Sydney, Nov. 17 : Australian all-rounder Shane Watson could be given first preference ahead of Andrew Symonds in the first Test against New Zealand to be played later this week at the Gabba in Brisbane, because of the inclement weather prevailing in that region.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Watson and Symonds are competing for the sole all-rounder’s berth in the Australian XI.

There is a view within the team management that the prospect of rain and humidity in Brisbane might suit Watson''s bowling strengths.

A group of Law students of Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College attempted to attack a Bahujan Samaj Party functionary in Chennai. This incident happened near the General Hospital. But the prompt action of the police stationed there helped him to safety.

BSP leader Rajappa of Pallavaram had gone to see a friend admitted in the hospital. But when the students marked the party flag on his vehicle they surrounded him. But the police stationed there acted first to rescue him.

London, Nov 17 : Researchers have developed a device that harnesses the power of the sea to push water uphill to provide cheap renewable electricity.

According to a report in The Times, the invention, known as ‘Searaser’, is designed to pump water hundreds of feet above sea level from where it can gush downhill to drive hydroelectric generators.

Pumping is made possible by the motion of waves lifting the device, as it floats in the sea, and gravity bringing it down again in the wave troughs.

London, Nov 17 : BioBeer might have been publicised as being capable of boosting life expectancy and avoiding illness, but it also has a rather ‘sour’ point—it tastes lousy.

BioBeer is a genetically modified beer, which was produced by student researchers for a competition in Texas that tests GM products.

It is brewed with a specific yeast that produces resveratrol, a chemical in red wine believed to protect against heart disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Tehran - Tehran remained noncommittal on the just-concluded Iraqi security pact with the United States and said Monday that it would delay commenting until after the pact was approved by the Iraqi parliament.

The Iraqi cabinet on Sunday approved the final version of a security pact with the United States.

Iran has several times voiced its opposition to the security pact and called on the US to withdraw its forces from Iraq and allow the Iraqi government to take care of state affairs.