BPL sets CTV sales record this festival season - consolidates No.1 position

BPL Ltd has clocked the highest sale among CTV Brands this festive season, with 2,40,000 units in October-November 2001. The Company also recorded the highest ever CTV sales in the industry, by a single in a single month, with 1,30,000 units in November 2001. This represents a 70% growth over November 2000 last year. The Company's expected market share in the month of November 2001 is close to 20%. According to Ajay Baijal, COO - Entertainment Electronics Business Group, BPL Ltd, "BPL's superior product features and quality, the most comprehensive range of CTVs, introduction of several innovative models and the aggressive 'Entertainment Dhamaka' festival offer are the key factors behind this performance". The Company is well on its way to cross sales of One Million Colour TVs for the 3rd year in a row this fiscal and aims for a market share of 20%+ by the end of the year, thus consolidating its undisputed leadership in Colour TVs.

Wockhardt's Biovac-B becomes India's 1st WHO GMP certified Hepatitis-B vaccine

Wockhardt Ltd has announced today (December 5, 2001) that its mega brand BIOVAC-B has become India's first WHO GMP (World Health Organisation - Good Manufacturing Practises) approved Hepatitis-B vaccine in the country for both its bulk and formulation facilities. Breaking this news, Wockhardt's Chairman Mr. Habil Khokariwala said, "Both of our bulk and formulation facilities in Aurangabad have received WHO GMP certification. It opens a window of great opportunity, with Biovac-B being eligible for Government tenders. This assumes greater significance in view of the expected inclusion of Hepatitis-B vaccine in the essential immunisation programme by the Government of India to eliminate this dreaded disease. The certification reinforces our commitment of maintaining consistent quality standards as per stringent international norms." Since its launch in early 2000, Biovac-B has been well accepted by the medical community. Biovac-B became the Pharma industry's No. 1 New Product to be launched in the year 2000. So far, more than 3 million Indians have been vaccinated with the product through hundreds of mass awareness and immunization programmes conducted by Wockhardt. A recent example is the country's largest immunization camp, which was held in Jammu & Kashmir, where over 5 lakh people were vaccinated. With two successful biotech products Biovac-B and Epox in the Indian Market, Wockhardt has in its pipeline several other recombinant bio-pharmaceuticals including Human Insulin (used in controlling diabetes) and Interferon alpha-2b (in cancer management). The company has plans to launch one new biotech product each year for the next few years.

GTL denies buy-back plans

With reference to statements made in a certain website regarding rumors that the Company is expected to announce a buy-back of shares over the next couple of days, GTL Ltd, in a communication issued to the BSE, has categorically denied the rumors and has further clarified that it has no plans of announcing a buy-back at this time.

Technology leadership combined with customer-centricity is mantra for success at Infosys

Infosys Technologies Ltd has today (December 5, 2001) elaborated on its mantra of combining technology leadership with customer-centricity for continued leadership in the IT Consulting & Software Services Space. With an increasing number of companies relying on the technology to transform their businesses, Infosys will continue to leverage domain expertise in key technology areas for sustained growth. Setting the IT giant's focus in context, S Gopalakrishnan, Deputy Managing Director and Head - Technology and Customer Service, Infosys Technologies said " In today's constantly changing economic environment, technology applied in the business context is a key driver for success. India has become an important player in the ever-growing global outsourcing market but the next challenge is for Indian Companies to successfully prove that they have a thorough understanding of the business context of IT as well as expertise in the latest technologies." Commenting on the changing landscape of the IT industry, Phaneesh Murthy, Member of the Board, Infosys Technologies said, "Infosys, due to its technology expertise and continuing investments into building competencies in new and emerging areas is today in a position to help companies transform their entire businesses effectively using these technologies. As a Company, we have leveraged our intellectual capital and have moved towards engagements that align business with Technology." Showcasing integral parts of its technology expertise, Infosys indicated web services and wireless as key focus areas for the coming months. Anchoring these initiatives will be Infosys' SETLabs and the Mobility Research Group, respectively. The ability of wireless technologies to provide real time solutions at low cost, any-time, any-where, has ensured sustained interest in this space. Infosys develops wireless technologies in partnership with Companies like Nortel, invests in building domain knowledge and competencies in emerging wireless technologies and applications, as well as helps Fortune 1000 transform their business through the use of custom wireless solutions.

HLL board to consider transfer of seeds business to its subsidiary

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL) is scheduled to be held on December 12, 2001 to consider a proposal to transfer the Company's undertaking engaged in the Seeds business to its subsidiary Paras Extra Growth Seeds Ltd (formerly named as Grand Food and Catering Consultants Ltd) at such consideration and with effect from such date as the Board of Directors of the Company may determine. If approved, the Company will take steps to seek approval from members pursuant to Section 293(1) (a) read with Section 192A of the Companies Act, 1956 and Companies (Passing of Resolution by Postal Ballot) Rules 2001 through a postal ballot to give effect to the proposal. The seeds business with an annual estimated turnover of Rs 950 million is engaged in the production, marketing and distribution of a variety of hybrid seeds of cotton, maize, jowar, vegetables, etc. In the new globalised environment, the seeds business requires a continuous infusion of contemporary international technology and knowhow. Since Unilever is no longer in seeds research, HLL's seeds business has no access to latest international technologies like biotechnology. In the circumstances, in order to secure the long term future of the Seeds business, it is necessary to ensure uninterrupted flow of technology and knowhow from a technology partner under a technology collaboration agreement or a JV agreement. The Company is in the process of identifying an appropriate technology partner and discussions are believed to be in advanced stage. Pending this, the Company proposes to transfer the seeds business undertaking on a "Going Concern" basis to its subsidiary Paras Extra Growth Seeds Ltd. This is expected to enable the Company to segregate the seed business which is currently operating as a Division of HLL into a separate legal entity and thereby allow it to induct suitable parties who may add value to the Seeds business through technology/knowhow, marketing and product development as joint venture partners and thereby secure the long term future of their business and the future and well being of the employees and trade associates connected with the business.

Satyam Computer clarifies on news item

With reference to the news article captioned "Satyam in talks with AOL, SingTel to sell Sify stake" Satyam Computer Services Ltd has informed BSE that the news item is a speculative story and the said release has not been issued by the Company. However, the Company has clarified that it has decided to explore opportunities for divestment and divest its stake in SIFY, in whole or in part.

Soni Infosys completes E-Governance Project in West Bengal

Soni Infosys Ltd has informed BSE that the company has successfully completed E-Governance Project for Backward Classes Welfare Dept., Govt. of West Bengal relating to the Development and implementation of Integrated Information System Software.

German Remedies launches Mirena in India

German Remedies Ltd has announced today (December 5, 2001) the launching of "Mirena" which is the most significant advance in reversible contraception since the invention of the pill. Mirena comes from Schering, a Company that offers a wide range of contraceptives worldwide. Mirena is a small intra-uterine hormonal system, which is fitted in the uterus by a gynacecologist. Once fitted, it is a effective for five years giving a level of contraceptive cover that is more effective than the female sterilisation. Mirena can be removed at any stage and fertilityand would return within one month. This contraceptive is particularly tartgeted at mothers who have decided not to have any more children for the time being. It also offers women a safe, reliable and fully reversible alternative to sterilisation. T also makes menstrual periods lighter, shorter and less painful. The device works by releasing a minute dose of a progesterone-type harmone levonorgestrel into the uterus. Since the hormone is released directly into the uterine cavity, the blood level of the hormone is lower than with any other hormone method of contraception. An added benefit of Mirena is that it reduces the menstrual blood flow - a real bonus for women as they get older and often experience heavier periods. For many women after the first six months of using Mirena, the menstruation can be as short as one day a month. For some women menstruation can completely disappear once they have been using Mirena for a few months.

TV-18 Board to consider preferential allotment, hike in foreign investment limit

In a communication issued to BSE, Television Eighteen India Ltd has informed that the meeting of the board of directors will be held on December 7, 2001 to discuss the following business: 1. To consider the preferential allotment of shares to Promoters and their Associates. 2. To consider the increase of investment by FII's, OCB's and NRI's upto 49% of the issued capital 3. Any other matter with the permission of the Chairman.

Alliance Capital Mutual Funds holds 5.03% stake in Digital GlobalSoft

In a communication issued to the BSE, Digital GlobalSoft Ltd has informed that Alliance Capital Mutual Fund has intimated the Company vide their letter dated December 4 that they hold in aggregate 1,646,711 equity shares ie 5.03 per cent of the paid up equity share capital of Digital GlobalSoft Ltd.

SunAmerica selects Infosys to transform core policy systems

Infosys Technologies Ltd has announced that SunAmerica, a financial services company specializing in retirement savings, has contracted Infosys to help transform their legacy policy administration system to a new web-based thin client J2EE compliant architecture. These systems will improve policy administration processes for SunAmerica. The contract was awarded to Infosys after carefully reviewing its technical capabilities amongst several other strong competitive vendors. Infosys will help SunAmerica in redesigning the output management systems and provide a state-of-the-art MQ Series and JMS-based Enterprise Application Integration solution. These systems use advanced printing tools and an exemplary hub-and-spokes messaging architecture. "Infosys was an obvious choice for us given its technical capabilities, strength in offering quality software and the flexibility of its business model," commented Randall Epright, vice president and chief information officer of SunAmercia Inc. "SunAmercia has a large internal IT staff and works with several offsite/onshore consultants, so this win is especially important for Infosys as it is proof of the effectiveness of our business model, which offers customers IT consulting and implementation services on highly competitive terms," said Srinath Batni, board member & regional head of delivery for Infosys. "The competition for this assignment was very tough, with many vendors initially contacted by SunAmerica. Infosys won this project based on our knowledge of the insurance business and our commitment to deliver on time and within budget," said Basab Pradhan, Infosys vice president and regional manager.

Nestle India announces interim dividend of Rs 10 per share

Nestle India Ltd has informed BSE the board of directors of the company, at their meeting held on Wednesday has declared a second interim dividend of Rs 10 per equity share for the year 2001. The second interim dividend of Rs 10 per equity share is proposed to be paid on/ from 20th December, 2001.

SSI & University of Madras to offer certified programs in Information Technology

SSI Ltd has announced on Wednesday that the company has entered into an agreement with University of Madras by which students enrolled in SSI's IMPACT and SMARTSTART courses would be certified by the University's Internet Community College. The Internet Community College has been established by the Center for Research on New International Economic Order (CReNIEO) and the Department of Adult and Continuing Education for offering socially relevant, career oriented IT programs. Under the agreement, students completing SMARTSTART would obtain the 'Certified Professional in Application Programming'. IMPACT students would be awarded 'Certified Professional in Application Software Development' at the completion of the first year and a 'Certified Professional in Advanced Application Software Development' at the completion of the second year. SMARTSTART is a six-month foundation course for developers. IMPACT is a two-year career program covering core concepts in programming and software development. Students enrolling in these courses are also eligible for loans at attractive terms from the Union Bank of India. "We are proud to be associated with the University of Madras and delighted that they have recognized the quality and credibility of the SSI training system," says B G Menon, CEO, SSI Education. "This tie-up reinforces our commitment to provide high value, high quality educational programs to our students." The University of Madras, established in 1923, is one of the best known universities in India and offers programs at research, post graduate, graduate and certification levels in several disciplines, including Information Technology.

BSE imposes 25% special margin on 2 scrips

BSE has informed the members of the exchange that special margin in the under mentioned scrips has been imposed as mentioned alongside with effect from Wednesday. Special margins will be imposed on the basis of clientwise gross or sale position as indicated below: Code Scrip Name Group Sp.Mgr Per Share(%) (Pur) 31273 RADHE DEVELOPERS (INDIA) LTD B2 25 32274 SOFFIA SOFTWARE LTD B2 25

Munoth Hire Purchases members approve preferential issue at Rs 40 per share

Munoth Hire Purchases Ltd has informed BSE that at the extra-ordinary general meeting of the company, members have approved the issue of 0.50 million equity shares on preferential allotment basis at a price of Rs 40 per share.

IKF Software.com to acquire 100% stake in Interland Software Solns

IKF Software.com Ltd has informed BSE that the board of directors of the company has decided to purchase all the shares of M/s.Interland Software Solutions Ltd., (unlisted software development company at Hyderabad) and to make it as 100 per cent subsidiary of the company. Interland Software Solutions Ltd is an unlisted software development company at Hyderabad.

Telephoto Entertainments sells distribution rights of Mitr in India

Telephoto Entertainments Ltd has informed BSE that, the distribution rights for Indian territory for the English feature film Mitr - My Friend, produced by the company has been sold. The company is negotiating for the sale of Distribution rights for other territories excluding India.