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STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY
Partners in Building, Opening in Riverstone: A Sign of Good Things to Come!
By Jacob David SUGAR LAND, Texas: With a buyer’s market commanding Real Estate, every home builder today is vying for buyers. Partners in Building has understood the pulse of the market and has decided to expand, by adding their operations to Silver Grove in Riverstone. With 53 years of custom home building experience, Partners in Building has taken every customer aspect into account to build homes they have wanted. Tony Farhani, Custom Home Specialist, has over 27 years of Real Estate experience and has worked with Partners in Building for 4 years. With many
positive testimonials from his customers, Tony Farhani is living his dream. “I am happy that Partners in Building is expanding to Riverstone. Right now, in Riverstone, there are homes from $200 - $400K and homes above $1 Million price range in that subdivision. We are going to fill the in-between niche of $500 - $1Million price range of homes,” he said. Partners in Building has its operations in 7 sub-divisions in Houston and 2 in Austin. It has been 100% devoted to customer satisfaction. “I treat all my customers like family, I take note of every aspect they desire in their new home. It’s like
I am in charge of building a home for my own brother or sister.” he explains. “It makes it all the more personal for me.” With tremendous success in Telfair, Partners in Building has been keeping busy even during the recession. Texas has not seen the worst in Real Estate like other states have. The economy is still vibrant and there is a lot of buying going on. What controls the Houston economy is not its Oil and Energy market, but the Medical Center. “My customers are mostly physicians. They love the custom home plans Partners in Building has to offer their families.” Tony
explains. Telfair is the largest and last master planned community in Sugar Land. People realize that this is a buyer’s market and their dollars commands better purchasing power in terms of home building materials - you get value for your money. Tony couldn’t be much more in agreement, “I have been more busy in 2010 than in 2009 which is good for us.” he says beaming a smile. “Partners in Building has a high A plus rating with the Better Business Bureau. It has gained a sense of value and personal recognition with buyers when it comes to having their questions answered
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
and being taken care of in a timely manner. We know that buyers are savvy, they want the best when they invest their money into a home building project.” At Riverstone, Partners in Building is planning to build homes from 3700 sq.ft to 6,000 sq.ft. They have over 500 different customized home plans that can be mixed and matched in numerous combinations. “If you have an idea in your head that you can draw on a paper napkin for us, we can convert that into an elegant blue print and build a custom home for you.” continued on page
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Indo American News • Friday. April 01, 2011
BUSINESS HOUSTON
Partners in Building, Opening in Riverstone: A Sign of Good Things to Come! continued from page
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in granite, marble and tile, the possibilities are endless. Customized rooms like the Media Room, Unique spaces like a Wine Cellar, Recessed Den, Game Room; Partners in Building is waiting to cater to knowledgeable buyers who know that the value of Real Estate will only continue to climb in the future. Tony Farhani’s been getting positive reviews. Here’s what most of his customers agree on, “Tony is knowledgeable, he has a keen sense on designs and architecture, a good grasp of building codes, Partners in Building has 7 locations in Houston and 2 in Austin, they have he offers valuable sugbecome builders of repute for custom homes. They fill the niche for homes gestions that helps us in the price range of $300K to $2 Million. Photos: Jacob David make our buying decision easier.” Tony Farhani loves what he does, he is in tbe business of of offering quality homes that use the latest in building materials and technology. His experience gained over the years stands him in good stead when it comes to dealing with each new client and their needs. Partners in Building can Tony Farhani says. With technol- expanse of luxury. With high ceil- also build on your own private lot ogy ever so adept these days, any- ings, large French windows, beau- anywhere in Austin, Houston or thing is possible when it comes tiful arches, custom light fixtures, surrounding areas. to home building and choice of a range of carpets, rounded wall For more information, call Tony building materials. corners, staircase railings that can Farhani, Custom Home Specialist The homes that Partners in Build- have an expanse of variety, vanity at 281-773-7833. Visit them online ing construct are truly a sprawling garden tubs and mirrors, upgrades at: www.partnersinbuilding.com
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Houston Rockets “Green Week” Features Water Bottle Giveaway
The Houston Rockets will host the fourth annual Environmental Awareness Night presented by Republic Services on Tuesday, April 5 when the team faces the Sacramento Kings. The Rockets will giveaway reusable aluminum water bottles to the first 4,000 fans in attendance, use in-game features to raise environmental awareness and offer free concourse space for Houston area groups that promote environmental best practices. During the week leading up to the environmental awareness event at Toyota Center, the Rockets organization will participate in and host several cause-related events. A complete list of “Green Week” events is included below. This effort is part of the organization’s “Red Nation Goes Green” season-long campaign to increase environmental awareness in Houston. So far this season, the Rockets have implemented a Green Team initiative on game nights which involves volunteer groups surveying the seating areas during games for recyclable waste. Also, with the help of Republic Services, Toyota Center is now equipped with easily identifiable recycling receptacles throughout the building. GREEN WEEK ACTIVITIES Tuesday, March 29 – Tree planting, cleanup and revitalization of 1902 Washington Avenue from 8:30am- 5:00pm (4-5 blocks west of Houston
Avenue). This effort will be conducted by the Houston Rockets front office staff. Thursday, March 31 – Rockets Recyclefest Free e-cycling drive for outdated or end-of-life electronics at Toyota Center on Friday from 8:00am- 2:00pm. Items will be accepted by Houston Rockets forward Yao Ming, along with Rockets and Republic Services staff. Acceptable items include televisions, laptop and desktop computers, monitors and peripherals such as keyboards and mice. Additional items to donate include gently used sneakers, apparel and books. Rockets fans who bring large items for recycling will receive two tickets to the Environmental Awareness game on April 5 (while supplies last, limit of two tickets per donor). Photo opportunity with Yao will be at 1:15pm on Thursday. Friday, April 1- Houston Rockets staff will participate in the Cleanup of Allen’s Landing in honor of Houston’s 175th birthday as part of a kickoff for Keep Houston Beautiful Day. Activities include mulching trees, power washing bridge and landing areas, painting benches and trimming oak trees. Saturday, April 2 – Rockets Recycle Tour. Fans who follow the @HoustonRockets on Twitter will be given opportunities all day to participate in environmentally friendly activities that will earn them tickets to the April 5 Environmental Awareness game. Information about the Rockets Recycle Tour events will be posted on Facebook and Twitter throughout the day.
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Indo American News • Friday. April 01, 2011
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This Week That Age March 30, 1870 - Texas becomes last confederate state readmitted to Union March 30, 1919 - Gandhi announces resistance against Rowlatt Act March 30, 1932 - Amelia Earhart is 1st woman to fly solo cross the Atlantic March 30, 1988 - Tamil Nadu beat Railways by inns & 144 to win Ranji Trophy March 30, 1993 - Punjab beat Maharashtra by 120 runs to win Cricket’s Ranji Trophy March 30, 1994 - Bombay beat Bengal by 8 wickets to win Cricket’s Ranji Trophy March 31, 1959 - Dalai Lama fled China & was granted political asylum in India March 31, 1992 - Delhi beat Tamil Nadu on 1st innings to win cricket Ranji Trophy March 31, 1995 - Bombay beat Punjab on 1st innings to win cricket Ranji Trophy March 31, 1996 - Karnataka defeat Tamil Nadu on 1st innings to win Ranji Trophy April 1, 1936 - Orissa constituted a province of British India April 1, 1986 - World oil prices dip below $10 a barrel April 3, 1984 - Bombay beat Delhi on 1st innings to win Ranji Trophy
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South Asia News of the Diaspora - South Asians around the World
India National Meeting to Discuss Dalai Lama’s Political Renunc Renunciation
DHARAMSHALA (WN): Fol- Kashag made its statement on held intensive deliberations. An lowing the Tibetan spiritual leader the second day on 15 March, fol- official draft resolution was finalHis Holiness the Dalai Lama’s lowing which the whole day was ized based on the proposals, which decision to handover political devoted to intensive deliberation were passed unanimously or by authority to a new elected leader, on His Holiness’ message. On 16 majority, submitted by the three the Tibetan parliament-in-exile last March, the members of Parliament sub-committees in their recomweek has constituted a three-mem- met separately for a meeting and mendations. ber high level committee After holding a whole day headed by Prof Samdhong discussion on 18 March, Rinpoche, the chairman of the Assembly passed a the Tibetan administration. three-point resolution An additional session of “strongly beseeching His the 14th Tibetan Parliament Holiness the Dalai Lama and second Tibetan national to continue to remain as general meeting will be both the spiritual and temdiscussed with how to deal poral leader of the Tibetan with the situation. people�. The resolution In his message to the 11th was presented to His HoSession of the 14th Assemliness through his secrebly of the Tibetan People’s taries on 19 March. The Deputies, His Holiness the office of His Holiness in Dalai Lama, presenting a its response said “There is letter based on sound reason no change in His Holiness and Tibet’s history and real- The members of the 14th Tibetan Parliament in exile the Dalai Lama’s decision ity, said “... amendments to unanimously approved the resolutions. as conveyed in detail in his the Charter on this occasion earlier message. Therefore must conform to the framework debated on the issue. On the basis the resolution could not be accepted of a democratic system in which of these deliberations, the speaker and have been directed to send it the political leadership is elected and deputy speaker issued two back.� by the people for a specific term.� draft resolutions to the Parliament Accordingly, a general meeting This message was read out on the on 17 March. Accordingly, three of the deputies was convened on opening day of the Parliament sub-committees of the members the morning of 21 March and it session on 14 March 2011. The of Parliament were formed, which was agreed to form a working
committee. On 21 March, an of official resolution no 15 was passed to formally constitute a working committee comprising of members of the Kashag and Parliament. On 23 March, the working committee
presented its recommendations and related documents to the House. The deputies held intensive discussion on the recommendations on 24 and 25 March. A resolution was passed.
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ENTErTAINmENT
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Ranbir Kapoor & Anoushka Sharma: The New Love-birds of the Tinsel Town? Well, what started with Anoushka Sharma at Karan Johar’s party in February, continuing with a small party with close friends, cozying up in the backseat of the car and a candid confession at ‘Koffee With Karan’
Kareena Kapoor to endorse Lavie handbags
has taken up a full fledged form now. The two enjoyed dancing with each other at Karan Johar’s party. Then, Anoushka invited Ranbir Kapoor for a party she held for a select group of friends at her home.
J. Abraham to host the Indian version of ‘Survivor’?
Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor is known for her style, poise and choice of accessories.
While most of the Bol Bollywood biggies have been seen on reality shows, Bollywood hunk John Abraham has not got this opportunity so far.
So, when it came to choosing an actress as their brand ambassador, Lavie bags could not settle in for a better choice than the style diva herself. Thus, here we have Kareena Kapoor endorsing the brand and sharing her tips too. Kareena said, “We women have our share of ups and downs. Nothing can lighten the mood better than a great accessory. I am Lavie, which means life.” Kareena will be shooting for a TVC for the brand and the kareena handbag ad will be aired soon. The promotion work will not remain restricted to television, but to reach out the international customers, press ads will be released too. The theme or rather the tag line of the commercial will be ‘Me, Myself & I’.
However, the wait seems to be finally over now because, Abraham has reportedly been approached to host the Indian version of the popular international reality show, ‘Survivor’. Nothing has been finalized as yet and the channel is also considering Ajay Devgan and Arjun Rampal for the same. Both Ajay and Arjun have already appeared on TV reality shows earlier, the former as the judge of ‘Rock n Roll Family, and the latter as the judge for ‘Nach Baliye 4’. Among all three, John seems to be the strongest contender. The show is likely to go on air in a couple of months.
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HEALTH
Indo American News • Friday, April 01, 2011
Philips India Focusing on Technology for Health, Wellbeing
By K.T. JagganaT aggana han (The Hindu): Reiterating its focus on health and wellbeing, the fully owned Dutch subsidiary Philips Electronics India Ltd. has unveiled a slew of new initiatives across verti-
based solar solution was indigenously developed by its R&D facility in Noida. “The digital capabilities of LEDs allow customisation in terms of light output to provide optimum light coverage,” he said. He said that the LED-based solarsolution could be useful for urban areas as well as off-grid locations in rural areas. Philips also showed a sneak preview of a portable solar-powered LED rechargeable light. The product, cur currently under development, would hit the mar market soon. The company also The (MR) magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU) soluannounced tion from Philips. Photo: Special Arrangement additions to its LED concals to offer its customers simplified (light emitting diodes) are the future sumer bulb range with the imminent solutions and a sense of belonging. of lighting.” He announced Philips’ launch of 9W bulb to add to its existAt the third edition of Philips’ An- entry into LED-based solar-powered ing 5W and 7W retrofit bulbs. In the nual Media Offsite here last week, the lighting solutions. The company professional category, Philips, Mr. top management of Philips India, led launched the country’s first LED- Chopra said, was planning to launch by its new Managing Director Rajeev based solar-powered street lighting LED-based luminaries for landscape Chopra, spelt out the road map to solution. Mr. Chopra said the LED- lighting applications such as post-top, journalists. The message was clear. The team was focussed on making the time-tested Philips brand positively impact people of all walks of life. Mr. Chopra, who is also the head of the lighting vertical, said that “LEDs
wall-mount, step lighting and LED makers. Philips also unveiled its breakthrough MR (magnetic resonance)guided high intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU) solution called ‘Sonalleve’, which offers a non-invasive alternative to the traditional treatment for uterine fibroids in women. Sonalleve HIFU system is first clinically approved for the treatment of noncancerous tumours such as uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during child-bearing years). Krishna Kumar, Vice-President and Business head of Philips Healthcare, felt that ‘non-communicable’ diseases were turning out to be ‘biggest killers’ in the modern day. Ensur Ensuring three ‘A’s — awareness, access and affordability — was a big challenge in the Indian context. There was real danger of people “getting sick before they become rich,” he said. In this context, he said Philips was keen to develop an eco-system that addressed issues connected with health and wellbeing. Setting up a new production unit at Chakkan, Pune, establishing more customer care centres and developing a host of innovations were among the efforts Philips was doing in this direction. “The future of medicine lies in imaging and non-invasive intervention,” Mr. Kumar said. Philips also announced a slew of launches in the consumer lifestyle space. Among them are two new epilators for women, a range of hair-
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styling products and mixer-grinders. At the Media Offsite, Philips also released its first Health and Wellbeing Index Report for India. Some of the findings of the report are: 83 per cent of urban Indians do not consider themselves overweight, 38 per cent of urban Indians feel technology has made life stressful, 87 per cent of rural Indians put access to clean water as their biggest concern and Bangalore is the No: 1 city in India when it comes to experimenting with new remedies. Stating that Philips had been a pioneer in developing and brining to market innovations that shaped people’s healthcare, lifestyle and the society, Vivek Sharma, Chief Marketing Officer, said the company would continue to come out with insightful trend surveys so as to address the critical issues surrounding lives.
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Indo American News • Friday, April 01, 2011
TEcHnoLogy
India’s only MBA-holder Sarpanch Dazzles at United Nations Confab There was disbelief among ministers and ambassadors when the chairperson of the 11th Info-Poverty World Conference at the United Nations introduced the jeans-clad Chhavi Rajawat as head of a village in India. She is the sarpanch of Soda village, 60km from Jaipur. Rajawat, 30, India’s youngest and only MBA to be a village head, quit her senior management position with Bharti-Tele Ventures of Airtel Group to serve her beloved villagers as sarpanch. Rajawat participated in a panel discussion on March 24 and 25 on how civil society can implement its actions. Rajawat said she sought full support from outside agencies and the corporate world. “I thank United Nations office for Partnerships (UNOP) which had deputed its senior adviser in India Mr Babu Lal Jain to visit Soda in the opening of the first bank in the village. It is necessary to re-think through
various strategies of action that includes new technologies like e-services in achieving MDGs in an era where resources have become limited, she told the delegates of the international conference. “If India continues to make progress at the same pace as it has for the past 65 years since Independence, it just won’t be good enough. We’ll be failing people who dream about having water, electricity, toilets, schools and jobs. I am convinced we can do it differently and do it faster,” she said. “In three years I will transform my village. I don’t want money. I want people and organisations to adopt projects in my village as often projects fail owing to lack of a local connect and that is what I am here to provide by bridging that gap.” “I want the conference to help bring about faster change so that this generation can enjoy that kind of life that I and you in this audience take for granted.”
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Microsoft Appoints Bhaskar Pramanik as Chairman of their India Operations
NEW DELHI (SI): Software giant Microsoft said it has appointed Bhaskar Pramanik as chairman for its India operations.The appointment,comes less than two months after Ravi Venkatesan quit as Microsoft India’s chairman and corporate vice-president. Prior to the current role, Pramanik served as Managing Director for Oracle India and Sun Microsystems. “As chairman, Pramanik will oversee Microsoft’s sales, marketing and services subsidiary, provide overall leadership on all Microsoft assets in India and lead our citizenship agenda in close alignment with
India’s national priorities,” Microsoft said in a statement. Pramanik will report to Jean-Philippe Courtois, who is the President of Microsoft International. “I am excited to be part of a company that has such a wide play across industries, segments, products and services. I look forward to partnering with the business leaders and the entire Microsoft team to grow our business in India and enable the success of all our stakeholders,” Pramanik said. He served at Sun Microsystems for 13 years and was also Global Vice-President (Commercial Systems) at US headquarters. Pramanik was responsible for growing Sun Microsystems’ business in India from under USD 20 million to over USD 200 million in six years, apart from expanding its organisational presence in the country from 24 people to over 1,200, the statement said. He is also active in industry bodies, including Nasscom and CII, and has also held several general management, sales and marketing positions with other companies in India and Singapore. “Bhaskar (Pramanik) comes to Microsoft with a strong reputation as a business leader and organisation builder. “His deep experience and understanding of the Indian IT industry will be critical to continuing to build our leadership in India, as well as enriching our relationships with customers, partners and government,” Courtois said. Microsoft has a good presence in India, with over 5,300 employees in the country.
Bhaskar Pramanik
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India Scrap their Way into World Cup Final vs. Sri Lanka
made up for his golden duck with them hope. Mohammad Hafeez ning down leg, and a near-stump- missed a Riaz delivery that pitched By Brydon Coverdale MOHALI (ESPN Cric Info): a pair of wickets, but the most im- made an encouraging 43 before a ing the next delivery when he just just in line and was hitting the India’s dream of a World Cup tri- portant breakthrough came when string of eight dot balls from Mu- got his back foot down in time stumps. It was the second outstandumph at home is one step closer Harbhajan Singh bowled Umar naf brought a brain-fade as ing call by Taufel, Hafeez tried a premeditated after their bowlers suffocated Paki- Akmal for 29. who had given Akmal had struck a pair of sixes paddle sweep from outside stan’s batsmen to set up a 29-run Virender Sehwag victory in the semi-final in Mohali. off Yuvraj, driving him over the off stump and edged behind lbw in a similar Saturday’s decider will now be a sight screen and pulling him over to Dhoni. fashion earlier, Soon after, the loss of Asad battle of the hosts, and while Sri midwicket, and anything was poseven though the Lanka might have been surprised sible while he was at the crease. Shafiq brought the Mohali left-armer’s angle by the strength of India’s bowling But Dhoni called on Harbhajan to crowd to life, when he tried to meant pitching effort, they would also have taken replace Yuvraj, and with the first cut a Yuvraj delivery that was outside leg was a note of a slightly lacklustre batting ball of his spell he came around much too full and straight, possibility. the wicket and pushed one across and the middle stump was performance. Riaz was the In the end, India’s 260 for 9 was Akmal, taking the off stump when knocked back. Shafiq had man who Afridi made 30 and had displayed enough as their bowlers did a fine the batsman played for the spin. had to thank for Shahid Afridi also fell to Harb- a cool temperament until that job, but had Pakistan helped themkeeping Pakistan selves, the target could have been hajan when he skied a catch off point, but the required runin the contest af afso much more gettable. Sachin a full toss, and the obdurate Mis- rate started to balloon, and ter India made a Tendulkar was dropped four times bah-ul-Haq was left to steer the Pakistan never recovered. strong start and But while India have in his 85, MS Dhoni was put down chase. He found it difficult to lift reached 114 for once and while Wahab Riaz was his tempo and was the last man booked a place in the final, 1 off their first 18 extremely impressive in collecting out, caught on the boundary for 56 they must hope they haven’t overs. After Gaufive wickets, Umar Gul had one of in the final over, but he ate up 76 used all their good fortune too tam Gambhir was soon. Tendulkar his most forgettable stumped wandermight be the findays, wilting under ing down the pitch est batsman of his the pressure of a against Hafeez, generation, but World Cup semiRiaz grabbed two today he was the final. wickets in two luckiest, dropped By contrast, Inballs - Virat Kohli on 27, 45, 70 and dia’s display in the caught at back81. It seemed as field was much ward point and though he was go- Sachin Tendulkar’s 85 was the best score in the match, but Yuvraj bowled by more professional, ing to bring up his he was dropped four times along the way . and that was the dif difa low full toss for 100th international ference in a match a golden duck. century with one of his after losing his balance reaching that lived up to the Nobody looked as fluent as the least convincing in- outside off. When Tendulkar was crease as Sehwag, who took 21 off extreme pre-match nings. hype. The decision finally taken at cover by Afridi off Gul (0 for 69) from the third over Misbah at midwicket the bowling of Ajmal, Pakistan’s of the innings. What looked like a to leave R Ashwin was the first to put him relief was evident. out to make room 300-plus total in those early overs down, before Younis for Ashish Nehra Soon after, a scratchy Dhoni, became 260 when Suresh Raina Khan spilled a regula- who was also dropped by Kam- helped them recover from their was an odd choice tion chance at cover, ran, made the mistake of chal- middle-order failures. on a pitch offerboth off the bowling lenging Simon Taufel on an lbw ing plenty of spin, It was enough, but India’s batsof Afridi. The third op- decision. Dhoni had 25 when he men will need to improve if they but Nehra and his portunity came when bowling colleagues Kamran Akmal didn’t built the pressure move his hands quickly and gave Pakistan’s enough to a thick edge, batsmen little to again off Afridi, and attack after they while that was a tough made a promising opportunity, a pull to start and reached 70 for 1. Joy for one. Disappointment for the other. Harbhajan Singh’s Umar at mid-on from The Indians dismissal of Shahid Afridi was the decisive blow in a tight the offspin of Hafeez should have been takdidn’t give away semi-final in Mohali en. an extra until the Before he had any of those lives, 37th over of the innings, and the deliveries and had he shown some way they put together strings of more intent earlier, Pakistan might Tendulkar had survived two very tight calls on 23: an lbw decision dot balls and tight overs was key to have had a chance. It was a disappointing end for that was given out by Ian Gould their success. Munaf Patel picked up two victims and Yuvraj Singh Pakistan after their top order gave but on review proved to be spin-
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e-toilets Revolutionize Sanitation in India
TRIVANDRUM (SI): A coin is opening, power flushing, automat- bio gas plant in the event of any dropped into the slot and bingo ic closet washing and sterilization, errors or failures,” Vinod said. the door to the toilet slides open, and automatic platform cleaning An e-toilet occupies around 20 the light and exhaust square feet and has fan turn on. And after two doors -- a sliduse, in case you foring door at the front, get to flush, the autoand a normal door mated flushing turns ahead of the toilet. on and sterilizes the “As soon as the commode too. Welcoin (entry charge) come to unmanned is dropped, the slidelectronic public toiing door opens and lets that are making the light and the their presence felt in exhaust fan come India. on. Inside the toilet Delight, the counthere is a bucket, try’s first e-toilet mug and all other unit, has been develitems. In case the oped by city-based user does not flush Eram Scientific Sothe toilet after use, lutions (P) Ltd. It is the system autopart of Eram Group, matically does all a company which has the cleaning operaoperational presence tions.” in India, the Middle “The human exEast and Southeast creta is treated and Asia. it is reduced to a Currently, there are sand-like material, 16 units installed, which will not have of which six are in any bacteria and it Greater Noida, in is removed physiUttar Pradesh, while Just 20 square feet with two doors, a sliding door and a nor- cally once in three the rest are at various mal door it comes with automatic doors, with closet wash- months,” said Viing, automatic cleaning mechanics. 16 units have been in- nod. places in Kerala. M.S. Vinod, direc- stalled in Uttar Pradesh, and more units are being installed in Its unique structor of Eram, said this Kerala state. Human waste is treated, converted into a sand ture facilitates the like material and removed once in three months e-toilet is a result of a display of adverconvergence of electisement boards on tronics, web and mobile technolo- mechanism, all backed by SMS its outer surface. This can act as a alerts to inform the control room source of additional income for its gies. “It features an automated door about the status of water tank and operators.
Annam
Delight’s model gives more emphasis on advertisement revenue, whereas the only source of income in the traditional public toilets is in the form of coins. He said 15 more units in Kozhikode city and one in Kochi are under installation. “It is expected that 2,000 units in Kerala and 8,000 units in other Indian cities are possible in the next financial year,” said Vinod The price of this e-toilet varies from 350,000 to 850,000 (inclusive of bio-membrane reactor’s price). Bio-membrane reactor is a nanotechnology- aided device that instantly recycles the used water and makes it ready for future use, he said. The price depends on the manufacturing materials like fibre, metal sheets, stainless steel, MS pillars and a combination of the said materials. Electronic and cleaning features will be the same for all variants, but more facilities for physically challenged, women and children will be added to the top models. Other specialities of this product include efficient water conservation techniques. Besides, the entire waste decomposing is through bio enzymes and reusing the water. This unit can be managed from a remote location and the system can be closed down, or remote washing can be done through GPRS controls. The average life of a unit is estimated to be around 7-10 years, Vinod added.
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Fun Tech Facts
• Windmills always turn anti-clockwise. Except for the windmills in Ireland! • Car airbags kill 1 person for every 22 lives that they save. • Thomas Alva Edison patented almost 1,300 inventions in his lifetime! • First four countries to have television: England, the U.S., the U.S.S.R., and Brazil • Whale oil was used in automobile transmissions as late as 1973 • The oil used by jewelers to lubricate clocks and watches costs about $3,000 a gallon. • The normal static electricty shock that zaps your finger when you touch a doorknob is usually between 10,000 and 30,000 volts! • The life boat was patented in 1845! • The first alarm clock could only ring at 4 a.m. • The IRS processes more than 2 billion pieces of paper each year. • The electric chair was invented by a dentist! • The first hard drive available for the Apple II had a capacity of only 5 megabytes.
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