Vitamin-D supplements help diabetic women

Women from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka with insulin resistance showed marked improvement after taking vitamin D supplements, says

a study.

Von Hurst, nutrition lecturer at the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health at Albany, conducted the study for her doctoral thesis.

Insulin resistance is largely symptom-free and sufferers are unaware of their condition. "Once it has fully developed into type-2 diabetes, it can be treated, but not cured," says Von Hurst.

Von Hurst says that while diet and exercise play a major part in the onset of type-2 diabetes, her findings reinforce the importance of vitamin D from the sun and supplements to prevent type-2 diabetes. She also found evidence of vitamin D increasing bone strength in older women.

Initial screening of 235 New Zealand-based women from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka aged 20 and older revealed that 47 percent were insulin deficient and 84 percent were vitamin D deficient.

The 81 recruited for the study were split into two groups for a randomised controlled trial and given a vitamin D supplement or placebo.

As well as an improvement in insulin resistance among those who took vitamin D for six months, Von Hurst says that post-menopausal women in the study also showed a reduced rate of bone breakdown.

Von Hurst undertook the study because South Asian women are known to have a higher predisposition to developing health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Bajaj Auto to launch 'Baby' Pulsar

Definitely Male. That was the tag line that took the biking nation by storm and unleashed a new breed of motorcycles in India from the Bajaj stable. It was a turn around story for Bajaj to switch from scooters to motorcycles and it was an enthusiast's mind that lead the company to target the performance/leisure bike segment rather than the commuter class.

A brand was born and today the Pulsar name is synonymous with speed, sport and riding thrill. The first Pulsar was a 150cc machine that immediately took on the CBZ from Hero Honda. Bajaj pursued this line of thought and over the years the company has introduced a number of variants on the Pulsar brand which include a 180cc model, 200cc model and the recently launched 220cc, which incidentally is the fastest Indian motorcycle present in the country.

Contrary to pushing up the ladder, Bajaj is now looking at a whole new segment yet again! The company will roll out a 'baby' Pulsar on December 9th, and with D-Day not too far away, the biking community is already buzzing with action wondering just what this new bike is.

As far as the bike is concerned, we too are waiting for the wraps to come off, however what we do know is that this new bike is going to sport a sub 150cc engine, yet retain elements of sportiness, style and performance. Downsizing might be a mantra in the market right now, but I wouldn't write off this bike just because its going to come with a smaller engine for it totally depends on the state of tuning that the bike sports which will eventually determine its performance capabilities. One can expect the design and styling to be spot on with the necessary oomph factor that the Pulsar brand offers. The new bike is also a big step towards democratizing the thrill of performance biking and making it easier for someone to step up onto the leisure biking bandwagon.

On a corporate level, Bajaj is looking at crossing the 1 million bike mark post the launch of this new model.

It's almost December and we won't have to wait much longer to figure out what this new bike packs. Stay tuned

Food inflation rises to 15.58%

NEW DELHI: Food inflation rose to 15.58 per cent for the second week of November from 14.55 per cent in the previous week as potatoes and pulses turned costlier. On an annual basis, potato prices more than doubled, pulses became expensive by over 35 per cent, while onions rose by 27 per cent. Price rise was significant on weekly basis with urad and poultry chicken rising by 15 per cent each, eggs by 8 per cent, moong by 6 per cent, arhar by 5 per cent and fruits & vegetables by 3 per cent. Among the non-food articles, raw silk turned expensive by 3 per cent, while fodder and groundnut seed by 2 per cent each.

Fuel index though remained unchanged at the previous week's level.

Education in the 21st Century

Every child has the right to education. Around 1000 delegates from 120 countries came together at a three-day World Innovation Summit forSummit for

education (WISE) that was organised in Doha, Qatar recently. The aim was to draw a 10-point agenda to create a vision for ‘21st century education’ that ensures education for all.

What essentially emerged at the conference was that though initiatives like ‘Education for All’ — an initiative run by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) — attempt at providing education to children, youth and adults, much remains to be done. In this context, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, chair of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development said, “Considering the challenges involved in achieving the goals of ‘Education for All,’ we need to act decisively and quickly.”

According to Gerhard Schröder, former chancellor of Germany, “We must make use of all available talents, skills and aptitudes.” Schröder added that any country that wants to be successful (economically or culturally), must utilise these resources. Further, Schröder said that there is only one way to ensure that governments continue to put emphasis on education and that is through public pressure.

As far as the education sector is concerned, sustainability, pluralism and innovation are the key words today. With this in mind, the WISE initiative had initiated a competition to attract applications from individuals and organisations across the world working in these areas. Sheetal Mehta from India was one of the winners for her project ‘Nanhi Kali.’ Launched by the K C Mahindra Education Trust (KCMET), its objective is to provide education to the underprivileged girl child in India.

WISE is an initiative taken by Qatar Foundation. Founded in 1995 as a non-profit organsation, it aims to promote education, scientific research and community development

BlackBerry Curve 8520

If you’ve always craved for a low cost BlackBerry then here’s some good news. Since BlackBerry released its Curve 8520, many out there can now easily make this black beauty their own.

This lightweight (only 106 g) smart phone with its glossy finish and touch-sensitive trackpad makes scrolling smooth (mind your fingers, at times it becomes difficult to keep a tab on the navigation keys and the QWERTY keypad) for an easy navigation experience. With a music player capable of playing major formats of audio files, decent sound quality and dedicated music keys, this surely is one helluva music machine. Even though it has a killer combo of style and functionality, its battery back up of 4.5 hrs is quite a disappointment. It comes for Rs 15,990 and works only on an Airtel network.

Sachin slams 43rd Test ton; completes 30,000 runs

Sachin slammed 43rd century in his fight to save the first Test against Sri Lanka in the final day.

After completing 17,000 runs in the 50-over format of the game, the batting maestro achieved another milestone by completing 30,000 runs in his international career during the first Test.

Master Blaster Sachin became the first batsman to complete 30,000 international runs when he scored his 35th run in the second innings against Sri Lanka.

He has so far played 160 Tests, 436 ODIs and a lone Twenty20 scoring 88 international hundreds and 144 fifties in all.

Tendulkar touched the magical 17,000-run mark in One-Day International cricket earlier in this month. Sanath Jayasuriya is second on the list with 13,377 runs followed by Aussie captain Ricky Ponting who has a lot of catching up to do.

Sachin has scored 17178 runs in One-dayers thus far. The Indian batting legend has 45 One-day hundreds and 91 ODI fifties under his belt. The veteran batsman has scored 43 hundreds and 53 half centuries in the Test format of the game.

The diminutive Mumbaikar, who made his ODI debut Pakistan in 1989, is already way ahead of his contemporaries when it comes to accumulating runs.

Ambanis, Mittal in Forbes' list of richest Indians

Mukesh Ambani has emerged the wealthiest person in India with a net worth of $32 billion. London-based Lakshmi N Mittal with $30 billion, Anil Ambani with $17.5 billion, Azim Premji with $14.9 billion, Shashi and Ravi Ruia with $13.6 billion and K P Singh with $13.5 billion make up the top five billionaires on this year's list..

The top 10 richest in India are:

1. Mukesh Ambani $32 billion

2. Lakshmi Mittal $30 billion

3. Anil Ambani $17.5 billion

4. Azim Premji $14.9 billion

5. Shashi & Ravi Ruia $13.6 billion

6. K.P. Singh $13.5 billion

7. Savitri Jindal $12 billion

8. Sunil Mittal $8.2 billion

9. Kumar Birla $7.8 billion

10. Gautam Adani $6.4 billion

Bajaj Auto and MotoCzysz to build a 'Dream'

Pune--based bikemaker Bajaj Auto has entered into a joint venture with US motorcycle manufacturer MotoCzysz LLC for developing an automobile of the future

American motorcycle-maker MotoCzysz LLC has joined hands with Bajaj Auto limited for developing a Next Generation automobile that will focus on bringing a product that will be packed with futuristic innovative automotive technologies to improve overall efficiency without compromising on aesthetics and performance. Aptly named as "Dream", the project promises to pave the way for eco-friendly yet stylish and performance packed automobiles of the future. The basis of the "Dream" project will be green technologies and lightweight cycle parts that will significantly improve the efficiency of the automobile.

World's first universal quantum computer created

LONDON: Scientists in the United States have unveiled the world’s first universal programmable quantum computer, capable of processing twoquantum bits or qubits which store more data than the simple “on” or “off” bits of conventional computing.

But, the test programme has revealed significant hurdles which the scientists claim must be overcome before it is ready for real work, the ‘New Scientist’ reported.

A team, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Colorado, has developed the experimental device which uses beryllium ions to store qubits in the way they spin while the laser-pulse quantum gates perform the simple logic operations on the qubits.

The trick to making a quantum logic gate is in designing a series of laser pulses that manipulate the beryllium ions in a way which processes information. “One of the more interesting results to come out of the early years of quantum information was that you can do any quantum operation on any number of qubits using only single and two-qubit logic gates,” said Hanneke.

Nokia launches N97 mini

Lifecasting goes beyond just publishing your status - it is about building deeper and closer connections between people. It triggers new kinds of communication patterns, such as sending messages or status updates or even navigating to a friend or a place. Lifecasting with Ovi is available on Nokia N97 mini via Nokia Beta Labs.

The new device was launched during Nokia N-Tour-Age, an interactive-technology-solutions showcase of Nokia’s premium devices and services.

Designed for the style-conscious consumer, who is active on social networks, the Nokia N97 mini is a smaller mobile computer with stylish stainless steel cues, featuring a tilting 3.2” touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customizable homescreen that makes each Nokia N97 mini as unique as a fingerprint.

The Nokia N97 mini delivers a truly personal internet experience in a compact handset based on the iconic design of the Nokia N97.

Users can personalise the homescreen of their device even further with thousands of different applications and services available from the Ovi Store.

From games, videos and podcasts to productivity tools and web services, Ovi Store is the easiest way to fill the Nokia N97 mini’s homescreen with applications that reflect individual tastes.

Available in three stylish colors, viz, Cherry black, Garnet and White, the Nokia N97 mini will start shipping in the last week of November 2009 at an MRP of Rs 30,939/- only.

Volkswagen Beetle coming to India in Dec

Indian auto freaks that have a "thing" for the new Volkswagen Beetle should know that the little bug is expected to launch by December 2009.

Already selling the Passat, Jetta and the Touareg in India, Volkswagen is now expected to bring the new Beetle before the year's end, if we're to believe a report that has revealed to the Indian media during the India economic summit.

Although the Volkswagen Beetle was originally built as the "people's car?, it's not the case anymore as prices usually have 5 figures and range around $20,000 - which is a bit steep for the Indian market if you're to consider that the Tata Nano is selling for as low as $3,500.

Volkswagen has stayed tight-lipped regarding price, but we'll have to assume it will vie in India's luxury model market more than its family car segment.

Meanwhile, the new VW Polo is also expected to hit the market by early next year for a more affordable price.

Hyundai I-40 will be launched in India in 2010

After the huge success of Hyudai I-10 and Hyundai I-20 , Hyundai Motors india is all set to unveil I-30 on indian roads.But you may have already heard of this as this is being a news in the last few days.But the hyundai motors india is thinking so advanced as they are also launching their new model Hyundai I-40 after the launch of Hyundai I-20.There is a chance of replacing Hyundai Sonata with hyundai I-40 as they did in Europe.The new Hyundai I-40 can also be treated as the updated version of Hyundai s Sedan model Hyundai Sonata.The car will be officially launched in India by 2010.The price of this car is expected to be between 6 and 7.5 lakhs

The G-Bound RC car Drives ON water

It's no miracle, the G-Bound remote control car can drive over water thanks to a waterproof chassis and inflatable tires. Unfortunately, the maximum range on the G-Bound is only about 33 feet, so I wouldn't take it out to the lake unless you don't mind swimming after it. Not that it matters—it appears to be a Japan-only release for the moment.

Laptop Skin TS 81075

Give your laptop a new look in seconds and express yourself! This Top Skin creates a whole new look that sets you apart in the sea of laptops without interfering with the system's cooling or normal operation
Protection is most important for your laptop. Everyone wants laptop scratch free, clean and neat. Laptop skin is good option for you in such a case. Make sure, you may change your skin whenever you want!

Laptop skin is requirement as well as a Fashion everybody wants there laptop should look different from others taking this concept in mind we have best designs in each category because of that our prices are little higher then the unbranded skins
This standard-size laptop skin (14" x 10.5") is large enough to fit just about any laptop - just trim to fit with a razor or utility blade

Toyota Developing Anti-Drunk Driving Gadget

Toyota Motor has revealed that it is developing an anti-drunk driving equipment. The equipment would automatically lock the ignition of a vehicle if the driver is sensed with high levels of alcohol.

The company statement said that the equipment has features such as a hand-held breathalyser that could detect alcohol consumption. The device, which comes equipped with a digital camera, would take photographs of the driver's face for identification.

The system will either warn the driver, or lock the vehicle's ignition based on the level of alcohol detected, Toyota said.

The tests are being conducted with affiliate truck maker, Hino Motors. The equipment will be installed in selected trucks and other vehicles of the fleet customers, including those of companies and government organisations ..

The fleet administrators will be alerted if the driver is detected with excessive alcohol levels, Toyota said.

Similar equipment is also being developed by Nissan Motor

Mahindra Satyam bags Saab defence deal

IT firm Mahindra Satyam said it will collaborate with Swedish defence firm Saab to develop applications and technology in India for the defence and security market.

The multi-year collaboration would allow the companies to jointly address the Battlefield Management System (BMS) for the Indian Army, Mahindra Satyam said in a statement. The company did not comment on the size of the deal. But sources said the deal is in the range of $400-500 million and is spread over five years.

Land Rover launches SUV price starting at Rs 98.5 lakh

Tatas-owned British marquee Land Rover today introduced its sport utility vehicle .

'Range Rover Model Year 2010' in India, which willbe available at astarting price as high as Rs 98.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The new model, the fifth in India from Land Rover's stable, would be available in both petrol and diesel engine options, Tata Motors said in statement. The new model, the fifth in India from Land Rover's stable, would be available in both petrol and diesel engine options, Tata Motors said in statement. The Tatas acquired Jaguar .

Land Rover (JLR) from American auto maker Ford Motor for about USD 2.3 billion last year.

In the company's Annual Report for 2008-09, Tata Group chief Ratan Tata had said Jaguar Land Rover will launch a number of models, including hybrids, in the coming years.

Reliance Communication to offer per-second billing

Reliance Communications, country's second-largest mobile operator, will charge 1 paise per secondThe price war is set to intensify with four firms, including ventures of Norway's Telenor and United Arab Emirates' Etisalat, set to start operations in India this year.

India has 11 mobile operators currently, and the industry has added an average of 14 million users per month this year for all local and national calls, a spokesman said .

Airtel joins tariff war; introduces pay-per-second plan

NEW DELHI: Joining the tariff war, India's largest mobile operator

Bharti Airtel on Friday introduced a "pay per second" plan across the country

In this plan, called Freedom Plan, Airtel customers will be charged one paise per second for all Local and STD calls to Airtel numbers and 1.20 paise per second for local and STD calls to other networks.

Some of the new operators, however, are offering pay per second tariff plan across networks.

The plan will be available initially only to pre-paid subscribers of Airtel, an Airtel statement said.

This will be one of the tariff plans besides others already existing

Premier Rio launched!

Premier Automobiles has launched the Rio compact SUV, in a bid to reclaim its place as a player in the Indian automotive scene. The vehicle was launched today in Mumbai, and is expected to rival not only entry level SUVs but also some of the larger hatchbacks in the markWith its significantly higher headroom, the Rio also offers more storage space than the large hatchbacks without enlarging its exterior dimensions significantly. Premier is touting the vehicle as India's first compact diesel SUV, which in fact is true given that the similarly structured and positioned Maruti Suzuki Gypsy comes only with a petrol engine option.eThe pricing of the Rio, after taking the Premier brand into consideration, could have been a little more cut-throat. The car has been launched at a price of Rs 5.25 lakh for the base version without air-conditioning and power steering, Rs 5.50 lakh for the mid-version with A/C and power steering, and Rs 5.95 lakh for the top of the line model with alloy wheels, roofrails and ABS with EBDt..

ArcelorMittal returns to black after 3 qtrs; Net at $900 mn

LONDON: After posting losses for three consecutive quarters, the global steel giant, ArcelorMittal, today posted a net income of USD 900 million for the quarter ended September 30.

The firm's net income of the company in the third quarter of this fiscal was, however, 76 per cent lower from the year-ago period.

The company had a net income of USD 3.8 billion in the year-ago period, after which it posted three consecutive quarterly losses amid demand slump.

"As anticipated, we have seen the first signs of recovery in the third quarter," ArcelorMittal Chairman and CEO L N Mittal said in a statemen

India’s top auto brands in dealer service satisfaction

For a 10th consecutive year, Maruti Suzuki ranks highest in customer satisfaction with authorized dealer service in India, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2009 India Customer Service Index (CSI) Study released on Tuesday. Maruti Suzuki achieves an overall CSI score of 824 and performs particularly well in the service advisor and service facility factors. Following Maruti in the rankings are Honda and Mahindra.

The study finds that the proportion of customers who defected from dealership service facilities to non-authorized service centers for their vehicle service requirements has decreased to 7% in 2009 from 11% in 2008. This decrease in defection rates is attributable to brands expanding the reach and quality of their service networks, as well as to manufacturers making greater efforts to retain customers.

The study, now in its 13th year, measures satisfaction among vehicle owners who visited their authorized dealership service center for maintenance or repair work during the first 12 to 24 months of ownership. Redesigned in 2009, the study measures overall satisfaction by examining five factors (listed in the order of importance): service quality; vehicle pickup; service advisor; service facility; and service initiation. Overall customer satisfaction is measured on a 1,000 point scale, with a higher score indicating higher satisfaction. The study, which is based on responses from more than 5,800 owners of nearly 50 different vehicle models, was fielded from May to August 2009 and includes customers who had purchased their vehicles between May 2007 and August 2008.

Here we take a look at India’s top auto brands in dealer service satisfaction:

Growth-inflation trade-off a challenge: RBI

MUMBAI: The economic outlook is a mix of recovery prospects and downside risks, and managing the trade-off between supporting growth and reining

What is IIP? Top 10 challenges for India Implications of a rising inflation rate

in inflation poses a complex policy challenge, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Monday.

The combination of weak recovery and elevated consumer price inflation has magnified the complexity of policy challenges despite low headline wholesale price index numbers.

"The overall economic outlook, thus, is conditioned by both upside prospects of recovery with downside risks and emerging inflationary pressures," the Reserve Bank of India said in its review of the second quarter for 2009/10 (April/March).

The RBI is expected to hold interest rates steady when it reviews monetary policy on Tuesday.

It said anchoring inflation expectations in the face of sustained high inflation in essential commodities would be a key challenge and cautioned that weak private consumption and investment demand continued to be a drag on faster recovery.

The RBI said delayed withdrawal of the annual monsoon augured well for winter wheat and oilseeds crops due to high moisture retention in the soil, but this year's deficient summer monsoon could hinder faster recovery.

India's headline inflation rose at a faster-than-expected pace in the year through mid-October to its highest level in 20 weeks, but government officials and analysts expect the RBI to maintain its focus on stimulating growth and leave rates unchanged at its policy review on Tuesday.

The widely watched wholesale price index rose by 1.21 percent in the 12 months to Oct 10, its highest level since May 23 when it was 1.34 percent.

Maruti to launch Alto, Wagon R with new generation engine

NEW DELHI: The country's largest car maker

Maruti Suzuki will launch two of its best selling models -- Alto and Wagon R, with a new generation

New SUVs to hit Indian roads Electric and hybrid cars Cars with Class Lexus sports car Check out the world's fastest cars

engine as it prepares to meet April 2010 deadline of stricter emission norm.

According to industry sources, the company will discontinue the old F-series engines in both Alto and Wagon R and replace them with its new K-series engine, which is Bharat Stage IV complaint.

When contacted a Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) spokesperson said, "the successful K series engines will be mounted on more models in a phased manner," without specifying details and timeline for the change in engines.

Alto is MSI's best selling model. In November last year it crossed one-million mark in domestic market, while Wagon R also accounted for a good number to its compact car sales.

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The company's newer models such A-Star, Ritz and the new Estilo are powered by K-series engines, which the company claims are more fuel efficient and have lesser emission.

With 11 cities in India scheduled to move to stricter Bharat Stage (BS) IV emission norms from the current BS III by April next year, MSI has been preparing itself for the change.

It has already upgraded its mid-sized sedan

SX4 to make it BS IV compatible and it will be shortly launched in the market. A similar upgradation for premium compact car Swift and entry-level sedan DZire is also on the cards but the company has decided not to upgrade its oldest model M800 to meet the new emission norms

Toyota to merge housing ops into one unit

TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp said on Friday it would merge its housing production and technology development operations with its home building

unit.

The company split its housing business and formed Toyota Housing Corp in 2003 but kept some related operations separate, the firm said in a statement.

It has decided to integrate them to achieve faster decision-making, it said.

The automaker entered the home-building business in 1975

MS launches Windows 7, pre-loaded PCs to start at Rs 15k

NEW DELHI: The world's largest software maker Microsoft

launched the much-awaited 'Windows 7' operating system (OS) with a host of tools for

multimedia applications for business and retail customers.

Smarting under the failure of its earlier operating system 'Vista', Windows 7 promises significant improvement in productivity levels, enhanced security, reduced risk and manageability costs.

PC

makers HCL Infosystems, Acer and Hewlett Packard have started shipping Windows pre-loaded PCs and notebook computers from today.

HP India will retail Windows 7-preloaded PCs between Rs 27,990 and Rs 90,000, company Country Category Manager Consumer Desktops

, Personal Computers, Ketan Patel said.

While, the preloaded Windows 7 notebooks will be priced at Rs 39,990 onwards, HP India Consumer Notebooks Category Manager Diptesh Ghosh said.

At the same time, Acer PCs with Windows 7 OS will be priced between Rs 15,000 and Rs 35,000, while the notebooks will be priced at Rs 21,000-Rs 70,000, confirmed Acer Chief Sales Officer Harish Kohli.

HCL Infosystems' Executive Vice President George Paul informed that HCL will priced it between Rs 16,000 and Rs 55,000, whereas the notebooks would cost Rs 22,000-Rs 80,000,

The new version that comes in as many as six editions targeted at different segments has been priced accordingly.

"We have launched Windows 7 in six editions, targeted at specific user groups and would be available on desktops, laptops and netbooks across the varied price range," Microsoft India Chairman Ravi Venkatesan told reporters here.

Electric cars take on hybrids at Tokyo show

CHIBA, Japan: Futuristic concept cars, ultra-efficient hybrids, zero-emission electric vehicles and even a hydrogen-powered scooter jostled for

Two-seater Toyota Lexus sports car

the limelight as the Tokyo Motor Show kicked off on Wednesday.

From a super-skinny Nissan electric car that leans when going around bends, to a lightweight Toyota sports car and a Daihatsu vehicle with a design based on a basket, Japanese makers showed off their visions of the future.

While hybrids are still a big feature, electric cars are competing for attention at this year's show as technological breakthroughs in rechargeable batteries bring mass-produced zero emission cars closer to reality.

Despite the success of the hybrid, car makers are still hedging their bets on green technology, with biofuels, clean diesel and fuel cells also seen as potential alternative power sources.

With foreign makers almost entirely absent, the show is dominated by the Japanese makers, which are pinning their hopes on growing interest in fuel-efficient automobiles to rescue them from a brutal industry slump.

Toyota, the world's largest automaker, is displaying a new version of its electric concept car -- the FT-EV II -- along with a new lightweight, sporty concept car inspired by the iconic Corolla AE86 coupe of the 1980s.

With a low centre of gravity and a special two-litre boxer engine developed by partner Subaru, the rear-wheel drive FT-86 is said to handle like a race car but with less damage to the environment.

"Everyone thinks sports cars won't sell but there is a huge demand, particularly among middle-aged men who have fond memories of the Corolla 86 and who would like to drive it once again," Toyota engineer Tetsuya Tada said.

Nissan showed off an electric concept car that leans to the side when going around bends.

The "Land Glider", just 1.1 metres (3 feet 7 inches) wide, seats two people -- one in the front and one in the back. Inspired by motorbikes and glider aircraft, it has tilting wheels

that enable it to lean by up to 17 degrees.

"Although you are driving on the road, you feel as if you are flying," Nissan's Ryusuke Hayashi, who is overseeing the project, said at a preview.

Nissan will put its electric car, the Leaf, on display to the public for the first time at the show, which opens to general visitors in Makuhari Messe, east of Tokyo, on Saturday. The mid-sized car will go on sale in late 2010.

"Leaf will make waves in our industry as the world's first affordable zero-emission car," Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn said at the show.

"The time is now for zero emissions. Sustainable mobility is within our reach. We stand on the threshold of a new era in the automotive industry."

While Nissan lags behind its bigger rivals in hybrids, it is one step ahead in electric cars. Toyota has said it aims to launch an electric car by 2012.

From Honda comes the EV-N, a cute new electric concept car that can store a one-wheel personal mobility device inside its door.

Fuel cells, which run on hydrogen and emit only water, also make an appearance as Honda and Suzuki put on display cars powered by the technology. There is even a fuel-cell scooter and a fuel-cell wheelchair from Suzuki

Australia Tour of India 2009 Full Schedule and Fixtures

Australia will tour India for Seven match ODI Series in the late of October 2009. They will play their first match of ODI series on 25th of October 2009 in Vadodara Out of Seven matches six of the one day internationals will be day/night encounters between these two teams.
While there will be a two-day gap between most of the fixtures, there will be just a day's rest between the 3rd and 4th ODIs, to be played in New Delhi and Mohali respectively. Mumbai will host the last ODI between India and Australia on November 11th 2009.

Mumbai: BCCI has finalised the venues for the seven-match ODI series between India and Australia which is scheduled to start from October 25.
Guwahati, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Mohali and Nagpur are the selected cities for the seven ODI matches.

Oct-2009
Sun 25 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	1st ODI – India v Australia Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Wed 28 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	2nd ODI – India v Australia Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha,Nagpur
Sat 31 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	3rd ODI – India v Australia Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Nov-2009
Mon 02 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	4th ODI – India v Australia Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali,Chandigarh
Thu 05 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	5th ODI – India v Australia Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad
Sun 08 03:30 GMT, 09:00 local	6th ODI – India v Australia Nehru Stadium, Guwahati
Wed 11 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	7th ODI – India v Australia Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai