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At a Glance
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Spacecraft
BEIJING: Leading Chinese space experts said in Beijing yesterday China plans to develop several spacecraft in the next five years with the aim of sending the first Chinese astronauts into space.
Forex interest rates cut
BEIJING: With ratification from the People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's commercial banks will lower the interest rates for small-sum deposits in US dollars, pound sterling, HK dollars and Canadian dollars as of February 7.
According to PBOC sources, the interest rate for one-year deposits in US dollars will be lowered from 4.125 per cent to 3.8125 per cent, while that for one-year pound sterling lowered from 4.6875 per cent to 4.125 per cent, that for one-year HK dollar lowered from four per cent to 3.75 per cent, and that for one-year Canadian dollar lowered from 4.3125 per cent to 3.625 per cent.
Moderate growth
HONG KONG: The value of total retail sales of Hong Kong in December 2000 was estimated to increase by one per cent to HK$16.7 billion (US$2.14 billion), according to the Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong yesterday.
Public support
Aceh conflict
JAKARTA: As many as 33 people, including 11 security personnel, were killed in the conflict between the Acehnese rebel (GAM) and the government troops in Indonesia's western-most province of Aceh in January this year. Another 21 people were reportedly badly injured in clashes there during the month.
No smoking
NEW DELHI: The Indian Government yesterday decided to completely ban smoking in public places and sponsoring of sports and cultural events by cigarette and other tobacco product companies.
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