Rajinikanth's spiritual plank not for 'Dravidian cradle' Tamil Nadu: Stalin Edit

Asked if Rajinikanth sought the DMK's support, he said such things could be decided only during elections

DMK working president M K Stalin has said Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement, where there was no place for spiritual politics as enunciated by superstar Rajinikanth.

He made the remark just after the top star called on his father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence here, days after announcing his entry into politics.

Citing Rajinikanth's assertion of "spiritual politics", Stalin told reporters here yesterday that Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement.

"Some are creating an impression that Rajinikanth is to launch a party at the instigation of people who intend to decimate the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu.

"Let me tell you this is the land of Periyar Anna (Dravidar Kazhagam founder E V Ramasamy Periyar) and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi)... such efforts in the past have ended in a fiasco," he said.

Asked if Rajinikanth sought the DMK's support, he said such things could be decided only during elections.

Announcing his political debut on December 31 last year, Rajinikanth batted for honesty in politics and good governance.

He said "everything needs to be changed" and declared that "spiritual politics" needs to be ushered in with transparency, sans shades of any caste or religion.

Stalin said the actor calling on Karunanidhi was nothing new and that he had called on the nonagenarian leader some months ago to enquire about his health.

Actor Vijayakanth too had called on Karunanidhi and sought his blessings before launching his party, the DMK leader said. (more)

Oppo to set up Rs 2,200-cr smartphone manufacturing unit in Greater Noida

Domestic smartphone maker is looking to begin export of phones made in India in the next 2-3 years

Smartphone maker Oppo Mobiles is planning to invest around Rs 2,200 crore in India for a mobile phone manufacturing facility. The proposed investment will be at Greater Noida.

The company has submitted documents related to the proposed project to the Environment Ministry and said that the net amount required for the establishment of the second unit in Uttar Pradesh includes land as well as development costs.

The project is expected to be a self-sufficient manufacturing establishment, spreading across an area of 110.04 acres.

In its response to a set of questions posed by the Business Standard, Oppo said its other assembly unit in Noida, which began production in July 2016, has reached full capacity and plans were being firmed up for the setting up of a Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing facility at Greater Noida in the state.

Also Read : Honor Holly 4 smartphone launched in India at Rs 11,999

An SMT unit produces printed circuit boards of an electronic device on which various circuits are embedded that allow the basic functioning of the device.

At present, most companies, assemble phones from semi-knocked down (SKD) mobile phone modules or kits. SMT is part of the completely knocked down (CKD) phase of assembling, wherein a handset-maker imports individual components in a CKD form and assembles them in India. This takes manufacturing a step up from SKD.

In the next 2-3 years, in line with company's plan, Oppo will begin exporting phones manufactured in India to West Asia, North Africa and other South Asian markets. Currently, the products are offered restricted to Indian consumers. (more)

Honda Cars hopes BR-V will help clock double-digit growth in FY17

Honda Cars hopes BR-V will help clock double-digit growth in FY17

Japanese automobile major Honda is optimistic of achieving double-digit growth in the current financial year. It is betting big on the BR-V, a compact SUV which would hit the roads in May. The company, which reported two per cent growth in 2015-16, is hoping to increase its footprint with this launch.

The strategy includes expanding its product portfolio and increasing sales points. It is planning to invest Rs 380 crore, to increase capacity in anticipation of higher demand. To support the BR-V, it plans to increase the capacity of its Rajasthan plant to 180,000 units. It also has a plant at Greater Noida with a capacity of 120,000 units. After the expansion at Rajasthan, its total capacity would increase to 300,000 units per annum.

“With the current network, we have covered almost all the market. The environment is challenging and the industry is under pressure, which is why we could grow only by two per cent.” said Jnaneswar Singh, vice-president, sales and marketing, Honda Cars India.

Last year, the growth was driven by compact SUVs, premium hatchbacks and entry sedan segments. The trend is expected to continue. To cater to the premium hatchback segment, Honda has launched the Jazz and for the company SUV segment it would launch the new SUV. The selling quotient for the latter would be style, premium interiors, three rows with seven seats — which the company claims is a first time in the segment, pricing and quality. This is the kind of vehicle in which people can go anywhere, added Sen.Read More