Samsung to stop selling window ACs this year

Hyderabad: Samsung India Electronics has decided to stop selling window air-conditioners (ACs) from this year as its sales have dwindled, the company said today.


Split ACs accounted for 85 per cent of Samsung’s total sales of the segment in 2011. The company is expecting it to be 100 per cent this year.

Overall, the share of split ACs in the total off-take in the country rose from 75 per cent in 2010 to 77 per cent last year, while the window version registered a de-growth of 26 per cent, Samsung India Vice-President (Home Appliances) Mahesh Krishnan said.

"Consumers are now moving more towards energy-efficient, aesthetically-appealing ACs having low noise levels. We have decided to exit from Window AC sales from this year.

The segment stopped growing," Krishnan said at a press conference.

Announcing the nation-wide launch of 39 new split AC models, Krishnan said the southern market accounted for 32 per cent of Samsung’s total AC sales.

Stating that Samsung's 2012 range of ACs will be all star rated, complying with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency standards, he said star ratings had become one of the key purchase triggers.

"While two and three star rated ACs contributed 49 per cent to our sales in 2010 and 61 per cent in 2011, five star rated ACs accounted for 22 per cent in 2011, as against 19 per cent in the previous year.

"We expect five star rated ACs to contribute 25 per cent this year," Krishnan said,

The company is expecting to sell 500,000 split ACs in 2012, as against 350,000 units last year.

The Indian AC market, at 3 million units last year, is expected to touch 3.2 million units in 2012, he added.

Samsung India’s brand ambassador for Home Appliances Priyanka Chopra unveiled the 2012 range of ACs.

PTI

Shaheen Bhatt: Mahesh Bhatt’s Daughter Shaheen Bhatt Enters In Bollywood

After Pooja Bhatt, Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt’s second daughter has entered showbiz but not as an actress. She is following in her father’s footsteps by assisting director Vikram Bhatt on Raaz 3.
“My daughter Shaheen begins her journey as an assistant with Vikram Bhatt who was once my assistant!” the proud father posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.
Vikram Bhatt has returned to Vishesh Films after 2003 to direct part three of the horror franchise Raaz, which is being made in 3D.
The movie stars Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez along with Bipasha Basu, who is also making a comeback to the Bhatt camp after Raaz (2002) and Jism (2003). The Bhatts had offered her the lead role in Murder 2, but she had turned it down.
“Reporting live from Raaz 3 set. Today (Sunday) is the first day of our shooting. Bipasha and Emraan are on the sets. Vikram Bhatt is directing the film. Shagufta Rafique has written Raaz 3. It is a brave script which explores the horrors of the human heart,” Mahesh Bhatt posted.

Anushka Sharma Vogue: Anushka Sharma In Top On Vogue India Feb 2012

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma posing in black top for Vogue India magazine February 2012 issue.
Actress Anushka Sharma recently seen in “Ladies vs Ricky Bahl” opposite Ranbir Kapoor.
In past Anushka Sharma was seen with Ranbir Kapoor in Ban Baaja Baraat.
Anushka received acclaim for her role as Shruti Kakkar in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010).
Both films fetched her a Best Actress nomination at the Filmfare Awards ceremony.
Anushka Sharma was born in Bangalore, but her parents are from Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Her father, Col. Ajay Kumar Sharma, is an army officer and her mother Ashima Sharma is a housewife.
She has an elder brother named Karnesh, who was a state-level cricketer and now, is in the Merchant Navy.
She studied in Army School and graduated with specialization in arts from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore.
She later moved to Mumbai to further pursue her modelling career, where she currently resides.

MadhuriDixit-Nene.Com: Madhuri Dixit’s Website MadhuriDixit-Nene.Com

Madhuri Dixit Nene is the latest actor to join the bandwagon of celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Gul Panag and many more, who own their official web-sites.
The ‘dhak-dhak’ girl chose micro-blogging site Twitter, to inform her fans across the globe about the latest way to get in touch with her.
“Here is first reward… Official Madhuri Dixit website teaser! U can connect now. Looking forward to hearing from u (sic),” tweeted the million dollar smile actress.
Madhuri further informed, “Official teaser site is madhuridixit-nene.com! Planning a media rich experience with exclusive content 4 u! Thank you for your support (sic).”
The veteran actress had surprised her fans by joining Twitter exactly one year and two months ago and now, the elegant lady is all set to connect with them through her official web-portal.
So, all you MD fans get, up close to your favourite actress and get an insight of her inside out.

Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS: Features & Price Of Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS In India Rs 90K

As expected, Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS was launched today (30th January) all-new 2012 model of Pulsar with stunning design. The Neat styling and next generation model named as Pulsar 200 NS. This time, Bajaj’s New Pulsar goes triple plug.
It has raised above twin sparks to get 3 sparks. As you all know, Pulsar is officially one of the largest selling sports vehicle in Indian market and like every time, Pulsar brings a new innovative style and design factor to raise its bar yet again.
Blending the design from its Pulsar 135, a little bit from CB1000R, it has got the street fighter look. The New 2012 Bajaj pulsar 200 NS features a 200cc SOHC liquid cooled engine (closely with duke 200) produces a peak power of 23.5 PS at 9500 rpm and a peak torque of 18.3 Nm at 8000 rpm.
The New Pulsar 200 NS has a 6-speed gearbox with double downtube front end suspension and the rear gets a advanced Nitrox mono shock suspension. The engine comes with four valves and 3 spark plugs. Proudly can claim that this is the first vehicle with single cylinder and features tri-spark plug technology.
Bajaj claims a phenomenal mileage of 58 Kmpl at a constant 55 Kmph. When talking about technical specification of Pulsar 200 NS, its 2017mm longer, 1195mm taller and 804 mm wider. Has a wheelbase of 1363mm and ground clearance of 167mm. It weighs 145kg and has 12L fuel capacity.
17 inch alloy wheels with 280mm disc at the front and 230mm disc at the rear. Also it features a 100/80 tubeless tyre at the front and 130/70 tubeless at the rear. Bajaj claims that the new 2012 Pulsar NS can reach a top speed of 136kmph where 0-60 will fly by at 3.8 seconds while 0-100 will be achieved in 9.8 seconds.

New 2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Side Look

Fast Facts About 2012 New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS - All-new design and styling (though it resembles Pulsar 135)
- NS stands for ‘Naked Sport’
- New attractive shades/decal/graphics
- New design for alloy wheels
- Exhaust outlet beneath the engine
- New design for the instrument cluster/speedometer/tachometer
- New lighter and stronger chassis, is faster and lighter
- Rectangular box swing-arm, Fat rear tyres
- Yellow coloured mono shock unit at the rear
- 280mm front and 230mm rear disc brake
- New Design for Spilt-seat
- New headlamp, turn indicators and tail light

New 2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Rear Look

Technical Highlights of New 2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS - Powered by a liquid-cooled 200cc engine
- 32 mm carburettor, 6-speed transmission
- 0-60 in just 3.6 secs and 0-100 in 9.8 secs
- Top speed of Pulsar 200 NS is 136 kph
- Maximum power of 23.17 bhp at 9500 rpm
- Maximum torque of 18.3 nm at 8000 rpm
- Three spark and 4-valve technology
- 230mm front disc and 230mm rear disc brake
- Central exhaust beneath the engine
- Kerb weight is 145 kgs and fuel tank capacity is 12 litres
- Front Suspension: 37mm double downtube units
- Rear suspension is a gas charged monoshock unit
Design and Styling of 2012 New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS has been designed from scratch but it seems to be elder sibling of the Pulsar 125 LS, the styling of head light, tail light and blinkers looks like inspired from the Pulsar 135. The fuel tank, side scoops, rear-view mirrors, alloys and most of the parts are all-new and doesn’t resemble to any other Pulsar. The front is best part of the styling, it gives very fierc and aggressive look to the bike. The rear-end features clear lens LED tail light and spilt grab rails. The turn indicators are same like Pulsar 135 which gels very well with the overall design of the bike. The design of alloys is also new and stylish which further enhances the looks of Pulsar 200 NS. Bajaj will also launch faired version of 200 NS in near future, which will compete with the likes of Yamaha R15 Version 2.0, Hero Honda Karizma ZMR and Honda CBR250R.

New 2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Front Look

Engine of New 2012 Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS - Powered by a liquid-cooled 200cc engine
- Maximum power of 23.17 bhp at 9500 rpm
- Maximum torque of 18.3 nm at 8000 rpm
Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS is powered by a liquid-cooled 200cc engine which develops maximum power of 23.17 bhp at 9500 rpm with maximum torque of 18.3 nm at 8000 rpm.
Instrument Cluster of 2012 New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
- Analogue tachometer
- Digital Speedometer, fuel gauge and trip meter
Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS features all-new digital-analogue instrument cluster. It features digital speedometer, digital fuel gauge, digital trip meter and analogue tachometer.
Expected Launch Date of 2012 New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
- April 2012
It is expected that Pulsar 200 NS will be launched in April 2012.
Expected Price of 2012 New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
- Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS – Rs. 90,000.00
Bajaj Autos has not announced that price of Pulsar 200 NS. It will be the flagship model of Pulsar range and is expected to be priced very competitively around ninty thousand rupees.
Expected Shades to be Available in 2012 New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
- Red
- Black
- Blue
- Silver
It is expected that 2012 New Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS will be available in four shades: Red, Blue, Black and Silver.
Official Statement – Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS
Speaking on the occasion, K Srinivas, President-Motorcycles, Baja Auto said, “Pulsar has now celebrated a ‘Decade of Dominance’ with 10 years of leadership in the Indian performance motorcycle market. The Pulsar 200NS showcases next leap in technology and design and will set the standard for others to follow. We believe that 2012-13 will be an exciting period where Bajaj Auto will excite customers both here and abroad.”

IAS BP Acharya Arrested: AP Home Secretary IAS BP Acharya Arrested In Emaar Scandal

One of Andhra Pradesh’s most senior bureaucrats, IAS officer BP Acharya has been arrested in Hyderabad on charges of corruption. Mr Acharya is the Principle Home Secretary. He has been sent to the CBI custody till February 1.
The case involves Emaar Properties, a real estate giant headquartered in Dubai, which built a high-end hotel, golf course and luxury villas on close to 500 acres in Manikonda.
Emaar in 2002 partnered with the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) which says the developer has cheated it of crores of profit by siphoning money to Dubai. The CBI is investigating the case.
In 2005, Mr Acharya was the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the APIIC. The charges against him include cheating and criminal conspiracy under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Some of the land for the township had allegedly been acquired by farmers who were told that their property was needed to set up industrial projects. The villas, which were bought by local film stars and A-list entrepreneurs were reportedly under-valued in documents, costing the government thousands of crores.
Mr Achrya is the third person arrested so far for this case. In recent days, an industrialist named Koneru Prasad and Sunil Reddy, who is a close aide of politician Jagan Mohan Reddy, have also been jailed. Jagan’s father, YSR, was Chief Minister when the state’s controversial partnership with Emaar was forged.
YSR died in 2009 in a helicopter crash. Those close to Jagan claim the case exemplifies political vendetta. They believe the Congress government is using it to undermine the popularity that Jagan enjoys among voters who swear allegiance to his father even today.

Bhagat Ram 1 Crore Lottery: Bhagat Ram Wins Rs 1 Crore Punjab Lohri Bumper Lottery

Vegetable cart vendor from Sirsa Bhagat Ram had the most pleasant shock of his life when he learnt from an agent in Bhatinda, that he had won Rs 1 crore in the Punjab State Bumper Lohri Lottery.
For the last 22 years, Bhagat Ram had been going early at 4 am to the local mandi daily to buy vegetables from wholesellers.
On Friday, he learnt from the Bhatinda agent that he had won the bumper lottery. Bhagat Ram would be getting around Rs 66 lakhs, after Income-Tax deduction at source.
Bhagat Ram had been buying Punjab state bumper lottery tickets since the last 15 years. His father passed away years ago, and his mother took care of all the four sons.
The family lives in a ramshackle house. Bhagat Ram’s three brothers are engaged as labourers.
Says Bhagat Ram,’ I will first repair my house when I get the money’.
Because of poverty, Bhagat Ram had left his education after class VI. He now aspires for his children to study higher.
Bhagat Ram says he will continue to sell vegetables on his handcart.