெப்பர்ஸ் தொலைக்காட்சியில் ஒளிபரப்பாகிறது.

(திங்கள் முதல் வெள்ளி வரை காலை 11.00 மணிக்கு)

மாறிக்கொண்டே இருப்பதுதான் பேஷன் உலகம். இன்றைய பெண்கள் வாழ்வில் சமீபத்திய வாழ்க்கை போக்குகளைப் பற்றி அலசும் இந்த  புதிய நிகழ்ச்சி "அழகுஆயிரம்". இந்நிகழ்ச்சி திங்கள் முதல் வெள்ளி வரை காலை 11.00மணிக்கு புதுயுகம்தொலைக்காட்சியில் ஒளிபரப்பாகிறது.

இந்நிகழ்ச்சி புதிதாக தொடங்கப்பட்ட பொடிக்குகள், அணிகலன் கடைகள், சலூன்கள், உடற்பயிற்சி மையங்கள் மற்றும் ஸ்பா மையங்களை அறிமுகப்படுத்தி, அங்குள்ள சிறப்பு பயிற்சியாளர்கள் மூலம் தோல் மற்றும் முடி பாதுகாப்பு, ஒப்பனை தந்திரங்கள் மற்றும் அழகு குறிப்புகள் கொடுக்கப்படுகிறது.

மேலும் இன்றைக்கு டிரன்ட்ல இருக்கின்ற ஆடைகள், காலணிகள், அணிகலன்கள், ஒப்பனை பொருட்கள், வீட்டு உபயோகப் பொருட்கள் புது புது டிசைன்களில் எங்க கிடைக்கின்றது என்பதை நேயர்களுக்கு  தெரிவிக்கின்ற நிகழ்ச்சி தான்  "அழகுஆயிரம்". இந்நிகழ்ச்சியை தொகுத்து வழங்குபவர் ஸ்ரீ நிதி. இந்நிகழ்ச்சி திங்கள் முதல் வெள்ளி வரை காலை 11.00மணிக்கு புதுயுகம்தொலைக்காட்சியில் ஒளிபரப்பாகிறது.

(ஞாயிற்றுகிழமை தோறும் இரவு 7.00 மணிக்கு)

வேந்தர்தொலைக்காட்சியில்ஞாயிற்றுகிழமைதோறும்இரவு 7.00 மணிக்கு ஒளிபரப்பாகும் கலகலப்பான நிகழ்ச்சி "ரீல்பொட்டி". சினிமாரசிகர்களைஉற்சாகப்படுத்தும்விதமாகஇந்தநிகழ்ச்சிஒளிபரப்பாகிவருகிறது. இந்த ரீல் பொட்டி சுவாரஸ்யமான மூன்று பகுதிகளை கொண்டதாய் உருவாக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இதன்முதல்பகுதிகதைசொல்லப்போறோம்என்பது. இதில் வெற்றி பெற்ற படங்களின் காட்சிகளை தொகுத்து அந்த படத்தின் கதை முழுவதும் விளங்கும்படி உருவாக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

அடுத்ததுரீமிக்ஸ், இந்த பகுதியில் புதிய படத்தின் டூயட் பாடல்களுக்கு பழைய நடிகர், நடிகைகள் பங்குபெற்ற காட்சிகள் மிக்ஸ் செய்யப்பட்டு மிகவும் ரசிக்கத்தக்க விதத்தில் அமைந்துள்ளது.

இறுதியாகஎன்னோடுபாட்டுபாடுங்கள்பகுதி : இந்த பகுதியில் திரையில் பாடல் காட்சி ஒளிபரப்பாக அந்த பாடலின் எழுத்து வடிவம் தோன்றும். இதனை ஒரு டீச்சர் பாடம் நடத்துவது போல் அருமையாக வடிவமைதிருக்கிறார்கள்.

ஞாயிற்றுகிழமைதோறும்இரவு 7.00 மணிக்கு ஒளிபரப்பாகும் இந்த  ரீல் பொட்டி, அடுத்த சனிக்கிழமைகளில் இரவு 8.30மணிக்கு மறு ஒளிபரப்பு செய்யப்படுகிறது. இந்த நிகழ்ச்சியை சாந்தினிதொகுத்து வழங்குகிறார்.

Ahmedabad: At least eight persons were killed and 40 passengers injured when a Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) bus they were travelling in overturned on a state highway in Amreli district on Saturday afternoon.

According to a GSRTC district controller based in Junagadh, the bus met with the accident when it was negotiating a turn near Luvara crossing close to Gadhakada village in Savarkundla belt of Amreli district.

Filled to capacity, the bus was travelling from Upleta to Mahuva when the accident occurred. On hearing about the mishap, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel announced a compensation of Rs. four lakh to the family of each deceased.

According to an official press release, the chief minister has asked the Amreli district authorities to ensure proper treatment to the injured admitted in government hospitals. The state government would bear the cost of their treatment, official sources said.

Two JCB machines and five teams of '108' ambulance service reached the spot to rescue the victims of the accident and take them to hospital, they said. State Transport Minister Vijay Rupani reached the accident site within hours and announced that all those responsible for causing the mishap would face action.

Valentine’s Week Special from Feb 14th to Feb 21st, 2016

Celebrate the flavour of love and the unfading spirit of Mumbai

The old Parsi Sunday tradition, baporiyu (a hearty meal followed by a quick tumble), might just get revived from Feb 14. After all, it's Valentine's day and a Sunday. Coincidence? Let's just say there's a hearty Bombay-inspired tiffin waiting. Friends and family invited! #shareyourlove

THE BAMBAIYYA LOVE TIFFIN FOR TWO | FEB 14 - 21 | Noon to Midnight

SodaBottleOpenerWala, the quintessential Bombay Irani Café and bar by the Olive group revels in the spirit of love this Valentine’s week with an ambrosial Bambaiyya Love Tiffin. Served for a limited period starting February 14th 2016 till February 21st 2016 it will have a selection for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. SodaBottleOpenerWala is a tribute to the dying legacy of a Bombay Irani Cafe bringing with it typical Parsi cuisine, some Irani specialties, Bombay street food and a well-stocked bar - in a fun, quirky and contemporary avatar.

With Bambaiyya Love Tiffin, SodaBottleOpenerWala celebrates the spirit of love and the spirit of Bombay. A typical day in the life of a Bambaiyya starts with tiffin prepared at home with love, packed in a tiffin carrier, picked and delivered by the iconic DabbaWalas of Mumbai who brave traffic, weather and all else that comes in their way to deliver the tiffin. Bambaiyya Love Tiffin comes with our signature touches that make your experience at SodaBottleOpenerWala, one of its kind.

Love is all about sharing and one can pick the Veg or the Non-Veg Bambaiyya Love Tiffin on a sharing basis with their loved ones. The selection of dishes showcased in the Non Vegetarian and Vegetarian Bambaiyya Love Tiffin are not found on the regular menu and guests are encouraged to try these for a one of its kinds Bombay-Irani experience. Ten dishes which are a mix of soups, appetizers, mains and desserts comprise the Bambaiyya Love Tiffin.

The Vegetarians can savour the Crispy corn bhel for some zing, Scotch broth for the Bombay soul for some earthy and soulful love and Cutliss (cutlet) for a love snack. Paneer Sanju baba and the Bombay biryani spell comfort food at its best. These are all forms of food that a typical Bambaiyya relishes in his or her meal.

The Non Vegetarians get their share of Bombay foods like the Seafood bhel, Scotch Broth for the Bombay soul, Cutliss (cutlet), Chicken Sanju baba  and a Bombay biryani made with chicken. When we talk love, desserts are ubiquitous as they spread the magic of sweet love. Bambaiyya Love Tiffin offers a unique Kala Khatta cheesecake and a divine Ferrero Rocher cake for the love birds to rekindle their love.  At SodaBottleOpenerWala the celebrations never stop. Come rekindle your love with us. 

SodaBottleOpenerWala

Timings: 12pm to 11.30am

Cuisine: Parsi & Bombay Street food

Veg Bambaiyya Love Tiffin: Rs. 950 ++

Non-Veg Bambaiyya Love Tiffin: Rs. 1100 ++

Credit cards: Accepted

Website: www.sodabottleopenerwala.com

Outlets: Hyderabad: Niharika Jubilee One, Unit 4, Ground Floor, Plot No. 1355 H & 1355 I, Road No. 1, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033.

Phone no: 040 68888681

HYDERABAD,13^th February 2016: Employees of Pegasystems’ India operations were seen revelling in the Valentine’s Day celebrations organised by the firm for their employees. Themed as ‘LOVE THY WORKPLACE’, employees at the Hyderabad and Bengaluru facility were encouraged to come dressed in Valentine’s colours as a run up to the festival which falls on Sunday and be a part of a fun employee engagement activity - the Office selfie contest.

Replete with red and white balloons, Pega set up a ‘Love Thy Workplace’ selfie booth, where employees were encouraged to take pictures. Pega also conducted a competition avowing selfies of employees’ favourite spot or corner in the office. With a strong workforce of 1000+ employees, the contest saw enthusiastic participation in both offices, with selfies pouring in and winners were given Pega branded merchandise.

Speaking on the occasion, Suman Reddy, MD – Pegasystems India mentioned, “At Pega, we firmly believe one needs to enjoy their work environment in order to excel in it. For us innovation, development and fun go hand in hand. We truly value each and every employee, and this is our way of encouraging them to let their hair down and have some excitement.”

[usercontrol: ~/user controls/gallery.ascx ImageUrl=/img/others/PEGA-employees-celebrate-Valentines-Day-13-02-16]

Chennai: Asserting that her government was committed to ensuring the rights of fishermen in traditional waters of Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalaithaa on Friday said the Centre should take concerted efforts to halt their repeated arrests by Sri Lankan Navy.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she cited the latest arrest of 12 Tamil Nadu fishermen along with two mechanised boats yesterday and said there was an "urgent and imperative need" to take appropriate steps to find a permanent solution to the issue.

It was 'unfortunate' that the apprehension and arrest of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy "continues unabated", she said.

"My Government stays committed to ensuring and upholding the traditional rights of fishermen from Tamil Nadu to fish in their traditional fishing waters of Palk Bay.

"The repeated attempts by Sri Lankan Navy to prevent the exercise of the traditional rights by our fishermen by continuing apprehensions, arrests and assaults cannot be allowed to continue further and needs to be halted through concerted efforts by the Government of India," she said.

She urged Prime Minister to direct the External Affairs Ministry to take up the matter with Sri Lankan authorities to release of 27 fishermen, including the 12 apprehended yesterday, along with 73 fishing boats.

Referring to her earlier request to the Centre to release a comprehensive financial package of Rs 1,520 crore including Rs 10 crore every year for taking up deep sea fishing and developing infrastructure, she said, "I reiterate my request for early sanction" of the proposal. Jayarajan was later shifted to Pariyaram medical college hospital cell on the advise of doctors who examined him.

When examined at the Kannur district hospital, it was found that he had some cardiac problems and was advised to be shifted to the nearest hospital. Jayarajan was admitted to the hospital after being taken to the Kannur jail and completion of formalities there.

Meanwhile, CBI has filed an application in the sessions court, seeking his custody for three days from February 16. The matter is likely to come up before the court on Monday.

The 27^th Federal Council of National Federation of Insurance field workers of India, an association of 25000 Development Officers of Life Insurance Corporation of India, will be held on 15^th and 16^th of February 2016 at the city of Chennai. Around 4000 delegates all across the country will participate in this two day conference.

Development Officer is the pivotal, marketing force of Life Insurance Corporation of India. Their job involves recruitment and professionalizing the intermediaries of the Corporation. As we all know LICI is a strong and mighty financial institution of the country, catering to the life insurance and savings needs of the people of this country. In terms of customer it has the largest number of policy holder in the world. LICI, contribution to economy is unparallel; it is the biggest investor of the country.

LICI has successfully withstood the adverse global impact with the help of the strong marketing forces comprising of 25000 Development Officer and 11 Lakh agents.

Today the industry is facing certain crisis because of the sluggish economic growth of our country and the projected GDP growth is not happening. The inflation is still uncontrolled. This is why the domestic savings and house hold savings are declining. Government has introduced huge service tax on insurance product and has imposed Income Tax TDS on insurance maturity proceeds.

In the midst of all these disturbing market situation the Development Officer are meeting at Chennai. The adverse market situation has rendered the service condition of Development Officer very tough and many are getting terminated. The impractical minimum assured business condition of agent has increased the attrition rate of agency. Every day the strength of agency force is declining. Corporation decision to introduce e-policies will encroach into the area of Development Officer.

The association will discuss and deliberate on all these issues and strategize their future course of action.

30 couples were invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday, 13th February at Spa la Vie by L’Occitane, Apollo Life Centre, Jubilee Hills by Mahavir Motors.

The couples enjoyed a luncheon along with Luxurious mini Spa treatments by Spa la Vie By L’Occitane.

Spa la Vie By L’Occitane displayed the signature couple’s escape, pampering experience designed for a couple seeking solace to disconnect from the hectic busy lifestyle and re-connect with each other in the dedicated VIP Couple’s Suite.

The experience includes 60 minutes Aromachologie Relaxing Massage with essential oils - lavender, tea tree and geranium, in a romantic rose and candle lit atmosphere, ensuring complete physical relaxation and spiritual recovery.

Watch the Valentine's Day Special Song - "Nee Vandhaal", Music Composed by Guru Kalyan & Lyrics by Palani Bharathi.

SIVASAGAR(ASSAM): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today condemned the attack on journalists in the Patiala House court complex in Delhi yesterday, calling it "very wrong". "The way journalists were beaten up in the court is very wrong and we condemn it," Gandhi said in a media interaction during the course of his visit to poll-bound Assam.

Several journalists and students were assaulted by lawyers and a Delhi BJP MLA inside and outside the Patiala House Courts where a sedition case against JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar was to be heard.

Gandhi also took on the NDA government over alleged suppression of voices of students in the country and on the issue of appointment of "RSS Vice Chancellors".

"They(Government) are suppressing the voice of students in Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow. We'll not accept this, we will fight this," he said. "They are putting RSS VCs in every University and College, they are trying to suppress the voice of the students," he added.

If you are looking to get outdoors this season – head to one of these must-do outdoor destinations - from beaches to deserts - in the USA!

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas is unique and has a quirky charm and culture – it’s a mix of educated flair and a touch of Texas bravado. It offers an abundance of outdoor activities - from cycling to stand-up paddle boarding, water-biking to leisurely canoe-paddling. And with 300 days of sunshine and an average temperature of 68 degrees, being active in Austin comes naturally.

A trip to Austin wouldn't be complete without walking or running along Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Located in the heart of the city, this 10-mile off-road trail is Austin's crown jewel.  It's hard not to fall in love with the lush scenery and gorgeous skyline views. While at the lake, you can also kayak, canoe or try your luck at stand-up paddle boarding. Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world and has become a must-do for active Austinites. To cool off, head to Barton Springs Pool - a natural spring-fed watering hole that's 3 acres in size and a constant 68-degrees. 

You could also consider hopping on to a segway for a guided tour of the city from the Sixth Street to the State Capitol with several stops along the way.  It’s a great outdoor family friendly activity unique to Austin and worth exploring.

After all the workout, for a true Austinite experience, you must visit at least one of the nearly 2000 mobile food sellers. This inexpensive movement lets you sample Mexi-Korean tacos, gourmet doughnuts (covered with fried chicken and honey butter), grilled romaine and rabbit salads and more—all from a fancy food truck!

Whether it's a boat cruise on Lake Austin, a stroll along Lady Bird Lake, or a SegCity Tour, make sure "fun outdoors" makes it on your Austin itinerary!

U.S. Virgin Islands

If your idea of a perfect holiday is doing all or one of these - lying on the beach, exploring a vibrant city center or taking a sailboat ride around a crescent bay - head over to the three Islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. This tropical paradise in the Caribbean is made up of three islands: St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, and all three islands offer a host of endless opportunities with activities on land and water. Infact, the beauty and diversity of the U.S. Virgin Islands extends far beyond the white sands of the shore. Whether you are newly certified or an advanced diver, diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is easy, accessible and offers an array of experiences for everyone.

You can enjoy shopping and al fresco dining on St. Thomas; explore the beautiful crescent beaches and Virgin Islands National Park of St. John, and visit the stunning Buck Island Reef Island National Monument and unique Dutch architecture of St. Croix. And you’ll find stunning beaches ringing all three. The temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius this time of year, and the islands are only a 2½- to 3-hour flight from Miami, Florida.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale spoils you with choices that run from a gamut of world-class museums and a renowned botanical garden to the nation’s largest wilderness preserve. You can take your pick from amusement parks, an award-winning zoo and a railroad museum! And if you’re hankering for a taste of the Old West, the state’s largest remake of an 1880s Western town is just minutes away.

Scottsdale offers you unique experiences by way of guided tours – you can explore the city and discover all the best-kept local secrets. Foodies will love a guided dine-around to some of the city’s hottest eateries. Looking for a taste of the Old West? Hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a unique perspective on downtown’s colorful past. Or head for some of Arizona’s most favored sites, like Sedona and the Grand Canyon, on a luxury van tour.

Sandwiched between Phoenix and Tonto National Forest, Scottsdale in Arizona, experiences comfortable weather in the winter (temperatures average 20 degrees Celsius) as opposed to the extreme desert heat it experiences in the summer. The winter climate is perfect for golfers, who flock to the many courses found in central Arizona. For views of the desert, hike the 2-kilometer trail leading to the summit of Camelback Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 824 meters.

Molokai, Hawaii

Home to Kalaupapa National Historic Park, and also known as the “Friendly Island,” Molokai is located about 40 kilometers off the southeast coast of the island of O’ahu and accessible by boat or plane. The rugged terrain of Molokai features beautiful natural wonders untouched by development and large crowds. Molokai’s warm weather, warm aloha spirit and lush landscape make for an ideal winter escape.

Kalaupapa National Historical Park  is surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and cut off from the rest of Molokai by sea cliffs.

On the mountainous East End of Molokai is the Halawa Valley, a historic valley that can only be accessed by guided tour. This classic cathedral valley features two beautiful waterfalls, Mooula Falls (250-feet tall) and Hipuapua Falls (500-feet).  A Nature Conservancy protected site, the Kamakou Preserve lies near the top of Molokai’s highest peak. It showcases more than 250 species of Hawaiian plants.

(Every Friday at 7.30 pm)

50 – 50 is an infotainment show travelling to places and exploring its details in detail. This show reaches to various locations over Tamil Nadu. In which the anchor comes up a several details about the locations and its uniqueness which are really interesting. This show also involves the people from the localities and grabs more information from them about their places.

50 – 50 come to you every Friday at 7.30 pm only on your favorite Peppers TV.