​Ikea, the world's largest furniture chain, made a record profit last year, increasing market share in almost all the countries it operates in.

The flat-pack specialist said profit in its 2013 financial year rose 3.1% to 3.3bn euros (£2.7bn), helped by strong growth in China, Russia and the US.

Global sales totalled 27.9bn euros, and the retailer repeated its aim to to make 50bn euros in sales by 2020.

"Consumer spending is improving," said Ikea president Peter Agnefjall.

Mr Agnefjall said sales in southern Europe, which is still suffering from the impact of the financial crisis, were now "showing good signs of activity".

"Europe in general is starting to recover," he added.

Ikea said large, emerging market countries were important sources for future growth.

The chain opened five new stores last year, two of which were in China.

It said it is now looking for the right location for its first Indian store.

The privately owned firm, known for its huge warehouse-like stores, now has 303 outlets globally.

The Mangalore Management Association has condemned attempts made to tarnish the image of Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade under the pretext of campaign for CBI investigation into the rape and murder of the 17-year-old girl in Dharmasthala in October 9, 2012. The Association said it wanted persons involved in the murder to be punished, but the incident should not be used to tarnish image of Mr. Heggade.

Power shutdown

There will be no power supply on Sunday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the MCF, MRPL, KIOCL, Ruchi Soya, NMPT, HPCL, UPCL, BASF, Bright Packaging, Rajashri Packagers, MSEZ, Panambur and other areas coming under the Baikampady Power Station.

14 couples wed in mass marriage

As many 14 couples married in a mass marriage programme held on the campus of Al Madeena in Nirangana village near Konaje on December 14. The programme was held in connection with the 20{+t}{+h}anniversary of Al Madeena Islamic Complex.

Protest in prison

Around 20 inmates of the Mangalore District Prison on Saturday carried out a snap protest against the new norm of not procuring cooked food from outside. The Prison Department personnel said they have been told to provide food cooked in the prison. Food from outside sources will be provided only by express orders of court. The 20 inmates did not eat food in the morning, but relegated in the evening after they were convinced of the norm by the prison personnel.


Health expo

A three-day expo showcasing health equipments and health services will be held at the T.M.A. Pai Convention Centre between December 16 and 18. As many as 58 manufacturers will be showcasing their equipments. Hospitals, including those from Mangalore, will be displaying their services during the Arogya Mela. Health Minister U.T. Khader will inaugurate the health equipment expo tomorrow. Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil will inaugurate the scientific conference on Tuesday.