Dr Lauchlan said that the bilingual children were seen to have "an aptitude for selective attention" and an ability to filter and focus on information which is important.

BBC: Bilingual children 'better at problem-solving skills'

Plan International's goal in picking a girl born in Uttar Pradesh as the seven billionth member of the world population is to draw attention to sex-selective abortion - the practice of aborting female foetuses in countries where male children are prized.

BBC: The world at seven billion

Last but not least, there are clear signs that the administration is fulfilling its campaign promise to be more selective about where to engage its troops and its attention.

ECONOMIST: Working out the world