New Delhi, Nov 20 : The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for the establishment of the UNESCO Regional Centre for Training and Education in Biotechnology at Faridabad, Haryana with the revised budget of Rs. 99.55 crores.

The proposed centre would act as the focal point for cooperation amongst the Members countries of the Asian Region in Biotechnology.

New Delhi, Nov 20 : The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for signing of headquarters agreement between India and South Asian University and also gave its approval for issuing a notification under United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.

The agreement will provide an overall framework for the smooth and unobstructed functioning and operation of the University and for regulating the relations between the University and India.

The decision for establishment of the South Asian university would be a path-breaking achievement for India manifesting its commitment to SAARC. The project will showcase education and technical prowess within the region.

New Delhi, Nov 20 : The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for modification of the Trade Marks Amendment Bill, 2007 with certain consequential changes on the basis of recommendations contained in the report of the department related parliamentary standing committee on commerce and to introduce the said bill in Parliament.

The amended said bill will provided better protection to the Indian trade marks in designated member countries and afford reciprocal protection to trade marks from member countries abroad.

It will thus encourage transfer of technology through trade mark licensing and franchising and generally promote overall business confidence in Indian IPR system globally.

New Delhi, Nov 20 : Independence for Tibet autonomous region can never be considered, but the door remains open for talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, a senior Chinese government official has said.

Zhu Weiqun, executive vice-minister of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting a group of overseas Chinese in Paris.

The remarks came after three rounds of talks with the Dalai Lama''s representatives after the March 14 riots in Tibet that caused the loss of lives and economic damage, the China Daily reported.

Central government officials and representatives of the Dalai Lama have held nine rounds of talks in total since 2002.

Union finance minister, P Chidambaram asked industry to cut prices to increase demand and economic growth of the country. He was addressing the India Economic Summit, organized by the World Economic Forum and CII in the capital.

Mr. Chidambaram appealed Hotels, Real estate companies and Auto makers to revise prices to combat demand slowdown. He termed price cut as a best method instead of increasing inventory. He promised to provide sufficient liquidity to service sector to ensure its growth.

New Delhi, 19 Nov.