Brand conscious

There’s a new trend in central government departments and ministries — contracting PR firms to publicise the work being done. The latest to join the race for ‘branding’ is the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) which is saddled with handling an ‘alphabet soup’ of pensions and provident funds.

In a recent circular, the EPFO has called for its field offices to send suggestions, by April 26, for a suitable ‘publicity tagline’ that “truly depicts its character”. It is even considering an ‘appropriate reward’ for the best entry. Well, it’s never too late for a makeover!

G-shock!

First, it was 2G. Then came KG. Now it is the turn of PG — Punjab Grains. Of course, it may seem that the ₹20,000-crore amount involved in PG is not much compared to what was involved in 2G and KG. In any case, what people really want is long overdue. You guessed right — it’s GG, Good Governance!

VS goes FB

The 92-year-old CPI(M) leader and former Kerala CM, VS Achuthanandan, has stepped into the world of social media. Last week, he opened accounts on Facebook and Twitter and launched his portal. VS, who is contesting from Malampuzha, said at the launch: “It’s my platform to engage with the younger generation and to reach out to the public at large.” Snap came Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s comment on FB: had the CPI(M) not turned its back on computers three decades ago, Kerala would now have become South India’s IT hub. The CPI(M) and the LDF had stiffly resisted computerisation in the 1980s and 1990s arguing that it would shrink job opportunities. VS’ FB page has already received more than one lakh likes. What’s VS got not to like about social media?

Figuring it’s lucky

Fancy and so-called ‘lucky’ vehicle numbers continue to fascinate stars and businessmen. At a recent auction of numbers for luxury cars, the number 9 continued to be the most popular, followed by 6. Amid stiff competition, Tollywood star Junior NTR bagged number 9999 @ ₹10.5 lakh for his ₹1.2 crore BMW 7 Series sedan. Megha Engineering bid ₹5.75 lakh for 9999 for a Rolls Royce.

High-end controversy

After the controversy over the ₹70-lakh Hublot diamond-studded watch of Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah, it is the turn of the newly nominated Karnataka BJP president BS Yeddyurappa, who found himself in trouble after touring drough-affected districts in a ₹1-crore Land Crusier SUV. The Congress went to town criticising him for using such an expensive car. Yedduyrappa returned the car to its owner, Murgesh Nirani, a sugar baron and former minister in his cabinet.

Chop and churn

A drop in valuations is hurting Flipkart, but what is hurting more is that some of its top talent don’t see much value in staying back. Insiders reveal that one of the two founders has been going around with scissors cutting costs, and asking uncomfortable questions; this has not gone down well with those who are used to getting a handsome budget and lots of space to manoeuvre.

Dressing to kill

Politicians in Tamil Nadu appear to have discovered the key to connecting with the young: style dressing! Gone are the veshtis and white shirts that signalled politician for years in Tamil Nadu — at least among the hotshots. The PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss sports the executive look with a full- sleeved shirt tucked in smartly.

In his campaign speeches, he often refers to his fitness and points out that his competition is old and infirm. Not to be outdone, the DMK’s MK Stalin’s also started dressing modishly, in coloured shirts and smart trousers. He says he finds this attire comfortable — it’s easier to run, cycle or hop on to a bus during the campaign. Also, it helps him identify with the young.

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