ISLAMABAD: 'Kolaveri Di', the song that has made India sway to its tunes, is making splash in Pakistan as well where a TV channel has come out with its own adaptation - a political satire.
'Where is democracy, democracy, democracy ji' is how the 'slap song' begins.
The lyrics, like the original, are hilarious and take pot-shots at the government and the security establishment.
The Pakistani version that was uploaded on the Youtube on December 17 comes at a time when talks of confrontation between the government and the powerful security establishment are at a high.
The video features five middle-aged men who seem disgruntled with the system in Pakistan. It points fingers at corruption and political system.
In a very funny manner, the parody also shows how the governments are changed at the whims and fancy of certain people.
Some of the hilarious lyrics are, 'Your palace, Palace, light, light... My home black', 'Rise-u, rise-u... cheat-u cheat-u, 'empty jaib, missile come, life reverse gear'.
The 3:25 minute song that also talks about 'jungle law' ends by saying the adaptation is for "poor public".
Success in my Habit
Thursday, December 29, 2011
3 Idiots wins over Chinese, collects Rs 11 crore in two weeks
MUMBAI: The Chinese are madly falling in love with Funsuk Wangdu and Ranchodas Chanchwad, characters in Amir Khan-starrer 3 Idiots, which was released in 2009, and became an instant hit at home.
China opened its doors to the Raju Hirani film two weeks ago, and the Idiots have won over the Chinese as well, creating a record of sorts. In the two weeks since its release with 900 prints, the film has collected Rs 11 crore so far.
"Mainland China is the second biggest film market after the US, but is very tough to enter because only 20 foreign films (including Hollywood) can be screened in China in a year," said Sameer Rao, chief executive officer at Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions who is elated at the response, and expects the film to have a long run at the box office in China, just like it did in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, 3 Idiots was released in October, and is still running to packed houses, collecting close to 16 crore so far.
However, the success of Hirani's 3 Idiots may open the doors for other Bollywood films waiting to be released in China. "Films from various countries are given a chance to be released in China under the quota system. As 3 Idiots is doing very well, Indian films now have a better chance to be released in China. The local distributors too shall try hard as they have seen the response an Indian film can get," said Audrey Lee, owner of Chinese distribution firm Ekdo Films which has released 3 Idiots in some parts of China. The cost of dubbing and marketing in Mainland China has been borne by local distributors like Lee.
"The message in the film has been the 'pull' factor. Such a great response from a non-traditional territory like China is a welcome phenomenon for the Hindi film industry," said Anil Arjun, chief executive officer at Reliance MediaWorks, who has been closely involved with Reliance's overseas distribution.In the Chinese piracy market, the 3 Idiots, it is believed, had already become the highest selling Bollywood film, and estimates suggest over 1.3 lakh Chinese having watched a pirated copy of the film.
The only Bollywood film which got through the Great Wall before this and got a wide release was Karan Johar's My Name is Khan last year, which was distributed by Fox Star.
With the China release, 3 Idiots has become the highest grossing film in the overseas market with collections amounting to Rs 121 crore.
China opened its doors to the Raju Hirani film two weeks ago, and the Idiots have won over the Chinese as well, creating a record of sorts. In the two weeks since its release with 900 prints, the film has collected Rs 11 crore so far.
"Mainland China is the second biggest film market after the US, but is very tough to enter because only 20 foreign films (including Hollywood) can be screened in China in a year," said Sameer Rao, chief executive officer at Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions who is elated at the response, and expects the film to have a long run at the box office in China, just like it did in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, 3 Idiots was released in October, and is still running to packed houses, collecting close to 16 crore so far.
However, the success of Hirani's 3 Idiots may open the doors for other Bollywood films waiting to be released in China. "Films from various countries are given a chance to be released in China under the quota system. As 3 Idiots is doing very well, Indian films now have a better chance to be released in China. The local distributors too shall try hard as they have seen the response an Indian film can get," said Audrey Lee, owner of Chinese distribution firm Ekdo Films which has released 3 Idiots in some parts of China. The cost of dubbing and marketing in Mainland China has been borne by local distributors like Lee.
"The message in the film has been the 'pull' factor. Such a great response from a non-traditional territory like China is a welcome phenomenon for the Hindi film industry," said Anil Arjun, chief executive officer at Reliance MediaWorks, who has been closely involved with Reliance's overseas distribution.In the Chinese piracy market, the 3 Idiots, it is believed, had already become the highest selling Bollywood film, and estimates suggest over 1.3 lakh Chinese having watched a pirated copy of the film.
The only Bollywood film which got through the Great Wall before this and got a wide release was Karan Johar's My Name is Khan last year, which was distributed by Fox Star.
With the China release, 3 Idiots has become the highest grossing film in the overseas market with collections amounting to Rs 121 crore.
Educomp Solutions plans to add 40,000 classrooms under Smartclass program by March '12
NEW DELHI: Educomp Solutions Ltd launched an upgraded version of its technology product smartclass - smartclass Class Transformation System (CTS) in the Capital on Friday. The company plans add around 40,000 classrooms under smartclass by end of the current fiscal year.
Educomp will provide the new version to all the schools that use smartclass solutions free of cost. At present, over eight million students use the smartclass solution. On an average, the company earns about Rs 150 per student per month through smartclass.
The smartclass program enables teachers to explain various concepts to their students better, with the help of technology in the form of graphics and animation.
According to Educomp, the new version is enhanced with a range of ready-to-deploy resources, which not only includes animation and graphics, but also simulations, mind maps, worksheets, web links, diagram maker, graphic organisers and assessment tools. "These resources have been created for almost every chapter in very subject across every board in India," the company stated.
Shantanu Prakash, MD and CEO of Educomp Solutions said the company decided to launch an upgraded version as a few other players in the education segment had created similar products in the last couple of years. "The new program will create a new blue ocean for us," he added. The company earns about 67% of its revenues from the smartclass program.
Educomp will provide the new version to all the schools that use smartclass solutions free of cost. At present, over eight million students use the smartclass solution. On an average, the company earns about Rs 150 per student per month through smartclass.
The smartclass program enables teachers to explain various concepts to their students better, with the help of technology in the form of graphics and animation.
According to Educomp, the new version is enhanced with a range of ready-to-deploy resources, which not only includes animation and graphics, but also simulations, mind maps, worksheets, web links, diagram maker, graphic organisers and assessment tools. "These resources have been created for almost every chapter in very subject across every board in India," the company stated.
Shantanu Prakash, MD and CEO of Educomp Solutions said the company decided to launch an upgraded version as a few other players in the education segment had created similar products in the last couple of years. "The new program will create a new blue ocean for us," he added. The company earns about 67% of its revenues from the smartclass program.
Hits & Misses 2011: Best and worst ads of the year
Coming of age of small, stand-alone creative agencies was the highlight of 2011 for the advertisement industry, which did not have many superb works to show off. Bates Asia Regional Planning Director Dheeraj Sinha says that during the year more superior work happened outside the industry than within.
"There are learnings for the industry from how Anna Hazare and 'Kolaveri di' created such huge impact, backed by the power of social media," he says. But 2011 has been a good year for the smaller, nimbler and often braver agencies, while the big networks bled on talent and business.
"Independent agencies have come and made people take note of their work," says Publicis-Ambience National Creative Director Ashish Khazanchi. "They are no more out of league with the big brands and are increasingly being invited for the pitches by the big daddies of the business, both Indian and global."
Today, most independent agencies have a number of big accounts under their belt. Taproot has Pepsi, Airtel and Nirma; Creativeland Asia has Audi, Parle's Hippo and Godrej Hair care; Wieden+Kennedy has Indigo and Royal Enfield; Law & Kenneth has Hero Group and RPG Corp; Saints & Warriors has Fiat and SAB TV; Scarecrow has Essel Group and Viacom 18 Sonic; and, Happy Creative Services has Papa Johns Pizza. Clearly, these new kids are the right guys to choose the best campaigns of the year.
Santosh Padhi
CCO & Co-Founder, Taproot India
HITS:
VODAFONE Zoozoos, Agency: Ogilvy & Mather
CADBURY Shubh aarambh, Agency: Ogilvy & Mather
Although both these campaigns have been running for a while, there is still no fatigue in them. Zoozoos are just adorable. It's easy to be No.1, but very difficult to retain the position. Vodafone has managed to do that by keeping the campaigns simple yet enjoyable. Cadbury has kind of taken over the mithai category.
From 'Shubh Aarambh' to 'Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye', the brand has thought differently and marketed it equally well. The campaigns have connected well with consumers.
MISS: HERO MOTOCORP'S Hum mein hai Hero, Agency: Law & Kenneth
People remember this campaign because of the media that was invested in promoting it. The ad was visible everywhere. But was it creatively superior? I don't think so.
Manish Bhatt & Raghu Bhat
Founding Directors, Scarecrow Communications
HIT: CEAT BIKE TYRES Because the streets are filled with idiots, Agency: Meridian
We like campaigns that don't depend on great executions to see them through. The campaign is born out of a truthful observation of human behaviour. Most clients would have squirmed at the prospect of using a definitive word like 'idiots'. But the word is adequately abusive and perfectly captures the intensity of people's frustration.
MISS: JK SUPER CEMENT Vishwas hai, isme kuch khaas hai, Agency: NA
The biggest achievement of this ad is the fact that it ever got made. There is no relevance, no insight, no function and no emotional benefit. The use of Ursula Andress-inspired imagery of a bikini-clad woman, though well intended, ends up creating a feeling of lust rather than trust.
"There are learnings for the industry from how Anna Hazare and 'Kolaveri di' created such huge impact, backed by the power of social media," he says. But 2011 has been a good year for the smaller, nimbler and often braver agencies, while the big networks bled on talent and business.
"Independent agencies have come and made people take note of their work," says Publicis-Ambience National Creative Director Ashish Khazanchi. "They are no more out of league with the big brands and are increasingly being invited for the pitches by the big daddies of the business, both Indian and global."
Today, most independent agencies have a number of big accounts under their belt. Taproot has Pepsi, Airtel and Nirma; Creativeland Asia has Audi, Parle's Hippo and Godrej Hair care; Wieden+Kennedy has Indigo and Royal Enfield; Law & Kenneth has Hero Group and RPG Corp; Saints & Warriors has Fiat and SAB TV; Scarecrow has Essel Group and Viacom 18 Sonic; and, Happy Creative Services has Papa Johns Pizza. Clearly, these new kids are the right guys to choose the best campaigns of the year.
Santosh Padhi
CCO & Co-Founder, Taproot India
HITS:
VODAFONE Zoozoos, Agency: Ogilvy & Mather
CADBURY Shubh aarambh, Agency: Ogilvy & Mather
Although both these campaigns have been running for a while, there is still no fatigue in them. Zoozoos are just adorable. It's easy to be No.1, but very difficult to retain the position. Vodafone has managed to do that by keeping the campaigns simple yet enjoyable. Cadbury has kind of taken over the mithai category.
From 'Shubh Aarambh' to 'Kuch Meetha Ho Jaye', the brand has thought differently and marketed it equally well. The campaigns have connected well with consumers.
MISS: HERO MOTOCORP'S Hum mein hai Hero, Agency: Law & Kenneth
People remember this campaign because of the media that was invested in promoting it. The ad was visible everywhere. But was it creatively superior? I don't think so.
Manish Bhatt & Raghu Bhat
Founding Directors, Scarecrow Communications
HIT: CEAT BIKE TYRES Because the streets are filled with idiots, Agency: Meridian
We like campaigns that don't depend on great executions to see them through. The campaign is born out of a truthful observation of human behaviour. Most clients would have squirmed at the prospect of using a definitive word like 'idiots'. But the word is adequately abusive and perfectly captures the intensity of people's frustration.
MISS: JK SUPER CEMENT Vishwas hai, isme kuch khaas hai, Agency: NA
The biggest achievement of this ad is the fact that it ever got made. There is no relevance, no insight, no function and no emotional benefit. The use of Ursula Andress-inspired imagery of a bikini-clad woman, though well intended, ends up creating a feeling of lust rather than trust.
CavinKare hires two senior executives
MUMBAI: Chennai-based FMCG player CavinKare today appointed two senior executives to its core management team with Jatin Bhatt as marketing vice-president and Murali Santhanam as executive vice-president for HR.
These appointments have been made in alignment with the aggressive growth and expansion plans of the company, CavinKare said in a statement.
"With Santhanam and Bhatt on board, we have further strengthened our senior management team. While Santhanam brings over 20 years of HR and talent management experience with him, Bhatt comes with excellent track record in marketing," CavinKare Chairman and Managing Director CK Ranganathan said.
These appointments have been made in alignment with the aggressive growth and expansion plans of the company, CavinKare said in a statement.
"With Santhanam and Bhatt on board, we have further strengthened our senior management team. While Santhanam brings over 20 years of HR and talent management experience with him, Bhatt comes with excellent track record in marketing," CavinKare Chairman and Managing Director CK Ranganathan said.
Tamil Nadu to recruit 7,000 teachers for government schools
CHENNAI: With a view to ensure the 1:40 teacher-student ratio in government-run schools in the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today directed creating about 7,000 new additional teacher vacancies.
The Chief Minister has directed creating a total of 6,872 graduate teacher vacancies in the current academic year, which would result in the government incurring an expenditure of Rs 181.36 crore annually.
A state government release here said she had also directed creating 1,590 additional post graduate teaching vacancies to cater to the said student-teacher ratio in government-run higher secondary schools. The state exchequer will incur an additional sum of Rs 45.25 crore.
Further, the government also announced hiking the monthly wages of guest lecturers in Government Arts and Science Colleges to Rs 10,000 from Rs 6,000 per month.
The Chief Minister has directed creating a total of 6,872 graduate teacher vacancies in the current academic year, which would result in the government incurring an expenditure of Rs 181.36 crore annually.
A state government release here said she had also directed creating 1,590 additional post graduate teaching vacancies to cater to the said student-teacher ratio in government-run higher secondary schools. The state exchequer will incur an additional sum of Rs 45.25 crore.
Further, the government also announced hiking the monthly wages of guest lecturers in Government Arts and Science Colleges to Rs 10,000 from Rs 6,000 per month.
Hyderabad to get a booster dose of International hospitals
HYDERABAD: At least 12 new hospitals are set to spring up in the city's Shamshabad-Hi-Tec City stretch over the next few years. Apart from local names, the list also includes international brands that are driving into the city in large numbers hoping to cash in on not just the rising demand for specialised healthcare but also on Hyderabad's world-class airport that has positioned the city as a medical tourism destination .
Not surprising then, the vast tracts of open space surrounding the Shamshabad international airport are suddenly being considered by investors as the best bet for setting up multi-specialty hospitals.
So, if there is an international hospital (a GMR, Apollo Hospitals and Mayo Clinic joint venture) being built within the Health Port of the airport SEZ, not too far away in Nalagandla there is another medical institute, Citizens Hospital, which is on its way to completion. In fact, this 500-bed hospital, spread over an area of about 10 acres, is expected to become partially operational from June next year. "Besides local patients, this international-standard hospital will also be catering to the huge demand for such facility among overseas patients," said an official attached with the project pointing to the spurt in medical tourism in Hyderabad.
While there is, even now, a steady flow of tourists visiting the city for treatment, investors are trying hard to improve the foot-fall further, sources said. And, their primary marketing tool: The Shamshabad international airport.
Predictably, areas such as the Financial District or Gachibowli, both of which are within a 30 km radius of the airport, are also being eyed for this purpose. While there is already a facility, Continental Hospital, coming up in Gachibowli, sources indicate that at least two other international groups are in talks with local parties to pick up about two lakh square feet (sft) area in this belt. Though no confirmation has been received from the investors, sources say that the deals are in their final stage and are likely to be sealed soon.
"There is also a group of doctors from the US who are looking for land in the city to set up a centre and they are sure it has to be in the Shamshabad airport-Gachibowli stretch," said a real estate developer.
And what's adding to their advantage is the low realty rates prevailing in this area at present. If until two years ago, land in Shamshabad was available for nothing less than Rs 2-6 crore per acre, now it is priced at a more modest range varying between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 3 crore. Similarly Gachibowli too is 50% cheaper now with a one-acre plot available for Rs 4-10 crore. "All these factors put together are likely to see this part of town develop into a medical hub soon," an observer noted.
Not surprising then, the vast tracts of open space surrounding the Shamshabad international airport are suddenly being considered by investors as the best bet for setting up multi-specialty hospitals.
So, if there is an international hospital (a GMR, Apollo Hospitals and Mayo Clinic joint venture) being built within the Health Port of the airport SEZ, not too far away in Nalagandla there is another medical institute, Citizens Hospital, which is on its way to completion. In fact, this 500-bed hospital, spread over an area of about 10 acres, is expected to become partially operational from June next year. "Besides local patients, this international-standard hospital will also be catering to the huge demand for such facility among overseas patients," said an official attached with the project pointing to the spurt in medical tourism in Hyderabad.
While there is, even now, a steady flow of tourists visiting the city for treatment, investors are trying hard to improve the foot-fall further, sources said. And, their primary marketing tool: The Shamshabad international airport.
Predictably, areas such as the Financial District or Gachibowli, both of which are within a 30 km radius of the airport, are also being eyed for this purpose. While there is already a facility, Continental Hospital, coming up in Gachibowli, sources indicate that at least two other international groups are in talks with local parties to pick up about two lakh square feet (sft) area in this belt. Though no confirmation has been received from the investors, sources say that the deals are in their final stage and are likely to be sealed soon.
"There is also a group of doctors from the US who are looking for land in the city to set up a centre and they are sure it has to be in the Shamshabad airport-Gachibowli stretch," said a real estate developer.
And what's adding to their advantage is the low realty rates prevailing in this area at present. If until two years ago, land in Shamshabad was available for nothing less than Rs 2-6 crore per acre, now it is priced at a more modest range varying between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 3 crore. Similarly Gachibowli too is 50% cheaper now with a one-acre plot available for Rs 4-10 crore. "All these factors put together are likely to see this part of town develop into a medical hub soon," an observer noted.
Dr Reddy's launches pain treatment cream 'Supamove' in India
NEW DELHI: Dr Reddy's Laboratories today said it has launched 'Supamove' cream used for treating pain and inflammation in India.
The cream helps in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with joint pain, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and lower back pain, the company said.
"The product has been in-licensed from Cymbiotics Inc. USA and will be available in a 30 gm tube," it added.
The company has also launched another product, Venusia Soft lotion in 75 ml pack, used for providing relief from dry, itchy skin also in-licensed from Cymbiotics Inc.
"This will complete Dr Reddy's treatment basket in the emollient and protective space which already includes Venusia cream, Venusia lotion, Venusia max and Venusia bathing bar," Dr Reddy's said.
The company claimed that current market size of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) segment is over Rs 352 crore and emollients and protectives market in India is currently valued at Rs 208 crore, it added.
The Hyderabad-based firm, which had revenues of USD 1.7 billion in FY 11 is present in three business segments- pharmaceutical services and active ingredients, global generics and proprietary products.
Shares of Dr Reddy's were today trading at Rs 1,573 in the after noon trade on BSE, up 0.45 per cent from its previous close.
The cream helps in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with joint pain, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and lower back pain, the company said.
"The product has been in-licensed from Cymbiotics Inc. USA and will be available in a 30 gm tube," it added.
The company has also launched another product, Venusia Soft lotion in 75 ml pack, used for providing relief from dry, itchy skin also in-licensed from Cymbiotics Inc.
"This will complete Dr Reddy's treatment basket in the emollient and protective space which already includes Venusia cream, Venusia lotion, Venusia max and Venusia bathing bar," Dr Reddy's said.
The company claimed that current market size of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) segment is over Rs 352 crore and emollients and protectives market in India is currently valued at Rs 208 crore, it added.
The Hyderabad-based firm, which had revenues of USD 1.7 billion in FY 11 is present in three business segments- pharmaceutical services and active ingredients, global generics and proprietary products.
Shares of Dr Reddy's were today trading at Rs 1,573 in the after noon trade on BSE, up 0.45 per cent from its previous close.
RIL, Raytheon may form homeland security JV
NEW DELHI: Reliance Industries, India's most valued company, is in "advanced talks" with American defence giant Raytheon to create a joint venture that will pursue opportunities in homeland security in India and abroad.
"RIL and Raytheon are in talks (to set up a joint venture in homeland security business) that are in the late stage," said a person involved in the talks, asking not to be named.
A joint venture with Raytheon - maker of the famous Patriot missiles used in the first Iraq War and a strategic partner of the US government on key homeland security programmes - will give Reliance access to high-end security products and engineering solutions.
"This joint venture will give RIL the ability to innovate and develop key technologies for India," said a Delhi-based analyst who didn't wish to be identified because he is not authorised to speak to the media.
For Raytheon, which is present in the country through partnerships with several companies including the Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Electronics, the proposed venture will mean easier access to one of the fastest-growing markets for homeland security solutions.
The $8-billion Indian homeland security industry is expected to grow to $14 billion in the next three years and to $16 billion by 2016. Defence analysts say that such a joint venture could help end the so-called "India fatigue" that has set in among American companies after failing to make it to the shortlist of the country's biggest military contract, worth 42,000 crore, to acquire 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
Responding to an email query from ET, a Raytheon spokesperson said, "We do not comment on rumour or speculation."
As of now, it has a joint venture with only one firm - France's Thales.
Reliance Industries' homeland security and aerospace division head Vivek Lall too did not respond to repeated e-mails about talks with Raytheon.
The Mukesh Ambani-owned company is also in talks with German firm Siemens AG to form a joint venture in homeland security, the person involved in the talks said. A few months ago, RIL had tied up with Siemens to jointly bid for security projects.
The two companies jointly bid for a 600-crore Mumbai CCTV project, which was conceived after the 26/11 attack and envisages setting up computerised video surveillance at 100 critical traffic junctions in the metropolis. The Maharashtra government has shortlisted the combine for the project.
Indian companies such as Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro and Mahindra Group have already tied up with foreign players in the homeland security space.
Mahindra Defence Systems has a joint-venture partnership with US-based Telephonics Corporation to make radars and surveillance and communication systems for the Indian military, while Tata Advanced Systems has a venture with Zurich-based AGT International to tap opportunities in the homeland security market. RIL set up its homeland security and aerospace division early this year after roping in Lall, 42, a former NASA scientist who steered Boeing's military and commercial division in India for years.
Lall worked with Raytheon in the 1990s and was part of the engineering team that developed its aircraft for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS), an ambitious aircraft procurement programme in the US in 1995.
Ever since the Indian Parliament was attacked in 2001, security experts have called for enlisting the private sector to step up security across the country, especially in cities.
Currently, one of the best "safe-city" communications systems in the country is in Parliament. Installed by Cassidian, the security division of the Netherlands-based EADS, the Tetra radio network doesn't get jammed even in disaster situations.
"RIL and Raytheon are in talks (to set up a joint venture in homeland security business) that are in the late stage," said a person involved in the talks, asking not to be named.
A joint venture with Raytheon - maker of the famous Patriot missiles used in the first Iraq War and a strategic partner of the US government on key homeland security programmes - will give Reliance access to high-end security products and engineering solutions.
"This joint venture will give RIL the ability to innovate and develop key technologies for India," said a Delhi-based analyst who didn't wish to be identified because he is not authorised to speak to the media.
For Raytheon, which is present in the country through partnerships with several companies including the Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Electronics, the proposed venture will mean easier access to one of the fastest-growing markets for homeland security solutions.
The $8-billion Indian homeland security industry is expected to grow to $14 billion in the next three years and to $16 billion by 2016. Defence analysts say that such a joint venture could help end the so-called "India fatigue" that has set in among American companies after failing to make it to the shortlist of the country's biggest military contract, worth 42,000 crore, to acquire 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
Responding to an email query from ET, a Raytheon spokesperson said, "We do not comment on rumour or speculation."
As of now, it has a joint venture with only one firm - France's Thales.
Reliance Industries' homeland security and aerospace division head Vivek Lall too did not respond to repeated e-mails about talks with Raytheon.
The Mukesh Ambani-owned company is also in talks with German firm Siemens AG to form a joint venture in homeland security, the person involved in the talks said. A few months ago, RIL had tied up with Siemens to jointly bid for security projects.
The two companies jointly bid for a 600-crore Mumbai CCTV project, which was conceived after the 26/11 attack and envisages setting up computerised video surveillance at 100 critical traffic junctions in the metropolis. The Maharashtra government has shortlisted the combine for the project.
Indian companies such as Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro and Mahindra Group have already tied up with foreign players in the homeland security space.
Mahindra Defence Systems has a joint-venture partnership with US-based Telephonics Corporation to make radars and surveillance and communication systems for the Indian military, while Tata Advanced Systems has a venture with Zurich-based AGT International to tap opportunities in the homeland security market. RIL set up its homeland security and aerospace division early this year after roping in Lall, 42, a former NASA scientist who steered Boeing's military and commercial division in India for years.
Lall worked with Raytheon in the 1990s and was part of the engineering team that developed its aircraft for the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS), an ambitious aircraft procurement programme in the US in 1995.
Ever since the Indian Parliament was attacked in 2001, security experts have called for enlisting the private sector to step up security across the country, especially in cities.
Currently, one of the best "safe-city" communications systems in the country is in Parliament. Installed by Cassidian, the security division of the Netherlands-based EADS, the Tetra radio network doesn't get jammed even in disaster situations.
Larsen and Toubro, Mitsubishi to sign technology pact for ship building
MUMBAI: Engineering and construction major Larsen and Toubro today said its shipbuilding arm, L&T Shipbuilding, will sign a licensing and technological collaboration agreement with Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
The agreement with Mitsubishi will provide a broad range of technological support for the construction and design of commercial vessels by L&T Ship Building and training of its engineers, the Indian engineering major said in a statement.
It added that the training of engineers will include training in ship construction, quality control and overseas procurement of shipbuilding materials.
"Going forward, MHI and L&T Ship Building (LTSB) will market vessels built by LTSB under exclusive technical collaboration with MHI," the statement added.
The agreement will be valid initially for three years, with an option to extend it further.
The statement also said starting early 2012, L&T engineers will be trained at the MHI's Nagasaki Shipyard and Machinery Works and the Shimonoseki Shipyard and Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
The Japanese firm will also depute experts in design, ship construction and quality control from its shipyards to India to impart training.
Both the companies, who are partners since 2007 and have two joint ventures in power sector, will also look to capture the opportunities relating to shipyards in emerging economies, the statement said.
Shares of L&T today closed at Rs 1,028.80 apiece on the BSE, up 0.30 per cent.
The agreement with Mitsubishi will provide a broad range of technological support for the construction and design of commercial vessels by L&T Ship Building and training of its engineers, the Indian engineering major said in a statement.
It added that the training of engineers will include training in ship construction, quality control and overseas procurement of shipbuilding materials.
"Going forward, MHI and L&T Ship Building (LTSB) will market vessels built by LTSB under exclusive technical collaboration with MHI," the statement added.
The agreement will be valid initially for three years, with an option to extend it further.
The statement also said starting early 2012, L&T engineers will be trained at the MHI's Nagasaki Shipyard and Machinery Works and the Shimonoseki Shipyard and Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
The Japanese firm will also depute experts in design, ship construction and quality control from its shipyards to India to impart training.
Both the companies, who are partners since 2007 and have two joint ventures in power sector, will also look to capture the opportunities relating to shipyards in emerging economies, the statement said.
Shares of L&T today closed at Rs 1,028.80 apiece on the BSE, up 0.30 per cent.
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