TOKYO - A JAPANESE toilet-maker pledged on Tuesday to repair nearly 82,000 electric bidets after several units overheated and emitted smoke.

Inax Corp., Japan's second largest toilet-maker, made the announcement after receiving six reports that covers on toilets with electric bidets - sprays fitted at the back of the toilets - melted and began smoking, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

WASHINGTON - JOURNALISTS and photographers at the US news agency the Associated Press are withholding their bylines to protest management's stance in contract talks, their union said on Monday.

'Staffers recognise the tough times, but they also understand that quality journalism at AP means attracting and retaining the best employees,' Tony Winton, president of the News Media Guild, said in a statement.

ROME - A UN agency says it needs US$5.2 billion (S$7.6 billion) for urgent food aid and is calling on countries to contribute a fraction of what they are proposing for financial rescue packages.

The Rome-based World Food Program said in a statement on Tuesday that it aims to feed nearly 100 million people next year.