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        Vijaya Bank has revised the interest rates for FCNR deposits which came into effect from 1 January, 2007. For a maturity period for one year and above but less than two years, the rate is 5.58 (GBP), 5.33 (USD), 4.02 (EUR), Two years and above but below three years—5.53, 5.16 and 4.12 respectively, Three years and above but below four years—5.51, 5.08 and 4.13 respectively, Four years and above but below five years—5.47, 5.07 and 4.11 respectively, Five years only—5.41, 5.09 and 4.12 respectively. Vijaya Platinum Jubilee deposit scheme will however attract 8.5 per cent interest per annum.

        In a first of its kind initiative, Samsung India has introduced star labelling on its entire frost free range being made available in the channel all across the country. The star rating on refrigerators, being implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, is expected to come into effect next couple of months. However, Samsung has introduced the system of star rating labelling on its frost free refrigerators during this month. The rating gives the energy efficiency of the refrigerator in the form of a rating between 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest and 1 being the lowest rating. All existing refrigerator models are in 2 or 3 star rating band in the market, only Samsung has achieved 4 Star rating for all models.

        Syndicate Bank has revised the rate of interest for term deposits. For 91 days and upto 179 days, the rate is 6 per cent for deposits for Rs 15 lakh and above, 180 days to less than one year—6.50 per cent, 1 year and above but less than 2 years—7.50 per cent for deposits less than Rs 15 lakh and 7.75 per cent for above Rs 15 lakh, 2 years and above and less than three years—7.50 per cent and 7.75 per cent respectively, 3 years and above and less than five years—8 per cent and five years and above, the rate is the same as 7.50 per cent and 7.75 per cent respectively. There is no change in rate for deposits for maturity period from 7 days to 90 days.

        Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation has emerged as a leader in the direct cool refrigerator segment with a share of 27.2 per cent. According to ORG GFK data for retail sales, Whirlpool's market share has increased by 10 per cent over last year. The company attained the leadership position consecutively for two months with a market share of 27.1 per cent in October and 27.2 per cent in November 2006 in value share. The direct cool category accounts for about 70 per cent of the overall refrigerator unit sales and more than half of the value of refrigerators sold in India. The company displayed strong sales performance in the washing machine category, escalating to the number two position. Shantanu Das Gupta, vice president, Whirlpool of India said, 'our strategy to reinforce focus on the customer needs and desires has resulted in this stupendous success. We decided to focus on the entry level products which form the bulk of the market with the launch of Genius last year.'

        Due to high growth of automobile, industrial, infrastructure and telecommunications sector, the demand for batteries for automobile and inverter has increased by many folds. Tudor India Limited has launched X'trem range of batteries with improved features for power savvy modern cars and is all set to expand its production capacity to consolidate its leadership position in Indian battery industry by tapping high demand for battery in these sectors. The new product is designed to meet the extreme power requirements of modern vehicles features such as global positioning, air conditioning and climate control, entertainment and on-board electrical gadget. It is dual purpose battery combining good starting capability with a 50 per cent better cycling ability and 20 per cent more vibrations resistance than a conventional automotive battery.

        Tata Consultancy Services announced that it is expanding its global delivery centre in Uruguay. The site is based in the business centre of the city of Montevideo. The company undertook this investment to support the rapid expansion of its Latin American business and pro actively lower risk for its clients by providing an alternative back up site in Uruguay. TCS already provides services to over 40 clients across Latin America and the United States using its existing global delivery centre in Uruguay. The company also announced that it has now over 800 employees in Uruguay. N Chandrasekaran, executive vice president, TCS said, 'as we expand our operations in Latin America which now comprise centres in Uruguay, Brazil and Chile, we will continue to invest in infrastructure and people, to provide quality services to our clients faster, with increased value and lowered risk.'

        Muthoot Fincorp, a division of Muthoot Pappachan group has introduced 'Express 3 minute gold loan' facility. Under the new facility, customers can avail gold loan upto 90 per cent of the market value of gold in just 3 minutes. The scheme has easy and convenient terms for shorter periods. The facility opens up to 8 pm in select branches and high value zones. This facility is available at Teynampet, Vadapalani, Muthialpet, T Nagar, Villupuram, Saidapet, Tambaram, Madipakkam, Velacherry, Chrompet, Pallavaram and Alandur. George Muthoot, managing director, Muthoot Pappachan group said, 'Muthoot Fincorp offers wide range of need-based products and services that have proven highly beneficial to the customers. We understand the financial help people need and being a pioneer in the secured gold loan sector we decided to extend our emergency needs.'

        Rituraj Mahalim, the youngest contestant won the title of 'Rin Mera Star Superstar'. For little ove three months, Rituraj has been enthralling the audience with his spellbound performances. The young contestant stole the show and danced his way to victory to win Rs 5 lakh scholarship bond. Speaking on his victory, Ritu said, 'I rehearsed a lot, but I was nervous when I went up on stage.' And the youngest contestant has planned to use the Rs 5 lakh scholarship to pursue his talent in dancing and to study further.