Keralamonitor.com August 28 2004 Onam.
Dubai eGovernment announces IT competitions' winners as DSS draws to a close
August 28, 2004
Dubai eGovernment brought the curtain down on its activities at Dubai Summer Surprises 2004 by announcing the winners of its two major IT-based competitions, eChamp and eStar, which had generated a tremendous response at Modhesh Fun City.The two final winners were the ones who had achieved the highest score in the weekly competitions. Mohsin Abdul Sattar computer enthusiast, was declared the winner of eChamp, while Anup Bishnoi won the eStar competition. Each winner was presented with a laptop by Dubai eGovernment.
A total number of 1,400 participants took part in the two competitions, 60 per cent of them were men and 40 per cent female. UAE nationals made up the majority with 40 per cent, followed by 25 per cent from Saudi Arabia, 5 per cent from Kuwait and the remaining 30 per cent from other nationalities. Around 70 per cent of the participants were under 18 years old, while the remaining were adults above 18 years of age.eChamp, which targeted youngsters aged between 7 and18, tested the participants' skills in Word, Excel and Internet browsing. Dubai eGovernment ran testing centres at Modhesh Fun City where participants sat for an exam. Each week, the participant with the highest grade was selected. At the end of DSS the ten top contestants vied for the title of eChamp. eStar followed a similar format but targeted older participants above the age of 18.
Pravasi Bandhu Praises P Chidambaram on NRI Tax issue
Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust has been campaigning single handy against the proposal of tax on interest on NRE; FCNR and RFC accounts from day one Reserve Bank of India propose it. We continue our campaign to withdraw the tax proposal from the budget also form the day the budget present in the parliament. As the result of our untiring effort, today Indian Parliament passed the finance bill with an amendment to withdraw the tax proposal till April 2005. We appreciate the Finance Minister of India for taking this wise decision. We express our thanks to all the members of parliament and all media who support us on this issue. It is a great relief for Now Non Resident Indians, now they have time to plan and manage their investment properly. We appeal all NRI organisations world over to pressure the government of India to withdraw the proposal fully.
K V Shamsudheen
Truckers Strike called off
The strike called by All India Motor Transport Congress (AITMC) was called off after reaching an agreement with the Government in the early hours of this morning here today.
According to agreement, Ministry of Finance would make suitable rules/notifications as required and also define "commercial concern" and "consignment note" to make it clear that truck owners and truck operators are not required to pay or collect Service Tax. Government reiterated that the Service Tax on Goods Transport Agency will not fall on truck owners or truck operators. The rules/notifications would be finalized in consultation with a Committee set up for this purpose. Service tax will be levied and collected on the basis of the said rules/notifications. The Committee which would include representatives from the transport industry and Government will look into appropriate mechanism/modalities for collection and payment of Service Tax by commercial concerns. It would submit its report within a period of 2 months. Steps would be taken by the Income Tax Department to simplify the problem of refund of TDS by truck owners.
The following are the other issues on which agreement was reached between AIMTC & Ministry of Road Transport & Highways:
Scrapping of 8/15 year old vehicles: Government agrees to examine the problems faced by transport sector in this regard.
Thirty Part Insurance: The Chairman, IRDA will be requested to ensure that the insurance companies strictly follow the guidelines of IRDA issued from time to time and take suitable action against those companies violating the guidelines.
Toll The Government has already set up a Committee in this regard. The Committee will be requested to expedite submission of its Report and the recommendations of the Committee will be considered by the Government.
Security on National Highways: The Government will issue fresh directives to State Governments to revive State Committees to ensure safety on the Highways.Following withdrawal of strike, Government would move the Court to withdraw cases against those arrested under ESMA during this strike.
Abu Dhabi's west coast set for tourism development New five-star resort to spearhead region's promotion
(Abu Dhabi, August 2004): With extensive beach and desert sands that have remained undiscovered by overseas visitors, the region around Jebel Dhanna in the Abu Dhabi emirate is set to become the latest Gulf hotspot for tourism, according to industry figures.
The opening this autumn of the deluxe 109-room Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna is expected to fuel interest in the undiscovered attractions of the west coast of Abu Dhabi, offering a comfortable and appealing base from where both leisure and incentive travellers can explore farther afield than the traditional UAE tours.Fish, dive and drive safaris are available as well as exclusive tours of the Sir Bani Yas wildlife reserve island, located just 9km off the coast.
According to Manoj Kanwal, general manager of the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, Sir Bani Yas will be one of the major attractions for visitors to the area."At the resort, we offer all the typical deluxe hotel amenities such as a pristine beach, pool and sports facilities, landscaped gardens, a variety of restaurants and a health and fitness club."However, visitors can also benefit from our location, well away from the urban development farther up the coast," he said, pointing to the opportunities for safaris deep in to the undeveloped sands of the Empty Quarter, as well as Gulf fishing and scuba trips, and exclusive tours of Sir Bani Yas.
The hotel, owned and operated by the National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H), is set to place the corporation firmly in the forefront of UAE tourism development."Offering a unique product in a 'new' location, the resort will appeal to both local and overseas visitors," said Kanwal. "It will offer yet another aspect to the attractions of the UAE, as the country continues to diversify its tourism infrastructure."
Already, the hotel has confirmed bookings from German, Swiss and Austrian tour operators for the forthcoming winter season, underlining the desire of European tourists to explore new, undiscovered, areas of the country.
According to a NCT&H spokesperson, the resort complements the corporation's existing network of properties in Abu Dhabi emirate, as well as offering top-of-the-range facilities to attract sectors such as the conference and incentive markets to the west coast for the first time.As well as extensive banqueting, meeting rooms and outside areas catering for up to 1,000 guests, the resort also features a par-36 nine hole sand golf course and a driving range, an additional attraction for incentive and leisure visitors.
Wataniya Telecom Algerie launches new national GSM network Nedjma set to offer unparalleled services
Click photo for detailed view from the gulf executive page
Algiers, August 28th 2004 Wataniya Telecom Algerie has launched Nedjma, the country's new national GSM network, equipped with advanced capabilities including national-class network support for high speed mobile Internet access based on the EDGE technology. Wataniya Telecom Algerie is the first operator in North Africa to announce the deployment of the EDGE technology. The network also supports advanced content services and multimedia services.
"We have built a world-class network in Algeria that will open access to a wide range of new ways for people to work and play, supporting the development of Algeria's business community and helping to build its national technical capabilities," said Faysal Al Ayyar, Chairman of Wataniya Telecom.
Since being awarded the licence on December 2nd 2003, Wataniya Telecom Algerie has focused on developing a world- class network. The capacity to effectively develop operations is based upon experience in providing relevant mobile services, the speed with which an operator can roll out its coverage and the competitive pricing of its services.
Al Ayyar continued : " None of this would be possible - here in Algeria - without the dedication and commitment of more than 700 employees - most of them Algerians - who have been working diligently in their respective areas of this operation for the days, weeks and months leading up to this occasion. It's because of this tireless commitment, that today we are poised to offer Algerians a wide array of services at launch. In addition to providing essential mobile telephony services through our shops in Algiers, Constantine, and Oran, our state-of-the-art, feature-rich network is equipped to offer services such as GPRS, EDGE, MMS, WAP and Roaming. "
As Nedjma continues the deployment and move toward full network optimisation throughout the country, these products and services will become available through more extensive distribution channels. Wataniya Telecom today serves over 1.5 million customers through its networks across the Middle East and North Africa, in Kuwait, Iraq and Tunisia, and now Algeria. And by the end of 2005, Nedjma is expected to cover 48 states in Algeria. " With an initial investment of US$421 million, we are committed to offering the best GSM services in Algeria, and to becoming the network of choice for the Algerian people, " Al Ayyar ended.
Nedjma is offering an innovative and competitive pricing strategy that bills users on a per second basis after the first minute of talking time. With La Carte Nedjma, the user is given a choice of the best prices in the market: 15 Algerian Dinar/minute (with/including TTC fees). Prices go as low as 7.5 Algerian Dinar/minute (with/including TTC fees) by virtue of the free additional balance.
Nedjma proposes a wide variety of offers to all users who want to make use of its services such as: La Carte, Le Forfait, Le Forfait Partage, Le Fortfait Entreprise. These innovative offers allow Nedjma customers to enjoy unparalleled privileges. Thanks to the unprecedented prices available in the Algerian market; distance is irrelevant when making international calls. For instance, calling a landline in France will cost 15 Algerian Dinars (with/including TTC Fees). (KM Kuwait Bureau)
Asteco Announces New Senior Management Appointment
Dubai, UAE: Asteco, the UAE's largest property management company announced today the appointment of John Stevens to Asteco's senior management team in the position of General Manager of the Sharjah office and Director of Property Management.
Mr. Stevens' mandate will include responsibility for developing local business opportunities across the Emirates, working to identify and implement strategic management solutions.Mr. Stevens brings a wealth of property management experience to Asteco. Having worked in South Asia for the last 10 years he is recognised as one of the premier real estate advisors in the region.
"I am excited to join the Asteco Property team, with whose support I can grow as a professional, lead by example, seek a new level of excellence and provide the very best service to my clients" said Mr. Stevens. He added, "The Asteco Property emphasis on bringing talented and likeminded professionals together and supporting them to develop creative and sound real estate solutions is where I believe our industry must go. I am proud to be part of this movement to strive for excellence and be responsible for the creation of a powerful Property Management operation around the Asteco Property philosophy and platforms."
Elaine Jones, Asteco's Managing Director commented that "We are all extremely excited that John has joined Asteco. His talent, experience and success represent a strong asset to Asteco at this stage in the company's development." She said, "We believe that Sharjah is entering a period of international appreciation with strong growth predicted over the next decade and John's involvement in our Sharjah office will be instrumental to realising Asteco's success in the Emirate."
Panasonic to introduce new laser fax and all-in-one models at GITEX Dubai 2004
August 28, 2004 Panasonic, the leading global manufacturer of consumer electronics, telecommunications and home appliances products, will unveil its latest range of laser fax and all-in one machines, part of its office solutions line, at GITEX Dubai 2004. The exhibition will be held at Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) from October 3 to 7, 2004."The new range includes the all-in-one KX-FLB756, KX-FL512 and KX-FL542 models targeted at medium to large offices due to their enhanced flexibility and multi-tasking capabilities. All models offer an unparalleled combination of quality, speed and very low maintenance costs in a competitive price segment," said Shigeru Uno, General Manager, System products, Panasonic Marketing Middle East FZE, Dubai.
The KX-FLB756 combines a fax, telephone, scanner, PC Fax, laser copier with fast 10ppm (pages per minute) print speed and low-cost laser printing - all in one space-saving unit. Available in a compact desktop design, the KX-FLB756 is an ideal replacement for current users of Inkjet and Plain paper fax where the running cost is very high. "Its quick rate of printing out received faxes and very low running cost makes it ideally suited to the larger volume requirements of medium and large offices," added Uno.
The KX-FLB756's fax delivers crisp 600 dpi laser output at 10 pages per minute while printing original documents or copying faxes. As a fax, the KX-FLB756 is designed for fast, efficient fax transmission at speeds up to 33.6 kbps (4 seconds per page), considerably minimizing costs when sending a long distance fax. It can also store up to 150 pages in its built-in memory for memory transmission or out-of-paper reception, making it ideal for broadcasting multi-page documents to multiple locations.
The KX-FLB756 also offers a Dual Access Operation, which allows users to run two operations at the same time, thus quickening the pace of the operation. For instance, while the KX-FLB756 is busy sending or receiving a memory-based fax, any additional documents can be stored to send later.
The KX-FLB756's scanner is in a convenient flat-bed design which allows users to scan pages from books, magazines, or desired portion of newspaper in 1,200 dpi. Moreover the Quick Scan feature allows users to spend less time waiting for documents to scan. The scanner can rapidly scan a document into memory and then send the document from memory to the recipient. Furthermore this flat-bed laser fax performs a range of advanced laser copier functions in 600 dpi with a 10 ppm print speed with enlarge, reduce, collate (sort) and multiple copy features..
The FLB756 can be connected to PCs running Microsoft®Windows® 95/98/Me/2000/XP and Windows NT®4.0 to work as an advanced multi-function system such as a PC printer, PC scanner or PC fax. Multi-function software (Multifunction Station) is included.
The KX-FL542 is a laser Fax, copier and telephone all in one, with a fast, efficient fax transmission speeds of up to 33.6 kbps. The KX-FL542 offers the professional look of laser printing, while the laser copier function helps assure high quality reproduction. It can print / copy documents in crisp 600 dpi resolution, at a fast rate of 14 pages per minute.Also equipped with a Dual Access Operation, the KX-FL542 has a huge memory that can store up to 340 pages in its built-in memory and offers out-of-paper reception for up to 512 pages, so users don't need to worry about the machine running out of paper on the weekends. The fax also has a navigator key to assist users in storing up to 122 names and phone numbers. Panasonic's office solutions range is available through its UAE distributor, Al Futtaim Panatech, part of the Al Futtaim Group.
Keralamonitor.com August 27 2004 Onam.
India and Kuwait Agrees to Extradite Criminals
The following is the text of the joint press statement issued on the conclusion of the two day Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, State of Kuwait H.E. Sheikh (Dr.) Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah here last evening:
`H.E.Sheikh (Dr.) Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, paid an official visit to India from August 24-26, 2004, at the invitation of the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs of India, Shri Natwar Singh. During the visit, the Foreign Minister of Kuwait held wide-ranging discussions with Minister of External Affairs and called on the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister, and the President.
The two Ministers signed the following agreements :-
(i) Memorandum of Understanding for Establishment of India-Kuwait Strategic Consultative Group to facilitate periodic meetings between the Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the Under Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, to enhance economic, political, and security cooperation between the two countries, on a sustained and long-term basis.
(ii) Extradition Treaty;
(iii) Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters;
The official level discussions were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. The two sides exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. Both sides noted with satisfaction the enduring political, economic and cultural ties which have been enhanced by the consultations at the senior level. Both sides reiterated their desire to further strengthen bilateral relations based on a long tradition of mutual consultations and coordination on issues of vital importance to both countries and provide mutual support in various multilateral fora. Both sides recognized shared cultural affinities reinforced by institutional linkages and based on their commitment to a democratic polity and an open liberal society. Both sides agreed that the Indian community resident in Kuwait constituted valued link between the two countries, contributing to further strengthening the economic and cultural relations between the two countries. Both sides recognized a common interest in peace, security and stability of the Gulf and South Asian regions and agreed to periodic exchange of views and viewpoints in this regard, within the framework of the India-Kuwait Strategic Consultative Group. Both sides recognized Kuwait’s role as a significant source of energy for India’s rapidly growing economy and a factor in contributing to India’s energy security.
Both sides emphasized the need for increased economic cooperation in four priority areas – trade, investment, industrial cooperation (including SME), and transfer of technology (including IT) – identified at the First India-GCC Industrial Conference. Both sides underlined the importance of building institutional linkages and direct investment in each other’s economies. They also recognized India as a major source of technology and technical human resources. Both sides noted the new opportunities offered by the State of Kuwait through their revised foreign investment laws which would facilitate increased direct foreign investment. Both sides acknowledged the need for an early conclusion of negotiations on the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.
Both sides exchanged views on their common concerns on the threat to open and democratic societies from terrorism and extremist violence. They called for effective international cooperation to combat terrorism and deny sanctuaries to terrorist outfits. They recognized the need for increased consultation and cooperation in this area.
Both sides underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Gulf region and the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries in the region. Both sides welcomed the increased role for the United Nations in Iraq and noted with satisfaction that the process of political transition in Iraq, including restoration of its sovereignty, was underway.
Both sides underlined the need to revitalize the Middle East Peace Process, based on the relevant UN Resolutions, the Arab Initiative, and the Road Map, in order to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region and the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. The Kuwaiti side recognized the positive efforts made by India to help secure peace and stability in the Middle East.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of reforms within the United Nations, including the reform of the Security Council and expansion of both the Permanent and Non-Permanent Membership.
The Foreign Minister of Kuwait thanked the Government of India for the cordial welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to India.‘
Dubai Men's College Drives New Concept of 'On-Demand' Learning
Sophisticated IBM infrastructure at new campus to set benchmark for e-learning in the GulfDubai, UAE - August 23, 2004 - Dubai Men's College (DMC) announced today that it will be setting up a highly sophisticated IT infrastructure for its new campus, which is set to open its doors in September 2004, with IBM Global Services (IGS) moving forward with the implementation. Whilst still in its preparation stage, the infrastructure will allow DMC's 2,300 students access to advanced educational technology and help position the college as an e-learning pioneer in the Gulf. The project is underpinned by Dubai Municipality as part of its investment in driving network enabled education in the Emirate and its long standing relationship with IBM.
"This is a very exciting project for us as the possibilities are endless. With this superior infrastructure in hand, Dubai Men's College is set to be a premiere choice for students with educational facilities that will allow them to experience the significant benefits of e-learning," said Dr Bill Vega, Director of Dubai Men's College. "It will transform the way our students learn and work with each other."
The campus will feature some of the latest technologies that enable new and advanced methods of learning, including the region's first online facility that allows students to download video clips of various classroom lectures through Video-on-Demand technology. This system provides students an option where they can choose to run the lectures 'offline', after downloading the file onto their computers. The infrastructure will also support video conferencing facilities that allow professors to conduct their lectures and interact with students without being physically present in classrooms.
"Dubai Municipality is delighted to be backing this project particularly as it involves one of the country's leading educational institutions changing the way students work and learn today. Building this important platform on IBM technology means that we can be assured that we are deploying best practice systems with the benefit of IBM's global expertise and the vision we've seen from them on building their on-demand strategy," said Abdel Redha Abul Hassan, Manager of Projects Department, Dubai Municipality. "Dubai Municipality is focused on driving innovation and adoption of technology in all aspects of life in Dubai. We see this initiative as an important step for bringing on-demand concepts to benefit education."
As part of the project, IBM Global Services will be setting up a wireless network across the campus that will enable online access and give students the choice to plug in and work on their laptops any time they want. DMC's e-learning capabilities will also extend to archiving library books online so that students can extract the information they need instantly while they are in their classrooms or outside."The education system as a whole is evolving radically. Technology has brought about the concept of e-learning and DMC is adopting this concept to reap many incentives for students and faculty alike. With this project, DMC can serve as an educational model to its peers in the region and raise the benchmark of both curricula and educational services," said Samer Shaar, General Manager of IBM Middle East, Egypt and Pakistan. " IBM has a profound commitment to the region's education sector as?it continues?to?work closely with schools, colleges and universities and provide the technology and expertise that will empower people and transform the way they work, play and learn."
Set to be ready for the new academic year starting in September 2004, IBM Global Services will be managing the complete migration and integration of this wide-scale turnkey project, while some of its business partners will be providing the data networking components of the total implementation. IBM was selected following an extensive evaluation process on finding the partner that could best provide an open, portable, secure and scalable solution that would be easy and simple to use and allow DMC full control and management of the whole system.
"We are very pleased to be working with IBM for this endeavour, as it's been able to meet all our requirements and has a track record of providing some of the most advanced e-learning infrastructures both globally and across the region," said Anas El Jamal, IT Manager at Dubai Men's College.
The make-up of this modern IT backbone, which will be supported by a Nortel-based networking environment, includes over 35 IBM eServer xSeries systems, a fully integrated enterprise management system using IBM's Tivoli enterprise software and Perigrine Helpdesk solution, an IBM TotalStorage Storage Area Network (SAN), an IBM Network Attached Storage Solution (NAS) system, an IBM TotalStorage UltraScalable Tape Library (LTO) and sophisticated IBM digital media technologies (developed at IBM's Technology Development Centre in Cairo) that incorporate an open and standards-based framework to digitally manage, store, protect and distribute video, audio and images across the DMC network.The implementation of the network will be executed in two phases, with the first phase incorporating the integration of the networking equipment, the wireless network and server systems that will support the whole infrastructure, manage Internet access and e-mails and manage high bandwidth applications such as video and audio. IBM will then proceed to the second phase by deploying 'classroom' technologies that will support the online multimedia library and video conferencing capabilities through the use of IBM ThinkCentre desktops and ThinkPad notebooks that incorporate unique wireless and other patented IBM ThinkVantage technologies.
DMC will also set up an on-campus Help Desk where IBM-trained staff will provide year-round information to DMC's more than 2000 students and 200 faculty staff on the different aspects of the system and address any questions they may have in migrating to the new e-learning environment.
Dubai Men's College, one of the 11 colleges of the Higher Colleges of Technology, was established in 1989 to offer high quality education to the Emirate of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The college offers programs in Business, Information Technology, Communication Technology and Engineering and awards Diploma, Higher Diploma and Bachelors degrees. More than 2000 students have graduated from the college and it currently enrolls approximately 2000 students and employs 200 faculty and staff.
ENSURE PROTECTION OF THE HONEST AND INNOCENT – PM TELLS INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
DR. MANMOHAN SINGH INAUGURATES BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF STATE ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAUS AND CBI
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has called upon the investigating agencies to lay greater emphasis on preventive measures rather than post-facto investigations. Inaugurating the Biennial Conference of State Anti-Corruption Bureaus and the Central Bureau of Investigation, here today, the Prime Minister said that administrative systems and procedures should be more rational and transparent. He cautioned against adopting methods and procedures during investigations that kill managerial initiative, stunt individual enterprise and risk taking. "Management is an art, not a science. It requires individual initiative, creativity and willingness to take risks in the larger interests of the enterprise", he added.
Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the Government could not depend purely on individual ethics and morality or public opinion to deal with the malaise of corruption. It must design institutional checks, create incentives and disincentive structures and put in place reward and punishment systems. He said that the aim of economic reforms in the country was to make Government less intrusive, discretionary and more transparent. Many of these reforms had an added beneficial effect of ending the hypocrisy that had come to characterise some of the country’s industrial policies. Rational policies, transparent procedures, simple rules do have the positive externality of reducing the scope of corruption, the Prime Minister said.
Following the liberalization of the economy, the Prime Minister said, there has been a spurt in economic offences such as financial frauds, bank and stock market scams, money-laundering and cyber crimes. A strong link has been developed between the economic offences and the anti-social and terrorist organizations. He advised the agencies to develop the ability not to let the criminal rest, keep him always on the run and to nab him before he can inflict more harm. "To check these enemies of the civilized society, it is necessary for the investigating and the crime-fighting agencies to develop a high degree of professionalism and technical skills as well as heightened commitment to their mission", he added. He said that a good test of the effectiveness of any investigating body lay in the speed of the disposal of cases. "Your investigation should be speedy and sound, which will ensure success when the matter is taken to law courts. The high rate of conviction in anti corruption cases can be a great advertisement for the anti corruption agencies", he added.
The Prime Minister said that it was also the investigating body’s duty to ensure the protection of the honest and the innocent. "Injustice done to the innocent can cause serious setback to the fight against corruption", he added. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the reform of Government and of governance was an important area of policy focus for our Government. "We are committed to making the Freedom of Information Act more progressive, participatory and meaningful so that there is greater transparency, accountability and probity in the entire system of governance. An improved model Right to Information Draft Bill has just been received from the National Advisory Council and the Government is actively examining it", he said.
Subscriptions in excess of AED 14 Billion received in Arab Technical Construction Company PJSC initial public offering
Dubai, Wednesday 25 September, 2004 - SHUAA Capital, lead manager and book runner of the Arab Technical Construction Company PJSC (under formation) ("ATCC") initial public offering (IPO), announced today that, according to early information available to it from the receiving banks, more than AED 14 billion in subscriptions were received during the ten day subscription period that ended last Tuesday, representing an oversubscription rate of about 65 times. The subscriptions were made in response to ATCC's offering of 220 million shares for sale to the general public at a price of AED 1.00 per share (plus AED 0.01 in costs). Final figures and allocation between UAE and non UAE will take two more days to finalize.
SHUAA Capital's head of Capital Markets, Salam Saadeh, commented on the success of the issue as follows: "Despite its offering during the month of August when capital markets have traditionally been less active, ATCC's IPO was met with a huge response from the investor community. This accomplishment reflects high investor confidence in the founders and in the prospects of the construction sector of the UAE. It also demonstrates that the markets are ready to look positively at new issues outside the sectors that have traditionally dominated the GCC markets, such as telecom, banks finance, and insurance."
In response to questions regarding allocation between UAE nationals and non-UAE nationals, Ms. Saadeh explained: "UAE law limits non-UAE ownership to a maximum of 49% of the total company's 400 million shares. Since in this case 33.75% of the shares were previously subscribed by non-UAE founders, no more than 15.25% of the issue, amounting to 61 million shares, remained available to non-UAE investors while a minimum of 159 million shares were available to UAE nationals from the 220 million shares on offer. Accordingly, the allocation percentage for UAE nationals will differ from that for non-UAE nationals."
Written notice will be mailed to each subscriber informing them of the number of shares that were finally allocated to them. According to the prospectus of the IPO, refunds of oversubscriptions by the receiving banks - Dubai Bank, Emirates Bank International, MashreqBank, and National Bank of Fujeirah - are expected to be mailed out on 7 September 2004, a record time of two weeks after the end of the subscription period. UAE laws provide for 30 days for refund of excess subscription funds.
SHUAA Capital confirmed that ATCC's founders intend for ATCC to apply for listing on the Dubai Financial Market as soon as possible after the completion of its incorporation procedures and its registration in compliance with the requirements of the Emirates Stocks and Commodities Authority.
Khaled Sifri, Managing Director of investment banking at SHUAA Capital stated: "We are very encouraged by the success of this truly pioneering IPO. The experience gained will benefit our clients with whom we are currently engaged in formulating the best means for productively accessing the capital markets. Together with the active support of the relevant government agencies, especially the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, we hope to improve access to the UAE capital markets while ensuring compliance with the highest standards of disclosure and transparency in the financial services industry."
Iyad Duwaji, CEO of SHUAA Capital, stated that, "most of the companies we are talking to today about going public are in the service industry which comprise over 70% of the GDP of the UAE. Theses sectors comprise vibrant growth sectors such as Distribution and retail, and tourism." Mr. Duwaji also acknowledged that SHUAA Capital has been mandated as financial advisers to Aramex Holdings Limited for the offering of the shares of Aramex International to the public which he expects to follow up shortly. Aramex is a renowned leading regional courier and logistics company. Established in 1979, SHUAA Capital is today a leading financial investment company licensed by the UAE Central Bank and offers a broad range of financial services and products. These include underwriting of securities and other corporate finance activities, investment advisory services, fund and portfolio management, and brokerage of local, regional, and international securities. Recently, SHUAA Capital has emphasized the opportunities available within the GCC markets and has established individual funds for different classes of assets. Funds managed by SHUAA Capital today include: MENAVEST, Arab Gateway Fund Ltd., Al-Thiqa Emirates Equity Fund, The Arab Income Fund Ltd. 'TAIF', Oman Gateway Fund Ltd. and Al-Mahfatha Qatari Investment Portfolio.
e-TQM College continues accepting registration for 4th term of its Masters programme
Two-year course in Total Quality and Performance Management utilizes flexible instruction model to offer practical and affordable learning
DUBAI - August 21, 2004 eTQM College, the Dubai-based electronic college specialising in conducting online programs in Total Quality Management (TQM), has announced that it is continuing to accept registration for the 4th term of its Masters programme in Total Quality and Performance Management.The two-year postgraduate course is the first of its kind in the Middle East, launched in collaboration with the University of Bradford in the UK, ranked the 16th top university in the world. It is the only programme at such an advanced level to offer learners in the region the flexibility of distance learning and e-learning.
Commenting on the Msc programme, Professor Mohamed Zairi, Dean, eTQM College, said: "The Masters program was conceived to encourage learners and professionals to delve deeper into the subjects of quality management and quality measurement, through a flexible instructional model. Quality management being a concept that is applicable to professionals in a variety of fields, from business to medicine, engineering or media, the course content has been designed to meet local requirements, while at the same time incorporating globally proven TQM techniques."
The registration for the Masters program takes place three times a year, in January, April and October, with two modules per semester. The program consists of 180 credit hours of instruction where the learner will study eleven compulsory courses and one elective course out of seven for 120 credits. With a reasonable tuition fee of 45,000 UAE Dirhams for the two year program, the learner gets full access to books, CDs, DVDs, e-Library and e-Tutor support.
Throughout the program, the learner can benefit from the academic support provided by eTQM College's expert faculty. During admissions, prospective learners are assigned an e-Mentor, to guide them in the application and registration process, courses selection, and even in their career choices or continuing education throughout the duration of the program. e-Tutoring is made available to each student for fours hours per week, where they can request assistance in academic matters. Thus, eTQM combines the best of distance e-learning with a strong physical support system.
The candidate's performance will be assessed through a mixture of group projects, individual assignments and written examinations. In the graduation term the candidate has to submit a dissertation for 60 credits which will be an original body of work having between 19,500 and 22,500 words, written as literature review or through applied research within an organization. There are also online group discussions, assessments and assignments so learners can benefit from practical and theoretical learning in a virtual environment.
51ST NATIONAL FILM AWARDS FOR NON FEATURE FILM CATEGORY ANNOUNCED
The Jury for National Awards for Non Feature Film category has presented its recommendations to the Government today. These national awards seek to recognize the excellence in all the fields of film making in non feature film categoryAn eminent jury comprising 6 Members and one Chairperson Shri Bhim Sain deliberated over ten days to finalize awards.
115 entries were considered for National Awards this year. Of these, 63 entries were in film format and rest 52 in video format . Films on Video format were entered for the first time.
These films were in 9 different languages and 2 dialects. 1 was in Assamese, 4 in Bengali, 54 in English, 32 in Hindi, 6 in Malayalam,1 in Punjabi, 1 in Oriya, 7 in Tamil , 1 in Telugu , 1 in Chakma and 1 in Dogri. There were 6 silent films.
51st NATIONAL FILM AWARDS
1. AWARD FOR THE BEST NON-FEATURE FILM
WAR AND PEACE (ENGLISH) AND KAYA POOCHHE MAYA SE (HINDI)
Swarna Kamal and a Cash Prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer : ANAND PATWARDHAN
Swarna Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : ANAND PATWARDHAN
AND
Swarna Kamal and a Cash Prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer : ARVIND SINHA
Swarna Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : ARVIND SINHA
Citations
The Award for the Best Non-feature Film of the year 2003 is given jointly to War and Peace and ‘Kaya Poochhe Maya Se’.
War and Peace sets out to search for the roots of violence manifest in many forms in the current times- from communal forces to nuclear race, Shot in India, Pakistan, Japan & USA, the film achieves a multi-layered understanding of these deep rooted tensions- at the same time recording the aspirations for peace, harmony and secularism, in the backdrop of Gandhian thought.
‘Kaya Poochhe Maya Se’ is a probing, thoughtful, intense, yet a non-judgmental record of the myriad faces of humanity floating around the Howrah Station that lies by the side of the river Ganga. The director with just his keen eye and an unpredictable symmetry of images, gains an inner eye into the mystery called people. It is as though an entire civilization is reconstructed through images of floating faces, people and sounds.
2. AWARD FOR THE BEST FIRST NON-FEATURE FILM OF A DIRECTOR
AN ENCOUNTER WITH A LIFE LIVING (MALAYALAM/ENGLISH)
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs.10,000/- to each
Producer : VINU ABRAHAM
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to each
Director : SUJA
Citation
The award for the Best First Non-feature Film of a Director for the year 2003 is given to
AN ENCOUNTER WITH A LIFE LIVING which depicts the plight of a physically incapacitated Sarasu and her cheerful will to live. The director achieves this bringing out the totality, spiritual richness of a “life lived only in the mind” – through an innovative narrative idiom
3. AWARD FOR THE BEST ANTHROPOLOGICAL/ ETHNOGRAPHIC FILM
AUR GHUMANTU THHAHAR GAYE (HINDI)
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs 10,000/- to the
Producer : LEO ARTS COMMUNICATION
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : MEENAKSHI VINAY RAI
Citation
The award for the Best Anthropological/Ethnographic film of the year 2003 is given to AUR GHUMANTU THHAHAR GAYE. The film records the life of the nomadic tribe Ghumantu and their peculiar plight of being labeled ‘habitual offenders’. It also records the efforts made at rehabilitating them.
4. AWARD FOR THE BEST BIOGRAPHICAL/HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION/ COMPILATION FILM
VAIDYARATNAM P S VARRIER (English)
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer : KERALA STATE FILM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Rajat Kamal and a Cash Prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : T KRISHNAN UNNI
Citation
The award for the Best Biographical Film of the year 2003 is given to VAIDYARATNAM P S VARRIER that records the life of a pioneer in Ayurvedic medicine Dr. P.S. Varrier . The film also brings out his many faceted personality along with his contribution to performing arts and literature.
5. AWARD FOR THE BEST ARTS/CULTURAL FILM
PICASSO METAMORPHOSES ( English )
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to each
Producers : Y.N.ENGINEER, FILMS DIVISION
Rajat Kamal and a Cash Prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : NANDKUMAR SADAMATE
Citation
The Award for the Best Arts/Cultural Film of 2003 is given to PICASSO METAMORPHOSES for its rare attempt at interpreting the works of the legendary painter making him accessible even to those uninitiated to his art. The film examines the troubled times that Picasso lived in, his ideals, his relationships and the inevitable symbiosis of his life and work.
6. AWARD FOR THE BEST SCIENTIFIC FILM /ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION/PRESERVATION FILM (Including method and process of science, contribution of Scientists, awareness etc.)
THE EIGHTEENTH ELEPHANT – THREE MONOLOGUES (MALAYALAM)
Rajat Kamal and a Cash Prize of Rs.10,000/-
Producer: SAVITHRI DIVAKARAN
Rajat Kamal and a Cash Prize of Rs.10,000/-
Director: P BALAN
Citation
The award for the Best Scientific Film/ Environment Conservation / Preservation film of 2003 is given to THE EIGHTEENTH ELEPHANT – THREE MONOLOGUES for using the novel method of elephants narrating their own story (in human voice) to raise a cry against “man centric” concept of development. The film also succeeds in raising bigger issues of ecological balance, and cruelty to animals.
7. AWARD FOR THE BEST PROMOTIONAL FILM
(To cover tourism exports, crafts, industry etc.)
LADAKH THE LAND OF MYSTERY (English)
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to each
Producer : BIYOT PROJNA TRIPATHY
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : BIYOT PROJNA TRIPATHY
Citation
The award for the Best Promotional Film of the year 2003 is given to LADAKH THE LAND OF MYSTERY for capturing the shinning landscape, the people, their culture, beliefs and way of life in pleasing visuals.
8. AWARD FOR THE BEST AGRICULTURE FILM
(To include subjects related to and allied to agriculture like animal husbandry, dairying etc.)
SEEDS OF LIFE (ENGLISH)Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to each
Producers : RAJIV MEHROTRA, PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING TRUST
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : USHA ALBUQUERQUE
Citation
The Award for the Best Agriculture Film of 2003 is given to SEEDS OF LIFE for its focus on ‘Navadanya’ the movement launched to retrieve the traditional wisdom in alternative farming methods. The film’s importance emerges in the face of the current globalization-led agrarian uncertainties.
9 AWARD FOR THE BEST FILM ON SOCIAL ISSUES
(Such as prohibition, women and child welfare, and dowry, drug abuse, Welfare of the handicapped etc.)
WAY BACK HOME (BENGALI)
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer : RAJASRI MUKHOPADHYAY
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : SUPRIYO SEN
Citation
The award for the Best Film on Social Issues for the year 2003 is given to WAY BACK HOME for its recounting of a remarkable journey to a homeland lost for ever, as a result of partition. A family driven out of East Pakistan during partition, undertakes a journey back after fifty years to their “homeland”. The journey eventually turns into a story of painful memories, lost relationships and the madness of partition- all achieved through a touching personal narrative.
10. AWARD FOR THE BEST EDUCATIONAL/MOTIVATIONAL/
INSTRUCTIONAL FILM
FIDDLERS ON THE THATCH (ENGLISH)
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer: RAJIV MEHROTRA, PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING TRUST
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director: TRISHA DAS
Citation
The award for the best educational/motivational/instructional film is given to FIDDLERS ON THE THATCH. This film is the story of ‘The Gandhian Ashram School’ in Kalimpong but it is also a story of the deprived kids gaining their dignity and hope of a teacher who fed their bodies and spirit – all bound by the common thread of music. The director achieves a poignant blend of visual narrative and music to create a heartwarming tale of “sharing and caring’ in this film.
11. AWARD FOR THE BEST EXPLORATION/ADVENTURE FILM
(To include sports)
MADNESS IN THE DESERT (ENGLISH)Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer: AMIR KHAN
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director: SATYAJIT BHATKAL
Citation
The award for the best exploration/ adventure film for the year 2003 is given to MADNESS IN THE DESERT that explores the spirit, the effort and the mammoth ambition behind the making of `LAGAAN’. The director has rendered this into a gripping and slick tale.12. AWARD FOR THE BEST INVESTIGAVE FILM
A SILENT KILLER (ENGLISH)
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer : DHANANJOY MONDAL
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director DHANANJOY MONDAL
The award for the Best Investigative film for 2003 is given to Dhananjoy Mandal for the English film A SILENT KILLER. The film is a forceful statement on the disastrous consequences of millions of people drinking water contaminated with “arsenic”. In a simple but effective manner, the filmmaker explores and then brings out the enormity of the problem.
13. AWARD FOR THE BEST ANIMATION FILM
JEO AUR JEENE DO (HINDI)Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer : CHILDREN’S FILM SOCIETY OF INDIA
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director: B R SARNAIK
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Animator: HARSHAD SAYEED NOORI
Citation
The award for the Best Animation film for 2003 is given to B. R. Sarnaik for the Hindi film JEEO AUR JEENE DO. In a humorous, colourful but effective way, the film conveys the message of wild life protection. The imaginative use of animation techniques enhances the appeal of the film, especially to children.
14. SPECIAL JURY AWARD
THE LIJJAT SISTERHOOD (ENGLISH) AND EK AAKASH (SILENT)
Rajat Kamal and a Cash Prize of Rs. 2,500 each to the
Directors: KADAMBARI CHINTAMANI AND AJIT OOMMEN for The Lijjat Sisterhood
and
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 5,000/- to the
Director: SUDHAKAR REDDY for Ek Aakash
Citation
Special Jury Award for the year 2003 is given to the Directors Kadambari Chintamani and Ajit Oommen for their film The Lijjat Sisterhood and Sudhakar Reddy for his silent film Ek Akaash
The Lijjat Sisterhood documents the inspiring story of hundreds of women workers in the Lijjat papad making, selling and exporting. Through the first person interviews ranging from the oldest to the youngest, it is a vibrant narration of a unique experiment turned famously successful.
Ek Akash that starts off as a simple rivalry of two kids from different backgrounds – in kite flying, becomes a battle of one-upmanship. Both are led by their ego and aggressive instincts, but eventually reach a point when they need others help.
15. AWARD FOR THE BEST SHORT FICTION FILM
SATI RADHIKA (ASSAMESE)
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Producer : ANJALI DAS
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Director : ANJALI DAS
Citation
The award for the Best Short Fiction Film of the Year 2003 is given to Anjali Das for the Assamese film Sati Radhika is a popular tale relating to the great 14th century reformer Shankara Deva who stood against caste in equality. The tale narrates an allegory wherein Sati Radhika a fisherwoman perform a miraculous feat, which others could not, thus bringing out the noble concept of social equality.
16. AWARD FOR THE BEST FILM ON FAMILY WELFARE
NO AWARD RECOMMENDED
17. AWARD FOR THE BEST DIRECTION
Swarna Kamal and a Cash Prize of Rs. 20,000/- to the
Director : ARVIND SINHA
Citation
The award for the Best Direction for the Year 2003 is given to Arvind Sinha for capturing the teeming surge of humanity in Howrah station with compassion and warmth in his film KAYA POOCHHE MAYA SE.
18. AWARD FOR THE BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 5,000/- each to the
Cameramen: RANJAN PALIT for the film KAYA POOCHHE MAYA SE and
K G JAYAN for the film
THE EIGHTEENTH ELEPHANT : THREE MONOLOGUES
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Laboratory processing the film
Laboratory : PRASAD FILM LABORATORY for the film Kaya Poochhe Maya Se
Citation
The Best cinematography award of 2003 is given to Ranjan Palit for the Hindi film Kaya Poochhe Maya Se and K.G.Jayan for the Malayalam film The 18 Elephants – 3 Monologues.
Kaya Poochhe Maya Se is a cinematic observation of myriad shades of humanity and
breathtaking chiaroscuro of light and shade.
K.G.Jayan’s camera vision is a manifesto of exploring the reality, and transporting it to the
surreal , to beyond the manifest.
19. AWARD FOR THE BEST AUDIOGRAPHY
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Audiographer: RAMESH BIRAJDAR for the film BHABA PAAGLA
Citation
The Best Audiography award of 2003 is given to Ramesh Birajdar for the Bengali film Bhabaa Pagla for the sound design which evokes a vision of a world far, far away from the madding crowd, which oscillates between the silences and nature’s pristine sounds.
20. AWARD FOR THE BEST EDITING
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Editor: BINA PAUL for the film UNNI (Malayalam)
Citation
The award for the Best Editing for the Year 2003 is given to Bina Paul for the Malayalam film Unni for the way she supports the eerie pace of a story that swings from here to beyond.
21. AWARD FOR THE BEST MUSIC DIRECTION
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Music Director: JULIUS PACKIAM
Citation
The award for the Best Music Direction for the year 2003 is given Julius Packiam for the English film Fiddlers on the Thatch for creating an ambience of music that effectively works also as part of the main narrative.
22. BEST NARRATION /VOICE OVER
Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- to the
Narrator: BALACHANDRAN CHULLIKAD
Citation
The best Narration/Voice Over award for 2003 is given to Balachandran Chullikad for the Malayalam film The Eighteenth Elephant — Three Monologues for lending feel and depth to the agonies of elephants through his voice.
SPECIAL MENTION
1. SHILPA DASGUPTA
2. ASHIM BOSE
The Special Mention for 2003 is made for innovative direction of Shilpa Dasgupta for her film Mangali- An Exorcision and Ashim Bose, Cameraman for the English film Water for enhancing the impact of the film with his eloquent lens, that captures the sprit of the subject of the film.
