South Korea will invest 5.9 bln USD to develop alternative energy sources (new energy)

South Korea will invest 6.4 trillion won (five.94 billion U.S. dollars) by 2020 in developing energy storage business, the economy ministry stated Tuesday.

The government will invest 2 trillion won in analysis and development (R&D) and invest 4.4 trillion won in building up infrastructure each in the next 10 years along with private companies, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy stated in a statement.

The plan is aimed at nurturing an indigenous market for energy storage system (ESS), according to the statement.

Energy storage facilities will be of greater significance down the road as renewable energies are expected to have more portion of total power demand. Green energies such as solar and wind power have much volatility in generating electricity depending on weather conditions.

The ministry stated energy storage is a key factor to stabilize supply and demand of renewable energies when the rate of their use tops 10 percent of total electricity use, adding better storage of power will optimize energy efficiency.

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South Korea Perfect crime foiled by phone app

 A phone app reveals the murder tale of a South Korean professor attempting to get out of his marriage and maintain his mistress.

The professor sent a message to his mistress by way of the app employed by millions each day, saying "brace yourself".

The message has become key evidence in a murder case, with the professor arrested for killing his wife and his mistress questioned as an accomplice to the plot, media reported on Tuesday citing nearby police source.

The professor went to the head office of the "Kakao Talk" messenger service provider following the murder and asked them to delete the message. But the message was saved for a month and police were able to retrieve it as component of an investigation of his phone records.

The professor has admitted and confessed to the murderer of his wife. He said he strangled her and utilised the mistress's car to take the body to the sea and dump it into sea. He and his wife were inside the process of finding a divorce.

"The message helped us discover that the woman was his accomplice," a spokesman at a police station inside the southern city of Busan stated.

"Kakao Talk" is actually a reasonably new totally free smartphone app with over 14 million users that permits them to send messages, chat, take part in group chats, and send photos.

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Sony PS4 platform or will be released 2016

In a few months ago, Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai announced the release time will be PS4 platform has been delayed, the next few years will not see its shadow.

However, the recent news of a new PS4 progress. Sony's executive vice president and chief financial officer, said Kato wins game console cycle is generally maintained at about 10 years, PS3 platform is launched in November 2006, the basis of this calculation, PS3 life cycle of the platform will be the end of 2016, when large Part of the resources will transition to the new platform.

Kato Sheng said, because Microsoft and Nintendo game console products are the company a strong competitor. Nintendo announced the Wii launched in 2012, the successor, and that Microsoft will launch a new generation of Xbox360, PS3 platform, they will cause the existing big impact, so the PS4 platform development are urgently needed. But now Sony has invested their resources to a new video platform, and have had no development of the PS4 on the agenda.

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Cucumber virus spread panic medical profession to try new therapies in Europe

May spread in Germany in mid-EHEC (EHEC) epidemic continues to spread, as of May 29, 10 people were killed and hundreds of people infected. In addition, including Sweden, Denmark, England and the Netherlands have reported a number of countries, including infections, temporary panic in Europe.

Austria and Czech found contaminated cucumber

May 26, Hamburg, Germany Institute of Health announced that the cucumber from Spain tested positive EHEC bacteria, and suspect that these may be contaminated cucumber province from Spain, Almeria and Malaga province, two exporters. E. coli infections were suspected to vegetables because, Austria, the Czech government on May 29 announced the domestic part of the supermarket imported from Spain, cucumber, tomato and eggplant and other vegetables shelves.

Austria, said health department has received emergency notification from the European Union, warning that two German companies have issued a statement, recalled that they transported to Austria by the cucumber, tomato and eggplant. However, part of Austria has been sold in the supermarket, the authorities called on the public to immediately discard the suspected contaminated vegetables.

Czech Republic said the health sector, a group of suspected contamination by bacteria has been shipped to Hungary cucumber and Luxembourg. However, the two countries has not been informed whether there are infected.

"Disaster area" German national alert

The hardest hit by infectious diseases in northern Germany. Health Institute in Münster, Germany, according to E. coli, Professor of nearly 30 years, said the infection rate of bacteria is very rare.

German local media estimated the current domestic EHEC more than the total number of confirmed and suspected cases of thousands of people, including 10 deaths. German officials said that relevant departments in Germany and Spain are clear before the source of this outbreak, people should stop eating cucumber, tomato, lettuce and vegetable salad.

According to the German "Bild" on May 28 released a public opinion survey, nearly 60% of the respondents said being afraid to eat raw vegetables such as cucumber and tomato. 27, the German Farmers Association said, according to preliminary estimates, EHEC outbreaks to domestic farmers daily economic losses of about 200 million euros.

Spain, "done an injustice," waiting for test results

The request of the European Union, the Spanish government has suspended two exporters related production and sales. However, Spain, said the parties concerned, and now there is no conclusive evidence that Spain should be responsible. Spain is made of two Spanish companies in Germany conducted a survey to identify the native cucumber in Spain, or the way in to Germany contamination. French media said the two businesses have been sent to a laboratory in cucumber samples tested, 30 this month, is expected to be the outcome.

Spanish Agriculture Ministry spokesman interviewed by the media, said the EU had submitted a complaint to protest the German did not come to definite conclusions laboratory bacteria released to the media before the Cucumber from Spain, and Spain asked the German bear the economic loss caused by agriculture .

The medical profession to try new therapies against the disease

Today, we can determine the culprit causing the epidemic EHEC as a variant of "Husec 41". The disease symptoms are bloody diarrhea, blood vessels and impaired renal function, the most serious cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, caused by renal failure and died.

Since the bacteria resistant to many antibiotics, use of antibiotics so they will have a greater toxic bacteria, so there is no good way to treat the virus infection, which will add the people worried about this disease.

However, some hospitals in Germany are currently trying a new treatment, may provide a new weapon to combat the epidemic. "The New England Journal of Medicine" Online Papers recently said that the University of Heidelberg researchers of institutions such as last year with a special antibody therapy three young patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome success. Informed of the news, Hamburg, Hanover and other hospitals in a number of critically ill patients have begun to try this approach.

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China's Sany Group manufactures the world's largest crawler crane

 A massive crawler crane rolled off the production line of China's largest machine manufacturer, Sany Group, on Tuesday in east Jiangsu Province, marking a major step forward for the Chinese manufacturing industry.

The crawler crane SCC86000TM, developed by Sany inside the city of Kunshan in Jiangsu, boasts a maximum lifting capacity of 3,600 tonnes and is believed to outpace any rival inside the world in terms of lifting and torsion force, based on Sany.

The jumbo crawler crane will be mainly employed inside the construction of nuclear power projects in China, stated Sany's president, Xiang Wenbo.

Prior to Sany entered the industry in 2006, China lacked a crawler crane with a capacity over 350 tonnes, Xiang said.

He noted that Sany succeeded in creating China's initial crawler crane having a capacity over 400 tonnes in 2006, the country's initial 1,000-tonne crawler crane in 2008, and 1,600-tonne crane in 2010.

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Macao has its own Central Park next year

Macao's Central Park will open in the second quarter of next year, with wide range of facilities supplied to improve residents' living standard, the Macao Post Every day reported on Tuesday.

The newspaper quoted officials from the city's Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau as saying that the Central Park, located on Macao's Taipa Island, will cover a total region of 28, 000 square meters.

The construction began in September 2009 and is expected to be completed within the initial quarter of next year. The park will have an artificial lake that may be utilized as a swimming pool in the summer, walking trails, jogging tracks, pet areas, a children's playground and multi-purpose pitch for ball games, based on Lao Chan Chong, an official of the Bureau.

Furthermore, the park will home a library which will be run by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and a two-story underground auto park. The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) will likely be in charge of managing the park.

Lao said the vehicle park is going to be open to the public this year, prior to the slated opening date of the Central Park, in an effort to ease parking issue in the area.

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Australian real estate market was dragged down suburban luxury homes

The Australian capital city dwelling values fell far more than 1 percent in the three months to April, pulled down by losses within the luxury property marketplace, a survey released on Tuesday by Australia's property data and analytics provider RP Data shows.

Based on more than 85,000 home sales nationally in 2011, the market-leading RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index for the combined capital city dwelling markets declined by -0.3 percent in April, although dwelling values in Australia's capital cities have fell 1.2 percent inside the 3 months to April.

Over the year to April, dwellings in the most expensive capital city suburbs recorded a five.4 percent loss. In contrast, home values within the middle 60 percent of suburbs were down by only 0.9 percent, although dwellings within the cheapest 20 percent of suburbs had been the most beneficial performers, only losing 0.five percent.

Based on Tim Lawless, RP Data's research director, high-priced suburbs have helped drag the overall marketplace down.

"The luxury end of the housing market is also showing its volatility," Lawless stated.

"During the growth phase of the cycle probably the most pricey homes realized the highest capital gains," he said. "Yet as the market cools premium property values appear to be losing steam the fastest."

The survey also shows the national median dwelling price in capital cities is 468,000 AU dollars (501,600 U.S. dollars) based on sales over the 3 months to April.

Within the non-capital city markets, the national median price is really a far lower 325,000 AU dollars (348,300 U.S. dollars).

Across all Australian regions, the median dwelling price is presently 418,000 AU dollars (448,000 U.S. dollars).

While the slowdown in marketplace conditions was evident across all cities, Sydney and Canberra did well to stay within the black on a year-on-year basis.

Sydney dwelling values had been up 1.2 percent over the year to April, although Canberra dwelling values rose 0.7 percent.

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Event Analysis: Industrial plasticizer DEPH found in Taiwan sport drinks

Industrial plasticizer has been detected from some beverages in China's Taiwan recently, causing well being concerns amongst consumers inside the area.

The plasticizing agent Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used to soften plastics and make them flexible and not meant for food use and need to not be added to food.

DEPH is identified to trigger cancer and words say that it may possibly also pose risks to children's reproductive organism.

It is employed as a substitute for palm oil in clouding agent formulas to save production expenses and deliver richer colors.

However it is not supposed to be a substitute in food. Investigators in the drink case traced the chemical to an emulsifier produced by Yu Sheng Chemical, which utilized DEHP as substitute for palm oil.

The tolerable every day intake of DEHP as established by the European Union is 0.05 mg/kg body weight per day.

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Japan's new touch-screen technology, provides authentic touch

Although easy and simple touch screen, but could not provide before the screen smooth to the touch buttons, and in some feedback when needed, can not feedback.

Japan's KDDI Corporation hopes to develop a new technology that enables touch screen provides a real touch people.

This technology features a mix of mobile phone vibration and pressure sensors, according to KDDI, said whether people enter the letters on the touch screen, or drag the button, or click on application, can provide a real touch.

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Fusion APU been Computex 2011 Best Choice Award

Tips: Taipei International Computer Show, Best Choice Award was introduced in 2002, this award is a product design and technological innovation in the affirmative. It is important during the Taipei International Computer Show, one of the official events. Jury through the review, selected 10 categories of outstanding design and cutting-edge technology.

May 24, 2011 was promulgated during the year Computex2011 Computex Taipei Best Choice Award of the day, the same day, AMDFusion APU in the computer and system products, the availability of the industry's highest honor - the "COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2011 Best Choice Award . "

The award was presented by the Taipei Computer Association, which is Taiwan's IT industry, major players in the exhibition, awards accreditation member, including government representatives, academics, research analysts, overseas media, the editor and industry experts.

For those who want to understand the APU and the developer for heterogeneous computing, AMD will be in Washington in June, Bellevue (Bellevue, Washington) organized the first AMD Fusion Developer Summit (AFDS), will be on June 13 -6 16. Participants will participate in interactive sessions, hands-on access to laboratories to enhance the CPU and the GPU programmable advanced knowledge and a better understanding of how applications take advantage of parallel processing capacity of APU for everyday computing tasks to bring supercomputer-like performance.

◇ acceptance speech

AMD vice president and general manager of Taiwan Ming-jen has been published in the acceptance speech after winning the award, he said: "We are honored to have been issued by the Taipei Computer Association Award, which is AMD Fusion APU our efforts and recognition of excellence. AMD Fusion APU for its creativity and innovation, has been widely recognized in the industry. This award proves to listen to customer needs, customers need to design the importance of breakthrough products. "

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Beyond Apple Air!More amazing ultra-thin Samsung 900X3A

Apple 13-inch laptop has enough air to make the world surprise, but Samsung 900X3A whether this weight, thin and light index, and can be comparable with the heavyweight AIR Apple products, only the weight of 1.31 kg lighter than the AIR, 16.3mm thickness Thinner than the AIR.

In addition, the aircraft is the first new platform with Huron River i5-2537M processor low voltage thin products, 400 free flow of bright LED LCD screen, 128GB SSD, the configuration of the current leading light products.

The aircraft aluminum alloy housing for aviation Abdullah, has a powerful anti-corrosion wear characteristics of pressure, body style is in line with current design is simple and perfect models.

Configuration, Samsung 900X3A-A01 uses the second generation of Intel Core i5-2537M processor, clocked at 1.40GHz, 4GB DDR3 memory with a, 128GB SSD efficient solid-state hard drive, equipped with Intel GMA HD integrated graphics. 6300mAh large capacity lithium-polymer battery life up to 7 hours, pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.

Samsung 900X3A-A01 in addition to strengthening the traditional keyboard + mouse input, but also features a new touch technology to support 21 species of hand gesture recognition applications, with WIN7 system, to achieve a more user-friendly operation.

In the interface, Samsung 900X3A-A01 set to have USB3.0, HDMI, Bluetooth 3.0 and other general rare notebook interface, fuselage interior design of the port are used, both containing 1.3 million pixel camera.

You can see, Samsung's ultra-thin notebook 900X3A, not only do the thin and stylish, while in control and selected materials, it follows the latest technology trend worthy of the most thin and light notebook.

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Posted in: Beyond Apple Air,More amazing ultra-thin Samsung 900X3A

Samsung said the Galaxy S II popularity in Korea more than Apple iPhone

Samsung recently said that in 30 days time, Samsung Galaxy S II mobile phone sales in Korea reached 1 million units.

Galaxy S II is the most successful of the Android platform Samsung Galaxy series of phone upgrades, almost all U.S. carriers now have the operator in a Galaxy product line or variety.

Galaxy S II shelves in South Korea after a week, its sales have caught up with the pace of iPhone 4. It only took a month to reach 1 million sales, compared with last year's launch of the Galaxy in the Korean mobile phone sales rate doubled.

Even outside of the phone sales in South Korea is not as good at home, today's sales data for the upcoming US-listed Galaxy S II is still a good sign.

Samsung Salaxy S II has repeatedly postponed the date listed in the U.S., probably in late summer release by Verizon, AT & T and Sprint operate three companies.

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Computex 2011: Intel Ultrabooks show

May 31 message, Computex 2011 Computex Taipei Intel executive vice president and general manager of Intel Architecture Business Group Sean Maloney told the media the latest Intel low power technologies progress.

Sean Maloney did not disclose the specific new products, TDP power, but he said Intel's latest low-power products will be released in 2012. Sean Maloney said, according to a new Intel exec (upgrade) will bring a new computer products Ultrabooks, such products will be the end of 2012 exceeded 40% market share. Ultrabooks will use the new 22nm Ivy Bridge Intel processors, will reduce the average thickness of 0.8 inches, the price will be less than 1000 dollars.

Sean Maloney said the Atom 32nm Cedar Trail will be to bring about a new Moore's Law and 10 hours of ultra-long standby time, and Intel in the 14nm and 22nm technology has also been a breakthrough.

What's on Ivy Bridge 22nm

The source said that Intel's next generation processor chips Ivy Bridge release time will be postponed.

Sandy Bridge Intel processors in 2011 were applied to the MacBook Pro and the iMac and other Apple computers. However, the industry has started to pay some of the next generation of IvyBridge processor situation. Intel originally planned to launch at the end of 2011, the first IvyBridge processors, and plans to be the beginning of the first quarter of 2012 production. However, this plan has been postponed.

According to a leaked Intel roadmap, Ivy Bridge processor will be March 2012 or April release. As Intel will give priority to meet Apple's needs, so with the iMac and the MacBook IvyBridge processors need to offer 10 months, or even a year's time will be available.

IvyBridge processors will use Intel's 22 nanometer manufacturing process, and for the first time using the latest Intel "tri-gate transistor" technology. Intel said earlier that the tri-gate transistors will increase the processor speed of 37%, while lower voltage requirements. For example, compared to 32-nanometer process using 2D planar transistors, tri-gate transistor performance in the same energy consumption is only half of the cases. In everyday use, IvyBridge system performance than the current system to Sandy Bridge is 20% faster.

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World No Tobacco Day: Survey shows 37 percent Nepalis are smokers as

Tobacco related diseases claim over 15,000 lives every single year in Nepal. A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Well being and Population showed 37.1 percent of the folks in the country are smokers.

The World No Tobacco Day is becoming observed in Nepal with numerous awareness raising programs on Tuesday.

Rallies, seminars and interactions on tobacco use and its impacts are becoming organized at the initiation of the ministry to mark the Day. World No Tobacco Day is observed on May possibly 31 every single year.

Meanwhile, the law passed by the parliament that makes smoking in public locations illegal has still not been implemented. People are seen smoking freely in public places like restaurants, streets and offices in spite of the provisions within the act.

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Bank Austria, said Austrian industrial decline

The latest data from Bank Austria indicated a cooling down of Austrian industry growth in May, which was reflected by a restrained growth of new orders, particularly in the export sector.

The Bank Austria Purchasing Managers' Index fell from 57 points in April to 55.6 points in May.

In a press release on Monday, Bank Austria's chief economist Stefan Bruckbauer said the drop definitely indicated that the industrial sector has passed its growth peak after continuously strong growth in the first four months of this year.

The manufacturing sector had a production increase rate of 11.5 percent on average from January to March, but the rate has now dipped, he said.

He also estimated that the growth of the Austrian industry would be clearly below the double-digit rate in the second half of this year. With the expected increase of 6 percent for the full year, the sector will remain the most important driver of Austria's economic growth.

The subindex for production fell greatly in May, being evaluated as only 55.5 points, it reached its lowest level in the first half year. The weaker growing trend in new orders moved up a gear, meanwhile the previous strong upward trend in foreign demand broke and was almost at a standstill, according to the bank.

The bank also predicted a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 3.1 percent.

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Indonesia optimistic about in 2012 will exceed the economic growth of neighboring countries

 Indonesia is optimistic to surpass neighboring countries' economic growth in 2012 with growth of 6.5- 6.9 percent, a minister said here on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo told a parliamentary plenary session that the expected growth would surpass Malaysia (5.2 percent), Thailand (4.5 percent), the Philippines (5.0 percent) and Singapore (4.4 percent).

"In order to support such high growth, the government has prepared expansive fiscal policy in 2012. Policy on budget allocation is aimed to support a qualified economic growth, to create jobs and to reduce poverty," he said.

According to Martowardojo, the policy was reflected in budget allocation increase to develop infrastructures, sustainable various programs to alleviate poverty and subsidy for agriculture.

He admitted that Indonesia would face big challenges to achieve the economic growth in 2012.

"Projection of the world's trade volume in 2012 to 6.9 percent from 7.4 percent in the previous year and impact of crisis in Europe should be alerted," he said.

However, Martowardojo said that the external influence faced by Indonesia is smaller than other ASEAN countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.

He said the government has expected sources of the economic growth at a high level.

"Consumption of people and the government is expected to reach 4.8-5.2 percent and 6.0-6.4 percent, respectively," he said.

Investment was expected to grow 10.0-10.4 percent while export and import were expected to reach 14.9-15.3 percent and 18.0-18.4 percent, respectively, said the minister.

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Nokia to Ship New Wp7 Phones Every 2-3 Months

Nokia plans to launch later this year, the first Windows smart phone, will be released every few months a new model.


Nokia smart devices, executive vice president of Qiaoha Luo (JoHarlow) said: "We should be two to three months so that the rhythm of each new product. "


She confirmed that each interval of 8-12 weeks because even the introduction of new products to maintain a degree of public concern WP7 platform and momentum, and other mobile phone compared to the original equipment manufacturer, Nokia, the apparent lack of this remarkable product.


Qiaoha Luo also confirmed that the company is actively looking for opportunities in recent years, the U.S. smart phone users to develop CDMA.


Although the company's first mobile phone will use Qualcomm's chipsets (to be Microsoft's request), but Nokia has other chips in the selection of providers, which may be delays between the two companies have been the fuse CDMA patent litigation .


She added: "To solve the problem of different levels of performance, the company must have a number of chip suppliers, so that different business areas can meet the different requirements of the modem, anything like that. Thus, although our first chip Qualcomm suppliers, but we are also working with Microsoft to discuss with other chip vendors products. "

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Skype server fails millions of users forced to "break"

Internet phone service Skype, the day before the server failure, leading to downtime incidents, in fact, affected users may reach millions.

The United Kingdom on Thursday, Skype service failure, leading some users are forced offline, and can not log in again. Also some users, while still online, but has been unable to make calls. Reported that the incident only from Microsoft's high-priced acquisition of Skype two weeks, there are Internet users questioned the failure was caused by both the system integration.

Skype has more than 660 million customers, from the United States and Britain and other places that VoIP customers are not used.

November 2004, Skype TOM Online to enter the Chinese market together, and launched Skype version for Chinese users.

As of the end of September 2007 data show that, Skype already has more than 51 million registered users in China. China has overtaken the U.S. as the most Skype users worldwide, the most active regional market.

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30 years, mankind has been trying to resist HIV

The AIDS epidemic has plagued the human being for practically 30 years and also the efforts of fighting against it have by no means stopped.

The very first case of AIDS was diagnosed by the U. S. Centers for Illness Control on June five, 1981, and what began as a fatal new pandemic then has become a treatable chronic illness.

The pandemic is still powerful, but the news is acquiring much more positive. Nowadays infection can be prevented as well as the virus, immune program as well as the host-pathogen interaction are increasingly well understood.

Despite the fact that a cure remains out of reach, the disease may be treated. Moreover, although a lot of people still die because of the virus, HIV is no longer a death sentence anymore.

That's a triumph by any measure, but the epidemic is still killing individuals, and men and women are not paying sufficient attention.

According to a recent United Nations report, AIDS has claimed a lot more than 25 million lives and a lot more than 60 million individuals have been infected by HIV.

AIDS Community Resources of the United States revealed that youth are engaging in random unprotected sex with several partners and that there's a general lack of awareness about HIV and sexually transmitted diseases within the community.

"There's a myth on the market that AIDS has a cure, that you'll be able to take a pill to treat HIV and there are no consequences," said Michael Crinnin, executive director of AIDS Community Resources. "There is no cure. You can find consequences."

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Colombian government does not agree to the exchange of prisoners with the rebels

The Colombian government Monday ruled out the possibility to negotiate any prisoner exchange offers with all the rebels and demanded that all of the hostages be released unconditionally.

"The government has reaffirmed several times that this can be not an selection and keeps requesting to those organizations the immediate and unilateral release of those still held in captivity," stated Interior and Justice Minister German Vargas Lleras.

He was responding to a proposal from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to make a humanitarian exchange with all the government.

"These statements of the FARC have always to become received meticulously since no one is going to build a stage for a political role without concrete actions that demonstrate the real intentions behind releasing these individuals," he reiterated.

Lleras stated the government is just not as much as create "a platform which will doesn't bring about anything" simply because the guerrillas "has lied on the concern of humanitarian exchange."

The FARC has been raising the propsal for years in a bid to free dozens of its members jailed at residence and abroad in exchange for the return of practically two dozen police and military personnel held as hostages.

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Samsung to court for the next generation Apple iPhone and iPad view prototype

Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) to the United States court to issue a request to Apple (AAPL.O) submitted to the next generation of iPhone and iPad prototype. This is a series of patent disputes between the two companies the latest case.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh required to provide to Apple Samsung Galaxy Samsung mobile phones, tablet PCs and other products, samples of some models.

Samsung in federal district court in Northern California on Friday to submit the motion said: "If the court does not allow the Apple Samsung released Samsung products ... ... but to prevent arguments and the view to prepare the products Apple has not released that will allow Samsung in this Field at a distinct disadvantage in the litigation. "

Apple last month sued Samsung, said that Samsung mobile phones and tablet PCs Galaxy Series "copy"iPhone and iPad design. Samsung subsequently launched a counterclaim, saying that Apple is plagiarism side.

Apple last year, Samsung's second-largest customer, the main components purchased the Samsung Semiconductor. Apple sued Samsung, the main design for the Galaxy, such as screen icon look.

Samsung declined to comment on the latest developments.

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Backgrounder: Effects of DEHP on living organisms

 Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, commonly abbreviated DEHP, is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(C8H17COO)2.

Its effects on living organisms include:

Smaller penis size and other feminizing links

DEHP metabolites measured from the blood of pregnant women have been significantly associated with the decreased penis width, shorter anogenital distance, and the incomplete descent of testes of their newborn sons, replicating effects identified in animals. Approximately 25 percent of U.S. women have phthalate levels similar to those in the study.

Obesity

A study on CDC data published in Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), revealed that American men with abdominal obesity or insulin resistance (a precursor to diabetes) were more likely to have high levels of DEHP and DBP metabolites in their urine than men without those problems.

Toxicity

The acute toxicity of DEHP is 30g/kg in rats (oral) and 24g/kg in rabbits (dermal). Concerns instead focus on its potential as an endocrine disruptor. Some countries have banned DEHP from toys.

Cardiotoxicity

A clinically relevant dose and duration of exposure to DEHP has been shown to have a significant impact on the behavior of cardiac cells in culture. This includes an uncoupling effect that leads to irregular rhythms in vitro. This is observed in conjunction with a significant decrease in the amount of gap junctional connexin proteins in cardiomyocytes treated with DEHP.

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Backgrounder: Toxic chemical DEHP

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, commonly abbreviated DEHP, is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(C8H17COO)2.

This colorless viscous liquid is soluble in oil, but not in water. It possesses good plasticizing properties. Being produced on a massive scale by many companies, it has acquired many names and acronyms, including BEHP and di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate.

In late May, Taiwan health officials confirmed DEHP had been found in an emulsifier that is commonly used in fruit jelly, yogurt mix powder, juices and other drinks.

Investigators traced the chemical to an emulsifier produced by Yu Sheng Chemical, an additive company in Taiwan.

It substituted palm oil with the plasticizer DEHP, which is known to cause cancer.

A cloudy agent is a legal food additive in fruit juice, jam and soft drinks, but some manufacturers used DEHP as raw materials in the production of cloudy agents to save costs.

The tolerable daily intake of DEHP as established by the European Union is 0.05 mg/kg body weight per day.

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Samsung plans to Android system for the future of the Tablet PC

President of Samsung's mobile communications division, said JK Shin, Samsung tablet device will be used after the Google Android software. "We will produce the Tablet PC in the future, continue to cooperate with the Android. "
Samsung and Apple iPad plate competition at the same time, once had its own mobile phone software development Bada, and and the Android system constitutes competition. But the Samsung phone to use Android, after the success of the system, and its hope that the Tablet PC can replicate this success.

Samsung also said, and will not give up Bada software, but will focus on Android, especially for the Tablet PC market growing, "we will consider Bada Once we have a market demand of its own software, but now we Without this plan. "Younghee Lee, Samsung vice president of sales and marketing, said.

JKShin also said that as the Tablet PC market is fierce, on the Galaxy Tab Samsung recently cut prices to attract customers, he hinted that the future may continue to cut prices.

And other than Tablet PC manufacturers, Samsung is the early adoption of Android system, which launched last October on a 7-inch Galaxy Tab and iPad competition. This summer, Samsung will launch 8.9-inch and 10.1-inch two new models of Galaxy Tab, both of which will run the latest version of the Android system, Honeycomb. One 10.1-inch version will be launched in June, priced at 499-599 U.S. dollars.

Samsung wants its Tablet PC shipments to rise five times this year, 750 million units. According to market data provider IHS iSuppli predicted in April this year, Apple iPad shipments of approximately 39.7 million units.

Many other brands also use flat Android system, including LG Electronics, Motorola, ZTE and HTC.

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New Zealand authorities confirm probe into safety of milk powder reportedly sold in China

 New Zealand's agriculture regulator confirmed Tuesday that it was investigating the safety of a brand of infant milk powder that is reportedly being exported to China and being promoted on the trade website, Alibaba.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) issued a statement from Geoff Allen, MAF compliance and enforcement director on Heitiki infant formula, saying MAF had begun an investigation into Kiaora New Zealand International, which was " alleged to be selling and exporting Heitiki infant formula."

"MAF's investigation is firstly focusing on any food safety ramifications associated with Heitiki infant formula, and will react accordingly if any food safety issues are identified," said Allen in the statement.

"MAF will also examine other possible breaches of requirements such as labeling, advertising and claims, and where breaches are identified we will respond," he said.

"Where any apparent breaches are identified of other legislation such as the Fair Trading Act, MAF will refer the matter to the appropriate authority."

The New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) reported Monday that Auckland-based Kiaora was apparently sending New Zealand-branded infant formula to China.

The company, whose sole director was Tianxi Shao, said on its website that it specialized in quality infant and dairy products, according to the NZPA report.

The website was "down for maintenance" Tuesday, but a search by Xinhua showed the Heitiki brand milk powder was still being promoted on business-to-business website Alibaba, with inquiries directed to a "Mr Sean Xu."

The tin in the site's photo is stamped "Follow-on Formula: From 6-12 months."

Heitiki tins are clearly branded as being from New Zealand, featuring a Maori woman on the label.

The promotion on the Alibaba site says the milk powder is shipped through "Yantian Port," adding: "Kiaora Heitiki Milkpowder from New Zealand, natural for super gene, rigorous production guarantee a perfect quality."

It goes on: "An excellent brand from New Zealand, produced by the purest, and most precious cows and their milk-- KIAORA HEITIKI Milk powder.

According to MAF, exporters of infant formula must be registered and manufacturers of formula in New Zealand must meet other requirements.

Kiaora was not on MAF's list of registered dairy exporters, the NZPA report said.

Maori Party co-leader and Member of Parliament Tariana Turia has led calls for an investigation into the company after being initially alarmed at the association of food with a Maori cultural icon - "heitiki" is Maori carved jewellery. Further investigation showed the company had questions regarding food safety and compliance with consumer standards, Turia told NZPA.

The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council Monday has also called for a full investigation of the company by regulators.

Chief executive Katherine Rich issued a statement Monday, saying the council was skeptical of the company's website claims when it was not sold on New Zealand shelves.

Rich said the council would highlight some of Kiaora's claims, such as the company saying it was "dedicated to sourcing and providing Kiwi mums with the best and healthiest infant formula available", that "many NZ parents are using Kiaora infant formula" and that its products "have become the new standard in New Zealand ".

"This is a complete surprise to our members. It's hard to fathom how Heitiki is the 'new standard' when scan data shows New Zealand and Australian supermarkets do not sell the product at all. "

Heitiki prices - with some tins up to 169 NZ dollars (138 U.S. dollars) - were exorbitant when compared to similar products available in New Zealand supermarkets ranging in price from 18 to 25 NZ dollars a tin, she said.

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Dagong raises Chile credit rating on sustained economic growth

Chinese ratings provider Dagong Global Credit Rating Co. said Tuesday it had raised the local and foreign currency sovereign credit rating of Chile from A+ to AA- with a stable outlook.

"The upgrade reflected Chile's improving debt repayment capability," Dagong said in a statement, adding that it made the assessment on the basis of factors including Chile's sustainable economic growth, decreased debt level and its stable financial strength outlook.

Given the huge global demand for copper, the continuity and stability of Chile's government policies and strong domestic demand in the country, Chile's economy will grow 6.5 percent and 6 percent in 2011 and 2012, respectively, compared with the 5.2 percent growth rate last year, according to the statement.

Dagong said Chile's fiscal revenues will jump 15 to 20 percent this year.

Chile's central government debt and public debt accounted for 9.1 percent and 20.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), respectively, last year, lower than the average level of 36 percent of emerging economies.

Dagong said the government's deficit is likely to decrease to 8.6 percent of GDP.

Founded in 1994, Dagong is a pioneer in creating credit rating standards on industries, regions and sovereignties in China.

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WHO urges Asian gov'ts to pass laws against tobacco use

The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that governments should pass and implement laws that will prevent premature deaths from tobacco-related diseases.

In a statement issued in observance of the World No Tobacco Day, Shin Young-soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, said such laws are crucial given that smoking has put 900 million people in the region at risk for tobacco-related illness such as lung cancer and heart disease.

"In our region, it is estimated that close to half of all men smoke and half of all women and children are regularly exposed to the deadly toxins of second-hand smoke at home and in public places," he said.

Of the World Health Organization's six regions, the Western Pacific Region has the biggest number of smokers. The WHO estimates that one in three cigarettes consumed globally is smoked in Asia Pacific countries. The region also has the highest rates of male smoking prevalence and the fastest increase in tobacco uptake by women and young people.

Shin said the socio-economic cost of tobacco use in the region is a "reason for alarm." In China, smoking accounts for about 1 million deaths per year. In South Korea, the total socio-economic cost of smoking in 2007 was estimated to have reached 6.1 billion U.S. dollars.

Shin is encouraging governments in the region to use the provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as the basis for laws to ban indoor smoking, imposing higher taxes on tobacco products and enforcing a comprehensive ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of cigarettes.

"These are simple policy measures that will save lives and will also result in billions of dollars saved by preventing diseases, productivity losses and deaths from tobacco use," he said.

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2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Published

2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Published

Rumors and buzz were naturally in massive provide this year as SI tried to maintain the 2011 swimsuit issue cover a closely guarded secret until its official publication in early February.

A swimsuit issue initial this year was an exclusive sneak peak in the Swimsuit edition was revealed on DIRECTV's The 101 Network Friday, February 11, 2011. The main attraction, naturally, had been 17 models slated to appear in this year's spread along with a tell-all on the various photo place shoots employed inside the 2011 issue.

And this year's cover girl? She wasn't to become unveiled until the official publication date slated for Tuesday, February 15, 2011... but wait! The massive news was announced within the US on the David Letterman show on Valentine's Day, February 14. Considering that the show tapes at 6PM, the grand unveiling was revealed hours earlier to Occasions Square crowds in New York City. Now watch for a unique guest appearance by this year's cover model, Irina Shayk, on the evening of February 15.

Irina Shayk, a supermodel because 2004 has been on the best 20 lists of sexiest models worldwide and, on a private note, is currenty the main squeeze of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

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China's proposed tax threshold changes receive more than 230,000 public feedback

The country's top legislature has received a record number of more than 230,000 public submissions on a draft amendment to increase the minimum threshold for personal income tax from 2,000 yuan (306 U.S. dollars) per month to 3,000 yuan.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) published the draft amendment to the Personal Income Tax (PIT) Law on its official website, www.npc.gov.cn, on April 25, calling for public submissions. Tuesday is the deadline for submissions.

Feedback submitted online broke the previous record.

During a bimonthly session which concluded late April, the NPC Standing Committee examined the draft amendment to the PIT law for the first time.

The draft amendment, featuring a minimum tax threshold hike, is among the latest efforts to improve the living standards of the country's middle- and low-income earners and to achieve a more fair income distribution.

The country currently uses a nine-bracket progressive rating system, which applies a minimum tax rate of 5 percent to those who earn between 2,000 to 2,500 yuan, and a maximum rate of 45 percent for those whose earnings exceed 102,000 yuan a month.

However, according to the draft, the minimum tax rate of 5 percent will be applied to those whose monthly salaries range from 3,000 yuan to 4,500 yuan and the peak rate to those who make more than 82,000 a month.

More than 200 million people of the country's working class will stand to benefit from lifting the minimum PIT threshold. If the personal income tax threshold is lifted, only about 12 percent of the working class will have to pay taxes, down from the current 28 percent, according to officials.

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Posted in: 000 public feedback,China's proposed tax threshold changes receive more than 230

24 killed in road accident in northeast India

At least 24 passengers were killed and more than five went missing when a bus carrying a marriage party fell into a river early Tuesday morning the Kamrup district of the northeast Indian state of Assam, said police.

The bus, carrying around 40 passengers from Guwahati to Tihu, fell into a river after a crossing wooden" bridge collapsed, said police.

Road accident rate in India is among the highest in the world, with at least 100,000 killed each year on the road.

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Movies: ‘Basketball Wives’ Season 3 Premiere May 30

Basketball Wives season 3 is generating waves across the globe and its most recent season is going to be more or at the least as enticing as the second season that was really well received all through the duration of its broadcast.

Basketball Wives' third season is going to include not just wives of prominent football players but additionally their girl pals and ex wives and ex girlfriends. This all mix up is undoubtedly going to spice up things for the viewers and make it unpredictable for the football players whose existing or exs are going to become aspect with the reality show.

Shaunie O'Neal who's an important aspect with the show on VH1 says that the reality show will make the complete knowledge of watching television and a lot more specifically reality show a a lot more intriguing points for one particular and all.

While speaking to ESPN she stated, "Along with our regular drama you'll get to dip into the ladies personal lives a bit more?-More kids, you'll get to meet several of the ladies parents and hear their story just a little a lot more. It becomes a little a lot more individual this season."

She went on to add, "It was critical to me, because we have children, that we keep cool--We do not have to be BFF. We don't must talk every single day or something like that, but we're parents first and it really is important that we remain good."

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FARC rebel group kills two candidates for mayor in Colombian town

 The FARC guerrillas kidnapped and shot dead on Monday two candidates for mayor of the Colombian town of Campamento when they were campaigning in a rural area.

Catalina Lopera, a local government official, said Guillermo Roldan from Cambio Radical party and Adonay Correa from the Conservative Party, were kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and later shot dead.

Local police said both candidates were about five hours driving from Campamento when they were killed.

Local media reported that both candidates had no bodyguards with them.

Colombia's regional elections are slated for October. Mayors, governors and regional deputies will be elected in the election.

FARC, the country's largest rebel group, is notorious for its kidnapping of political figures.

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Tibetans'religious freedom fully guaranteed: China's Tibet expert

The freedom of religious belief of the Tibetans has been fully guaranteed with support from China's central government, a visiting Chinese expert on Tibet said Monday.

Zhang Yun, an expert with the China Tibetology Research Center and head of a Chinese delegation, made the remarks while meeting Katerina Konecna, vice chairwoman of the foreign affairs committee of the Czech House of Parliament.

Tibet has made substantial economic, social and cultural progress over past decades while Tibetans' livelihood has also been greatly improved, said Zhang.

Most Tibetans hope that the autonomous region could develop better and faster under the leadership of the central government of China, he added.

Zhang also briefed Konecna on Tibet's history, saying that the Dalai Lama's proposal to set up a "Greater Tibet region" in the disguise of "high-degree autonomy" will not be accepted by the Chinese government and the Tibetan people.

He added that members of the delegation would like to tell the Czech Parliament, the press and the public about the true story of Tibet.

Konecna, who had visited Tibet once, said she was deeply impressed by Tibet's natural beauty and the achievements in its development.

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Survey: More willing to settle with yuan

An HSBC survey has found nearly 80 percent of companies are willing to use renminbi for settlement. But the survey shows the main obstacle is the acceptability among trading partners outside China.

Overseas partners have difficulties in obtaining the currency to pay, or lack channels to use the currency they received as payment. But an analyst from HSBC says overseas markets will see a steady and continued rise in renminbi holdings, and strengthened local support for renminbi settlement over time. That's likely to be due to greater use, and investment channels for offshore renminbi.

The survey covered 13-hundred companies in 18 Chinese cities, that are allowed cross-boarder yuan settlement business.

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Italian PRT repels insurgent attack in W Afghanistan

 Afghan and coalition forces repelled an attack on the provincial reconstruction team (PRT) headquarters in Herat district, Herat province in west Afghanistan on Monday, a news release form NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Tuesday.

Several insurgents attacked the PRT headquarters with a vehicle- borne improvised explosive device and small arms fire in an attempt to enter the compound, according to the statement obtained by Xinhua.

"Afghan and coalition forces positively identified the insurgent positions and returned fire, killing several insurgents, " it said.

Several ISAF service members were wounded during the attack. " They were evacuated to an ISAF medical facility and are receiving medical attention," the statement said.

"Once again the Afghan security forces were able to quickly respond and repel an insurgent attack preventing serious loss of life," the statement quotes Lt. Col. Mark Wenham, ISAF Joint Command (IJC) spokesman as saying. "The Afghan forces are continually improving their capability to protect and defend Afghan citizens and take increased responsibility for the defense of their country."

"There were two other explosions during the attack in Herat according to reporting," the statement said.

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Australian agriculture minister bans live exports to Indonesia for inhumane animal treatment

Australian Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig on Tuesday announced the suspension of live exports to eleven abattoirs in Indonesia, pending an investigation into their treatment of Australian cattle.

Australia's livestock industry, LiveCorp, on Friday was handed the video footage filmed by animal activists, which showed the beasts being mistreated in a number of Indonesian abattoirs.

The footage was released by ABC News on Monday night, which showed animals kicked, thrashed and beaten, their throats hacked at, eyes gouged and tails broken.

Minister Ludwig said he was shocked by the footage.

He said it was clear that livestock industry reforms to animal welfare standards had not gone far enough or been fast enough, and much more needed to be done.

The Greens and two independents threw support to the move, calling for an immediate ban on live animal exports to Indonesia.

The federal Coalition has also offered bipartisan support for a review of the live cattle export industry.

LiveCorp was handed the footage last week, and in response to the incident, it has announced a suspension of trade to three of the worst abattoirs, while sending training experts to a fourth abattoir in Indonesia.

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Russia to lift grain export ban on July 1st

Russia will lift its grain export ban from July 1st. The ban was imposed last year in the wake of a severe drought. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin made the announcement after a work report by his deputy, saying spring planting this year was 10 percent higher than the previous year, and the winter wheat harvest was "quite good."

Putin said that lifting the export restrictions would be a boost for the country's farmers. He added that the government would closely monitor the situation in the agricultural sector, and take all measures to support domestic farmers.

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Regulators probe U.S. takeover bids for Asian computer companies

European anti-trust regulators Monday launched in-depth probes into takeover bids for two Asian companies by two American peers in the computer hard disk drive sector, media reports said Tuesday.

U.S.-based Seagate Technology has said it wants to buy Samsung Electronics Co's loss-making hard disk drive unit for 1.4 billion U.S. dollars -- a deal that will give Seagate access to Samsung's NAND-type flash chips for its solid-state drive products.

Western Digital plans to purchase Hitachi Ltd's hard disk drive business for 4.3 billion dollars to give it an edge in developing next-generation storage technology.

The two planned acquisitions in a sector with just five manufacturers worldwide have raised concerns in Brussels, the European Commission said.

"Hard drives are the backbone of the digital economy," said EU competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia in announcing the investigation.

"The sector has already experienced significant consolidation and the proposed acquisitions will further reduce competition."

Brussels officials have until Oct. 10 to decide what action if any they will take.

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Taiwan: Downstream business affected by toxic drink scandal

Supermarkets in Taipei are still unsure of what drinks are contaminated with plastic agents despite recalls from health authorities. As a result, traders from smaller towns are continuing to stock potentially deadly products.

Working in Taitung, a less affluent part of the island, this deliveryman doesn't know if he's bringing safe drinking products or poison.

Deliveryman: Juice powders.

Reporter: Anything else off shelves?

Deliveryman: No.

Many store owners don't know either.

But buyers are being vigilant.

"I won't drink. I'm scared."

And it's not just bottled drinks.

Jams and other food flavouring additives have been found to contain the industrial plastic DEHP, producers are now worrying about their business.

Beverage maker said "We are scared too. We asked the material providers to test their products. Otherwise we will be affected."

Lucky for this woman, she has got the test report, proving safe supply.

But more are still waiting, in fear.

Some even say that it's now the health departments that get business, rather than vendors.

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Mainland answers Taiwan drink alert

Contaminated food and drinks have also been sold on the mainland, after a trek across the Taiwan Strait. A number of cities, including Shanghai, are responding swiftly.

Authorities there have found more than five-thousand bottles of contaminated sports drinks, in two large chain markets. The operators have already taken them off the shelves.

A few dozen kilometers to the west, in Jiangsu Province, the city of Kunshan now boasts a large population of Taiwan businessmen. Many bottled drinks from the island are sold there. Since the latest food safety scandal broke out, local supermarkets have banned all suspected products.

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Samsung asks court to force Apple to disclose new iPhone, iPad models

Samsung Electronics has asked a U.S. court to force Apple Inc to disclose iPhone and iPad models under development in the latest round of an ongoing patent and trademark lawsuit, media reports said Tuesday.

Samsung must see the final versions of the iPhone and iPad to “evaluate whether a likelihood of confusion exists” between Samsung and Apple products likely go on sale about the same time, according to documents filed Friday by Samsung in San Jose, California, federal court. Samsung is asking Apple to turn over the samples by June 13.

Samsung’s request is part of a legal dispute between the two companies, which began in April when Apple claimed Samsung’s Galaxy products “slavishly” copied iPad and iPhone technology and design.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Judge Lucy Koh ordered Samsung to give Apple copies of several models of its Galaxy mobile phones and tablets, as well as other products.

Samsung declined to comment, and Apple could not be immediately reached for comment on Monday.

Samsung's Galaxy products use Google's Android operating system, which directly competes with Apple's mobile software.

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Posted in: iPad models,Samsung asks court to force Apple to disclose new iPhone

Brazilian banks outperform peers in the Americas on ROE: study

Three Brazilian banks are the most profitable in terms of return on equities (ROE) among 19 large public banks in Latin America and the United States, according to a new study.

The three banks are Banco do Brasil, Itau Unibanco and Bradesco, according to the study issued by Sao Paulo-based consulting firm Economatica, which analyzed the ROE of the 19 lenders between April 2010 and March 2011. All the banks on the list have assets more than 100 billion U.S. dollars.

Banco do Brasil, the only state-owned bank on the list, ranked the first with a ROE of 26.46 percent, followed by Bradesco, with 22.33 percent, and Itau Unibanco, with 20.57 percent. Banco do Brasil is also the largest bank in Latin America in terms of assets, according to the study.

Another Brazilian bank, Santander Brasil, also made the top nine of the list with a ROE of 10.57 percent.

U.S. Bancorp was a distant fourth, with a ROE of 12.91 percent, and Capital One ranked fifth, with 12.03 percent. Both banks are U.S.-based.

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Russia cancels war games with India: report

Russia has canceled in the recent months two important bilateral war games with India, including the Indra series of navy and army war games in the recent weeks, apparently due to India's refusal to buy new Russian fighter jet, reported local media Tuesday.

Russia had late last month called off the Indra series of exercises with the Indian Navy, despite the latter's warships -- including guided missile destroyers INS Delhi, INS Ranvir and INS Ranvijay -- reaching Vladivostok, an eastern Russian port town on the Pacific Ocean, the Indo-Asian News Service quoted defense sources as saying on Monday.

The reason cited by Russians for the sudden decision to do away with the naval war game was the non-availability of its warships due to their expected deployment in aid of Japan after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, said the report.

But what came as a shocker for the Indians was that the Russian warships later sailed out for an exercise of their own, instead of the cited deployment in aid of Japan, according to the report.

The Indian ships returned to Visakhapatnam last week without the valuable experience that would have been gained if the exercise had taken place. Indian Navy personnel instead had to contend with a face-saver of a tabletop simulation during their stay in Vladivostok, said the report.

Russia also called off an army exercise under the Indra series that was to be held in Russia in June. Moscow conveyed to New Delhi last week that it would not be able to host the exercise as the intimation for the war game was sent very recently without much time for preparation, according to the report.

Since 2003, the two countries have conducted five exercises between their armies and navies under the Indra series. The latest bilateral army exercise was held in Uttarakhand in northern India last October.

The Russian moves come in the wake of India choosing two European fighter jets as the top contenders for a 10.4 billion U.S. dollar fighter jet contract. In the process, not only Russian but also American and Swedish planes were knocked out of the competition.

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Hackers post fake Tupac story on PBS website

 Hackers have cracked the website of U.S. public broadcaster PBS and posted a fake story claiming dead rapper Tupac Shakur was alive in New Zealand, media reports said Tuesday.

The hoax on the site of the PBS NewsHour program claimed the rapper was "alive and well in a small resort in New Zealand," citing "locals."

The story had been removed by Monday morning.

Tupac died in 1996 after being shot four times in Las Vegas.

A group claiming it was behind the hack had complained about last week's PBS Frontline investigation into Julian Assange's Wikileaks website.

The group, calling itself LulzSec, and The Lulz Boat on Twitter, claimed it had hacked the site.

One message said the group was "less than impressed" with the documentary, entitled Wikisecrets, about the leak of U.S. diplomatic cables to the WikiLeaks website.

PBS acknowledged the hack early Monday morning. David Fanning, executive producer of Frontline, said the attack on the PBS website was unusual but "probably not unexpected."

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Chery to build $200m factory in South America

Chery Automobile Co will break new ground in Latin America when its $200 million factory in Venezuela starts producing vehicles for the region later this year, a move seen as further enhancing foothold in the overseas market of the automaker, a top company executive told China Daily.

Chery had signed a cooperative agreement with China Development Bank and the Venezuelan government to set up the new factory, which will be the second-largest that Chery has in Latin America, following its existing auto manufacturing facility in Brazil.

Du Weiqiang, vice-president of Chery International, said the new auto-making plant will be producing 20,000 cars annually.

"Venezuela is not an open market, which leaves huge potential for us to tap, if we have an assembly factory there to sell domestically. And also, Chery has rich experiences in Latin American nations," Du said.

The new factory will be the first Chinese automotive plant in Venezuela and will help Chery - China's largest auto exporter and largest Chinese independent automaker - to ramp up its exports.

Since December 2007, Venezuela raised import tariffs on autos to 40 percent from 35 percent, as a way to fend off imports and protect its own auto industry.

It is estimated that 15 global auto-making companies - mostly from the United States, the European Union, Japan and South Korea - have established factories in Venezuela to cash in on the potential growth of the emerging economy, whose annual production capacity is 250,000 vehicles at the moment.

But such capacity is far from meeting local demand, especially people who want to buy budget vehicles. That provides a niche opportunity for Chinese automakers to gain entry into the domestic market.

"The new factory will mainly make budget cars. Our target is the local consumers," Du said.

Under the agreement, China Development Bank will "grant loans to the Venezuelan government and Chery will transfer technology."

Venezuela imports more than 50 percent of its auto parts annually. The local government has urged foreign companies, including Chinese automakers, to transfer technologies to local partners.

Venezuela is a major crude oil producer and exporter. Since October 2009, the nation has launched a wave of economic stimulus packages, including building infrastructure and simplifying administrative processes.

Venezuela's economy dropped by 1.4 percent in 2010, but it bounced back and increased by 4.5 percent during the first quarter of this year.

Chery has 16 manufacturing bases abroad, including two in Latin America - Brazil and Uruguay. The factory in Brazil, with an investment of $400 million, can eventually produce 150,000 autos annually.

"Latin America is the best performing region for Chery's overseas market, thanks to a stable political situation, less trade barriers and a mature consumption market," Du said.

Since the recent global financial crisis began, Latin America has been one of the top three overseas markets for Chinese automakers, with Brazil expected to overtake Germany as the world's fourth-largest auto market this year.

In 2010, Chery registered sales of 23,000 vehicles in Latin America, making the region the fastest growing market for the Chinese automaker.

Last year, Chery sold 91,986 vehicles, mostly in developing regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa.

The company has set a target to sell 120,000 vehicles in the overseas markets for 2011.

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Rio boosts purchases in China

Rio Tinto Group, the world's third-largest miner by market capitalization, said it will double its procurement of goods in China to reach 1 billion U.S. dollars this year, further highlighting long-term collaboration with the world's largest iron ore consumer.

"In 2011, we expect to spend over 1 billion dollars in raw material, marine freight, operational and capital goods in China," said Scott Singer, Rio Tinto's global head of procurement, at a signing ceremony with the State-owned Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing Corporation (XEMC).

Under the agreement, the first such deal for a Chinese manufacturer to export haul trucks, XEMC will deliver four trucks to Rio Tinto's Pilbara project in Western Australia.

The company started procurement in China in 2003 and spent $500 million on manufacturing goods in 2010.

Singer said the growth in procurement is due to Rio Tinto's business expansion, and he expects the group to make more purchases in China next year.

The XEMC trucks are scheduled to be operational at the Tom Price mine in Pilbara in early 2012.

"For Rio, it's our first contract with a Chinese manufacturer for the supply of mining equipment, and it's also the first time that we will receive customized fit-for-purpose trucks that we can put straight to work in our mines," said Tom Palmer, chief operating officer of the Pilbara Mines.

Mark Rivers, general manager of emerging market procurement for Rio Tinto China, said the tremendous growth rate in the Chinese procurement market has introduced competitive costs, the acceleration of delivery schedules, and Chinese partners' willingness to work with Rio Tinto to customize designs.

XEMC is also in talks with other potential business partners from Brazil, Turkey, and South Africa to further tap overseas markets.

"We expect our overseas business to account for one-third of XEMC's total revenue by 2015," said Li Jiping, XEMC group deputy director general.

Ian Bauert, Rio Tinto's managing director for China, said the country is Rio Tinto's largest market and accounts for 28 percent of worldwide revenue.

He said the company has plans to increase the capacity of the Pilbara iron ore mines' infrastructure to 330 million tons by 2015.

"Most of the increased production will be bound for China to feed the country's ongoing industrialization and urbanization," he said.

The company's relations with China hit a rough patch after it walked away from a $19.5 billion investment deal with Aluminum Corp of China (Chinalco) in June 2009. Ties further soured when four of Rio Tinto's former employees in China were convicted of taking bribes and stealing Chinese commercial secrets.

The company started mending fences in March 2010 when Chief Executive Officer Tom Albanese visited Beijing to strengthen its partnership with China.

In March last year, Rio Tinto and Chinalco agreed to jointly develop the Simandou iron ore project in the African state of Guinea. Meanwhile, in December, the companies signed an agreement to establish a joint venture to explore for new sources of copper and coking coal in China.

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