Police inspects taxi meters

KATHMANDU: Assisted by Valley Traffic Police Office a team of Nepal Quality Control and Metrology Department, Taxi-Tempo Unit, carried out a surprise inspection of taxies at Babarmahal, Thapathali and Pulchowk on Sunday. 17 taxis were found with tampered meters and they have been taken under control for necessary action. — RSS

Export growth slows down

BEIJING: China’s growth in textile and clothing exports will slow following a surge early this year that triggered calls for safeguard measures against Chinese producers. — AFP

Euro credibility in doubt

TOKYO: The relaxation of EU fiscal rules agreed last week will not hurt the credibility of the single European currency. “I don’t think this can have consequences on the credibility of the euro,” French president Jacques Chirac said. — AFP

Singapore cuts outlook

SINGAPORE: Economists on Monday sharply slashed their forecasts for Singapore’s first quarter economic growth after output in the key manufacturing sector went into a dramatic and unexpected reverse in February. — AFP

China’s new pension plan

BEIJING: China plans to use money tied up in state-owned assets to deal with a boom in retirees expected in 15 years’ time. State assets, such as stock in large companies, will be converted into funds that can help fill China’s $300 billion pension shortfall. — AFP

Thai brewer to expand

BANGKOK: Makers of Thailand’s Singha beer, Boonrawd Brewery, will set up their first overseas representative office in Canada to try and tap the North American market. — AFP