● <B>gold rise</B> ? The price of gold is skyrocketing on the world market. The ounce of gold reached $ 900 (Rs 26,658) last Friday. As a result, jewellers have announced that the rise will have a great impact on the sale prices of their products ? about 80% increase according to the director of Adamas, Sebastian Denton. The small shops are already scared that they might not be able to keep on with their businesses. There has already been a drop in the number of customers.

● <B>crack-down on alcohol</B> ? Smokers are not the only ones targeted by the ministry of Health. The Public Health Act will also be subject to amendments concerning the consumption, sale and advertising campaigns on alcohol. Just like the amendments on tobacco, the ministry invites the public to send their comments by the end of the month. It will be strictly forbidden to drink in public spaces except on the beach and in restaurants and bars that have the proper licences. Producers will also be requested to put a notice on bottles to warn consumers of the risks related to alcohol. Moreover, adverts on alcohol as well as sponsorship of alcohol brands for specific events will be banned.

● <B>Mysterious kidnapping</B> ? Chetram Sangam thinks the story has simply ?no logic?. After a sixteen-year old girl was allegedly kidnapped near her house in Belvédère last Saturday, Chetram Sangam was questioned by the police but he asserts he has strictly nothing to do with this kidnapping. The girl alleged that, while she was in the taxi, the driver stopped and was replaced by someone else as well as two other men. She says she can only identify the first driver as the three other men were wearing hoods. Chetram Sangam is a taxi driver and the owner of a guesthouse, which has the subject of many rumours during the past few days. ?It is only because some people are jealous that they spread rumours on me.? He also asserts that his main clients are tourists who go there ?to have a rest?. He is asking to be confronted with the girl to clear any doubts.