FAO WARNS OF GLOBAL HUNGER CRISIS

The number of hungry people in the world may cross one billion in 2009 due to the shocks of the global economic crisis combined with high food prices in a few countries, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said. "The number of hungry people is expected to grow overall by about 11 per cent this year," the U.N. agency projected drawing on analysis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"The most recent increase in hunger is not the consequence of poor global harvests but is caused by the world economic crisis, which has resulted in lower incomes and increased unemployment. This has reduced the poor’s access to food,"
EUMA: End user monitoring agreement (EUMA) This is a recently proposed Defense cooperation agreement between India and USA , during the Hilary’s visit ,which receives criticism from opposition parties in India.
FACED WITH AGEING, CHINA MOVES AWAY FROM ONE-CHILD POLICY
Shanghai city begins encouraging couples to have two children By 2043, half of China’s population will be over the age of 48  Since China launched its family planning policies in the 1970s, the government says it has prevented an estimated 300 million births. Exemption China’s One-Child policy is now only in force in urban areas, affecting 35 per cent of the country’s population, but grants exemptions to couples when both partners are only-children. But eligible couples still face obstacles in having a second child, and those employed by the government and state-run businesses are discouraged from doing so. SUSILO BAMBANG

YUDHOYONO RE-ELECTED Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was declared re-elected by a landslide margin, obviating the need for a run-off poll. The validity of the Election Commission’s announcement may now be decided by the Constitutional Court, following moves by the losing candidates to question the result. SRI LANKA TO CHAIR GROUP OF FIFTEEN Sri Lanka has accepted the Chairmanship of the ‘Group of Fifteen’, a coalition of 18 developing countries established to develop potential for greater and mutually beneficial cooperation among developing countries, especially in the areas of investment, trade and technology. AFGHANISTAN, INDIA TO SET UP PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL India and Afghanistan have decided to establish a new dialogue architecture to further improve bilateral ties and bring renewed focus to rebuilding and restoration of the war-ravaged country. The intention behind initiating official-level dialogue in the seven areas political consultation, capacity development and education, power and water, culture, trade and industry, health and agriculture. India is assisting Afghanistan. With about 4,000 Indians in Afghanistan, India is building several key roads, helping Kabul build its new parliament building, train Afghan police officers, diplomats and civil servants and provide support in health, education, transportation, power and telecommunications. INTERNATIONAL MEET ON IRRIGATION India will host the fifth Asian Regional Conference and the 60th International Executive council meeting ,from December 6 to 11
It will deliberate on the issue of "Improvement in efficiency of irrigation projects through technology upgradation and better operation and maintenance."
The conference would also discuss modernisation of State-operated irrigation systems and services, public-private partnership in irrigation development, the impact of climate change on water resources and integrated approaches in agricultural drainage. The ground water recharge issue will be discussed on the concluding day