The Bush administration is facing fierce criticism across India for backing the Coca Cola and Pepsi Cola companies in their fight with local authorities and consumer groups. Following new research from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) pubshed by the Down-To-Earth magazine, the two multibillion-dollar soft drink giants were forced to wind up their operations in the state of Kerala over charges of selling substandard products that could pose health risks. Haider Rizvi reports.
The cola companies are already facing full or partial bans in six other Indian states as a result of a growing nation-wide campaign by environmental groups and local communities. Researchers at the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), an independent group, say they have conducted various studies that clearly show pesticide residues in Coca Cola and Pepsi products in India were 24 times higher than European Union standards ... ... this article is reserved for subscribers. Please log in >>> here.
Race to a New Bretton Woods + Time for UN to Act + Stiglitz' New Economic Compact + China's Agrarian Reforms + Transparency Deficit of IMF and World Bank
Since the financial meltdown began in mid-September, the bond markets of most of the region have been hit, as well as most of their stock markets and a number of currencies. Can South America escape the wrath of the economic and financial storms that have their epicenter in the United States?
On 11 October 2008, the International Working Group of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IWG) released the Generally Accepted Principles and Practices (GAPP) that would guide the governance and accountability framework of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs).
For years, only a small and enlightened elite and some NGOs looking beyond their tiny projects have been calling for a New Bretton Woods - a global conference to restructure the global economic and financial system. Yet suddenly such demands have become almost mainstream, and developments have accelerated tremendously.
The timing has been perfect: In the middle of October, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China approved a reform proposal that will allow farmers to lease or transfer their land rights. Called a "historic" decision by some observers, the Chinese government announced it as Chinas contribution to counter the financial crisis.
The 2008 US Presidential election was historic itself owing to the candidates' profile. But the timing of the elections as the U.S. and global economy are in the midst of the worst financial crisis and recession in decades reminds us of the Great Depression era and the 1980s recession.