West Bengal State government has already given a three-year waiver of surcharge on ATF for three years to Andal, Coochbehar and Bagdogra airports.

 Kolkata, India, 16 April, 2015 - Country’s first private Greenfield airport at Durgapur  promoted by Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL) is started from April 14.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Mr. Alapan Bandopadhyay, West Bengal State Transport Secretary, said in Durgapur on Monday  “The final calibration of navigational aids at the airport by Airport Authority is done. Now, we expect to get final DGCA licence in a month,” 

Pinnacle Air a non-scheduled airline, will begin its operations from Durgapur four days a week connecting Bagdogra, Coochbehar, Durgapur and Kolkata soon after getting license from DGCA . he added.

In all probability the airport, christened Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, will be operational from April 14 the first day of Bengali calendar BAPL officials said.

The West Bengal government has 1.2 per cent stake in BAPL and Singapore’s Changi Airport is the single largest shareholder in the airport.

BAPL managing director Partha Ghosh said the company is in negotiations with IndiGo and GoAir for scheduled flights for connecting Delhi-Durgapur including Air India and non-schedule airline Air Coasta for connecting southern cities like Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Air Costa may connect these two south Indian cities for four days a week.

Comparable to the best in the world the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the country's first Greenfield airport developed under the public-private partnership initiative.

Built by GMR group that has a majority stake of 63 per cent in the project, the Rs.2,470 crore airport has several firsts to its credit. It has the longest runway in Asia at 4.26 km and the tallest air traffic control (ATC) tower in the country at 75 metres.

Accompanied by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy the UPA chairperson flew down to Shamshabad to participate in the inaugural function.

The Greenfield airport spread over 5,400 acres is a joint venture of GMR group, Malaysia airports holdings Berhad which has 11 per cent stake in the project, Airports Authority of India and Andhra Pradesh Government having 13 per cent stake each.

In the first phase the airport can handle 12 million passengers and the capacity will be increased in phases to handle 40 million passengers a year. The airport can accommodate Airbus A-320, the largest passenger aircraft in the world that can carry 853 passengers.

Designed by Hong Kong based architects Winsston Shu and Gudmund Stokke, the airport has world class passenger terminal.

However, the final agreement will depend on concessions the Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport offers. The major concessions demanded by the scheduled airlines are waiver of landing and takeoff fees, underwriting minimum of seats and 30 per cent surcharge waiver for ATF for a greater time frame.

West Bengal State government has already given a three-year waiver of surcharge on ATF for three years to Andal, Coochbehar and Bagdogra airports

Saudi Arabia boosts military spending to record level

                   Photo caption : Saudi Arabia increased its military spending by 17% in 2014

Saudi Arabia is spending more than ever on defense after boosting its military budget by 17% in 2014 a new report shows. That was the biggest increase among the world's top defense spenders according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The dramatic increase reflects the volatile security situation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has been leading a military campaign against Shiite rebels in neighboring Yemen in recent weeks.

With high oil prices filling its coffers, Saudi Arabia spent $80.8 billion on its military last year -- the fourth highest total in the world. That represents more than 10% of Saudi GDP -- a bigger share than any country other than Oman.

Global military spending was mostly flat last year, but the Middle East and much of Africa saw strong increases, said Sam Perlo-Freeman the head of military expenditure research at the Stockholm institute.

The United States cut military spending by 6.5% in 2014 as part of a plan to reduce the budget deficit. Military spending in the U.S. has fallen by 20% since its peak in 2010, but remains 45% higher than before the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The U.S. is still the world's biggest spender by far. Its 2014 bill totaled $610 billion, nearly three times China's budget of $216 billion. That was up 9.7% from a year earlier.

Russia is third on the list after the U.S. and China. It spent $84.5 billion in 2014, an increase of 8.1% in just a year. Russia was planning for the increase even before the start of the crisis in Ukraine. Its long term military modernization plan aims to provide 70% of the armed forces with new equipment by 2020.

Moscow is aiming for further growth of 15% in 2015. The original plan was for an even bigger increase, but the government was forced to cut back after the collapse in oil prices late last year pushed the country intro recession.

The conflict in Ukraine is forcing other European countries to boost their military budgets. Spending in eastern Europe was up 8.4% in 2014, reaching $93.9 billion. Poland and Ukraine recorded the biggest increases. The institute said military spending in eastern European has increased by 98% since 2005.

QATAR DUTY FREE HAS UNVEILED A 6,000 HAND-PLANTED “BED OF ROSES” DIOR LES PARFUMS INSTALLATION IN HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Photo Caption: The Bed of Roses installation at Qatar Duty Free in Hamad International Airport

DOHA Qatar 14 April 2015- Qatar Duty Free has unveiled an exclusive 180-square metre Dior Les Parfums podium with an avenue of 6,000 roses delicately hand-planted one-by-one to create a garden atmosphere in Hamad International Airport (HIA).

Visitors to the dramatic Dior Les Parfums podium will be instantly transported into the different worlds of Dior with an opportunity to discover the exclusive La Collection Privee range a collection of 12 authentic elegant fragrance creations for men and women, using only selected exceptional quality ingredients. 

Handcrafted in a traditional manner, these fragrances benefit from all of Dior's know-how and expertise. Dior will also use this platform to showcase the worldwide launch of Feve Delicieuse, a new story among the Collection Privée.

“Qatar Duty Free is proud to work closely with Dior Les Parfums to present this unique and creative concept at Hamad International Airport,” said Senior Vice President Qatar Duty Free Keith Hunter. “Our mission is to provide passengers passing through the airport with memorable experiences and we believe that a visit to Dior’s “rose garden” is unforgettable.”

A unique engraving service will also offer customers the choice of having the Dior bottles they purchase engraved with names or messages for themselves or their friends and family – the perfect gift for any occasion.

This exclusive Dior promotion is just the latest collaboration with QDF, which boasts the biggest collection of the beauty brand’s fragrances and cosmetics in any airport in the world.

Fragrances have been at the heart of the House of Dior ever since its creation in 1947 and flowers continue to be an eternal source of inspiration for Francois Demarchy, Dior’s Perfumer-Creator, who endeavours to perpetuate the heritage of the brand through his use of flowers in its new creations.

At HIA QDF offers 40,000 square metres of combined retail, food and beverage facilities, establishing the retailer as a premier shopping and dining destination. With more than 70 retail outlets offering an unprecedented selection of designer labels, fashion, electronics, gourmet foods and much more, Qatar Duty Free at HIA caters to all passengers’ tastes. In addition, more than 30 cafes and restaurants offer a sumptuous selection of global and local cuisine. Other luxury brands also available at HIA include: Bulgari, Hermes, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Mont Blanc, Rolex and Chanel.

For more information and full terms and conditions, please visit www.qatardutyfree.com.qa

Israel Aerospace Industries to Supply Four Super Dvora Mk3 Fast Patrol Boat to an African Military Customer

IAI recently received a contract worth tens millions of dollars to supply four Super Dvora Mk3 Fast Patrol Boat to an African military customer. All four boats will be built at IAI Ramta's facilities in Israel and will be delivered during 2016. These newly ordered Super Dvoras are stated to be used for coastal defense, EEZ and HLS missions. The Super Dvora Mk3 is a combat proven boatthat is currently in service with several navies worldwide. 

Speaking on the occasion Mr Nitzan Shaked IAI/Ramta’s General Manager said,

"With an overall length of 27 meters a top speed in excess of 40 knots and equipped with a full suite of advanced weapons and sensors this powerful boat will be an important addition to our customer's maritime arsenal for securing its littoral waters"

"We are very proud that our boatare being operated on nearly all of the world's oceans, and that this, another African customer, has selected our proven design to address their significant maritime challenges." He further added

To till date IAI has supplied more than 100 patrol boatsin various configurations via contracts valued at hundreds of millions of dollars to maritime customers around the world.

Expanding cooperation between IAI and IACIT

Delhi, 4 March, 2015 -IACIT the Brazilian strategic defense company is preparing to open in Brazil a modern world-class maintenance facility for the local support and maintenance of IAI-ELTA’s airborne radars.

This facility is part of the transfer-of-technology and know-how by IACIT and its technologic partner IAI-ELTA, and will serve the growing number of ELM-2032 Fire Control Radars in use by the Brazilian Navy as well as the ELM-2022 Maritime Patrol radar in operation with the Brazilian Air Force. The facility includes highly-automated test equipment to provide rapid and reliable turnaround times for the radar systems.   

The ELM-2032 Fire Control Radar was provided for the Brazilian Navy A4 Skyhawk aircraft which underwent highly successful avionic and system upgrades. The ELM-2022 radar is in operational use by the Brazilian Air Force C-295 and P-3 fleet for its maritime patrol, surveillance, and search and rescue (SAR) missions.

 “IACIT, with its extensive experience in delivering successful integrated logistic support for projects throughout Brazil, will provide our customer with high system availability by means of a short turnaround time for their airborne radars”, said Mr. Luiz Teixeira, IACIT CEO and President-Director. “IACIT’s airborne radar maintenance facility will provide a complete testing system for the state of the art equipment available on the market.”

"We are continuously committed to providing maintenance and support activities in Brazil, and establishing an in-country facility together with IACIT is a clear expression of this policy," said Mr. Nisim Hadas, IAI Executive VP & ELTA president, "We believe that in the future this facility can expand as a support hub for additional Latin American customers.”

High-Temperature- Flexible Splice Kits Help Deliver Environmental and EMI Protection

HARRISBURG Paris April 14, 2015 – TE Connectivity recently announced its new D-200 high-temperature flexible splice kit specifically designed for use in demanding high-temperature aerospace and defense applications.

TE’s D-200 splice kits are rated at 200 degrees Celsius and offer a reliable cable connection. The product offers circumferential (360 degree) shielding that helps provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection and shield continuity equal to or greater than the original cable. The splice kit also offers environmental protection, making the cables resistant to fluid immersion, including aircraft fuels, lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids and cleaning agents.

“TE Connectivity has a long history of manufacturing and supplying robust and reliable splice kits for military and commercial aircraft platforms,” said Jane ann Avants, Product Manager, Global Aerospace, Defense & Marine, TE. “With the increased demand for higher temperature applications, our splice kits continue to be in demand worldwide.”

The D-200 high-temperature, flexible splice kit allows bending of the cable without outer insulation cracking. Cables can be spliced with existing crimp and heating tools, and the additional sealing ring allows splicing of 1-to-1, 2-to-1 and 2-to-2 constructions. The splice kit works well with shielded single, paired and triplet cables and has a wire range of 26 AWG to 10 AWG.

NASSCOM LAUNCHED THE “INNOVATE FOR INDIA CHALLENGE

NASSCOM LAUNCHED THE “INNOVATE FOR INDIA CHALLENGE”

Delhi, 4 March, 2015 - In a significant endorsement to the Indian IT-BPM industry‟s glorious journey over the past two decades, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi today joined the National Association of Software and Services Companies(NASSCOM) in its ceremony marking the silver jubilee celebrations of the industry. Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad and Minister of State for Finance Sh. Jayant Sinha, also joined the occasion along with IT-BPM industry stalwarts to envision the future of the industry and maximize its contribution to the growth of the Indian economy.

NASSCOM SPECIAL AWARDS WINERS :

• Awards to NASSCOM founding members – Harish Mehta, Ashank Desai, KV Ramani, Saurabh Srivastava
• Game Changers – N Vittal, Former Secretary- IT, Chief Vigilance Commissioner, Late Sh. Dewang Mehta
• Leading IT Company for 25 years – Tata Consultancy Services
• Entrepreneur who shaped the industry – N R Narayana Murthy
• Corporate Citizen – Azim Premji
• NextGen Entrepreneurs - Naveen Tiwari (InMobi), Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal), Ambiga Dhiraj & Vijay Shekhar Sharma (One97 Communications)

On the occasion, Prime Minister also facilitated NASSCOM‟s founding members and select individuals for their outstanding contribution in shaping NASSCOM and the industry over the past 25 years. The event was marked by in-depth insights of industry leaders with Shri. Ravishankar Prasad and Shri Jayant Sinha on the Union Budget 2015 highlighting the growth opportunities for the industry while discussing suggestions for implementation of policy matters, concerns on proposed provisions and issues to be addressed.

To mark the completion of 25 years and engage the citizens of the country to build solutions for India‟s challenges, NASSCOM launched the “The Innovate for India Challenge”. The initiative aims to enable India to become a country with the highest number of innovative ideas for the common people. The challenge will catalyze innovation, inspire the youth and help communicate the right solutions that will be channelized for adoption by government and corporates.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi said, “The IT industry in India has come a long way and NASSCOM has been at the core of this journey. According to me NASSCOM isn‟t just an organisation but a revolution, and I congratulate NASSCOM and the industry in playing a vital role in making India a technology powerhouse. However, times are constantly changing, and as we look ahead at the next 25 years, we all recognize that the future will be very different. Far reaching impacts of technology, the digital native workforce, the changing customer expectations and the burgeoning start-up revolution, will all ensure that the next technological revolutionary product will emerge from India. I am sure NASSCOM and the IT Industry will continue to spearhead this movement.”

Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “It is truly a momentous occasion for NASSCOM and I am honoured to join the Prime Minister to celebrate its successful journey over the last 25 years of NASSCOM. The IT-BPM sector and NASSCOM have played a vital role in creating a phenomenal impact on the Indian economy by evangelizing the aspiration of the youth in the country, demonstrating India‟s intellectual ability and entrepreneurship capability globally. I am positive that with NASSCOM‟s continued guidance and Industry‟s contribution towards government initiatives like Digital India, Make in India and Skill India, we will successfully build a renewed „Brand India‟ and take the industry to greater heights.”

This initiative by NASSCOM and the government will leverage innovation on a large scale and enable technology innovations to address India‟s untapped potential. The expansive vision that the government has chalked out, be it Make in India, Digital India, 100 Smart Cities, Skilling India, Digital literacy, Jan Dhan Yojna and the likes, all have IT at the core. The advancement in technology will continue to bind India‟s future and achieve audacious goals to change the world for the better. This is an opportune moment for the industry to work collaboratively with the government and assist in nation-building towards realizing the digital India dream.