Mumbai, (GNS) : Muthoot Finance Limited , the largest gold financing company in India in terms of loan portfolio will open on March 02, 2012, a public issue of secured, redeemable, non-convertible debentures (“NCDs”) of face value of Rs. 1,000 each aggregating upto Rs. 250 Crores with an option to retain over subscription upto Rs. 250 Crores, aggregating to a total of upto Rs. 500 Crores (the “Issue”).
    The Company’s Managing Director Mr George Alexander Muthoot told mediapersons here today, ” The NCD Issue with four investment options and effective yield of upto 13.43% (per annum) closes on March 17, 2012, with an option for early closure as may be decided by the duly authorised committee of Board Of Directors of the Company subject to necessary approvals. The face value of each NCD is Rs. 1,000 and the minimum application is for five NCDs (Rs. 5,000) and in multiples of one NCD thereafter.
The NCDs offered through the Prospectus are proposed to be listed on BSE Limited (“BSE”).
 There are three investment options such as : Option I: The maturity date is 24 months from the deemed date of allotment and the interest is payable annually. The coupon rate and effective yield is 13.00% p.a. for NCD Holders in Category 1(Qualified Institutions), Category II(HNIs & Corporates) and Category III(Retail). 

     Option II: The maturity date is 36 months from the deemed date of allotment and the interest is payable annually. The coupon rate and effective yield is 13.25% p.a. for NCD Holders in Category 1(Qualified Institutions), Category II(HNIs & Corporates), Category III(Retail) and Category IV(Non-Resident Indian on Non-repatriation basis).
     Option III: The maturity date is 60 months from the deemed date of allotment and the interest is payable annually. The coupon rate and effective yield is 13.25% p.a. for NCD Holders in Category 1(Qualified Institutions) Category II(HNIs & Corporates), Category III (Retail) and Category IV(Non-Resident Indian on Non-repatriation basis).
     Option IV: The maturity date is 66 months from the deemed date of allotment and effective yield is 13.43% p.a. and investment amount doubles in 5 ½ years for NCD Holders in Category I(Qualified Institutions), Category II(HNIs & Corporates), Category III(Retail)  and Category IV(Non-Resident Indian on Non-repatriation basis).
    He further stated that, ”  The funds raised through this Issue will be utilised by the Company for various financing activities including lending and investments, to repay existing liabilities or loans and towards business operations including for capital expenditure, working capital requirement and other general corporate purposes, after meeting the expenditures of and related to the Issue and subject to applicable statutory/regulatory requirements.”
     The Company provides personal and business loans secured by gold jewellery, or Gold Loans, primarily to individuals who possess gold jewellery but could not access formal credit within a reasonable time, or to whom credit may not be available at all, to meet unanticipated or other short-term liquidity requirements. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has branch network of 3,480 branches. The Company’s Gold Loan portfolio as of September 30, 2011 comprised approximately 5.5 million loan accounts in India. As of December  31, 2011, it employed 23,219 persons in its operations.
The Lead Managers to the Issue are ICICI Securities Limited,  HDFC Bank Limited, JM Financial Consultants Private Limited, Karvy Investor Services Limited RR Investors Capital Services (P) Limited and Yes Bank Limited.
     The Company has successfully raised Rs.693 crs and Rs.459crs in its earlier two Public Issue of NCDs  held in August 2011 and December 2011 under Series-I and Series-II respectively.
Companys Gross Retail Loan assets under management stood at Rs.22885crs as on December 31 ,2011. During the 9 months ended December 31 ,2011, Company generated a PAT of Rs.657crs and its capital adequacy as on that date stood at 18.33%.

Becomes the First Indian Company to expand footprint into the Island
 
Mumbai, (Ajay Rawal) : OmniActive Health Technologies, is pleased to announce its latest  international foray by setting up its advanced Research & Development centre in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. OmniActive is the only Indian company, so far, to set up a research centre in the island.
      The set-up of this advanced facility at the Biocommons Research Park in Charlottetown, opens up an exciting world of opportunities for OmniActive. Utilizing this advanced facility Omniactive will develop new products and technology for their customers. OmniActive has a subsidiary in Morristown, New Jersey, USA and an international distribution network which covers Europe, Asia and South America. 
      Prince Edward Island offers highly competitive business costs for investor companies, a positive tax environment, labour rebates, ease of transition in terms of superior infrastructure and excellent business environment for a strong food-agri sector. PEI also has a highly skilled and educated labour pool, strategic infrastructure and convenient access to major markets for businesses.
    On elaborating why PEI was chosen when it came to overseas investment, Mr. Sanjaya Mariwala, Managing Director, OmniActive Health Technologies said, “ PEI provides a supportive business environment with an excellent base for innovative and collaborative research. Therefore it was a good fit for our first overseas R&D centre, with close proximity to North America and European markets. We are confident this partnership will help us achieve our broader corporate objective of delivering innovative products based on solid scientific research to our customers.”
       Talking to newsmen here today on this occasion, the Premier of Prince Edward Island, Robert Ghiz said, “Prince Edward Island offers the ability to think big and act fast through the opportunities we can offer in assisting businesses to grow and prosper. The relationship with OmniActive is evidence to this, how we are working to promote investments in our innovative thinking, our people and our infrastructure.”
     The bioscience sector is witnessing an increased popularity due to its economic promise and also its potential to create new products and markets. Currently the Indian nutraceuticals industry is valued at Rs.47 billion and is expected to reach Rs.95 billion in 2013. Globally, the nutraceutical industry is growing at 18% (CAGR) to which India’s contribution is at 0.9%.

Mumbai, (GNS) : One of the most prestigious event of Govt. of India, Ministry of Textiles was inaugurated on February 27. 2012 at the auspicious hands of inaugurated by  Shri Mohd. Arif (Naseem) Khan, Minister of Textiles –Govt. of India .
     The National Handloom Expo 2012 Mumbai was sponsored by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and co-sponsored by Department of Textiles, Govt. of Maharashtra and is organized by Maharashtra State Handlooms Corporative Federation Ltd. (Mahatex), and managed by the Event Managers M/S. Admaark Events India Pvt. Ltd.
    The National Handloom Expo, which was being held at Bandra Reclamation Ground No. 1, Mumbai would remain open from 27th February to 18th March.  The timings would be from 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm on working days and from 12.00 noon to 9 pm on holidays. The Event was being managed by M/S. Admaark Events (India) Pvt. Ltd. for the largest handloom Expo of its kind. Over 75 participants from around 14 states were participating in this Expo consisting mainly from J & K, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra, Madya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Pondichery etc. The Expo was unique with its distinguished features and a good place worthwhile  for citizens of this financial capital of India to visit during its 21 days tenure.
     The occasion was graced by Chairman & Vice Chairman of Mahatex, Principal Secretary & Director of Textiles –Govt. Maharashtra, Managing Director of Maharashtra State Handloom Cooperative Federation Ltd., Director of Weavers’ Service Centre, Mumbai – Govt. of India and other dignitaries.

 Mumbai, (Ajay Rawal) : With over 100 years of shoe-making history, the 3rd Malaysia International Shoe Festival (MISF) organized annually since 2010 by the Ministry of Tourism is back. Scheduled from 29th March to 1st April 2012, the event will be held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Hall 2 in Malaysia.

Co-organized by the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA), this year’s event  will witness more than 166 booths featuring over 50 famous local footwear labels including Zang Toi, Larrie, Princess, Carlo Rino, Nose, Bill Keith, Paula Moda, Fiorucci, Vern’s and Dr. Cardin, the official news release said here today.

Aimed at improving the competitiveness and quality of Malaysian Footwear industry and reinforcing Malaysia’s position and reputation as a leading producer and world-class exporter of quality and innovative footwear, the event will see participation from all major footwear industry players, merchandisers, tourists, foreign visitors, students, designers and general public.

The festival is also a major event to attract more visitors to Malaysia. From glamorous stilettos to stylish sandals, classic pumps and trendy boots, the festival takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the world of designer footwear.

The Ministry of Tourism & Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA) has put together their efforts in making Malaysia the “Shoe city of the Asia”. MISF 2012 is the most targeted international platform for industry players to showcase & promote their quality footwear to the world.

Tourism Ambassador and world renowned shoe designer, Professor Dato’ (Dr.) Jimmy Choo has been invited once again to showcase his special collection in MISF at a designated gallery (Sogno Gallery). The collection is only available at his gallery in London.

Malaysia welcomed 693,056 Indian tourists in the year 2011. Tourist arrivals rose to 24,714,324 compared to 24,577,196 in 2010 while receipts climbed to RM58.3 billion compared to RM56.5 billion the previous year.

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, popularly known as Tourism Malaysia, was established to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind tourist destination showcasing Malaysia’s unique wonders, attractions and cultures; develop domestic tourism and enhance Malaysia’s share of the market for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE). Tourism Malaysia’s objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination and make the tourism industry a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation. In India, Tourism Malaysia offices are conveniently located in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.

  Adani Ports and SEZ to set up a dry bulk terminal at Kandla Port · 

  The terminal will have an annual capacity of 20  MMT ·      

  The terminal is expected to be commissioned by 2014 ·  

   Adani Ports to invest Rs 1200 crore in developing the terminal ·    

  Adani Ports is now the only port operator with presence in six ports across        India · 

     The award is a testimony of Indian government’s confidence in Adani Ports’ ability to create world class port infrastructure 
Ahmedabad, (GNS) : Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), India’s largest private multi-port operator and part of the Adani Group, a global integrated infrastructure player, today said it had received the letter of intent from the Kandla Port Trust, a Government of India body, to set up a dry bulk terminal at the Kandla Port on build, operate and transfer basis. 
         The company has emerged as the highest bidder on revenue share basis and has been awarded the concession in a highly competitive bidding scenario. The dry bulk terminal will off Tekra near Tuna outside Kandla Creek at the Kandla port which is India’s number one port by volumes. The Construction of the new bulk terminal will begin after signing of the concession agreement with the Kandla Port Trust. 
      “We are extremely pleased to partner the Government of India and the Kandla Port Trust and would like to thank them for their faith and confidence in the Adani Group’s execution and operating capabilities for setting up world class ports. The Kandla Port’s strategic location will be an important factor in attracting cargo from the north-west hinterland and will assist Adani Ports to cross cargo handling volumes of 200 million tonnes by 2020,” said Rajeeva Sinha, Wholetime director APSEZ. 
     Adani Ports is now the only private port infrastructure company to operate and construct ports and terminals across six locations in India – Mundra, Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat, Marmugao in Goa and Visakhapatinam where it has recently begun construction of a coal import terminal. The Mundra port is the fourth largest commercial and top most private port in India. 
  The Adani Group had last week announced that it will now focus on three clusters of its businesses namely – resources, logistics and energy. All of these clusters are confident of emulating the group’s leadership philosophy of utilising cutting-edge Innovation and Technology for Growth and Expansion. 
 
   Coal Mining: The Adani Group is the country’s largest importer and supplier of coal and is also its leading private mine developer and operator. It also owns mining and development rights for 130 Million tonnes coal mining in India. Adani owns coal mining rights in Indonesia and Australia.  Adani supplied nearly 30 million tonnes of coal last fiscal to Indian companies and is expected to manage 200 million tonnes of coal by 2020.

Mumbai, (Ajay Rawal) : 22 year old Jain Munishri Ajitchandrasagarji Maharaj will feature in the Guinness Book as the 2nd fastest talker in the world and the first in Asia. Some members of the Jain community from US approached with a DVD of Munishri Ajitchandrasagarji reciting the holy sootras of Jain Agam at jet-set speed of10/ 12 words per second. After verifying the content of the DVD, the Guinness World Records Committee decided to honour Munishri as the 2nd fastest talker of the world, the first being a Canadian National.

     The Maha-Shat-Avdhan demonstration will be held at Shanmukhanand Hall,
Sion in Central Mumbali on  March 4th, Sunday, between 9 A.M. and 1 P.M. Sudhir Patani, a committee member of Mahashatavdhan Ayojan Samiti & Trustee of Matunga Jain Sangh told that the audience will consist of about 2,700 top ranking intellectuals from Mumbai including leading industrialists, doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, management experts, lawyers, journalists and merchant bankers. 200 people from the audience will ask various questions to Munishri, which will be remembered byhim. Some persons will narrate numbers, some quotes, some mathematical problems, and so on. Munishri will remember all 200 items and replicate the questions in ascending,
descending and random order. This is the first time in the history of Mumbai City that a Maha-Shat-Avdhan is taking place in public. 

     It is generally believed that a normal human being utilizes around 5% to 10%
of his/her brain power. We can at the most remember, retain and recollect
8 to 10 events sequentially. The rare mental ability to remember, retain
and recollect 100 events accrued through listening or visualizing in a single
session is known as Shat-Avdhan. Munishri Ajitchandrasagarji took Sanyas
at a very tender age of 12 years and mastered the art of Jain system of Shat-
Avdhan with the blessings of his Guru Anuyogacharya Shri Naychandrasagarji
Maharaj Saheb. He gave his first public performance of Shat-Avdhan at
Ahmedabad’s Town Hall three years ago in the presence of then Governor
of Gujarat Mr. NavalKishore Sharma and many other dignitaries. Now he
will give his firstperformance of Maha-Shat-Avdhan, i.e. remembering and
recollecting 200 items in ascending, descending and random order in Mumbai.

Mumbai, (Ajay Rawal) :  Frette, the leading Italian provider of luxury linens launched their first store in the financial capital of India  dreams – Mumbai.         

          Frette has been brought to India by REGENCY RETAIL PRIVATE LIMITED who are their all India exclusive franchisee and would launch Frette pan India. The surprise highlight of the evening was the entry of Nargis Bagheri and Rocky S. Frette image corner boutique will now be available in the “Frette Total Image corner inside Ravissant, New India Centre, 17a Cooperage Road, Mumbai. With this launch, Frette plans to enter the homes of at least one million consumers in the country.
        Frette, the Italian textile company is all set to storm the Indian market with a mission to add beauty, love and comfort into Indian homes and Hotels. Frette has been on the forefront of the luxury linens industry, with their innovative designs, high-end quality and craftsmanship that withstand the test of time sought after by leading stores in Milan to New York, Hong Kong and now, India.
     On occasion of the launch, Riccardo Ronconi, Worldwide Sales Manager -Frette, told GNS Correspondent here today, “ Frette’s philosophy is to maintain the leadership in style and comfort and provide its trademark quality to all its customers. With the launch of Frette in India, Frette aspires to be a haven for Indian decor fashionistas. The store is the new benchmark in the lavish décor shopping experience and Mumbai’s new destination for the decor conscious.The company will opened eight same stores in the next three years.”
      FRETTE provides luxury products for the entire family in its collections that varies anything from a bed linen  to accessories to home wear for men and women, beach and bath products and baby essentials. FRETTE provides a varied taste in comforters, bed sets, duvets, pillows, quilts and bed spreads in its BED collections. In its beach and bath collection, FRETTE brings you bath robes, beach accessories, soaps, spa essentials, candles and towels.  The FRETTE to wear collection comprises of accessories, lingerie, pajamas, sweaters, robes, slippers and scarves for men and women.  The Baby collection contains bibs, bathrobes, blankets and bedding.
      Besides, the sumptuous linen, they also provide stylish wall decor, dining, living and bedroom furniture to throws and blankets.  All this is an expression of a luxury lifestyle, typical of people who know how to treat themselves well and how to feel well about themselves. The world of FRETTE is made of precious fabrics that transmit warmth, valuable accessories that fascinate the eyes and seduce the senses.
      FRETTE has accomplished tremendously from its inception in 1860. Its presence has grown worldwide during the past century. FRETTE is present in more than 40 monobrand stores in Italy and nearly 100 boutiques in the shopping centers of the world and in the most prestigious department stores. This demonstrates that sophistication and quality can last over the years and are not restricted to a narrow geographical area; they are the expression of an effortless search for good taste and constantly growing elegance. After making a mark globally in countries like USA, France, UK, it intends to make an indelible mark in the Indian market.

Trained students in demand from domestic & international airlines

Mumbai,(GNS)  : Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training, World’s No 1 air hostess training institute with the largest network of training centers globally has excelled in its placement track record for the past many years. There is a huge demand from airlines for trained students from domestic and international airlines. Limca Book of Records 2012 accredits that over 5000 students were placed as cabin crew and ground staff in domestic as well as in international airlines and in the hospitality and travel industries besides the multinational
companies.

Mr. K.S. Kohli, Chairman of the Frankfinn Group said, “A few individual airlines performance might have declined, but overall the industry has grown and will continue to grow as passenger traffic continues to grow and also the airport infrastructure and the network is growing. Hence the need for trained and skilled manpower is and will always be there.”

300 more airplanes are going to be added in the next decade as more and more people will travel by air and more planes will keep getting added in the years to come. The industry is definitely going to grow and not only the aviation sector but the allied industries of hospitality and travel will also grow simultaneously.

The institute has been featured year after year in the Limca Book of Records for its consistent and excellent cabin crew placement track record. It has also accredited that Frankfinn Institute has made more airhostesses and flight stewards than all other similar academies in India put together.

Focusing on the scenario of placements Kohli added, “Besides the Domestic airlines a number of International Airlines have been regularly recruiting from India. Emirates, with whom Frankfinn Management Consultants have a recruitment tie up, have been coming into India regularly for their recruitment needs. This year also in March they will be coming to New Delhi for Cabin Crew recruitments. Trained professionals are going to be always in demand.”

Frankfinn as a brand has always been a guarantee of the highest quality training and meticulous service. Its accreditation with ICM, UK makes it a reputed learning centre. The institute not only offers courses in aviation and hospitality, but also in travel and customer services.

Kohli concluded, “With Frankfinn already having its operations in Dubai, UAE we are now looking at the other countries in the region and Africa as there is a wide scope. We would definitely welcome business partners to join hands and make Frankfinn as successful in that region as it has been for the last so many years in India.”

“The One & Only International Trade Fair on ‘All Naturals’ in South Asia”.
 
Mumbai, (Ajay Rawal) : With over 10000 visitors, 150 exhibitors, 100 conference delegates, internationally acclaimed speakers, the Expo now offers excellent business opportunities to expand your business not only in India but globally.

       This exclusive trade fair on ‘All Natural’ Ingredients & Products is a path breaking initiative by Seishido Communications and is scheduled to be held from Feb 23- 25, 2012 at World Trade Centre, Mumbai.   
   The exposition was inaugurated by Prof. (Smt.) Fauzia Tahasin Khan, Hon’ble Minister, Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Maharashtra.
      Panacea2012 showcases various Natural products from Food & Beverages, Nutraceuticals, Dietary Supplements, Natural Raw Material & Ingredients, Raw & Encapsulated Herbs, Medicinal Products, Herbal & Ayurveda, Personal Care Products, Spa & Aromatherapy, Colors, Flavors & Fragrances and other related service sectors. The varied range on display at this expo makes ‘Panacea’ the most representative and innovative forum and it will once again provide a panoramic window on the different facets of the Natural Products industry.
      It serves as a dynamic forum to bring together manufacturers, buyers and users on a single platform not only from India but across countries like Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, etc.
       The Panacea2012 conference sees the presence and participation of national & international acclaimed experts from all areas of Natural Products providing interaction opportunity between panel and audience towards building, understanding of related topics and knowledge sharing. It is an exclusive business opportunity and technical know-how exchange platform. Several renowned speakers like Dr. Peter Houghton, Kings College of London, Prof. Asim Dutta Roy, University of Oslo, Norway, Prof. Hiroyuki Fukui. Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Japan, Prof. Marco Leonti, President, International Society of Ethnopharmacology, Italy, Prof. Con Kerry Kenneth Stough, Swinburne University, Australia and many more addressed the seminar.
 
      With many leading companies from India and abroad participating and the markets opening up to innovative Natural Products, Panacea2012 offers potential business and excellent networking in Mumbai, the business capital of India. Collaborations, Joint Ventures, distributorships, agencies and booking overseas orders are all set to materialize at this high-powered global platform in a business environment.
 
       Considered the Only International Trade Fair on ‘All Naturals in India showcasing different segments of the Natural Products Industry, Panacea2012 delivers the growing natural products market in India to a world of buyers and sellers. Panacea2012 is not an event that will just end on 25th of February, but it is a movement that everyone concerned with the future of Natural Products on the planet will want to be a part of.