Category: Other
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THIMPHU, September 5, 2011 (AFP) – The isolated kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world and a haven for celebrities and the well-heeled. In 2012, it will become even more costly. By doing a better job of marketing Bhutan overseas and increasing flight links, tourism officials hope more […]
Sri Lanka launches Ceylon cinnamon brand to promote exports
Sep 03, 2011 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has launched a brand for cinnamon, its main spice export, aiming to build an image like its main export, Ceylon tea, and exploit growing awareness of its health benefits. The ‘Pure Ceylon cinnamon’ brand will be registered in key markets in North America and Europe, said Janaka Ratnayake, […]
Malaysia seizes 1,000 elephant tusks: reports
KUALA LUMPUR, September 3, 2011 (AFP) – Malaysia has seized more than 1,000 African elephant tusks in two separate shipments in the past two months, reports said Saturday. The wildlife watchdog says that the illegal ivory trade has been rising globally since 2004 largely due to increasing demand in China, where ivory is often ground […]
” after US raid
WASHINGTON, September 2, 2011 (AFP) – Gibson Guitar Corp. renewed its plea of innocence on Friday after US agents raided its Tennessee plants and seized rare ebony wood from India used to make some of the world’s most coveted guitars. “We were not engaged in smuggling,” chief executive Henry Juszkiewicz told CNN television. “We have […]
Sri Lanka finds nearly 6,000 elephants in count
Sep 02, 2011 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s authorities say nearly 6,000 elephants had been found in an island wide census, which was slammed by conservationists as a cover for rulers to identify tusked elephants for capture and domestication. “Out of the total wild elephant population 1107 are calves and juveniles,” minister of agrarian services and […]
‘s Peugeot upbeat about return to India
MUMBAI, September 1, 2011 (AFP) – French auto giant PSA Peugeot Citroen on Thursday signalled its return to India, announcing a new assembly plant in the west of the country as part of wider plans to sell more cars outside Europe. Europe’s second-largest car maker said it had signed a deal with the state government […]
Detention Order
Aug 31, 2011 (AFP) – Sri Lanka on Wednesday used draconian anti-terror laws to detain thousands of Tamil rebel suspects who would have had to be freed when a state of emergency ended after 28 years, an official said. Attorney General Mohan Peiris said President Mahinda Rajapakse invoked regulations under the Prevention of Terrorism Act […]
Detention End
August 31, 2011 (AFP) – About 1,200 alleged Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka will be released, with the end of emergency rule imposed 28 years ago to deal with the separatist movement, state media said Wednesday. The Daily News quoted Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem as saying that the end of emergency rule, announced by […]
‘s economic boom fuels booze bonanza
PUNE, August 31, 2011 (AFP) – It’s Friday night at a microbrewery pub in Pune, western India, and Swapnil Dakshindas and his friends don’t know which beer to choose. The barman pours four different brews, fermented in giant steel vats just next door, for them to try. “It’s fresh, has no preservatives and I know […]
‘s Maruti Suzuki
MUMBAI, August 31, 2011 (AFP) – India’s largest car maker by sales Maruti Suzuki said it restarted production at one of its plants on Wednesday after locking workers out in a dispute over alleged sabotage earlier this week. “Maruti started assembly operations in Manesar, rolling out the first Swift car since production halted on Monday, […]
India proposes to allow more private banks
MUMBAI, August 29, 2011 (AFP) – India’s central bank on Monday outlined proposals to allow more private players in the banking sector to foster greater competition and widen the availability of banking services. India’s state-run banks dominate the sector and inefficient practices and bloated workforces have brought calls for more private sector capital to reinvigorate […]
Compounded
Aug 30, 2011 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s securities watchdog has fined Environmental Resources Inc and several officers, over a disclosure related offence, market sources said. Sri Lanka’s Securities and Exchange Commission earlier sent the firm a notice of action, over a disclosure related matter. Under Sri Lanka’s securities law, a person charged with securities fraud […]