Net causes depression

AMSTERDAM: Studies have already shown that obsessive use of the Internet by young people affects school results and social lives. Now a new study has found link between the Internet and depression. The Rotterdam-based Institute for Research into Lifestyles and Addiction surveyed 512 young people aged between 13 and 15 and found that what it termed ‘compulsive internet use’ was indicative of an increase in feelings of depression and a decline in school results within six months. — DPA

Budget worth $687.6b

TOKYO: Japan’s powerful lower house of parliament on Thursday approved a $687.6 billion draft budget for fiscal 2006 that would slash spending to reflect government efforts at fiscal reform. The plan, which is $21.6 billion or three per cent, smaller than the current fiscal year’s main budget. — AP