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New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved a World Bank assisted Centrally Sponsored Scheme viz. 'India Statistical Strengthening Project (ISSP)' with a view to improve the State Statistical Systems, as an important means to strengthen and improve the National Statistical System in all its dimensions in line with the recommendations of the National Statistical Commission (NSC).

More than 10 million different species of animals, plants, fungi and micro–organisms inhabits the Earth. They and the habitats in which they live represent the world’s biological diversity or biodiversity as it is often called. Humans use at least 40,000 species of plants and animals on a daily basis for food, shelter, clothing and medicinal needs.

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the following modifications in the existing scheme “Support to State Extension Programs for Extension Reform” for implementation in all rural districts of the country during the remaining period of XI Five Year Plan:

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet today approved the dropping of the proposal for establishment of National Police University in view of the inherent merits in opening study centers and chairs in the existing universities.

New Delhi: The Cabinet today approved the proposal for revival of National Jute Manufactures Corporation (NJMC) Ltd. The decision consists of running of three mills of NJMC out of total six closed mills under the Corporation. This will lead to an additional production of jute products and value addition. The mills approved for revival are, viz. Kinnison & Khardah in West Bengal and Rai Bahadur Hadrut Mill, Katihar, Bihar. Remaining three mills (National, Union and Alexendra) are proposed to be closed.

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet today approved the scheme for creation of National Population Register (NPR) of usual residents of the country. The project would cover an estimated population of 1.2 billion and the total cost of the scheme is Rs.3539.24 crores.

After the boom and bust of the first decade of the 21st century, the world economy is struggling to recover from the Great Recession with little promise of a strong rebound in 2010. What dampens the prospects for advanced economies is continuing lack of business confidence and weak consumer buying in the first quarter while the hesitant recovery is getting overshadowed by geo-political factors and troubles at home for the Obama Presidency.

The Union Cabinet's decision to allow foreign universities and institutions to set up campuses in India could not have come at a more appropriate time. Although it may take some time before it is implemented — this will require enactment of a legislation by Parliament, for which the bill is ready — the presence of foreign universities and reputable institutions will certainly help improve the country's technical and higher education standards and stop exploitation of rich Indian students by those overseas entities. Indian students will have access to global-standard education sitting in India and at much lower cost than what they will have to spend otherwise in overseas campuses.

LUCKNOW: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and UP Chief Minister Mayawati is heading for a confrontation with the Congress on the one hand and the UPA government at the Centre on the other.

New York: Welcoming the recognition by Sierra Leone's President Ernest Bai Koroma that corruption poses a serious threat to the West African country, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that while he is encouraged by some improvements in its political climate, challenges to fostering political tolerance and promoting non-violence remain.