Young ADIPEC – Photography Competition – Take your best shot and win
The Young ADIPEC Photography Competition is easy to enter – it’s open to anyone between 11-18 years old who lives in the UAE. The theme being “Abu Dhabi Architecture”; we are calling on all students to pick up their cameras and uncover the beauty of modern Capital City.
The theme “Abu Dhabi Architecture” encourages young photographers to uncover the splendor of modern Abu Dhabi as seen through their lenses by capturing rural or urban city scenes (2) landscapes (3) landmarks – both modern and classical, e.g. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, Yas Marina, Capital Gate and also view of Corniche, Yas Island. This year’s theme focuses on uncovering the beauty that modern Abu Dhabi has to offer – be it a secret hideaway, a colourful graffiti wall, a bustling city scene, a unique attraction or spectacular views.
There are four categories* and the three winning entries of each category will win great prizes:
First Prize: A DSLR camera
Second Prize: 500 AED Sharaf DG Gift Voucher
Third Prize: 250 AED Sharaf DG Gift Voucher
*Categories: Boys 11-14, Boys 15-18, Girls 11-14, Girls 15-18
To enter the competition, please take the following steps:
1. Take one or more photos that fit the theme ‘Abu Dhabi Architecture’. You can use a camera or your phone, but try to select the best possible quality
2. Download the submission form here www.adipec.com/yapc
3. Fill in the form and send it, along with your pictures, to
youngadipec@dmgeventsme.com
before midnight on 31st October 2014
Judging will take place on 6th November and winners will be notified shortly afterwards. The 3 shortlisted entries of each age group will appear on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and in the Photography Competition Zone at the Young ADIPEC stand, during ADIPEC 2014 (10-13 November at ADNEC).
To get inspired, please visit the Young ADIPEC social media pages:
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Guidelines for Indians – released by Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a set of guidelines for Indian expats, giving them a list of do’s and don’ts for hassle-free living in the UAE.
The 34-page booklet titled Guidelines for Indians covers practical tips on a range of issues from general conduct, accommodation and driving to employment, finance, debt and import of medicines. It also spells out the services offered by the mission, the Indian Government’s welfare schemes and key contact numbers within the UAE. These guidelines will soon be available on the Indian Embassy website http://www.indembassyuae.org/
“The publication of the guidelines is yet another initiative to improve access to services by sharing information with the general public and enhancing a culture of transparency,” Indian Ambassador T.P. Seetharam said.
The in-depth section on employment spanning six pages covers everything from what an employment contract is and stipulated leave entitlements to sponsorships and how you can get labour disputes resolved.
Similarly, the check-list on accommodation advises expats to ensure they rent it “preferably from owner directly”; look for “24-hour security and availability of proper supply of water and electricity, preferably in pest-free buildings”, etc. Tips like “onus on payment of air-conditioning fees must be clarified” are also included.
Driving guidelines warn against throwing trash out of the car; hand gestures and taking to the roads under the influence of alcohol as it can lead to imprisonment and deportation. It also offers advice on how to get an international licence.
The list for general conduct say women can wear Indian/western clothes “but conservatively”; roads must be crossed only through zebra crossings and that residents should not eat or drink in public during Ramadan.
The financial tips are more detailed, warning Indian nationals not to blindly jump at credit card offers, withdrawing cash from them, using them to pay for investments or signing blank cheques to get credit cards. It reminds them that interest on these cards is very high and is charged on a monthly basis. “So do not take a personal loan unless it is for family emergencies such as medical expenses. While these loans are at low interest rates of 8-10 per cent, often people find it difficult to service them,” it says, adding: “If you really need to take cash loan, your priority should be a salary transfer loan or loan against assets like gold, fixed deposit or car.”
News Text courtesy: Gulf News online :
Soft version of the guidelines: as provided by Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi
Please share it online with as many Indian residents as possible.
Thanks and regards,
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
WRC – Rallye de France – Alsace 2014 – Day 2
Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle strengthened their grip on third position on day two of the Rallye de France-Alsace, as they edged closer to a fourth podium finish of the season. Meanwhile, Mads Østberg and Jonas Andersson lie seventh overall in the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s second DS3 WRC.
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Overflowing toilets – a serious hygiene issue at Kadugodi Bus Station.
Overflowing toilets – a serious hygiene issue at Kadugodi Bus Station.
On Saturday, 4th October 2014, a few of us came out with a plan to clean up the Kadugodi Pedestrian Over Bridge. It is almost a year since this structure became a reality. As regular users and also concerned community members, we were worried by the amount of waste materials being dumped on it. Added to it, the roof of the connecting side of the bridge to the railway station was heavily dumped with falling leaves, thrown away food and plastic materials.
It was an effort carried out by only few of us but we made sure the objective was well achieved.
A huge support was extended from the Whitefield Railway Station Manager, Mr. Anand Sivaram and his staff.
However, carrying out the cleaning campaign, we were shocked to observe an extremely serious hygiene issue.
At the side of the bridge connecting the BMTC station, we found, heavy leakage and clogging from the toilets of the bus station. As you may see from the photo attached, it was extremely disturbing site to see.
Checking with the Railway Station Manager, we found that, repeated plea from Railways to cement the leakage has been ignored and have seen no favorable action from BMTC side till now.
With frequent rain and with the waste accumulate increasing by each passing day; the situation is turning to a serious hygiene issue for public. There are many cases of dengue and other diseases getting reported and this will be another reason for spreading such cases.
It has to be noted that more than 10,000 people use the sky bridge for reaching the bus or railway station every day.
Thinking more about it, I now find the reason why I get to see BMTC drivers and conductors relieving themselves on the road. The male staff can get away like that. But, what about the female staff? Where do they go, if the facilities are not properly maintained and managed?!
Organisations like BMTC should act proactively for the welfare of the public and their staff.
I humbly request BMTC Management through the office of BMTC MD, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, to consider urgent repair of the toilets at Kadugodi BMTC station and plug the leaks and work hand in hand with Railway authorities to avoid any hygiene issues.
Sincere regards,
Ramesh Menon
Additional reading:
Thank you – Kadugodi Pedestrian Overbridge Cleaning Campaign
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Need for increased "speed control measures" by BTP in Kadugodi area
The connecting road from Hoskote to Hope Farm area of Whitefield Bangalore has been relayed beautifully by the authorities.
The work has been done in such a way that the road till the Kadugodi Over Bridge is smooth and in a drivable condition.
There is a danger awaiting here at all times.
With the completion of the road work, the traffic has gained momentum in terms of speed. This includes the buses and heavy trucks.
A U-turn exists near the bridge making it easy for residents of nearby communities to cross over to the other side of the road.
However, the removal of a speed breaker that existed is now causing lot of inconvenience and near miss situations for the drivers to turn and proceed.
The bikes, trucks and buses are all in a hurry and neither stops nor reduce the speed!
Another serious danger of children from an apartment complex nearby crossing over the road to take their school bus. On either side, these vehicles never reduce the speed. Coming down the narrow bridge, the vehicles tend to speed and proceed. Going towards the bridge, the vehicles compete with each other to reach the bridge first!
It doesn’t end there. Many vehicles coming from the Hoskote side, take advantage of the U-turn and cut across wrongly and proceed towards the market side or residential communities located there. This is extremely dangerous and has to be immediately controlled.
I humbly request BTP on this serious safety issue and resolve it by:
– Having appropriate reduce speed signage kept in this area.
– Having BTP patrol presence in the morning, especially when children go to school.
– Having increased BTP patrol presence, on first Sunday of the month where a regular function is held at Sai Vrindavan Ashram and heavy traffic and people movement happens.
– Kindly reroute the heavy trucks from this road and using the bridge, which causes regular traffic blocks.
Accidents have to be averted by taking necessary safety measures before and not after they have happened and valuable life lost.
Ramesh Menon
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Brand power: Total unveils ad campaign in 21 nations
French energy giant Total SA does not consider itself a leading energy brand.
The name suffers from “a significant lack of recognition in a number of countries that are critical to the development of Total’s current and future operations”, according to Jacques Emmanuel Saulnier, who sits on the company’s Management Committee.
In a bid to rectify this, the company has launched an international multimedia advertising campaign simultaneously in 21 countries.
The campaign highlights Total’s operations in oil production, refining and marketing, as well as its role as a major player in natural gas.
“Total has decided to invest over the long term to develop its brand awareness and create a more powerful brand that can support our businesses more effectively,” said Saulnier, who is the Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communications.
Saulnier, who reports to Chairman and Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie, told BusinessLine on the phone from France that the last ad campaign was in 2008.
The budget then was of €24 million , and the campaign was aimed at 11 countries.
The company has already invested €50 million (around ₹388 crore) this year.
“For the print and online advertisement, we will adjust for the next waves, depending on the results,” he said, adding the poster campaign in most airports is permanent.
The multimedia campaign would feature a commercial that would air on TV, across 80 channels in 16 countries, and the Internet over six-week waves over the next three years.
In a few months, a ‘recruitment’ spin-off of the campaign would debut in the print media and on the Web. It would target occupational groups that are critical to Total, such as drilling specialists, technologists and line managers, said Saulnier.
The global corporate campaign would also include the new brand baseline: ‘Committed to better energy’.
India focus
Speaking about the importance of India in Total’s marketing and promotional efforts, Saulnier said: “India needs to be present in the company’s development strategy for the future, as per India’s economic growth.
Today, Total’s operations in India include marketing and services, gas and power, new energies and refining and chemicals.”
Adding that Total India’s Technical Centre signalled the firm’s commitment to better energy in the Asia-Pacific region, Saulnier said Total has been active in India since 1993.
(This article was published on October 5, 2014)
(Courtesy: BusinessLine)
Brand power: Total unveils ad campaign in 21 nations | Business Line
Article courtesy: AMRITA NAIR-GHASWALLA
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Total Develops a New Deep Offshore Project, CLOV, in Angola
DEEP OFFSHORE INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE ON DISPLAY WITH CLOV
DEEP OFFSHORE INNOVATION AND EXPERTISE ON DISPLAY WITH CLOV
Once again, Total has met a challenge offshore in Angola. This one is two-fold. It involved drilling 34 subsea wells to simultaneously extract and process two different types of oil in a sensitive natural environment from four new oil fields — Cravo, Lirio, Orquidea and Violeta, or CLOV for short — in 3,609 to 4,593 feet of water. Given the project’s environmental stakes, we marshaled all our expertise in deep offshore projects, defined as oil and gas developments located in more than 500 meters of water. We are using more efficient, innovative equipment and emphasizing local content.
Read more at:
Total Develops a New Deep Offshore Project, CLOV, in Angola
For all my readers:
(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon
Sai Gokuldham Bangalore – an abode of a different kind
Sai Gokuldham Bangalore – an abode of a different kind
 |
| Sai Gokuldham |
Sai Gokuldham, situated at Vaghatta agraha, about 18 kms from Kadugodi, Whitefield A divine place to visit. It is one of my favourite places to visit and didn’t want to miss this time too. Run by Sri A P N Sharma ji, Sai Gokuldham takes good care of old, disowned, injured animals. The village is also called Yogapuri, and said to be a chosen place where yogis meditate.
 |
| In its final days, our time spent with this bull was really worth |
During our visit, we met a few animals who are very young and another stet very old, and one of them in the last stage of its life.
Due to water shortage, the facility is being shifted to a new location at Maloor shortly, which will have more space for the animals. There will be also option for farming the grass required for the animals at the new facility.
Sri APN Sharama is looking for support for setting up this new facility. If anyone is interested to support, may contact him on +91 9845024039 or email: mayur_elecblr@rediff.com, cool_n83@rediffmail.com.
 |
| Sri APN Sharma |
 |
| options for children to feed the animals |
 |
| a retired guard dog has now found is home at Sai Gokuldham |
It will be a good CSR activity to visit and spent half a day there supporting his great effort.
Recreation and refreshments can be arranged on request.
God bless and sincere regards,
Ramesh Menon
75 years of operations in Abu Dhabi, Total achieved major leaps in the oil and gas industry and renewable energy"
Al Hajji : “75 years of operations in Abu Dhabi, Total achieved major leaps in the oil and gas industry and renewable energy”
Abu Dhabi 30 -September -2014: TOTAL Emirates, leader in the oil and gas industry, has confirmed that it is committed towards providing the best energy in the United Arab Emirates and other countries, and it will continue its efforts in supporting and developing young talents from the UAE through social programs.
This came after conducting an interview with Mr. Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer in Total United Arab Emirates, where he said that Total is involved with a number of oil companies in Abu Dhabi and it is always seeking to provide technical support in the field of oil and gas in the emirate.
He said in a press statement, that Total is also involved in many scientific and social initiatives in the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, participated in the establishment of research and development laboratories in the oil industry in partnership with ADNOC , Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi and Masdar .
“Total also provides scholarships for students in the UAE to study in French universities and institutes to support rehabilitation of UAE nationals to work in the oil and gas sector in Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Total is an international energy company with the whole range of activities like hydrocarbon exploration and production, gas and power.
“We are also at the forefront of refining, petrochemicals and specialty chemicals, marketing refined products and associated services, trading and shipping of crude oil and refined product.” Total was one of the very first international oil companies to recognize and point out that fossil fuels and renewable energies are not mutually exclusive. Our teams are committed to developing new sources of energy that can partner oil and natural gas to keep pace with global energy demand.
Al Hajji pointed out that the group was involved in solar energy since 1983, “We are now the world’s second-ranked photovoltaic energy operator thanks to our affiliate Sun-Power.”
Moving along the lines he said that Total’s story began nearly a century ago, with the search for oil fields. This positioning also enabled them to adapt to market trends and proactively meet customers emerging expectations with a diversified energy mix – oil, natural gas, solar and biomass — that delivers more value than any other global energy company.
Total, as the world’s leading international oil and gas company has operations in 130 countries involving in all the above activities having nearly 100,000 employees. “We are associated with exploration and production in more than 50 countries and producing oil and gas in 30 countries.”
Total’s engagement with Abu Dhabi dates back to 1939, 75 years ago. What started as the first contract then grew over time. Today, Total is associated with 9 ventures in the UAE; eight of these are in Abu Dhabi. These are covering a wide spectrum like exploration and production of oil & gas by our subsidiary Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (Total ABK) as well as our share holding companies namely ADMA OPCO, ADGAS, Dolphin Energy and GASCO. We are a shareholder of Ruwais FertilizerIndustries (FERTIL) and a partner in the Taweelah A1 co-generation power plant in Abu Dhabi. We are pioneers in the new energies sector and a partner of Masdar in Shams 1, the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in operation. TotalMarketing Middle East (TMME) based in Dubai is involved in the manufacturing and marketing of the entire range of automotive and industrial lubricants, greases, aviation and various speciality products. Today, our lubricants-blending complex in Jebel Ali Free Zone is the Group’s third largest blending plant. As a part of “BIOjet Abu Dhabi: Flight Path to Sustainability” initiative a partially biofuel powered Etihad Airways Boeing 777 completed a test flight in the UAE. Total partially converted the biomass in Brazil used for this flight test with Takreer completing the refining process in the UAE, making it the first UAE-produced bio jet fuel. This initiative was in close collaboration with Masdar Institute and Takreer , aiming to deliver a sustainable and commercially viable biofuel product by 2019.
“We interpret that the flourishing growth of our industrial activities in the UAE over the span of time is recognition of Total as a reliable partner. We thank SPC, ADNOC, Mubadala and their group of companies for their trust in us. I feel that we have earned this respect because of our constant effort to share with the UAE our technology and know-how, combined with capacity development of the UAE nationals in different ways,” Al Hajji said.
Total ABK is proud to have 123 including 17 female Emiratis employees including four on secondement from ADNOC Group, working in offshore field and different onshore sites like Abu Dhabi main office, Mussafah Logistics Base and Total ABK Academy in Shahama. In our quest and commitment to share with the UAE our know-how from global operations, we commission Emirati employees on international assignments. More than 10 Emiratis have benefitted from such placements in Angola, France and Yemen. Total ABK’s top management team comprises of Emiratis with ladies in majority.
He moved on to speak about Total and UAE citizens, as he said that the group supports Emiratis for post-graduation and doctorate education abroad, mainly in France. “Till date, 43 Emiratis have availed Total scholarship and they are oil industry professionals having career in ADNOC , ADCO, ADMA OPCO, GASCO, ZADCO, Dolphin Energy, Schlumberger and others.”
Some others are showing their excellence in varied professions: Emirates Nuclear Energy Operations, Mubadala, UAE Embassy in Japan, Ministry of Presidential Affairsand other highly respectable establishments. Of late, we have been sending university under graduate Emiratis to France for an intensive one week program called “Total Summer School” and so far nine Emiratis have attended the summer school.
In 2013, Alreyada, an initiative of Total UAE added a new dimension in the MENA region for empowering youth to bring forward their perspective. Alreyada is a forum for young undergraduate university students from the region to be familiarized with energy and future leadership challenges.
The seminar was inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development. The program featured presentation and workshops delivered by industry and community leaders, academia and experts from the UAE as well as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and France. The workshop session climaxed the seminar.
In smaller groups, students with young professionals acting as their mentors presented their ideas and suggestions for developing them further on “How to foster long lasting partnerships”. Alreyada was adjudged the winner of ADIPEC 2013 Best CSR Initiative in the MENA region.
Total Abu Al Bukhoosh, our local subsidiary is a constant source of innovative solutions and case study for some of the challenges of Abu Dhabi oilfield operations. Here, we lead in the area of EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery), flare reduction, operations and HSE. Total is in collaboration with Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi on Dugong Conservation Program exclusively since 1999.
Total is proud of having shared many remarkable social innovations for betterment of the UAE community. With support of ADNOC , one of such programs Total has been running since 2008 is Total ABK Academy. This academy is a capacity building program for UAE nationals to make them employable in oil & gas industry. As on date, our academy graduates are working as offshore field personnel in Total ABK, ADOC, ADMA OPCO and Bunduq Oil Company.
Total in the UAEis also collaborating with initiatives like Al Bayt Mitwahid by the Crown Prince Court, Emirates Foundation and similar institutions. Total had been a participant in Abu Dhabi Science Festival since it started in 2011.
Total in the UAEcontinually strives to align its industrial and societal activities with the vision 2030 of Abu Dhabi’s wise leadership. Total in the UAE demonstrates is committed to better energy which synergizes a mix of world class technology and innovation with safety of people, environment and assets as top priority. It strives to address local environment and community concerns and enrich the society of the host country by sharing know-how.
Key Words: TOTAL, TOTAL UAE, CSR, #MakeThingsBetter, Committed to Better Energy, ADNOC, Petroleum Institute, Masdar, ADNOC , Petroleum Institute,Masdar,Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (Total ABK),ADMA OPCO, ADGAS, Dolphin Energy GASCO, Ruwais FertilizerIndustries (FERTIL),Taweelah A1,Masdar, Shams 1,TotalMarketing Middle East (TMME), Mubadala,Total ABK Academy,Bunduq Oil Company,Total in the UAE
An evening well spent at Sai Ashrayadham
Following the efforts of the morning, we moved on to Sai Ashrayadham this evening. A short bhajan session with children and patient aids who stay there and served dinner. Feeling contented.
ClicksandWrites 
You must be logged in to post a comment.