http://www.telecentremagazine.net/telecentre 11 February 2010 http://www.telecentremagazine.net/news/news-details.asp?newsid=15789 In India, a highly rural country, Simputers, a type of low-cost, portable alternative to PCs that require limited computer literacy, have been introduced to give a voice to the marginalized through their locally elected leaders. In 1993, the Panchayati Raj (village self-government) system was introduced as a tool to improve rural communities. 11 February 2010 http://www.telecentremagazine.net/news/news-details.asp?newsid=15792 2010 would be a year of recovery and transformation for the information and communications technology (ICT) market in the Philippines, according to IDC. Total IT market spending would increase by 7.6 percent to reach US$3.14 billion by the end of 2010, and would succeed in regaining a 9.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) by 2013. 11 February 2010 http://www.telecentremagazine.net/news/news-details.asp?newsid=15791 The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) saved throusands of villagers from incurring heaving losses when natural calamities strike and help prevent migration to cities. 10 February 2010 http://www.telecentremagazine.net/news/news-details.asp?newsid=15790 ekgaon technologies, the New Delhi based firm developing information technology innovations and services for rural areas, has won the NASSCOM Social Innovation Honor 2010. NASSCOM Foundation established the Social Innovation Honors to recognize excellence and encourage innovation in social development initiatives. NASSCOM Foundation and Genpact jointly presented the Social Innovation Honors for 2010 to showcase projects that demonstrate the use information communication technology (ICT) as a tool for social transformation. This award is a celebration of innovations that bring about social change and development through the application or use of technology. 09 February 2010 http://www.telecentremagazine.net/news/news-details.asp?newsid=15787 The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) announced that it would launch a certificate programme in telecentre management, to be made available in 10 Indian and 10 international languages. 09 February 2010 http://www.telecentremagazine.net/news/news-details.asp?newsid=15788 NASSCOM, the voice of Indian IT industry, today announced that it will further enhance its focus on 'e-Governance'during the year 2010. NASSCOM initiatives cover the areas of e-Governance and other Mission Mode Government IT projects at both Central and State Governments.