Heavy rains in various parts of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram Aug 4: The monsoon has caused widespread destruction in various districts in the state. Following heavy rains and landslides, at least 315 houses were damaged fully and 2,059 houses were partly destroyed in various parts of the state. At least 16 people were killed in landslides and floods in various parts of the states. Around 1000 people were shifted to relief camps opened at Idukki, Kasargode and Waynad districts More Kerala India News
KM Dubai Bureau August 4, 2004
President Gives Away Computer Literacy Excellence Awards
New Delhi - The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has said that the education system should be able to inject creativity among school children so as to attract them to schools. He said that the aim of the education system should be to build character, human values, enhance the learning capacity through technology and build confidence among children to face the future. The President said that a three-pronged approach was essential to make distance education programme viable. The three components in this regard may be connectivity, tele-education system and quality content generation and deployment, he added. The President said this while giving away the 2nd Annual Computer Literacy Excellence Awards for Schools-2003 organised by the Department of Information Technology at a function here today. In all 50 Schools from different States/UTs both falling under the categories of “A” and “B” were given the State Awards. Besides, three National Consolation Awards and three National Level Awards were also presented.Dr. Kalam made a special mention about the Azim Premji Foundation which in collaboration with State Governments and multilateral agencies, has started a child friendly school initiative which aims at ensuring all children come to school, learn during school time and complete five years of schooling. Dropouts are identified and brought to the School. The programme encompasses a series of interventions that strengthens practices in the classroom and provides support to educational administration and community empowerment to manage the education process. The President also had an interactive session with the School Children.
Earlier in his address, the Minister of Communications & IT, Shri Dayanidhi Maran said that Information Technology has given India a formidable brand equity in the global markets. He said that the breathtaking growth recorded in software exports, which have risen from a mere Rs. 250 core in 1991 to Rs. 59,500 crore in 2003-04, is a measure of the country’s capacity and potential, he added. The Minister said that the Department of Information Technology through the Computer Excellence Awards is trying to promote quality in IT education and competitiveness in spreading computer literacy among school students. He stated that the endeavour is to make India a major player in the global IT arena and use IT as a tool for raising the living standards of the common people of the country and enriching their lives.
The Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Shri K.K. Jaswal in his welcome address said that learning is an interactive experience and the Information Technology, has an enabling role to play towards expanding the horizon of knowledge. Shri S. Lakshminarayanan, Additional Secretary, DIT, was also present on the occasion.
To consolidate the position of India’s position as a major player in the global IT arena and encourage schools towards achieving excellence in computer literacy, the Department of Information Technology has instituted the annual “Computer Literacy Excellence Awards for Schools”. The award is open to all recognised schools in the country. It recognises the performance of schools in imparting computer literacy over the last three years, availability of IT infrastructure and trained faculty and participation in IT related events at State/National Level. While “A” Category includes Private and Government-aided Schools, Government and Municipal Schools come under the “B” Category.
Max Factor Hollywood Make-up Artist Says 'Thanks' to Glamorous Arab Women
More Click image for expanded view More Pictures
Movie make-up artist to the stars Graham Johnston was in Dubai recently after wrapping up filming for the movie "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" and made sure one of his first stops was an exclusive make-up session for a group of Dubai's elite women.
Graham's three-day stay also included seminars with local make-up artists, a movie launch and store visits. However, the up-close-and-personal gathering at the Fairmont Hotel offered Graham an unparalleled opportunity to discuss beauty issues with Arab women and take away a greater awareness of their needs.
As well, Graham delighted in describing his experiences working on some of the most popular recent films, including "Gladiator" and "Bridget Jones's Diary", and sharing his many make-up tips and solutions to many make-up issues. Several lucky members of the group also experienced first hand the Max Factor make-up artist's magic touch as he demonstrated make-up techniques and showed how to choose the right colors and the right products.
But for Graham, someone who works with glamorous women every day, the meeting reflected the enduring role of Arab women in defining global beauty trends. For example, he noted that the dark, smoky look around the eyes - a look that is very much associated with glamour - has always been important to Arab women. "Being in Dubai has given me a better understanding of the particular needs of the Arab woman. To all of them I say, 'thank you for your glamour,' " said Graham.
Graham is a global representative for Max Factor, one of a team of renowned movie make-up artists who use Max Factor products on their movie sets and support the brand by meeting with women all around the world. Not only are they Max Factor's ambassadors to the movie industry and beyond, but more importantly, they work closely with Max Factor research and development teams to providing valuable professional input and feedback from the field.
Dubai Municipality Summer Training Programme 2004 Concludes
Photo: Mohammed AbdulKareem Julfar honours students.
Dubai, 4 August 2004
Dubai Municipality on Wednesday organised the closing ceremony of the Summer Training Programme 2004 at the City Hall of the Municipality.The best students among the 150 summer trainees, who have been undergoing training in various sections and departments of the Municipality, were presented with certificates and prizes.
Mohammed AbdulKareem Julfar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Finance and Properties Affairs distributed the certificates and prizes to the students. Waleed Al Hammadi delivered the speech on behalf of the students, which was followed by a brief quiz contest between two groups of boys and girls. Some of the Municipality officials who helped in conducting seminars and field visits for the students also among those who were honoured.During the last two months the summer trainee students have attended many important seminars that dealt with some of the burning issues both in the career and the real life fields.
The summer trainees included students from third preparatory classes to university level. The students were distributed among the different departments of the municipality according to their choice, expertise and previous experience. An average of two students were there in one section. The students were getting a minimum monthly stipend between Dhs800 and Dhs1,400 depending on their academic grades. They were treated as ordinary staff of the municipality with regard to punctuality and discipline in the work.
New LPG Connections not stopped : Mani Shankar Aiyer
It has been reported in a section of the press that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. have temporarily stopped issuing new LPG connections. The attention of Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Panchayati Raj was drawn to the said news reports. Denying the factual accuracy of these reports, the Minister has clarified that as a matter of fact the total number of LPG connections issued by the OMCs during the first four months of the current year are in line with the sustained growth the industry has been recording in recent years. While a total number of about 72 lakh connections were issued during the whole year of 2003-04, during the first four months of this year, April to July, a total number of around 24 lakh new LPG connections have already been released by the three OMCs. In addition the industry has released about 6 lakh DBC connections during this period.
The Minister added that while the oil industry has cited the recent steep hike in steel prices and has sought a hake in the LPG customers’ security deposit from Rs.650 to Rs.1000 per cylinder, this has not stood in the way of their releasing new LPG connections. The request of oil industry is separately under consideration in the Ministry. The Minister also reiterated that no steps have been taken by the OMCs regarding restricting release of new LPG connections, nor any directions issued to this effect.
SOLIDARITY SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SHAMIL BANK OF BAHRAIN
Bank To Distribute Family Takaful ProductsDUBAI - 4/8/04 Shamil Bank of Bahrain and Solidarity, one of the Middle East's leading Takaful companies, have signed an agreement making Shamil the banking distributor of Solidarity's Family Takaful Products in Bahrain.
Announcing the partnership, Mohamed Hussain, Deputy Chief Executive, Shamil Bank of Bahrain, highlighted the growing demand for Islamic Shari'ah compliant Takaful products in the region.
"Takaful products are in huge demand because they rely so heavily on the virtue of fairness and are concurrent with the teachings of Islam. As we now live in such a dynamic and diverse market, many methods are causing a financial frustration on an individual basis, so the need for these Shari'ah compliant products and services is greater than ever," said Hussain.
Shamil Bank of Bahrain signed the agreement as part of its strategy to increase the services available to its customers by providing Family Takaful Products."By signing this agreement with Solidarity, we are helping to build a sound future for individuals, families and the community, by enabling people to fulfil their basic rights to protect family life, property, peace of mind, and their dignity and honour," said Hussain.
"Shamil Bank has leveraged itself as the leading Islamic Banking Institution in the region and this agreement ensures we continue to lead the market. Our ability to repeatedly deliver innovative and well thought out products, whilst adhering to the Islamic principles of Shari'ah, has meant that the bank has developed a solid and respected reputation with customers and investors alike."
Solidarity is primed to become the largest Insurance Company in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the largest Takaful Company in the world. It has been newly established as one of the top 10 companies in the Arab world in terms of paid up capital, (US$ 100,000,000).
"Shamil Bank is one of the pioneering institutions in the Middle East for Islamic financing solutions," said Rob King, General Manager, Family Takaful, Solidarity.
"Both our companies aim to accommodate the diverse individual needs of clients by providing a comprehensive range of traditional and modern products in accordance with Islamic Shari'ah principles and to generate a satisfactory rate of return for shareholders and policyholders alike".Solidarity has been set up in direct response to the growing demand for Takaful products around the world. Its core product offering will be long term savings related assurance such as savings schemes for the education of children.
"Solidarity's principal objective is to be the leading Takaful company globally by providing a full range of Family Takaful and General Takaful and Re-Takaful products to the highest standards possible," said King.
Already having a presence in Bahrain and Qatar, Solidarity is looking at moving into thirteen countries over the next three year period including Lebanon, UAE, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman, Yemen, Morocco, UK and Luxembourg.
SEILER HOTELS INVITE GUESTS TO JOIN IN FUN OF FAMOUS FOLKLORE PARADE
Tradition, costumes and culture entice Middle East visitors to heart of Alps
Dubai, UAE, August 4, 2004: Middle East visitors taking summer breaks in the idyllic village of Zermatt can add another dimension to their Alpine adventure by getting a glimpse of the culture and tradition of mountain life when the town celebrates it's 36th Folklore Parade.
Seiler Hotels and Riffelalp Resort 2222m, the leading hotel consortium in Zermatt, boasts a choice of five properties, offering travellers the highest standards of comfort and easy access to enjoy the festivities which unfold on the 15 August.
More than 1,200 singers and dancers from 40 folklore groups from the Valais canton and other parts of the country gather for the one-day event, including alphorn players, the old fire brigade of Zermatt and famous yodel-groups.
During the parade, traditional Swiss refreshments are served, including raclette - a meal whose origins date back hundreds of years ago when shepherds would move their herds high into the mountains for grazing during the summer months. The shepherds were limited as to what they could carry and they chose basic provisions like potatoes, onions, pickles and wheels of cheese.
While Zermatt offers gourmet cuisine lovers a variety of gastronomical delights, there are ample opportunities for visitors to burn calories. Visitors can take to the pistes and enjoy high altitude skiing throughout August. The area around Zermatt offers 21 kilometres of well-marked and safe summer pistes and ski lessons are also available for those that need some guidance.
Guests can choose from The Hotel Monte Rosa, with all its historical interiors and old world charm; Hotel Schweizerhof, ideal for food lovers and night-owls alike and The Hotel Nicoletta, which has excellent facilities for families including special mealtimes and menus for children.
The consortium also includes the Riffelalp Resort 2222m, the highest altitude five star hotel and Spa in Europe. The Riffelalp allows guests to be as close to nature as possible, away from the village and offers unadulterated views of the Matterhorn.
Caption Travellers interested to learn more about Swiss customs and traditions can look forward to 15 August, when Zermatt's proverbial Folklore Parade takes place.
ASRY TO DOUBLE SEATRADE MIDDLE EAST MARITIME PRESENCE
2nd August 2004 Bahrain's Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) is to double its presence at the Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition, being held in Dubai this December, reinforcing its status as a major international industry player.ASRY's Seatrade Middle East Maritime commitment comes as the company heads for a record year.
"This year we are looking to outstrip our 2003 performance, which, in itself was 23% up on 2002," said Mohamed Al Khateeb, ASRY CEO.
"Already in the first half of this year we have repaired 68 ships, compared to 50 for the first six months of 2003. In the second half of this year we anticipate exceeding our first half performance pushing growth percentages even higher."
ASRY is looking to Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the region's premier conference and exhibition for the maritime sectors, to build its international portfolio and spread its geographic client base.
"Currently our largest customer countries are Greece, Cyprus, Singapore, India, U.S.A., Hong Kong and Norway, though Arab vessels form a significant part of ASRY's business, accounting for annual average of 40% of the total number of vessels repaired at the yard," said Al Khateeb.
"At Seatrade Middle East Maritime we will be looking to enhance our existing business from major players throughout Europe and the surrounding Arab countries."
Bahrain is one of 19 countries which, to date, is represented in the Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition profile. The exhibition also has pavilion commitments from Iran, India, Pakistan and Turkey. ASRY will also attend the Seatrade Middle East Maritime conference, which will be held alongside the exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 6-8. The conference, which has four distinct streams, will address major industry issues including quality shipping, security and the environment.
ASRY believes both quality and competitive pricing will be key factors in driving the Middle East ship repair industry forward, fending off competition from the Far East.
"We can deliver the highest quality service within reasonable time frames," said Al Khateeb. "We are well accredited to do so having received the ISO-9001 International Ship Repair Certificate and extensive training is underway to achieve the OHSAS-18001 Occupational Safety and Health Certificate."
"The Middle East needs to stay ahead of the competition by constantly refining and streamlining its services and equipment. Good quality coupled with good time management is key to achieving this, as is the constant review and guarantee that staff are trained to the highest possible standards."
Al Khateeb commented that ASRY, which recently achieved ISPS and ISO-14001 certification, is also fully committed to delivering full environmental compliance, working closely with Bahrain's Department of the Environment, to ensure pollution is minimised.
"ASRY is the first and only shipyard in the Middle East to build a facility at a cost of US $1.2m to recycle polluting sludge received from crude oil carriers into an environmentally friendly compost material," he added.
For Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the quality shipping, security and environment session is being organised in association with the UAE branch of The Nautical Institute.
"This session will examine the changing global regulatory framework for shipping companies and ports, looking at safety, quality and the environment and the specific challenges in the region," said Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade. "Also under the spotlight will be the key role of maritime training and education while there will also be a round table debate on security and the ISPS Code, five months on."
Seatrade Middle East Maritime is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. The event is sponsored by Dubai Maritime City; Dubai Ports Authority; Government of Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; Gulf Energy Maritime PJSC (GEM); and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).
Other sponsors include Aalborg Industries A/S (Dubai branch); Aqua Group; Arabian Adventures; British Airways; Castrol Marine; Clyde & Co; Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre; HSBC; Instone International; Lloyd's Register; Maritime London; Net Cruises; Nico International; Norton Rose; Scan-Trans Chartering LLC; and Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC.
Supporters of the event include Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Dubai Shipping Agents Association; National Association of Freight Logistics; Indian National Shipowners' Association; the Nautical Institute UAE Branch and UAE National Ship Suppliers' Association.
Movie magic at the Mina in August
Blockbuster double bills showing free at the Clubhouse
(Dubai, August 2004) : Hollywood blockbusters including the Indiana Jones trilogy and all four Lethal Weapon films are on offer at Movie Magic at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.
Films for children, including Kermit?s Swamp Years, Finding Nemo and Scooby Doo, are on through August alongside thrillers such as House of Sand & Fog, Double Jeopardy and Training Day.
Training Day, showing on Sunday August 15, was the cop thriller that saw Denzel Washington win a Best Actor Oscar for his role as a detective stretching the law.
Rapper-turned-Oscar nominee Will Smith appears in Men in Black (Tuesday August 3) and Bad Boys II (Wednesday August 4), as well as in his portrayal of the champion boxer, Ali (Saturday August 28).
Animated classics The Lion King ? Special Edition (Monday August 16) and Anastacia (Friday August 6) should keep the children quiet, as will Dennis The Menace (Thursday August 5) and The Borrowers (Saturday August 14).
The movies will be shown on the upper deck of the Clubhouse at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.
Admission is free and movies start at 7pm and 9pm, with a full selection of food and popular beverages, as well as popcorn, and huge beanbags for the ultimate in viewing comfort.
