Top 10 Supercars

Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron is a mid-engine grand tourer developed by Volkswagen. The second fastest and the most powerful car in the world, the monster is endowed with a W16 engine that gives the car a power to weight ratio of 529 bhp/tonne. This supercar has an incredible power to reach 124 and 186 mph in 7.3 and respectively 16.7 seconds, winning for itself the name of the quickest-accelerating production car in history. This gargantuan of a car comes with a price tag of $1,700,000, a price that measures its quality.

Ferrari Enzo

Named after the father of Ferrari, the Enzo uses F1 technology and has a 0-60 sprint time of 3.3 seconds and is powered by a 6-litre V12 engine. The engineering of the Enzo is so superior that aerodynamic structure is automatically maintained and adjusted on its two rear flaps and spoiler that there is no need for the large rear wing commonly found on most supercars. Initially, the Ferrari Enzo was priced at $670,000 but due to its high demand and limited supply, the price has been increased and it is currently estimated at over a whopping $1,000,000.

Lamborghini Reventon

Lamborghini Reventon is the amalgamation of Lambo’s legendary performance and ground breaking technological expertise. The hood made of glass laminate with open ventilation slits offering a glimpse at the large 6.5-litre V12 engine that delivers 650bhp, accelerating this machine to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds. It is priced at $1.6 million.

Porsche Carrera GT

Porsche Carrera GT - a carryover from the 2004 Carrera, the 2009 GT variant, is faster and edgier than that of its earlier version. The Carrera GT showcases the height of innovation and technical creativity. Under the bonnet sits the 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612bhp and zooming from 0 to 60mph in a matter of 3.9 seconds. The price is $440,000. The groundbreaking thing about the Carrera GT is the way its engine is placed - with the use of a clutch made of a high-tech ceramic material, it’s allowing the engine to sit lower in the chassis than in any other super car.

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin Rapide costs twice as much as the Porsche Panamera. The car consists of a V12 engine with six speed automatic transmission, which delivers an output power of 480bhp and 439 lb-ft torque. Inside, the Rapide continues Aston Martin’s reputation for highly-tailored, individual cockpits. Like all Astons, the Rapide is a superlative performer. Powered by the V12 engine from the DB9 but uprated to 480bhp, expect to see the Aston Martin Rapide to hit the market sometime during 2010, with a price tag in the $200,000 range.

Maserati GranTurismo

When Italian design met stupendous power, there was the Maserati GranTurismo. The GranTurismo is the first modern, two-door, four-seater coupe that delivers much more than its sensual beauty initially suggests. Powered by a 433-bhp 4.7-liter V8 engine designed and built by Ferrari, its maximum speed is 177 mph, and it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Price ranges from $117,500 - $135,000.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG personifies a fine mix of consummate automotive fascination and state-of-the-art technology. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW/ 571hp peak output is capable of accelerating the car from 0 to 60mph in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 197 mph. The price is expected to start at $258,000.

Koenigsegg CCX

The Koenigsegg CCX is a mid-engined roadster from Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg that features a breath taking CC shape and priced at $545,568. CCX is powered by a Supercharged V8 engine that delivers an output power of 806bhp, which accelerates the stunner from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and onto a top speed is about 245 mph.

Audi R8

The ‘four ring’ brand’s most alluring super sports car, the Audi R8, creates a sensation with its staggering exterior and interior expressions. Powered by a 4.2-litre mid-mounted V8 engine with 4-valve FSI technology, the R8 accelerates from 0 to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds. Ostentatious interiors and racing style cockpit takes the R8 to the world of motor sport. Price ranges from $114,200-$123,300.

Jaguar XK

The 2009 XK-Series is a luxury sports coupe, or luxury convertible, available in 4 trims, ranging from the XK Coupe to the XKR Convertible. The XK Coupe is equipped with a standard 4.2-litre, V8, 300bhp engine meanwhile the XKR Convertible is equipped with a 4.2-litre, V8, 420bhp, supercharged engine. Price ranges from $77,200 - $93,700.

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Farewells 2009

It's been a year of losses and some very untimely ones. We've had to bid farewell to a host of celebrities, in shock and disbelief. Each of them touched our lives in one way or another -- some in real, some through the reel. Here's fondly remembering some of those who left an indelible mark on the world in 2009.

1. YSR – AP chief minister

The untimely demise of YS Rajasekhara Reddy was the Congress party’s extreme misfortune. YSR was a true mass leader, one who ruled the hearts of people in Andhra Pradesh. A doctor by profession, YSR was very close to the public pulse and carved a niche for himself by taking up revolutionary public welfare schemes, which had become a model for other states in the country. Undoubtedly one of the most popular leaders Andhra Pradesh ever produced, YSR’s death in a chopper crash has not only created a vacuum in the state politics but dealt a major blow to the ruling Congress party.

2. Gayathri Devi

The feisty princess Ayesha, daughter of the erstwhile maharaja of Cooch Behar, shot her first panther at the age of 13, stunning everyone. Six years later, the beautiful woman who came to be known as Maharani Gayatri Devi stunned her family again by falling in love with prince Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur. Devi, who was once considered among the world's most beautiful women, was also an international style icon who featured in Vogue's 10 most beautiful list in the 60s. Gayatri Devi, who was maharani of Jaipur state from 1939 to 1970, was an excellent marksman, a tennis player and a keen rider, with a deep knowledge of horses. She was one queen who with her beauty and charm always reigned over the hearts of many Indians.

3. Michael Jackson

The death of Michael Jackson was arguably the biggest news event of 2009. Although the musician had a turbulent life, he was unrivaled not only in record sales for a solo artist, but in terms of his constant innovation, dedication, and mastery of the pop single. MJ's unique blend of soul, funk and rock made him the biggest pop act in the world. Jacko always lived up to his albums' success with his extravagant live shows, which saw him pull off stunning dance moves, including the 'moonwalk' in which he appeared to slide backwards across the surface of the stage. At the time of his death Michael was preparing for a phenomenal 50-date comeback residency at London's O2 arena - dubbed 'This Is It'.

4. Jade Goody

Jade Goody was a brash and oft-controversial British reality show star, whose ups and downs enthralled the nation till her dying day in the wee hours of Mothers Day. Goody climbed the high ladder to fame in 2002 as a contestant in Big Brother 3, becoming a figure of ridicule in the media, depicted as a pig by one tabloid newspaper and then denounced for being two-faced and ignorant. Later, in 2007, she was again in spotlight when she was accused of racism towards Shilpa Shetty in the UK version of Celebrity Big Brother. Goody's cancer diagnosis brought her back into the public eye, and she dedicated her last few weeks to raise as much money as possible so as to ensure her sons’ financial security for as long as possible, marrying Jack and getting herself and her boys christened.

5. Edward Kennedy

Sen. Edward Moore “Ted” Kennedy was one of the Democratic Party's most powerful members. A man of great faith and character, Kennedy is perhaps the most famous US politician who was never President of America. Perhaps the best way to remember Senator Kennedy lies in his own frequently repeated and inspirational words, "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." By the time of his death, he had come to be viewed as a major figure and spokesman for American progressivism.

6. David Shepherd

David Shepherd was an umpire par excellence. The good-humoured Englishman was known for his superstitions - most notably his little hop when scores reached 111 or a multiple thereof. He was a favourite with the players and was respected world over. Shepherd umpired three successive World Cup finals (1996, 1999 and 2003) and six tournaments overall, and will be fondly remembered for strictly observing cricket's Nelson tradition; giving a small hop whenever the score reached 111. Only Steve Bucknor and Rudi Koertzen have stood in more Tests than Shepherd.

7. Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze, the hunky actor who danced his way into moviegoers' hearts with "Dirty Dancing" and then broke them with "Ghost," personified a particular kind of masculine grace both on and off screen. Patrick Swayze's untimely demise has shocked Hollywood and his fans alike, with touching tributes from a number of celebrities. Mr. Swayze’s cancer was diagnosed in January 2008. Six months later he had already outlived his prognosis and was filmed at an airport, smiling at photographers and calling himself, only half-facetiously, “a miracle dude.”

8. Shakti Samanta

Bollywood has lost another veteran filmmaker in Shakti Samanta, known as the wizard of entertainment after giving pure entertainers like 'An Evening in Paris' and 'Kashmir Ki Kali'. Although Samanta started with making B-grade movies in the early 1950s, he became one of the most successful names in the business a decade later. What made Shakti Samanta different from many other successful filmmakers was that he never took recourse to cheap subjects to pander to the box office. His movies saw box office success by their own merits. After B.R. Chopra, Samanta's death is seen as another huge loss for the Hindi film industry.

9. Farrah Fawcette

Farrah Fawcett, the Charlie’s Angels star who emerged as the most potent sex symbol of the ’70s, lost her battle against cancer at the age of 62. Fit, tanned, blonde and smiling, Fawcett defined her California golden girl image most famously in a legendary red swimsuit poster that sold millions of copies. After Fawcett left Angels, she made futuristic sci-fi films Logan’s Run and Saturn 3, then shifted gears with a critically acclaimed dramatic turn in 1984 domestic abuse TV movie The Burning Bed. Earlier this decade, Fawcett redefined herself yet again with a series of wacky appearances on late-night talk shows.

10. Gangubai Hangal

A rebel who broke caste and gender barriers, a perfectionist and a singer par excellence - this is how Hindustani classical vocalist Gangubai Hangal will always be known to her numerous fans and fellow musicians. In her musical career, Hangal was almost reborn when she lost her voice after a brief illness but returned with a new masculine one that was considered more gifted than many of her contemporaries. Hangal was also ridiculed as a 'gaanewali' for being one of the few women trying to breach the male-dominated world of Hindustani classical singing.

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India Inc on the road to recovery

India Inc is on the road to recovery from the global downturn struck the world economy, with companies showing buoyancy on hiring and salary increases, a survey by global HR consultancy Mercer says.

Corporate India is expected to witness an average eight per cent salary increase this year and as much as 50 per cent of companies have strong hiring plans for the next three months.

India Inc's hiring activity has picked up 4.1 per cent with IT, BPO and real estate sectors turning bullish after a long time, according to a report by job portal naurkri.com. Meanwhile, officials from several colleges say that firms such as TCS, Wipro, Infosys, HP, Cisco, Sapient, IBM, Convergys BPO and Symphony Services plan to hire in a big way.

Infosys has announced an across-the-board salary hike and promotions with effect from October 1. When domestic salaries have risen by 8 per cent, onsite remunerations have gone up by 2 per cent. This is expected to reduce the company's margins by 2 per cent in the next two quarters. Wipro is also looking forward to campus hiring by the end of the year.

Outsourcing giant Accenture and India’s largest IT firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have approached HR firms for large scale recruitment. In response to a rebound in IT outsourcing contracts, IT services provider iGate has also announced it plans to hire 1,500 people in the calendar year 2010.

India's fourth-biggest software exporter, HCL Technologies, said its revenues for the first quarter ended September 30, 2009, rose almost 29 per cent and is planning to hire 2,600 software engineers in October-December quarter to cope with a growing demand by expanding its existing service lines.

The ITeS/BPO sector saw an increase of 18.3 per cent in hiring activity in September, while real estate and retail saw a rise of 36.8 per cent and 12.2 per cent, respectively.

However, students are aware of the weak dollar and the impact of the credit crisis, and are ready to get placed with salaries ranging between Rs 1.8 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.

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Panamera, the sports sedan from Porsche

Thu, Dec 3 01:50 PM

Porsche has introduced 'row 2' to one of the supreme shows in auto world. The Porsche Panamera, one of the most awaited models in performance motoring history, has finally arrived in India. The Panamera is available in three variants - Panamera S will be priced at Rs 14,174,000, Panamera 4S at Rs 14,711,000 and Panamera Turbo at Rs. 20,184,000.

The Panamera comes with not less than five marvellous innovations in technology - among which are the Start-Stop system in conjunction with automatic transmission, air suspension with additional air volume available on demand in each spring, as well as active aerodynamics with an adjustable, multi-dimensional, extendable rear spoiler on the Panamera Turbo.

The Panamera evidently stands out from the competition at very first sight, with its design and looks alone. Like no other car in its class, it offers a truly exceptional amalgamation of sporting performance and deluxe comfort.

This stunner of a car sets new values in its market segment in terms of dynamics, performance and efficiency. It benefits from the carmaker's conventional competences and years of experience in motorsport.

The symbiosis of sports car DNA derived from the looks of a coupe, the unique interpretation of the classical saloon body and the benefits of a variable space concept give the new Porsche its truly unmistakable appearance. As an example, the Panamera comes with highly individual, strongly contoured air intakes instead of a conventional radiator grille.

Inside, the layout of controls and gauges is simple and logical. Moreover, it offers 10-way power front seats and adjustable lumbar support, expanded driver memory functions, a power-adjustable steering column, heated rear seats, a full leather interior, an Alcantara headliner and a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.

Remarkable wheel arches and the long and sleek engine compartment lid create that typical 911 'landscape' at the front end of the car the Porsche customer has appreciated for no less than 45 years, with the distinctly contoured wings as flanks bordering on the flat front lid.

Porsche has engineered advanced power plants for the Panamera, reflecting all the qualities typical of the brand – the V-engines within the engine compartment come with six and eight cylinders and range in power from 300 to 500bhp. Some of the engines use turbocharger technology, Direct Fuel Injection making them both fuel-efficient and powerful all in one.

Power is transferred to the wheels either through a manual six-speed gearbox or the new seven-speed Double-Clutch Gearbox, the Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK). In addition to sporting rear-wheel drive, the top version of the Panamera comes with even more sophisticated all-wheel drive, which is also available for the other versions as an option.

All models in the Panamera range come with Porsche Direct Fuel Injection, low-friction drive systems, and weight-optimised lightweight bodies. As a further highlight, Porsche is preparing a particularly fuel-efficient version of the Panamera with hybrid drive.

Clint Thomas, Yahoo! India News

http://in.news.yahoo.com/242/20091203/1345/tbs-panamera-the-sports-sedan-from-porsc.html

Bhuvan: ISRO's answer to Google Earth

Fri, Aug 14 02:42 PM

In what appears to be a challenge to Google Earth and Wikimapia, the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of ISRO has come up with 'Bhuvan', bringing India's name into the limelight yet again. Bhuvan, which literally means 'earth', is a web-based tool like Google Earth, but it promises better 3-D satellite imagery of India than what is currently being offered by other Virtual Globe software. Moreover, it brings you a host of India-specific features such as weather information and even administrative boundaries of all states and districts.

Bhuvan is equally capable of offering images of the globe, but the best resolution area is India, at least for the time being. "Bhuvan will be able to give you an image from only 10 meters away", an ISRO spokesman said; which means in the Indian subcontinent even a commuter moving on the road can be easily spotted. Bhuvan uses images taken at least a year ago by ISRO's seven remote-sensing satellites in orbit including Cartosat-1 and Cartosat-2.

Unique features

1. Bhuvan allows users to access, explore and visualize 2D and 3D image data along with rich thematic information on soil, wasteland, water resources etc in the Indian subcontinent.

2. It displays multi-resolution, multi-sensor, multi-temporal image data.

3. Users can superpose administrative boundaries of choice on images as required.

4. It allows visualization of AWS (Automatic Weather Stations) data in a graphic view and use tabular weather data of user choice.

5. Fly to locations (Enables users to fly from the current location directly to the selected location)

6. It features a Heads-Up Display (HUD) navigation controls (Tilt slider, north indicator, opacity, compass ring, zoom slider)

7. Allows navigation using the 3D view Pop-up menu (Fly-in, Fly out, jump in, jump around, view point)

8. 3D Fly through (3D view to fly to locations, objects in the terrain, and navigate freely using the mouse or keyboard)

9. Drawing 2D objects (Text labels, polylines, polygons, rectangles, 2D arrows, circles, ellipse)

10. Drawing 3D Objects (placing of expressive 3D models, 3D polygons, boxes)

11. Snapshot creation (copies the 3D view to a floating window and allows saving to an external file)

12. Measurement tools (Horizontal distance, aerial distance, vertical distance, measure area)

13. Shadow Analysis (it sets the sun position based on the given time creating shadows and effects of the lighting on the terrain)

14. The Bhuvan portal is designed to run on slow Internet connections.

Bhuvan's edge over Google Earth

Google Earth	Bhuvan
Zoom levels up to 200 mt	Zoom levels up to 10 mt
Single layer information	Multi-layer information
Images upgraded every 4 years	Images upgraded every year
No alternate viewing options	Options of viewing on different dates
Uses international satellites	Uses Indian satellites

Thus, Bhuvan represents, in essence, the whole India on your computer. The next version of Bhuvan is expected to be called Bhuvan ChandraBhumi, which will feature both earth and moon in resolution up to 347 m maximum in near side and 432 m far side which is taken by Chandrayaan. The Bhuvan project demonstrates the country's expertise in both information and space technology.

The Bhuvan can be downloaded from http://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in/.

by Clint Thomas, Yahoo! India News

Yahoo! India News

http://in.news.yahoo.com/242/20090814/1334/tnl-bhuvan-isro-s-answer-to-google-earth.html

NXR and NXG, two stunners from Reva's stable

Sun, Nov 1 07:44 PM

When the entire automobile industry is racing towards the age of electricity, the Reva Electric Car Company is leading from the front as it prepares to launch two new models - Reva NXR and NXG.

The Reva Electric Car Co. has joined forces with Bannon Automotive, a new electric car company in Freeport, New York, to assemble the three-door plug-in hatchback NXR at a site in the Syracuse area.

The three-door, four-seater NXR is more spacious compared to the previous models of the carmaker. It can accelerate to a maximum speed of 105 km/h with a range of 160 kilometers on a single charge of its lithium-ion battery pack. Moreover, the car will come with a 15-minute fast-charge capability, even though the full charge would take eight hours from a standard household outlet.

Other exciting features of the Reva NXR include keyless entry and operation, dual charge ports, intelligent digital display and a host of telematics. These include SMS alerts and commands such as distance-to-empty and time-to-full charge, remote cabin heat/cool, service and insurance alerts, a monthly eco-drive check by email and healing and REVive remote emergency charge.

In case a customer runs out of charge, they can call or SMS Reva's 24X7 customer support centre and a remote charge enables the Reva new models to continue driving within a few minutes.

Meanwhile, another e-mini is taking birth in the Reva stable, the NXG. Wide as a supercar, the NXG's muscular styling and design are both futuristic and sensual. It will be more powerful with a top speed of 130km/h and an efficiency of 200 km per charge. The NXG also comes with REVive 4 Wheel disc brakes with integrated regenerative braking, along with all the advanced technologies that the NXR possesses.

"The two cars target two different consumer sets. The NXR is perfect second car; it is automatic, easy to drive, park and safe. It will have optional solar panels on the top. The NXG, on the other hand, is a complete lifestyle fun car," said Mr. Chetan Maini, Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Chairman of Reva Electric Car Company.

The Reva NXR Intercity, excluding its lithium-ion batteries, will be about Rs 10.65 lakh, meanwhile the Reva NXR City, with lead acid batteries and a range of 80km, will be priced at about Rs 7.1 lakh. But, there is no word on when - and whether - the NXR and NXG will be launched in India.

However, the unveiling of NXR and NXG at the Frankfurt Show was a remarkable step ahead in what is sure to be an intriguing journey for Electric Vehicle users worldwide.

By Clint Thomas, Yahoo! India News

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Recession clouds drifting, jobs may be back soon

At a time when worldwide job losses are expected to hit 50 million by 2010, India Inc appears to be positive and bullish on hiring, with more than 60 per cent of companies still going ahead with their recruitment plans. After a respite in hiring in the $12.7-billion Indian BPO exports industry, players have again started putting up the 'we are hiring' sign.

Infosys Technologies Limited plans to conduct campus recruitment across the country next year. The IT major is scouting for acquisitions in new geographies, and is willing to spend $450-500 million on the purchase. According to Chief Executive Officer and Managing director S Gopalakrishnan, the company "needs to get a signal that the situation has improved before it goes to the campuses." Infosys will relook recruitment at the end of the year, Gopalakrishnan said. "If things improve we may go back to campuses in January-February," he added. Infosys made about 18,000 offers last April and will ask them all to join... that would translate into a gross addition of 18,000 employees in the company this year."

Outsourcing giant Wipro is aggressively looking at overseas acquisitions. Regarding the company's plans on recruitment this year, executive director and chief financial officer Suresh Senapaty said hiring had to match demand generation. "As and when demand comes in, we can see hiring." Nevertheless, in Q1 when peers TCS and Infosys posted a negative hiring, Wipro registered a net addition of 710 staff, as the company continues to follow a more conservative hiring strategy.

Having reported a remarkable performance in the first quarter of the current financial year, TCS is also on track to execute hiring plan for financial year 2010. In Q1, TCS has made a gross addition of 2, 828 employees. Meanwhile, TCS has also decided to offer quarterly variable compensation to its employees in India payroll.

The country's top lender, the State Bank of India, is on a hiring spree. The bank is planning to hire 11,000 clerks for marketing its financial products across the country. During 2008-09, the bank absorbed 33,703 new employees and now planning to recruit 13,000 people at various levels during the current fiscal.

IBM Daksh, which does not share its employment numbers, is hiring across all sectors that the company operate in. "It is stronger for segments like BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) and telecom.

Meanwhile, Genpact, the country's largest BPO player, is looking at strengthening its talent capability in specific procurement areas and analytics. While the company is hiring at the entry level in the F&A space, it is ramping up leadership roles at its onsite centres.

However, Accenture has failed to meet its hiring target in India for the current year. It had intended to increase its India headcount to 50,000 this year from 37,000 as of April 2008. But, it fell short of the target by 10,000 heads, recruiting just 3,000, in the last one year. According to officials, instead of laying off people after the slump, Accenture had decided to go slow on recruitment.

Yet, the IT Job market is still very dull and mass hiring is still a far way from being realistic. However, there is certainly hope for a recovery.

Clint Thomas, Yahoo! India News

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