MUMBAI: The new decade has begun in the shadow of the sub-prime crises and economic recession that derailed most economies of the world. Even though the epicenter of all these crises was in the US, India too felt the tremors. Now as the global economy limps back to recovery, our Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will present the first Budget for this new decade.

A bad monsoon has had a telling effect and the result is that the food inflation is touching an all-time highs. The other big issue the FM has to grapple with is how to roll back the three Stimulus Packages the government gave in 2009 to spur economic growth in the light of the global meltdown. The fiscal deficit has touched an alarming level of 6.8% of GDP. So what will the FM do? He must find ways and means to keep the economic engine chugging faster so that it hits double-digit growth in the next two years. At the same time he will have to fine-tune his tax system through various reforms to increase the government‘s revenue. Will the FM further open sectors like the Insurance, Banking, Media or Retail? The real challenge before the finance minister this time around is to act, and act fast, no more long speeches and lofty promises, India needs some decisive steps to ensure that its economy grows at a faster clip and it becomes the most favoured investment destination.

Commenting on the budget programming, Ajay Chacko, Director, TV18 Business Media said, "CNBC-TV18 & CNBC AWAAZ have always set the tone and established new benchmarks in budget coverage over the last decade. This year as well, the channels will deliver a comprehensive mix of special programming and initiatives focusing on budget expectations, analysis and impact across communities and through multiple approaches and formats. This year‘s budget is clearly critical, as the govt must adopt an aggressive action oriented policy stance, which goes beyond announcements and paves the way for sustained implementation. Moreover, the govt faces the dilemma of withdrawing its economic stimulus and reining in the fiscal deficit without compromising the growth recovery. This forms the crux of our programming theme and focus in Budget 2010"

Throughout the month of February, CNBC-TV18 & CNBC AWAAZ will launch a special line-up of initiatives that would predict and analyze steps that the FM could take in the budget and also air views and expectations of stakeholders across the country. These initiatives will include editorial shows, ground events, on air segments, vignettes & specials.

MUMBAI: Micromax Informatics Limited (Micromax), the leading Indian mobile handset manufacturer and MTV, the leading multimedia youth brand, today announced their licensing deal, a first of its kind in the mobile handsets market in India. As part of the licensing deal, Micromax will launch a range of MTV co-branded mobile handsets in the market. The first such co-branded mobile phone to hit the market will be the ‘Micromax MTV X360‘, India‘s first truly complete music phone. The phone was unveiled in the press conference today by MTV VJs Rannvijay and Anusha, amidst a rocking performance by the rock band - ‘Saadhak‘.

Announcing the licensing agreement, Rahul Sharma, Executive Director, Micromax, said, "Our licensing deal with MTV is a unique initiative that is sure to change many a things in the Indian mobile handset industry. We‘re proud to partner with MTV, a brand that is synonymous with the youth and that continues to define and lead the young generation."

Speaking of the partnership, Sandeep Dahiya, Vice President - Consumer Products & Communications, Viacom18, said "Mobile phones are an extension of today‘s youth and it was only a matter of time before MTV entered this category. This partnership between MTV and Micromax is a potent combination that merges Micromax‘s expertise in product design, production and distribution with MTV‘s strengths in creativity, youth insights and marketing."

The first co-branded mobile handset to hit the market is ‘Micromax MTV X360‘ - a ‘music-oriented‘ handset that is set to revolutionize the music phones mobile market. A complete package for the Indian youth, ‘Micromax MTV X360‘ promises not just style but also superior sound quality. Powered by 3D sound surround by Yamaha & Wolfson, the X360 in its truest sense is ‘The Heavy Metal of Music‘. With its sleek look and steel finish, the ‘Micromax MTV X360‘ is affordably priced at Rs. 4999. 

‘Micromax MTV X360‘ comes with numerous other features such as 8GB expandable memory, Dual SIM - Dual Standby, GPRS, Multi format Music support, Universal headset jack, Bluetooth and much more. ‘Micromax MTV X360‘ comes embedded with unique MTV content, featuring videos, ringtones, wallpapers and lots more from hit shows like Bakra, One Tight Slap, Semi Girebal and Roadies.

Commenting on ‘Micromax MTV X360‘, Rahul Sharma, said, "‘Micromax MTV X360‘ is a complete breakthrough in the industry, as it is a unique music mobile phone designed to change the music experience of today‘s youth. Micromax has worked with MTV seamlessly towards a truly shared vision, to develop one of the most stylish music phone for Indian market. We are confident that this association will take the music mobile phone segment to newer heights."

Speaking on ‘Micromax MTV X360‘, Sandeep added, "Today, when youth enjoys music on the go, it is handsets like ‘Micromax MTV X360‘ that will make that experience even more rockin!"

Talking about ‘Micromax MTV X360‘, MTV VJ Rannvijay said, "It‘s truly a remarkable piece of gadget. It not only looks great, but delivers on its promise of being the ‘hard rock of music."

According to MTV VJ Anusha, "I love sleek phones and it‘s unbelievable that ‘Micromax MTV X360‘ is power-packed with all possible features and yet looks and feels slim and stylish."

In days to come, ‘Micromax MTV X360‘ is going to be backed by a high-decibel, multimedia campaign comprising print, television, internet and on-ground activation. Said Radul Sharma, "Along with MTV we‘ve got plans to promote ‘Micromax MTV X360‘ in both conventional as well as unconventional media, in a manner that is both effective as well as refreshing."
 

MUMBAI: There is a plethora of adventures available to quench one?s urge for extreme thrill and passion. The upcoming episode of Great Bhet will introduce its beloved viewers to the man pursuing the most exclusive adventure and career of sorts. Gopal Bodhe, the sole aerial photographer in India will share his air-escapade with Nikhil Wagle, Editor, IBN-Lokmat in an exclusive Great Bhet on Saturday, 13th February 2010 at 9:30 pm.

Born in Sangli, Maharashtra in 1948 Gopal Bodhe started his first grooming in photography as a means of livelihood at the tender age of 10 in a small photographic studio and later on as a photographer in the Indian Navy. With a humble beginning, he has come a long, or rather upward way, with photography in his heart and soul. His webpage, aptly named as ?Heaven Aerial Photography? is an eye grabbing and captivating gallery for one and all.

Gopal Bodhe has mastered the art and science of aerial and infra red photography which are the most challenging branches of photography. The passionate photographer will take the viewers of Great Bhet through his upward winding journey of life. Bodhe will express his views on a whole new perspective to the world through Aerial photography, a very distinctive pictorial style.

Being the first Indian to publish a book on aerial photography and leading many rare projects during his tenure in the Navy, the shutterbug Bodhe will talk about his sack spilling credentials.

The ace aerial photographer and an avid nature lover will also throw a light on his voluminous work done on awareness for heritage and environmental preservation as well.

To experience a slice of life living in air, tune into GREAT BHET on IBN-Lokmat on Saturday, 13th February 2010, at 9:30pm.

You can also watch this ?Great Bhet? episode on Sunday i.e. 14th February 2010 @ 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm.

MUMBAI: Love is surely in the air, with Valentine‘s Day round the corner and Mumbai‘s popular radio show Purani Jeans with Anmol, is celebrating the season of love in a classic manner. Hundreds of lucky listeners of Mumbai‘s No.1 Radio Station, Radio Mirchi, will get a visual treat in the form of a special film screening held by the station.

The yesteryear classic ‘Aradhana‘ starring the king of romance Rajesh Khanna and the gorgeous Sharmila Tagore will be screened on Thursday, 18th Feb at the grand, single screen theatre, Regal. With it art deco, heritage building, Regal theatre seems like the natural choice for screening the classic film.

Released in 1969 Aradhana was the epitome of love films in its era, bagging the Filmafare ‘Best film of the year award‘. Directed by Shakti Samanta, the film went on to break records with its popular number ‘Mere sapno ki rani kab ayegi tu‘.

As a lead up to the final screening, Radio Mirchi will run various contests on each of its shows to give away passes to ardent fans. Couples will be prompted to call in, participate in contests and share their unique love stories that brought them together. These stories will then be put on air with special song dedications.

In an era of fast hook ups and even faster break ups, love seems to be temporary. This Valentine‘s Day Radio Mirchi aims to reach out to those who still believe that love is immortal. The icing on the Valentine cake will be a chance for listeners to meet RJ Anmol at the venue.

Tune into Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM if you have an interesting love story to share, to win passes to the screening or if you simply want to hear about other listener‘s eternal love stories that still hold immense significance in their hearts!
 

MUMBAI: Rupert Murdoch?s News Corporation is the last of the world?s great media empires controlled by a family dynasty. From a small, provincial Australian newspaper, Rupert Murdoch has created a global information empire, News Corporation, and is one of the most powerful men on Earth.

Dynasties: Murdochs is a unique documentary that has achieved inimitable access to the Murdoch family across three generations: Rupert himself, his mother, his sister, his children and his new wife Wendi.

Rupert Murdoch‘s media empire now reaches two thirds of the world‘s population. In the intriguing and exclusive insight, key members of the Murdoch family talk candidly about what it means to be a part of the Australian Media dynasty.

Catch Dynasties: Murdochs this Sunday at 5:00 pm only on NDTV Profit.

heir voice against the injustice and serves as a source of inspiration to citizen journalists of the future.?

MUMBAI: The IBN18 Network is proud to announce the second edition of the Citizen Journalist Awards that will honor the indomitable Citizen Journalists (CJ) who have been highlighting the wrongs of society and fighting against tremendous odds, bureaucratic red tape and even the lethargy of their fellow citizens to bring about a positive change in our society. The award winners will be honored by legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan the superstar of the silver screen and one of the most respected public figures in the nation today. Mr. Bachchan whose sheer presence will draw a nationwide attention will be the Chief Guest at the Award and will give out the award to the winners in six different categories at a ceremony to be held in New Delhi on February 15, 2010.

Instituted in the year 2008, IBN18 Network?s ?Citizen Journalist? is a path breaking initiative that has become the platform of empowerment for the citizens of India, that lauds the democratization of news and is built on the principles of inclusive journalism. This platform aims to create awareness about the power that a normal citizen of the country really has to bring forth the truth. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan who has not just the adulation but also the respect of millions of Indians and who has lent his voice to causes affecting the common man in India was the logical choice to be associated with this initiative. He will give away the Citizen Journalist Award in the following categories.

Fight Back CJ ? The category where CJs can fight for their rights or against any wrong they see around them.

Save Your City ? The category where the CJs highlight their city-centric problems

Be the Change CJ - This category sees participation from volunteers who see a problem or experience it first hand

CJ VIDEO - The category which highlights the alert CJs, who have a mobile camera at their disposal and click videos about issues they feel strongly about.

CJ PHOTO - The category where CJs who have reported a story using a picture to say it all

Special CJ ? A special award category for the CJs who have had made a significant contribution to the CJ movement.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-chief, IBN18 said, ?Built on the principles of inclusive journalism, the Citizen Journalist Awards is a platform of empowerment that brings together and honors our countrymen who raised their voice to defend the rights of their fellow citizens. We are delighted to have Mr. Amitabh Bachchan as our chief guest who is esteemed nationwide for speaking out on issues which will impact the lot of the man on the street.?

Ashutosh, Managing Editor IBN7, added, ?Citizen Journalist Awards is a movement that not only engages the viewer in public life and encourages them to be proactive, but also transforms news into an interactive and multi-perspective process. Citizen Journalist Awards will definitely inspire many of our countrymen to speak out and voice their concern which leaves a mark on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.?

Nikhil Wagle, Editor, IBN-Lokmat added, ?After the success of the first edition of Citizen Journalist Awards, this path breaking initiative in its second edition will definitely motivate the common man to raise their voice against the injustice and serves as a source of inspiration to citizen journalists of the future.?