NGOs to be involved in India’s 2011 census
AGARTALA – For the first time in India, non-government organisations (NGOs) will be involved in carrying out the country’s gigantic 2011 census operation, officials said here Saturday.

“Besides senior officials, renowned personalities from among the NGOs have been selected as national trainers in each state to provide training to other officials to conduct the enumeration of … Read more >>>.

Cities vying to host next America’s Cup, which could add billions to local economy

Cities vying to host next America’s Cup
SAN FRANCISCO – The courtship of billionaire Larry Ellison began almost as soon as his space-age trimaran sailed to victory in the 33rd America’s Cup.

He now has at least two mayors of major California cities, Rhode Island’s governor and countless sailing enthusiasts pleading their cases for why their locales …. Source article  : Cities vying to host next America’s Cup, which could add billions to local economy.

Tata Corus warned as it mothballs British plant
LONDON – Angry unions threatening strike action warned Tata-owned Corus it will face “maximum damage” as the steel giant began mothballing a plant in northeast England after investors walked away.

Corus, the European arm of Tata Steel, began decommissioning its Teesside Cast Products (TCP) plant in Redcar – a step that would throw up to 1,600 …. Source  : Tata Corus warned as it mothballs British plant.

Judge sets stage for trials over 9/11 illnesses, picks 12 responders to represent thousands

Judge sets stage for trials over 9/11 illnesses

NEW YORK – A federal judge has picked 12 ground zero responders whose cases will be the first to go to trial over illnesses caused by ash and dust from the World Trade Center following the terrorist attack.
More than 9,000 people who played a role in the massive … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Judge sets stage for trials over 9/11 illnesses, picks 12 responders to represent thousands.

Tiger Woods apologizes for ‘irresponsible’ behavior, is unsure when he’ll play golf again

Apologetic Tiger Woods unsure of return to golf

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Somber, composed – and vulnerable – Tiger Woods faced the world and said the words out loud.
“I cheated.”
“I am deeply sorry.”
“I understand people have questions.”
What Woods did not do Friday was answer a couple of the biggest: What really happened? When will he …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tiger Woods apologizes for ‘irresponsible’ behavior, is unsure when he’ll play golf again.

Philippines triples rice yield
WASHINGTON – Over the past 50 years, the Philippines has more than tripled its rice yield while the world average rice yield has increased only about 2.3 times.

Despite being criticised as a poor rice producer because of its status as the world’s biggest rice importer, the Philippines has done remarkably well in raising its … Original article on : Philippines triples rice yield.

Tata hints at investment in Canadian mining sector
TORONTO – Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has said his conglomerate will expand its presence in Canada, hinting at mining as one of the areas of interest.

Currently, the group’s Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has operations across Canada, with offices in Montreal, Calgary and Mississauga in the Greater Toronto Area and presence in other cities. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tata hints at investment in Canadian mining sector.

Sensex static as traders wait for budget (Weekly Market Review)
MUMBAI – Indian stock markets were caught up in volatile trading this week with a key index see-sawing between red and green terrains but managing to end Friday with meagre gains.

Global cues were depressing too. Bourses across the world traded on an uncertain note after the US Federal Reserve’s decision to increase lending rates …. Source  : Sensex static as traders wait for budget (Weekly Market Review).

‘India heading for record wheat production’
AHMEDABAD – India may have record wheat production in the current Rabi season if rain or hail does not damage the crop that will soon be ready for harvest, says S. Nagarajan of the central agriculture ministry.

Nagarajan, chairperson of the protection of plant varieties and farmers’ right authority, was delivering the keynote address at an … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘India heading for record wheat production’.

Cooking gas shortage leaves Egyptians waiting in long lines, fuming at government

Gas shortage raises Egyptians’ anger at government

CAIRO – It’s something Egyptians rely on daily: the “ambooba,” the steel canister of government-subsidized cooking and heating gas, hooked to the stove or water heater in the cramped homes of nearly everyone in this country’s large population of poor.
So in recent weeks, when the amboobas stopped coming, the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Cooking gas shortage leaves Egyptians waiting in long lines, fuming at government.

IPO of Coal India expected by August
KOLKATA – Coal India Ltd (CIL) is expected to come out with its Initial Public Offer (IPO) of shares by August, a company official said.

“We discussed the tentative timeline with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) Friday,” Coal India Chairman Partha S. Bhattacharyya said Friday after meeting SEBI officials in Mumbai.
He said the …. Original source  : IPO of Coal India expected by August.

Obama cites India again to ask Americans to buck up
WASHINGTON – For the third time in a month, President Barack Obama has cited the success of India and China to exhort Americans to be prepared to meet increasing competition from other countries.

“I said this during the State of the Union. I repeated it today in Henderson in my town hall. Other countries are not … Read more : Obama cites India again to ask Americans to buck up.

India agrees to set up 1,320 MW power plant in Bangladesh
DHAKA – In a joint venture with India, a power plant will be set up in Bangladesh in three years to produce 1,320 MW.

Two coal-fired units with production capacity of 660 MW each will be built in Khulna district, 180 km southwest of Dhaka.
A bilateral document prior to signing of a Memorandum of … Read more : India agrees to set up 1,320 MW power plant in Bangladesh.

Japan looking to Toyota’s president to clear tarnished image, prevent frictions over recalls

Japan hopes Toyoda can clear image, cool friction

TOKYO – Japan is looking to Toyota president Akio Toyoda’s appearance before U.S. lawmakers next week to help burnish an image marred by a flood of recalls – and to prevent grievances over the issue from fanning broader political tensions.
With his company facing the worst crisis in its …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Japan looking to Toyota’s president to clear tarnished image, prevent frictions over recalls.

Frank McCourt’s wife seeks nearly $1 million per month from Dodgers owner

Frank McCourt’ wife seeks nearly $1M per month

LOS ANGELES – The estranged wife of Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt wants nearly $1 million per month in temporary support, arguing that he is trying to mislead the court about his financial resources.
The amount was revealed in a 1,423-page court filing unsealed Thursday in which Jamie … Read more »»».

Product Recalls: Granola bars

Recalls: Granola bars
The following recalls have been announced:

- Trader Joe’s Company of Monrovia, Calif., is voluntarily expanding the recall of the Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Chewy Coated Granola Bars (SKU 82818) to include all code dates, manufactured by Bloomfield Bakery, a subsidiary of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., because it has the potential to be contaminated with … Read more »»».

Regulators shut banks in Calif., Ill., Fla., Texas, putting US bank failures at 20 for year

Banks in Calif., Ill., Fla., Texas are shut down
WASHINGTON – Regulators shut four banks from California to Florida on Friday, boosting to 20 the number of U.S. bank failures this year following the 140 closures last year in the worst financial climate in decades.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. took over La Jolla Bank, … Read more >>>.

Facing budget crisis, LA Mayor Villaraigosa plans to close 2 agencies

Facing budget crisis LA mayor to shutter agencies

LOS ANGELES – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Friday forecast a long season of painful budget cuts that will shutter city departments, force layoffs and potentially slash salaries for police, firefighters and other city workers.
Over the next 16 months, the nation’s second-largest city needs to close spending gaps of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Facing budget crisis, LA Mayor Villaraigosa plans to close 2 agencies.

Parents angry over American Idol contestant Todrick Hall’s failed musical, want fees returned

Parents angry at Idol contestant Todrick Hall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The success of an “American Idol” contestant is causing a stir among parents who are complaining they never got refunds for performance fees in a failed musical production Todrick Hall wrote and directed.
Hall, who on Tuesday made it into the top 24 on “American Idol,” wrote … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Parents angry over American Idol contestant Todrick Hall’s failed musical, want fees returned.

Parents angry over American Idol contestant’s failed musical, want performance fees returned

Parents angry at ‘American Idol’ contestant

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The success of an “American Idol” contestant is causing a stir among parents who are complaining they never got refunds for performance fees in a failed musical production Todrick Hall wrote and directed.
Hall, who on Tuesday made it into the top 24 on “American Idol,” wrote “Oz, …. Source  : Parents angry over American Idol contestant’s failed musical, want performance fees returned.