Chennai-based ETL Infrastructure Services plans to invest Rs 800 crore in its hospitality business over the next three years. The firm that entered the hospitality business in 2007, has rechristened its ET Hospitality Services as Grand Luxe Hotels.
Grand Luxe Hotels will construct eight hotels in three years in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Two of these, a luxury hotel in Pudukottai and a business class hotel in Coimbatore, will be opened in September.
The company is renovating a 160-year-old palace in Pudukottai into a 34-room hotel at an investment of Rs 40 crore. The 120-room Coimbatore hotel is a seven lakh sq ft property which will also house a multiplex and a mall. The investment on this hotel is Rs 90 crore, S Thiagarajan, CEO of Grand Luxe Hotels, said. The Coimbatore hotel is also the company’s first ‘Signature’ business class property.
ETL has been in the industrial infrastructure space since 2004 and the company has an equity component of around Rs 600 crore. It has four million sq ft built-up area under operations as IT and textile special economic zones.
“We have bought a total of 100 acres in six sites in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka for the new hotels which we will complete in three years. Of the six properties, two will be 'Signature' business class ones and rest, palace hotels,” Thiagarajan said.
“ETL will fund the investment on the hotels from internal accruals as well as debt in a 1:1 ratio,” he said. Talking about the rebranding of the hospitality division, he said, “It is part of our effort to reposition the brand in terms of the grandeur and spacious luxury that palace hotels stand for.”
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Monday, May 03, 2010
Software exports from Tamil Nadu are expected to cross Rs 40,000 crore
Software exports from Tamil Nadu are expected to cross Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion) in 2009-10, Tamil Nadu Information Technology Minister Poongodhai informed the assembly.
The software exports in 2008-09 stood at Rs 36,680 crore (Rs 366.80 billion), she said. She said 69 new software companies had commenced their operations last year. According to a study, the growth of IT sector would be around 14 per cent and around $67 billion is expected to be invested in the country.
Taking into consideration this growth, the Tamil Nadu government would invest close to Rs 675 crore (Rs 6.75 billion) for setting up Information Technology Parks in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Salem and Hosur, she said.
The state government has modified the rules of providing space for IT companies, which hitherto was applicable only for those companies having a turnover of Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million).
Now even companies having Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) of turnover can invest in IT parks. A 'Information Security Policy' would soon be introduced to safeguard government websites, she said.
The software exports in 2008-09 stood at Rs 36,680 crore (Rs 366.80 billion), she said. She said 69 new software companies had commenced their operations last year. According to a study, the growth of IT sector would be around 14 per cent and around $67 billion is expected to be invested in the country.
Taking into consideration this growth, the Tamil Nadu government would invest close to Rs 675 crore (Rs 6.75 billion) for setting up Information Technology Parks in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Salem and Hosur, she said.
The state government has modified the rules of providing space for IT companies, which hitherto was applicable only for those companies having a turnover of Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million).
Now even companies having Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) of turnover can invest in IT parks. A 'Information Security Policy' would soon be introduced to safeguard government websites, she said.
Software engineer from Coimbatore found infected by H1N1
A new case of H1N1 influenza occurred in Coimbatore where an eight month old pregnant woman was tested positive for H1N1 virus.
Health department sources discovered that, the 29-year old woman, working in a Multi-national Company in Bangalore was being treated at a private clinic.
Sources said that this woman had gone to a place nearby Pollachi to meet her parents, where she caught swine flu and has now been admitted to a hospital few days ago. She visited her parent's house on April 24 and confirmed swine flu on April 30, tests have been conducted to find whether her husband had some similar symptoms or not. It has been proved that her parents are not affected by swine flu.
Sources said that Tami Flu tablets are given to this woman to improve her condition.
After 3 months, Coimbatore witnessed swine flu and now authorities have become more cautious to prevent the spread of any disease in view of the World Tamil Classical conference, scheduled from June 23.
Health department sources discovered that, the 29-year old woman, working in a Multi-national Company in Bangalore was being treated at a private clinic.
Sources said that this woman had gone to a place nearby Pollachi to meet her parents, where she caught swine flu and has now been admitted to a hospital few days ago. She visited her parent's house on April 24 and confirmed swine flu on April 30, tests have been conducted to find whether her husband had some similar symptoms or not. It has been proved that her parents are not affected by swine flu.
Sources said that Tami Flu tablets are given to this woman to improve her condition.
After 3 months, Coimbatore witnessed swine flu and now authorities have become more cautious to prevent the spread of any disease in view of the World Tamil Classical conference, scheduled from June 23.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
It's time to learn about Kotagiri
“Considering the fact the inflow of tourists to Ooty through Kotagiri has increased considerably in the last few years it is time the authorities concerned paid a little more attention to tapping the tourism potential of Kotagiri.”
This view has over the years gained ground not only among the residents but also many tourists. Underscoring the need to enhance awareness among the visitors about the places of interest in and around Kotagiri which was the oldest and third largest hill station in the Nilgiris, they pointed out that the Kodanad view point which was about 18 km from the town was one of the most enchanting spots in this part of the country. Among the other scenic and interesting places were the Catherine falls,Elk Falls and the Longwood Shola.
Climate
Not many are aware that Kotagiri has an edge over Ooty vis a vis climate and for long it has enjoyed a reputation of being a ‘pleasant hill station ideal for those who love a quiet life.'
Activities which go with the ethos of the place should be organised. Efforts should also be made to showcase the culture of local communities like the Badagas and Kotas.
This view has over the years gained ground not only among the residents but also many tourists. Underscoring the need to enhance awareness among the visitors about the places of interest in and around Kotagiri which was the oldest and third largest hill station in the Nilgiris, they pointed out that the Kodanad view point which was about 18 km from the town was one of the most enchanting spots in this part of the country. Among the other scenic and interesting places were the Catherine falls,Elk Falls and the Longwood Shola.
Climate
Not many are aware that Kotagiri has an edge over Ooty vis a vis climate and for long it has enjoyed a reputation of being a ‘pleasant hill station ideal for those who love a quiet life.'
Activities which go with the ethos of the place should be organised. Efforts should also be made to showcase the culture of local communities like the Badagas and Kotas.
Ooty Vegetable show 2010 - May 29 and 30.
From being just an open space in the middle of the town which was used and abused for many years, the Nehru Park in Kotagiri moved on to become a beautiful garden a few years ago and since 2008 it has been an ideal venue for a major vegetable show.
The 3rd Vegetable Show would be conducted on May 29 and 30, the Assistant Director of Horticulture N.Mani, told The Hindu that elaborate arrangements are underway for the event which has come to be acknowledged as the biggest annual tourist attraction.
Enthusiasm
With the enthusiasm being displayed by the local community in organising the show increasing every year the 2010 show will bid fair to be more spectacular than the earlier ones.
Stating that it will feature tribal programmes, he said that this year importance would be given to the food processing industry.
Notwithstanding inadequate rains the Park is wearing an attractive look with flowers like Inca Marigold, French Marigold, Zinia, Dwarf Salvia and Dwarf Dahlias in full bloom.
A major attraction are Alyssum flowers in rose beds.
To a question that was put to him, he said that the flowers will remain in full bloom till the season concludes.
Visitors
While the number of visitors was now between 400 and 500 on week days during week ends it went up by 100 to 200.
This is an index of the popularity of the show.
Even as arrangements are apace for the vegetable show an opinion gathering ground in Kotagiri is that if the Park which extends over about two acres is handed over to the Department of Horticulture more development works can be taken up.
At present, the park is controlled by the Kotagiri Panchayat and maintained by the Horticulture department, officials said.
The 3rd Vegetable Show would be conducted on May 29 and 30, the Assistant Director of Horticulture N.Mani, told The Hindu that elaborate arrangements are underway for the event which has come to be acknowledged as the biggest annual tourist attraction.
Enthusiasm
With the enthusiasm being displayed by the local community in organising the show increasing every year the 2010 show will bid fair to be more spectacular than the earlier ones.
Stating that it will feature tribal programmes, he said that this year importance would be given to the food processing industry.
Notwithstanding inadequate rains the Park is wearing an attractive look with flowers like Inca Marigold, French Marigold, Zinia, Dwarf Salvia and Dwarf Dahlias in full bloom.
A major attraction are Alyssum flowers in rose beds.
To a question that was put to him, he said that the flowers will remain in full bloom till the season concludes.
Visitors
While the number of visitors was now between 400 and 500 on week days during week ends it went up by 100 to 200.
This is an index of the popularity of the show.
Even as arrangements are apace for the vegetable show an opinion gathering ground in Kotagiri is that if the Park which extends over about two acres is handed over to the Department of Horticulture more development works can be taken up.
At present, the park is controlled by the Kotagiri Panchayat and maintained by the Horticulture department, officials said.
TCS - Campus placement at Sri Krishna Arts and Science College
Tata Consultancy Services will be at Sri Krishna Arts and Science College, Sugunapuram, Kuniamuthur, on May 4 and 5 for recruitment.
A release from the college says students who have passed out in 2009, or are in final year and have secured 60 per cent in Class X and Plus Two are eligible.
They must not have had a break of more than two years in their studies.
And, only registered candidates are eligible to attend, it added.
Eligible students of B.Sc. (Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Technology, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Bioinformatics and Mathematics), BCA and BCS are requested to their names at www.careers.tcs.com.
Further details can be had at 97901 32204.
A release from the college says students who have passed out in 2009, or are in final year and have secured 60 per cent in Class X and Plus Two are eligible.
They must not have had a break of more than two years in their studies.
And, only registered candidates are eligible to attend, it added.
Eligible students of B.Sc. (Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Technology, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Bioinformatics and Mathematics), BCA and BCS are requested to their names at www.careers.tcs.com.
Further details can be had at 97901 32204.
Two more clusters for Coimbatore
The Union Government has identified two more sectors here for its cluster development programme.
According to the General Manager of the District Industries Centre, V. Ramasubbu, Coimbatore had two successful clusters – the Coimbatore Industrial Infrastructure Association (foundries, pumpsets and engineering sectors) and the wetgrinder cluster.
Electroplating
Gem and jewellery and electroplating are the other two clusters identified now for assistance under the Micro and Small Cluster Development Programme.
Meetings would be held with the respective associations and a detailed project report and diagnostic study would be conducted.
Guidelines
The guidelines for the programme are available online. More industrial sectors interested in such projects could also come forward, he said.
According to the General Manager of the District Industries Centre, V. Ramasubbu, Coimbatore had two successful clusters – the Coimbatore Industrial Infrastructure Association (foundries, pumpsets and engineering sectors) and the wetgrinder cluster.
Electroplating
Gem and jewellery and electroplating are the other two clusters identified now for assistance under the Micro and Small Cluster Development Programme.
Meetings would be held with the respective associations and a detailed project report and diagnostic study would be conducted.
Guidelines
The guidelines for the programme are available online. More industrial sectors interested in such projects could also come forward, he said.
Karunya University Entrance exams 2010 results
Karunya University, Coimbatore, will publish the results of Karunya Entrance Exam 2010, also known as KEE, at 9:00 pm today i.e. on May 1, 2010. The results will be made available online in the official website of the university. Candidates are requested to download the KEE 2010 result from the website: www.karunya.edu
Karunya University located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, conducted in KEE 2010 on April 24, 2010. It is an entrance test conducted for admission into various disciplines of B Tech (Bachelor of Technology) programme, offered in the ensuing session 2010.
Karunya University offers B Tech in the following disciplines: Civil Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electronics & Media Technology. For any further queries one can log in the aforementioned official website of the university.
Karunya University
Contact Details:
Karunya University,
Karunya Nagar,
Coimbatore - 641 114
Tamil Nadu
info@karunya.edu
www.karunya.edu
Karunya University located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, conducted in KEE 2010 on April 24, 2010. It is an entrance test conducted for admission into various disciplines of B Tech (Bachelor of Technology) programme, offered in the ensuing session 2010.
Karunya University offers B Tech in the following disciplines: Civil Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electronics & Media Technology. For any further queries one can log in the aforementioned official website of the university.
Karunya University
Contact Details:
Karunya University,
Karunya Nagar,
Coimbatore - 641 114
Tamil Nadu
info@karunya.edu
www.karunya.edu
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Spheris sold to CBay for $116 mn
CBay Holdings, a global medical transcription (MT) company, completed the acquisition of another MT company Spheris for $116.3 million
last Friday. The deal would boost CBay’s revenue by $500 million this year.
In the two-phased acquisition, CBay’s subsidiary MedQuist acquired the North American assets of Spheris while CBay bought out the entire stock of Spheris India. Spheris had earlier filed for bankruptcy protection in the US court.
The deal size was originally pegged to be around $75 million when they entered into a stalking horse agreement in February 2010. But, CBay Holdings had to raise the bid amount to $116.3 million.
“With the acquisition of Spheris, our revenues are expected to touch $500 million this year,” CBay Holdings’ VC & CEO Raman Kumar said.
last Friday. The deal would boost CBay’s revenue by $500 million this year.
In the two-phased acquisition, CBay’s subsidiary MedQuist acquired the North American assets of Spheris while CBay bought out the entire stock of Spheris India. Spheris had earlier filed for bankruptcy protection in the US court.
The deal size was originally pegged to be around $75 million when they entered into a stalking horse agreement in February 2010. But, CBay Holdings had to raise the bid amount to $116.3 million.
“With the acquisition of Spheris, our revenues are expected to touch $500 million this year,” CBay Holdings’ VC & CEO Raman Kumar said.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Love for OOTY
Long back, his dad (actor) Mithun Chakraborty fell in love with the hill station when he had come to shoot there. Mithun found a brilliant way to combine business and pleasure — he built his own resort at Ooty and started staying there for 12 months a year.
Actor Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh on why he loves the hill station that he calls 'home'.
So, it is but natural that Mithun’s love for the place was passed on to his son Mimoh who also shares the same passion and love for Ooty. Here are Mimoh’s reasons why he loves the verdant hill station...
The weather: It is always cool in Ooty and you will always feel a little bit of a chill under your skin as the place is nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. So, for all those people who miss snuggling under the blanket in this hot Mumbai weather, it is an ideal place to head this summer.
The view of the mountains: From Ooty you can see many beautiful mountain landscapes, which is a rare site to see. The mountains in Ooty offer a picturesque postcard view that makes you feel a sense of peace.
Clean air: One of the most important points is that the air here is crystal-clean and unlike other high-altitude areas, the air is very rich in oxygen. There are fewer cars plying on the roads of the hill station which means that the level of pollution is kept to a bare minimum.
Less people: If you are tired of the dhakkas in a crowded local train and the busy footpaths, welcome to Ooty where there are not too many human beings around, only mountains, springs and waterfalls will greet you with their noises. The local inhabitants are very few compared to the tourists. Well, the whole town of Ooty shuts down completely after 8pm and you will hardly see anyone out after that.
Great place To unwind: Ooty is one of the best stress-busters because of its nature — which is always sure to lift your mood. There is nothing much to do in Ooty except for sightseeing, so it’s like a much- deserved break from your office or that hectic holiday where you are supposed to do a lot of things immediately after arrival.
Home-made chocolates: The yummy chocolates that are here as part of a mini cottage industry are out of this world!
Botanical gardens: This is one of the must-visit places in Ooty. The famous gardens are a hot tourist spot. They are beautifully maintained. and have been used as a backdrop for many Bollywood films.
Lake rides: The peaceful lake rides are a treat for the senses.
Schools: Some of the best schools in India are found in Ooty. Well, if you haven’t heard about it, then try visiting them. The picturesque campuses will leave you stunned.
Food and stay: Since Ooty is a popular tourist spot, the hotels are grand and luxurious. The local language is Tamil and the local food of course is Madrasi cuisine. Want to try some Bisi Bele Bbhaat or Gun Powder Dosa?
Actor Mithun Chakraborty's son Mimoh on why he loves the hill station that he calls 'home'.
So, it is but natural that Mithun’s love for the place was passed on to his son Mimoh who also shares the same passion and love for Ooty. Here are Mimoh’s reasons why he loves the verdant hill station...
The weather: It is always cool in Ooty and you will always feel a little bit of a chill under your skin as the place is nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. So, for all those people who miss snuggling under the blanket in this hot Mumbai weather, it is an ideal place to head this summer.
The view of the mountains: From Ooty you can see many beautiful mountain landscapes, which is a rare site to see. The mountains in Ooty offer a picturesque postcard view that makes you feel a sense of peace.
Clean air: One of the most important points is that the air here is crystal-clean and unlike other high-altitude areas, the air is very rich in oxygen. There are fewer cars plying on the roads of the hill station which means that the level of pollution is kept to a bare minimum.
Less people: If you are tired of the dhakkas in a crowded local train and the busy footpaths, welcome to Ooty where there are not too many human beings around, only mountains, springs and waterfalls will greet you with their noises. The local inhabitants are very few compared to the tourists. Well, the whole town of Ooty shuts down completely after 8pm and you will hardly see anyone out after that.
Great place To unwind: Ooty is one of the best stress-busters because of its nature — which is always sure to lift your mood. There is nothing much to do in Ooty except for sightseeing, so it’s like a much- deserved break from your office or that hectic holiday where you are supposed to do a lot of things immediately after arrival.
Home-made chocolates: The yummy chocolates that are here as part of a mini cottage industry are out of this world!
Botanical gardens: This is one of the must-visit places in Ooty. The famous gardens are a hot tourist spot. They are beautifully maintained. and have been used as a backdrop for many Bollywood films.
Lake rides: The peaceful lake rides are a treat for the senses.
Schools: Some of the best schools in India are found in Ooty. Well, if you haven’t heard about it, then try visiting them. The picturesque campuses will leave you stunned.
Food and stay: Since Ooty is a popular tourist spot, the hotels are grand and luxurious. The local language is Tamil and the local food of course is Madrasi cuisine. Want to try some Bisi Bele Bbhaat or Gun Powder Dosa?
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