Agriculture Sector in India in 2012

Agriculture has been sensitive issue in India particularly about the subsidies to the farmers. The year 2012 was good a year for agriculture in India, as India produced a record 25.77 million tones of food grains during 2011-12. Here are some the statics:

• Experts believe strategies for rejuvenating agriculture sector to achieve 4% per annum rate of growth have started producing results: average annual growth rate achieved in the agriculture and allied sector during 11th Plan has improved to 3.3% as against 2.5% and 2.4% in the Ninth and Tenth Plan periods, respectively.
• The 11th Five Year Plan period has seen an increase in total food grain production of 173.38 million tonnes over the 10th Five Year Plan period. This despite two years of drought in various parts of the country in 2009-10 and 2010-11. 
• Gross Capital Formation (GCF) in agriculture and allied sectors as a proportion of the GDP in the sector stagnated around 14% during 2004-05 to 2006-07. It has jumped to 20.1% in 2010-11 at constant 2004-05 prices. 
• Plan outlay of Department of Agriculture and Cooperation increased from Rs.15,000 crore in 10th Five Year Plan to Rs.66, 577 crores in the 11th Five Year Plan and is likely to be further increased to Rs.1,34,746 crores during 12th Five Year Plan. 
• The flow of agriculture credit in 2011-12 reached Rs.4,68,000 crore from a level of Rs.86, 981 crore in 2003-04. The target for agriculture credit for 2012-13 has been raised to Rs. 5,75,000 crore 
• To make cheap agriculture credit available to farmers for short term crop loan, incentive of additional interest subvention has been increased to 3% for farmers who repay their loan on schedule, thus making the effective rate of interest to 4% per annum only. 
• In order to make available fertilizer at affordable prices to farmers, two Biofertilizers, one Organic Manure, two Fortified fertilizers, Urea briquette and Zinc Oxide suspension have been incorporated in Fertilizer Control Order (FCO). 
• National Seeds Corporation has introduced 44 newer varieties in the production to improve the product basket.

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Top Business News of 2012 [Part 2]

September
Supreme Court directed Sahara Group to refund 17400 Crore Rupees to their Investors - The Supreme Court of India directed Sahara Group's two companies to refund around 17400 crore rupees to their investors within three months with 15 per cent interest.

Tech Mahindra Acquired Hutchinson Global Services - Tech Mahindra on 4 September 2012 acquired the back office unit of Hutchison Global Services (HGS), for $87.1 million (Rs 484.03 crore). The deal made with the HGS is supposed to give it a revenue rise of USD 845 million over the next five years which will mark to an average revenue increase of around USD 170 million per annum.

ICICI Bank to extend its net banking services through social media platform ‘Facebook’ - ICICI Bank announced on 6 September 2012 that it is going to launch its services on social media platform ‘Facebook’ in order to expand its internet banking services. ICICI is among the first banks to start its online presence and the only bank that allows non-cash transactions i.e. requests for cheque books, account statement enquiry and more.

Infosys acquired Switzerland based firm Lodestone - Infosys, one of the largest software companies of India, acquired Switzerland based global management consultancy firm Lodestone on 10 September 2012 with an enterprise value of $350 million.

State-owned Bank of India opened its first branch in South Africa - State-owned Bank of India (BoI) opened its first branch in South Africa in a move to enhance the relationship between South Africa and India.

Indigo Airlines emerged to be the top ranked carrier for consecutive second month - The data presented by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 18 September 2012 claimed that the low cost airlines Indigo emerged as the leading carrier in the month of August by carrying 12.05 lakh domestic passengers out of 43.69 lakh passengers.

Ex-COO and MD of Reebok India held for Rs 870 Crore Fraud - The ex-COO Vishnu Bhagat and former MD Subhender Singh Prem of Reebok India along with three more executives were arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Gurgaon on 19 September 2012.

October
DGCA Issued Show-Cause Notice to Kingfisher Airlines - The Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 5 October 2012 issued a show- cause notice to kingfisher Airlines asking why its license should not be suspended or scrapped for failing to ensure safe, efficient and reliable services under Section 15(2)(b) of Schedule XI of the Aircraft Rules of 1937.

Air India Received its Third Boeing 787 Dreamliner - Air India on 9 October 2012 got its third Boeing Dreamliner from the new North Charleston Facility of the American manufacturer. Air India is the first airline in the world to take delivery of a Dreamliner from the US Based manufacturer.

Petroleum Ministry’s Non Approval to RIL’s Investment Plans - The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry on 17 October 2012 escalating the troubles of Reliance India Limited informed the Prime Minister office that it would not approve the investments of the company on its KG-D6 fields.

Tata Starbuck Opened its First Store in India - Tata Starbucks, a joint venture between Tata Global Beverages (TGBL) and Starbucks Coffee Company, on 19 October 2012 opened its first store in India which is located in Horniman Circle of South Mumbai.

DGCA suspended the license of Kingfisher Airlines - Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on 20 October 2012 suspended the license of the debt-ridden aircraft carrier Kingfisher Airlines. The decision came up after the airlines failed to address the concerns of the regulatory body about its operation that came up after the airlines was directed to stop-bookings till further notifications.

Bharti Airtel Became World’s Fourth Largest Mobile Operator - Indian Telecom Service Company Bharti Airtel became the fourth largest telecom operator in the world in terms of subscribers, according to the Wireless Intelligence ‘Scoreboard’ report.

BHEL Deployed Solar Panel on GSAT 10 Satellite - Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in the Month of October had successfully deployed space grade solar panels on the GSAT-10 satellite of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

November
Gov. of Odisha Slapped 6000 crore Rupees fine on Tata Steel for Illegal Mining - The Odisha government had slapped a fine of about 6000 crore Rupees on Tata Steel for its alleged involvement in illegal and excess mining at its captive mines.

Goldman Named 16 Indians as MDs and 3 as Partners - Goldman Sachs, the international financial services giant, promoted 16 IndianCorporate/Bussiness Current Affairs November 2012. Goldman Sachs, the international financial services giant, promoted 16 Indians as the Managing Directors in the second week of Novembers as the Managing Directors in the second week of November.

Maldivian Airlines Signed Pact with Apollo Hospital - Maldivian Airlines in the month of November had signed a pact with the Chennai-headquartered Apollo Hospitals to give discounts to each others’ clients.

PepsiCo Coughed Up Double Amount than DLF to Be Next 5 Years IPL Sponsor - PepsiCo left behind Airtel in the race to win Indian Premier League (IPL) title sponsorship for 396 crore Rupees, which is approximately double of the previous right holders- DLF.

Maldives cancelled its Biggest Foreign Investment Project with GMR Group - Maldives cancelled its biggest foreign investment project with Indian firm GMR Group to develop its international airport. The total value of the project was 511 million dollar. The deal with the GMR was signed during former President Mohamed Nasheed's administration. Prior to this, a competitive bidding process was conducted by the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC).

IOC to Upgrade its Refineries and Increase Production Capacity to 100 million tonnes - The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on 27 November 2012 declared that it would upgrade refineries at Panipat, Mathura and Gujarat. The IOC would make an investment of up to 70,000 crore rupees so that it can double its capacity of refining to 100 million tonnes per year by 2021-2022.

December
Kingfisher Airlines Sent Eviction Notice by Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd - Kingfisher Airlines that had its operations from domestic Terminal 1A of Mumbai’s airport was given an eviction notice by the Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL) in the last week of November 2012.

Adani Group completed Australia’s Largest Coal Mining Project in a Record Time - Adani Mining, a global integrated infrastructure player on 3 December 2012 announced completion of the largest mining exploration programme inAustralia in a record time of Nine months.

Economic Reforms - UPA wins vote over FDI in Retail in Lower House - The UPA government won the motion on Foreign Direct Investment in retail by 253 votes in Lok Sabha on Thursday. While 218 MPs out of total 417 attended members in the Lower House.The motion over the FDI in retail was considered in the house for discussion and vote by the speaker in rule 184, which voted on Thursday.

Lobby Bill of Wal-Mart Hit Around 125 Crore Rupees to Seek Entry into India - Wal-Mart had filed the lobbying disclosure report with US Senate and it was found that the retail giant had incurred around 25 million dollar or approximately 125 crore Rupees in the lobbying activities.

Infosys Shares started Trading on New York Stock Exchange - Infosys Ltd, India’s second-largest IT services provider on 12 December 2012 announced that its American Depositary Shares (ADS) had started trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol INFY.

Tata Steel Developed a New Kind of Anti-Ballistic Steel Super Bainite - Tata Steel's Port Talbot plant in the UK developed a new kind of anti-ballistic steel in the second week of December which could transform safety of soldiers and security forces fighting terrorists and extremists.

Cyrus Pallonji Mistry Appointed as Chairman of Tata Sons - Cyrus Pallonji Mistry was appointed as the chairman of Tata Sons, the firm that holds more than 100 billion dollar Tata Group, on 18 December 2012.

Click here for Part 1 of the story
Information Source – Jagran Josh 

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Top Business News of 2012 – India Business News at a glance

January
Coca Cola placed at No.1 in Inter-brand's List of the top 100 Global Brands in 2011 - US beverage maker Coca Cola retained its top position in Inter-brand's list of the top 100 global brands in 2011. Coca Cola was followed by another US based company, IBM.

February
Bahrain Telecom announced exit from Indian joint venture S Tel - Bahrain Telecommunications Co (Batelco) on 8 February 2012 announced to sell its 43 percent stake in Indian joint venture S Tel for $175 million, in the first foreign exit since the Supreme Court of India nullified 122 telecoms licenses on 2 February 2012 as part of a 2G scam probe.

Rahul Bhatia awarded with Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2011 - Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director of InterGlobe Enterprises group on 23 February 2012 was chosen for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2011

State Bank of India reduced Interest Rate on Education Loan upto 1 Percent - India’s largest bank, State Bank of India on 27 February 2012, announced to reduce its interest rate on education loan by 1 percent.

March
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd resumed Oil Supplies to Kingfisher Airlines - State-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) on 8 March 2012 resumed oil supplies to Kingfisher Airlines after the airline agreed to pay for daily fuel off-take.

State Bank of India hiked Interest Rates on Retail Term Deposits to 8 Per Cent - SBI's interest rate on deposits with maturity periods ranging between seven days and less than one year was increased to a uniform 8 per cent.

Tata Steel topped the List of Most Admired Indian Brand - A survey compiled by Fortune India and global management consultancy Hay Group which was released on 13 March 2012, revealed Tata Steel as the most admired brand in India.

April
Star TV won the Broadcasting Rights of Indian Cricket Team in a 3851 Crore Rupees Bid - Star TV on 2 April 2012 won the rights to broadcast Indian cricket for next six years in a bid to the tune of 3851 crore rupees.

Cyrus Mistry and OP Bhatt joined the Board of Directors of Tata Consultancy Services - Tata Sons deputy chairman Cyrus Mistry and former SBI group chairman OP Bhatt joined the board of directors of Tata Consultancy Services.

Star Group ended its Joint Venture with Indian Television - Rupert Murdoch led Star Group on 16 april 2012 decided to put an end over its joint venture with its Indian television news channel partner. The company cited the split on regulatory headaches as the reason behind the decision.

Zee TV became the First Indian Channel to get Landing Right in China - Zee TV on 27 March 2012 became the first Indian channel to get a landing right in China. China’s State Administration for Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) granted the landing rights to the Indian channel after a long six years of wait.

Audi signs up Indian Motorsport Driver Aditya Patel for Three Years - German luxury car manufacturer Audi on 13 April 2012 signed a 3 year contract with promising young motorsport driver Aditya Patel.

May
Audi launched New Version of Its Largest Selling sedan A4 in India - German luxury car maker Audi launched a new version of its largest selling sedan A4 in Indian market. The luxury car launched in both the petrol and diesel variants has a starting price of 27.33 lakh.

Bharti Airtel acquired 49 Per Cent Stake in Qualcomm’s Broadband Wireless Access Business - India’s leading telecom company Bharti Airtel on 23 May 2012, acquired 49 per cent stake in Qualcomm’s broadband wireless access (BWA) business in India in a deal worth 165 million dollar (about 922 crore rupees).

Samsung became Number One Mobile Company in the World - Samsung's mobile phone sales have reached 86.6 million units, a 25.9 per cent increase from 2011. It also reacquired the number one slot in smartphone space from Apple, selling 38 million smartphones worldwide.

Cyrus Mistry and Mallika Srinivasan appointed on the Board of Tata Steel - Cyrus Mistry, the Chairman-designate of Tata groups was appointed as an additional director on the board of Tata Steel on 21 May 2012.

Chinese Computer Major Lenovo appointed Ranbir Kapoor as its Brand Ambassador - Chinese computer major Lenovo on 29 May 2012 roped in Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor as the brand ambassador for its range of products in India.

June
Airtel Rising Star Talent Hunt Launched by Aitel and Manachester United - Airtel launched Airtel Rising Star in association with Manchester United, England on 25 June 2012 to provide exposure to young footballer’s talents. The talent hunt also strengthens brand positioning and appeal to youth to enhance football in countries like India.

MTS Slashed Internet Charges in Delhi-NCR by 60 percent - MTS slashed its internet charges for Delhi-NCR customers on 26 June 2012 by 60 percent. The net surfing for the customer is reduced up to 1/3 of the previous rate. MTS is operated by Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL).

Coca-Cola announced to invest 28000 crore rupees by 2020 in India - The soft drink company Coca-Cola on 26 June 2012 announced to invest 28000 crore rupees (about 5 billion dollar) from 2012 to 2020 due to youth population, growing economy increase in urbanisation and changing lifestyle in India.

July
Bank of India and United Bank of India reduced rate by 0.25 and 1.75 percent - Bank of India (BOI) and United Bank of India (UBI) on 5 July 2012 reduced the rate of interest by 0.25 percent and 1.75 percent. BOI slashed the rate on fixed deposits where as UBI reduced the rate for farm loans.

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan signed as Brand Ambassador of Kalyan Jewellers - Bollywood's most popular actor Amitabh Bachchan on 14 July 2012 was signed as the brand ambassador of Kalyan Jewellers due to his popularity and fame at the international level. He will emphasize on the brand qualities with 100 percent purity, price tags etc. He will also advertise in regional languages.

ONGC was awarded Gold Trophy in Safety Management Award 2012 - Greentech Foundation awarded Gold Trophy in Safety Management Award 2012 on 24 July 2012 to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

August
NDTV filed Lawsuit against Audience Measurement Company TAM India - India's national news broadcasting channel NDTV sued the country’s only television audience measurement company TAM India and its global parent firms Nielsen and Kantar on 31 July 2012. The channel accused officials at TAM of being indulged in fraudulent and manipulating TV ratings.

Siemens India Bagged 290 Million Euro NMDC Deal - Siemens India nailed an order worth two ninety million Euros from National Mineral Development Corporation (NDMC), which is state run, for developing basic oxygen furnace converter for steel marking.

The Bhilai Steel Plant won the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the 10th Time - The Bhilai Steel Plant won the prestigious Prime Minister's Trophy for the 10th time. Bhilai Steel plant is the flagship unit of India’s largest public sector steel maker, Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL).

Click here for Part 2 of the story

Information Source – Jagran Josh

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Public Relation to achieve new height in 2012

Job Outlook: Public relation to achieve new height in 2012 and good prospects are there for the aspirants of this field in job market said Atul Malikram, the director of PR  24x7 Network Ltd.  He was sharing his views and experience with the public relation students in Indore.  PR professional will get many more good opportunities in the job market and the PR sector is going to achieve new height and milestone in 2012.

Atul dedicated miim, the institute for the PR aspirants, to youth through which many students can achieve their dream to become a successful PR professional.

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Job Market: Infosys to hire 10k staff in 2012

Job Market: Good news for the job aspirants as Infosys Technologies the IT company in India hire ten thousand staff in  2012, according to media reports. The job market may not be under pressure of global recession in 2012.

The IT major to open a development center at Rajarhat near Kolkata in West Bengal by next year. The information and technology companies may hire more staff in 2012. It is also expected that the economic slowdown may weaken by next year and there would be good prospect for job aspirants in India.

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