GBSA’s Wind Surfing Training Camp for youngsters from 1st to 30th April at Goa

 

GBSA’s Wind Surfing Training Camp from 1st to 30th April at Goa 

The Goa Beach Sports Academy (GBSA) in association with the Water & Beach Sports Promotion Forum has announced its annual wind surfing training camp at Dona Paula in Goa from 1^st April to 30^th April 2012. Headed and promoted by national windsurfing champion Donald Coelho, the GBSA will conduct the camp for youngsters in two categories – professional training for those aiming to participate in state or national level wind surfing or allied water sport competitions and amateur training for those who just want to learn the sport of wind surfing for the thrill that it offers. The camp is open to children from 10 years of age to adults of all ages who may just want to “try it out”.

A contest for camp participants both in the professional and amateur category will also be held which will culminate in the grand finale of the camp. The contest will be telecast live on all local TV channels in Goa and also on a couple of national and international channels. An added attraction will be a beach volleyball one-day-trial match and a weekend after party for participants and others, the details of which will be announced shortly.

Says promoter and brain behind the camp Donald Coelho, “Wind Surfing is a very thrilling activity and the purpose of the camp is to encourage children and youth to develop a competitive adventure spirit and introduce them to the world of water sports which is oft neglected in India. We also encourage corporates and philanthropists to come forward to financially support this camp so that it becomes affordable for everyone.”

The GBSA has written to the Tourism Departments of the Government of Goa and the Government of India for their support and stamp of approval on the event. “We are awaiting their reply,” explained Donald Coelho.

About Goa Beach Sports Academy (GBSA)

The Goa Beach Sport Academy has progressed – since its inception in 2008, at a pace which is commendable. Within three years of its existence the Goa Beach Sport Academy headed by National Windsurfing Champion Donald Coelho and assisted by International Surfer Charles Herbert Rodrigues has conducted several windsurfing camps promoting budding talent in the field of Beach Sport activity. The Academy has within its ranks Indian Badminton personality Mr. Anil Madgavkar who is also the pioneer of the Goa Yachting Association. The Academy has trained several youth during various camps that were organized in the field of Beach Sport Activity.

OBJECTIVES

The GBSA strives to promote the unique sport of wind surfing in a social, fun-loving environment. Safety being their first priority; they are well equipped with a rescue team and insurance. Involving local talent in all activity has been their duty and they strive to train participants to achieve greater heights in the field of beach sport activities.  The Club is committed to encouraging highest ethical standards.  To represent the interests of its members in the best way, the GBSA is affiliated with the Yachting Association of India, Goa Yachting Association, Board Sailing Association of India and other similar organizations.

Aava launches natural mineral water in Goa

 

The Ahmedabad-based Behram Mehta-promoted Sheelpe Enterprises has commercially launched Aava natural mineral water in Goa. In the first phase of the launch in Goa about 25 premium hotels, restaurants, clubs and fine dining restaurants on the Baga, Anjuna and Calangute Beach areas as well as at Bardez and Panjim now serve Aava natural mineral water, some of them on an exclusive basis. By end-February 2012, about 100 premium restaurants in Goa will serve Aava natural mineral water.

The fine dining restaurants and hotels already serving Aava include Titos, Brittos, Mambos, J&A Little Italy, East meets West, Charleston Hotel, Café Chocolatti, Souza Lobo, La Franza, Delfinos, Club Fresh,  House of Llyods, Nazri Resorts, Reiss, Bernad’s Place, Villa Bomfin and Top Nosh to name a few. Aava natural mineral water is also available for retail sale at Titos Super Market and Oxford Supermarket in Goa. The company plans to make Aava Natural Mineral Water available on retail at about 200 premium shops, supermarkets and stores in Goa by the end of February 2012. The MRP of the 1000 ml (1 litre) pack is Rs 23/- an invitation or launch price which is much lower than other competitors in similar product categories.

While the packaged drinking water market is about Rs 4000 crore it is growing at an average of 25 to 30 per cent each year. Comparatively the premium or fine waters segment is approximately valued at Rs 800-1000 crore but is growing much faster at about 40 per cent company research said. Through a special tie-up, Aava natural mineral water is sold exclusively at the Grand Hyatt and Ramada Group Goa. Grand Hyatt Goa consumes over 35,000 liters of Aava natural mineral water each month in various presentations like 200 ml, 500 ml and 1000 ml packs.

Aava natural mineral water is served on all Air India flights originating from six airports in India. It is also served on Spice Jet, Jet Airways, Jet lite, Ramada Group, ITC Welcome Group, Vadodara, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, Fortune Landmark, Ahmedabad,  IIM Ahmedabad, Hotel Taj Ummed, Ahmedabad, Hotel Cama, CCI Club, Mumbai and at the Ambani School in Mumbai to name a few. In all Aava natural mineral water is available at over 200 star hotels in India.

Aava mineral water is available in cup-cap bottle, a one litre bottle with a drinking cup, useful for multiple drinkers; sports bottle (75 ml bottle with a unique ‘pull-push’ cap meant for sportsmen or for the gym); Aava mini, a 200 and 300 ml bottle with a regular twist cap and a 20 litre family pack.

Aava is confined aquifer water (sourced naturally from an underground spring) which is completely protected from natural as well as human contamination and it goes through 77 different tests before being bottled to ensure that it is free from harmful chemicals or microbiological organisms. Aava undergoes no chemical or artificial treatment and is 100 per cent natural.

Fine Dining & Nightlife in Mumbai & Goa

The MumbaiWire.in Guide to

Fine Dining & Nightlife in Mumbai & Goa

With a special section on Wines and Fine Waters

 

Tuesday, January 24, 2012: The MumbaiWire.in Guide to Fine Dining & Nightlife in Mumbai and Goa promises to be the Bible for gourmet lovers in India, particularly in Mumbai and Goa, not to forget the thousands of tourists who throng the beaches of Goa each year.

A hard-bound coffee-table book of approximately 300 pages, it will incorporate a special section on Indian-made Wines and Fine Waters which can be considered the sommeliers guide to Indian Wines and Fine Water. The hardbound edition of the book will be priced at Rs 1000 and will be a special collector’s edition. Though the book will be ready by the end of February 2012, it is expected to be available in exclusive book stores all over India only after the second week of March. An abridged cheaper paperback version more handy and more like a pocket guide will also be published alongside the main edition. The paperback edition will be priced at Rs 600. The paperback edition will incorporate a listing of the economy joints – a feature that would not be part of the hard-bound coffee-table book.

The book will feature some of the best dining and eating out fine restaurants, night clubs, bars, restobars, lounges, discotheques and pubs in Western India. Says senior journalist Flynn Remedios and editor of the MumbaiWire.in Guide to Fine Dining & Nightlife in Mumbai and Goa, “This book will profile the names and people behind some of the best brands like Titos, Mambos, Charlstons, Brittos, Pop Tates, Café Chocolatti, J&A’s Little Italy, Souza Lobo, La Franza, Goa Portuguesa, Indigo, Vie Lounge & Deck, Aurus, etc to name a few. It will also have a special section on Fine Waters from India like Aava and Mulshi Springs which are some of the best fine waters not just in India, but in the World in their individual categories. Indian Wines and the faces behind the success stories of Indian-made wines will also be profiled.”

What to expect, what to order and the approximate budgets for a meal for two as well as a rating will be part of each entry, explained Flynn Remedios, adding that, “We are trying to avoid the rating system because these days it is very difficult to categorize a place as a fine dining restaurant or a nightspot. Some places have a very distinct identity, but many places today include entertainment – a DJ, dance shows, special shows, etc and that makes it more like food and entertainment rather than just plain and simple fine dining.”

For more details or interviews email: editor.mumbaiwire at gmail.com.

Guess what Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and other Hollywood celebs will be drinking very soon?

Our Bollywood film stars, businessmen and celebrities pride themselves with a bottle of the Rs 150-plus Swiss made Evian or USA-made Perrier. But do you know that the French love a water brand sourced in India. It’s true!!!

Mulshi Springs natural Spring Water is now officially sold in France and will be in the next few months exported to the rest of the European Union and Australia. Mulshi Springs finds pride of place in a swanky, exclusive restaurant and water bar called Colette in Paris. And for the skeptics, Colette is no small place, the clientele of Colette includes the who’s-who of the French fashion industry and the likes of the late Micheal Jackson, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, the late Princess Diana, Elizabeth Hurley to name a few who have savored the water brands at Colette. According to sources, Mulshi Springs is a bit hit at Colette which houses some of the best brands of water in the World.

Indian natural spring water brand Mulshi Springs will be the first Indian fine water to be exported to the European Union and France, say sources. CEO of Mulshi Springs, Naveen Luthra said that Mulshi Springs is already available at Colette which is a water bar and fine dining restaurant, part of an upscale, trendy retail shop in Paris. “We introduced Mulshi Springs at Colette on a test basis in March 2011. We have had a great response and will be commercially exporting Mulshi Springs to Europe and most probably the United States as well by end of this year.”

Mulshi Springs is the only Asian fine water to be certified for import by the Water Authorities or Boards in the EU, USA and Australian and the only Asian fine water which meets the stringent standards of the USA for Natural Spring Water. It is a very light water with a very low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and is very good for re-hydration.

Mulshi Springs is obtained naturally and bottled directly at source without any chemical processing or artificial flavouring. It is sourced from the biological hotspot of the Sahayadri ghat region about 100 kilometers away from Lonavala. India is proud to boast of a world-renowned brand like Mulshi Springs. According to French magazine Gayot, Mulshi Springs is the only water in the world sourced from a biological hotspot, the purest area on Earth, Mulshi Springs is the only Indian water which meets all U.S., European Union, and other international water standards. The source of Mulshi Springs is approximately 1,500,000 years old located in the Sayhadri Mountains of India, far removed from civilization in a pollutant-free region 600 meters above sea level in the heart of Indian rain forests. The spring is filtered through natural elements which protect the water from harmful bacteria and ensure the water’s integrity. Mulshi Springs is also certified to be completely pesticide-free. There is no industrial activity and have never been for about 6000 kilometers from the source of Mulshi Springs, which makes it pristine and naturally pure.

Gourmet and Fine Water expert Michael Mascha visits India

Los Angeles-based international Gourmet and Fine Water specialist and bestselling author of Fine Waters:  A Connoisseur’s Guide to the World’s most Distinctive Bottled Waters, Dr Michael Mascha  will be visiting India from 12 to 14^th January, 2012. He will attend a press briefing and some conferences, besides meeting with members of the trade in Mumbai.

Michael Mascha, a former assistant professor of Visual Anthropology at the University of Southern California, is a passionate devotee of the culinary arts and a gourmet for more than 20 years. He holds a PhD. in Anthropology and Communication Science from the University of Vienna and is the Author of: Fine Waters – A Connoisseur’s Guide to the World’s Most Distinctive Bottled Waters.

Dr. Mascha first formed the idea for launching Fine Waters after he developed a heart condition, which prohibited him from drinking alcohol. With his great passion for the epicurean lifestyle, Dr. Mascha explored various ways to expand his culinary experiences by adding fine bottled waters, rather than wine, to his menu. He is now an expert on water and conducts seminars and conferences the world over on Fine Water and Gourmet Waters.

Water is not Water. At first glance, waters may not seem to have the individual characteristics that distinguish wines, but distinct differences become apparent when the attention is focused on water.

Like wine water has terroir and it is a natural product that originates from a particular place with unique properties. That is of course if you drink premium bottled water. About 40% of the bottled water sold in the US is purified tap water and available from brands like Aquafina, Dasani and many others. If it says municipal source on the label it’s not premium water and highly processed.

There is nothing wrong with tap water and in most places it’s safe to drink and in some instances it actually does not taste too bad. Tap water is for hydration while premium bottled water deserves a place at the table in an epicurean context.

Bottled water is currently in the early phase of a transition from being considered a commodity product to being viewed as a natural product with a unique source.

Dr. Michael Mascha (now retired) was the Principal of Strategy at CrownPeak Technology. Earlier he was the Managing Partner and Creative Director for US Web/CKS. In 1994, Dr. Mascha co-founded the pioneering Internet development firm W3-design, which was acquired by US Web in 1997 and became march FIRST in 2000. Prior to founding W3-design, he was Assistant Professor for Visual Anthropology at the University of Southern California (USC) and the first director of the E-Lab, where he worked with Dr. Jane Goodall on developing innovative interactive media projects. While at USC, Dr. Mascha co-founded the ground breaking Mercury Project, hailed by The London Times as a “piece of computer history.”

Dr Michael Mascha is the Founder and Publisher of FineWaters.com, the leading portal for bottled water aficionados, educating the consumer on the multitude of choices available in the world of fine bottled water. Mascha is instrumental in setting the “Bottle Water Etiquette”, matching fine bottled water with food, selecting the right stemware and serving temperature. Mascha is involved in creating water menus for the hospitality industry and he is the author of Fine Waters: A Connoisseur’s Guide to the World’s most Distinctive Bottled Waters called by many the “Bottled Water Bible”. Mascha holds a PhD in Anthropology and Communication Science from the University of Vienna and lives in Los Angeles and Texas

Guess which water Salman Khan trusts??

We all love the Dabaang Salman Khan. After Bigg Boss 5, and the recent success of his films Sallu miya’s ranking and popularity has increased several fold. Salman Khan is the undisputed King of Bollywood or Bollywood Badshah as he is referred to by many. Besides a very rigorous fitness routine, Salman Khan maintains a strict diet. And guess which water the macho Khan or bhai trusts? One of the brands that Salman swears by is Mulshi Springs.

Mulshi Springs natural spring water is the only internationally certified natural spring water from India. Salman only counts on Mulshi Springs to rejuvenate and rehydrate his system.

Hanging around the sets of Bigg Boss 5, we noticed one constant in bhai’s routine – his bottle of Mulshi Springs natural spring water.

Well must say, Mulshi Springs must be really proud to have such a loyal fan. We asked Naveen Luthra of Mulshi Springs what he thought about Sallu’s love for his ‘special water’.  Pat came the reply, “I did not know Salman Khan is so fond of Mulshi Springs – natural spring water. If I did know earlier, I would have sent him a complimentary year’s supply. Henceforth, I will ask my guys to make sure that Salman has the water delivered to his house or on the sets of his films.”

Pesticides in bottled water adding to male infertility and impotence in India.

A MUMBAIWIRE.IN SPECIAL REPORT

A report by watchdog NGO Environment Health News of USA may have starling news for Indian consumers. Many agricultural pesticides which are found in many bottled waters in India – though in very minor quantities – including some previously untested and commonly found in vegetables and fruits, disrupt male hormones, according to new tests conducted by British scientists.

These pesticides when consumed even in very trace or minor quantities over a long period of time can contribute to low sperm count, infertility and affect the male reproductive health leading to impotence. Says Naveen Luthra, CEO, Mulshi Springs and an expert on bottled water in India, “Everyday thousands of Indians consume bottled water from unknown and unheard of brands snug in the belief that they are drinking ‘clean and pure water’. This misconception and false ‘trust’ is slowly but surely ‘killing’ the reproductive systems of the Indian male populace.”

According to Luthra, whose company Mulshi Springs – one of India’s few internationally certified natural spring waters leads and supports research on the pesticide content in Indian drinking water , “The government should make periodic, routine and surprise checking mandatory if it really cares about the reproductive health of the nation. The amount of pesticides Indian consumers imbibe over a period of time is surprising and this is a bigger problem in cities rather than villages.”

The USA-based NGO researchers in their report strongly recommended that all pesticides in use today be screened to check if they block testosterone, which is critical to male reproductive health. Thirty out of 37 pesticides tested by the University of London altered male hormones, including 16 that had no known hormonal activity until now. Most are fungicides applied to fruit and vegetable crops, including strawberries, lettuce, oranges, bananas, etc.

“This study indicates that, not surprisingly, there are many other endocrine disruptors that we have not yet identified or know very little about,” said Emily Barrett, a University of Rochester scientist who was not involved in the study and helped prepare the report.

The findings come as the EPA faces opposition from the pesticide industry after expanding its Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program, which requires testing of about 200 chemicals found in food and drinking water to see if they interfere with estrogen, androgens or thyroid hormones.

Many agricultural pesticides – including some previously untested and commonly found in food  – disrupt male hormones, according to new tests conducted by British scientists.

The scientists strongly recommended that all pesticides in use today be screened to check if they block testosterone and other androgens, the hormones critical to a healthy reproductive system for men and boys.

“Our results indicate that systematic testing for anti-androgenic activity of currently used pesticides is urgently required,” wrote the scientists from University of London’s Centre for Toxicology, led by Professor Andreas Kortenkamp. Coincidently most of the pesticides and coloring agents mentioned in the EPA report are widely used in India and are largely unregulated, opines Naveen Luthra, adding that most bottled waters and even soft drinks contain pesticides in India.

Thirty out of 37 widely used pesticides tested by the group blocked or mimicked male hormones. Sixteen of the 30 had no known hormonal activity until now, while there was some previous evidence for the other 14, according to the report, published last Thursday in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Most of the newly discovered hormone disruptors are fungicides applied to fruit and vegetable crops, including strawberries, oranges, sweet limes and even bananas. Traces of the chemicals remain in foods and enter the human digestive system.

The British researchers screened the chemicals using in-vitro assays, which use human cells to check whether the pesticides activate or inhibit hormone receptors in cells that turn genes on and off. They are a widely accepted lab technique. Scientists, however, are uncertain what actually happens in the human body at the concentrations of chemicals that people encounter in fruits and vegetables.

Some research has linked pesticides to abnormal genitals in baby boys, such as cryptorchidism and hypospadias, and decreased sperm counts in men. Male fertility is thought to be declining in many countries and India tops the list. Testicular cancer is also increasing, says the report. Some scientists have dubbed this compilation of male disorders “testicular dysgenesis syndrome,” and suggested that hormone-disrupting environmental contaminants play a role.

Fetuses and infants may be particularly at risk when exposed in the womb or through breast milk because hormones control masculinization of the reproductive tract. R. Thomas  Zoeller, chair of the biology department at the University of Massachusetts.

 “It is telling us that the pesticides most prevalent in the human population have effects on the androgen receptor,” said Zoeller, who directs the university’s Laboratory of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Endocrinology.

“Considering all the evidence that human male reproduction is exhibiting troubling secular trends (sperm count and quality, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, testis cancer), this is highly troubling,” he said.

The researchers noted “a clear disparity” between today’s most widely used pesticides and the current knowledge of their risks, “with the majority of the published literature focused on pesticides that are no longer registered for use in developed countries.”

Of the tested compounds, the most potent in terms of blocking androgens was the insecticide fenitrothion, an organophosphate insecticide used on orchard fruits, grains, rice, vegetables and other crops.

Others with hormonal activity include fludioxonil, fenhexamid, dimethomorph and imazalil, which are all fungicides. Fungicides are often applied close to harvest, so they are frequently found as residue in food. Some are new compounds which have been used for only a few years.

Fungicides “are typically applied as mixtures in order to increase effectiveness and prevent development of resistant strains and therefore, human exposure to mixtures of these in vitro anti-androgens may be considerable,” wrote Kortenkamp and the other study authors, Frances Orton, Erika Rosivatz and Martin Scholze.

Of the tested compounds, the most potent in terms of blocking androgens was the insecticide fenitrothion, an organophosphate insecticide used on orchard fruits, grains, rice, vegetables and other crops. For six of the pesticides that showed hormonal activity for the first time, the authors said they “strongly recommend” the next round of testing, using lab animals. “Due to estimated anti-androgenic potency, current use, estimated exposure, and lack of previous data, we strongly recommend that dimethomorph, fludioxonil, fenhexamid, imazalil, ortho-phenylphenol and pirimiphos-methyl be tested for anti-androgenic effects in vivo.”

“We at Mulshi Springs are committed to provide fine drinking water, spring water and bottled water with absolutely zero pesticide content. Mulshi Springs is the only water available in India which is completely and 100 per cent pesticide free. Unfortunately, the same is not true for thousands of other brands, some of them even well-known and respectable brands,” explains Luthra.

(Adapted from the EPA report and EH News by Flynn Remedios)

Economic Importance of the Dighi Port

 

Infrastructure is a key to achieving development and progress. Infrastructure development assumes a greater significance in accelerating economic growth. Although infrastructure in itself normally covers sectors such as energy, transportation, telecom and so on, its spin off multiplier effects are felt in all other economic sectors. Within transportation, Ports Development occupy a prominent position not only for its economic importance at a regional level but also for foreign trade growth at a national level and for linkage with the world at the global level.

Realising importance of ports infrastructure, the State Government of Maharashtra revised the Port Development Policy during 2010 and identified seven ports for development on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. Dighi Port was one of these ports and it is being developed on an integrated infrastructure format inclusive of Multi Product SEZ and Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ).  It is the first of such ports that has commenced development under PPP Model and will be fully operational by 2012.

I L & F S is a co-developer of the Dighi Port and holds a 20 per cent equity in the project. Total investment in Dighi Port and related infrastructure is estimated at Rs. 4500 crores and of this Rs. 1500 crores have already been invested. When fully operational, the Dighi Port will contribute Rs 5000 crores to the Government exchequer and will generate employment for 5000 people. It will also facilitate investment in excess of Rs 1000 crores in the region.

Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)

 

The Dighi Port has been identified and included as an Economic Hub under the prestigious Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project and Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project. This is being developed jointly by the Government of India and  the Government of Japan for promotion of industries, infrastructure and investment.

DMIC is s very ambitious project which will cover about 14 per cent of the geographical area and approximately 17% of the population of India. The population in the project influence area is 178 million of which 70 million will be workers.

In the state of Maharashtra, DMIC will have industrial parks, i.e. manufacturing  zones for food  processing, light manufacturing and heavy manufacturing. It will also have multimodal and logistics supports as well as distribution networks. The green field port at Dighi is the final node for DMIC and will compliment the infrastructure development under the auspices of DMIC. Total investment proposed in DMIC is US$ 90 billion. Investment proposed in Dighi port as part of DMIC is expected to be around US$ 2 billion and it will facilitate investment of US $ 6 billion in creation of industrial and multimodal logistics hubs in the state of Maharashtra.

Mega National Investment and Manufacturing Zone ( NIMZ )

The Dighi Port area (230 sq.kms) has also been incorporated for special development as a Mega National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) under the newly announced National Manufacturing Policy. It will entail an investment of US $ 5 billion and will include the Multimodal Logistics Hub, Industrial Cluster and support Infrastructure and Services like Container Freight Stations (CFS), Inland Container Depots (ICD), Warehousing, Cargo Distribution, Cold Storages, Stevedoring, C&F Services etc. The NMIZ will be managed by a special purpose vehicle set up by the Government of India. In all there are 7 mega zones planned to develop manufacturing activity and create employment.

The Dighi Port has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with a wide range of customers for the purpose of movement of their export & import cargoes. Important among these includes Adity Birla Group, Bhushan Steel, Essar, Uttam Galva, POSCO India, Maruti Suzuki, MMTC, RCF, JAPEE Group, TATA Group & so on. This will ensure utilization of the port capacity to the maximum.

The Dighi Port will augment national cargo handling capacity by as much as  70 million tons per annum  It will relieve congestion at Mumbai and J.N.P.T Ports thereby saving demurrage cost incurred by Indian Trade.  Not only it will save huge foreign exchange but it will also reduce transaction costs and make Indian products competitive in world markets. The port will have better equipment and facilities resulting in faster turnaround of vessels. Besides, coastal shipping as well as coastal security management will significantly be improved because of the Dighi Port. It will also boast of the first LNG terminal in the State.

Spin Off Impact

 

Dighi Port will cater to a large number of Industrial Clusters such as, Dighi Industrial area, Vile Bhagat Industrial Region, Pune Industrial Region, as well as Nashik, Igatpuri, Sinar, Roha and Chiplun industrial region. It will lead to national wealth creation in terms of assets for railways worth Rs. 700 crore and additional freight earnings of minimum Rs. 200 crores yoy. For the State Government of Maharashtra it will bring royalty and other charges worth Rs.1000 crore and for the Central Government duties and taxes worth Rs. 5000 crores according to estimates.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The Dighi Port has a bright future and will have a strong economic impact on the region. The port has undertaken Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives worth Rs. 50 crores to contribute to the social welfare of the region.

Silent features of such initiatives are mentioned below:

• Provision of portable water to Dighi Village by constructing water pipe, water tanks, wells as well as through tankers. A permanent water supply scheme has also been planned for Dighi at a cost of Rs. 8.26 crores and Dighi Port will contribute Rs. 5.78 crores. A similar scheme has also been planned for Agardanda at  a cost of Rs.9.9 crores where Dighi Port Ltd. will contribute 8.5 crores
• Dighi Port is erecting a new electric substation for supply of electricity to the surrounding villages at a cost of Rs. 5 crores. This will light up several villages and benefit over a few thousand of the rural population.
• Dighi Port has contributed Rs.1.5 crores to Fishermen Welfare Fund. It has also contributed to the creation of education and medical / healthcare facilities for Dighi and surrounding villages. Further it has also facilitated infrastructure for religious and other purposes like Ganesh immersion, sports/ recreation and road developments.
• The Port has already become operational thereby leading to the emergence of business opportunities for micro and small enterprises at the local level. These are in the fields such as restaurants, car transport etc. Where local population gets employment. Thus Port is indirectly helping such small business people and generating local employment.

Future Plans

 

Already Dighi Port has become operational with commissioning & dedication of first jetty. The Port has evolved significant plans for expansion & diversification in future. Highlights of such plans are as under:

• Phase II of the project includes operationalisation of two/three jetties by December 2012.
• Setting up of port based Special Economic Zone (SEZ) which will provide impetus to the globalization of industry as well as township development in the region.
• Setting up of a Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) which will lead to the development of the international trading & transshipment hub

If all goes as planned the Dighi Port, when completed, will become an economic   growth centre and nucleus not only for the region and state but also for the nation as a whole.

Umair Zafar launches bridal wear at Indian Princess pagaent in Mumbai

Fashion designer and stylist Umair Zafar has launched bridal wear for brides of all communities. Showcasing his collection at the Indian Princess pagaent at Tulip Star in Mumbai will be bridal wear for Hindu and Muslim brides. The Hindu bride will wear a pink Lehnga specially made in Rajasthan for the occasion while the Muslim bride will be adorned in a Garara which is the traditional wedding outfit in a Muslim wedding ceremony. Both the outfits have been specially made by expert craftsmen and feature intricate designs and worksmanship. Says Umair Zafar, “The theme of my show today is bridal wardrobe. My collection is very simple, wearable and appeals  to the masses. My outfits are made for the common woman who is proud of her curves and shape and need not have a model-like figure to carry off my dresses. My collection is for the common women, with an emphasis on colour, embellishment and cuts and can be worn by and Indian body type.

The colours  used  are haldi yellow,maroon, greenish blue, voilet  and all natural fabrics including brocade, georgette, silk , velvet etc  will be part of Umair Zafar’s bridal wardrobe collection.

James Bond Films SKYFALL hits the floors on 7th November

EON PRODUCTIONS, METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS AND SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT

ANNOUNCE 7^th NOVEMBER

IS START OF PRODUCTION

FOR 23^rd JAMES BOND FILM

“SKYFALL”

LONDON, UK, November 3^rd, 2011 – Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today presented the cast of the 23^rdJames Bond adventure, entitled SKYFALL.  The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007.  The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.  SKYFALL, which goes into production on Monday, November 7^th, will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26^th 2012 and in North America on November 9^th 2012.

Joining Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of SKYFALL, including: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe. The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.

In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.  As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

“We’re so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct SKYFALL and be working once again with Daniel Craig.   We’ve a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure,” said Wilson and Broccoli.

The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes.  The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead.  The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale.  Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2^nd Unit Director.  Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films.

About Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family.   Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising.   EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films.   The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962.  Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli in 1995 and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE.

 

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation.  SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; worldwide television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries.

Submitted by: SPE Films India Pvt Ltd