Archive for February, 2008

India successfully tesed a submarine-launched missile K-15 (earlier called as Sagarika) which can carry a nuclear warhead from an undersea location off the Orissa coast, a move that boosts the country’s deterrence capabilities.

India, already capable of launching missiles from land and air, now moves a step closer to firing them from under the sea. With this test firing India is preparing to join select group of countries having this expertise. The countries already having this expertise are: U.S, Russia, France,U.K. and China.

The K-15 missile is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). According to Indian navy , nuclear submarine is expected to be be ready for sea trials by 2009.

Powered by a turbojet, the missile can carry a 500-kg payload. It is 8.5 metres long and about a metre in diameter.

Following are the highlights of the Indian Railway Budget for 2008-09 presented by the Railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Passenger fares reduction

• One rupee discount per passenger for fares up to Rs.50 in non suburban Second Class (ordinary and mail/express)
• 5% discount across the board for passenger fares beyond Rs.50 for all non suburban Second Class (ordinary and mail/express).
• Increase in discount for travel in new design high capacity reserved coaches.
• Reduction in fare - AC-I : 7%; and AC-II : 4% (the reduction will be half for popular trains and during peak period).

Ticketing Improvements

• Termination of queues at ticket counters targeted in two years.
• Ticket booking on mobile phones; E-ticket for wait listed passengers.
• Increase in Unreserved Ticketing Systems counters to 15,000 and ATVMs to 6000.

Concessions for passengers

• Senior citizen concession for women enhanced to 50% from existing 30%.

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India’s largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced that it has signed a multi-year contract with Chrysler to provide a comprehensive portfolio of IT services.

Chrysler LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Holdings LLC, which is owned by Cerberus Capital Management LP and Daimler AG.

According to the media reports the deal is worth $120 million. TCS will deliver application maintenance and support services to Chrysler.

The $430 million Bangalore’s new international airport is ready for operations by March 30, 2008.

The airport is located in Devanahalli, which is 30 km from the city. Construction of the airport began in July 2005, after a long postponement.

The new Bengaluru International Airport at Devanahalli will put Bangalore city on the global destination and offer travellers facilities comparable with the best international airports.