Tokyo - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso on Tuesday welcomed US efforts to stabilize the global financial markets and conveyed his intention to play a leading role as Group of Eight chair in the upcoming financial crisis meeting in the US, the top Japanese government spokesman said.

The saying 'Old Is Gold” still holds ground even today, as one saw the launch of an album in which veteran singers Asha Bhonsle and Ghulam Ali came together.

The album promises 12 melodious power packed songs. The music for the album 'Generation’ has been given by Ghulam Ali and Son Aamir Ali.

Going down memory lane the accomplished gazal singer said "Earlier we had done the record in '84 and until now people look for it, good things never die”.

La Paz - The government and opposition agreed to hold a nationwide referendum Sunday on the new draft constitution proposed by the president, after he agreed to term limits, a senior official said.

Rural Development Minister Carlos Romero said on Monday the agreement moves up the next general election by one year, to January 2009, which President Evo Morales would contest for his second and final term.

Wellington - The index of New Zealand's top 50 stocks rose 2.1 per cent Tuesday amid cautious gains in other Asia-Pacific stock markets.

The NZX 50 index looked set for an even better performance after morning trading saw it up 2.8 per cent after rising 3 per cent on Monday.

But the price of the biggest stock, Telecom New Zealand, suffered a reverse in the afternoon, and the index ended the day up 62 points to 2952.

The past few films directed by Madhur Bhandarkar have undoubtedly left their mark and opened a new era for Indian cinema.

The critically acclaimed and National Award winning director is all set to release his latest much talked about film with an exorbitant 700 prints in India and abroad.

A British scientist has disclosed the secret to stay healthy and live longer.

Professor Gary Williamson, professor of 'functional foods' at Leeds University, has suggested that people should consume ‘lifespan essential’ foodstuffs on a regular basis to lead a long and healthy life.

Prof Gary has revealed 20 functional foods rich in naturally occurring chemicals, known as polyphenols, which have been associated to various health benefits, including protection against heart disease.