Jerusalem municipality approves contentious new building plan in east Jerusalem

Jerusalem approves contentious new building plan
JERUSALEM – The Jerusalem municipality has approved 20 new apartments for Jews in east Jerusalem, the city said Wednesday, in a move that could stir a new diplomatic crisis with the United States just as Israel’s leader is in Washington on a fence-mending visit.
The U.S. views Israeli building … Original article on : Jerusalem municipality approves contentious new building plan in east Jerusalem.

Cleaner petrol, diesel to cost more from April 1

NEW DELHI – Cleaner — but costlier — Euro-IV standard petrol and diesel will be available from April 1 in 13 cities across the country, Petroleum Secretary S. Sundareshan said here Wednesday.

At a function to mark the launch of the cleaner fuel, he said: “From April 1, Euro-IV standard fuel will be available in 13 …. Original article  : Cleaner petrol, diesel to cost more from April 1.

Punj Lloyd gets ‘Infrastructure Company of the year’ award

NEW DELHI – Punj Lloyd, the global engineering, procurement, construction conglomerate has been conferred the coveted ‘Infrastructure Company of the year’ award at the Essar Steel Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2010 in association with CNBC TV 18.

The awards aim to capture the spectacular performance of the company and individuals alike.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Atul Punj …. Source article  : Punj Lloyd gets ‘Infrastructure Company of the year’ award.

Former Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, pardoned over tax evasion, returns to top post

Former Samsung chairman Lee returns to top post
SEOUL, South Korea – Lee Kun-hee, the former chairman of Samsung Electronics who was convicted of tax evasion and later pardoned by South Korea’s president, has returned to lead the company after a nearly two-year absence.
The 68-year-old Lee, a South Korean corporate icon, was indicted in … Read : Former Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, pardoned over tax evasion, returns to top post.

easyJet names publishing executive Carolyn McCall as its next CEO

easyJet picks publishing exec as new CEO
LONDON – Budget airline easyJet says it has chosen publishing executive Carolyn McCall as its new CEO.

McCall, 48, has been group chief executive of Guardian Media Group, publisher of The Guardian and The Observer newspapers, since 2006.
EasyJet said Wednesday that she replaces Andy Harrison, who will be taking up … Original article on : easyJet names publishing executive Carolyn McCall as its next CEO.

Mayor Dave Bing discusses Detroit’s financial future in 1st State of City as budget woes loom

Mayor Dave Bing discusses Detroit’s economic woes

DETROIT – Having navigated his first State of the City address as Detroit’s mayor, Dave Bing now faces what is likely to be a more difficult task: tackling the budget and a more than $300 million deficit.
Bing is expected to present his budget to the City Council next month. …. Original source  : Mayor Dave Bing discusses Detroit’s financial future in 1st State of City as budget woes loom.

Senate writing final chapter to Obama health care bill, if all goes as Democratic leaders hope

Senate on health bill’s final chapter, maybe
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has signed into law the most sweeping overhaul of U.S. health care since Medicare, but one last chapter in the epic struggle is still playing out in the Senate.
Senators are debating a package of fixes to the new health law, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Senate writing final chapter to Obama health care bill, if all goes as Democratic leaders hope.

10 letters a day: Obama’s daily dose of humanity, keeping him grounded in health care debate

10 letters a day: humanizing talismans for Obama
WASHINGTON – He kept coming back to the letters.
Perhaps nothing crystallized President Barack Obama’s determination to press forward on health-care legislation more than the 10 letters he reads each day from ordinary Americans.
The letters became talismans for him: He carried them around. He recited their stories. … Read : 10 letters a day: Obama’s daily dose of humanity, keeping him grounded in health care debate.

Asia stocks climb as economic reports, US gains boost sentiment; Nintendo surges

Asia stocks up after upbeat economic data, US rise

HONG KONG – Asian stocks were up modestly Wednesday as encouraging economic reports and gains in U.S. markets buoyed investor confidence.
The euro, meanwhile, continued its slide against the dollar amid uncertainty over a resolution to Greece’s debt crisis. Oil prices hovered above $81 a barrel.
Economic news from …. Source article  : Asia stocks climb as economic reports, US gains boost sentiment; Nintendo surges.

Ex-Samsung boss back in office after scandal

SEOUL – Scandal-plagued former Samsung Group head Lee Kun Hee returned to the company as chairman of Samsung Electronics Co nearly two years after he quit due to a conviction for tax evasion, company officials said Wednesday.

“Former chairman Lee has decided to return to the management of Samsung Electronics as chairman,” Rhee In Yong, chief … Read more »».

Quality spells success in India too: Amway

WASHINGTON – Quality of products, an opportunity to start a small business at a relatively low investment and low risk are key factors behind Amway India’s success story, says the man responsible for the market.

“When we entered India, many consultants advised us to lower product quality to reduce the prices. But we took a conscious … Read more : Quality spells success in India too: Amway.

After IT, it’s decade of infrastructure in India: Kamal Nath

TORONTO – India’s Minister for Roads and Transport Kamal Nath said here that the next decade will be the “decade of infrastructure” in India and invited Canadian investors to participate in it.

Speaking at a dinner gala by the Canada-India Business Council here Tuesday night, Kamal Nath said infrastructure was the buzzword globally and India offers … Read more : After IT, it’s decade of infrastructure in India: Kamal Nath.

Oil falls to near $81 in Asia after report shows US crude supplies jumped last week

Oil falls to near $81 on US crude supplies jump

SINGAPORE – Oil prices fell to near $81 a barrel Wednesday in Asia after a report showed a larger-than-expected jump in U.S. crude inventories last week.
Benchmark crude for May delivery was down 70 cents to $81.21 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oil falls to near $81 in Asia after report shows US crude supplies jumped last week.

National Urban League: ‘Much more’ gov’t efforts needed to reduce race gaps in jobs, health

Urban League: Health, jobs legislation fall short
WASHINGTON – Landmark health legislation won’t be enough to reduce racial gaps in unemployment and health care, the National Urban League says in urging President Barack Obama to promote a “jobs surge” that targets hard-hit communities.
In its annual “State of Black America” report being released Wednesday, the …. Source  : National Urban League: ‘Much more’ gov’t efforts needed to reduce race gaps in jobs, health.

Obama administration scrambles to fix gap in health care law’s protection for children

Gap in health care law’s protection for children
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration is scrambling to fix a potential problem with a much-touted benefit of its new health care law, a gap in coverage improvements for children in poor health, officials said Tuesday.
Under the new law, insurance companies still would be able to refuse … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama administration scrambles to fix gap in health care law’s protection for children.

Recalled products linked to potential salmonella risk: Little Caesars Spice Paks

Recalled products due to potential salmonella risk

The following products are being recalled because they could be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children and others with weakened immune systems:
Blue Line Foodservice Distribution is recalling Little Caesars Spice Paks. The recalled products are small white packets that …. Original article  : Recalled products linked to potential salmonella risk: Little Caesars Spice Paks.

Former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine to become chairman, CEO of brokerage MF Global

Former NJ Gov. Jon Corzine takes helm of MF Global

NEW YORK – Former New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine will take the helm of futures and options brokerage MF Global Holdings Ltd., returning to the private sector after nearly a decade in government.
Effective immediately, the 63-year-old takes over from Bernard W. Dan, who has resigned …. Source  : Former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine to become chairman, CEO of brokerage MF Global.

Japan’s exports rise sharply in February

TOKYO – Growing demand from Asia and the US helped Japan’s exports surge 45.3 percent in February from a year earlier to 5.13 trillion yen ($56.7 billion), the third consecutive month of increase, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday.

Imports rose 29.5 percent to 4.48 trillion yen for the second straight month, the ministry said in a … Read more : Japan’s exports rise sharply in February.

Robust global demand drives Japan exports up 45 percent in February

Japan’s exports up 45 percent in February
TOKYO – Japan’s exports climbed sharply in February, as a solidifying global recovery fueled the world’s appetite for cars, machinery and gadgets.

Exports jumped 45.3 percent from a year earlier to 5.13 trillion yen ($56.7 billion), marking the third straight month of year-on-year increase, the finance ministry said Wednesday.
Car shipments … Read : Robust global demand drives Japan exports up 45 percent in February.

A study shows housing more affordable, but many workers still priced out of housing market

Study: Many workers facing high housing costs

LOS ANGELES – Housing has become more affordable for police officers, teachers and other workers, but homeownership remains out of their reach in many major markets, according to a new study.
The report released Tuesday by the Center for Housing Policy concluded incomes for many workers have not kept pace … Original article on : A study shows housing more affordable, but many workers still priced out of housing market.