New Delhi, Aug 23: The Indian Air Force software experts from Bangalore based Software Development Institute (SDI) indigenously developed software patches to make Su30-MKI avionics compatible with NATO operational philosophy.

This wholly indigenous effort has saved valuable foreign. The IAF is participating in the exercise Red Flag, which is an advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in USA.

Global financial services giant Merrill Lynch has acquired 50% stake in the Salarpuria Group’s Rs 150 crore five-star hotel project in Bangalore.

The company has picked stake in the special purpose vehicle (SPV) floated to build a five-star hotel in Bangalore. The proposed hotel, which will have 250 rooms, is to come up on 300,000 sq. ft. on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) between Sarjapur and Marathalli, opposite Cisco corporate office.

Bangalore, Aug 20 : Nobel Laureate and founder of Grameen Bank of Bangladesh Mohammad Yunus has said that India needs legislative and regulatory back to provide micro credit service to the poor.

Speaking to media here last evening, the Nobel laureate said, "Two things are important in spreading micro-credit in India. One is legislation to create micro-credit banks, small banks, who does this lending of micro-credit to the poorest people and then a regulatory authority which oversees this operation."

Elaborating the need for extending micro-credit service in the healthcare sector, Yunus accentuated the inability of poor people to access money in crucial times.

Bangalore, Aug. 14 : In a glittering ceremony held here, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-built first Hawk Mk132 trainer jet was handed over to Indian Air Force, marking a new era in the Indian defence aviation sector.

The Hawk Mk 132 was handed over to Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, by HAL Chairman Ashok K Baweja.

Talking to mediapersons after the ceremony, Major said that the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft would tremendously help in the training of Indian fighter pilots.

Bangalore, Aug. 5: The New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released its report on mining, people and environment here on Monday.

The CSE's sixth State of India's Environment Report, which deals with mining in India, says that Karnataka gains very little from mining. The report highlights the environmental footprints of mining in Indian states, including Karnataka and also suggests policies for the future.

Talking to ANI after releasing the report, CSE Director Sunitha Narain disputed the contention that mining is essential for 'growth or employment'.

The highlights of the report are as follows:

Bangalore, Aug. 5: Nokia, the cellular company responsible for the growth of mobile technology in India, on Monday introduced the Nokia 6210 Navigator.

It is the company’s first GPS-enabled mobile with an integrated in-map compass for vehicle and pedestrian guidance.

Nokia India’s Marketing Director Devinder Kishore launched the new device, which has both two-dimensional and three dimensional maps with night view facility, here. It also has other features.

The device has preloaded maps of 200 countries and eight cities in India.