Category: World

KARACHI, July 18, 2006 (AFP) – Emerging markets giant Standard Chartered is completing a deal to buy Pakistan’s Union Bank in what would be the South Asian country’s largest corporate takeover, banking officials said Tuesday. The British-based bank plans to acquire a 49 percent stake in the company from a Saudi investor, they said. “Due […]

NEW YORK, July 18, 2006 (AFP) – The New York Times said Tuesday that in 2008 it will narrow down its pages by 38 milimeters (1.5 inches), close a printing operation in New Jersey and slash its staff by 250 workers to save 42 million dollars a year The measures that will go into effect […]

NEW DELHI, July 17, 2006 (AFP) – A group of Indian villagers presided over the marriage of two donkeys at an ancient Hindu temple in southern India in a bid to promote world peace, a report said Monday.The wedding took place Sunday evening in the Sri Thirumoola Natha Swamy Temple in Tamil Nadu state, the […]

HARARE, July 16, 2006 (AFP) – Becoming a millionaire in Zimbabwe is easy these days, but wallets and purses have given way to car trunks and suitcases as the crucial accessory for carrying wads of nearly worthless cash.As the southern African country battles hyper-inflation and grinding fuel and foreign exchange shortages amid a seven-year economic […]

HARARE, July 16, 2006 (AFP) – Becoming a millionaire in Zimbabwe is easy these days, but wallets and purses have given way to car trunks and suitcases as the crucial accessory for carrying wads of nearly worthless cash.As the southern African country battles hyper-inflation and grinding fuel and foreign exchange shortages amid a seven-year economic […]

BANGALORE, India, July 14, 2006 (AFP) – On the streets of this booming Indian city, Laura Neuhaus says she is constantly on guard against men who brush against her body. “People run up and grab my butt, my breast and brush against me purposely,” Neuhaus says. “It happens so fast.” “I will be walking with […]

GENEVA, July 14, 2006 (AFP) – The outpouring of international aid in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami translated into an average of 7,100 dollars per affected person, according to a new report Friday.The study by the Tsunami Evaluation Coalition (TEC), an international group of aid agencies, said that donors’ generosity contrasted starkly […]

SYDNEY, July 13, 2006 (AFP) – Cool bottled water in three delicious flavours — beef, chicken and bacon. Not tempted? Your dog will be. An Australian man has taken pooch-pampering to the next level with the launch of Aqua Dog. With one canine for every five Australians, the country has one of the world’s highest […]

NEW DELHI, July 12, 2006 (AFP) – For many affluent Indians, the ideal servant is one who is seen and not heard, rises early to get the kids off to school and uncomplainingly serves the family their last cup of tea at night. They don’t want to hear any heart-wrenching or even mundane details of […]

NEW DELHI, July 12, 2006 (AFP) – For many affluent Indians, the ideal servant is one who is seen and not heard, rises early to get the kids off to school and uncomplainingly serves the family their last cup of tea at night. They don’t want to hear any heart-wrenching or even mundane details of […]

SINGAPORE, July 12, 2006 (AFP) – Singapore said Wednesday it will share the city-state’s expertise with interested foreign governments in areas such as airport management, education systems and homeland security through a newly formed company. The not-for-profit Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) will be the main vehicle for the city-state’s public sector to share its experiences […]

SINGAPORE, July 12, 2006 (AFP) – China and India are leading a revolution in the shopping centre industry in Asia but investors must have the business acumen, stamina and money to navigate regional markets, industry players said Wednesday. Driven by strong economic growth and rising disposable incomes, hundreds of shopping malls have sprouted across the […]