2010-Aug-31 - Companies in India

2010-Jul-19 - Real Estate in India

2010-May-28 - Booming Business Sectors in India

The information technology IT spend in India is expected to touch US$ 67 billion in 2010, an increase of 14.1 per cent from 2009, according to the research firm Gartner Inc. By 2013, the IT market in India is expected to grow 11 per cent from 2009-levels. The growth will be driven by IT services, telecommunications, software and computing hardware. The domestic IT services sector, at US$ 6.1 billion, accounted for more than 10 per cent of the overall domestic information, communication and technology (ICT) market in India in 2009. It is expected to witness the strongest growth at 17.6 per cent among the four sectors.

The Indian government’s focus on infrastructure projects with IT dimensions will be a strong driver for overall IT growth within the country, according to Aman Munglani, principal research analyst, Gartner Inc. He also added that the growth of India's Information Technology sector has been driven largely by domestic consumption, with the Indian PC market expected to grow 19 per cent in 2010 and by more than 21 per cent in 2011.

India is among the top four markets in Asia-Pacific, both in size and in its growth prospects for the next five years. The Indian IT security market is forecast to grow more than 20 per cent in 2010. Indian telecommunications services market revenue will reach US$ 41.4 billion in 2013, growing 7 per cent from 2009 to 2013.India’s Telecom sector will grow at a decent rate over long term, said Peter Elston, Strategist at Aberdeen Asset Management. He added that India's penetration rate although has been growing very strongly.

Fast and moving consumer goods (FMCG) majors, Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting (WCCL) and Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) are scripting new strategies to sustain growth momentum in competitive markets encouraged by the fourth quarter results. Wipro Consumer Care has kickstarted operations at its new manufacturing facility in Himachal Pradesh and the FMCG firm has invested around Rs 70 crore to set up this manufacturing unit which is now operational. Godrej Consumer Products, part of the Rs 12,000-crore Godrej Group, is chalking out a three-pronged strategy. It will lay stress on rural initiatives, extension of manufacturing facilities and hike in advertisement budget this fiscal.  (Apr 28 – for conversion)

India's premier electricity museum, CLP Electrodrome, has been inaugurated at the Science City in Ahmedabad by Gujarat Chief Minister, mr Narendra Modi. A joint initiative of the state department of science and technology, Gujarat Science City and CLP the largest foreign investor in the Indian power sector CLP Electrodrome is the state-of-the-art and highly interactive museum of electricity.

Jajati Patro is a well-known Journalist, who collects and interprets data on the web for the global E-seva. These days he is working on Global Information Technology

2010-May-27 - Science and Technology and updates from IT and Telecom

The Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) will be established in about two month’s time in New Delhi, it has been stated by T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the German Parliamentary Secretary after the 8th Indo-German Committee on Science and Technology.  It has been announced by the German President Horst Koehler that 2011-12 will be a German-Indian year that will showcase German politics, culture, art and science and technology.

India’s high status in the field of science and technology research came in for mention at the India Eco Summit where the panelists discussed whether the country had the potential to become a science and technology innovation hub in the near future. The Australian and Indian governments have jointly launched a US$ 100 million science and technology collaboration project that touches on the importance of green science and technology in tackling challenges in water, energy, health and environment.

The Indian telecom sector has added 170 million phone connections in 2009, taking the total subscriber base to 550 million. At present, the Indian telecom market is the fastest growing in the world with the lowest tariffs and market leaders in the Indian telecom sector. The Indian Telecom Analysis (2008-2012) report by RNCOS Industry Research Solutions shows that mobile telecom segment has surpassed all other segments in the Indian telecom sector. Meanwhile the view has been expressed that a considerable degree of consolidation is due to take place in the telecom sector with the end of the tariff war among players in the Indian telecom sector. In the mean time, a big player in the Indian telecom sector, Bharti Airtel, continues to work to make its presence in the African telecom sector with its pursuit of Kuwaiti telecom company, Zain.

In other updates, a international telecom company, Quippo Telecom Infrastructure and Wireless TT Info Services has acquired the tower business of telecom company, Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd. Simply North America accounts for nearly 60 per cent of India's information technology export basket and top-tier information technology companies such as Infosys, Wipro and HCL Technologies appear to be aggressively ramping up their delivery capabilities in the region. While the information technology company Infosys Technologies has bought McCamish Systems based in Georgia, HCL Technologies has completed the acquisition and of a data centre in New Jersey.

Meanwhile the information technology (IT) and  and ITeS Industry Association of AP has estimated a 20 per cent increase in exports from Andhra Pradesh in the next financial year. In other developments, California-based information technology company NComputing is looking at Tier II and III cities of Uttar Pradesh for growth. Information technology exports from the state of Gujarat are expected to grow by 15-20 per cent in the financial year end 2009-10, according to Ravi Saxena, principal secretary, Department, of Science and Technology (DST), Government of Gujarat (GoG).

Jajati Patro is a well-known Journalist, who collects and interprets data on the web for the global E-seva. These days he is working on Global Information Technology

2010-May-26 - Information Technology

North America accounts for nearly 60 per cent of India's IT export basket. Coinciding with a turnaround in business sentiments in its largest market, top-tier IT companies such as Infosys, Wipro and HCL Technologies appear to be aggressively ramping up North America-based delivery capabilities. While Infosys Technologies has bought McCamish Systems based in Atlanta, Georgia, HCL Technologies has completed the acquisition and upgradation of a data centre in Parsippany, New Jersey. Additionally, Cognizant has announced the expansion of two of its delivery centers in Phoenix (Arizona) and more recently in Toronto, Canada.

Forrester recently predicted that the US tech market will start to recover from downturn in the fourth quarter of 2009, and that the global tech market will follow suit next year.

Recent Developments

• HCL Technologies' New Jersey centre enables delivery of data centre services, including near-shore co-location solutions, business continuity planning, cloud computing and mainframe management.
• For Cognizant, the operational expansion of Phoenix delivery centre was primarily to add BPO services to the existing roster of application development, application maintenance, testing and related services. It will hire over 100 full-time professionals at the Phoenix delivery centre over 12 months and take the overall headcount at that centre to over 400.
• India’s fifth-largest IT Company, HCL Technologies has announced a five-year deal with media conglomerate News Corp for managing its data centres and IT across UK newspapers like The Times, the Sun and The Sunday Times.
• IBM India with regional headquarters in Bangalore and offices in 14 cities, including regional offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, plans to scale up its business process outsourcing (BPO) operations in the country and would recruit 5,000 people to support the expansion. IBM India has recently bagged contracts in services sector from domestic companies such as state-run Telecommunications Consultants India Limited, Sardar Bhiladwala Pardi People's Cooperative Bank in Gujarat and Madhav Nagrik Sahakari Cooperative Bank in Rajasthan
• Digicable, a major cable and broadband distribution player in India, has signed a 10-year strategic outsourcing agreement with IBM at an initial outlay of Rs 380 crore (US$ 83 million). This is one of the most significant deals signed by a media and entertainment company in India.
• Walmart has selected three IT vendors in India—Infosys Technologies , Cognizant Technology Solutions and UST Global—for multi-year contracts worth over US$ 600 million (around Rs 2,750 crore). This development is expected to boost the IT outsourcing landscape in India, given that Walmart typically prefers to develop its retail applications in-house.
• Chip maker Intel has launched a concept version of 48 core Intel processor—‘Single-chip Cloud Computer (SCC), an experimental prototype designed as a concept vehicle for parallel software research. A team of about 15 engineers from its lab in Bangalore contributed in terms of circuit/physical design of the IA (Intel architecture) core, memory controller logic and mesh interconnect network.
• As part of its Corporate Service Corps (CSC) programme, IBM has joined hands with Tribal Development Department of Gujarat for a development project aimed at upliftment of tribals in Sasan area of Gir forest. IBM will help the government department scout appropriate private sector partner for setting up a theme resort at Sasan.
• In a move to strengthen its capabilities in business analytics and optimization segment of the IT industry, the US$ 104-billion IBM Corporation has announced the creation of a new Business Analytics Centre of Competency in Bangalore. The proposed Bangalore centre will also support IBM’s network of global Business Analytics Solutions Centres in Berlin, Beijing, New York and Tokyo, soon to be joined by Washington DC and London.
• IBM unveiled the Lotus Center for Advanced Collaboration (LCAC), at the IBM Software Lab in Pune. Positioned as a regional hub for Lotus Advanced collaboration strategy and solutions, the centre, the only one of its kind in Asia-Pacific, will host dedicated technical expertise to help customers and partners adopt collaboration technology in their environment.

2010-May-25 - The Indian telecom sector – moving into 2010

2009-Dec-29 - India Growing In Information Technology,Healthcare And Real Estate Sector.

2009-Dec-2 - Fast Moving Consumer Goods

Driven by the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and apparel segments, the Indian retail  market which is currently estimated to be around US$ 350 billion is expected to witness growth by nine per cent annually touching US$ 521 billion by 2012. Bharti Retail President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vinod Sawhny, speaking during an industry event, said, "FMCG and apparel sectors contribute the maximum to the growth of the retail market in India." He added, "FMCG in particular has a huge potential to grow... and this will ensure a growth rate of nine per cent year-on-year for the retail sector, which is likely to touch US$ 521 billion by 2012."

Meanwhile, retail companies in India are seeing their margins from FMCG companies go up from 14-15 per cent to 17-19 per cent as they compete for shelf space with retailers’ private labels. Some FMCG companies say that as retailers acquire scale, they also deliver supply chain efficiency      and organized scale. The Indian food market, which at US$ 182 billion accounts for about two thirds of the total Indian retail market, has seen the entry of Yum! Restaurants which announced it will invest up to US$ 150 million (about Rs 700 crore) in India where it will compete with companies in India such as Nirulas and Haldiram in the country's organized food and beverage retail sector.

In a recent development that is seen as the global emergence of the Indian FMCG  sector, the consumer care and lighting division of Wipro announced its acquisition of the Yardley business in Asia, Middle East, Australasia and certain African markets for US$ 45.5 million from the United Kingdom-based Lornamead Group. Meanwhile the IT division of Wipro, Wipro Technologies, joined some large IT companies in India, including Tata Consulting Services (TCS) and Infosys, in beating estimates for the second quarter of the year 2009. IT companies in India are also seeing the return of big deals with HCL Technologies, Wipro, and Infosys bagging significant deals so far in 2009.

The company’s information technology arm, Wipro Technologies, meanwhile saw its second quarter profits rise 19 per cent to Rs1,162 crore, beating analysts’ estimates. This increase in profits for the company come on the back of significant overseas deal wins and improved demand for services in the United States. Indian information technology companies, Infosys and TCS also posted strong second quarter results and forecast higher growth. In the sphere of (informational technology enabled services) ITeS, Infosys BPO has acquired the US company McCamish for an upfront consideration of US$38 million.

India’s top-ranking status in the field of basic research came in for mention at the India Eco Summit held recently, where the panelists discussed whether, and how, India could become an innovation hub in the near future, given India’s strengths in science and technology and research and development. The governments of Australia and India have launched a US$ 100 million collaboration project on science and technology including green technology to combat the challenges in water, energy, health and environment as a result of climate change.

2009-Aug-21 - Indian retail to see better days with revival in economy

2009-Jul-9 - Consumer spending in India on the rise

2009-Jul-2 - Indians looking forward to improving economic performances

2009-Jun-16 - Indian Economy and Auto Industry

Market trends in April 2009 are indicative of the tilt of the consumers towards newer products, thanks to the government’s stimulus efforts and policies. The segment has, in fact, witnessed sales of almost 100,000 cars in April 2009, according to research information provided by industry body, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam). Incidentally, the variety now available due to the deluge of foreign direct investments into the sector by global majors such as Honda, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Ford, establishing businesses in India, is offering a lot of attraction to the buyers. No wonder, Jnaneswar Sen, marketing V-P for Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), is upbeat about the demand for Rs 700,000-Jazz.

"The car will give a brand as well as a value proposition to customers. The idea is to create an all-new category." With more than 70 per cent localisation of the cars currently, it is expected that these cars shall be produced indigenously in hubs located across the country.

We may also see Nanos helping Tata Motors to attain the second largest auto manufacturer position in the country edging out Hyundai. Industry experts feel that prospective two-wheelers buyers may end up leaning towards the Nano.

The luxury market players,  Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, Volkswagen with its Polo and Jetta models  and Honda—which sells its Civic model in the upper end—are all tapping many Indian millionaires, whose number has also risen parallely.

2009-Apr-8 - Satisfactory outcome at G-20 summit.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was back from the G-20 summit held at London recently with a smile.  The outcome has been satisfactory, he said. President Obama, in his meeting with the PM, had credited Dr Singh with India’s growing financial stature in the world economy. Obama described the PM as a "wise and marvellous" man at an individual conference. President Obama even hailed India's "high stature" because it had "unleashed economic forces" and said a lot of it had to do with "the wisdom of Dr Singh".

Dr Singh’s efforts along with the other leaders at improving the economic climate seem to be paying off. According to Dr Singh, India too had provided a fiscal stimulus of about four percent of its GDP ie., approx. Rs 1,20,000 crore in 2008-09. This will help the country's growth rate to reach a little less than seven per cent, comparatively higher than most other economies. "We hope to be able to achieve a similar growth rate in 2009-10, with continuing reliance on monetary and fiscal policy.  Active contra-cyclical policy must be a priority item on our agenda and global markets are looking to see if we are united on this issue," he said.

The agenda at the summit concluded with pumping of US$ 1.1 trillion into International Monetary Fund for providing stimulus for the revival of world business, removal of protectionist measures raids on tax havens and strengthening the global financial system through supervision.

Dr Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to the said agenda and promised that more free trade agreements would be arrived at with countries. This would facilitate setting up of businesses in India and thereby improve the foreign direct investment flows. Recent industry research by IDC too reveals the growing optimism of Indian Chief Information Officers (CIOs) on bucking the economic slowdown and rejuvenating the economy earlier than anticipated.

2009-Mar-29 - Indian Economy after the third stimulus package: key sectors and their performance.

After the announcement of the fiscal stimulus packages, the first of which was unveiled in December 2008, the Indian economy has started recovering. Changes in government policy with regard to foreign direct investment, among others, have changed the economic climate. Cabinet secretary K M Chandrashekhar said "I think we are seeing the first clear signs of a turnaround. The spending on flagship and infrastructure programmes and steady hikes in MSPs for wheat and rice seem to have kept the economy afloat, driving demand," he said.

Industry research reveals the following sector trends:

Cement: According to industry resources, the cement sector has grown 9.97 per cent in December 2008 as compared to November and the year on year increase is 11 per cent. Cement and steel are seen as key drivers and with the construction sector, and have a significant impact on the growth sentiment.

Automobiles: According to industry research, in January 2009, the passenger vehicles sector showed a 32 per cent rise over December 2008 whereas the increase for commercial vehicles is 23 per cent over a similar time frame. The sector has been attracting investments, especially foreign direct investment from companies such as Mercedes Benz.

FMCGs: The trends in this sector reveal that the sector has been recording growth. There is a record growth in year on year terms at 26.4 per cent for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, according to a top bureaucrat.

2008-Dec-31 - Indian business and economy after the Mumbai attacks.

The terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 may have unsettled corporate India, but only temporarily. In the face of adversity, corporate India stood united to overcome this crisis, and emerge stronger, determined to ensure that the attacks did not vitiate the economic climate, and that the economy does not unduly suffer because of the attacks. As information about the attacks in India spread, there were concerns regarding investment, especially foreign direct investment into India which could be adversely affected. As more people sought information on India from various industry resources and bodies, corporate India spoke in one voice to say that they would do everything within their capacity to ensure that the economic climate remained stable, and positive. India Brand Equity Foundation, a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and the Confederation of Indian Industry, has been showcasing the commitment of corporate leaders through news articles that captured their sentiment and belief.

Their belief in the economy was echoed by foreign investors too. On November 26, 2008, the Finance Ministry stated that the government has approved 32 foreign direct investment proposals, while Indo-Arab trade (excluding oil trade), which stood at $30 billion in 2006-07, is expected to touch the US$ 100 billion mark in the next two-four years.  According to industry resources, India witnessed a 36 per cent rise in investments during the July-September 2008 period and the investments continue to rise. Industry research revealed that the industry was confident of sustained growth in the Indian economy, especially with regard to foreign direct investment.  The Confederation of Indian Industry said, “The GDP figures reaffirm our belief that the Indian economy remains resilient in the face of headwinds.”

Given the measures undertaken by the government to boost the economy, the firm resolve displayed by corporate India to ensure the economic climate remained positive, India is poised to attract greater investments, especially foreign direct investment in the coming years.

2008-Jun-13 - Business Opportunities in India: 5 Key Sectors.

It’s official ! India is happening. With an economy growing at the rate of 9 per cent, business opportunities in India are increasing more than ever before. So much, so that Investors around the world are making a beeline for doing business in India. The FDI Confidence Index 2007 by A T Kearney shows India as second most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment.

Obviously, opening up of the market in the beginning of the nineties is paying dividends. Higher income generated at the bottom of the pyramid has fuelled the high octane growth of business opportunities in India across all sectors.

Lion’s share of the business opportunities in India exists in the knowledge intensive industries like, Information Technology. Its enormous talent pool available at a reasonably low cost helps India to edge out the competition. According to a NASSCOM-Deloitte study, this sector has contributed 5.2 per cent of India’s GDP in 2007.

Some other sectors that offer maximum business opportunities in India are:

Telecom: Five leading telecom companies in the world have already invested large amounts to cash in the business opportunities in India’s telecom market. The sheer population of India reflects the growth potential of the segment.

Oil and Gas: With a 25-50 per cent lower capital cost alongside the strategic location on the route of Middle East crude for East Asian and Pacific-rim markets India is fast emerging as the global hub for oil refining.

Infrastructure: Growing at a rate of 8.6 per cent (2006-7), this segment offers tremendous business opportunities in India.

Retail: India tops the AT Kearney's annual Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) for the third consecutive year, maintaining its position as the most attractive market for retail investment.

Apart from the above, huge business opportunities in India lie the sectors like, financial services, healthcare and real estate.

In the post reforms period, setting up a business in India, is not a worry at all. The elimination of license raj has been able to cut off bureaucratic red tape to much extent. The liberal regime has shaped up an investor friendly economic climate over the years.