KPTL RECEIVED NEW ORDERS WORTH RS 660 CRORE

First project from Thailand worth Rs 280 crore; 765kv project from PGCIL worth Rs 380 crore

Mumbai, June 29, 2012: Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL), a leading global EPC player in power & infrastructure contracting sector has recently secured new following orders of around Rs 660 crore:

• 500 kv DC line of around 167 km from Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) of around Rs 280 crore. The project is secured under consortium arrangement with M/s CHC, Thailand. KPTL is the lead consortium partner

• 765 kv Gwalior – Jaipur Transmission line of 162 km from PGCIL of around Rs 380 crore.

About Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited (KPTL)

KPTL is one of the largest and fastest growing specialized EPC companies in India engaged in power transmission & distribution, oil & gas pipeline, railways, infrastructure development, civil contracting and warehousing & logistics business with a strong international presence in power transmission & distribution. The company is currently executing several projects in India, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, North America and Far East.

Kerala Ayurveda Marketing Conclave in Kochi on 6 July 2012

As we are aware, Government of Kerala in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is organizing ‘Emerging Kerala 2012’ on 12 - 14 September 2012, at Le Meridien, Kochi, Kerala. Ayurveda has been identified as one of the key sectors to be focused during Emerging Kerala 2012. Kerala is slowly but surely transforming into hub for Ayurveda across the globe.

With this background, CII Kerala is organizing ‘Kerala Ayurveda Marketing Conclave’ which is scheduled to be held on Friday, 06 July 2012 at 1000 Hrs at Hotel Dream, Elamkulam, Kochi.

It is a must attend session for Ayurveda Companies, Managing Directors, Marketing and Promotion Heads, Sales Heads, Academia, Faculty, Researchers, CEOs, Analysts, Strategic Planners, and Students across various Ayurveda Universities, Colleges, Industry, Education Service Providers, and interested professionals from Indian companies with a global presence. 

The following topics would be covered in this conclave: Inaugural session with eminent stakeholders from Ayurveda Sector, Scope of Products Marketing – Classical & Patented, Scope of Service Marketing – Ayurveda, Branding Kerala Ayurveda & Role of Social Media in the Promotion of Kerala Ayurveda

Other than the above sessions there would be specific focus and presentations on: Classical Products, Patented Products, Curative Ayurveda, Ayurveda and Tourism, Role of Social Media in the Promotion of Kerala Ayurveda etc.

Mr V S Sivakumar, Hon’ble Minister for Health, Government of Kerala has been invited to inaugurate the conclave and The Keynote Address will be delivered by Dr Saji Kumar, Managing Director, Dhathri Ayurveda Pvt Ltd. Key speakers invited include Dr Vinod Kumar, State President, Ayurveda Medical Association of India; Dr Anil Kumar, Managing Director, Kerala Ayurveda Ltd; Dr G G Gangadharan, Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore; Mr Baby Mathew, Chairman and Managing Director, Somatheeram Ayurveda Group; Mr Rajeev Vasudevan, Chief Executive Officer, AyurVAID Hospitals & Dr V L Shyam, Senior Vice President- Operations, Birla Kerala Vaidyashala Pvt Ltd.

For registration and further details, contact Mr Saji Mathew – Tel: 0484 4012300/ 9895757237 or Email: saji.mathew@cii.in

Asia Pacific Coconut Community Meeting in Kochi from July 2 to 6

The XLV COCOTECH meeting of the Asian & Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) is being held at Hotel Gateway, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, from 2nd to 6th July, 2012.

Along-side the meeting a COCONUT FESTIVAL providing opportunity to showcase various
value added products, technologies and machineries from member countries will also be arranged.

Being organized by APCC and the Government of India, as the host, under the auspices of the
Coconut Development Board, Union Ministry of Agriculture, the theme of the XLV COCOTECH
meeting is “Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development of the Coconut Industry”. Around 200
delegates, representing various countries, are expected to attend the international meeting. Apart from
APCC member countries, delegates from USA, Singapore and Brazil are attending the meeting.

The meeting will cover a comprehensive range of technical session/topics on the success
stories of model coconut farmers and small to medium scale coconut processors/entrepreneurs.
New technologies and research and development update on coconut based farming systems,
product diversification and coconut processing including the health attributes of coconut as well as
developments in marketing of coconut products are other important aspects likely to come up for
discussion.

The session also includes a one-day field visit on July 5 by delegates to model coconut farms,
coconut processing centers and interaction with progressive coconut growers from traditional coconut
growing states.

Issues and topics related to the global economic crisis, climate change as well as carbon credit
market will also be discussed at the meeting. Experts from the scientific and from the corporate sector
will address the meeting as resources persons.

About APCC

The Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) is an intergovernmental organization
set up in 1969 under the aegis of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific (UN-ESCAP). APCC), headquartered at Jakarta, Indonesia fulfils the mission to promote,
coordinate and harmonize coconut developmental activities of the Asian Pacific region to achieve
maximum economic development and for strengthening the regional cooperation among the coconut
producing countries. APCC stimulates regional cooperation across national boundaries.

.India is one of the founder members of the 18 nation Asian and Pacific Coconut Community
(APCC). Presently APCC has 16 regular member countries (Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji,
India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa,
Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam) and 2 associate members
(Jamaica and Kenya).

COCOTECH is the permanent panel on coconut technology of APCC member countries
which is held in two years. The meeting provides a common platform for producers / progressive
farmers, processors, machinery manufacturers, exporters, other stake holders and scientist’s and

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research workers from member countries. The policy making body of APCC is the APCC session
which is held on each calendar year. India was the host for 2 APCC Sessions (in 1988 in Kochi and
2001 in Bangalore) and 2 COCOTECH meetings (in 1995 at Kochi and in 2000 at Chennai).

Vision and Mission

The vision of APCC is to improve the socio-economic conditions of the coconut growers,
processors, traders and all those who depend on this crop and crop based industries, in the member
countries through proper promotion, collaboration and harmonization of various coconut related
activities.

Its mission is to assist the member countries to develop, provide or exchange technologies for
the following mission mode programs to make the coconut industry vibrant in the years to come.


Increasing productivity
Reducing cost of production
Adopting integrated coconut based farming system
Encouraging organic farming
Promoting farm level processing
Promoting product diversification/ value addition and by-product utilization
Improving quality standards
Increasing market promotional activities, market survey and market research
Helping in trade related issues
Developing human resource for effective transfer of technology viz. transfer of good genetic
material / germ plasm of high yielding varieties of coconut / tender coconut varieties etc.

Membership

Developing countries which are state members within the geographical limits of Asia and
Pacific are eligible to become members of the Community. Its associate membership is open to
any dependent territory within the Asia and Pacific region and to developing countries out-side the
geographical limits of Asia and Pacific.

India was one among the first 3 signatories. Indonesia, Philippines and India signed the
Agreement on 12th December 1968. Ceylon, Thailand and Malaysia signed on 11th March, 26th
June and 30th June 1969 respectively. During its 13th session the nomenclature of the community
changed to Asian and Pacific Coconut Community. This regional grouping provides essential tools
for coordination, growth and understanding across national boundaries. Its long history of cooperation
and achievement has to its credit many incredible contributions to the coconut industry.

The Community is now composed of seventeen members namely; Federated States of
Micronesia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kiribati, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea,
Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Vietnam. Jamaica
is an associate member of the APCC. These countries account for more than 90 per cent of the world
production and export of coconut products. APCC member countries produces more than 55 billion
nuts a year and export more than 33 million metric tonnes of coconut products including coir.

APCC Executive Director

Mr. Romulo N. Arancon, Jr., a Philippino, is the Executive Director of the Asian and Pacific
Coconut Community (APCC).

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India’s position in coconut production and the need to enhance value added products

Though India occupies a comfortable position in production and productivity of coconut,
when compared to other major coconut producing countries, we lag far behind in processing and
exports. In a small country like Sri Lanka whose production and productivity are less than that of
Tamil Nadu, the export of value added products is many fold of that of India (except in case of
activated carbon). This indicates that India has to go a long way in strengthening the processing
sector.

Regional disparities in production of coconut in India

Even though coconut is commercially produced in 18 states and 3 Union Territories,
differences exist in productivity of coconut in the county. Huge variations are observed in the
productivity from garden to garden, region to region and state to state. These productivity variations
are more pronounced in traditional states and older gardens which are predominantly occupied by
old and unproductive palms. The highest productivity of 19630 nuts or 1.963 MT of copra per ha is
recorded in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep whereas the productivity of major states; Karnataka.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are 5193, 7365, 13771 and 9327 nuts per ha respectively.
The fact that the higher productivity of coconut is often the result of multivariable inputs such as
high rate of investment in the form of adoption of scientific managements like proper application of
balanced fertilizers incorporating both chemical and organic manures, adoption of plant protection
measures, soil and water conservation and irrigation etc. Among all variables, the market stability
and remunerative farm gate price are the driving factors that determine consistency in production
and productivity of the farms especially in traditional coconut growing states. A slump or a trough
in the prices always results in less investment and neglect of the garden which in turn lead to low
productivity. Similarly crest in the price always lead to more investment for getting more production
and more income.

India’s position among 6 major coconut producing countries

India ranks first in the productivity of coconut in the world with an annual productivity
of 8303 nuts per ha. while in production India ranks second and in area, the country is in the third
position (2009). Indonesia ranks first in area under coconut as well as in global coconut production.
Malaysia imports coconut products equivalent to 1400 million nuts and exports coconut products
equivalent to 1200 million nuts.

Spices export cross the US $ 2 billion mark

COCHIN, JUNE 28:“India, the largest exporter, producer and consumer of spices is marching towards its goal of  $ 3 billion by 2017. But now in 2012, it has already crossed the $ 2 billion mark”, said the Spices Board India Chairman, Dr. A Jayathilak IAS. With over 90 percent of spices consumed domestically, India retains its supreme position as the global hub of spices and it is no surprise package that the meagre 10 percent of the spice cultivated reaches to almost 50 percent of the world production of spices.

From the review of export performance of spices from India, the export registered an all time high in terms of both quantity and value. The present statistics shows an alarming rise in the export and it has crossed the mark of  $ 2 billion. The financial year 2011-2012 saw a total of 5,75,270 MT of spices and spice products with a value of Rs. 9783.42 crore being exported from the country as against 5,25,750 MT valued at Rs 6840.70 crore in the financial year 2010-11. There was an increase of 9 percent in volume and 43 percent in value in rupee terms, and 36 percent increase in dollar terms over the previous year.

Chilli with 241000 MT worth Rs 2144.08 crore topped the chart of spices exported from India in quantity terms.  Although there was only a slight increase in terms of quantity when compared to the previous year (240,000 MT), there was a massive increase (40 percent) in value terms (Rs 1535.54 crore). Mint products (mint oils, menthol and menthol crystal) topped the chart with Rs 2223.72 crore in value terms (14,750 MT). Next in the list is spice oils and oleoresins valued at Rs 1304.38 crore with 7265 MT being exported. There was a decrease in quantity when compared to the previous year but the value increased almost 43 percent when compared to the previous year. Turmeric (79,500 MT valued at Rs 734.34 crore), Cumin (45,500 MT valued at Rs 644.42 crore), Coriander (28,100 MT valued at Rs 164.01 crore), Pepper (26,700 MT valued at Rs 878.13 crore), Ginger (21,550 MT valued at Rs 204.20 crore) continue to be the topmost when it comes to the quantity exported.

Small cardamom showed an increase of 296 percent in volume and 175 percent in value in the export figures which is an all time record in the export of cardamom from the country (4650 MT valued at Rs 363.22 crore) when compared to the financial year 2010-11 where it was just 1175 MT at Rs 132.16 crore. There was also a rise in the quantity of large cardamom when it reached 935 MT at Rs 68.30 crore from 775 MT at Rs 44.62 crore.  In the case of fenugreek 21800 MT valued at Rs 72.75 crore showing a rise from 18500 MT at Rs 65.48 crore when compared to 2010-11. For fennel there was an increase in both quantity and value, 8100 MT at Rs 72.09 crore from the previous. Nutmeg and mace showed a tremendous increase in value which touched Rs 240.97 crore which was Rs 97.76 crore in 2010-11. In terms of quantity it increased to 3,620 MT.

Coriander, Celery and Garlic showed a decrease trend in both quantity and value. From 40,500 MT valued at Rs 16,6.63 crore during the 2010-2011 it reduced to 28,100 MT at Rs 164.01 crore. Celery showed a marginal fall to 3650 MT (Rs 23.40 crore). For garlic the decrease was quite big when 17,300 MT reached 2,200 MT during the current financial year. In case of other seeds and other spices there was an increase in terms of both quantity and value. In the case of value added products 17000 MT of Curry powder/pastes valued at Rs 252.08 crore was exported during 2011-2012

When it comes to major countries which imports Indian spices for the financial year 2011-12, USA comes first in value terms, followed by China and UAE. In terms of quantity, UAE, Malaysia and Sri Lanka enjoy the top positions. In the zone-wise export of spices from India, East-Asia comes first with 282624 MT valued at Rs 3845.92 crore.

About Spices Board:

Spices Board, the nodal organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, helps in the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices. Established in 1987, with the merging of Spices Export Promotion Council and Cardamom Board, Spices Board acts as a link between the importers and exporters abroad. It has been involved in various activities which touch upon every segment of the spices sector. Spices Board has also been involved in various multi faceted activities which include the promotion of exports of spices and spice products, maintenance and monitoring of quality of exports, development and implementation of better production methods, guidance to farmers, provision of financial and material support to growers, encouraging organic production and export of spices, facilitating infrastructure, registration and licensing of all spice exporters, assistance for studies and research on better processing practices, foolproof quality management systems, improved grading methods and effective packaging techniques. Spices Board also publishes magazines like Spice India to make people, and other beneficiaries aware of the Board and its activities.

9 largest PSU's Consortium for Infrastructure Project Financing

Mumbai, June 26, 2012 The country’s 9 largest PSU lenders have formed a consortium for

jointly financing infrastructure projects with project cost of Rs.1000 crore and above.

The public sector lenders viz., IDBI Bank, SBI, PNB, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda,

Canara Bank, Union Bank, IIFCL and LIC met on June 19, 2012 to discuss the detailed

framework and the modalities for joint financing of viable infrastructure projects. The

consortium aims to speed up the sanction process, bring uniformity in the approach and

terms of lending; thereby facilitate early financial closure of the infrastructure project.

The infrastructure project developer can approach the consortium secretariat for

further details at infraconsortium@idbi.co.in.

Nissan Inaugurates Fourth Dealership in Kerala; 64 dealerships in operation in India till date

Kannur (KERALA), June 21, 2012: Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd today formally inaugurated its fourth dealership in Kerala - Manumatic Nissan in Kannur. The dealership, which is Nissan’s fourth in the state of Kerala was inaugurated by Mr. Manoj Kumar, Vice President, Operations, Hover Automotive India.

Manumatic Nissan is a 3S (Space, Sales & Service) spacious facility and is conveniently located at a prime location in Thottada in the city.

Inaugurating the dealership, Mr. Manoj Kumar, said “Nissan has been making every attempt to reach out its valued customers as close to their locations as possible, and has successfully opened over 64 dealerships in a span of two years. We hope dealerships like Manumatic will bring more customers to Nissan cars which are known for best quality and safety in the world.”

Hover Automotive India (HAI) is Nissan’s exclusive strategic alliance partner in India to handle sales and marketing, dealer development, customer relationship management and after sales.

Nissan offers a variety of vehicles suited for various segments of the society. Nissan Micra and Nissan Sunny are locally made vehicles which have caught attention of customers across the country, and a new Urban class Utility Vehicle Evalia is slated for launch later this year. Nissan also offers an SUV named Xtrail, premium sedan Teana and sports car 370z.

Nissan’s first appearance at the Delhi Auto Expo early this year has marked a significant milestone in Nissan’s presence in India. At the Expo, Evalia, targeted at the young families and fleet customers, was unveiled.

Nissan has also unveiled its plan recently to bring in price entry vehicles under brand name ‘Datsun.’

About Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd.

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd. (NMIPL), a 100% subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited Japan, was incorporated in 2005 with a vision of ‘Enriching People’s Lives’ through latest Nissan Technology and products. In February 2008, Nissan together with its global alliance partner Renault signed a MoU with Government of Tamil Nadu to set up a manufacturing plant at Oragadam, near Chennai with an investment of Rs. 4500 crores over a period of 7 years. On March 17, 2010, the Renault-Nissan alliance plant was inaugurated in a record time of 21 months since its groundbreaking ceremony in June 2008.  NMIPL has appointed Hover Automotive India (HAI) as their exclusive strategic alliance partner to handle sales and marketing, dealer development, customer relationship management and after sales in India.

Angel Broking launches NewsFlash powered by Heckyl; The 1st Broking house to Integrate NewsFlash with a Trading Platform

Mumbai , June 27, 2012: Angel Broking , the pioneer in Technology Innovation announced the launch of NewsFlash, a highly resourceful platform that integrates global news from varied sources to deliver real time News, Views, Financial Information and analysis which facilitates the client with exclusive coverage of markets, companies and businesses. The firm is the 1^st  Broking House to integrate newsflash with a trading platform & provide real-time access to News.

NewsFlash is an inventive interface that provides convenience to the clients to create their own portfolio and track the news of the companies they are interested in, giving them a competitive advantage to keep pace with the rapid acceleration in Stock Markets. Continuous flow of news from the top six indices of the world will ensure no information is missed out.

Angel clients will gain access via dedicated trading platform Angel Diet & Angel Trade. Unique Features Include:

·         News across various segments: - Companies, Currency & Commodities

·         Real time information on Company related to Orders, Mergers & Acquisition, Estimates & Earnings and much more.

·         Company Analysis & Views by Broking houses & Analyst to ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities.

·         Heat Map Analysis - one can mirror performance of their Portfolio based on news flow and sentiments

NewsFlash will indeed enhance the experience of a client & empower Investors for effective decision making.

Andrew Papppachen among Miss Africa Beauty Pageant Jury

Andrew Pappachen, Chairman, Asian America Heritage Council of New Jersey,was one of the judges for the Miss Africa Beauty pageant held in Union, New Jersey on June 16, 2012. Fifteen finalists contested  in the pageant attended by a gathering of more than 500 people representing various African Countries.

Coir Industry Award - 2012

Coir Board under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India has invited entries from Exporters, Producers, Persons and Organizations for being considered for giving away of Coir Industry Awards 2011-12 for outstanding performance in coir sector, said Prof. G. Balachandran, Chairman, Coir Board at Kochi. He added that awards will be presented and certificates given for twenty-five different categories on the basis of the performance during the year 2011-12. The major categories for considering awards are in the fields of export of coir products, coir geo-textiles, coir yarn, coir pith and pith based products, rubberized coir, curled coir, handloom coir products etc. In addition to the above areas, awards for excellence in the field of Research and Development efforts in Coir Products development and Diversification, developing coir processing machineries will also be given. 

Those who are desirous of being considered for the award may submit their entry in the proforma prescribed which can be had from the offices of Coir Board on any working day or by post from Secretary, Coir Board, P B No. 1752, Coir House, M G Road, Kochi-16. The proforma and guidelines can also be downloaded from the Board's website www.coirboard.gov.in. Separate proforma has to be submitted for consideration against each category of award. 

The last date for receipt of entries in the prescribed format in the Head Office of the Coir Board at Kochi is 5th July, 2012. Incomplete applications will be summarily rejected. Chairman informed that the criteria for deciding eligibility for awards/certificate of Merit shall be based on different yardsticks and on the basis of the recommendations of an award committee. The awards will be distributed at New Delhi during August, 2012.

VKS Projects Ltd. IPO opens on June 29, 2012 Price Band fixed at Rs 55 to Rs 60

Kochi, 26^th June 2012: VKS Projects Limited, an ISO 9001:2008, OHSAS 18001:2007 and ISO 14001:2004 certified Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC Contractor) company, proposes to enter the capital markets with an IPO to raise aggregating Rs 55 crores through 100% book building process. The Price Band has been fixed at Rs 55 to Rs 60. The Issue opens on June 29, 2012 and closes on July 04, 2012. Aryaman Financial Services Ltd is the sole Book Running Lead Manager and Bigshare Services Pvt. Ltd. is the Registrar to the Issue. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE. Crisil Ltd has assigned IPO Grade 1 to the Issue.

The proceeds raised through this public issue are proposed to be deployed to meet long-term working capital requirements besides financing the procurement of Construction Equipment and Key Machineries and the setting up of Engineering Design Studio/Office and Training Centre in Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

VKS Projects Ltd is engaged in the business of undertaking EPC Contracts of CS/SS/Alloy Steel Turnkey Piping, Civil Land Development, Industrial / Commercial Infra Projects, Structural Fabrication and Erection of Equipments, Fire Fighting Projects and Commissioning of Chemical Plants. In terms of industry segments, the Company caters to Chemicals, Oil and Gas (onshore and offshore), Refinery, Petrochemicals, Dyestuff, Pharma & Bulk Drugs, Metallurgy, Power and Textiles.

The Company has been in the EPC business for the last thirteen years and has developed expertise in its line of operations which are characterized by its ability to minimize overheads, cost control and prevent overruns on project schedules along with strong skills in construction and contract management. The Company believes its strong in-house EPC and Project Management team and good relations with local subcontractors helps it control the entire process. It controls costs by eliminating unnecessary product features, procuring equipment and materials in cost efficient manner, optimizing logistics and maximizing labour efficiency. This has contributed towards securing multiple orders received from customers like Thermax India Ltd, Punj Lloyd Ltd, Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Ltd, Reliance Industries Ltd, Shriram EPC and many others.

The Company’s revenues have grown at a CAGR of 106.57% between fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2011, increasing from Rs 330.93 Lacs in fiscal 2007 to Rs 6025.43 lacs in fiscal 2011. The revenue has touched Rs 9755.13 lacs for the 9 month period ended 31^st December 2011 in FY 2012. Its restated profit after tax has grown at a CAGR of 150% between fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2011, increasing from Rs 8.09 Lacs in fiscal 2007 to Rs 315.97 Lacs in fiscal 2011. For the 9 months of fiscal 2012 ended 31^st December 2011 the PAT has touched Rs 562.58 lacs.

The business of VKS Projects Ltd has been growing over the years. Considering the existing growth rate the working capital needs of the Company is expected at approximately Rs 30.11 crores for FY 2013. It intends to meet its working capital requirements to the extent of Rs 15 crores from the proceeds of this Issue and the balance will be met from a combination of internal accruals and Banking Limits at an appropriate time as per the requirement.

Disclaimer:"The Company is proposing, subject to market conditions and other considerations, a public issue of its equity shares and has filed a Red Herring Prospectus with the Registrar of Companies. The Red Herring Prospectus is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in and the website of the Book Running Lead Managers at www.afsl.co.in. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, see the section titled "Risk Factors" of the Red Herring Prospectus. The equity shares of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws in the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. persons" (as defined in Regulation S), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws."

Diabetes and Hypertension can lead to various eye ailments: experts

·         Diabetic or Obese patients should be screened for diabetic eye diseases, and should be treated immediately

·         This was the topic of a Continued Medical Education event organized by Aster Medical Centre, in co-ordination with the Dubai Health Authority

·         Over 90 doctors from various specialties from across the UAE participated in the event

Dubai: June 26, 2012: Diabetes and Hypertension leads to various eye ailments, two senior ophthalmologists have said. Cases of both diabetes and hypertension are on the rise amongst the residents of the region, the doctors said.

The ophthalmologists, Dr. Ajay Aurora and Dr. Manoj Rai Mehta were talking at Synerge, a Continual Medical Education (CME) programme organized by ASTER in Dubai recently. The event was organized in co-ordination with the Dubai Health Authority, and followed the CME guidelines laid out by the authority.

Over 90 doctors from various hospitals and clinics across the UAE participated in the event.

Dr. Ajay Aurora, MBBS, MS has fellowships in many academic specializations in Ophthalmology. He brings along over 15 years of clinical experience in India.

Renowned Ophthalmologist Dr. Manoj Rai Mehta has performed over 5000 intraocular lens implants and more than 9000 cataract surgeries. A gold medalist in academics, Dr. Mehta holds more than 100 publications to his credit.  Both, Dr. Ajay Aurora and Dr. Manoj Rai Mehta are part of the Aster Eye Clinic, New Delhi. Aster Eyecare has two high end centres in NCR, in Lajpat Nagar and Faridabad, and are very soon opening one in Tagore Garden.

These issues were chosen with relevance to the UAE’s medical conditions like Diabetes and Obesity, which are on a rise among the countries residence.

Dr. Ajay Aurora, Director at Delhi Retina Centre, and Senior Consultant Viteoretina at Aster Eye Clinic, New Delhi. Said: “Diabetes is an epidemic and currently one of the major cause of concern in the UAE and worldwide. We are extremely overwhelmed with the response from the doctors of various specialties at the seminar today.”

“Our body system is interrelated and it does not take much time for a disease like Diabetes to also affect the eyes. At Aster Eye Clinic, we believe that prevention is better than cure. Early diagnosis and providing the right treatment and medication is essential. To address this issue and creates its awareness is vital and of prime concern for the region’s growing problem.”

UAE has been ranked the second highest worldwide for Diabetes prevalence. Dr. Aurora quoted with figures mentioning showing how Diabetes being on a rise in Dubai. Apparently, over 26 per cent of diabetic cases in the UAE are from Dubai and every fourth person in the region is diabetic in the region. More than 40 to 50 per cent of the people are at a risk of Diabetes in the region.

He explained how eyes get affected in diabetic conditions, and those who are diabetic for over 20 years are at 60 per cent risk of their eyes being affected. In 2007, at Al Ain Hospital, more than 54 per cent patients were found diabetic or obese.

Diabetic or Obese patients should be screened for diabetic eye diseases, and should be treated immediately, he said.

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the main eye diseases, which occurs when blood vessels in the retina change and the vessels may even swell and leak fluid in severe cases or close off completely. “In some cases, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Severe Diabetic Retinopathy cannot be treated even with a cataract surgery. Micro Infusion, is used in advance cases. With the increase in Diabetes cases, chances of having Diabetic Retinopathy is also high, “he said.

Dr. Manoj Rai Mehta, a Medical Director and the mentor of Aster Eye Care initiative, has been the key advisor in setting up the clinics not only in the clinical dimensions but also providing all the elements of quality assurance in the patient care at Aster, New Delhi. 

The main focus of Dr. Mehta’s seminar topic was on how hypertension can cause eye problems and the need for Physicians and Ophthalmologists to keep the patient’s medical condition in mind and provide an effective treatment.

Dr. Mehta said: “Doctors should intra-communicate the problems that may affect a patient’s eye.  Sometimes, it is the smaller problems in life which are of greater concern. Stress and Hypertension are two evils of our hearts and our minds, and also our eyes. It is very important that doctors communicate within each other and a physician provides medication keeping the ophthalmologists diagnosis in mind, and vice versa. The UAE has a lot of hypertension cases, which leads to further problems. Hence it is essential that medication for hypertension is given to reduce the risk for eye diseases.”

Some of the eye related conditions are: Keratocomes (the highest in the Middle East), Cataract, Diebetice, Infective, Computer Vision Syndrome, and Dry Eye Syndrome. There is around nine thousand cataract surgeries performed, which are cause due to hypertension. Frequent eye check-ups are essential to prevent eye problems in the long run.

About DM Healthcare

DM Healthcare is a healthcare group in the Middle East and India. Founded in 1987 by Padma Shri Dr Azad Moopen, a doctor turned entrepreneur, the Dubai-headquartered Group has diversified to offer comprehensive healthcare services to all segments of the society. In its quest for excellence, DM Healthcare provides healthcare of the highest quality in the geographies they operate in. Consolidated under the brands Aster and Medcare, the Group covers an array of healthcare verticals including hospitals, clinics, diagnostics and pharmacies.

The DM network presently consists of more than 125 establishments, providing primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare with management and consultancy services, treating more than 20,000 patients per day. The Group is in the midst of an exponential expansion in the GCC and India with the number of units set to grow to 300 by the year 2015 with investments of $500m across Middle East and India.

Seek careers in Agriculture, Rubber Board Chairperson urges youth

Mrs. Sheela Thomas exhorted the youth to take up professional career in Agriculture sector, instead of going after traditional careers. Also, the professionals in Agriculture should reach out to farming levels directly. There are many professional courses in the sector. She was speaking after inaugurating the Agri Wisdom seminar focusing on the development and sustainable growth of agriculture sector in Kerala, organised under the aegis of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with ICICI Bank, Coir Board and Rubber Board. Adding that the State is poised for a resurgence in the sector, Sheela Thomas mentioned that there is substantial delay in making available the products of Research Institutes to the farm level. If the trend is reversed, productivity would increase which will lead to quality products. In his Keynote address, former Kerala Agriculture University VC K R Vishwambharan said the non-availability of land for cultivation is one of the biggest challenges faced by the farmers. “The government should take steps to make sure that the price for the land for agriculture purpose is fixed in a reasonable way. The policies of the government should be changed in this regard”, he said. ICCI President Prakash James and ICICI Bank Zonal head T V Narayanan also spoke. A motivational session was handled by Dynamic Results Managing Director Christopher C Doyle. Senior journalist Sreekumar Raghavan moderated a panel discussion on the topic – Kerala, a hub of agri products. The panellists included Philip Kuruvila, Chairman, World Spice Organisation, Kumaraswamy Pillai, Director – Marketing, Coir Board, Sasi Varma, Executive Director, Cashew Export Promotion Council, and Ganesh, South Zonal Head, ICICI Bank.

Essar Energy synchronises Vadinar P2 unit 1 with transmission grid

June 25 2012: Essar Energy plc [LSE: ESSR], the India-focused integrated energy company, today announced that the first of two 255 megawatt units at its Vadinar Phase 2 (P2) power generation project in Gujarat state has been synchronised with the transmission grid.

The coal fired Vadinar P2 project, with a total 510MW capacity, is one of three power plants being completed by Essar Energy during 2012. The 1,200MW Salaya I project has already been fully commissioned and is commercially operational, while the 1,200MW Mahan I project is expected to be synchronised shortly. 

Together these three projects will take Essar Energy’s total installed capacity to 4,510MW.

Most of the power generated by Vadinar P2 will be sold to Essar Oil’s refinery at Vadinar, which will help improve margins at the oil refinery given the relative lower cost of coal-fired generation. Some power will also be sold to Essar Steel and some sold into the merchant market.

Naresh Nayyar, Essar Energy chief executive, said: “The synchronisation of unit 1 at Vadinar P2 is another step forward for our power business and when it is commercially operational, this project will also improve margins at the refinery.”

Work is ongoing to prepare unit 2 at Vadinar P2, which is also 255MW, for synchronisation with the grid.

For further information on Essar Energy, please visit www.essarenergy.com

For further information on the Essar Group, please visit www.essar.com