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WASHINGTON — The World Bank has approved three projects worth US$327 million: the Chittagong Water Supply Improvement and Sanitation Project, second phase of Empowerment and Livelihood Improvement “Nuton Jibon” Project, and the additional financing for the Municipal Services Project. These projects are aimed at empowering the poor, improving service delivery and enhancing development outcomes in Bangladesh. With the approval of these projects, the World Bank's total concessionary lending to Bangladesh reaches to US$830 million in FY 10.

WASHINGTON - The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors have approved a US$ 10 million grant as additional financing for the Ferghana Valley Water Resource Management Project in Tajikistan. The main objective of the additional financing is to increase the coverage of the drained and irrigated areas in Bobojon Gafurov and Kannibodom districts, strengthen the early warning system of the Kayrakkum dam, and assess geotechnical risks associated with the dam.

WASHINGTON - The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors today approved the US$ 24.4 million Fourth Programmatic Development Policy Grant for the Republic of Tajikistan to help the government mitigate the impact of the global economic slowdown and to help it continue to implement its medium-term reform program.

WASHINGTON, DC ─ The World Bank has approved a $255 million assistance for the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (I) (NCRMP-I) in support of the first phase of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Program. The objective of the program is to help India mitigate the risks and vulnerability of its people to natural disasters, especially cyclones. The first phase is financed through a Credit from the IDA (International Development Association), complemented with $64 million from the Government's budget.

New Delhi: Ministry of Human Resource Development has finalized the modalities for implementation of a new Central Scheme to provide full interest subsidy during the period of moratorium on educational loans for students belonging to economically weaker sections (with parental family income from all sources of less than Rs.4.5 lakh annually) from scheduled banks under the Educational Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) for pursuing courses of studies in professional/technical streams from recognized institutions in India.

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked the state authorities to keep a strict vigil on use of carbide gas for ripening of fruits. Use of carbide gas for ripening of fruits is prohibited under Rule 44 AA of Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules 1955.

Is improved Indo-Pak relations key to the American strategy in Afghanistan? Are India and Pakistan being nudged to remain engaged by the Obama Administration? A Wall Street Journal story some time ago claimed that the Obama administration had issued a secret directive to make efforts for easing tensions between India and Pakistan which, in turn may help the US gain Pak support in Afghanistan. Indications are that both New Delhi and Islamabad are moving in that direction.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending fresh funds for an ongoing program to help Pakistan's Sindh Province boost growth and expand economic opportunities in poor, rural areas.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing a $150 million equivalent loan for an ongoing program aimed at cutting infant and maternal deaths and improving the delivery of health services for the poor in Pakistan's Punjab Province.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The People's Republic of China (PRC) needs 413.5 billion yuan (CNY) (or roughly $60.5 billion) in investments over the next 10 years to harness its biomass energy potential in rural areas, an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report issued today said.