Manila  - The Philippine government on Tuesday launched a 2-billion-peso (46-million-dollar) subsidy programme for poor families amid rising food and utility prices.

Frankfurt - The European Central Bank meets Thursday with surging inflation expected to result in the ECB leaving rates on hold at 4.0 per cent for the 12th month in a row.

Islamabad, June 2: A new survey conducted in Pakistan ahead of next Budget, to be presented by the new PPP-led government, has revealed that about 95 per cent of the people want the government to c

Rome  - Leaders from 50 countries are scheduled to gather in Rome next week to discuss ways of helping millions of people who face starvation because of surging food prices.

Berlin - German retail sales posted a surprise fall in April, underscoring the growing threat to Europe's biggest economy posed by surging inflation and slowing growth.

Washington - The United States will urge other countries to boost food supplie