Gains seen for rising powers like India at G20 Summit

NEW DELHI – Restructuring the 66-year-old International Monetary Fund (IMF) with a greater say for countries like India and measures to ensure sustained global economic recovery will top the agenda of the coming G20 Seoul Summit, a top official has said.

“I hope substantive decisions will be taken on IMF reform at the November Seoul Summit. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Banks shut door on India’s all-women cab service

NEW DELHI – When Revathi Siddhartha Roy ferried her first passenger from the international airport in Mumbai in 2007, she unleashed a gender revolution on the streets, powering the only cab service by women and for women in India. But three years later she is struggling to keep it on the roads as both banks … Original article on : Banks shut door on India’s all-women cab service.

Brazil to build 10 hydro power plants in 2010

Sao Paulo, Sep 19 (IANS/EFE) The Brazilian government plans to set up 10 hydroelectric power plants this year with an aim to generate 4,000 MW of electricity, an official said.

The government has already submitted plans for three large hydroelectric projects to the Court of Auditors and it has plans to do the same with other …. Original article  : Brazil to build 10 hydro power plants in 2010.

Obama, Southeast Asian leaders want South China Sea disputes resolved peacefully, draft says

Obama, ASEAN to call for peaceful end to sea spats

MANILA, Philippines – President Barack Obama and Southeast Asian leaders will call for the peaceful settlement of South China Sea territorial disputes and urge claimants not to resort to force, according to a draft communique.
Washington upped the ante in July, when U.S. Secretary of State Hillary … Original article on : Obama, Southeast Asian leaders want South China Sea disputes resolved peacefully, draft says.

The new iPod touch: practically a smartphone

SAN FRANCISCO – Apple has reloaded the iPod. The world’s most watched gadget maker can now legitimately claim that the new version of the iPod touch is more than just an MP3 player.

Most notably, the device now includes the “Face Time” video conferencing service, allowing users to telephone over the internet.
The iPod touch, the … Read more »»».

INSIDE WASHINGTON: Whether policy or politics, Utah mailing firm makes millions from GOP

INSIDE WASHINGTON: Millions made in GOP mailings

WASHINGTON – When Republican members of Congress need literature to send out to constituents on their doings in office, dozens turn to a Utah firm that churns out slick, full-color mailers at taxpayer expense.
When they need political mailers designed to get them re-elected, some of them turn to the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : INSIDE WASHINGTON: Whether policy or politics, Utah mailing firm makes millions from GOP.

With Dodgers in disarray, Torre figured out it was a good time to walk away

Team in disarray, Torre knows to walk away

Joe Torre was never going to stay around long anyway.
His stint out West always had an expiration date, so Torre’s decision to ditch the convertible and green tea lifestyle for something more familiar wasn’t all that surprising. His contract is up, the Dodgers are broke, and the legal …. Original article  : With Dodgers in disarray, Torre figured out it was a good time to walk away.

Change in store on top dugout step: Dozens of manage changes could be in works this winter

Managers across baseball could be switching places

SAN FRANCISCO – From the Bronx to Chavez Ravine, from Lake Michigan north to Toronto, managers across the majors could be on the move this winter.
Free agency for skippers? That very well might be the case in what is shaping up to be a busy offseason of switcheroos for … Read more : Change in store on top dugout step: Dozens of manage changes could be in works this winter.

Russian gay rights activist says he was seized by agents, pressured to withdraw court cases

Russian gay activist says he was seized by agents

MOSCOW – A prominent Russian gay rights activist who vanished from a Moscow airport this week said Saturday he is back in the capital after being held for more than two days by men he believes were state security agents.
The disappearance of Nikolai Alexeyev from Domodedovo Airport … Original article on : Russian gay rights activist says he was seized by agents, pressured to withdraw court cases.

Colleges get edgier to stand out in marketing campaigns _ but will it get a failing grade?

Will edgier college marketing get a failing grade?

Drake University hoped a bold, blue “D+” on a direct-mail piece and its admissions website would grab the attention of high school kids inundated with same-old, same-old college recruitment material.
What looked like a pretty bad grade was supposed to entice teenagers to take a closer look at the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Colleges get edgier to stand out in marketing campaigns _ but will it get a failing grade?.

Sienna and Savannah Miller seek inspiration in American West for London catwalk show

Sienna and Savannah Miller design catwalk show

LONDON – You had to use your imagination to see the influence of Joni Mitchell, Jack Kerouac and director Wim Wenders in the impressive catwalk show by actress Sienna Miller and designing sister Savannah Miller at London Fashion Week Saturday.
But those were the inspirations the unique designing team of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sienna and Savannah Miller seek inspiration in American West for London catwalk show.

Bamboo can help save ecology: Vice president

KOHIMA – Vice President M. Hamid Ansari Saturday said the importance of bamboo has increased in the backdrop of global concerns of ecology and environment and the looming threat of global warming and climate change.

“Bamboo is emerging as the most viable wood substitute,” Ansari said, while addressing the first ever World Bamboo Day function at … Read more »»».

Over 500 global brands to participate in UAE expo

Abu Dhabi, Sep 18 (IANS/WAM) Over 500 global brands from over 30 countries will be showcasing their latest products at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2010, organisers said Saturday.

The four-day annual extravaganza starting Sep 22 will bring together companies involved in hunting, safari, weaponry, falconry, equestrian and outdoor sporting equipment. … Original article on : Over 500 global brands to participate in UAE expo.

Agra’s tourism, trade groups to boycott Queen’s Baton

AGRA – Half a dozen tourism and travel organisations in Agra plan to boycott the welcome function for the Queen’s Baton next week ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, a representative of the protesters said Saturday.

Rajeev Tiwari, the chief spokesperson speaking on behalf of all the associations told IANS: “This is our response to …. Source article  : Agra’s tourism, trade groups to boycott Queen’s Baton.

Sri Lanka police say detonators stored with dynamite likely caused deadly explosion

Police: Safety lapse likely caused Sri Lanka blast

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Improperly stored detonators are likely to have triggered a dynamite explosion that killed 25 people and injured dozens in eastern Sri Lanka, police said.
Three containers of explosives used for road construction exploded Friday inside a police compound, destroying the police station and a nearby …. Source article  : Sri Lanka police say detonators stored with dynamite likely caused deadly explosion.

Penguins offer free preseason game to promote Pittsburgh-area jobs to young educated fans

Penguins offer freebie game with job-hunting twist

PITTSBURGH – When the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets next Saturday in the second hockey game ever at the brand-new Consol Energy Center, team CEO David Morehouse expects a full house of 18,000 and gate receipts of $0.
He couldn’t be happier about either number.
In what’s believed to … Read more >>.

Obama scolds Republicans for blocking campaign finance rules; GOP promotes spending freeze

Obama lectures GOP on campaign finance bill stall

WASHINGTON – Stop blocking legislation to limit the amount of money corporations and unions can spend on campaign advertising, President Barack Obama is telling Republicans, saying their strategy is “politics at its worst.”
“This is common sense,” Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address Saturday. “In fact, …. Original article  : Obama scolds Republicans for blocking campaign finance rules; GOP promotes spending freeze.

Government urged not to cut duty drawback rates

NEW DELHI – Indian exporters Saturday urged the central government to defer its decision to cut duty drawback rates, saying it would negatively affect exports of items like textiles, leather and handicrafts.

“Reduction in rate will further affect the export of sectors which are showing negative or single digit growth. Reduction of drawback for apparel, …. Source  : Government urged not to cut duty drawback rates.

Alaska Sen. Murkowski mounting write-in candidacy to hold seat after GOP primary upset

Murkowski mounting write-in bid for Alaska Senate

JUNEAU, Alaska – In the weeks following her defeat in the GOP primary, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski went back and forth over whether to re-enter the race as a write-in candidate or accept life outside Washington and a role other than Alaska’s senior senator.
On Friday, Alaskans learned her decision: [..] Read the original article: here.

World leaders to focus on achieving goals they set to help the world’s poorest by 2015 target

World leaders to spotlight goals to help poor

UNITED NATIONS – At the dawn of the new millennium, world leaders pledged to tackle poverty, disease, ignorance and inequality – and went beyond generalities to commit themselves to specific goals. Progress has been made over the past decade, but many countries are still struggling to meet the …. Original source  : World leaders to focus on achieving goals they set to help the world’s poorest by 2015 target.