Roadmap for northeast infrastructure needed: Sarkar

AGARTALA – The central government should chart out a roadmap to bring about a sea-change in the infrastructure of the northeast to make it a self-reliant region, Tripurta Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said Sunday in his Independence Day speech.

“Long neglect, deprivation and backwardness makes the northeast region isolated from the rest of the world,” Sarkar … Read more : Roadmap for northeast infrastructure needed: Sarkar.

Success of companies depend on employee perceptions

WASHINGTON – When a JetBlue flight attendant deplaned last week, many questions arose as to why someone would be willing to give up a steady job during these tough economic times.

While this “working man’s hero” will most likely be questioning his motives as he hands over his lawyer’s fees, a new report suggests that …. Original article  : Success of companies depend on employee perceptions.

Indian shows where there’s a wheel, there’s a way in Nepal

KATHMANDU – When Pritam Singh first came to Nepal from Jammu as an 18-year-old in 1957 – 10 years after India had become independent – Nepal, though never colonised by the British, was virtually cut off from the rest of the world.

Though its rulers opened the Hindu kingdom to outsiders in the 1950s following a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian shows where there’s a wheel, there’s a way in Nepal.

Sri Lanka launches new port built with Chinese financing

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka inaugurated a new harbour constructed with Chinese assistance Sunday, officials said.

The port in Hambantota, 240 km south-east of the capital, is expected to begin receiving ships in November.
The project was built at a cost $360 million, 85 percent of which came as a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China … Original article on : Sri Lanka launches new port built with Chinese financing.

Karunanidhi promises free pump sets for farmers

CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Sunday promised to provide new power efficient water sets for small and marginal farmers.

Speaking on Independence Day after unfurling the national flag for the 14th time in his political career here, Karunanidhi said that one reason for power shortage was the use of energy intensive pump sets … Original source on Gaea Times at : Karunanidhi promises free pump sets for farmers.

Economy is strong, we will tackle inflation, infrastructure: PM (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – With a strong note of optimism on the economy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday assured the nation that inflation will be tamed, promised world-class infrastructure to spur growth and announced a new institution to develop high-yielding seeds.

“Today, India stands among the fastest growing economies of the world. As the world’s largest democracy, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Economy is strong, we will tackle inflation, infrastructure: PM (Roundup).

Nitish unfurls national flag, declares Bihar drought-hit

PATNA – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hoisted the national flag here on Independence Day Sunday and declared that the entire state was drought-hit as the over 30 percent rainfall deficit had severely affected the paddy crop.

Soon after unfurling the tricolour at the Gandhi Maidan here, Nitish Kumar declared 10 more districts as drought-hit and … Read more >>.

Indian economy example for others to emulate: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said India was not only among the fastest-growing growing economies but an example for others as it achieved the feat despite drought and global slowdown.

“Today, India stands among the fastest growing economies of the world. As the world’s largest democracy, we have become an example for many … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian economy example for others to emulate: PM.

‘Infrastructure will be improved like New Delhi airport’

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday termed as “excellent” the new airport terminal here and assured similar efforts to spruce up the country’s infrastructure with private sector’s support.

“There is a large deficit in our physical infrastructure which affects our economic development adversely,” the prime minister said in his Independence Day … Read more »»».

Will address environmental concerns: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Sunday the government will endeavour to take care of environmental concerns in its economic development projects.

“Our government will endeavour to take care of environmental concerns in our projects for economic development,” he said while addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India’s 64th Independence Day.
Noting … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Will address environmental concerns: PM.

Teach children importance of hygiene: PM

NEW DELHI – Noting that it was the primary responsibility of all Indians to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around them, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday urged that children are taught the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in schools.

“Nutritious food and good health services are necessary but not enough for ensuring good health of our citizens. … Read more : Teach children importance of hygiene: PM.

Rookie Mike Leake snaps 3-start losing streak and drives in run as Reds beat Marlins 5-4

Leake snaps losing streak, drives in run for Reds

CINCINNATI – Mike Leake snapped his three-start losing streak and drove in a run, Drew Stubbs homered and the Cincinnati Reds moved back into a tie for the NL Central lead by beating the Florida Marlins 5-4 Saturday night.
The Reds went into the game knowing division-leading St. …. Source  : Rookie Mike Leake snaps 3-start losing streak and drives in run as Reds beat Marlins 5-4.

No option was left but to hike fuel prices: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said no option was left but to hike prices of petroleum products, particularly since the cost of crude oil, of which India is a major importer, had shot up in global markets.

“The subsidy on petroleum products has been increasing every year. It had [..] Read the original article: here.

New institute to usher second green revolution: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday announced a new scientific institution to help develop new seeds and technology for farmers named after Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug to ensure a four percent farm sector growth.

“Our country has not witnessed any big technological breakthrough in agriculture after the Green Revolution. We need technology which … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New institute to usher second green revolution: PM.

I assure, inflation will fall: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said he shared the concerns of people over high prices and assured that every possible step was being taken by the government to tame inflation.

“I know that in the last few months high inflation has caused you difficulties,” the prime minister said in his Independence …. Original article  : I assure, inflation will fall: PM.

Montero hits 2 of Arizona’s 4 HRs, Kennedy pitches Diamondbacks past Nationals 9-2

Montero’s 2 homers, lead Kennedy, Diamondbacks

WASHINGTON – Miguel Montero hit two of Arizona’s four home runs and Ian Kennedy pitched seven strong innings and singled twice as the Diamondbacks beat the Washington Nationals 9-2 Saturday night.
The Diamondbacks have hit lots of home runs this week. On Wednesday, they tied a major league record by connecting … Original source on Gaea Times at : Montero hits 2 of Arizona’s 4 HRs, Kennedy pitches Diamondbacks past Nationals 9-2.

Russia stops foodgrain exports

Moscoow, Aug 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia has stopped the exports of foodgrains till the end of this year to cope up with the loss of agricultural harvest due to scorching heat wave and draught.

The ban on export which came into force Sunday will remain until the end of this year. However, the government may revise …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Russia stops foodgrain exports.

Goldman Sachs CEO, other top execs reap big gains on stock options set to expire in November

Goldman Sachs CEO makes $6.1M on stock options

NEW YORK – Goldman Sachs Group Inc. CEO Lloyd Blankfein has reaped a $6.1 million gain by cashing in more than 90,000 stock options before they expired in November.
Blankfein realized the windfall Wednesday by exercising his right to buy 90,681 Goldman shares at $82.875, according to a Friday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Apple manager indicted on charges he received kickbacks in exchange for company information

Apple manager indicted on kickback charges

CUPERTINO, Calif. – A manager at Apple Inc. has been indicted by a federal grand jury in an alleged kickback scheme involving suppliers of iPhone and iPod accessories.
Authorities say Paul Shin Devine of Sunnyvale was arrested on Friday on charges of wire fraud, money laundering and kickbacks. The indictment had …. Read the original article  : Apple manager indicted on charges he received kickbacks in exchange for company information.

52 workers get Shram Awards

NEW DELHI – Fifty-two people employed in state-run and private sector units were Saturday announced as recipients of the Prime Minister’s Shram Awards for the year 2008.

According to an official statement, the awards have been given to workers in recognition of their distinguished performances, innovative abilities, outstanding contribution in the field of productivity and exhibition … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 52 workers get Shram Awards.