Presidential Reference on Allocation of Natural Resources

Presidential Reference on Allocation of Natural Resources

- Inventor’s Response

June07, 2012

Honorable Chief Justice of India,

Supreme Court of India

And Prime Minister of India,

Dr. Manmohan Singh

New Delhi 110011

‘Efficient & Economical Development & Equitable Sharing Of Natural Resources Is Key To Our Prosperity - India Is Failing In This. Companies Are To Develop Not Own Natural Resources.’

Petitioner: Petitioner is a WIPO awarded inventor who had invented and offered ‘Inventions’ to most of Reputed Indian Companies, Owns a Farm, Vigorously Campaigns for Inventors Issues, Development Issues, Related to Mining, Farmers, Water, Energy, Transport etc therefore ‘Best Placed’ to Respond To Presidential Reference.

Executive Summary & Test Case of Company A: -

(Company A is Selected as it is Biggest Holder of Natural Resources)

1. There Was Control on Allocation of Natural Resources and Projects by Director General of Technical Development upto Around 1990. DGTD also indirectly functioned as Technology, Environment and Finance Controller but since NDA government took over in 1998 every Institutional Check was ‘Dismantled’ and Natural Resources Were Allocated Ignoring 1. Capability 2. Resources, 3. Requirement, 4. Shareholding, 5. Security, and 6. Greater Public Interest. Selection and Allocation procedures were ‘Secret’ and there were no ‘Public Disclosures’. Thus companies who had acquired ‘National Resources’ don’t even Disclose The Utilization of Resources to the Public Who Is 1. Owner Of Natural Resources, 2. Consumer of Natural Resources and 3. through banks Financier of Natural Resources. Supreme Court has held ‘Natural Resources Belongs To State/People – Companies are Just Developers.’

2. GOI in its wisdom Created Specialized Companies – ONGC for Oil & Gas Exploration, Indian Oil for petroleum refining, Petro-Chemicals Limited for plastics, Zinc Corporation for non ferrous, BALCO for Almunium, SAIL for steel making, Electricity Boards for power Distribution, NTPC for Power Generation, Coal India Limited for Coal Mining, Indian Railways for Rail Transportation, National Hydro Power Corporation, BBMB, Nathpa Jhakri Power Limited for Hydro Power, BSNL & MTNL for Telecom, Doordarshan for TV Broadcast, AIR for Radio Broadcast, Maruti Udyog for Automobile, Air India, Indian Airlines for air transport, Power Grid Corporation for electricity distribution, GAIL for gas distribution etc. GOI in its wisdom also promoted Cooperatives Like AMUL.

3. GOI in its wisdom limited the Shareholding of promoters of large Indian Companies to around 10% and Taxes were high like in EU, Japan or USA where Company Ownership is Widely Distributed for Greater Public Good, Income Generated by Companies is deployed for Public Welfare like Social Security, Subsiding Unviable Agriculture, Health, Education, and Defense. India is MISSING all this. Cheaply acquired National Resources are like Personal Assets of Company Promoters.

4.  Honorable Supreme Court Question On AUCTION: - When Indian Companies Have No Technical Capability Of Their Own - India Ought to Have Implemented Allocation of Natural Resources At Fix Price For Best Technical Bid. India is a poor Country, Speculative Auction of Natural Resources Would Result in Substandard Technology, Quality and Service at High Price to Consumers and Enrich Developers.

In Public Interest India Should Fix Reasonable Price For Natural Resources and then ‘Invite Bids for Technical Offers for Fast, Economical, Latest Technology Implementation along with considerations of Ownership of Indian Shareholders, R&D Capability and Patent Holdings, Employment, Service Quality of Developer Companies.’

Ø      For Example: A Company that has Demonstrable Capability to Serve say 100 million subscribers Per 4 Mhz Spectrum, to get preference over less efficient. Prefer Oil & Gas Developer who has skills to recover 90% of in place Oil & Gas Reserves Than some Company Who many not recover even 20%.

5. Since 1998 Company A was allowed to Raise Equity to 50% or more – expelling retail investors, it acquired following Natural Resources by Excluding Public who were real owners of resources, real Consumers of resources and real Financiers of the resources – there was no Promise of Quality Service, no Promise of Reasonable Service Charges for Cheaply Acquired Natural Resources and there was no Promise of Deployment of Profits for Public Welfare. Inheritance laws in India means for Centuries Promoter’s Sons and Great-Great Sons shall Inherit and Hoard on $10Trillion Worth cheaply acquired Natural Resources in India and abroad.

6. Company A was allotted Offshore 25 Blocks when even today it does not even Own and Operate a Drilling Rig, Transocean Operates Two Most Expensive Rigs for RIL, When 50 Are Required, has Commercialized just about 100 sq.km of 2,70,000 sq.km area in 13 years, WLL, 2G licenses, CDMA, GSM, Fixed Lines, 3G, 4G, DTH, Media, Optic Fiber, Internet, Broadband, IPTV, Towers, Petroleum Refinery, Petro-chemicals, Petroleum Pipelines, Coal Mines, Power Generation, 35,000 Hectare SEZs, Infrastructure, Real Estate,  Transmission, Trading, Distribution of Power and Non Natural Resources Textiles, Retail, Insurance, Brooking, Entertainment, Health and Cricket.

7.  Company A has not Created Any Intellectual Property, Didn’t Train Professionals – Poach Them From PSUs, Imports Foreign Plants, Mostly from China, engages most of the Staff On Contract Basis, Avoiding Market Wages and Provident Fund Contributions, today reported to have $13.5b Cash, actual in Indian and Foreign Accounts could be $100b. Company A Was Caught Many times Inflating Cost of Purchase, Cheating and Theft of Power & International Telecom Calls, Fast Energy Meters, Fabricated Theft Cases. 

8. None of Company A products was Cheaper and Competitive. VIMAL cloth for trouser was retailed for Rs.300 per meter whereas Ex Factory Cost in Annual Reports was Rs.30 per meter. In Spite of Vertical Integration RIL Petroleum was Costlier, Electricity and Telecom Services are Costlier in Spite of Chinese Equipment, Gas Exploration Cost Is Highest In The World In Spite of Biggest Gas Reserves at Single Place.

9.  Even as Company A has $13.5b and much more Cash but it is not promoting ‘ENTREPRENEURSHIP.’ Why Can’t Company A promote Young Professionals – Over 5 Million Graduating Indians Every Year? Entrepreneurs May Collaborate and Let It Have 30% Equity Plus 15% Interest on Loans.

BROAD CONCLUSIONS: -

ü      There is Wide Spread Loot of Natural Resources.

ü      Natural Resources are Most Inefficiently Utilized.

ü      3G was Auctioned in 2000 in UK, Yet To Be Commercialized in India.

ü      There is Large Scale Hoarding of Natural Resources.

ü      Vertical and Horizontal Integration Selectively Is Vertical & Horizontal Cartelization, Sub Contracting.

ü      There is big Gulf Between Super Size Natural Resource Holders and Companies Actually Working The Natural Resources.

ü      Profits and Wealth Creation is Not Shared With People, the Real Owners.

ü      There is Low Technical Progress, India is Dependent on Foreign Technologies, Plant and Machineries.

ü      There is practically no R&D and Patenting Hence Indefinite Dependence on Foreign Technologies & Equipments.

ü      There is Little Skill Development When Companies Hire Staff on Short Contract Basis.

ü      Indian Companies are Not Capable of Operating Power, Telecom, Oil & Gas, Mining in Developed Countries and are not much successful in Third World Countries also.

ü      Indian Companies Can’t Develop Technologies for 98% of World Market beyond India boundaries.

Why Irregularities In Allocation of Natural Resources?

[Multiple Hurdles For Indian Inventors – Free Run For Corporate]

This Petitioner Has Been Campaigning For ‘Fast Grant of Patents & Quick Grant of Utility Patents’ for Three Decades – But In Stead There Are Pre-Grant Opposition, Post Grant Opposition, Patent Tribunal, High Court & Supreme Court to take away ‘My Intellectual Property’ Procedures Maliciously Introduced by The Ones Not Capable of Inventing, mostly Non Competitors NGOs.

My argument is simple – ‘There Are Over 5 Million Patents Effective Worldwide, Many More Expired - Only 45,000 Effective In India, Then Why Has GOI Created So Many Hurdles In Creating New Technologies That Indians Can Market Worldwide, Anyone Interested Could Download Freely Available Technologies Then Delaying and Denying Legitimate Patents to Indian Inventors By Non Competitor NGO At Several Levels.’

GOI is Not Serious in Removing Unnecessary Hurdles in Denying Legitimate Patents – Delaying Grants Of Patents By 5-10 Years.

 ‘There Are No Checks in Allocating Natural Resources.’

i.)  There is No Check on Technical Qualifications, Experience, and Source of Finance.

ii.)  There is No Limit on Promoter Ownership When Promoters Have Little to Show Other Than Money that too Borrowed From Other Companies or Even Foreign Sources.

Iii)  There is No Check or Limit on Number of Blocks or Quantity of Natural Resource Allocation to a Company.

iv.)  There is No Time Frame Specified for Development of Resources and to Restore Sites to Natural Pollution Free Environment..

v.)  There is No Policy To Rescind Non Working Natural Resource Once Allocated.

NO THIRD PARTY – COMPETITOR INTERVENTIONS

While Patents Are Disclosed to 7 Billion People Much Before Grant of Patents – Everything is Kept Secret in Allocating Natural Resources - People of India have No Idea About Qualifications and Amount Charged for Allocating Natural Resources.

vi)  No Third Party or NGOs and to some Extent Even Competitors Don’t Have Access to All Qualifications Documents of Others. (There is No Pre-Grant Opposition.)

vii)  Better Qualified Competitors are ‘Not Allowed to Take Over Un-worked Natural Resources or Badly Managed Natural Resources.’ (There is no post grant opposition.)

viii)  Genuine Competitors Are Not Allowed to Access Natural Resources Directly from the Government But Can Acquire Natural Resources from Less Qualified Owners of Natural Resources. (Promote Free Trading of Natural Resources Among Companies.)

ix.)  There is No Natural Resources Tribunal, Special High Court Bench or Supreme Court Bench where Competitors Could Make Out a Case When Some Company Has Acquired Much More Natural Resources Than Qualified Through Misrepresentations or Has Inflated Development Plan and To Seek Cut in Their Allotments For Re-Allocations to Competitors.

x.)  There is No Preference in GOI Priorities to Companies That Have Low Promoter Shareholding or Better Technical Skills and Experience or Has Engaged Permanent Employees – Creating Maximum Wealth for Public Than Self when considerations of Natural Resources are in $Billions and $trillions.

PRAYER & REMEDY

Honorable Supreme Court May Please order or GOI May through Ordinance Implement Following New Procedures in Allocating Natural Resources.

For New Allocations.

A.)  Pre Qualification Opposition: - Applicant Companies to Publicly Disclose In Detail At All Times Their Technical & Eligibility Qualifications through Department and Company Websites and Print and TV Media to be ‘Subjected to Opposition from Competitors, NGOs, Experts’ for minimum 30 days.

B.)  Annual Reports of Companies should make ‘Disclosures’ at Par With Security and Exchange Commission of USA in case of Natural Resources.

C.)  Post Allocation Opposition: - Competitors, NGOs allowed to Oppose Allocation for 30 Days Before Handing Over of Natural Resources.

D.)  Breaking Cartels:  Natural Resources Shall Be Vertically and Horizontally Split With A View To Create Specialized Indian Companies. In Telecom a Company can bid for One Technology – In case of Mobile Telephony – Either 2G or 3G or 4G for Spectrum Allocation, Similarly one Company May Operate Telephone Exchanges, second Towers and Third Optical Fiber Network. Likewise one Company may operate DTH, second IPTV and Third Cable TV, Fourth Optic Fiber Broadband. One company may operate Land Line, second WLL and third CDMA fixed line services. All are allowed to Upgrade to Superior Technology. [Avoid All In One Companies With Zero Capability]

A company may operate Coal Mines, Second Power Stations, Third Power Grid, and Fourth Distribution of Power.

In Metals One Company to operate Steel Plant, Second Aluminum, third Zinc, Tin & Lead etc.

For both New Allocations and Old Allocations

E.)  Constitute ‘Natural Resources Tribunal Headed By Former CJI With Expert Members’ to Deal With Grievances of Competitors and Consumers.

Ø      Any Qualified Company that Couldn’t get Offshore Block or Spectrum could apply for Allocation of Natural Resources On Grounds of firstly Superior Qualifications & Experience, secondly Better Commercial Terms, thirdly Better Human Resource Profile Like Permanent Staff and fourthly Excessive Allocation to Undeserving and fifthly Non Working of Natural Resource By Owner. This shall avoid Trading and Hoarding of Natural Resources. 

ABOVE PROCEDURES TAKE CARE OF ALL WRONG ALLOCATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO UNDESERVING, EXCESSIVE ALLCATION & HOARDING IN PAST AND FUTURE WITHOUT CANCELLING OF ALL ALLOTTMENTS AS IN CASE OF 2G OR SEZs OR LAND ALLOTTMENTS IN NOIDA AND ENSURES MORE EQUITABLE SHARING OF WEALTH GENERATION FROM SALE OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

Thank you,

(Petitioner)

Ravinder Singh,

Inventor & Consultant

INNOVATIVE TECHNONLOGIES AND PROJECTS

बिहार बाढ़ विभीषिका समाधान समिति

द्वारा: समुदाय भवन, ग्राम- बगरस, वाया- बखरी बाजार, जिला- बेगुसराय, पिन- 848201 (बिहार)

सम्पर्क - 8757819281, 9097235610

 

साथियो,  

समिति की ओर से अभिवादन।  

समिति पिछले तीन सालों से बाढ़ की समस्याओं से जुड़े अलग-अलग पहलुओं को लोगों एंव सरकार के बीच लाता रहा है। बिहार में बाढ़ की समस्या काफी पुरानी है लेकिन तटबंध के बनने से पहले के बाढ़ जिस में नदियों का पानी तट पर फैल जाता था और आज के बाढ़ जिस में तटबंध टूट कर तबाही आती है, दोनों में बहुत फर्क है। तटबंध टूट कर तबाही वाले बड़े बाढ़ वर्ष 1984, 1987, 2002, 2004, 2007, एंव 2008 में आए जिससे पूरा बिहार अवगत है। 

तटबंध टूट कर बाढ़ का आना एवं रिलीफ व पुनर्वास के नाम पर अफसरों एवं बाजारू नेताओं की लूट खसोट से बाढ़ प्रभावित इलाके के लोगों का हौसला टूटा है एवं लोग मजबूर हो कर पलायन किये हैं। तटबंध मरम्मत पर हो रहे खर्च का कच्चा चिट्ठा भी बार-बार खुलता रहा है। यह अलग बात है कि बिहार विकास का नारा बिहार के बाहर दिल्ली, मुम्बई और अहमदाबाद जैसे शहरों में भी अब गंूज रहा है। बिहार से पलायन कर चुके वह लोग जो दूसरे शहरों में अपनी आर्थिक स्थिति बेहतर कर चुके हैं लेकिन सांस्कृतिक रूप से खुद को बिहार से जोड़े हुए हैं उन्हें यह बताने की कोशिश की जा रही है कि बिहार का विकास हो रहा है। जब कि 2004 एंव 2008 में आये विनाशकारी बाढ़ में तवाह हुये लोगों का अभी तक पुनर्वास भी नहीं हो पाया है। 

दुनियां में मौसम की मार जोरों पर है एवं इसमें और भी परिवर्तन के आसार हैं। बाढ़ का खतरा लगातार मंडराता रहा है और आगे भी मंडराता रहेगा, इसके लिए जरूरी है कि बाढ़ के अलग अलग पहलुओं पर विचार करते हुए सही दृष्टीकोण के साथ काम करने की जरुरत है। इन सभी बिन्दुओं को ध्यान में रखते हुए बिहार बाढ़ विभीषिका समाधान समिति एक अधिवेशन आयोजित करने जा रहा है। यह अधिवेशन 9-10 जून 2012 को बेगूसराय जिले में आयोजित होगा जिसकी विस्तृत जानकारी नीचे है। 

अधिवेशन 2012

स्थान - प्राथमिक विद्यालय बगरस, बेगुसराय।                                                                                   9  -10 जून 2012           

9 जून 2012: - 

1200         पंजीकरण 

1300         स्वागत 

1330         प्रदर्शनी उदघाटन

1400         अधिवेशन उदघाटन

1430         3 साल के कामों पर रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुति

1500     सत्र - 1ः तटबंध से पहले के बाढ़ का इतिहास एंव जूंझने की परम्परा, 

             (वरिष्ठ नागरिकों की ज़ुबानी)

1700         चाय 

1730     सत्र - 2: बाढ़, सामाजिक विकास का बाधक 

1900         भोजन 

2000         फसल गीत एंव बाढ़ के मुद्दे पर डोक्युमेंटरी फिल्म शो 

10 जून 2012: -

0530        तटबंध निरिक्षण 

0630        नदी स्नान एंव नौका गीत 

0700        पहले दिन की रिपोर्टिंग 

0715    सत्र - 3: के0पी0पी0 (खगडि़या प्रोटेक्शन प्रोजेक्ट) 

            के सकारात्मक एंव नकारात्मक पहलू 

0915        नाश्ता 

0100    सत्र - 4: बदहाली के कारण पलायन: विकल्प 

1130        आगामी पहल पर चर्चा एंव निष्कर्ष 

1300        कमेटी गठन 

1330        धन्यवाद ज्ञापन एंव भोजन 

1430        प्रेस कांफ्रेन्स 

  

आप से अनुरोध है कि इस अधिवेशन में भाग लेकर अपने अनुभवों को बांटते हुए बाढ़ के विभिन्न पहलुओं पर चल रहे बहस एवं संघर्ष को आगे बढ़ाने में एक दूसरे के सहयोगी बनें।    

धन्यवाद

संतोष कुमार

संयोजन समिति

अधिवेशन स्थान तक पहुंचने का रास्ता: 

1 - खगडि़या से बखरी जाने वाली सड़क पर बस द्वारा 22 कि0 मी0 की  दूरी तय कर बगरस गांव पहुंचा जा सकता है। 

2 - खगडि़या से पैसेंजर रेल द्वारा सलौना स्टेशन आकर तांगे या रिक्शे से 3 कि0 मी0 की दूरी तय कर बगरस गांव पहुंचा जा सकता है। 

3 - बेगुसराय से बस द्वारा मंझौल एवं बखरी के रास्ते 33 कि0 मी0 की दूरी तय कर बगरस गांव पहुंचा जा सकता है।

नोट - अधिवेशन में भाग लेने वाले साथियों के लिए हाॅल में ठहरने एंव भोजन का इंतजाम किया जा रहा है। किसी भी प्रकार के किराये के भुगतान का प्रावधान नहीं है। अधिवेशन आयोजन के लिए आर्थिक सहयोग की आशा करते हैं। 

संयोजन समिति: संतोष कुमार, उमेश कुमार (खगडि़या), उमराव यादव (राजगीर), सदरे आलम (दिल्ली), विनोद मेहता (बीरपुर), भोलेश्वर प्रसाद (बेगुसराय)

Homeless Residents to protest outside DUSIB Office

Posted on June 7, 2012

Greetings from Shahri Adhikar Manch – Begharon Ke Saath (SAM-BKS)!

 

Friends, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has been treating CityMakers (homeless residents) in Delhi inhumanly by not providing basic facilities in the shelters. Despite the orders of Hon’ble High Court of Delhi (dated 31.05.2012), DUSIB has refused to take action and several pleas to provide drinking water, fans, and proper sanitation facilities, have been ignored immensely. The situation is such that at a few places (Yamuna Pusta, Majnu Ka Tilla, etc) the tents have collapsed and in many shelters the electric wire is lying open. With monsoons approaching, a disaster is just waiting to happen. Also, there are no fans in the shelters and CityMakers are being forced to sleep in the heat. Drinking water is reaching CityMakers once in four days, that too after desperate calls from CityMakers. Under such circumstances the CityMakers are running out of patience. 

 

In order to make the authorities take note of the issues, CityMakers and Civil Society Organisations will be protesting outside 

DUSIB office 

Punarvas Bhawan, 

Opposite Azad Bhawan, 

ITO, New Delhi 

from 11 am on June 8, 2012.

Like always, we’ll be extremely grateful if you could please be present in the protest and make the citizens of Delhi, the government and the officials take note of the problems of CityMakers by covering the protest.  

 

We look forward to your continuous support. 

 

Regards, 

Abhilasha Sihag.

Dell Unveils the Hottest Technology for GenY with Augmented Inspiron Line-Up

 

Dell Unveils the Hottest Technology for GenY with Augmented Inspiron Line-Up

 

·         Updated design for Inspiron line with curved edges for a smooth, contemporary look

·         Intel 3^rd generation Ivy Bridge Processors for faster performance on multi-threaded applications to raise the bar for personal computing experiences

·         New Inspiron Special Edition laptops feature stunning design, multimedia capabilities and world-class audio

·         Comes with unique Premium Support with a fast fix, available on phone(24/7), chat & e-mail

Tweet This:

Connect with family, have fun with friends or tackle your to-do list. Do it all in style with the all new #dellinspiron laptops

New Delhi, INDIA, June 7, 2012 – Dell today announced its augmented Inspiron laptop portfolio for Gen Y consumers with two types of Inspiron laptops –the Inspiron R series for everyday computing needs, and the Inspiron R Special Edition series for enhanced multimedia and audio capabilities for families and students and mobile professionals, looking to spruce up their technology can find a laptop ideally suited to their diverse needs.

Dell also showcased, the soon to be launched Inspiron Z series for young professionals seeking thin & light style on the go. As an extension to the Inspiron family, Dell also recently announced the All-in-one computers and desktops for consumers who desire beautifully designed systems for multimedia creation, entertainment and small form factor desktop for families. The computers are slim and stylish and reflect Dell’s design aesthetic that places a premium on unique materials, form factors and experiences.

The new Inspiron line sports a new, distinctive design, featuring curved edges and a silver band around the edge, evoking an “oyster” clamshell feel for a smooth, contemporary look that people will be proud to show off. All Inspiron laptops announced today will offer either as standard or an option, Intel’s new 3rd Generation Core i processors (Ivy Bridge), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system, and will be eligible for the Microsoft Windows 8 upgrade program for peace of mind. Additionally, Dell has collaborated with Waves to bring customers a rich, world class audio experience. Inspiron laptops feature Waves MaxxAudio technology that is optimized for Dell laptops to deliver professional-quality sound for watching movies and listening to music without the need for external speakers.

“At Dell, our promise has been to provide a refreshingly different experience to our fast-growing customer base to help them match their lifestyle with the latest technology. With the expanded Inspiron line up, we’re living up to our heritage of delivering the performance you need to do more We believe in enabling customers to pursue their passions through technology, and allow customers to have an “always connected” lifestyle,”  said Mahesh Bhalla, Executive Director & General Manager, Consumer, Dell India. “With a strong consumer centric strategy at Dell we create products with customers in mind and great experiences since what’s important is not the technology itself, but what it enables them to do. These laptops are geared towards encouraging youth to adopt technology, utilize its potential and do more in their lives,” added Mahesh Bhalla, Executive Director & General Manager, Consumer, Dell India.

Sandeep Aurora, Director of Marketing, Intel South Asia commented, “With the launch of the 3rd Generation Intel ®Core™ processors, Intel has ushered in a new era in computing. The new chips also offer increased media and graphics performance, long battery life and more choice in stylish designs across form factors. We’d like to congratulate Dell on the launch of their new Inspiron series which will allow consumers to enjoy an enriched computing experience.”

The Inspiron range comes with unique Premium Phone Support for consumers - a support that provides 24/7 premium service for hardware and software that includes the operating system and common software applications (e-mail, productivity, financial, internet browser, picture/movie editing software), in response to our customer’s software support needs.

Inspiron 14R and 15R: Smart family computing and entertainment

The Inspiron 14R and Inspiron 15R are fashionable, full-featured laptops for smart everyday computing. With an HD display (optional Full HD), advanced audio with Waves MaxxAudio 3 technology, full connectivity, and an array of options such as discrete graphics, make this a great all-round family entertainment laptop. Whether video-chatting with family across the country, doing homework, balancing the family budget, or listening to music, the Inspiron R will be an essential part of the family.

Inspiron R Special Edition laptops for immersive entertainment

The new Inspiron Special Edition series provides robust performance and premium features for immersive entertainment and multimedia activities previously unavailable under the Inspiron brand. An expansion of Dell’s Inspiron portfolio, the Inspiron 14R Special Edition, 15R Special Edition and 17R Special Edition allow customers to enjoy advanced audio and graphics for multimedia entertainment including Waves MaxxAudio 4 technology and Skullcandy Speakers and discrete graphics options from AMD (Inspiron 14R Special Edition) and NVidia (Inspiron 15R & 17R Special Edition).

The new Inspiron R Special Edition laptops feature a sleek and durable anodized aluminum exterior in Stealth Black, Full HD display (1920x1080), for stunning video playback, including Blu-ray disc options. The Inspiron 15R and 17R Special Edition is also available with a super bright 200 nit display. With backlit keyboards, USB 3.0 and with Intel Rapid Start and Smart Response technology for fast boot and sleep resume times, the Inspiron R Special Edition laptops are packed with technology and features to make multimedia a real pleasure.

Inspiron 14z: Thin & light style

Dell’s first Inspiron Ultrabook, the Inspiron 14z, will be hot on any young professional or student’s back-to-school wish list with its ultraportable design, great performance and fast response time. Dell’s second Ultrabook offering, joining the successful XPS 13, blends Ultrabook technology such as Intel Rapid Start Technology for fast boot and resume and up to seven hours of battery life, with the new Inspiron design language, providing a well-built, well-specified Ultrabook with Skullcandy Speakers at an accessible price point. Starting at 1.87kg, and 21mm at its thickest point, it’s light and easy to carry this laptop around in a backpack or tote, customers will enjoy ultraportable style with the latest technology to get their homework done.

Pricing and availability:

The Inspiron 14z will be available soon on www.dell.co.in. The Inspiron R laptops and Inspiron R Special Edition laptops are available today in India on www.dell.co.in . Prices start at: Inspiron 14R/15R: Rs 39990 + Taxes, Inspiron 14R Special Edition: Rs. 51,146 + Taxes; Inspiron 15R Special Edition: Rs. 49,990 + Taxes; Inspiron 17R Special Edition: Rs. 63682 + Taxes.

Detailed information:

Inspiron 15R

·         Beautiful color lid options: Moon Silver (standard),  Fire Red, Peacock Blue

·         Standard 2^nd Gen Intel Core™ i3 with HD Graphics 3000 or available 3^rd Gen Intel Core™ i5 and i7 CPUs and HD Graphics 4000 pack plenty of performance

o    2^nd Generation Intel Core i3-2370M processor (3MB cache, up to 2.4GHz) (standard)

o    3^rd Generation Intel Core i5-3210M processor (3MB cache, up to 2.9GHz)

o    3^rd Generation Intel Core i7-3612M processor (6MB cache, up to 3.1GHz)

·         Memory options from 2GB (standard) up to 8GB DDR3 memory

·         Hard drive options from 320GB (standard) to 1TB 5400 RPM SATA

·         Optional AMD Radeon HD 7670M graphics with 1GB GDDR3 graphics memory

·         39.6 cm (15.6) high definition (720p) WLED display with TrueLife (1366x768) (standard);

·         Battery life up to 6 hrs 33 min (with Intel Core i3 processor, 6GB memory and 500GB hard drive)

·         Waves MaxxAudio 3 audio;

·         Intel Wireless Display supports streaming 1080p & 5.1 surround sound wirelessly

·         HDMI 1.4a output for HD entertainment and HD aspect Webcam with pre-loaded Skype

·         USB 3.0 (3); USB 3.0 PowerShare (1); RJ45 Ethernet; HDMI v1.4; VGA; 8-in-1 media card reader; Bluetooth 4.0

·         Height:  30.03mm – 34.1mm; Width: 378mm; Depth:  252mm

·         Weight: Starting at 2.7 Kg

Inspiron 15R Special Edition

·         Anodized aluminum chassis in Stealth Black

·         3rd Generation Intel Core i5-3210M dual core processor (standard); 3^rd Generation Intel Core i7-3612QM processor (option)

·         Memory options from 4GB (standard) up to 8GB dual channel DDR3 1600MHz (2 DIMM slots)

·         Hard drive options from 500GB (standard) up to 1TB + optional 32GB mSATA SSD with Intel Rapid Start and Smart Response Technology

·         Optional AMD Radeon HD 7730M graphics with 2GB GDDR3 graphics memory

·         39.6 cm (15.6) high definition (720p) WLED display (1366x768) (standard); Full HD WLED display option (1920x1080p)

·         Battery life up to 5 hrs 25 min (with Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB memory and 1TB hard drive)

·         Waves MaxxAudio 4 audio; Skullcandy speakers

·         DVD +/- RW (standard); Blu-ray disc combo drive and Blu-ray disc RW drive options

·         Intel Wireless Display supports streaming 1080p & 5.1 surround sound wirelessly

·         Optional backlit keyboard

·         HDMI 1.4a output for HD entertainment and HD aspect Webcam

·         USB 3.0 (3); USB 3.0 PowerShare (1); RJ45 Ethernet; HDMI v1.4; VGA; 8-in-1 media card reader; Bluetooth 4.0

·         Height:  30.3mm – 34.1mm; Width: 378mm; Depth:  252mm

·         Weight: Starting at 2.78 Kg

Inspiron 17R Special Edition:

·         Anodized Aluminum display back and matching palm rest with textured “honeycomb design” finish; Available in red silver and peacock blue.

·         3rd Gen Intel Core i5 & i7(quad core) processors for faster multimedia performance with Intel Quad Core multi-tasking capability 

·         More display resolution solutions, default HD+ 200-nit(1600x900), FHD 400-nit (1920x1080)

·         Memory options from 4GB (standard) up to 8GB dual channel DDR3 1600MHz (2 DIMM slots)

·         Hard drive options up to 2TB + optional 32GB mSATA SSD with Intel Rapid Start and Smart Response Technology

·         Optional NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics with 2GB DDR5 graphics memory

·         Waves MaxxAudio 4 audio; Skullcandy speakers; features three speakers – 2 tweeters / 1 subwoofer

·         DVD +/- RW (standard); Blu-ray disc combo drive and Blu-ray disc RW drive options

·         Optional backlit keyboard

·         HDMI 1.4a output for HD entertainment and HD aspect Webcam

·         Quick launch keys (x3) -

o    Windows Mobility Center – one-button access to PC settings

o    Dell Audio – one-button access to Waves Audio settings

o    Dell Instant launch – one-touch access to a user-determined application

·         USB 3.0 (3); USB 3.0 PowerShare (1); RJ45 Ethernet; HDMI v1.4; VGA; 8-in-1 media card reader; Bluetooth 4.0

Inspiron 14z

·         Beautiful aluminum finish in Moon Silver or optional Fire Red

·         Standard 2^nd Gen Intel Core™ i3 with HD Graphics 3000 or available 3^rd Gen Intel Core™ i5 and i7 CPUs and HD Graphics 4000 pack plenty of performance into this surprisingly slim chassis

o    2^nd Generation Intel Core i3-2367M processor (3MB cache, up to 1.4GHz) (standard)

o    3^rd Generation Intel Core i5-3317U processor (3MB cache, up to 2.6GHz)

o    3^rd Generation Intel Core i7-3517U processor (4MB cache, up to 3.0GHz)

·         Memory options from 2GB (standard) up to 8GB  dual channel memory

·         Hard drive options from 500GB with 32GB mSATA option to 128Gb SSD options

·         AMD Radeon HD 7570M with 1GB GDDR5 graphics (option with Core i5 and i7 configuration)

·         35.56 cm (14) high definition (720p) WLED display (1366x768 standard)

·         Battery life up to 7 hrs 30 min (with Intel Core i3 processor, 6MB memory and 320GB hard drive)

·         Waves MaxxAudio 3 audio; Skullcandy speakers

·         Intel Smart Response Technology quickly recognizes and caches most frequently used files and applications, allowing quick access

·         Intel Rapid Start Technology boots in seconds; resumes in seconds; saves power when sleeping.

·         Intel Wireless Display supports streaming 1080p & 5.1 surround sound wirelessly

·         HDMI 1.4a output for HD entertainment and HD aspect Webcam with pre-loaded Skype

·         USB 3.0 (1); USB 3.0 PowerShare (1); RJ45 Ethernet; HDMI v1.4; 3-in-1 media card reader; Bluetooth 4.0

·         Height:  20.7mm – 21mm; Width:  347mm; Depth:  240mm

·         Weight: Starting at 1.87 Kg

Nadal shows races into semifinals

There was no room for sentiment for Rafa Nadal on Wednesday as he bulldozed his way into the French Open semi-finals with a 7-6 6-2 6-3 win over his friend Nicolas Almagro.

Both players had entered the contest with a perfect 12-0 sets record at this year's Roland Garros and, after two hours and 46 minutes, it was the six-times champion who stood with his arms aloft after firing an ace on match point.

For Almagro, it was yet another defeat to his Spanish Davis Cup team mate and his win-loss record now stands at 0-8.

Nadal will next face either another Spaniard, David Ferrer, or British fourth seed Andy Murray as he pursues a record seventh title at the claycourt slam.

Sania and Bhupathi reach maiden French Open final

Sania Mirza and Mahesh Bhupathi earned themselves a shot at their second Grand Slam title together by breezing into their maiden French Open mixed doubles final in Paris on Wednesday.

The seventh seed Indian pair thrashed unseeded Kazak-Italian combination of Galina Voskoboeva and Daniele Bracciali 6-3 6-2 to record a facile victory in an hour and 10 minutes.

It is for the third time that Sania and Bhupathi have reached a Grand Slam final together. They won the 2009 Australia Open and had ended runners-up at the same tournament in 2008.

Sania had become first woman from India to win a Grand Slam in 2009 while Bhupathi has so far won 11 Major titles, seven of which are mixed doubles trophies.

Leander Paes is the most successful Indian tennis player with 13 Grand Slam titles, seven of which are men's doubles trophies with various partners.

Interestingly, Sania and Bhupathi may find their compatriot Leander Paes along with Elena Vesnina as their summit clash opponents.

Russian player Vesnina is Sania's regular partner on the circuit and with Bhupathi she had ended runners-up at last year's Wimbledon championship.

Later in the day, Paes and Vesnina are playing their semi-final against Klaudia Jans-Ignacik of Poland and Santiago Gonzalez.

Bhupathi was strong with his serve and Sania was sharp at the net as the Indian duo proved too strong for their rivals.

A Bhupathi volley winner in the seventh game, gave the Indians a commanding 5-2 lead and Sania comfortably served out the match in the next game.

Galina netted a forehand to give Indians their first match-point and Sania hit a crushing backhand winner to seal the issue.

Press Conference on Air India’s new operational plan, Aviation Turbine Fuel and Service Tax on air travel

Following is the text of the press statement of Shri Ajit Singh, Union Minister of Civil Aviation at the Press Conference held here today on Air India’s new operational plan, Aviation Turbine Fuel and Service Tax on air travel. Air India’s New Operational Plan:             “At the very outset, I would like to place on record my appreciation of the unstinted support and cooperation, we have received from all our employees, in particular executive pilots of Air India in maintaining the flight schedule and running Air India in this difficult time due to pilots’ strike. Though I am trying to convey my gratitude to all employees and executive pilots personally, I would like to take this opportunity through media and you all to convey my thanks to all of them for standing by the airline in the present crisis situation. I would also like to convey my thanks to Air India management for patiently and firmly dealing with the situation.             “After an initial disturbance due to misunderstanding arising out of the strike, our domestic operations have rebounded to the pre-strike situation.  Domestic passenger carriage is now 26,000 passengers daily as it was in the first week of May when the strike began.  Air India plans to sustain this and make efforts to improve it.             “Within a few days of the strike, Air India formulated a Restructured Schedule which entailed flights to all major destinations except Hong Kong, Osaka, Seoul and Toronto.  Flights have been operating to New York, Chicago, Frankfurt, Paris, London and Singapore, though with combination, varied frequency and change of equipment.  With intensive use of our resources, Air India was able to restore Mumbai-London flight from 26th May.              “The Restructured Schedule has been stabilised and is now operating smoothly.  International passenger carriage on the Restructured Schedule has gradually increased to about 11000 passengers daily.             “Air India now plans to use narrow-bodied aircraft optimally and connect Hong Kong with A-319 aircraft from the first week of July 2012.  This flight will extend its operations to Seoul and Osaka from 1st of August 2012 thus ensuring regular services to Hong Kong, Seoul and Osaka.             “Regarding availability of pilots to restore international operations of Air India including Delhi-Toronto and Mumbai-Newark, Air India presently have 90 trainee pilots out of which 60 pilots are already having their training and will be available for regular flying in another period of 4-5 months. Air India plans to start training of balance 30 pilots also immediately. Besides Air India has also decided to recruit/hire pilots from domestic/ international markets. With this the entire original Air India network of 27 stations shall be not only fully restored but expanded also.             “Air India plans to expand its network by undertaking a new flight between Delhi-Kuala Lumpur from 1st of August 2012.  This will also help to strengthen Air India’s hub at Delhi.             “Air India will begin to receive the first of its B-787 aircraft shortly.  For the initial period of 6-8 weeks, the aircraft will be used predominantly on domestic routes to enable faster training.  The first long haul flight to be operated by B-787 aircraft will be Mumbai-London in August 2012.  Australia operations will commence soon thereafter in August-September 2012.             “As envisaged in the turn-around plan, we have started bringing systemic reforms in Air India. The first in line is the implementation of Crew Management System (CRS) to ensure high levels of safety of operations, meet regulatory requirements, optimum crew utilisation, bringing objectivity in crew management and achieving crew satisfaction. You may be aware that presently crew management is done by a manual system. The first phase of CMS is already implemented and second phase would be completed by early July, 2012.             “We are also bringing a new and objective examination system for in-service pilots in place of the existing system in which there will also be a provision of appeal. Aviation Turbine Fuel (A.T.F.)             “Cost of ATF constitutes approximately 40% – 50% of the operational expenses of airlines in India.             “Average ATF price at major airports in India is significantly higher than prices in other hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, London, Abu Dhabi             “India’s airlines are extremely sensitive to the price of ATF as it adversely affects the viability of air transport operations in the country.             “Expert agency commissioned by MoCA to study the ATF market attribute following reasons for high ATF prices: §         High taxation regime particularly ad valorem VAT levied by States (ranges from 20% to 30% for most states) §         Lack of effective competition in the ATF market in India- Oil Marketing PSUs maintain ownership of and control access to this infrastructure,             “Expert report has recommended a slew of reforms to promote competition and bring in transparency and these include: §         Bringing ATF under “Declared goods” category that attract uniform lower rate of VAT §         Switch  to specific rate of duty instead of ad valorem taxation of ATF §         Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to bring ATF under Petroleum &Natural Gas Regulatory Board’s regulatory scope by notifying the product so that PNGRB could take action to protect user/consumer interest. §         All ATF related infrastructure outside airports viz: pipelines as well as connecting and intermediate storage infrastructure will have to be regulated by the PNGRB to enable open access to all ATF suppliers within the ATF market Service Tax on Air Travel             “India amongst few countries in the world that levy service tax on air tickets. Levying of this tax has hampered recovery of air traffic growth and profitability in Indian aviation industry.             “Service tax during the financial year 2012-13 on transport of passenger by air has been increased 4 times and now the service tax is levied upon 40% of gross ticket value (earlier it used to be service tax on 10% of gross ticket value or Rs.100 per journey whichever is lower for domestic passengers travelling by any class and 10% of gross ticket value or Rs.500 per journey whichever is lower).             “This changeover to ad-valorem rate of taxation without having any maximum cap is a retrograde step particularly at a time when we are advocating specific lower rate of duty for VAT on ATF by the States.             “The above increase in the service tax would make the air travel costlier. A 10% rise in the price reduces the demand for domestic air traffic travel by about 12% as per the price elasticity of demand calculations. This would definitely spell more trouble for the airline companies which are already reeling under tremendous stress due to existing unviable operating environment.             “I have requested Hon’ble Finance Minister to revert back to the earlier rate of service tax on domestic as well as international tickets”.