China seeks rail link between Kunming and Kolkata

China is keen to establish a high speed rail link between Kunming and Kolkata as part of its efforts to revive the ancient silk route, traversing through Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The proposal, which found a mention at the recently held Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) meet in Kunming, seeks to give a boost to the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) multi-model corridor project initiated by China.

"We are in favour of it. The high speed corridor would help the economies of Myanmar and Bangladesh as well," said Li Ji Ming, vice secretary of Yunnan provincial government while indicating funding from multilateral bodies such as Asian Development Bank.

The 2800 kilometer rail route could be a critical component for the BCIM corridor that seeks cross border trade and flow of people.

China has pledged USD 40 billion for the silk route, having a trade potential of USD 132 billion.

China has been endeavouring for a revival of the silk route with a visionary plan to establish wide ranging connectivity from Kunming to Kolkata.

Yunnan enjoys crucial geographical location, involving in GMS and BCIM regional cooperation.

It is one of the major provinces engaged in construction of China-Indo-China peninsula economic corridor and BCIM economic corridor.

As part of efforts to strengthen connectivity, Ming said Shandong Airlines would start flight services between Kunming and New Delhi from next month.

Currently Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, is only connected to Kolkata.

Talking to reporters following the just concluded China south Asia trade fair here, Ming sought "active participation" from India in taking ahead the BCIM and China-India peninsula corridor projects.

"We are glad to know that after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, the look east policy has substantially moved ahead. We hope we can join our efforts together. We are big partners and influential in the region," he said

Petrol prices hiked again and diesel gets cheaper

The petrol prices in India have been raised by 64paise, while the diesel price has been reduced by Rs 1.35. The changes in prices are to align them with international prices and to adjust them according to foreign exchange rates.

From today, petrol costs Rs 66.93 per litre and diesel - Rs 50.93 per litre in Delhi. Though the hike in petrol price might upset many petrol vehicle owners, the cut in diesel price comes as a respite for diesel vehicle consumers. The diesel prices were hiked twice last month, once by Rs 2.37 on May 1 and Rs 2.71 the second time on May 16.

Though diesel prices have reduced this time, this is the third hike in petrol rates since the start of May 2015. On May 1 and May 16, the price was increased by Rs 3.96 and Rs 3.13 respectively.

Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest fuel retailer, said, "Since last price change, there has been an increase in international prices of petrol while international prices of diesel have shown a downward trend. Rupee-dollar exchange rate has depreciated during this period. Combined impact of these factors warrant an upward revision in prices of petrol and a downward revision in prices of diesel, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers."

The changes in the prices are mainly related to international rates and the Rupee - US Dollar exchange rate. Fuel prices are reviewed by Indian fuel retailers every fortnight. These adjustments are based on the global rates of products and accordingly prices are increased or decreased.

Need For Speed Rivals

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Welcome to Redview County, where a street-racing rivalry between cops and racers never stops as both sides compete in an all-out war to take over the social, local and national media and earn the best cars, mods and technology.

MOBILES

10 Most Anticipated Smartphones of 2015

• Google released their most discussed Android version 5.0 Lollipop this year along with several important additions like 64-bit computing, material interface, improved security and encryption capability. Most probably all the major manufacturers will bring some significant 64-bit smartphone in the market with enhanced features like fingerprint and heart rate sensor and further encryption capability for making them secure than ever.

• Another significant discovery made this year is LPDDR4 RAM memory modules. Samsung has already started selling 2GB and 3GB LPDDR4 RAM modules. While 8GB RAM modules will only be preferred by the power hungry gaming focused smartphones, you'll most probably experience the 4GB modules in their upcoming smartphone Samsung Galaxy project Zero aka Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5.

• The coming year may also experience several smartphones with huge battery capacity and 2K/4K screen will be visible with most of the flagships.

• With bigger and better camera sensors 4K video shooting may also become common and there is a strong chance to experience 4K videos as a common standard.

• With the availability of cheaper 4G smartphones, LTE network might also become a common standard. If the network providers focus on the 4G tariff rates they might also experience a huge number of customer gains as well.

• Dual boot smartphones may become another standard and there are enough chances to experience several flagship smartphones with Android and Windows or any other operating system.

All the above-mentioned points are based on the current technology innovations and we wish we could experience something more exciting and spectacular on the upcoming flagship devices, which may create a sensation in the consumer market with their arrival.Following are the phones, which may really make our wishes come true:Sony Xperia Z4Sony's next flagship smartphone is sure to feature an improved camera and a better screen with a huge processing capability. The phone is rumoured to feature 1440p QHD display and 4K video recording too.HTC One M9HTC might release their next flagship smartphone One M9 in MWC, which is about to happen in Barcelona in the first half of the year. The upcoming smartphone is rumoured to feature a better display, improved battery life with a powerful configuration. The One M9 might also feature Android 5.0 Lollipop, better camera and 64-bit processing capability.Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5This year might not be counted that great for Samsung for the unexpected failure of Galaxy S5, but the Korean smartphone giant has kept up the hope by releasing two great devices by the end of this year, Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge. Both the smartphones have received praise from International CES as innovation of the year. And most probably Samsung will get the revenue back with their two upcoming smartphone Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5.Xiaomi MI5Year 2014 has been recorded a spectacular one for Xiaomi. All their smartphones including Redmi 1S, MI3 and Redmi Note have been high on sales. The Xiaomi flagship MI 4 also did well with its China-only presence. Now this Chinese manufacturer is rumoured to release their next flagship smartphone MI5 at CES 2015. The MI5 will most probably feature a QHD display, 4G LTE connectivity and decent hardware configuration.OnePlus TwoCounting the high sales figure of Cyanogenmod-based smartphones One, OnePlus was rumoured to be working on the second generation of their debut smartphone. Anticipated to release by the second quarter of 2015, the OnePlus Two has already started showing up on a few Chinese e-commerce sites. The OnePlus Two will feature a 1080p display, 3GB RAM, 64GB internal memory with a 3,300mAh battery.LG G4LG is speculated to release the G4 by the second quarter of 2015. The G4 is expected to feature a 2K display with huge hardware configuration and an outstanding camera.Google Project ARAThe project will allow you to customise each component for your phone and give a unique smartphone experience. Once the project becomes commercially available, the Project ARA is sure to achieve a ground-breaking success.Motorola Moto X 3^rd/ 2015 EditionMotorola might release their third generation of Moto X with 64-bit computing capability, a better camera with more customisation abilities with the stock Android like experience.Saygus V SquareThe Saygus V smartphone is the first to introduce Optical-Image-Stabilisation cameras, Wireless HD and Harman Kadon 3D audio for the movies. The device also boasts an edge-to-edge 5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 801 processor, 3GB RAM, 64GB in-built memory, 21MP rear and 13MP front camera with a dual boot (Android and Windows) capability. The smartphone has won CES 2015 Global Innovation Award and most probably become one of the most successful smartphone of 2015.Microsoft Lumia McLarenThe upcoming LUMIA flagship is rumoured to feature a 3D touch technology with kinect like gestures, a powerhouse hardware configuration, and Windows Mobile 10 OS and PureView camera. We are quite sure these features are enough to excite any Windows phone lovers.

Ducati Monster 821 Bike

Ducati Monster 821 Bike

Expected Launch Date : June 2015
Estimated Price : 9.00 lakh

Ducati Monster 821 is yet to be launched in India. Information on this page is tentative.

Overview

The Monster is Ducati’s single largest selling range worldwide, characterized by muscular design and an exposed engine and trellis frame.

The Monster line has had numerous variations over the years, since it was first launched in 1993, from entry level 400cc Monsters to top of the line 130PS multivalve, water-cooled superbike-engined versions.

The Monster 821 will be the replacement for the existing Ducati 795 and the Ducati 796 and will be the new entry level Monster offering in the Indian market. 

Looks and Styling

The Monster 821 follows trademark design cues of the Monster family, with a muscular, sporty line, characterised by the L-twin engine and unique exposed steel trellis frame.

The imposing 17.5-litre sculpted metal tank presents a muscular image, emphasized by a narrow waistline and a compact headlamp, giving a friendly full frontal appearance. Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rubber with racing derived profile on the ten-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels – the same design as the Panigale and the Multistrada – are said to even increase damping capability.

The Monster 821 uses 43mm Kayaba front forks up front with a  single Sachs unit on the rear, adjustable in spring preload and rebound damping, attached directly to the rear cylinder and operating through a die-cast aluminium, double sided swingarm.

Engine and Gearbox

Powering the Monster 821 is a new Testastretta 11 degree 821.1cc L-Twin, which makes 112PS at 9250rpm and maximum torque of 89.2Nm at 7750rpm. The tubular steel trellis frame is attached to the cylinder heads of the Testastretta engine, a method pioneered on the Panigale.

The Ducati Safety Pack concept on the Monster 821 incorporates three-level ABS and eight-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC). The Monster also offers a choice of three pre-set Riding Modes: Sport, Touring and Urban. Each Riding Mode is pre-programmed to instantly change engine character, ABS and traction control intervention – even while riding.

Price and Competition

The Ducati Monster 821 is expected to be priced around Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). In the Indian two-wheeler space, the Ducati Monster 821 will compete against the likes of the Kawasaki Z800 and the Triumph Street Triple. 

Bajaj Pulsar 150NS

Bajaj Pulsar 150NS 

Expected Launch Date : June 2015
Estimated Price : 73,000

Bajaj Pulsar 150NS is yet to be launched in India. Information on this page is tentative.

Overview

The ageing Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i is expected to be replaced by the much-awaited naked Pulsar 150 NS in June 2015. The next generation Bajaj Pulsar 150 has been spotted testing for more than a year and more recently, it has been showcased at trade fairs abroad.

The bestselling Pulsar 150 hasn’t seen an upgrade in over almost four years while competition has raised its head in the form of upgraded variants and even brand new models from manufacturers such as Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda. With the new Pulsar 150 NS Bajaj Auto will hope to once again set the sales charts on fire.

Looks and Styling

The 150 NS will take design cues from the 200 NS, but essentially it will be a Pulsar AS 150 without the quarter fairing. The new 150 NS will be based on the same perimeter frame as the Pulsar AS 150 and will also sport a nitrox monoshock at the rear, like the AS 150. The brute streetbike styling should enable it to standout among its rivals and also appeal to the youngsters.

Switch gear and the part-analogue-part-digital instrument console have been carried forward from its 200cc sibling. The Bajaj Pulsar 150NS has a slimmer tail section; missing tyre hugger and skinny rear tyre are the visual differences between the two Pulsar offerings.

Wheels will be the same 17-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels as on the AS 150, shod with 80/100 R17 rubber at the front and 100/90-17 at the rear.  Braking will be handled by a smaller petal disc at the front than the 200NS and a drum at the rear. An optional disc may be offered at the rear as well. It will get both electric start and kick start as starting options. 

Engine and Gearbox

The Pulsar 150 NS will be powered by the same unit as the AS 150’s – a twin spark, air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine which is more powerful and efficient than the existing Pulsar 150’s.

The engine will make 17PS of power at 9500rpm and a peak torque of 13Nm at 7500rpm, that’s a jump of 2PS power and 0.5Nm of torque than its predecessor. The new engine also gets four valves and will be mated to a five-speed gearbox .  

Price and competition

The Pulsar 150 NS is likely to be priced around Rs 73,000 and will compete against the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer, Yamaha FZ-S FI V2.0 and the Honda CB Unicorn 160.

Ducati 1299 Panigale

Ducati 1299 Panigale 

Expected Launch Date : June 2015
Estimated Price : 33.00 lakh

Ducati 1299 Panigale is yet to be launched in India. Information on this page is tentative.

Overview

There are very few motorcycles that have drop-dead gorgeous looks and the hardware to back those looks. In a way, the 1299 Panigale, even in pictures, demands a second, third, and even a fourth look every time one lays eyes on it.

It certainly is a thing of outstanding beauty and looks alone makes the 1299 score so high on every bike lover’s wishlist to own one or at least ride one around a track, lap after lap. But the new 1299 is much more than just one sexy looking sportbike. 

The new Superquadro engine in the Ducati 1299 Panigale is incorporated into the Monoscocca chassis, providing the perfect platform from which to deliver over 205PS of power from the 1285cc L-twin engine. The new 1299 Panigale boasts of practicality to make it ideal for the track as well as for the road. Improved road manners and new electronics and rider aids may even make it easier and more forgiving than ever before.

The total focus on light weight gives the Panigale a power-to-weight ratio that sets the reference in its class. Combined with advanced electronic controls and the finest brakes, suspension, and other components, this creates an incredibly potent package that takes riders to the very apex of performance.

Ducati has enhanced its electronics package via an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that measures acceleration in relation to three axes and calculates the bike’s angle of roll and pitch. Ducati Wheelie Control, Cornering ABS, and on the S model, Ducati Electronic Suspension, use the information provided by the IMU to continually adapt the bike’s performance based on the conditions.

Suspension on the S model is composed of an Ohlins Smart EC semi-active suspension system that’s similar in design to what comes standard on the 2015 Yamaha R1M, but with Ducati-specific settings. With this system, Ohlins divides the riding into different events instead of looking every millisecond at what the chassis is doing and making continuous adjustments.

Additional electronics on the Panigale include an eight-level (plus off) Ducati Wheelie Control system borrowed from the Superleggera, a Ducati Quick Shifter with auto-blip function for upshifts and downshifts, as well as an adjustable Engine Brake Control system.

There’s no ignoring the Panigale and with those incredible looks, it certainly is one superbike which will turn many heads as well as hearts - of both those riding it and admiring it.

Ducati 899 Panigale

Ducati 899 Panigale 

Expected Launch Date : June 2015
Estimated Price : 13.00 lakh

Ducati 899 Panigale is yet to be launched in India. Information on this page is tentative.

Overview

Ducati India will be launching the Panigale range of superbikes with the entry-level Panigale - the 899. Unlike track-oriented characters of the Panigales, the 899 is designed to provide a comfortable and rider-friendly bike which is equally at home on the street as on the race track.

Although the name suggests 899, the new “Desmoquadro” engine displaces 898cc from the L-win pumping an insane 150PS and 99Nm. The engine is a structural element of the frame and comes equipped with desmodromic valves. The 899 Panigale features an electronic full ride-by-wire throttle which allows features life three riding modes – Race, Sport and Wet, to regulate power delivery on the selected riding mode. There’s also an optional DDA or Ducati Data Analyzer.

The 899 Panigale will also come with features such as Ducati Quick Shift and ABS fitted as standard, as well as traction control system. Ducati will offer 24 months unlimited mileage warranty as well as service intervals at 12,000 km and valve clearance checks at 24,000km.

The 899, at heart a Panigale, is no sports tourer, but promises a high degree of comfort and practicality and the speed and handling to keep most riders happy, particularly those looking for the Ducati name and the performance to back the Panigale legacy. Most of all, it offers style and the technology and performance of the flagship Panigales.

Ducati Scrambler Bikes

Ducati Scrambler Bikes

Expected Launch Date : June 2015
Estimated Price : 6.78 lakh

Ducati Scrambler is yet to be launched in India. Information on this page is tentative.

Overview

The original Scrambler from Ducati was a series of single-cylinder motorcycles made initially for the American market from 1962 to 1974, sporting engines with capacity ranging from 250cc to 450cc displacements.

In 2014, Ducati reprised the Scrambler line with an all-new Ducati Scrambler, first showcased at the 2014 Intermot motorcycle show. International sales have begun in 2015 and Ducati has developed the 2015 Scrambler as a different sub-brand altogether, together with a range of Scrambler apparel and accessories.

The new Scrambler has the same values as the original iconic Scrambler of the 1970s, but is now a more contemporary interpretation of the legendary name. Ducati says the new Scrambler is intended to be just how the legendary motorcycle would be today if Ducati had not stopped building it.

The Scrambler will be available in four different models – the Icon, Urban Enduro, Full Throttle and Classic, each with distinct personalities shaped by specific logos and other design nuances. For India, Ducati will first launch the Icon, making it the least expensive Ducati on sale here.

Looks and Styling

The 2015 Scrambler is a new bike inspired by the iconic 70s model but with all the technical specifications of a present-day one.  The bike features an upside down stanchion fork, alloy rims, a rear monoshock, and front radialmount calipers.

Firstly, there’s the tank, sculptural and lovingly shaped yet loyal to the original teardrop design of the 70s model, including the ‘upward sloping’ look. Additional character is provided by the tank side covers: made of brushed aluminium, they’re interchangeable to allow plenty of scope for personalisation and feature version-specific logos.

Seat and tank have been formed carefully to give the Ducati Scrambler eye-pleasing proportions.

A compact bike, the Ducati Scrambler has been sized to make it accessible to all motorcyclists while its long seat maximises comfort and can accommodate a passenger comfortably. Redesigned for the present day, the round headlamp is a key part of the Ducati Scrambler look. And then there is the ultra-modern LED light guide technology (used for the side lights) which underlines the outstanding level of technical expertise.

Engine and Gearbox

The Scrambler is powered by a 803cc L-Twin engine which makes 76PS and offers 68Nm of torque at 5750rpm. Derived from the Monster 796 engine, it has an 88 mm bore, a 66 mm stroke and has been redesigned to give smooth acceleration throughout the rev range. The Desmodue engine on the Ducati Scrambler has light machine-finished aluminium covers, including those on the clutch and alternator.

To ensure smooth integration with the compact steel teardrop tank, the Desmodue engine on the Ducati Scrambler features a single 50 mm throttle body with two sub-butterfly injectors: this solution ensures fluid power delivery and accurate control of the fuel being aspirated into the cylinders.

Pistons and crankshaft are the same as those on the Monster 796 and Hypermotard 796 power units, while the camshafts have been designed to ensure linear power delivery. The 2-in-1 exhaust with aluminium silencer has been specially designed for the Ducati Scrambler. It features an aluminium heat plate for improved rider protection and is EURO 3 compliant.

The gearbox is a 6-speed unit while the multiplate APTC oil bath clutch with cable actuation, while emphasising the minimalist nature of the Ducati Scrambler, provides a lighttouch brake lever with outstanding ‘feel’, a real plus point when it comes to the continuous stop-and-go of inner city traffic. Moreover, it features a torque-linked anti-hopping system that prevents rear wheel chatter when downshifting.

Price and Competition

The Scrambler, Ducati’s cheapest offering in the Indian market, will carry a price tag of around Rs 6.78 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).  At that price, the Scrambler will offer a much more affordable option than the Kawasaki Z800 and the Triumph Street Triple, but will be slightly more expensive than the Triumph Bonneville, Kawasaki ER-6n and Kawasaki Ninja 650.