Vijayan, Achuthanandan not to contest Kerala polls Arab Beauty of the week... Single Consideration for Single Girl child in KVS In pursuance of the decision of Government of India, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sahgthan (KVS) has exempted single girl children studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas in classes VI-XII from payment of various kinds of fees with effect from 1st January 2006. 10,300 girls of Kendriya Vidyalayas have benefited from this decision. The Minister for Human Resource Development, in his capacity as Chairman of KVS, has now further decided to give special consideration to single girl children in admissions to KVS. Accordingly, it has been decided that single girl children who do not qualify for admission from class VI onwards based on their rank in admission test/ qualifying examination but who obtain the minimum qualifying marks, will be admitted in Kendriya Vidyalayas upto a maximum of two girls per class, over and above the sanctioned strength. For admission in class I after admitting the candidates upto the full strength, if there are single female children left among the unsuccessful applicants, upto two single female children will be admitted over and above the sanctioned intake in each section of class I. In making selections from among such cases, preference will be given to applicants as per priority categories laid down in the admission guidelines. First encyclopedia on women's rights in the region CAIRO, 16 March (IRIN) - The Arab League has published the first ever encyclopedia stating the legal position of women's rights in the region.The book called: "The Situation of Women in Arab Legislations", was put together to serve as fundamental reference guide to the legal status of women in Arab countries."The purpose of this book is to serve as a reference for any individual interested in the legal status of women in any of the Arab League member states," according to the Women's Unit of the Cairo-based Arab League. The idea was welcomed by the Egyptian National Council for Women which called the book an "an excellent step" in expanding women's rights in Arab countries. "Putting all of this information together means that when we want to study the state of women in any of these countries, we can see what is in the law and what is missing," Farkhoda Hassan, the Secretary General of the Egyptian government's National Council for Women, said. The encyclopedia, which consists of four volumes and a CD, presents, in one source, information on the status of women in the constitutions and laws of the 22 member states of the Arab League. While the first volume, "Constitutions," provides information on all parts of the member states' constitutions that deal with women and their rights, the other three volumes address the laws that regulate the status of women in various domains. The second volume covers "Nationality and Personal Status." While the third and forth volumes, "Civil Law and Punishment" and "Women's Laws," present all the laws related to crime and punishment, labour, social security, political participation, education and trade with regqards to women.Although the encyclopedia merely presents information on the laws and parts of the constitutions that deal with women Hassan it would be of great value to those working to expand the rights of women in the Arab world. Hassan noted that most Arab constitutions give a degree of equality to women, though few provide absolute equality. "The first step in the participation of women in politics is the establishment of these laws. This book will allow us to see where the holes are so that we can know how to fix them." The encyclopedia, which will be printed in both Arabic and English, can be purchased from the Women's Unit of the Arab League for US $55. Achuthanandan and Vijayan not to lead LDF in Kerala assembly election Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, CPI (M) leaders, V. S. Achuthanandan and his rival in the party Pinarayi Vijayan are likely to be kept out of the loop in the forthcoming assembly elections in Kerala as the party will fight the election under a new leadership. Sources in the party indicated, that in today's meeting it was decided that both Achuthanandan and party state secretary Vijayan should not be fielded in the assembly elections and soon the party will decide on a new name as its chief ministerial candidate. The moves come as CPI (M)'s bid to unite the faction driven state party as both these leaders are heading different factions in the party. The party secretariat's decision would now be sent to the state committee that would take the final decision. The exit of Achuthanandan and Vijayan is likely to pave the way for the LDF convener Paloli Muhammad Kutty as its Chief Ministerial candidate. Paloli, is most likely to contest from Ponnani Assembly constituency in the election, where he enjoys a huge support from the Muslim minority communities. The state commitee in its two day meeting which is attended by CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat will finally release the list of its candidates for the assembly elections. The elections are scheduled to be held in three phases. The first phase of election in 65 seats will be held on April 22, followed by polling on April 29 in 61 seats. The third and final phase will be held on May 3 in 15 seats. Earlier, the faction led by State party secretary Pinarayi Vijayan had declined to fight the assembly elections under the leadership of the opposition leader V S Achuthanandan. The Pinarayi faction wanted all the three politburo members from the state - Achuthanandan, Vijayan and S Ramachandran Pillai - to keep off the fray, favouring Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener Paloli Mohammed Kutty to lead the LDF in the polls. Party General Secretary Prakash Karat and S Ramachandran Pillai attended the Secretariat meeting held earlier today and were also present to attend the State Committee meeting as Politburo observers. Though the party had right from the start decided not to project any particular leader as the chief ministerial candidate, the CPI-M central leadership was hopeful of evolving a consensus on major issues. That hope had been dashed with long-drawn factionalism in the state unit failing to die down. KM Mate..Pranathi... Gulf Air Sponsors Formula One Bahrain Extension falls in line with airline’s Smart and Successful Business Strategy. Manama, Bahrain: Gulf Air has extended its title sponsorship for the prestigious Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix until 2010, following an agreement with Allsport management. “Formula 1 Grand Prix is the most prestigious motor sport event which shares its popularity with high profile events such as the Olympics and the football World Cup,” says Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan. “This year’s event overshadowed the success of the previous races in Bahrain and we are delighted and proud to be the title sponsors for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix once again.” Being the title sponsor has had tremendous benefits for Gulf Air in terms of boosting the carrier’s already strong image through brand association with the sport, resulting in significant revenue growth. Aside from thousands of visitors and huge loads of freight for the event, Gulf Air flew in some 300 guests, including important decision makers, media and high profile customers. “We are delighted with the sponsorship of Gulf Air once again. We have formed a very close relationship with Gulf Air over the last three years. The airline is a perfect partner for this prestigious event,” says Allsport President Patrick McNally. With the strongest regional network, Gulf Air looks ahead to continue on its path to build on its considerable success over the past few years.“Sponsoring the Bahrain Grand Prix falls in line with Gulf Air’s new ‘Smart Airline, Successful Business’ strategy,” says Mr Hogan. As the official carrier and title sponsor, Gulf Air embarked on a series of publicity and marketing campaigns, including road shows in Lebanon, Dubai, Kuwait and Egypt. It also engaged in other associated activities, attracting international motor sport participants, enthusiasts and spectators alike to Bahrain to witness the greatest racing event of the year. "As a national carrier, we are committed to building on the success of the Middle East’s only Formula 1 event and grab the opportunity to promote Bahrain as a hub for tourism and business in the region,” says Mr Hogan, of Gulf Air, which contributes more than four per cent to Bahrain’s GDP. Bahrain has already made its mark in the international motor racing scene with its state-of-the-art Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) as one of best Formula 1 venues in the world and Gulf Air is only too happy and proud to be associated with the event that will reinforce Bahrain's position firmly in the international motor sport map. The kingdom is also the leading financial centre in the region. The Formula 1 World Championship has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious, popular, exciting and technically-sophisticated competitions in the international sporting calendar. The sport transcends all boundaries of age and nationality to capture the imagination and enthusiasm of millions of people and its global popularity finds its rivals in the Olympic Games or the world football championships. Last year's event drew several international race champions, celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and more than 50,000 spectators from around the world to Bahrain. It received overwhelming positive comments and popularity from every corner of the world. The plaudits from the FIA, the teams - especially the drivers - and visiting fans alike is that Bahrain is now a race that ranks high on the list of the Formula 1 calendar. Pranabh Mukherjee in Oman...with a mission. The Defence Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and the Omani Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs, H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Hareb Al Busaidi inaugurating the Painting Exhibition of Indian and Omani artists in celebration of 50th Anniversary of Indo-Oman Diplomatic Relations on March 11, 2006. GC Marine Yachts & Boats to launch SEABUS 40 and Challenger 47 at the Dubai International Boat Show 2006 GC Marine expands current line-up as projected US$ 20 billion waterfront investment spurs Middle East market demand March 12, 2006 GC Marine Yachts and Boats, a leading regional manufacturer of yachts & boats, is gearing up to launch ‘SEABUS 40’, a specialized passenger boat, and ‘Challenger 47’, a luxury fishing boat, at the upcoming Dubai International Boat Show 2006, the largest marine industry exhibition in the Middle East. The company will also be showcasing its premium line of yachts & boats including Sea Breeze WA 33, Sooly S.F 31 and Sea Breeze 26 at the event, which will run from March 14-18, 2006 at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), Mina Seyahi. “GC Marine is looking to expand its product portfolio and range of operations to cater to growing consumer demand for a variety of boats and vessels. Over US$ 20 billion in marinas and waterfront projects are being invested over the next five years, and such economic activity has resulted in greater need for watercraft for leisure, sports and service purposes. This year, we are launching the SEABUS 40 and Challenger 47 to fill in our product line in light of the growth in demand across the region,” said Hicham Hamza, Manager, GC Marine Yachts & Boats. “The Dubai International Boat Show is the region’s largest marine industry exhibition and serves as an excellent platform for us to launch our new line of passenger and luxury fishing boats. We achieved huge success in the 2005 show and are looking to sustain our forward momentum this year,” he added. The launch of SEABUS 40 and Challenger 47 comes on the heels of a highly successful second year of operations for GC Marine, where it achieved record sales of 150 boats. The SEABUS 40 is an excellent passenger boat with a wide beam, and comfortably seats 20 people, while the Challenger 47 is a 9-ton luxury fishing boat with an array of customizable value-adding options. “GC Marine is committed to maintaining the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction. Our boats are used by Aramex for sea couriering and by the Palm Islands, and Dubai Creek and Yacht Club for security patrols, which is a testament to the widespread appeal of our vessels. GC Marine is a member of the Arab Marine Industry Association and was awarded the Best Exhibitor at the International Indian Boat Show in Cochin for 2004 and 2005. As an ISO certified company, we manufacture our boats under the supervision of a leading team of qualified engineers in a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled facility in Dubai,” said Hamza. In order to meet increasing demand and also as a part of the company’s expansionary plans, GC Marine has plans to open a new 12,500 square meter factory in Al Hamriyah Free Zone that will increase their production capacity by twofold. The company has received the European Conformity (CE) marking which indicates that the product complies with all European product directives. Moreover, GC Marine is also a member of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and has been awarded the TUV CERT ISO 9001:2000 certification. “GC Marine is today a rapidly growing company, making it strategically important for us to showcase an extended line-up of luxury and utility yachts & boats at this edition of the boat show. We are looking to capitalize on the increasing demand for marine craft in the region by leveraging the popularity and reach of this premier event and we are certain that we will be immensely benefited from our participation,” concluded Hamza. The 14th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show is expected to attract a large number of exhibitors displaying a wide range of boats, yachts, and leisure marine services. The show is the premier platform for the biggest players from the local and international marine industry and is one of the largest marine exhibitions in the Middle East.