Food crisis in Guatemala :

Nearly half a million families face food shortages

The President of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom, has announced a "state of public calamity" to tackle food shortages throughout the Central American nation. The failure of bean and corn crops from drought, which cut the yields of these staple crops in half, has brought the crisis to a head. In addition, prime agricultural land in Guatemala is often used to grow export crops like coffee and sugar rather than staples.

"There is food, what is lacking is the money for the affected people to buy food," President Colom said. "We are not going to wait until we've reached starvation levels to act."

Colom's announcement allows Guatemala to buy emergency rations of food. Colom has announced that his government will bring food to more than 400,000 families in need.

The global downturn has also played a role. Families say they are receiving less money from relatives in the United States, while a UN official has said that Guatemala's unequal wealth distribution has led to this crisis. World Food Program (WFP) is set to distribute 20 tons of biscuits to the hardest-hit areas.

Estimates before the food crisis found that nearly 50 percent of children under five in Guatemala suffer from malnutrition.

Courtesy: mongabay.com

Rental pets and robots in Tokyo

Only in Tokyo could you hire a cat out for an hour and stroke it while you have a cappuccino or better still, while a robot cooks your noodles for you.Japan has made staggering progress since its capital last hosted the Olympic Games in 1964 when the government unveiled the "Bullet Train" to mark its emergence as an economic power.

The bustling metropolis of 13 million which was one of four cities vying to host the 2016 Olympics has become a showcase for technological breakthrough, cutting-edge architecture and the world's finest cuisine.

The world's second largest economy, Japan retains a great deal of its traditional charm, shrines and quaint old shops often to be found tucked beside gleaming new skyscrapers.Many of the iconic structures built for the 1964 Olympics, such as the elliptical national gymnasium, are still in use and as stunning in appearance as they were 45 years ago.Modern Tokyo, with its "Blade Runner"-style crackling neon lights and crowded trains and shops, has turned convenience into an art with its automated wizardry.

Vending machines dispense everything from umbrellas to underwear. Japan boasts the highest number of machines per capita in the world and even has them at the top of Mt Fuji.

However, Tokyo's credentials as a tourist destination will come under the spotlight should the city beat Chicago, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro in the race to host the 2016 Games.Visitors should expect the unexpected earthquakes and typhoons included.

Tokyo's waterside Olympic stadium would be built on giant shock-absorbers to withstand major tremors.Many stereotypes about Japan are shattered long before travelers have figured out the sensor light switches and bath taps in their hotel room on their first night in Tokyo.

First-timers may be surprised at how cheaply you can dine out compared with European cities, while ordering in English takes only a fraction longer and works nine times out of 10.

Name: Shainee Perera

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