MUMBAI: CNBC-TV18, India‘s No.1 business medium, in association with Bank of Rajasthan series called ‘A Walk down the Policy Lane‘ dialogues with Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman - Bajaj Auto Limited on this weekend‘s episode.

The Made-in-India tag is no more looked down upon and has become much more acceptable. After the boom in the IT sector, the manufacturing sector is on a revolution, with the increasing presence of multinationals, scaling up of operations by the domestic companies and expanding domestic market. India‘s manufacturing base is the fourth-largest among emerging economies and it is among the fastest growing. The sector has been averaging 9 per cent in the last four years.

But the India label has still a long way to go, the manufacturing industry is a very challenging sector. There is a constant pressure to deliver innovative products, respond to customer demand quickly, and eliminate costs. Therefore how can India become the factory of the world? Who better to answer this question than the man who created India‘s top scooter company in the strict ‘License Raj Regime‘, Mr. Rahul Bajaj.

With this discussion CNBC-TV18 provides a platform to speak of the opportunities, areas of improvement, concerns and challenges pertaining to the Indian Manufacturing Sector

So catch Mr. Rahul Bajaj in conversation with CNBC-TV18‘s AB Ravi, as they find out whether the next decade belongs to Indian Manufacturing sector in ‘A Walk down the Policy Lane‘.

‘A Walk down the Policy Lane‘ is a special series on policy discussions with thought leaders from sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, skilled, retail etc. The series focuses on understanding what kinds of policy changes are required to make India a leading player in a particular sector. Accordingly this weekend CNBC-TV18‘s ‘A Walk down the Policy Lane‘ focuses on The Indian Manufacturing sector.

MUMBAI: By the sheer enormity of the crowd present, Salaam Kolhapur was a rousing success. The event staged at Keshav Raod Bhosle Natya Gruh, Kolhapur saw prominent personalities of Kolhapur, namely the first citizen of the City - the Mayor, the present scion of the Kolhapur dynasty, educationists, industrialists, renowned artists, among the gathering.

Salaam Kolhapur began with the lighting of the lamp by the Great Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur and Mrs. Kanchan Adhikari of Mi Marathi.

The event opened with ‘Devicha Gondhal‘ followed by a variety entertainment programme woven loosely around a story line. Each of the incidences in the story line highlighted a ‘Khaasiyat‘ or a unique aspect of Kolhapur. It portrayed the life in Kolhapur as well as the people of Kolhapur. A medley of dances based on famous Marathi film songs in reference to Kolhapur went alongside dances based on Kannada, Telegu songs as it is an inherent part of Kolhapuri culture.

A short skit by actors Rahul Mehendale, Mrunmayee Lagu, Pushkar Shrotri and Hrishikesh Joshi revolved around a Director from Mumbai who lands in Kolhapur to make a movie. The skit depicted the development of Kolhapur and it‘s connectivity by first class express highway.

Mi Marathi felicitated a farmer who name has been included in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records for World class cultivation of Crops and using the Best Scientific Technique in irrigation. A local wrestler who has received numerous awards and has won Olympic Gold medal for India was also felicitated. Unbelievable but true he was 75 years of age. A Paithani was also felicitated for his remarkable achievement of making the turban in 90 secs. Others who were felicitated were a Kolhapuri chappal maker, Misal - Raja Bhau, a pujari of Kolhapur - Mahalaxmi Temple and a Solanki ice cream man among others.

In between the felicitation were performances by various local groups. The finale song of Salaam Kolhapur was sung by Ajay Atul and Ashok Patki, with lyrics by Mr. Mangesh Kulkarni. The event was conceptualized by Vinay Apte and his team.

The theme of the event ‘Salaam Kolhapur‘, brought out the lifestyle of the people. However the main focus was the history, the heritage of Kolhapur and the love of the people for their city. The culmination of the event was surely a salute to their pride - ‘Kolhapuri Asmita‘.

MUMBAI: LINOpinion, The Lintas Public Relations Division, has announced a spectacular start to 2008, with 18 new client wins and a 40% revenue increase in the first quarter of the year.

Ameer Ismail, President, LINOpinion and Member of the Executive Council, Lintas IMAG said, "We offer our client partners strategic inputs and customized solutions rather than standard offerings. This has ensured our consistent growth without compromising quality since our inception in 1994. Reflective of the current macro-economic boom and our deep, long-standing client relationships, we are set to surpass all expectations in 2008."

Some of the new businesses won by LINOpinion include brands like JP Morgan AMC, GM Pens [Reynolds], Leading Brands of the World, BIG Entertainment [ADAG], JNNURM, Baxter Healthcare, Saint Gobain, Anchor Toothpaste, UTVi, Wizcraft-IIFA 2008, Oriflame, C Krishniah Chetty Jewellers, Taurus Beverages, Aquasail and AAAI-Goafest, amongst others. Notably most of these brands were won in multi-agency pitches.

"Over the years, LINOpinion has succeeded in building an enviable reputation as an industry trendsetter with a growing portfolio of blue-chip clients. Our work is spunky, break-through and impactful - it speaks for itself. Our people are well trained, motivated and focused. This is why we get the results that we do. This is also why the world‘s most respected brands choose to retain us", adds Kavita Lakhani, Vice President, LINOpinion.

LINOpinion has also bagged several cross border brands like the Coal & Oil group, Dubai, Underwriter‘s Laboratories, Chicago and Promethean [learning technologies] from the U.K. With LINOpinion‘s imminent foray into overseas markets, the agency has geared itself for larger challenges.

BANGALORE: Canon India Pvt. Limited, India‘s No 1. Complete Digital Imaging Company today announced the launch of 23 new state-of-the-art next generation digital camera and camcorder products of its camera division to further accelerate the industry‘s transformation in terms of product innovation & technology. With this launch, 60% of camera division‘s product portfolio has been churned. This is the first product launch by the company in 2008. The announcement shared market insights and highlighted emerging opportunities that will structure the growth path for Canon. The launch also introduced path breaking technologies in sync with the youth trends and lifestyle of today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kensaku Konishi, President & CEO, Canon India said, "Canon has made a focused effort around breakthrough technologies across categories. And today we‘re continuing the momentum with an expanded portfolio of stylish, next generation, easy-to-use consumer digital imaging products that will help to make lifestyle a reality for more people every day." He further added, "The products launched today present revolutionary ways for consumers to interact and enjoy their experiences with never before seen features and concepts. The stylish looks and the advanced technology of the products give them a distinctive edge in the marketplace."

At the launch Canon unveiled products from Canon‘s Imaging Communication Products division which included 8 Digital Compact Cameras, 12 Digital Video Camcorders, 1 Digital SLR and 2 Selphy printers.

On the eve of the launch Alok Bharadwaj, Senior Vice President, Canon India said, "Canon believes in enabling connectivity between people, technology and lifestyle. We have always tried to manage this challenge by introducing the most innovative products with superior technology. With this launch we have introduced technologies which will redefine the categories and buying preferences of customers." He further added, "Canon with its heritage in digital technology is at the forefront of simplifying the consumer experience. The digital camera segment is highly competitive and Canon has been successful in providing apt services and support. The new motion detection technology in digital cameras and flash memory technology in digital video will enhance our business substantially."

Canon‘s key strategies for 2008 will focus on enhanced product portfolio across categories. Innovative marketing coupled with faster response to the market will be the key strategies towards high growth in 2008.

Canon is continuously creating new features and adding functionalities based on tomorrow‘s needs. The first revolutionary technology introduced today is the "Flash Memory" in the new Canon HF10 dual flash camcorder. This technology offers dual advantage to the customer and makes it possible to :

Reduce the size of device and make it a compact stylish package
Battery life is extended thanks to the use of flash memory, as less power is required to operate the camcorder as compared to other storage media types

The camcorders also has other interesting features like quick start to offer ease and convenience to the customers. With the user-friendly and compact HF series camcorders users can enjoy upto 6 hours of high-quality HD video footage (using Long Play mode) thanks to the 16GB of internal flash memory offered by HF10. Flash memory storage allows HF10 to be designed in a compact and lightweight form factor that fits comfortably in the user‘s hands. Flash memory also offers the advantages of fast read and write speeds for storing video recordings. The HF 10 a must for all travelers and this portability has also made the camcorder very sleek so now you can carry it in your pocket!

With the launch of the dual flash camcorder, Canon is now the only company offering all formats of video camera offering including High definition, Cassette, DVD and now flash with HF 10. The range also includes features of advanced zoom which is the highest in the industry at 45x in a compact body. The camcorders also come with additional features like Instant Focus, Video light , a new user interface and search function in the review mode and are other features which have been introduced. Canon Digital camcorders currently contribute 10% to the camera division turnover and this new launch is expected to increase this contribution to 20% by Dec 2008.

Canon also unveiled their new digital compact camera products with the latest technology on face select and track, motion detection and AF "point" zoom. In face select and track, the main subject always stays within the frame and the camera tracks the subject. In Motion Detection, the camera ensures clear pictures even if the subject moves. This is achieved due to automatic adjustment of setting. AF Point Zoom technology enables the user to review one main subject within a wide frame pre and post shooting. The new launch includes Selphy printers with more lifestyle look with curvature which offer more options for creative printing.

The digital camera looks have also been designed through extensive R&D with new body colours, robe design axiz and different curves and shapes. In the D-SLR portfolio, there is a new feature of ‘live view‘ alongwith higher megapixel. The EOS 450 D brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon‘s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer.

Canon Launches TVC with Sachin ? To further strengthen PowerShot sub brand appeal, Canon has recently shot a TVC campaign with Sachin Tendulkar. This new ad campaign which was unveiled today will propel Canon‘s stylish brand imagery of digital cameras as being uncomplicated as it features kids using the camera. The TVC will start airing around the 17th April onwards across all leading channels. On the launch of the new TVC featuring Sachin Tendulkar, Alok Bharadwaj, Senior Vice President, Canon India said, " Sachin brand fits very well with kids. We have attempted to capture the essence of easy of use and technology benefits in this commercial". Canon would be investing Rs. 100 cr in marketing and advertising overall in 2008.

Canon camera division is poised for 50% growth and to enable this, Canon announced 5 new initiatives:-

1. Channel Schemes and Promotions - Canon remains committed to ensure that its partners are duly recognized and rewarded for taking the Canon technology to the masses and the enterprises. As a step towards rewarding high performance, Canon would be taking its top performing camera partners to Photokina in August 2008. Canon would also be participating in all major exhibitions across the country apart from hosting more than 300 roadshows through the year.

2. Consumer touch ? For consumers, Canon is bringing its Summer travel bonanza offers. As per a recent study, travel season is expected to increase sales of related purchases by almost 40%. Canon expects the season to increase its digital camcorder sales by more than 50% this travel season. Towards this, Canon is offering 1 GB card and free charger with all its digital cameras and a return ticket to Singapore with the IXUS models. There is no better time than now to own a Canon.

3. Corporate focus ? Canon has recently created a fifth division called CII ? Corporate sales which will focus on selling all camera and printer products into the top 100 corporate accounts. The need for the division was felt as this is a huge opportunity and needed specialists with focus into the same. As a part of this task, this division is focusing on bundling deals with high involvement categories and companies like Toyota, Honda, LG, Samsung, Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook, Kingfisher, Jet Airways etc and for these categories Canon lifestyle products are a perfect fit as reward.

4. Distribution & Retail Focus - Canon will enhance its channel structure for the digital and camcorder category which now includes 65 IT channel partners, 358 photo channel partners, 214 consumer electronic partners, 637 MOM retailers and 5 distributors. The DSLR channel structure includes 20 distributors, 168 retailers and 4 accounts of SLR exclusive distributors.

Canon‘s realizes the immense potential of retail and is expanding its penetration through various formats such as

A ? National Retail Chains and City Retail Chains ? The organised retail boom in India has also increased opportunities to create multiple touch points with the end consumer. Besides this, Canon has a strong presence in the country for its digital cameras across 13 major retail chains operating in India with presence in 200 stores, 28 City retail chains 31 flagship stores under Experience Zones and Digiclick Zones and over 1200 dealers. This segment currently contributes to 15% of the revenues of the camera division. As part of Canon‘s thrust, it would be providing 200 promoters across the 200 NRC stores across the country.

B ? Master Service Centre ? Canon currently has 2 Level IV master service centre in Gurgaon and Mumbai and plans to open 2 more in Bangalore and Kolkata by Dec 2008.

C ? Canon Own Showrooms - Increasing the company‘s presence across all retail formats, Canon will be opening 6 large exclusive Canon showrooms in all the major markets across India. The first exclusive Canon showroom will launched in Gurgaon in the Ambience Mall on 25th April 2008. There will be 5 more such showrooms by December 2008 which are B2C and 3 additional showrooms for our B2B business. The first B2B showroom will be launched on MG Road on 25th April 2008. These showrooms spanning over 3000 sq feet per store, are meant for providing a complete touch, feel and experience for the entire range of Canon Digital Imaging products.

5. Launch of Pro community site ? In 2007, Canon had launched a loyalty program for its D-SLR consumers called Canon Edge which offered them benefits ranging from free service, classes on photography to air tickets. In 2008, for the professional range of digital SLR cameras, Canon today launched the industry‘s first Pro ? Community site for its Canon Edge loyal members. The site would involve an eminent panel of photographers who would be providing content for the website as well as giving tips and resolving queries online. The website will also host a community for sharing practices.

Canon also announced its strategy to retain its No.1 position in Digital camera market through 2008. Canon currently has 27% market share in the digital camera segment, 10% in Digital Camcorder segment and 53% in D-SLR segment. It expects to grow its camera division by 50 % in 2008. This division contributes 30% to Canon India‘s revenues and Canon expects to generate the same contribution in 2008 also.

Canon has been the largest exhibitor at the Photo Fair 2008 where the company unveiled its latest technology and displayed the entire range of digital cameras, digital video camcorders, DSLR‘s and photo printers. Canon witnessed amazing response from the customers who were amazed to see the path breaking technology as they checked out the latest from the house of Canon.

MUMBAI: Samsung India today announced the names of its torchbearers for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay , to be held at New Delhi on April 17, 2008. Samsung , the Presenting Partner for the ongoing Olympic Torch Relay , has selected Sprint Queen PT Usha , ace shooters Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Abhinav Bindra , Sarod Maestro Ayaan Ali Khan , ‘Chak de‘ girl - Sagarika Ghatge and Powerlifter Rajinder Singh Rahelu , who won the Bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympics .

Announcing the Samsung Torchbearers , states Mr H B Lee , President & CEO , Samsung South West Asia Headquarters , " As Presenting Partners for the Olympic Torch Relay , we are indeed proud to have as our Torch bearers , men and women , who are indeed achievers in their own right and role models for the Indian public". Some of these Torch bearers were nominated by the public during the ‘Spread the Olympic Flame‘ Nomination Program , organized by the Company in October 2007 .

On her being Torch bearer for the India leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay , states P T Usha, " "I am honored to be a part of the Beijing 2008 Olympics Torch Relay . I will be taking part in the Run for our motherland , with joy and sportsman spirit." Echoing the same sentiment , states Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award Winner and World Shooting Champion 2006 , Manavjit Singh Sandhu, " Carrying the Olympic Torch is indeed a matter of great pride and privilege for any individual .As a sportsman, I feel very honored to be given the opportunity by Samsung to carry the Olympic Torch and promote the Olympic movement in the country."

Amongst Samsung‘s list of Torchbearers is Rajinder Singh Rahelu , who is a Powerlifter and has done the country proud by winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympics . He has also won 2 silver medals at the 2007 Asian Power Lifting Cup and a silver medal in IWAS World Games TAIPEI 2007. Rajinder will carry the ‘Olympic Torch‘ on his wheelchair and states that the ‘Olympic Spirit is all about striving to reach higher goals and by carrying the Olympic Torch he would like to inspire others to overcome obstacles and aim higher ." Sarod Maestro Ayaan Ali Khan feels that by participating at the Olympic Torch Relay , he would be "promoting the Olympic ideals and celebrating the spirit of human achievement in sports."

Film actor , Sagarika Ghatge , better known as ‘Preeti Sabarwal‘ of ‘Chak de India‘ is happy to be promoting Sports and Olympics in ‘real life‘ as against her ‘reel life‘ role in ‘Chak de India‘ , while Abhinav Bindra , the youngest Indian participant at the 2000 Olympic Games and the first Indian shooter to win a World Championship Gold in Zagreb in 2006 , feels that the Olympic Torch Relay in India will ‘fuel the interest in Olympics‘ amongst the Indian masses and promote the Olympic movement .

Samsung India‘s association with the Indian Olympic Association commenced with the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games and ever since the Company has supported the Indian Contingent to the Y2000 Sydney Olympics, Y2002 Busan Asian Games, the Y2004 Athens Olympics and now the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Samsung is supporting select Indian athletes in their preparation for the Beijing Olympics through a Samsung Scholarship Program called the ‘Samsung Olympic Ratna‘ Program , instituted in October 2007 and going up to the Beijing Olympics 2008 . Samsung Electronics , the parent Company of Samsung India , has been the Olympic Partner in the wireless communications equipment category , since 1997.

MUMBAI: Amrita TV has lined up a bouquet of exclusive programmes for the Vishu festival(April 14), which marks the beginning of the new year for Keralites across the world.Vishu also marks the third Anniversary for the channel which commenced telecast on 14 April,2005

The Vishu-eve programmes on April 13 showcase the just-held 4th Amrita Film Awards,wherein Awards based on public voting were presented in 16 categories of film making.As is the tradition in each of its Annual Film Awards,this year also Lifetime Achievement Award was given to music maestro, Dakshinamurthy.Also a posthumous Award was presented to late Bharat Gopi,illustrious actor, for his multi-faceted contribution to Malayalam cinema.The Amrita Film Awards gala nite which will be telecast on 13 April,6.30 pm will feature performances by noted musicians and actors like Naresh Iyer, Mukta,Ramba,Vinith Srinivasan,Shweta comedian Suraaj,interspersed with the Awards presentation.

On 13 itself at 2 pm ,Amrita TV will be telecasting a special Vishu-eve chat show with Vani Jayaram,noted playback singer-- being interviewed by singer,Unni Menon

On Vishu day (April 14),the morning starts with a Live Telecast of "Vishukani" at 6 am from Abhedananda Ashram,followed by a special edition of "Udayamritam"( 7 am) highlighting the traditions and folklore associated with the festival and "Vishugeetangal" at 8.30 am

At 10 am ,the channel will be telecasting the award-winning film "Nottam",featuring Nedumudi Venu and Samvrita Verma followed by a special Vishu Cookery Show on Ambalapuzha Palpaysam,specially shot at Ambalapuzha Sreekrishna Temple(1.30 pm)

The post-lunch Vishu session starts with a programme ( 2 pm) on the famous singer of yesteryears,S.Janaki, in conversation with music director, M.Jayachandran, who has won the Kerala State Awards 2008 for Best Music Director.

In the evening ,Amrita TV is telecasting at 3.30 pm,South India‘s first digital film "Munnamathoral" starring Jayaram,Vineeth,Jyotirmayi,Sherin and Samvrita

Looking back,in the past three years,Amrita TV has cemented its position as an innovative channel known for providing content that is tasteful and differentiated,yet audience-centric and client-attuned

Amrita TV pioneered classy and family-oriented reality shows in Malayalam television with its "Super Star" in mid-2006 .For the past few months,Amrita TV is perhaps the only satellite channel to run four reality shows concurrently, 14 hours a week viz "Super Star Global" ,"Super Dancer Junior","Raga Ratnam Junior" and "Best Citizen Journalist" .And now on the anvil is the actuality show,"Great India Race" and a talent hunt for pairs, "Let‘s Dance". Under its public service initiative, "Send an SMS.Save a Child", the entire SMS revenue from all its reality shows is donated for the benefit of underprivileged children

During its brief existence,Amrita TV has taken the lead in creating content which is not solely dependent on serials and movie fare by focussing on programmes spanning all genres such as News& Features,Culture & Heritage,Mythology,Human Interest,Ecology,Comedy & Satire,Cooking ,Lifestyle et al.

Amrita TV,launched in 2005,as a 24-hour Malayalam,general entertainment & news satellite channel with a global footprint,has been honoured with 26 State Awards for Excellence in Television--the only channel in India to be bestowed with such a recognition in just two years since inception.