N. KOREA MAY TEST MISSILE NEXT WEEK: US THINK-TANK    
SEOUL: Fresh analysis of new satellite imagery confirms apparent North Korean preparations for an imminent long-range missile test—perhaps as early as next week—a US think tank said Friday. Speculation over a new test, following a failed launch in April, has intensified in recent weeks and drew a sharp warning Thursday from the UN Security Council to Pyongyang.

JAPAN APPROVES $10.7 BILLION STIMULUS PACKAGE
TOKYO: Tokyo on Friday approved $10.7 billion in fresh spending to help boost Japan’s limp economy, just weeks before an election the ruling party is expected to lose. The 880 billion yen ($10.7 billion) in spending was more than double a package announced in October as the country gets set for polls that are expected to usher in Japan’s seventh prime minister in six years. However, the move, which came as official data showed Japan posted a surprise uptick in factory production last month, threatened to trigger vote-buying criticism from opposition lawmakers.         

INDIA QUARTERLY GROWTH SLOWS TO 5.3 PERCENT
NEW DELHI: India’s economy grew by 5.3 percent in the quarter to September, data showed Friday, continuing a slump blamed on falling investment and weak industrial activity. The figures for the July to September quarter were slightly better than expected by analysts, who had forecast growth in gross domestic product of 5.2 percent, but were weaker than data for the April to June quarter. The economy has been hit by high interest rates, Europe’s debt crisis which has slowed exports, and sluggish investment caused by domestic and overseas concerns about stagnant policy-making and corruption.