June 8 2004

Kerala CPM Leader's Secret Mission in the Gulf

Kodiyeri in secret mission for Pinaray?Public personality..private mission?

DUBAI/MUSCAT- Now a days, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, a prominent CPM leader can be spotted in many parts of the Gulf region. Even some of the senior party affiliates in the concerned Gulf countries are kept in the dark about this week long secret mission, claimed to be part of a private visit with family. The normally outspoken red radical leader has been roaming around in two Gulf countries - Oman and the UAE - in what is said to be a " private visit". One source said he was touring Dubai with family to visit his daughter in Abu Dhabi. Jaleel Pattampil, a prominent journalist of Gulf Madhyamam says, the CPM leader was evasive and did not return his calls or request for an interview. According to Jaleel many Kerala politicians including the left leaders frequent Dubai to conduct certain benami deals. According to a report filed by Jaleel in gulf Madhyamam sometimes back, some Kerala leaders have benami deals with even underworld dons in the Gulf. However, Jaleel said he is not sure about the purpose of Kodiyeri's Dubai visit . The mute question is the reason for his elusiveness from the media and public attention. Normally Kodiyeri does not shy away from media and publicity. According to one source, he is still in Dubai. Read the Report in Malayalam from Weblokam.com the Number one Vernacular Portal

However, KM sources in Muscat said that the CPM leader was spotted moving in a Red Mercedez Car in the Al Khuwair area. "No one knows about the presence of a high profile CPM leader like Kodiyeri in Muscat. As far as we know there is no official communication to even the senior members of the party. Except the Kairali coordinator P M.Jabbir and his close associates, no one is aware of his whereabouts in Muscat," said sources. According to one theory the secret mission is part of the damage control exercise directed by Pinaray Vijayan, the firebrand CPM leader who is alleged to be following a soft approach towards many Gulf based big businessmen like Abdul Wahab and Galfar Mohammed Ali. A strong group within the CPM affiliated associations in Muscat have demanded the removal of an allegedly corrupt comrade whose close links to an NRK managed business house has been a bone of contention for a long time. Pinaray Vijayan and Vijaya Raghavan were in Muscat two months back as part of some Kairali channel mission. "It was with official communication that Pinaray was in the Gulf. What is the secret behind Kodiyeri's covert mission in the gulf," asked an angry left wing supporter. The prominent CPM leader has left ample scope for speculation because no body knows whom he is meeting in Muscat. Has he come to meet some businessman? or party members?-Watch this space. Read More

NO CHANGE IN THE SCHEDULE OF THE ENGINEERING SERVICE EXAMINATION 2004

The Engineering Service Examination, 2004 ,will be held by the Union Public Service Commission from 12.06.2004 to 14.06.2004 as scheduled. The UPSC has clarified that there is no change in the schedule of this examination.Venue data and other information related with this examination is also available on the website of the Union Public service Commission at www.upsc.gov.in .

Arab Bank announces special summer offer on personal loans

DUBAI - June 8, 2004 Arab Bank, the leading Arab financial institution, has announced a special summer offer on personal loans, further enhancing its personal lending proposition in the UAE market. Tailored to meet the needs of both UAE nationals and expatriates, the new loan offer is based on fast approvals, competitive pricing and a flexible repayment period. The offer is valid from June 5, 2004 to August 31, 2004.

"Arab Bank is committed to providing financial solutions that take into account the needs of its customers and provide a supportive framework within which to carry out all banking transactions. The bank has set a tradition of quality service based on solid financial foundations and long heritage in the region. The new limited period personal loan offer is in line with this tradition of customer service," said Mohammed Azab, UAE Area Manager, Dubai, announcing the offer. "Arab Bank has consistently followed a truly responsible lending approach, by formulating its loan packages in a manner where the borrower is not loaded with an unreasonable burden of repayments. The special summer offer is also designed in line with the credo of responsible personal lending."

"For many clients, especially the expatriates, summer is a time for the family's financial planning, where issues such as the children's education, housing options, financial help to family members in the home country and possible vacations are looked at. Arab Bank intends to respond to these needs in a positive and supportive manner," explained Azab. "We will be leveraging our enhanced credit policy to provide personal loans to our customers for bigger amounts at more convenient terms. This initiative is part of the Arab Bank's strategy to enhance its financial services and to offer easy and convenient banking."

"The new personal loan offer has been structured to provide maximum benefits to our customers. Besides the comparatively high loan amount and reduced interest rates, Arab Bank customers availing of the offer will benefit from discounted loan processing fees and convenient repayment terms. The first payment of the loan can be deferred up to 45 days. As a value add-on, the loan comes with a pre-approved Credit Card, which is free for the first year and offers users reduced interest rates on purchases and cash advances. The customer will be entitled to a current account, with no minimum balance requirements for the term of the loan." Said Tareq Al Haj Hasan, Head of Retail Banking - UAE."

"Faster processing at reduced charges will ensure that the customer borrows the amount he needs without hassle. This approach is in keeping with our tradition of customer-friendly policies." Added Tareq Al Haj Hasan.Arab Bank has a vast network in almost every Arab country and has been operating in overseas markets since 1960. It was the first Arab bank to establish presence in Switzerland with the opening of an Arab Bank Overseas branch in Zurich in 1962 and in Geneva in 1964. This was followed by the opening of Arab Bank branches in the UK, France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Singapore. Later, the bank opened sister companies in Austria and Germany, followed by branches in the United States of America and a wholly owned subsidiary in Australia. Arab Bank also has a presence in the Far Eastern Countries.

WORLD'S LEADING NOODLE BAR CHAIN OPENS FIRST MIDDLE EAST RESTAURANT AT CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI

Wagamama to lure diners for fast casual lunch, an easy bite after work or a convenient dinner Click pix

Dubai, UAE, 8 June 2004: Wagamama, the original noodle bar chain, will open its first restaurant in the Middle East next month at the Crowne Plaza Dubai, which is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary. The move is the latest step in the repositioning of the hotel, primarily through its food and beverage outlets. This tactic has seen the hotel's annual food and beverage revenue increase by 52% to Dhs62 million over the last two years. Anthony Liddiard, General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Dubai, and Director of Operations for InterContinental Hotels Group for the UAE and Qatar, said: "The hotel is already known as one of the best places to eat out in Dubai, and the arrival of Wagamama will reinforce our reputation."

"Demand shows that people who eat out want quick, good value food with no compromise on quality and nutrition, and we expect the new restaurant to be enormously popular." Situated on the ground floor of the Crowne Plaza Dubai, next to the hugely popular Zinc bar and restaurant, and offering easy access from the shopping mall and Sheikh Zayed Road, the new Japanese noodle bar is perfect for a fast casual lunch, an easy bite after work or even a convenient dinner. It will be equally convenient for shoppers, local residents and workers

Wagamama is the world's leading noodle restaurant, known for offering great food, sleek minimalist design and a vibrant, buzzy atmosphere. The Wagamama menu, based on round noodles, presents diners with a extensive choice of freshly prepared meat, seafood and vegetarian pan-Asian dishes - all cooked to order and speedily served in a totally non-smoking environment, reflecting the trade mark of positive eating and positive living

As part of the rigorous training programme for staff, more than 1400 people have been invited to preview the new Dubai restaurant before the official opening date, Wednesday 23rd June.

Wagamama is now firmly established in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Dublin, Amsterdam and Sydney, with further projects currently being developed. The design ethos of all the existing restaurants has been maintained, fusing high and low tech in Wagamama's commitment to progressive design. This restaurant has the famous hallmark maple bench seating, stainless steel kitchens, whilst incorporating new finishes and features.Caption: Wagamama, the original noodle bar chain, is opening its first restaurant in the Middle East at the Crowne Plaza Dubai

IIM DIRECTORS DISCUSS THEIR PROPOSAL ON FEES WITH EDUCATION SECRETARY

The Directors of the six Indian Institutes of Management today apprised the Human Resource Development Ministry of the consensus view taken by them in their meeting on the 6th of this month.Besides the Education Secretary, Shri SC Tripathi, the Additional Secretary, Shri Sudeep Banerjee participated in the discussions. The Directors present were: Prof Bakul Dholakia, IIM Ahmedabad; Prof Shekhar Chaudhuri, IIM Kolkata; Dr. Devi Singh, IIM Lucknow; Prof Krishna Kumar, IIM Kozhikode; Dr. SP Parashar, IIM Indore; and Prof. PG Apte, IIM Bangalore.

Today’s meeting is the second in a series of steps agreed upon in the meeting called by the Human Resource Development Minister, Shri Arjun Singh on 31st of the last month on the fee issue. A timeline was drawn in that meeting to solve the issue before the end of this month. As the first step, the six Directors met in Ahmedabad on the 6th to arrive at a consensus on the issue. After today’s deliberations, the Directors will put up their proposals on fees before individual Boards of Governors for decision, before 25th June.

CLEANING IS MORE FUN WITH A PELICAN HANDHELD VACUUM

- Extended nozzle, two-stage filter and brush tool make cleaning up easy around the house, car or boat -

Dubai, UAE, June 8, 2004 - Keeping a house clean, particularly in this region where dust and blowing sand are a part of daily life, takes a lot of work. Nobody wants to spend any more time on it than necessary, so that's why Philips is pleased to introduce into the Middle East its new handheld vacuum cleaner, the Pelican.

"With its playful design and colours and handy accessories, the Pelican is the easiest, most enjoyable way to quickly and effectively clean up everyday dust and dirt between major cleaning sessions," said Robert van de Riet, CEO, Philips Country Organisation, UAE.

The Pelican FC 6050 handheld vacuum cleaner features an extended nozzle for easy cleaning in corners and along curves, a two-stage filter system that greatly reduces the chance of blockage from bigger particles, a crevice nozzle and brush for cleaning hard-to-reach spaces and delicate surfaces, and three powerful rechargeable batteries for improved performance.

"The Pelican stands as another example of how Philips designers take the customer experience into account when developing a new product to be sure it helps make things better for the user," van de Riet added. "This vacuum is sure to become a favourite among those who need an easy, convenient appliance to help keep the home clean."

With food particles such as flour or cereal, dust, leaves, hair or any other dirt, you can quickly pass the Philips Pelican over the messy surface and it will be clean again in an instant. This handheld also is great for cleaning stairs, car and boat interiors and other small areas where a large vacuum cleaner is inconvenient.

The Pelican's extended nozzle targets the dust by vacuuming exactly the area you want to clean, whether it's upholstery, a window sill or close along a skirting board. Since the Pelican also has an extra-wide nozzle, it has no trouble picking up bigger bits like cereal or plant leaves. The Pelican's crevice tool attachment lets you easily clean in tricky places, like between cushions, behind the microwave or in tight corners. The brush tool takes care of delicate surfaces such as keyboards, furniture or carpets. Both attachments are conveniently stored in the charging base.

The Pelican's design combines modern looks with a touch of nostalgia - clean, stylised edges with smooth, rounded surfaces. Special features, such as the two-stage filter system, make the Pelican an energetic performer as well. The filter system greatly reduces the chance of blockage from bigger particles, since these are captured by the first filter, while smaller bits of dust and dirt are sucked into the second filter.

The Pelican is easy to access in a hurry, thanks to a charging base that's mountable either on the wall or on a horizontal surface - whatever is most convenient. When not in use, the Pelican is clicked into place on the charging base, and a red LED lights up to indicate that the handheld is charging. You're assured that the Pelican will always be ready to use whenever you need it.The Pelican, which comes with a two-year Philips warranty, is available at all authorized Philips dealers across the GCC markets from June 2004 for AED 85.