As protests roil Thai capital, former leader Thaksin trots globe, rallies supporters by video

Fugitive Thaksin continues global wanderings

BANGKOK – From Dubai to Sweden and now Russia: It’s been a busy travel week for Thailand’s fugitive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
As tens of thousands of his rural supporters camp out in Bangkok, pressing the government to call fresh elections, the 60-year-old tycoon is trotting the globe in search of business …. Original article  : As protests roil Thai capital, former leader Thaksin trots globe, rallies supporters by video.

Premier Farnell launches enhanced free EAGLE software version 5.8

BANGALORE – Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), the leading multi-channel, high service distributor, has announced the launch of EAGLE software version 5.8.

This enhanced version of CadSoft’s award winning software, Europe’s best selling CAD … Read more >>.

18th convergence India focusing on green ICT

NEW DELHI – Communications developing at a breathtaking pace is largely driven by devices, which are more compact but features added capabilities.

Growing competition has provided an ideal environment for technological innovations and new applications. “More importantly these devices and services are …. Source  : 18th convergence India focusing on green ICT.

German unemployment rate declines to 8.5 percent in March

German jobless rate down to 8.5 percent
BERLIN – Official data show the unemployment rate in Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, declined to 8.5 percent in March.

The unadjusted jobless rate is down from 8.7 percent in February. Federal Labor Agency chief Frank-Juergen Weise said Wednesday that the labor market benefited from a traditional spring revival.
The total number … Original source on Gaea Times at : German unemployment rate declines to 8.5 percent in March.

UK regulator says Sky broadcasting must offer sports channels to other retailers

UK regulator: Sky must share sports channels

LONDON – The U.K. broadcasting regulator said Wednesday that British Sky Broadcasting PLC must make its two main sports channels available to other retailers, a preliminary ruling Sky said it would appeal.
The regulator, OFCOM, said Sky should offer to supply Sky Sports 1 and 2 to other outlets, including …. Read the original article  : UK regulator says Sky broadcasting must offer sports channels to other retailers.

L&T bags contracts worth Rs.1,017 crore

NEW DELHI – Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) said Wednesday it has bagged orders worth Rs.1,017 crore.

In a regulatory filing, the company said it has secured a major design and build order worth Rs.566 crore from Cognizant Technology Solutions India to build an IT campus, residential towers and factory buildings in Chennai. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

A look at the perks and penalties in the new health care bill for small-business owners

Health care perks, penalties for small businesses

Some highlights of the health care law for small businesses:
PENALTIES – Companies aren’t required to offer insurance but face an annual $2,000-per-employee fee if the government ends up subsidizing workers’ coverage. Companies with fewer than 50 employees are exempt.
TAX CREDIT: Employers with 25 or fewer workers with average annual … Read this article on Gaea Times at : A look at the perks and penalties in the new health care bill for small-business owners.

Small businesses fret over new health law that mixes promised savings with added costs, fines

Small businesses fret over details of health law
BOSTON – Small-business owner Joe Ascioti says Massachusetts’ 2006 health care law has left him facing $15,000 in fines since it took effect. Now, he’s worried the nation’s new health care overhaul could bring similar woes to employers nationwide.
“The state has mandated something that is one … Read more »»».

Momentive plans research centre in Chennai

CHENNAI – US-based silicones manufacturer Momentive Performance Materials is planning to set up a research and development (R&D) centre in Chennai to meet local customer needs.

“We have a global R&D centre in Bangalore with 30 scientists. Though they are employees of General Electric they do dedicated work for us. There is a plan to set …. Original source  : Momentive plans research centre in Chennai.

Bank of Ireland in $2 billion loss for last 9 months of 2009, impairment charges top ???4 bln

Bank of Ireland makes 9-month loss of $2 billion

LONDON – Bank of Ireland on Wednesday reported a loss of euro1.47 billion ($2 billion) for the final nine months of 2009 as it booked impairment charges of just over euro4 billion on bad loans.
The earnings report came a day after the Irish government announced plans to … Read more >>>.

GOP leaders temper call for repealing health law, saying jobs, economy are key to fall races

GOP wary of health law repeal push in fall races
WASHINGTON – Top Republicans are increasingly worried that GOP candidates this fall might be burned by a fire that’s roaring through the conservative base: demand for the repeal of President Barack Obama’s new health care law.
It’s fine to criticize the health law … Read more >>>.

With Wash. wine industry at 650 and growing, winemakers seek new ways to set themselves apart

Washington wine industry tops 650 wineries

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. – Hugh and Kathy Shiels wanted to stand out when they started Cote Bonneville winery in 2001, and at $100 a bottle for their initial vintage, they certainly did.
Some criticized the eastern Washington winery for charging so much for unproven wines, but Cote Bonneville has received high scores …. Read the original article  : With Wash. wine industry at 650 and growing, winemakers seek new ways to set themselves apart.

Euro slips in early European trading as Greek worries persist, buys $1.3394

Euro slips below $1.34
FRANKFURT – The euro has slipped below $1.34 as concern persists over indebted Greece’s high borrowing costs and markets await eurozone unemployment figures.

The 16-nation currency bought $1.3394 in early European trading Wednesday – down from $1.3419 in New York late Tuesday.
The British pound slid to $1.5045 from $1.5061 and the dollar was … Read : Euro slips in early European trading as Greek worries persist, buys $1.3394.

Indian equities lose ground after firm start

MUMBAI – Indian equities started trade on a strong note in the last session of the current fiscal Wednesday but slipped into the red as investors resorted to profit booking.

The sensitive index (Sensex) opened at 17,602.39 points, against the previous close at 17,590.17 points, and moved up to 17,699.50 points. But the index subsequently slipped …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian equities lose ground after firm start.

Asian stock markets mostly lower ahead of US jobs figures, holidays

Asian markets lower ahead of jobs data, holidays

HONG KONG – Asian stock markets were mostly lower Wednesday as investors pared bets ahead of a key U.S. jobs report on Friday and the Easter long weekend.
The lackluster trade in most markets followed gains the day before. The dollar strengthened against the euro and the yen, while [..] Read the original article: here.

Power-starved Bangladesh bans evening use of ACs

DHAKA – Bangladesh has banned use of air coolers and air conditioners during evening peak hours in all establishments, except hospitals and hotels, across the country to tackle the ongoing power crisis.

The government took the step Tuesday amidst reports that power cuts in major hospitals, including the Dhaka Medical college Hospital, had caused disruption in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Australia gives in-principle approval for Nomura unit to set up 2nd Australian stock exchange

Australia approves in principle 2nd stock exchange

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia is ending its stock exchange’s monopoly and has given approval in principle to a unit of Japanese brokerage Nomura to open a second exchange in a move to spur development of the industry, the financial services minister said Wednesday.
Australia needs to open its share market … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Australia gives in-principle approval for Nomura unit to set up 2nd Australian stock exchange.

Joblessness in Spain will rise to 19.4 percent in 2010

Madrid, March 31 (IANS/EFE) The unemployment rate in Spain will rise to 19.4 percent this year and 19.7 percent in 2011, the country’s central bank has said.

Job creation will not start until the “final quarters” of 2011, the Banco de Espaa said Tuesday in a report on the economic outlook for the country.
The central … Read more : Joblessness in Spain will rise to 19.4 percent in 2010.

Philippines defends airline safety after EU ban

MANILA – The Philippines Wednesday defended the safety of its airlines after the European Union banned all airlines from the South-East Asian country from flying into Europe.

Alfonso Cusi, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, said the EU ban does not mean that Philippine aircraft are unsafe.
“Our aircraft meet the international … Read more »»».

Oil hovers above $82 in Asia after mixed supply report suggests US crude demand recovering

Oil hovers above $82 after mixed US supply report

SINGAPORE – Oil prices hovered above $82 a barrel Wednesday in Asia after a report gave mixed indications about the strength of U.S. crude demand.
Benchmark crude for May delivery was up 4 cents to $82.41 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oil hovers above $82 in Asia after mixed supply report suggests US crude demand recovering.