The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-07-22

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Arduous & Unhealthy Occupations BecomeâCause of Warâ

The Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) threatened to walk out of the committee revising the list with the arduous and unhealthy occupations in case occupations are excluded without any scientific documentation. It then suggested the setting up of a permanent council to that end.

News item: 25093

[02] Gusty Winds Fuel Wildfires

The fire that broke out in Kallitechnoupoli settlement has been contained. Ground and air forces are still there fighting the blaze.

News item: 25084

[03] Greek President Congratulates New Justice Chiefs

The President of the Republic congratulated the new Justice chiefs and expressed his certainty that they will achieve their goals.

News item: 25083

[04] Scrapping Old Cars Until 2012

After holding a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, the Inner Cabinet discussed measures aiming at emission cuts. The cabinet decided to give consumers a four-year period to have their old cars scrapped, and to associate the registration taxes with the cars' impact on the environment. They also decided to shield central Athens from old vehicles, establishing a âgreenâ perimeter. The government's goal is to cut emission by 25-35% in 2012 and by 60% in 2015.

The Pubic Works Minister announced incentives aspired to push consumers to have their old cars scrapped and buy new ones.The incentives for scrapping will depend on the engine capacity of the vehicle to be traded in. The incentives will be even higher for those intending to buy a new one.

Premiums for purchasing a new car will be given to those who scrap their old ones. Spanning for ten years, the programme will be in force until 2012.

The Public Works Minister also unveiled environmental taxes depending on the engine's impact on the environment.Taxes for clean cars will be cut, whereas gas-guzzling and older technology cars could see increases of between 50 to 150 euros. The new rates will come into force for 2010.The environmental taxes will apply to all kinds of vehicles.

News item: 25081

[05] Longest Total Solar Eclipse in 21st Century

People in Asia have seen the longest total solar eclipse in the 21st century, with large areas of India and China plunged into darkness. Ancient superstitions, scientific experiments modern trade practices were uniquely combined during the solar eclipse visible by the most densely populated regions in the planet. The eclipse was first visible in west India at 06:30 (04:00 Greek time). A similar eclipse visible in India will occur after 123 years..

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NASA scientists in an article in Sky & Telescope magazine said that it is one of the longest total solar eclipses which ij some cases last up to 6 minutes and a half.

The eclipse swept through Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan,Myanmar and over the crowded cities in China, including Shanghai before heading to the Pacific.

Eclipses allow earth-bound scientists a rare glimpse of the sun's corona, the gases surrounding the sun, the largest star in the galaxy. Its long duration provides scientists an opportunity to make very complicated experiments.

In India, where eclipse superstitions are rife, people snaked through the narrow lanes of the ancient Hindu holy city of Varanasi and gathered for a dip in the Ganges, an act believed to bring release from the cycle of life and death.

For others, the eclipse was seen to be a bad omen. In Nepal, authorities shut all schools for the day to avoid exposing students to any ill-effects.

Some parents in Delhi kept their children from attending school at breakfast because of a Hindu belief that it is inauspicious to prepare food during an eclipse, while pregnant women were advised to stay inside due to a belief that the eclipse could harm a fetus.

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-REUTERS

News item: 25072

[06] Access to Loans-Credit Cards from EU Member States' Banks

Development Ministry intervention concerning bank products and services aim at consumers' protection. A bill to come into force in 2010 provides for access to the granting of consumer loans and cards from EU member states' banks with lower interest rates compared to Greek banks. A telephone line for complaints and denunciations has been introduced within the framework of strong pressure exercised on banks to abolish loan terms ruled abusive.

Hopes for Lower Interest Rates

A bill to come in effect in 2010 will allow Greek consumers to compare and select consumer loans-credit cards for sums from 200 to 75.000 euros with European interest rates.

Development Minister Kostis Hatzidakis announced new initiatives aimed to protect consumers, abolish abusive terms on loans and ensure smooth operation of the market.

A draft-bill incorporating EU regulation providing for access to European banks for the granting of loans and credit cards will be tabled to the Parliament in the next 3 months so the bill will come into force in 2010.

An individual, who wants a 30.000 euros consumer loan, would be briefed on interest rates and programs in other European countries and select the one considered most favourable for his case.

A special office to support and brief consumers on bank products and services will start operating next year. In the meantime, the government is accelerating implementation of rulings on terms judged abusive such as:

Charge of â¬1.40 for depositing payment for third party

Retroactive charge of credit-card interest rate from day of transaction

Source: ÍÅÔ Relevant Articles: Reforms in Bank Transactions

News item: 25066

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