World stock markets as Bernanke promises action, Japan central bank eases policy,

World markets rise as Bernanke promises action

BANGKOK – World markets advanced Monday, boosted by the Federal Reserve chief vowing to take action if the U.S. economy weakens further and Japan easing monetary policy to protect a shaky recovery.
The willingness of major central banks to take more action to prevent a slide back into recession reassured … Read more >>.

Pakistan to import 1 million cotton bales from India

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani spinners have finalised deals with Indian exporters for import of one million bales of cotton since cotton crop has been extensively damaged in the floods that ravaged the country.

Mohammad Akber, the vice-chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), said: “The spinners are scouring cotton growing countries for importing the …. Original article  : Pakistan to import 1 million cotton bales from India.

Congress mocks Chhattisgarh’s claim of record growth

RAIPUR – Congress leader Ajit Jogi Monday mocked the claim of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Chhattisgarh government that the state registered the highest growth rate among all Indian states in the 2009-10 fiscal.

“These are exaggerated claims. The fact is that only a few rich people have become richer during the BJP regime in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Congress mocks Chhattisgarh’s claim of record growth.

Japan eases monetary policy to revive faltering economy, counter strong yen

Japan eases policy to shore up weak economy

TOKYO – Japan’s central bank further eased monetary policy Monday in response to a strong yen and growing political pressure to revive a faltering economy.
The move comes as Prime Minister Naoto Kan prepares a new set of economic stimulus measures, expected later Monday after meeting with Bank of …. Source  : Japan eases monetary policy to revive faltering economy, counter strong yen.

Rare fruit growers with dreams of big discoveries meet in Calif. to swap seeds, share tips

Calif. rare fruit growers meet to swap seeds, tips

POMONA, Calif. – Persimmon grower Jim Bathgate handed out tiny yellow peaches to others at the California Rare Fruit Growers’ annual “Festival of Fruit” and watched with anticipation as they bit into the sweet and juicy flesh.
The fruit grew on a peach tree that sprouted accidentally in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Rare fruit growers with dreams of big discoveries meet in Calif. to swap seeds, share tips.

Decayed mining town gets 2nd life as place for Taiwanese tourists to pet its wandering cats

Cats are decayed Taiwanese mining town’s 2nd life

HOUTONG, Taiwan – A surfeit of cats is giving a second life to a decayed Taiwanese coal-mining town that last prospered in the 1970s.
Visitors’ raves on local blogs have helped draw dozens of cat lovers to fondle, frolic and photograph the 100 or so resident felines in Houtong, …. Read the original article  : Decayed mining town gets 2nd life as place for Taiwanese tourists to pet its wandering cats.

18 people died in Italy while picking mushrooms

LONDON – As many as 18 people died while picking mushrooms in Italy in little more than a week. The deaths took place after victims fell into crevasses and deep gorges.

A rich mushroom harvest in the Alpine valleys of northern Italy had led to people making a beeline for the woods and forests to look … Read : 18 people died in Italy while picking mushrooms.

China woos foreign professionals for state-run firms

BEIJING – China is looking for foreign professionals to fill vacant senior-level posts at its state-run companies, a media report said Monday.

Some 20 top posts are currently vacant. Positions are available for general managers, deputy general managers, chief accountants, president and vice presidents among others, China Daily reported, quoting the state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration …. Original source  : China woos foreign professionals for state-run firms.

In spotlight: Haryana’s land acquisition policy

CHANDIGARH – From Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, everyone is talking about it. Haryana’s land acquisition policy is suddenly in the spotlight over three years after it was notified for the benefit of farmers whose lands were being acquired by the government for development.

It is now being studied as a benchmark … Read : In spotlight: Haryana’s land acquisition policy.

US economy growing, but not fast enough: Obama

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama says with the US economy growing, but not fast enough, he would “keep on pushing” to keep America’s fragile recovery from global downturn on track.

“The economy is still growing, but it’s not growing as fast as it needs to. I’ve got things right now in — before Congress that … Read more »».

Traumatized vets take potent drug to help them sleep, but questions loom about potential risks

Questions loom over drug given to sleepless vets

WASHINGTON – Andrew White returned from a nine-month tour in Iraq beset with signs of post-traumatic stress disorder: insomnia, nightmares, constant restlessness. Doctors tried to ease his symptoms using three psychiatric drugs, including a potent anti-pyschotic called Seroquel.
Thousands of soldiers suffering from PTSD have received the same medication …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Oil hovers above $75 in Asia after Bernanke comments boost regional stock markets

Oil hovers above $75 as Asian stocks rally

SINGAPORE – Oil prices hovered above $75 a barrel Monday in Asia, buoyed by rallying global stock markets and improving investor sentiment.
Benchmark crude for October delivery was up 1 cent at $75.18 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The … Read more : Oil hovers above $75 in Asia after Bernanke comments boost regional stock markets.

Japan central bank eases monetary policy by expanding loan program as recovery falters

Japan central bank eases policy as economy falters

TOKYO – Japan’s central bank further eased monetary policy Monday in response to a strong yen and growing political pressure to take action on a faltering economic recovery.
The 8-1 decision came during an emergency board meeting called by Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa. The board voted unanimously … Read : Japan central bank eases monetary policy by expanding loan program as recovery falters.

Money Market Operations as on August 27, 2010

… Read : Money Market Operations as on August 27, 2010.

Asian stock markets climb as Japan central bank calls unscheduled meeting, eases policy

Asian shares rise as Japan eases monetary policy

BANGKOK – Asian markets advanced Monday, boosted by Japan easing monetary policy to protect a shaky recovery and the Federal Reserve vowing to take action if the U.S. economy weakens further.
The willingness of major central banks to take more action to prevent a slide back into recession reassured …. Source  : Asian stock markets climb as Japan central bank calls unscheduled meeting, eases policy.

Person familiar with situation: Manny Ramirez expected to join White Sox on Monday

AP source: Ramirez expected to join White Sox

CHICAGO – Manny Ramirez helped the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2004 and 2007. He powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to the NL West title two years ago with a stellar run at the plate.
The Chicago White Sox are hoping he has one more playoff … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Person familiar with situation: Manny Ramirez expected to join White Sox on Monday.

Russia opens crude oil pipeline from Siberia to China; expanding energy ties

China-Russia crude oil pipeline begins operations
SHANGHAI – Russia has opened its section of a crude oil pipeline from eastern Siberia to China, a major step in expanding energy cooperation between the neighboring powers.
The 1,000-kilometer (625-mile) pipeline will connect Russian oil fields with Daqing, a major oil production base in northeastern China.
“For China, this … Read more »»».

‘Mad Men,”‘Modern Family’ win top Emmy series awards

‘Mad Men,’ ‘Modern Family’ win top Emmy Awards

LOS ANGELES – The darkly intimate 1960s-era drama “Mad Men” and the comedy romp “Modern Family” were the top honorees at Sunday’s Emmy Awards as American life past and present proved a winning formula.
“To our fans, we are so grateful, we are so thrilled that families are sitting [..] Read the original article: here.

‘Mad Men’ wins third consecutive best drama series Emmy Award

‘Mad Men’ honored as best drama series at Emmys

LOS ANGELES – “Mad Men” is winner of a third consecutive Emmy Award as best drama series.
The drama is set in the advertising world in a changing 1960s America.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
LOS ANGELES (AP) …. Read the original article  : ‘Mad Men’ wins third consecutive best drama series Emmy Award.

Asian stock markets climb as Japan central bank calls unscheduled meeting

Asian shares rise; Central bank hopes power Nikkei

TOKYO – Asian stock markets advanced in early trading Monday, with Japan’s benchmark jumping more than 3 percent after the central bank called an emergency policy board meeting.
The Nikkei 225 stock average surged 3.2 percent to 9,275.44 on hopes that the Bank of Japan would ease monetary policy …. Source article  : Asian stock markets climb as Japan central bank calls unscheduled meeting.