Hurray! Consumers get myriad choices in 2014

The New Year 2014 will give consumers lot of choice to look for, as new banks, global retailers and new airlines are setting up business in the country following the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plan to give licenses in early 2014 to set up more banks.

In 2014, India will get its first global retail chain in the multi-brand sector, as the government would approve the proposal of British retailer Tesco which has joined hands with Tata-owned domestic chain Trent, reported media.

The aviation sector will also see two new airlines - Air Asia's domestic venture and Tata-Singapore Airlines – having more capacity and connectivity to many cities. 

Broadband users can also cheer up, as Reliance Jio's 4G project is expected in 2014. This will be in an addition to the 4G services, which is already being offered by Bharti Airtel in several circles.

Mobile technology will also see new entrance, as Xbox1, iPhones with bigger screens and smaller and quicker tablets. Wearable cell phones and smartphones with curved screens are believed to be a game changer in the communication. 

Insurance policy buyers can also expect good options, as with new pension law in place in 2014 would offer policy buyers for retirement solution a better regulation and more choice of products.

Moreover, purchasing gold possibly will also become easier as improved foreign exchange management can offer room for maneuvering on the import and pricing of gold to policymakers.

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RBI concerns over rising risk from bad loans

The Reserve Bank of India has said the risks of banking sector have seen a surge for the last 6 months because of increasing bad loans. RBI has advised restricting banks’ exposure limit for single borrower and single group. It also adds that consistently high retail inflation makes it hard to dip down the rates.

The half-yearly Financial Stability Report (FSR) showed individuals and single group’s controlling stock exchanges amidst the scam in the National Spot Exchange. RBI is concerned over the bad loans in infrastructure, iron and steel, textiles, aviation and mining. On the positive side, RBI said that the delay in US tapering off its fiscal stimulus has helped India. The report said that India is likely to have a current account deficit of below 3% in FY14 and is now prepared for tapering of the fiscal stimulus in the US.

RBI's stress tests show that if bad loans double from September 2013 levels, it would be enough to wipe out over 14.3% of bank capital. The subsequent contagion effect — where losses in one entity cause other lenders to lose money — would cause an additional 26.8% erosion of capital. In all, 40.1% of the banking industry's capital would be lost if NPAs were to increase 100%, RBI said. Similarly, other stress tests show that banks would lose over 50% of their capital if interest rates were to rise by 250 basis points.

But despite the risks that high rates pose to banks and to the economic growth, RBI said that cutting interest rates was difficult because of high inflation. "Even as some moderation is expected in food inflation going forward, persistence of retail inflation remains a concern," RBI said.

The FSR — the first in governor Raghuram Rajan's regime — highlights need for new limits on how much a banks can lend to one company or one business group. RBI has pointed out that the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank had assessed India to be "materially non-compliant" vis-a-vis the Basel norms related to large exposure limits in their report on the financial sector assessment programme (FSAP). The FSAP report said, "The large exposure limit of 40 % — which can exceptionally be brought to 50 % for infrastructure exposures — for a group borrower, is significantly higher than the large exposure limits of 25% which is considered good international practice... this limit has the potential to allow the default of one particular consolidated borrower to cause a serious loss of capital in a banking company." In this context, RBI said "A review of the extant single and group borrower exposure limits would considerably enhance the stability of the banking sector."

Commenting on the NSEL crisis, the report said, "Investigations into the various malpractices at NSEL have revealed the need for comprehensively addressing the problems in commodity spot markets in India." The report also cautions against individuals or groups controlling a stock exchange. "The episode has emphasized the need for ensuring that no single shareholder or a group of shareholders is permitted to dominate the functioning of the exchange or exercise management control," the report said.

Compared to the earlier FSR released in August by former RBI governor D Subbarao, the current version is substantially positive on the external front. In August, Subbarao had said that the key challenge then was to finance the high current account deficit (4.9% in Q1FY14) in a non-disruptive manner and contain its size within sustainable levels. This time, however, RBI has said that there have been substantial improvements on the external front with exports growing much faster than imports. "From July 2013 onwards, exports have grown faster than imports. The CAD is expected to be less than 3% of GDP in FY14. The increased resilience of the Indian financial markets is evidenced by the positive reaction to the announcement of the commencement of tapering from January 2014 by the Fed," the report said.

(Courtesy: TOI)

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What Indian consumers consumed most in 2013

As the New Year 2014 is just around the corner and internet users in India is expected to grow from 164 million to about 240 million in 2014. Amidst, the online space is beginning to capture major consumer shades.

An analysis of social media conversations was done by IBM Analytics to look at several consumption behaviors during the period of 2013.  The analysis was done over the period from September to December, 2013 (when people are on shopping spree). It shows consumer wish-list and buying concerns.

The electronics, automotives and consumer durables categories dominated the wish0list at about 70%. While in products, smart phones, laptops, bikes and SUVs constitute 75%.

However, entertainment and cricket continue to be the topmost preference of consumers. Interestingly, according to Google’s Zeitgeist 2013, Bollywood hits and Indian Premier League (IPL) were on the top in the Google searches. Bollywood film ‘Chennai Express’ topped the search list. Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement coverage also grabbed the massive numbers. 

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Don't eat too much fast food, McDonald's tells own staffers

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8.5 lakhs new jobs expected in 2014: Survey

A survey has suggested India will see over 8.5 lakhs jobs in 2014.

According to a recruitment platform MyHiringClub.com, jobs are expected across various sectors, including FMCG and healthcare, reported media.

The study was done after considering 5,600 firms across 12 industry sectors. Apart from FMCG sector, more jobs are expected in healthcare, IT, retail and hospitality sectors.

“Last calendar year was not good either for job seekers or for employers due to uncertain and fluctuated economical and political conditions. 2014 is coming with positive vibes for job-seekers and expected to create 8.5 lakh new jobs in different sectors,” MyHiringClub.com CEO Rajesh Kumar told media.

“Finding employees who have employability or job readiness skills that help fit into and remain in the work environment is a real problem and threatening to growth. These issues need to be addressed on priority,” he adds.

MyHiringClub.com's survey shows that FMCG is expected to have 1.5 lakh new jobs, followed by healthcare (1.33 lakh), IT and ITeS (1.21 lakh), retail (86,700) and hospitality (83,400). (Courtesy: TOI)

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India set to become the world’s 3rd largest economy in 2028

A new study has shown that India will be world’s 3^rd largest economy in 2028.

A study done by London-based consultancy Cebr, India has lost a place in the World Economic league table in 2013 to Canada and is now the 11th largest economy in the world.

The study states, “But demographics and economic growth will eventually drive the Indian economy up the table and the forecast for 2028 has India becoming the world's 3rd largest economy overtaking Japan.”

It further suggests that in the 2013 league table, India is at the 11th place with a GDP of $1,758 (RPT 1,758) billion, and by 2018 the country is likely to be at the 9th place with a GDP of $2,481 billion, and by 2023 it would be at 4th place, with GDP size of $4,124 billion, and it will claim 3rd spot with GDP of $6,560 billion by 2028.

The 2013 league table shows only two changes in the list of top 20 economies. Firstly, Russia overtook recession-stricken Italy to gain 8th place and Canada overtook India as a result of the collapse of the rupee to retake its position as the second largest economy in the Commonwealth and the 10th largest economy in the world, the report said.

By the year 2018, the emerging economies will be "on the move". Russia would be at the 6th place; India 9th, Mexico 12th, Korea 13th and Turkey 17th, it said.

By 2023, India and Brazil would be "on the march" and are likely to claim the 4th and 5th place, respectively. By the year 2028, the league table will be reordered. China will move to the number one place, followed by the United States (2nd), India (3rd), Mexico (9th) and Canada (10th).

The report further said China's GDP in dollar terms is likely to overtake the US in 2028 - much later than most previous predictions. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom would overtake Germany to become the largest Western European economy 'around 2030', it added.

(Courtesy: TOI) 

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Choose the best Consumer Loan

If you are planning to shop this Christmas or New Year, purchase from your credit card will be expensive following a RBI policy that no banks to allow zero interest on EMI. However, loan from PSU banks may seem feasible especially after recent reduction in interest rates, but still they are seen as an expensive option.

Here is brief information for consumers with regard to the zero percent interest.

Credit Cards

After the recent regulatory change, credit card EMI schemes carry an interest. This interest is about 12 per cent for three/six months and 15 per cent for nine/12 months. However, if you choose this mode of payment, you can be free of hassles as there is no requirement for a down payment or the need to provide proof of address and identity. But, note that you can’t use just any credit card. It should be a provider whom the retailer has a tie-up with, or else you don’t get to avail the EMI scheme.

Bank Loan

Recently many PSU banks including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and IDBI have reduced their interest rates on consumer durable loans by around two per cent. The interest rate is currently 12-12.75 per cent per annum. But, for a bank loan, you have to do a bit of running around. First, you would be required to provide your income proof and bank statement and prove your eligibility for the loan. Second, the banker will also require you to put some margin money for the loan and if need be ask you to bring a guarantor.

NBC Finance

Non-banking finance companies such as Bajaj Finserv, Shriram City Union Finance and Tata Capital, still run zero interest EMI schemes in the name of ‘Easy EMI’. Here, you will be required to provide identity proof, address proof, one cancelled cheque leaf and bank statement of last three months along with your photograph for a loan. You would be required to make a down payment of normally, the first four instalments and also pay a processing fee. These schemes are the cheapest of the credit options before a consumer today.
Courtesy: The Hindu

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If you are visiting Amritsar, get ready to pay ‘city beautification tax’

Tourists now have to pay tax if they are planning to visit Golden Temple, Durgiana temple and even if they want see the daily flag hoisting ceremony at India-Pakistan international border.

According to media reports, a new city beautification fund would be relevant on tourists living in hotels. The Amritsar Municipal Corporation (AMC) has asked hotel owners to charge Rs 200, Rs 100 and Rs 50 per room per day from tourists staying in five, three to four star hotels, and other accommodations, respectively.

AMC commissioner D P S Kharbanda said the collected funs would use for the beautification purpose. “The funds would be spent on beautification of parks, installing decorative lights and maintaining gardens”, adding that House has already showed a green signal to the decision and like service tax, hotel owners would be required to deposit the tax.

Meanwhile, hotel owners are unhappy with the decision and BJP municipal councillors who have recommended AMC to abstain from taking such steps ahead of Lok Sabha elections. “We will oppose this new tax. Even though we have to just collect fund on the basis of occupancy from tourists and deposit it, this would not be a good idea,” Federation of hotel and guesthouse association president Harinder Singh told media.

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GAS खरीदने पर मिलता है 40 लाख का 'फायदा', जानें कैसे मिलेंगे ये पैसे

क्या आप जानते हैं की हम सभी के घर में कुछ ऐसी घरेलु वस्तुएं होती हैं, जिन पर काफी ज्यादा कीमत के इनश्योरेंस कवर्स का लाभ मिलता है। सबसे खास बात तो ये है कि ये वस्तुएं या तो काफी सस्ती या मुफ्त मिलती हैं। हम आपको बताने जा रहे है एक ऐसी ही घरेलु वस्तु के बारे में, जिसकी कीमत तो काफी कम है मगर इसकी वजह से होने वाली दुर्घटनाओं पर 40 लाख रुपए तक के इनश्योरेंस कवर्स मिलने की पेशकश की जाती है। आज के समय में लगभग सभी भारतीय घरों में कुकिंग गैस सिलेंडर का इस्तेमाल होता है। इन एलपीजी गैस सिलेंडर की वजह से होने वाले हादसों में अगर किसी व्यक्ति या उसके प्रापर्टी को नुकसान पहुंचता है, तो उसे या उसके परिजनों को 40 लाख रुपए तक के इनश्योरेंस कवर का मुआवजा मिलने का प्रवधान है।

हिंदुस्तान पेट्रोलियम कॉर्पोरेशन की वेबसाइट के अनुसार - एचपी गैस के सभी रजिस्टर्ड कस्टमर, अपने रजिस्टर्ड स्थान पर एलपीजी गैस से होने वाली किसी भी दुर्घटना के लिए बीमाकृत हैं। इससे संबंधित जानकारी सभी वितरण केंद्रों और ग्राहक सेवा सेल पर उपलब्ध है। भारत में लगभग सभी ऑयल और गैस कंपनियों ने अपने ग्राहकों के लिए बीमा की व्यवस्था कर रखी है। मगर डीलर ग्राहकों को इसकी जानकारी देने से परहेज करते हैं। क्योंकि, डीलर को ही बीमा की पूरी किस्त भरनी होती है और ग्रहकों को एक रुपया भी नहीं देना पड़ता। हर साल ऐसी दुर्घटनाओं के बहुत कम ही केस सामने आते हैं। इस स्कीम के तहत रजिस्टर्ड कस्टमर के साथ-साथ रजिस्टर्ड प्रापर्टी भी इस बीमा योजना के अंदर आती है। इन दोनों में से किसी को भी अगर एलपीजी गैस के कारण क्षति पहुंचती है तो बीमा के जरिए पैसे मिलेंगे। 

इस बीमा का लाभ उठाने के लिए अपने डीलर के पास रिपोर्ट दर्ज करवानी पड़ती है। इसके बाद बीमा कंपनी 30 दिनों के अंदर अपनी सर्वे रिपोर्ट तैयार करती है और तब जाकर ग्राहक को पैसे मिलते हैं।

इन बातों का रखें ध्यान -

आपके कुकिंग गैस सिलेंडर के साथ लगने वाले उपकरण (गैस पाइप, रेगुलेटर, चूल्हा, इत्यादि) ISI मार्क वाले नहीं हैं तो बीमा खारिज किया जा सकता है। अपने डीलर से सालाना जांच के लिए कहें। क्योंकि, अगर आपके गैस उपकरणों की जांच लंबे समय से नहीं हुई थी, तो उस स्थिति में भी बीमा का लाभ नहीं मिलेगा। एनपीसीआई वेबसाइट के अनुसार - बीमाकर्ता को 30 दिनों के अंदर ही बीमा क्लेम की सारी बुनियादी जरूरतों को पूरा करना पड़ता है। क्रेडिट और डेबिट कार्ड के जरिए फ्रॉड से बचने के लिए यह ग्राहकों की जिम्मेदारी है कि वो अपनी पूरी जानकारी सही-सही जमा करें।सौजन्य:दैनिक भास्कर 

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Be careful in buying a rice cooker: Consumer Voice report

The electronic rice cookers as a domestic appliance gained currency in India in the last few years as cooking gas prices shot up and people began looking for efficient alternatives. Rice cookers are now increasingly being used by people in regions where rice is a staple and cooked for almost all meals. Dozens of rice cookers, made by either local manufacturers or established brands, are selling quite well across India. Usually, a family appreciates such type of rice cooker which saves time, cooking gas and water, and also saving them the hassle of checking every five minutes if the

rice was cooked – auto-shut took care of that. In a bid to give consumers the best rice cooker, CONSUMER VOICE conducted a test of rice cookers and the results were. In overall score, Prestige came on top followed by Inalsa. Prestige took lesser time in cooking and was followed by brands Usha and Morphy Richards. While in terms of quality of cooking, Maharaja Whiteline came on top followed by Inalsa. Interestingly, all the brands passed in various safety tests. Reconnect was found to be best value for money for being sold at

almost half the price than others, but performed no less. In performance test, Prestige took lesser time among all, followed by Usha and Morphy Richards. In terms of quality, the expert panel found rice cooked by Maharja Whiteline to be the best. The longest time was taken by Bajaj due to lower input power (350 watts). It consumed only 322 watts due to lower power ratings. The power consumed by all the cookers, exceptr Bajaj, was between 605 watts and 730 watts. While all the brands passed the safety test. 

(For more details, login to www.consumer-voice.org and get a copy of Consumer Voice)

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Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) fined for Rs 5 lakhs for not providing drinking water

The National Consumers Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has sent a strong message to civic authorities that often get into litigation for denying basic amenities to consumers by opposing their genuine complaints. Pulling up the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) to failing to provide clean drinking water to residents to MGA Hisar, the apex court has imposed a fine of five lakh rupees on the authority.

“Public authorities spent more money on contesting cases than the amount they might have to pay to the claimant. In addition thereto, precious time, effort and other resources go down the drain in vain,” said the NDRC bench presided over by VB Gupta.

The residents of MGA Hisar had complained to the district consumer forum that even though plots in the residential area had been opened to purchase by HUDA, there was no supply of clean drinking water and no provision for waste management. The authority argued that they were supplying water in the morning and evening through tube wells, and there was no need to provide cannal water.

“The officials of the petitioner authority in the present case are bent upon not providing water that is for human consumption to the allot tees of the respondent,” the bench said.

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Consumer durables to witness improvement in future: Canara Bank Securities

Indian consumer durables industry is one of the most emerging sectors of India. It is highly competitive and fragmented, and mainly dominated by the global firms (MNCs), which comprises about 65% share due to their quality product as well as manufacturing technology.

“The consumer durables industry is highly correlated to the economic scenario as its growth depends upon the consumers' disposal income. Over the past few years, strong Indian economic growth has propelled the sector to double-digit growth. Further, factors like increasing disposable income, easy availability of credit and rising rural demand have significantly added to the industry growth. With the focused growth and appropriate planning for sector, Indian consumer durables industry has emerged as one of the most attractive sectors in the world and is attracting big investment from global players,” Cana Bank Securities was quoted by media as saying.

It says, “'However, in the present scenario the Indian consumer durables industry is under pressure owing to the prevailing economic slowdown. Ongoing high interest rates phase and rising inflation, forcing consumers to defer their purchasing decisions. Further, increase in raw material prices and intense competition among players, has also become key concerns for the industry. Meanwhile, the coming festive season is a crucial time for consumer durables industry as it contributes almost 25-30% to the year's turnover.”

'”Therefore, in the near term, industry may see some improvement. The, medium term outlook too looks bright for Indian consumer durables industry on the back of strong growth drivers with massive untapped potential in both rural and urban areas and steadily growing domestic economy,” it adds.

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Consumer Voice product test clears the doubt about choosing best geyser

 As winters have arrived, geyser is a need of every house. However, with many brands available in the market, one must be wondering that which brand of geyser to choose?

Consumer Voice bought the top selling brands – 11m, and sent them to an NABL-certified laboratory to test their technical efficiencies and also appointed an expert panel to adjudge then on other physical features and aesthetics.

According to the test report, the Consumer Voice recommends ‘Venus’ in terms of performance followed by Racold and Crompton. Though all the brands tested by Consumer Voice are energy-efficient and rated 5 stars, however, Bajaj is comparatively more energy-sufficient.

The test was conducted after taking the key parameters into consideration which include BEE star ratings, hot water output, reheating time, water storage capacity, mixing factor, deviation from the dial calibration, cyclic temperature, power cord length and quality, safety, packaging, marking, aesthetics, design and workmanship.

In performance tests, Raciold and Venus scored high, followed by Khaitan, Inalsa and Crompton Greaves. In safety tests, Venus topped the chart followed by Racold. While in quality tests, Venus topped the chart followed by Bajaj and Crompton Greaves. Interestingly, capacity of Maharaja Whiteline geyser is less than the rated capacity – at 23.3 litres against 25 litres.

Havells, Kenstar, Maharaja and Usha are found to be slightly higher than their claims for standing loss, but remain within the 5 stars rating limit. Reheating time is lower in racold. At 14.1 kg, venus is the heaviest geyser, Inalsa at 8.8 kg is the lightest.

(For detail report, grab the CV copies @ www.consumer-voice.org)

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Consumers in India willing to pay more on eco-friendly products

A new study has shown that 81% of Indian consumers are willing to spend more for eco-friendly products than their counterparts.

A global study was done UL, a leader in advancing safety.

The study shows that 73% of Indian consumers feel manufacturers sue eco-friendly processes. . UL deputed an independent research agency to conduct a global quantitative survey among 1,528 consumers and 1,521 manufacturers in five countries: Brazil, China, Germany, India and the United States, reported media.

The study also suggests product recall is conspicuous by its absence in India, and redressal by consumer forums is laborious. A palpable sense of positivity is incipient in India market with regard to supervisory norms. However, 79% of Indian consumers wish strict regulations.

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The cheapest moisturizers are ‘the best’: Consumer Voice test report

As winters arrive, every one rushes to the shop to buy the winter lotion cream, skim lotion and moisturizers which will protect their skin from harsh winter. Interestingly, a bit of secondary research on the internet will tell you that middle-class Indian buys more moisturizers than any other skincare product. As we know, every large-sector FMCG company today has at least one moisturizer brand in the market. 

A product test conducted by the Consumer Voice shows that not all brands fare equally so far as quality is concerned. While none of the ones we tested were unsafe or unhealthy, some did score better as they were true to their claims and were better value for money. Our tests are primarily based on the ‘related’ Indian Standard, IS: 6608-2008, which is set for skin creams. Our test report suggests that in an overall performance Dove, Vaseline and Parachute were the top three brands. The key ingredient total fatty substance (TFS) was found highest in Vaseline, followed by Boro Plus. It was lowest in Lacto Calamine. The ‘total residue’ was higher in Vaseline followed by Boro Plus, it was lowest in Vivel. However, the effect of moisturizer on skin was maximum in the case of Dove, followed by Parachute and Nivea, it was lowest in Vivel and Lotus.

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लड़की के ट्राउजर की जेब में फट गया सैमसंग Galaxy S3

स्‍मार्टफोन सैमसंग Galaxy S3 अचानक से एक लड़की के ट्राउजर की जेब में फट गया और वह गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गई. लड़की अब जल्‍द ही सैमसंग के खिलाफ आपराधिक मामला दर्ज करने की तैयारी में है. डेली मेल के मुताबिक फैनी नाम की इस स्विस लड़की का कहना है कि वह काम कर रही थी कि तभी उसे जोरदार धमाके की आवाज सुनाई दी. लड़की के मुताबिक, 'मैंने अचानक से पटाखे की तरह धमाके की आवाज सुनी. इसके बाद किसी केमिकल की बू आने लगी और मैंने देखा कि मेरे ट्राउजर ने आग पकड़ ली है.' तभी फैनी के बॉस उसको बचाने के लिए आए, लेकिन तब तक आग उसके कंधों तक पहुंच चुकी थी. इसके बाद उन्‍हें अस्‍पताल ले जाया गया. फैनी ने कहा, 'खुशकिस्‍मती से मेरे बाल बंधे हुए थे. लेकिन अब मेरे शरीर से जले हुए सुअर की तरह बदबू आ रही है' फैनी को गंभीर चोटें आईं है उनकी जांघ पर बड़ा घाव हो गया है. चोट इतनी गंभीर है कि अब 15 अगस्‍त तक वह काम पर भी नहीं जा पाएंगी. वह अब कोरियन कंपनी सैमसंग के खिलाफ केज दर्ज करने की तैयारी कर रही हैं. उधर, एक बयान में सैमसंग के प्रवक्‍ता ने कहा, 'हम इस घटना के मुख्‍य कारण का पता लगाने के लिए विस्‍तृत जांच करेंगे. हम आश्‍वस्‍त करना चाहते हैं कि हमने हमेशा अपने ग्राहकों को सुरक्षित और सुखद अनुभव देने के लिए गुणवत्ता पर विशेष ध्‍यान दिया है.' ऐसा पहली बार नहीं हुआ है जब सैमसंग Galaxy S3 इस तरह से फटा हो. इसी साल मई में एक अन्‍य यूजर ने बताया था कि उसका Galaxy S3 अचानक ही रात को फट गया और उसका कमरा धुएं से भर गया. इस तरह के और भी कई मामले हैं. आजतक

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गैलेक्‍सी S4 में लगी आग, सैमसंग पर ग्राहक को धमकाने का आरोप

सैमसंग पर तथाकथित रूप से एक ग्राहक का मुंह बंद कराने का आरोप लगा है. हालांकि ग्राहक ने कंपनी के इस बर्ताव को सोशल मीडिया के जरिए जग जाहिर कर दिया. आपको बता दें कि चार्जिंग के दौरान ग्राहक के सैमसंग गैलेक्‍सी S4 में आग लग गई थी. दरअसल, इस महीने की शुरुआत में यूट्यूब यूजर घोस्‍टलीरिच ने एक वीडियो पोस्‍ट किया, जिसमें दिखाया गया था कि चार्जिंग के दौरान सैमसंग गैलेक्‍सी S4 में आग लगने से फोन को किस तरह नुकसान हुआ है. यूट्यूब यूजर घोस्‍टलीरिच के मुताबिक, 'मैंने रात को फोन चार्जिंग पर लगाया हुआ था. कुछ भी अलग नहीं था. अचानक धुआं उठा और फोन में आग लग गई. ऊपर वाले का शुक्र है कि बैटरी नहीं फटी. जो भी बैटरी के बारे में जानता है उसे पता होगा कि जब बैटरी में आग लगती है तो वह फट जाती है और जोरदार धमाका होता है.' हालांकि बैटरी फटी नहीं, लेकिन घोस्‍टलीरिच का फोन पूरी तरह से खराब हो गया. उसने फोन बदलवाने के लिए सैमसंग से संपर्क किया. ग्राहक का दावा है कि फोन बदलने के बजाए समसैंग ने उससे कहा कि दूसरा फोन तभी दिया जाएबा जब वह यूट्यूब से वीडियो हटा लेगा. कंपनी ने घोस्‍टलीरिच को भेजी चिट्ठी में लिखा था, 'फोन बदलने के एवज में ग्राहक यूट्यूब से वीडियो हटाने के साथ ही इससे जुड़ा कोई अन्‍य लिंक हटाने पर राजी है.' सैमसंग ने अपने पत्र में इस बात की भी मांग की थी कि घोस्‍टलीरिच इस सेटलमेंट के बारे में किसी और को नहीं बताएगा. लेकिन अब तक सैमसंग की चिट्ठी को 270,000 लोग पढ़ चुके हैं. यही नहीं 700,000 यूजर घोस्‍टलीरिच द्वारा अपलोड किया गया वीडियो भी देख चुके हैं. गौरतलब है कि इससे पहले भी कई बार सैमसंग के फोन में आग लगने की खबरें आ चुकी हैं. इसी साल जून में हान्‍गकान्‍ग के एक फ्लैट में रखे सैमसंग गैलेक्‍सी S4 में आग लग गई थी. इसके एक महीने बाद स्विट्जरलैंड की एक लड़की का गैलेक्‍सी S3 उसकी जेब में ही फट गया , जिससे वो बुरी तरह से घायल हो गई. आज तक वेब ब्‍यूरो

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The cheapest moisturizers are ‘the best’: Consumer Voice test report

As winters arrive, every one rushes to the shop to buy the winter lotion cream, skim lotion and moisturizers which will protect their skin from harsh winter.

Interestingly, a bit of secondary research on the internet will tell you that middle-class Indian buys more moisturizers than any other skincare product. As we know, every large-sector FMCG company today has at least one moisturizer brand in the market.

A product test conducted by the Consumer Voice shows that not all brands fare equally so far as quality is concerned. While none of the ones we tested were unsafe or unhealthy, some did score better as they were true to their claims and were better value for money.

Our tests are primarily based on the ‘related’ Indian Standard, IS: 6608-2008, which is set for skin creams. Our test report suggests that in an overall performance Dove, Vaseline and Parachute were the top three brands.

The key ingredient total fatty substance (TFS) was found highest in Vaseline, followed by Boro Plus. It was lowest in Lacto Calamine. The ‘total residue’ was higher in Vaseline followed by Boro Plus, it was lowest in Vivel.

However, the effect of moisturizer on skin was maximum in the case of Dove, followed by Parachute and Nivea, it was lowest in Vivel and Lotus. (To read more: get Consumer Voice magazine at your doorstep)

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Mumbai and Bangalore property markets slip in 2014

Major Indian property markets of Mumbai and Bangalore have plunged.

According to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mumbai and Bangalore have plunged to the 23rd and 20th positions in 2014 rankings from 20th and 19th positions in 2013.

Meanwhile Delhi property market has retained it ranking at 21 from last year, while Chennai, for the first time, has positioned himself at 22.

“The general slippage of Indian cities in the rankings, coupled with the retention in the Top 25 list, tells the story - on the one hand, there is the negative impact of the combination of market, currency, regulatory and political risk, which continues to result in a general sense of nervousness and the tendency of foreign investors to stay on the sidelines, while on the other, the undoubted potential continues to keep interest levels going,” Executive Director at PwC India Gautam Mehra told media.

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Electronic Cigarettes poses minimal health threat: Study

A study conducted by Drexel University School of Public Health confirms that chemicals used in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) poses no health threats to its users.

E-cigarettes are electronic device that heat up a nicotine to create an aerosol (called ‘vapor’) which user inhales, just like smoking a cigarette.

The study was done reviewing over 9,000 observations about the vapor and the liquid in e-cigarettes. It was able to conclude that the levels of contaminants e-cigarette users are exposed to are trivial, far below levels that would pose any health risk threat.

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