KERALAMONITOR.COM NEWS
- GCC Mass Transport Systems. Global Transportation Experts to gather in Dubai
- US$12.5M Calm Buoy to be Ready in August to Make Fujiarah World's Biggest Bunkering Hub
- Souqalkhaleej.net announces partnership with Bolero MENA
- Dubai To host Middle East's largest Medical Conference Series
- Tribal sub-plan fund misuse rocks State Assembly.
- Development work at Trivandrum airport to begin soon: Sivakumar
- Pandamonium, walkout in Kerala assembly over boat tragedy
- DRC: Volcanologists say risk exists of Nyiragongo eruption
- South African Nurses Slam British Plans to test expatriate health workers
- SUDAN: Three aid workers missing, one killed
- BSA Hails UAE as Regional Standard Bearer of IP Rights
- Leading Regional Technology Publisher Moves to Jordan
- IBM technology gives new Hondas a voice
- Focus on primary education in Ethiopia
- Illicit Tobacco Trade Contributes to Global Disease Burden
- G E Shipping Q1 FY 02-03 , Revenue at Rs. 2313.3 mn. dips by 32.5%.
- Profitability of premium segment hotels is expected to decline in the medium term
- Special Parker pen commemorating Queen Elizabeth's Accession launched in the Middle East Rs. 235 crores Escorts completes divestment programme in non-core areas
- Senior Australian parliamentarians visit the Gulf
- Emirates Neon Backs Dubai Muncipality Crackdown on illegal Advertisements.
- U.S. Robotics Appoints Aptec as Distributor in Lebanon Market
- 3rd batch of Korean students complete their course at APTECH
- Focus on primary education
- Cambodia and ADB Sign partnership to fight poverty
- T.V.Chandran
- Dany" (Malayalam) by T.V.Chandran, Diary of A Housewife, "Kanavu Malailekku" (Malayalam) selected for Indian Panorma 2002.
- LOK SABHA
- July 31, 2002.
- The Government has identified certain projects which are being executed on a fast pace. In October 2001, 92 major projects, with an outlay of Rs. 100 crore and above each, were identified for accelerated implementation. Of these, 27 projects with an aggregate cost of Rs. 11,263 crore have been completed upto June 2002. This information was given in Lok Sabha today by Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Vijay Goel in reply to a question by Sadashivrao Dadoba Mandlik and C.N.Singh.
Lok Sabha -Misuse of Madrassas, Modernization of Central Para-Military Forces
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
The Government have received reports regarding the misuse of some Madarsas along the Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal borders for illegal activities. Though there are no specific inputs with regard to Pakistan’s ISI being actively involved in these, this cannot be ruled out. The State Governments have been advised to take action under the provisions of the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988, wherever such places of worship/religious instructions are found to be indulging in illegal activities in violation of the Act, said the Minister of State for Home Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Modernization of Central Para-Military Forces is a continuous exercise. During the last few years, keeping in view the possession of ultra modern weapons by the terrorist infiltrators, the Government has given special attention to upgrading the strike capability of the forces by induction of modern and sophisticated weaponry and equipment. In order to provide a time perspective to the Government effort and to cope with the challenge of increased militant and terrorist activities, a Five year perspective modernization plan has been formulated for the period 2001-2005 which is being implemented in a phased manner, said the Minister of State for Home Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao in the Lok Sabha today.
TopUS$12.5M Calm Buoy to be Ready in August to Make Fujiarah World's Biggest Bunkering Hub
Dubai --July 31, 2002.keralamonitor.com
Construction is nearing completion of the US$12.5 million calm buoy
(single point mooring or SPM) contracted by Emirates National Oil
Company Limited (ENOC) LLC for the expansion of its Vopak ENOC Fujairah
Ltd subsidiary.Being built in Abu Dhabi's GPC yard by Consortium Partners Bluewater &
Va Oord ACZ of the Netherlands, the SPM will be ocean-towed to Fujairah
and will be fully operational by the end of next month."It will meet increased demand and optimise asset utilisation while
bringing us closer to our goal of establishing Fujairah as the world's
leading bunkering centre," said Hussain Sultan, ENOC Group Chief
Executive & Board Member."It follows back-to-back investments in the facility, which have seen
its capacity grow from 500,000 cubic metres in 1998 to over 800,000
cubic metres this year," he added.The turret type calm buoy consists of a pipeline end manifold, two 24''
submerged pipelines and floating hoses and will allow the terminal to
handle ships of up to Suezmax size, 175,000 DWT, for discharging and
loading at higher pump rates."This will mean faster turnarounds and lower demurrage charges, making
the facility a much more competitive and attractive proposition to the
regional and international shipping industry," said Sultan, who attended
an open day in Abu Dhabi organised by Bluewater Project Manager Anton
Den Boer. Captain Tameer Masoud, Harbour Master Fujairah Port also made
the trip to the UAE capital to assess the progress.TopSouqalkhaleej.net announces partnership with Bolero MENA
Alliance to provide the GCC business community with an advanced global electronic trading system that will change the way business is doneJuly 31, 2002
Dubai --Souqalkhaleej.net, the first common e-marketplace endorsed by the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FGCCC), has recently announced its strategic alliance with Bolero Middle East & North Africa. The partnership will provide member organisations of the FGCCC with unlimited access to the bolero.net system, which is the only legal, secure, electronic document transfer system designed to automate, simplify and streamline the information flow associated with global trade.
"FGCCC provides a host of business tools and other broad new services to companies in the Gulf region, to enable maximum participation in global commercial opportunities. It is to ensure more efficient supply chains and growth opportunities for the GCC based organizations that we have set up Souqalkhaleej.net, the first common e-marketplace of countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," said Abdullah Samhan, CEO, Soukalkhaleej.net. "This partnership between Souqalkhaleej.net and Bolero MENA will increase the productivity of the chambers of commerce and add tremendous value to the business community. Bolero.net will provide the chambers of commerce with great benefits that include a reduction in their administrative costs and will drastically cut down the waiting time spent by people in the queues at the Chambers' counters. It is estimated that bolero.net's international network of banks and insurance companies will enable the Chambers to provide a better service to the businesses in the region. The individual will also greatly benefit as it will minimize the hidden costs linked to daily business procedures, track and record all documents sent via bolero.net for 30 years and ensures that it will reach its intended destination. It will also play a vital role in eliminating the problem of lost mail due to bad delivery or wrong address. All these benefits will add value to the services we propose to the various businesses operating under the FGCCC's umbrella," he added.
"This alliance between Souklakhaleej.net and Bolero MENA offers the business community in the GCC access to a secure trading system of global standards, which would considerably minimize the cost of paperwork, streamline operations and greatly enhance efficiency," said Hussein Rifai, CEO, Bolero MENA. "Bolero.net allows members to electronically transfer important official documents amongst various parties in a secure and safe environment. This global system of e-trade is a unique solution as well as being simple and inexpensive to implement. The vast majority of business transactions can be facilitated and the remainder can be tailored to accommodate specific features that users may require. As a result of implementing the bolero.net system, the exchange of all trade documentation between all parties, including public authorities, can be undertaken electronically," added Rifai.
The Bolero System is built on the Core Messaging Platform (CMP), which enables users to exchange electronic trade documents via the low cost common technology of the Internet. The system is secure, is underpinned by a unique legal structure, and is maintained by a trusted third party. "Companies that have implemented the system have witnessed a reduction in discrepancies of documentation throughout the trading chain, with improved data integrity, as well as a significant reduction in document processing times and courier costs. In the case of one company, total throughput time for trade documents in the financial supply chain had been reduced from some 20 days to 3-5 days. Bolero.net's focus on standards, its open infrastructure and its enhanced business and technical security principles are intended to provide time efficiencies and better business processes and information exchange all across the international trade chain," said Rifai.
With a widespread membership of 30 chambers of commerce from across the region, covering more than 500,000 companies, the FGCCC has the necessary reach and scope to implement bolero.net. Creating and processing cross-jurisdictional documentation can be alarmingly expensive. In the case of the bill of lading for example, what starts out as a trivial cost ends up accounting for nearly 20 per cent of the total administration costs for a given transaction. Current estimates are that some 60 per cent of trade documentation suffers from some form of error or discrepancy. Employing a central hub to match automatically and reconcile this array of documentation, replacing manual processes, can yield significant gains in the time and costs of administration, as well as reduction in the associated float.
Soukalkhaleej.net provides shared resources that allow members access to a wide range of services. The four main ones consist of a comprehensive central database for the six countries made up of a 500,000-company database, a businessperson database that will capture information for the whole region and a products database.The Business Opportunities service will inform companies about auctions, tenders and other offers. There will be an Authentication mechanism offered for both companies and business people and, last but not least, Soukalkhaleej.net will offer an Electronic Document Transfer service, which will be undertaken by bolero.net. This full range of Chamber services will be available at the press of a button, providing simple and immediate access to the business community and closing the trading cycle across the region. The broad service offerings of Souqalkhaleej.net include activities outside the concept of the traditional trading environment and its support by a trusted network of national and regional chambers of commerce and industry adds to its unique value proposition.
A recent road show in May and June of this year allowed the top executives of the FGCCC and Soukalkhaleej.net to meet with the major chambers of commerce and receive their input and remarks on the project as a whole. To further build on the results of the road show, the Advisory Board - which consists of the major Chambers of Commerce - will hold their first meeting in September 2002 to discuss their strategic vision prior to the official launch of Soukalkhaleej.net in October.
Bolero MENA, a joint venture between Eastern Networks, Bolero International and Al Mal Group of Kuwait, was launched in May 2002 to boost electronic trade in 21 countries in the region, by offering the highly respected bolero.net System from Bolero International, the global company that provides a secure electronic document transfer for global trade. Bolero MENA is based at Dubai Internet City with four regional offices in Cairo, Riyadh, Amman and Istanbul. Bolero International Ltd was set up in 1998 to provide a secure, electronic document transfer system to automate, simplify and streamline the information flow associated with global trade. Over the past two years, over 500 companies and industry organizations around the world have worked together to review the functional and legal capabilities of the Bolero service.
TopDubai To host Middle East's largest Medical Conference Series
Dubai --July 31, 2002 keralamonitor.com
Dubai is to host the Middle East's largest series of health care conferences in January, with over 40 leading experts from the USA, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia addressing key medical issues and the latest advances in patient care.
The International Arab Health Congress, to be held alongside Arab Health 2003 - the region's premier hospital, medical equipment and services exhibition - will feature five dedicated medical conferences: the e Health symposium; Health Management; Robotics - surgery of the future, that will include live demonstrations of robot assisted surgery and Diseases of Emerging Economies, comprising two conferences - Obesity and Diabetes and Infectious Diseases.
The Congress is being organised by IIR Exhibitions, in association with Saudi Arabia's King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre System (KFSH&RCS); the World Health Organisation and the WorldCare Consortium, that brings together several leading US hospitals, including John Hopkins Medicine, Duke University, the Cleveland Clinic and Massachusetts General.
Critical issues to be discussed include: the impact of the Internet and computer networks on healthcare; the use of robotics in surgery; the growing regional threat of AIDS, TB, obesity and diabetes; infection control techniques; advances in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery; the increasing cost of providing quality healthcare; privatisation of regional healthcare providers and public-private partnerships in healthcare deliveries and the challenges of mass health insurance.
"The greatly enlarged conference programme will ensure Arab Health remains the premier industry forum for the latest medical thinking and research," said John Hassett, Exhibitions Director, Healthcare Division, IIR Exhibitions.
"The speakers, all of whom will be at the forefront of developing and delivering healthcare solutions, will provide invaluable insights into the future of regional medicare."
Dr Fahad Al Orifi, Director eHealth Centre, Health Outreach and Business Affairs, KFSH&RCS said Congress topics had been selected after in-depth studies and discussions with leading regional medical experts.
"It will be an outstanding opportunity for the healthcare industry to discuss, review and exchange information on the latest trends in patient treatment ," Dr Al Orifi said.
"The Congress, that will be attended by the Middle East’s top health professionals, will act as a regional catalyst and dramatically enhance the clinical practice of physicians in their management of common diseases and injuries."
The Middle East Imaging and Diagnostic Conference, organised by the UAE’s Ministry of Health, will also be held in conjunction with Arab Health 2003, that will take place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC), from January 26-29.
To date, 18 national pavilions have been confirmed, including first-time group participation by Saudi Arabia. Other exhibitors, contracted so far, come from 24 countries across the USA, Europe, Scandinavia, the Far and Middle East, as well as the Indian Sub-continent.
Arab Health 2003, that will span six DIEC halls for the first time, will feature three specialist arenas: Pharmacy, the region’s only event dedicated to pharmacists, general practitioners and hospital medical staff; Arab Dentistry and MedLab, for laboratory and biotechnology products.
The show will see the debut of International Health Services, a dedicated event for hospitals, clinics, insurance and specialised recruitment companies involved in the expanding global market for overseas and distance healthcare facilities.
Arab Health 2003 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and is officially supported by the UAE Ministry of Health.Top
GCC Mass Transport Systems. Global Transportation Experts to gather in Dubai
Government transportation officials and industry heads from 15 countries
will meet in Dubai this October to thrash out a blueprint for improved
regional traffic management.Road safety, mass transit, Intelligent Transport Systems (I.T.S.) and
urban planning developments will be the key issues at the multi-national
Gulf Traffic Convention to be staged between October 26 - 29 at Dubai's
Crowne Plaza Hotel, alongside Gulf Traffic 2002, the region's premier
vertical exhibition for the transportation sector.To be opened by a senior Dubai government official, the convention has
attracted wide international attention as the region's traffic and
transportation infrastructure continues to grow."We anticipate that over 350 Middle East and international delegates
will attend the convention which will include 26 keynote speakers from
the GCC, the USA, the UK, Australia and Western Europe, including the
President of the European Union Road Federation," said Anca Westley,
Senior Conference Manager, IIR Exhibitions and Conferences, the event's organiser.Over US$300 million in I.T.S. investment alone is in the pipeline across
the GCC for the next five to 10 years, according to Wilbur Smith
Associates (WSA), a leading international consulting firm and among the
event's sponsors."The region's road and transportation sector is expanding faster than
anywhere else in the world with an abundance of roadway network and
public transit projects," said Glenn Havinoviski, Vice President,
Transportation Technology and Operations, WSADay One of the conference will focus on the future of mass transit in
the Middle East and will include a joint presentation from Dr.
Abdelgader Elshabani, Transportation Planning Specialist, Dubai
Municipality, UAE and Kenneth Sislak, Vice President, Director of Public
Transport, WSA, highlighting Dubai's elevated rail project."Dubai has recently announced its intention to create a railway system
to combat road traffic which is estimated to triple by 2017," said
Westley."Road traffic pressure has become an issue in every major city in the
Middle East and this conference will seek to offer solutions to the problems."
Traffic safety issues in the GCC will also be highlighted on Day One and
will include the keynote presentation from Eng. Abdullah Al-Mogbel,
Deputy Minister of Communications - Roads, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."Fatal road accidents in the GCC countries cost governments billions of
dollars every year. This fact has alerted Middle East governments which
now look to invest in preventative measures and cost effective
solutions, making safety an integral part of this conference," said Westley.I.T.S. will be the focus of day two, highlights of which include
presentations from Dr. Aniceto Zaragoza, President of European Union
Road Federation (ERF), Spain, Baher Abdulhai, Assistant Professor and
Director of ITS Centre, University of Toronto, Canada and Tareq
Abu-Gharbieh, Senior Traffic and Transportation Engineer, Dubai Municipality.Day three will include an in-depth look at traffic issues affecting the
use of land and urban planning developments with speeches from Dr. Jalal
Nafakh, Director Transportation Unit, High Commission for the
Development of Riyadh, KSA and Briton Chris Bryne, Active Traffic
Management project Sponsor, Highways Agency. Sweden's Lars Nordstrand,
Business Director, AB Storstockholms Lokaltrafic, will present a case
study of Stockholm's groundbreaking integrated transport system."A fourth day has been designated for a workshop dealing with the
management and operations of I.T.S., one of the industry's hottest
issues," said Westley."Traffic and transportation is a vast industry with multiple facets and
sub sectors and at the Gulf Traffic Convention we will try to bridge the
Middle East with the best international practices and systems."Detailed information on the exhibition and the convention is available
at www.gulftraffic.com.
Pandemonium, walkout in Kerala assembly over boat tragedyJuly 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 30 - The tragic boat tragedy that killed 29 people rocked the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday and culminated in an LDF led Opposition walkout and unruly scenes in which a member got his hand fractured, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for an hour.
The House plunged into disorder when Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman refused permission to CPI legislature group leader K P Rajendran to make a statement before staging a walkout, announced by leader of Opposition V S Achuthanandan after demanding a judicial probe into the mishap in which 29 people drowned and nearly 100 were injured.
Achuthanandan had already made a statement and led his CPI(M) colleagues out of the house. When Rajendran stood up for his turn the Speaker refused him permission and asked P K K Bava (IUML) to move his calling attention motion.
The agitated Opposition benches shouted slogans and rushed menacingly towards the chair, prompting the watch and ward personnel to encircle the Speaker's podium.
When M V Jayarajan (CPI-M) and P S Supal (CPI) attempted to climb up the railings near the Speaker's podium, the watch and ward personnel tried to prevent them and in the melee Jayarajan got his right hand fractured.Immediately, the Speaker announced the adjournment of the House for one hour and left for his chamber. The Opposition members then staged a sit-in for some time in the well of the House and shouted slogans.
Jayarajan was examined by a doctor on duty. Earlier, opposing the admissibility of the adjournment motion on the boat tragedy, sought to be raised by Dr Thomas Issac (CPI-M), Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar said the boat services on the Muhamma-Kumarakom route was cancelled not for want of boats.
The Government had decided to resume services on this route after the condition of other boats were examined by a competent authority. To remove people's fears about safety, the inspector of boats had been asked to examine the remaining boats and the services would be resumed immediately if they were found to be fit enough, he said.Stating that the Water Transport Department was expected to get two fibreglass boats next month, he said one of them would be used for operating services on the route.
Kumar said a meeting of the State Cabinet on Wednesday would discuss the tragedy and a proposal to replace all the boats which had completed 25 years and to induct more fibreglass boats. The cabinet would also discuss the proposal to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the tragedy and induct more boats in the department's fleet to remove the hardships of people depending on water transport, he added.Intervening, Finance Minister K Sankaranarayanan said the cabinet meeting would take a decision on inquiry into the boat tragedy. He said the full quantum of the ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 to the next of kin of the 29 victims would be paid immediately. A partial payment had already been made, he said. Top
Development work at Trivandrum airport to begin soon: Sivakumar
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 30 - V S Sivakumar, MP, said at a press meet the development work of Thiruvananthapuram airport would begin soon. Discussions regarding this took place in New Delhi with the Union Minister of Aviation Shanawas Hussain.
Prominent leaders like Varkala Radhakrishnan, civil aviation secretary Roy Paul, airport authority planning member Ramalingam took part in the meet held on July 25 at Rajeev Gandhi Bhavan. A memorandum with the signature of ten MPs from the state has been submitted to the union minister.
The demands put forward to the minister were that the Thiruvananthapuram airport should reach the level of an international airport and for that all steps should be taken, all cancelled services should resume, start jumbo services and the cargo services should be equal compared to other airports. All these demands have risen in the Parliament on July 24 itself.
The union minister said that he would take all steps to develop the airport here in Thiruvananthapuram. After having discussions with the chief minister, the final decision regarding this would be taken.
Civil aviation secretary Roy Paul and airport authority planning section member Ramalingam will reach the state on August 5 to attend the Thiruvananthapuram Airport Development Society meet which will be presided over by Chief Minister A K Antony. Top
Tribal sub-plan fund misuse rocks State Assembly
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 30 - Noisy scenes were witnessed in the Kerala Assembly today with the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) Opposition members rushing to the well demanding the resignation of State Backward Classes and Scheduled Communities Minister Dr M A Kuttappan, over the alleged irregularities of tribal sub-plan fund utilisation leading to early adjournment of the House.When the House re-assembled after an hour of adjournment over an issue connected with the Kumarakom boat tragedy, the Opposition raised the issue and demanded a judicial inquiry.
Kuttappan said the officials had kept in their hands unspent money even during the previous LDF regime and also presented documents to prove this. He said amounts were kept with good intention and no irregularities had taken place in the process.
Irate Opposition members disputed the contents of the document presented by the minister and said during the LDF rule the unspent money was kept in a separate Treasury personal account (TPA) and not in the hands of officials or joint accounts of beneficiaries and officials.
They rushed and squatted on the well demanding the resignation of the minister till the House was adjourned after passing the supplementary demands for grants of Rs 471.72 crore for 2002-2003.
Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan wanted to know from the government whether all the unspent tribal fund for the last financial year had been re-deposited in the treasury.
The Finance Minister had on July 18 assured the House that remaining amounts with the tribal extension officials would be returned to the treasury.
Achuthanandan said the government was not keeping its promise in the matter and demanded a judicial enquiry into the whole issue. The Opposition alleged that the unspent tribal sub-plan fund to the tune of Rs 18 crore for the last financial year after March 31 kept in the hand of tribal officials violating the financial code.The government stated that an enquiry into the issue by the chief secretary was progressing and action would be taken against officials found guilty in the matter. Top
Dany" (Malayalam) by T.V.Chandran, Diary of A Housewife, "Kanavu Malailekku" (Malayalam) selected for Indian Panorma 2002.
"DWEEPA" & "CHANDNI BAR" AMONG 20 FEATURE FILMS SELECTED FOR INDIAN PANORAMA-2002
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
The 49th National Award winning films "Dweepa" and "Chandni Bar" are among the 20 Indian feature films selected for Indian Panorama-2002 (feature film section) to be screened during International Film Festival of India-2002, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from October 1 to 10, 2002. The film "Dweepa" (Kannada), directed by Girish Kasaravalli, has won the National Award for best feature film of 2001 and the film "Chandni Bar" (Hindi), by Maduhr Bhandarkar has bagged the National Award for best film on social issues for the year-2001.
The other feature films, selected by the Jury for Indian Panorama-2002, are: "Aamaar Bhuvan" (Bengali) directed by Mrinal Sen, "Mitr My Friend" (English) by Asha Menon, "Baaja" (Hindi) by A.K.Bir, "Vastupurush" (Marathi) by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar, "Kannathil Muthamittal" (Tamil) by Mani Ratnam, "Konikar Ramdhenu" (Assamese) directed by Jahnu Barua, "Manda Meyer Upakhyan" (Bengali) by Buddhadeb Dasgupta, "Swaraaj" (Hindi) by Anwar Jamal, "Dany" (Malayalam) by T.V.Chandran, "Tiladaanam" (Telugu) by K.N.T.Sastry, "Show" (Telugu) by Neelakanta, "Nishad" (Hindi) by Shaji N. Karun, "Jameela" (Tamil) by Ponvannan, "Atithi" (Kannada) by P.Sheshadri, "Dil Chahta Hai" (Hindi) by Farhan Akhtar, "Hemanteer Pakki" (Bengali) by Ms. Urmi Chakraborty, "Ekti Nadir Aaam" (Bangali) by Anup Singh and "Maguni Ra Shagada" (Oriya) directed by Prafulla Mohanty. These 20 feature films were selected from 96 film entries.
Eleven films have been selected out of total 57 film entries for non-feature film section of Indian Panorama-2002. These are : "Anya Swapna" (Bengali) directed by Ashoke Vishwanathan, "A Few Things I Know About Her" (English) by Anjali Punjabiu. "The Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh" (English) by Aribam Syam Sharma, "Jorasnako Thakurbari" (English) by Buddhadeb Dasgupta, "Teejan Bai" (Hindi) by V.Packirisamy, "Diary of A Housewife" (Malayalam) by Vinod Sukumaran, "Sonal" (Hindi) by Prakash Jha, "Kanavu Malailekku" (Malayalam) by M.G.Sasi, "Mahane Mahane" (Tamil) by Thamarai Senthur Pandy, "Aayeesha" (Tamil) by B.Shivakumar and "Kalahandi" (English) directed by Goutam Ghose. Top
DRC: Volcanologists say risk exists of Nyiragongo eruption
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
NAIROBI, 30 July (IRIN) - Volcanologists monitoring seismic activity in
two volcanoes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have urged
a continued high state of vigilance on Mt Nyiragongo where fractures have
appeared on its flanks, rendering them weak and "increasing the risk of
another eruption", the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA) said.Scientists said earlier reports of huge amounts of volcanic ash emanating
from Mount Nyamuragira had not been confirmed by US National Aeronautics
and Space Administration satellite photographs and data, nor by the
situation on the ground."There is, however, a lot of sulphur-gas and acid-rain emission that could
pose a threat to livestock," OCHA said.OCHA has called a meeting with the humanitarian community to be held in
the eastern DRC town of Goma on Wednesday to discuss the overall
situation. OCHA said that in Rwanda, the UN Development Programme Disaster
Management Task Force - part of the Development Assistance Framework - had
placed the volcanoes situation high on its agenda and would be meeting to
discuss the issue. Top
SOUTHERN AFRICA: Plans to test health workers slammed
Indian Nurses take up jobs in U.K., USA, Germany.
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
JOHANNESBURG, 30 July (IRIN) - Plans to make HIV testing compulsory for
foreign health workers aiming to work in Britain were "discriminatory" and
insulting to African nurses, nursing unions said on Tuesday. "We are strongly opposed to mandatory testing because this will exacerbate the stigma of HIV positive nurses. We are worried about what will happen to them when they are found to be positive," the president of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), Ephraim Mafalo,
told IRIN."They need nurses but they turn around and introduce such measures. It's
really an insult to us," a member of Zimbabwe's Nursing Association who
asked not be named, said.Britain's Department of Health intends implementing HIV screening tests
for new nursing and health worker recruits, media reports said.The move is likely to be introduced as soon as approval is granted for the
plans, which have been forwarded to the National Health Service.With more than 300 specialist nurses leaving South Africa every month, the
country is the second biggest provider of foreign nurses to Britain. But
the migration of health professionals is not particular to South Africa.
Over the last five years there has been an increase in medical personnel
leaving the Southern African region to seek greener pastures in developed
countries.In Zimbabwe, a large number of doctors and nurses are also heading for
Britain every month, according to Zimbabwe's Nursing Association."Our nurses want to survive, they need money, and they are not being paid
enough in our country, they have no other choice but to go," the source
told IRIN.The exodus of Zimbabwe's health workers has been blamed on the country's
economic and political crisis.But DENOSA's Mafalo warned that despite poor working conditions in their
own countries, nurses were also being exploited overseas."Sometimes they [nurses] find themselves in worse situations in countries like Saudi Arabia and even Britain. It's a case of the devil you know is better than the one you don't know," he added.Mandatory pre-employment testing in South Africa was unlawful and
guidelines by the International Labour Organisation on HIV/AIDS in the
workplace discouraged such discriminatory practices, AIDS Legal Network
Training Coordinator Ncumisa Nongogo told IRIN.The potential exclusion of nurses living with HIV/AIDS would violate
principles of non-discrimination and equality, as there was no legal basis
to exclude them from working, Nongogo said."We know Southern Africa carries the burden of HIV/AIDS but we need to
show them that people living with AIDS can continue to be productive," she
added.Derek Bodell, the head of Britain's leading AIDS advocacy organisation the
National AIDS Trust, said in a statement: "People living with people
living with HIV are productive citizens who are able and should be given
the opportunity to work. Testing should not infringe on their rights to
employment nor their human rights.""The UK has a shortage of health workers and there are many well-trained
and experienced professionals from developing countries who help to fill
this gap. It may be detrimental or unhelpful to keep these professionals
from providing such a necessary service to the UK health system," he
added. TopSUDAN: Three aid workers missing, one killed
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
NAIROBI, 30 July (IRIN) - Three international aid workers working with the
Christian relief organisation, World Vision, were reported missing on
Monday and a fourth was killed during an attack in Waat, Upper Nile,
southern Sudan."After fighting in the town, one Kenyan national was killed and another
Kenyan and two Germans are missing," Alison Preston, communications
officer with World Vision told IRIN on Tuesday. "We don't know who did
this, or why," she added."We are working with the United Nations to secure their release," she
said.The German news agency DPA quoted an official from Operation Lifeline
Sudan - a consortium of UN agencies and international relief organisations
working in Sudan - as saying the attack was against a prison which was
about 100 metres behind the World Vision compound in Waat. "In the course
of the firefight, it was a stray bullet that killed the Kenyan," he said.UN and World Vision officials contacted by IRIN declined to comment on
whether the current whereabouts of the three are known. Top
Child labour rampant in cocoa sector, new study says
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
ABIDJAN, 30 July (IRIN) - Exploitative child labour is still rampant in
cocoa-producing communities of West Africa, fresh findings from a joint
study by the region's governments, the United States and other
stakeholders of the international cocoa industry, show.The study targeted Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria, where more
than 4,800 farmers, adult workers, child labourers and community leaders
were interviewed by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture
(IITA) and national research collaborators.Conducted with assistance from UNICEF and the International Labour
Organization, the study was in conformity with the Sustainable Tree Crops
Program, a public-private partnership which seeks to raise incomes and
quality of life in cocoa-producing communities without using the "worst
forms of child labor", the US Labor Department said in a news release.Child labour was defined in the study as "work that prevents children from
attending and participating effectively in school or is performed by
children under hazardous conditions that place their healthy physical,
intellectual or moral development at risk". Debt bondage, armed conflict,
commercial sexual exploitation and drug trafficking were included as "the
worst forms of child labor", IITA said.Many children were found to be involved in hazardous activities such the
use of pesticides and machetes. Family labour was the most common type of
labour and that most of the working children were below the age of 14,
with boys outnumbering girls, researchers found. Average annual income
ranged between US $30 and US $110 per household member but many children
received no pay for their work. Top3rd batch of Korean students complete their course at APTECH
APTECH hosts a convocation ceremony at BangaloreJuly 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
July 30, 2002, Bangalore: In a significant milestone, the 3rd batch of students from Sungkonghoe University, Seoul, South Korea who have come to India for computer training at APTECH under the aegis of Aptech's India Window Program, graduate today. A convocation ceremony is being held today at Bangalore to mark this significant occasion.Aptech has trained around 700 Korean students comprising of around 35 batches as on date, and currently has alliances with 7 Korean Universities including Sungkonghoe University, Woosong University, Kookmin University, Hoseo University, Joongbu University, Chungang University, Woosuk University, and Soonchunhyang University. Korean students are studying at Aptech centres across the country in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Cochin, and Hyderabad.
On the occasion, Mr V. Balasubramanian, Global IT Head, Aptech, says, “We are delighted to note that the initiative of the India Window Program has grown in leaps and bounds over the last six years. Aptech has been empanelled by the Korean Govt. and Korean Universities to teach their students. It has always been Aptech’s endeavour to provide perfectly designed modules to prepare students for a satisfying career ahead by training them in the latest technologies, and today the Korean students who are graduating from our course will equip them to pursue global careers.”
Adds Mr. V. Balasubramanian, “Our quality offerings across 52 countries has helped us create a niche for Indian training institutes abroad, which has been a key element in attracting foreign students looking for further studies to India. Aptech got the University alliance in place in a bid open to International players, the selection of Aptech amidst International competition goes far in reinforcing our expertise in the IT Training field.”
The Korean Govt.’s policy to promote its IT industry, enhancing its global competitiveness, as the demand for skilled IT professionals in Korea is expected to rise to 270,000 by 2005. The Korean Govt. is also striving to enhance cooperation in software and English language training. India’s IT and software expertise is internationally acknowledged.
The highlight of the event will be the presentation of their Bachelor’s Degree of Sungkonghoe University to this successful batch of 25 students who will receive the Aptech Professional Certificates in their respective areas of specialisation, which include Software Development, E-Commerce and Multimedia. During their 9-month stint at India these students have also attended Internships with various top notch IT companies.
Aptech’s India Window Program invites students from all over the world to come to India and get trained in the latest technologies by the pioneers of IT education in India.
Aptech’s India Window Program believes in keeping ahead of technology. Our state-of-the-art machinery and our experienced instructors offer our participants the latest technology that cuts through all the competition. Participants are provided with high speed Internet connectivity that can be used for further research work
The India Window Program provides the participants with a complete package. On successful completion of the course, participants undergo Internship with a reputed IT organisation. During the internship, the participant gets to practically utilise all the skills that he acquired in the course by working on the latest technologies. The sole objective of the internship is to give all the participants ample exposure to India's growing IT industry.
Benefits that accrue to the students are innumerable. This is a cost-effective platform for them to grow technically, culturally and socially, explore new objectives and expand horizons.The India Window Program (IWP) is being conducted across Aptech centres in Pune, Bangalore and Chennai training students from Korea, Maldives, Bangladesh, Kenya, El Salvador, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Tanzania.Aptech had tied up with the Sungkonghoe University (SKHU), South Korea in 2000 to conduct training for under graduate students. Training is imparted on Software Development, Multimedia, and E-Commerce. Top
IBM technology gives new Hondas a voice
Embedded ViaVoice Powers Navigation SystemJuly 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
July 30, 2002, Somers, NY: IBM today announced it has provided enhanced voice recognition technology for a revolutionary new navigation system that will be a feature in select 2003 model Honda Accords. With this system, drivers can ask for directions and hear responses over the existing car audio system, allowing them to easily and efficiently reach their destinations without having to look at maps or stop and ask for directions.The new Accord, completely redesigned, will include the "Touch by Voice" navigation system powered by IBM's Embedded ViaVoice technology and software developed jointly by IBM and Honda R&D. This latest in a series of deals for IBM in pervasive computing and Telematics represents IBM's ongoing commitment to deliver products that meet customer expectations in a wireless world. The new system has a vocabulary of approximately 150 English-language commands and can recognize a range of accents.
To get directions, the driver uses the "talk" button, located on the steering wheel. The system can recognize commands such as "find nearest gas station," "find nearest ATM" or "find nearest Italian restaurant." It also provides driving directions to and from any specified address or location.
The technology is integrated into the car's audio system, so driving instructions can be heard over the speakers. The Touch by Voice human voice recognition system is designed to minimize need for keyboard entry. The system also links to climate control systems for added driver convenience. The Honda Accord, one of the best-selling cars in America over the past 10 years, is all new for the 2003 model year and adds new style, performance and sophistication to the lineup. The new Accords are due to begin reaching Honda dealerships Sept. 9.
"With this system, drivers can gain access to a range of services without taking their hands off the wheel," said Robert Bienenfeld, senior manager of product planning for American Honda. "It's more advanced than anything else in the market today. IBM has over 25 years of experience in voice recognition technology, and we're delighted to be working with the forerunners in this area."
IBM Embedded ViaVoice delivers IBM speech technology to mobile devices such as smart phones, handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs), and automobile components. It supports a variety of real-time operating systems and microprocessors. The Touch by Voice system uses IBM speech technology in its command and control form of Automatic Speech Recognition that uses human speech to input commands into a mobile device. In other applications, IBM speech technology also operates in text-to-speech mode, using synthesized human speech to output text and other information from a mobile device.
"With Telematics, the car becomes part of the seamless user environment. We estimate that this sector generated US$7.2billion in telematics service and equipment revenues in the US, W. Europe and Japan in 2001, and by 2007 is expected to reach over US$23billion for Terminals shipments and services combined," said Joanne Downie, Director of Strategy Analytics In-vehicle Telematics and Multimedia Service."
"Computing is entering a phase that goes beyond the PC and into devices and places not normally associated with heavy computing power. This innovative navigation system, jointly developed by Honda and IBM, is just one example of how IBM works with our industry partners to push the envelope in the emerging area of pervasive, wireless and mobile computing, " said Raj Desai, Director, Global Automotive and Telematics Solutions.
"IBM is helping companies in the petroleum, insurance, telecommunications, heavy equipment and transportation companies, as well as governments around the world, take advantage of the new capabilities Telematics technologies offer. From hardware to software solutions to consulting expertise that can align business processes for greater efficiency and profitability, IBM is helping world-class customers like Honda break new ground." Top
G E Shipping Q1 FY 02-03 , Revenue at Rs. 2313.3 mn. dips by 32.5%.
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
The Board of Directors of The Great Eastern Shipping Company Limited (GE
Shipping) at its meeting held on July 30, 2002 approved the Unaudited
Financial Results (Provisional) for the quarter ended June 30, 2002.During the first quarter of FY 02-03, GE Shipping registered a total
income of Rs. 2313.3 mn. down by 32.5 % as compared to Rs. 3,428.3 mn.
for the quarter ended June 30, 2001. Net profit at Rs. 295.4 mn.
slipped by 53.4 % as against Rs. 634.4 mn. in the corresponding quarter
of the previous year, while interest cost as a percentage of total income
reduced to 4.05 % as compared to 4.18% for the Q1 FY 2001-02. However,
the performance needs to be viewed in context of the earnings of leading
global and domestic shipping companies.The Shipping division contributed to around 73.6 % of the revenues and
81.5 % of the profits before tax and interest for the quarter ended June
30, 2002. During this quarter earnings in both sectors of the shipping
division came under pressure with major setback being felt by the
drybulk segment. Tanker spot earnings moved southwards even though there
was a marginal drop in global tanker supply. Tanker demand fell primarily
due to continuing cut in oil supply and a fall in the tonne-mile demand.
The drybulk segment also witnessed a sharp downturn in freight rates
primarily due to increased supply of tonnage in the market.The Offshore division contributed to around 23.2 % of the revenues and
10.7 % of the profits before tax and interest for the quarter ended June
30, 2002. The earnings of the division have fallen due to a
combination of various factors including poor utilisation of certain
class of assets and lower average day rates as compared to Q1 FY
2001-02. This was partially hard felt in case of one of the two drilling
units of the Company. However, the offshore support and logistics services
showed an improved performance. During the quarter, the division took
delivery of MALAVIYA EIGHTEEN a Platform Supply Vessel and successfully
deployed it on a long term charter with ONGC. In case of the port support
and terminal services, earnings suffered mainly due to reduction in port
activities on account of imbalance between trade and availability of
tugs.The Company owns and operates a fleet of 28 ships and 31 offshore vessels
aggregating 1.33 mn. dwt. , additionally it has in chartered 2 crude
tankers for a period ranging from 3 months to 12 months. During the
quarter, a 1983 built dry bulk carrier - Handymax "Jag Radhika" and a
1985 built product tanker "Jag Pankhi " which were contracted to be sold
in the previous year were delivered. The loss and profit respectively on
account of the above sale have been reflected in the current quarters
financials.Continuing uncertainties in the global economic scenario have
significantly impacted the overall business sentiment. During the later
part of the year, the tanker and the dry bulk markets may stabilise as
some of the leading economies like the US are expected to strengthen. As
regards the offshore division, all efforts are being made to improve the
utilisation in the subsequent quarters . Whilst the role of the energy
security continues to play a vital role in determining India's E&P
strategy, seismic efforts for acreage accretion and initiating the booster
redevelopment plan will play a crucial role in the future of the offshore
business. TopFocus on primary education in Ethiopia
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
JIJIGA, 30 July (IRIN) - In southeastern Ethiopia, a woman like Sedo Osman is a rare sight. She is one of a handful of women teachers striving to get more girls into schools.
Sedo explains that she was just one of five women teachers when she was trained to work in Somali Regional State. "I would like to see more girls coming to school," she told IRIN. "But gradually the situation is changing. If I am at the front of the classroom, I can act as a role model to the girls. They can see that they too can become teachers." But the salaries for teachers – which can be as low as 180 Ethiopian birr a month (US $21) – often ensure that many do not stay in the profession for long. In Ethiopia the mountain that needs to be climbed in terms of education is enormous.
MANY STILL HAVE NO EDUCATION
According to a recent study, some 72 percent of school-age children have no access to formal education. The difference between the enrolment of boys and girls in schools is still vast, despite the fact that the federal government spends 15 per cent of the national budget on education. Dropout rates from primary schools are more than 25 percent.
Even starker is the difference between the regional states of Ethiopia. In the Somali State – with a population of around 3.6 million people - the situation is dismal. Of the 800,000 school-age children (those between the ages of seven to 14) only 10 percent make it into school. Some 1,820 teachers work in the state - one for every 440 pupils.
Fewer than one in 16 girls in the state attends any kind of schooling. The state has the lowest number of qualified teachers and, most alarmingly, the highest dropout rate in the country – close to one-third.
School attendance is growing by a tiny two percent a year. The apparent failure of the formal sector of the economy has led to interest in the informal sector, which many believe can help address some of their problems.
Sedo, 25, was trained by Save the Children Fund-UK (SCF-UK) to teach in informal schools it had built in the state. "If more females are educated they might be more able to support their families, and so the benefits will be seen," said Sedo, who teaches Somali and the Koran. "I can now support my family, and so they realise why it was important that I was educated."
She works in a school just outside her village of Agajin Libah, some 20 km from the state capital Jijiga. Under the informal scheme, she received 90 days training. SCF-UK is currently training a further 77 women teachers.
TRAINING OF TEACHERS
The Somali Regional State authorities are committed to bringing about change and boosting the numbers of teachers. So far more than 1,200 would-be teachers are receiving training. Nine educational centres have been set up for long-range learning.
Ahmed Shode of the state's education bureau told IRIN that despite the mammoth tasks ahead, the local population was beginning to recognise the importance of schools. "When we saw the capacity of our teachers compared to other regions, it was very low," he said. "So we have started to give them some training. People are now talking about education and getting the chance to learn."
A curriculum for informal education – which the education bureau believes holds the key to rapid expansion of schooling – is being replicated around the region.
EDUCATION GOALS
Education is also a central plank of the federal government’s plans. Its education and training policy aims to completely restructure and expand the education system. It is addressing education from the nursery school to the university level and is also extending its efforts to special-needs and informal education.
One of the policy's major goals is to achieve universal enrolment in primary school by 2015. This year alone, the education ministry aimed to increase enrolment from 3.1 million children to seven million. Primary school enrolment is expected to grow from 30 percent to half the school-age population. The enrolment of girls is set to grow from 38 to 45 percent.
However, the authorities and international organisations working in the education sector also face enormous hurdles. Cultural and economic factors – most people in the country have to subsist on the equivalent on a dollar a day – are major impediments. Girls often cannot attend school because they are carrying out domestic duties, such as fetching water, often over long distances.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), which is active in the education sector, tries to ensure that new schools are built close to water points and that there is access to sanitary facilities for both males and females. Such facilities act as a magnet to girls seeking education, according to UNICEF. However, some communities, such as the Somali community, are often reluctant to send girls to school.
SCF-UK, which helped the authorities in the Somali State in drawing up its informal education curriculum, has built some 20 schools providing informal education there. Each is constructed entirely by the local community at a cost of about 20,000 birr (US $2,352). Top
30 July 2002
Illicit Tobacco Trade Contributes to Global Disease BurdenJuly 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
Illicit trade in tobacco products contributes to the global death and
disease burden caused by tobacco consumption, said the World Health
Organization during an international conference on illicit tobacco trade
being held at the United Nations in New York.
Illicit trade in tobacco products is the focus of the International
Conference on Illicit Tobacco Trade (ICITT) being organized by the United
States Agency for Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). It is also one of
the many subjects covered by on-going global negotiations conducted by the
World Health Organization's 191 Member States on an international treaty
called the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
WHO says the illicit trade in tobacco products contributes to the global
rise in tobacco consumption by making cigarettes cheaper and more
accessible. This makes it more attractive, especially to people who are
price sensitive and least able to afford health care, such as young people
and the poor. It also allows cigarettes to be sold as singles instead of
in packs, for instance, or in unregulated outlets that make it more
accessible to youth.
Data show that one in two smokers will die from a tobacco-related disease.
Tobacco kills over four million people every year and by 2020, it is
estimated to kill 8.4 million people. Over 70% of these deaths will occur
in developing countries. Tobacco consumption is amongst the largest
preventable causes of death today. Bringing down this consumption rate to
save lives has been declared a public health priority by the WHO.
"WHO is very concerned about the pernicious public health effects of
tobacco smuggling on national and international tobacco control
programmes," said Dr Derek Yach, WHO's Executive Director for
Non-Communicable Diseases, at the opening session of the ICITT. "Tobacco
smuggling undermines national pricing policies, deprives governments of
revenues used to combat smoking, permits tobacco companies to subvert and
undermine international co-operation in tobacco control and, above all,
undermines legal restrictions and health regulations such as those that
deal with health warnings and sales to minors."
Illicit trade is a world wide problem, leading governments to join public
health agencies in calling for stronger measures to combat the practice.
Smuggled cigarettes account for 6% - 8.5% of global consumption, according
to the World Bank. Nearly a fifth of all cigarette production is exported.
Of that amount, almost one-third (30%) - about 355 billion cigarettes a
year - finds its way into the contraband market.
Alarmed by the rising death and disease toll of tobacco, 191 Member States
of the World Health Organization have initiated negotiations on the
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Four negotiating sessions have
been held so far, starting in October 2000. This is the first time that
the treaty-making clause in the Organization's constitution has been
invoked to address a public health issue. Among the topics covered by the
FCTC are tobacco advertising and sponsorship, smoke-free public places,
tobacco taxation, tobacco product labeling, education and research and
illicit trade in tobacco products.
The New York International Conference on Illicit Tobacco Trade will
develop approaches, and recommendations on effective measures or best
practices to address illicit tobacco trade. These recommendations will
inform the next negotiating session on the FCTC to be held in Geneva,
Switzerland in October 2002. TopProfitability of premium segment Indian hotels is expected to decline in the medium term
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
Mumbai --July 30, 2002. Hotels in the premium segment are expected to register declining profitability over the next 3 years, in spite of a double-digit growth in demand during the period. The declining profitability could be primarily attributed to the substantial capacity additions.
Demand for hotel rooms in the premium segment, increased at a CAGR of 8 per cent during the 1997-98 to 2000-01 period. The terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent conflict in the South Asian region, resulted in a 10 per cent decline in demand for hotel rooms in the premium segment in 2001-02.
The key demand drivers over the next 5 years, include the increasing business prospects in sectors, such as information technology, biotech and insurance; improved infrastructure (especially road connectivity); the continued attractiveness of Goa, Agra and Jaipur as leisure tourist destinations; and concerted efforts by the Department of Tourism to promote tourism.
CRIS INFAC estimates demand for hotel rooms in the premium segment to increase at a CAGR of 10 per cent over the next 5 years. However, demand growth would, be limited by the relatively higher attractiveness of other countries in the Asian region, in terms of business and tourism destinations.
The relatively high attractiveness of the hotel industry resulted in substantial capacity additions over the past few years. While some of these additions are already operational, most of the additional capacity is expected to be operational by 2005. The capacity additions are expected to result in a decline in the revpars (revenue per available room) over the next 3 years, which would consequently affect profitability. However, after 2005, the demand-supply balance is expected to improve resulting in an improvement in the profitability of hotel companies.
CRIS INFAC expects the performance of premium segment hotels in Delhi, Bangalore, Agra and Jaipur to be better, as compared with that of premium segment hotels in other cities, largely due to the limited room additions. Premium segment hotels in Bangalore, are expected, to be the most profitable, and would have the highest revpar. The room demand-availability situation is expected to be the most adverse in Mumbai. By March 2005, Mumbai is expected to have the highest room availability surpassing Delhi.
The hotel industry report analyses the value chain in the industry. Of the various options available to operate a hotel, the option to manage and franchise a hotel ensures higher returns on investments, with a minimum risk. Hence, an increasing number of hotel companies are expected to manage and franchise hotels, in order to increase their profitability. (During the 2002-03 to 2006-07 period, nearly 32 hotels are expected to be commissioned in the 8 key cities in the premium segment. Of these, 20 hotels, though owned by domestic players, are expected to be either franchised or managed by foreign hotel chains.) However, with the opening up of the hotel sector to 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI), some international hotel chains have also invested in developing new hotels.
The report provides a long-term outlook (up to 2006-07) on the hotel sector, in terms of room demand, room availability, and performance in 8 key cities. The report analyses the detailed strategies of 6 major players, various regulations in the hotel industry, and the performance of hotels in key Asian markets in 2000 and 2001. The report also analyses the structural changes in the industry. Given the increasing competition, all major players in the industry have been expanding their operations in diverse locations across the country. As a result, the structure of the industry is expected to shift towards hotel chains. Top
U.S. Robotics Appoints Aptec as Distributor in Lebanon Market
U.S. Robotics appoints Aptec as distributor for Lebanon market, expanding
its distribution network in Lebanon in line with its objective to be closer
to its customers in the regionDubai,July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
U.S. Robotics announced today that it has appointed Aptec as an authorised
distributor for the Lebanon market. Aptec will distribute the full U.S.
Robotics product range in the country, as well as providing first-level
support services and monitoring stock levels with local resellers to ensure
consistent availability of product for customers.“The appointment of Aptec as a new distributor in Lebanon allows us to
greatly improve the supply of our products, helping us better serve our
customers here,” commented Mahmoud Samy, regional sales manager, North
Africa and Levant, U.S. Robotics. The company provides a complete line of
Internet access and networking solutions, from desktop 56K modems, wireless
access, networking products and OEM modems, to broadband routers as well as
high-speed ISDN, DSL and cable products.“Aptec has an extensive and committed reseller network, and brings a wealth
of knowledge and a proven track record in IT product and solutions
distribution,” said Samy. “We share common goals: catering to the needs of
the channel and the consumer. With the understanding that the Aptec team has
of the Lebanese market, we are confident that we will achieve success in
driving the Internet forwards in this strategic and highly dynamic market.”Essam Bagdhadi, Group Vice President of Aptec welcomed the announcement.
“Our new partnership with U.S. Robotics is a very important one to us. The
excellent range of USR Internet connectivity and networking products coupled
with our distribution network in the Middle East is a recipe for success,”
he commented.“Our partnership with U.S. Robotics is strategic. Having seen the take off
of our OEM and Components Divisions across the region, the U.S. Robotics
products will add an important element to our offerings and strategic
products to our retail Internet networking and connectivity product range,”
said Bagdhadi.As businesses and home users become increasingly dependent on the Internet,
reliable and efficient connectivity become a primary concern. U.S. Robotics
has Internet connectivity solutions available for each budget level,
catering to the diverse needs, ranging from simple dial-up connectivity
through to high-end enterprise access solutions.Aptec will distribute U.S.Robotics products throughout Lebanon from its
Beirut-based offices and through a number of sales representatives and
product managers who will be traveling across the country on a regular basis
to touch base with resellers and retail outlets. TopLeading Regional Technology Publisher Moves to Jordan
Publisher of Computer News Middle East, Banker Middle East and other leading
Middle East trade and technology magazines pushes ambitious regional
expansion into JordanDubai,July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
CPI (Corporate Publishing International), the region’s leading publisher of
technology and finance magazines, has announced that it has established a
regional operation based in Jordan. The news of the company’s new
representative office follows a meeting between CPI founder and President
Dominic De Souza and Jordanian Minister of Information and Communications
Technology (ICT), Dr. Fawaz Hatem Zu’bi, at which moves to strengthen the
Jordanian ICT publishing sector were discussed.“The Minister is keen to expand all areas of ICT development in Jordan, and
has been very supportive of our decision to move resources and focus to
servicing the fast-growing Jordanian market,” said De Souza. “CPI is
supporting the fast-increasing regional expansion in our markets by moving
closer to events on the ground, as well as by launching new publications
aimed at serving the needs of enterprise computer users – specifically, the
Arabic language monthly magazine, Akhbar Al Computer.”The move has been welcomed in Jordan, where a fast-growing ICT sector is
building demand for the news, information and analysis that CPI’s magazine
titles provide. “CPI’s decision to push for growth and expansion into the
Jordanian market is a great step, and one we support fully,” said Dr. Zu’bi.
“I have long said that we need to push for the highest standards in
technology media in Jordan, and we do see this move as a significant step in
that direction.”CPI’s initial presence in Jordan has been established through an agreement
between the Dubai-based publisher and local partner Scenarios, a key
Jordanian media organization with strong experience and contacts in the
Jordanian publishing industry. Scenarios’ director, Hiatham Hawasheen,
commented: “I am very pleased to work with the dynamic and experienced team
at CPI in order to bring world-class technology publishing to the Jordanian
market. Together, we expect to offer the Jordanian IT industry new levels of
professionalism and marketing expertise.” TopEmirates Neon Backs Dubai Muncipality Crackdown on illegal Advertisements.
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
Dubai -Emirates Neon, the UAE's signage and outdoor advertising market pace
setter, has given strong backing to Dubai Municipality's crackdown on
the unauthorised posting of bills and posters.The company said today it would provide any help it can to make the
three-month long campaign a success and urged Dubai Municipality to
extend it to include neon signs."It is important that everyone, for safety and security reasons, adheres
to the regulations and technical specifications for outdoor
advertising," said Rehan Merchant, Executive Director, Emirates Neon."We applaud Dubai Municipality's efforts to enforce the existing bylaws.
There are many instances of companies not taking the necessary
permissions and using sub standard materials, which pollute the
environment and endanger the public."Professional operators work to exacting standards, over and above those
demanded by the authorities. Emirates Neon is willing to co-operate with
Dubai Municipality to ensure everyone in the outdoor advertising
industry operates to the same high standards," said Merchant.During the campaign, which runs until October, Dubai Municipality will
review outdoor advertising in 11 areas of the city. Those on walls,
billboards and rooftops will be checked first. Illegal, unsafe and
unsightly advertisements will be removed and confiscated. Legal action
may be taken against offenders."The focus of the campaign will be on safety and security and adherence
to the rules and the technical specifications to be followed regarding
billboards," said Mohammed Al Noori, Head of the Advertisement Section,
Dubai Municipality."It is part of our efforts to inform and educate people on the need to
maintain a clean environment. Unauthorised outdoor advertisements, many
of which use materials that are harmful to the environment, contribute
to giving the city a shabby look."Emirates Neon has been in the signage and outdoor advertising since
1976. It employs 310 people at its UAE headquarters. Among the company's
UAE clients are Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Aviation, the Dubai
Shopping Festival, Jebel Ali Free Zone, major hotels and shopping centres.Senior Australian parliamentarians visit the Gulf
July 30, 2002 KM News BureauDubai The Australian parliament's standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade attended a reception hosted by the Australian Business Group in the Gulf on Sunday evening at the Rydges Plaza hotel in Dubai.
This important delegation was in Dubai to look at business opportunities, but has also been assessing conditions for Australian troops in the Gulf region and Afghanistan. Two-way trade between Australia and the UAE hit $1.1 billion last year, and has more than doubled in the past five years. Cars comprise the largest Australian export to the region.
Delegation leader Senator Alan Ferguson told ABIG members that the GCC is Australia's most successful export car market with $275 million worth of cars exported to the UAE alone last year. Toyota Camry models are exported from a manufacturing plant in Victoria to the Gulf. Senator Ferguson said that the committee had enjoyed its visit to the Gulf, and saw excellent future opportunities in the region, particularly in Dubai.
Also on the delegation were: Laurie Brereton MP, Senator Marise Payne, Graham Edwards MP, David Jull MP, Geoffrey Prosser MP, Bruce Scott MP, Warren Snowdon MP and the former leader of the opposition Kim Beazley MP.For further information: Time Howe (ABIG) Tel: 398 8575, Email: agcmsi@emirates.net.ae. Top
Sale to result in post tax cash inflow of about
Rs. 235 crores Escorts completes divestment programme in non-core areas
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
Escorts Limited has announced the disinvestment of its equity in Escorts JCB Limited and Escorts Claas Limited in favour of its joint venture partners, J C Bamford (UK) and Claas (Germany) respectively.
July 2002: The Company is also in the process of divesting its 50% shareholding in Escorts Mahle Limited to Goetze India Limited (GIL). GIL is a joint venture of Escorts with Federal Mogul of USA in which both partners have 27.21% and 25.47% stake respectively.The post tax cash inflow to Escorts as a result of sale of its equity in the three companies is expected to be in the region of Rs. 235 crores and shall be booked in this financial year.
The Board of Directors of the Escorts Ltd. in its meeting in held in Faridabad on July 12,2002. and approved these disinvestments, which are subject to the requisite statutory approvals.
Making this announcement, Mr. Rajan Nanda, Chairman & Managing Director, Escorts Limited said, "The divestment is in keeping with our focus on the core businesses of agri-machinery, healthcare and telecom and our decision to exit non-core businesses where the value addition by us as management in the context of international competition cannot result in sustainable growth. Whilst the company's investment responsibilities have continued in line with the principles of growth of the Escorts Group, the funds inflows from disinvestments had been delayed. The resultant liquidity tightness was further compounded by the maturity of large old loans as well as a wide spread business recession. The Company has since put the disinvestment efforts on a fast track."
The Board also approved the company's results for the financial year ended 31st March 2002. The company earned a post-tax profit of Rs. 8.13 crores (Rs. 107.39 crores, 2000-01) on sales and other income of Rs. 1177.30 crores (Rs. 1408.83 crores, 2000-01). During the year, the company completed its sale of balance equity in Escorts Yamaha Ltd. to joint venture partners Yamaha and the resultant cash profit of the company for the year was about Rs.69 crores. The Board also recommended a dividend of 10%, maintaining the company's record of uninterrupted dividend.
Commenting on the company's performance during fiscal 2001-02, Mr. Rajan Nanda, said, "The last year was a trying time for Industry, especially the agri-machinery industry which saw volumes in tractors sales drop by nearly 16% over the pervious year. However, despite the severely depressed market conditions and an extended workers strike of about seventy days, the company was able to maintain its market share at 19.4%."
"The company took a deliberate decision to reduce the channel inventory in the current year and has been successful in doing so in the first quarter itself. As a result, it has been able to clear nearly 6000 tractors from channel stocks. This will translate into better cash flows from the second quarter and release working capital to that extent. Two new tractor models - Champion and Josh - launched recently, have been well received. Four more models will be introduced in the domestic and overseas markets in the coming months. While we expect the tractor market to remain relatively flat during the current year, we are confident of strengthening our market share with these initiatives", Mr. Nanda added.
Elaborating on the performance of the company in the other core businesses of healthcare and telecom, Mr. Nanda said, "In the telecom area, it is gratifying to note the continuing strengthening of our Escotel brand. We have already crossed the 5,00,000 subscriber base landmark last fiscal and continue to be market leaders in all the circles that we operate in. Roll-out of mobile phone services in the four new circles of Punjab, U.P. (East), Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh is slated for later this fiscal. As regards healthcare, the expansion for our hospitals in Delhi and Faridabad and the company's investments in super speciality hospitals in Amritsar, Kanpur and other cities in North India will result in doubling of our capacity to nearly 700 beds during 2002-03, with continued strong earnings." Top
BSA Hails UAE as Regional Standard Bearer of IP Rights
Dubai,July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
“The Business Software Alliance (BSA), applauds the UAE government’s move to
update and further improve the country’s already effective Copyright Law to
ensure that intellectual property right holders are protected ,” said Jawad
Al-Redha, regional director, Business Software Alliance. “This new copyright
law confirms the UAE as the region’s standard bearer of intellectual
property rights.”The BSA’s reaction came after the announcement of the new Federal Copyright
Law, No.7, for the protection of the rights of creators and related persons
which increases the period of copyright protection and re-emphasizes the
requirement for a license for using copyrighted works including such works
as software, books, audio and video. According to Chapter 7 of the new law,
those who are caught manufacturing or importing pirated works for either
sale, rent, use, or circulation without permission as well as entities using
software without the right holder’s permission, are in violation of the law.
The law imposes penalties of prison terms and fines of no less than Dhs
10,000.“Copyright Laws are critical for the software, music, film industry and
other creative works, in addition to ensuring a successful future to any
country as a respected technology center,” said Al-Redha. “The UAE has set
a precedent in its commitment towards protecting both the investor and the
consumer in its efforts to nurture a healthy, successful and prosperous
economy.The regular review and revision of copyright laws sends a clear message to
international companies looking at investing in the country that these laws
are real and are part of an active policy to protect IP rights.”In the latest Annual BSA global software piracy study for 2001, the United
Arab Emirates recorded the region’s lowest level of software piracy for the
6th consecutive year, with a reduction of 3% to reach 41%. TopThe government has taken another step to ensure that the UAE is recognised
as a centre for legitimate commerce and has made several commitments which
appeal to the very heart of today’s information technology industry,” added
Al-Redha.Cambodia and ADB Sign partnership to fight poverty
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (29 July 2002) - Cambodia and the Asian Development
Bank (ADB) confirmed their commitment to fight poverty today by signing a
landmark Poverty Reduction Partnership Agreement in Phnom Penh.The Agreement aims to reduce the proportion of the country's poor to less
than 20 percent from the current 36 percent by 2015. It was signed by
Senior Minister of Economy and Finance of Cambodia, Keat Chhon, and ADB
Vice President Myoung-Ho Shin.The Agreement sets specific, time-bound targets and includes detailed
mechanisms to monitor progress for the short (2002-2005), medium
(2002-2007), and long term (2002-2015). Actions for the short and medium
term include increasing access of the poor to health services, education,
safe water and sanitation, promoting agricultural development and restoring
transport networks for expanded commerce and regional integration. They
also comprise developing a robust private sector, strengthening governance
and public administration through decentralization, and mainstreaming
gender and ethnic minorities concerns.The 2015 goals are to:
* Reduce to 20% the proportion of the population living under the poverty
line;
* Reduce the infant mortality rate to 32 per 1,000 live births;
* Reduce the maternal mortality rate to 225 per 100,000 births;
* Achieve 100 percent primary-school enrollment;
* Increase access by rural households to safe water to 80%;
* Fully integrate into the regional and global community.The Agreement also supports the Government's long-term Triangle Development
Strategy and the medium-term Second Five-Year Socioeconomic Development
Plan.TopSpecial Parker pen commemorating Queen Elizabeth's Accession launched in the Middle East
Parker Accession Sonnet Special Edition with the Queen's inscription and Royal Cipher set to become premium collectible item
July 30, 2002 KM News Bureau
Dubai -The Parker Accession Sonnet Special Edition pen that commemorates the golden jubilee anniversary of England's Queen Elizabeth II, is now available to collectors in the Middle East. A blend of classic balance and beauty with a royal purple lacquered barrel, the limited edition collectible pen's cap boasts a matte gold-plated finish, with an inscription etched along the side of the cap that reads, "Accession, The Queen's Golden Jubilee."
Parker, the makers of some of the world's finest pens first released the Accession Sonnet Special Edition along with the Duofold Limited Edition earlier in June 2002, both of which are set to become collector's items. The Sonnet Special Edition pens capitalize on Parker's position as holders of the Royal Warrant and exclusive suppliers of fine writing instruments to the Royal Household.
The Parker Accession Sonnet Special Edition pen is available both as a ballpoint pen and a fountain pen. The fountain pen comes with a medium nib carrying a special engraving of the Royal Cipher: "EIIR." The nib is 23-carat gold-plated stainless steel, designed to enhance the pleasure of writing. The ballpoint pen with a medium blue refill has a twist action mechanism and a textured tungsten carbide writing point for clean, clear writing.
Special attention has been paid to the packing of the Limited Edition Sonnet pen, which comes in an attractive deep purple oval-shaped gift box. The inner platform covered in cream-coloured silk conceals a box of black Quink ink cartridges, a certificate of authenticity, and a booklet containing images of the Queen's 50-year reign underneath it.
Queen Elizabeth II's golden jubilee celebrations have been particularly significant for the United Kingdom and the countries making up the Commonwealth. However, the universal interest in the British Royal Family extends beyond geographical boundaries, ensuring the interest of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide in these commemorative pens.Commemorative items associated with Royal celebrations have considerable value attached to them and the Parker Accession Sonnet Special Edition pens have generated a lot of interest among collectors. In addition to celebrating a great occasion, the special edition is a piece of rare beauty and its classic design makes it a treasured possession.
The Special Edition pens will be available all over the Middle East at various distribution outlets. Collector enthusiasts in Saudi Arabian can obtain them from any of the 26 Gazzaz outlets across the Kingdom. In addition, they are available at Gulf International in the UAE, Modern Home in Qatar, Ashraf in Bahrain, UTC in Kuwait and Ramniklal Kothary in Oman.
The Parker brand has been synonymous with fine pens and fine writing ever since George Safford Parker, first invented a 'better pen' in 1888. Parker pens, which brought a smooth flow and flair to writing, soon became the favourite writing instruments of writers, businessmen and celebrities. Parker pens have been used to sign historic agreements. General Dwight Eisenhower used a Parker 51 to sign the Armstice that ended World War II, while General Douglas MacArthur used his 20-year-old Parker Duofold to sign the surrender document that ended World War II in the Pacific. Many new brands have since made their appearance in the market, but a Parker still holds its place, as a symbol of excellence and beauty.Top
