World stocks mostly higher as investors look past US jobs report to prospects for some growth

World markets mostly higher, yen hits Japan stocks

BANGKOK – World stock markets mostly rose Monday, shrugging off weak U.S. jobs figures as a sign of a slow economic recovery rather than a lurch back into recession.
The Labour Department report showing that private employers in the world’s biggest economy hired only 71,000 workers in July was … Original article on : World stocks mostly higher as investors look past US jobs report to prospects for some growth.

Old age security scheme for informal sector workers

NEW DELHI – The government Monday decided to launch an ambitious old age social security scheme involving an annual pension assistance of Rs.1,000 each to four million workers in the unorganised sector for next four years, beginning this fiscal.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Rechristened …. Original source  : Old age security scheme for informal sector workers.

Despite floods, Haryana looking at achieving paddy targets

CHANDIGARH – Despite the flash floods which submerged thousands of acres of agricultural land in a few districts last month, Haryana is looking at achieving its targets for paddy production this year.

“The state is well on the road to achieving, if not exceeding, both the coverage and production tragets which have been pegged at 11.5 … Read : Despite floods, Haryana looking at achieving paddy targets.

Monitors to oversee minority welfare programmes

NEW DELHI – The government has appointed 150 monitors to oversee the implementation of various minority welfare programmes which have a budget of Rs.3,780 crore.

“Retired deputy secretary level officers have been appointed. They will go to the districts time to time and monitor the progress of the programmes,” Minority Affairs Minister Salman …. Original article  : Monitors to oversee minority welfare programmes.

From coast to coast, megawealthy candidates spend big to start political careers at the top

Wealthy political newcomers are spending big

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In the midst of one of the worst recessions in decades, a host of former corporate leaders are spending millions in their quest for elective office, using their personal wealth to push past the political machinery and their own lack of experience.
In California, billionaire former eBay chief … Original source on Gaea Times at : From coast to coast, megawealthy candidates spend big to start political careers at the top.

Saxena is new CEO of Airtel’s Delhi-NCR operations

NEW DELHI – Sanjeev Kumar Saxena is the new chief executive officer of Bharti Airtel’s mobile operations in Delhi and National Capital Region.

“Delhi & NCR is a highly competitive and dynamic market where my goal would be to sustain our leadership position and to lead the launch of 3G services for our customers into … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Saxena is new CEO of Airtel’s Delhi-NCR operations.

Sensex rises 75 points on positive Asian cues

MUMBAI – A benchmark index for Indian equities was trading in the positive terrain Monday taking cues from Asian peers.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), opened in the positive and rose 75 points or 0.45 percent to 18,219 from its previous close in noon trade.
At the National Stock …. Source  : Sensex rises 75 points on positive Asian cues.

Feds get Hawaii sugar plantation’s help to power Navy, shift away from fossil fuels

Hawaii sugar grower working to power Navy
HONOLULU – Navy fighter jets and ship could be powered by biofuels grown in Hawaii under an effort funded by the federal government.

The government is spending at least $10 million over five years on research and development at Maui cane fields for crops capable of fueling Navy fighter jets … Original source on Gaea Times at : Feds get Hawaii sugar plantation’s help to power Navy, shift away from fossil fuels.

India delays building homes for Bangla cyclone victims

DHAKA – Bangladesh has told India that the building of homes for the victims of the November 2007 Cyclone Sidr was “very slow” and that it should be expedited.

Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, on a brief visit here last Saturday, was reminded of his voluntary pledge. Mukherjee, who was then the external affairs minister, had …. Source article  : India delays building homes for Bangla cyclone victims.

India is wasting its time chasing BlackBerry (Comment)

You’re a Delhi-based wannabe terrorist needing to communicate with your handlers. What do you do? Invisible-ink notes are passe, as are carrier pigeons. You will, of course, use electronic options.

Like e-mail. Walk into a cyber cafe, log into a G-mail or Yahoo account. Don’t use an account in your own name. And don’t send …. Read the original article  : India is wasting its time chasing BlackBerry (Comment).

$1 bn loan from India suicidal, says Khaleda Zia

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s opposition leader Khaleda Zia has termed as “suicidal” the $1 billion deal the government signed with India’s Exim Bank last Saturday.

The Sheikh Hasina government has rejected the charge.
“There was no need to borrow the amount from India now. People will have to shoulder the burden,” Zia was quoted as saying by … Read : $1 bn loan from India suicidal, says Khaleda Zia.

Four South Asian nations to allow mutual transit

DHAKA – An exchange of letters by this year-end among four South Asian nations – India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan – will formalise arrangements that will allow transit into each others’ territories.

As part of this broad arrangement, aimed at regional economic integration, India will get access to its northeastern region through Bangladeshi territory, Bangladesh Foreign … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Four South Asian nations to allow mutual transit.

Infosys is like a ‘chop shop, increase H1-B visa fees: US senator

WASHINGTON – Branding leading Indian IT companies like Infosys as “chop shops” that break stolen cars to sell parts, a US senator supported raising H1-B visa fees for them to raise $600 million to secure the porous US-Mexican border.

“The best part of this border package is it is fully paid for and will not increase …. Read the original article  : Infosys is like a ‘chop shop, increase H1-B visa fees: US senator.

Animals do yoga for calendar shoot

LONDON – Puppies and kittens have performed yoga for a calendar shoot in the US.

The kittens and puppies are the stars of the 2011 Yoga Puppies and Yoga Kittens calendars, Daily Express reported Monday.
It was created by photographer Dan Borris, 53.
He relied on his wife Alejandra’s skills as a yoga teacher. She [..] Read the original article: here.

Fido’s food may be making kids sick; CDC calls kibble an under-recognized salmonella source

Fido’s food could be making kids sick, report says

CHICAGO – Fido’s food may be making kids sick, a government report warns, detailing the first known salmonella outbreak in humans, mostly young children, linked to pet food.
The outbreak sickened 79 people in 21 mostly eastern states, between 2006 and 2008. Almost half of the victims were … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fido’s food may be making kids sick; CDC calls kibble an under-recognized salmonella source.

Oil sneaks above $81 a barrel in Asia, clawing back ground after jobs figures sparked fall

Oil sneaks above $81 as stock markets steady

BANGKOK – Oil prices rose above $81 a barrel Monday in Asia, clawing back part of a big fall triggered by weak U.S. jobs figures as regional stock markets steadied.
Benchmark crude for September delivery was up 65 cents at $81.35 a barrel at late afternoon Bangkok time in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oil sneaks above $81 a barrel in Asia, clawing back ground after jobs figures sparked fall.

Money Market Operations as on August 06, 2010

… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Money Market Operations as on August 06, 2010.

Asian stocks mixed after poor US jobs report signals weakening recovery in world’s top economy

Asian stocks mixed following poor US jobs report

TOKYO – Asian stock markets were mixed Monday after a poor U.S. jobs report added to evidence the economic recovery is weakening.
Investors in Asia fretted that anemic growth in the U.S., the world’s biggest economy, will hurt demand for the region’s cars, consumer electronics, textiles and other exports.
The …. Original source  : Asian stocks mixed after poor US jobs report signals weakening recovery in world’s top economy.

Woman in Hewlett-Packard scandal reveals identity, says she’s “saddened” by CEO’s ouster

Woman in HP scandal “saddened” by CEO’s ouster

SAN FRANCISCO – The woman at the center of the sexual harassment claim that forced the resignation of Hewlett-Packard Co. CEO Mark Hurd revealed her identity Sunday and said she is “surprised and saddened” that Hurd lost his job.
Jodie Fisher, 50, an actress and businesswoman, knew Hurd through …. Read the original article  : Woman in Hewlett-Packard scandal reveals identity, says she’s “saddened” by CEO’s ouster.

No more bottled water for Israel ministers

JERUSALEM – Bottled mineral water will no longer be served at ministerial meetings in Israel, as a government forum said cabinet ministers will now have to quench their thirst with plain tap water.

The Forum of Water Corporation said opting for tap water can save a lot of money.
“Beyond being a waste of public money, … Original article on : No more bottled water for Israel ministers.