Direct tax growth declined to 22.2 per cent, following the global financial crisis. Government collected Rs 1,77,251 crore as direct taxes between April to November this fiscal. The collection was Rs 1,45,053 crore till November last year. Low economic activities impacted the state revenue significantly as companies are facing low demand amid tight monetary policy and global slow demand. Tax growth witnessed 45% increase earlier this year while 29.5% growth a month ago.

Hong Kong  - Law enforcement agencies will be put on "high alert" during the financial crisis to ensure that Hong Kong remains a safe city, government chief executive Donald Tsang said Saturday.

Tsang told a crime-prevention conference that the global economic slowdown had adversely affected the local economy and jobs, but that public safety would be a high priority.

Los Angeles  - The surging Boston Celtics extended one streak by putting an end to another.

Ray Allen scored 19 points, and Rajon Rondo had 16, along with eight rebounds and seven assists as the Celtics rolled to their 11th straight victory by snapping the Portland Trail Blazers' six-game winning streak 93-78 on Friday night.

The Celtics run is their longest since winning 14 in a row during the 1985-86 championship season.

"We're just building to get better," said Celtics captain Paul Pierce, who finished with 12 points. "The earlier we get these wins against quality opponents it's preparing us for the long run."

Washington, December 6: Shania Twain has raised eyebrows after she was spotted being escorted by the husband of her ex-secretary at the John F. Kennedy airport.

The country-pop singer, who had parted ways with music-producer hubby Robert "Mutt" Lange in May this year, had reportedly been photographed with Frederic Thiébaud as the duo arrived at the John F Kennedy airport.

The stunning Canadian was said to have split from Lange following reports that he had been romancing secretary Marie-Anne Thiebaud.

The government has finally slashed the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 5 and Rs 2 a liter, respectively. Revised prices would be effective from midnight. The step would help to control the inflation rate and increase demand in the economic system. However, the margin of oil marketing companies would decline just as it was starting to improve due to the decline in crude prices in the international market. OMC are likely to suffer a revenue loss of Rs.6,000 crore in the current fiscal due to the recent price revision.

Washington, Dec 6 : Posh Spice has revealed that she follows a simple exercise, dress, and makeup routine that turns her into ‘Victoria Beckham’.

For the mum of three, looking good is an important aspect of her life, and she makes sure that she is seen at her best whenever she goes out, though she admits while at home she does not mind dressing down.

“It''s funny. I go to the gym now,” People magazine quoted her as telling January''s Harper''s Bazaar, which goes on sale December 16.