Todays News (August 18, 2004 Click here)
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR ALL INDIA AND CENTRAL SERVICES PROPOSED GOVERNMENT TO SEEK PUBLIC OPINION
New Delhi - The introduction of Administrative Reforms is an important commitment in the National Common Minimum Programme. As part of the effort to undertake wide ranging reforms in Government, a major proposal pertaining to recruitment to All India and Central Services will be placed on the website of the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), Government of India seeking suggestions from the public.
The proposal envisages an All India Entrance Examination for All India and Central Services for Class XII students on the pattern of NDA, Medical, Law Colleges and IITs. Students who pass such a test would then join a National Academy for a five year course. At the end of three years, a graduate degree would be given to those passing normal examinations. The best candidates would be given their service allotments on the basis of merit and choice at the end of three years. Those who are in the lowest percentiles on the basis of merit can be released and can go out into the market with their graduation degrees. The candidates who have been given their service allotments can then go in for a 2-year-service-specific course. These courses would be designed specifically for the requirements of the service concerned. There would be further annual examinations/tests during these two years. From among these, students would be selected for a further service-specific course for two years, leading to a degree equivalent to an MBA. The recruitment procedure would adhere to existing reservation quota and requirements of individual All India Services.
If there are some candidates who are not found to be good enough at the end of the 2-year service-specific course, there should be provision to release them so that they can go out into the market with their MBA-equivalent degrees. The details of this proposal will shortly be available at the DOPT website.
The feed back from the public will be examined by the proposed Administrative Reforms Commission before any official view is taken of this proposal.
SENDING INDIAN TROOPS TO SUDAN
Lok SabhaIn response to a U.N. request, Government of India has made a commitment to the United Nations to provide an infantry battalion group with support elements, an Air Force unit comprising six utility helicopters and police personnel consisting of a Special Police Unit and individual police offiers. Indian troops are currently deployed in U.N. Peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Ethiopia-Eritrea and Democratic Republic of Congo. Indian police personnel are serving in the U.N. Mission in Kosovo. This information was given to Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed in reply to a question by Shri Milind Deora.
Dubai Municipality call to abide by hygiene regulations
Khalid Sharief Al Awadi, Acting Director of Public Health Department and Head of Food Control Section at Dubai Municipality, has called upon all food establishments in the emirate to comply with health and hygiene conditions as mentioned in the food safety manual circulated to all concerned establishments. Al Awadi said that the regulations are in place to preserve public health specially during the summer when foodstuff could become dangerous if not stored proeprly.Traffic studies to improve road conditions in Dubai
DUBAI - The Roads Department at Dubai Municipality has completed several studies and researches with the objective of bettering traffic conditions, introducing appropriate policies for mass transit methods and improving road conditions in Dubai. These studies include the Comprehensive Transport Study, the Master Plan for Technical Traffic Systems, Traffic Calming Studies, Comprehensive Pedestrian Movement Study, Asphalt Research Project, and Comprehensive Plans for Traffic Technical Systems. In a report on the Roads Network and Traffic Systems in Dubai, Eng. Nasser Ahmed Saeed, Director of Roads Department, said the Comprehensive Transport Study had been undertaken by the department taking into consideration the fast-paced development of the emirate on various fronts."The population of the emirate is expected to reach three million by 2017. This demands from us a study of the current transportation methods in the emirate as well as the various alternative modes of transportation. The Comprehensive Transport Study has been undertaken in this context," he explained. Saeed noted that as part of the study, a traffic model was developed in order to predict the future traffic on all directions as a base for laying down short, medium and long-term plans for the roads networks after collecting comprehensive traffic information. Through the study, various transport policies and alternatives were evaluated, and a five-year plan for improving the road networks and transport systems in Dubai was introduced.
"The study's immediate effect was the introduction of a comprehensive plan for traffic techniques systems in Dubai which include the electronic display boards, speedway access and exit management system, traffic accidents management system, and the dynamic navigation system. Of these systems, the eelectronic display boards, or "variable message signs," that show road conditions, alerting motorists to congested routes and suggesting other options, will be set up by Dubai Municipality and become operational by 2005. Two phases of he Dynamic Navigation System have already been introduced and the final phase is currently underway. Saeed further noted that the traffic calming studies were undertaken in order to identify the traffic safety issues in the city and their relation to the planning and designing factors of the road networks and land uses. The end-result of the studies was preparing a comprehensive traffic-calming manual for Dubai. It has to be noted this project, named Planning and Design of Traffic Calming Project has won Dubai Municipality the prestigious Grand Award of the 2003 for Engineering Excellence from the Consulting Engineers of South Carolina (CESC).
JOINT WORKING GROUP AGAINST TERRORISM
Lok SabhaIndia established a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with Israel in June 2000. A Joint Working Group with Turkey on Combating Terrorism was established in September 2003. These provide a framework for cooperation with these two countries, including inter-alia, by way of sharing of information and experience, cooperation in preventing terrorist financing, drug trafficking and organised crimes as also through capacity building.This information was given to Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed in reply to a question by Shri Iqbal Ahmed Saradgi and Shri Rayapati Sambasiva Rao.
MORE CYBER CAFES AT RAILWAY STATIONS
The RailTel is installing Internet Cyber Cafes at 51 railway stations on Indian Railways during the current financial year 2004-2005. The first such café has been commissioned at platform no. 12 of New Delhi Railway Station with effect from June 27, 2003. It has since been a tremendous success.Internet Cyber Café forms part of the passenger amenities for rail users who want facilities of Internet connectivity.Set up in September, 2000, RailTel, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, is entrusted with improving all-round modernization of optic fibre based telecommunication network on the Indian Railways to make rail services more efficient and safer.INANCE MINISTER’S STATEMENT ON GTB
Following is the text of the Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram’s statement on the merger of the Global Trust Bank (GTB) with the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC):“Government have noted, with considerable disappointment and regret that in an article by Shri Balbir K. Punj veiled insinuations have been made against the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and the former Prime Minister, Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao in the matter concerning Global Trust Bank (GTB). It is obvious that Shri Balbir K. Punj is willing to strike but afraid to wound, and that is why he has stopped just short of making accusations. Nevertheless, the references to the Prime Minister and the former Prime Minister deserve to be deplored.
GTB has been sliding since March, 2001 till date. If, as the author alleges, the GTB has burnt a hole of Rs.800 – Rs.1200 crore, the hole was burning since March, 2001. Shortly after the UPA Government took over, the Finance Minister discussed the matter with the Governor, RBI and requested him to take suitable steps to protect the interest of the stakeholders, particularly the depositors. The Reserve bank of India acted promptly and, after conducting its own enquiries, advised the Government to impose a moratorium on the activities of GTB, and this was done with effect from 24th July 2004. On 26th July 2004, a draft scheme proposing the merger of GTB with Oriental bank of Commerce (OBC) was proposed and a notice inviting objections was published. Within three weeks, the objections were processed, and a final order directing the amalgamation of GTB with OBC was made on 14th August, 2004.
Depositors have welcomed the swiftness and promptitude with which the Government and the RBI have acted in the matter. These decisions were taken at the level of the Finance Minister and the Governor, RBI. The Prime Minister’s approval was taken for the publication of the notification with effect from 14th August, 2004.”
EXCISE AND CUSTOMS DUTIES ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS REDUCED
18:49 ISTGovernment has decided to reduce customs and excise duties on certain petroleum products. These changes have been given effect from today (i.e., August 18, 2004), through notification No.82/2004-Customs and notification No.44/2004-Central Excise both dated August 18, 2004. The changes made, in customs and excise duties, are as under.
Customs
Petrol : From 20% to 15%
Diesel : From 20% to 15%
Kerosene (for PDS) : From 10% to 5%
LPG : From 10% to 5%
Excise
Petrol : From 26% to 23%
Diesel : From 11% to 8%
Kerosene (for PDS) : From 16% to 12%
FREE PRESS VITAL FOR DEMOCRACY – DR. MANMOHAN SINGH
PM RECEIVES COPY OF THE FIRST DELHI EDITION OF MALAYALA MANORAMA
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has said that free press is vital for improving the functioning of democracy. He was speaking after receiving the copy of the first Delhi edition of the Malayala Manorama, the largest circulated Malayalam newspaper. He quoted Amartya Sen, who often argued that a free press is the best guarantee against the famines which ravaged the country before Independence. Like all cliches, it is true that by voicing the voice of the voiceless, the media becomes a force for good.
Extending warm greetings and good wishes to the readers, the Prime Minister said that Malayala Manorama played a leading role in inculcating nationalist fervour among the people of the erstwhile State of Travancore in their struggle against the British rule and in favour of Travancore’s integration with the Indian Union. He complimented the newspaper for having a glorious record of remaining in the forefront of Indian journalism. It has established a healthy tradition of shaping public opinion and championing the cause of the people, as well as defending the freedom of the press.
Dr. Manmohan Singh also recalled the newspaper’s humanitarian services to the people including the earthquake affected Latur, in Maharashtra. He hoped that the Delhi edition of the paper would play an important role in educating and informing public opinion. “Kerala has shown the way forward in so many areas of our national life, and Malayala Manorama has played an important role in this”, he added.
Dhs34 million project to provide sewage connections
DUBAI - 18 August 2004Dubai Municipality is currently undertaking a Dhs34 million project for providing sewerage connections to houses and buildings that are under construction in various parts of Dubai. This was stated by Juma Khalifa Al Fuqaie, Acting Head of the Drainage Monitoring and Development Section at the Drainage and Irrigation Department of the municipality, who noted that the two-year long project, which began in May this year, is part of a new approach in providing sewerage connections to the city's newly-built houses. "The method we adopted in the past was to wait until works of a new building are complete and the contractors submit an application for a sewage connection with no-objection certificates from the relevant service authorities.
Under the new initiative, we go to the field and survey the buildings that are under construction in various parts of the emirate and initiate proceedings for providing house connections so that the building is connected to the vast sewage net-work of the city, even before the building is actually ready for use by the owner or the tenants," said Al Fuqaie. He noted that so far some 110 new buildings have been connected to the network since the project took off in May this year. "In Dubai, there are a lot of new buildings coming up in no time. Hence, the need to offer this particular service which will help save time for both the contractors as well as the owners," he added. Al Fuqaie explained that the house connection system at the department was connected to the Building and Housing Department of Dubai Municipality which issues building permits and supervises construction activities in the city."This will boost the efficiency of the system as we know in advance how many new buildings are coming up and in which areas. We then initiate the procedures for providing the connection even before the contractor or consultant submit the relevant documents," Al Fuqaie said. In addition, he noted, a field survey is also being conducted in order to identify the locations and buildings that require this service more. It has to be noted that Dubai Municipality is currently working on setting up the action plan of sewage and rain drainage projects, which is expected to meet the requirements of the Emirate till 2020. For this purpose the urban areas have been divided into main sewerage areas to serve the main pumping station from where it will be pumped to the sewage pumping station located in Al Aweer, or the future station at Jebel Ali. Dubai Municipality had awarded a local contracting company drainage network projects of Muhaisna 3(244) and 4(245) area, as well as the storm water project of Industrial area in Qusais 2 (243). \
DUBAI’S HEALTH AND FITNESS INDUSTRY REGISTERING 15% GROWTH
Latest dry water massage therapy to debut at Sportex
17/08/04 Dubai’s health and fitness industry is registering 15% annual growth as mega leisure projects and rapidly growing in-bound tourism create demand, according to Signature, one of the Middle East’s leading fitness and well being equipment suppliers.
Signature’s Anne Taraby says increased awareness of the health benefits of regular exercise will help drive further growth as the reputation of Dubai as the region’s sports and leisure centre spreads. “Growth is certain, largely in Dubai, with the creation of major leisure and tourism projects, such as Dubai Sports City and Dubailand, spurring the economy,” said Taraby. “The fitness and well being sectors are bound to benefit as developers and facility managers source the latest equipment.” According to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, tourism’s contribution to Dubai's GDP exceeded 17 per cent, in 2003, and its indirect impact reached a whopping 28 per cent.
Revenues generated by Dubai's hotel and serviced apartments last year recorded a 17.64 per cent growth exceeding Dh4 billion and up from Dh3.4 billion in 2002. The DTCM has forecast that these figures will go up significantly in the next three years, with tourism and real estate projects announced by the government coming on stream by 2006-2007.Lebanon-based Signature says development is driving increasing demand for lifestyle products, such as its Spa Capsule, which provides a water jet full body massage without the need to get wet or undressed. The latest Spa Capsule will make its Middle East trade show debut at Sportex Middle East 2004 – the exclusive international exhibition for the region’s sports and leisure industries – to be held in Dubai from September 7-9.
“We envisage a big demand for next generation Spa Capsules, not just from the region’s spas and fitness centres but also from the healthcare sector,” said Taraby. “Massage therapy was once considered just hedonistic pampering for the rich and famous but it is becoming increasingly popular with people from all walks of life as its physical, mental and emotional benefits are recognised. “Up to 99% of visits to primary care physicians are for stress related complaints. Dry water massage therapy relaxes contracted and tense muscles, relieving compression on nerves, slows down the body’s natural rhythm and helps to lower blood pressure. Studies conducted in the United States, Europe and Asia have documented that regular 10-15 minute sessions can reduce the incidence of illness.”
Organised by International Expo-Consults (IEC), Sportex Middle East 2004 will be the largest in the event’s history. To date companies from 10 countries have confirmed their participation. The exhibition will feature a South African pavilion for the first time, as well as an official delegation from China.“Awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle is growing rapidly throughout the Middle East. As a result the fitness and well being sectors, in particular, are booming thanks to the demand generation by massive leisure and tourism investment in facilities,” said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC.
“Sportex Middle East will provide a networking forum for the leading players in the sports and leisure industries interested in the latest technologies and industry trends.”
Jordan ICT Forum 2004 garners support by leading ICT Organisations
Amman 16 August 2004 -Jordan International and local companies have joined together as sponsors of the Jordan ICT Forum 2004 which is being held at the Dead Sea in Jordan on 14 & 15 September 2004. The event has attracted key ICT organizations that have come together in a bid to support the efforts of Information Technology Association – Jordan (int@j) and the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MoICT).
“The ICT sector is undoubtedly considered the cornerstone of the success of any business and in attracting investments to any country, said Mohammed Saqer, CEO of Fastlink - the Platinum sponsor of the event and also the sponsor of the regional press visit to Jordan. “The pace of development of this sector has exceeded all expectation in the past. Today, regional markets are vying to establish themselves as ICT hubs. The Jordan ICT Forum 2004 will gather global ICT leaders to discuss and share their views about the opportunities of the ICT market in the Arab world and it is our responsibility as a major player in the region to support this event. Fastlink, the Kingdom’s first and leading GSM operator along with MTC, a major regional player in the sector are strongly committed to the ICT Forum 2004”.
Microsoft Corporation and Batelco Jordan have also stepped up to support the event through Gold sponsorships with Intel Corporation as the Silver sponsor.The Forum is also supported by Cisco Systems, Jordan Telecom as the official sponsor of the press center, Royal Jordanian Airlines as the official career which is granting special discount on tickets for participants in the Forum, Aramex International as the official courier and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as the international sponsor of the Jordan ICT Forum 2004.
The Forum is partially funded by The AMIR Program/ US Agency for International Development.“Jordan ICT Forum 2004 is receiving tremendous support by the ICT community and we are grateful to all these companies for their ongoing commitment to the region’s development,” said Marwan Juma, chairman of int@j. “We hope that this event demonstrates the strong desire by the region to work together to reach a common goal which will ultimately bring technological and economic benefit to all the people of the Arab world.” The Forum sessions have been designed to address vital issues which play a key role in identifying the methods of promoting and developing this sector: Defining Routes for Regional Opportunity, Connectivity for Regional Growth, Regional Synergies for a Global Offering, Value Generation in the Arab World, Investing in the Future; Vision for Education, Building a Youth Dialogue for Innovation.
VESCOPLASTICS TO MAKE MID EAST DEBUT AT SEATRADE SOUTH AFRICAN FIRM TO SCOUT FOR REGIONAL BUSINESS PARTNERS
16th August, 2004
Viewing the Middle East shipping industry as one unaffected by a recession that hit other parts of the globe, South African firm VescoPlastics is to use its presence at Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2004, the Middle East’s premier conference and exhibition for the maritime sector, as an opportunity to enter discussions with potential partners for regional joint venture initiatives. “The potential for marine business in the Middle East is very impressive at the moment,” said Dr. J P Leger, CEO, VescoPlastics. “Compared to the rest of the world, where the effects of a recession in the maritime industry are still being felt, the Middle East seems unaffected and if anything, business is booming.
“Whilst we already do business in the Middle East, having an on-the-ground presence here with local partners will enable us to build brand recognition and increase sales activity in the region. Seatrade Middle East Maritime will bring together the region’s shipping industry players and give VescoPlastics a tremendous networking opportunity.”
As first time participants at Seatrade Middle East Maritime, VescoPlastics is also looking to demonstrate its distinctive product line-up at the event, which will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre from December 6-8. “Dubai’s potential for marine business is substantial and although there are similar products available in the UAE at the moment, we believe our brands have certain advantages over the competition,” said Leger.
“Our main product, Vesconite, is a low friction material used for long life bearings, designed to operate with little or no greasing, making it a versatile and high performance replacement for traditional materials in anti-friction and wear applications.”
South Africa is among 19 countries from which exhibitors have registered for the Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition, which the organisers predict will be triple the size of last year. Iran, Turkey, India and Pakistan will have first-time industry pavilions at the show.
“The growth in the Middle East region’s maritime industry is bucking a global trend and we continue to see this with Seatrade Middle East Maritime attracting new exhibitors to the event,” said Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade.
Seatrade Middle East Maritime is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. The event is sponsored by Dubai Maritime City; Dubai Ports Authority; Government of Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; Gulf Energy Maritime PJSC (GEM); and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).
Other sponsors include Aalborg Industries A/S (Dubai branch); Aqua Group; Arabian Adventures; British Airways; Castrol Marine; Clyde & Co; HSBC; Instone International; Lloyd’s Register; Maritime London; Net Cruises; Nico International; Norton Rose; Scan-Trans Chartering LLC; and Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC.
Supporters of the event include Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Dubai Shipping Agents Association; National Association of Freight Logistics; Indian National Shipowners’ Association; the Nautical Institute UAE Branch and UAE National Ship Suppliers’ Association.
OASIS LEASING APPOINTS UAE NATIONAL TO KEY POST
Salem Rashid Al Noaimi named Director of Business Development and Investor Relations
Oasis International Leasing, the Abu-Dhabi-based big ticket leasing company, has appointed UAE national Salem Rashid Al Noaimi as its Director of Business Development and Investor Relations.Al Noaimi, 29, who was born in Abu Dhabi, graduated from Boston’s Northeastern University with a Bachelors Degree in Finance and International Business. He has successfully completed the first level of the CFA programme - the globally recognised standard for measuring the competence and integrity of financial analysts.
Before joining Oasis Leasing, Al Noaimi worked in the investments department of the Dubai Islamic Bank. While at university he gained work experience with the UAE Central Bank, Abu Dhabi Fund and Kraft Foods. “Salem’s appointment comes at a time when we are seeing many new business opportunities and stepping up our investor communications strategy in the run up to the planned Rights Issue,” said Gordon Dixon, CEO, Oasis Leasing. “As the company continues to grow its asset base and delivers increased shareholder value, it is vitally important that we exploit the available opportunities and maintain an effective information flow to our investors. “We are delighted that Salem has decided to join Oasis Leasing and we anticipate that he will make a significant contribution to the company’s growth and development.”
