Thursday, February 18, 2010

Business News – Newsletter for February 15, 2010

Monday, February 15, 2010


Tata Motors global sales up by 93 percent in January
KOLKATA – Auto major Tata Motors group global sales, comprising Tata, Tata Daewoo and Hispano Carrocera range of commercial vehicles, grew by 93 percent to 85,714 in January this year, a company statement said here Monday.

It also included Tata passenger vehicles along with distributed brands in India, and Jaguar and Land Rover.
Sales of all … Read more : Tata Motors global sales up by 93 percent in January.

Japan, Australia stocks drop after China tightens policy; many markets shut for Lunar New Year

Japan, Aussie markets drop after China tightens

TOKYO – Japanese and Australian markets fell Monday in thin regional trading as investors reacted to China’s move late Friday to curtail bank lending to cool off strong growth there.
Many Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Seoul, closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. U.S. markets would … Read more >>>.

Nurseries, landscaping businesses suffer in stalled economy, experts expect a slow recovery

Nurseries struggle with lagging economy
PORTLAND, Ore. – Like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, David Niklas feels the quickening of spring as the season ramps up at his wholesale nursery in a farming community south of Portland. Niklas and his workers busily package plants for shipment.

These days, his flowers and vegetable seedlings have fewer places to … Read more »».

Tears, tentative samba steps for Rio’s preteen Carnival queen

Tears, tentative steps for preteen samba queen

RIO DE JANEIRO – Julia Lira, Rio’s 7-year-old Carnival drum corps queen, didn’t like one bit of the cameras that honed in on her as she led a lavish samba parade, and reacted as any child might – by having a good cry.
But the sprite of a samba dancer … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tears, tentative samba steps for Rio’s preteen Carnival queen.

Recall-battered Toyota to look into electronics again, president trip still undecided

Toyota studies electronics again, trip undecided

TOKYO – Toyota has still not decided whether its president will appear before the U.S. Congress, the automaker said Monday, but it promised to again look into possible electronic problems with its vehicles.
Toyota Motor Corp. has been criticized as being slow in responding to the unfolding recall crisis, which has …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Recall-battered Toyota to look into electronics again, president trip still undecided.

Vladimir Lisin named richest Russian with $18.8 bn
MOSCOW – Vladimir Lisin, the owner of the Russian steel giant Novolipetsk Steel, has been named Russia’s richest person with an estimated wealth of $18.8 billion by Russia’s Finans (Finance) business magazine.

Mikhail Prokhorov, the president of Onexim Group who topped last year’s rankings, was second in the 2010 list with an estimated wealth of $17.85 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Vladimir Lisin named richest Russian with $18.8 bn.

British couple wins $88 mn lottery
LONDON – A British couple have been declared winners of a 56 million (about $88 million) EuroMillions lottery, a media report said Monday.

The prize would make the couple, who are to be unveiled at a press conference Monday, among some of the wealthiest in the country, according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2009, Guardian … Read more »»».

Israeli archaeologists unearth exceptionally large Byzantine-era wine press

Israel discovers large ancient wine press
JERUSALEM – Israeli archaeologists said Monday that they’ve discovered an unusually shaped 1,400-year-old wine press that was exceptionally large and advanced for its time.

The octagonal press measures 21 feet by 54 feet (6.5 by 16.5 meters) and was discovered in southern Israel, about 40 kilometers south of both Jerusalem and … Read more : Israeli archaeologists unearth exceptionally large Byzantine-era wine press.

Report: China to make massive investment in NKorea in apparent effort to resume nuclear talks

Report: China to make massive investment in NKorea

SEOUL, South Korea – China plans to invest billions of dollars in North Korea in an apparent effort to prod the impoverished country to rejoin international nuclear disarmament talks, a news report said Monday.
The news came one week after North Korean leader Kim Jong Il told a visiting …. Source article  : Report: China to make massive investment in NKorea in apparent effort to resume nuclear talks.

India’s annual inflation rises to 8.56 percent in January
NEW DELHI – India’s annual rate of inflation, based on the wholesale prices index, rose to 8.56 percent in January from 7.31 percent in the previous month, driven by increasing food prices, official data released Monday showed.

The annual inflation rate was 4.95 percent in January 2009.
The latest data released by the commerce ministry … Read more : India’s annual inflation rises to 8.56 percent in January.

Avert starvation catastrophe, scientists tell world leaders
WASHINGTON – Scientists are urging world leaders to avert a major starvation catastrophe by the end of the century.

Specifically, they urged policymakers to begin thinking in dramatically different ways to meet food needs, in a significantly warmer world, regarding crops genetically modified to produce greater yields in harsher conditions.
Yields from some of the most … Read more »»».

Bharti starts 40-day talks to acquire Kuwait’s Zain
New Delhi, Feb 15 IANS) India’s largest private telecom services provider, the Sunil Mittal-controlled Bharti Airtel, Monday said it has started exclusive talks to acquire Kuwait’s Zain for $10.7 billion to get a foothold in the African market.

The takeover will not include Zain’s assets in Morocco and Sudan, the company said about the bid — … Read more : Bharti starts 40-day talks to acquire Kuwait’s Zain.

Sensex 54 points down in choppy trade
MUMBAI – A benchmark index for Indian equities was 54 points in the red after more than two hours of volatile trading Monday.

At 11.19 a.m., the 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 16,186.9 points, was at 16,099.3 points, down 53.29 points or 0.33 percent from its previous close. … Read more »»».

Fog disrupts rail, air traffic in Orissa
BHUBANESWAR – Dense fog enveloped coastal Orissa for several hours Monday morning, disrupting road, air and rail traffic, officials said.

Visibility was below 200 metres from 6 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. across the coastal belt, an official of the meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar said.
The runway visibility at the Biju Patnaik Airport here was poor and … Read more »».

Tuxedo touches, grandpa styling temper Rebecca Taylor’s girlish frocks

Rebecca Taylor tempers girly frocks with menswear

NEW YORK – Rebecca Taylor’s vision for fall 2010 means a healthy dose of masculinity.
The New Zealand native, whose feminine frocks and silky blouses have become a staple during New York Fashion Week, delivered a collection Sunday that tempered her girly look with touches of menswear.
The clothes, in navy, …. Source  : Tuxedo touches, grandpa styling temper Rebecca Taylor’s girlish frocks.

Custo Barcelona offers hairy, adventurous celebration of textures, patterns

Custo Barcelona offers adventurous ‘hairy metal’

NEW YORK – Custo Barcelona has gone hairy.
The loud, colorful Spanish label showed a collection Sunday inspired by “hairy metal.” It was a mishmash of shaggy fur and patterns delivered in extremes: ultra-short minis, leather hotpants, extra-shaggy fur and cropped jackets with knuckle-grazing sleeves.
The brand, which landed in the fashion … Read more : Custo Barcelona offers hairy, adventurous celebration of textures, patterns.

Platinum becoming popular in India, slowly but steadily
KOLKATA – Indians, known for their craving for gold, are now looking at platinum jewelleries with equal enthusiasm, opening market for the elegant and exquisite shining white metal slowly but steadily.

“For platinum, India is an established market, particularly the southern region, where Chennai and Bangalore are the two most important markets. There are around 300 [..] Read the original article: here.

1.6 million jobs go unfilled in Brazil in 2009
Sao Paulo, Feb 15 (IANS/EFE) Brazilian employers were unable to fill 1.6 million jobs in 2009 due to a lack of qualified workers, especially in the areas of engineering, nutrition and dietetics, the Sine public employment agency network said.

Low educational levels were identified as the principal factor in not filling these jobs in 2009, which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Preteen Carnival queen breaks down in tears at Rio’s Carnival

Preteen samba queen cries at Rio’s Carnival

RIO DE JANEIRO – She was cheered by legions of Carnival fans, but 7-year-old Julia Lira, the youngest drum corps queen in memory at Rio’s lavish party, broke down crying after being surrounded by cameras early Monday.
Dressed in a sequined halter top and a miniskirt made of purple feathers, … Read more : Preteen Carnival queen breaks down in tears at Rio’s Carnival.

Record crowd of 108,713 at Cowboys Stadium sees East beat West 141-139 in All-Star game

Record crowd sees East edge West in All-Star game

ARLINGTON, Texas – The largest crowd ever to watch a basketball game roared from all corners of Cowboys Stadium, and the two superstars on the court smiled widely.
Nope, not Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.
Try Jerry Jones and Mark Cuban.
They partnered to create a basketball spectacle that had …. Original source  : Record crowd of 108,713 at Cowboys Stadium sees East beat West 141-139 in All-Star game.

France’s Carrefour rules out Brazil exit, plans investment
Sao Paulo, Feb 15 (IANS/EFE) French supermarket chain Carrefour has no plans to leave Brazil and will make more investments in the South American country, said the company’s top executive in Brazil, Jean Marc Pueyo.

“Why would Carrefour put so much money into Brazil if it planned to sell? No, we are not going to sell. … Read more : France’s Carrefour rules out Brazil exit, plans investment.

Life insurance industry may grow 10 percent in 2010
CHENNAI – India’s life insurance industry is expected to grow by around 10 percent in 2010 over the previous year, mainly by improving efficiency but also by expanding in small towns and villages, industry experts say.

They also expect life insurers to rebalance their sales mix – unit linked insurance policies (ULIP) and non-ULIP.
“We …. Read the original article  : Life insurance industry may grow 10 percent in 2010.

Japan’s fourth quarter economic growth beats expectations
TOKYO – The Japanese economy grew faster than expected in the last three months of 2009, the government said in a preliminary report Monday.

The nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew an annualized 4.6 percent in the October-December quarter, bolstered by exports to Asia and a rise in domestic demand supported by government stimulus measures, the … Read : Japan’s fourth quarter economic growth beats expectations.

Not only bigger in Texas, the biggest: NBA All-Star game sets attendance record for basketball

All-Star game in Texas draws record crowd
ARLINGTON, Texas – Not only bigger in Texas. The biggest.

The NBA All-Star game at Cowboys Stadium set a record for the most-attended basketball game ever with a crowd of 108,713 people filling the stadium Sunday night.
“It’s meant to be a party,” Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. “We say … Original article on : Not only bigger in Texas, the biggest: NBA All-Star game sets attendance record for basketball.

Betsey Johnson tours the Wild West with Kelly Osbourne as runway star

Kelly Osbourne takes to runway for Betsey Johnson

NEW YORK – Betsey Johnson took a tour through the Wild West on Sunday, showing off a newly model-slim Kelly Osbourne as her head bandito.
Some of the looks – inspired by saloon girls, vagabonds, gamblers and other ne’er-do-wells – will be available immediately in Betsey Johnson stores, a … Read more : Betsey Johnson tours the Wild West with Kelly Osbourne as runway star.

Japan 4Q GDP grows at 4.6 percent annual pace as exports bolster recovery

Japan 4Q GDP grows at 4.6 percent annual pace

TOKYO – Japan’s economy beat expectations in the fourth quarter, fueled by robust exports and a pickup in consumer demand at home.
The government said Monday that real gross domestic product grew at an annual pace of 4.6 percent in the October-December period. The average forecast of 15 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Japan 4Q GDP grows at 4.6 percent annual pace as exports bolster recovery.

Celine Dion says new documentary a ‘VIP’ pass for fans; talks about being an ‘open book’

Celine Dion says new movie a ‘VIP’ pass for fans

NEW YORK – Celine Dion’s new movie, “Celine: Through the Eyes of the World,” does more than highlight her performances during her last world tour; it also allows fans rare glimpses of her offstage life.
The documentary shows Dion as a goofy jokester, a doting mother, a … Read more : Celine Dion says new documentary a ‘VIP’ pass for fans; talks about being an ‘open book’.

Chappuis wins gold as US finally reaches podium with Spillane’s silver in Nordic combined

Americans break through Nordic combined barrier

WHISTLER, British Columbia – Gasping for air, American Johnny Spillane was gliding toward the finish line, cowbells clanking in his ears, the stars and stripes shimmering in the stands, a gold medal and greatness both within his grasp.
Just a stride and ahalf away from being crowned an Olympic champion, out … Read : Chappuis wins gold as US finally reaches podium with Spillane’s silver in Nordic combined.

Summary Box: Chrysler dealers see hard months waiting for new, updated models to hit showrooms

Summary Box: Chrysler dealers face tough 5 months

THE PROBLEM: Chrysler Group LLC dealers face a tough five months with no new cars and trucks coming from the company until at least June.
THE WORRY: Although dealers say they are optimistic about a partnership with Italy’s Fiat Group SpA, many worry about their finances because current models … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Summary Box: Chrysler dealers see hard months waiting for new, updated models to hit showrooms.

Preteen Carnival queen shakes up 1st night of Rio’s samba parades

Preteen samba queen to parade at Rio’s Carnival

RIO DE JANEIRO – Thousands of boisterous samba fans came together to watch the first night of Rio’s Carnival parades Sunday, and all eyes are on a 7-year-old girl who is the youngest drum corps queen in memory.
Julia Lira, her toothy grin and quick footsteps splashed across media … Read more »»».

Spiraling insurance is only about a small group of consumers _ until you don’t have coverage

A rate hike for the few _ until it’s you
To critics, a 39 percent hike in health insurance for some Californians foretells skyrocketing rates for the rest of us. Not so, says the company, arguing the increase only hits a relatively small number of people and the economy is to blame.
But …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Believing the league owes them, Russian stars want NHL shutdown for Sochi Olympics _ or else

Russia stars want NHL shutdown for Sochi in 2014

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – As players began streaming into Vancouver on Sunday for perhaps the most anticipated tournament of the four Olympics featuring the NHL’s big names, one of hockey’s most influential groups already is looking toward the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.
The message being delivered by …. Original article  : Believing the league owes them, Russian stars want NHL shutdown for Sochi Olympics _ or else.

Menswear look is hot for women in previews of fall styles at NY Fashion Week

At NY Fashion Week, girls will be boys
NEW YORK – Fashionable women would do well to raid their boyfriends’ closets come fall, judging from the looks shown Sunday at New York Fashion Week.

Menswear influences were everywhere during the week of previews, from the trendsetting runway of Alexander Wang to the typically ultra-feminine Victoria Beckham, who … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Menswear look is hot for women in previews of fall styles at NY Fashion Week.

AP Interview: Ski federation president says men’s downhill delay OK from European standpoint

Ski federation president not in panic mode yet

WHISTLER, British Columbia – The International Ski Federation isn’t ready to panic over the Whistler weather woes.
Actually, FIS president Gian-Franco Kasper told The Associated Press that European broadcasters are pleased the men’s downhill was shifted from Saturday to Monday.
The race is now slated for 10:30 a.m. PST, which …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP Interview: Ski federation president says men’s downhill delay OK from European standpoint.

UAE to host 12th global businesswomen summit
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the 12th Woibex Global Businesswomen and Leaders Summit here March 8 to coincide with 100 years of International Women’s Day, WAM news agency reported.

The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) will organise the conference in partnership with Datamatix, an IT company, at the Burj Al Arab Hotel …. Source article  : UAE to host 12th global businesswomen summit.

Victoria Beckham hosts fashion insiders for a classy moment at Fashion Week

Victoria Beckham: Posh, classy and elegant styles

NEW YORK – From the personal greeting she gave to each of her two dozen guests to the thoughtful answers to questions about the construction of her designs, Victoria Beckham staged an intimate preview of her fall collection at New York Fashion Week Sunday that was all class and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Victoria Beckham hosts fashion insiders for a classy moment at Fashion Week.

Greece’s debt crisis, China’s bank curbs: What other surprises might rattle the market?

Investors brace for the next overseas surprise

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Investors may wish they had a crystal ball.
Stocks have been in flux over the past few weeks as surprises kept coming from overseas. Greece’s debt crisis, similar troubles in Portugal, and China’s latest moves to slow down its economy have kept investors guessing.
At least the news …. Original source  : Greece’s debt crisis, China’s bank curbs: What other surprises might rattle the market?.

Short and furious, gunfight with Taliban shows challenges of fighting the Afghan insurgency

Caught in the open: a firefight with the Taliban

BADULA QULP, Afghanistan – “Medic!” Bullets cracked through the dry grass. “Medic!”
“Who’s hit?” someone yelled. The American soldiers were pinned down in a ditch Sunday, bodies prone in the mud.
“I don’t know!” another voice shouted in the din of gunfire.
A U.S. soldier was down, shot in the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Short and furious, gunfight with Taliban shows challenges of fighting the Afghan insurgency.

Chrysler dealers optimistic, yet worried, after meeting with new management team at convention

Chrysler dealers upbeat, worried after meeting

ORLANDO, Fla. – As he walked out of an auditorium Sunday afternoon, Grant Irwin Sr. pretty much summed up the feelings of Chrysler dealers who had just spent two hours listening the automaker’s new management.
The 73-year-old dealer from Northwest Oklahoma said he’s impressed by the executives installed by Fiat and … Read : Chrysler dealers optimistic, yet worried, after meeting with new management team at convention.

Diplomats says Briton detained in Gaza; Hamas says journalist suspected of breaking the law

British man detained in Gaza
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Hamas security forces arrested a British man in Gaza on Sunday, British and Hamas officials said.

Hamas police spokesman Ehab Ghussein identified the man as a journalist and said he was suspected of breaking the law, but did not elaborate. The man’s name was not released.
The British … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Diplomats says Briton detained in Gaza; Hamas says journalist suspected of breaking the law.

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