Illegal Exchange Racket Busted Near Delhi
14:24 IST
The Department of Telecom (DOT) was again successful in its series of combing operation against the illegal exchanges operating from in and around Delhi. This time the raid was made at Noida, near Delhi by the team comprising of officials from the DOT, VSNL and the Special Delhi Police. The clandestinely operated telephone exchange was used for routing incoming international calls through internet and further distributing these calls on to the local telephone network in and around Delhi. The prepaid cards available abroad, meant for making calls to India, were the source of incoming international calls.The raid was carried out at the second floor of Awana Building located at Atta Market, Sector 27, Noida. The illegal telephone exchanged setup was equipped with sophisticated High Tech equipments. Internet leased line of M/s World Phone was also found terminated on this illegal setup. The illegal incoming international call traffic was brought through this link and 36 mobile connections of Hutch and 19 mobile connection of Airtel were being used to terminate these calls as local calls in the Public Switching Telecom Network (PSTN) network in and around Delhi.
It may be recalled that Internet telephony is permitted in the country only on PC mode i.e. PC to PC. In the instant case, it was configured using high tech equipment to bring the incoming internet call traffic and further dial using mobile connections to local PSTN number and thus terminated international call as local with Callers Line Identification (CLI) of local numbers. The offenders were thus bypassing the authorised international long distant operators and were switching these calls using this illegal telephone exchange. The Police have arrested one person in this connection and are further investigating the case to find out the involvement of any other Indian and Foreign partners.
Nakheel announces launch of Jumeirah Village
6000 villas and townhouses in the development recreate a village lifestyle offering residents inspired living spaces with a cosmopolitan hue
September 22, 2004 Nakheel, one of the world's premiere property developers behind some of the most iconic projects in Dubai has announced the launch of its latest property development, Jumeirah Village, a new project that creates an idyllic village and community living experience.
Jumeirah Village encompasses more than 6000 spaciously constructed villas and townhouses set amidst luscious landscaping and unsurpassed leisure and lifestyle amenities to deliver a holistic living experience for its residents. Located just off Sheikh Zayed road, Jumeirah Village lies adjacent to Jumeirah Islands, Nakheel's signature inland waterfront development and in close proximity to its other iconic developments such as the Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali.
The development will house 2883, two to four bedroom villas and 3184 one to two bedroom townhouses, built in classic Arabic and Mediterranean architectural styles. These spacious villas and townhouses will have distinctive red roof tiles, arches, carved doors, ornamental spiral columns, patterned tile floors and wall surfaces whose architectural designs follow thematic geometric and floral patterns.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Nakheel, said: "Jumeirah Village is Nakheel's answer to the needs of those individuals and families who are craving for a lifestyle that offers complete peace of mind. The trend for community living is on the rise as more and more people are opting to live in self-sustained communities, where everything they need is well within reach. Jumeirah Village adds a cosmopolitan and kindred hue to the spirit of village living."
The Jumeirah Village is planned around four distinct themes. The Gateway Village, which is the centrepiece to the development, offers diverse retail and leisure facilities as well as a variety of amenities for Jumeirah Village residents and guests. The Canal Village features a scenic and vibrant waterfront lifestyle with luxuriant water views. The Paradise Village, is synonym to tranquillity with its lush green grounds and plenty of open spaces, where families can enjoy a stroll in landscaped surroundings and well pruned gardens. The Marina Village is unique as it forms the nodal point of all the maritime activities in the village offering berthing space for small boats."The four themes have been chosen as they reflect a cosmopolitan lifestyle which is the forte of Jumeirah, Dubai's most desirable district," said Bin Sulayem. "Variety forms the central theme of the Jumeirah Village with amenities, landscaping, gardening and the style of architecture, aimed at providing the residents a distinctive feel to the place and making it stand apart in the real sense as a community."
Jumeirah Village also hosts world class amenities for its residents including two international schools, town and country clubs, community centre, jogging and cycling trails, community sports and leisure facilities such as football and cricket pitch, tennis courts, croquet lawn and swimming pools, medical facilities and veterinary clinics and round the clock security. The Gardens Shopping Mall, which is taking shape right in the vicinity, will provide the residents of Jumeirah Village, a mix of unsurpassed retail and leisure experience
"The development is centrally located near the free zones such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and the Jebel Ali Free Zone. In addition, mixed-use commercial and residential developments such as the Jumeirah Lake Towers will fuel the need for people who work there to find exceptional residential options nearby," said Bin Sulayem. "Jumeirah Village caters to their need for inspired living spaces, where peace of mind and security is fully assured."
GULF AIR WEBSITE NOW FEATURES THE ONLINE CARRIAGE OF MEDICAL PASSENGERS APPLICATION
Manama, Bahrain: Gulf Air's website now features a valuable tool for medical practitioners who are requesting approval for their patients to travel on the airline. The Online Carriage of Medical Passengers application form, available at www.gulfairco.com, is an electronic form for medical practitioners to use when requesting approval of Gulf Air's doctor for a patient to travel on the airline. The application form can be electronically submitted with a patient's full details for review and approval by the Gulf Air doctor. "Travelling can be stressful, especially for those with medical conditions," said Dr. Issam Salameh, Head of Medical Services at Gulf Air. "The introduction of this electronic medical form will simplify the process of application and approval for medical passengers wishing to travel on Gulf Air." The site also allows for follow-up on the progress of the application until the arrangements for the transport of a medical passenger are finalised. All the cases are stored in the system for future reference if this is necessary. There is a step-by-step user's guide explaining how to complete the medical application before accessing it.
Alert from the Islamic Development Bank about Fraudster Impersonating Staff
Jeddah - The Islamic Development Bank Group would like to bring to your kind attention that an unscrupulous person using a number of names and speaking several languages, is trying to defraud people and organizations dealing with IDB. This person pretends to be an IDB staff member who is on his way to visit Islamic organizations in order to provide assistance to them. Then on Thursday or Friday he calls the head of the Islamic organization and informs him that due to some unfortunate foul up he lost his luggage and airline tickets and he is stuck in some airport with his family. He then pleads with the Islamic organization to lend him some money in order to purchase tickets for himself and his wife.
He assures the organization that this amount is strictly a personal loan that will be paid back to them upon his arrival in the country. He claims that he is unable to contact the IDB because the Bank is closed on Thursdays and Fridays. Accordingly, he asks to transfer to him a specific amount through financial companies like Tomas Cook or Western Union.The IDB would kindly request you not to respond at all to any person impersonating an IDB staff name and asking for a sum of money. It is worth mentioning that the IDB could not be held responsible for any consequences or financial obligations resulting from such claims.
As UN Assembly opens annual high-level debate, Bush proposes democracy fund
George W. Bush, US President
21 September 2004 – As 95 Heads of State and Government began arriving at United Nations Headquarters in New York today for the start of the General Assembly's annual high-level debate, United States President George W. Bush called on the world body to support democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the global war on terrorism. Mr. Bush proposed establishing a Democracy Fund within the UN. "This is a great calling for this great organization," he said, pledging an initial US contribution and urging other nations to donate to the fund, which would help countries lay the foundations of democracy by instituting the rule of law and independent courts, a free press, political parties and trade unions.“Each of us alone can only do so much. Together, we can accomplish so much more,” he declared, adding that history will honour the UN’s high ideals. “Let history show that in a decisive decade, members of the United Nations did not grow weary in our duties, or waver in meeting them.”
Speaking at the outset of the session, Brazilian President Luis In?cio Lula da Silva appealed for economic and social justice in a world where the disparity in per capita income between the richest and poorest nations is now 16 times greater than it was nearly two decades ago, while a lack of basic sanitation has killed more children in the past decade than all military conflicts since the end of World War II.
Referring to ongoing wars and terrorist attacks, he said mankind was losing the fight for peace, adding: "The situation imposes on peoples and leaders of the world a new sense of collective and individual responsibility." He argued in favour of an international order based on a constructive dialogue among different cultures and perspectives. "No organ is better suited than the UN foe ensuring the world's convergence towards common goals."
Addressing UN Assembly, Annan urges nations to restore respect for rule of law
Annan addresses the General Assembly21 September 2004 – Decrying what he described as “shameless” disregard for the rule of law around the globe, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged world leaders gathered at the General Assembly to do everything within their power to restore respect for the fundamental principles of law – in domestic affairs, as well as on the international arena.
“Today the rule of law is at risk around the world,” he said in an address to the General Assembly as it met for the first day of its annual top-level general debate. “Again and again, we see laws shamelessly disregarded – those that ordain respect for innocent life, for civilians, for the vulnerable – especially children.”
Mr. Annan called on the international community to start from the principle that no one is above the law, and no one should be denied its protection. “Every nation that proclaims the rule of law at home must respect it abroad; and every nation that insists on it abroad must enforce it at home,” he said.
And at the international level, all countries need a framework of fair rules and the confidence that others will obey them, he argued, noting that one of the UN’s proudest achievements has been the creation of a body of norms and laws covering trade to terrorism, from the law of the sea to weapons of mass destruction.
“Yet this framework is riddled with gaps and weaknesses,” he said. “Too often it is applied selectively, and enforced arbitrarily. It lacks the teeth that turn a body of laws into an effective legal system,” he said.
In concept alone, he added, the rule of law is not enough – “laws must be put into practice and permeate the fabric of our lives.” Citing recent examples of the disregard for the rule of law, Mr. Annan pointed in part to the situation in Darfur, a vast area where “things are happening which must shock the conscience of every human being.” He urged “every possible support” for the efforts of the African Union (AU) to bring the 18-monthlong conflict to an end and ease the humanitarian disaster or risk history’s harsh judgment.
“Let no one imagine that this affair concerns Africans alone,” he said. “The victims are human beings, whose human rights must be sacred to all of us. We all have a duty to do whatever we can to rescue them, and do it now.”
The Secretary-General noted that the UN was founded in the ashes of a war that brought untold sorrow to mankind. “Today we must look again into our collective conscience, and ask whether we are doing enough. Each generation has its part to play in the age-long struggle to strengthen the rule of law for all – which alone can guarantee freedom for all,” he said.
“Let our generation not be found wanting,” he concluded.
Asian Development Outlook 2004 Update to be Launched Tomorrow
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (21 September 2004) - ADB is releasing its Asian Development Outlook 2004 Update at a press conference at 10 am (Manila time) tomorrow at the Office of External Relations Briefing Theater in the Manila headquarters.The report is an update of the Asian Development Outlook 2004 that was issued in April. ADO is ADB's annual flagship economic publication that analyzes and forecasts economic trends in the Asian and Pacific region.The Update reviews the analyses of macroeconomic trends, policy developments and short-term forecasts contained in ADO 2004. It factors in the impact of higher oil prices and the economic slowdown in the People's Republic of China (PRC) on Asian economies.
DRUG TESTING CAN PREVENT DISASTERS AT SEA, SAYS SEATRADE EXHIBITOR
20th September 2004
Disasters at sea caused by drug or drink abuse by sailors can be avoided using two new tests to be launched in Dubai later this year. An in-port drink and drug testing call sample service, plus an on-board sample collection kit, will be unveiled by Medscreen, Europe’s largest substance abuse testing laboratory, at Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the region’s premier exhibition and conference for the maritime industry.
The London company has a sales office in Kuwait and will also use Seatrade Middle East Maritime as an opportunity to find local joint venture partners to expand sales in what it sees as a growth market.
Business Development Manager Graham Birch said; “Substance abuse in the workplace is a serious issue anywhere but in the maritime industry it is crucial. The effects can literally be disastrous and there have been plenty of incidents over the years that ended in deaths and environmental disasters with ships going aground. That is why the maritime industry is particularly important to us.”
He added: “Seatrade Middle East Maritime, because it is held in Dubai, will attract industry professionals from both the Far East and the Gulf. That is important to us as 30 per cent of our maritime business comes from these regions.“The opening of the Iraq market will increase cruise tourism and also provide access to oil and transport companies which will offer significant opportunities.”
The fourth Seatrade Middle East Cruise conference, which will run from December 6-7, will explore the region’s cruise potential, including itinerary options and infrastructure development. It is part of the Seatrade event which runs from December 6 – 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
“The boom in the regional maritime industry has increased interest in this year’s event, which will be three times bigger than last year,” said Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade.
“These are clear signs that the end of the war in Iraq has boosted confidence in the industry, which managed to expand last year in spite of regional uncertainty.”
Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2004 is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. Organisations supporting the event include Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dubai Shipping Agents Association; National Association of Freight Logistics UAE Branch; Indian National Shipowners’ Association; The Nautical Institute UAE Branch; and the UAE National Ship Suppliers’ Association.
The event is principally sponsored by Dubai Maritime City; Dubai Ports Authority; the Government of Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; Gulf Energy Maritime PJSC (GEM); and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).
Other sponsors include Aalborg Industries A/S (Dubai branch); Aqua Group; Arabian Adventures; British Airways; BP Marine ; Clyde & Co; Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre;HSBC; Lloyd’s Register; Maritime London; Net Cruises; Nico International; Norton Rose; Scan-Trans Chartering LLC and Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC.
Spam and cyber-crime could be addressed by new UN working group on Internet
21 September 2004 – More than 250 experts wrapped up two days of talks in Geneva today on the creation of a United Nations working group which could deal with spam, cyber-crime and other Internet-related problems.Countries requested the establishment of a UN Working Group on Internet Governance last December during the first phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which was also held in Geneva. The Summit's second part will take place in November 2005 in Tunisia.Discussions at this week's meeting centred on the Working Group's mandate and its relationship with other bodies.
Many participants argued that the Working Group should concentrate on key issues, including spam, cyber-security, cyber-crime, multilingualism, data protection and the management of Internet resources.
Some stressed that the Working Group should take into consideration the efforts of other international forums dealing with Internet governance. Participants also reiterated the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that would include governments, the private sector and civil society, as well as participants from international and regional organizations dealing with Internet governance issues.
The next round of open-ended consultations is scheduled for 15 to 16 February 2005, to be followed by the second Preparatory Committee meeting of the WSIS from 17 to 25 February.
Regional Cooperation Can Help Boost Nutrition for Asia's Poor, ADB VP Tells Delhi Forum
NEW DELHI, INDIA (17 September 2004) - Regional cooperation can help raise nutrition levels and improve the well being of the poor - particularly women and children - in Asia and the Pacific, ADB Vice-President Geert van der Linden told a regional ministerial meeting today. But to succeed will take "initiative, leadership, commitment, and resources, and the combined effort of all," he said.
He was speaking in New Delhi during a session on Regional Cooperation in Asian Countries on Maternal and Child Nutrition, on the last day of the Regional Ministerial Consultation on Maternal and Child Nutrition in Asian Countries.
Mr. van der Linden said that recent figures show that Asia is still home to the largest numbers of malnourished children, although the figures are slowly improving. "Can we envision a region, say in 10 years, where the birth of an underweight baby or the death of a mother in childbirth is a rare event?" Mr. van der Linden asked. "Where most infants are healthy and grow every day with a smile on their face as they actively engage in the unfolding world around them?
"And, where children go to school and are not constrained by the invisible plight of hunger and iron deficiency in their capacity to learn and achieve their full potential? In a region with remarkable economic growth, even more remarkable potential and vast human and natural resources, this is achievable." He said regional cooperation holds the potential to enhance national and subnational efforts on the issue in four broad areas: knowledge sharing, building economies of scale, capacity building, and coordinating standards. * Enhanced regional mechanisms can ensure rapid and effective sharing of knowledge, including scientific knowledge and knowledge of how policies and programs work best in practice.
* On economies of scale, regional cooperation can achieve improvements in nutritional status more efficiently by creating synergy among member countries' efforts. Smaller countries may not have sufficient capacity to independently develop their own systems or approaches for some important interventions. * Capacity building on a regional basis, such as through initiatives like the Task Force for Capacity Strengthening in Nutrition in Asia (CASNA), can improve the effectiveness of nutrition assistance. It helps develop human resources capable of addressing priority research and programs in food and nutrition in the region.
* Regional standards and approaches, for instance on salt or wheat fortification, ensure that commodities that move between countries meet certain standards. "Experiences of cooperation in other fields in the region show that it can be achieved," Mr. van der Linden said.
"Working together nations and people and institutions can achieve more for the well being of all, but particularly for those most vulnerable. Attending the consultation, which began on Wednesday, organized jointly by the Indian Government and World Food Programme, were health ministers from 10 countries, senior UN officials, nongovernment organization representatives, and attendees from governments and bilateral and multilateral agencies.
