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New York: Political solutions that address the grievances which fuelled the long-running civil war in Sri Lanka are necessary to heal the wounds left by the conflict, the top United Nations political official said today as he wrapped up a two-day visit to the South Asian country.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on June 16 concluded the third review of Guatemala's economic performance under a program supported by an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The Guatemalan authorities intend to continue treating the arrangement as precautionary. The arrangement, in the amount equivalent to SDR 630.6 million (about US$927.2 million) was approved on April 22, 2009 and with completion of the present review, a total equivalent to SDR 588.6 million (about US$865.4 million) is available for drawing.

An IMF mission headed by Mr. Joël Toujas-Bernaté has been in Tunis since June 2, 2010 to conduct the regular consultation under Article IV of the IMF Articles of Agreement, which requires an annual review of the economic policies of all IMF member countries. This review will conclude with the preparation of a report, which will be discussed by the Executive Board of the IMF in July 2010.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussed, on June 16, Chad's second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper-entitled National Poverty Reduction Strategy (NPRS II)-and a Joint IMF/World Bank Staff Advisory Note.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new three-year Policy Support Instrument (PSI) for Rwanda. The IMF's framework for PSIs is designed for low-income countries that may not need, or want, IMF financial assistance, but still seek IMF advice, monitoring, and endorsement of their policies.

Executive Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have observed that, after years of macroeconomic stability, Nepal's economy is experiencing a substantial, albeit somewhat delayed, impact of the global crisis, which is exposing the country's structural weaknesses. External and financial sector risks have risen as evidenced by the significant deterioration of the current account, the reserve decline, wavering confidence, and banking sector liquidity stress.

The French economy weathered the “great recession” better than most peers. Yet, in a turbulent European environment, France's recovery is challenged by possible spillovers from the sovereign debt crisis. Market confidence and ultimately growth will benefit from decisive actions to strengthen domestic policy frameworks and implementation at the national level, while France should remain a driving force for Europe-wide reforms.

New Delhi: New areas of India-China cooperation have emerged in food grain storage sector following the recent visit of an official delegation led by Prof KV Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution to China from 7th to 11th June, 2010. Briefing media persons here today, Prof. Thomas said that a team of technical experts and construction engineers from FCI and CWC and some State Agencies will visit China to further study the modern storage construction and preservation methods used for foodgrain storage.

New Delhi: The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) has recommended setting up a Central Library Fund from the Government for upgrading existing libraries over a period of three to five years. This central funding may be matched by the private sector, through corporate philanthropy.

New Delhi: Government has decided to include sericulture and allied activities in Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to be eligible for funding under RKVY. It will cover sericulture up to the stage of cocoon production along with extension system for cocoon production and silk yarn production in agri-enterprise up to the marketing.