adminRussia to downgrade growth forecast
MOSCOW. – Russia’s economy minister warned yesterday that officials will probably have to downgrade the 2013 growth forecast for the second time in months because of a poor first-half performance.…
China joins fight against tax evasion
PARIS. – China is set to join a group of 50 developed and developing countries in the fight against tax evasion by signing a co-operation agreement at the end of…
Japan eyes sales tax hike
TOKYO. – Bank of Japan governor Haruhiko Kuroda has said a government tax-hike plan would not damage the economy, but if it does he “won’t hesitate” to adjust monetary easing.…
Gold prices ease as dollar firms
LONDON. — Gold prices fell yesterday, under pressure from gains in the dollar and uncertainty over whether the US Federal Reserve will begin curbing its bullion-friendly economic stimulus measures from…
Facebook unveils global Internet access initiative
NEW YORK CITY. — Facebook and other technology giants launched an initiative yesterday designed to give the whole world access to the Internet. The project is entitled Internet.org and its…
Disasters cost insurers US$20 billion
ZURICH. — Catastrophes cost global insurers more than US$20 billion in just the first six months of 2013, including US$17 billion for natural disasters alone, Switzerland-based reinsurance giant Swiss Re…
Asia currencies struggle ahead of Fed move
HONG KONG. — Currencies in developing Asia struggled yesterday as concerns grow that the US Federal Reserve will soon begin to unwind its massive stimulus programme, diverting cash back to…
Oprah takes a break
LOS ANGELES. — Oprah Winfrey takes a break as her movie “The Butler” soars to top of the box office with US$25 million haul. Oprah Winfrey may have had a…
Eight vie for Mr Ugly
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau EIGHT men have so far registered to take part in the fourth edition of the Mr Ugly 2013 “beauty” contest that is expected to take place…
Koffi in town
Problem Masau Arts Correspondent Three prominent African musical outfits – Congolese rhumba giant Koffi Olomide (pictured), Ladysmith Black Mambazo from South Africa and Zambia’s Amayenge – are expected to serenade…