• A United Nations report says that "direct biodiversity loss, habitat change, over-exploitation, introduction of invasive species, nutrient loading, and climate change show no sign of abating." Painting a bleaker picture than the earlier report issued in 2001, the UN's Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 says that globally agreed 2010 goals are not achievable unless countries take "unprecedented steps." It noted that 6 million hectares of forest is felled every year and that 1/3 of mangrove forests have been lost since 1980s. While 12% of earth's surface is protected only .06% of the ocean is resulting in over-exploitation of marine life. For example, the hard coral in the Caribbean has declined from 50% to 10%. The earth's demands on biological resources is more than 20% of what it can renew and the growing 6.5 billion population is affecting thousands of species increasing the extinction rate to 1000 times. It noted with dismay that 844 known animals and plants have disappeared in the last 500 years. 

• According to the World Health Organization, India is the "Rabies Capital of the world." The report says that of the 55,000 cases world over, India reported 20,000 cases and 95% of these cases are from stray dog bites. With the large stray population, it is feared that the number may be under-reported. Animal rights activists in India have opposed all forms of stray dog culling programs. With a lack of regulation on dog breeding and insufficient knowledge, many release liter pups on the streets far from home so they would not have to care for them. Programs sterilizing strays have so far been ineffective because locals protest the operation. Till a concerted program is introduced to reduce the stray numbers, their populations will grow. With that the incidence of rabies is also bound to grow because of bad health management awareness and facilities for animals.

• US Finds New H5N1 Subtype 
  As India is trying to deal with the bird flu outbreak in Navapur an Jalgaoan, US scientists revealed that the virus has mutated to a different subtype that can be transmitted to humans.<More>

Neighbors

• United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members are evaluating a statement circulated by France and Britain on Iran's nuclear program. However, it looks like they are facing stiff resistance from many UNSC members and specifically veto-bearing so-called permanent members China & Russia. Recent reports suggest that the opposition for a stiff reprimand and strong demands face stiff opposition and the two sponsors have withdrawn the draft and postponed consultations till they develop backroom consultations. This whole incident seems to be a major diplomatic defeat for the US and its European allies. Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting China and both countries have called for more dialogue and diplomatic solutions. China has supported the Russian initiative to enrich uranium in Russia for exclusive use by Iran.

• Lackluster Bangla PM Visit 
  Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia met with her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh and shared mutual concerns on terrorism.<More>

• Editorial: Iran's Nuclear Program

• Editorial: The Nepal Stalemate

World