Inflatable sex dolls to fight Mexican machismo New Delegation to Discuss Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Gas Pipeline Project. The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Murli Deora informed the Parliamentary Consultative Committee (PCC) attached to his Ministry that a tripartite official level meeting is being held in Tehran on 13-15 March, 2006 on Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Gas Pipeline Project. Chairing the PCC meeting here last evening, Shri Deora said that Indian delegation will be led by Petroleum Secretary. He pointed out that as domestic availability of gas is not adequate to meet country’s demand, gas imports are being pursued both as Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG) and through transnational pipelines. Shri Deora recalled that a tripartite meeting of technical teams was held in Delhi in January 2006 to discuss project parameters. The progress of the 2000km IPI pipeline project was reviewed at a Ministerial-level meeting between Shri Murli Deora and his Pakistani Counterpart, Mr. Amanullah Khan Jadoon on February 17,2006 when the latter visited Delhi. Secretary-level JWGs have been set up separately with Iran and Pakistan to finalise details of the project . The issues under discussion include gas pricing, project structure and Tripartite Framework Agreement. Referring to other issues, Shri Deora stressed the need for consistent pricing of petroleum products under a long term policy, blending economic pricing with social responsibility. He informed that Government is examining the report of Dr. Rangarajan Committee which was set up to look into the various aspects of pricing and taxation of petroleum products. Shri Deora also said that the international prices of crude oil of Indian basket have gone up substantially since APM dismantling in April 2002 from about US $ 23/bbl in March 2002 to US $ 59/bbl now. However, domestic prices of sensitive petroleum products were not raised in line with international prices considering the impact on common man and economically vulnerable sections of the society. In fact domestic price of PDS Kerosene has not been raised while LPG (domestic) prices were increased by only 23% against 222% increase in global market, prices of diesel were raised by 84% against 171% increase in international market and the prices petrol of were raised by 64% against 142% increase in the international market The Minister also detailed the efforts initiated by the Government to accelerate domestic exploration and production of hydrocarbon. He informed the Members that in addition to signing of 110 Production Sharing Contracts under the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP), 55 more blocks have been offered recently under the sixth round of NELP(NELP -VI), the largest offer so far. Similarly, 10 blocks have been offered under the third round of Coal Bed Methane Policy (CBM-III). The meeting was also attended by Shri Dinsha Patel, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Shri M.S.Srinivasan, Secretary (P&NG) along with Senior Officers of the Ministry and Oil PSUs. Members made several suggestions regarding accelerating domestic E&P, strengthening marketing network of PSUs, ensuring supply of right quality and quantity of the product to consumers. Following members of Parliament attended the meeting. S/shri K.Samba Siva Rao; K. Manvendra Singh; Kishan Singh Sangwan; Jaswant Singh Bisnoi; Baleshwar Yadav; A.P.Abdullakutty; B. P. Mehta; Jaisingrao Gaikwad Patil; B.Vinod Kumar; Ram Kripal Yadav; S. Ajaya Kumar; Dr.Arvind Sharma; Prof. Rasa Singh Rawat; Smt.Ranjeeta Ranjan; Maj. Gen. (Retd.) B.C.Khanduri from Lok Sabha and S/Shri Raju Parmar; Nandi Yellaiah; D.N.Sharmah; Ram Nath Kovind; Bhagwati Singh; Prof. Alka.B.Kshatriya; Prof. R.B.S.Varma; and Prof R.D.Bhandary from Rajya Sabha. Pranab Mukharjee to Visit Oman The Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee will leave for Oman tomorrow. The Defence Minister is visiting Oman at the invitation of Oman’s Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs. This visit is a part of high-level exchanges between the two countries coinciding with the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. The visit is indicative of the commitment of the leadership of both countries to consolidate and strengthen the existing relations including closer cooperation in the defence sphere signifying continued long-standing friendly bilateral relations. Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s visit follows the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation between the two countries in December last. The visit reflects the desire of India and Oman to interact frequently at the highest levels. Shri Mukherjee is slated to meet the top leadership of Oman and hold discussions on issues of defence cooperation and business opportunities for the Indian defence production units. He will also be meeting members of the Indian community in Oman. The Minister will return home on the 12th of this month. Ravi Justifies Agreement with American Physicians The Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi told the Rajya Sabha today that the objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the American Association of Physician of Indian Origin (AAPI), which came into effect from 7th January, 2006, is to promote, establish and operate primary health care projects in selected States of India. The knowledge, skills and resources of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) will be harnessed to help improve primary health care in India starting with pilot projects in two or more States. Funds will be provided by the Government of India, State Governments concerned and AAPI. The MoU will be implemented in a time bound manner. This information was given by the Minister in reply to a question by Smt. Hema Malini. Fake Recruiting Agents The Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi told the Rajya Sabha today that Complaints regarding cheating of Indian workers by unregistered recruiting agents are received from time to time. On receipt of such complaints, the concerned Protectors of Emigrants are directed to file complaints/FIRs against such unregistered recruiting agents for violation of Section10 of the Emigration Act, 1983. All State Governments/Union Territories have been requested to instruct the Police Stations to keep strict vigil on the activities of the unregistered agents engaged in illegal violations. The Minister further added that Under Section 22 of the Emigration Act, 1983, no Indian citizen can emigrate unless he/she obtains emigration clearance from the Offices of Protector of Emigrants (POE). However, through periodical reviews, the regulatory mechanism has been progressively liberalized and certain categories of persons have been exempted from the requirement of obtaining emigration clearance. Persons belonging to any of these categories are entitled to get the ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) endorsement on their passports and consequently do not require to obtain any clearance from POE offices. In reply to another question, Shri Ravi said that Indian Missions/Posts abroad depute Labour Attaches/Consular officers to visit labour camps, detention centres, etc. to monitor the living conditions of Indian citizens working in foreign countries and take appropriate action to improve the living conditions. This information was given by the Minister in reply to questions by Shri Jai Parkash Aggarwal and Shri T.T.V. Dhinakaran. Indian Missile Buddha.... The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam visited the famous Buddhist landmark of Yangon Shwe Dagon Pagoda, Myanmar on March 9, 2006 Alukkas Jewellery to open 75th showroom MADURAI: The Alukkas Jewellery group will open its 75th outlet here on March 12 with an exclusive diamond gallery showcasing leading brands of diamonds and platinum.Started in 1964 at Trichur in Kerala, the group already runs branches in various states and in the Middle East, the company's Managing Directors Mr Varghese Alukka and Mr Johan Alukka said Here.They said that Alukkas jewellery was the first ISO 9001:2000 certified jewellery group in the world showcasing BIS certified 916 hallmarked gold US Report Blames Iraqi Government for Rights Violations!!! BAGHDAD, 9 March (IRIN) - The government has called a US report detailing human rights abuses in Iraq an unfair assessment of the issue, saying the report's authors should also take into account abuses perpetrated by the US military. "The US government accused our security forces of mistreatment, torture and aggression against the Iraqi population," said Hussam Abdul-Kader, a senior official in the Ministry of Interior. "But it forgot to mention in its report the ongoing violence that they have promoted in Iraq since their invasion, including the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison." The report, released on Wednesday, has been published annually by the US State Department since 1977, devoted to detailing alleged human rights abuses worldwide. On the situation within the US itself, however, the report merely noted: "The United States' own journey toward liberty and justice for all has been long and difficult, and it is still far from complete. Yet over time our independent branches of government, our free media, our openness to the world, and, most importantly, the civic courage of impatient American patriots help us keep faith with our founding ideals and our international human rights obligations." The report's treatment of Iraq, by contrast, alleged numerous human rights abuses, ranging from torture to random killings, for which the report largely blamed the Iraqi police and military. Police abuses included arbitrary arrests, threats, and beatings, as well as the reported use of electric drills and electric shocks for purposes of torture, the report said. "Additionally, the misappropriation of official authority by groups - paramilitary, sectarian, criminal, terrorist and insurgent - resulted in numerous and severe crimes and abuses," the report states. In mid-November, 173 detainees were found by US troops at an interior ministry building in the capital, Baghdad, bearing signs of torture, malnutrition and mistreatment. Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jafaari ordered an investigation at the time, but no official findings have been released to date.Iraqi officials, however, maintain that such episodes of abuse represent isolated incidents. The report went on to outline 16 human rights problems, including the "pervasive climate of violence, disappearances, large numbers of internally displaced persons, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". The document also notes the reported increase in killings carried out by the Iraqi government or its agents, noting that police forces are thought to be thoroughly infiltrated by sectarian elements. Iraqi government officials responded to the report by pointing to the critical role of the US in maintaining security. "Security in Iraq is under our command, together with the US military. Any accusation against our military or police is also an accusation against them," said Abdul-Kader. "They [the US] are always saying that they're working with us, but when they speak about bad things, they never consider themselves." Both US and UK forces in Iraq have been accused of abuses. In April 2004, a series of photographs showing inmates being abused by US soldiers in Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison led to worldwide condemnation and the prosecution of the soldiers involved. In February, fresh images of abuse emerged from the notorious prison, revealing the apparent killing, torture and humiliation of prisoners. "The report reflects what we have been trying to stop in Iraq," said Hamam Ali, a senior official at the Ministry of Human Rights. "But the US government also has to consider the accusations of barbarity against those involved in Abu Ghraib." The British military has also been criticised following the release this month of video footage showing UK soldiers savagely beating four young Iraqi civilians in southern Iraq in 2004. Four soldiers have been arrested in connection with the incident so far.Both foreign militaries currently share control of the national prison system, with US forces retaining command of Abu Ghraib and an airport detention camp in Baghdad, while British forces have been mandated to run the Um Qasr prison in southern Iraq.

March 9 2006 U.S. troops held in reserve in Kuwait put on alert Roads & Transport Authority launches Road Safety Campaign in Dubai - US to present Iran with 30-day ultimatum Iran official says U.S. behind al-Qaeda attacks Engineer Hashim Al Hashimi, Director of Traffic Department, RTA and Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, RTA Who Stole Katrina Kaifs Rolex.... Japan eyes free trade deal with Saudi Arabia, five other Gulf nations -UNEP delegation visits Jebel Ali Free Zone A journalist may have made prison suicide attempt A pattern of suspicious events by P.V.Vivekanandan Murli Deora, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and his counterpart Mr. Amanullah Khan Jadoon, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources of Pakistan briefing the media after bilateral talks in New Delhi on February 17, 2006. India Pakistan Joint Pipeline Project on Track Judge renews detention of Kuwait man in wilful murder of his daughter - Kidnapped U.S. journalist appears in new video on Kuwait Channel - Dubai Financial acquires shares of Thomas Cook - Shree Ganesh Forgings to set up unit in Dubai - World's first Islamic business university in Kuwait - eSys Technologies to list Middle East entity in Dubai by Q3 2006 - Singapore's PSA pulls out of P&O bid- Jacko, says Bahrain Pop Icon bankrupt? - Sex slave threat man raped woman - Qatar to donate $25 million to restore National Library - Qatar first lady visits Wipro office in Bangalore - Journalists hoping to improve reporting on HIV/AIDS - On democracy, Arabs mistrust the American messenger Male homosexuality still a taboo in Iraq BAGHDAD, 5 February (IRIN) - Living in the shadow of religious pressure and social discrimination, medical student Ahmed Fatah says there's no way he could ever tell anyone about his sexuality."I devote most of my time to my studies to forget about the discrimination I face from society. People see me as a very successful guy, but inside my soul I'm very sad," Fatah said."I'm sad because our society dictates that I must marry one of the girls in the neighbourhood because it's religious law," he added.Homosexuality remains a taboo subject in this Muslim society."What for me is love, unfortunately, is punishable by death," Fatah lamented. Full Report/More News Violence and threats hamper freedom of expression BAGHDAD, 25 January (IRIN) - Local journalists say they are unable to write freely about politics due to threats from insurgents and unknown sources.Khalid Samim of the Iraqi Journalists Association (IJA) said the association had received more than 80 reports of threats against journalists from confirmed insurgents since the war began, and more than 100 from unknown sources. Threats appeared to target those writing about "government behaviour," Samim noted. "We received 22 reports in January alone, and all of [the threatened journalists] had written about politics during the election period," he said. Full Report and More News Freelance journalist handcuffed, passport taken, for writing about moustaches Reporters Without Borders today called for the immediate return of the passport that was confiscated from freelance journalist V. M. Sathish when he was briefly arrested in Dubai on 13 December for allegedly libelling a jewellery chain by reporting that it ordered its employees to shave off their beards and moustaches. "It is absolutely essential that Sathish should immediately recover his freedom of movement and that the Dubai police should stop harassing him," the press freedom organisation said. "It is beyond belief that a journalist can be arrested and prosecuted for such a ridiculous reason." Sathish, who writes for several English-language news media, was summoned by the Dubai prosecutor's office on 13 December, interrogated and detained for several hours over a report in the ...daily on 22 August that the Alukkas chain of jewellery stores had told its 400 employees they would henceforth all have to be clean-shaven.The managing director of the chain, Joy Alukkas, reacted to the article by bringing a libel action against Sathish. Sathish told Reporters Without Borders he felt "imprisoned" and that his ability to move about freely in the region was hampering his work as a journalist. "To be treated like this, like a criminal by the Dubai police? they put handcuffs on me and jailed me? just for writing about moustaches," Sathish exclaimed. Full Report from the Reporters Sans Frontiers.