New York - Pharmaceuticals maker Pfizer Inc is expected to announce its purchase of competitor Wyeth on Monday in a deal worth 68 billion dollars, The New York Times reported early Monday on its website.

Citing people involved in the negotiations, the Times reported that Pfizer's board of directors agreed late Sunday to the takeover.

Los Angeles - In a marquee showdown between the best in the West, the Los Angeles Lakers beat up their long-time rivals.

Kobe Bryant scored 22 points before sitting out the final quarter, Andrew Bynum had 15 with 11 rebounds and the Lakers spanked the visiting San Antonio Spurs 99-85 on Sunday.

"We played a stellar game and our bench was the difference breaking the game and holding the lead," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "Obviously, Andrew, did some defensive things (rebounding) that we liked."

New York/Los Angeles - The comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop remained in first place at North American box offices Friday-Sunday for a second straight weekend, holding off a sequel to the monster movie U

Los Angeles - Slumdog Millionaire continuing its successful streak in this year's awards season when the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) named it the best film of the year Sunday night, raising its Oscar chances.

The award came just days after the Mumbai-based rags to riches story was nominated for 10 Oscars. SAG members are the most influential voting sector in the Oscar Academy and the movie is now the favourite to win at the Academy Awards on February 22.

Washington - President Barack Obama was expected to start his second week in office with major announcements to force rapid improvements in fuel efficiency for cars sold in the United States, The New York Times reported on its website.

Obama was expected to overturn policies of his predecessor, president George W Bush, to allow 14 states led by California to tighten standards for fuel efficiency and emissions from cars.