Fly moments for Walia

During an interview at the White House last week with CNBC's John Harwood, Obama showed a pesky fly buzzing around him. When it persistently intruded on the conversation, Obama couldn't take it anymore and
yelled "Get out of here," to the fly. When it didn't, he waited for the fly to settle, put his hand up and then killed it in a smart smack-down with his bare hands.

But the Delhi Finance Minister, who did not even sip a glass of water during his speech, didn't kill the fly and kept on shooing it away.u00a0

Obama's fly-swipe has been replayed on television like a significant sporting feat and predictably has become an instant YouTube sensation.

The animal activist condemned the act of US President and Peta (a forum of animal activists) has now taken it upon itself to school the President.

It is sending Obama a custom-built Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher u2013 a device that allows users to trap a fly and then release it outside.

Cheap hotels...maybe

The government proposes to decrease the luxury tax on the city hotels from the present 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent. The finance minister made it clear that the revenue loss will be recovered from the enhanced tax on tobacco products.

However, the hoteliers are not happy.

"In all other states, the tax is not more than 5 per cent. The state government should further cut it down. In fact there is a need to restructure the taxes imposed on the hotel industry. The present proposal is being mooted keeping in view the Commonwealth Games next year," said JN Chawla, spokesperson for the Delhi Hotels and Restaurant Association.

Costly fag
The Delhi government proposes to increase the tax on cigarette, bidis and other tobacco products. A cigarette which costs Rs 10 now will come for Rs 10.67. The government expects to raise an additional revenue of Rs 70 crore from enhanced taxes.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!