10 best workplaces in India

1. RMSI

You may hardly have heard about RMSI, but — according to the survey — it is the best company to work for in India. In the survey conducted by the ‘Great Place to Work Institute’ RMSI tops the charts on credibility, respect, pride and camaraderie. Based in Noida, India, RMSI provides critical geographic information systems (GIS), modeling and analytical services to customers worldwide. It develops innovative solutions that integrate geographic information with niche business applications. Known to be highly ethical and transparent, the company is employee-centric. It offers equal employment opportunity, regardless of gender, age, race, physical disability, sexual orientation, or marital status, communicating openly and honestly, respects the individuality of all employees and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. RMSI has also been voted as one of the great workplaces by Dataquest IDC India’s Top 20 Best Indian IT Employers survey.

2.Marriott Hotels India

Marriott India’s human resource practice has won it the 2nd best workplace award. Marriott India is the only hotel chain in India’s top 50 Workplaces. Marriott India has won this recognition for the 3rd consecutive year. The current Marriott portfolio in India is represented by six hotels: the JW Marriott Mumbai, the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Center, Lakeside Chalet-Marriott Executive Apartments (Mumbai), the Goa Marriott Resort, the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel, and the Courtyard by Marriott, Chennai. Marriot believes that ‘if you look after your associates (staff) well, they will look after the guests.’

3.Google India

Google India is ranked as the third best place to work in India. A lot has been said about the work environment at Google. A cool and happening place to work for, Google offers an environment which is diverse, inclusive and collaborative. It provides a flexible working environment with perks that are designed to make life easier and more convenient for employees to manage their life-work balance. Employees benefit from on-site services like car wash, onsite doctors, and dry-cleaning, while other perks like massages just help you relax and feel good. Google also offers free food to employees. One of the things that Google does to encourage innovation and provide an inclusive working environment is to actively encourage the ‘20 per cent project’. All Google engineers get to spend 20 per cent of their time to pursue projects they are interested in. Google has been voted one of the best companies to work for by various publications, including the Fortune Magazine’s Best Places to Work list.

4. Agilent Technologies

Agilent, the fourth best workplace in India, strives to become better and better with policies and practices that support work-life success. It provides various offers like electronic job posting, harassment-free work environment, domestic partner benefits, non-discrimination policy, employee network group guidelines, open door policy, education assistance program, employee and family assistance program (EFAP). Employees benefit from a share in the company’s success, competitive pay practices, flexible work hours, creative, energetic and innovative work environment. The company operates two primary businesses — electronic and bio-analytical measurement — supported by Agilent Laboratories. Agilent offers innovative measurement solutions that enable customers deliver the products and services that make a measurable difference in the lives of people everywhere. For instance, Agilent helps test more than half of the world’s 1.13 billion cell phones. Agilent spun off from Hewlett-Packard Company in 1999 as part of a corporate realignment that created two separate companies.

5. Classic Stripes Pvt Ltd

Classic Stripes Pvt Ltd ranks fifth in the list of India’s best workplaces. The company believes its core competence is its people. At CSPL, there is scope for professional as well as personal growth. There is freedom to explore and learn, with opportunities for many new initiatives. The company believes in letting employees’ dreams drive the company’s excellence. The company was ranked 19th in Great Place to Work in 2004 and was ranked 16th in Great Place to Work in 2005, a survey done by Business World. With a clear sense of direction and focus, the company always looks for talented, individuals who are ambitious, who love challenges and have a passion to excel. Established in 1987, the company is in the business of producing decals which are used in the 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler industry. The company has a production capacity to produce 10 million motorbike decals sets per annum and is the largest manufacturer of 2-wheeler graphic worldwide. Classic Stripes is a complete solution provider for all automotive screen printed graphics.

6.American Express India

American Express is the 6th best place to work in India. The bank operates in over 130 countries around the globe allows options like rating the boss! Employees get an opportunity to rate their bosses anonymously. A company that prides on its employees’ strengths and capabilities, allows them freedom and a great work environment. Quality, integrity, teamwork and respect for people are the focus areas at American Express. The company encourages people to contribute towards development and rewards their performance. It is a diversified travel and financial services company. It was established in 1850 in New York.

7. Cadbury India Ltd

Cadbury India has been ranked as the 7th Great Place to Work and the No. 1 FMCG company in India in 2008, by the Great Place to Work Institute. This is the fourth time Cadbury has been featured amongst the Great Places to Work in India. It was ranked 10th in 2003, and was among the top 25 in 2004 and 2005. Cadbury began its operations in 1948 by importing chocolates and then re-packing them before distribution in the Indian market. After 59 years of existence, it has five company-owned manufacturing facilities at Thane, Induri (Pune) and Malanpur (Gwalior), Bangalore and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and four sales offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The corporate office is in Mumbai. A part of the Cadbury Schweppes Group, the world’s leader in confectionery, the company believes in spreading happiness!

8.NTPC

The 8th best company to work for in India is NTPC. The only public sector unit in the top ten list of best workplaces across all industries in India, the country’s leading power company has also been ranked No.1 in ‘Best Workplaces for Large Organizations’ in the country. NTPC, a premier public sector enterprise of Navratna status, was established in 1975. It is the largest power utility with an installed capacity of 28,644 MW through 26 power stations including 4 stations operated under joint venture companies. NTPC has emerged as an integrated power major with presence in hydro power, coal mining, oil & gas exploration, power distribution & trading. With its excellent practice in human capital management, NTPC is among the most admired organizations in the public sector. The company prides itself on its dynamic and dedicated workforce.

9.Godrej Consumer Products

Godrej Consumer Products is ranked the 9th best company to work for in India. Creating and maintaining an energetic and innovative work culture is at the heart of its corporate strategy, says the company. It describes its work culture as a combination of fun, sharing, collaboration and connection. The company believes in the philosophy of holistic employee care, taking care of not just the employees but also their families. The company also believes listening to employees and inspiring them to do better. It offers a good compensation package and other benefits. Various internal surveys are conducted to discover issues that need to be addressed. The company’s work/life balancing programmes provide employees with resources that help them balance responsibilities. Godrej Consumer Products is a major player in the Indian FMCG market with products in personal, hair, household and fabric care segments. The company employs 950 people and has manufacturing facilities at Malanpur (Gwalior), Guwahati (Assam) and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh).

10.Hilti India

A company that stresses on professional as well as personal development of employees, Hilti India is ranked the 10th best company to work for in India. The company deals in construction equipment and supplies solutions for measuring, fastening, demolition and construction chemicals worldwide. The company focuses on professionalism, contentment, continuous development as success factors to achieve sustainable and profitable growth. The company believes that customer satisfaction is strongly interlinked with a highly motivated workforce. The Hilti Group is a world leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing added-value, top-quality products for the construction industry and building maintenance. Its product range covers drilling and demolition, direct fastening, diamond and anchoring systems, firestop and foam systems, installation, positioning and screw fastening systems as well as cutting and sanding systems. Hilti India is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Liechtenstein based Hilti Corporation.

World’s best Metro Rail Systems

Here are the world’s most popular international underground transit systems. . .

1. New York

The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system owned by the City of New York and leased to the New York City Transit Authority. The NYCTA is a subsidiary of Metropolitan Transportation Authority. From 28 stations, when it was founded in October, 1904, it has grown to 462 stations. The subway carries 4.9 million people daily. It is one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world, with 369 km of rail route. The subway is also among the few rapid transit systems in the world to run 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

2. London

The London Underground, usually referred to as the Tube, is Europe’s largest metro subway system and also the world’s oldest. Inaugurated in 1863, today it has 268 stations and covers 405 km of rail tracks. It transports over 976 million people yearly. The Underground serves a large part of Greater London and neighboring areas of Essex, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire in England.

3. Paris

The Paris subway system is the second oldest in the world and transports roughly 1.5 million people daily at modest fares. The subway system runs over 214 km and stops at 380 stations. The network is so extensive that almost every building in Paris is within 500 meters of a subway station. Many of these stations are famous for their architecture, representing the Art Nouveau style.

4. Moscow

The Moscow subway system caters to 3.2 billion riders travelling annually on 12 subway lines to 172 stations. The Moscow Metro covers approximately 290 km. On an average weekday, the subway itself carries about 8.2 million passengers. Each subway line is identified by an alphanumeric index (usually consisting of just a number), a name, and a color. The voice announcement systems refer to lines by name, while in colloquial usage they are mostly referred to by color. While most of the Moscow trains run underground, some lines cross bridges overlooking the Moskva and the Yauza Rivers.

5. Montreal

The Montreal Metro is a rubber-tired metro system, and the main form of public transportation in the city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Inaugurated in 1966, it is not too extensive — about 60 km, reaching 68 stations on four lines — but is a very modern system that was inspired by the Paris Metro. It caters to 835,000 people daily. The Metro is operated by the Societe de Transport de Montreal

6. Madrid

The Madrid Metro is the second largest underground system in Europe and the sixth largest in the world. The first line of the Madrid metro opened on October 17, 1919, under the direction of the Compania de Metro Alfonso XIII, with 8 stations and a 3.5-km track. This metro network now has 231 stations on 12 lines. It has 227 km of track and an additional 44 km of track is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The Madrid Metro is one of the densest metro networks in the world.

7. Tokyo

Tokyo Metro is one of two metro systems making up the Tokyo subway system, the other being Toei. In addition to underground subways, the Tokyo transit system consists of the Toden Arakawa light rail line and the Ueno Zoo Monorail. The Tokyo subway system carries approximately 2.8 billion people per year to 282 subway stations. Efforts are made to make the system accessible to non-Japanese speaking users. Many train stops are announced in both English and Japanese. Announcements also provide connecting line information. Ticketing machines can switch between English and Japanese user interfaces. Many stations’ railings often have Braille at their base meant for visually challenged commuters.

8. Seoul

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway is one of the most heavily used subway systems in the world with more than 8 million daily trips. Seoul Metro is a public corporation which runs the Seoul Subway. During 1970-2006, it was called Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation. It is also one of the longest subway systems worldwide, running 287 km in length. The trains mostly run underground, but 30 per cent of the system is above ground.

9. Beijing

The Beijing Subway opened in 1969 and serves Beijing and the surrounding suburbs. Just before the 2008 Beijing Olympic games began, it was further developed at a cost $7.69 billion. The expansion project has taken the length of the subway station to about 480 km. With almost a dozen lines and 123 stations currently in operation and average passenger strength of 3.4 million per day, the Beijing Subway is the busiest in mainland China.

10. Hong Kong

The Hong Kong subway, also known as the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, was set up in 1979. Despite its relatively small size (90 km), compared to other metro systems across the globe, the MTR transports an average of 2.46 million rides per day. The Hong Kong system is based on a British design. Recently, approval was granted for the merger of the MTR and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation, to make the system more cost-effective and efficient.

11. Sao Paolo

The Sao Paulo Metro is the first underground transit system in Brazil and it began operations in 1974. It works alongside a larger company called the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) and together they cover about 300 km of track and transport approximately 3.7 million people daily. Sao Paulo is one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of 19 million. Its metro system consists of four color-coded lines: Line 1-Blue, Line 2-Green, Line 3-Red and Line 5-Lilac. Line 4-Yellow is currently under construction and is due to start operating in late 2009. The metro system carries 3.2 million passengers a day.

7 great cars to own!

BMW GINA Light Visionary Concept

The Concept: BMW’s latest concept car shatters all the tried and true conventions about automobile design. For Head of BMW Group Design, Christopher E. Bangle, it’s all about “breaking paradigms.” A year in the making, the GINA Light Visionary Concept abandons the usual concepts of side panels, roof, front aprons, and doors in favor of a clean, seamless form with four main components. Contrary to rumor, the car is not named after some hot, mystery woman, instead the name actually stands for Geometry and Functions in “N” Adoptions, which speaks to BMW’s new design philosophy focusing on maximum freedom and creativity. The two-seater roadster is created from an expansion resistant fabric spread across a metal structure, giving it that smooth, sculpted look.

Coolest Feature: Skin is definitely in on the GINA. The flexible material allows the concept to move in ways that were previously only conceived of through movie magic. Together with its metal frame, this car is able to adapt to all situations through its ability to change shape. When moving at high speeds, the GINA automatically creates a rear spoiler by raising a built in component on the frame. The ultra flexible skin lets the spoiler form with nary a wrinkle, and the car’s headlights remain hidden beneath the flexible skin. After being activated by the driver, the skin cover opens revealing the headlights and thereby creates the illusion of a car opening its eyes. All of these transformations are controlled by a combination of electronics and hydraulics. As for the skin’s makeup, it’s a hybrid composed of mesh-netting support. It’s resistant to low and high temperatures as well as water-resistant.

Expected Pricing: It’s a pretty safe bet that GINA’s current model won’t make it to the production line. Bangle says, “The GINA Light Visionary model just shows ONE possible answer to the whole approach of materials.” Expect to find GINA-like features in future BMW models.

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept

The Concept: Debuted at the 2008 New York Auto Show, the Kizashi 3 concept is the final iteration in the Kizashi series. Aptly named — Kizashi, in Japanese, means prelude or preview — the series offers a bold look into Suzuki’s design future. Sporting strong and elegant lines, these cars are meant to represent the toned physique of an athlete in motion. A definite head turner, the production-ready Kizashi 3 combines the stunning looks of its predecessors, bringing the concept one step closer to production. Described by Jeff Holland, the company’s public relations manager, as “a near luxury sports sedan,” the final version of the Kizashi 3 will feature a 300 horsepower, 3.6 liter engine with “a possible hybrid or high tech variant of the power train model.” Suzuki is currently in the process of developing pre-production models and working to push the car into production.

Coolest Feature: While the Kizashi 3 definitely possesses outer beauty, its real story lies under its hood. Powered by a 3.6-liter Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) V-6 engine with plated cylinders and a six-speed automatic transmission, the Kizashi 3 packs a punch. Taking a cue from its motorcycle heritage, this vehicle is all about speed and performance. With its impressive 300 horsepower, coupled with Suzuki’s all-wheel-drive system, the Kizashi 3 is ready for the starting gate in 2010.

Demographic: With its three iterations, the Kizashi is set to appeal to a wide audience. There’s the crossover and wagon for families, and a sedan that could appeal to driving enthusiasts and a younger demographic.

Expected Pricing: Suzuki has been known for producing affordable vehicles and the Kizashi will be no different. “We like to say it’s like an Audi for half the price,” Holland quips. “It’s a Suzuki; it’s got to be affordable. It’s very important to the brand.”

Smart Fortwo

The Concept: While many Americans think that bigger is better, the Smart Fortwo’s design challenges that notion. Birthed from a partnership between Swatch and Mercedes Benz, the Smart car is a fusion of utility, customization, and art. Its name alone defines its purpose — Smart actually stands for Swatch Mercedes Art. Measuring 8.8 ft. long and 5.1 ft. across, the Smart car was built for city driving. “The real focus of the design and the size of the car is to answer the problem of urban congestion and city driving,” says Communications Director, Ken Kettenbeil, “The Smart’s size and maneuverability gives it an advantage when navigating sticky driving situations.” The dilemma of finding parking is also a thing of the past since two Smart cars easily fit in the average parking space. Its size also plays a part when it comes to fuel economy. While hybrid cars tend to have slightly better gas mileage, the gas powered engine Smart car is the highest rated gas engine with 33 city and 41 highway miles.

Coolest Feature: This has to be the Smart Fortwo’s customization capabilities. Swatch inventor Nicolas Hayek, wanted to bring the same color, fun, and changeability found in his timepieces to a car. With that in mind, all of the exterior colored panels on the Smart car are changeable. Panels come in six colors and are relatively inexpensive, selling for approximately $1000. The interior also features a variety of colors. Another cool feature can be found in the transmission. It’s an automated manual, which means you can switch between automatic and manual.

Demographic: The Smart Fortwo has universal appeal. With its low price tag, the Smart car’s destined to appeal to first-time buyers like college students and recent grads. Its unique look will likely attract trendsetters who are always on the search for the next cool thing.

Expected Pricing: $11,600

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

The Concept: As electric cars continue to gain popularity in the States, Chrysler aims to stay ahead of the pack with its ecoVoyager concept car. Designed for a trip that’s on par with a private jet, the car reaches a top speed of 150 mph, going from 0 to 60 in 8.8 seconds, and with a driving range of 300 mpg. Principal Exterior Designer, Greg Howell, combines luxury and innovative design in an attempt to look ten years into the future. The ecoVoyager’s one box design scheme is simplistic yet bold. Sporting a panoramic glass roof and doors that open at a generous 90 degrees, the ecoVoyager is a testament to the beauty and elegance synonymous with the Chrysler brand. In an attempt to bring more Chrysler cues to the car, the windows, front grille, tail lamps, and headlamps are modeled after the trademark Chrysler logo. The interior of the car is just as impressive as its exterior, featuring four individual chairs capable of heat and massage, and the Direct Sound function, which allows all users to hear the music of their choice sans headphones, without disturbing other passengers.

Coolest Feature: Besides its polar ice paint job, the coolest feature on the ecoVoyager is its electric motor. Capable of developing 200 kilowatts or 268 horsepower, the ecoVoyager can go from 0 to 60 in less than 8 seconds. The ecoVoyager also has a range extender in the form of an advanced hydrogen fuel cell that increases the car’s range to more than 300 miles. The braking system also captures energy that would be lost, returning it to the battery. Together with its low emissions (water vapor), this makes the vehicle a boon for design conscious environmentalists.

Demographic: As a luxury vehicle, the ecoVoyager might be out of range for the average car buyer. Described by design director Lance Wagner as a “mature vehicle,” expect to see young at heart baby-boomers and the financially well off behind the wheel of this stunner.

Expected Pricing: Undetermined

Dodge ZEO Concept

The Concept: Dodge, also looking to step into the electric car arena, introduces the 2008 Dodge ZEO (Zero Emissions Operation) concept. Inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, the ZEO is a four-passenger sport wagon with a touch of muscle car thrown in for good measure. With a top speed of 130 mph, the ZEO goes from 0 to 60 in less than six seconds, enough to please any performance fanatic. “It breaks the stereotype of what a small, efficient electric car can be,” says Wagner. “It shows how much personality and style these kinds of cars can have.” The ZEO interior is just as innovative. Designed to give the impression of being a “single piece of sculpture,” the inside is decked out in all white. The center console extends down from the windshield, giving the impression of being in a dual cockpit.

Coolest Feature: The ZEO’s best feature hands down can be found in its overall design. The roof and windshield combine into one continuous piece of glass, offering each passenger the best view. Its aluminum plated inserts, crosshair grille, and bold wheel arches give the ZEO its wow factor, while its front and rear suicide doors add extra flair.

Demographic: The Dodge ZEO could appeal to car enthusiasts, techies, and the socially conscious alike. It satisfies the need for speed, combined with a futuristic look packed with all the necessary cool gadgets, and most important: it’s easy on the environment, so you can tear down the track with a conscience that’s crystal clear.

Expected Pricing: Undetermined

Jeep Renegade Concept

The Concept: The 2008 Jeep Renegade concept is a mean, lean, green machine. Built from recyclable materials, sustainability is a major theme in this concept car. Fitted with oversized tires, and a speedster windshield, this car is built for an off-roading, cross-country adventure. The new Jeep sports a more elongated look than its boxier forerunners. In keeping with that close-to-nature vibe, the Renegade was designed as a full time open-air vehicle, meaning it has no roof. In lieu of a roof, the back trunk can be fitted with a number of “lids.” The lids act as storage chests for all your outdoor needs including lids built for kayaking and mountain biking. There is also an “as built” option that can fit two matching water scooters and there’s also an open storage space.

Coolest Feature: This car is green all over. Its building materials are all eco friendly: the chassis is molded without the use of harmful resins, while the metallic green color is added during the molding process, which cuts out harmful paint solvents. An advanced hybrid and regen-braking system allows the Renegade to reach a fuel economy of 110 mpg, approximately four times greater than that of a gas-only car. Topped off with seats made from soy-based foam the Renegade is both innovative and socially responsible.

Demographic: Jeep’s history of being outdoorsy continues with this concept. With its outdoor sport-friendly removable lids, the Renegade will appeal to off-roading fans, mountain bikers, and anyone who likes to play hard. It’s also an obvious choice for the environmentally conscious.

Expected Pricing: Undetermined

Hummer HX Concept

The Concept: The Hummer HX redefines the look, feel, and attitude of the Hummer. In an effort to stem the tide of a slowing off-roading market, the HX’s slick new design is a welcome departure from Hummer’s usual brick-shaped silhouette. The HX takes a minimalist approach, and at 81 inches with 103-inch wheelbases, it’s a lightweight compared to its predecessors. Its two-door, open-air concept is a reflection of the adventurous vibe of its three young designers. Lead Exterior Designer, David Rojas looked to the skies for inspiration: “I looked at stealth planes like the F-117 fighter plane. It has faceted surfacing and I used it in bits and pieces in the design.” The new modernized grille design is based on a picture of an alligator coming out of the water. The HX stays true to its Hummer roots with body-on-frame construction, mounted on independent front and back suspensions, prominent air intakes, and hood vents. To make this concept an unstoppable off-roading machine, the HX is equipped with 35 inch off-road tires, a 4 wheel drive system, and the new E85 FlexFuel 3.6L SIDI V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Throw in a complete underbody armor kit and a power-operated winch, and the HX concept is a force to be reckoned with.

Coolest Feature: Hummer hasn’t been known for customization, but the HX should change public perception. According to Rojas, the HX can be reconfigured into three different forms. “You have the slant back, which is iconic to Hummer. You can also take the rear hatch off which enables the squareback, which offers SUV capabilities for maximum capacity. If you take the whole thing off and fold the back seats down, you have a SUT which is a small truck.” Other additions of note are the removable fender flares and the removable doors that are advantages for serious off-roaders.

Demographic: Hummer has always been a favorite among the younger market and the HX should continue in that tradition. Its scaled-back size has the ability to draw in an audience that was previously intimidated by the larger models. The HX’s biggest audience will come from the off-roading market where Hummer has traditionally made its bread and butter.

Expected Pricing: Undetermined