MUMBAI: ICICI Bank Business banking and CNBC-TV18 announced the winners of the most anticipated awards for the Indian Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Industry - ‘Emerging India Awards 2008‘ on July 8, 2008 in London, United Kingdom. The ‘Emerging India Awards‘ India‘s biggest initiative for the SME sector through its theme ‘Think Global Go Global‘ this year, recognize the SME‘s for the crucial role played by them towards the growth of the Indian economy and rewarded the most globally competitive SME, whose business practices are at par with global giants.

The primary objective of the awards is to support and motivate Indian SME‘s by honoring them with the prestigious CNBC-TV18 ‘Emerging India Awards‘. The award helps accelerate the progress of greater and easier flow of credit from the banking sector to SMEs. SMEs have the potential to drive substantial employment growth and wealth creation. It is estimated that SMEs account for almost 90% of industrial units in India, 40% of value addition in the manufacturing sector and contribute 35% to India‘s merchandise exports. ‘Emerging India Awards‘ pioneered by ICICI Bank, India‘s second largest bank and CNBC-TV18, undisputed leader in business and supported by CRISIL, India‘s premier credit rating agency which is the Indian subsidiary of S&P, provides a platform that enhances the visibility of these integral players in India‘s economic growth story.

ICICI Bank and CNBC-TV18 have been organizing the Emerging India Awards since 2005, to recognize and showcase the value creating SMEs in the Indian economy. The Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, gave away the awards in 2007. India‘s large and growing entrepreneurial base is evident from the fact that there were 125,000 entries for just 10 awards in 2007, and this number has increased to 300,000 this year. In the year 2007, Emerging India Awards also earned a mention in the "Limca Book of Records" as India‘s biggest Business Awards.

With the Small and Medium Enterprises often hailed as being the drivers of economic growth this year overall Small and Medium Enterprise for the Year is Microqual Techno Pvt. Ltd. While Molecular Connections Pvt Ltd. is ‘The Most Promising Small Enterprise of the Year‘. Next Brick Solutions Ltd. won the honour of being the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. This year CNBC-TV18 ‘Emerging India Awards‘ introduced a new category called Green Business Awards Geetanjali Woollens Pvt. Ltd. was nominated from across categories by CRISIL for their efforts towards environment conservation and utilization of environment friendly green technologies.

MUMBAI: Buzz18.com, the country?s leading entertainment website from the Network18 group in association with Subhash Ghai?s Whistling Woods International Institute of Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts and Mukta Arts yesterday announced the winners of ?Bollywood?s Next ? Writer?s Contest? at a scintillating evening hosted at Whistling Woods International, Film City, Goregaon, Mumbai. The event was a grand success with a panel of esteemed judges from the film fraternity including eminent filmmaker and film industry icon- Subhash Ghai, Script Writer- Actor-Producer, Anjum Rajabali and Script Writer-Director Sachin Bhowmick gracing the occasion and felicitating the three winners with grand prizes.

The winner of the contest, Swati Pandey from Mumbai not only gets a full course scholarship at Whistling Woods International but also an opportunity by Mukta Arts Ltd who will buy her script. First runner up Amin Prakash, along with a short course scholarship, gets to cowork with Mukta Arts Ltd and the second runner up Dr P Vaidyanathan was rewarded with a short course scholarship at Whistling Woods International.

The ?Bollywood?s Next ? Writer?s Contest? received an overwhelming response with over 525 entries pouring in from across the globe to try their shot at fame. The participation not only covered countries like United States, UAE, Pakistan, Australia and Thailand, but also small Indian towns like Dhanbad, Erode, Ernakulam & Akola. The diversity and reach of the contest truly reflected in the participation which also included IIM Graduates and IT Professionals also. This contest is a true testimony of how creativity can bring the globe on one pedestal.

Applauding the winners, acclaimed Director, Subhash Ghai said, ?We are overwhelmed with the response received from the budding talent from across the world. Judging the entries was a colossal task, such was the quality of writing that poured in. There is vast pool of screenwriting talent in this country which is untouched and unexplored. Whistling Woods International Institute and Mukta Arts were happy to support this initiative by Buzz18 to create a platform to proclaim this talent?.

Adds Anjum Rajabali, renowned script writer and Head of Department-Screen Writing at Whistling Woods International ?These are very exciting times for screen writers with huge resources flooding the film industry there is more work available. Moreover film makers are waking up the simple fact that it is well crafted scripts that actually makes entertaining scripts?

Speaking on the initiative Ms. Chandrima Pal, Editor, Buzz 18 states, "After the overwhelming response to our maiden initiatives, ?Shortcut? and ?Stir up your dreams contest?, we realized the potential of the Internet in reaching out to the countless showbiz aspirants across various fields. This new initiative is aimed at breaking the metro centric talent myth & will present an ideal platform to budding script writers from across the country. We are delighted that a renowned, veteran director like Subhash Ghai is extending his heartfelt support in our mission to find India ?s best! ?

MUMBAI: Launched as the biggest musical extravaganza with the best talent in the industry, the enduring musical journey of STAR Plus? Clinic All Clear Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar stands at the threshold of its finale. A competition that started off with 18 singers (6 winners and 12 runner ups of musical reality shows) is left with three of the best singers, Abhijeet Sawant, Rahul Vaidya and Harshit Saxena who are vying for the title of Superstar in a grand finale to be aired on Saturday, July 12, 8 pm only on STAR Plus.

Cheering, supporting and throwing up challenges to the finalists on their big night are Bollywood bigwigs, Bipasha Basu, Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan along with top Bollywood singers, Sonu Nigam and Neeraj Sridhar who share the centre stage with them and perform in harmony.

The three finalists are set to prove their mettle beyond singing with a smashing ramp walk to the tunes of a live performance by Neeraj Sridhar, an image makeover and enhancement with the help of Bipasha Basu, quizzes and more with Vidya Balan while bringing alive the dance floor with their moves and grooves with Shahid Kapoor at the same time.

Adding glamour to the evening are television?s heart-throbs who are expected to join the fanfare and cheer their favourite contestants at every stage of the competition as they inch closer to the Rupees Fifty Lakh cash prize.

With Abhijeet Sawant, Rahul Vaidya and Harshit Saxena putting their best foot forward in a bid to bag the coveted title and prize money, be sure to be exposed to the best musical night ever in a long time to come.

Watch the culmination of the most enduring journey of Clinic All Clear Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar with the Grand Finale on Saturday, July 12, 8 pm onwards only on Star Plus.

MUMBAI: Joi de vivre, Vivacious ,and bubbly, just a few small words to describe Vidya balan?s Tete a Tete with VJ Salil on Star Stop on B4U Music. The lovely actress is at her wittiest best as she answers Salil?s questions candidly.

B4U STAR STOP is a programme with film related interviews on B4u Music Actors/directors talk about their forthcoming movie, their likes, dislikes and other things and chat with B4U VJS. Stars talk about their personal review of the film and share their anecdotes of their experiences during the making of the film

Vidya talks about her forthcoming film Kismet Connection and the ease with which she has essayed her role. A firm believer in destiny she completely identifies with the film. Forthright and clear she answers all questions regarding her relationship with Shahid and their chemistry with absolute comfort.

Salil fires a rapid round of questions and Vidya Balan reciprocates with the most amazing amusing and witty answers. Cool and level headed she talks about the papparazi hounding her with questions on her relationship with Shahid, her disbelief in numerology astrology and palmistry.

To watch and enjoy this lively and energetic interview and much more tune in to Star Stop on B4u music on 13th July at 19.10 hrs.

MUMBAI: At a gala ceremony in Mumbai attended by the entire travel and trade fraternity, winners of this year‘s CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards 2008 were felicitated for their outstanding contribution towards the Indian travel and tourism industry. The CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards 2008 supported by Incredible India, was graced by, Union Minister for Tourism & Culture - Ambika Soni, focused on honouring some of the people and companies behind the year‘s best travel products and services.

The CNBC AWAAZ Travel Awards 2008 announced results of India‘s most comprehensive travel trade poll to celebrate the enormous achievements of the Indian travel and tourism industry for which some of the biggest players from the industry attended. The Awards also hosted representatives from the travel trade bodies, various state tourism boards, as well as domestic and international airlines.

CNBC AWAAZ along with research organization ‘The Nielson Company‘ conducted a thorough research and selected categories depending on the various services available and provided to the discerning traveler. This year‘s Travel Awards 2008 includes 3 new categories namely Best Weekend Getaways, Airline with Best Business Class and Best International Airline, in addition to the Best Travel Destinations in India as well as International, Best Travel Operators, Best Airline, Best Beaches, Best Weekend Destinations, Best Religious Destinations, Best Managed Historical Monuments, Best Destination for Adventure Sports, Best Leisure and Business Hotels among others, bringing the total number of categories to 19 this year.

Mr. Neel Chowdhury, Vice President -Marketing, CNBC TV18 & CNBC AWAAZ said, CNBC AWAAZ takes pride in the comprehensive and detailed process of research methodology which has been used for these awards. India, today is one of Asia-Pacific‘s powerhouses in the global tourism arena; hence CNBC AWAAZ has taken this initiative to acknowledge the cream of the Indian tourism industry and we are proud to support the best in class and help increase their brand profile.

MUMBAI: Enthralling Radio Cityzens across the nation with ‘Whatte Fun‘ melodies, Brand Radio City 91.1 FM marked its 7th successful anniversary. On July 3, 2008, Radio City 91.1FM, the nation‘s premiere melody FM station completed 7 melodious years in India. Surpassing mere entertainment, the station has carried forward its pledge to offer a melodious journey for sheer listener delight over the last seven years. Reiterating this commitment, Radio City stations across 20 markets commemorated this momentous occasion in great style along with listeners through a diverse array of interactive activities.

Speaking on the milestone, Ms. Apurva Purohit, CEO, Radio City 91.1FM said, "Our seven years entertaining the nation have been a much cherished milestone! Our melodious span over the last 7 years has flourished with each step leading to our robust presence across 20 cities in India. Breaking through the clutter of cacophony, we have time and time again, lived true to our promise to offer listeners a truly enriching and differentiated musical experience, thus ensuring an instant connect with listeners nationwide."

Ms. Purohit added, "Commemorating our anniversary across markets, the Radio City family extends its gratitude to its listeners for their steadfast support and for making us their FM station of choice! It is the feedback and patronage that our listeners share, which inspires us to keep reinventing ourselves and maintain our competitive edge. We are certain that with the best wishes of our listeners, we will continue to scale higher dimensions every year. It is with this mindset that we look forward to sharing many more anniversary celebrations with all our fellow listeners and associates across India."

The Radio City 91.1FM team celebrated the station‘s 7th National Anniversary through a Grand Bash in Mumbai on July 3, 2008. Also joining Radio City employees and their families in this celebration, were well-wishers, ex-employees and competition who stepped forth to make this milestone all the more special and memorable. The FM brand also conducted the national ‘Radio City Annual Awards 2008 - City ka Sitara‘ in recognition of excellence and outstanding contribution across functions. This witnessed the FM brand rewarding the efforts of all employees, who in their own way, contributed to reach this momentous 7 year mark.

Delhi‘s Radio City 91.1FM celebrated the Radio City Anniversary in a grand fashion. Revolving their content around the magical number ‘7‘, the station hosted seven innovative theme contests. Adding on, Delhi‘s Radio Cityzens got to meet their favourite RJs at popular hangouts across Delhi and win candles in the shape of ‘7‘ along with balloons of vibrant Radio City colours!

Extending the Anniversary celebrations to listeners, Jaipur‘s Radio City 91.1FM hosted a special Dinner for select lucky couples who were identified through the "Happy Anniversary Radio City 91.1" contest. The couples got to meet their favourite Radio City RJs where all present cut a specially-designed Seven Step cake.

Starting July 3, Lucknow‘s Radio City 91.1FM inaugurated the ‘Radio City Fan Mela‘ - a unique interactive platform especially reaching out to the FM‘s stations loyal listeners who‘ve been dedicatedly tuning in to 91.1FM over the last 7 years.

Celebrating the anniversary in absolute ‘Whatte Fun‘ style, Surat‘s Radio City 91.1FM hosted a beautiful cake cutting ceremony for listeners in studio with the RJs. Adding excitement to the activity was the presence of the Mayor of Surat - Mr. Ranjeet Gilitwala who stepped in to celebrate this special day with the FM station. As a first of its kind initiative, Surat‘s Radio City 91.1FM created a special Wall of Fame wherein thousands of listeners from all across Surat flocked to inscribe their wishes, feedback, autographs and testimonials. The FM station also launched a one-of-its-kind Gujarati Feature Pinakin Shah for the first time on Surat‘s Radio City 91.1FM.

Continuing with the celebrations Nagpur‘s Radio City 91.1FM hosted an Exclusive Movie Screening for its listeners at Inox. The screening was followed by a Grand Cake Cutting Ceremony wherein a seven feet long cake was cut by the Radio City team comprising RJ‘s Vicky, Tia, Sunny and Sana. This ‘Whatte Fun‘ celebration was taken a step further with the on-air contest ‘911 dikhaao cash le jao‘. Listeners participated on-air through SMS vote-ins and shared their birthday wishes with their favourite FM station.

Coimbatore‘s Radio City 91.1FM celebrated the 7th Year Anniversary in its own ‘Whatte Fun‘ style, hosting the grand finale of the ongoing ‘911 Edhutu Vanga Panam Panama Allitu Ponga‘ Contest. Assuring a memorable win, the lucky winner was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to go on-air with the Radio City RJs and celebrate his win on the occasion of the station‘s 7th anniversary.

Ahmednagar‘s Radio City 91.1FM concluded the ‘911 in your life‘ contest by sharing a huge bumper prize with the winner and launching the witty new pre-produced feature ‘Watry Bol‘, adding entertainment appeal to the celebrations.

A sustained focus on understanding listeners and leveraging the synergies of music expertise and innovative programming, allows Radio City to deliver a unique listening experience and be an integral part of the lives of listeners. Aggressively looking at spreading the Radio City experience to new markets across the country, Radio City 91.1FM is committed to growing the market and creating superlative content for discerning audiences.