Oslo  - Threats to polar bear populations, mainly due to climate change, were the topic of a three-day meeting that opened Tuesday in the northern Norwegian city of Tromso.

"Climate change has superceded hunting as the main threat to polar bears. We have to act to protect the habitat of the polar bear," Norwegian Environment Minister Erik Solheim said in his opening remarks.

"Global warming has to be stopped if we are to succeed," he added.

Johannesburg - Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana announced Tuesday he was transferring his powers to a military directorate after coming under immense pressure to resign as leader of the impoverished Indian Ocean island.

His move, which observers say does not constitute a resignation, marks a new twist in his months-long standoff with opposition leader Andry Rajoelina.

Following is a timeline of key events in that power struggle:

New Delhi, Mar 17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley skipped the second party central election committee, slated to decide candidates from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for the forthcoming general elections.

According to sources, party Vice President Venkaiah Naidu failed to convince Jaitley to attend the meeting.

Lucknow, Mar 17: Bollywood actor and Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate from Lucknow Sanjay Dutt sought the support of Muslim clerics.

Dutt visited a mosque and termed it as ''personal'' visit.

Dutt said that he wanted Muslim clerics to pray for him so that the Supreme Court grants him permission to contest the elections.

"I would ask the Muslim clerics to pray for me, so that I get permission. I have full faith in the Supreme Court and God. And even if I don''t get the permission then also I would stay here only," said Dutt.

Patna/Jammu, Mar 17: The Janata Dal (United) has termed the emergence of the Third Front as a "futile exercise".

Addressing reporters here on Monday, Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav said: "There are only two fronts opposite to each other, the NDA and the UPA, with whom larger geographical areas are attached. If there is a third force, then it is the Communists, but I consider the Third Front as a futile exercise."

He said that the main battle would be between the Congress-led coalition and the leading opposition bloc, headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Yadav also ruled out that there were differences between his Bihar ruling party and the BJP over seat sharing.

Lahore, Mar.