Berlin - German unemployment fell more than expected in October, defying the economic gloom facing the nation, data released Thursday showed.

After dropping by 29,000 in September, seasonally adjusted unemployment fell by another 26,000 to 3.151 million in October, Germany's Federal Labour Office said.

Analysts had expected the numbers out of work in Europe's biggest economy would drop by 10,000 in October amid signs Germany's labour market has so far managed to escape the fallout from the financial crisis triggered by the global credit crunch.

Brussels - The European Commission on Thursday approved Sweden's financial rescue package, which involves the state providing up to 1,500 billion Swedish kroner (201 billion dollars) in debt guarantees to banks and other lenders.

The plan's approval by the European Union executive came just three days after it was officially received in Brussels.

"This decision shows that when member states follow the commission's guidance on overcoming the financial crisis, they can obtain rapid approval," said Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes.

Bharat Biotech International Limited, one of the fastest growing biotechnology companies in India, has been selected by the Orissa government to develop the state's first public-private-partnership Biotech Pharma IT park at Andharua near Bhubaneswar.

The Orissa government has allocated 54.86 acres to Bharat Biotech, which will be handed over in two phases towards the development of the integrated industrial park to attract and promote pharmaceutical, biotechnology and IT industries in the state.

Washington, Oct 30 : Popstar John Mayer is the latest celebrity to endorse Barack Obama and has urged critics to reconsider the politician''s message of "hope".

Mayer, 31, has made a last minute bid in support of Obama, as the history making election is just a week later.

Mayer has supported Obama by appreciating him, and urging people to vote for him.

"Obama gives me the feeling that I could be alive to witness one of the most brilliant upturns in a country''s history. What a concept. That''s why hope is a worthwhile commodity,” Contactmusic quoted Mayer, as stating in a column for online blog The Huffington Post.

Washington, Oct 30 : Popstar Victoria Beckham is reportedly set to take part in the New York marathon, and is busy training for it.

The ‘Wannabe’ hitmaker is keen to follow in her best pal’s footsteps Katie Holmes’ footsteps, who completed the run in five hours, 29 minutes and 58 seconds, which will take place on November.

"It was meant to be a big secret. She''s been training for months with the main goal of running in the New York marathon. But, if she doesn''t feel ready, she''s planning to do the one in Los Angeles in February next year (09),” Contactmusic quoted a source, as telling Now magazine.

Washington, Oct 30 : Popstar Amy Winehouse has rebuffed claims suggesting that she may lose her voice due to her wild lifestyle.

Although The ‘Back To Black’ hitmaker had been treated for a chest problem, she has insisted that she is already working on her next album.

Winehouse has since posted a video on her website, telling fans she plans to release new material soon.

Her spokesman has blasted the claims, and has said that her voice is very much fine.