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In concluding the 2010 Article IV consultation with the Czech Republic, Executive Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that the Czech Republic had rebounded from the downturn, but faced a number of policy challenges. Large structural deficits together with demographic trends are creating fiscal pressures and, under unchanged policies, would imply a rising public debt burden. Climbing world commodity prices complicate monetary policy in a situation of still nascent recovery and low core inflation. Sustaining robust productivity and GDP growth will require significant policy efforts. The authorities have prepared an ambitious policy agenda to tackle the challenges, but implementation of the necessary reforms may not be easy.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan are providing assistance to develop new livelihood opportunities and improve income in some of Nepal's poorest and most disadvantaged communities.

Puducherry, the tiny Union Territory adjacent to Tamil Nadu is getting spruced up for the Assembly elections. The state, which still has remnants of its French occupation, has mostly Tamil speaking people. Puducherry is to Tamil Nadu what Goa is to Maharashtra, a total shadow. So tiny is the state that it is being ignored while doing the poll analysis of the ensuing assembly elections.

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet today approved the Comprehensive Mission Document of the National Water Mission.

New Delhi: The Annual Plan of Punjab for the year 2011-12 has been approved in a meeting between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and the Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Prakash Singh Badal, here today. The Annual Plan size was agreed at Rs.11520 crores.

New York: The office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) today said it may open investigations into the “widespread and systematic” killings in Côte d’Ivoire, including the reported mass murder of civilians, saying it is gathering information on alleged crimes by all parties to the conflict.

New York: The head of the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) has reiterated his concern over continuing reports of anti-trade union actions in Bahrain, including discrimination against leaders and members of the country’s federation of workers’ unions.

Five “actions” in a report on how WTO members might deal with private sector standards for food safety and animal and plant health were adopted by the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures Committee in its 30-31 March 2011 meeting.

New Yorkr: In an effort to save forests in the Mediterranean region from damage exacerbated by the impact of climate change, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has formed a partnership that will tackle the threats facing the woodlands and draw attention to their value.

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, will inaugurate the CII NATIONAL CONFERENCE AND ANNUAL SESSION 2011 on April 8 in New Delhi. During the two-day National Conference on the theme ‘Securing the Future: Framework for Inclusive Growth’, senior policymakers, bureaucrats, industry leaders and think-tanks would strive to develop concrete strategies for equitable economic growth of India in a post-recession world, beset with multifarious problems - political uncertainties, economic fragility and natural disasters being just a few.