Things could perhaps improve if an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, whom Hamas has held captive in Gaza for more than three years, is freed in a prisoner exchange that might, according to latest reports, see 450 Palestinian prisoners also released.

ECONOMIST: The Palestinians' West Bank

According to the latest reports, prices for commodities like wheat and oil crops are on the rise.

FORBES: Food Inflation Could Eat Into Wal-Mart Profits

But according to the latest reports, in the Miyagi Prefecture town of Minami-Sanriku alone, some 10, 000 people are missing.

FORBES: Dispatch From Tokyo: A Scary Day As Death Toll Rises

Deputy Mary Lowe said there had been four such reports in the last six years, nine in the last 20 and according to the latest plan there are more to come.

BBC: Guernsey States long-term plan 'pointless'