Meenakshi Chaudhary from India crowned 1st runner-up at Miss Grand International 2018
Peru, Oct 25: Clara Sosa of Paraguay was crowned Miss Grand International 2018 at the 6th edition of the prestigious pageant held at Myanmar that called for peace across the world.
Clara Sosa succeeds Miss Grand International 2017 Maria Jose Lora of Peru. At the same event, fbb Colors Femina Miss Grand India 2018 Meenakshi Chaudhary was adjudged (1st runner up), Miss Grand Indonesia Nadia Purwoko (2nd runner up), Miss Grand Puerto Rico Nicole Colon was adjudged (3rd runner up), and Miss Grand Japan Haruka Oda was adjudged (4th runner up.)
The show began with all the finalists who were vying for the Miss Grand International 2018 crown parading in black costumes performing a dance number alongside the reigning winner. The host for the evening then announced the winner of national costume which was awarded to Miss Grand Peru 2018 Andrea Moberg. The finalists then took center stage as confirmed quarter finalists of the evening. India's Meenakshi Chaudhary was also part of the Top 20 contingent. The second stage witnessed the finalists walk the ramp in stunning Miss Grand International swimsuits.
Thereafter, the quarter finalists were trimmed down to Top 10 semi-finalists. The lineup also included Miss Grand India Meenakshi Chaudhary, Miss Grand Dominic Republic, Miss Grand Paraguay, Miss Grand México, Miss Grand Venezuela, Miss Grand Spain, Miss Grand Puerto Rico, Miss Grand Indonesia, Miss Grand Japan, and Miss Grand Vietnam.
The next segment was all about the Top 10 finalists slaying the ramp in some mesmerizing evening gowns which was one of the highlights of the evening. The pageant finale also witnessed a tear eyed emotional message from the outgoing queen Maria Jose Lora to the fans as she thanked everyone for their constant encouragement. Subsequently, the contestants were further narrowed down to Top 5 finalists which included Miss Grand Puerto Rico Nicole Colon, Miss Grand Japan, Haruka Oda, Miss Grand Paraguay Clara Sosa, Miss Grand India Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Miss Grand Indonesia. Nadia Purwoko.
The shortlisted contestants then gave their final speech for Stop the War and Violence. In the end, Clara Sosa clinched the coveted crown after defeating numerous contestants from around the globe. The pageant also witnessed a number of sub contests which was won by the following finalists.
Best Swimsuit - Miss Grand Cuba Gladys Carrodeguas.
Miss Popular Vote - Miss Grand Vietnam Nga Phuong Bui.
Best National Costume - Miss Grand Peru Andrea Moberg
Best Social Media - Miss Grand Indonesia Nadia Purwoko.
Best Evening Gown - Miss Grand Thailand Moss Namoey Chanaphan.
Courtesy: beautypageants.indiatimes.com
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Karnataka Maritime Board announces plans for Mangaluru Water Metro Project
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Nov 4: After being endowed with multi connectivity facilities like three national highways, port and airport, Mangaluru city is now looking at a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility as the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has announced plans for the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), officials said on Monday.
This ambitious initiative aims to transform public transportation in the state, utilising National Waterways to connect areas along the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers, they said.
Set to become India's second-largest water transport system after Kochi, the project promises an eco-friendly, economical and efficient mode of travel, the officials said.
According to officials, the MWMP will connect isolated communities from Bajal to Maravoor, enhancing accessibility and promoting the holistic development of these regions. The initiative is expected to boost local livelihoods and improve the standard of living through integrated transport networks.
According to the project report available with PTI, the MWMP will be rolled out in phases, with the initial stretch covering 30 kilometres along the Nethravathi and Gurupura river backwaters.
The priority route, beginning at Bajal on the Nethravathi and extending to the Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura, will feature around 17 modern Metro stations.
Key locations such as Someshwara Temple, Ullal and the New Mangalore Port are included in the proposed route. State-of-the-art electric and diesel catamaran boats will be deployed, equipped with essential amenities to ensure a high standard of comfort and operational efficiency.
A comprehensive Feasibility Report (FR) will assess the project's viability, presenting a detailed cost-benefit analysis, market potential, operational strategies and environmental considerations.
"The report will objectively evaluate the project's merits and challenges, providing crucial information for decision-makers, stakeholders and investors," they said.
Officials in the port and fisheries subdivision told PTI that key areas of analysis has been based on assessing the potential to decongest old port areas, exploring the feasibility of cargo movement using Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) water metros, examining water level variations influenced by tidal flows, integration with feeder services to ensure seamless last-mile connectivity, demand forecasts over a 25-year period, based on extensive socio-economic research of usage and utility of the MWMP.
The project's Terms of Reference (ToR) emphasise sustainable development, involving thorough site identification, user demand assessments and environmental impact studies. Comprehensive surveys such as LIDAR mapping, bathymetric studies and topographical analysis will ensure accurate planning and implementation, the officials told.
Furthermore, technical collaborations with national institutes of repute will support studies on wave tranquillity, vessel height clearance and infrastructure recommendations for jetties and repair facilities, they said.
A detailed environmental monitoring programme will assess air and water quality, noise levels and aquatic biodiversity in line with Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) guidelines, the officials added.
The officials of the Maritime Board said the MWMP promises significant economic and environmental benefits, from easing traffic congestion to reducing air pollution. The project will also explore non-fare revenue streams and develop models to ensure financial sustainability.
A socio-economic impact assessment will measure the project's contribution to regional development, backed by projected revenue from passenger fares and ancillary services, a senior official said.
The Board also aims at championing cleaner and greener transportation and to set a precedent for sustainable urban mobility, positioning Mangaluru as a progressive city that leverages its waterways, he added.
