Mini-Shell University’

LONDON: Shell, the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, has approached India for setting up a ‘mini-university’ in the country, the first by an oil major. The company is planning a big recruitment and training drive in Asia, particularly India, to increase the technical capability of its staff working in exploration and production. — HNS

EU inflation galloping

BRUSSELS: Economic indicators for the eurozone to be released this week are expected to show that inflation remains well above the European Central Bank’s medium-term target and that business and consumer confidence have stabilised. The data are not likely to undermine expectations the ECB will decide to raise interest rates by 25 basis points at its next council meet. — AFP

Russia to run firms

MOSCOW: Moves by the Russian state last week to retake control of the country’s top carmaker, Avtovaz, suggests the Kremlin is aiming to reinforce its control of other sectors of the economy beyond energy. The Kommersant daily reported that Rosoboronexport, the state body responsible for arms exports, has taken a controlling stake in Avtovaz, producer of the Russian Lada model. — AFP

Matiz cars recalled

SEOUL: GM Daewoo Auto and Technology, South Korea’s third-largest carmaker, will recall more than 700 Matiz minicars because of defective air bags. The recall, which was ordered by the construction and transportation ministry, will begin from Monday, affecting 734 Matiz models produced between July 1 and October 18 last year. — AFP

Britain starts drill

LONDON: Britain’s finance industry will be on red alert from Monday for a mock disaster that will test its readiness for a major catastrophe such as a terrorist attack, natural disaster or epidemic. The exercise will be organised by the Bank of England, finance watchdog the Financial Services Authority and the Treasury, in connection with London’s Metropolitan Police and other services. — AFP

AirAsia eyes long-haul

KUALA LUMPUR: After a long campaign to secure landing rights in Singapore, Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has said it is no longer interested in the lucrative short-haul route. “I am not interested in that route. We are going to other places,” CEO Tony Fernandes said. — AFP

Barbeque at Godavari

KATHMANDU: Godavari Village Resort has launched a winter barbeque picnic programme, in order to cater outing needs of domestic tourists mainly on weekend and holidays. The package is priced at Rs 599 per head, which includes live barbeque, one glass beer or wine and buffet lunch at the resort. For vegetarians, the package costs only Rs 499 and the children gets 25 per cent discount, according to a press release. The package is available on Saturdays and Sundays from November 26. — HNS

Industrial festival

BUTWAL: The 9th national industrial fair and the tourism festival-2062 is being organised by Rupandehi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in Butwal from December 20 to 26. There will be 30 stalls of IT, 17 stalls of hotel, 30 stalls of garment, 50 stalls of food items, 20 stalls of handicraft, 20 stalls of agro-industry, and various stalls of plastic, construction and automobiles products. — RSS