Success in my Habit

Monday, December 23, 2013

3 More Indian Institutes Sign MoU with the International Centre for Promotion of Enterprises

New Delhi: Three more academic institutes: (i) Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad; (ii) Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi and (iii) International Management Institute, New Delhi here today separately signed MoU with the International Centre for Promotion of Enterprises (ICPE). The Acting Director General, ICPE, who is visiting India signed the MoU with the Heads of these Institutes in the presence of Shri Praful Patel, Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), is currently the ex-officio President of ICPE Council. At the initiative of DPE, the academic / research ties between ICPE and some reputed Indian institutes have been strengthened.

ICPE was established in Ljubljana, Slovenia, at the initiative of the United Nations in 1974. Nineteen countries including India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are currently members of ICPE. One of the main objectives of ICPE is to promote and support enterprises in developing countries to foster their economic development, and in pursuit thereof share and undertake research, education, training, consultancy, documentation and publication of management related information.

It is expected that the signing of MoUs will go a long way in promoting professionalism and executive development in Public Enterprises of India and Slovenia, and will also open new avenues of co-operation and collaboration between them. The Heads of all three Institutes present for the signing of MoU with ICPE expressed the desire to have short-term and long-term courses with a part of the academic curriculum / research programmes shared by the Indian Institutes and part of the course be conducted in India. The Institute of Public Enterprises, Hyderabad, already has a Memorandum of Understanding with ICPE.

ICPE regularly conducts short-term and long-term courses, including a one year MBA programme. Government of India has regularly nominated government officers and public sector executives to attend the courses / programmes conducted by ICPE. Till date more than 600 officials / executives from India have successfully completed their MBA course from ICPE.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Alstom bags €125 m order from BHEL

New Delhi: Alstom on Wednesday said it has been awarded a contract worth close to €125 million by BHEL. This contract is to supply components and services for 1000 mw Neyveli New Thermal Power Project (NNTPP) located at Neyveli in Tamil Nadu in India.

Alstom will co-operate with BHEL in conceptualising, designing, engineering and supplying two tower boilers and the complete lignite milling and firing equipment, and critical components, the company said in a statement.

The 1,000 mw green field NNTPP being developed by Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, will be the first lignite –fired 1,000 mw power plant in the country and major source of power to the southern states.

US-based JDA Software plans to invest Rs 500 cr in India

Hyderabad: US-based supply chain management solutions provider JDA Software Group plans to invest about Rs 500 crore in India in the next five years, as it looks to scale up its offerings to the domestic retail, manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

The $1,065-million turnover company, with headquarters in Scottsdale, entered the Indian market with the acquisition of Manugistics Group, which has a product development centre in Hyderabad, for $210 million in 2006. It consolidated its India presence with the acquisition of i2 Technologies for about $600 million in 2010.

“Our aim is to mature from a software company to a solutions company in India, with products to suit different segments such as automotive and pharmaceutical. Currently, we have solutions that cover the entire supply chain structure from production level to warehousing, inventory management, distribution, transport management and networking development,” Abel A Correa, Vice-President (Product Development), told Business Line.

Part of the investment will go towards scaling up its existing R&D facility in India, which at present handles about 50-60 per cent of its global product research and development. “We are aiming to increase this share to 70 per cent by 2015,” he said.

To hire more
As it expands its product portfolio, the firm intends to expand its workforce from the current 1800 to 2,500 in the next two years. It is focussing on cloud-related products for the retail sector, as Indian retailers are beginning to seek third-party cloud services.

“Our focus in the next six months will be on cloud offerings, which would go beyond just offering to bank their (retailers’) software on our services. Our cloud services will seek to guide them on operating their software for optimising revenues,” Correa added.

It offers its products both as a package and individual services. “For example, we have a product just for shelf planning in retail stores. Our product will provide a 3-D walk through a proposed store and give out placement of products on a shelf, depending on its depth and width,” he pointed out

Biocon signs agreement with US-based Quark Pharma

Bangalore: Biotechnology company Biocon Ltd and Quark Pharmaceuticals Inc have entered into a tie-up for the discovery and development of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based medicines.

California-based Quark Pharma develops RNA interference-based treatments for chronic and acute diseases.

This treatment involves a biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression by causing the destruction of specific RNA molecules used to treat conditions such as glaucoma.

This collaboration will enable Biocon to co-develop, manufacture and commercialise QPI-1007, a novel siRNA drug candidate for ophthalmic conditions, for India and other markets, according to a company statement.

siRNA are molecules and understanding the way these molecules work is important for validating the functioning of genes which would help in disease-causing genes.

The company did not disclose the financial details of this transaction.

Biocon Chairperson and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said: “Quark is the world leader in this technology and their joint development efforts on QPI-1007, targeting ocular neuroprotection, aims at providing relief to several patients suffering from serious ophthalmic conditions.”

Markets cheered this development and the stock closed at Rs 439, a 12 per cent increase over its previous closing.

According to the company, glaucoma affects 12 million people accounting for 12.8 per cent of blindness affecting people.

British Council offers scholarships worth £ 1 million for Indian students enrolling in British universities

Lucknow: With falling enrollment of Indian students in UK universities, the British Council has come out with the largest ever scholarship program for local students. The British Council will offer around 370 scholarships worth almost £ 1 million in the coming months for Indian students interested in pursuing undergraduate and post graduate courses in Britain said Director, Education and Society, British Council, Richard Everitt.

He said that there was dip in the number of Indian students enrolling in UK based institutions during the last two years. This was largely due to the falling rupee which made pursuing education in UK costlier but also students having more options to study in different countries abroad.

"But we want to encourage more students from India to enroll in UK because they are talented and the two countries share a long history. Students from India bring new perspective , intellect and hard work and also add to the cultural life in the campus. This is our largest ever scholarship program for India and will continue for two years" said Everitt.

Currently there are about 31,000 Indian students in UK with nearly two thirds pursuing post graduate courses. 30 of the world's top 200 universities are in the UK.

Everitt said that there is no cap on the number of students coming to UK for studies and they are given visa's easily. He said that counseling is offered for selecting courses, institutions and adjusting to life in a foreign country. Also, career option are also discussed with students, Everitt said.

Bilateral currency swap arrangement between the Reserve Bank of India and Bank of Japan enhanced from US$ 15 billion to US$ 50 billion

New Delhi: The Government of India today approved the enhancement of the bilateral currency swap arrangement between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Bank of Japan from US$15 billion to US$ 50 billion. The terms of the Agreement have been agreed between the Indian and the Japanese side in this regard. The Government of India has authorized Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to sign the agreement.

This measure will further strengthen the bilateral financial cooperation between Japan and India.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Gamesa wins order to set up 50MW wind farm for Green Infra

Chennai: Gamesa Wind Turbines has won an order to supply wind turbines and set up a 50MW wind power project for Green Infra, an independent power producer backed by IDFC Private Equity.

Under this contract, Gamesa would set up 25 units of 2MW turbines at Kosegaon, Maharashtra. The project is scheduled to be complete in two phases. Gamesa would develop the site. It would supply, commission, operate and maintain the turbines for a period of 10 years, a statement from the company said.

"We are happy that Green Infra has joined the customer base of Gamesa India. This business deal comes at a time when the wind industry is poised to bounce back in the light of the government announcing restoration of generation based incentive scheme (GBI)" to the wind industry, Ramesh Kymal, chairman and managing director, Gamesa India, said.

Gamesa recently won orders to set up a 46MW wind power project for ITC Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division and two projects for Greenko and CLP India, totalling 230MW with an option to further supply 200MW to Greenko, and all are set to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2014.

GDF Suez picks up 74% in Meenakshi Energy project

Hyderabad: French energy company GDF Suez SA has consolidated its India presence with the acquisition of a 74 per cent stake in Meenakshi Energy and Infrastructure Holdings Pvt Ltd.

It is executing a 1,000-MW thermal power plant at Krishnapatnam in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

Meenakshi Energy is part of the Hyderabad-based Meenakshi group, which is into power, infrastructure (roads), special economic zones and property development.

The Group will retain the remaining 26 per cent stake in the project.

The project comprises 300 MW of operational capacity and 700 MW under construction. More than 50 per cent of the work has been completed in the 700-MW portion and is likely to be commissioned by March 2015.

The unit one is based on imported coal and the remaining part of the project has fuel linkage from Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd.

“The Rs 6,000-crore project will see investment of about $400 million to complete,” D. Suresh, Chairman and Managing Director, Meenakshi Energy, told Business Line.

Meanwhile, PTC India Financial Services Ltd (PFS) has divested its entire 16.76 per cent stake in Meenakshi Energy for Rs 209.73 crore. PTC India Ltd is the promoter of PTC India Financial Services, and holds 60 per cent stake in the latter.

R.M. Malla, MD and CEO, said, “We planned this exit keeping in view the right opportunity and the robust return which will augment the company’s net worth. We remain confident of maintaining the pace of growth of our business.”

The proceeds will help strengthen the balance sheet and augment loan book growth.

Tesco to enter Indian retail space through joint venture with Tatas

New Delhi/ Mumbai: Ministers often sound optimistic even when there are no obvious reasons. So, when Commerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma told a reporter on Monday that the first application from a foreign multi-brand retailing entity would come by the end of this month, there was an air of suspicion, as most experts had ruled out any investment in this sector until after the 2014 elections.

However, Tesco Plc, the British multinational grocery & general merchandise retailer, sprang a surprise on Tuesday by announcing its intention to be the first foreign multi-brand chain to enter the Indian market, a little over a year after the country’s policy on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the segment was relaxed.

Extending its back-end and wholesale support franchise agreement with the Tata Group’s Trent, Tesco will invest $110 million (Rs 680 crore) in the India market for front-end multi-brand retail stores. This investment, believed to be for the first three years of business, is likely to be increased later. For now, Tesco has plans to invest only in Karnataka and Maharashtra.

WHAT’S TESCO?
HEADQUARTERS: Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England
LISTED ON: The London Stock Exchange
REVENUE: £64.8 billion last year
STORES: Runs over 6,000 outlets across the UK, Europe, Asia (exited the US market recently)
RANGE: Cash & carry, convenience store, department store, discount store, hypermarket/supermarket
INDIA PRESENCE:Since 2008 under a JV with Tata Group’s Trent
Aside from the Trent business being established in the western and southern regions of India, the UK retailer may have chosen Karnataka and Maharashtra for political reasons as well. The Congress party, which has been backing FDI in retail, is in power in both these states. While Karnataka next goes to polls in May 2018, Maharashtra is slated for Assembly elections in December 2014. The multi-brand retail policy allows states to take a call on whether or not foreign retailers can open stores. BJP and other Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, are against FDI in retail.

People in India would get to experience the Tesco stores soon after the company has got clearances from the government, as the Trent hypermarkets are to be converted to UK-branded outlets.

In May, Group CEO Philip Clarke had met Anand Sharma for a discussion on multi-brand retail policy, but the firm had stayed low key about its proposed India entry. The general expectation was that American chain Walmart, which has been much in news, would be the first foreign retailer to set shop India. Apart from internal investigations into Walmart’s compliance with the US’ Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the chain had to face political opposition in India for its lobbying disclosures to the US Senate.

At present, Tesco is the only foreign chain with an Indian partner. Walmart recently broke up with Bharti and French retailer Carrefour is yet to find a partner. Another foreign retailer sounding positive on the India market is Japanese major Aeon, which has set up a small office in the country. When contacted, its spokesperson said the company was still “researching” the country’s market.

An official at the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) confirmed a proposal had been received from Tesco Overseas Investment Ltd for approval of 50 per cent FDI in the issued and paid up equity share capital of Trent Hypermarket Ltd (THL), a Tata group enterprise, to engage in the activities of multi-brand retailing. According to the proposal, the JV will operate in India through a chain of stores under various banners, including Star Bazaar, Star Daily, Star Market — their tag line saying ‘A Tata and Tesco Enterprise’. THL planned to open three to five stores every financial year, the official added.

In a statement, the Tata group said Trent and Tesco had been in discussions over an investment by Tesco in THL, which operates the Star Bazaar business and is engaged in multi-brand retailing. “In this context, Tesco is making an application to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. If the application is successful, the intent would be to enter into a partnership, where Trent and Tesco will each own a 50 per cent stake in THL.” On BSE, Trent shares rose around seven per cent over their previous close to end the day at Rs 1,066.55.

Trent Vice-Chairman Noel Tata said: “The application is a positive step forward in the relationship between the Tata group and Tesco.”

Anand Sharma, who has been much criticized for making an industry-unfriendly policy, on Tuesday said: “We hope this will mark a new beginning in transforming India’s retail industry. I am sure other global leaders will also look at investing in India.”

However, some of the multi-brand policy riders might still be a challenge to comply with, experts said. For instance, a minimum compulsory investment of $100 million needs to be made in new facilities and must not include acquisition of existing stores or infrastructure of the partner. At least 50 per cent investment in back-end infrastructure and a mandatory 30 per cent sourcing from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are among the other tough riders. But, now that a proposal for FDI in the sector has finally come, the government might tweak the rule book.

Arvind Singhal, chairman of retail consultancy Technopak Advisors, said: “Tesco’s coming is very good news, not just for the retail sector but also for India.” A marquee name like Tesco would mean an endorsement for destination India, he added.

Another retail watcher, Third Eyesight CEO Devangshu Dutta, said: “When Tesco got into a partnership with the Tatas, the intent was to look at retail, and not back-end. Whenever Tesco has expanded into new markets, it has undertaken a high level of localisation. In partnership with the Tatas, they worked in the back end, so it’s logical to take this partnership to a joint venture in retailing.”

“We have been working with the Tata group in India for over five years, supporting the development of their Star Bazaar and Star Daily multi-brand retail stores through the provision of wholesale and franchise agreements,” said a spokesperson for Tesco.

Meanwhile, Tesco’s Asia CEO Trevor Masters blogged: “We really like working with the Tata group in India,” adding “we believe combining our global retail expertise and Tata’s unrivalled understanding of the Indian market has tremendous potential and we’re excited to be exploring ways to do more together”.

100 % FDI allowed in storage and warehousing of farm products

New Delhi: 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed under automatic route in storage and warehousing including warehousing of agriculture products with refrigeration (cold storage).

The National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) has been established as an autonomous body and registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act 1860.

The main objectives of the Society are:

To recommend standards and protocols for cold chain infrastructure/building including post-harvest management so as to harmonize with international standards and best practices and suggest mechanism for bench marking and certification of infrastructure/building, process and services provided by cold chain industry.
To undertake and coordinate Research and Development (R&D) work required for development of cold chain industry in consultation with stakeholders.
To undertake and coordinate the task of Human Resource Development (HRD) and capacity building, conduct in-house training, short-term/long courses relevant for cold chain development.
To launch publicity campaign to educate the stakeholders including awareness building about the benefits of integrated cold chain.
To recommend appropriate policy framework relating to development of cold chain.
To facilitate and foster the development of multi-modal transportation facilities for perishable agricultural, horticultural and allied commodities.
This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Shri Tariq Anwar in a written reply to Rajya Sabha questions.