Its been 4 years since I have been to my home town and it was finally today that I could travel to the place where I spent my beautiful childhood. My home town, Alleppey in Kerala. Yes for most of you who do not know me yet and surprised to hear it being my home town, it indeed is my hometown. My dad was born and brought up there and so am I. Its common for fellow Malayalees to be surprised to hear me talk Gujurati, Kutchi and Malayalam at the same time. Its been happening me with ever since I first interacted in all these languages in their presense.
Or it maybe my surname that brings this thought about. And I am very much comfortable and used to it.
As I travel back to my childhood in my thoughts while travelling from Panvel to Alleppey in the Happa Express, there are so many of things that are coming my way. Truly, childhood and college are the best times of your life. And I am unfortunate not to live the later life as I had other responsibilites on my shoulder and opted for distance education.
I am eager to see how much my town has changed or if at all there are any changes from my last visit.
Looking forward to keep my blog posted with events from my visit on a daily basis.
It came to me as a surprise! It was SpiceJet and not Kingfisher that got the nod first to import Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) among all the airlines in India. This will enable Spicejet to substantially lower its operational costs which is an estimated saving of approximately 10 per cent.
Another surprise was that it will be the Reliance Industries Ltd which is likely to import jet fuel for SpiceJet, being the only private oil marketing company that has presence in many airports across the country.
I am wondering what happened to Kingfisher. Given its dire situation it is in today, it should have been an ideal candidate for the nod. Am sure there is some logic to this situation but unclear to me.
SpiceJet will run a pilot to evaluate the whole process to check its economic viability.
Kutch, by far is the largest district in India. Kutch literally means something which intermittently becomes wet and dry and it is called so because large area of Kutch is shallow wetland which submerges into water during rainy season, and is known as Rann of Kutch. The Rann is famous for the salt flats which become snow white after the rain water dries up.
Sunset from the Train – on the way to Bhuj via TrainBanni Lands
In Kutch is also my ancestor’s village. Unfortunately, I visited this beautiful place for the first time after I was 22 years old. I never grew up here but this is a place I am so fond of and I never miss a visit at least once in a year if not twice. The villages in Kutch are really awesome to be in and stay over. Life is here is very much laid back unlike Mumbai where it is too fast and one strong reason why I love to spend my vacations there.
When I saw this news, I was surprised at first and then when I read more about, I felt proud.
Two India’s youngest companies which made it big found their names into this prestigious list prepared by FastCompany. Redbus.in and Narayana Hrudayalaya.
“Narayana Hrudayalaya is Walmart meets Mother Teresa” is what FastCompany has to say about the hospital run by Doctor couple in India.
Read more in detail about Narayana Hrudayalaya on Fast Company’s website.
Organizing the scattered Bus travel industry in India takes Redbus.in to this list. A sorely missed alternative after success of IRCTC’s online railway reservation, Redbus.in managed to pull off what can be easily termed as a “mamoth’s task”.
Last year, another Indian company was featured by FastCompany was Shaadi.com. This is certainly a prospective proposition for other Indian comapnies to do things, differently.
After I had mentioned on my blog earlier about Starbucks coming to India, yesterday it was announced that the iconic coffee chain will be opening 50 retail outlets by the end of this year. If memory serves me right, its been more than 6 years since Starbucks started thinking of putting up their chain in India. Nonetheless, its time has come. I am more than eager to see what they have to offer. The partners this time they have are already experienced in the coffee joint business in India, the Tatas (Barista).
Tata Starbucks Ltd., a joint venture (50:50) between Tata Global Beverages Ltd. and Starbucks, will own and operate the coffee chain and would be branded as Starbucks Coffee -A Tata Alliance. Starbucks is a global leader in coffee chain business, with close to 17,000 outlets. I am not still sure about the business model that will be followed, but this influx will certainly pump up competition for enterprenurs for a franchisee of Starbucks in India. Tata will also be selling its brand of coffee named ‘Tata Tazo’ as retail via these outlets.
What needs to be seen is how this changes things for the current market leader, Cafe Coffee Day, the branded coffee chain of Amalgamated Coffee Bean Company. Its also been romured that US based coffee chain, Dunkin Donuts is coming to Indian shores as well.
Tatas are well set to bring a fresh change for Tata Global Bevergaes. Go go go…
Often when elections near, you get some cheer! Here, have some beer!
Beginning Wednesday, the price of petrol will fall in Delhi by Rs 2.22 a litre and by Rs 2.34 a litre in Mumbai.
It is not very clear from all explanations we have got why this price dip now? The Minister of State for Petroleum RPN Singh states that the dip is in line with the crude oil prices and not a political decision. Ever since de-control of petroleum prices, this is the first time ever all three PSU petroleum marketing companies have reduced prices. I still have my own reasons to believe that it is not the prices; it’s the votes that have forced the dip.
While last time around, the oil marketing companies had asked the media not to go by the international crude oil prices but see Indian crude baskets. The minister vehemently defended saying Oil companies have turned up to the media and have made it public that they will not make any profits. Pressure from all corners, including its strong ally, forced government to take this step.
According to a report by a leading Indian News channel, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Petroleum sells most of its refined petroleum products out of India, which means its products, are exported rather than used for the domestic consumption. I am not sure about the authenticity of this news report, but if it is any true, I need to understand why?
Globally, crude oil prices have gone up to 110$ per barrel from 80$ per barrel last year. At the same time, Rupee has depreciated against $ to reach Rs. 50 per US Dollar. This hike is caused by reduction of crude oil supply from Libya and other factors. The linked excel sheet will give you a prospective about how the Crude Oil prices have fluctuated.
Now with decontrol is in place, we have to get used to see frequent changes in prices which will reflect (according to Ministry and Oil companies) true value of a one liter of petrol that goes into your vehicle.
Psychological Factor for our domestic market is any hike in fuel prices will in turn inflate prices of all essential commodities. Irrespective of the fact that hike might only be affecting Petrol. We all know that India’s transport sector relies on Diesel for transportation and any rise in petrol should never affect the prices for this sector. But eventually it does. Something I do not understand is how we can allow this to happen when diesel is still subsidized and we, the tax payers pay for it.
So finally, after receiving so much of the positive news at the Auto shows, Jaguar has decided to the build the incredibly sexy C-X75 Super Car. This time, in association with Williams F1.
The following is the press release from Williams F1.
Jaguar can today confirm that it will launch the remarkable C-X75 concept car as an exclusive hybrid supercar.
Jaguar C-X75 will become the British marque’s most advanced model to date. It will offer performance on a par with the fastest production cars on the market, while adopting cutting-edge technology that offers remarkably economical running. Jaguar expects this hybrid supercar to deliver incredibly low CO2 emissions of less than 99g/km while being able to achieve in excess of 200mph.
“People expect Jaguar to be innovators – that is when Jaguar is at its best,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director. “The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car.”
Project C-X75 will be the ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering innovation. This high-performance hybrid supercar will stay true to the initial concept design study that made its debut at the 2010 Paris motor show, while fulfilling requirements that allow it to be homologated for road use.
Jaguar C-X75
“This will be the finest looking and most innovative Jaguar ever produced. Even in the world of supercars, we can still produce the most beautiful” said Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars.
In an unprecedented move, Jaguar C-X75 will be developed in association with Williams F1 who will provide their engineering expertise in areas including aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies. This association will be at the leading edge of British automotive engineering and innovation.
It also marks a new milestone in both company’s histories as Jaguar Land Rover and Williams F1 collaborate for the first time to produce one of the world’s highest performance and environmentally sustainable super cars. A direct technology transfer between elite motorsport and road-going production cars is key to C-X75’s success.
Aiding the transition from concept to production vehicle is the choice of powertrain. Jaguar continues to develop the use of the micro-turbine technology that was showcased in the original concept C-X75. Jaguar’s parent company Tata has taken a significant stake in Bladon Jets, and will develop this very advanced technology as a medium-term aspiration that will play a part in Jaguars of the future.
When C-X75’s motors and combustion engine combine, it will be one of the fastest production cars in the world, with a sub-three second 0-60mph time and a top speed in excess of 200mph. Crucially, this performance will be generated alongside incredibly low emissions, with a target of less than 99g/km CO2, thanks to Project C-X75’s lightweight construction and cutting-edge powertrain technology.
“Our new association with Jaguar Land Rover provides us with an exciting opportunity to work with one of the motoring world’s most famous and iconic brands,” said Sir Frank Williams, Co-Founder and Team Principal of Williams F1. “Williams has always considered itself an engineering company and so this project will allow us to combine our technical expertise to create something truly exceptional.”
Only 250 examples will be built, each costing between £700,000 – £900,000 depending on market and local taxes.
“Never before has the company launched such an ambitious, world-beating vehicle programme,” said Carl-Peter Forster, CEO Tata Motors. “This is the Jaguar of the future. The opportunity for innovation like this in the UK is part of the reason Tata Motors invested in Jaguar, and it’s fantastic that products like the C-X75 can become reality.”
What makes Jaguar C-X75 such an attractive prospect for the future of Automobiles.
Jaguar to launch C-X75 as a hybrid super car
Mixes internal combustion power with electric motors to achieve supercar performance and less than 99g/km CO2 emissions
Downsized highly boosted petrol engine with two powerful electric motors and four-wheel-drive
0-60mph in less than 3 seconds
0-100mph in less than 6 seconds
Top speed in excess of 200mph
All-electric running range in excess of 50km
True-to-concept, lightweight, all carbon-fibre chassis
Groundbreaking association with Williams F1 – built in the UK
Direct technology transfer from top-level Motorsport
Prices from £700,000 depending on local market and taxes
Exclusive limited volume hybrid supercar – only 250 will be built
Mahindra launched the much anticipated their own version of Renault Logan that company produced in a JV with the French company. What this means is a better version suited for Indian conditions. The chassis and engine remains the same however there are a few cosmetic changes on the exterior and interior. Remember that Mahindra has experience in re-badging other products and selling across India, most notable is the Jeep design.
As it was published earlier, Mahindra had disagreements with the French company about the cars characteristics which the French company refused to change which led to the break up. Mahindra also had a bad experience with Ford, when the later in partnership with Mahindra launced the Escort in India.
Logan Verito
Now equipped with several rugged and sporty styling elements, the car looks a bit different and sporty. The time bound Logan features will remain.
Mahindra Press release states that:
On the performance front, the Verito retains all the strengths of the Logan. The new Verito offers the sameRenault drive train with the option of a 1.5 DCi CRDi diesel engine or 1.4 MPFI petrol engine. Equipped withthis, the Verito offers an amazing 21.03 KMPL fuel efficiency (diesel mileage as per ARAI). The Verito remainsthe broadest car in its segment, offering unmatched cabin space. It also boasts of a spacious seating capacityand a boot space which is one of the largest, with 510 litre capacity
The competition might just hot up when Tata launches their Indigo CS with their 25kmpl C4 engine. Lets hope the Logan gets its due, at least its Indian version.
This is something I would have least expected from Tata Motors. Misleading customers.
If you carefully look at the image attached in the bigger font, they have written “Petrol Prices making you take the train?” and says out loud that at 25 kmpl, the Indica eV2 shown on the left is India’s most fuel efficient car.
When you closely look at the fine print at the bottom, its written that “ARAI Certified fuel efficiency of 25kmpl for the CR4 diesel engine“. If the Fuel Efficiency is 25kmpl for a Diesel engine, then why blare out and talk about Petrol?
Tata Motors campaign at Vashi station
This is nothing but a drive to make people think and go to Tata Motors. They should correct this at the earliest and make the amendments.
This one is an interesting photoshop edit that I had come across today. Directly aimed at the frustration of Indian consumers, the Onions are bringing tears to every one without peeling off even a single layer of its charmed skin.
Onions are made for ever – This came as a Mail Forward
The humble King Onion has become a strong political pot-boiler of late thanks to its price of over Rs. 70 per Kilogram. Now this image classically displays that how costly the Onions have become. Onions are a must for more than 80% of dishes in India and Indians simply just need Onions with their Food. The last time I remember Onions reaching this price levels were in 1998. You have to believe that, many a times the poor often only have Chapati, Onions with salt as Lunch and Dinner. Hence, price of Onions matter to Indians so much more.
The news came in that Petrol prices are also going northwards, with Rs. 2.53 increase in petrol prices per litre by mid night of 16th January. This will surely add a lot up to the pressure a common man is going through.
Onions, on the other hand can be very bad for health. As “Keep Write” writes, Onions can be hazardous too and many a times can even cause Food Poisoning. A recommended read.
The Coffee retail gaint Starbucks is now coming to Indian shores with in next seven months. This is a news for many who flock to the coffee joints like CCD and Barista for two sips of coffee. So now we have the best brand representing coffee in India. The “tea loving” Indians have been turning to Coffee as more youth preferring Coffee to Tea. Consumption of Coffee in India has more than doubled for past decade.
Starbucks have also signed an agreement with Tata Coffee to source beans and explore opening stores, the companies said in a statement yesterday. The first Starbucks store in India will open in about seven months as said by the company management on a leading Business Television network. The stock of Tata Coffee has hit a had its biggest Intraday gain in last 17 months.
Narain on his twitterverse said that he is “Back in F1 in 2011. Signed a deal to race for HRT. I’ve always maintained that my time in F1 was not over and now making good on that promise”
F1 has been springing come backs after Micheal Schumacher made one last year.
This is a news that I was expecting very much since Bernie Ecclestone was so much pressing for an Indian on the grid during the inaugural Indian Grand Prix this year. Bernie also landed a seat for Karun Chandok, son of Vicky Chandok who ruled early Indian Motorsports, in HRT for 2010. However the youngster couldn’t compete in every race thanks for a financial backing crunch with his sponsors. Why Bernie was not keen on having a Korean on the grid where for the first time last year a F1 race was held is every one’s guess? F1 is surely going places in Asia and with a superb Singapore Night race, its all going to get more and more exiting for sure and by a great measure.
Fascination of fast food in India is ever growing and am sure almost every one who will be visiting my blog would have had some day or other ordered a Pizza at least once in their lives. Except my mom, coz I always had ordered it for her :P.
Having said that, there are many who live now only to eat pizza and just go mad and crazy when they are offered a piece. With so many toppings and different layer crust available today, I just went online to search of the most loved Pizza topping in India. I havent found anything thats Veg and hence I wont include that here.
I swear by Dominos when it comes to Pizza and like their Veg Extravaganza and Deluxe Vegie the most. Golder Corn, exotic Black Olives, crunchy Onion, [crisp Capsicum, succulent Mashroom, juicy fresh Tomatoes – that i don’t like and remove it from the pizza :P)] and Jalapeño wit extra cheese to go all around.
For me an ideal topping list for a Pizza is as follows.
Panner (Cottage Cheese) with Black olives, Double Extra Cheese, Golden Corn, Onions, baked Beans, Jalapeño, all on one platter of pizza which has a cheese crust.
Addition: I had forgot to mention, lots of Oregano
What is that you would like to have? What is your Favorite Pizza Topping?
