[satish]

Russia to Claim North Pole
Russia is planting their flag under the sea at the North Pole. The plan to place the Russian flag underneath the ice and directly on the sea bed is an effort to ensure that the world is aware of Russia's claim on the North Pole as part of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone. Two small submarines will dive from a surface research ship to plant the flag. A member of Russia's parliament will be on board one of the subs. This is the first someone heard of underwater flag planting and it will be interesting to see if Russia's claim is acknowledged through this act. Canada and Denmark are also very interested in maintaining claims to the Arctic

Mumbai Bans Urban Elephants
"Mumbai, has banned domesticated elephants, saying that forcing them to walk on its crowded, scorched and polluted streets was an act of cruelty. Before the ban, 14 elephants worked in Mumbai,begging for their handlers, participating in religious ceremonies or being status symbols at weddings."

Glacial Lake Vanishes
In May, a small glacial lake in Chili emptied after the ice dam holding back the water melted. Chilean scientists blame the disappearance of the lake on global warming. The disappearance of glacial lakes is quite common as glaciers or ice sheets melt. The lake was a mere five acres or two hectares in size.

Province of Pakistan Wants New Name
The boringly named Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan is hoping for a new name. Local Islamic officials would like to name the province Afghania as the province lies adjacent to Afghanistan. However, Pashtun nationalists want the province to be called by an ethnic name, Pakhtunkhwa. Three other provinces in Pakistan bear ethnic names based on local groups.

[Basu]

Hi,
Russia after a decade long inactivity has again joined the race of neo-colonialism.Let's hope that N.P. doesn't turn out to be an apple of discord between between the so called super powers.