Chennai, Mar 26 : Breaking off its alliance with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) on Thursday joined hands with All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

PMK''s General Council met here today to take a formal decision on forming an alliance with Jyalalithaa-led AIADMK. The meeting was attended by all senior leaders, including PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son and Union Health Minister Dr Anbumani.

According to sources, while 2,453 members voted for the alliance with the AIADMK, only 117 voted against it.

New Delhi, Mar 26 : The security forces are engaged in a fierce encounter with militants in Hajibal area of Gurez sector in Jammu and Kashmir, just a day after one of the longest and bloodiest encounters in recent times ended in Kupwara.

The encounter started early Thursday morning and sources said that till now the Army has been gunned down one militant. Ten to fifteen terrorists were trying to infiltrate when the Army engaged them, they added.

New Delhi, Mar 26 : The Indian Army's Armoured Corps has completed `Thar Centaurs', a 1,000 mile expedition on horseback as an part of adventure activity between January 29, and March 25, 2009.

The expedition of 12 riders was led by Lt. Colonel P. S. Grewal and included travel on horseback through harshest of terrain. It tested the skill and endurance of both rider and horse.

New Delhi, Mar 26 : Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Thursday greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukhladi and Cheti Chand.

"I extend my good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukhladi and Cheti Chand celebrated with traditional fervour and zest," Ansari said.

Hyderabad, Mar 26 : In view of the coming general elections, a media company has launched an edutainment portal on Indian politics to lure voters for the upcoming polls.

''India Voting Dot Com'' is an Internet site developed by Insite Digital, which provides in-depth information to the users through attractive political cartoons, crosswords, games and quizzes.

The site also provides for social networking where the voters can discuss their political ideologies.

Kollam (Kerala), Mar 26 : In a bizarre festival in Kerala, men take the guise of women and carry lamps to offer prayers at temple.

Popularly known as ''Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku'', the festival is held at the Kottankulangara temple in Chavara, near Kerala''s Kollam district. The men pay their obeisance to the Goddess Bhagavathy, the deity of the temple.

The 19-day long festival occurs during March - April each year.