ASIA-FOOD: Region Could Rue Free Trade Thrust Under WTO Rules

An international free market in food under new World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules could undermine Asia's ability to feed itself at a time when the world's most populous region is already facing an unprecedented drop in food stocks.

PHILIPPINES: Subic Summit Highlights Manila’s Rise From the Ashes

The leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) gather in the former U.S. naval base of Subic Bay Monday for a summit aimed at doing more than simply reaffirm the vision of free trade in the Pacific Rim.

SINGAPORE-BURMA: Expose on Alleged Drug Links Rattles City State

An Australian TV expose alleging financial links between a Singaporean government firm and a branded Burmese drug lord has embarrassed the strict city state, and made a maverick opposition leader in Singapore the target of ire.

AUSTRALIA-ASIA: Ethnic Fissures in a Eurasian Future

Australia has always suffered a bit of an identity problem: it is located in the South but has always been seen as a part of the North, it is in the East but is regarded as Western country.

/IPS DEVELOPMENT BULLETIN/ CHINA: Now, the Agri-Cultural Revolution

The poplar-lined road turns off from the main highway 50 kms south of Beijing, slices through neat rows of vegetables, along irrigated fields of rice and passes poultry factories to the reception hall for visitors.

/IPS DEVELOPMENT BULLETIN/ CHINA: Now, the Agri-Cultural Revolution

The poplar-lined road turns off from the main highway 50 kms south of Beijing, slices through neat rows of vegetables, along irrigated fields of rice and passes poultry factories to the reception hall for visitors.

CHINA-FOOD: Now, the Agri-Cultural Revolution

The poplar-lined road turns off from the main highway 50 kms south of Beijing, slices through neat rows of vegetables, along irrigated fields of rice and passes poultry factories to the reception hall for visitors.

INDONESIA-MEDIA: The Debate – to Agitate or to Wait For Change

It is a chicken or egg situation: Will Indonesia have to wait for a change in the political system for a freer media, or will the media be itself the catalyst for change?

SOUTH ASIA-FOOD: Sub-Saharan Malnutrition Worries Planners

Its the time of year in the South Asian sub-continent when farmers look nervously at the sky for signs of the approaching monsoon.

SRI LANKA: Postponed Polls, Power Cuts and Endless War

On the face of it, the Sri Lankan government's decision this week to extend the state of emergency appears to be a response to the continued offensives in the north and south of the island against rebel Tamil Tigers. The country is, after all, at war.

SOUTH ASIA: Trade Could Soothe Political Tensions

When the World Cup cricket tournament gets underway in South Asia next month, among the cricket balls being used by players from 12 participating teams will be ones made in Pakistan by Grays of Cambridge.

HABITAT: In Quest of Urban Success Stories in Improving Environment

The central Chinese city of Benxi used to be so polluted it became invisible in satellite pictures for at least four months in a year. But a decade-long effort by city authorities to curb industrial and vehicle emissions means the air there is breatheable again.

HABITAT: Today’s Cities and Future Shock

'By the Third Millennium, Mega City had become a seething urban jungle with 65 million people. There was an explosion of crime and block wars.'

HABITAT: Wanted – 500 Best Efforts to Improve Big City Living

An international conference on housing and human settlements that ended here this week officially launched a worldwide search for 500 best efforts to improve urban living conditions as a way to curb the environmental and social degradation of the world's cities.

HABITAT: In Quest of Urban Success Stories in Improving Environment

The central Chinese city of Benxi used to be so polluted it became invisible in satellite pictures for at least four months in a year. But a decade-long effort by city authorities to curb industrial and vehicle emissions means the air there is breatheable again.

HABITAT: Today’s Cities and Future Shock

'By the Third Millennium, Mega City had become a seething urban jungle with 65 million people. There was an explosion of crime and block wars.'

HABITAT: Wanted – 500 Best Efforts to Improve Big City Living

An international conference on housing and human settlements that ended here this week officially launched a worldwide search for 500 best efforts to improve urban living conditions as a way to curb the environmental and social degradation of the world's cities.

DEVELOPMENT: Wanted – 500 Best Efforts

An international conference on housing and human settlements that ended here Wednesday officially launched a worldwide search for 500 best efforts to improve urban living conditions as a way to curb the environmental and social degradation of the world's cities.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Dubai – Desert Village Turns Model City

There would a few cities in the world with as rapid rags to riches history as Dubai. A sleepy Gulf trading village just 35 years ago, Dubai has today emerged as a regional financial and trading hub.

DEVELOPMENT: Wanted – 500 Best Efforts

An international conference on housing and human settlements that ended here Wednesday officially launched a worldwide search for 500 best efforts to improve urban living conditions as a way to curb the environmental and social degradation of the world's cities.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Dubai – Desert Village Turns Model City

There would a few cities in the world with as rapid rags to riches history as Dubai. A sleepy Gulf trading village just 35 years ago, Dubai has today emerged as a regional financial and trading hub.