CHIEF JUSTICE OF MADRAS HIGH COURT POSTED AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF KERALA HIGH COURT
The Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Justice Bollampally Subhashan Reddy has been transferred and posted as Chief Justice of Kerala High Court. The Kerala High Court Chief Justice, Justice Nauvdip Kumar Sodhi has already been transferred and posted as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. Justice Subhashan Reddy has been directed to take up his new assignment on or before December 1, 2004.PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the region following the death of Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Yasser Arafat. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on August 21, 2004, and expires May 10, 2005.
The recent death of PA Chairman Arafat has the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti- American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.
The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers in the Gulf region. Recent armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels and those using rental cars. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors.
Credible information has indicated terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East. Terrorist actions may include additional suicide operations, bombings, hijackings, kidnappings and targeted attacks resulting in death. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.
On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates around the world is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private U.S. citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible. Services to U.S. citizens in countries abroad may be affected if employees' movements are restricted. If this happens, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. In case office hours are reduced, U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting in person.
In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel to the Middle East or North Africa should consult the Department of State's country-specific Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other information, available on the Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888- 407-4747 in the U.S. and for callers outside the U.S. and Canada a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.The Embassy's Consular Section can be contacted during normal working hours at: Phone (968) 698-989 ext. 294 or Fax (968) 699-189. For emergencies after hours, please contact (968) 699-049.
PRIME MINISTER CALLS FOR BUILDING ‘NAYA KASHMIR’
ADDRESS AT FIRST CONVOCATION OF ‘KIMS’
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has stressed the need for a fresh vision for Kashmir and the Kashmiri people. He called upon the people of Kashmir, and the youth in particular, to work together with the Government to build a Naya (New) Kashmir. Addressing the first convocation of the Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Srinagar today, the Prime Minister said that healthcare was one of the cornerstones of the National Common Minimum Programme. He also announced that a high-powered Advisory Council on Economic Development of the State would be constituted to implement an integrated plan of long-term development of the Jammu & Kashmir.Dr. Singh stressed that educational and healthcare system need urgent and wide-ranging reforms at all levels. He emphasised that investment in education and health was a must in order to build a knowledge economy. Stressing the need for a partnership for rebuilding Kashmir, the Prime Minister said that Kashmir was ideal for outsoursing, particularly in the IT sector.
The Prime Minister expressed his Government’s resolve to work earnestly with the State Government and the political parties to improve the quality and governance to make it transparent, people-friendly and corruption-free. He sought the support of the people of Kashmir to restore peace, prosperity and brotherhood in the State.
Dr. Singh said that he had come to Kashmir with a “plan” to reconstruct the economy, reform the Government and revitalise the institutions of civil society. The Prime Minister assured the people that “Kashmir was safe in our hearts, our minds and our souls, and, therefore, the people of the State should feel safe in our secular, plural and democratic framework”.
PRIME MINISTER CALLS FOR BUILDING ‘NAYA KASHMIR’ADDRESS AT FIRST CONVOCATION OF ‘KIMS’
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has stressed the need for a fresh vision for Kashmir and the Kashmiri people. He called upon the people of Kashmir, and the youth in particular, to work together with the Government to build a Naya (New) Kashmir. Addressing the first convocation of the Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Srinagar today, the Prime Minister said that healthcare was one of the cornerstones of the National Common Minimum Programme. He also announced that a high-powered Advisory Council on Economic Development of the State would be constituted to implement an integrated plan of long-term development of the Jammu & Kashmir.Dr. Singh stressed that educational and healthcare system need urgent and wide-ranging reforms at all levels. He emphasised that investment in education and health was a must in order to build a knowledge economy. Stressing the need for a partnership for rebuilding Kashmir, the Prime Minister said that Kashmir was ideal for outsoursing, particularly in the IT sector.
The Prime Minister expressed his Government’s resolve to work earnestly with the State Government and the political parties to improve the quality and governance to make it transparent, people-friendly and corruption-free. He sought the support of the people of Kashmir to restore peace, prosperity and brotherhood in the State.
Dr. Singh said that he had come to Kashmir with a “plan” to reconstruct the economy, reform the Government and revitalise the institutions of civil society. The Prime Minister assured the people that “Kashmir was safe in our hearts, our minds and our souls, and, therefore, the people of the State should feel safe in our secular, plural and democratic framework”.
UAE has one of the highest rates of admission to higher education in the world
Education system needs to be reformed and upgraded, says a new study
November 16, 2004 The UAE has one of the highest rates of admission to higher education, with 90 per cent of secondary school graduates entering college and university, leading to increased investment in institutions of higher education. The statistics are a result of research conducted by Dubai-based Madar Research Group.
The UAE Ministry of Education and Youth, driven by the latest Information Technology standards, has already formulated a 20-year plan to upgrade the country's education system, with a focus on the development of teaching methods and programs based on modern standards. This move is expected to result in a dramatic improvement in education levels in the country.
Commenting on the study, Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions, organisers of the 17th Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX), said: "The success of any country is linked to its ability to groom young men and women who would use their education to lead the country to new heights of development. This has been proven in various countries. Appropriately enough, the GCC in general and the UAE in particular have been allocating substantial budgets for the advancement of education, ensuring the countries sustainable development for the future."
"However, there is need for higher interaction with global organisations and a more dynamic education system that is in tune with the requirements of today changing times. One of the most effective ways of raising education standards is exposure to international institutions of learning, and the development of home-grown centres of academic excellence through partnerships with global institutions. This is the need that GETEX is committed to fulfilling," added Godinho.
The Madar study shows that there are a significantly large number of UAE secondary school graduates travelling abroad for higher education, with the UK and USA being the two prime destinations. However, over the last few years, the numbers are decreasing with the introduction and expansion of accredited branches of well known foreign universities in the UAE.
"While the options available to students have widened considerably with the formation of Knowledge Village and expansion of current university campuses, the crucial factor is to expose students to a larger variety of learning options available both locally and internationally," said Godinho. "This is where GETEX plays a pivotal role with its ability to gather various institutions under one roof to initiate dialogue between education provider and student thereby providing the right guidance to young students on higher education options."
The 17th GETEX, an annual event, which is to be held at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from April 5 to 8 2005, has created an international platform that brings together some of the world's most prestigious universities and educational institutions to provide students a diversity of options in higher education. Besides interactive dialogue forums opened by various private and public sector institutions, GETEX 2005 will host a series of seminars of interest to the student community, parents and training professionals.
AND THE BAND PLAYS ON
Their music is outstanding and, as a band, they have brought a refreshing authenticity to Cuban rhythms in the city. Playing at Malec?n at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Pablo Santa Maria & Friends has already created a strong following. With performances patterned on the famous Bueno Vista Social Club format, they make for a very special evening of dance and music.
The five members who started out at the Sheraton in Paris have played at the world famous Hotel Nacional in Havana. They have now become adept at recreating Son, Bolero, Rumba, Cha cha cha and Latin Jazz while also improvising new tunes that blend seamlessly with the old. All of them are highly professional musicians, having graduated from Havana's Conservatory of Higher Art & Music.
According to Mark Turner, Owner of Malec?n, "Pablo Santa Maria being the lead singer and director of the band is truly a multi-faceted musician, playing the bongos, guitar and even the contrabass (double bass). We are proud to have him perform at Malec?n."
In Havana he is famed for being one of Cuba's most revered 'bolero' singers and is also renowned for being an accomplished 'percussionist' specialising in the 'timbali'. Pablo's friends are Oscar Marrero, who plays the contrabass, Martha Figueroa is on the piano, Cecila Ibar excels as the percussionist and Ludys Hernandes haunts you on the flute. The last three provide the vocals and have won ovations in New York, in LA, Spain, France, Mexico…and now, right here in Dubai.
The group's members, who have now toured the world for three years together, are delighted with the response they have received at Malec?n. "We encourage the audience to sing along thereby creating a special and spontaneous rapport," says Pablo, "The idea is to get into the spirit of the music and not just listen. You should see the response to hits such as Yolanda, Gata de Rosia Chon Chon and Que Merera de Quererte; people here really know how to give the band that extra lift and Malec?n has just the right atmosphere for it. We are loving every moment of our tenure here."
Their sounds have about them a sense of tradition and the band is fluent in both English and Spanish songs as it fluidly recreates the typical traditional Cuban experience.
KM Exclusives by Anwar.T.E, Khasab Special Photographs from the Accident Site..one person died on the spot & his body was found under the tyre.
KM Exclusives by Anwar.T.E, Khasab Special Photographs from the Accident Site the bus driver who was stranded inside the bus was rescued after hours effort with his legs broken.
KM Exclusives by Anwar.T.E, Khasab Special Photographs from the Accident Site
KM Exclusives by Anwar.T.E, Khasab Special Photographs from the Accident Site
Customers Furious About Unholy Nexus Between Car Dealer and Car Finance Company
MUSCAT - Every Ramadhan time, car companies in Oman make a killing through special schemes, attractive interest rates and other incentives. However, the automobile sector in the Sultanate dominated by a few, read just one company, has devised clever trategy to lure customers offering low interest rates, but once in the showroom they will end up paying for many hidden costs. Newspapers often carry hand outs and bombastic statements drafted by the car companies without changing even a comma or full stop. While car companies advertise a cheap model with attractive prices, the models show in such advertisements will cost you almost double the offer price. Here is the latest trick used jointly by a leading finance company in secret association with the leading automobile dealer in the Sultanate. Hear from the customers directly:
Kuwait court convicts three in school scam
T.K. Devasia Khaleej Times Kerala correspondent
TRIVANDRUM - The nearly decade-old case involving the swindling of millions of rupees worth of funds of the Kuwait-based Indian School has resulted in the conviction of three Keralites, but the chances of them submitting to the law are still wide open.According to reports reaching here, the Kuwait First Instance Court has sentenced K.P. Mohanan, Managing Editor of Trivandrum-based Asianet television channel, and Mathew Philip, a Kuwait government employee, to eight years' imprisonment each and Thomas Chandy alias Kuwait Chandy to a fine of KD500.All the three convicts are now in India, which is not bound by any extradition treaty with Kuwait.
Mr Mohanan, who was employed in the Kuwait Times at the time of the misappropriation, has been successful in evading the arrest warrant against him routed through Interpol for the last couple of years. Philip, who had languished in a Kuwaiti jail for more than two years, managed to come out on bail and made good his escape to Kerala, flouting bail terms. Chandy, a businessman who is said to be close to senior Congress leader K. Karunakaran, escaped after securing bail, paying back KD85,000 (Rs10.5 million), part of the loot he reportedly shared with others.
Legal experts here are of the opinion that the country was not obliged to hand over the trio to the Kuwaiti authorities in the absence of an extradition treaty. However, some said there would not be any hurdle if the government decides to hand over anyone a foreign government has found guilty. However, the crime they committed is related to a school run by the Indian community.
Senior advocate V.M. Kutty Moosa told Khaleej Times that the Government of India might also seize this as an opportunity to press its case for extradition of several Indian citizens wanted in connection with various crimes from several Gulf countries. He said that the three had very little chance of any legal recourse in the country since there would not be any extradition proceedings against them.
The advocate said that the organisations of non-resident Indians, which had actively pursued the case, might mount pressure on the government to hand them over to the Kuwaiti authorities. In fact, Indian President K.R. Narayanan had directed the External Affairs Ministry in November 2000 to take stern action against the accused following a spate of complaints he received from Keralites in Kuwait. The misappropriation of the Salmia Indian School funds had taken place during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait. The swindling started after the then Indian ambassador, B.M.C. Nair alias Mohana Chandran, formed an ad hoc committee for the school with Philip and Mohanan as president and secretary respectively. When the school reopened after the war, it was found that a sum of Rs420 million was transferred to the personal accounts of Mohanan and others.
Prabhu Dayal, who succeeded Mr Nair as ambassador, unearthed the scam with the help of office-bearers of the new committee he constituted. The former ambassador, who came back to the country after his tenure, has not been given any assignment so far. He is now settled in Chennai.
Mohanan had left his job in Kuwait Times immediately after the scam broke out and joined Asianet as vice-president. He was subsequently appointed as the managing editor. Mohanan says that he was denied natural justice. He said he would appeal against the verdict of the Kuwait First Instance Court. He claimed that he had only tried to save the school from slipping away from the hands of Indians.
