Berlin- The Africa correspondent of a leading German newspaper was released on Friday after three days in the hands of a militia group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Belgian-born Thomas Scheen, 43, and his two local assistants were safely in the hands of the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, MONUC, a German government spokesman said.

Munich - Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis expressed his delight Friday at a visit from new Argentina head coach Diego Maradona.

The former playing great stopped over in Munich for talks with Demichelis and fellow Bayern Argentine Jose Ernesto Sosa Thursday evening as he continues his preparations for his first match in charge.

"You can't ask for more when Argentina's greatest football idol and the last World Cup winning coach (Carlos Bilardo) come to Munich to visit me and Jose," he said.

Pampore (J-K), Nov. 7 : Untimely rains have adversely affected saffron cultivation in the Pampore area of the Kashmir Valley this year.

The magnificently blue coloured saffron flowers are prized cash-crop of Kashmir. Being one of the world’s costliest spices, saffron is used both in cooking and for producing cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Raipur, Nov. 7 : Several tribal girls of Raipur are getting access to education and acquiring vocational skills.

A visit to the Manpur area on the outskirts of Raipur showcases how tribal girls, are being offered an opportunity to educate themselves and learn various artistic skills.

Rukmani Markam, a student of the Kasturba Gandhi Avasiya Balika Vidyalaya in Manpur, said: “We are very happy to be here. The staff and teachers are very encouraging. We have been provided all required things.”

Deepa, another student, said: “ We are taught all subjects here. And, we are also encouraged to rise in life.”

Jorhat (Assam), Nov. 7 : Assam’s Jorhat district is steadily emerging as the education capital of the State.

With a literacy rate of 77.91 percent, which is way above the State average of 64.28 per cent and the national rate of 65.38 per cent, Jorhat is an inspiration for other parts of the State.

Many people are of the opinion that Jorhat also has the highest number of doctrates. It has shown the path to success to the other 26 districts of Assam.

Imphal, Nov. 7 : Sepak-Takraw, the kick volleyball game of far eastern origin, continues to attract sports lovers here.

Participating in the 19th edition of the championship, which commenced here on Wednesday (Nov. 5), the Manipur’s defending champion teams of men and women carried on the winning streak with straight victory over Delhi at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in their inaugural matches.