New research linking smoking to genetics is misleading

Bangalore 30th April, 2010: Referring to a new research published in a scientific journal that links smoking addiction to genetics, Healis - Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health, an anti-tobacco advocacy group, said that misinterpretation of such studies would only undermine a smoker’s will power to quit the habit as they will now find an easy alibi in genetic pre-disposition.

The three studies published in the journal Nature Genetics compared the DNA of a total of more than 140,000 people and reportedly discovered the desire to give up smoking is linked to genetics than willpower. The research links two genes with nicotine dependence and two others that regulate nicotine metabolism in the body. But a close scrutiny of the research reveals that there was only one specific significant genetic difference, that smokers with one particular gene smoke a half a cigarette per day more.

According to the full text of one of the studies, "For smoking cessation, one SNP achieved genome-wide significance: rs3025343 [G] was associated with former
smoking status (OR = 1.12, 95% c.i. 1.08-1.18) and accounted for 0.19% of the variance in smoking cessation." If one were to read it correctly that’s 0.19 or a less than 1% variance among successful quitters. Even if it is a typo and the paper meant to say 19%, shouldn't the headline have read that "Genetics found to play a minor role in successful quitting"? Even if the gene explains 19% variance that means 81% who have the rs3025343 [G] gene was able to quit smoking.

Dr. Vidya Salaskar, a genetic specialist from Metropolis Healthcare limited was of the opinion “As cigarettes have nicotine, over a prolonged period of time, the nicotine can affect your genes. Parents with a smoking history may pass these genes to their children, who might be more prone to smoking than others. This fact is noticed in tribal areas where smoking in different forms is a common practice. But for the average individual, smoking is a socio-psychological phenomenon, like peer pressure, fashion trends etc. Genes play a minor role in their ability to quite. By blaming genes, it only gives the smokers another reason for not quitting.”

Buttressing his point further, Dr Gupta states that while genes provide the basis of human behavior, without certain environmental impacts, these pre-dispositions will remain untouched. In India and elsewhere in the world, outside factors such as tobacco companies advertisement as well as parents has a greater influence on children and youth in taking up the habit. In some cases, the first cigarette is provided by friends in colleges indicating the importance of peer pressure. In other cases, smoking parents have a greater role in their children’s initiation into smoking.


About Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health:

Healis - Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health is an organization dedicated to improving public health in India and other developing countries. Established on August 1, 2004 it is a leader in quality research in India. It conducts research specific to India’s unique social and cultural settings to help assess the health situation and to help guide health services and programs. It co-hosted the 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health in collaboration with agencies of high repute during March 8-12, 2009. It has also played an instrumental role in fostering advocacy development and has actively engaged the media on health related issues. Healis works in collaboration with leading National and International Health and Research organizations.

For further information pls contact
Vivek Kangath
Public Relations Executive
Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd
No 117, 2nd Floor, 18th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore -560008,
Mob: 9986548890 (Blr) ,Mob: 9961171331 (Kerala)
Direct: +91-80-41254166, Board: +91-80-41263035, Fax: +91-80-41254166
Email: vivek@bluelotuspr.com / kangath@gmail.com
Web: www.bluelotuspr.com
Blog: www.bangalorepressreleases.blogspot.com

Bajaj Allianz launches Invest Plus Premier – an easy to buy traditional plan

 Offers Guaranteed Investment Return (GIR) for each financial year
 Continuation of cover after payment of atleast 3 annual premiums
 Loyalty Addition from 11th Policy year onwards
 Minimum premium as low as Rs.6000/-

Kochi 21 April 2010: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, one of the leading private life insurance companies in India has launched Invest Plus Premier– a traditional plan that offers Guaranteed Investment Return. The highlight of the product is the ease of buying this product in five simple steps. Available in a kit form, the policy can be bought by – selecting the cover and rider, fill the proposal form, pay the premium by modes like cash, cheque, DD or credit card, SMS the kit number to activate the kit, handover to agent.

Some of the other unique feature of Invest Plus Premier is that it offers guaranteed benefits like minimum Guaranteed Maturity Value (GMV) and Guaranteed Investment Return (GIR). The Guaranteed Investment Return (GIR) is declared at the beginning of each financial year itself during the policy term and for the current financial year 2010-11, it is 7.05%. The plan also offers 3 simple to purchase Kit options viz. Rs. 6000, Rs. 8000 and Rs. 10,000 being the premium amount. The premium amount is as low as Rs. 6000 so as to make it affordable to a large section of the society. There is Loyalty Addition from 11th policy year onwards and refund of up to 75% of Life Insurance Risk Premium at maturity. The minimum GMV is equivalent to the total regular premiums paid till maturity date. Loyalty addition from 11th policy year shall enhance the accrued maturity value by an amount equivalent to 10% of each Net Premium paid.

Launching the product, PG Suresh Kumar, Senior Divisional Manager, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, said, “Customer insights had revealed that they prefer an easy-to- understand and easy-to-buy life insurance policy. With Invest Plus Premier, we have incorporated these features besides offering “certain” benefits in these uncertain times.”

Invest Plus Premier offers flexibilities by which a customer can administer the policy as per their own needs and gets the policy instantly. There is also an option to choose sum assured of 10, 15 or 20 times the annualized premium. Life Insurance cover continues, even if the customers fail to pay regular premiums after payment of at least three annual premiums. Option to pay additional premium at anytime and up to 117% credit on additional premium further boosts the maturity benefit. The death benefit is the sum assured and the accrued maturity value under the policy.

Key Benefits of Invest Plus Premier Policy

• Get 7.05% Guaranteed Investment Returns for the FY 2010-11
• 10% of each net premium added as Loyalty Additions from the 11th Policy year
• Refund of 75% of the cost of Life Insurance cover at maturity
• Get an option to pay Additional Premiums to enhance your savings
• Get upto 117% credit on Additional Premiums paid
• Choice of additional rider cover as per your requirement
• Life Insurance cover continues, even if you fail to pay your regular premiums post 3 annual premium payments

About Bajaj Allianz

Bajaj Allianz is one of the leading Private Sector life & general insurance companies in India. Bajaj Allianz is a union between Allianz SE, the world’s leading insurer and Bajaj Finserv Limited (recently demerged from Bajaj Auto Limited, one of India’s most respected names). Allianz SE is a leading insurance conglomerate globally and one of the largest asset managers in the world, managing assets worth over a Trillion Euros (over Rs. 55, 00,000 crores). At Bajaj Allianz, customer delight is our guiding principle. Ensuring world class solutions by offering you customized products with transparent benefits supported by the best technology is our business philosophy. Bajaj Allianz began its operations in 2001 and today has a pan-India presence with over with offices and presence in over 1100+ towns in the country. The companies have been constantly expanding its operations to be close to their customers.

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance has developed insurance solutions that cater to every segment and age-income profiles. Currently Bajaj Allianz has a strong product portfolio of over 30 flexible products and caters to all kinds of customer needs from ULIPs to Child plans, from group insurance to health insurance.


For Further Information:

Vivek Kangath
Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd
Mob: 9986548890 (Blr) ,Mob: 9961171331 (Kerala)
Direct: +91-80-41254166, Board: +91-80-41263035, Fax: +91-80-41254166
Email: vivek@bluelotuspr.com / kangath@gmail.com
Web: www.bluelotuspr.com
Blog: www.bangalorepressreleases.blogspot.com

Blue Lotus gears up service capability

Seasoned veterans added to Bangalore, Mumbai offices

Bangalore: Blue Lotus Communications Pvt Ltd, one of the fastest growing public relations agencies in India, announced the appointment of two seasoned public relations professionals Jerald David and Dhananjay Kulkarni to scale up the firm’s networking operations in the Western and Southern zones.

Jerald, arguably one of the most experienced PR professionals in the industry with over 3 decades of experience in public and media relations will bolster the media relations capabilities of Blue Lotus in the Western region. Dhananjay with 14 years of media relations experience will head the Southern media relations team covering Karnataka,Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.

Commenting on the two new appointments, N. Chandramouli, CEO Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd, says “We’ve ridden the challenging economic conditions with ease due to our nimble approach and knowledge centric servicing. Since the start of the year we have continued steady expansion with new appointments at senior levels. Jerry and Dhananjay will add to delivery strength of Blue Lotus.”

Jerald has the experience of handling complex media relation tasks having handled a basket of reputed clients such as Godrej consumer, Godrej properties, HDIL, IDBI Bank, Cathay Pacific Airways, Birla Sunlife Insurance, AMC, Shinsei Bank of Japan among others. He enjoys excellent rapport with senior media professionals across the board and has worked with agencies like Concept PR, Percept and Pressman Ltd.

Dhananjay Kulkarni, based out of Bangalore, has experience in journalism, corporate communications and public relations, and consequently has deep understanding of the media. He has handled clients that include Fuji Films, Reebok India, LG Electronics, Spice Telecom, Shoppers Stop, ISCKON (Akshaya Patra Project), Air India, Ashok Leyland, Diageo India Pvt Ltd, Coca-Cola among others. His repertoire of expertise includes holding Crisis Management workshops for the clients, conducting media workshops for the clients and preparing media plans.

Before joining Blue Lotus Communications, Dhananjay was the Media Head (Southern Region) with Perfect Relations and Senior Manager (Media Relations and Client Servicing) at Mutual Image. He also worked as a reporter-sub-editor for the leading Kannada daily Prajavani and as sub-editor /reporter for the Kannada daily Samyukta Karnataka.

About BlueLotus Communications Consultancy

BlueLotus Communications is a seven-year agency that started in October 2002. With humble beginnings as a two-person agency, the agency has grown to a size of more than 115 consultants, 9 offices and 3 profitable business lines in this very short time-span. The other businesses of the group include a design boutique called Mustard Designs and Blue Bytes, an Information Logistics service.

BlueLotus Communications has specializations in Healthcare, Technology, and Finance. The agency's impressive array of clients includes Sharekhan, Dun& Bradstreet, Bharatmatrimony.com, KEIP, Nasscom Foundation and Yash Birla Group among others

For any further information, contact:

Vivek Kangath
Public Relations Executive
Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd
No 117, 2nd Floor, 18th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore -560008,
Mob: 9986548890 (Blr) ,Mob: 9961171331 (Kerala)
Direct: +91-80-41254166, Board: +91-80-41263035, Fax: +91-80-41254166
Email: vivek@bluelotuspr.com / kangath@gmail.com
Web: www.bluelotuspr.com
Blog: www.bangalorepressreleases.blogspot.com

BharatMatrimony launches AbilityMatrimony.com Free Matrimony Site for People with Special Needs

Bangalore: On the 13th Anniversary celebrations, BharatMatrimony announced the launch of AbilityMatrimony.com, an exclusive matrimony service for people with special needs.

AbilityMatrimony.com aspires to connect its differently-abled members on a common platform. Those willing to marry them are also welcome to become a member and avail the services.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Murugavel Janakiraman Founder & CEO BharatMatrimony said, “BharatMatrimony.com is a socially responsible corporate committed to making marriages happen for all sections of society through its services. We believe that by having an exclusive free service for people with special needs, more people will join and avail the services.”

CK Ranganathan, CMD, CavinKare Pvt. Ltd. said “I am delighted to see Bharatmatrimony.com has recognized the need for a special site for the differently-abled people. I wish more people of normal capability demonstrate inclusiveness by marrying the differently abled persons. I am happy to see Bharatmatrimony is standing tall by going beyond commercial benefit and rise to the need of the social cause.”

T.A.P. Varadakutti, State President of Tamilnadu Association for the Welfare of The Physically Handicapped says “I am glad BharatMatrimony is launching AbilityMatrimony.com an exclusive website for free matrimonial services to the differently abled. It shows --BharatMatrimony recognises the need for equal and full participation of the differently abled in social life. This move will definitely change the attitudinal barriers of the society against the social rights of the differently abled persons. It is in consonance with the Un Convention on the Rights of persons with disabilities (UNCRPD) to which our India was among the first countries who ratified the convention in Oct 2007 to promote respect for their inherent dignity and empower them in mainstreaming and making them as an integral part of the SOCIETY. The move by BharatMatrimony is the first step by any private players in the country after the UNCRPD convention. Thanks and best wishes.”

About BharatMatrimony.com
BharatMatrimony.com world’s first & largest matrimonial website pioneered the concept of online matchmaking since 1997 and continues to be the indomitable leader in the matrimony space. The company has created a strong foothold in the matrimony category through its innovative features and technological advancements. Today, ‘matrimony’ as a word is synonymous with BharatMatrimony and it has become a place for people serious about seeking a life partner.

BharatMatrimony.com has earned the trust of more than 20 million members worldwide and has been recognized by Limca Book of Records, the Indian equivalent of Guinness Book of records, for record number of documented marriages online. The company has been profiled in NASSCOM's Showcase of Innovation Book 2006 & 2007; the book showcases the top 100 IT innovators in our country. BharatMatrimony pioneered and recently launched EliteMatrimony.com - an exclusive matrimony website for the super-rich, celebrities, royalty and the who's who of society. For more information, log on to www.bharatmatrimony.com

Consim Info Pvt. Ltd (Formerly known as BharatMatrimony) has been recognized for the prestigious Deloitte award ‘Fast 500 Asia Pacific 2009’ & ‘fastest growing 50 technology companies in India’ in 2008. Also Consim recently bagged 2 awards with Red Herring - Red Herring Global 100 Award & Red Herring 100 Asia Award.

For further information pls contact

Vivek Kangath
Public Relations Executive
Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd
No 117, 2nd Floor, 18th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore -560008,
Mob: 9986548890 (Blr) ,Mob: 9961171331 (Kerala)
Direct: +91-80-41254166, Board: +91-80-41263035, Fax: +91-80-41254166
Email: vivek@bluelotuspr.com / kangath@gmail.com
Web: www.bluelotuspr.com
Blog: www.bangalorepressreleases.blogspot.com

PEN YOUR IMAGINATION WITH NEW OLYMPUS PEN EPL-1 CAMERA

Bangalore April 16th, 2010: Olympus has launched its latest offering, the Olympus PEN (EPL-1) in Bangalore today. Designed to be portable and easy-to-use, the device sports technology normally found in the most complex, high-definition professional cameras. The Olympus PEN is a sleek and compact camera which comes with sophisticated features like new ‘Live view monitor’ and advance ‘Art Filters’. The simple design and easy interface enables consumers to easily create amazing images never dreamt, possible. With a dramatic reduction in size, the camera looks like a pen and provides creative satisfaction with high quality SLR-style photography.

Inspired by the concepts of new Micro Four Third System standard, the new Pen series is equipped with features like interchangeable lenses, the new Live Guide and one-touch HD video. Users can now easily record HD movies with the help of an easy-to-reach red ‘direct button’ that is placed on the back of the camera body. To deliver a great user experience, the PEN EPL-1 features six, in-camera Art filters, including a new filter called Gentle Sepia. The device has a built-in pop-up flash that makes it easy to illuminate low-light subjects, reduce red eye, and fill in dark areas.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Shinso Ikeda, Senior Manager (Asia Distribution Area) Olympus Imaging Corporation, said “At Olympus we trust evolving technology to be at the forefront. PEN E-PL1 is one of its kind and we take immense pleasure in presenting it. The product has created a stir worldwide and we know that the Indian photo enthusiast will equally appreciate it. We believe in innovation which can add value to our customer’s experience thus every product we launch is perfection in itself and proves our tagline – ‘Your Vision Our Future’“

Mr. Naoto Orihara, Manager (SLR Product Planning Department) Olympus Imaging Corporation, said -“Olympus PEN EPL-1 is an avant-garde product. Olympus always comes up with technologies which appeal to different segments of customers. The PEN category has been introduced for customers who aspire to get superior quality camera but don’t go for SLR for various reasons like weight and cost. PEN EPL-1 will cater to them and help them deliver outstanding high-quality images. It’s easy to use and functions like built in image stabilization and dust reduction system is best for the Indian conditions. “

Mr. Kinya Yoshimura, General Manager India Operations, India commented “India is a big market for new technology and we are really excited to bring PEN to India. The PEN EPL-1 is light weight SLR quality camera with easy functions. It is a totally consumer-friendly, multimedia package featuring high-quality interchangeable lenses, built-in pop-up flash and in-camera creative features. It will definitely interest Indian consumers.”

The PEN EPL-1 Priced at Rs.29,999 ( with 14-42 mm Lens) now will also be available at Photo Speed Company the all new Olympus exclusive store launched at Sampige Road, Malleshwaram, Bangalore along with all Olympus exclusive stores in Mumbai and Delhi and all major retail chains across the country.
With the new PEN EPL-1 Olympus Imaging Corporation is all set to allure aspiring photography enthusiast. A choice of white, champagne gold and black body colors are also being offered to suit a broader range of customer preferences.
Other Features of the PEN ( EPL1)

• 4/3-inch, 12.3-megapixel high-speed Live MOS image sensor and TruePic V image processing engine for high-quality, SLR-class imaging
• Large, easy-to-operate controls with a high degree of customizability
• i-ENHENCE Picture mode for clear imaging with a heightened sense of realism
• In-camera image stabilization that supports a wide range of lenses
• One-touch Enlarge button for easy detail confirmation in Live View
• Wide-area AF for easier framing and focusing
• Multi-exposure function with simultaneous LCD monitor display
• Supports high-quality VF-2 Live Viewfinder and SEMA-1 Stereo Microphone Set
• Choice of 4 aspect ratios to suit users' creative objectives and display format preferences
• HDMI output for high-quality image and movie playback
• Multi-Mix Slideshow playback with background music
• e-Portrait function for smooth rendering of skin texture
• MF Assist function for manual focusing with auto image magnification
• High-precision 324-zone evaluative metering system
• Proven dust reduction system for worry-free lens changes
• Continuous-tracking AF that locks onto subject and tracks movement in the frame
• Shadow Adjustment Control function for balanced exposure of foreground subjects and background scenery
• Gradation Auto to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows
• New image browsing and organizing software [ib]

About Olympus Corporation

Olympus Corporation was established on October 12, 1919 in Japan and enjoys a reputation for excellence in digital cameras. Olympus first met this aspiration in 1934 with the development of camera lenses. In 2003, the company changed its name from Olympus to Olympus Corporation to unify the corporate name and the well-known brand. In recent years, Olympus Corporation has focused on "Opto-Digital Technology" as its core competence to maximize corporate value and to become one of the top optical instruments manufactures. Olympus has been present in India since 2005 with their full range of cameras. It has been continually revamping its brand building strategy in India. In the last one year, the service network too witnessed a major growth.

Website: www.olympus-imaging.co.in

For any further information, contact:

Vivek Kangath
Public Relations Executive
Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd
No 117, 2nd Floor, 18th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore -560008,
Mob: 9986548890 (Blr) ,Mob: 9961171331 (Kerala)
Direct: +91-80-41254166, Board: +91-80-41263035, Fax: +91-80-41254166
Email: vivek@bluelotuspr.com / kangath@gmail.com
Web: www.bluelotuspr.com
Blog: www.bangalorepressreleases.blogspot.com

SMERA launches Green Rating

Bangalore, 12 April 2010: Reduction in GHGs emission and energy conservation is the new mantra to reduce the adverse effect of global warming. Considering the rapid climatic changes experienced globally in the recent past, various Government initiatives are underway to reduce the carbon emission in the atmosphere.

One such initiative “Green Rating” was launched by the SME Rating Agency of India Ltd-(SMERA), recently, during a function arranged to celebrate SIDBI’s 20th Foundation Day. Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Padma Vibhushan Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the first Green Rating Certificate to M/s Ultimate Alloys - Coimbatore.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Finance Minister stated that “The launching of “Green Ratings” by SIDBI, through its Associate – SME Rating Agency of India (SMERA), is truly an innovative initiative to sensitize MSMEs on the importance of becoming environmentally friendly and energy efficient. We all know about the adverse impact of global warming and climate change. MSMEs – owing to their sheer size and number, can be a positive catalyst in our battle against climate change. I would urge all the Banks and Financial Institutions to encourage their MSME clients to go in for Green Ratings”

Shri R M Malla, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI, stated that “Green Ratings from SMERA would enable SIDBI and other lenders to offer preferential interest rate to well rated SMERA Green units there by promoting investment in clean and energy efficient technologies in MSMEs

SIDBI has also launched a pilot scheme wherein units obtaining SMERA-Green Rating 1 & 2 would be eligible for interest rate concession of 50 bps and units obtaining rating of SMERA-Green Rating 3 would be eligible for interest rate concession of 25 bps.

Mr. Parag Patki, CEO, SMERA, mentioned that “SMERA has kick started this initiative in the steel sector and will continue its journey in assigning Green Ratings to newer sectors that are energy intensive. He further added that the rating process will be utilized as a tool to sensitize the Micro and Small enterprises in the country on the risk associated in continuing with their existing processes and technologies and importance of adopting energy efficient technologies from changing environmental compliance as well as energy efficiency perspective”.

SMERA’s-Green Rating is an independent, third party comprehensive measure of units’ sensitivity towards environment and the affirmative action adopted by the unit to reduce energy consumption and emission. The rating methodology would include submission of data by the applicant followed by the site visit and interaction with management. The final rating assessment is undertaken by a committee comprising of external experts and on its finalization, the rating will be disseminated to the applicant.

The SMERA-Green Rating is on a scale of 1-5, wherein “SMERA-Green Rating 1” is the top most rating denoting the unit’s efficient usage of energy with minimal emission of GHG and adoption of processes to control air, water, and land pollution. “SMERA-Green Rating 5” indicates lowest grade on scale of 1-5 with the unit’s inefficient usage of energy due to its existing processes and technology causing severe damage to the environment.

About SMERA:
SME Rating Agency of India Limited (SMERA), is a joint initiative of Small Industries Development Bank of India, Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Pvt Ltd. and leading public and private sector banks, which is presently offering enterprise ratings to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Ratings of Microfinance Institutions, Gradings of Greenfield & Brownfield Projects and Educational Institutions.

SMERA has completed ratings of over 6500 MSMEs since inception. SMERA has also signed MOUs with more than 26 banks and lending institutions.
====================================================
For Further Information:

Vivek Kangath
Public Relations Executive
Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd
No 117, 2nd Floor, 18th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore -560008,
Mob: 9986548890 (Blr) ,Mob: 9961171331 (Kerala)
Direct: +91-80-41254166, Board: +91-80-41263035, Fax: +91-80-41254166
Email: vivek@bluelotuspr.com / kangath@gmail.com
Web: www.bluelotuspr.com
Blog: www.bangalorepressreleases.blogspot.com

The world is waiting for India to lead and not to be led: Mr. Itzik Amiel, Director International Business Development, ANT Group

Bangalore, April 8, 2010: Dun & Bradstreet, the world's leading provider of global business information, knowledge and insight and InACT in association with ANT Trust & Corporate Services, organized a conference on CFO Series 2010: Growth Strategies, Challenges and Compliance.

For several decades, D&B Learning Solutions have been serving the business community with innovative, high quality, comprehensive training, conferences and education programs. The objective of the CFO series is to facilitate the exchange of information between the heads of finance in different corporates and provide a platform where CFOs/ Director - Finance / Treasurers of corporates update themselves on the latest market changes in India and abroad.

This conference focused on M&A as a strategy for growth, IFRS Convergence - It’s importance & Government Regulations, technology as an enabler for Compliance and Growth Management Regulatory Perspective, International structures - the use of holding, finance and hybrid entities; tax, legal and finance aspects and the use of international escrow in cross-border deals.
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Itzik Amiel, Director International Business Development, ANT Group said, “Indian companies should come up and acquire the international companies rather than the latter doing so. The solution to this is very simple; only through preparation and adequate knowledge about the structure, one can move ahead to the international level. The world is waiting for India to lead and not to be led.”
Mr. Sanjeev Bafna, Director-InACT and Group CFO, SVL Group said, “An economy like India is fast growing and inorganic growth is going to be a significant contributor to the growth of the company. Indian companies will now do more M&A’s outside India which will benefit them and add to their revenues.”
Speaking at the conference, Mr Muthu Ranganathan, Director-EPM, Global Centre of Excellence, SAP India said, “It is a great platform for CFO’s to share their knowledge which helps in understanding what other companies have done and implementing the same. A CFO’s role is much beyond a financial controller. The performance management has always been a top priority for any CFO. There are three areas of additive value for finance, which are – process efficiency, functional productivity and consolidated views of all the business that a CFO manages.
Mr. Shrenik Baid, Executive Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers said- “This is the right time for this kind of event. It has given a better clarity after the announcement of the IFRS rules & regulations which should be followed by a chain of strategies to be made & implemented at the same time, which is not easy”.



About Dun & Bradstreet (D&B):
Dun & Bradstreet (NYSE:DNB), the world's leading source of global business information, knowledge and insight, has been enabling companies to Decide with Confidence® for 167 years. D&B's global commercial database contains more than 155 million business records. The database is enhanced by D&B's proprietary DUNSRight® Quality Process, which transforms the enormous amount of data collected daily into decision-ready insight. Through the D&B Worldwide Network – an unrivaled alliance of D&B and leading business information providers around the world – customers gain access to the world's largest and highest quality global commercial business information database.
Customers use D&B Risk Management Solutions to mitigate risk, increase cash flow and drive increased profitability, D&B Sales & Marketing Solutions to analyze markets, locate prospects and increase revenue from new and existing customers; D&B Export Marketing Solutions to gain significant insight into overseas markets and increase sales; D&B Financial Education Solutions to facilitate professional growth and excellence among their executives and D&B Economic Analysis Group to derive pragmatic and solution-oriented analyses of strategic economic and business developments, thereby aiding informed decision making.
D&B features on FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Companies Industry List, ranking first in the Financial Data Services category. D&B ranked first in the areas of employee talent, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of management and use of corporate assets. D&B has achieved this distinction for the fourth consecutive year.

Bloomberg study on beedi and cigarette taxation in India

A recent study ‘Economics of tobacco and tobacco taxation’ conducted by a team of experts and funded by the Bloomberg Global Initiative to Reduce Tobacco that suggests that increasing taxes on beedis is the most effective way to reduce tobacco consumption, save lives and earn substantially higher revenues.

Quoting the findings of the research paper, Dr Prakash C Gupta, Director,
Healis-Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health, informed that the recommendations include increasing taxes on beedis from Rs 14 to Rs 98 per 1,000 beedis that
will increase the government revenue by Rs 36.9 billion while
curbing 15.5 million premature deaths due to beedi smoking. The report points out that by 2020 tobacco will be responsible for 13% of all deaths in India and estimates that without any intervention, more than 38.4 million beedi smokers and 13.2 million cigarette smokers are likely to die prematurely due to smoking.

Further, the study recommends a five-point strategy to curtail tobacco consumption by increasing taxes on beedis and cigarettes, regulating beedi production and simplifying the current complex tax system. In one of its recommendations, the report states that eliminating the small producer exemption or limiting it to truly small companies, prohibiting the sale of unbranded beedis, and mandated reporting of beedi tobacco sales and purchases will ensure higher tax compliance. Increasing taxes on cigarettes to 78% of retail price will avert 3.4 million premature tobacco-related deaths, while increasing Rs 146.3 billion in additional revenues each year. In addition, simplifying the tax system by reducing differential taxes across products will help convey a clear message that all tobacco products are harmful. Regular adjustments of tobacco taxes to account for inflation would help ensure high relative prices across tobacco products.

Dr Prakash C Gupta said, “The recommendations made in the study should be considered while evaluating tobacco taxation in India. Raising taxes on cigarettes and beedis would curb the premature death of millions of people in India while generating billions of dollars in additional tax revenues.” Further, Dr Gupta said beedis account for more than half of the tobacco consumed in the country with an estimated 100 million people - mostly the poor and illiterate – smoking beedis. More Indians die from smoking beedis than from all other forms of tobacco combined – Indians smoke eight times as many bidis as cigarettes. He further stated that beedi smoking increases the risk of oral cancer, cancer of the lung, stomach and oesophagus, heart disease, chronic lung disease, asthma and tuberculosis. Beedi smoke has proven A carcinogens, toxins and poisonous substances. While there are various campaigns and awareness drives against cigarette smoking, no one seems to be mentioning beedis, which is the biggest killer.

Pointing out that the beedi consumption is high in northern India Mr Gupta says, “India accounts for more than 85 per cent of the world's beedi production. Our country produces about trillion beedis every year. Beedis are more harmful than cigarettes because they go out more often than cigarettes and are filled with small amounts of low-grade tobacco. Beedi smoke contains high levels of tobacco specific nitrosamines - the two most potent cancer causing agents. It is high time the government took beedi smoking seriously.”

About Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health:
Healis - Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health is an organization dedicated to improving public health in India and other developing countries. Established on August 1, 2004 it is a leader in quality research in India. It conducts research specific to India’s unique social and cultural settings to help assess the health situation and to help guide health services and programs. It co-hosted the 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health in collaboration with agencies of high repute during March 8-12, 2009. It has also played an instrumental role in fostering advocacy development and has actively engaged the media on health related issues. Healis works in collaboration with leading National and International Health and Research organizations.

For more information please contact:

Vivek Kangath
Public Relations Executive
Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd
No 117, 2nd Floor, 18th Main, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore -560008,
Mob: 9986548890 (Blr) ,Mob: 9961171331 (Kerala)
Direct: +91-80-41254166, Board: +91-80-41263035, Fax: +91-80-41254166
Email: vivek@bluelotuspr.com / kangath@gmail.com
Web: www.bluelotuspr.com
Blog: www.bangalorepressreleases.blogspot.com