Prague - A senior Czech government official Thursday criticized French President Nicolas Sarkozy's reported efforts to boost the eurozone's influence in 2009 at the expense of countries presiding over the larger European Union.

Sarkozy is seeking to stay in control of European economic policy for at least a year, arguing that he is the only leader suitable for the task of steering Europe through the global financial crisis, the Le Monde newspaper reported Wednesday.

Paris  - French shares were down in late Thursday trading in the wake of overnight losses on Wall Street and Asian markets.

By mid-afternoon, the Paris Bourse's CAC 40 index had given up 1.49 per cent, falling to 3,240.07, with losers outpacing gainers by about 5 to 1.

President Nicolas Sarkozy's announcement, earlier Thursday, that the government would establish a fund to support struggling strategic companies appeared to have had little effect on share prices.

Transportation shares were hardest-hit, with transport equipment manufacturer Alstom losing 10.05 per cent, to 34.72 euros.

Patna, Oct 23 : Protests erupted in Bihar’s Nalanda District on Thursday in retaliation to attacks on migrants in Mumbai.

The mob went on a rampage, vandalizing public property and damaging vehicles.

Protesters brandishing sticks and logs of wood marched on the streets and chanted slogans, demanding strict action against Raj Thackeray, chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), for inciting violence against people from north Indian region in Mumbai.