Russia has imposed a ban on grain exports until the end of the year, after a severe drought and a spate of wildfires devastated crops. The measures are designed to keep domestic food prices under control. Russia is one of the world's biggest producers of wheat, barley and rye, and the ban is likely to see bread prices rise in places like the Middle East. Agriculture Ministry data has revealed that this year's crop is unlikely to meet even domestic demand. The fertile fields of southern Russia, which normally help to feed the world, have been left parched by months of no rain. The grain harvest is down by at least a third compared with last year.Int more China observes national day of mourning for landslide victims China today is observing a national day of mourning for more than 1200 people killed who are known to have been killed by massive mudslides last Sunday in the northwest. More than 500 people are still missing in Zhouqu after the avalanche of mud and rocks levelled an area five kilometres long and 300 metres wide after unusually heavy rains. Flags were flying at half mast and public entertainment was on hold today. About 10,000 people gathered at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to watch a special flag-raising ceremony then lowered half mast. Shortly after midnight, many Chinese websites changed their front pages to black and white in a show of mourning.