MUMBAI: BBC World, the BBC's international 24-hour news and information television channel, has appointed Karishma Vaswani as its first ever business correspondent in Mumbai.

From 1st January 2006, Karishma will submit reports from Mumbai for the daily programmes Asia Business Report broadcast in Asia and the Middle East, and World Business Report, transmitted globally.

As a business correspondent for the channel in Singapore for the past three years, Karishma has reported on important business developments in the region - most significantly, the anniversary of the Asian financial crisis in Indonesia and the last two Indian financial budgets. She has also interviewed key influential people including the Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, and the founding father of Singapore, Lee Kwan Yew.

Karishma's family originates from Sindh, she was born in Singapore and grew up in Jakarta. A graduate from Warwick University, England, Karishma began her broadcasting career with CNBC Asia where she worked as an assistant producer for three years.

Karishma is proud of her multicultural background and says: "I think the fact I have lived in many countries means I have a strong local knowledge and but can also offer a global outlook, much like BBC World."

Commenting on her new role, she adds: "It's a great privilege and a fantastic opportunity. India is a dynamic and growing economy with so many stories to cover, and BBC World has the reputation and the resources to bring them to a global audience."

Sian Kevill, BBC World's editorial director, says: "BBC World's commitment to increasing our newsgathering strength in the South Asia region is part of our long-term plan to provide additional resources across key markets. Karishma is a bright and promising reporter and her contribution from the heart of India's financial centre will undoubtedly enhance our global business coverage."

For further information contact:
Deeptie Sethi/ Neha Sharma Suvir Paul
BBC World Genesis Public Relations
Tel: 91 11 2341 2672/73 Ext. 102 Tel: 95124 504 4999 Ext. 62
Email: deeptie.sethi@bbc.co.uk Email: spaul@genesispr.com

Notes to editors:
BBC World, the BBC's commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World Ltd, a member of the BBC's commercial group of companies. BBC World is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and reaches 270 million households (128 million 24-hour homes) and more than one million hotel rooms. BBC World launched in its present format in 1995 and is funded by advertising and subscription. For further information on how to receive BBC World, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit www.bbcworld.com