Drought hits China's winter wheat-growing region
Less rainfall and high temperatures in late December have worsened drought in northern China's winter wheat-growing region, the State Meteorological Bureau said on Tuesday.

US welcomes euro launch, feels no threat
The United States on Tuesday welcomed the launch of Europe's new currency, shrugging off fears the euro could pose a challenge to the US dollar's status as the world's most sought-after reserve currency.

IBA bid to avert Jan 12 strike
In a last ditch attempt to avert the Janaury 12 bank strike, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) has called a meeting of trade unions and officers' organisations on Friday to thrash out the differences.

  Britain will eventually join euro bloc
  Inflation no longer Greece's main EMU hurdle
  US gives euro thumbs-up, sees no threat
  IMF should expand its role as a worldwide central bank
  US eases Cuba embargo, decides against policy review
  International hoteliers unfazed about recession
  NACT may offer cheap licensed software in bid to curb piracy
  Rabi wheat production to go up by 4m tonnes
  UBI's advances to tea gardens to be higher this year
  Azerbaijan exceeds 1998 oil production target
  Nicaragua resolves sugar mill privatisation row
  BJP national executive bows down to centre economic policies stand
  Thai farm sector set for a rough 1999 ride
  A genderless euro foxes Russians
  US eases Cuba embargo, decides against policy review