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2009-12-31T14:32:00.001+05:30

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2009-11-12T17:30:00.004+05:30

Red Bull F1 car become the first F1 car to race down the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link.

2009-10-12T10:27:00.002+05:30

Huge crowd was gathered at the Bandra Reclamation just near the entrance of sea link to become the witness of this event.

David have to make two round of the sea link bridge, but due to over heating of hie engine he managed to make only one round.

Daid sai, “I appologize to the peole of Mumbai, due to overheating of the engine, i could not take the second round. Adding the bridge is one of the best bridge in the world.”

Commenting on the Sports Minister statement that F1 is an entertainment, Daivd said, “The minister have no idea about F1″.

I don’t have a speedometer in my car, so i cannot tell you about the speed, laugh’s Davis as he was cursing at the speed of 260 kmph.

India will be witnessing F1 in 2011 as the work as already been started at Greater Noida, near Delhi.

2009-09-15T21:20:00.003+05:30

Top News

2009-05-19T15:23:00.000+05:30

Russia Attacks Georgia

2008-08-10T09:36:00.000+05:30

Russia Attacks Georgia, 2000 feared killed.

Mc Chain and Obama have criticized Russia for this attack.

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2008-08-09T15:00:00.000+05:30

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Dalai Lama on Catastrophic earthquake that struck China

2008-05-13T15:30:00.000+05:30

I am deeply saddened by the loss of many lives and many more who have been injured in the catastrophic earthquake that struck Sichuan province of China. I would like to extend my deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to those families who have been directly affected by the strong earthquake on 12 May 2008. I offer my prayers for those who have lost their lives and those injured in the quake.

Operationalising Public Private Partnerships for Disaster Management

2008-04-23T21:57:00.000+05:30

Human suffering and economic losses from vulnerability to natural hazards are high. Munich Re estimated that the year 2005 was the most expensive year on record with an overall loss of US$210 billion with total disaster-related claims at over US$ 94 billion. With these costs rising year-on-year, 168 governments have adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters. The HFA strives to build international, regional, national and local activities to galvanize efforts to achieve a reduction of disaster losses in fulfillment of the objectives set for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). One important part of the Framework is helping governments and businesses to identify opportunities for collaborative actions that can reduce losses from natural hazards.

Overall, the private sector in South Asia sees itself positioned to provide value for minimizing vulnerability and safeguarding communities in their auspices. The collective involvement of the partners of this conference brought a symbiosis of knowledge on the value of the private sector to the emergency needs of government operations.

Following the Ist International Conference on Public Private Partnership for Disaster Management 2007, the IInd International Disaster Management Conference, 2008 was organized the auspices of the National Disaster Management Authority India, (NDMA) by Responsenet An Aidmatrix Initiative. Aptly titled "Operationalising Public Private Partnership for Disaster Management: Towards Resilient & Sustainability Goals", the Conference was held on 16th & 17th April at New Delhi.

In terms of contingency plans - the most widely discussed topic - many still apply to specific disasters which may be perennial or sudden disruptions due to man-made disasters. Examples of pandemics across borders traveling worldwide disrupt many functions of business and governments had not been taken into consideration as did other less frequent hazards.

Effective incident and crisis management mechanism using the model of Incident Command System for a structure in business for command, control, coordination and communications was discussed and debated at length. New challenges such as mapping country telecommunication infrastructure for effective communication contingencies, resilience of the financial sector for minimal disruptions, data communication route maps for contingency planning, and the cascading effects of data outages were also highlighted.

The Conference was supported by a number of international agencies, multi-national organizations and corporate bodies like USAID- IRG, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC&RCS), United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR), Sphere India, Tata Teleservices, International Association for Emergency Managers (IAEM), Swiss Re, GeoHazards International, Services International, Grant Thornton, Micro Insurance Academy, Motorola, Steria (India) Limited, British Standard Issues (BSI), IFFCO-TOKIO, AMS Acoustics, DURAN Audio and DIGITEXX. Further, the Conference saw the participation of representatives of various State Governments and Departments like Fire Services, the Health Directorate, Police, Non-Governmental Organizations, academicians, societal actors and stakeholders from all parts of the world.

Disaster management is no longer restricted to the domain of "State Responsibilities". Further, moving beyond disaster management the focus is on "Risk Reduction", ensuring that minimum risk, loss or damage is ensued whilst dealing with disasters. Hence, all efforts to deal with issues of disaster, whether natural or man-made and the management of disaster needs to be a concerted effort between the Government (public) and the private sector. Disasters cannot be inverted however the move towards increasing disaster preparedness mechanisms will help mitigate the associated risks. Taking this view, Ms. Angela Nar's welcome address initiated the need to "evolve public-private partnerships in dealing with disaster management".

To facilitate the operationalization of public private partnerships the Conference laid emphasis on four thematic issues:

Corporate Resilience and Preparedness for Disaster Management,
Business Continuity for Disaster Management,
Risk Transfer through Techno Financial strategies, and
Operationalising Public Private Partnership for Disaster Management.
Spread over four sessions, the theme's covered case studies ranging from experiences and practices presently employed by different sectors and organizations like the Mumbai Airport Contingencies Plan for Emergency, the Motorola Mission Critical Solution used by the London Police, GeoHazards Bechtel model, IBM's Risk Analysis Framework, Pawan Hans Air Ambulance, Swiss Re in Latin America and others. Significantly, the wide range of issues cut across the Public sector, through IT and IT enabled services, the developmental sector, financial services, manufacturing and business operations, aviation and the tele-communications industry.

At the inaugural address, J K Sinha, Member, NDMA, invited those from the private sector to evolve strategies for Disaster Management with the NDMA. He went on to highlight how it was found that the losses on account of various disasters used to run into thousands of Crores of Rupees. If only a part of that money were to be spent on prevention, preparedness and awareness, the losses would be reduced phenomenally and the progress of the country would not be hampered on that account. He mentioned that if we join hands on awareness, prevention, preparedness and mitigation, it will greatly reduce the ultimate overall costs and would even prevent and reduce the damages.

Citing the examples of Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the Bhuj Earthquake and the Tsunami to see and analyze how much loss and damage could have been prevented he highlighted the point to identify what the corporate world expects from the Government, so that an effective Public-Private-Partnership can be formed. Whenever the budget is prepared by the Finance Minister he calls industry members and discusses issues. This helps greatly in taking more informed decisions. Similarly this sort of exercise in the field of Disaster Management is also required and invited the private sector to engage in a meaningful manner with the National Disaster Management Authority.

The private sector provides value for minimizing vulnerability and to safeguard communities in their vicinities. The collective involvement of the partners of this conference brings a symbiosis of value to the emergency needs to support the government operations. And there is a need to engage in dialogues for continuity plans concluded his inaugural address.

At the valedictory session, Maj.Gen.J. K. Bansal, NDMA also emphasized upon the need to "create a momentum for management of disaster, for the Government cannot work in isolation" and and invited the participants for initiating dialogue and evolve partnership opportunities with National Disaster Management Authority of India.

N K Goyal, Chairman of Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association at the inaugural session highlighted the criticality of communications and equipments for disaster preparedness and response.

N.M Prusty - Chief of Party USAID - IRG Chaired the session on Corporate Preparedness for Disaster Management and highlighted the criticality for corporate resilience and the need for a well designed preparedness and continuity plan not only for the command system and work flow but also for the communities as integral stakeholders. Attempting at various questions through the session he further emphasized and elaborated on the guidelines of NDMA that are presently in place and those being developed with a core team of expertise at the helm of activities.

The session on Business Continuity for Disaster Management Was chaired by International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies, Regional Delegation for South Asia who highlighted the work in progress on Public Private Partnerships for Business continuity and the need for the synergy between Public Private and other stakeholders of society. She emphasized the need for more investments required within companies with an importance to protection of employees, communities and the environment.

Iddo Dror - Director (Operations) Micro - Insurance Academy (MIA) chaired the session on Risk Transfer through Techno Financial Strategies and emphasized on the critical role and need for integration of People without whom PPP would not be possible.

The standards of BS 25999, the new standard for business continuity was presented by Venkataram Arabolu - Managing Director, British Standards Institution (BSI) which has also launched this standard in India for businesses to take advantage of.

The contingency plans as seen today mostly apply to specific disasters which may be perennial or sudden disruptions due to man made disasters. Examples of pandemics across borders travelling worldwide disrupt many functions of business and governments. Geographical distances for Business continuity planning are not the only contingency plan that will help as these are disasters without borders. Disaster mapping has taken a new meaning with the new challenges faced by uncertainties of multi faceted disaster possibilities.

Andreas Bollmann of Swiss Re, highlighted the effects that natural catastrophes have on GDP Growth Rates citing examples of Earthquakes bringing negative GDP in the region affected. Further highlighting empirical evidence he cited how catastrophic events usually retards economic growth, increases external debt, raises inflation and has an impact on real interest rates decrease. Thus emphasizing that strategies adopted for risk transfer, in turn, determines the post event socio economic conditions.

With countries like India, where the un insured touches 93% of the population this also highlights the impact on this population as victims at times of natural disasters. The focus therefore has shifted from post disaster financing to pre disaster initiatives and formulating strategies for financial mitigation by introducing ex ante financing instruments to absorb the losses like insurance, catastrophe bonds, reserve funds or contingent credit instruments thus a need to design reinsurance programs to reduce economic losses.

The benefit of Globe cat which helps in immediate access to funds in time of disasters with a cover of any type of catastrophe was presented by Andreas. This has an ability to leverage donations using investor funds and donations are leveraged as much as 50 to 1. A $2-3 Million donation can provide $100 MM of relief to a country affected by a disaster.

Further insights on the role of Insurance and Re Insurance were provided by K L Naik CEO, J.B.Boda Reinsurance Brokers and Parag Gupta, Vice President, IFFCO-TOKIO. Risk Management and Corporate Governance was an area covered by , Khushroo B Panthaky - National Head of Audit, Grant Thornton

Disaster risk reduction activities were further emphasized by Madhavi Ariyabandu of UN/ISDR who highlighted the Hyogo Framework of Action in which Public Private Partnerships to engage private sector was elaborated upon. Providing an insight on Global Hotspots she highlighted that 25 million kilometers and 3.4 billion people are at relatively high risk areas across the world. UN/ISDR with a mandate to build disaster resilient communities is working towards reducing human, social, economic and environmental losses due to natural hazards and related technological and environmental disasters. She further highlighted that the cost benefit ratio for disaster mitigation is of 4:1 as per a study quoted and to reduce costs, limit exposures, maintain operating continuity, protect employees, property, reputations and build a competitive market place position.

Jayaraj Puthanveedu of Northern Trust highlighted the Effective incident and crisis management mechanism using the model of Incident Command System for a structure in business for command, control, coordination and communications. Daman Dev Sood - Vice President - Quality & Business Assurance, Steria India Limited provided dos and don'ts that can be integrated into everyday life to minimize the affects of climate change.

New challenges such as mapping the entire countries telecommunication infrastructure for effective communication contingencies, resilience of the financial sector for minimal disruptions, data communication route maps for contingency planning, cascading effects of data outage needs a focused understanding.

Sanjeev Dhinda, highlighted the IBM point of view on preparedness, recovery and response for technology and IT enablement for crisis management. He highlighted case studies of various governments and presented a National Incident Management System model for the Government of India.

A key element to all the services that can be leveraged at times of disasters from the private sector is the importance of the right skills for the right people at the right time.

Nathaniel Forbes of the International Association of Emergency Managers highlighted the aspect of how human resources can converge for focused highly skilled careers and leverage credentials of globally recognized and experienced organizations.

Commander Pradeep Dixit of Mumbai International Airport(MIAL) highlighted the importance of contingency planning at infrastructures and elaborated on the Airport Emergency Response plan of MIAL which is working on a PPP model and being prepared for various disasters ranging from natural to man made.

S.L.Chakravorty,OISD emphasized that the Oil Industry in India is well equipped on Health, Safety & Environment matters including Disaster Management Plan. These are in place - well rehearsed and demonstrated.

Partnerships for structural seismic risk reduction was addressed by Hari Kumar of Geo Hazards who highlighted the partnerships being worked upon for structural and risk reduction areas in partnership with the Delhi Government and this was further taken on by Subodh Vardhan Director Sales and Country head, Government and Public Safety Motrola who presented the Tetra model as one of the solutions being provided for disasters. Sanjay Kumar of Pawan Hans Helicopter presented on the criticality of Air Ambulance services which play a vital role at times of disasters for search and rescue operations.

How Emergency Medical Services play a critical role in responding to disasters and the scope for Public-Private Partnership was presented by Sweta Mangal - CEO & Founder, Ambulance Access for All Foundation who is now entering various states of India and highlighted the training programs being conducted to build capacities for emergency preparedness of communities.

Business can converge the available critical services like telecommunications, ambulance and medical services, air services, air rescue, earth moving equipments and many more services which can be used in normal times as commercial activities and can be immediately activated and put to emergency use in times of disasters

In the concluding remarks of the conference, it was found that the private sector can converge with the public sector for critical services like telecommunications, ambulance and medical services, air services, air rescue, earth moving equipments and many more services which are regularly used for commercial activities and activated during emergencies. In this effort, the chair highlighted the need for corporate resilience and the need for a well-designed preparedness and continuity plans not only for the command system and work flow but also for communities and NGOs as integral stakeholders.

Following the conference, participants were invited to continue discussions through a virtual Public Private Partnership in Disaster Risk Reduction Network on Prevention Web. This network consists of mailing list & workspace inviting global professionals, government, private companies etc working in the area of Public Private Partnerships for Disaster risk reduction, to share experiences and challenges for engagement models, challenges, strengthening PPP and innovative ways to nurture ongoing
partnerships.

To participate, visit,
http://groups.preventionweb.net/scripts/wa-PREVENTIONWEB.exe?INDEX

Recommendations

I. Corporate Preparedness for Disaster Management:

Develop community responsiveness with PPP, to ensure that communities inhabiting surrounding areas are able to cope and react positively in instances of disaster.
Knowledge building and sharing within the Private sector and Authorities is important. This will help develop a model most suitable for implementation.
Increasing use and dissemination of safety solutions dealing with Disaster Management at work and in the community.
The Private sector needs to integrate the business process with social process to ensure successful implementation of programmes or practices.
Necessary to adopt people responsive oriented action.
Need to strengthen the network of communication or telecommunication, both within the organization and for intra-relief rescue purposes.

II. Business Continuity for Disaster Management:

Increasing adoption of the Business Continuity Management model for a holistic and sustainable solution for coping with instances of Disasters.
For successful working, the Incident Command System model should be a two way process, top down and bottom up.
Meaningful interactions within the units of the system are important to ensure that Disaster Management Solutions are workable.
Partnerships must be based upon the commitment to work at all levels of PPP with core integration of People.

III. Risk Transfer through Techno Financial Strategy:

Risk transfer mechanism like insurance is necessary to mitigate the impact of losses suffered during instances of disaster.
Through the strategy of Public Private Insurance, the vulnerable section in the society can be brought under the micro insurance blanket.
The impact of disaster is highest upon the State, even to the extent of questioning the ability of the State to perform. However, insurance can substantially help to reduce the financial burden upon the State.
Further, through risk pooling insurance helps diversify the impact of disasters not only within the region but also worldwide.

IV. Operationalising Public Private Partnership for Disaster Management:

Develop Disaster Management Contingency Plans for both on-site and off-site training of the people and the community.
Disaster Management Training or such Emergency Response Training should be regularly imparted to the community, employees and the vulnerable groups in the society through PPP.
Institute ethics of accountability, sustainability and dignity in dealing with instances of disaster management and mitigation.
International models cannot be duplicated in the country. Focus should be placed upon tailoring practices of disaster mitigation upon the local conditions and the specific requirements of the people and the local situation.

Emerging Trends:

The Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015, Mumbai Declaration November 2005 and the Davos Declaration November 2006 are the frameworks designed for Public-Private Partnerships.
At the level of the international humanitarian bodies, increasing shift from Disaster Management to Disaster Prevention and Risk Reduction.
A paradigmatic shift from Disaster Management to Disaster Preparedness/Risk Reduction, at the level of the State and private organizations partnerships.
Increasing awareness on the need for Public-Private Participation to deal with issues of Disaster Management.
Rising concerns:

The greater need for the involvement of the people and the community was advocated thus having a People Practised Programs .
Without people's participation, public private partnership would not be positive in nature
Conclusions:

The National Disaster Management Authority acknowledges the need to work in partnership with the Private sector.
Need to develop a workable model for Public Private Partnership framework satisfactory to both the state and the private sector to work together for Disaster Management

Tibetian protesters marchers to Delhi

2008-04-09T15:07:00.001+05:30

The Freedom March with 100 core marchers started from Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on March 10, 2008 will be reaching the capital in the afternoon of April 9, 2008. The March is currently 19 kilometers from Delhi and spending the night at Hargovind Gurudwara. They will be taking the National Highway Road, Haryana to reach Delhi

The March was temporarily curtailed when the marchers were detained in Jwalaji, Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh and kept under judicial custody for 14 days. Three main members of the March: Tenzin Choeying, National Director of Students for Free Tibet, India; Lobsang Yeshi, March coordinator; and Tenzin Tsundue, Core Marcher were released three days later only on March 27.

A second group of marchers continued from March 15 and on March 26, the first and second group of marchers reunited in Chandigarh. There are 200 marchers including 16 western supporters, 9 nuns and 147 monks.

The marchers will join the activities in Jantar Mantar under the umbrella of Tibetan Solidarity Committee- Delhi Chapter.

Tibetan students voicing their protest against Chinese crackdown in Tibet

95 students including 33 girls from Tibetan Children's Village, Upper Dharamsala and Bylakuppe, Karnataka will be marching from Ram Lila Grounds to Jantar Mantar starting at 11 am on April 9, 2008 to show their solidarity with the Tibetan movement. All of them are class 12 students who have just finished their board examinations.

We seek international support on the following concerns:

· Direct dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama without precondition.
· Release His Holiness the Panchen Lama immediately
· Independent and just investigation by UNICEF on the rights of Child in Tibet
· Stop racial discrimination of tibetan children by chinese government

Czech Airlines extends lease agreement of the Airbus A310 with Air India for another Year

2008-04-07T21:59:00.000+05:30

Czech Airlines has signed an agreement with Air India for the lease of an Airbus A310aircraft and crew for another year. The airplane has operated out of Mumbai Airport since last March, thus far flying on the Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur routes. From May, it will be newly deployed on flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Delhi and Hyderabad in India.

The agreement has been concluded for 12 months. For that period, Czech Airlines will provide Air India with the aircraft and a crew, comprising two pilots and a head cabin attendant, including insurance and technical maintenance. Due to technical requirements, the Czech crews will continue to be supplemented with local cabin attendants, who have undergone differences training at Czech Airlines, in line with Czech norms and the knowledge of the particular aircraft.

“Above all, the profitable one-year lease of the airplane will bring Czech Airlines higher long-haul fleet profitability,” said Vice-President for Sales Petr Řehák.

The Czech Airlines aircraft received a coat of paint in the colours of Air India, in connection with the previous one-year lease, which it will retain for the next 12 months.

Air India is the largest international airline carrier in India, flying to over 90 domestic and international destinations. The airline operates 115 aircraft, of which 16 are of the Airbus A310 type.

In 2007, Indian Airlines and Air India merged to form one airline operating under the name of Air India. In the same year, the new Air India became a member of the Star Alliance. Since 2004, Air India has also operated the low-cost subsidiary Air India Express.

MALAY MUKHERJEERETIRES FROM EXECUTIVE ROLE OF ARCELORMITTAL

2008-04-07T21:55:00.000+05:30

WILL JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS form May 13, 2008

ArcelorMittal today announces the retirement of Malay Mukherjee, Member of the Group Management Board with responsibility for Asia, Africa, CIS, Mining, Stainless and Pipes & Tubes.

Mukherjee, 60, will retire from his executive duties on 13thMay, the date of the Company’s Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders that he will be appointed a non executive member of the Company's Board of Directors effective from that date Mukherjee joined ArcelorMittal (then Ispat International) on 1stJanuary 1993 as Executive Director of the company’s Mexican operations, where he subsequently became CEO.

Following his tenure in Mexico, he then moved to Kazakhstan in 1996 where he spent three years as the company’s CEO. He left Kazakhstan in 1999 to become President and CEO of Ispat Europe. Then in 2001 he was appointed Chief Operating Officer, first of Ispat International and subsequently of Mittal Steel Company, following the merger between Ispat International, LNM Holdings and International Steel Group to create the world’s largest steel company.

Following the merger in 2006 between Arcelor and Mittal Steel, Mr Mukherjee was appointed as one of the six members of the company’s Group Management Board, with particular responsibility for Asia, Africa, the CIS, Mining, Stainless and Pipes and Tubes. Prior to joining ArcelorMittal, he spent many years with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), where his last position was as Executive Director (Works) at the Bhilai Steel Plant, the largest integrated steel plant in India. Commenting, Mr Mukherjee said, “It has been a real privilege to have spent the last 15 years of my career working for ArcelorMittal.

When I joined the company it was producing 1.3 million tons of steel. Today it is not only the leading steel company, but the company that has transformed the fortunes of the industry through driving a new approach and business model. When I first met Mr Mittal his drive and commitment was obvious, but I could not have imagined that the impact of this would be so substantial news release

I feel honoured to have enjoyed a ring-side seat in what has been an exhilarating, challenging and enormously rewarding journey, working so closely with such an exceptionally talented and motivated leader. Even though I am now taking a step back from the day-to-day operations of the company, I am delighted to have been asked to become a Member of the Company’s Board of Directors.

I have no doubt that the ArcelorMittal journey has only just begun and that the company will continue to go from strength to strength. Mr Mittal said, “I am very sad to be announcing Malay’s retirement from the executive board of ArcelorMittal. He has been an exceptional colleague over the years, someone with deep operational experience, impeccable judgement and great professional integrity. His counsel has been invaluable and he has played a very considerable role in helping ArcelorMittal become the leading steel company that it is today.

On behalf of all my colleagues who have worked extensively with Malay, we are very sorry to see him go. However I am very pleased that our collaboration will continue on the Board of Directors, where I have no doubt Malay’s views will be invaluable in the company’s next stage of development.” Mr Kinsch, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “On behalf of all the Members of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mr Mukherjee for his contribution to ArcelorMittal.

As a member of the Group Management Board, he has played a very important role in the development of our company, particularly in the critical post-integration merger phase. I am delighted that, subject to shareholder approval, we will be welcoming Mr Mukherjee to the Board. He is one of the most experienced executives in the steel industry today and his presence will certainly further strengthen our Board.”*Subject to Shareholder Approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 13thMay. About ArcelorMittalArcelorMittal is the world's largest and most global steel company, with 310,000 employees in more than 60 countries.

The company brings together the world's number one and number two steel companies, Arcelor and Mittal Steel.ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks.

An industrial presence in 28 European, Asian, African and American countries exposes the company to all the key steel markets, from emerging to mature, positions it will be looking to develop in the high-growth Chinese and Indian markets.ArcelorMittal key financials for 2007 show revenues of USD 105.2 billion, with a crude steel production of 116 million tonnes, representing around 10 per cent of world steel output.ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MTP), Brussels (MTBL), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).

ArcelorMittal Announces the Results of the Delisting Tender Offer for ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil S.A.

2008-04-07T21:52:00.000+05:30

ArcelorMittal is pleased to announce the results of the auction held Friday, April 4, 2008, on the São Paulo Stock Exchange in connection with the delisting offer to acquire all of the remaining outstanding shares of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil S.A. ("ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil") that are not yet owned by ArcelorMittal or any of its affiliates, as described in the Notice of Public Tender Offer for Acquisition of Common and Preferred Shares issued by ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil S.A. registered with the CVM (“Notice”).

As of the close of the auction, in the aggregate, 1,008,306 common shares and 28,954,035 preferred shares of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil were tendered, representing 40.32% of the total share capital and 94.77% of the free float of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil.

Following the auction on April 4, 2008, an additional 97 common shares and 11,459 preferred shares of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil were acquired by ArcelorMittal. With these additional purchases, the total number of shares acquired represents 40.33% of the total share capital and 94.81% of the free float of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil.As a result of the acceptance of the Offer by shareholders representing more than two thirds (2/3) of the shares qualified for the auction, and in accordance with the regulations of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Comission (“CVM”), ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil’s registration as a public company will be cancelled.

As required by Brazilian regulations, from April 7, 2008 to July 4, 2008, any holder of shares willing to sell his/her shares to ArcelorMittal at the Offer price may do so by presenting a request to that news release

The price will be adjusted by the TR – Referential Rate, starting on the settlement date of the Offer to the date of effective payment. The purchase price for shares sold pursuant to this process will be payable within 15 days of the date of the request of the shareholder to sell the shares.Any remaining shareholder of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil who whishes to sell his/her shares during the period mentioned above, but prior to the confirmation of the cancellation of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil’s registration as a public company by CVM, must post a selling order in BOVESPA (through any brokerage firm authorized to act in the BOVESPA).

Banco Santander S.A., on behalf of ArcelorMittal, will guarantee the purchase of such shares. After the CVM confirms the cancellation of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil’s registration as a public company (which confirmation is expected approximately 15 days after the auction and which will be immediately disclosed to the public by ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil), all remaining shareholders of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil who still wish to sell their shares to ArcelorMittal should complete the form available at the websites of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil and Banco SantanderS.A. (indicated below) and have it delivered to Banco Itaú S.A., the depositary institution for the shares, at the addresses indicated in the form.

If at any time prior to July 4, 2008 (inclusive), ArcelorMittal receives from the CVM confirmation that ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil’s registration as a public company has been cancelled, and given that the number of shares of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil not owned by ArcelorMittal or its affiliates represents less than 5% of the total number of ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil’s shares, ArcelorMittal may cause ArcelorMittal Inox Brasil to hold a shareholders’ special meeting in order to approve the redemption of the remaining shares at the same price of the Offer, adjusted by the TR – Referential Rate starting on the settlement date of the Offer to the effective redemption payment date, which payment would be made within 15 days of the date of the meeting approving the redemption.

When ArcelorMittal exercises its right, a further press release will detail the conditions of such redemption and the sell-out proceedings will then be terminated.

The Offer is more fully described in the Notice and related documentation available on the following websites:

www.acesita.com.br

www.superbroker.com.br

www.cvm.gov.br

The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health

2008-04-07T21:49:00.000+05:30

A Statement by the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION Director-General

Last year marked a turning point in the debate on climate change. The scientific evidence continues to mount. The climate is changing, the effects are already being felt, and human activities are a principal cause.

In selecting climate change as the theme for this year’s World Health Day, WHO aims to turn the attention of policy-makers to some compelling evidence from the health sector. While the reality of climate change can no longer be doubted, the magnitude of consequences, and -- most especially for health -- can still be reduced. Consideration of the health impact of climate change can help political leaders move with appropriate urgency.

The core concern is succinctly stated: climate change endangers health in fundamental ways.

The warming of the planet will be gradual, but the effects of extreme weather events – more storms, floods, droughts and heatwaves – will be abrupt and acutely felt. Both trends can affect some of the most fundamental determinants of health: air, water, food, shelter, and freedom from disease.

Although climate change is a global phenomenon, its consequences will not be evenly distributed. Scientists agree that developing countries and small island nations will be the first and hardest hit.

WHO has identified five major health consequences of climate change.

First, the agricultural sector is extremely sensitive to climate variability. Rising temperatures and more frequent droughts and floods can compromise food security. Increases in malnutrition are expected to be especially severe in countries where large populations depend on rain-fed subsistence farming. Malnutrition, much of it caused by periodic droughts, is already responsible for an estimated 3.5 million deaths each year.

Second, more frequent extreme weather events mean more potential deaths and injuries caused by storms and floods. In addition, flooding can be followed by outbreaks of diseases, such as cholera, especially when water and sanitation services are damaged or destroyed. Storms and floods are already among the most frequent and deadly forms of natural disasters.

Third, both scarcities of water, which is essential for hygiene, and excess water due to more frequent and torrential rainfall will increase the burden of diarrhoeal disease, which is spread through contaminated food and water. Diarrhoeal disease is already the second leading infectious cause of childhood mortality and accounts for a total of approximately 1.8 million deaths each year.

Fourth, heatwaves, especially in urban “heat islands”, can directly increase morbidity and mortality, mainly in elderly people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease. Apart from heatwaves, higher temperatures can increase ground-level ozone and hasten the onset of the pollen season, contributing to asthma attacks.

Finally, changing temperatures and patterns of rainfall are expected to alter the geographical distribution of insect vectors that spread infectious diseases. Of these diseases, malaria and dengue are of greatest public health concern.

In short, climate change can affect problems that are already huge, largely concentrated in the developing world, and difficult to combat.

On this World Health Day, I am announcing increased WHO efforts to respond to these challenges. WHO and its partners are devising a research agenda to get better estimates of the scale and nature of health vulnerability and to identify strategies and tools for health protection. WHO recognizes the urgent need to support countries in devising ways to cope. Better systems for surveillance and forecasting, and stronger basic health services, can offer health protection.

Citizens, too, need to be fully informed of the health issues. In the end, it is their concerns that can spur policy-makers to take the right actions, urgently.

Climate change will erode foundations of health

2008-04-07T21:46:00.000+05:30

Scientists tell us that the evidence the Earth is warming is "unequivocal." Increases in global average air and sea temperature, ice melting and rising global sea levels all help us understand and prepare for the coming challenges. In addition to these observed changes, climate-sensitive impacts on human health are occurring today. They are attacking the pillars of public health. And they are providing a glimpse of the challenges public health will have to confront on a large scale, WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan warned today on the occasion of World Health Day.

The core concern is succinctly stated: climate change endangers human health," said Dr Chan. "The warming of the planet will be gradual, but the effects of extreme weather events -- more storms, floods, droughts and heat waves -- will be abrupt and acutely felt. Both trends can affect some of the most fundamental determinants of health: air, water, food, shelter and freedom from disease."

Human beings are already exposed to the effects of climate-sensitive diseases and these diseases today kill millions. They include malnutrition, which causes over 3.5 million deaths per year, diarrhoeal diseases, which kill over 1.8 million, and malaria, which kills almost 1 million.

Examples already provide us with images of the future:

European heat wave, 2003: Estimates suggest that approximately 70 000 more people died in that summer than would have been expected.
Rift Valley fever in Africa: Major outbreaks are usually associated with rains, which are expected to become more frequent as the climate changes.
Hurricane Katrina, 2005: More than 1 800 people died and thousands more were displaced. Additionally, health facilities throughout the region were destroyed critically affecting health infrastructure.
Malaria in the East African highlands: In the last 30 years, warmer temperatures have also created more favourable conditions for mosquito populations in the region and therefore for transmission of malaria.
Epidemics of cholera in Bangladesh: They are closely linked to flooding and unsafe water.
These trends and events cannot be attributed solely to climate change but they are the types of challenges we expect to become more frequent and intense with climate changes. They will further strain health resources that, in many regions, are already under severe stress.

"Although climate change is a global phenomenon, its consequences will not be evenly distributed," said Dr Chan. "In short, climate change can affect problems that are already huge, largely concentrated in the developing world, and difficult to control."

To address the health effects of climate change, WHO is coordinating and supporting research and assessment on the most effective measures to protect health from climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and children in developing countries, and is advising Member States on the necessary adaptive changes to their health systems to protect their populations.

WHO and its partners -- including the UN Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the UN World Meteorological Organization -- are devising a workplan and research agenda to get better estimates of the scale and nature of health vulnerability and to identify strategies and tools for health protection. WHO recognizes the urgent need to support countries in devising ways to cope. Better systems for surveillance and forecasting, and stronger basic health services, can offer health protection. WHO will be working closely with its Member States in coming years to develop effective means of adapting to a changing climate and reducing its effects on human health.

"Through its own actions and its support to Member States," said Dr Chan, "WHO is committed to do everything it can to ensure all is done to protect human health from climate change."

SCRIBES CALL FOR AUTONOMOUS MEDIA COMMISSION AND DIRECT ACTION ON COMMON DEMANDS

2008-02-21T13:46:00.000+05:30

The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) at an emergency general body called upon the government to take immediate steps for early announcement of an autonomous media commission along with a press council extended media council with some teeth, to help end the jungle law in the growing 'media bazaar.'

It has further called for immediate announcement of interim relief for the print media as some wage board members were seeking diversions on non-issues it charged and delay was causing unrest.

The meeting noted with concern that even after 31 years there has been no press commission in the lines of the first and second press commission. A media commission is the need of the hour. And an autonomous one at that of experts.

The DUJ meeting noted with concern that the central government was withdrawing step by step, health and other welfare measures available to the press. This would no longer be tolerated; the meeting stressed demanding restoration of all facilities withdrawn

The general body also called upon the Delhi state government to bring out a white paper on complaints of unfair labour practices in the news industry or to take action as required by law. It noted with concern that even as the government announced the wage board, wage board employees were arbitrarily sacked.

The meeting followed up with a get together with press workers from all newspaper establishments in the capital where a press initiative 2008 on a minimum charter of demands was announced. It was unanimously decided that a phased wise action programme would begin in a fortnight.

The body condoled the deaths of veteran journalists Upendra Vajpeyi, P.N. Jalali, Ramesh Arora, Tribhuvan Nath and executive member Kunwarjee Anjum.

Czech Airlines is judged the best airline

2008-02-12T14:47:00.000+05:30

Czech Airlines ranked first for 2007 in the category of Best Airline, in the 2008 TTG Travel Awards. The awards are handed out every year by tourism professionals – the readers of the industry magazine TTG Czech. Czech Airlines took the winner’s cup for this prestigious survey for the eighth time.

In the Best Airline category, the quality of services and the offering of the airlines active in the Czech market were evaluated, by about one hundred industry professionals. The awards ceremony took place on Saturday 9 February, at the Svatá Kateřina resort in Vysočina.

The international magazine TTG is one of the most significant titles for tourism professionals, which has featured current information about the latest trends and events in tourism in dozens of countries for 50 years. It has been published in the Czech Republic for 17 years.

2008-02-08T17:34:00.000+05:30

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WHO REPORT DOCUMENTS STATUS OF GLOBAL EFFORTS AGAINST TOBACCO AND OUTLINES POLICY PACKAGE

2008-02-08T11:19:00.000+05:30

New York - The World Health Organization (WHO) today released new data showing that while progress has been made, not a single country fully implements all key tobacco control measures, and outlined an approach that governments can adopt to prevent tens of millions of premature deaths by the middle of this century.

In a new report which presents the first comprehensive analysis of global tobacco use and control efforts, WHO finds that only 5% of the world’s population live in countries that fully protect their population with any one of the key measures that reduce smoking rates. The report also reveals that governments around the world collect 500 times more money in tobacco taxes each year than they spend on anti-tobacco efforts. It finds that tobacco taxes, the single most effective strategy, could be significantly increased in nearly all countries, providing a source of sustainable funding to implement and enforce the recommended approach, a package of six policies called MPOWER (see box).

“While efforts to combat tobacco are gaining momentum, virtually every country needs to do more. These six strategies are within the reach of every country, rich or poor and, when combined as a package, they offer us the best chance of reversing this growing epidemic,” said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO. Dr Chan launched the WHO Report of the Global Tobacco Epidemic at a news conference with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg Philanthropies helped fund the report.

“The report released today is revolutionary,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “For the first time, we have both a rigorous approach to stop the tobacco epidemic and solid data to hold us all accountable. No country fully implements all of the MPOWER policies and 80% of countries don’t fully implement even one policy. While tobacco control measures are sometimes controversial, they save lives and governments need to step up and do the right thing.”

The six MPOWER strategies are;

Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies

Protect people from tobacco smoke

Offer help to quit tobacco use

Warn about the dangers of tobacco

Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship

Raise taxes on tobacco

The report also documents the epidemic's shift to the developing world, where 80% of the more than eight million annual tobacco-related deaths projected by 2030 are expected to occur.

This shift, the report says, results from a global tobacco industry strategy to target young people and adults in the developing world, ensuring that millions of people become fatally addicted every year. The targeting of young women in particular is highlighted as one of the “most ominous potential developments of the epidemic’s growth.”

The global analysis, compiled by WHO with information provided by 179 Member States, gives governments and other groups a baseline from which to monitor efforts to stop the epidemic in the years ahead. The MPOWER package provides countries with a roadmap to help them meet their commitments to the widely embraced global tobacco treaty known as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into force in 2005.

WHO is also working with global partners to scale-up the help that can be offered to countries to implement the strategies.

Dr Douglas Bettcher, Director of WHO’s Tobacco Free Initiative, said the six MPOWER strategies would create a powerful response to the tobacco epidemic. “This package will create an enabling environment to help current tobacco users quit, protect people from second-hand smoke and prevent young people from taking up the habit,” he said.

Other key findings in the report include:

Only 5% of the global population is protected by comprehensive national smoke-free legislation and 40% of countries still allow smoking in hospitals and schools;
Only 5% of the world’s population lives in countries with comprehensive national bans on tobacco advertising and promotion;
Just 15 countries, representing 6% of the global population, mandate pictorial warnings on tobacco packaging;
Services to treat tobacco dependence are fully available in only nine countries, covering 5% of the world’s people;
Tobacco tax revenues are more than 4000 times greater than spending on tobacco control in middle-income countries and more than 9000 times greater in lower-income countries. High- income countries collect about 340 times more money in tobacco taxes than they spend on tobacco control.

2008-02-07T15:53:00.000+05:30

2008-02-07T15:43:00.000+05:30

BlogRankings.com

2008-02-07T15:39:00.000+05:30

2008-02-07T15:37:00.000+05:30

2008-02-07T15:36:00.000+05:30

2008-02-07T15:26:00.001+05:30

2008-02-07T15:26:00.000+05:30

2008-02-07T15:16:00.000+05:30

Tata Motors to build floor beam of 787 Dreamliner

2008-02-07T12:00:00.000+05:30

A Artistic photograph of 787 Dreamliner in the sky

The Tata Motors has got an order from the world biggest aircraft manufacturer, Boeing for manufacturing structural components for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner airplane program.

The Boeing and TAL Manufacturing Solutions, holly owened by TATA's signed an agreement to build floor beams for the 787 using new technology with advanced titanium and composite materials. These floor beams will be used on the 787 Dreamliner and provide for a best-value solution and significant weight savings. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Speaking on this development, Carolyn Corvi, vice president and general manager of Airplane Programs for Boeing Commercial Airplanes said, "Boeing is proud to welcome Tata into its family of world-class aerospace suppliers and we are confident that this partnership will help Boeing and Tata leverage mutual best-value capabilities," adding "This partnership between Boeing and Tata will further increase the value of the 787 to our customers, helping make it the world's leading commercial airplane."

The floor beams for the 787 airplane will be produced at TAL's new facility in Nagpur, India, and then transported to Boeing partners in Japan, Italy and the United States for further assembly.

"The production of Boeing's structural components by TAL indicates technical and manufacturing excellence within the Group," said Ravi Kant, chairman, TAL and managing director, Tata Motors Ltd. "We believe that this agreement has the potential to develop into a more broad-based alliance that would enable both organizations to utilize the best and most competitive resources within themselves and thereby offer greater value to customers."

"TAL already has an established reputation in state-of-the-art precision engineering. The agreement with Boeing allows us to open yet another frontier," said Atam P Arya, managing director, TAL. "This would be a turning point for the Indian manufacturing industry to gain a footprint in the global aerospace business."

"The Boeing-Tata partnership is strong and growing, and forms an important part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen both our presence in India and our strategic relationships with Indian industry," said Ian Thomas, president, Boeing India. "We are pursuing a host of growth and productivity initiatives in India and remain deeply committed to the success of India's aerospace sector."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the world's first mostly composite commercial airplane, will use 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, produce fewer carbon emissions, and will have quieter takeoffs and landings. To date, the 787 has logged more than 855 orders from more than 55 customers worldwide since program launch in 2004, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.

Gulf Air orders 24 Dreamliner from Boeing

2008-02-07T11:51:00.000+05:30

SEATTLE-- Boeing and Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air today finalized negotiations for up to 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in a deal that could be worth approximately $3.9 billion at list prices if all options are exercised.

The agreement is for 16 787s on direct order with purchase rights for eight additional 787s. Pictured here is an artist?s rendering depicting a 787 in Gulf Air livery flying over Bahrain?s capital city Manama.

SkyTeam enhances to presence at London Heathrow

2008-02-06T17:44:00.000+05:30

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, said it looks forward to enhancing its customer offering and increasing its presence at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) next month as the EU-U.S. open skies agreement takes effect.

As of March 30, 2008, SkyTeam travelers will have access to more route and flight options than ever before. The alliance will offer in total 11 new daily frequencies through eight new nonstop routes – never before available to passengers traveling within the SkyTeam network – between the U.S. and LHR, including:

Daily service to and from Los Angeles (operated by Air France with Delta codesharing);

Twice-daily service to Houston (operated by Continental);

Daily service to Atlanta (operated by Delta with Air France codesharing);

Service to New York (twice-daily service to John F. Kennedy International (JFK) operated by Delta with Air France codesharing and twice-daily service to Newark Liberty International (EWR) operated by Continental); and

Daily service to Detroit, Minneapolis, and Seattle (operated by Northwest with KLM codesharing).

At this time, SkyTeam’s U.S. carriers – Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines – will begin serving LHR, the first U.S. airlines to gain new entry to the airport for the first time since 1991. SkyTeam members Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Czech Airlines, KLM and Korean Air already serve the UK gateway hub. At the start of their service to LHR, Continental, Delta and Northwest will join KLM and Kenya Airways in Terminal 4.

Airbus completes world's first test flight with Gas to Liquid fuel on civil aircraft

2008-02-06T17:26:00.000+05:30

An Airbus A380 aircraft has successfully completed the world’s first ever flight by a commercial aircraft using a liquid fuel processed from gas (Gas to Liquids - GTL) in the first stage of a test flight programme to evaluate the environmental impact of alternative fuels in the airline market. The flight from Filton, UK to Toulouse, France, lasted three hours. The flight was piloted by Hugues van-der-Stichel and Frank Chapman, the company said in the release recently

The A380 is siad to be one of the most fuel efficient airline model today, it is powered by Rolls Royce Trent 900 engines. The fuel GTL Jet Fuel was provided by Shell International Petroleum. The tests are running in parallel to the agreement signed in November 2007 with the Qatar GTL consortium partners and the results will be shared.

The A380 was chosen because the aircraft is already the environmental benchmark in air travel. It has four engines including segregated fuel tanks making it ideal for engine shut down and re-light tests under standard evaluation conditions. During the flight, engine number one was fed with a blend of GTL and jet fuel whilst the remaining three were fed with standard jet fuel.

Under Airbus’ overall alternatives fuels research programme, this is the first step of a long-term Airbus testing phase to evaluate viable and sustainable alternative fuels for the future. GTL could be available at certain locations to make it a practical and viable drop-in alternative fuel for commercial aviation in the short term. GTL has attractive characteristics for local air quality, as well as some benefits in terms of aircraft fuel burn relative to existing jet fuel. For instance, it is virtually free of sulphur. Synthetic fuel can be made from a range of hydrocarbon source material including natural gas or organic plant matter made by a process called Fischer-Tropsch.

Testing GTL today will support future second generation bio-fuels, but which are not presently available in sufficient commercial quantities. Airbus will study viable second generation bio-fuels when they become available.

Sjoerd Post, Vice President Shell Aviation said “we are pleased to have successfully completed this flight, which will pave the way for approval of synthetic jet fuel in the future, we are proud to be part of this consortium which is exploring cleaner fuels for the Aviation industry.”

“This has been a great achievement. Fuel and environment are key challenges aviation is facing and for which technology and international research collaboration open up new horizons. Our alternative fuels roadmap requires innovation, diversity of ideas and options that need to be explored, said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. “This takes bold cross industry and cross border collaboration and that's what we are showing today with our groundbreaking first test flight with alternative fuels. It is part and parcel of Airbus' commitment to providing leadership as an eco-efficient enterprise”, the release conculded.

ArcelorMittal to construct steel plant in Egypt

2008-02-06T17:19:00.000+05:30

Luxembourg: ArcelorMittal announced that it has been awarded a license from the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry to construct a steel plant in Egypt.

ArcelorMittal won the license in a competitive bidding process paid approximately USD 60 million. Under the terms of the license, the plant will produce 1.6 million tons of steel using DRI technology and 1.4 million tons of billets through the Electric Arc Furnace Route.

Construction of the plant, which is located close to the Northern Red Sea Coast, is expected to start in 2009.

Aditya Mittal, CFO and Member of the ArcelorMittal Group Management Board, said: “We are pleased to have been successful in this auction. This forms part of our three-dimensional growth strategy to look for opportunities to expand our business in the three key areas of geography, product and value chain. The Middle East is a growth market for the steel industry and it makes sense for ArcelorMittal to expand its presence in the region."

India's first public-private aerospace research consortium formed

2008-01-30T15:38:00.000+05:30

Boeing, IISc, Wipro and HCL enters into an agreement

Boeing has entered into an agreement with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and two leading Indian information technology companies to develop wireless and other network technologies for aerospace-related applications.

The agreement, signed by representatives from Boeing, IISc's Society for Innovation and Development, Wipro Technologies and HCL Technologies, forms the Aerospace Network Research Consortium (ANRC).

Led by Boeing, the ANRC is India's first public-private aerospace research consortium.

"We have a great need for advanced affordable aerospace network R&D," said Naveed Hussain, Engineering and Technology vice president for Boeing in India. "It is part of Boeing's strategy to leverage top research capabilities anywhere in the world and we look forward to working with our Indian partners to benefit from their tremendous capabilities and talents in this area."

"We are pleased to be part of this consortium," said Professor Veni Madhavan, chief executive of IISc's Society for Innovation and Development. "This collaborative approach will help permit research at IISc to be utilized for appropriate and interesting applications in the aerospace industry."

Initially established as a four-year collaborative effort, the agreement can be extended based on mutual interests. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Researchers from Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced R&D unit, and Commercial Airplanes will represent Boeing.

ICRISAT signs MOU with Crop and Food Research of New Zealand

2008-01-30T15:36:00.000+05:30

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Crops (ICRISAT) and Crop and Food Research, a Crown Research Institute of New Zealand, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently, in Lincoln, New Zealand, which would mutually benefit India and New Zealand in crop science research.

The MOU, which was signed earlier by ICRISAT Director General William Dar and was carried to New Zealand by the joint ICRISAT-Government of Andhra Pradesh delegation, was countersigned by Crop and Food Research CEO Mark Ward.

According to Dr William Dar, the collaboration will strengthen the partnership between ICRISAT and New Zealand's national research institutes and will leverage mutual strengths in agriculture and food science research.

Both organizations will work together to develop the proposed Bio Food Knowledge Center (BFKC) at the Agri-Science Park within ICRISAT. Early discussions have identified many opportunities to leverage New Zealand's world-class agri science for the benefit of progressing ICRISAT's mission and goals and significantly accelerate the commissioning of the BFKC.

The signing of the MOU is one of the key outcomes from a joint ICRISAT and Government of Andhra Pradesh delegation currently visiting New Zealand. The delegation also met with two prominent Cabinet Ministers, Honorable Pete Hodgson, Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Economic Development and Tertiary Education; and Hon Jim Anderton, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Biosecurity.

ICRISAT will continue to explore collaboration with other Crown Research Institutes in New Zealand, namely AgResearch and HortResearch.

begin

2008-01-22T16:42:00.000+05:30

adsense

2008-01-16T23:26:00.000+05:30

ArcelorMittal signs MoU with Mauritania

2008-01-08T18:10:00.000+05:30

ArcelorMittal announces that it has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (Mou) with Societe Nationale Industrielle et Miniere (SNIM), Mauritania, on the December 26, 2007, the company siad in the release.

Under the MoU, ArcelorMittal and SNIM will jointly develop a large iron ore mining project, using the El Agareb Iron ore resource in Mauritania, which is estimated to contain more than 1 billion tonnes rich grade of Magnetite resource.

In the first phase of project development, ArcelorMittal will conduct exploratory works and a feasibility study. Onward project execution will be progressed by a Joint Venture Company to be created between SNIM and ArcelorMittal.

At the exploratory and prospecting stage, ArcelorMittal's share will be 30 per cent with an option to increase the stake to 70 per cent once project execution starts. Subject to the feasibility study, ArcelorMittal intends to develop a 25 Million tonnes per year mine.

Aditya Mittal, CFO and member of ArcelorMittal’s Group Management Board, said:
“Mauritania’s strategic location in West Africa makes it an ideal choice for iron ore supplies to
ArcelorMittal’s European steel mills. This large iron ore project would further strengthen our existing presence in the region and will create substantial employment opportunities for the people of Mauritania while accelerating growth in Mauritanian economy.”

SNIM is one of the oldest Iron ore producing companies in Africa, producing more than 12 million
tonnes per year of iron ore with world class production facilities and infrastructure. ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel company, is one of the oldest consumers of SNIM’s iron ore, having been a customer for more than two decades.

Sri Lankan Minister For Nation Building killed In Terror Attack

2008-01-08T14:00:00.000+05:30

Colombo, Sri Lanka (AHN) - After the death of military intelligence, 'Colonel' Charles, three days back, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) strike back. They killed Sri Lankan Minister D M Dassanayake in a powerful landmine attack near Colombo on January 8.

The minister’s convey was ripped apart by the attack killing him and injuring 11 others. The attack happened as the vehicles crossed the Rukmani Devi junction along the Colombo-Negombo road.

The minister was, with two other were admitted to hospital's intensive care unit, but later succumbed to their injuries, reports rediff.com

Nine others were also injured in the explosion and were receiving treatment.

Violence has increased after the Sri Lankan government pull out of the cease fire agreement with the LTTE vowing to 'demonstrate' its 'military strength'.

Steve Buchnor Sacked To Keep Sprit Of The Game Alive, Not On BCCI Complain

2008-01-08T13:01:00.000+05:30

West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor was sacked from the remaining India-Australia Test series and cleared Harbhajan Singh to play. The ousted of Steve has nothing to do with BCCI complain, but to keep sprit of the game alive, ICC Chief said.

Bucknor will be replaced by Billy Bowden, New Zealander. He will stand alongside Pakistan's Asad Rauf, who had been originally appointed for this game.

International Cricket Council (ICC) has also cleared Harbhajan from the three test ban for allegedly making racial comments on Andrew Symonds.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said, “It is accepted that Steve, and his on-field colleague Mark Benson, did not have good games by their very high standards and we feel that given the added pressure and attention Steve's presence would have at the third Test, it is better for the match and for Steve himself if he does not take part," and added the fourth and final Test at Adelaide, which starts on January 24, will be umpired by Bowden and Rauf, as per the original appointments, the rediff.com reported.

However, Mike Procter will continue as match referee as planned, who has banned Harbhajan Singh without any proof, in the five hour hearing.

Removing of Steve Bucknor for the remaining match has noting to do with BCCI complain against Bucknor. The decision was made in the best interests of the game and the series, Speed said.

Steve Bucknor sacked

2008-01-08T12:34:00.000+05:30

Jamican umpire, Steve Bucknor has been sacked for the third test between India and Australia, which is scheduled to be held in Perth.

However, India bowler Harbhajan Singh, who was banned by match refree Mick Poctor can play the third test.

Indian Board members have stick to thier demands that ban on Harbhajan must be suspended, but no decision has been taken so far bi International Cricket Council (ICC).

People Of India Wants Team India To Come Back

2008-01-08T12:32:00.000+05:30

After the unfair decision of Match Referee Mike Proctor to ban Harbhajan Singh for three test matches and the blunder in umpiring of Steve Bucknor, people in India wants their team to abandon the Test series in Australia. Many Indian politicians have also voiced their concerned about the behavior of Australian team members.

All eyes are set to the meeting of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) meeting in New Delhi on January 8. The BCCI is waiting for ICC to suspend the ban on Harbajan.
However, Indian Team has still not left Sydney for Canberra, waiting for BCCI orders. India was play a two day practice match in Canberra before the third test in Perth.

BCCI President Sharad Pawar on evening of January 7 said, "(The team) should not leave Sydney, and they should not go to Canberra. They should stay there. So we expect something from the ICC. We have also called a meeting of BCCI", reported Times Now.

ArcelorMittal acquires Austrian steel distribution company

2007-12-24T14:59:00.000+05:30

To enhance it’s presence in Central Europe, ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel company, announces that it has acquired 100 per cent stakes of the Eisen Wagner GmbH, the Austrian steel distribution company.

Gonzalo Urquijo, member of ArcelorMittal's group management board and in charge of its Steel Solutions and Services division, commented: "This acquisition enables us to set foot in the very competitive and dynamic Austrian steel distribution market". "Once Eisen Wagner will be integrated into our Central European distribution network, it will allow ArcelorMittal to both strengthen its presence within this market and better serve its customers in Austria".

Eisen Wagner, one of the leading steel distribution companies in Austria It sold 140,000 tons and out of this 60,000 tons of steel products were processed in 2007. Its last yearly turnover from the year ending 28 February 2007, was 127 million euros, for a staff of 262.

bidvier

2007-12-22T20:36:00.000+05:30

ICL Announces Calendar for the year 2008

2007-12-17T16:29:00.000+05:30

December 17th, 2007:
Subhash Chandra, Chairman Essel Group along with Mr. Kapil Dev , Chairman Executive Board ICL today announced the cricket calendar for Indian Cricket League (ICL) for the year 2008. ICL will be having 5 tournaments next year.

All set to revolutionise the game of cricket, Indian Cricket League conducted the first ICL 20-20 Championship at the newly built cricket stadium at Panchkula , Chandigarh between November 30th and December 16th. The tournament witnessed world class facilities matching international standards followed in cricket tournaments world over. The high standard production facilities included 30 camera set up, higher technical specifications such as the inclusion of Fly cam, Hawk Eye, Zoomer, Snickometer, Speedgun and Third umpire.

Calendar Year 2008
S.No
Month
Tournament
Particulars
1
February 08
Domestic Championship
50 Over tournament
Indian players to play
2
February – March 08
Triangular Series to field ICL XI.

20 20 Over Tournament
3
March – April 08
ICL Grand Championship
20 20 Over Tournament
8 Teams to participate in the tournament.
Increase of 2 Teams.
4
April – May 08
ICL to Open Academies in prominent cities.

5
September – October 08
ICL Invitation Cup
20 20 Over Tournament
8 Teams to participate in the tournament
6
November – December 08
ICL 20 20 Indian Championships 2nd Edition.
20 20 Over Tournament
8 Teams to participate in the tournament.

Praj Industries joins ICRISAT for sweet sorghum ethanol consortium

2007-12-14T14:51:00.000+05:30

Praj Industries joined hands with ICRISAT by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to become a member of the institute's Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Research Consortium (SSERC) on December 10, 2007.

Dr William Dar, Director General of ICRISAT and Shashank Inamdar, CEO & Managing Director of Praj Industries, signed the MOA at Hyderabad.According to Dr William Dar, this partnership will go a long way in enhancing the commercialization of sweet sorghum for bioethanol production globally.

Production of ethanol from sweet sorghum as a biofuel can provide additional income to dryland farmers and does not compromise their food security. Through the ICRISAT Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Research Consortium (SSERC), the institute promotes the technology for producing the biofuel through public-private partnership.

The overall goal of this consortium is to strengthen sweet sorghum research at ICRISAT and at its partners' locations to improve the livelihood options of the smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics.Praj Industries based in Pune, Maharashtra, India, is a leading biofuels technology company with a number of ethanol and biodiesel production plants to its credit.

Praj, with its global operations, aims to provide end-to-end solutions backed by several years of research and development resources to support the biofuels industry.

Through the MOA, Praj Industries could avail the sweet sorghum research outputs of ICRISAT to further refine their bioethanol engineering activities. This includes the testing of sweet sorghum varieties and hybrids along with technical know-how on sweet sorghum cultivation aspects.

Through this partnership, ICRISAT and Praj can work together to tap into the huge global opportunity to benefit millions of farmers by offering new market opportunities through the sweet sorghum for ethanol technology.

Global Crop Diversity Trust to fund ICRISAT's Genebank

2007-12-12T17:03:00.000+05:30

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has entered into an agreement with the Global Crop Diversity Trust (GCDT), to ensure the long-term availability of funds for the conservation, characterisation and distribution of germplasm (seeds) in the ICRISAT's Genebank for the benefit of agriculture and food security for mankind.

Dr William Dar, director general of ICRISAT and Prof Cary Fowler, executive director of the GCDT, signed the agreement, recently during the Annual General Meeting of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) at Beijing, China.

Under the agreement, the Trust will commit $ 8 million and ICRISAT $ 2 million, totaling an endowment of $ 10 million. The proceeds from the endowment will be used for genetic resources conservation and management activities at ICRISAT.

As per the agreement, the endowment's support for the sorghum germplasm collection will begin in 2007, pearl millet from 2008 and chickpea in 2009, to be followed by other ICRISAT mandate crops. The aim is to raise at least US$ 450,000 per year as return from the endowment to meet critical operational needs such as regeneration, characterization, conservation and viability testing for the crop collections held in trust at ICRISAT.

According to Dr William Dar, the long-term partnership with the GCDT, an international fund established to ensure conservation and availability of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, will ensure that there is steady financial support to ICRISAT's Genebank.

ICRISAT holds more than 118,000 accessions of germplasm for pearl millet, sorghum, chickpea, groundnut, pigeonpea and six small millets in its Genebank, Dr Dar added. "This global treasure holds the genetic material to overcome some of the future breeding bottlenecks and can help breeders develop varieties that can overcome drought, pest and disease infestations."

According to Dr CLL Gowda, ICRISAT's Global Theme Leader for Crop Improvement, the genetic resources at ICRISAT are to be preserved for eternity. This is a big responsibility that the Center is shouldering, to ensure that the genetic resources are conserved safely and will be available for the future generations.

Through the agreement ICRISAT and GCDT will conserve and make available the ICRISAT-held collections through:

* Long-term storage, management and curation of germplasm;

* Safe duplication of the collection;

* Characterization and evaluation of germplasm;

* Documentation of the germplasm and provision of data in publicly-available documentation systems;

* Distribution of the germplasm in accordance with the International Treaty;

* Providing training and capacity building;

* Partnering with other genebanks and networks; and

* Providing conservation services to others.With the committed continuous support from GCDT, ICRISAT's germplasm collection holds the future for dryland agriculture in the developing countries.

Tata Chemicals joins ICRISAT's sweet sorghum ethanol consortium

2007-11-21T17:38:00.000+05:30

Tata Chemicals (TCL), a leading company in the Tata group of industries joined hands with ICRISAT by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for entering the Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Research Consortium (SSERC) on 17 November 2007.

Dr William Dar, Director General of ICRISAT and Homi R Khusrokhan, Managing Director of TCL, signed the MOA at Hyderabad.

According to Dr William, this partnership will go a long way in enhancing the commercialization of sweet sorghum for bioethanol production.

Production of ethanol from sweet sorghum as a biofuel can provide additional income to dryland farmers and does not compromise their food security.Through the ICRISAT Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Research Consortium (SSERC) the Institute promotes the technology for producing the biofuel through public-private partnership.

Tata Chemical is today a leading manufacturer of inorganic chemicals, fertilizers and food additives. The company has an annual turnover of about $ 1.5 billion and is part of the $ 28.8 billion Tata Group, India's foremost business conglomerate.

Recently TCL has entered biofuels production and is setting up a plant in Nanded, Maharashtra, for manufacture of bioethanol from sweet sorghum. Through the MOA, TCL can now avail the sweet sorghum research outputs of ICRISAT.

This includes supply of seeds of sweet sorghum varieties and hybrids along with technical know-how on sweet sorghum cultivation aspects.

Khusrokhan said that he was very happy that TCL had joined the consortium and was very impressed by the wonderful developmental work done by ICRISAT all around the world.It is envisaged that there is a huge global opportunity for all partners to work together to benefit millions of farmers by offering new market opportunities through this new venture.

Continental Airlines to offer free helicopter service

2007-09-25T10:28:00.000+05:30

Offer valid for BusinessFirst travellers

Continental Airlines is offering customers travelling across the Atlantic on qualifying BusinessFirst tickets complimentary fares for the eight-minute scheduled helicopter transfers between its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, and two locations in Manhattan.

"Continental already offers the most convenient way to get to Manhattan, with its exclusive customs and immigration facilities and AirTrain service to Penn Station in Midtown," said Jim Summerford, the airline's Vice President Europe, Middle East & India."

He also thanked to thier partner, US Helicopter for getting to Manhattan even quicker – and at no extra fare to our highest-yield customers.

The offer applies to BusinessFirst customers travelling to New York on fares booked in the airline's J and D class of service and originating from any of the 29 cities in 16 countries in Continental's trans-Atlantic route network.

Customers travelling on return tickets qualify for complimentary fares for helicopter transfers in both directions between New York Liberty and Manhattan; those on one-way tickets qualify for a one-way transfer. While the fare is waived, customers are liable for applicable taxes. The offer is subject to availability and to changes or cancellation at any time. US Helicopter has a different baggage allowance policy than Continental.

US Helicopter operates scheduled flights Monday-Friday, every business day.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline, with more than 3,100 daily departures serving 144 U.S. and 138 international destinations. Across the Atlantic, Continental operates over 300 departures weekly from 29 cities in 16 countries to its U.S. gateway hubs at New York, Houston and Cleveland, with onward connections to more than 230 cities throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

trackker1

2007-09-20T17:57:00.001+05:30

trackker

2007-09-20T17:54:00.000+05:30

cluster map

2007-09-20T14:01:00.000+05:30

cluster map

2007-09-20T14:00:00.001+05:30

Click4Sky.com: a new airline arrives on the European market

2007-09-19T17:31:00.000+05:30

A New Airline Arrives on the European Market: CLICK4SKY.com
The first to offer guaranteed ticket prices inclusive of all fees

CLICK4SKY.com is coming to the European market with an offer of low-price tickets and is the only airline to offer a guaranteed price inclusive of all fees and taxes. One-way tickets for flights from Prague to 36 European destinations are available for CZK 1,990 inclusive of fees. CLICK4SKY.com passengers will fly on Czech Airlines aircraft.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of CLICK4SKY.com, Jan Kaše said, “We are bringing to the market the product that passengers really want. People who fly once or twice a year want to fly not only inexpensively but, above all, want to get a fair offer and know the conditions of the flight, including the price, right from their initial decisionCLICK4SKY.com will offer them all of this.

CLICK4SKY.com will give everybody a fair offer. The price of a one-way ticket to any of the 36 European destinations available will be CZK 1,990 and includes all fees and taxes. “Our price is guaranteed and is the same anywhere in Europe. For CZK 1,990 you buy a ticket to your target destination and for CZK 1,990 you buy a ticket back. You do not pay any other taxes or fees on top of that as they are all included in the price. Our price is final and guaranteed for everyone,” explained Jan Kaše. After the ticket is purchased, the date of the flight cannot be changed or any other changes made.

Services

• What the airline will offer:
• We are offering you the same price to 36 European destinations in 22 countries
• The price already includes all fees - you will not pay more
• We guarantee the price for the entire time the tickets for a particular flight are sold
• We will take care of you on board - refreshments are included in the price
• You can check in comfortably via the Internet at no charge
• We fly on direct routes from one city to another, without any transfers or unnecessary stopovers
• We fly to the major airports in 36 European cities
• We sell tickets only over the Internet - we do not operate any branches
• We provide electronic tickets

With CLICK4SKY.com, passengers will land at the major, key European airports from which they can get downtown easily and quickly. For the present time, passengers will travel on board Czech Airlines aircraft.
“We are flying with an airline that has earned awards for outstanding services, on-board service and its on-time record for several consecutive years,” said Jan Kaše.
On board the planes, the crew will provide the highest level of care to CLICK4SKY.com passengers. On-board services are free of charge and include high-quality refreshments, including a selection of hot and cold beverages. The daily press and an on-board magazine will be available, and passengers will also have the opportunity to purchase attractive merchandise. CLICK4SKY.com passengers will be able to check in for their flight from the comfort of their home or office via the Internet check-in. The flight attendants speak Czech, English and other major languages.

Tickets
Tickets are available on the CLICK4SKY.com website for flights from Prague to Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Belgrade, Bologna, Brussels, Bratislava, Budapest, Cairo, Cologne, Copenhagen, Cracow, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Istanbul, Košice, London, Ljubljana, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Oslo, Riga, Rome, Stuttgart, Tallinn, Thessalonica, Venice, Vienna, Vilnius and Zurich. Tickets can be purchased on the CLICK4SKY.com website

“For Czech Airlines, CLICK4SKY.com represents an opportunity to make use of any available spare capacity on its aircraft,” said Petr Pištělák, Vice-President for Marketing and Product Development at Czech Airlines. As part of its OK 2006-2008 revival strategy, sales at Czech Airlines have been focused, as a priority, on business-class passengers and frequent flyers in economy class. With this strategy it has managed to achieve revenue growth. Czech Airlines now wants to offer the remaining free capacity to another type of clientele through CLICK4SKY.com. “We are expecting to achieve additional revenues in the order of hundreds of millions of crowns per year through sales of CLICK4SKY.com tickets,” added Petr Pištělák.

Czech Airlines in new look

2007-09-19T17:27:00.000+05:30

Czech Airlines (CSA), best Airline in Central/Eastern Europe for the last four years has also been gradually working on changes to its overall visual presentation over the past eighteen months. These changes have already been seen in customer promotional materials and in new staff uniforms. Czech Airlines recently redesigned its largest sales office, which is located in downtown Prague. The last phase of implementing the company's new look is the redesign of the Czech Airlines' logo.

This process will not result in any additional costs to the company because "The painting of the outside of our planes has to be redone on a regular basis – roughly every five years”, said Petr Pištělák, the vice president for marketing and product development. The company will change its logo, as featured on all other materials and equipment, in a similar manner.

Czech Airlines is the largest national carrier in the new EU member countries, in terms of the number of passengers carried. In 2006, the Airline carried a record 5.5 million passengers. Since 2001, it has been a member of SkyTeam, one of the leading global airline alliances. It currently offers connections to 104 destinations in 44 countries worldwide. The fleet comprises 50 aircraft – ATR 42s/72s, Boeing 737s, and Airbus A310/A320/A321s. In the first half of 2007, Czech Airlines ranked first in on-time flight performance, among the 26 member airlines of the Association of European Airlines (AEA).

World Airports to be represented at 36th International Civil Aviation assembly

2007-09-19T17:24:00.000+05:30

Aviation industry leaders from 35 international organisations and civil aviation regulators from 190 Governments meet in Montreal for the 36th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) triennial assembly. Airports Council International (ACI) Director General Robert J Aaronson will lead the world’s airports.

“The ICAO assembly is an opportunity for the industry to meet with representatives of the world’s governments to discuss and reach conclusions on the important issues facing the industry, in one place and at one time,” said ACI Director General Robert J Aaronson, “While there will a strong focus at this assembly on the environment, ACI has submitted papers across a range of issues of importance to airports worldwide, including vital steps needed in safety and security.” Importantly, ACI also took part yesterday in a high level meeting on a comprehensive implementation plan for aviation safety in Africa.

Safety papers

ACI is encouraging airport operators, along with their regulators, to focus on airport certification as a high priority, believing that regulators should apply ICAO standards but avoid an excessively prescriptive approach to safety regulation, with a key objective to promote the introduction of safety management systems at airports worldwide.

It also suggests a review of airport specification guidelines for aircraft, Code F specifications for the new large aircraft such as the A380.

Environment issues

ACI states that, “Addressing environmental issues is fundamental to the ability of airports to maintain current operation levels and to handle the growing demand for air transportation”. Aircraft noise remains the environmental issue of greatest significance to most airports around the world, with the wider topic of aviation’s contribution to climate change starting to have an impact in Europe in particular.

Security concerns
ACI recognises the swift response of the industry to the so-called ‘liquids and gels’ issue that began in August 2006, but conveys that some of the issues still being felt at airports, saying, “the industry believes that further leadership and urgent action will be needed to achieve a global solution to the problems”. In the ACI security paper, the assembly is invited to request ICAO to: establish a recommended time frame in which states should fully implement the new security arrangements and establish a process to coordinate their implementation internationally; provide a template and process under which states can declare their compliance and facilitate mutual validation by making such information available to other States on request; and consider other suggestions for the more effective implementation of a permanent global solution.

The first of two ACI papers on economics supports ICAO policies on airport charges stating that charges should be established by consultation and agreement between airport operators and airport users wherever possible.

The second paper highlights recent trends in airport economics. It says that “steady air traffic growth and capacity issues are keeping capital expenditure for airport infrastructure expansion at a high level”. Adding “airport activities will continue to generate a substantial economic contribution to an increasingly interdependent world economy”.

ACI is presenting and information paper on cargo, together with the International Air Cargo Association and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations.

Boeing predicts 3,400 new airplanes in China

2007-09-19T16:58:00.000+05:30

China will require 3,400 new airplanes worth about $340 billion over the next 20 years, according to Boeing annual forecast for the commercial airplane market.

China will continue to lead all domestic air travel markets with a long-term passenger-with per kilometer growth rate of 8.8 percent. Following the anticipated surge in passenger traffic for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the China domestic market will grow nearly five-fold by 2026 to become slightly larger than today's intra-North American market.

With the continued high rate of growth for China air travel and air cargo markets, China's fleet will nearly quadruple to 4,460 airplanes by the end of the forecast period -- 2026.

Single-aisle airplanes such as the Boeing 737 will be the largest category with total new airplane deliveries reaching 2,200. Intermediate twin-aisles such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 will see approximately 750 airplane deliveries. When combined, the single-aisle and intermediate twin-aisle market will make up 90 percent of China's total delivery dollars. About 330 regional jets and 90 airplanes of 747-and-larger size will be delivered.

With China's cargo markets leading the global industry, Chinese air carriers will add about 300 freighter airplanes by 2026. Its total fleet of freighter airplanes will more than quadruple in size.
"China domestic frequencies have increased more than sixteen-fold since 1990 while airplane sizes have remained about the same," said Randy Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president, Marketing. "The Chinese domestic market's projected average growth is almost 9 percent. Boeing believes the current trend of more frequencies and nonstop flights will continue to accommodate this growth through a focus on single-aisle airplanes such as the Boeing 737, which is renowned for its superior performance, efficiency and low operating costs."

Air-travel growth between China and North America as well as between China and Europe will more than double in size during the next 20 years, and the number of city pairs will more than triple. There will be an increased use of intermediate twin-aisle airplanes to and from all mainland China major cities, fueling frequency growth and new nonstop services. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777 are the perfect combination of airplanes to satisfy this kind of development.

Worldwide, Boeing projects investments of $2.8 trillion for 28,600 new commercial airplanes to be delivered during the next 20 years. The Boeing market forecast is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected analysis of the commercial aviation market.

Mystery deepens over Tibet activist disappearance from September 11

2007-09-19T12:17:00.000+05:30

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of CA Kallianpur, National Coordinator of Friends of Tibet and an expert Indinan deepens as the officials go clueless.

The 54-year old Tibet Activist and Researcher was travelling from Bombay to New Delhi on September 11, 2007 to organise a panel discussion on "India's Foreign Policy on China" at the India International Centre on September 13, 2007 and never reached NewDelhi.

Kallianpur's mobile which was traced to Jaipur Circle in Rajasthan was found with Jeetendra, a young boy in Kishenganj village, near Alwar inRajasthan, who was gifted the handset by his father Kailash Chand who happened to be travelling on the same train on September 11, 2007.

The police in Alwar managed to get Kallianpur's phone call record listfrom Reliance Mobile September 11-13, 2007 and have questioned thosewho received calls from this mobile number.

While questioning, Kailash Chand admitted that he found the phonelying under a seat in the compartment in which he travelled from 11pm,11sept till 7am on 12 Sept, when he got down at Mathura Junction.Kailash Chand said he asked co-passengers whom the phone belonged to and for the answer they said, "It might be that of the person who felldown in the train" he was shown the photograph of the missing person,but he said he had not seen him on the train at all and refused any role in the disappearance of the person.

Though there is abreakthrough by the Rajasthan police, the police in Bombay areclueless.

According to the Railway officials, there are no cases of any passenger having fallen ill or meeting with an accident at any of the stations between Bombay and Amritsar on Paschim Express route on that day. What is also mysterious is that according to railway officials no person by the name CA Kallianpur had travelled on the train onSeptember 11, 2007 as his name doesn't appear anywhere on the list.

Though strangely his mobile phone was found on the same train on September 12, 2007 around at 7 am, about 19 hours train journey from Mumbai.

Though Friends of Tibet believe that robbery was the reason behind hisdisappearance, the organisation does not rule out other possibilities due to the seriousness of the work he is involved with.

Meanwhile on September 14, 2007 one of the Friends of Tibet campaigners received an email from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in India informing "Sorry. WE DON'T have anything in this regard yet."

About CA Kallianpur

Height 5.3 feet, wheatish complexion,speaks Hindi, English, Marathi and Konkani. He was carrying a brownsuitcase while travelling.

Usually wears trousers and full-sleeved shirts. He has streaks of gray hair though he keeps it short. He wearsspectacles all the time.

Any information on Kallianpur would be highly appreciated. Please contact: 9833191592 (Sethu Das) / 9418079832, 9971448216 (TenzinTsundue) / 9810205217 (Chaman Sharma) or email:support@friendsoftibet.org--

Friends of Tibet, PO Box: 16674, Bombay 400050, India

Friends of Tibet is a global movement to keep alive the issue of Tibet through direct action. Our activities are aimed at ending illegal China's occupation of Tibet and the suffering of the Tibetan people. Friends of Tibet supports the continued struggle of the Tibetan people for independence.

To know more, vsit: http://www.friendsoftibet.org/

Asian Tennis Federation president

2007-09-01T19:29:00.000+05:30

Anil K. Khanna, President of Asian Tennis Federation

TAM Airlines orders four Boeing 777

2007-08-30T17:11:00.000+05:30

Brazil's TAM Airlines ordered for four additional 777-300ERs. This orders takes Boeing order book passto 1003 B777.

TAM is Brazil's largest airline, flying both domestic and international routes. TAM became the first Latin American airline to incorporate the 777-300ER into its long-range fleet plan when it booked its initial order for four 777-300ERs earlier this year. TAM's first 777-300ER is scheduled to be delivered in June 2008. Prior to ordering these eight 777s, TAM was an exclusive Airbus operator.

"TAM's recent orders confirm airline preference for the 777 family which commands more than a 65 percent market share in its category because of its lower operating costs, passenger pleasing cabin and unmatched reliability, " said Larry Loftis, vice president, Boeing 777 Program. "We have continually enhanced and improved the performance of the 777 family of airplanes. Today, we have grown that family to include two, new, longer range 777s and a freighter version that will enter service in the fourth quarter of 2008."

Marco Antonio Bologna, TAM's CEO said the 777-300ER acquisitions are an important step for TAM's growth in the long-haul international market. "The Boeing 777 provides TAM with unmatched revenue-generating capability, beginning with fuel savings and environmental benefits," Bologna said. "Further, this is a plane long-haul passengers recognize for its spaciousness, comfort and award-winning interiors."

The fuel-efficient 777-300ER is the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner capable of carrying 365 passengers up to 7,880 nautical miles (14,594 kilometers). The efficient twin-engine design provides the lowest fuel consumption and overall operating costs in its class.

BINDASS TO GO ON AIR from SEPT 17

2007-08-30T16:18:00.000+05:30

India's leading, media & entertainment company has announced the launch of Bindass , its Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) will go on air on September 17, 2007.

On the occasion of 'Bindass' going on air, Zarina Mehta, CEO, Bindass said, "We are really excited that brand Bindass is being born on September 17, '07. We launch simultaneously with the Bindass GEC, a fully loaded Mobile service with our short code 59995 and two websites bindass.com and a really exciting user generated website lagegi.com.

"It is, indeed, an achievement for Bindass to reach out to 50% of India's Hindi-speaking cable viewership in a span of just two weeks from its launch. Bindass is proud to associate with Tata Sky. With its superior quality of satellite transmission and interactivity, Tata Sky is an ideal platform for Bindass to reach its audience ", said Shantonu Aditya, CEO, UTV broadcasting & distribution.

The channel is targeted at a target audience in the age range of 15 to 34 years. It will be available on 'Tata Sky', India's top direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television provider offering close to 110 channels, various services such as movie-on-demand, gaming active news, sports etc

The toilet so far

2007-08-30T15:53:00.000+05:30

Do you want to go to this toilet, what will you prefer.

Boeing to promote 787 Dreamliner, 777, 737 and 747-8 at Asian Aerospace 2007

2007-08-30T14:13:00.000+05:30

World's largest airplane manufacturer, Boeing, will be doing extensive promotion 787 Dreamliner, 777, 737 and 747-8 at Asian Aerospace 2007 beginning Sept. 3 in Hong Kong.

"Asian Aerospace showcases this exciting and dynamic market," said Larry Dickenson, senior vice president, sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "In addition to featuring our products and services, Boeing will take the opportunity to underscore its strong commitment to customers, partners and suppliers," he said.

With the new show's focus on commercial aviation, Boeing will be represented by its Commercial Airplanes unit, with participation by the Commercial Aviation Services team, Alteon Training and others. Boeing's schedule begins on Monday, Sept. 3, when Larry Dickenson discusses the commercial aviation fleet and the market outlook for the Asia-Pacific region in a presentation to the Air Transport Strategy Conference.

Additionally, on Tuesday, Sept. 4, Boeing Regional Marketing Director Jim Edgar will conduct a press briefing on the global air cargo market; including the latest Boeing freighter fleet forecast data. Air cargo traffic growth to, from and within Asia is forecast to exceed the world average during the next 20 years.

Bombardier shows more interests in Asian aerospace

2007-08-29T11:59:00.000+05:30

With the Asia-Pacific region continuing to grow in importance in the regional and business aircraft markets, and with China forecasted to become one of the world’s key aviation markets over the next 20 years, Bombardier will show its support of this expanding marketplace by attending Asian Aerospace 2007 at its new location in Hong Kong, from September 3 to 6.
Bombardier’s aerospace activities in China have grown substantially in recent years.

Bombardier is a leading supplier of regional aircraft to the Asia-Pacific region, with 227 of its Q-Series turboprops and CRJ regional jets in service or ordered by approximately 40 operators in 14 countries.

“As Asian airlines continue to re-evaluate their strategies to focus on economics, Bombardier is well positioned to offer solutions to meet their requirements,” said James Dailly, Senior Vice-president, Sales at Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “Bombardier is the only manufacturer that offers two distinct families of regional aircraft: regional jets and turboprops, each offering low operating costs.”

With an installed fleet of over 100 business jets based in the region, Bombardier Business Aircraft maintains its strong presence in Asia-Pacific. Bombardier is the market leader in both the large and ultra-long range aircraft segments, with 64 per cent and 54 per cent of the installed base respectively.

Bombardier is the only Original Equipment Manufacturer to offer aircraft in eight of nine business jet market segments – from the premium Learjet 40 XR light jet to the ultra long-range Global Express XRS aircraft and the Challenger 800 Series in the corporate airliner segment – the widest selection of any corporate jet manufacturer.

Continuing on its recently launched world tour, Bombardier will present the latest full-size, cabin mock-up of the CSeries aircraft at Asian Aerospace 2007. Featured in the mock-up will be the forward galley with offset door configuration, two rows in business class, four rows in economy class and the aft galley with a lavatory area. The new cabin permits airlines to experience the convenience of overhead rotating bins and the cross-section fuselage was recently modified to provide additional passenger comfort.

The CSeries aircraft, designed specifically for the lower end of the 100- to 149-seat commercial market, is ideally positioned to replace many of the aging narrow-body aircraft presently in service in the Asia-Pacific region. This family of aircraft will offer airlines the opportunity to grow their networks with increased frequency and more point-to-point operations into markets that are not well served at this time due to range and aircraft size constraints.
Bombardier Aerospace’s relationship with China

The Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress is being held at AsiaWorld-Expo alongside the Hong Kong International Airport. The Bombardier exhibit is located at Hall 9, Booth 9F01 and the Bombardier hospitality suite is found within the static display area at the Business Aviation Centre. This trade-only event is expected to feature more than 500 participating companies from more than 20 countries.

Bombardier aircraft on static display at Asian Aerospace 2007

CRJ900 NextGen – The CRJ900 NextGen airliner, in the colours of U.S. carrier Northwest Airlines, features the increased use of composite materials and the all-new CRJ NextGen interior with larger windows, LED lighting and larger overhead bins. The aircraft is configured with12 business class and 64 economy class seats. Like other members of the CRJ NextGen family, the aircraft is designed to deliver operating cost improvements and is the next step in the continuing evolution of the CRJ Series. Following Asian Aerospace, the CRJ900 NextGen jetliner will embark on an extensive demonstration tour of several countries in Asia and Europe.

Challenger 300: This first true super-midsize jet offers transcontinental range and superior long-range cruise speed, with eight passengers. It can fly Hong Kong-Darwin non-stop with a full payload and its superior airfield performance allows it to operate out of 5,000-foot (1,524-m) runways with ease*.

The Challenger 300 jet’s fleet currently totals over 150 aircraft, with a dispatch reliability of over 99.5 per cent as at July 31, 2007.

Global Express XRS: The pioneering Global Express XRS business jet features the largest cabin of any purpose-built corporate aircraft – with more cabin volume and more floor space than its closest competitor. No other business jet in the ultra long-range segment matches the high-speed range capability delivered by this aircraft. Offering the ultimate in cabin comfort, this impressive jet can link London-Singapore and Hong Kong- Los Angeles non-stop with eight passengers and three-to-four crew*.

Luxury chocolate experience onboard for Gulf Air premium class passengers

2007-08-28T16:40:00.000+05:30

Lee Shave (second from right) tasting a chocolate variety while Marjo Rashid (right) looks on. Ali Rashid (left) and Gulf Air Chef Christophe Comacho (second left) discuss the chocolate menu.

Manama, Bahrain 27 August 2007: Taking its premium class onboard catering to greater heights, Gulf Air, the five-times-in-a-row winner of the SkyTrax Best Onboard Catering Award for First Class, has just introduced one more delicacy to its award winning First Class menu.

A select range of handmade premium chocolates will be served onboard for First Class passengers from now on, to be supplied by Bahraini chocolatier-couple Ali Rashid and Marjo Rashid under an exclusive arrangement.

“Gulf Air has carved a niché for itself in onboard fine-dining by introducing refreshingly innovative service concepts and products,” says Gulf Air Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave.

“We understand well our premium passengers, who not only have discerning tastes and but also expect certain exclusivity when travelling with us. The chocolate range produced by Ali and Marjo, who are trained in Holland in chocolate-making, fits this bill. They have recreated the European chocolate-making art with a Middle Eastern finesse right here in Bahrain. Besides, as the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air is proud to support this unique local venture.”

Passengers can indulge themselves tasting some of the unique and exotic couverture chocolate combinations, developed and perfected by the couple, such as Zanzabil ginger, Muhallabiah, Caramel delight and Hazelnut cream.

“We are proud to be a supplier to Gulf Air’s first class cabin service, which has set an industry standard for onboard service,” adds Ali Rashid.

“We use the finest quality ingredients sourced from Switzerland and other European countries and personally create our combinations to ensure our chocolates provide a long-lasting experience to Gulf Air customers.”

Boeing Delivers 3,000th Everett-built widebody Airplane

2007-08-28T16:28:00.000+05:30

In the past 40 years, the fleet of 747, 767 and 777 airplanes has:

Flown more than 34.5 million flights Logged more than 148 million flight hours
Flown 71 billion nautical miles

Everett, Wash., Aug. 27, 2007: Boeing today delivered its 3,000th widebody airplane from its Everett, Wash., site. The airplane was a 777-200ER (Extended Range) model that was delivered to Korean Air.

The 3,000 airplanes built and delivered from the Boeing Everett factory include 747, 767 and 777 models. The site is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

"We are honored to receive the 3,000th airplane assembled at the Everett plant," said J.H. Lee, president and COO, Korean Air. "Boeing Everett employees have made high-quality, reliable airplanes that have played a critical role in the success of our airline."

The 3,000th airplane is joining the Korean Air fleet of 123 airplanes, which includes 13 777-200ERs, four 777-300s, 24 747-400s and 21 747-400 Freighters. Korean Air plans to use the new 777 for long-haul business routes to the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.

Korean Air also has 35 additional airplanes on order from the Everett programs including 777-300ERs, 777 Freighters, 747-8 Freighters and 787 Dreamliners. In addition, the airline has four 737s on order from the Boeing factory in Renton, Wash.

Journalists can apply for free speech award

2007-08-26T18:20:00.000+05:30

Region :WorldwideCountry :NoneTopic :Press Freedom, Radio, Television, Fellowships and Awards, Print Journalism

15/08/2007Journalists across the globe can compete for the International Award for Freedom of Speech, which recognizes reporting that shows “free and independent vision,” regardless of the subject matter.

Entry deadline: September 15.

The award is worth EU€5000, organized by the Marseille-Provence-Alpes du Sud Press Society, is open to professional journalists who work for international news agencies, whether operating locally or regionally. Entries should have been published or broadcast from September 1, 2006, to August 31, 2007.

Applications should include an original copy of the published article (15,000 characters maximum), a VHS copy for TV (12 minutes maximum), or a tape or CD for radio entries (6 minutes maximum). All entries should accompany a French translation.
For more information, contact c-presse@wanadoo.fr or visit http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=22801.

Photojournalists invited to participate in annual contest

2007-08-26T18:19:00.002+05:30

Region :WorldwideCountry :NoneTopic :Photojournalism, Fellowships and Awards
15/08/2007Photojournalists worldwide have the chance to win US$1,000 and a Canon SLR digital camera by participating in Editor and Publisher’s eighth annual Photos of the Year Contest. Last day to enter: September 14.

Participants can submit photos that have been published in their newspaper or on their newspaper’s Web site since October 1, 2006. The entry fee is US$35 for single entry or $60 for a photo essay or series (three to10 photos). Categories include news, features, sports and multiple images/photo essay.

Winners and honorable mentions will be published in the magazine’s November issue and an online gallery at http://www.editorandpublisher.com on October 29.For more information, contact Daniela DiMaggio at ddimaggio@editorandpublisher.com or Ryan Whiting at ryan.whiting@nielsen.com, or visit http://editorandpublisher.nielsencontests.com/

Design group offers membership in developing countries

2007-08-26T18:19:00.001+05:30

Region :WorldwideCountry :NoneTopic :Editing, Management, Print Journalism, Networking
20/08/2007The Society of New Design (SND) is offering membership to designers in developing countries who cannot afford the usual dues.

SND recently announced that in some specific developing countries, news organizations could join through special corporate memberships. The organizations can each then name three individual journalists to represent them and receive SND benefits. These benefits include discounts, a copy of the annual book “Best of Newspaper Design,” digital copies of the society’s quarterly journal, and access to the newsletter.For more information, contact SND at snd@snd.org, telephone +1 401 294 5233, or visit http://www.snd.org

Armenian School of Journalism (ASJ) - A two-year international masters degree program in journalism

2007-08-26T18:17:00.000+05:30

Organized by the Journalism Department of Yerevan State University and the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). Deadline to apply: September 5, 2007.

10 – 12 students, selected in competition, will be trained to assume news and management positions at newspapers, news agencies, broadcast outlets and Web-based publications.

will be provided by American, European and Caucasian journalists and scholars. The journalism faculty and curriculum for the school will be provided by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), a Washington-based journalism organization, with the cooperation from Louisiana State University and Kent State University. The program is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The curriculum is based on a hands-on, experiential approach, using the latest techniques of fact-based, professional reporting and writing for both print and broadcast media. Students have access to a computer laboratory, the Internet, photo, audio and video equipment and a journalism library. The students will publish “PatUhan” student newspaper and its web version.
Graduates of ASJ will receive MA degree diploma from Journalism Department of YSU and an internationally recognized certificate from ICFJ.

The program will be offered in four semesters from September 2007 to May 2009. The best students will be given opportunity to have internship in outstanding media outlets abroad.
APPLICANTS MUST HAVE:* Bachelor’s or master’s degree (previous training or education in journalism not required) * Commitment to pro-active journalism * Good command of a foreign language* Basics of computer literacy

ENTRANCE TESTS & DOCUMENTS:* Filled-in Application form (the form is attached)* Diploma and official transcript * Interview with the selection committee APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED:Applications should be submitted from June 1 to September 5 at Armenian School of Journalism, Journalism Department of Yerevan State University (1 Alex Manukyan str., 7th building, 5th floor., room 509a; Yerevan, Armenia; tel.: +37410 554 130)For more information about program, please, contact Hasmik Mkrtchyan, Program Assistant, mobile: +37491 371 289, e-mail: http://f5mail.rediff.com/bn/compose.cgi?login=emailmail&session_id=5L23PK1KRKyLVFlpXAw9Kjh6wZbPywo1&FormName=mail_to_individual&email=amkrtchyan@icfj.org, http://f5mail.rediff.com/bn/compose.cgi?login=emailmail&session_id=5L23PK1KRKyLVFlpXAw9Kjh6wZbPywo1&FormName=mail_to_individual&email=hasmikmkr@yahoo.com.

job as Television News Writer

2007-08-26T18:16:00.000+05:30

The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN) has an immediate opening for an experienced Television News Writer. MBN is a Washington, DC. based international multi-media broadcasting corporation broadcasting television and FM /AM radio news and information in Arabic to the 22+ Arabic speaking countries of the Middle East and North Africa as well as to Arabic speakers across Europe.

PRIMARY FUNCTION: News writers are responsible for writing scripts for news broadcasts. The incumbent translates material from English into Arabic. The incumbent works closely with MBN’s editorial personnel, Production & Broadcast Operations.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES: - Communicate and translate from English to Arabic- Develop and write new stories in classical Arabic with clarity, accuracy and balance- Perform under deadline pressure - Complete a variety of writing assignments for summaries, news programs, news packages, live events and features.- Experience with digital news broadcasting - Responsibilities may also include assisting producers, up to and including line producing.- Maintain a knowledge of current International and US events- Ability to conduct on-line research for difficult story assignment

QUALIFICATION: - Bachelors degree in journalism or broadcast journalism- 3 years experience writing international news or other professional writing experience- Strong attention to detail- Able to work effectively with all levels of management- Strong computer and database skills- Exercise self-discipline and time-management skills- Must be able to accommodate flexible work schedule to support 24/7 news environment which will include overnight shift coverage.

Applicants will be asked to demonstrate their ability by taking a writing skills test.
MBN offers a challenging work environment, competitive pay and excellent benefits. The selected candidate must be able to pass background check and receive work authorization. MBN is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Please forward your cover letter, cv/resume, writing sample and salary expectations to mbnjobs@alhurra.com. Please include the job title of the position for which you are applying in the email subject line.

Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc (MBN) is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Please visit our website at www.alhurra.com.

PART-TIME EDITORIAL JOB VACANCY ON MIZZIMA NEWS

2007-08-26T15:24:00.001+05:30

PART-TIME EDITORIAL JOB VACANCY ON MIZZIMA NEWSThis not-for-profit news agency, specializing in Burma-Related news andmultimedia - www.mizzima.com and www.mizzima.tv - is looking forin-housejournalism trainers (volunteer) for its reporters and staff in MizzimaOffices in New Delhi and Chiang Mai (Thailand) from September 1, 2007 through to March 31, 2008. The trainers will need to provide theMizzimajournalists with training In journalism and multi-media (includingprintjournalism, broadcasting journalism, photography, and IT). Salary and benefits are negotiable.Applicants should send a letter explaining why they are interested in
the\u003cbr\>position, a CV, and two references to Soe Myint, Editor In-Chief,\u003cbr\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://in.f83.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To\u003deditor@mizzima.com&YY\u003d99609&y5beta\u003dyes&y5beta\u003dyes&order\u003ddown&sort\u003ddate&pos\u003d0&view\u003da&head\u003db\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>editor@mizzima.com\u003c/font\>\u003c/a\> or \u003ca href\u003d\"http://in.f83.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To\u003dmizzima@hotmail.com&YY\u003d99609&y5beta\u003dyes&y5beta\u003dyes&order\u003ddown&sort\u003ddate&pos\u003d0&view\u003da&head\u003db\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n\u003cfont color\u003d\"#003399\"\>mizzima@hotmail.com\u003c/font\>\u003c/a\>.\u003cbr\>\u003cbr\>\u003cbr\>CAR FOR SALE\u003cbr\>\u003cbr\>Classic White Ambassador Car\u003cbr\>Hindustan Motors Series: 1800 MPFI Petrol with Isuzu Engine\u003cbr\>Excellent Condition. Currently Has Blue Diplomatic Plates\n\u003cbr\>Selling Price: 1.5 Lakh\u003cbr\>Available end of September, Photos Attached\u003cbr\>Contact owner, Meital Rusdia\u003cbr\>B-26 Nizamuddin East, 1st Floor, New Delhi 110013\u003cbr\>+91 98 181 05861\u003cbr\>Communication Officer, United Nations Children's Fund\n\u003cbr\>India Country Office, UNICEF House, 73 Lodi Estate, New Delhi, 1100 003\u003cbr\>Office: +91 11 24606237 Fax: +91 11 2460621\u003cbr\>\u003cbr\>\u003cbr\>\n",0]
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theposition, a CV, and two references to Soe Myint, Editor In-Chief,editor@mizzima.com or mizzima@hotmail.com.

Freelance jobsCompany

2007-08-26T15:17:00.000+05:30

: Kaulkin Ginsberg Position: Steady B-to-B Freelance Job Location: Anywhere, Telecommute Job Status: Freelance Salary: Negotiable Ad Expires: September 5, 2007 Job ID: 810893 Description:Online trade publication is looking for a freelance business reporter to contribute stories on a continuing basis. InsideARM.com is the leading daily covering the growing business of debt and accounts receivables management. Business and finance reporting experience preferred. Reporter will produce three or more stories a week from in-depth features to spot news briefs. Position could become full time as beat system evolves. Send resume and three writing samples to jobs@kaulkin.com with the heading "freelance" in the subject line.

delete

Boeing sees $70 bn market in Russia & CIS

2007-08-23T11:22:00.000+05:30

Boeing, one of the world largest aircraft maker has said in annual forecast, that Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will require 1,060 new airplanes worth about $70 billion over the next 20 years.

Airplanes in the Boeing 737 size range will account for 44 percent of all commercial jetliners delivered to Russian and CIS airlines during the next 20 years, amounting to 470 units valued at $30 billion.

Eleven percent -- or 110 units at a value of $20 billion -- will be twin-aisle airplanes like the Boeing 777 and 787.

Forty-three percent will be smaller regional jets while airplanes of the Boeing 747 size or larger will comprise 2 percent of the market.

As smaller airplanes such as the Next-Generation 737, the 777 and the 787 are much more fuel efficient thanks to advanced technologies and innovation, they are able to fly longer distances with fewer passengers than a 747 and still remain profitable for the airlines that operate them.

The Next-Generation 737 will help airlines meet demand for shorter, more direct routes, and the all-new fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner will provide needed capacity for longer-range direct flights.

Worldwide, Boeing estimates the fleet will require 28,600 new jets by 2026 worth about $2.8 trillion. The Boeing market forecast is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and respected analysis of the commercial aviation market.

CSA numeruno in on-time record in Europe

2007-08-23T11:05:00.000+05:30

Prague, 22 August 2007 : Czech Airlines (CSA) was the carrier with the best on-time record in Europe in the first half of the 2007.

The Airline ranked first in departure punctuality, among the 26 most significant airlines associated in the Association of European Airlines (AEA).

CSA operated nearly 36,350 flights in the first half of the year, on scheduled routes from Prague and foreign destinations. In its summer schedule, CSA offers connections to 104 destinations in 44 countries.

Kingfisher Airlines announces Global Tennis Tournament in Mumbai

2007-08-22T17:42:00.000+05:30

Vijay Mallya addressing the media

Kingfisher Airlines announces Global Tennis Tournament in Mumbai

India's fastest growing airlin, Kingfisher Airlines have announced the second edition of Kingfisher Airline Open from sept 24 to sept 30. Addressing the media, Chairman and MD of Kingfisher said, " this year we have Marat Safin, Lleyton Hewitt, Maros Baghdatis and other tennis players.

Mahesh Bhupati's father BC Bhupati was also present at the press breifing.

Bhupati, Vijay Mallya and Gaurav Natekar, Tournament Director at the event

Kapil Sacked

2007-08-21T16:14:00.000+05:30

Kapil Dev sacked as NCA chairman

script

2007-08-20T13:10:00.000+05:30

Manorama-NICAT seminar is on Sept 8.

2007-08-20T11:18:00.000+05:30

Courses
PG Dip. in Technical Writing, PG Dip. in Web Journalism
Duration: 6 months

Eligibility
Graduation in any stream. Final year students can join in
morning, evening or weekend batches.

Potential
For those who get through successfully, we assure placement in
IT companies in Software and Service sectors, News media and
Content management fi rms in the salary range of Rs. 8000 – Rs.
15,000 per month. Those with higher qualifi cations, work experience and
greater expertise may get initial salaries even above Rs. 20,000.

NICAT
nicat
opp. govt engg.college,
westhill, calicut-5
ph: 0495-2381808, 94464 09949
email:nicat.clt@gmail.com
greater expertise may get initial salaries even above Rs. 20,000.

nicat
opp. govt engg.college,
westhill, calicut-5
ph: 0495-2381808, 94464 09949
email:nicat.clt@gmail.com
15,000 per month. Those with higher qualifi cations, work experience and
NICAT

NICAT
Tame the MouseNICANICANICA

Gulf Air starts World Wide Call Centre

2007-08-20T11:05:00.000+05:30

The first batch of Gulf Air Bahrain Call Centre agents with Mahmood Al Kooheji (sitting, third from left), Bjorn Naf (sitting, second from right)

and Lee Shave (standing, extreme left).

One of the twelve candidates receiving their training course completion certificate from Kooheji in the presence of Bjorn Naf.

A call centre agent explaining reservation procedures to Bjorn Naf.

In further enhancing its customer service standards, Gulf Air inaugurated its World Wide Call Centre (WWCC) in Bahrain on August 18.

Gulf Air chairman of the board of directors Mahmood Al Kooheji inaugurated the centre by inducting the first batch of 12 Bahraini call centre agents into service after training, at its Muharraq headquarters.

The Call Centre will function from 1pm to 9 pm Sunday to Thursday and Bahrain customers can get their travel-related service over the phone by dialling 17335777. Calls to this number, made before and after this duration and on Fridays and Saturdays, will continue to be served by the World Wide Centre in Muscat.

“Gulf Air is keen on providing the best possible service to its customers whether it is on the ground or in the air,” said Gulf Air executive vice president marketing and sales Lee Shave.

“We received over 150 applications from within Gulf Air and outside in response to an announcement out of which 12 best candidates were selected using rigorous recruitment procedures. Another 30 candidates have been recruited, who will be joining duty after the current training,” Mr. Shave concluded.

Before taking up their jobs, the candidates were given an intensive training programme on Gulf Air’s SABRE reservation system and procedures, telephone and booking techniques, efficient handling of customers and other travel-related enquiries.

“The inauguration of call centre in Bahrain is a significant development as part of our business philosophy and objectives,” said Gulf Air acting president and chief executive Bjorn Naf.

“Operating from our headquarters, we will now be able to manage customer enquiries better and provide our customers the service they truly deserve.”

Air India's Boeing 777-200 LR First Class seat

2007-08-18T17:18:00.000+05:30

nehulj

Air India's Boeing 777-200 LR

First Class seat at display

बोएंग ७७७-२०० LR

2007-08-18T16:54:00.000+05:30

आ व्यू औफ़ बोएंग ७७७-२०० LR

blogging

2007-08-18T16:51:00.000+05:30

Blogging Fusion

technorati

2007-08-18T16:49:00.000+05:30

paid to blog

Entry fee for neighbouring country tourists at monuments slashed

2007-07-24T15:14:00.000+05:30

Visitors from the SAARC and BIMSTEC countries would be charged the same rates of the entry fee to ticketed monuments as Indian citizens, Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni announced। Addressing the MPs of the Consultative Committee attached to her ministry, she said though the debate on charging a uniform entry fee from other foreign visitors was still on, there was a strong point in continuing with the present differential rate of tickets। The entry fee for visitors from the SAARC and BIMSTEC countries has been put on par with Indian citizens as an acknowledgement of the common heritage between India and its neighbouring countries and promotion of regional solidarity. Giving details of plan expenditure on restoration and maintenance of monuments, Soni said the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12) proposals, amounting to Rs.9.33 bn, were more than three times the provisions during the earlier plan. A substantial amount of these allocations would be spent on making monuments more attractive through programmes like Light and Sound shows at the World Heritage Sites, establishment of tourist facilities and better signage. Those who attended the meeting included Chander Kumar, N.K.S. Chauhan, Pankaj Chowdhary, Parasnath Yadav, Chandan Mitra, Barun Mukherjee and Surendra Motilal Patel.

Etihad Airways eyes more expansion in India

2007-07-24T15:11:00.000+05:30

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is looking at expanding its operations to India in the next few years।

James Hogan, chief executive of Etihad Airways, said India is one of their key global markets।"Currently, Etihad flies to four Indian destinations - Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram - and we would like to double this in the next few years in order to satisfy the huge demand from Indian customers across Etihad's flight network that includes Britain, Canada and South Africa," Hogan said।It flies to a total of 44 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia।The airline started its services to Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram last month, and since then passenger figures on both the routes have averaged more than 90 percent across economy and business class।Etihad, which also operates daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai, plans to start flight services to Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, besides increasing its frequency into the two Kerala airports.In a related development, Etihad was awarded four industry accolades recognising the airline's progressive web strategy, which has been enabled by Indian IT major Infosys Technologies.

Spicejet pilots to fly Oman Air

2007-07-24T15:07:00.000+05:30

Oman Air has signed a strategic agreement with SpiceJet to provide the national airline of Oman with well trained pilots।

Oman Air officials were recently in India in search of a partner to provide the airline with well-trained pilots for Boeing 737।

A statement issued by Oman Air said, SpiceJet pilots would fly with Oman Air on contract for a period of one year until Oman's trainee pilots are ready to take to the skies।

"This would provide Spicejet pilots with international exposure and rich flying experience through Oman Air's extensive network. The first batch of six first officers of Spicejet would reach Muscat soon," the company said.

GoAir to invest in cargo, engineering

2007-07-24T15:05:00.000+05:30

GoAir, India’s private airline announced that the group has decided to looks at investments in GoEngineering, GoGround Services, GoCargo and several other Investments। Jeh Wadia would continue to be the Managing Director as part of GoAir’s overall business strategy and expansion plans. The future CEO will report directly to the Managing Director and would pilot the airlines day-to-day business operations.

Jeh Wadia, managing director of GoAir said, “As part of our expansion and business plans, GoAir is currently planning to expand its fleet size to 18 by 2009 and 35 by 2011 that would be fully funded internally। This is a conservative plan and will be revised to more aggressive growth once the industry shows signs of improvement.”

Currently, GoAir operates 396 weekly flights to 11 airports across the country and has had the highest loads for the months January, February, March, April, May and June (90 per cent). It also has the highest market share per aircraft in the industry.

Kingfisher Airlines launches direct flights between Mumbai and Bhuj

2007-07-24T15:04:00.000+05:30

Kingfisher Airlines, India’s fastest growing private airline announced the launch of direct flights from Mumbai to Bhuj। Kingfisher Airlines will service the sector four times a week at very convenient times for air travellers.

With the launch of this service, Kingfisher Airlines now connects 30 cities with 189 flights a day on the wings of a fleet of 30 brand new aircraft।

Commenting on this, Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines said, “ Through the launch of this new route, Kingfisher Airlines reaffirms its commitment toward addressing the needs of its guests by providing connectivity between the commercial capital of the country and other cities that are rapidly emerging as centres of economic activity।”

Bhuj is also a key destination for merchant vessel sailors। The new service of Kingfisher Airlines between Mumbai and Bhuj will also benefit all the shipping personnel who need to travel to major Gujarat ports frequently.

Adds Manoj Chacko, GM, global sales, Kingfisher Airlines, “All our efforts are focused on offering our guests enhanced convenience in terms of connectivity and service। The introduction of service between Mumbai and Bhuj is a step toward that. With this new route, Kingfisher Airlines will provide conveniently timed flights not only for air travelers flying to Bhuj, but greatly improved air connectivity to the entire region."

Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old walled city. There are walls within walls, attractive gateways, old palaces with intricately carved wooden pavilions, and striking, brightly decorated Hindu temples. Note: Fares shown are one-way and are given in Indian Rupees. Taxes @ Rs. 750 per ticket are extra.

Finnair begins flights to Mumbai

2007-07-24T15:01:00.000+05:30

Finnish national carrier, Finnair began a direct flight from Helsinki to the commercial capital of India, its second destination in the country। It will operate five times a week with an Airbus A-340 aircraft।Finnair began its operations from New Delhi on Oct 31, 2006, and has been flying to the national capital every day since May 19।"The new route also opens numerous possibilities to tourist traffic from Europe to India। Near Mumbai there are several interesting destinations for travellers, for example Goa, known for its magnificent beaches, and the culturally rich state of Kerala," a Finnair statement said।"Apart from Mumbai, this flight would be very convenient for passengers from neighbouring cities like Pune and Ahmedabad। The Mumbai route also gives Finnair more onward connections to destinations all over India," said Taina Törnström, Finnair director for the Indian subcontinent. "Finnair is strengthening its partnerships with Indian air carriers to make these connections as smooth as possible," she added.The flights to Mumbai are part of Finnair's Asian strategy. "In response to a strong demand from the Asian market, the number of weekly flights to India has increased from seven to 12. Flights to other Finnair destinations in Asia have also been continuously increased," the airline said.Besides New Delhi and Mumbai, Finnair now flies to eight other destinations in Asia: Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong in China; Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya in Japan; and Bangkok in Thailand.

Kingfisher launches aviation training academy

2007-06-18T12:36:00.000+05:30

Kingfisher Training Academy, the subsidiary of Kingfisher Airlines was inaugurated by Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and CEO of the company, in Mumbai recently.

Speaking after the inauguration, Mallya said, “we will be giving training to the candidates to work in the modern world, we will provide them exposure of high quality service. The students in this academy will be versed with multi field skills”.

“When we take recruit for our company from other institutes, we have to train them again to fill them in. There is a gap in their training what they get from their institute. We are looking for trained people and opening this academy makes sense for us”.

“We have no tie-up with any university. I am not aware of any university other than some hotel management institutes where students just get degrees. They need exposure of the field”.

Kingfisher has spent more than Rs 10 crore for this new venture and we will be opening 10 more branches in the coming year, including metro cities and other cities will be our target, Mallya said.

More than 2000 students will pass out every year from this academy. There will be a new batch every months. The course will be completed in six months and the fees will be Rs 1 lakh. Already, 100 students enrolled with us for starting session, said Rajesh Verma, head of the Kingfisher Training Academy.

The company claimed to have faculty members are form the Raj group of hotels, Jet Airways and many other top class people from the hospitality industry.

Courses offered at the institute are

• An Image Makeover• The Ground Personnel• Cabin Crew In-flight Service • Hospitality in Hotel Industry

For placement, Kingfisher academy has said that companies across service industry verticals such as domestic and international airlines and aviation companies, leading hotel chains, retail and other customer care management services have already commenced talks with them.

UB group to start aviation varsity, says Mallya

2007-05-23T17:34:00.000+05:30

The Kingfisher Airlines, country’s fast growing private airlines will be starting its Aviation University at Nerul, the outskirts of Mumbai by the end of 2008.

This was disclosed by Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO of Kingfisher Airlines while inaugurating the new Kingfisher training institute in Mumbai recently.

Mallya said, his company will be investing more than Rs 200 crore in this new university. The aviation university will house the latest technology in flight training, including simulator and other areas of specifications.

Today, India needs more skilled manpower to cater to the domestic needs, as due to unskilled man power we have to train them again and these cause us monetary losses. The flying schools such as Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi in Rai Bareli and other institutes in Baramati and Gondia are not sufficient to meet the demands of the domestic aviation industry.

Speaking on the ticket fares, he said, today, many airlines have dropped the ticket fares, especially one, without naming it.

“We have maintained our deals, but other have not, hopefully we see a good scope for our company in future. Demand for better quality and service is on our side and I see Aviation has a great future,” Mallya stressed.

Celebrate festivals with GoAir

2007-05-23T17:30:00.000+05:30

GoAir, India's private air carrier announced its special GoCelebrate ऑफर।

GoCelebrate offer has prices starting at Rs 225/- for short haul flights between Mumbai – Goa, Ahmedabad - Delhi and Rs 525/- for long haul flights like Mumbai – Delhi, Mumbai – Jaipur, Bengalooru - Mumbai, Mumbai – Chennai। To add consumer delight more than 20,000 tickets at Rs 0/- fare for flights between Mumbai – Ahmedabad, Delhi – Jaipur, Bangalore – Cochin, Hyderabad – Chennai and Srinagar – Jammu would also be available। The offer for booking tickets will be valid from 21st May to 25th May '07 for travel between July to September 2007 Log on to goair.in to avail the offer.

Air Deccan tie-up with Frankfinn for cabin crew

2007-04-09T15:59:00.000+05:30

Mumbai, April 4: In order to cope up with booming aviation market in India and shortage of skilled manpower in airlines companies have enabled Air Deccan to signed an exclusive tie up with Frankfinn to provide them more than 400 cabin crew per year to meet the demand.

The tie up will provide Air Deccan with professionals in the industry. It will also provide easy availability of skilled cabin crew, keeping in mind the acute shortage of trained human resource in this sector. The tie-up was announced by KS Kohli, Chairman, Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training and Captain GR Gopinath, Managing Director of Air Deccan at Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, KS Kohli said, “This is the first time in the history of Indian aviation that the company will recruit students only from Frankfinn and not from other aviation institute. Students will sign a two year contract with Air Deccan and which is extendable with their performance.”

Citing Frankfinn entry in the Limca Book of records, Kohli said, intake of Frankfinn is eight times higher than in any other institute in the country. So far in India no institute is providing in flight training, they are just giving students a half an hour ride on the plane.

“We are also planning to open a pilot training institute in the near future, but it will be too early to reveal it. We are building a hotel management institute in Goa, every things are finalised”, Kohli added.

To a question from where Air Deccan will get pilots and engineers, GS Gopinath, MD of Air Deccan said, “we are in talks with some aviation institute”.

Coming heavily on the government, Gopinath said, “poor infrastructure in playing a negative role in the development of aviation in our country. Government had never seen aviation as an infrastructure, but as a peripheral activity. We need competition among airports.”

“Air Deccan and Frankfinn will provide platform to hundreds of new aspirants who live in small towns and cities and want to pursue their career in aviation industry”, Gopinath added.

At the current pace Indian aviation industry would require 7500 to 8000 cabin crew per year. Air Deccan is the second largest airline in India with the market share of 21.60 per cent and has the largest network in terms of reach.

According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), by 2010 the travel within Asia will become the largest with 678 million passengers compared to 552 million in the US domestic market. The Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) has confirmed that the market share for the low cost airlines in India will reach 70 per cent by 2010 making it one of the world’s leading low cost carriers in terms of total market penetration.

A-I plane makes emergency landing at Delhi airport

2007-04-09T15:50:00.000+05:30

New Delhi, April 9 2007

Air India flight AI-349 Shanghai-Bangkok-Delhi-Mumbai made an emergency landing in Delhi on April 9, 2007 at 6:35 am, due to a technical snag in the locking system of the front landing gear. The aircraft landed safely with all the passengers onboard.

In the press release issued by Air India said, the commander used all emergency procedures as per the safety manual and brought the aircraft to a halt on the run way। The passengers were disembarked using the step ladder. However, when the aircraft was being towed away from the runway to a remote bay for repair through a taxi track, the nose gear capsized as a result of which further operations were affected.

However, 183 passengers on board were reported to be safe and de-boarded the plane after being in the aircraft for about an hour। The main runway, which is closed, is cleared.

The 134 Mumbai bound passengers from Delhi, are being accommodated on an Indian Airlines flight, which is depart at 12:30 pm from the domestic terminal। The remaining 57 passengers, already aboard AI-349, have been given the option to board the Mumbai bound Indian Airlines flight along with the other passengers, without their baggage. Their baggage would be delivered directly at the Mumbai airport.

Meanwhile Air India officials along with DGCA experts is investigating the incident and the aircraft is being towed to a safer place for repair by using a recovery kit।

Airport runway is blocked temporarily as a precautionary safety measure। The lights have been installed by the Airport authorities on the run way to demarcate the area which cannot be used. The run way is now open partially, A-I release adds.

The Air India staff at Delhi are taking all measures to assist the passengers and deeply regrets the inconvenience caused.

DBMA’s first batch leaves for UAE

2007-03-27T16:30:00.000+05:30

The first batch of students from Don Bosco Maritimes Academy (DBMA), Mumbai was passed out and they will join Lamprell plc, a UAE-based company having its primary facilities in Sharjah and Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai.

The valedictory function was organised by Don Bosco Maritimes Academy with Lamprell, on March 17 at the college campus at Kurla, Mumbai.

James Henderson, Training Adivsor in India for Lamprell Plc speaking to Employment & NRI Times said: “In the past, we have to recruit form the recruitment and manpower consultant, but we used to get unskilled labour. With this collaboration with Don Bosco, now we get skilled labour, who knows the job and we can start from day one as soon as we employ them.

“We are looking forward for the first batch to join in the next four weeks and the second batch in the next three months,” James revealed.

Explaining why Lamprell selected Don Bosco as its partner, Justin Taylor, Operations manager, Lamprell Sharjah, said: “The academy has a history of technical training, ITI background, best faculty, the ratio of 1:1, that means one instructor for one student, proper public transport connectivity, good instructor, value of each subject they teach, syllabus it covers, we got the overall package that we were searching from an institute to offer us.

Speaking at the function, Prasad T, Chief Instructor said: “the performance will give the proof what you (students) have learned here. Training adults is very difficult, students are not learning, but interacting. They should develop their own skills while they are interacting.

“For one candidate, one instructor is what we have adopted to train them. Whatever you have learnt should be put for further development.” Prasad added.

“The knowledge they have acquired has given them brightness on your face and body, use your organisation to develop your skills. You should not remain just satisfied in acquiring knowledge, Parsad said addressing the gathering.

Technical persons should not worry about marks they have scored in their written exam, whether they get 35 per cent is not the problem, but they should work for 100 per cent and give this in the first attempt.

Lamprell plc based in the UAE and listed on London AIM, alternative stock exchange, it is a leading provider of specialist engineering services to the international oil and gas industry and having more than 3000 people working in their organisation.

Its area of operation is to operate a full service jackup rig refurbishment facility in Sharjah and a modern, well equipped fabrication facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, including Croatia.

Established in 1998 with the objective of training prospective and serving seagoing personnel, as per the STCW Convention of International Maritime Organization (IMO). Don Bosco Maritime Academy is recognised as one of the leading maritime training academies with special focus on workshop and practical training.

The academy has won an ISO 9001:2000 certification for this course from Indian Register Quality Systems. The institute has an active liaison with several shipping companies, dry docks, new constructions in the offshore and onshore industries, catering to services, processes and construction. It also conducts varied training programmes and skill assessment tests for engineers and technicians of these companies.

Training Programme
The ten week training was started on January 3, 2007 and was completed on March 17, 2007. The Academy intends to train more than 200 traniees in one year. The cost of the entire traning is borne by Lamprell PLc. On completion, the candidate will be absorbed by Lamprell for their service in UAE.
Candidate with ITI or NCVT qualification in any trade with some industrial experience is preferred, he/she should have at least SSC cleared with Math as one subject, with English and science as additional subject.

Kingfisher Airlines announces the mega mile move offer

2007-03-16T10:23:00.000+05:30

Kingfisher Airlines, India's private airline announced a mega offer for all frequent flyers across airlines in India- the Kingfisher Airlines Mega Mile Move (MMM) ऑफर.

The objective of the MMM offer is to encourage a shift over of the most frequently flying members of other airlines' Frequent flyer programs (FFP) to King Club, with the incentive of providing the frequent flyer with an opportunity to 'move' his or her miles from the current FFP to Kingfisher Airlines' King Club

For more information kindly visit www.flykingfisher.com/megamilemove

Community radio is more of sharing views: Pankaj

2007-03-12T16:48:00.000+05:30

To have involvement of students and people, community radio is the must, said the FM head of Mumbai University, Pankaj Athavle. Stressing on the role of community radio, Pankaj talked to Employment & NRI Times, about the benefits and how it can be used for the betterment of the people staying in the area covered in the 22 sq km of Mumbai University’s 107.8 Community Radio operations.

Excerpts:
What is your say regarding setting up Community Radio?
It’s a great opportunity for the students to showcase their talents on a non profit non commercial radio of their own. Today in the times of radio revolution a community radio will open up new avenues in terms of radio broadcasting.

Which are area your community radio is concentrating?
Basically, a community radio caters to a particular community. But in an urban place like Mumbai, certain improvisations will be required. The Mumbai university starting such a radio open up new avenues for all the students. We will be looking at infotainment to its core. Every minute will be full of information and entertainment from all faculties and all topics. We plan to rope in all the 400 affiliated colleges, all faculties and all the depts.of the university to get involved.

How the community Radio different from Commercial Radio?
A commercial radio concentrates on hardcore entertainment which is film based. Their revenues depend upon space selling and they differ in terms of which category of listeners they target. Its all about making profit out of entertainment. But a community radio is more of providing information or sharing views among the community. So a community radio abroad for Indians will get all the NRI’s together. So in Mumbai its amalgamating all the people, not just students into sharing of useful information from all walks of life.

How is response from the students about their campus having their own community radio?
Its has been a mix of excitement and anxiety. Few are very enthusiastic, few are trying to differentiate between commercial and community radio and few are all set to perform.

How many hours your radio will function daily?
Initially, we will go on air for 4hrs, 2hrs in the morning and 2hrs in the evening. But soon we are planning to be on air for about 8-10 hrs daily.

What would you like the students to do for their community radio?
Infotainment programs on all the topics available. Be it technical, music, environment, economics, statistics, computers, social causes, sports, careers, information about their college and almost everything that they can constructively think off.

How many months it will take to be on air?
A few clearances are still left, but maybe in a couple of months.

How many languages you are going to start operation?
We will be using all three languages, which includes, Hindi, English and Marathi. But the language departments will also be gelled into the community radio. Already the French, German, Russian, Sanskrit departments are working on shows.

How would you manage your resources?
This is a university supported venture. But soon the government may allow certain amount of space selling on community radio not for making profit but for self sustainance.

As you have said government has given five minutes advertisement in one hour transmission, which type of advertisements you are targeting?
Anything and everything that can be associated with students, academics, colleges, schools and social awareness.

Community radio—a new way of involving people

2007-03-12T16:47:00.001+05:30

Community Radio has its own area of development, it is involvement of people who are let out by the commercial FM or other radio stations, including all people apart from their age, sex, caste, religion. The importance of community radio is more of educational, social, informative rather commercial.

The community radio is set up at a very low cost, the licence is provided by the Ministry of Communication, the government don’t charge licence fees for the community radio.

Community radio was set in the Annamallai Campus, in Tamil Nadu, with the success, it opened doors for more set up of community radio in other colleges in India, JNU Campus has its own community radio, SNDT girls college has its own radio named Gyan Vani, but it is not popular.

Any one can opt for the community radio licence, within some rules set by the government of India, it includes, Non-governmental organization, educational institutions, cooperative societies, but it is non-profit venture.

The purpose to set up is just to inform educate and entertain people and not commercial purpose.

The Equipment used by community radio is the same that is been used by FM or other commercial radios.

Many illiterate people are the member of community radio in the case of Kutch Mahila Sanasthan, which is run by nine illiterate women.

We need academic freedom, says Baswan

2007-03-12T16:46:00.000+05:30

Quality higher education is still the cause of concern for the government of India, said BS Baswan, senior consultant (education), planning commission, Government of India.

He was speaking on the talk on “Higher education in India: Towards a new policy paradigm”, organised by Rajiv Gandhi for Contemporary studies in the University of Mumbai (Kalina Campus). We need to make institution which is more transparent and answerable to people, he added.

Emphasising on the private participation, he said, we cannot avoid private participation in the field of education. We are not the quality provider of education, we must first have to improve our base and then expand to other countries. The WTO norms have pressurized to open education in India.

He said, only the not known universities are coming in India, whereas the Stanford and other big universities have given a miss to India.

Commenting on the reforms, Baswan said government was forced to reform and the reforms took place. We need to guard our universities interest in their freedom, we need academic freedom, he stressed, thereby increasing the fess in the higher education, other wise we are going to go nowhere, he cautioned.

Baswan recommended, private players should be allowed to raise the fees and this way they can help government school students.

The focus area of the education in the current scenario is engineering, hospitality, chemistry, aviation, Baswan said.

The norms decided by UGC and AICETE are good, but in the urban areas it is unpractical in setting up new college or universities, he said.

Asking why faculties are opting for private universities or even living the country, he said the remuneration set by the government is not at par at the private one, but he said government give other benefits, such as housing, etc.

In the US the faculty gets more than $160,000 per annum, but in India it is not even the 20 percent of it, it is learnt.

Giving more information on the Foreign Education Bill, Baswan said if the law come into force, foreign universities has to become deemed university. This law may encourage many foreign universities to come and operate in India thereby opening doors of investment in the field of education.

Commenting on the community radio role in higher education, he said it helps to create awareness in the field on education, but visual media is very important medium in higher education, he concluded.

The Vice chancellor of Mumbai University, Dr Vijay Kole was also present at the talk.

India on leisure yacht map: MIBS

2007-03-12T16:37:00.000+05:30

The day is not far, when people will travel on their personal boats and yacht to breath fresh air in the middle of the sea. With this idea Mumbai is the first step where international boats and yacht manufactures have put down their anchor to explore the opportunity in leisure segment.

The idea to develop marina which will transform the dead beach into a maginificent sea front, the temporary marina was built at the Gateway and it was inaugurated by the Mumbai Port Trust Chairperson, Rani Jadhav on February 23, at The Mumbai International Boat Show (MIBS) was held between last week at Gateway of India, Mumbai.

Speaking to Employment & NRI Times, Bob Bowrah, Founder of Seaspray & Gulf Marinas said,”we are pleased with the opportunity to partner with MIBS and India has huge scope for development in this area”.

“The marina will be developed near the Apollo Bunder in the coming years”, he added.

India is one of the country with largest coastlines and if they explore this route it will help their economy to grow more fast and can also ease congestion on roads.

The show showcased the boats, yacht all over the world, including a indegeniously built boat of International standard from Goa, by Fiesta Yachts, adding more to this, Manech said it is pure Indian product, only the engine is imported.

At the business conference, Chairman of Walcon Marine, Robin Walters said it will take three years to develop a new marina, as all people has to be consulted before creating one, including environmentalist, local people, developer, government bodies.

India needs to infrastructure including marine. India accounts for only 25,000 to 30,000 boats, yacht (less than one per cent), while America accounts for 70 per cent, Europe 26 per cent and Gulf 1.5 per cent, revealed Mike Derrett, correspondent, IBI addressing the conference on India’s growing leisureboating markets.

The boats and yacht displayed at the Bandra-Kurla complex exhibition was costing in lakhs, the exhibitiors was targeting the niche customers, who can buy their product.