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While the agitation for ban on endosulfan has gained momentum, locals in the Malbar region of Kerala have been forced to endure its harmful affects. The use of endosulfan pesticide has caused birth defects, mental retardation and cancer among numerous families of Muthalamada in Kasargod district where the farmers had relied on it for cashew, mango and other cultivation. Another odd reaction caused by endosulfan has been patchy skin.

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have stepped up security in the Hindu holy town of Ayodhya, a communally-sensitive region. Units of Sniffer dogs are being mobilised by the security officials to detect the presence of explosives in cars and buses, while a team of bomb disposal experts have also been brought in to deal with emergency situations. Besides Ayodhya, several sensitive towns across India have been kept on high alert as the government fears possible militant backlash to avenge Laden's killing.

After their week in the Olympic pool, swimmers took to the nightclubs of London on to celebrate. US swimmers were first to arrive for their sponsor's party with Michael Phelps, stepping down from competitive swimming after the London Games, out to enjoy after winning six medals. Tyler Clary, who won the 200 metres backstroke race reflected on the event, which saw his compatriot Ryan Lochte, lose out, finishing in bronze position instead.

Britain's Jason Kenny has overcome triple world champion Gregory Bauge to win the Olympic track cycling sprint title as the home nation's velodrome gold rush continued. Kenny, preferred to 2008 champion Chris Hoy as the British entrant, fully justified his selection, winning 2-0 in front of a baying crowd who roared him home to claim Britain's fifth track cycling gold medal of the Games. Kenny had already helped Britain to the team sprint gold and his latest success made him Team GB's first double gold medallist at London 2012, something that the 24-year-old was unaware of.

Pakistan all-rounder Misbah-ul-Haq on Sunday said that the upcoming cricket World Cup semifinal match against India would be very important for both sides. The eagerly awaited match is scheduled for Wednesday at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium in Mohali. Commenting on Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi's statement in Dhaka on Thursday that the Pakistan team would not allow any rival batsman to play long innings, interpreted in Indian media as a bid to prevent India's leading batsman Sachin Tendulkar score his 100th century in ODIs, Haq said when stakes are high in the game it did not matter on individual milestones.

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Sunday hailed the forthcoming India-Africa forum Summit and said it would boost partnership between India and African nations. Addressing the delegates at the India-Africa project partnership conclave in New Delhi, Krishna said this time the summit would be held at the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. Krishna added that he hoped the summit would fulfill shared objectives amongst India and participating African nations.

Family members of star boxer Vijender Singh accepted his defeat with a smile, after he was knocked out in the London Olympic 2012 men's boxing middleweight (75kg) quarter-final bout by Uzbekistan's Abbos Atoev on Monday.

Former BJP leader Keshubhai Patel floated a new regional political party named 'Gujarat Parivartan Party' amid escalated disagreements with Gujarat chief minister, Narendra Modi. Earlier, Patel had submitted his resignation letter to the BJP President, Nitin Gadkari after citing dissatisfaction with Modi. Interacting with media in Gandhinagar, Patel expressed joy over forming the party. Meanwhile, Patel chose to remain tight lipped on his party's association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who went unsold in the Indian Premier League auction this year, on Tuesday confirmed his deal with the Pune Warriors team for this season. Ganguly played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three editions of the IPL and has been roped in by Pune as replacement for pacer Ashish Nehra, who was ruled out with a finger injury.

Mumbai Indians beat Pune Warriors by 21 runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the D.Y. Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai on Wednesday. Chasing Mumbai Indians total of 160 for the loss of seven wickets, the Pune side could only reach 139 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Tirumalasetti Suman was the top scorer with 36 of 16 balls while Kieron Pollard made 29.

Shortly after declaring his potential foray into politics, veteran anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare made an announcement of disbanding his team. As reported, Hazare has written in his blog that Team Anna or Team Anna Core Committee, which was formed to get Lokpal Bill passed in Parliament, will no more exist and that they would not hold any more talks with the government. Speaking to media at New Delhi airport, Hazare said just wait and watch what comes next from 75-year-old social activist.

Voting to elect the country's 14th Vice-President began on Tuesday. Incumbent Vice-President Mohammed Hamid Ansari is the UPA candidate and NDA leader Jaswant Singh, is his opponent. Voting began at 10am and will continue till 5 pm. Ansari is reportedly confident of winning at least 500 votes.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, while addressing a memorial lecture in India's commercial capital Mumbai on Sunday, said that India's economy has developed and has become remarkably flexible to both external and domestic shock. Talking about the pending Insurance Law (amendment) Bill 2008, Mukherjee said he required the support of other political parties as well to clear the bill.

Fans are dismayed over the crunch of availability of tickets for the upcoming India-Pakistan semi final match to be played in Mohali on March 30. The cricket freaks, who have been standing in long queues from the past few days for the tickets, are disappointed to return empty-handed.  The situation is no better for fans also who have come from Pakistan to watch the match as they too search desperately for the tickets.