Washington, Oct 21: In a long-term study, scientists have suggested that contrary to popular belief, moderate increases in temperature and increased nitrogen from acid rain actually improves forest productivity, providing there is sufficient moisture. 

The research, which was undertaken for 20 years in the northern hardwood forests of Michigan, was carried out by scientists at Michigan Technological University’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

The scientists reached a surprising conclusion that moderate increases in temperature and nitrogen from atmospheric pollution actually improve forest productivity.

New York, Oct 21: Russia has reportedly rejected Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s request for donations for poll campaign, saying the country does not finance political acts in foreign countries.

McCain has requested Russian Federation’s United Nations mission in New York in writing to fund his poll campaign. But, in a terse response to the solicitation of money, the Russian mission said: “We do not finance political activity in foreign countries.”

Beijing, Oct. 21: The global meltdown has affected China''s booming economy too.

A CBS report says that while the Chinese economy is still growing, it is doing so at its slowest pace since 2003.

It quoted the National Statistics Bureau as saying on Monday that the economy has expanded by just nine percent in the third quarter, the slowest rate since 2003. By comparison, the economy grew 10.6 percent in the first quarter and 10.1 percent in the second quarter of 2008.

The government is still drafting specifics of broad plans to help counter the chill on the world''s fastest growing major economy.

Mumbai, Oct 21: Mumbai police today issued a gag order under Section 144 against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray banning him from addressing a press or public gathering, or carrying out any procession for the next two months.

Police today resorted to lathicharge to disperse the MNS workers who were protesting outside Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate court where Thackeray will be produced following his arrest.

About 150 protesters were detained by police and taken away from the court in western suburb of the city.

Washington, Oct 21: In a new study, scientists have figured out the baffling method of propulsion of tiny aquatic snails, which makes them walk on water.

According to a report in National Geographic News, Eric Lauga, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of California, San Diego, led the study.

“How the snails were dragging themselves across a surface that they could not even grip was absolutely perplexing to us,” said Lauga.

“Hanging on to the water’s surface is not the issue for the snails. They are naturally buoyant, because they are so small,” he added.

Even so, the snails need traction to move across the slippery surface.

Missouri (United States), Oct. 21: Republican presidential candidate John McCain has defended his running mate -- Alaska Governor Sarah Palin against attacks from the "feminist left." at a rally in the northern suburb of St. Louis, where Obama drew 100,000 on Saturday.