Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Kudos to Indian Judiciary!' that was published in Newsband

Kudos to Indian Judiciary!

Because of acute water crisis in parts of Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court has evicted the Indian Premier League from the State’s cricket stadiums. All matches scheduled for May this season will be relocated. The Mumbai High Court’s order has succeeded in drawing attention to the seriousness of the drought situatio

n and the gross inequities that prevail in the way people access water.

In Latur, where the traditional sources of water have run dry, Section 144 has had to be imposed to prevent into a water riot. Trains carrying water are now being despatched to Latur. In other parts of India too, there is acute shortage, notably in the Bundelkhand region.

We are coming off two years of deficient rainfall. Water levels in 91 major reservoirs is alarmingly low, with no water currently in three reservoirs in Maharashtra. The country’s groundwater is over-exploited. The country will only begin to make the livelihood of farmers sustainable when it addresses the water crisis

The government ought to take every caution in its pattern of water usage now. And it should remain extra considerate if it is going for plans or programmes which will drive extra consumption of water for fancy affairs like that of IPL. This is not to oppose IPL matches being played in Maharashtra and the state earning good revenue out of it. The decision to shift cricket matches outside seems to be a move to bring awareness of the gravity of situation to the general public who seem too busy to care about anything outside their usual routine. What better way than Cricket in India can be there to publicize and gain wide media coverage to this grave situation?

The move will at least make everyone aware that the situation is so worse that their favourite game had to be shifted outside their state due to water crises. The judicial in our country is not foolish to make such moves. The game will not be affected and the matches will be played elsewhere. The people will get to watch the telecast as well. But, the point has been put across by the bench in an excellent manner. Kudos to Indian Judiciary!

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Jt. Managing Director, V Radha directs to file FIR against illegal quarrying taking place at Core Airport Area' that was published in Newsband

Jt. Managing Director, V Radha directs to file FIR against illegal quarrying taking place at Core Airport Area

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: To fast-track Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) project, Joint Managing Director, V Radha along with CIDCO Officers visited Rehabilitation & Resettlements (R&R) Sites, Pushpak Nagar and Core airport area on April 22, 2016. Being informed about illegal quarrying taking place in the Airport Core and non- aeronautical area, Jt. MD personally visited the sites of illegal quarrying at Pargoan, Dungi, Kolhi and Kopar and noticed the gravity of situation and directed to file FIR under her signature in the Police station. The letter shall also be issued to Collector, Dist- Raigad, Chairman - NHAI, Chairman - JNPT.      

At the R & R Pocket Nos. 4, 5 and 6 at Vahal, Ulwe Node, Jt. MD took the review of ongoing land development works in Sector 24, 25 and 25-A. About 50% of the work is completed in Sector 24. It was informed earlier that, the land development work in Sector 25A could not be undertaken due to encroachment of container yard covering an area of about 16 Ha. To tackle the problem, Jt. MD enquired about the land acquisition status of container yard area. It was conveyed that only a small area of about 3.00 Ha. is yet to be acquired.  It was further informed that barring this container yard area, about 80% land development work is complete in Sector 25 and 25-A. Also, approval from PAP groups / societies is needed for some developmental works. Lastly, the retaining of wall abutting Amra Marg is in the scope of work of widening by NHAI and will be reviewed for further progress. 

Further, Jt. MD reviewed the status of land development works carried out so far and issues related to Pushpak Nagar. It was informed that out of 91 Ha. area available so far, 75 Ha. is completed except some pockets of area admeasuring approximately 12 Ha. As it has been left out due to villagers’ resistance and about 22.549 Ha is under forest clearance. The approval of the same will be obtained shortly. 

Lastly, Jt. MD reviewed the progress of the infrastructure work at Karanjade / Vadghar and instructed that the work should not be hampered due to the issues like tree cutting, electrical line shifting etc. Further, she also ensured that the work should be completed in time. Additionally, to undertake the developmental activities at Talaopali, Jt. MD informed that the rental scheme is on the anvil and very soon the villagers of Talaopali can be shifted. This shall aid to fast-track the development activities.  

Dinesh Kamath's news 'City golfers attracted towards Kharghar Valley Golf Course' that was published in Newsband

City golfers attracted towards Kharghar Valley Golf Course

By Dinesh Kamath

NAVI MUMBAI: City golfers with their golf clubs and paraphernalia is a common sight at the Cidco-managed Kharghar Valley Golf Course. Some golfers here were complaining about the amenities which they found were not satisfactory. They find the need of improvement in the toilets and the cafeteria and even the golf carts which they found were mostly drained of batteries. Some were not happy with the fees which they felt were not like those charged in other cities. The course has weeds growing, bunkers looking like craters and grass growing rather high on the sides of fairways.

The Kharghar Valley golf course is located at the foothills of the Kharghar mountain range that provide a spectacular backdrop – particularly during the monsoon period. The golf course is planned as a 18 hole, 7137 yard, Par 72 layout & currently has 9 holes in operation. The 9 hole layout is a long 3665 yard, Par 37 layout with 3 par 5′s. During the monsoons there is a majestic waterfall that flows over the cliff face of the mountains in the backdrop into a rock pool. During the wet season, lush green foliage transforms the landscape into a natural wonder of green. Kharghar Hills is also the setting of the important religious site, the Pandav Cave, and the golf course will offer controlled access to this area to preserve its iconic features.

The golf course is developed by CIDCO & after Central Park at Kharghar and Urban Haat at Belapur is another welcome addition to the ever growing list of city level facilities in Navi Mumbai. The Golf Course is spread over an area of 103 hectares approx and is located just across the Central Park in Sector-23, 24 & 25 of Kharghar.

The course is designed by M/s Pacific Coast Design of Melbourne, (Australia) & has plenty of challenges to offer all levels of golfers. There are 4 sets of tee boxes & the design incorporates changes in elevation, plenty of hazards, Bermuda greens & fairways & the unpredictable winds. Off the tee box the fairways look wide & inviting but small errors of the tee will most often find you in bunkers, water hazards, OB areas or thick brush which dot the landscape.

This course is open to foreigners too & operates on a PAY & PLAY model. A driving range, pro shop & practice facilities are also open. The project also envisages residential development over a period of time. The course was inaugurated on December 23 (Monday), 2012.

At one stage in the recent past Cidco had come up with the idea of forming the company which was to be next referred to the urban development department to finalize procedures. The company would have technical experts to operate, manage and handle the day-to-day activities. Since they did not have the expertise to run the course, they preferred to form a separate company that would be run professionally.

India's second public course to come up in Navi Mumbai - KVGC now offers an opportunity to golfers, young or seasoned, to pursue the sport. The members can tee off and relax in the scenic backdrop of Kharghar hills and Pandavkada waterfalls. Described as the only government-run golf course in the state, out of the 11 holes -nine are for playing and two for driving range where beginners can get training. Cidco had planned 18 holes on the lines of international golf course, but objection by local residents and other technical aspects of land acquisition delayed the process. Cidco then made a fresh move for acquiring land is in process.

The pay-and-play scheme, introduced by Cidco, before the golf course for the members, has shown good results with bureaucrats, businessmen and many expats working in the city wanting to play, said sources. Weekends have also seen higher footfalls. Those interested in playing golf, but not as a member, can avail the scheme, with Cidco charging nominal fees for weekdays and weekends.

Dinesh Kamath's news 'The Urbania Summer Fest 2016' that was published in Newsband

The Urbania Summer Fest 2016

By Dinesh Kamath

The Urbania Summer Fest 2016 will take place on 30 April & 1 May 2016 at Rustomjee Urbania, Near Majiwada Junction, Thane (W) – 400601 from 4 pm-10 pm. Entry is open to all and registration at http://rustomjeeurbania-thane.in/summerfest Contact Number: 022-61116111

It’s that time of the year to get young, wild & free. Rustomjee believes in giving a thought to simple pleasures of life and once again brings to you their annual event, the Urbania Summer Fest, to make you re-live your childhood and your children to experience nature’s bounty the way you did. A fun and frolic weekend where families can bond and make new memories by engaging themselves in different activities such as live band performance, tattoo making, face painting, horse riding, bouncy castle, mimicry ,pottery and lots more.

This fest will take you away from the hustle-bustle and monotony of life with adventures like paintball, ATV ride, bumper zorbing, bungee trampoline, archery, laser tag, obstacle course, tandem biking, rodeo bull, and many more.

Join the fun on: @RustomjeeSpaces #UrbaniaSummerFest #SummerStories

https://www.facebook.com/rustomjeespaces#UrbaniaSummerFest#SummerStories

Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Only US can help India' that was published in Newsband

Only US can help India

The three-day visit of U.S. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter appears to fit into a new security paradigm that is unfurling under the Narendra Modi government. By agreeing to sign the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), India has sent out a clear signal that it has no inhibitions about being bound in strategic engagements with the U.S. This would qualitatively transform India’s relations with the U.S.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Mr. Carter have agreed to expand collaboration under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, infuse greater complexity in their military engagements and maritime exercises, commence discussions on submarine safety and anti-submarine warfare, and initiate a bilateral maritime security dialogue that would include diplomats and the defence establishments.

To Know USA and their defense regime is bit complex scenario for Indian intellectual. Hence what India need is a team of specialized people with extraordinary instincts, people with vision and full understanding of US defense physiology and their psychology.

The biggest threat for India is China. The only country that can help and has technology is US, plus you have 3 million strong Indian Americans backing India. India is obviously behind in military technology as compared to the US. And Russia is a third world country that is selling technology to the Chinese.

Pick sides that will help you; going both ways for the last 70 years and being non aligned has not helped. Selling 16 F-16's to the Paki's is nothing, the US is trying to manage them from the Chinese influence. If India supports US wholeheartedly, US will never find the need of Pakistan.

In whatever way India would like to seek collaboration with the USA the fundamental preoccupation should be with India standing on her own strength. The foreign and international politics of the USA will always, for the foreseeable future, depend on what it calls its "national security".

It is true that US has huge advantage in using Indian military base. US is trying to gain access to our bases to overpower China in case any unforeseen war breaks out in future. That is good for India. Only, instead of gaining access to their bases in reciprocity, we should ask them to abandon their military support to Pakistan.

With the defence agreement, India is not falling into any kind of trap. The increase in military co-operation sounds warning signals to all South Asia as China is taking all steps to control by having a close pact with Pakistan. India can turn to nobody else but US to protect them against two major rivals viz. China and Pakistan. Russia will never help India when it comes to negotiating China simply because Russia considers China as his brother.  

India has the same intention which US harbours and that is to completely surround China, in both land and sea. India is strong enough with a near equal population compared to China, and were we to develop scientifically and technologically with the help of US, there is no reason for us to feel ‘insecure’ as the present day leaders think.

Dinesh Kamath’s column ‘New movies released in Navi Mumbai’ (Jhamela, Nil Battey Sannata, Laal Rang, Santa Banta Pvt Ltd and The Huntsman – Winter’s War) that was published in Newsband

New movies released in Navi Mumbai

Jhamela

Jhamela is a movie directed by Pawa Sawant who has also provided music for the film.

Jhamela is a groundbreaking concept in the world of modern entertainment. It takes you on a musical journey with breathtakingly refreshing dashes of folk music which is the highlight of the movie. It is a heart touching story of a simple and innocent rural youngster who is a talented folk artist trying to make it big in the modern urban world. The movie is conceptualized by Pawa who incidentally happens to be the producer, director, actor and last but not the least the music composer of this movie. It’s a sincere heartfelt attempt to shine light on the forgotten world of folk music. The story has autobiographical shades of Pawas own childhood experiences and that gives the movie a realistic touch.

Nil Battey Sannata

Nil Battey Sannata is a Hindi film directed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari with Swara Bhaskar in the lead along with Ratna Pathak, Pankaj Tripathi and Ria. The film is produced by Anand L. Rai and Ajay Rai - Alan McAlex under Colour Yellow and JAR Pictures. The film has been backed by Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan.

Nil Battey Sannata, starring Swara Bhaskar and Ratna Pathak, is a story about the relationship of a mother and a daughter and their struggles in life. We see Swara Bhaskar as a struggling mother who is trying very hard to raise her child. The girl is very notorious and outspoken and uninterested in studying. She is very bad in mathematics and fails in her 9th standard. When Swara confronts her, she says that even if she goes in 10th and passes, there is nothing good happening as Swara won’t be able to afford her fees. Swara loses hope and speaks to Ratna Pathak, who advises her to work harder and study herself (Swara also hasn’t finished her 10th standard). How the mother and daughter duo battle life, study, clear the 10th standard exam and much more forms the rest of the film.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, wife of Dangal director Nitesh Tiwary, makes her direction debut with this film. Visually, the film seems quite appealing and the music seems upto the mark.

Laal Rang

Laal Rang (English: Red Color) is an Indian 2016 Bollywood thriller film, directed by Syed Ahmed Afzal and produced by Nitika Thakur, Krian Pictures. Randeep Hooda, Akshay Oberoi and Piaa Bajpai are in the male and female lead roles.

The movie has Randeep Hooda, Piaa Bajpai, Akshay Oberoi, Rajniesh Duggall, Ashutosh Kaushik, Meenakshi Dixit, Shreya Narayan, Rajendra Sethi, Pushkar Anand and Kumar Saurabh.

The movie has an interesting plot. Rajesh (Akshay Oberoi) is a youngster who is in love with a fellow student Poonam. Poonam on the other hand is money minded and wants a guy who has a good source of income. Rajesh meets Shankar (Randeep Hooda) who runs a illegal blood bank. Shankar also has had a heart break through a Punjabi girl (Meenakshi Dixit) whom he still misses. Though initially Rajesh is not aware of Shankar’s illegal trades, he likes it the moment he comes to know about it and gets involved to earn quick money to impress Poonam. Slowly as the business kicks off, Rajesh starts showing off his money to Poonam. Poonam who is greedy incites Rajesh to get more and this brings friction between Rajesh and Shankar. The cops who have got the hint of this business are also closing in on the illegal activity led by a dabang inspector (Rajniesh Duggall). As things start to fall apart Rajesh starts to play the victim card in front of Poonam. How the illegal activities come to an end and what becomes the fate of Shankar and do Rajesh and Poonam really love each other forms the end of the story.

Santa Banta Pvt Ltd

Santa Banta Pvt. Ltd. is a 2016 Bollywood Comedy drama film directed by Akashdeep Sabir and produced by Viacom 18 and will be distributed by Viacom 18 and Cinetek Telefilms. The film features Vir Das, Boman Irani, Lisa Haydon and Neha Dhupia in leading roles.

The movie has Vir Das as Banteshwar Singh Bolair/ Bunta, Boman Irani as Santheshwar Singh Solair/ Santa, Neha Dhupia, Lisa Haydon, Johnny Lever, Ram Kapoor, Vijay Raaz and Sanjay Mishra.

The film has songs like Machli Jal Ki Rani Hai, Lo Aa Gaye Santa Banta, Hit Kardi, Ishq Karle Anytime and Tooti Boldi.

The movie is about two friends and their sweet and endearing misadventures and one of these misadventures sees them land in the middle of a kidnapping investigation. Boman is playing Santa and Vir is Banta. The film is based on two detectives who are sent on a mission to solve a crime. The story is about their journey. The iconic characters of Indian humor world are being adapted in Santa Banta Pvt Ltd. This is first attempt to give shape to these two iconic characters over the silver screen. The story of the film revolves around the life of two friends called Santa (Boman Irani) and Banta (Vir Das) who are known for their sweet and endearing misadventures. Amidst all this they are being hired by a man in India to investigate a kidnapping case overseas in the picturesque atmosphere of Fiji Islands. So, what happens next is interesting to explore.

The Huntsman: Winter’s War

The Huntsman: Winter's War is a 2016 American dark fantasy adventure film and is a prequel to Snow White and the Huntsman, based on the characters from the German fairy tale "Snow White" compiled by the Brothers Grimm, as well as "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen. It is the directing debut of Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, who acted as visual effects supervisor on the first film, and is written by Craig Mazin and Evan Spiliotopoulos. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Nick Frost and Sam Claflin reprising their roles, who are joined by Emily Blunt, Rob Brydon and Jessica Chastain.

Long before the evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) was thought vanquished by Snow White’s blade, she watched silently as her sister, Freya (Emily Blunt), suffered a heartbreaking betrayal and fled their kingdom. With Freya’s ability to freeze any enemy, the young ice queen has spent decades in a remote wintry palace raising a legion of deadly huntsmen—including Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and warrior Sara (Jessica Chastain)—only to find that her prized two defied her one demand: Forever harden your hearts to love. When Freya learns of her sister’s demise, she summons her remaining soldiers to bring the Magic Mirror home to the only sorceress left who can harness its power. But once she discovers Ravenna can be resurrected from its golden depths, the wicked sisters threaten this enchanted land with twice the darkest force it’s ever seen. Now, their amassing army shall prove undefeatable…unless the banished huntsmen who broke their queen’s cardinal rule can fight their way back to one another. 

Dinesh Kamath's news 'Dj Aqeel to play at Water Kingdom this weekend' that was published in Newsband

Dj Aqeel to play at Water Kingdom this weekend

By Dinesh Kamath

Water Kingdom, Asia’s largest theme water park is celebrating its 18th Anniversary by announcing 7 back to back power packed Bollywood weekends with the best celebrity DJs. Dj Aqeel, renowned Bollywood DJ will kickstart the weekend bonanza by playing top music tracks on 24^th April, 2016. The highly acclaimed DJ will set the stage on fire and woo the audience with his amazing foot tapping music.

Be ready to dance this summer to have an exuberating time with fun filled slides and electrifying music concerts.

So chase your summer blues away with some refreshing music coming your way.

Date: 24th April 2016                                                                                            

Timings: 10.00 am to 9.00pm                                                                                                

Venue: Water Kingdom, Gorai Village, Borivali (W), Mumbai – 400091                                    

Ticketing: Water Kingdom - Adults: 999/-

                                                  Child: 699/-

Book Online: www.waterkingdom.in

For more info call 022 6528 0305