New Delhi, Apr. 7 : Tamil cinema superstar Rajnikanth today rebutted charges that he had insulted the people of Karnataka in a speech delivered a couple of days ago in the context of the conflict over the Hogenakkal water project between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Rajnikanth had said: "Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have had a clear agreement made over their borders surrounding Hogenakkal 50 years ago. And when we plan to take water that is on our side and someone raises an objection, should not they be kicked?"

To defend himself, he said, “My comments were misconstrued.”

New Delhi, Apr 7:  Left parties, which offer outside support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, will join hands with the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) in a week-long country wide protest against the price rise from April 16.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) Politburo member Sitaram Yechury told reporters on Sunday that the joint battle would be limited to the price rise only.

Both parties said the Government’s understanding of the cause of inflation was erroneous and the measures taken to check it inadequate.

New Delhi, Apr.

Nadia (West Bengal), April 6 : The three-day culling operation will begin this afternoon in the Ranaghat area of West Bengal’s Nadia District.

Samples of dead chicken were found to be positive for avian flu virus in some villages of the Ranaghat area.

“Twelve teams, each comprising five persons, will begin culling operations this afternoon. Altogether 25 teams will be on the job till Tuesday, after which mopping will be taken up,” said District Magistrate Onkar Singh Meena.

As far as pricing is concerned, Akshay Kumar seems to be giving stiff competition

The eyes of the viewers will be firmly glued on their TV sets before the