Washington, Oct 15 (ANI): Displays of altruism or selflessness towards others are seen by females as the most attractive trait in a partner, according to a new research carried out by biologists and a psychologist at The University of Nottingham.

In three studies of more than 1,000 people Dr Tim Phillips and his fellow researchers discovered that women place significantly greater importance on altruistic traits that anything else.

The study has been published in the British Journal of Psychology.

Dr Phillips said: "Evolutionary theory predicts competition between individuals and yet we see many examples in nature of individuals disadvantaging themselves to help others.

"In humans, particularly, we see individuals prepared to put themselves at considerable risk to help individuals they do not know for no obvious reward."

Participants in the studies were questioned about a range of qualities they look for in a mate, including examples of altruistic behaviour such as 'donates blood regularly' and 'volunteered to help out in a local hospital'. Women placed significantly greater importance on altruistic traits in all three studies.

Yet both sexes may consider altruistic traits when choosing a partner. One hundred and seventy couples were asked to rate how much they preferred altruistic traits in a mate and report their own level of altruistic behaviour.

The strength of preference in one partner was found to correlate with the extent of altruistic behaviour typically displayed in the other, suggesting that altruistic traits may well be a factor both men and women take into account when choosing a partner.

Dr Phillips said: "For many years the standard explanation for altruistic behaviour towards non-relatives has been based on reciprocity and reputation - a version of 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours'. I believe we need to look elsewhere to understand the roots of human altruism.

The expansion of the human brain would have greatly increased the cost of raising children so it would have been important for our ancestors to choose mates both willing and able to be good, long-term parents. Displays of altruism could well have provided accurate clues to this and genes linked to altruism would have been favoured as a result."

Dr Phillips concluded: "Sexual selection could well come to be seen as exerting a major influence on what made humans human." (ANI)

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Washington, Oct 15 (ANI): Democratic candidate in the ensuing US presidential poll, Barack Obama's high-tech campaign has entered into the popular racing video game "Burnout Paradise".

Game-maker "Electronic Arts" confirmed that the Obama campaign ads were the real deal.

"Like most TV, radio and print outlets, we accept advertising from credible political candidates," foxnew.com quoted EA spokeswoman Holly Rockwood as telling the tech blog GigaOm.

He added: "Like political spots on the television networks, these ads do not reflect the political policies of EA or the opinions of its development teams."

This has evoked a mixed reaction from those who play these games. One on the car blog Jalopnik joked: "The McCain campaign will respond by buying ads at Pong consoles nationwide." (ANI)

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Kolkata, Oct 15 (ANI): Diwali, the festival of lights, is incomplete without the use of earthen oil lamps. But these lamps are facing stiff competition from Chinese dazzling lights, which have flooded the markets.

And as part of the greetings, Chinese lamps and lights have flooded the markets in Kolkata.

Large numbers of people, irrespective of their religion are thronging the packed markets to buy lights to decorate their houses for the festival.

People say the cheap Chinese bulbs are preferred over the traditional earthen lamps for their wide range and designs as varied as grapes and colourful flowers.

"We are buying Chinese lights because the cost of oil has risen. We get these lights in various designs, colours and can keep it in houses, flowerpots and verandas. The best part is it lasts longer than the traditional diyas (Traditional lamp)," said Mohammad Naseem, a customer.

Most of the shop owners who earlier did other businesses now sell Chinese lamps during the lucrative festive season.

"We are into this business of Chinese lights and every year during Diwali we have new designs. This year, we have introduced the traditional diyas, candle shaped lights, which is gaining popularity here. It is not very costly which makes our sales good," said Raja, a shop owner.

While a coloured-wax Chinese diya decorated with clay roses is available for 15 rupees, an Indian one ranges between 20-25 rupees.

"Lights are cheaper. Oil is expensive now. Every year, I come and buy new lights here. They bring cheer to everyone at home," said Kartik Chakravorty, another customer.

Lighting lamps during Diwali is linked to the welcome of Lord Ram on his triumphant return to Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. By Ajitha Menon (ANI)

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Chandigarh, Oct 15 (ANI): Chandigarh honoured its creator and world famous architect Le Corbusier by dedicating his workplace in the city as a museum and his second centre in the country.

Chandigarh, one of the most developed cities of the country is the brainchild of Corbusier. He along with his dedicated team of architects planned an intricate design for the city.

The building, which used to be his office has been renovated and now showcases his work and creations, the models that he prepared, his charts and furniture created by Pierre Jeanneret, his cousin.

This is the sixth centre in the world and second in India after Ahemedabad centre.

The other centres dedicated to Le Corbusier are Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal, Canada Foundation Le Corbusier in Paris, Centre Le Corbusier, Zurich, Museum of Architecture and Design in Chicago.

But what makes Chandigarh centre different from others is that it used to be Le Corbusier's workplace and many of his works, architectural designs and instruments used by him are on display in the museum.

"It is very good decision by the Chandigarh administration to make this a research center so that people can come and see here his work. I am very sure that with the support of Chandigarh administration and architects, citizens and also with the support of different centers of the world, this centre is going to be a landmark in the world," said V.N Singh, the nodal officer of the project.

The exhibits at the centre are a delight for those who have interest in modern architecture and even for those who are keen to know what transpired during creation of Chandigarh.

There are letters exchanged between Corbusier and senior government functionaries that talk about different controversies.

The pictures on Corbusier are self-explanatory and depict the trials and tribulations faced by Corbusier and his team.

Apart from this, the museum showcases the equipments used by Corbusier and his tem members.

The Swiss Franc that bears testimony to Chandigarh has also been showcased.

"It was fascinating to see the wonderful job that was done. We are really enjoying it very much. It's so good to see all the memorabilia being kept so that more people can understand what happened," Dorothy Stevens, a tourist.

Le Corbusier in his career of eight decades constructed buildings throughout central Europe, India, Russia and one each in North and South America. Apart from being an urban planner he is also remembered as painter, sculptor and writer. By Sunil (ANI)

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