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Global automotive industry statistics 2017Total automotive production decreased 12 %, passenger car production decreased 16 % in January 2019. It is important to note that this initiative is largely rooted in created economies, with a lot of emerging markets nonetheless extremely dependent on traditional automotive transportation. With that being said, a competitive race to design and develop autonomous automobiles is currently occurring with all significant vehicle companies – resulting in new and revolutionary automotive business trends.
The worldwide automotive pie is increasing in 2018. Our analysis shows that the Q2 annualised sales rate for the international light automobile industry was up 3.8% on final year’s pace at just over 97m units. The market place is closing in on 100m. By the year-end, we’ll be speaking about one more record year, with China posting over 30m units, the US close to 17m and Western Europe more than 14m once again. Emerging markets such as Indonesia and India are also generating a developing contribution to the annual tally. Global economic development for 2018 and 2019 is projected by main forecasters at close to 4% in each year – a respectable level by historical standards.
Taken as a whole, innovation-associated challenges are reshaping standard auto market structures and relationships — in certain, by threatening the existing distribution of earnings and the boundaries between OEMs and Tier A single or Tier Two suppliers, as properly as between automotive and tech businesses. Some suppliers will fold, as their organization goes away fully, and other individuals will …International Automotive Business Global Automotive Industry Statistics 2018 Read More


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Batteries are running the world. OK, not literally. However, according to a report from Market Research Future, the global battery market is expected to grow at a 4 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between this year and 2023. While the automotive sector is expected to fuel this growth as companies look to alternatives to gas-powered vehicles, cell phones, laptops, and other portable electronic devices and the overall increasing dependence on technology are contributing to the rise in battery usage in a big way.
This growth in the battery market could mean that more shippers will be sending products carrying Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) and probably more commonly, Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. In a high-volume parcel shipping environment, you may not even know it.
If you are shipping batteries, you’ll need to be sure they are being labeled correctly as hazardous materials (hazmat), or you may risk sanctions and penalties. In fact, beginning Jan. 1, 2019, you will need Lithium Battery Marks or Hazard Class 9 Lithium Battery Labels for your battery shipments to stay in compliance.
However, whether you are shipping batteries or other dangerous goods, the risk of regulatory non-compliance is a growing concern for parcel shippers. As Pierbridge Managing Director Bob Malley wrote about in a recent guest blog for Labelmaster, “How Your Systems Can Simplify Hazmat and Multi-Carrier Shipping Compliance to Fuel Growth,” it takes the right planning and the right technology to keep your shipping more straightforward and compliant, including the:
• Ability to control access and user permissions by users, user groups, and locations
• Ability to digitize and store hazmat shipping records and forms to meet DOT filing requirements
• Ability to validate hazmat shipments against regulatory rules
Visit our partner Labelmaster’s website and read the blog to get the rest of the story. There are insights about how the right Dangerous Goods Information System (DGIS) and parcel shipping software can help your hazmat parcel shipments stay compliant.

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Machinarium refused for XBLA, moves to PSN instead *UPDATED*
Czech game studio Amanita Design, creators of the critically acclaimed PC point-and-click adventure Machinarium, recently announced that they are making plans to bring the game to different platforms. Asking founder and leader designer Jakub Dvorksy about their intent to port the quirky little adventure game to Xbox Live Arcade, Dvorsky informed us about Microsoft’s recent refusal of the game:
“Microsoft just refused Machinarium for XBLA after a half year of talking with them. They like the game and know it would be very successful on their platform, but they don’t want to support games which aren’t Microsoft exclusives. Machinarium isn’t, since we’ve also released versions for Mac and Linux. We have another option to approach some big publisher to bring the game to XBLA, which is quite absurd to do and lose maybe a large part of revenue because of that.”
Back in 2009, Machinarium took the prize of ‘Best Visual Arts’ during the Independent Game Festival. As far as we know Dvorsky and his team are still working on finding the right publisher to circumvent their earlier issues with Microsoft and end up on XBLA. Fingers crossed!
Update: After discovering that this story apparently created quite a buzz among many game websites, we just want to assure everyone that this story is indeed true in the following context: when asked about their plans to port Machinarium to different platforms Dvorsky confirmed having ‘talked’ with Microsoft. He did not specify if this involved being accepted for XBLA or being published by Microsoft on XBLA, but did put an emphasis on losing revenue through a conventional publishing deal. As our critical peers at DIYGamer have already confirmed, this is a legitimate outtake from an interview we had with Jakub Dvorsky during the Casual Connect conference in Hamburg two months ago.
Update #2: Joystiq has received an official response from Amanita Design that states the Czech studio has now submitted Machinarium to Sony’s PlayStation Network instead. As VideoGameBlog stated regarding this issue, “The key is that neither game has been refused space on the platform — Microsoft has simply decided not to publish the games itself. Microsoft requires all XBLA titles be attached with a publishing partner, meaning neither Amanita Design and Golgoth Studio can self-publish the games on the XBLA platform. Sony and Nintendo do not have the same policy for the PlayStation Network and WiiWare, respectively.”


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Restaurant chain Subway is to add PayPal as a payment option in its mobile order and pay app to allow customers to make in-app and in-store payments in 27,000 US locations. PayPal One Touch will also be enabled, allowing customers to pay without typing in usernames, passwords or payment credentials. Meanwhile, Android Pay has been added as a mobile payment option alongside Apple Pay.
- Seven watch brands to embed Barclaycard’s bPay wearable payments in their devices
- UnionPay sets out its mobile payments rollout plans
- Google expands support for wearable payments to Canada, Spain, and Australia
- American Express files faster blockchain payments patent
- Crédit Agricole expands HCE payments to Visa cardholders


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Wal-Mart, America’s largest retailer, announced Thursday that all full-time and part-time employees earn at least $9 per hour by April 2015 and at least $10 per hour by February 2016.
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 since July 2009.
In its press release, Wal-Mart stated that the wage hike will affect all hourly workers, roughly 500,000.
“Today, we announced comprehensive changes to our hiring, training, compensation and scheduling programs, as well as to our store management structure. These changes will give our U.S. associates the opportunity to earn higher pay and advance in their careers. We’re pursuing a comprehensive approach that is sustainable over the long term,” Wal-Mart CEO Doug McMillon said Thursday.
McMillon also announced that over the next year Wal-Mart will be investing more than $1 billion to help ensure employee scheduling flexibility and opportunities for competitive health-care and 401(k) benefits and educational programs.
“Sam Walton knew that an inspired, dedicated team of associates was the way to exceed our customers’ expectations,” said McMillon. “He often said ‘Our people make the difference.’ I feel a big responsibility to carry on what that phrase represents: the care and commitment that Sam had for Walmart associates.”


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iQoo is all set to launch its next-gen mid-ranger to be known as iQoo 9T 5G in India soon. While the company has been leaking information about its next iQoo 9-series smartphone on its social media handles for a while now, it is yet to share an official launch date for its upcoming iQoo 9T 5G smartphone. But now, an Amazon listing has revealed when iQoo will launch the phone in India.
According to the Amazon listing, the iQoo 9T will arrive in India on August 2, 2022. Take a look at the listing:
Interestingly, the Amazon listing follows another report, which suggested a similar launch date for the phone. That said, iQoo is yet to confirm the launch details through its official social media handle. But with Amazon being an exclusive partner, it is safe to say that the iQoo 9T 5G will launch in India on August 2.
iQoo 9T 5G Expected Specifications
iQoo has already confirmed several important details about its upcoming iQoo 9T 5G smartphone. The company has confirmed that the iQoo 9T 5G will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and will come with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space. iQoo has also confirmed that the phone will be powered by the company’s V1+ chipset which, according to the company, will improve the overall graphics and make the experience smoother.
— iQOO India (@IqooInd) 16 July 2022
As far as other details are concerned, the iQOO 9T is tipped to come with a 6.78-inch E5 AMOLED display with full-HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It is expected to get Corning Gorilla Glass protection along with in-display fingerprint sensor
On the camera front, the iQoo 9T 5G is tipped to get a Samsung GN 5 sensor with a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto sensor. On the front, the phone is likely to house a 16MP selfie camera. Coming to the battery, the iQoo 9T 5G is likely to pack a 4,700mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging technology.
Expected price of iQoo 9T 5G
iQoo has indicated the price of the iQoo 9T 5G to be under Rs 55,000. However, according to the reports, the price of the phone is expected to be between Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000.
Post iQoo 9T 5G Launch Date Revealed: Expected Price, Specs, Features First Checked on BGR India.


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Marine named Entrepreneur of the Year by Anchorage Chamber
An Afghanistan veteran whose entrepreneurship stretches from forming Quick Cup and Quick Bites to helping coffee shops develop safety measures was named the Alaska Entrepreneur of the Year by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce during its Annual Young Professionals Summit.
U.S. Marine Sgt. Keith McCormick developed a free app called Quick Cup and worked through the startup concept while serving as a medic and bunking in a connex trailer on his last tour of duty at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. In fact, last April, he was a finalist in the 2017 Alaska Business Plan Competition. He did his pitch before a live audience at the Bear Tooth Theatre via video while still stationed in the war zone.
“A lot has happened in a single year,” McCormick said. “Thanks to my wife and business partners — that’s what I call the coffee shops that signed on — this has really been an unbelievable year.”
Quick Cup is focused on a single mission: to get coffee-cravers to their favorite cup of java in the shortest time possible. It leverages a patent pending algorithm for estimated wait time-quickest options, believed to be the first in the nation. Quick Bites produces private mobile apps for restaurants, using similar patent-pending technology, to save time and steps at meal times.
The chamber honored McCormick as a motivated individual “who identifies a need and seeks to fill it.”
The citation lauded McCormick as “Alaska’s next generation of legacy builders. They are innovative, passionate, ambitious, and visionaries. Most importantly, recipients have demonstrated a growing impact with their business in their industry and/or community.”
McCormick was raised in Alaska, graduating from South Anchorage High School in 2009, the same year he joined the Marines. He married Sarah Russell in February 2010 during one of his training leaves, and spent a total of five years away from Alaska between several tours.
“I figured out of the five years since he was born, I’ve spent six months total with my son,” he said. “I was tired of being away, and wanted to create a business. There’s no real jobs for infantrymen when they get out, other than police forces or security.”
McCormick trained as a medic to qualify as a contractor just as the war efforts were ratcheting down. He was building on the University of Alaska physician’s assistant program he wasn’t able to finish during his tours of duty.
But creating a business that lets him stay closer to his family matches his goals for now. He also works with other veterans in a partnership called Northern Shield Defense, which provides bodyguards for celebrities visiting Alaska and safety training to coffee shops to help prevent robberies.
He analyzes baristas as they open and close their daily operations, evaluates camera placements, then generates a report and advises on how to close security gaps.
And he works for the City of Whittier training other emergency medical technicians or EMTs.
“I work out of the house, and when I do EMT training for Whittier, the family comes with me. We stay in a trailer by the water,” he said.
Some Anchorage coffee shops and huts have been fast to sign on with Quick Cup. They pay no upfront costs to have their menu loaded on McCormick’s Quick Cup app. The fee comes as 5 percent take on each coffee or beverage sold. So far, he has 15 active shops signed on and another 75 customer leads to follow up on after attending the Specialty Coffee Expo in Seattle in mid-April.
Based on national interest generated at the expo, he will be able to upload menus from chains like Starbucks.
McCormick does all the technical work himself, with help from Keoke Long, a U.S. Marine and business partner who invested in Quick Cup. Because it’s an app, the customer base can be anywhere in the U.S. , or the world. The algorithm will be able to calculate wait times based on the individual location.
“It works anywhere in the world with tweaking for language and the formatting of the language,” he said.
Some coffee shops have turned down Quick Cup.
One local coffee shop, for example, doesn’t want the kind of customers that are in a hurry, he said.
“On the other hand, when you have people sitting in line at a coffee hut, I’m sure that’s not something they want to be doing,” he said.
“Just trying to give people back time is our most important asset.”
Naomi Klouda can be reached at [email protected].


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More than 100 million consumers will shop in augmented reality or virtual reality-enabled stores by 2020, according to a report by market research firm Gartner.
“Retailers are under increasing pressure to explain the purpose of physical stores, and take control of the fulfillment and return process for cross-channel execution,” said Hanna Karki, principal research analyst at Gartner.
“At the same time, consumers are progressively defining the value provided by the experiences they receive from retailers. As a result of these pressures, retailers are turning to AR and VR to offer customers a unified retail experience inside and outside retail stores,” she added.
A previous report based on a survey conducted last year by Gartner had shown that almost 46% of retailers were planning to deploy either AR or VR solutions to service customers by 2020.
Moreover, another Gartner survey that measures popularity and hype of emerging technologies claims that interest in AR and VR has climbed somewhere between 15 and 30%.
Explaining the impact of AR in retail, Karki said that retailers could use this technology as an extension of the brand experience to keep customers engaged and at the same time drive revenue.
The research analyst gave the example of IKEA's Place app that enables customers to virtually ‘place’ the furniture retailer’s products in their home or office space.
Speaking about VR, Karki said that retailers could create task efficiencies or reduce costs of designing new products with this technology.
They can also enhance the understanding of information through advanced graphical visualisation and simulation technologies, she said, giving examples of pilot projects and implementation such as Alibaba's full VR shopping experience, virtual reality tours by Tesco, Adidas’ VR video to promote its outdoor clothing collection, and eBay Australia’s partnerships with Myer to create personalised stores.
The report also said that 5G will play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of AR and VR in stores.
“Gartner expects that the implementation of 5G and AR/VR in stores will transform not only customer engagement but also the entire product management cycle of brands,” said Sylvain Fabre, senior research director at Gartner. “5G can also optimise warehouse resources, enhance store traffic analytics and enable beacons that communicate with shoppers’ smartphones.”
Other examples of 5G support would include real-time rendering for immersive video, shorter download and set-up times, and extension of brands and shopping experiences beyond stores, Fabre said.


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Local Flower Shop News
Filipino florist in Virginia reaches toilet paper dress finals - INQUIRER.netTuesday, November 19, 2019
FEATURED STORIESThis year, his dress, “La Filipina,” honored his family’s heritage, taking 40 rolls of toilet paper to complete.Surfside Beach, California resident Mimoza Haska took home the top prize in this year’s competition, receiving a check for $10,000.MORE STORIESDon't miss out on the latest news and information. For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us. https://usa.inquirer.net/45231/filipino-florist-in-virginia-reaches-toilet-paper-dress-finals
Florist Software Market Current Development, Growth Rate by Manufacturers – Curate, RisoEvent, Floranext, Lobiloo, FloristWare POS System, Ularas, ShopKeep, Hana POS, The Floral POS, Details Flowers Software - The Market EagleWednesday, March 31, 2021
Florist Software Market report 2021 includes a comprehensive evaluation and careful analysis of round the world which empowers the consumer to rate the long haul predicated petition and forecasts exact executions. The report permits customers to spot the Florist Software marketplace by software, forms, manufacturers and prediction around 2027. The motorists and constraints are really constructed after the whole comprehension of the global industry development. Similarly, different important Florist Software players from the global industry. International Florist Software Industry 2021 is an absolute, adept report dispersing statistical surveying information that’s important for new market participants and recognized players.The Florist Software Marketplace Report 2021 offers critical insights to the total industry together with the market measurements and analysis to the length 2021 into 2027. The forenamed research analysis covers extensive evaluation of different Florist Software ind... https://themarketeagle.com/2021/03/28/florist-software-market-current-development-growth-rate-by-manufacturers-curate-risoevent-floranext-lobiloo-floristware-pos-system-ularas-shopkeep-hana-pos-the-floral-pos-details-flowers-s/
Make a bouquet of cut flowers last longer - FOX 2 DetroitWednesday, March 31, 2021
Jill recommends even doing this for a brand new bouquet. She says that, even though it’s new to you, you don’t know how long the flowers were in water at the store or florist shop. It’s possible that they were sitting for a few days already. A fresh start never hurts, says Jill.Jill says it is often shocking how long you can get a bouquet to last when you care for it this way.PROJECT RATING: Super EasyTo watch Jill take you through the process, just click on the video player above. ... https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/make-a-bouquet-of-cut-flowers-last-longer
The Bouquet Farm blooms in the Fraser Valley - Vancouver SunWednesday, March 31, 2021
English says with a laugh. “My grandfather was a greenhouse grower and they had a wholesale floral industry. And my dad took over a portion, so I worked for him. … And then my mom was also a florist.” Her father eventually sold the floral arm of the family business connected to Houweling Nurseries, where English continued to work after the sale. But, when the floral company closed down, forcing English to lose her job — an event that coincided with a breast cancer diagnosis — she took some time to focus on herself. And then, she got right back into the growing game. source data-srcset="https://smartcdn.prod.postmedia.digital/vancouversun/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/258982965-1227_feat_bouquet_farm_1-s.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=472&type=jpg, https://smartcdn.prod.postmed... https://vancouversun.com/homes/gardening/the-bouquet-farm-blooms-in-the-fraser-valley
Grow Plant Shop's First Brick-and-Mortar to Open Saturday - Fort Worth MagazineWednesday, March 31, 2021
Owners Emily and Bobby Lynge always saw the Airstream as temporary, however, and during the pandemic, were able to make the move to the space once occupied by The Enchanted Florist on Camp Bowie.
The Magnolia Avenue Airstream will be open until Thursday. On Saturday, the Camp Bowie space will be open from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Orlando florist hurt by COVID-19 hopes business blooms for Mother’s Day - WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlandoWednesday, March 31, 2021
ORLANDO, Fla. – Mother’s Day weekend is a time when many people purchase flowers for their moms, but an Orlando florist said increased holiday sales may not be enough to help an industry that saw a lot of business disappear during the coronavirus pandemic.The sounds of customers coming and going are welcomed by Bay Hill Florist owner Carol Newton.Newton said she opened the doors to her business on Monday for the first time in more than a month. Her store was closed for a week after the statewide stay-at-home order was enforced, but she later reopened her business to offer deliveries only.Still she said the COVID-19 pandemic is wilting her business. Newton said she lost 95% of her sales.“We lost an awful lot of business with Disney, Universal, the hotels and restaurants in the area. It was very tough,” Newton said.She is hoping her business will bloom now that the state is slowly reopening.Newton said this time of the year is usually busy for her store. With Mother’s Day this weekend, she said she is seeing more customers come into the shop to buy flowers or place orders online and by the phone. https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2020/05/06/orlando-florist-hurt-by-covid-19-hopes-business-blooms-for-mothers-day/


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Sluggish markets grope for direction
21-Jul-2001 •Markets Desk
The pendulum swung back into the red this week as a listless equity market gropes for direction. After riding on the back of impressive results from Infosys and Hughes last week, the markets gave up most of their gains due to poor result numbers with the 30-stock benchmark, Sensex shedding 113 points. A drop in Nasdaq with a fresh round of losses and profit warning also weakened the sentiment. Lower guidance numbers from Microsoft and IBM for next quarter coupled with Nortel's colossal loss pulled down the tech bellwether for the week.
Back home, the first quarter results were a mixed bag for the technology sector - while Wipro and Digital were impressive, Visualsoft and Global Tele dampened the sentiment. NIIT jolted the markets with a 93% slump in net profits, blaming the falling revenues from education business with a sustained downturn denting consumer confidence. Ironically, the company was recently listed among the top 15 IT training companies in the world for 2000. The scene was no different for cyclical companies where Larsen & Toubro posted a sizzling growth with firm cement prices while Tisco took a hit due to lower demand.
There was some bad news on the economy front as well. RBI governor, Bimal Jalan lowered the growth estimate for GDP to 5.5% against an earlier expected 6%. The governor was seconded by leading securities firm, JP Morgan that pulled down the growth estimate to 5.3% due to a sluggish economy. Contrary to expectations by the Government and the RBI, a business confidence survey conducted by FICCI among 225 Indian corporates revealed that there was little hope for an immediate revival in industrial activity. The slowdown is evident with a 63% drop in corporate tax collection for the first quarter.
While there seems to be no short-term positive triggers and outlook continues to be hazy, valuations have reached attractive levels. No wonder, FIIs continue to pump money with net buying for the week at Rs 280 crore. At the same time, with low liquidity, it is important to invest in fundamentally strong stocks. Investors now await a flurry of positives to bring about a decisive turnaround in sentiment - till then, indices would continue to swing between hope and despair.
In the technology sector, there is a clear preference for larger companies, which can survive the current downturn. For instance, Wipro has seen a fall in volumes since it has not compromised on its billing rates. Yet, the company continues to bag big deals - the $70 million order from UK-based Lattice is a case in point.
In the short-term, the raid on UTI's top officials and the arrest of its former chairman is unlikely to impact sentiment. While there may be some more indictments and damning disclosures, the markets are expected to take it in their stride. It is important to clean UTI and uphold its integrity since the institution is one of the biggest players in the market and hopefully, still commands trust of scores of investors. On the other hand, even as some brokers shut shop with introduction of rolling settlement; it is simply weeding out the weak players. Thus, while volumes may take a hit in the short-term, over time the broking business might consolidate and create a strong, institutional market.


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PokerRoom’s virtual poker tables are now accepting willing online players once again. After a three year break, PokerRoom has been reopened and online players everywhere are excited about being reunited with an old friend.
During the early 2000s, PokerRoom built a reputation as the leader in the industry. Players from all over Europe and North America frequented the site to play a number of different poker games including five and seven card stud, Omaha hi low and no limit Texas hold’em. On a sad day in 2009, bwin decided to shut down PokerRoom for several different reasons and to push players to its newly opened site instead. Now, three years later, PokerRoom has been returned to its loyal players. While players from the United States cannot play cash games on the site, due to regulations within the US, the buzz about the reopening has even reached the shores of America.
The reopened site still contains many of the same features that players loved for nearly a decade, but improvements and new features have been included in the relaunched website. This combination allows users to play poker online how it is meant to be. Players on the reopened website can enjoy themselves, the online community, and hopefully come out of each session with a little more money than they started the day with.
While many different websites have popped up over the years since online player Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2003, PokerRoom has always been one of the best. The reopening of this sit has given players back one of the top online poker sites where players can still play cash poker games and truly enjoy themselves the entire time. The top notch features, graphics, game play and game selection make the reopened PokerRoom a top destination in the online poker community.


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The Wii U will live on for at least a little while longer. That’s the official word from Nintendo, which denied a report to the contrary from earlier this week.
“There is no change to our continuing [Wii U] production,” a Nintendo spokesperson told Japan’s IT Media yesterday according to a Kotaku translation. The company representative admitted to not being familiar with the details of the earlier report but still felt confident stating that it “was not true.”
The report in question claimed that the final Nintendo Wii U console would be rolling off the production line this week as Nintendo turned its attention fully toward launching its Switch hybrid console in March 2017. Nintendo itself had not announced a Wii U production end date alongside its Switch, which the company described as a home console “first and foremost.” Instead, Nintendo referred back to its statement from April of this year that it planned to ship 800,000 units by the end of its fiscal year.
Multiple anonymous sources corroborated this week’s rumor that Wii U production was about to end. Rumors of the Wii U’s demise now appear to have been
greatly somewhat exaggerated.
“Even though the Nintendo Switch is slated to go on sale, [Wii U] production is scheduled to continue,” the company spokesperson told IT Media.
It’s easy to see why Nintendo has shifted down its manufacturing of its current console and why rumors that it was ending it seemed believable. The Switch’s launch is just five months away, and while console holders don’t always immediately kill off a current console when announcing a new one, Nintendo might want to. Just 13.36 million Wii Us have been sold as of September 30, which is an abysmal number considering the console launched all the way back in 2012.
- Dragon Quest VIII Gets a Release Date on Nintendo 3DS
- Sony Reveals List of Enhanced Titles Set for PS4 Pro Launch Day
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Has an Unlockable YOLO Mode


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JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) – A local venture capital, PT Telkomsel Mitra Innovasi (TMI), get fresh funding of US$40 million from its parent company, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (IDX: TLKM). The funds use for its business by funding new startups until the end of 2019.
According Chief Executive Officer MTI Andi Kristianto, with the new injection, the new company would look for startups that already had traction and seemed to be able to synergize with assets owned by PT Telekomunikasi Seluler (Telkomsel).
After get fresh funding from its holding, yesterday, MTI joined with MD Ventures injected undisclosed amount of funds to a strategic investment-based company funded PT Finaccel Teknologi Indonesia or popular with brand Kredivo. In early 2019, both companies had also made initial funding to Kredivo with total amount $30 million.
Kredivo is a startup with innovative products in the form of new alternative digital payment methods, with a variety of methods and payment terms for buyers. Kredivo has been helping payment transactions for major players in e-commerce such as Tokopedia, BukaLapak, Shopee, and Moka’ online cashier system.
In addition to Kredivo, Kristianto admitted, Telkomsel Mitra Innovasi did not set the number of startups that will be funded this year, but certainly MTI will see the opportunities. So far, TMI collaborated with MDI Ventures, Telkom, and Singtel Innov8.
FinAccel CEO Akshay Greg admitted, he was pleased with the support of Telkomsel. Kredivo and Telkomsel have the same goal in building reliable financial products that are able to eliminate transaction difficulties, and make purchases more affordable.
With less than 10 percent of credit applicants successfully obtaining traditional credit products, Kredivo wants to expand access to capital, which they believe is able to help build a growing Southeast Asian economy.
Previously, in June, another Telkom‘ unit, Whispir, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) with a WSP code. Whispir is an Australian startup engaged in the development of automation and cloud technology platforms that facilitate business services in communicating with stakeholders in the work environment.
Besides, Whispir also applies Artificial Intelligent technology, IoT devices, and data analysis in product development. This investment aims to support the development of Telkom’ digital business going forward and Whispir itself has synergized with other subsidiaries, Telkomtelstra.
Meanwhile, MDI Ventures is currently the most active corporate venture capital in Indonesia with a good track record of exit, and Telkom was formed to develop digital business.
To date, MDI Ventures has invested in 33 companies in 10 countries. In investing, there are several startup criteria that are used as references by MDI Ventures, including having high future value and positive synergy value for TelkomGroup product development.
Recently, TMI with MDI Ventures injected $4 million in the first round of its ongoing Series C investment in Anchanto, a Singapore headquartered pan-Asia SaaS technology company. MDI Ventures’ funding comes after Series B funding from Japan’ Transcosmos Inc., and Singapore’ Luxasia Group in May 2017.
The proceeds of the fund will be used to expand the market outreach and to build a stronger regional Southeast Asia presence.
Written by Staff Editor, Email: firstname.lastname@example.org


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After years of posturing, tariffs, retaliation, and heated rhetoric, United States and China officials this week lastly accepted a brand-new trade offer that should permit tech companies and consumers to prevent steep tariffs on electronics and other products that would otherwise have taken effect this coming weekend.
The full contract (PDF) is primarily concentrated on the agricultural sector. United States farmers, not able to export their products to the nation’s biggest trade partner, dealt with considerable losses from the trade standoff, and the administration invested billions on farming bailouts.
Under the regards to the new deal, China will buy an additional $200 billion worth of United States goods and services over the next 2 years. Experts approximate that United States exports to China this year would pass the $260 billion mark in the next 12 months.
The arrangement likewise concurs to ease existing tariffs on numerous categories of imported products and prevent adding them to others.
Other consumer electronic devices, including laptop computer and tablet computer systems, displays and other peripherals, video game consoles, and smartphones were slated to deal with a new 25- percent tariff rate in December. The computer game market, among others, asked the administration (PDF) to exempt its products from the tariffs, arguing at the time that the resulting cost increases would “hurt customers, video game developers, retailers, and console makers; put thousands of high-value, fulfilling United States jobs at threat; and suppress innovation in our market and beyond.”
Those tech tariffs have actually been fended off, but many previously enforced tariffs will remain in location. That includes the extra 25- percent tasks included 2018 to imports on semiconductors, modems, and some other tech parts.
One analysis discovered that United States importers have paid about $46 billion in the brand-new taxes because2018 These expenses eventually get passed along the line to private consumers. About two-thirds of all imports from China fall under that bucket, The Washington Post reports.
In addition to changing the rates at which particular goods are taxed, the new arrangement includes chapters surrounding intellectual property and the required transfer of technology.
It is not unusual for China to require foreign business to resolve joint ventures that, in turn, transfer delicate internal technology– trade tricks, essentially– to local Chinese companies. US and other global companies agree to such terms as a condition for entering the financially rewarding Chinese market.
The brand-new trade contract significantly reduces that practice, stating that any transfer or licensing terms in between United States and China firms “must be based upon market terms that are voluntary and show shared contract.” Neither party to the arrangement, meaning the United States and China, “shall need or push, formally or informally, persons [including corporations] of the other party to transfer innovation to its individuals as a condition” of receiving permission to operate in the other party’s market, the arrangement says.
The pact likewise attends to intellectual property theft. Under the terms of the offer, China accepts enact procedures to restrict “trade secret misappropriation,” including when it happens through electronic intrusions, systems breaches, and flat-out “unauthorized disclosure.” The agreement does not require the US to reinforce its trade secret law, rather stating the US “verifies that existing US measures manage treatment comparable” to the terms of the brand-new deal.


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Thousands of Erie residents live too far from fresh food to eat healthy meals regularly. The County Health Department program is trying to help corner stores stock and sell produce, dairy and meat.
You don't have to define the term "food desert" to Stevan Scott Key. The 63-year-old eastside resident rides his bike to Serafin's Food Market at 601 E. 24th St., a mile from his home, to get fresh food — and carries it home on his bike.
Like many in the area, he and his wife can't afford a car.
"If I don't come here, I have to go to the dollar store," he said. "That's less expensive, but that's not fresh. For fresh, it's either here or Urbaniak's."
On this particular day, it was raining, and Key was more than a little damp when he arrived at the store. He said he feels bad for people who used to be able to get to Erie County Farms — located near a federally designated food desert — which closed in December, sending even more scrambling to find food nearby.
"Food deserts" are designated by the United States Department of Agriculture as urban areas where at least one-third of residents live a mile or more from a grocery store. Erie County has 10 such areas, seven of which are located in the city of Erie.
In the city alone, that means fresh food is nearly out of reach for more than 22,000 residents, and 77,000 more people live in areas surrounding one. These areas are populated primarily by low-income families who can't afford a car, who would need a ride from a friend or have to spend an entire day, perhaps with children in tow, on public transportation, buying only what they could carry on a long bus ride home.
"It's easier and cheaper, frankly, for these people to just go to KFC or Burger King or McDonald's," which are in their neighborhoods, said Alex Iorio, public health educator at the Erie County Department of Health. "It just makes more sense.
"These people really don't know where their next meal is coming from," Iorio said. "Instead of a healthy meal from a grocery store they have to walk to a convenience store."
Jean Cole, 65, of East Eighth Street, gets one hot meal a day from Meals on Wheels. For everything else, she walks to Dollar General or Country Fair.
"I have no way to get to any other store," Cole said. "I have no other transportation."
She uses her food stamps at Country Fair or Dollar General for lunch meat, hamburger buns and Miracle Whip, ketchup. She also buys what she calls "taxables," such as paper towels and laundry soap, and borrows a Dollar General cart to take it all home, returning it on her next trip.
"We have no grocery store here," she said. "We don't have anything. Nothing."
Iorio is working with a state grant to help 13 smaller grocery stores within food deserts stock and market fresh produce, dairy and meat. She hopes by June to have 18 involved with her program.
She knows what she's up against, however.
"We're still losing corner stores," she said, adding that two closed in the past year, and others have changed hands. "The turnover rate is huge. So many of these stores close and reopen and close and reopen."
It is working, though, she said, at markets such as Serafin's, open 91 years; Orsini's at 560 E. Fifth St., which has been able to secure funding for an expansion into hot foods; and State Street Market, 1022 State St., which Iorio recently assisted in getting approved to take WIC payments.
Iorio said the state program is built on an idea that worked in Philadelphia.
"There they were able to increase demand for healthy food in hundreds of neighborhoods," Iorio said. "And as servings of healthy food increase, we see obesity decrease and diseases related to obesity decrease, such as cardiac disease and diabetes."
Kennedy Horton, 21, while shopping at Orsini's, was eager to talk about getting fresh food into low-income neighborhoods.
"Some people don't have cars," he said. "And if they don't, they have no access to fresh food."
John Orsini, 59, co-owner of Orsini's with his wife, Mary, who is battling illness, had a tough 2016.
"This is a bad neighborhood," he said. "We were robbed twice last year." He pointed out wood nailed to the front door, the window still cracked where someone kicked it in.
Nonetheless, after 27 years, he's expanding, planning hot deli food in addition to the produce, dairy and fresh meat he's been able to stock with the help of Iorio's program.
"I'm going to stick it out," he said. "I have a good clientele from the neighborhood. I'm not ready to retire."
Iorio said she usually focuses on small changes at first, such as education about how to get produce, how to store it and signs to draw attention to it. She said she can help owners "spruce up their stores, make them more welcoming," stock lower calorie beverages, and offer smaller servings of snacks in addition to produce, dairy and meat.
"We're not looking for perfection, but small changes in the right direction," Iorio said.
Horton, at Orsini's, talked about how nearby families like his should pool their money to create a co-op grocery store in the area, or an organic garden, but he couldn't talk too long.
His ride was waiting.
Fresh food options
Stores participating in the health department's program to get more fresh food into city of Erie "food deserts:"Sammy's Food Mart, 717 Liberty St. UK Supermarket, 1105 Parade St. Ishtar Grocery, 1106 Parade St. 17 XPress, 1402 E. Lake Road State Street Market, 1022 State St. Way 2 Go, 1002 Liberty St. Orsini's Corner Market, 560 E. Fifth St. Larry's Central Market, 1626 Sassafras St. Serafin's Food Market, 601 E. 24th St. Trawka's Market, 712 Payne Ave. Balkan Market, 261 E. 28th St. Hani Market, 1027 State St. Big B's, 363 W. Fourth St.
Jennie Geisler can be reached at 870-1885 or by email. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNgeisler.


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A peer-to-peer revolution is sweeping society and consumers, including budget-savvy grey nomads, look set to be major beneficiaries.
A new study from World Travel Market and Euromonitor International has concluded that the trend of ‘normal’ people communicating with, and helping out, their peers will accelerate rapidly.
The evidence is everywhere. Websites are emerging that pair travellers with home cooks at holiday destinations leaving restaurants counting the cost; online ride share services are upsetting cabbies; and sites that allow travellers to stay in other’s private home have long been hitting the hostel and hotel sector. Now, it seems the caravanning and motorhoming fraternity is to have its horizons expanded.
There has been a noticeable trend towards private landholders offering grey nomads access to basic camping facilities for little or no cost. In some instances this option is offered by land-owning, part-time grey nomads wishing to help out fellow travellers.
Another emerging trend is for caravan or motorhome owners to offer a loan of their rig to overseas or interstate visitors. This is a potential moneyspinner for grey nomads who are taking a break and whose rig is parked idly in a driveway.
Of course, none of this is likely to go down well with caravan parks or vehicle hire companies. And they will not be the only traditional businesses upset by the peer-to-peer phenomenon. The annual global survey of World Travel Market exhibitors and buyers found that 19% of businesses polled had been affected by the emergence of peer-to-peer websites, with 78% expressing concern about the trend.
“These findings are a real eye-opener,” said World Travel Market Senior Director, Simon Press. “Those businesses which are competing with peer-to-peer need to have a strategy in place”.
Despite concerns in some quarters about security and safety surrounding aspects of peer-to-peer services, satisfaction levels are high, with 86% of people who have tried it likely to do so again.
For grey nomads, the peer to-peer concept most likely to appeal is the ability to camp on private land. Council regulations relating to the practice apparently vary widely across the country but some local authorities do see potential benefits.
In the New South Wales town of Coffs Harbour, for example, there has been a push to get campers off public beachside reserves. However, the mayor Denise Knight says she has no problem with free campers staying on private property, as long as they can do so legally and have the landholders’ permission.


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American company Apple is preparing to bring entry-level AirPods for music lovers soon. According to a Bloomberg report, these will be the cheapest AirPods the company has ever produced. The company is also working on second generation premium AirPods. These will be designed with a compact design. The current airpods are priced between 12 to 14 thousand rupees. Buying AirPods at such a price is quite expensive for users.
Apple is not offering chargers and AirPods with its new iPhone 12 series. In such a situation, considering the need of users, the company is working on cheap AirPods. Also, the company is also working on small smart speakers. Apple can bring its second generation AirPods with compact design. Along with the design, many changes can also be found in its features. They can be designed spherically, so that they fit well in the user’s ear. Samsung, Amazon and Google have also launched similar AirPods in recent times.


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Compose[d], a digital strategy and creative services agency, is pleased to announce their partnership with the Outdoor Industry Association to help brands effectively develop and authentically communicate their company’s ongoing sustainability efforts and climate goals across all marketing, advertising, and consumer touch-points.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with OIA to continue to help brands communicate their sustainability efforts and any other digital needs for their business,” shares Compose[d] President and CCO, Jason Parkin. “The Outdoor Industry has been, and continues to be, a leader when it comes to sustainability and climate action, which is why we’re so happy to not only be a part of it, but further commit ourselves to the industry. With the new regulations around PFAS, the FTC’s Green Guides regulations, and an increasingly savvy consumer base, it’s critical that brands are authentic in their communications, and avoid any hint of greenwashing.”
A Certified B Corp since 2020, Compose[d] is uniquely positioned to support the long-term success of the outdoor industry by incorporating CSR values and achievements into the marketing narratives of businesses around the world and across industry verticals. With this new partnership, OIA members can now save up to 12 percent (12%) on services rendered by Compose[d].
Compose[d] is a digital strategy & creative services agency dedicated to driving positive impact. As a Certified B Corp®, we leverage our expertise to help clients effectively develop and authentically communicate their sustainability efforts, e-comm, digital marketing/advertising solutions, and consumer insights; from established global brands to up-and-coming challengers across all industry verticals.


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In the first quarter, German economic surge was still sluggish…
German factory surge reaches record maximum in December
In December, German factories demonstrated record surge because sturdy foreign demand powered growth in activity to a record maximum, while capacity constraints provoked the biggest delivery delays for more than 20 years, as a poll disclosed on Tuesday.
IHS Markit's Purchasing Managers' Index for manufacturing, accounting for a quarter of the German economy, rallied to an all-time maximum of 63.3 from 62.5 in November.
The final reading, intact from the initial flash outcome, happened to be far above the 50 line, separating contraction from surge, as Europe's number one economy concluded 2017 on an unusually firm footing.
The PMI demonstrated abrupt lifts in output, exports and new orders. The overall level of new contracts obtained from abroad – mostly from Asia, Europe and America – edged up at the fastest pace in the history of the poll.
In December, higher prices for raw materials, including steel as well as other metals backed input costs, and it in turn provoked another jump in prices charged by manufacturers.
Did Bitcoin manage to recover and what was the hottest news in the crypto and blockchain world? Read and find out!
On Monday, Asian stocks traded mostly higher, with Shanghai bucking the trend because centrist Emmanuel Macron fully matched opinion survey hopes and left anti-EU far-right nominee Marine Le Pen behind…
Japan's March real wages went down at the fastest pace in nearly two years, weighed by minor nominal pay lifts as well as a moderate ascend in consumer prices, thus posing a setback for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's tries to revitalize the Japanese…


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Samsung Is Prototyping 5G Devices Capable Of Burning 1Gbps
How would you like to burn through your monthly mobile data cap in 16 seconds flat? The answer to that question is probably ‘not very much’ but none-the-less, that’s where technology is headed, with Samsung now saying that they’ll have the world’s first 5G devices on the market by 2020.
According to a report by Yonhap News, Samsung is testing a prototype platform for future mobile internet connections. The prototype uses a radio with 64 antenna elements, and all together, those antennas are capable of downloading data at a staggering 1 gigabit per second.
Even better? That’s not the upper range of the technology. It could theoretically get even faster. It’s like FiOS for your smartphone.
There’s a lot of questions here — what the hell is battery life like? Will the industry adopt a technology and standard that Samsung controls? etc. — but there’s plenty of time to iron these details out. Who knows? Maybe the iPhone 10 and Samsung Galaxy S13 will be 5Gers.


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Industrial technology company Wärtsilä and the world’s largest logistics company, DHL, say they have been utilising mobile robots from Fetch Robotics to streamline warehouse operations.
The companies say they have completed a “successful pilot”, where they tested autonomous vehicles from Fetch Robotics.
The pilot was carried out in Wärtsilä’s central distribution centre in Kampen, the Netherlands, where the entire logistics chain of Wärtsilä’s spare parts, from order intake to customer delivery, is managed.
Industrial internet of things applications are leading to better collaboration, faster problem-solving and increased productivity, according the boss of Rockwell Automation.
Blake Moret, president and CEO of Rockwell, spoke on internet of things adoption and its impact on industrial productivity, sharing insights with more than 1,200 business leaders at Cisco’s IoT World Forum.
Woodside Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have launched a new collaboration program under which the Australian independent oil and gas company will develop applications for Nasa’s Robonaut in its own operations.
Under the partnership Nasa will loan Woodside an Anthropomorphic Robonaut System for a 60-month deployment in Perth. Together the two organisations will explore how the robotic technology could be used to improve safety, reliability and efficiency in the high-risk and remote environments where Woodside operates.
Honeywell and Aereon say they will collaborate on solutions to help industrial customers boost the safety, efficiency and reliability of their operations by leveraging Honeywell’s Industrial Internet of Things ecosystem.
“For years, manufacturers and producers have looked for ways to solve operational problems that were believed to be unsolvable – such as unplanned downtime, underperforming assets and inefficient supply chains,” said Andrew Hird, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Process Solutions’ Digital Transformation business.
“With the capabilities of the IIoT, we can find new ways to solve those problems. A key part is the creation of an industrial ecosystem that leverages the depth of knowledge and experience of a range of equipment and service providers such as Aereon.” Continue reading Honeywell partners Aereon for oil and gas IIoT
Boston-based startup Sea Machines is developing autonomous technologies that will enable traditional boats to become self-driving vessels.
The company says its development heralds a smarter, safer and more efficient era of marine operations brought forward through self-aware and self-driving boats and ships.
With autonomy readily making its way into many traditional land-based and airborne sectors, the massive marine domain is even better suited for autonomous systems with fewer barriers to entry, a high risk operating environment, and an accommodating regulatory space.
Billion-dollar sporting goods retailer upgrades systems at distribution center with new automation technology
DecisionPoint Systems, a provider and integrator of enterprise mobility, wireless applications and IoT solutions, has been selected by Modell’s Sporting Goods to lead its distribution technology refresh initiative.


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2021 Honda CB1100 RS Final Edition – The End Of Air-Cooled Fours
On September 3, 2021, Honda tweeted two images that confirmed the demise of arguably the last mass-produced air-cooled inline-four out there. The two images – one of a rider wheeling a CB1100 EX out of a garage and the other of the cooling fins on the engine – were accompanied by the text “CB1100 EX/CB1100 RS Final Edition Coming Soon…”
Honda discontinued the CB1100 in the U.S. market a while ago, but it still lived on (and was quite popular) in countries that haven’t had to comply with stricter emission regulations yet. The CB1100 was one of the more authentic motorcycles in today’s sea of “neo-retro” machines, and a significant reason was its air-cooled, four-cylinder, 1,140cc engine. However, it doesn’t comply with Euro5 emissions norms, and with no direct replacements in sight, it won’t be long before this air-cooled engine breathes its last.
MCN reports that the CB1100 only survived this long thanks to a revolutionary, patented air-cooling technology. Honda introduced the model in 2010 when other brands had already abandoned the idea of air-cooled inline fours.
The CB1100 RS Final Edition will debut soon in select markets, like Taiwan and Japan, where Honda can sell them until the end of 2022. The Final Edition comes in two colors – Matte Denim Blue and Honda Classic Red. The CB1100 is one of the few genuinely retro “new” motorcycles out there, and we’re sure a lot of enthusiasts will be sad to see it go.


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Namdeb has announced that it is considering selling its Elizabeth Bay mine.
In an internal communication, Namdeb chief executive officer Riaan Burger said the decision to sell E-Bay was taken because there were low cost "operators in the market, with credentials" and access to funding, to successfully operate and explore the mine's offshore potential.
Burger added that the decision to sell E-bay was the "most feasible alternative" to keep E-Bay operating sustainably beyond the current projected closure date of 2019.
"We have taken the decision to formally explore the option of selling E-Bay, and certain associated licensed assets, to a third party.
"Our future business requirements mean that we need to rebalance the workforce and have to re-think how work will be done over the next few years," he stated The Namibian was informed that E-Bay has close to 350 employees.
Last month Namdeb also revealed plans to lay off some workers through a "business optimisation process".
Workers were given the option to apply for early retirement or voluntary separation.
Namdeb spokesperson Pauline Thomas said the exercise was meant to rebalance the workforce as well as align to strategic requirements over the next few years.
This process was to be completed by 27 December and the number of employees to be laid off was to have been determined by then.
Burger said the company also engaged E-Bay's employees on the decision to sell the mine.


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First look motion posters have been released of the most awaited film Atrangi re, starring Akshay Kumar, Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan. Directed by Aanand L Rai, and the film will release on Disney Plus Hotstar. Akshay shared three motion posters featuring Dhanush, Sara and himself on social media. He also announced that the film’s trailer would be shared on November 24.
The makers described the film as ‘a love called madness’. Akshay introduced the film’s lead with three different motion posters on Twitter. First, he introduced Sara’s character with the caption, “Ek ladki…pyaar mein paagal Miliye Atrangi No. 1 Rinku se kal. #AtrangiRe trailer out tomorrow on @disneyplushotstar.”
In the following tweet, Introducing Dhanush’s character, Akshay wrote, “Meet iss love story ka Atrangi No.2, Naam jiska hai Vishu!”
Further, Akshay shared a poster featuring himself and wrote, “An Atrangi story about the madness of love. Adding magic to this story, yours truly!”
Directed by Aanand L Rai, Atrangi Re is a cross-cultural love story. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Colour Yellow Productions and Cape Of Good Films. It was scheduled to release on Valentine’s Day this year, but the shoot was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, it is all set to premiere on Disney Plus Hotstar.
Atarangi Re’s trailer will release on November 24.
Image Credit: Instagram \ Akshay Kumar.


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Broward County's top prosecutor of economic crimes plans to tell a congressional panel in Washington today that state and federal agencies need more resources to combat illegal telemarketing operations.
Kent Neal, chief of the Economic Crime Unit in the Broward State Attorney's Office, is calling for more aggressive prosecution of so-called "boiler rooms" -- offices that employ high-pressure telephone sales people to sell goods or services that turn out to be worthless or overpriced.
"A thief is a thief whether he uses a gun and steals your wallet or uses the phone and steals your savings," Neal wrote in comments prepared for the House Commerce, Consumer and Monetary Affairs Subcommittee.
Boiler rooms are estimated to cost consumers nationally almost $2 billion a year, Neal wrote.
He plans to tell the subcommittee that telemarketers should be licensed, bonded and required to properly identify themselves and what they sell. Neal also will urge greater emphasis on educating consumers.


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However, before they could get the so-called “free gifts”, users first had to go through a series of ads for goods and services from third parties. After the ad wave was over, they were informed that they also had to "participate in" a series of third-party promotions such as taking out a car loan, subscribing to satellite television service, or applying for multiple credit cards.
According to the FTC, Adteractive’s failure to disclose such facts was deceptive in violation of the FTC Act, while the deceptive subject lines in Adteractive’s spam e-mails were a text book violation example of the federal CAN-SPAM Act.
The settlement terms state clear that Adteractive’s future spam must respect current legislation and the FTC will keep o monitoring eye on the company to make sure things go they way they should.
The settlement was approved by the Commission by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Jon Leibowitz being the only one critical on the chosen solution:
“the civil penalty that Adteractive must pay is a downward departure from our other CAN-SPAM Act cases and is not adequate to deter violations in the future,” Leibowitz stated.
Our bet is that Leibowitz was thinking about the AOL spammer, who ended up in jail for 27 months, plus a $180,000 fine. He was sentenced early this month.


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- Good global cues and steady crude oil may aid Indian markets on Monday - Know what Anil Singhvi, analyst say
- SEBI announces changes to cyber security and cyber resilience framework for QRTAs
- Government approves guidelines for small business cluster development programme for 2021-26 period
- Government to come up with framework to check fake reviews on e-commerce websites
Income Tax return: Here is what you must do in 2019, expert Sanjay Agarwal explains
Updated: December 31, 2018 17:18 pm
As we bid goodbye to 2018 and enter the new year, this is probably the best time to look back at all the tax reforms that were introduced last year. Also, this give us an opportunity to look forward and discuss what could be expected in the coming 12 months.Sanjay Agarwal, Senior Partner, TASS Advisors joins us to review all the major changes.


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Wednesday July 12, 2006 - 21:08:03 GMT
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FXCM - Better Trade Deficit Brings Confidence to Dollar Bulls
DailyFX Fundamentals 07-12-06
By Kathy Lien, Chief Strategist of www.dailyfx.com
- Better Trade Deficit Brings Confidence to Dollar Bulls
- 25 and Neutral Statement Could be Good Compromise between BoJ and Government
- British Pound Weakens as Economic Data Disappoints Once Again
A stronger trade balance report has helped the US dollar recuperate yesterdayâ€™s losses, but for the most part, the currency pair remains trapped in a tight trading range. Although both USD/CHF and the EUR/USD appear ready to break out, it is unlikely to do so tomorrow. We expect another quiet trading day as the market awaits the Bank of Japanâ€™s interest rate decision later in the evening on Thursday followed by US retail sales on Friday. Consumer spending numbers are always important, especially since the market is expecting a strong report, but there remains the risk that traders will hold out until next week when we have more potentially market moving events on the calendar. Furthermore, even though the market is expecting strong retail sales, the risk for a weaker report is greater. Today we saw weaker imports of cars and non-oil products in the details of the trade balance number, which signals to us that there could be potential weakness in demand. With gas prices on the rise once again, it is also very likely that consumers are not spending as freely. A survey by the International Council of Shopping Centers actually reported weaker sales in June than the six month average for the first half of the year. If we learn that this is true on Friday, it would be even better reason for the EUR/USD to recuperate its losses and revert back to its trading range. In the meantime, all of our readers should have July 19 circled on their calendars because this is the big day when the consumer price report will be released along with Ben Bernankeâ€™s testimony on the economy and monetary policy. As for the trade balance report released this morning, the deficit widened from a -$63.3 billion to -$63.8 billion in the month of May, which is far less than the marketâ€™s -$64.9 billion forecast. The value of oil imports did rise, but that was offset by strong exports and weaker imports of autos and non-oil industrial supplies. Even though this number should contribute positively to GDP, the extent of its benefit to the US dollar will not be clear until we see next weekâ€™s report on net foreign purchases of the US dollar. In the meantime, sit tight and focus your attention to the Bank of Japan tomorrow night as they are expected to make the first tightening move in close to six years.
Despite decent economic data, the Euro was unable to extend yesterdayâ€™s gains since the market has already discounted a rate hike in the beginning of August and is focusing its efforts at the developments in the US and Japan. GDP for the first quarter was confirmed to have grown by 0.6 percent after rising 0.3 percent the previous quarter. This brought the annualized pace of growth up from 1.7 percent to 2.0 percent. The EU Commission also released its GDP forecasts and they expect the economy to repeat the 0.6 percent pace of growth seen in Q2, then grow by 0.5 percent in Q3 followed by increased growth of 0.8 percent in Q4. This is all consistent with improving economic growth and is supportive of a tighter monetary policy by the European Central Bank. We expect these same messages to be seen in tomorrowâ€™s monthly bulletin by the ECB as well as the consumer price reports from France and Germany. The ECB is still raising rates, but with the Fed possibly continuing in August as well, the current interest rate gap of 250bp to the dollarâ€™s favor is keeping EUR/USD gains limited despite the ECBâ€™s more hawkish stance.
The British pound tumbled against the US dollar as a weaker unemployment report followed yesterdayâ€™s weaker trade balance report. The number of people claiming jobless benefits increased by 5.9k in the month of June, bringing the unemployment rate from 5.3 percent to 5.4 percent, which the highest level in close to six years. Average hourly earnings also slowed from 4.4 percent to 4.1 percent. Even though the drop was better than expected, it still suggests that not only are more people losing jobs, but the ones that have jobs are seeing smaller pay increases as well. However, as we have mentioned recently, the UK economy is in limbo at the moment with strong data offset by weaker reports, giving the Bank of England the only option of keeping monetary policy neutral.
The Japanese Yen will be the marketâ€™s main focus today and tomorrow as we await the Bank of Japanâ€™s interest rate decision Thursday night. Unlike many other central banks, the Bank of Japan does not have a set time that they announce monetary policy decisions. Instead, they announce it when they are ready, but usually that is sometime between 10pm to midnight EST. The last two meeting announcements were made around 11:15pm EST. The Japanese Yen has sold off as the market contemplates a possibility that we introduced yesterday afternoon which was that in all likelihood, the Bank of Japan may not be as aggressive as traders may have originally anticipated. It is very possible that they will opt to raise interest rates by 25bp, but indicate that one rate hike does not mean that more will follow. This could be a good compromise between the Bank of Japan who have been ready to raise rates for months now and the Japanese government, who have been pressuring them from doing so. If they choose this option, the yen may have difficulty rallying.
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Supermodels Naomi Campbell and Iman have joined forces with former model and advocate Bethann Hardison toÂ join Fashion Diversity Coalition in an effort to bring fourth change in the fashion industry that has an alarming lack of black models on the runways. The iconic models have been very vocal throughout the years on their views and now have taken it a step further by identifying high name designers that have few or no black/ethnic models included in their runway shows and ad campaigns in an open letter to the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers in America) in an attempt to spark criticism, debate, and hopeful change from these practices which named designers Donna Karen, Calvin Klein, and Armani as the worst offenders. Campbell, 43, and Iman, 58, are two of the most influential models in the industry and two of the most powerful models regardless of race. Both set a precedent in the fashion world while transcending color lines and are now using their high profile statuses to speak against all white casts in runway shows in what is being called a groundbreaking move. Lack of diversity is nothing new in fashion runways but Iman notes that there has been a substantial decline in the hiring of ethnic models throughout the years. She has been quoted as saying that “there are less models of color being hired in 2013 than there was in the 70’s.” In their interview with Good Morning America’s Juju Chang, the models state that though they don’t believe the designers themselves are racist, they do however believe the act of excluding diverse models is in fact racist and should be a discontinued practice. They also claim that they are not in any way trying to shame any designer into being accepting to diversity by exposing the names, but instead want to shine a light on and bring accountability to an issue that has been long overlooked. Â In 2009 in an interview with DailyMail at her Fashion for Relief Charity Runway Show, Campbell spoke on the regressive ideology of the fashion industry as it pertained to displaying ethnic beauty in conjunction with the runway looks that are already prevalent. â€˜There’s definitely space for more black models but has there been enough effort? It was getting better but it’s slipped back this year.’ says Campbell, while adding â€˜Women of color who have had a great experience in life need to share their experiences with others. The world is not made up of blonde hair and blue eyes. We need to share ourselves.’ This sentiment was echoed this year when the ladies spoke to GMA about the excuse of “creative vision and aesthetic trends” as to why they only use white models in their shows which model and advocate Bethann Hardison considers to be “a sense of laziness.”
22 year old British supermodel Jourdan Dunn who in her young career has also made major strides in the fashion industry modeling for Burberry, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, and was selected to grace the cover for the Black Model Issue of Vogue Italia as well as being named British model of the Year in 2008 has also spoken out on the scarcity of black models in an interview with Net-A-Porter in April discussing being turned away because “the client didn’t want any more black models.” This is a sentiment shared by model Chanel Iman who spoke with Sunday Times Magazine stating: “Yeah, most definitely. A few times I got excused by designers who told me ‘we already found one black girl. We don’t need you anymore.’ I felt very discouraged. When someone tells you, ‘we don’t want you because we already have one of your kind, it’s really sad.” According to Styleminutes.com “Nearly 90% of the models cast to walk in the fall 2013 runway shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris were white.” Prada has now hired their first black model to feature in an ad campaign (the Prada Fall/Winter 2013) in 19 years! Â Yes, almost two decades. Fashion industry newcomer, 19 year old Kenyan model of the UK Malaika Firth will be the first black model to do so for Prada since 1994’s Naomi Campbell. These open conversations on the lack of representation of varied beauty are completely necessary when staggering figures like these are presented. Here’s hoping for progressive change in the fashion industry in the near future as more and more are becoming increasing fed up with the status quo. Watch the Supermodels speak on their initiative below!
by Rachelle Saint-Fleur- origianl content posted to


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Since its release, Sprint customers have had quite a number of complaints about the Nexus S 4G and have been patiently awaiting an update that they hoped would fix some of these issues. Earlier this month we saw that the update was delayed, but Sprint has come out and confirmed that the update will begin rolling out on July 25, only three days away.
These enhancements should increase 4G data speeds and signal strength for users. The software update also improves Wi-Fi connectivity, speakerphone audio quality and adds TTY support for the deaf and hard of hearing.
This should come as warmly welcomed news by all Nexus S 4G owners, and while the update is scheduled to start on July 25, it will be a staggered roll out as usual, and should reach everyone's device within three weeks from then.


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Reheated is a weekly round-up of bite-sized food news in Connecticut and beyond.
Plan your meals around SoNo restaurant week now through October 8. Info CTbites.com
SoNo Chef Shootout at Clarke Showroom on Oct. 7. Via CTbites.
The Westport Food Revolution hosts a Green Halloween costume swap at Whole Foods Market in Westport on Thursday. Oct 7th. Info. GreenHalloween.org
The 5th annual Harvest Tasting fundraiser on Oct. 9 featuring 60 wines at Darien's Equinox Club. Via. NicholasRoberts.


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NEW DELHI--Jaguar Land Rover PLC, a unit of Tata Motors Ltd., 500570.BY +0.02% is considering building a factory in Saudi Arabia to tap the potential growth market for luxury vehicles, and to also get access to aluminum--a key raw material for vehicle manufacturing.
The U.K.-based company said Tuesday that it has signed a letter of intent with Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Clusters Development Program to conduct a joint feasibility study "to determine the viability of setting up an automotive facility."
It added that it expects to complete the study in 2013, and then announce its plans for Saudi Arabia.
"This is an exciting project that could enable Jaguar Land Rover to establish a joint venture partnership in a part of the world where luxury-vehicle sales are expected to rise," said Ralf Speth, chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover. "If we proceed, it will complement our existing expansion in the U.K. and elsewhere."
Jaguar Land Rover, which contributes the bulk of Mumbai-based Tata Motors' profit, is setting up assembly plants outside the U.K. to cut costs and to scale up production to meet growing demand worldwide.
Like many other auto makers worldwide, Tata Motors is counting on China and India to drive growth in sales of its Jaguar, Range Rover and Land Rover brands because slowing economies and sluggish demand have hurt operations in more saturated markets such as western Europe.
The company already has a plant in western India where it assembles Land Rover's Freelander sport-utility vehicle. It is also building a manufacturing plant in China with Chery Automobile Co.
Jaguar Land Rover said that although talks with the Saudi Arabian government are at an exploratory stage, it has identified manufacturing of auto parts from aluminum as an opportunity in the country.
Ras Al Khair--the world's largest integrated aluminum complex, run by Saudi Arabian Mining Co. and Alcoa AA +1.28% of the U.S.--is set to start production in 2014.
Jaguar Land Rover has used aluminum extensively in its Jaguar XJ model and the new Range Rover SUV--which features an all-aluminum monocoque body structure.
"Issues such as level of investment, potential capacity and job creation have not yet been discussed in detail between the parties," Jaguar Land Rover said.
Sales of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles have risen sharply in emerging markets, which helped the company post 32% growth in global retail sales to 324,184 vehicles during January to November 2012.
Sales in the Middle East and North Africa increased more than 9% to 11,418 vehicles in the same period.
Tata Motors, India's biggest auto maker by sales, bought Jaguar Land Rover from Ford Motor Co. F +0.17% in 2008 for $2.3 billion. Jaguar Land Rover Looking at Building Saudi Arabia Factory - WSJ.com


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The power of one for online retailers
Issued by Splash PR on behalf of TFG - Nov 6th, 10:40
When Chinese online giant, Alibaba launched Singles Day deals in 2009, who would have thought that November 11 would become one of the planet’s top 24-hour, super sale dates along with Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Singles Day originated in China in the 1990s when “unattached” university students sought a replacement for Valentine’s Day, declaring 11/11 a symbolic date to celebrate being single. Alibaba identified the commercial opportunity and in 2009 launched their first “Double 11” deals to boost sales in the lull between China’s Golden Week national holiday in October and the Christmas season.
Last year Chinese shoppers spent $17.8bn in 24 hours on Singles Day, with more than $12bn spent on Alibaba’s website in the first 12 hours.
South African online stores are surfing the momentum created by the mega Chinese online store, and this year TFG (The Foschini Group) is preparing for Singles Day by partnering with chef, food stylist and author Zola Nene, in a quirky video that promotes indulging oneself this 11/11.
The lighted-hearted social media video, designed to appeal to singletons, portrays Zola in her home, dreaming of everything she would like to have delivered to her door. TFG delivers all that and more when model Yannick Konan arrives on horseback with gifts galore, courtesy of 11/11 deals offered across all 13 of its online stores.
“TFG online introduced Singles Day deals in 2016. It's a relatively new concept in South Africa, but we are excited by its promise as many South Africans are proud to indulge their single status,” said Robyn Cooke, head of TFG eCommerce.
“As an online mall we are able to offer deals across 13 stores; with a multitude of indulgences within the 24-hour Singles Day period - everything from sneakers to makeup, tech, homeware, athleisure, fashion and sports gear in one bag and with one check out. In the week leading up to Singles Day, we are offering free delivery for all online purchases, except furniture.”
Sainsbury’s is playing the long game
21/11/2017 - 13:34
Sainsbury’s management appeared unphased after emerging as the underperforming grocer this quarter. Should investors be worried? In the short term, Sainsbury’s may struggle, but they have solid long term prospects.
Shoppers set to spend over £10bn in this year’s Black Friday bonanza
21/11/2017 - 11:47
Higher prices and increased retailer participation will drive Black Friday spend this year with total sales over the period set to rise 3.8%.
This year’s Black Friday promises to be ‘best ever’
21/11/2017 - 11:26
Economist Mike Schussler said he expects to see large numbers of consumers spending on Black Friday despite the dire economy.
Black Friday, Cyber Monday 2017 reflect growing digital evolution and appetite for seamless digital experiences
21/11/2017 - 11:16
With digital transformation initiatives permeating everything business does, the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period this year is expected to illustrate just how far online retailers have come in embracing Availability.
What are South Africans expecting this Black Friday
21/11/2017 - 11:03
We’ve all heard the stories about Black Friday in the US - all the latest goods at crazy low prices - but are South Africans experiencing the biggest day on the shopping calendar in the same way? Kevin Tucker, Founder and CEO of PriceCheck, Africa’s most popular comparison and discovery service, says there’s no doubt about it.


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Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has launched PIRG UPDATE - an occasional publication dealing with issues related to TNCs,structural adjustment,debt, world bank-IMF policies and development in India. Here is the first issue of the UPDATE.
Kavaljit Singh, Editor
No single foreign investment project has been the centre of much attention and controversy in the late 1980s and early 1990s as the PepsiCo project in India. The project, Pepsi Foods Limited, was cleared by the Indian government in September 1988 as a joint venture of PepsiCo, Punjab government-owned Punjab Agro Industrial Corporation (PAIC) and Voltas India Limited. Before this project was cleared, PepsiCo made an attempt to enter into India as early as in May 1985, when it teamed up with Agro Product Export Ltd., a company owned by R. P. Goenka group, and sought permission from the central government to import cola concentrate and to sell a PepsiCo brand soft drink in the Indian market, in return for the export of juice concentrate from Punjab. Under this proposal, the main objectives put forward by PepsiCo was 'to promote the development and export of Indian made and agro-based products and to foster the introduction and development of PepsiCo products in India'. This proposal which was submitted to the Secretary at Ministry of Industrial Development received rejections on the grounds that the import of concentrate could not be agreed to and the use of foreign brand names as domestic tariff area (DTA) was not allowed.
Nevertheless, taking advantage of the ongoing political problem in Punjab at that time, PepsiCo successfully played the 'Punjab Card' and again put forward a proposal in 1986 with stress more on diversification of Punjab agriculture and employment generation rather than on soft drinks. The proponents of project called it as a second 'Green Revolution' in Punjab and projected it as harbinger of a horticultural revolution which would end stagnation in Punjab's rural sector and would help in promoting small and middle farmers. A strong argument was put forward that this project will create ample employment opportunities for the unemployed youth who has taken the path of terrorism and thereby will help in restoration of peace in Punjab. This argument was well received in the political circles in Delhi and Punjab which finally led to PepsiCo's entry into India in the form of a joint venture with PAIC and Voltas as its partners. The equity of Pepsi Foods Limited was divided among the partners with PAIC holding 36.11 percent, Voltas 24 and PepsiCo 36.89 percent. Coupled with the 'Punjab Card', PepsiCo also made certain commitments to Indian government which also formed the basis of its entry. Some important commitments made by PepsiCo included :
The proposal concluded by stating how well the project fitted with broad objectives of the economy and how it 'specifically supported national priorities in area such as exports, agriculture, employment and technology.'
The growing evidence shows that right from the beginning, Pepsi had no intention of implementing these commitments. Various studies have also pointed out the fact that Pepsi had no intention of encouraging the diversification of Punjab agriculture as the real motive was to sell soft drinks in our domestic market.
The major commitment, that the project would create 50,000 jobs nationally including 25,000 extra jobs in Punjab, stands nowhere close to reality. In 1992, Pepsi claimed in its official reports that it has created direct employment to 909 people. In 1996, the total employment figures increased to 2400 which is just 3 percent of its commitment of generating 75000 jobs. Although Pepsi has claimed that it has generated an employment for over 26000 people in India through indirect employment, its definition of indirect employment is incorrect as it includes vendors such as paanwalas and juicewalas who sell its softdrinks. By this definition, all those companies can claim to have created employment for a vendor (e.g. paanwalla) as he sells products of these companies. Does it mean that this vendor is an employee of all such companies? By adding to their items of sale and putting a large signboard on their shops, it is totally illogical for Pepsi to claim that these vendors are its employees.
|Source of Employment||1990-91||1991-92|
|Concentrate & Bottling||497||15115||560||16900|
In the case of Futura Polymers Limited, a company located in Tamil Nadu with majority holding owned by PepsiCo, the emphasis is on how to reduce the workforce rather than creating new jobs. Dr. L.R. Subbaraman, senior manager of the company says that he would like to replace as many workers as possible with machines. He explained that workers cause problems, such as being lethargic. He also said "Later they will ask for more money, form organisations, may be union. We are always trying to be more machine oriented..." (Multinational Monitor, September 1994). If the strategy of the Pepsi is to have a small workforce, then why did it commit to Indian government and people of creating 75000 jobs?
For processing of fruits and vegetables, Pepsi put up a plant at Zahura village in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. The company was not satisfied with the local varieties of tomato. Therefore, germplasms of tomatoes were imported and tomatoes were grown on 1600 hectares of land, by entering into contract farming with big farmers. In 1989, Pepsi signed an agreement with the farmers under which the farmers were to supply hybrid tomatoes to the paste plant located at Zahura. However, when the crop was harvested at the end of 1990 winter, Pepsi's Zahura paste plant failed to start operations. As a result, these farmers suffered combined losses of nearly Rs 25 lakhs. The farmers are still waiting for the compensation to be paid by Pepsi. According to one estimate, only big farmers have benefitted from this plant so far while it has not contributing anything to small and medium farmers of Punjab. Already, there have been press reports indicating that the company is no longer interested in the continuation of this plant and is making attempts to sell it off. Our attempts to know the exact position from the company on this matter have not yielded any information.
When Pepsi was allowed to begin its operation, one of the commitments made was that the company would not use its brand name, Pepsi, in India. But this commitment was also broken by the company. During the first year of operation, Pepsi used an Indian brand name, Lehar Pepsi. But, with the introduction of the new economic policy in 1991 under which the use of foreign brands was allowed, Pepsi immediately changed its soft drink brand name from Lehar Pepsi to Pepsi.
Pepsi agreed to set up an agro-research centre in consultation with ICAR and Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana in Punjab. But no such centre has been set up by the company so far.
Another major commitment made by the Pepsi was that 50 percent of the total value of the produce will be exported. A quick glance at the items exported by Pepsi reveals that export value of fruits or vegetable based products are negligible. In order to fulfill its commitment, the company resorted to exporting a variety of Indian products like 'Basmati' rice, Darjeeling tea, shrimps, glass bottles, champagne and even leather products. These traditional export products have already been exported by many companies in India. What has been Pepsi's own contribution and expertise in exporting these goods from India?
The above table indicates that environmentally hazardous products such as PET bottles produced by Pepsi's other company in India, FPL, constitute nearly 70 percent of its total exports.
In 1994, PepsiCo International initiated a joint venture with an Indian company called Indian Organic Chemicals Limited (IOCL) to make resins for the PET bottles in which the soft drink is sold. This joint venture called Futura Polymers Limited (FPL) is located at Manali outside Madras and is among the largest fully export-oriented companies in India. Within two years of its operation, FPL has become a global sourcing point with its products are being sold to over 14 countries. Apart from resins, FPL also makes 'Preforms' - these are PET bottles which are miniaturised for convenience in shipping and are blown upto full size in the bottling plant. FPL has a long-term supply contract with Pepsi. Recently, Pepsi has invested a further Rs 25 crore to augment capacity by 7000 tpa to 28000 tpa, taking its equity in the project from 52 percent to 70 percent. This plant imports used PET bottles and materials from US and other countries to reprocess it. The economic logic behind export of this plastic waste is very simple. For Pepsi, it is much cheaper to export this waste from US to India than to recycle it in US or transport it to US landfill sites.
Plastic production is a very hazardous process. Various studies by experts have found out that the production of a 16 ounce PET container generates over 100 times more toxic emissions than a glass bottle of the same size. With the setting up of FPL, Pepsi has managed to relocate the hazards involved in production and disposal of PET bottles from US to India. Based on US Customs Department data, Greenpeace analysts found that Pepsi exported 9,167,722 pounds or about 4,500 tons of 'Plastic Scrap' in 23 shipments during 1993 to this plant. The FPL representatives have also admitted that they have been importing plastic waste. The FPL representatives told Greenpeace researchers that a portion of the imported plastic waste cannot be processed at their site. They estimated that 60-70 percent can be processed, but the rest is either too contaminated, non-PET plastic, or other garbage. The representatives also said that they get rid of the non- usable portion. Greenpeace representatives have also documented the bad working conditions of the workers, especially women workers, in the plant. (Multinational Monitor, September 1994).
Pepsi is no longer a joint venture company with its Indian partners. Taking full advantage of liberalised policies, it has taken full control of Pepsi Foods. In 1994, Pepsi made a offer to both Voltas and PAIC to buy their equity at 'attractive' terms. Voltas sold all its shares to Pepsi while PAIC, being a public enterprise, was forced to pull out and now it holds less than 1 percent of the total equity in Pepsi Foods Ltd. Instead of taking strict action against Pepsi for not following its commitments, the Indian government has given more concessions to it in the post-liberalisation period. For instance, it has allowed Pepsi to increase its turnover of beverages component to beyond 25 percent, and Pepsi is also no longer restricted by its commitment to export 50 percent of its turnover. Recently the government also allowed PepsiCo to set up a new company in India called PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt.Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of PepsiCo International. Surprisingly, the new company is also engaged in beverage manufacturing, bottling and exports activities as Pepsi Foods Ltd. All the new investments by the PepsiCo International have been channelised through this new venture. It now handles 28 bottling plants with a sales turnover of Rs 500 crores which is higher than Pepsi Foods's turnover of Rs.375 crore in 1996. (The Financial Express, April 21, 1997). Although the financial performance of both these companies in India has not been creditable so far, with total accumulated losses close to Rs.350 crore (except small surplus in 1996), yet it has been successful in achieving significant market share and brand royality in India. The company in recent years has not only bought over bottlers in different parts of India but also bought Dukes, a popular soft-drink brand in western India to consolidate its market share. It has also shrewdly consolidated its position through agressive marketing and advertising in India. According to surveys conducted by many market research agencies, Pepsi now holds over 40 percent share in Indian soft drink market. In 1995 alone, the company's beverage business grew 50 percent, well ahead of the market which expanded by 20 percent. Another important recent shift in Pepsi's marketing strategy has been its focus on Cola over other non-Cola brands. "We have single- mindedly focused on brand Pepsi" admits Rishi, Vice-President, Marketing, Pepsi. (Business India, January 15-28, 1996). At the international level, PepsiCo International has been focussing more on India where the consumption of soft drinks is expected to increase many-fold which is only three ounces per person now as compared to 200 ounces in Europe and over 300 ounces in North America. But, at the same time it is not realised that there is a vast difference between the purchasing power of an average Indian and North American as it takes an Indian 1.5 hours of work to be able to buy a bottle of Pepsi whereas for an North American, it takes less than 5 minutes. This experience of eight years clearly shows that Pepsi, totally preoccupied with selling soft drinks in India, has broken promises. The responsibility of implementation of commitments cannot be left to Pepsi alone. One should expect the state machinery to intervene and enforce these commitments on Pepsi. Surprisingly, there is a total silence on the part of state machinery. Thus, the question is - Who will force Pepsi to implement its commitments?
In November 1994, PIRG issued an open letter to Christopher
Sinclair, President and CEO, PepsiCo demanding:|
This UPDATE is largely based on a research project titled, 'Pepsi's in India" carried out during 1994-95. Thanks are due to Ann Leonard,Devinder Sharma and Paramjeet Singh.
No Copyright. You are welcome to reproduce it without seeking permission, provided the source is acknowledged.
PIRG Update is an occasional publication, produced in English and Hindi. You can subscribe to it by Mail and E-mail. For subscription, please contact Madhyam. The annual subscription is Rs.100 [US$10].
All subscriptions should be paid through Money Order or Demand Draft in favour of MADHYAM.
Address : PIRG / Madhyam, 142, Maitri Apartments, Plot # 28,
Patparganj, Delhi - 110 092. Phone : 2221081, 2432054. Fax : 2224233.
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KAVALJIT SINGH PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP
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Valve President Gabe Newell said the company has no plans to introduce its own video game streaming service. However, Steam users could still get a similar product in the future if Microsoft decides to bring the PC Game Pass to the largest PC game digital distribution platform.
Video game streaming has become more popular in recent years. More and more companies have introduced their own subscription services. But many consider Microsoft’s Game Pass to be a leader in this department because it’s one of the few subscription services to offer access to new games, including first-party and third-party titles. since the first day.
If there’s one company that could match what PC Game Pass can offer, it would be Valve through the Steam platform. However, Newell said in a recent interview with Gamer on PC that they don’t plan to do a Game Pass rival.
“I don’t think it’s something that we think we should do ourselves, create a subscription service right now,” the Valve boss said. “But for their customers, it’s clearly a popular option, and we’d be more than happy to work with them to get that on Steam.”
Newell added that there have been conversations with Microsoft regarding the introduction of PC Game Pass on Steam. “If your customers want it, then you have to figure out how to make it happen. That’s where we are,” Newell added.
Microsoft has yet to announce plans to bring PC Game Pass to Steam or Steam Deck. But Xbox head Phil Spencer called the Steam Deck a “beautiful device” after using it for a week last August. Spencer also confirmed that he was able to use the Xbox Cloud Gaming service, also known as xCloud, on Steam Deck.
Currently, xCloud is offered as one of the exclusive features of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It allows members to stream supported games to select devices running Windows, Android, iOS, and Xbox consoles.
Newell’s stance on creating Valve’s own streaming service is unsurprising. The company isn’t big on making platform-exclusive products. An earlier FAQ page posted last December for developers confirmed that Valve has no plans to release Steam Deck-exclusive games. “It’s a PC and it should just play games like a PC,” Valve said.


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The California RV Show, taking place Oct. 6 to 15, is sending space applications out to manufacturer and supplier members within the next couple of weeks. The deadline to submit applications at the reduced, early bird pricing and space drawing is May 12.
The new show layout will have room for 1,325 RVs in one million-square-feet of space with a landscaped campground front entrance façade. Manufacturers will be bringing their new 2018 models for the public to see for the first time.
Exciting entertainment has been lined up including a cooking demonstration by Ultimate Camp Cooking that will feature a mac & cheese eating contest. There will also be an archery demonstration by Frank Addington who will shoot a baby aspirin in half. Attendees will also see celebrities such as entertainer Mario Lopez, football legend Eric Dickerson of the L.A. Rams and basketball legend James Worthy of the L.A. Lakers.
This RVIA show is in its 65th year and remains the longest running RV show in the U.S. This popular event attracts over 40,000 guests, including seasoned RVers, millennials, weekend warriors and many first-time buyers.