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New York: Earthquakes were the deadliest natural disasters in the past decade, accounting for 60 per cent of deaths caused by such hazards, a senior United Nations official said, stressing the importance of investing in disaster risk reduction.

The recently concluded Second Ministerial Meeting of Environment ministers from Brazil, India, China and South Africa-BRIC called for an early flow of the pledged $10 billion in 2010 with focus on the least developed countries, small island developing states and African countries as proof of the commitment from the developed nations to urgently address the global challenge of climate change.

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the modifications in the guidelines of Micro and Small Enterprises - Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP).

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the introduction of a Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme envisaging financial assistance @ 20% of production value on Khadi and Khadi products and polyvastra with effect from 1.4.2010 to be shared among spinners/weavers, producing institutions and selling institutions @ 25%, 30% and 45% respectively of total value of MDA in place of existing rebate scheme on Khadi and polyvastra at an estimated cost of Rs.345.05 crore, to be incurred between 2010-11 and 2011-12 as recommended by Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC).

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to the introduction of the 'Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2010' in order to achieve the mandate of Article 47 of the Constitution for improvement in public health.

Dhaka: The Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) member countries have echoed their voice for a holistic approach to ensure sustainable livelihood for rural poor through decentralized governance.

Freetown - Overcoming poverty in Sierra Leone will be important for consolidating its peace because conflict had inflicted a heavy toll on infrastructure, basic services and traditional job-generating sectors like agriculture and fisheries, said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) have agreed to support US$1.9 billion in debt relief for the Republic of Congo, which includes US$255.2 million of debt relief from the two institutions.

New Delhi: Ministry of Food Processing Industries organized a Conference of State Food Processing Ministers. A number of issues relating to the development of the sector were discussed including development of food processing infrastructure, formulation of food processing policies, capacity building, financing for the sector, food safety & quality and institutional strengthening.

New Delhi: Mechanization of agricultural and horticultural crops, green houses, covered cultivation, animal and fish production are the new emerging areas, which need greater attention for ensuring food security.