Midday Newsfeed

Tuesday March 18, 2008,

2 min Read

A rural supply chain firm MokshaYug Access (MYA) has received funding of Rs 8.35 crore ($2 million) from Unitus Equity Fund L P (UEF), an Unitus supported organisation to fund microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Asia and Latin America. The amount will go towards building supply chain and infrastructure for dairy farming and healthcare centers, expand its microfinance arm and setting up of branch offices for microfinance services, soil and water quality testing and agriculture and rural infrastructure support services.
The stock markets showed signs of stability at lower levels as the Sensex recovered by 109 points in late morning deals after yesterday’s heavy sell-off, despite weakness in Asian indices. Taking a cue from weak Asian markets, the Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share barometer opened lower at 14,725 and dropped to 14,677.
Around 250,000 families have protested against the rigging of the below poverty line (BPL) lists in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha districts, which are in the grip of a severe agricultural crisis, and where inclusion in the list is essential for the poor to access their entitlements.
The UN’s Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) launched the Global Sanitation Fund on March 14 in Geneva, seeking to raise funds and contribute to country-specific sanitation, water and hygiene programs in poor communities around the world. Drawing further attention to the problem, the WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and WSSCC are inviting water and sanitation advocates to gather at the U.N. Palace in Geneva to celebrate World Water Day 2008. A sister event is being organized to take place in New York City’s Central Park.