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Beirut - Polls opened Sunday to elect a new 128-member parliament in Lebanon, in what was described as a decisive moment to determine the country's future alliances.

The election pits the current Western-backed ruling majority against the Hezbollah coalition back by Iran and Syria.

Some 587 candidates are expected to compete in a tight race for the favour of Lebanon's 3.2 million eligible votes.

Observers are expecting a close race, with only few seats to separate the two rival factions.

Athens  - Greeks began voting Sunday in European Parliament elections which are expected to decide the fate of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his conservative party's political future in the wake of urban rioting and a string of scandals.

Polling stations opened from 7 am to 7 pm (0500-1700 GMT) amid worries that very few voters would make it to the polls.

The recent economic downturn accompanied by street riots, strikes and recent scandals has put the ruling New Democracy Party under severe pressure.

Washington, June 7 : Couples who live together only for the sake of their kids, despite having problems with each other, should know that such an arrangement isn''t really helpful for the children.

A study has found that kids in high-conflict married households tend to do no better than those in stepfather and single-mother families.

Public sector major NTPC is planning to invest Rs 600 crore in Mouda and Sholapur power projects in Maharashtra this year.

The power utility firm is presently setting up 1,000 MW thermal power at Mouda near Nagpur and 1,320 MW at Sholapur for an investment of Rs 15,000 crore.

It should be noted that the company has acquired the land at Mouda, for its first power project in the state. The firm is scheduled to start boiler erection for 500 MW by August.

The world's fifth largest wind turbine maker, Suzlon Energy Ltd has finally completed its acquisition of Martifer Group's stake in REpower Systems AG, for a final payment of Euro 87.6 million.

With the conclusion of this transaction, Suzlon’s total shareholding in REpower rises to 90.72%.

It should be noted The Purchase of Martifer's stake in REpower by Suzlon was agreed in February 2007 at the time of the joint bid by Suzlon and Martifer.