Aussie PM sticks to 'no supply of uranium' stand
Chennai: Australia plans to stick to its stand of non-supply of uranium to countries including India, which have not signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard who is on a two-day visit to India said, "There is no change in our policy adopted for the past 30 years." He welcomed the nuclear agreement between India and the US and said India's agreement with the US was still subject to certain processes between the two countries.
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India warns US, EU on WTO talks
New Delhi: Just before the start of the crucial G-6 meeting on trade talks, India has warned that World Trade Organisation negotiations could come to a halt if the US and EU demanded higher cuts in industrial tariffs from developing countries than what they have offered.

Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath, "If the US or EU were to even suggest a compromise on the principle of less than full reciprocity in industrial goods, it would bring to a halt all negotiations."
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Rajasthan to switch to VAT next month
Jaipur: The BJP government in Rajasthan plans to switch to the Value Added Tax system on April 1 in the interest of industrial development and export of indigenous goods said chief minister of the state Vasundhra Raje while presenting the state budget for 2006-07.

She also announced setting up of a 'public grievances commission' on VAT related issues and said items like rakhi, kripan, chalk, kites and some food items would be exempted from the new tax.
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Iron ore exports to China on track
Mumbai: India's iron ore exports are likely to remain on firm ground this fiscal year, despite the main buyer China imposing price caps on imports from some countries, said industry officials.

The official said the production should be around 80 million tones this financial year ending March. He said it is expected to increase to 100 million tonnes in 2006/07.

India is the second-largest exporter of iron ore to China, at 68 million tonnes last fiscal year, while Australia takes first place at 112 million tonnes.
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Property funds eye India
Mumbai: Property funds are eyeing India with an estimated $2 billion in annual investment. India eased rules on foreign finance of construction in early 2005 and US property investors have been especially keen to work with compatriot firms that outsource work there.

The funds are being lured to India because of its billion plus population and its economy growing at over 8 per cent this year that has not been able to provide housing to a large number of its citizens.
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