K E R A L A M O N I T O R . C O M
Seventy Companies qualify for FM Radio Stations in India
The first list of names of 70 applicant companies who have qualified for submitting Financial Bids for the second phase of FM Radio has been announced. The Financial Bids would be obtained and opened in January/February 2006 as per the schedule already notified in the Tender Document. The applicant companies are also being informed individually. The list has been placed on Ministry’s website www.mib.nic.in.The Government of India, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, had invited Pre-qualification Bids vide tender Notice dated 21st September, 2005 for expansion of FM Radio Broadcasting Services through Private Agencies (Phase – II) from companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 by 11th November, 2005. The bids have been evaluated as per eligibility criteria notified in the Tender Notice and the ‘Tender Document’
Bin Sulayem Meets Srilankan Minister
BI-LATERAL ISSUES DISCUSSED
Mr. Khalid bin Sulayem, Director General, Dubai Department of ourism and Commerce Marketing Marketing (DTCM) met with the Sri Lankan Minister of Tourism, Mr. Anura Bandranaike at the DTCM Head Office on December 25. The Sri Lankan Minister discussed various possibilities of learning from Dubai's success in marketing itself as a leading leisure and tourism destination in the world. They agreed that there was tremendous trade and tourism potential between Dubai and Sri Lanka.Mr. bin Sulayem highlighted Dubai's current boom in the hospitality sector and remarkable projects like the Dubailand, Burj Dubai and the Palms islands.Mr. Bin Sulayem said that the DTCM was aggressively promoting Dubai as the world's leading leisure destination through a series of roadshows, and participation in overseas fairs.
Dubai's real estate market still going strong
December 25, 2005 In a strong indication of the continued robust growth of the property market in Dubai, the launch of ETA Star's "The Centrium" - a unique residential project targeted at salaried professionals - has met with phenomenal success, with two of the four tower blocks that comprise the project being sold out within days of its launch in Dubai. The overwhelming demand for space at "The Centrium" has prompted ETA Star to expand the sales program to Abu Dhabi, where the project will be open for sale on December 29, 2005, at the Le Meridien Hotel.
Located on the Emirates Road at the heart of the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), "The Centrium" offers a first-of-its-kind 95 per cent finance option to its customers, thereby making sure that owning an apartment in the city is within the reach of salaried expatriate professionals. ETA Star is working with Tamweel, the leading home finance provider in the UAE, to provide a wide array of financial options to property buyers."The success of "The Centrium's" launch is proof that the property boom in Dubai is here to stay," said Abid A. Junaid, Executive Director, ETA Star. "There have recently been views expressed in some quarters that the real estate market in Dubai is softening. The overwhelming investor response to "The Centrium" puts to rest all such speculation and underscores the continued positive health of Dubai's real estate market."
"The response to "The Centrium" is also indicative of the overwhelming demand for affordable housing in the UAE. The project is designed to afford salaried professionals residing in GCC countries a unique lifestyle at an extremely affordable price," Junaid added. "The Centrium" comprises meticulously planned one, two and three bedroom apartments, and combines elegant interiors with lush green landscapes. The four distinctive tower blocks are inter-connected by link bridges, which offer stunning views to the landscape deck, the adjacent parks and the city beyond."The Centrium" features a host of leisure facilities, such as a temperature-controlled swimming pool, jacuzzis, kiddie pool, separate gym and health club for men and women, jogging tracks located at a landscaped deck, children's play area and a sprawling parking lot. Other facilities include prayer rooms, library, reading room, games room, billiard room and a day care centre.
The International Media Production Zone is the first free zone in the world dedicated to media activities. Located on the Emirates Road, IMPZ is spread over 43 million square feet of area. The strategic location of IMPZ places
it in close proximity to the upcoming Jebel Ali Airport, Dubai Sports City, Dubailand and Global Village, and in the neighborhood of high-end residential developments such as Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Village,
The Springs, The Lakes, The Meadows, The Hills, Green Community Village and Arabian Ranches.
December 22, 2005
UN special rapporteur urged to visit Lebanon
Reporters Without Borders wrote today to Ambeyi Ligabo, the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, asking him to go to Lebanon with a view to creating "a special international commission of enquiry into all the bombings that have targeted politicians and journalists." The organisation also urged Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora to issue an official invitation to Ligabo, stressing that a visit by the special rapporteur "would send a strong signal of the international community's commitment to do everything possible to rein in this series of killings in which journalists have been among the targets." Voicing "deep concern about the growing number of targeted attacks on the press since the start of this year," Reporters Without Borders said it wanted to draw the international community's attention to the plight of Lebanon's journalists, who have to endure terrible security conditions.
The organisation added that there was reason to fear that more journalists could be the victims of violence in the very near future. The most recent victim was Gebran Tueni, the CEO of the Arabic-language daily An-Nahar and a parliamentary representative for Beirut, who was killed by a car-bomb on 12 December. His murder, on the eve of the publication of a new interim report by the international commission of enquiry headed by Detlev Mehlis, was a flagrant provocation to the United Nations. Samir Kassir, a columnist for An-Nahar, was killed by a car-bomb on 2 June. Both were well-known and respected journalists who knew they were under threat ever since former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination on 14 February. This year's other prominent press victim was May Chidiac, the star presenter of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corp (LBC), whose car blew up on 25 September in northeastern Beirut, resulting in her losing a leg and a hand, and "reinforcing the climate of terror for journalists now working in Lebanon," Reporters Without Borders added.
Tanmia board of trustees approves budget and work plan for 2006 at
fourth meeting held this year in Dubai
Authority trains more than 1220 and employs more than 1845 UAE National
jobseekers up to November 2005December 21, 2005
The fourth quarterly meeting of the board of trustees of National Human
Resource Development and Employment Authority - Tanmia, was held under
the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Ali Abdullah Al Kaabi, Federal Minister of
Labour and Social Affairs & Tanmia's Chairman of Board of Trustees at
Tanmia's headquarters in Dubai today (December 21, 2005).The Board discussed a range of issues that were on the agenda. These
included discussion and approval of the amended budget and work plan for 2006,
review of activities and achievements during the past year, 2005 and other
pertinent issues.Tanmia's key achievement was the employment of 1845 and the training of
1220 National jobseekers up to November 2005. The authority achieved
this by signing Memoranda of Understanding with different organisations
including, Ministry of Interior, Dubai Civil Aviation, Dubai Transport, Dubai
Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD), in addition to several banks and other
establishments across the nation.
It carried out a project to improve and streamline the performance of
regional offices and their staff, to provide better services to jobseekers in
training, employment and career guidance and stepped up the Emiratisation drive
at the regional level.Tanmia's Center for Career Guidance and Planning (CCGP) also launched
the pilot 'Education Business Link' project, a joint initiative aimed at
bridging the gap between the education and business sectors in the UAE, and
helping secondary students choose the right career.Tanmia strengthened its links with UAE educational institutions, by
participating in several fairs such as the Educational and Vocational Guidance,
Employment and Training event held at UAE University and the Careers UAE 2005
fair. It conducted more than 60 guidance programmes for 17000 secondary
students, updated old publications and issued new ones in a bid to promote and
support the expanding career guidance activity in schools, colleges and
universities across the country, during the year.Tanmia played host to delegations from Malaysia, Kuwait, Singapore and
Jordan who visited the Authority to study its role in conducting
suitable training programmes and generating job opportunities for its National
human resources.Real NRIs Story of Rags to Riches...
Mr. Ramamoorthy of Rasamai Telugu Association has called us and informed
us that, an Indian is lying on the side of Dubai Creek. This information
has unveiled the tragedy of Mr. Rajanna.Upon receipt of this call our volunteer Mr. Alson went to the creek side
opposite to Deira Twin Tower and found the person. Meanwhile Mr. Biju
George also reached the spot with his friends. They found a person who
resembled a skeleton with long mustache and hair. He was not weighing more
than 23Kg with a facial expression full of hatred. Initially he was not
willing to talk to anybody but he cooperated with us after getting
assurance that he can return back home. He speaks a little Hindi.He was not willing to go to the hospital as he had no money with him.
Surprisingly his body had cleanliness and the bag with him contained
dresses which were in an arranged manner and contained a “Charcoal type
Iron Box”. On investigation, we came to know that he hails from Nizamabad
Dist of Andhra Pradesh and he reached Dubai 5 months ago. To accomplish
his dream journey he sold his house, the ironing company he owned and paid
the amount to get the Visa. He was cheated by an agent who had given visit
visa instead of job visa and taken away his travel documents from the
Airport itself. As he hasn’t found any job or shelter, he wandered here
and there and took shelter in the current spot two months ago.Usually he does not ask for any money from the people. But some people
seeing his plight will throw some money and will walk away. In the
evening, he buys just one bottle of water and some fruits from the nearby
Indian Cafeteria.After the conversations we called a nearby Policeman who was patrolling
the area .He came and removed the shirt of the victim the sight was very
heart melting; we felt that we are watching a live Skelton. The Police man
called for the ambulance and a police patrol team also reached there.
Meanwhile a lot of people of different nationalities including one Iranian
family and a local national gathered on hearing sounds.When we persuaded him to drinking some water, Rajanna told us that during
“ROSAA” time we can’t take food outside. (He was not aware that the
Ramadan was over). Though he does not have any travel documents, he is
obeying the rules and regulations of the country where he landed a few
months back. The Police constable forced him to drink water and a
watermelon was also given. Those who were present there can’t forget the
way he has eaten the watermelon; from which the people could guess the
depth of his hunger. We thanked all the Police personnel and the persons
gathered there for providing us humanitarian support. Meantime the
Ambulance arrived and we took him to Rashid Hospital, Dubai with the help
of a Policeman. On knowing that we are social workers, they give us
respect and one of the Policemen said “Allah Kareem if we haven’t done
this, he might have been dead here.” Some of the Hospital authorities and
Staff members who are aware of the service of “The Valley of Love” helped
us a lot.The doctor admitted him. Several tests were conducted and he responded to
the doctors questions. Now he is not as rough as we met and we can see the
secure feeling in his eyes.On medical investigation it is found that he is a carrier of Tuberculosis.
Currently he is under treatment in the Isolation Ward of Al Maktoum
Hospital, Dubai. We are planning to repatriate him to home town after
contacting the Indian Consulate-Dubai.Can we live with a closed eye? We must think about the ways to save the
people like Rajanna wandering in Parks, Hospitals, Abandoned buildings,
Streets etc. who does not have any shelter or basic facilities.
Moderator
The Valley of Love (Snehathazhvara)
***********************************************
Update:-
Present Rajanna weight 35kg, PRO/Staff of Al Makthom Hospital giving very
good support. Indian Community Welfare Committee arranges a wheel chair
passage to Rajanna. We And Mr.Murthy /Rasamayi Telugu Association arrange
out pass. , he will fly to Hydrabad tomarrow early morning. We want to
contact his family today. So, we express our sincere gratitude to Dubai
government and Indian mission to help this less fortunes repatriation and
treatment.
our volunteers Mr.Alson and Mr.Biju George assisted this case.
CP Mathew,
The Valley Of Love
Mob:- 0097150 7289317
Dubai Advertise in London Taxis
In its endeavor to add further impetus to its aggressive drive to promote and market Dubai in the top source market for the emirate’s booming tourism industry, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) launched the biggest-ever taxi advertising campaign in London along with another multi-million dirham campaign on top-notch TV channels to lure the UK holidaymakers.
The high-visibility taxi campaign will run for 12 months and utilizes fully-liveried cabs transporting passengers through the streets of London. Nine different holiday themes are being popularized among the UK travelers who have endorsed their choice of Dubai being their dream holiday destination for long and short breaks.
The DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, said: “We remain as aggressive as ever before. We are constantly exploring newer growth opportunities as the emirate’s rapidly-expanding tourism industry. We are pursuing an ambitious growth agenda. Our strategy is to consolidate our position in established source markets while exploring emerging markets. Our communication strategies have been designed to reflect the sweeping changes that Dubai is undergoing.”
The tourism-focused media initiatives comes on the back of unfaltering interest in Dubai among the UK holiday makers and solid year-on-year growth in Dubai hotel guests from this important European market. The DTCM Director Operations and Marketing (DTCM), Mr. Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, said: “The London Taxi campaign is a major initiative designed to further promote Dubai among the UK holidaymakers and offer them insights into different themes of breaks that our destination offers.” “Dubai enjoys high credibility and demand in this crucial market. This campaign will help us further consolidate our strong position. The new campaign will generate more business for the tourism industry which has expanded in the recent times,” he added.
The current year is projected to record substantial increase in the number of UK holiday makers compared with the 2004 figure of over 600,000 guests. Travel industry has also confirmed the huge increases in booking for Dubai holidays ahead of the start of the holiday season which covers Christmas and New Year celebrations. There are 115 scheduled flights from the UK to Dubai every week and the demand has remained consistent throughout the year. The new taxi campaign includes advertising both on the interior and exterior of the vehicles. The DTCM Manager Media and Advertising, Mr. Ahmed Al Tunaiji, who is supervising the campaign, said: “The London Taxi campaign is unique in many ways and is said to be the biggest-ever booked by a destination. We anticipate Dubai remaining a ‘moving message’ in London for the next 12 months through this innovative initiative.”
The key themes, based on the broad range of features and attractions which visitors to Dubai can enjoy, are: Holidays in Dubai - Where Tradition meets 21st Century, Hotels in Dubai - Where Luxury meets Leisure, Deserts in Dubai - Where Hospitality meets Hideaway, Golfing in Dubai - Where Sport meets Serenity, Beaches in Dubai - Where Sunshine meets Seascape, Tours and Safaris in Dubai - Where Thrill meets Tranquillity, Shopping in Dubai - Where Couture meets Classical, Water Sports in Dubai - Where Excitement meets Escape, Bird Watching in Dubai - Where Spectacle meets Sanctuary.This is said to be the biggest-ever advertising campaign booked for the London taxis, both in terms of the number of cabs and duration.
London is covered in its entirety with the selected cabs criss-crossing the metropolis day and night, thereby generating huge interest in Dubai among the London’s multi-cultural residents and visitors. The global travel industry too had an exposure to the initiative as the World Travel Market (WTM-2005) participants used the Dubai branded taxis. The themes of this striking campaign truly reflect the full product diversity which Dubai offers to tourists.The advantage of using London cabs is that you can reach the whole of Central London in a way that is unachievable using other media. This way of communicating the beauty of Dubai and the richness of its culture creates a strong impact. It also provides a way for potential customers to respond directly, using the contact details which are displayed on branded tip-up seats and receipts. Select images of Dubai are also displayed inside the taxis.
IRAQ: Iraqis express anger over 'covert' US press plan
BAGHDAD, 19 December (IRIN) - Iraqis reacted angrily over reports that emerged late last month that the US military was writing articles portraying it in a favourable light, translating them into Arabic and having them published in newspapers in Iraq's capital, Baghdad.Khalid Samim, of the Iraqi Journalists Association (IJA), slammed the policy, saying that the US military had abused its power by imposing its ideas on the Iraqi press.
"We've also received dozens of reports from local journalists and newspapers saying that they have been the victims of threats after they've written stories containing evidence against the US military and the Iraqi army," Samin said.Reports emerged on 30 November that the pentagon had contracted a private public relations firm, the Washington-based Lincoln Group, to run a covert programme aimed at placing positive articles in the Iraqi press.
While articles are largely factual, they "present only one side of events or omit information that might reflect poorly on the United States or Iraqi governments," the Los Angeles Times - which first broke the story - quoted an official as saying.Articles, meanwhile, were not identified as advertising or as originating from US sources.In the wake of the revelations, US military officials in Iraq defended the programme, saying it served merely "as a function of buying advertising and opinion space, as is customary in Iraq."
According to Muhammad Hayat, a journalist for local newspaper Baghdad Today, the policy is not a new one. "We have known about this behaviour on the part of the US government since 2003," he said.Hayat also complained of threats received by newspapers after they had published articles reflecting badly on the US military. "I can't make any direct accusations, but it's an incredible coincidence that threats always followed negative articles," he said.
A source from Iraqi broadsheet Al-Dustour, one of the papers accused of having received money from the US government to publish pro-US stories, admitted that it had happened, but added that the newspaper feared it would be shut down if it did not comply. "I know that it's wrong," said the source, who preferred anonymity. "We never ran lies, it was just a matter of helping the relationship between Iraqi and US forces." A source from Iraqi newspaper Al-Mutamar, also cited as having run articles prepared by US sources, refused to speak on the issue. Iraqi readers, meanwhile, showed their discomfort with the news.
"I always read Al-Mutamar, but now I'll prohibit my family from reading the work of those who prefer money to real journalism," said Abbas Dulaime, 52, a Baghdad shopkeeper. Zumira Ibraheem, a 34-year old primary school teacher, told IRIN that she feared that bogus news reports would have the effect of misleading readers, especially children. "I used to believe that reading newspapers was a very good way to learn," she said. "But I have since changed my mind."
On 16 December, the International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, journalists and media executives, published an open letter to US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld blasting the practice. "IPI believes that the use of such methods will cause great harm to the Iraqi media environment, as well as to the credibility and reputation of the US," IPI noted. "Moreover, if left unchecked, it might also have a detrimental impact on the political and media institutions within the US itself." "Such activities also run the risk of creating a culture, among the Iraqi media, which believes it is perfectly acceptable to receive money in return for press coverage," the institute added. "If this were to happen, then all the good work of press freedom and other democracy-building organisations in Iraq, who have sought to introduce higher standards, would be undone," IPI noted.
December 21 2005
Lankans showed some grit
Even though India is close to another test victory against Sri Lanka, the fourth days play didn’t went like they wished. The visitors fought hard from being outplayed. Mahela Jayawardane (57), Tilakaratne Dilshan (65) and Upul Tharanga (47) battled with some grit and stretched the match to the fifth day. At the start of the day Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble batted confidently and stretched India’s lead to massive 508. Harbhajan with some masterful stroke-play proved that there is nothing much in the pitch as everyone believed. That might have given the Lankans the will to fight. One thing to be noted is that the way India bated in the second innings. Everyone bated positively and didn’t allowed Muttiah Muralitharan to settle. That’s where India won the contest. If they had allowed him to bowl as he wished the course of the match might have been changed.
The pitch, with bounce and spin which suited Indian spinners, played a vital part. Harbhajan enjoyed bowling here. When Sri Lanka was reduced to 94 for four it seemed as if they were going to stumble in the penultimate day itself. But Jayawardane and Dishan produced a face saving fifth wicket partnership of 105. They handled Indian spinners with ease. It didn’t last long as Agarkar broke the partnership with a Yorker length delivery which was hit straight back to him by Jayawardane. Shortly Dilshan also returned to pavilion off the bowling of Irfan Pathan. It will be hard for the Lankan tail end to last long in the final day as the pitch will slow down further. And unless something unexpected happened India will pocket the game comfortably.
Is this enough to face the Paks?
It’s true that India out played Sri Lanka in the test series and the one day series. But it seems the series has not given Indian players the morale boost they expected. First of all the victory came against a weakened Lankan side. Most of the Lankan batsmen couldn’t find form and their bowlers lacked discipline and aggressiveness. Atapattu and Jayawardane couldn’t perform consecutively and no other player came up with big scores. Except in one innings Murali couldn’t find his rhythm and to add to this Chaminda Vass was not at his best. I am not undermining the performance of the Indians but reminding that this is not enough to challenge Pakistan in their soil. There are in superb form in both forms of the game as they have totally out played England in the just concluded test and one day series. Pakistan’s batting and bowling has improved a lot and they are ready to take on any team in the world.Before the forth coming Pakistan tour Indians must have to do a lot of home work. Their bowling needs lot more discipline and batting much more consistency. Otherwise nobody should wonder if they were crushed by Inzamam ul Haq and company.
Laxman, Dhoni and Pathan saved the day
R.B.Leo
December 18, 2005 V.V.S.Laxman along with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Irfan Pathan took India to some respectable position in the first innings of the third and final test against Sree Lanka. After being reduced to 97 for 5, India reached 247 for 6 at stumps on day one. Laxman (71 not out) and Dhoni (49) added 86 for the sixth wicket partnership. Laxman then put up an unbroken seventh wicket stand of 64 with Pathan (39 not out). First day at Ahmadabad tested the character of each and every player. Gautam Gambhir could not utilize the opportunity to the utmost as he thrown away his wicket by an irresponsible shot. He got out trying to hook a short ball that was well outside the off stump, from outside the line, and gave a simple catch at midwicket. It was lack of concentration that cost Virendra Sehwag’s wicket. Even though Sachin Tendulkar made a cautious start he couldn’t convert it to a big one. He was looking comfortable until beaten by the bounce that Muthiah Muralitharan produced from the pitch. The man with most number of centuries in the history of the game walked back with only having scored 23 runs.
Youvraj Sing once again felt it hard to negotiate spin bowling and went back before scoring. Mohamed Kaif (4) also didn’t last long as he was not in a mood to study the pitch and read the bowlers. He perished after pulling Malinga Bandara apishly to midwicket. Then it seemed India was going to fumble. But Laxman and Dhoni changed the tempo of the game. Dhoni batted aggressively but without taking any risk. He took the gap easily and lofted without inhibition or fear. Dhoni used his feet beautifully with steady head. Laxman had been 23 not out when Dhoni walked in. Soon, Laxman was 50 not out and Dhoni on 49. But Dhoni fell one short of his second consecutive test half-century to Murali’s off spinner.
Laxman’s innings was a picture of solidity. He played watchfully and masterfully as the man who normally bats at No.3. Pathan showed again that he is a useful all-rounder in the making. How ever India reached the end of day one having recovered much of the ground they had lost earlier. The course of the match will be known today. It will be hard for the batsmen to score as the pitch started to slow down which will be more intense in the coming days. As in the first match it is most likely that Murali or Kumble is going to decide the fate of the match.
No Pressure on Iran, says Omans Minister
A senior Omani official has denied that the GCC States were pressurizing Iran over its nuclear program, and called for a peaceful settlement of the standoff. "There is no pressure (cast by GCC countries) on Iran... Iran is our neighbour. We want to maintain good relations with it," Yousif bin Alawi, Oman's Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs told reporters following an in-camera meeting of the GCC leaders here today.
Bin Alawi said the present standoff over Iran's nuclear agenda should be overcome peacefully through dialogue. "However, any nuclear cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should pay due consideration to the environmental impact", he cautioned.The Minister also denied the existence of differences among the GCC leaders attending their 26th Summit here.
Commenting on the GCC Secretary General's call on the countries of the region to sign a nuclear non-proliferation treaty, he said "this is an international call that seeks to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction worldwide. We aspire to protect our grandchildren against these perils".
Asked whether the GCC countries are pressurizing Israel over its nuclear weapons, the Minister said: "We are not casting pressure on anyone. We have no nuclear weapons. This issue may be handled by the Arab League." The Omani Minister declined to comment on the Iranian President's recent remarks about Israel, saying that as a Foreign Minister, he would not comment on statements by heads of state. "Israel is a UN member. We are striving to realize peace under the banner of the Arab League", he added
The GCC leaders have approved decisions relating to mustering security and military cooperation among their countries, reported WAM. During their closed-door session this evening, the leaders reviewed reports on several crucial issues, including a proposed unified GCC smart ID card, a report by the agriculture ministers on the precautionary measures to be adopted to prevent possible outbreak of the avian flu virus and a report on insurance coverage for GCC citizens in both public and private sectors.The source said that an atmosphere of amity prevailed during the session."The leaders looked determined to come up with resolutions that will add value to the GCC achievements". According to the source, the summit would probably pass a resolution on the unified trade policy which provides for opening individual markets for GCC national goods, regulation of the import-export procedure and enhancing competitiveness of Gulf products.
KM Young Writers
Lankans Beat Indians in Rainy Battle
R.B.Leo
As expected, the rain spoiled Chennai test between India and Srilanka ended in a draw. It was Chaminda Vass who made the otherwise a dull practise match lively through his enduring pace bowling. The seasoned bowler showed how to utilize conditions in the best manner. One of the best batting lineups in the world fumbled and struggled before him. Later Mahela Jayawardane gave some hard time for the Indian bowlers and made a breezy 71. He struck the ball cleanly and easily as if it was against a depleted side. Both of them thrashed India’s plans and grabbed a bit of psychological advantage for the rest of the series.
In the final day India resumed the innings on 90 for two. Things changed when Indians batted in an over defencive manner. When nobody bothered to apply the basics, the Lankans gained confidence and attacked with all they have. Eventhough Rahul Dravid famously called ‘the wall’ started confidently he lost momentum in the midway and perished. Sachin was overcautious as he never tried to play his natural game. Everybody was expecting him to reach three figures and write one more record against his name. Sachin was under tremendous pressure to score, as he had not made a big knock since December 2004. He faced each and every ball as if it was the most dangerous one. His overcautious approach paid him dearly. An excellent offbreak from Murali made him walk back after makin only 22 from 126 deliveries. Neither Mr.Classic V.V.S.Laxman nor the prodigal son Ganguly could steady the ship. After all these dramas and chaos the debutant Mahendra Singh Dhoni showed that there was nothing much on the pitch. He even lofted Murali to the boundary. Excellent spells of Vass and Murali brought the end of Indian innings much before expected.
In the batting department also the Lankans outplayed the Indians. At the beginning Irfan Pathan showed some aggression. But it faded gradually. Kumble’s performance reminded a glance of his old magic. Now, for the first time in the history of game, the department of most concern for ‘team India’ is spin. The land of spin bowlers now lacks quality spinners. The biggest question is that who will lead the spin attack after Kumble. It’s true that Kumble is not a great spinner of ball. But variety is his speciality. He varies the pace and flight beautifully and mix it up with his lethal weapon ‘googly’.
That makes him hard to read for any batsmen in the world. This is where Kumble and the gifted spinner Harbhajan Singh differs. Eventhough Harbhajan could spin ball well he lacks variety. After all condition in Delhi, the venue of the second test is different. These things may favour India, where men in blue have scripted some famous wins. One thing the Indians should not forget (which the do frequently) is that nobody could survive without getting the basics right, whoever it maybe, Ganguly or Sachin.
*The author is an experienced sports journalist who currently works with Asianet Radio Dubai News Desk. When he was working with Kerala Kaumudi as a sports journalist, he had the unique chance to cover some of the major national and state level sports events. Even though he is busy with the News desk and news reading, Leo continues his interest in sports. He will continue to write sports reviews here.
Belhasa Driving Center to highlight the issue of road safety
December 10, 2005 Belhasa Driving Center, the UAE’s leading driving institute, has announced that it will highlight the issue of road safety at Gulf Traffic 2005, the largest transport event in the Middle East and North Africa, which will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from December 12 to 14, 2005.Belhasa Driving Center is one of only two driving institutes to participate in Gulf Traffic 2005, and the only one from the Middle East region. Gulf Traffic 2005 is a conference and exhibition event that focuses on traffic and transport infrastructure.“Being the premier driving institute in the UAE, Belhasa Driving Center is committed towards excellence in all aspects of driving, driver education and the improvement of safety standards on the road, and has been providing ongoing training to driving instructors,” said Saif Ahmed Belhasa, Chairman and Managing Director, Belhasa Driving Center. “Our corporate strategy entails ensuring a strong presence in all major events relevant to the fields of driving and traffic. Besides allowing us to closely interact with policymakers and experts, such an approach helps us stay updated on the latest international trends and developments in the industry, which we could then apply locally to benefit not only our clients, but also the UAE as a whole. Belhasa’s participation in Gulf Traffic 2005 is in keeping with this strategy.”
“Gulf Traffic 2005 brings together several important personalities, including ministers and key officials involved with traffic, transport, road safety, construction, and city planning. This provides Belhasa a unique opportunity to interact with key players shaping the future of the traffic and transport industry in the region. The show affords us an opportunity to present our ideas on road safety, and gain valuable insights on industry best practices through our interactions with international experts at the event,” Saif Ahmed Belhasa added.The transportation industry in the Middle East has been rapidly expanding, and with many major cities experiencing increased traffic congestion, regional governments are looking at alternative urban transport solutions. As such, several new projects are at various stages of planning and development.
Davyd Farrell, Project Director of Gulf Traffic 2005, said, “With major cities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region expanding at a rapid pace, there is growing demand for efficient public transportation systems in order to cope with the needs of the increasing population. There is today an urgent need to address issues such as parking, road safety, and Intelligent Transport Systems. Gulf Traffic 2005 will serve as a forum that comprehensively addresses all these issues, while providing exhibitors an ideal platform to showcase products and network with fellow industry players and potential customers. The participation of the Belhasa Driving Center, which has always strived to promote safe driving practices, adds a refreshing dimension to the show.” The Belhasa Driving Center has been organizing and participating in various events to promote safe driving, besides organizing training programs on the issue. Belhasa is also the organizer of the upcoming SAFEX 2006, the world driving training conference, in association with IVV, the International Association for Driver Education.
KM Exclusive ..Breaking News
Kollam District Collector being Evicted under Pressure
KOLLAM – The Kollam district collector B.Srinivasan is being shunted by a state cabinet meeting held under the able leadership of Shri Ommen Chandy. The meeting on Wednesday has passed a sudden transfer order, which is now objected to by the Election Commission. A sincere IAS officer of the 1991 batch, Mr.Srinivasan has been removed to please a Hindu religious Matt located in the district and to help a plantation firm close to a faction within the ruling party to retain a huge plot of government land, which the district collector tried to bring back to the government ownership.
Even though the district collector is yet to receive an official order about his hurried transfer, the higher officials have already preparing his letter. A leading plantation company (HP..?) owned a plot of land, which has no clear ownership evidence. One Najeeb has questioned the group's ownership of about 200 hectares of land which is now being transferred to another resort project. Two factions within the ruling party have aligned with the disputed parties and the Chief Minister has been under tremendous pressure to evict the district collector who tried to evict an illegal occupant of government land. Kerala is a highly politicized state and bureaucrats have to dance according to the whims and fancies of different lobbies. While they are bound to follow the legally right path in a democratic set up the political bosses will always have something unofficial to get done. There is no evidence of the property ownership for the last 150 years.
Hardly one year and four months after he was posted in Kollam, the district collector was sudden to enter the bad books of the Congress politicians, many of whom frequent Amruthapuram, which is located in the same district. His misfortune started because being a senior IAS official he did not kneel down or embrace a spiritual lady. "Many state politicians have visited Kollam during the tsunami period and the district collector had to follow them to the Ashram and kneel down like other devotees. While many bureaucrats and senior police officials do it without any hesitation, a few officials like the district collector do not follow the ritual style of greetings. Apparently the district collector was not in the good books of Ashram too. As the general election is coming, no politician can afford to lose the Hindu votes that the Ashram represents. The tsunami two leading Congress politicians are behind the hurried transfer move. Watch this space to know the fate of a collector who happened to be a victim of the ugly coalition and religious politics. In a democratic secular country, a secular IAS officer cannot survive? -Watch this space.
More than 50 journalists and media workers harassed, some beaten while covering elections
Reporters Without Borders today accused the Egyptian authorities of waging a campaign of harassment against the press throughout the month-long staggered legislative elections, in which more than 50 journalists were prevented from covering the polling and most of these were also subjected to violence by police, officials or members of the public."It is utterly unacceptable that so many journalists and media technicians were harassed, intimidated or beaten just because they were doing their work by shooting footage or taking photos exposing polling irregularities," the press freedom organisation said.
"By forbidding many TV crews to film polling stations, the Egyptian authorities deliberately prevented them from fulfilling their duty to report the news," Reporters Without Borders added. "We consider this behaviour to be intolerable and we call for the punishment of those responsible for the violence."
The third and final phase of the elections, on 7 December, were particularly violent. More than 15 journalists were prevented from working. Journalists working for the pan-Arab satellite TV station Al Jazeera and the independent daily Al-Masry Al-Youm were the most affected.
Reporter Leena El-Ghadban, who was covering the elections for Al Jazeera, and her crew consisting of cameraman Mohamed Ezz, soundman Mohamed Galal and driver Medhat Sayed Abdou, were prevented by state security agents from filming inside a polling station in Bandar-Domyat (191 km north of Cairo).
The same thing happened to another Al-Jazeera reporter, Mohamed Yousef, in Al-A'arish, northeast of the capital. A third Al-Jazeera crew was harassed in El Sharqiya province (83 km east of Cairo). The crew, consisting of reporter Sameer Omar, cameraman Yasser Sulaiman and Sulaiman's assistant, Ahmed Shaqi, had to flee under threat of having nitric acid thrown at them.
Al-Masry Al-Youm photographer Mohamed Ma'arouf was detained by the police in Domyat province for three hours. One of his colleagues, Mohamed El-Sa'eed, suffered tear gas inhalation and was held for two hours in a government building in Balteem (200 km north of Cairo).
Another photographer, Hossam Fadl, narrowly escaped being tear gassed in El-Mansoura, near to the capital. When he returned to his car, be found all of his tyres had been let down. Fellow photographer Ahmed El-Masry was meanwhile attacked and beaten by members of the El-Mansoura municipal council.
In the province of El-Sharqiya, photographer Ahmed Shaker was doused with petrol by individuals who then threatened to set him on fire if he did not leave immediately. Four Al-Masry Al-Youm employees - reporters Abdel-A'al Tala'at and Gamal Osman, photographer Abdel-Fattah Abbas and their driver - were badly beaten by villagers in Shatoura (490 km south of the capital) when they were mistaken for plain-clothes intelligence agents.Finally, Amre Nabil, a photographer working for the Associated Press news agency, had to be hospitalised after being hit by a stone in the eye as he was covering the election in the province of El-Sharqiya.
