British institute beckons Indian engineers to excel

BANGALORE – The London-based Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which certifies professional excellence worldwide, will offer its expertise to Indian engineers for global recognition.

“We are entering into an agreement with the Institution of Engineers (India) to exchange information and ideas for the advancement of science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM) in the Indian … Read more : British institute beckons Indian engineers to excel.

Iraq invites international energy companies to bid for 3 natural gas fields, sets date

Iraq puts 3 natural gas fields up for bid
BAGHDAD – Iraq’s oil minister on Thursday invited international energy companies to bid for contracts to develop three untapped natural gas fields.

Hussain al-Shahristani expressed confidence in international interest in the fields, saying that 45 companies with experience in gas projects will submit their offers in the country’s … Read more »»».

JSL signs deal for 1,320 MW power plant in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – The country’s largest stainless steel maker, JSL, Thursday signed an agreement with the Orissa government to set up a super critical 1,320 MW thermal power plant in the state at an investment of Rs.7,375 crore.

The deal was signed at the state secretariat by Rajdeep Mohanty, chief resident manager of JSL (Orissa project), and … Read more : JSL signs deal for 1,320 MW power plant in Orissa.

PSU general insurance employees upbeat about wage hike

CHENNAI – Employees unions of four government-owned non-life insurance agencies are upbeat about getting a good wage settlement in the wake of a 14 percent premium growth the insurers have logged during fiscal 2009-10.

The next round of wage talks is scheduled to be held May 8 in Mumbai in which the chairman and managing directors …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : PSU general insurance employees upbeat about wage hike.

Gulf of Mexico oil spill interrupting freight movement in Europe, Baltic region

KINGSTON – The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and epic flooding in Tennessee has created a “perfect storm” for businesses that rely on an efficient supply chain, according to a University of Rhode Island professor.

In addition, the volcano in Iceland is causing …. Original source  : Gulf of Mexico oil spill interrupting freight movement in Europe, Baltic region.

India needs bill on dam safety – and fast: parliamentary panel

NEW DELHI – With India having over 4,700 dams – the third largest number in the world – of which about 100 are more than a century old, a parliamentary panel has suggested the expeditious legislation concerning dam safety.

The Standing Committee on Water Resources, in its report submitted to parliament, said the government …. Source  : India needs bill on dam safety – and fast: parliamentary panel.

India to launch cartography satellite in June

CHENNAI – The Indian space agency is expected to launch June 5 its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C15), carrying a cartography satellite and a couple of other payloads, according to the US-based space consultancy firm Futron Corp.

But a source in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS that the launch is most likely to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India to launch cartography satellite in June.

World stock markets tumble as fears persist European debt woes will spread, undermine recovery

World stock markets tumble on Europe debt woes

SINGAPORE – World stocks plunged Thursday as fears Greece’s debt crisis will spread to other European countries and undermine the global recovery continued to rattle markets.
Investors are questioning whether a $142 billion aid package for Greece will be adequate to keep debt problems from engulfing other European nations …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : World stock markets tumble as fears persist European debt woes will spread, undermine recovery.

RBI announces rate of interest on FRBs 2016

The rate of interest on the Floating Rate Bonds, 2016 (FRB, 2016) applicable for the year (May 7, 2010 to May 6, 2011) shall be 5.05 per cent per annum.
It may be recalled that the rate of interest on the FRB, 2016 was set at a mark-up (as decided in … Read more : RBI announces rate of interest on FRBs 2016.

India’s food inflation dips to 13.93 percent

NEW DELHI – India’s annual food inflation declined to 13.93 percent for the week ended April 24 from 16.61 percent a week ago due to a fall in prices of wheat and vegetables, official data showed Thursday.

Data on the wholesale price index (WPI) released by the commerce and industry ministry showed the index for food …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : India’s food inflation dips to 13.93 percent.

Retirement of US Rep. David Obey gives former ‘Real World’ star edge in race for Wis. seat

Obey retirement gives GOP hopeful opening in Wis.
MADISON, Wis. – Democratic U.S. Rep. David Obey’s unexpected retirement has thrust a conservative former cast member of MTV’s “The Real World” into position to capture a Wisconsin seat held by a leading liberal for four decades.
It also left several Democrats pondering the legacy of Obey, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Retirement of US Rep. David Obey gives former ‘Real World’ star edge in race for Wis. seat.

Gordon Brown: A skilled politician plagued by bad timing struggles to avoid defeat

Gordon Brown: From leader-in-waiting to has-been?

LONDON – Gordon Brown’s career is a reminder of the adage about being careful what you wish for.
He served for a decade as Britain’s Treasury chief, but longed to be prime minister. When he finally got the job, he faced economic crisis, a divided party, public disgust with politicians – [..] Read the original article: here.

Senate’s Wall Street agenda turns to consumer rules, audit of the Federal Reserve

Consumer rules, Fed audit next on Senate agenda
WASHINGTON – A partisan fight over consumer protections and a dispute over how intrusive Congress can be in overseeing the Federal Reserve loom as obstacles to the Senate’s efforts to rein in Wall Street.
Republicans offered a weaker alternative to consumer protection measures that are central … Original source on Gaea Times at : Senate’s Wall Street agenda turns to consumer rules, audit of the Federal Reserve.

Automakers to support bill in Congress to require black boxes, brake override systems

Industry supports black box, brake override system

WASHINGTON – A trade group representing Detroit automakers and Toyota Motor Corp. plans to pledge support for requiring brake override systems and vehicle “black boxes” on all new vehicles as Congress develops new safety improvements following Toyota’s large recalls.
Toyota’s recall of more than 8 million vehicles around the globe … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Automakers to support bill in Congress to require black boxes, brake override systems.

European Central Bank meets amid bleak backdrop as Greek debt spirals

Athens deaths a bleak backdrop as ECB meets

LONDON – Fears that the Greek debt crisis is spiraling out of control could push the European Central Bank to take an even bigger role in stabilizing the situation – and rescuing the euro from the worst crisis since it was created 11 years ago.
The death of three …. Source article  : European Central Bank meets amid bleak backdrop as Greek debt spirals.

Fans invited to Comerica Park to pay final respects to beloved Tigers broadcaster Harwell

Fans fondly remember Detroit broadcaster Harwell

DETROIT – Ernie Harwell’s mellow Georgia drawl carried Detroit Tigers baseball over the airwaves for decades, conjuring for generations of fans a trip to the ballpark.
That voice now silenced, fans began coming to Comerica Park to pay their final respects to the man whose love of the game enriched the … Read more >>>.

Bank Of Rajasthan Eyed By ICICI Bank?

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- ICICI Bank, which is the biggest private sector bank in India in terms of market capitalization, is reportedly trying to acquire small private bank, Bank of Rajasthan. The Tayals who are the present owners of the small private sector bank are also in talks with other buyers, as the industry …. Original article  : Bank Of Rajasthan Eyed By ICICI Bank?.

Greek bank workers strike over deaths during protests; deputies to vote on new austerity plan

Greek bank workers strike over deaths
ATHENS, Greece – Greek bank workers walked off the job in a 24-hour strike Thursday to protest the deaths of three colleagues trapped in a bank torched by protesters during massive demonstrations against the government’s new harsh austerity measures.

Wednesday’s deaths – the first such fatalities in protests in nearly 20 … Read more »».

Another weak opening for Sensex

MUMBAI – A benchmark index for Indian equities Wednesday was ruling 0.78 percent lower than its previous close, a couple of hours into trade, after having made another weak start.

Global bourses have been in a tizzy with signs emerging that more European economies could be engulfed by the debt crisis triggered in Greece …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

With protests over wages, anger over meat prices, Egyptians’ economic woes turn political

From meat to wages, economic woes fuel Egypt anger

CAIRO – For the past six weeks, Khulud Mustafa has walked past the butcher near her apartment in Cairo’s run-down Ain Shams district, casting wistful looks at the meat hanging outside his shop as the price has steadily risen.
From the equivalent of $8 per kilogram (2.2 pounds), …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : With protests over wages, anger over meat prices, Egyptians’ economic woes turn political.