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International scientists working at an underground complex started up a huge particle-smashing machine on Wednesday aiming to recreate the conditions of the “Big Bang” that created the universe.

Experts say it is the largest scientific experiment in human history and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the biggest and most complex machine ever made.

The test by the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), conducted inside the tightly-sealed chamber buried under the Swiss-French border, could unlock many secrets of modern physics and answer questions about the universe and its origins.

The 10 billion Swiss franc ($9 billion) machine’s debut came as a blip on a screen in the control room, with a particle beam the size of a human hair appearing in the 27-km (17-mile) circular tunnel.

Full article here.

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Reliance Industries Limited, RIL is looking to foray into nuclear power generation, reports CNBC-TV18 quoting sources. RIL is in talks with a French nuclear power company. RIL and the French company is looking for eight-ten sites in India. RIL has said that it will not comment on market speculation, and has strongly denied a foray into nuclear power generation at this point.

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman, RIL had said at the company’s Annual General Meeting that, “The second potential avenue for growth and transformation is in alternative energy. This is a natural extension of our conventional energy portfolio. I will be happy to share with you details once we have a concrete value creating plan in place.

It is not yet known who RIL is talking to, but the company does tend to go and forge partnerships with the largest companies in the world.

Rest of the article here

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The controversy surrounding the Beijing Olympics refuses to die down. Now, the Indian football captain, Bhaichung Bhutia has refused to carry the torch citing solidarity with the Tibetean cause.

“Decision not to carry Olympic torch is entirely personal, not political. I am not doing this on behalf of any organisation or group. I’m not even asking others to join me. Not carrying the Olympic torch was an obvious decision for me as I am against the violence and oppression in Tibet,” he said.

Meanwhile, another controversy is brewing as Aamir Khan has been roped in by Coca Cola to carry the torch. The Tibeteans in India are warning that they will commit self-immolation if Aamir Khan goes ahead with the torch relay.

I am no one to tell any group of people how they should conduct their struggle. I am not part of it and am not going through what they are going through. But my heart goes out to them.

I request those of you who have asked me to stay away from the Olympic Torch Relay to understand that when I do run with the torch on the 17th of April it is not in support of China. In fact it will be with a prayer in my heart for the people of Tibet, and indeed for all people across the world who are victims of human rights violations.

Meanwhile the German chancellor Angela Merkel has indicated that she will not attend the Beijing Olympics and the French President Nicolas Sarkozy maintaining that he might boycott the opening ceremony of the games. More fun

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First it was rumored to be Infosys, then it was Wipro and now Reliance communications seems to have initiated talks with Cap Gemini, the French IT services company for a takeover. Though there are indications that the initial talks have been bogged down over price issues.

Capgemini, the French IT services group, has held early-stage talks with Reliance Communications, of India, that could result in the first acquisition of a significant Western IT house by one of India’s fast-growing competitors.

Times Online can reveal the French-based group has met with Reliance Communications, the technology and telecoms arm of Anil Ambani’s Reliance ADAG group in recent months, sources said.

The possible takeover of Capgemini emerged as the group acknowledged that the US sub-prime mortgage crisis that has wiped billions of dollars off banks’ balance sheets could impact its own growth in the coming year.

The company made the forecast as it revealed full-year profits for 2007 rose from €293 million to €440 million (£327 million), which was in line with analysts expectations.

Full article here.

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The world’s fourth largest air force, The Indian Air Force (IAF) turned 75 years today. Wanna fight?

Jaguar 21

A Mig-29, keeping our offshore oil rigs safe.

Mirage 2000, flying in formation

The almighty Sukhoi -Su30MK1, armed to the teeth.

All pictures courtesy: Bharat Rakshak

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