Asia will increasingly become a source of technological innovation, Microsoft Corp Chairman Bill Gates said on Saturday.

Gates said that the quality of the work being done at Microsoft's research centres in Asia was among the best in the world--to the extent that it was planning to more than double the staff at its campuses in Beijing and Shanghai.

"And so not only is Asia benefiting from the use of technology, Asia will be a major source of the breakthroughs and advances in technology," Gates told the annual Boao Forum for Asia on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.

Gates referred to a survey in the United States in which many respondents had said the 'next Bill Gates' would come from Asia.

"I think that's true--I think it's amazing that that's so well recognised," he said.

Gates was speaking towards the end of a trip to China during which he announced plans to offer a software package called Microsoft Student Innovation Suite for $3 to governments purchasing and giving Windows-based computers to primary and secondary students.

The initiative is part of Microsoft's goal of doubling the number of computer users to 2 billion by 2015.

Courtesy : Expressindia.com

China's leading consumer Electronic Company, TCL, announced its growth plans for India, which includes network expansion and doubling of after-sales-service centres in the country.

"After China, India is the most important market for us. We plan to expand our network and double our dealer network and after-sales-service centres by 2010 as well as strengthen our presence in the southern region by innovative product offerings," TCL India Holdings Private Limited MD Warren Wang said in a statement.

TCL also unveliled a range of colour televisions and airconditioners for the Indian market.

TCL's new range of colour television comes with unique features with the price range starting from Rs 8490 onwards.

The new range of colour airconditioners designed with a wide voltage range enabling them to work efficiently even when the voltage fluctuates between 187-240 volts.

As part of its aggressive global expansion plans, TCL entered the Indian market by establishing a 100 per cent subsidiary, TCL India Holdings Private Limited in 2004. The company currently has 21 branches, 500 dealer networks and 120 after-sales service centres across the country.

Courtesy : Expressindia.com

AFTER sweating in heat, Amdavadis are now experiencing an unexpected though much-needed cool respite. However, this sudden spell of untimely rain, during the last two days, may increase the prices of vegetables and fruits. Infact, the farmers and dealers are uncertain over the effect of weather on the prices of agriculture produce.

Associated with Subhiksha, procurement management official in fruits and vegetables Swarn Chetan says,”With the current weather conditions, marked by scanty rainfall during last two days, the prices of fruits and vegetables may increase, but this will be a temporary phase”.

The price of alfonso mango, which is sold for Rs 350 a dozen these days in the market, may go upto Rs 700 per dozen, Chetan said. Similarly, the veggie prices are also likely to differ after the change witnessed in weather. The price of cauliflower, which is around Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg, may touch the price around Rs 60 to Rs 70 per kg.

Gujarat Agricultural University Director Dr B K Kikani said,”The unseasonable rainfall will affect mangoes as moisture curbs the growth of the fruit. The dry spell accompanied by slight frost during nights not only further damage the crops but also invites diseases like the woolly aphid and powdery mildew in the deciduous fruits orchards”.

The Meteorological Department officials attribute the unexpected showers in the city to the circulation of western disturbances.

The western disturbances are moving eastwards towards the central pasts of India. With this, thunderstorms and dust storms are likely in central Gujarat, Saurashtra and Rajkot region in the
coming days, said Indian Meteorological Department’s Director (Forecast) Kamaljit Ray.

Courtesy : Expressindia.com