#Huawei To Set Up R&D Centre In Bangalore; Invest $ 150 Million

Telecom gear maker Huawei will set up a new research and development (R&D) centre in Bangalore with an investment of $ 150 million (about Rs 813 crore) in the second half of this year.

“Since 2004, we have invested around $ 200 million in activities around research and development. We are setting up new R&D centre in Bangalore with an additional investment of about $ 150 million to consolidate our operations under one facility,” Huawei Technologies Head (International Media Affairs) Scott Sykes told PTI.

He said it will be set up in the second half of this year. In India, Huawei employs around 6,000 people out of which it has close to 2,500 people are working at its R&D.

This new facility will have capacity to house 5,000 people but the company is yet to firm up its hiring plan for India.

“Huawei is building capacity in India. Hiring will be done as per business need. We expect to see better business there in second half of this year” Sykes said.

The company peaked revenues of $ 1.2 billion in 2011, registering a growth of around 30 per cent compared to the previous year. The company’s business had been almost flat in 2012, he said.

Huawei is also evaluating to shift its Indian global network operation centre (GNOC) to this new facility.

“We are looking to centralise our GNOC in India. Under the plan we may shift our GNOC under this new facility,” Sykes said.

The company has about 500 employee at GNOC and manages services for Idea Cellular, Aircel, Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices.

Warwick Students Compete to Win $1 mn to Help Slum Dwellers in India

A team of five students from Russia, India, Bahrain, Canada and the UK are competing to win USD1 million of funding for their social enterprise to help slums in Mumbai in the Hult Prize Global Challenge, a competition judged by former USA President Bill Clinton.

The full-time MBA students from Warwick Business School are aiming to address the main issues that urban slum dwellers, one stage from the very bottom of the pyramid, face on a day to day basis.

The team consists of Supriya Mundra, of Mumbia in India, Mohamed Matar, of Manama in Bahrain, Adam Lawrence, of Solihull, Birmingham in the UK, Nikolay Samoylov, of Moscow in Russia, and Jane Kwong, of Vancouver in Canada.

They have prepared a short video to describe their comprehensive solution, which styles itself on a “smartphone” concept. The winning video is the one that gets the most “Likes” on and the team are using every channel they know to raise awareness of their solution to the problem.

The solution takes parts of existing solutions that are inefficient and do not work together, and brings them all together under one umbrella. The FEED model comprehensively addresses empowerment through education, renewable energy solutions, distribution and waste management problems simultaneously.

The team strongly believe their idea could make a huge difference to the lives of 100 million people in India and beyond – over 1 billion people worldwide live in slums which is unthinkable in this day and age.

The Warwick team narrowly lost out to Hult San Francisco in the previous round of the Hult Global Challenge, where they competed at the Hult Campus in San Francisco against 45 other world-leading business schools and universities, and defeated the likes of Harvard, Berkeley and Stanford en route to the final four.

“Even though the Warwick MBA by full-time study is a challenging undertaking, we strongly believe that it’s crucial to apply our learning to try and help those less fortunate than ourselves,” said Lawrence, 34, who previously worked as a property developer.

“We firmly grasped the opportunity to help the millions of people living in urban slums worldwide with both hands.”

Only one team progresses to the Global Finals in New York in September and the team are thankful for the support they have received from Warwick Business School.

Team leader is Indian Mundra, who has first-hand experience of the difficulties faced in urban slums and experience in strategy consulting.Lawrence has a background in economics and property; Kwong is an operations and human resources practitioner; Mr Matar is a chartered financial analyst; and Nikolay Samoylov is an energy professional.

More Than 80 Pct of Healthy Indians Are #VitaminD Deficient

We might live in a country full of sunshine but Indians are still deprived of the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D – which is wrongly called so – is a pro-hormone that influences the expression of more than 200 genes in human body. Nearly every tissue in the human body has receptors of Vitamin D, be it brain, heart, skin, kidney, pancreas etc. Any deficiency of Vitamin D in the human body is bound to affect normal functioning of all organs having Vitamin D receptors.

Vitamin D deficiency is fast becoming a global and National Health Concern. It is estimated that around 80 percent of the Indian population has Vitamin D levels less than normal. However, the bigger concern is that the population at large is not even aware of Vitamin D deficiency and its consequences.

One of India’s leading diabetologist, Dr Banshi Saboo, Founder of Diabetes Foundation of India, said, “Earlier Vitamin D was thought to be responsible for maintaining calcium homeostasis to prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone health. But, in the past decade research has established the strong association of Vitamin D deficiency in diabetes, immunity, asthma, TB, high blood pressure, neuro-muscular function, etc.“

Dr Saboo further added, “Low level of Vitamin D is associated with higher incidence of type 2 diabetes and correcting Vitamin D deficiency improves insulin sensitivity and helps in better management of hyperglycaemia. Also Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with high incidence of type 1 diabetes.”

As the mother is the sole source of vitamin D substrate for her developing foetus, vitamin D status is very important during pregnancy. Maternal deficiency of vitamin D is linked with abnormal foetal growth and gestational diabetes.

Sunscreen lotions, staying indoors, clothing habits, pollution and minimal exposure to direct sun light (during the period of 10 am to 3 pm) are the major reasons of such widespread deficiency in the Indian population.

The eminent endocrinologist from Mumbai, Dr Manoj Chadha said that Vitamin D deficiency has no defined signs or symptoms. “People who complain of back pains, unexplained muscle pains, general fatigue are the most likely to be Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency can be easily corrected by Vitamin D supplementation or some lifestyle changes. In a Vitamin D deficient person, oral 60,000 I.U per week for 8 weeks followed by maintenance dose of 60,000 I.U per month is a reasonably safe method to correct the deficiency.”

Although there are few major studies carried out in India to determine the optimum (sufficient) levels of serum Vitamin D 25(OH) D to be maintained to prevent chronic ailments, globally there is a consensus that Vitamin D deficiency is defined as serum 25(OH) D levels less than 20 ng/ml and insufficiency as serum 25(OH) D less than 30 ng/ml. Whereas serum 25(OH) D levels above 30 ng/ml is found to be sufficient.

Given the fact that Vitamin D receptors are present in various organs and tissues of the human body, maintaining Vitamin D levels in blood above 30 ng/ml may ensure normal functioning of the body organs and protect many from the suffering from chronic ailments.

#ChelseaFC on brink of capturing Andre Schurrle signing, says agent.. #CFC

The 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, and his representative Ingo Haspel is expecting ‘positive news’ over the player’s future

Chelsea are on the brink of signing Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle, according to the player’s agent – and he could join the club within the next few days.

Talks have been ongoing between the Premier League club and the German side over a potential €22 million player-swap deal which would see Kevin De Bruyne move in the other direction.

With a disappointing domestic campaign (by their standards) coming to a close, Chelsea are already looking ahead to next season and Ingo Haspel, Schurrle’s agent, has claimed the 22-year-old could be a Blues player very soon.

“I am waiting for information from either Leverkusen or Chelsea, but there could be some positive news by the end of this weekend,” he told reporters.

“It is an indication of how much Chelsea want the player that they are continuing to negotiate.”

Schurrle has 11 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances for the Werkself and has attracted the attention of a number of European clubs this season, with Chelsea looking to bolster their attacking options next season.

A potential spanner in the works for the Blues, however, is that they appear reluctant to part with De Bruyne just a year after selling him, while the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Schalke are also keen on the Belgium international.

Saturn’s Satan – A monster hurricane with an eye of over 2,000km ..#NASA #Saturn

Nasa spacecraft captures stunning image of a cyclone at Saturn’s North Pole

In an undated in this false-color image from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and provided by NASA/JPL shows stunning views of a monster hurricane at Saturn’s North Pole. The eye of the cyclone is an enormous 1,250 miles across. That’s 20 times larger than the typical eye of a hurricane here on Earth. The hurricane is believed to have been there for years.This image is among the first sunlit views of Saturn’s north pole captured by Cassini’s imaging cameras. (AP)

Nasa’s Cassini spacecraft has captured stunning views of a monster hurricane at Saturn’s North Pole.

The eye of the cyclone is an enormous 1,250 miles (2,010 kilometers) across. That’s 20 times larger than the typical eye of a hurricane here on Earth. And it’s spinning super-fast. Clouds at the outer edge of the storm are whipping around at 330 mph (531 kph).

The hurricane is parked at Saturn’s North Pole and relies on water vapor to keep it churning. It’s believed to have been there for years. Cassini only recently had a chance to observe the vortex in visible light.

Scientists hope to learn more about Earth’s hurricanes by studying this whopper at Saturn.

Cassini was launched from Cape Canaveral in 1997 and arrived at Saturn in 2004.

Indian wins Dh100,000 car from Dubai Traffic Police

Dubai announces more incentives for drivers accumulating white points

Jayaseelan receiving the prize from Dubai Traffic Police (SUPPLIED)

An Indian national was awarded a Dh100,000 car by Dubai’s traffic police for accumulating sufficient white points that made him an ideal driver in the emirate.

The man, Jayaseelan, was picked from among 700 drivers shortlisted by Dubai’s traffic police after they gathered the maximum limit of white points in one year, during which they did not commit any traffic offence or were involved in an accident. Jayaseelan has been awarded Chevrolet Cruz.

Dubai introduced the unique white point system, the first in the region, couple of years ago in a bid to encourage drivers to respect traffic rules as part of a long term strategy to curb accidents and attain its zero death target on roads.

“We honour 700 drivers who collect the maximum limit of white points every year but we intend to increase that number to 1,000,” Dubai traffic police chief Major General Mohammed Al Zafin said, adding that at least one car would also be awarded.

The Indian driver, a private sector employee, said he could hardly believe it when he was called by the police and told about his reward.

He said his children are “very happy” for him and that he is planning to hold a party after receiving the car from the traffic police.

Pup named Huckleberry crowned ‘Beautiful Bulldog’

 

If at first you don’t succeed, wipe the slobber off and try again.

Just ask 4-year-old pup Huckleberry, who was crowned Monday as this year’s “Beautiful Bulldog.”

Huckleberry competed for the title in 2010, only to walk away empty-pawed. That changed this year, when he strutted down a blue runway at Drake University in Des Moines dressed in a beige suit as the main character from the movie “Forrest Gump.”

“He’s just a lover,” said his owner, Stephanie Hein, as Huckleberry sat next to his miniature basketball toy and a suitcase similar to one owned by Forrest Gump.

The contest is now in its 34th year and is held ahead of the annual Drake Relays track and field meet. The university’s mascot is a bulldog, and each year’s winner becomes the mascot for the relays event.

Huckleberry beat 46 other bulldogs to don the crown and cape, and competition was stiff. There was a bulldog dressed as a “Thing” character by Dr. Seuss, another wore an eye patch and fake hoop earring to match his pirate-dressed owner. Diva, donning a tutu, took home the prize for best dressed.

Huckleberry seemed unfazed by all the attention, more interested in a dog-friendly cake that’s served annually from the gold-painted throne. He threw in a few slobbered kisses to his owners.

When not competing, Huckleberry likes to cuddle and hang out with a girlfriend bulldog who lives nearby, according to Hein and her husband, Steven.

Huckleberry wore a Mohawk when he initially competed in 2010. But Stephanie Hein spent weeks shrinking and sowing together this year’s outfit, which included a blue-checkered T-Shirt similar to the one worn by Forrest Gump.

“He was just a puppy then,” she said of his first attempt. “But he’s certainly grown into himself now.”

Van Persie magic seals 20th Premier League title for Man United. #MUFC

United have taken an unassailable 16-point lead over City

Manchester United reclaimed their Premier League crown in style on Monday as Robin van Persie‘s hat-trick inspired a 3-0 win over Aston Villa that gave them an unassailable 16-point lead over Manchester City and erased the pain of last season.

Van Persie’s goals after two, 13 and 33 minutes – the second among the best ever scored at Old Trafford – propelled Alex Ferguson’s side to a record-extending 20th league title in front of a jubilant home crowd.

After the hurt of having their crown snatched away by Manchester City on goal difference in stoppage time on the final day of the 2011-12 season, United were determined to make sure of the title with four games to spare.

“When you lose the title it’s hard to take it, the way we did (last year) it was not a nice feeling,” forward Wayne Rooney, who set up two of the goals in a performance that went some way to answering his recent critics, told Sky Sports.

“So we’ve all dug in deep, we’ve all worked together and done fantastic to get ourselves into this position and tonight we finished the job off.”

With the championship guaranteed, United still have much to play for as they aim for 96 points to beat the record points total of 95 set by Chelsea in 2004-05.

With United’s tally currently on 84 points, Ferguson’s side remain on target to overhaul Chelsea’s record provided they win their four remaining games.

Monday’s win earned the club and Ferguson, who has now won 49 club trophies in his managerial career, a 13th Premier League title.

“I’m so proud of everything I’ve achieved. I don’t get carried away, I don’t look back, only look forward,” he told MUTV.

“There is no reason why we can’t go on and improve for next year.”

STRANGE PLACES

Ferguson, who has secured some of his 13 championships in strange places over the years including at the gym, on the golf course and while watching snooker, would agree nothing beats doing it at Old Trafford with “champions” ringing out.

Fans had already stocked up on T-shirts, scarves and flags emblazoned with “20″ before the game knowing they were unlikely to need a refund and their faith was justified with less than 90 seconds on the clock.

Rooney’s diagonal ball from his own half found Antonio Valencia on the right wing and the Ecuadorian passed to Rafael who crossed to Ryan Giggs with the 39-year-old pulling the ball back for Van Persie to tap in with ease.

The Dutchman could have scored a second a minute later when he volleyed just over, while Rafael hit the post before Van Persie produced a candidate for goal of the season to double their lead in the 13th minute.

Another superb pass from Rooney from just inside his own half set up Van Persie for an exquisite left-foot volley from just outside the box that flew past helpless Villa keeper Brad Guzan and into the net.

His third, on 33 minutes, again involved Giggs who was fed by Shinji Kagawa before finding Van Persie in the box. The Dutchman had time to shift the ball on to his left foot before sending it in off the post for his 24th league goal of the season making him the league’s top scorer.

“The important thing was to win the game and we won the game. It was great to score so early,” Van Persie told Sky Sports.

“I feel very happy, but it’s weird you know, I have waited so long for my first title – but it’s a great feeling.”

FULL SWING

Villa, desperate for damage limitation in their relegation battle, did a better job of containing United in the second half and Van Persie was called on to demonstrate his worth at the other end of the field with a headed clearance off the line.

Kagawa missed a chance to give United a fourth, inexplicably firing high and wide, but that will be forgotten as the party gets into full swing.

United’s players will not get their hands on the trophy for another three weeks as it will not be presented until their final home match of the season against Swansea City on May 12.

United, who have 84 points to City’s 68 with their neighbours having played one game fewer, head to Arsenal in their next match on Sunday where they can continue the party in front of Van Persie’s former team mates.

ENJOY TONIGHT

Asked what he thought about going back to the Emirates as a champion with United, Van Persie replied: “Let us enjoy tonight first.”

It was fitting that the goals came from the man whose hot form has driven United’s season.

His arrival in the close season from Arsenal was a signal that Ferguson would be true to his vow that his side would never again miss out because they had not scored enough goals.

Van Persie’s treble against a young Aston Villa team, who remain a perilous three points above the relegation zone with some damage to their goal difference, took him above Liverpool’s Luis Suarez on top of the scoring charts.

The debate will rage over where this United team fits in among Ferguson’s great sides of the past, with this crop sometimes criticised for not living up to the likes of the 1994 double-winners or 1999 treble winners.

There will be few, however, that would argue about Van Persie’s place among the Old Trafford greats.

MATCH STATS

Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 0

Robin Van Persie 2″
Robin Van Persie 13″
Robin Van Persie 33″

UAE Residents wake up to lightning and rain on Sunday morning

UAE residents woke up to overcast skies, lightning and slight rain on Sunday morning. The roads are wet and motorists are warned to drive carefully.

 

The weather is expected to be partly cloudy in general today, with the cloud cover increasing over the islands and some northern and eastern areas.

According to the National Center for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), the amount of clouds will increase over scattered areas, with a chance of rain. A slight fall in temperatures is also expected over some areas .

Winds will be moderate in general, fresh at times. However, it may kick up dust in some internal areas.

Sea will be moderate becoming rough gradually by night .

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in some internal areas will hit 44 degree C, with a minimum of 23 degree C.

Humidity is also expected to touch 95 per cent in coastal areas.

 Rain in forecast for the next couple of days in the emirates.

Go Bananas for Good Skin

Bananas are so delicious, bright in color, and taste good with a variety of foods! Did you also know bananas are great for your skin? Since ancient times, they have helped cure people of skin-irritating bug bites and are ideal for soothing irritated and rash-like skin. Read on to learn some great things bananas can do for your skin:

Bananas can soothe even the most sensitive skin so as long as you are not allergic to bananas, you are safe!

Bananas are high in potassium, which is beneficial in fighting acne. Mash up a banana and apply directly to your skin. Doing so will suffocate the bacteria in your skin cells, forcing breakouts from acne to heal more quickly.

Bananas have many anti-bacterial properties which can reduce swelling and infections from other skin issues, including Psoriasis, Eczema, and painful bug bites as described earlier.

Use the inside peel of the banana and gently rub on your clean skin as an awesome exfoliating treatment! Doing so will soothe and heal your skin from other irritating skin conditions.

This yummy fruit is packed with nutrients and antioxidants like Vitamin C which when applied to the skin (even the peel), can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Blood flow will circulate better and collagen production will be boosted.

Make sure you eat a banana a day too! Your body will benefit from all the nutrients like Potassium and Vitamin C and your digestive tract will function better.

Who knew bananas could be so good for the skin? Now you do! Throw one in your purse or backpack on your way to school or work and enjoy it as a mid-day snack! Great burst to your energy and your skin will be beautiful too!