Russian truckers hold rare mass protest

MOSCOW • Russian truckers indignant at a new tax have caused huge tailbacks across the country as they block roads in a rare mass protest, rattling the authorities.

Long lines of lorries halted traffic on highways in some 20 regions to protest against the levies introduced on Nov 15.

In Dagestan, over 1,000 drivers reportedly protested.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Animal cruelty video triggers farm probe

WELLINGTON • Animal welfare regulators have launched a probe into the brutal treatment of calves in New Zealand's dairy industry.

The Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed yesterday it had begun a probe into the treatment of bobby calves, the offspring of dairy cows, after a video was broadcast showing the days-old animals being kicked, thrown and bashed.

XINHUA

Aussie teens' concerns: Drugs and alcohol

CANBERRA • Drugs and alcohol were young Australians' leading cause for concern in an annual survey of its adolescents.

The survey asked 19,000 people, aged 15 to 19, the biggest issues confronting the nation. Close to 27 per cent cited drugs and alcohol as the top issues.

XINHUA