Ducab Supplies Cables to Kuwait Oil Company's key Effluent Water Disposal
Plant ProjectDucab signs AED 24 million contract with leading Korean EPC Company for
the projectJuly 30, 2004
Ducab, the leading manufacturers of high quality power cables in the UAE,
has recently been awarded a contract valued at AED 24 million by Daelim
Industrial Co Ltd, a leading Engineering, Procurement and Construction
company in Korea, for the supply of Power and Control cables for KOC's
key Effluent Water Disposal Plant project .Announcing the contract, Colin Paskins, Managing Director, Ducab, said,
"Since its inception in 1979, Ducab has established a tradition that combines
a high degree of quality assurance with cutting-edge technological innovations
to deliver cable solutions at par with global standards of excellence.
With this contract, Ducab reconfirms its position as the preferred partner
for Oil, Gas and Petrochemical projects in the Middle East."Under the terms of the contract, Ducab will supply 6.35/11 kV Lead sheathed
Power cables and Pilot cables for the Project in Southeast Kuwait. The
contract was won by Ducab amidst stiff competition from other GCC & international
cable manufacturers through a stringent selection process by KOC."Ducab's uncompromising quality focus, timely delivery and strategic location
ultimately won the project" said S I Chang, President, Sangmin Consultancy
Trading, a leading Korean EPC Consultancy and Consultants for the KOC project."OGP projects are extremely vital to the growth of the oil industry, which
in turn ensures a vibrant world economy. These projects must be executed
with extreme care and the use of immaculate components is of prime concern
to any contractor. The combination of assured quality and prompt delivery
schedules made the company the ideal choice for KOC's Effluent Water Disposal
project." explained Yasser Hussein, OGP & Exports Manager, DucabThe competitive bidding for the project was co-ordinated through Rezayat,
Ducab's business associate in Kuwait. With the award of the contract in
Kuwait, Ducab has yet another prestigious OGP project in the Middle East
markets.Ducab is ideally located to meet the varied needs of customers in the Middle
East, Africa, South and East Asian markets. In 2003, Ducab registered an
impressive growth marked by a successful entry into the Sub Continent and
Tanzanian markets with stellar orders. Currently, Ducab is going through
a major expansion phase, with a new facility coming up in Abu Dhabi. The
subsequent increase in capacity will drive an increase in the company's
already substantial market share..
Established in 1979, Dubai Cable Company (Private) Ltd. (Ducab) is the
first purpose-built cable manufacturing company in the UAE and is equally
owned by the Government of Dubai and Government of Abu Dhabi. Its product
range covers low voltage power cables, control and auxiliary cables, wiring
and lead-sheathed cables, Ducab Powerplus medium voltage cables (up to
33 kV) and Ducab Smokemaster, low smoke and fume zero halogen cables. Ducab
is also well known as the distributor of Ducab Connect cable accessories.
Ducab has always emphasized on quality in its organisation and is certified
to ISO 9000: 2000 quality management systems and ISO 14001 environment
protection systems. A two-time winner of the Dubai Quality Award (1994
and 1998). It has implemented manufacturing and business excellence programs
involving benchmarking with the world's best practices.
Teflon found in non-stick cookware hazardousWashington July 29: The chemical Teflon found on non-stick cookware could be prove to be hazardous says 'Enivironmental Science and Technology' journal. This chemical could be dangerous for the human body and has caused cancer and other problems in lab animals. Teflon has been found in the human blood in people from Asia, North and South America and Europe. Research studies proved that Teflon chemicals never breakdown in the environment and therefore could be risky for health. -Keralamonitor.com
PM left for Bangkok to attend first BIMST-EC summit
New Delhi Jul 29: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today left on a three-day visit to Bangkok to participate in the first BIMST-EC summit hosted by Thailand. This is his first official trip outside the country after becoming PM. " It will give political thrust and political direction to the ongoing process of strengthening regional cooperation among the countries," he told reporters. "BIMST-EC, comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan, is intended to strengthen regional cooperation among countries on the rim of or those seeking access to the Bay of Bengal.", he said.
"BIMST-EC acts as a bridge of mutual understanding and cooperation between South and South East Asia. It is an integral part of India's 'Look East' policy. The developmental imperatives of our North Eastern region are also an important element of our approach to BIMST-EC. The main objectives of the Summit are to provide political direction and impetus to regional co-operation and to explore the possibility of moving forward on specific projects that would strengthen regional integration through better inter-connectivity amongst BIMST-EC countries, and to realise the full potential of co-operation in the fields of trade and investment, technology, transportation, communication, energy, tourism and fisheries. India hopes that the Summit discussions will be productive and result oriented. The objective is also to realize the common vision of shared prosperity and growth in our region.
I also look forward to a number of bilateral meetings in Bangkok, with Thailand, the host country, as well as Heads of State/Government of other participating countries, all close neighbours and friends of India, on the margins of the BIMST-EC Summit." he said. -Keralamonitor.com
Four new ASGs appointedNew Delhi Jul 29: Central government today appointed four new Additional Solicitor Generals (ASGs) to present the government in various cases before the courts. The newly appointed ASGs are senior advocates R Mohan, Mohan Parasaran, K P Pathak to the supreme court and B A Desai to the Bombay High Court. R. Mohan and Mohan Parasaran are both from Tamil Nadu while Pathak is from Assam. At present Milon Banerjee is the Attorney General and Goolanhussein E Vahanvatti is the Solicitor General. -Keralamonitor.com
Statue of JRD Tata unveiled in Mumbai
Mumbai Jul 29: On the occasion of the birth centenary of JRD Tata, the founder of Tata Airlines, a statue of his was unveiled today by Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel at old airport premises of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here. The statue is seven-feet three-inch tall and is made of fibreglass. J J Irani, Director of Tata Sons, Union Civil Aviation Secretary Ajay Prasad, Air India Chairman and Managing Director V Thulasidas and former Director (engineering) of Air India M S Balasubramanium attended the function. -Keralamonitor.com
E-governance in municipalities
July 29: Various urban local bodies in India have started e-governance initiatives that aim to provide services of the Urban Local Bodies in a transparent and more accessible manner to all citizens. Visakhapatnam, which has taken the lead in these efforts, has many basic services online, including tap connection status, status of garbage pick-ups, sanitation tenders, and building plan status. Hyderabad has introduced accrual based accounting and management information systems, and has also implemented initiatives with regard to property tax, grievance redressal and e-procurement,. Bangalore has introduced a comprehensive, ward-wise management information system that includes a self-assessment property tax component and information available to the public on the city's budget. Bangalore has also successfully shifted to a fund based double entry accrual based accounting system and introduced a management information system. Coimbatore has computerized its database for property taxes and water charges, based upon which it has developed an: accounting module; management module; work flow module; and, grievance reprisal module. Surat Municipal Corporation has introduced an award-winning system for citizen complaints reprisal. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has introduced an online system for self-assessment of property tax, a grievance cell, and service tendering. Jabalpur has developed a management information system, based upon which the city has improved its resources mobilization.National Mission Mode Project on e-Governance in Municipalities
The Ministry of Urban Development's National Mission Mode Project on e-governance hopes to draw upon lessons learnt regarding implementation and design issues from the various initiatives already on the ground, and plans to systematically integrate and build upon the various components and lessons from the same. Under the Mission Mode Project, e-governance is understood to include both Enterprise Resource Planning (including financial controls, operational management, analysis and reporting) and Citizen Relationship Management. Further the Mission Mode Project hopes to draw lessons from the implementation support provided at the state level where such initiatives have already been launched. This learning is to be integrated while developing the Project's implementation plan and for achieving any potential savings through sharing of hardware infrastructure and software development.
In August 2002 the Government of India announced that it would implement a comprehensive programme to accelerate e-governance at all levels of the government to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability at the government-citizen interface. As an initial step, the Prime Minister's Office set up a high-powered Task Force on IT and Software Development.
The Government of India subsequently approved the National e-governance Action Plan for implementation during 2003-07. The National e-Governance Action Plan has identified the formulation of various Mission Mode Projects in e-governance, including one for municipalities under the responsibility of the Ministry of Urban Development. -Keralamonitor.com
Rolling trophies for the best marching contigent presented
July 29: The Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the rolling trophies for the best marching contingent of the Republic Day Parade 2004 here today.Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister recalled India's freedom struggle. Shri Mukherjee said that Republic Day in an occasion when we can showcase our achievement different fields. Complimenting the Armed Forces, for their valour and sacrifice, he said that this is an occasion when countrymen should pay their homage to the brave who offered their today for our tomorrow.
The Rolling Trophy in the services category was awarded to the Sikh Light Infantry while the Trophy for the Para Military and Police category went to the Indo Tibetan Border Police. Lt Raman Sharma and Deputy Commandant Angad Prasad Yadav, Contingent Commanders received trophies on behalf of the Sikh Light Infantry and Indo-Tibetan Border Police respectively. The Rolling Trophies instituted in 1987 are given every year to the best marching contingents. -Keralamonitor.com
President favours a standing committee on School syllabus
July 29: The President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam has called for designing of holistic education based on values for school children. Speaking at the valedictory function of Platinum Jubilee Year celebration of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) here yesterday, Dr. Kalam also emphasised the need for having a complete relook at the present day evaluation system. He suggested that education should be a comprehensive and need based according to time. The President cautioned that syllabus for school education should have consistency and should not be part of any motives. He suggested the formation of a standing body by the Government.
The President also highlighted the importance of technological inputs for imparting education to solve the deficiency of good teachers in the remote areas of the country. He asked CBSE to plan a programme for teachers and students for their empowerment at all levels. Dr. Kalam also suggested to CBSE to find out the feasibility of introducing 'Open Book System' in the examination to encourage regular study of the book and creativity in education. To solve the leakage of question papers he suggested digitalised form of question papers.
He applauded the role of CBSE in school education and said that CBSE should also give more attention to job oriented courses and new subject areas in their curriculum.
Speaking on the occasion the Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Arjun Singh appreciated the role of CBSE and said that CBSE had achieved several milestones in the field of education. He also agreed that present curriculum structure requires further rethinking besides making education more vocationally-oriented.
The HRD Minister also said that universalisation of primary education in the country now graduate to universalisation of secondary education.
Mohd. Ali Ashraf Fatmi, Minister of State for Human Resource Development said that empowerment of teachers is important. He suggested that CBSE could plan to establish Teachers Resource Centres for their empowerment. He also urged that CBSE should take extra care to look after the educational necessity of students of underprivileged class of the society.
The Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Kanti Singh appreciated the CBSE in imparting quality education. She also suggested that CBSE has to play a significant role in making school education gender sensitive and stress free.
The President gave away prizes to twelve students for their excellence in a painting competition organised by the CBSE on disaster management.
Shri B.S Baswan, Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education, in the Ministry of HRD and and Shri Ashok Ganguli, Chairman, CBSE also spoke on the occasion. -Keralamonitor.com
Measures for containing accidents at level crossings
July 29: Indian Railways have taken several steps for prevention of accidents at unmanned level crossings caused by road users.There are 19000 unmanned level crossings across the country.
Measures taken include provision of pre-warning signals for road users, launching of periodic safety drives to check the alertness of train drivers and their mandatory whistling, periodic publicity drives for educating road users through various means and involving the media, the village panchayats and other local bodies.
Besides, joint ambush checks with civil authorities are conducted to nab errant vehicle drivers under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Railways Act, 1989.
Whistle Boards along the tracks for trains, speed breakers and rumble strips for road users are also provided.
In addition, unmanned level crossings are manned in a phased manner, vulnerable level crossings being given priority, depending upon the volume and the nature of rail and road traffic at level crossing and visibility conditions.
A system of digital axle detection based Train Actuated Warning Device has also been introduced for trials at some level crossing gates to warn road users about an approaching trains.
Unmanned level crossing accidents, caused by the road users, result in heavy toll of road users. During the first quarter of the current fiscal year ending June 2004, 36 road users were killed and 100 injured in 18 unmanned level crossing accidents. In 2003-2004, 132 road users were killed and 156 injured in 86 accidents. In 2002-2003, 147 road users were killed and 193 injured in 82 accidents.
During 2001-2002, 163 road users were killed and 197 injured in 80 accidents. -Keralamonitor.com
Streamlining of railway purchasesJuly 29: Indian Railways have set in motion introduction of a number of system improvements in purchases to enhance the level of transparency and plug loopholes.
Procurement calendar, tender notices, tender documents for all open tenders in down-loadable format and details of high value contract finalized by the Zonal Railways are being put on website of the concerned Zonal Railways
Besides, latest global system of electronic procurement (e-procurement) is being introduced on the Zonal Railways. Under this system, procurement of items uses web-based technology.
A pilot project for implementing e-procurement on Northern Railway has been approved. On its successful implementation, it will be extended to other Zonal Railways as well.
Further, Material Management Information System (MMIS) incorporating online exchange of information and material management, introduced recently, is being extended to all Zonal Railways for effective material and inventory management. -Keralamonitor.com
Decrease in vulture populationJuly 29: A survey conducted by the Bombay Natural History Society under a special project sponsored in the year 2000 by the Ministry of Environment & Forests revealed that there has been more than 90 percent decline in the populations of three species of vultures viz., white backed, long billed and slender billed in many parts of the country.
Subsequently, post mortem and diagnostic tests revealed that this drastic decline was due to consumption of veterinary diclofenace by the vultures who fed on carcasses of livestock. Veterinary diclofenac caused deposition of uric acid in the visceral organs leading to sudden death. The steps taken in this regard by the Government are as follows:-
1) Protection status of while backed, long billed and slender billed vultures has been upgraded from Schedule IV to Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
2) Two workshops were organised in New Delhi in September 2000 and April, 2004 to work out a comprehensive strategy for conservation of vultures.
3) The State Governments have been asked to workout a comprehensive plan for effective conservation of vultures.
4) Bombay Natural History Society in collaboration with the Haryana State Forest Department has taken up a project on conservation of vultures. A 'Vulture Captive Care Facility' has been established in Panchkula.
5) The Ministry of Health has been requested to replace the use of the drug diclofenac with suitable alternative drugs. -Keralamonitor.com
Food Ministry plans more foodgrains stocking in drought affected areasJuly 29: Food Ministry has planned better stocking of foodgrains in the drought affected States on a priority basis. Shri S.K. Tuteja, Secretary, Department of Food has instructed Food Corporation of India (FCI) to maintain a minimum stock of three months' requirement in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Maharasthra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Some additional rakes have been planned in this month itself for Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan are also been inducted with additional stock of foodgrains. Nearly 35 per cent of the rakes loaded ex-North so far in this month have been to these four states.
The total stocks of foodgrains in the central pool as on the 1st July were 299.15 lakh tonnes comprising 191.5 lakh tonnes of wheat and 107.6 lakh tonnes of rice. This is well above the buffer norm for 1st July of 243 lakh tonnes (143 lakh tonnes of wheat and 100 lakh tonnes of rice). -Keralamonitor.com
ICAR issues advisories for flood-hit areas
July 29: ICAR has issued advisories for the benefit of farmers in flood-hit areas. It has suggested that immediately after receding of floods, toria may be sown for which seeds are easily available. Lentil, Rajmash, Lathyrus, Chick-pea and Linseed should be sown between 15th October and 15th November. Sunflower varieties and hybrids should be sown in large continuous areas to reduce damage by birds. Autumn planting of sugarcane with intercrop of maize and mustard can also be resorted to. Zero tillage should be followed wherever possible. ICAR has also made recommendations for livestock management in the flood-hit areas. The details are available on ICAR's website, www.icar.org.in -Keralamonitor.com
Interpol News
Interpol gains international accreditation for data protection
July 28: Interpol has recently created a new section in its website for the Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files (CCF). The Commission is an independent body, whose existence and role are enshrined in the Organization's basic texts. Its remit is threefold: it is responsible for dealing with requests for access to Interpol's files, supervising Interpol's application of data protection rules, and advising the Organization on any procedures or rules on the processing of personal information. The CCF therefore has unrestricted access to the Organization's files.
In September 2003, the CCF was accredited at the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners in Sydney. This recognition is proof that Interpol's data protection rules comply with international standards.
The Organization provides the CCF with assistance in the exercise of its remit. The effective operation of the Commission is dependent upon reciprocal co-operation with the General Secretariat, which must be carried out without affecting the Commission's independence. But the Commission's effectiveness for Interpol and international police co-operation is also closely linked to co-operation with the National Central Bureaus. This dynamic interaction is an important element in guaranteeing the quality of information processed via Interpol channels and hence the effectiveness of international police co-operation. -Keralamonitor.com
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