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New York: While China has made great economic and social progress in recent years, land degradation and the widening income gap between rural and urban are posing challenges to ensuring the right to food for its population, says an independent United Nations human rights expert.

New York: A landmark treaty to deter enforced disappearances entered into force today with United Nations experts tasked with assisting families determine the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared urging States to ensure the eradication of the crime by bringing those responsible to justice.

New Delhi: The Report of the Third National Handloom Census 2009-10 was released here today by Smt. Panabaaka Lakshmi, the Minister of State for Textiles. Personal Digital Assistance (PDA) was used, for the first time, to interview 27.8 lakh handloom workers households in connection with this Census. The Minister also gave away the first series of Photo Identity Cards to handloom weavers, assembled from various States, viz., Tamil Nadu, Orissa, West Bengal, U.P., Haryana etc. during the function organized to release the Report.

Did the Burari AICC Plenary session make a realistic assessment of all issues including why the Congress is weak or why the coalition era continues? No doubt the Congress President Sonia Gandhi herself observed in her presidential speech, ”Our party has seen many ups and downs, many challenges. We can look back with pride. It is important for us to introspect the inheritance we have got, how far have we stayed steady on it”. But the 125th anniversary is also the time to look forward. Is the Congress ready for a future to regain its lost glory?

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the first review of Ukraine’s economic performance under the program supported by a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The completion of the review enables the immediate disbursement of SDR 1 billion (about €1.2 billion, or US$1.5 billion). Drawing the full amount would bring total disbursements under the program to SDR 2.25 billion (about €2.6 billion, or US$3.4 billion).

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today released results from its inaugural Coordinated Direct Investment Survey (CDIS), the first worldwide survey of foreign direct investment positions. The results, published as an online database, cover investment positions at end-2009 for 72 participating economies. The survey will be carried out annually and the intention is to broaden coverage in terms of both geographical representation and breakdowns of the data.

New York: The United Nations agency mandated to defend freedom of expression and press freedom today called for improved safety for journalists and other media professionals working in areas of conflict or social unrest so they can carry out their duties.

Executive Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commended the authorities of Canada for the credible framework for macroeconomic policy, their strong policy response to the crisis and the resilient financial system, all of which have enabled Canada to exit the crisis on a strong footing. The recovery, forceful in the beginning, is now moderating and risks to the outlook have increased. To consolidate the gains achieved thus far, Directors encouraged the authorities to maintain their prudent and far-sighted policies, while further strengthening productivity and competitiveness.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the sixth review of Serbia’s economic performance under the program supported by a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The completion of the review enables the immediate disbursement of SDR 319.595 million (about €373 million, or US$489 million). Drawing the full amount would bring total disbursements under the SBA to SDR 1.59 billion (about €1.9 billion, or US$2.4 billion).

New York: In the face of increased successes by international forces and the national army in Afghanistan, the Taliban may attempt spectacular attacks in the coming weeks, the top United Nations envoy in the country warned today.