Leading malayali Gulf businessmen backtrack from helping Poor Kerala Woman

DUBAI - Kerala Vikas Kendra, a public charitable trust from Trichur Kerala, has to call a press conference and accuse several prominent Indian businessmen in the UAE for breaching an verbal agreement to sponsor the mass marriage of 101 poor and destitute Malayali women in the state scheduled to be held on September 25, 26 and 27. The trust involved in training women for self employment through vocational training courses have alleged that at least 10 businessmen in the UAE had agreed to collectively donate a sum of Rs10 million to sponsor the mass wedding, but on the eve of the event, when preparations were almost complete, the sponsors backtracked. Barbara Tayyab Ali, nominated member of parliament and the chief patron of the trust said that with the crème de la crème of the Indian community in the UAE having turned away from sponsoring such a noble cause, the patrons of the trust would now approach the labourers and urge them to pay a sum of Dh6.70 each to raise the money."If the rich cannot pay for such a worthy cause, we are sure that the Malayalee labourers will come forward and help us to raise the amount of money that can benefit their less fortunate brethren," Mrs Barbara Ali said, adding that the members of the trust would visit each labour camp and urge the labourers to donate Dh6.70 each so that the money can be raised. Mrs Fouzia Azad, Muslim League State Women's leader and Managing Trustee of the Kerala Vikas Kendra, claimed that the UAE-based Indian businessmen who had gone back on their commitment on sponsoring the event have even threatened with dire consequences by the businessmen if they dared to take up the issue with the public.

Trend of building community complexes gathers momentum in the Middle East

The Garden, Nakheel's self contained residential complex, has emerged as a model community-driven township

DUBAI - July 20, 2004 The fundamentals of active and wholesome community living are being redefined with the emergence of community complexes across the Middle East region, in response to a demand for planned residential enclaves offering not just elegant lifestyles but avenues for social activity. The Gardens, one of the large residential townships with an active social environment, has set the trend in the UAE, by encouraging the residents to participate in community and humanitarian activities.

"We see a growing demand for planned townships with modern amenities and a healthy community living experience," said Wahid Attalla, Executive Director Commercial and Operations, Nakheel. "Such properties give families various opportunities to relax and interact with people from different cultures and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. It marks a dramatic new development in the concept of community living in the Middle East region."

"We are currently unable to entertain any further renting enquiries as the 3,828 apartments are fully occupied. There is a huge waiting list of discerning customers who have expressed their interest in living in the Gardens," said Attalla "This huge response is proof enough of the preferences of the people, when it comes to choosing a home."

The Gardens is the first completed project of Nakheel, the region's pioneer property developers who are behind some of Dubai's most iconic projects including The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, The World, International City, The Jumeirah Lake Towers and The Gardens Shopping Mall.

The Gardens is a master planned self-contained community that offers its residents an enriching living experience complete with all amenities and leisure facilities. It hosts two internationally renowned schools, a private medical facility, swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, volley ball courts, grass football and cricket fields, a community park, tot lots in every neighbourhood for children to play, and bicycle paths, all in beautifully landscaped and lush greenery surroundings. A petrol station that is open 24 hours, offers the services of car wash, full vehicle services and a mini mart are also among the facilities at the Gardens.

The vicinity will host the uniquely themed Gardens Shopping Mall, which promises to be one of the most significant shopping experiences in the whole of the Middle East. The mall will open its doors to customers in the first quarter of 2005.

The Gardens community features a cosmopolitan mix of more than 12,000 residents, who come from varied cultures and different parts of the world, making it a socially alive multinational living experience in Dubai. The community currently comprises 35 per cent Arabs, 30 per cent Westerners and Asians among other nationalities.

"The Gardens is committed to offer its residents a community lifestyle which is unique in the Middle East. Our residents benefit from value services such as discounts on furniture, electronic appliances and many other items from selected vendors," said Attalla. "There is an expanded scope for developing the social side through events during festivals other leisure and sporting activities. We are working hard to involve the residents into diverse programs covering social, sporting, charitable, educational and entertainment fields," he added.

The Gardens has its own soccer and cricket teams and organises social activities such as Eid Fun Fair, Christmas Fete 2004, Weekend Market 2004, Ramadan Gala and picnics. The Gardens boasts its own residents' committee, which interacts with the management on a regular basis to present suggestions and concerns of the residents. The cooperation between the community committee and the management resulted in various initiatives including the Charity Centre, where residents can send their contributions for disaster relief or make a donation for a good cause, and The Gardens Toastmaster Club, which offers public speaking programmes to enhance the self-confidence and leadership skills of the participants.

The Gardens management is currently working on several other programmes that will make The Gardens the complete community living experience in the heart of new Dubai. Because of its strategic location in the vicinity of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and other business clusters, many of the Gardens residents find it easy to commute to work and back, thus finding a lot of quality time that they could spend with their families and fellow residents.

BAHRAIN DEFENCE FORCE DELEGATION VISITS MID EAST AVIATION PAVILION AT FARNBOROUGH KINGDOM NEEDS TO BE IN FUTURE INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES, SAYS FIGHTER WING COMMANDER

Caption: The Bahrain delegation meet Hugh Courtenay of International Air Charter at the Middle East Aviation Pavilion in Farnborough

DUBAI : July 20, 2004 A Bahrain Defence Force delegation today visited the Middle East Aviation Pavilion at Farnborough International air show in the UK - the first pavilion of its type at any global aerospace event.

Touring the pavilion with organiser Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Group of Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E) were Lt. Colonel Abdullah Sa'ad Salim Al Noami, Commander Fighter Wing Shaikh Isa Airbase, Lt. Colonel Faisal Abdullah Mohammed Al Ka'abi, Commander Cobra Helicopter Squadron Riffa Airbase and Major Ghassan Sultan Nassir Al Sowaidi, Directorate of Planning and Organisation.

The delegation stopped to meet representatives of the seven pavilion members, which hail from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and Lt. Colonel Al Noaimi spoke of his hopes that the private sector in Bahrain would support the next regional pavilion to be staged at Le Bourget airshow in Paris next year.

"This is a good initiative and one which deserves to grow," he said. "It helps bring the region and GCC countries together to grow together which is really the aim of our leaders as well. We want our region to be known in the industry and we want people to better understand us. I really hope private companies from Bahrain put their weight behind this pavilion," said the Commander.

F&E launched the first Middle East Aviation Pavilion in a bid to give the region's indigenous aviation industry an international voice. The pavilion has been well received and F&E says it will now triple in size for Le Bourget next year."The current exhibitors say they will reconfirm for Le Bourget and we have already received a number of strong enquiries from other companies which have visited us this week," said Richardson.

DUBAI 2005 TO HAVE UNMANNED SYSTEMS CONFERENCE SPECIALISED UAV PAVILION WINS OFFICIAL INDUSTRY BACKING

20th July 2004 Dubai 2005 – the ninth international aerospace exhibition – is to feature the air show’s first unmanned systems conference.The conference – Unmanned Systems Middle East 2005 – is being organised by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Flight International. AUVSI is the world’s largest non-profit organisation devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems community.

AUVSI, which has a membership spanning government organisations, industry and academia, has also thrown its weight behind the planned Dubai 2005 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) pavilion – the first of its kind for any Dubai air show.“By supporting this initiative we expect to provide the first opportunity for UAV manufacturers and suppliers to assemble in Dubai under the umbrella of a specialised pavilion,” said AUVSI Executive Director Daryl Davidson.

“Since many of the companies in this sector are medium to small in size, the chance to gather in a concentrated, high-profile pavilion will significantly impact the visibility and success they will enjoy at the show. The collection of these companies from around the world will also show the breadth and diversity of the UAV industry.”The UAV pavilion has been introduced to the Dubai 2005 profile by show organisers Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E).

“The pavilion is a result of industry demand and follows the success of our first vertical arena – a dedicated helicopter pavilion – which sold out at Dubai 2003,” explained Alison Weller, Project Manager, Aerospace Group, F&E.“Specialised vertical pavilions enable industry personnel to make the most of their visit to the air show, by being able to quickly locate those exhibitors who best fit their business profile. For exhibitors, the pavilions bring increased visibility and greater opportunities to meet their targeted audiences.”The AUVSI believes the Middle East offers great potential for UAV development which would be unlocked via the Dubai 2005 UAV initiatives.

“This can come in two forms,” said Davidson. “Either development by local countries, or by partnering with manufacturers from other parts of the world. By holding this first-ever conference and pavilion at Dubai 2005, we believe the UAV interests in the Middle East will be able to network with each other and with the world’s leading industry officials and establish key relationships to accelerate the development and use of UAVs in the region.” AUVSI and Flight are now developing a full programme and timetable for the Unmanned Systems Middle East 2005 conference with venue and dates still to be fixed.

“We will be inviting senior government and military leaders from the host country as well as programme officials from key industry leaders in other countries which have already developed, or are developing UAVs,” explained Davidson.The UAV pavilion at Dubai 2005 will join other vertical arenas, including a dedicated helicopter pavilion and a training and simulation pavilion which is currently under feasibility study.

“These are part of a number of new initiatives being introduced to the Dubai air show to ensure it retains its reputation for being a true aviation business forum generating substantial returns for exhibitor and visitor alike,” said Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Group, F&E. “The involvement of AUVSI is a particular welcome development as the association’s forums are the best resource for simply learning about unmanned systems or keeping abreast of the latest programme and technology updates.”

Dubai 2005, which will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 20-24, next year. The show is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces.

THREE POWER SCHEMES RENOVATED IN KERALA

In Kerala three Schemes have been completed under the Renovation, Modernisation and Upgradation Programme resulting in an accrued benefit of about 115 MWs. The cost of the three schemes is Rs.349 crores. One Scheme at an estimated cost of about Rs.32 crores is under implementation. This would result in a benefit of 54 MWs. During the Eleventh Five Year Plan, six Schemes of Kerala, having an installed capacity of 926 MW, resulting in an accrued benefit of 886 MW are programmed for implementation.

This information was given by Shri P.M.Sayeed, in New Delhi yesterday in a meeting with a delegation of 14 MPs from Kerala. The meeting had been called at the initiative of the Power Minister in view of some issues on pending power projects raised by the MPs, a few days ago in Parliament. Addressing the MPs, the Power Minister pointed out that under the 50,000 MW Hydro Electric initiative taken by the Central Government, two Hydro-Electric schemes of Kerala namely Barapole and Perinjankutty were to have pre-feasibility reports. Of this, the pre-feasibility of Perinjankutty has already been prepared. The project is estimated to cost Rs.360.81 crore. The Minister also informed the MPs about the four schemes of Kerala having an installed capacity of about 160 MW, to be renovated and upgraded under the Renovation , Modernisation and Upgradation Programme.

During the meeting, the Power Minister clarified that no project of the State Government was pending with his Ministry for clearance. The MPs appreciated the initiative taken by the Minister and requested him to expedite all clearances. In particular two schemes namely Athirapalli Hydro Electric Project and the Kuriarkutti project, came up for detailed discussions. In both these projects, it was found that revised proposal or clarification were awaited from the State Government.

The Minister assured the MPs that the bare minimum time would be taken by the Power Ministry for clearing State Projects. He promised the MPs that he will facilitate early clearance of power projects so that installed capacity could be increased. Members profoundly thanked the Minister for his initiative in organizing this extra-ordinary meeting.

DUBAI 2005 TO HAVE UNMANNED SYSTEMS CONFERENCE SPECIALISED UAV PAVILION WINS OFFICIAL INDUSTRY BACKING

20th July 2004 Dubai 2005 – the ninth international aerospace exhibition – is to feature the air show’s first unmanned systems conference.The conference – Unmanned Systems Middle East 2005 – is being organised by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Flight International. AUVSI is the world’s largest non-profit organisation devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems community.

AUVSI, which has a membership spanning government organisations, industry and academia, has also thrown its weight behind the planned Dubai 2005 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) pavilion – the first of its kind for any Dubai air show.

“By supporting this initiative we expect to provide the first opportunity for UAV manufacturers and suppliers to assemble in Dubai under the umbrella of a specialised pavilion,” said AUVSI Executive Director Daryl Davidson.

“Since many of the companies in this sector are medium to small in size, the chance to gather in a concentrated, high-profile pavilion will significantly impact the visibility and success they will enjoy at the show. The collection of these companies from around the world will also show the breadth and diversity of the UAV industry.”

The UAV pavilion has been introduced to the Dubai 2005 profile by show organisers Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E).

“The pavilion is a result of industry demand and follows the success of our first vertical arena – a dedicated helicopter pavilion – which sold out at Dubai 2003,” explained Alison Weller, Project Manager, Aerospace Group, F&E.

“Specialised vertical pavilions enable industry personnel to make the most of their visit to the air show, by being able to quickly locate those exhibitors who best fit their business profile. For exhibitors, the pavilions bring increased visibility and greater opportunities to meet their targeted audiences.”

The AUVSI believes the Middle East offers great potential for UAV development which would be unlocked via the Dubai 2005 UAV initiatives.

“This can come in two forms,” said Davidson. “Either development by local countries, or by partnering with manufacturers from other parts of the world. By holding this first-ever conference and pavilion at Dubai 2005, we believe the UAV interests in the Middle East will be able to network with each other and with the world’s leading industry officials and establish key relationships to accelerate the development and use of UAVs in the region.”

AUVSI and Flight are now developing a full programme and timetable for the Unmanned Systems Middle East 2005 conference with venue and dates still to be fixed.

“We will be inviting senior government and military leaders from the host country as well as programme officials from key industry leaders in other countries which have already developed, or are developing UAVs,” explained Davidson.

The UAV pavilion at Dubai 2005 will join other vertical arenas, including a dedicated helicopter pavilion and a training and simulation pavilion which is currently under feasibility study.

“These are part of a number of new initiatives being introduced to the Dubai air show to ensure it retains its reputation for being a true aviation business forum generating substantial returns for exhibitor and visitor alike,” said Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Group, F&E. “The involvement of AUVSI is a particular welcome development as the association’s forums are the best resource for simply learning about unmanned systems or keeping abreast of the latest programme and technology updates.”

Dubai 2005, which will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 20-24, next year. The show is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces.

Special Economic Zone in New Bombay

A proposal received from the Government of Maharashtra for setting up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Dronagiri, Navi Mumbai has been approved on 15/02/2002. The SEZ is being promoted by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO) over a total area of 4377 hectares at an estimated cost of Rs. 6359 crore.CIDCO has since finalised a strategic partner for the project and financial closure is expected to be achieved by January 2005.This was stated by Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.

WAFI COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLS MID EAST’S FIRST LARGE FORMAT OUTDOOR SCROLLING BILLBOARD FOR DSS

July 20, 2004

Wafi Communications, formerly known as APS Advertising, has installed the Middle East’s first large format outdoor scrolling billboard for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). The four-sided 10 metre by 3.5 metre unit, placed near Dubai’s Garhoud bridge, highlights this year’s promotions and key sponsors for DSS. “Research conducted in the United States has shown moving boards have more impact than stationary ones,” said Richard Billington, General Manager, Wafi Communications.

“We have created a landmark site for DSS, by introducing two products at the same time, the scrolling billboard and the 3-Dimensional seven-metre high ‘Modhesh’, which has been manufactured at Wafi Communications’ new Al Quoz facility.

“The ‘Modhesh’ element ensures the billboard will be noticed by travellers along the route,” added Billington.‘Modhesh’ has been made using a mix of expanded polystyrene and a unique hardened coating which has steel supports inside. “We have introduced a substitute to conventional concrete, glass reinforced concrete (GRC) and fibreglass models. It is lightweight, extremely durable and is used throughout most of the major theme parks in North America including Disneyworld,” added Billington.

Wafi Communications’ new 3D division specialises in manufacturing permanent creations for theme parks, hotels, retail environments, museums and the advertising sectors.The company’s outdoor media contracts include the large billboards on the outside of Wafi City Mall. Wafi Communications is part of the Wafi Group, which has diversified interests including retail, leisure, real estate, transport, construction, engineering and shipping.Caption: The Middle East’s first large format outdoor scrolling billboard.

STATEMENT OF SHRI ARJUN SINGH, MINISTER FOR HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN LOK SABHA ON NCERT TEXT-BOOKS OF HISTORY

Following is the text of the statement of Shri Arjun Singh, Minister for Human Resource Development in Lok Sabha today on NCERT text-books of history:“While answering the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 106 on 13th July, 2004, I had reported on the findings of the panel of three eminent historians, on the text books of History prepared by the NCERT. I had then promised that the recommendations of the panel will be put up for consideration of the Executive Committee (EC) of the NCERT and had hoped that the EC will no doubt keep the interest of students as their foremost concern.

The report of the panel was accordingly considered by the EC for two days and they have taken the following decisions:-

The Executive Committee accepted the report of the Committee of the Historians, Prof. S. Settar, Prof. J.S. Grewal and Prof. Barun De in so far as their finding that the history books were biased, badly written and full of inaccuracies rendering them unsuitable for continuation.

In view of the above, it was decided that from the academic session 2005-06, the earlier books of history will be restored with appropriate modifications in line with the existing curriculum and minor corrections wherever required.

Because of the already advanced stage of the current academic session, it was, unfortunately, not practical to change all the books at this stage. It was, however, decided that the NCERT text books which were replaced by present text books will be printed in sufficient numbers to enable at least 5 copies to be sent free to each school taking the CBSE syllabus. These books would also be available in the market for purchase. These books could be used by teachers and students for reference.

A series of workshops and training would be organized for teachers to help them transact the curriculum with the current text books and reference to the old books, for a proper understanding of the issues in class room teaching.

A short advisory should be expeditiously issued by the NCERT in close consultation with school teachers and historians to help them develop an appropriate perspective in teaching.

In accordance with these decisions, the HRD Ministry will issue appropriate directions to the CBSE to suitably guide the question paper setters and evaluators. The NCERT and CBSE could constitute joint teams for this purpose.

The NCERT will forthwith take-up the revision of the National Curriculum Framework in conformity with all the laid down and by conventionally established procedures.

The Committee was also deeply concerned about the quality and content of text books other than in History. While it expected that the proposed curriculum framework review will take care of the concerns in the medium term it was important that all the text books are subjected through a quick review to take corrective steps wherever required, before the next academic session.

The Director, NCERT is authorized to work out all the operational details for effective and timely implementation of the above decisions.”

The Government are in agreement with the decisions of the Executive Committee of the NCERT. I understand the anguish of the Hon’ble members of this House, and more acutely aware of the anxieties of students, teachers and the parents of children on this issues. The Executive Committee of the NCERT have deliberated on this issue in great depth and full understanding of the issues. They have given their decision, which is optimum and comprehensive in the given circumstances. We hope that such a sorry episode in our academic history will help us to evolve a consensus by which the sanctity of academic institutions and processes are not compromised and no one is allowed to cynically play with the future of our children and diminish in any way, the idea of India that took shape during our freedom struggle and is so sacredly enshrined in the Constitution of India”.