Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare is embarking on a three-month padayatra from the Gandhi Ashram in Wardha in protest against the amendments to the Land Acquisition Act. The march aims to educate farmers against the allegedly anti-farmer policies of the Modi government.

In a press statement issued from his village of Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district, Mr. Hazare said a Jail Bharo Andolan would be staged in Delhi. I call upon all young people to join me in this foot march, Mr. Hazare said.

He said that after his two-day protest with disgruntled farmers opposing the amendments at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on February 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to state that the government would review provisions in the Act which were perceived to be detrimental to farmers interest. He said the draft bill prepared by the Modi government to replace the ordinance was no better and catered to industrial lobby interests.

The new draft Bill that the PM introduced after our protests is no different from the previous one and is a feint designed to confuse us, Mr. Hazare said.

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Anna to launch padayatra against Land Bill

A New Zealand man charged with insulting Buddhism to promote a bar in Myanmar will learn his fate later this month.

VGastro bar general manager Philip Blackwood said he had no intention of insulting religion when he used an image of a Buddha wearing headphones to promote cheap drinks at the bar in the capital Yangon (Rangoon).

The 32-year-old is charged under the nation's strict religious laws for insulting religion after posting the offending image on the bar's Facebook page in December.

Two other bar staff, who are both Myanmar nationals, are also on trial.

The court will hand down its judgment on March 17.

AFP reported the Myanmar owner of the bar told the court Blackwood was responsible for the ad.

The trio face up to four years in jail if found guilty of breaching the Religion Act.

Under it anyone who attempts to insult, destroy or damage any religion can be punished by a maximum of two years in jail, with another two-year penalty for those who insult religion through the written word.

Blackwood's lawyer Mya Thway said his client had not intended to insult religion and was simply promoting a cheap drinks night.

"I ask for the acquittal and release of Mr Philip," the lawyer told the court, said AFP.

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Kiwi seeks acquittal over Buddha image