‘s richest man attacks Western charity ethos

NEW DELHI, July 10, 2011 (AFP) – India’s wealthiest man Mukesh Ambani on Sunday criticised Western philanthropy as counter-productive and said his own country’s approach to charity gave more self-respect to the needy. Ambani, who heads petrochemical giant Reliance Industries, said that rapidly-growing India could create a more sustainable model in which businesses were an […]

‘s slowing economy

NEW DELHI, July 10, 2011 (AFP) – Not long ago it was the toast of investors, but India’s appeal has taken a hit, with bearish sentiment building thanks to worries over stubbornly high inflation and widespread political corruption. “If we had the right supportive economic ecosystem and big-ticket reforms, 10 percent growth would not have […]

Former royals renounce Indian temple treasure

NEW DELHI, July 8, 2011 (AFP) – The head of a former Indian royal family renounced Friday any personal claim to billions of dollars’ worth of ancient treasure discovered in a Hindu temple in the kingdom his ancestors once ruled. On Friday, the Supreme Court directed that the opening of the final vault be deferred […]

‘s Tata to build S.African auto plant: report

JOHANNESBURG, July 7, 2011 (AFP) – Indian giant Tata will start building an auto assembly plant in South Africa in July for production which is likely to target the local and African market, Business Day reported on Thursday. In May Tata reported a nearly fourfold increase in annual profit, boosted by booming sales and strong […]

Legal Status

July 6, 2011 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s recent state land sales to investors have procedural flaws that could result in the contracts being challenged in courts and deemed illegal, opposition lawmakers warned at an economic forum. Sri Lanka had sold two blocks of state land to CATIC, a Chinese defence contractor, and Shangri La, a […]

NEW DELHI, July 4, 2011 (AFP) – Feuds over property and deadly clashes over land are as much a part of India’s economic rise as call centres and the foreign acquisitions made by its leading companies. “I wonder if this amoral energy (which Shah possesses) is what it takes to start a new nation,” Adiga […]

Sri Lanka state-run cashew firm losing money

July 03, 2011 (LBO) – State-run Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation is losing money, has low productivity of its lands, and is depending on Treasury handouts to operate, a finance ministry report said. The Cashew Corporation made one percent of the country’s annual production of 8,000 metric tonnes but there wasn’t enough focus on developing cashew […]

Vodafone takes full control of Indian mobile group

NEW DELHI, July 2, 2011 (AFP) – British mobile phone giant Vodafone is taking full control of its Indian joint venture by buying out its local partner Essar Group, a statement said Saturday, ending a troubled relationship. Vodafone, which has sought to make India a crown jewel in its expanding emerging markets portfolio, said it […]

” of treasure found in Indian temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, July 2, 2011 (AFP) – A treasure trove of gold and silver jewelry, coins and precious stones said to be worth billions of dollars has been found in a Hindu temple in southern India, officials said on Saturday. A necklace found on Thursday was 18 feet (six metres) long. Thousands of gold coins have […]

Sri Lanka May tea export volumes, earnings up

July 01, 2011 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s tea exports in May 2011 rose five percent to 25 million kilos from a year ago with earnings also up six percent to 12. 8 billion rupees, brokers said. Exports of tea packets, on which earnings are more than bulk exports. were also up after a change in […]

Sri Lanka to create compliance standard for Ceylon tea

July 01, 2011 (LBO) – Sri Lanka will launch a globally recognized industry standard for Ceylon Tea early next year addressing consumer concerns, including ethical trade and environmental issues, Ceylon Tea Traders Association Chairman Avi de Silva said. If a competitor country does not have any such laws, their firms will still be compliant with […]

Sri Lanka reservoir flood move may end elephant gathering: hoteliers

June 29, 2011 (LBO) – A plan by authorities to flood an ancient reservoir in Sri Lanka during the dry season may disrupt a centuries old migration of wild elephants who congregate in what is possibly the largest such gathering in the world, a leisure group has warned. Around August each year elephants running into […]

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