India banned smoking in public places

Even though the list of countries with smoking ban in public places is long, the smoking bans are much rarer in Asia. Now, India is following footsteps of Hong Kong and Singapore prohibiting smoking in many public places.

From the 2nd October smoking in hospitals, train stations, offices, hotels, restaurants and even bars in India is banned. According to government, there are over 120 million smokers in India, most of them under 30 years old.

The violators of the smoking ban will get a $5 fine initially, however India officials consider to raise the penalty to $25 in future.

Attention, attention possible Czech beer shortages...

in Russia that is.

In response to Czech plans to host a United States radar station, Russia, amongst the other commercial and political moves, is considering banning Czech beer.

So far, Czech Republic did not replied whether it is planning to ban Russian vodka.

Ciao Chow on Spanish Steps

Italian cities are cracking down on ‘misbehaving’ tourists. After Venice banning picnics and bare torsos from St Mark’s Square, now Rome bans … snacking near the tourist attractions in historic centre during the tourist season (the ban was put in place last weekend and stays in effect until the end of October). The fine can set you back €50.

A black cab to conquer the world?

Manganese Bronze, the manufacturer of iconic London’s cabs is developing a new ‘zero emission urban taxi’ model which is hoped to appeal to worldwide audience.

There supposed to be around 3,000 international orders placed for the black cab, with first 500 to be supplied in early 2009.

So do not be too shocked if you usual New York’s yellow taxi is a black one indeed.

Finnish student fined and banned after vandalizing Easter Island statue

A Finnish tourist, who vandalized a Moai statue on Easter Island last month, was sentenced by Chilean court with €10,000 fine, banned from entering the island for three years and also compelled to make a public apology.

According to Finish newspapers, this is the highest fine that the local Chilean court has ever imposed for a similar offense.

Philippines barres Dutch tourist for being rude.

The Dutch woman, Jenifer Sharmila Kalka, 42 has been barred by Philippine authorities from entering the country after she allegedly insulted the country's residents.

According to the officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Ms Kafka refused to answer standard set of questions from immigration and became abusive when asked to fill in a disembarkation form.

"You Filipinos are effing lazy," she allegedly said. "That is why you are poor."

The rude tourist was then put on the next available flight to her port of origin.

"A foreign tourist who exhibits arrogance and rude behavior upon his arrival in the Philippines should be turned back right away for he does not deserve the hospitality of our country and people," he Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan.

Local customs – Italy

Private to stay private as Italy's Court of Appeal outlawed men from scratching their crotches in public. Superstitious Italian men often hold or touch their privates for good luck when they see a hearse or to ward off bad luck - the equivalent of touching wood in Britain.