Sunday, September 13, 2009 WASHINGTON: The United States on Saturday said there is a possibility of terrorist attacks across India as the country enters into the festival season of Dusshera, Eid and Diwali this month. In a travel alert issued to its citizens travelling to India, the US State Department advised its nationals to be cautious and maintain a low profile during their travel to the country in this period. "The Department of State reminds US citizens of the continued possibility of terrorist attacks throughout India during the current Indian holiday season, which includes Hindu, Islamic and secular holidays as well as the period surrounding the commemoration of the September 11 terror attacks," it said. Referring to the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, which killed a number of US nationals, the statement said it provided a vivid reminder that hotels and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. "US citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile," it added. "Americans are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues," the State Department said. The travel alert expires on October 30.
Sunday, February 28, 2010 HAVANA: Hundreds of wealthy merchants and cigar aficionados from all parts of the world gathered in Havana this week to bid high stakes for humidors full of premium cigars. Cuba's annual Habanos festival ended on Friday night with an auction of ornate humidors of cedar and mahogany stacked with hand-rolled stogies that raised 800,000 euros ($1.09 million dollars). Habanos S.A. executives this month said cigar sales fell 8 percent to $360 million in 2009, so they have created the Julieta, a smaller, milder version of the Romeo y Julieta cigar, aimed specifically at female smokers. Women now make up only 5 to 10 percent of customers for Habanos. But even with the creation of the Julieta, Garcia said Habanos has only modest hopes for 2010 sales, due largely to a weak economy in Spain, the biggest market for Cuban cigars. The flavor of premium tobacco relies on the soil and climate in which it is grown. The western province of Pinar Del Rio, famous fo...
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