Endeavour's final flight launched

Endeavour on Monday lifted off from the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida on its final flight, taking a particle detector to the international space station.The Endeavour began its 16-day mission at 8:56 a.m. (1256 GMT) after electrical problems with its hydraulic system prompted NASA to scrub an earlier scheduled launch just hours before lift-off last month.The NASA has spent the past several weeks troubleshooting and replacing circuitry that controlled a critical heater in the hydraulic system needed to keep it from freezing in space. The issue had been solved and the heaters were not expected to pose any problems during flight. 

Courtesy : The Hindu

Affordable zero-emission vehicles a challenge, says expert

With emission control norms getting rigorous all over the world, the automotive sector is now facing the challenge of producing zero-emission vehicles which are affordable too. It calls for a re-look at engine management, according to Thalavai Venkatesan, general manager, engine systems engineering, Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt.Ltd, Bangalore.

CSIR - Spearheading research in key areas

Though the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has numerous achievements in diverse fields of science, it often highlights certain specific areas, some of which are indicated below.

Demand for quality photographers on the rise

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. A picture can give you information, make you laugh and also make you think. Thanks to increasing media publications, including newspapers, journals, magazines etc and not to mention the evolution of web journalism, of late there is a demand for quality photographers.It is not just about the prospects in media; photography today provides different career options for people, particularly students.

Indian Diaspora Youth Call on Vayalar Ravi

A group of 24 diaspora youth participants of 17th Know India Programme (KIP) from seven countries called on the Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation, Shri Vayalar Ravi here today. The Programme was conducted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with State of Punjab. Interacting with the participants, Shri Ravi said that the programme provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views and bond closely with today’s India. He said that the Indian diaspora is playing significant role in various countries and making its presence in the world. He said that India is proud of the diaspora youth, who are placed in prominent positions across the globe. He also highlighted the role of the Ministry in linking diaspora youth with their country of origin.

Australia wins Azlan Shah Cup for sixth time

Australia have won the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament for the sixth time. In the final at Ipoh in Malaysia on Sunday, the World Champions defeated Asian champions Pakistan by a narrow margin of three goals to two. Earlier yesterday, India finished sixth in the seven-nation tournament when they lost to South Korea 1-2, in the play-off match to decide the fifth spot. At half-time, the winners led Two-nil. Both the goals were scored by Nam Hyun-Woo by converting penalty corners. India's lone goal came in the second half through Vikram Pillay's field goal.

Courtesy : AIR

Union Finance Minister Welcomes Substantial Decline in Core Inflation; Hopeful that Recent Monetary Announcements Would Help in Addressing These Concerns

Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee has welcomed the substantial decline in core inflation from 9.19 per cent in March 2011 to 7.97 per cent, along with drop in inflation for food articles from 9.47 per cent in March to 8.71 per cent in April 2011. Beside it, the Finance Minister said that there is decline in year-on-year overall inflation to 8.66 per cent from 9.04 per cent in March 2011. Shri Mukherjee said that these are welcome trends. However, Shri Mukherjee said that these are not the kind of inflation figures that he is comfortable with. The Finance Minister said that there will be some impact on overall inflation due to the adjustment in the petrol prices effected by the Oil Marketing Companies in the coming months. Shri Mukherjee said that the international scenario on commodity prices also does not appear good at present. Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee said that we will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to address the inflationary pressures in the economy.