It's a gruelling time for vehicles. With environmental pollution spreading its menace on a global basis, Kolkata and Beijing are on a centre stage of activity surrounding their transportation system. As the movement of two stroke autos have already been banned in Kolkata, Beijing woke up to the same difficulty on New Year's day with all yellow label cars off the streets. Under the directive of the Kolkata High Court, two stroke autos cause extensive pollution and damage to the environment. The guideline for converting to the LPG switch has already been provided and a massive crackdown is expected over the coming days if pollution norms are not implemented. Up till now only 5 autos have been banned in Kolkata but Beijing already faces the abolition of 350,000 vehicles. Just a spare of thought for the commuters in both the metropolis!

A new year dawns the calendar and it's a fresh beginning for all. It's the time for new year resolutions as the international calendar draws to a close and provides a grand welcome to the year 2009. It's the time to rejoice and cheer with friends and family as a Happy New Year 2009 beckons us. The splendour and charm associated with the new year should be enjoyed by everybody as wishes are exchanged between loved ones. The year 2008 will be provided a spectacular farewell and 2009 embraced with a glorious welcome. The new year bashes and parties will be organised with much hype as the entire world gears up for a gorgeous and wonderful time ahead.

The Yuletide spirit of Christmas is set to take centrestage in the week ahead as the world gears up for the special day. Its time to rejoice and cheer as Santa is coming home with a plethora of wonderful gifts. Christmas trees, cakes, cookies, starlights and many special items only meant for this glorious time will spread their charming splendour all around. The streets and churches round the globe will be flooded with people who will gather to celebrate and offer their prayers at the same time. Its time to share your love, exchange gifts and make the world a better place to live in. The special delicacies of Christmas will also be savoured with family and friends.

Its surely the time for economic stimulus packages. After an announcement of a 30,000 crore economic stimulus package last week, there is more to come from the government. A second economic stimulus package will be declared over the next week to counter the depreciation of the Indian economy. The main concern of the government is the reduction in the rate of exports from last year. From the month of November, the exports rate has subsided to more than 10% which is alarming. The proposed stimulus package will comprise employment initiative schemes and also focus on engineering and textile sectors. The recent slump in the textile manufacturing sector has made the government implement schemes to rescue it from the ongoing ordeal.

Fuel prices are a global concern and a major issue which also regulates the costs of other commodities. The common citizens of the country can expect some good news in the near future with the government about to announce a slash in petrol and diesel price rates. Just a few months back,the minimum petrol prices in the major metros were increased to Rs. 50.00 and not at all taken in good spirit by the common people. Though only a slight decrease of 10 percent, the promised reduction of prices is a welcome sign for everybody due to the global economic meltdown. Following the move of India other Asian countries like Pakistan, Malaysia and Vietnam are also expected to do the same.