Saturday 2 September 2017

TODAY IS World Coconut Day 2017 - Is a Coconut a Fruit, Nut or Seed? - SEE FULL DETAILS HERE - WHY , WHAT , WHEN , HOW - International Coconut Day celebrations - COCONUT IN DEVOTIONAL - HEALTH BENEFITS



                   

               



Have you heard: Today, September 2nd, is World Coconut Day and as beauty fanatics we are here for it.

If you own any amount of skincare, makeup or hair products, you know that coconut is undeniably a hero ingredient in the beauty industry, and for good reason.

For one, it smells amazing all on its own. It's also a natural antibacterial and it's one of the best things you can use to hydrate your skin. So really, it's no surprise that beauty brands far and wide have been incorporating it into everything from makeup to face mist to self-tanner.

In India, the Coconut Development Board celebrated the World Coconut Day at NEDFI Convention Centre, Guwahati, Assam. During the occasion, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi awards 15 people, who have exceeded in coconut farming, industry, and other coconut related activities. Assam is the next major coconut producing the state in India; the CDB decided to hold the national-level function on occasion there this year. About 33,493 hectares in all seven NE states are under coconut cultivation, Assam alone is cultivating 20,368 hectares.

Celebrating the World Coconut Day is simple and easy. Coconuts are members of the drupe family, and it is a fleshy fruit that has been planting in tropical regions for millions of years. A rich source of electrolytes and lauric acid, coconuts contain many antioxidants and antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. On this day, Entire globe celebrates one of nature’s healthiest foods. Post and share your World Coconut Day celebrations on the social media using the hashtag #WorldCoconutDay.

World Coconut Day is celebrated every year on September 2nd. This day is declared as World Coconut Day by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). The headquarters of APCC is at Jakarta, Indonesia. World Coconut Day also coincides with APCC’S foundation day.

World Coconut Day Theme

The theme of World Coconut Day is Coconut for Family Nutrition, Health, and Wellness. World Coconut Day is celebrated mainly to create awareness about the importance of coconut. This year the celebrations of World Coconut Day will take place in Vijayawada.

The APCC is an inter-government organisation comprises of members belonging to 18 countries. This organisation is set up to promote, coordinate, and harmonise coconut development activities of the Asian Pacific region.

World Coconut Day- History, Significance 

Coconuts have been planting in the tropical regions for millions of years. They are flesh fruit which belongs to drupe family. Indonesia, Philippines, India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Thailand and many others are some of the coconut producing countries in the world. In Indian culture, Nariyal or Copra is a sign of good luck and prosperity. None of the Hindu rituals can ever be complete without coconut. Every auspicious work begins with the breaking of the coconut.

Coconuts are the healthiest foods nature has given us. Mainly in summers, drinking coconut water helps to regain the energy needed because they are rich sources of electrolytes. Coconuts contain many anti-bacterial properties and are a hero ingredient in all beauty products. As of fact, coconut smells amazing and is also helps to hydrate your skin.

India’s west coast Daman and Diu and the states of Maharashtra celebrate coconut day at the end of Monsoon season. On this day, people gather at the sea or lake and throw coconuts in to the water.  Some people also believe that coconut has three eyes as same as Lord Shiva has. So, that is the reason why people throw coconuts into the water. People go to temple and offer coconuts to Varuna, god of oceans.

COCONUTS - DAILY DEVOTION 
When immersed in seawater, coconuts can survive for several months. Having dropped from the tree, they drift until they are planted or picked up. Not only does a coconut survive this way, it also survives society’s whims. In the 1960s, the coconut was shunned for its fat content. Now, especially with the ramped-up use of coconut water, it’s glamorized for its health benefits. Supposedly, about one hundred products can be made from the coconut; every bit of it can be used. So can we. By God Himself.

Like the coconut, we can drift for a while, but eventually we need to be planted and used. And the Lord can make and remake us over and over again to fit His purposes. Our minds, our hearts, our talents, our physical abilities, even our limitations—He can use them all—to make an impact on this world by bringing clean water to poor countries. God can use us as a friendly face behind a cash register. Or a trusted friend to a teenager. Or a loving home to a stray dog. Or a neighbor who is willing to collect the neighborhood recycling. Or an unexpected meal delivered to a shelter. Or wise counsel to keep an innocent man from going to prison. Or researching a cure for a deadly disease. Or the person who quietly works late to help another meet a deadline. None of these actions is insignificant when prompted by Him.

So, whether you’re in a grocery store or on a tropical beach, pick up a coconut and examine it. Consider the many wonders and possibilities contained within—the medicinal properties, the building and landscaping possibilities, even something deliciously fun, like fresh coconut cake. Coconuts are not as pretty or as colorful as, say, the strawberry or lemon, but when shed of its outer core, this hairy, brown fruit can impact millions of lives.

Think about your own talents and abilities and what you’d like to do with them. Then ask God to align your own desires to match His. Ask Him to use every bit of you to accomplish His work. It may be that you smile at strangers or that you reread that report for any overlooked errors, even though you’ve already read it a million times. Perhaps it’s an extra hug for your third child for reasons you cannot explain. Be open to change and flexible enough to be reused and reshaped. The steps may be small or large—but the impact may reverberate for generations.


Lord, I have been drifting in survival mode; I’m ready to be planted. If a single coconut can impact so many, what will You have me do? My heart, mind, and body long to be shaped according to Your purposes, and reshaped as often as needed. Grant me grace to accept if I am to impact only one. It will still make a difference to the life of that person, plant, or animal.

10 Impressive Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a "superfood."


Its benefits include weight loss, better brain function, skin health and many more.

1. Coconut Oil Contains Fatty Acids With Powerful Medicinal Properties
Coconut oil has been demonized in the past because it contains saturated fat.

In fact, coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat known to man, with almost 90% of the fatty acids in it being saturated

However, new data is showing that saturated fats are mostly harmless. Many studies with hundreds of thousands of people have found no link to heart disease 

Additionally, coconut oil doesn't contain your average saturated fats, like the ones you would find in cheese or steak.

They contain Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) - which are fatty acids of a medium length.

Most of the fatty acids in the diet are long-chain fatty acids, but the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized differently.


They go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick source of energy or turned into so-called ketones, which can have therapeutic effects on brain disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer's.

Coconut oil contains a lot of medium chain triglycerides, which are metabolized differently and can have therapeutic effects on several brain disorders.

2. Populations That Eat a Lot of Coconut Oil Are Healthy
Coconut is an exotic food in the Western world, primarily consumed by health conscious people.

However, in some parts of the world, coconut is a dietary staple that people have thrived on for many generations.

The best example of such a population is the Tokelauans, which live in the South Pacific.

They eat over 60% of their calories from coconuts and are the biggest consumers of saturated fat in the world.

These people are in great health, with no evidence of heart disease


Another example of a population that eats a lot of coconut and remains in excellent health is the Kitavans

Plenty of populations around the world have thrived for multiple generations eating massive amounts of coconut fat.

3. Coconut Oil Can Help You Burn More Fat
Obesity is currently one of the biggest health problems in the world.

While some people think obesity is only a matter of calories, others (myself included) believe that the sources of those calories are important too.

It is a fact that different foods affect our bodies and hormones in different ways. In this regard, a calorie is not a calorie.

The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil can increase how many calories you burn compared to the same amount of other fats,


One study found that 15-30 grams of MCTs per day increased 24 hour energy expenditure by 5%, totalling about 120 calories per day.

The medium chain triglycerides in coconut oil have been shown to increase calories burned over 24 hours by as much as 5%, potentially leading to significant weight loss over the long term.

4. Coconut Oil Can Kill Harmful Microorganisms
Almost 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil is the 12-carbon Lauric Acid.

When lauric acid is digested, it forms a substance called monolaurin.

Both lauric acid and monolaurin can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses and fungi.


For example, these substances have been shown to kill the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus (a very dangerous pathogen) and the yeast Candida Albicans, a common source of yeast infections in humans.

The fatty acids and breakdown products in coconut oil can kill harmful pathogens, potentially helping to prevent infections.

5. Coconut Oil Can Reduce Your Hunger, Helping You Eat Less
One interesting feature of coconut oil is that it can reduce your hunger.

This may be related to the way the fatty acids in it are metabolized, because ketones can have an appetite reducing effect.

In one study, varying amounts of medium and long chain triglycerides were fed to 6 healthy men.

The men eating the most MCTs ate 256 fewer calories per day, on average.

Another study in 14 healthy men discovered that those who ate the most MCTs at breakfast ate fewer calories at lunch.

These studies were small and only done for a short period of time. If this effect were to persist over the long term, it could have a dramatic influence on body weight over a period of several years.



The fatty acids in coconut oil can significantly reduce appetite, which may positively affect body weight over the long term.

6. The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Are Turned into Ketones, Which Can Reduce Seizures
A so-called ketogenic (very low carb, very high fat) diet is currently being studied to treat various disorders.

The best known therapeutic application of this diet is treating drug-resistant epilepsy in children.

This diet involves eating very little carbohydrates and large amounts of fat, leading to greatly increased concentrations of ketones in the blood.

For some reason, this diet can dramatically reduce the rate of seizures in epileptic children, even those who haven't had success with multiple different types of drugs.

Because the MCTs in coconut oil get shipped to the liver and turned into ketones, they are often used in epileptic patients to induce ketosis while allowing for a bit more carbs in the diet.


The MCTs in coconut oil can increase blood concentration of ketone bodies, which can help reduce seizures in epileptic children.

7. Coconut Oil Can Improve Blood Cholesterol Levels
Coconut oil contains healthy saturated fats.

The saturated fats in coconut oil may increase "good" HDL cholesterol in your body, but also help convert the "bad" LDL cholesterol into a less harmful form.

Coconut oil may also improve other risk factors and therefore protect against heart disease.

In one study in 40 women, coconut oil reduced Total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL compared to soybean oil.

There are also rat studies showing that coconut oil reduces triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, increases HDL and improves blood coagulation factors and antioxidant status.


Studies in both humans and rats show that coconut oil improves important risk factors like Total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, which may translate to a reduced risk of heart disease.

8. Coconut Oil Can Protect Hair Against Damage, Moisturize Skin and Function as Sunscreen
Coconut oil can serve various purposes that have nothing to do with eating it.

Many people are using it for cosmetic purposes and to improve the health and appearance of their skin and hair.

Studies on individuals with dry skin show that coconut oil can improve the moisture and fat content of the skin.

Coconut oil can also be very protective against hair damage and one study shows effectiveness as sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Another application is using it like mouthwash in a process called oil pulling, which can kill some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth, improve dental health and reduce bad breath.



Coconut oil can be applied topically as well, studies showing it to be effective as a skin moisturizer and protecting against hair damage. It can also be used as a mild form of sunscreen and as mouthwash.

9. The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Can Boost Brain Function in Alzheimer's Patients
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and occurs primarily in elderly individuals.

In Alzheimer's patients, there appears to be a reduced ability to use carbs for energy in certain parts of the brain.

Researchers have speculated that ketones can provide an alternative energy source for these malfunctioning brain cells and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's.

In one 2006 study, consumption of medium chain triglycerides led to immediate improvement in brain function in patients with milder forms of Alzheimer's.

Other studies support these findings and medium chain triglycerides are being intensively studied as potential therapeutic agents in Alzheimer's disease.


Studies show that the fatty acids in coconut oil can increase blood levels of ketones, supplying energy for the brain cells of Alzheimer's patients and relieving symptoms.

10. Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Fat, Especially The Harmful Abdominal Fat
Given that coconut oil can reduce appetite and increase fat burning, it makes sense that it can also help you lose weight.

Coconut oil appears to be especially effective at reducing belly fat, which lodges in the abdominal cavity and around organs.

This is the most dangerous fat of all and is highly associated with many chronic diseases.

Waist circumference is easily measured and is a great marker for the amount of fat in the abdominal cavity.

In a study in 40 women with abdominal obesity, supplementing with 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of coconut oil per day led to a significant reduction in both BMI and waist circumference in a period of 12 weeks.

Another study in 20 obese males noted a reduction in waist circumference of 2.86 cm (1.1 inches) after 4 weeks of 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of coconut oil per day.


This number may not seem too impressive on the surface, but be aware that these people aren't adding exercise or restricting calories. They're losing significant amounts of belly fat simply by adding coconut oil to their diet.


Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe. However, when using loose definitions, the coconut can be all three: a fruit, a nut, and a seed. Botanists love classification.

HARVEY RELIEF FUNDS DONATIONS FULL DETAILS & LIST - Dell CEO pledges $36M to Harvey relief - Here’s a running list of what foreign and domestic companies are doing to help - HARVEY FULL DETAILS



Corporate giants are making big contributions to disaster relief organizations to help victims of Tropical Storm Harvey.

The storm is expected to leave behind billions of dollars in damages.

Companies have pledged $141.3 million to relief efforts as of Friday afternoon, according to an estimate from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Sixty-three companies had donated $1 million or more so far.

Walmart has pledged up to $20 million in cash, products and matching donations, while Verizon has contributed $10 million. On Friday, tech billionaire Michael Dell pledged $36 million to relief efforts.

The figures are constantly changing as contributions continue to pour in — and employee gift matching programs and customer donations are already bringing in even more funds.

“The corporate response thus far [has] been strong,” Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, told CNNMoney.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina and Rita brought in more than $1 billion in business aid within the first six months of each disaster, according to the Chamber of Commerce Center for Corporate Citizenship.

The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 raised $566 million from corporate donations, while the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami brought in $301 million. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 raised $141 million within the first six months in business aid, per the Chamber’s data.

Companies have also gone beyond just writing a check, by volunteering, providing in-kind donations like water and food, and encouraging employees to donate by matching contributions, according to Mark Shamley, the president and CEO of the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals.

“The bottom line is companies have embraced their civic duty to respond to disasters in ways that transcend check writing,” he said.

When companies respond to disasters, they build a tremendous amount of good will externally and internally, says Una Osili, associate dean at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

“Employees themselves want to work at companies that are engaged in a broader social good and making the community better,” she said.

Many corporate giants are overwhelmingly donating to the Red Cross.

“We are extremely pleased and gratified by the outpouring of support we are receiving to help those affected,” a Red Cross spokeswoman told CNNMoney.

Here’s a running list of what foreign and domestic companies are doing to help.

Abbott: Abbott and its foundation the Abbott Fund are giving $1 million in grants and healthcare and nutrition products. That includes $900,000 in grants to the Red Cross, Americares and Direct Relief, and $100,000 in healthcare and nutrition products.

Abbvie: The AbbVie Foundation is giving $1 million in grant funding for organizations like Red Cross, AmeriCares, Direct Relief International, and Feeding America. It is also matching employee donations made to relief organizations.

Aetna: The Aetna Foundation announced a $100,000 contribution to both the American Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Greater Houston. It will also donate $50,000 to nonprofit Team Rubicon to assist current and future disaster relief efforts.

Air Products: The Air Products Foundation is contributing $100,000 to the Red Cross and local agencies in the Gulf Coast. It is also matching employee donations.

Albertsons: The food and drug retailer is matching the first $200,000 donated by its customers in stores and online.

Allergan: The Allergan Foundation on Monday said it will donate $100,000 to the Red Cross to support victims of Harvey.

Allstate: Allstate and the Allstate Foundation have pledged $1.5 million to Harvey relief. The company is also matching employee and agency owner contributions.

Amazon: Amazon and Whole Foods matched $1 mllion in cash donations made on Amazon.com to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief.

Ameren: The power company is giving $25,000 to the Red Cross.

American Express: American Express is donating $150,000 to the Red Cross. It will match up to $100,000 in employee donations to the Red Cross.

Amgen: Amgen, a biopharmaceutical company, is donating $80,000 to Direct Relief International and $20,000 to the American Kidney Fund’s Disaster Relief Program to help dialysis patients impacted by the storm. The company will also match employee donations.

Anadarko: The company donated $1 million to Greater United Way Disaster Relief Fund.

Andersen: The manufacturer of windows and doors is making a $50,000 donation to the Red Cross. It will also match up to $25,000 in employee contributions. The company is also giving $100,000 worth of windows and doors to Houston Habitat for Humanity to help with rebuilding efforts.

Apple: The tech giant made a $2 million donation to the Red Cross over the weekend, an Apple spokeswoman told CNNMoney. Apple will also match employee donations 2 to 1. Users can donate to the Red Cross through iTunes or on the App Store. The company has helped raise more than $1 million over the past few days, according to an employee email obtained by CNN.

AT&T: AT&T is contributing $350,000 to help communities following the storm, including $100,000 to the Greater Houston Community Fund, $100,000 to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Fund and $50,000 to the Coastal Bend Community Foundation in South Texas.

The AT&T Foundation will match employee donations up to $50,000 each to Team Rubicon and to the AT&T Employee Disaster Relief Fund, which supports employees who live in the areas affected by the storm. (AT&T is acquiring Time Warner, the parent company of CNN.)

Avangrid: The energy and utility company will contribute $50,000 to Red Cross Disaster Relief through its foundation.

Bank of America: The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is donating $1 million to support Harvey relief efforts, including a $250,000 donation to the Red Cross. The remainder of the funds will be allocated as the company learns more about recovery needs, a spokesperson told CNNMoney.

Bank of America will also match employee donations of $1 or more until September 30. Its usual gift match minimum is $25.

Bayer: Bayer told CNNMoney it is donating $100,000 each to the Red Cross and nonprofit Direct Relief.

BB&T: Bank BB&T is giving $100,000 to the Red Cross of Greater Houston in Texas.

BBVA Compass: BBVA Compass’ foundation will contribute $250,000 to the Red Cross and the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The bank also aims to raise up to $250,000, both online and at its branches, from employees and customers for those organizations.

Boehringer Ingelheim: The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation is contributing over $100,000 to Americares and Direct Relief International. It is also donating $25,000 to the Texas A&M Foundation to help animals impacted by Harvey.

Boeing: The Boeing Charitable Trust committed $1 million to the Red Cross for Harvey relief efforts.

BMO Financial: Financial services provider BMO Financial contributed $100,000 to the Red Cross.

BP: BP and the BP Foundation have donated $750,000 to assist with relief efforts. The contribution will be split equally among the Red Cross, the Community Foundation of Greater Houston and the United Way of Greater Houston. The company will also match employee contributions.

Bristol-Myers Squibb: The pharmaceutical company and its foundation are donating $250,000 to Americares, Direct Relief International and the Red Cross. Its foundation will also match employee donations to organizations working on relief efforts. It is also giving medicines valued at $10 million to Americares and Direct Relief.

Campbell Soup: The company made a $50,000 contribution to the Red Cross and United Way of Greater Houston. It will also match employee donations to the Red Cross up to $25,000. The company is also donating food products.

Camping World: The retailer will match customer donations up to $2 million made in stores to the Red Cross. The company is also accepting clothing and apparel donations.

Cargill: The company made a contribution of $150,000 to the Red Cross and Feeding America. It is also matching employee donations.

CarMax: CarMax and its foundation are pledging $100,000 to the Red Cross. For every dollar an employee donates to the Red Cross, the foundation will double the amount. It is also providing impacted employees with up to $1,500 through CarMax’s Associate Disaster Relief Fund.

Carnival Cruise Line: The cruise line and its philanthropic arm Carnival Foundation are donating $1 million to disaster relief efforts. Carnival Chairman Micky Arison and his wife Madeleine are also contributing $1 million from their foundation.

Caterpillar: The Caterpillar Foundation donated $300,000 to the Red Cross to help with immediate relief efforts for Harvey.

Cheniere Energy: Cheniere Energy on Monday said it will make a $1 million donation to the Red Cross to help with relief and recovery efforts following the storm.

Chevron: Chevron is making a $1 million donation to the Red Cross. The oil and gas company will also match donations made to relief efforts by its employees and retirees.

Cigna: The Cigna Foundation is contributing $100,000 to the Red Cross. Cigna employees can also request matching funds for their donations to the Red Cross.

Citi: The Citi Foundation has committed a $1 million donation to the Red Cross, the company told CNNMoney.

Coach: The Coach Foundation has committed $200,000 to the Red Cross. Coach (COH) will also match employee contributions.

Coca-Cola: The Coca-Cola Foundation pledged $1 million to the Red Cross on Tuesday. Coca-Cola (KO) will also match employee donations made to the company’s Employee Disaster Relief Fund up to $100,000.

Comcast: Comcast NBCUniversal is giving $500,000 toward the Houston Mayors’ Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and the Red Cross. The organizations will share the donation. The company will also donate advertising time on its cable networks to these organizations to run public service announcements about how to aid with flood relief efforts.

Comerica: The Dallas-based bank will donate $100,000 to the Red Cross.

ConocoPhillips: The company is making a $2.5 million donation to both the Red Cross and the United Way of Greater Houston.

Employees and retirees in the U.S. can request to have their personal contributions matched.

CVS: CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation announced $200,000 in cash and in-kind product donations, including $50,000 each to the Greater Houston Community Foundation and the Red Cross, and $25,000 to the Salvation Army. CVS will also match employee contributions up to $25,000.

Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group: The company is donating 20% of sales from Thursday to Monday across all 53 restaurants. Its goal is to donate $1 million to Houston area food banks.

Dell: Dell has pledged $500,000 the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon. The company will also match employee contributions up to $10,000 per person each year.

Direct Energy: The company is matching donations up to $25,000 to the Red Cross on this website.

Discover: Discover will match donations up to $500,000 for every cardholder who donates to the Red Cross via their Cashback Bonus program or makes a donation with a Discover card. The company is also matching employee donations.

Disney: Disney and ABC’s Houston TV station KTRK-TV announced a $1 million contribution to the Red Cross. The company is matching employee donations.

Dollar General: Dollar General is donating $50,000 to the Red Cross. Customers can also make a contribution in stores through September 9.

Dow: The Dow Chemical Company Foundation is contributing $1 million to support Harvey relief, including $100,000 each to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and Team Rubicon. Dow is also matching employee and retiree donations up to $100,000 to the Red Cross.

Edmunds: The company is pledging $50,000 toward local relief efforts. Edmunds is also matching employee donations up to $500 per person.

Eli Lilly: The pharmaceutical company’s foundation is contributing $250,000 to the Red Cross. It will also match employee donations to the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation is donating $1 million to the Red Cross.

Exelon: The utility company is donating $150,000 to the Red Cross. Exelon will also match employee contributions up to $5,000 per person.

Exxon Mobil: Exxon Mobil on Friday said it’s donating $500,000 to Red Cross organizations along the U.S. Gulf Coast to aid with relief efforts. On Tuesday, the company contributed $500,000 to the United Way of Greater Houston.

Exxon will also match employee donations up to $3 million.

Facebook: Facebook donated $1 million to organizations on the ground providing support. The social media giant on Thursday said more than $10 million has been raised on its platform for Harvey relief.

FedEx: FedEx committed $1 million in cash and transportation support to deliver medical aid and supplies in the wake of the storm. It works with the Red Cross, Direct Relief, Heart to Heart International, the Salvation Army and Team Rubicon.

FirstEnergy: The company’s foundation will donate $25,000 to the Red Cross and match employee contributions up to $50,000.

Ford: The Ford Motor Company Fund is donating $100,000 to disaster relief efforts in Texas. It will also match up to $50,000 in contributions to the Red Cross.

General Electric: The GE Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Red Cross, a spokeswoman told CNNMoney. It will also match employee donations to participating disaster relief organizations.

General Mills: The company is sending more than $500,000 in food donations, such as Yoplait and Nature Valley products, to help those displaced by the storm. It will match employee gifts up to $250 per person.

Google: The tech giant is making a $250,000 Google.org grant to the Red Cross and matching employee donations up to $250,000. Google.org also launched a matching campaign for consumers, up to $1 million.

H-E-B Grocery: H‑E‑B Grocery will donate $100,000 toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, specifically to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Feeding Texas. Customers can also make a donation at its Texas stores.

HCA Healthcare: HCA donated $1 million to the American Red Cross.

Hilton: The company is donating $500,000 to the Red Cross and to the Hilton Responds Fund for affected employees. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a private family foundation established by the founder of Hilton Hotels, has also pledged $500,000.

Home Depot: The home improvement retailer on Monday committed $1 million to help storm relief efforts. The donation will go to nonprofits, such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Convoy of Hope, Operation Blessing and Team Rubicon.

Honda: The company has pledged $100,00 to the Red Cross.

Humana: The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of health insurance company Humana, (HUM) on Saturday gave a $250,000 immediate grant to the Red Cross.

IBM: IBM is donating $2 million in cash and in-kind technology and services. The company said it will support the Red Cross and small businesses.

Intercontinental Exchange: ICE is making a $1 million contribution to the Red Cross and matching employee donations.

International Paper: The company has pledged $1 million to help with disaster relief efforts, including $750,000 to Red Cross chapters in Texas and Louisiana and $250,000 to Feeding America.

J.C. Penney: The department store is donating $100,000 to the Red Cross.

Jefferies: Investment bank Jefferies announced a $1 million donation to several charities aiding in the relief effort. On Thursday, the firm said its clients, employees and shareholders contributed $5 million to 14 organizations.

JPMorgan Chase: The firm said it would donate $1 million to the Red Cross and other nonprofit groups providing immediate relief. JPMorgan is also matching employee donations to these organizations.

Chase will also automatically waive or refund fees, such as late fees for mortgages and credit cards, through September 10 for customers in areas severely impacted by the hurricane.

Kansas City Southern: Its charitable fund will donate $50,000 to the Red Cross. The railroad company will also match employee gifts up to $25,000.

Kellogg: Kellogg Company Fund, the charitable arm of Kellogg, is committing $100,000 to nonprofit Feeding America to aid disaster relief efforts.

Kindred Healthcare: Kindred Healthcare is making a $50,000 donation to the Red Cross to aid recovery efforts from Harvey in Texas and the Gulf Coast.

Kohl’s: Kohl’s announced a $500,000 donation to the Red Cross. The department store will also give an estimated $1 million to help Kohl’s associates who were significantly affected by the storm.

Kroger: The Kroger Co. Foundation committed $100,000 to the Houston Food Bank. For every share of Kroger’s Facebook post, the foundation will donate $5 to the Food Bank, up to $100,000.

Lennar: The homebuilder donated $1 million to the United Way of Greater Houston Flood Relief Fund. The company will also match employee contributions.

Lowe’s: The home improvement retailer on Saturday announced a $500,000 contribution to American Red Cross Disaster Relief to help provide food, shelter and supplies to those impacted by Harvey and other crises. At Lowe’s stores in Texas, customers can also make a donation to the Red Cross.

LyondellBasell: The chemical company donated $200,000 to the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region.

Macy’s: The department store gave $50,000 to the Red Cross and is matching employee donations and customer contributions in stores. Macy’s also donated $1 million to the United Way’s Hurricane Harvey relief fund.

MasterCard: The company donated $100,000 to the Red Cross. Mastercard will also match employee donations.

Mattress Firm: The Houston-based mattress retailer started an employee assistance fund and contributed the first $25,000. Mattress Firm will also match employee donations up to $100,000. The company is also giving $1 million in products.

Mazda: Mazda and its foundation will donate $100,000 to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund.

McDonald’s: The fast-food giant will contribute $1 million to the Red Cross. It will also match $250,000 in employee donations.

McKesson: The pharmaceutical distributor is donating $100,000 to nonprofit Direct Relief and $150,000 worth of medical supplies to World Vision.

MetLife: The MetLife Foundation will donate $250,000 to the Red Cross and match employee contributions.

Microsoft: Microsoft on Monday announced a $100,000 grant to the Red Cross. The tech giant is also contributing another $2.5 million in cash, technology and services to support relief efforts and to aid nonprofit and public-sector organizations.

MillerCoors: MillerCoors is pledging at least $25,000 to the Red Cross. The company also sent 50,000 cans of drinking water to Texas, where they will be distributed by the Red Cross.

Monsanto: The company will donate $500,000 to the Red Cross and Feeding America.

Motiva: The Houston-based oil company pledged $500,000 to organizations such as the Houston mayor’s Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund and the Red Cross.

Nationwide: The Nationwide Foundation is giving $500,000 to Red Cross Disaster Relief.

New York Life: New York Life is donating $500,000 to support Harvey relief efforts, including $150,000 to the Red Cross and $100,000 apiece to Save the Children and Feeding Texas. The life insurance company will also match employee donations up to $150,000 to these organizations.

NextEra Energy: The company is contributing $100,000 to the Red Cross and will match employee donations up to $100,000.

NRG Energy: The Houston-based company is donating $1 million to organizations including the Greater Houston Community Foundation, the Red Cross and the J.J. Watt Foundation Houston Flood Relief Fund. NRG also says its providing another $1 million in community support and customer assistance.

NuStar Energy: NuStar Energy is giving $125,000 to Red Cross, $75,000 to Salvation Army and $50,000 to the San Antonio Food Bank. The Greehey Family Foundation, which was started by NuStar Chairman Bill Greehey, is also giving the same amount to each group.

Oncor: The Dallas-based utilities company has contributed $100,000 to the Red Cross.

Orbital ATK: The aerospace and defense company is giving $100,000 to the United Way of Greater Houston.

Pacific Life: Its foundation donated $100,000 to the Red Cross. The life insurance company is also matching employee donations.

Panda Express: The company’s foundation Panda Cares will donate $500,000, divided between the American Red Cross and the Tzu-Chi Foundation. Customers can also make a contribution in stores through September 15.

PayPal: The payments platform will match employee donations. PayPal also launched a Disaster Relief Campaign.

PenFed Credit Union: PenFed, one of the country’s largest credit unions, will donate $50,000 to the Red Cross Corpus Christi and Houston chapters.

Pentair: The Pentair Foundation made a $25,000 donation to the Red Cross. The manufacturing company will also match employee contributions.

PepsiCo: PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation gave a $1 million grant to the Red Cross.

PetSmart: PetSmart Charities is giving $1 million to help animal welfare agencies that are working to rescue, relocate and care for pets that have become homeless due to the storm. These organizations include the Houston SPCA, the SPCA of Texas, Rescue Bank and Houston PetSet. The company is also providing in-kind donations, like pet food and supplies.

PG&E: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will match employee donations up to $50,000.

Phillips 66: Phillips 66 will contribute $1 million to the Red Cross. The oil company will also match employee contributions up to $15,000 per person.

Pioneer Natural Resources: The company contributed $100,000 to the Red Cross and will match employee donations.

PNC: The PNC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PNC bank, will contribute $250,000 to the Red Cross and match employee donations up to $100,000.

QVC: QVC is making a $100,000 donation to the Red Cross and will match employee contributions up to $50,000. It will also match customer donations to the Red Cross up to $100,000.

Range Resources: The oil and gas company announced a $100,000 donation to the Red Cross for Harvey relief aid.

RBC: The bank is donating $100,000 to the Red Cross.

Regions Bank: The bank is donating $100,000 to support relief efforts. The funds will be split between the United Way of Greater Houston’s Flood Relief Fund and a program to help Regions associates directly impacted by the flooding.

Reynolds American: The Reynolds American Foundation contributed $150,000 to the Red Cross.

Rockwell Collins: The company has pledged $100,000 to the Red Cross.

Ross Stores: Ross Stores made a $400,000 donation to the Red Cross. The discount retailer is also accepting customer contributions in stores until September 16.

SABIC: The Saudi chemical manufacturing company donated $200,000 to the Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region.

Samsung: Several of Samsung’s U.S. subsidiaries are donating $500,000 to the Red Cross. The company is also giving $500,000 worth of products, such as washing machines, dryers, laptops and tablets, to nonprofits.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories: SEL has contributed $150,000 to the Red Cross for relief efforts.

Sealed Air: Sealed Air is making a $100,000 donation to the Red Cross. The company will also match employee contributions up to $25,000.

SecureView: The company contributed $100,000 to the Red Cross.

Sempra Energy: The Sempra Energy Foundation will contribute $75,000 each to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and nonprofit Americares. The foundation will also match up to $50,000 in employee donations.

Shell: Shell announced a $1 million donation to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey disaster relief fund on Tuesday.

Southern Company: The Southern Company Charitable Foundation will give $100,000 to the Red Cross. The company will also match employee and retiree donations.

Southwest Airlines: The airline donated $500,000 to the Red Cross.

Sprint: Sprint and SoftBank are donating $2.5 million in cash to support the Red Cross, Sprint employees affected by Harvey and other community relief efforts.

Stanley Black & Decker: Stanley Black & Decker announced a commitment of up to $125,000 for immediate disaster relief, including a $50,000 donation to the Red Cross and $25,000 to the Houston ToolBank. It will also match employee donations 2 to 1.

Starbucks: The Starbucks Foundation donated $250,000 to the Red Cross. Customers can also make a contribution to Harvey relief efforts at any Starbucks (SBUX) store in the U.S.

State Farm: State Farm is matching employee donations through its Matching Gift Program. Its foundation matches employee donations to nonprofits from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $1,500 per calendar year.

Stream Energy: The Dallas-based home energy and wireless provider, donated $25,000 through its philanthropic arm Stream Cares to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

SunTrust: The SunTrust Foundation (STI) announced a $100,000 grant to the Red Cross.

Target: The retailer is donating $500,000 to support Harvey recovery efforts, including to organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Team Rubicon.

Taylor Morrison: The homebuilder has donated a combined $250,000 to the Red Cross Harvey Fund and to an internal Harvey relief fund. It will also match employee contributions.

TD Ameritrade: The company will match employee and client donations up to $500,000 to the Red Cross.

TechnipFMC: The oil and gas projects company is donating $1 million to the United Way of Greater Houston.

Tegna: The broadcasting company launched Texas Cares, an initiative to support Harvey victims for employees and customers. The fund has raised over $1.5 million as of Wednesday morning. Tegna matched the first $100,000 in donations. All of the funds raised will be donated to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

Tenet Healthcare: Tenet Healthcare Foundation contributed $20,000 to the Red Cross.

Texas Instruments: TI is making a $100,000 donation to the Red Cross. The company is also matching the donations of employees and retirees up to $100,000.

Time Warner: Time Warner, the parent company of CNN, will make a $100,000 donation to Houston Habitat for Humanity, the Houston Humane Society, Save the Children and Shelterbox. Employees can also have their donation matched through the Matching Grants Program.

Toyota: Toyota is pledging $3 million to Harvey relief, including cash contributions to the St. Bernard Project and American Red Cross, matching employee and dealer contributions and donating pre-owned vehicles. Dan Friedkin, the chairman of Houston-based Gulf States Toyota, has also established the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund and pledged $1 million.

TransCanada: The energy infrastructure company made a $100,000 contribution to the Red Cross and is matching donations online.

TXU Energy: The company is giving $500,000 to assist customers who need help paying their electric bills in areas affected by Harvey.

Under Armour: Under Armour donated $50,000 to assist Team Rubicon in response to Harvey.

Union Pacific: Union Pacific has pledged $250,000 to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, including $100,000 to the Red Cross and $50,000 to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The railroad company will match contributions to its employee support network through September 30, up to $100,000. It will also match donations made to the Disaster Relief Matching Gifts Program for Hurricane Harvey, where employees can contribute funding to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other groups.

UnitedHealth: UnitedHealth announced a donation of $1 million to support Texas communities impacted by the storm. The company said it’s working with officials and stakeholders in Texas to determine “how the funds can most effectively support relief efforts.” It is also offering a 2 to 1 match for employee donations toward disaster relief efforts.

United Airlines: The airline will give up to three million bonus miles to MileagePlus members who donate to disaster relief organizations such as the Red Cross or AmeriCares. United (UAL) will also match the first $200,000 raised in donations on its crowdfunding campaign.

United Rentals: The equipment rental company is pledging $200,000 to the Red Cross.

UPS: The UPS Foundation has pledged $1 million to Harvey relief efforts. This includes a combination of cash grants, in-kind transportation donations and technical expertise.

UPS will donate an additional $500,000 in cash and assistance for the post-crisis recovery phase in the coming months.

Valero: The oil company announced a $1 million donation to the Red Cross.

Verizon: Verizon pledged $10 million to support Harvey relief efforts. The grants will go to organizations like the Greater Houston Community Foundation, the One Star Foundation and the Salvation Army Southern Territory.

Visa: Visa will make a $250,000 donation to the Red Cross and match employee donations two to one.

Vizient: The Dallas-based company is giving $1 million in funds and employee match contributions.

Walgreens: Walgreens pledged $200,000 to the Red Cross. Customers can also make a donation in stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Walmart: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he was accepting $2 million from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. The retail giant is also matching customer donations two to one with cash and products of up to $10 million to support the Red Cross. Walmart and its foundation will also give cash and products totaling $10 million to organizations like the Salvation Army, Feeding America, Convoy of Hope and Team Rubicon.

Waste Management: Waste Management announced a $3 million donation to various organizations, including the Houston Mayor’s Fund and the Red Cross.

Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo is donating $500,000 to both the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and to local nonprofits focused on relief efforts in Texas.

Western Union: The money transfer company’s foundation announced a $30,000 donation to the Red Cross on Sunday. The Western Union Foundation will also match contributions from its agents, and the first $100,000 from Hurricane Harvey Telethon contributors in Denver.

Whataburger: Texas burger-chain Whataburger said it is donating $150,000 to the Red Cross and $500,000 to local food banks. The company said it is also donating $1 million to the Whataburger Familiy Foundation, which it says “provides emergency assistance to Whataburger Family Members who are experiencing an unforeseen financial hardship.” It will also provide free money transfers when users send funds to Texas from the U.S.

Google and Facebook pledge $1m toward flood relief victims in INDIA - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - GOOGLE TO DONATE 10 LAKH DOLLARS



 AMARAVATI 999

Google and Facebook have both pledged to donate $1m each to relief efforts across South Asia following the extreme flooding and landslides that have killed 1200 people so far.

Google is donating to Goonj and Save the Children (SC) charities to aid with their relief efforts in India and across South Asia.

Facebook is also launching a fundraising campaign for Save the Children. All fees will be waived and funds raised will go to support local relief efforts.

Facebook said in a statement: "Given the immense needs that communities across South Asia are facing following severe flooding and landslides, today we're announcing that we're donating $1 million to organizations on the ground providing relief and recovery support."

Rajan Anandan, vice president, South East Asia and India at Google, said: "This summer, millions of people have been affected by severe flooding and landslides across Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. At least 1,200 people are known to have died, and tens of thousands of houses, schools, and hospitals have been destroyed, leaving people in urgent need of support during and after flood waters recede."

"Children are often the most vulnerable in crises like these, and SC is also focused on setting up child-friendly spaces where children can gain access to educational materials and playtime, in a safe space away from the devastation," he added.

Save the Children and Goonj are providing food and livelihood support, temporary shelter materials, hygiene items, and water source restoration to those affected by floods.

Google earlier activated SOS Alerts for the flooding in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Moto G5S, Moto G5S Plus launched in India, Amazon sale starts today: Price, Specifications - SEE FULL DETAILS HERE






Moto G5S and Moto G5S Plus smartphones have been launched in India at Rs 13,999 and Rs 15,999 respectively. The device are Amazon exclusive. Moto G5S and Moto G5S Plus will go on sale starting tonight at 11.59 pm.

The Moto G5S and Moto G5S Plus smartphones have been launched in India at Rs 13,999 and Rs 15,999 respectively. The devices are Amazon exclusive. Moto G5S and Moto G5S Plus will go on sale starting tonight at 11.59 pm on Amazon India. For Motorola, its mid-budget devices have been fairly popular in the Indian smartphone market, and the company will widen the portfolio with these new devices.
Launch offers include extra Rs 1,000 off on exchanging an old Motorola smartphone for this, no cost EMI on all credit cards, Moto Sports headphones at Rs 499, 80 per cent off on Amazon Kindle app (up to Rs 300 maximum), and 50GB additional 4G data from Reliance Jio.  Meanwhile, Motorola has slashed the price of Moto G5 Plus 4GB RAM and 32 GB storage variant to Rs 14,999.
Motorola’s G5S series sport an all-metal unibody design and the smartphones run Android 7.1.1 Nougat out-of-box. Following the dual camera trend, Moto’s G5S Plus gets two 13MP sensors at the back, where one is a monochrome lens and the other is RGB sensor.
Given the mid-budget pricing, the Moto G5S Plus will give competition to the likes of Lenovo K8 Note, Huawei Honor 6X, etc. Other features of the camera include f/2.0 aperture, and dual LED flash. The dual rear cameras in the G5S Plus are capable of taking ‘bokeh’ style photos that keep the subject in focus while blurring the background. Motorola has introduced also introduced a new feature that lets users replace the background in photos with solid colours like white and black. The front camera is 8MP and with LED flash.
Moto G5S Plus features 5.5-inch full HD resolution display. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, and comes in 4GB RAM + 64GB storage option. The storage is expandable upto 128GB via a microSD card slot.

Moto G5S Plus is backed by a 3000 mAh battery and the device supports TurboPower feature. The company claims that TurboPower can give six hours of battery life in just 15 minutes of charging. The fingerprint scanner in the G5S Plus can be used to make payments as well.
Moto G5S features a smaller 5.2-inch full HD display. The processor is an octa-core 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 one coupled with 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage. The storage is expandable up to 128GB via a microSD slot.
Moto G5S has a 16MP rear camera on-board with PDAF. There’s a 5MP front camera with LED flash. The battery is the same as the G5S Plus, which is a 3,000mAh one with TurboCharge feature. Both the smartphones come with water-repellent nano coating, though the devices are not water-resistant.

Moto X4 With Dual Cameras, Amazon Alexa Launched at IFA 2017: Price, Specifications - SEE FULL DETAILS HERE



The Moto X4 is finally official after months of leaks and speculations, making its debut at the ongoing IFA 2017, in line with a leak just a day ago. The new Lenovo smartphone has a number of unique features, the primary ones being support for Amazon's Alexa voice assistant and the dual rear cameras; of course, the Moto X4 also supports the Google Assistant. The smartphone will first go on sale in Europe sometime this month, followed by other regions in Fall. As for Moto X4 price, the new handset falls in the mid-range segment with a price tag of EUR 399 (roughly Rs. 30,300).

Moto X4 is priced at EUR 399
The smartphone supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
It sports a dual camera setup at the back

Moto X4 design
The smartphone has been launched in Super Black and Sterling Blue colour options. The Moto X4 sports a metal unibody, a dual camera setup at the back within a protruding round-shaped ring protection, and the Motorola batwing logo right underneath it. At the front is the fingerprint scanner underneath the home button. The volume and the power keys both are situated on the right edge of the Moto X4. It sports on-screen navigation buttons, while the USB Type-C port and 3.5mm audio jack are both housed at the bottom edge of the smartphone.

Moto X4 specifications
The Moto X4 runs on Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box and supports a single-SIM slot (Nano). It sports a 5.2-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) LTPS IPS display with 424ppi pixel density and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. The smartphone is powered by the 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 octa-core SoC paired with Adreno 508 GPU and 3GB of RAM. Internal storage is at 32GB, but there is scope for further expansion using the microSD card slot (up to 2TB). In some regions, a 4GB RAM and 64GB storage option is also expected.

Coming to the camera, the Moto X4 sports a dual camera setup at the back. It houses one 12-megapixel dual autofocus sensor with f/2.0 aperture and 1.4-micron pixels; and another 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle sensor with 120-degree field of view, f/2.2 aperture, and 1.12-micron pixels. This dual camera setup comes alongside a colour correlated temperature (CCT) dual-LED flash and PDAF. It brings a host of features like ultra-wide angle shot, professional mode, depth detection and depth effects, selective Focus, selective Black & White (beta), background replacement (beta), spot colour, landmark/object recognition, scan barcodes/QR codes/Business cards, panorama mode, slo-motion video, and best shot.

At the front, there is a 16-megapixel selfie sensor with flash support, f/2.0 aperture, and 1-micron pixels. It comes with features like adaptive low light mode, selfie panorama, face filters, beautification mode, and professional mode. The Moto X4 packs a 3000mAh battery that claims to last all day, and even supports fast charging (six hours of power in 15 minutes). Connectivity options include NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac (dual band, 2.4GHz and 5GHz), GPS, GLONASS, 4G LTE, and FM radio support. The dimensions of the Moto X4 are at 148.35x73.4x7.99mm, and the smartphone weighs 163 grams. The smartphone sports an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer, and proximity sensor.

Moto X4 features
As mentioned above, one of the biggest highlights of the Moto X4 is that it comes with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support offering options for voice based search. It is also IP68 water and dust resistant, has a new three-finger screenshot gesture (along with other Moto experiences), and comes with an inbuilt password manager called Moto Key. The latest Bluetooth support brings the ability to allow it to sync with four speakers or headphones at one time. Lastly, but importantly, the Moto X4 doesn't offer Moto Mods support.

Wipro sets share buyback price at Rs 320 a share; earmarks Rs 11,000 crore - WIPRO SHARES LATEST - WIPRO OFFICIAL




 AMARAVATI 999

Wipro, India’s third largest IT services firm, has announced its buyback plan at Rs 320 a share.

The company said it would buyback up to 343.75 million fully paid-up equity shares representing 7.06 per cent  of the total paid-up equity share capital at a price of Rs 320 ($ 4.971) totalling up to Rs 11000 crore.

“The buyback will be conducted on a proportionate basis through the “tender offer” route,” said the company in a statement.

Wipro is the latest among large technology firms that is offering cash back to shareholders. Infosys is returning around Rs 13,000 crore to buy nearly 5 per cent of stock from shareholders, while India’s largest services firm Tata Consultancy Services saw its buyback oversubscribed.

Last month, the Bengaluru-based firm had said it will purchase up to 343.75 million shares at Rs320 ($4.95) per scrip. The total size of the offer will be up to Rs11,000 crore ($1.7 billion).

“The aforesaid special resolution has been passed through postal ballot and e-voting by members by requisite majority,” Wipro said in a filing to the BSE.

The voting, which ended on 28 August, saw 99.68% of the votes being cast in favour of the buyback offer. Wipro was trading marginally higher at Rs291.40 on the BSE.

Share buybacks improve earnings per share and return surplus cash to shareholders while also supporting share price during periods of sluggish market conditions.

As on 30 June 2017, Wipro had ‘cash and cash equivalents’ of Rs5,432 crore on its books and ‘investments’ of Rs31,772 crore, totalling Rs37,204 crore.

Among Indian IT companies, TCS, which had a cash kitty of over Rs43,000 crore, has already completed a Rs16,000 crore buyback programme earlier this year.

Infosys has also announced a buyback offer of up to Rs13,000 crore ($2 billion) to be paid out to shareholders during the financial year 2018.

Tuesday 29 August 2017

Bank jobs are bleeding out of London — and Brexit hasn't even kicked in yet

Despite fears of irrevocable damage, the City of London is unlikely to change substantially once the U.K. leaves the European Union.

The financial services industry has been quietly preparing for Brexit given that it's likely to lose its EU pass porting rights – meaning that it will need extra licenses to serve EU-based customers.

The negotiations between London and Brussels are still ongoing and it is unclear how many employees will have to be moved from London to other European cities. At the moment, the disruption appears to be minimal compared to the overall size of the industry.

But there are clear winners from the exit of some jobs from London with Frankfurt and Dublin the top destinations for institutions that wish to continue working with clients across the EU.

Barclays
The British bank has said it will expand its Irish subsidiary to continue its European trade. The bank hasn't revealed figures of how many new jobs it will need in Dublin as it is still in negotiations with regulators and waiting for more details from Brexit talks.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 
Bank of America has also chosen Dublin as its preferred location to place its European legal entities. "Dublin is the home to more of our employees than any other European city outside of the U.K. We already have a fully licensed and operation Irish-domiciled bank," the bank said in a statement in July.

BofAML will be moving "hundreds" of roles to Dublin, but also to a few other undisclosed EU locations.

Citigroup
Citigroup might create 150 new jobs in different EU locations. The bank said that it will convert its existing subsidiary in Frankfurt into an investment firm. Other capabilities such as private banking will also be enhanced in other cities, such as Amsterdam, Dublin and Paris.

Credit Suisse
The Swiss bank is "currently exploring solutions to various outcomes, including a hard Brexit," a spokeswoman told CNBC. The bank hasn't presented any Brexit strategy as of yet, but as a result of restructuring plans, the UK-based workforce has been reduced over the past few years.

Deutsche Bank
The German lender hasn't specified its Brexit plans but it is set to beef up its Frankfurt basis. In April this year, the bank said that it could move up to 4,000 jobs to Germany - the highest potential bank move, but for now the bank is still assessing the situation.

Goldman Sachs
The investment bank hasn't presented its plans for the post-Brexit world but its management team has given a few indications of what might happen. Richard Gnodde, head of Goldman Sachs Europe told the BBC in late July that the bank has begun moving operation from London to Frankfurt and other European cities. "Client-facing staff will move closer to their clients, be it Milan or Madrid or any other European capital," he said.


At the moment there are 200 bankers based in Frankfurt, which according to Gnodde, could at least double.

HSBC
HSBC's CEO Stuart Gulliver said during the bank's full year results: "We employ 43,000 people in the UK. When they leave the single market, which obviously the Prime Minister has indicated that we will, we will employ 42,000 people in the UK and a thousand jobs will be unlawful to carry out from the U.K. once we've left the single market."


The lender chose Paris because it owns a bank in France that has all the licences.

JP Morgan
JP Morgan is expected to move "hundreds" of employees. It will use Dublin, Frankfurt and Luxembourg as "legal anchors" but it hasn't yet announced details for such moves.

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)
The bank has said that it is looking at placing its EU-focused business in Amsterdam.

"Obviously we've got a bank there with the appropriate licenses, we've had a long history in Amsterdam (and) for us at least it is a very logical choice," Ewen Stevenson, RBS chief financial officer told CNBC during the bank's latest results earlier this month.


He added that "probably no more than about 150 people" will be relocated.

Standard Chartered
"We are in the process of submitting an application to an EU subsidiary to be based in Frankfurt, This is not our headquarters, which will very much remain in London," the bank told CNBC.


The British bank is expected to move only a "minimal" amount of jobs.

UBS
Swiss bank UBS is still drafting plans. The bank is assessing Frankfurt, Madrid and Amsterdam as its potential EU locations. It could affect 1000 people but for now that figure is a mere estimate.

Monday 28 August 2017

DRDO Notifies Apprenticeship Training For Graduate, Diploma, ITI Candidates - DRDO LATEST - LATEST JOBS



Application must reach the concerned authorities by 5 September 2017.

NEW DELHI:  Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has released job notification for apprenticeship training at Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru. A total of 150 vacancies are open for recruitment for graduate, diploma and ITI certificate holders. Candidates can submit their applications (in the prescribed format) to The Director, Gas Turbine Research Establishment, CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru-560093. Details in this regard can be found at the official website of DRDO at drdo.gov.in. As a part of the selection process, candidates should note that there would be no interview for Diploma and ITI trades.

There will not written exam for selection; however those applying for graduate apprentice training program will have to undergo interview process.

Vacancy Details

Graduate Apprentice Trainee: 90 posts
Diploma Apprentice Trainees: 30 posts
ITI Apprentice Trainees: 30 posts


Candidates must be in the age group of 18-27 years (age relaxation guidelines can be checked from the official job notification).

Applicants should note that, 'those candidates who have completed the qualifying examination as regular candidate are only eligible to apply,' reads the official notification. Further it also mentions that those candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training or at present undergoing apprenticeship training under any organization and who have more than one year work experience are not eligible to apply.

Final list of selected candidates will be declared on 27 September 2017 and date of joining at GTRE will be 3 October 2017. Candidates should regularly follow the website of DRDO for changes, if any.

UK 2+2 extension visa.. Now it's officially announced

*Indian students thrilled with UK PM Boris Johnson reinstating post-study work visa. *UK brings back 2-year post-study work visa. UK'...