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New York: The Security Council today underlined the need for the Nepalese Government and all political parties to take advantage of the United Nations mission’s last weeks there to work in a spirit of compromise to ensure progress on outstanding issues in the peace process.

Against the backdrop of a challenging domestic and global environment, Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) underscored the need to maintain macroeconomic stability, address infrastructure bottlenecks, and reduce poverty. Given the large development needs and the importance of maintaining debt sustainability, Directors welcomed the authorities’ determination to safeguard capital and social spending while minimizing the use of domestic financing.

New York: Harmful traditional practices violating women’s rights, including honour killings, child marriage and giving away girls to settle disputes, are pervasive in Afghanistan, says a United Nations report released today that calls on the Government to implement a new law aimed at ending the scourge.

New York: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed that the prevention of genocide is a global responsibility, stating that when States fail to protect their populations, the international community must step in and act.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Ana Lucía Coronel visited Astana and Almaty during December 1–9, to review economic and financial sector developments since the last Article IV consultation in July 2010, and discuss economic prospects. The mission appreciates the open discussions held with the government, parliamentarians and central bank officials, and with representatives of the international, banking and business communities.

New Delhi: The prospects of finalization of a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union in the near future looks brighter and the Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh who left for Brussels on Thursday made adequate indications about signing of the deal next year.

New York: The United Nations human rights chief voiced concern today over reported ‘cyber war’ pressure on private companies to sever links with the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks, saying this could amount to attempted censorship in breach of international covenants.

New York: While the outlook is good “in many regards” as Burundi turns to building a sustainable economy after elections that met the requirements of all observers, social, political and institutional challenges remain, the head of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission’s country-specific segment warned today.

New Delhi: Based on various studies conducted, NWDA has identified 30 links (16 under Peninsular Component & 14 under Himalayan Component) for preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs). Out of these, FRs of 14 links under Peninsular Component and 2 links (Indian Portion) under Himalayan Component have been completed.

New Delhi: The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is regulating withdrawal of ground water by new industries/projects in over-exploited, critical and semi-critical areas. The CGWA has issued guidelines for withdrawal of ground water in these areas and requested the State Governments to implement these guidelines. They have ‘notified’ 43 areas for regulation of ground water development and decentralized their regulatory powers to district level authorities for grant of permission for extraction of ground water for drinking and domestic use in these areas. Complaints of violations of norms in notified areas are referred to the Authorized officers for taking actions under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.