EIH sees traction in revenues, apprehends pressure on margins

KOLKATA – East India Hotels, which runs the Oberoi and Trident chains, expects an increase in occupancy levels and average room rates along with a rise in inbound tourists this fiscal, though there could be pressures on margins due to inflation.

“I expect demand to grow as the financial year progresses. Room rate would begin … Read more : EIH sees traction in revenues, apprehends pressure on margins.

World stock markets fall as economy worries linger; Nikkei dragged by strong yen

World stock markets fall as economy worries linger

BANGKOK – World stock markets retreated Tuesday as the strong yen knocked Japanese shares and investors anticipated more bad news from U.S. economic reports this week.
Markets have spent most of August in the red as economic indicators from the U.S., China, Japan and elsewhere suggested global growth will …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : World stock markets fall as economy worries linger; Nikkei dragged by strong yen.

Himachal installs anti-hail guns to protect fruit crop

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh has installed anti-hail guns, the first in the country, to protect its fruit cros from hailstorms, a minister said here Tuesday.

“Three anti-hails have been installed in fruit-growing belts of Shimla district under a pilot project. More guns would be installed in other areas if the project is successful,” Horticulture Minister Narender …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Himachal installs anti-hail guns to protect fruit crop.

Environmental clearance denied to Vedanta project (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh Tuesday formally rejected London-listed Vedanata’s bauxite mining project in Orissa, saying the company has violated environment norms.

“The Saxena Committee report, recommendations from the FAC (Forest Advisory Committee) and legal opinion of the attorney general have been taken into consideration and on the basis of which the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Environmental clearance denied to Vedanta project (Second Lead).

Honolulu’s long-standing trash woes get short-term solution, but bigger problem looms

Honolulu’s long-standing trash woes growing worse

HONOLULU – Gigantic piles of shrink-wrapped garbage have been moldering in the heat of a Hawaii industrial park for more than five months, waiting for a place to be shipped.
That wait appeared to end Monday when city officials inked a deal to dispose of the 40 million-pound pile of odious …. Source  : Honolulu’s long-standing trash woes get short-term solution, but bigger problem looms.

Unsafe electronic voting machines: Shooting the messenger (Comment)

Over the weekend, the Indian establishment demonstrated how bizarre the mix of political insecurity, intolerance to criticism, and sheer stupidity could be. Mumbai police arrested Hari K. Prasad, chief of Indian research and development firm Netindia.

The reason: Prasad is member of a team of security researchers, including American computer scientist J. Alex Halderman, who …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Unsafe electronic voting machines: Shooting the messenger (Comment).

Oil falls to near $72 in Asia in line with weaker equities amid economic fears

Oil falls to near $72 in Asia on economic fears

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Oil prices sank to near $72 a barrel Tuesday in Asia as regional markets fell amid fresh concerns about the pace of the global economic recovery.
Benchmark crude for October delivery was down 84 cents at $72.26 a barrel at midday Kuala Lumpur …. Read the original article  : Oil falls to near $72 in Asia in line with weaker equities amid economic fears.

Sensex in the red, Asian cues mixed

MUMBAI – A benchmark index for Indian equities Tuesday slipped further into the red during noon trade and was ruling 73 points lower than its previous close.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened at 18,407.01 points, was at 18,335.48 points, 73.87 points or 0.4 percent down from its … Read : Sensex in the red, Asian cues mixed.

In it for the long haul: China’s traffic jam stretching as long as 100 km could last for weeks

China’s massive traffic jam could last for weeks

BEIJING – A massive traffic jam in north China that stretches for dozens of miles and hit its 10-day mark on Tuesday stems from road construction in Beijing that won’t be finished until the middle of next month, an official said.
Bumper-to-bumper gridlock spanning for 60 miles (100 kilometers) … Original article on : In it for the long haul: China’s traffic jam stretching as long as 100 km could last for weeks.

Green car made of cannabis on its way

VANCOUVER – More than a dozen Canadian companies have joined hands to produce a ‘green’ car made of hemp.

To be run on electricity, the prototype design of the car – to be called Kestrel – will be unveiled at the Electric Mobility Show here next month.
A consortium of 15 Canadian companies will design the …. Original source  : Green car made of cannabis on its way.

Vedanta environmental clearance scrapped

NEW DELHI – The environmental clearance for the Vedanta projects in Orissa has been scrapped, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said Tuesday.
… Read more : Vedanta environmental clearance scrapped.

Ecuador’s oil exports up almost 74 percent

Quito, Aug 24 (IANS/EFE) Ecuador’s oil exports rose almost 74 percent in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period last year, although that increase was due entirely to higher prices, the Central Bank said.

Between January and June, the value of the country’s oil exports totalled almost $4.67 billion, up from $2.68 billion …. Source article  : Ecuador’s oil exports up almost 74 percent.

Honolulu agrees to dispose of tons of trash that was to be shipped to Washington state

Honolulu agrees to accept tons of trash
HONOLULU – Honolulu on Monday agreed to dispose of 20,000 tons worth of gigantic piles of shrink-wrapped garbage that have been moldering in the heat of a Hawaii industrial park where it had been waiting for more than five months for a possible shipment to Washington state.

Acting Mayor Kirk …. Source article  : Honolulu agrees to dispose of tons of trash that was to be shipped to Washington state.

Oil falls below $73 in Asia in line with weaker equities amid economic fears

Oil falls below $73 in Asia on economic fears

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Oil prices fell below $73 a barrel in Asia on Tuesday as regional markets remained muted amid fresh concerns about the pace of the global economic recovery.
Benchmark crude for October delivery was down 18 cents at $72.92 a barrel at midday Kuala Lumpur … Read more : Oil falls below $73 in Asia in line with weaker equities amid economic fears.

PepsiCo’s reformulates Quaker instant oatmeal, rolls out new products to revive brand

PepsiCo hopes to revive Quaker with new products

NEW YORK – PepsiCo Inc. is hoping to revive its Quaker division with new types of cereal, a reformulation of its instant oatmeal and a new marketing campaign.
The brand’s trademark hot and cold cereals have been hurting in the down economy as people shift away from name brands … Read more : PepsiCo’s reformulates Quaker instant oatmeal, rolls out new products to revive brand.

Money Market Operations as on August 23, 2010

… Original source on Gaea Times at : Money Market Operations as on August 23, 2010.

Asian stock markets fall after lackluster Wall Street finish; Nikkei dragged by strong yen

Asian stock markets fall as economy worries linger

BANGKOK – Asian stocks markets retreated Tuesday led by Japan as the yen climbed and investors anticipated more bad news from U.S. economic reports this week.
The region’s markets have spent most of August in the red as economic indicators from the U.S., China, Japan and elsewhere suggested global …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Asian stock markets fall after lackluster Wall Street finish; Nikkei dragged by strong yen.

Disgruntled secured creditors trying to block Arizona grocer’s emergence from Chapter 11

Bashas’ reorganization plan appealed by creditors

PHOENIX – Disgruntled secured creditors of Bashas’ Inc. are trying to block the Arizona grocer’s emergence from bankruptcy under the current court-approved plan.
The company’s bondholders and former bankers have asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to delay implementation of Bashas’ Chapter 11 reorganization plan while they appeal its Aug. 13 confirmation …. Source article  : Disgruntled secured creditors trying to block Arizona grocer’s emergence from Chapter 11.

Major delays forecast after fire near station on NY’s LIRR, largest US commuter train system

Delays forecast on NY’s huge Long Island Rail Road

NEW YORK – Passengers traveling in New York City and its suburbs on the nation’s largest commuter train system can expect major headaches.
The Long Island Rail Road says there will be significant schedule changes and delays during Tuesday’s rush hours after an electrical fire in a switching … Read more : Major delays forecast after fire near station on NY’s LIRR, largest US commuter train system.

California to delay payments to schools, counties a month sooner than expected

California to delay payments sooner than expected

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the state controller and treasurer decided Monday to delay $2.9 billion a month in payments to school districts and counties sooner than expected so the state can meet debt and pension obligations.
The leaders issued a joint letter notifying state lawmakers of their decision … Original article on : California to delay payments to schools, counties a month sooner than expected.