POLITICS & POLICY

Japan cuts economic outlook after quake, nuclear accident

Japan cut the outlook for its economy on Wednesday for the first time in six months, saying last month's devastating quake and tsunami would hurt growth, with no sign yet when the nuclear crisis they triggered might be brought under control.

Is the Czech president a pen stealer? [VIDEO]

Czech media chided President Vaclav Klaus on Tuesday after a viral Internet video showed him discreetly pocketing a ceremonial pen during a visit to Chile in what viewers are calling a theft.

Japan nuclear reactors remain unstable

The chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission told a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday that Japan's damaged nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant is "static" but remains "unstable" with just an improvised cooling system.
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Australia mulls tough smoking rules

Australia is closely watched by other countries in the Asia-Pacific as to how it will implement a very tough anti-smoking law that seeks to discourage the habit and promote a more healthy lifestyle.

ASX and SGX terminates merger deal

ASX Ltd (ASX) and Singapore Exchange (SGX) have agreed to mutually terminate the merger implementation agreement entered into on 25 October 2010.

Global Copper Supply Deficit Seen Until 2013

Mining experts are convinced that the global supply deficit could further push copper prices higher until the year 2013 to the benefit of mining companies world-wide, mining experts attending the CRU World Copper conference in Sanitago, Chile said today.

Ai Group petitions Fair Work to avoid uncertainty and risk with bargaining laws

Australian industry lobby group Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has filed an appeal with Fair Work Australia to overturn a decision which is creating uncertainty and risk for employers who have reached agreement with their employees over the terms of an enterprise agreement, Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.

Group lambasts union restriction on contractors

The Australian Industry Group, an umbrella organisation of Australian industries, on Thursday called to Fair Work Australia (FWA) to voice its opposition to the approval of six further enterprise agreements which replicate the terms of an Electrical Trades Union (ETU) pattern agreement for the electrical contracting industry in Victoria.

Gillard names and shames insurance companies

Prime Minister Julia Gilliard rebuked the gutless behavior of insurance companies for not attending a meeting with the victims of the Queensland flood victims in Ipswich yesterday.

RBA keeps interest rates unchanged at 4.75%

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept its benchmark interest rates at the highest level of 4.75 percent as typhoon floods continue to hamper coal mining in the Northeast and the competitive currency eases inflation fears.

Treasurer Swan not so keen of ASX-SGX merger

Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX) has been informed that there is a big possibility that its proposal to $8.4-billion take over the local Australian bourse will be rejected by Australian Treasurer Wayne Swan.

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