New Delhi : Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi have developed a Braille laptop called DotBook, which can be useful for the visually impaired. 

The laptop has got important conventional applications such as email, calculator, and web browser. Third party apps can also be added in case needed. 

It has been launched in two variants called 40Q and 20P. The 40Q variant can have 40 characters per line and features a conventional QWERTY keyboard and a Braille keyboard, while 20P can have 20 characters in a line and has only a Braille keyboard. The laptops are equipped with refreshable Braille display. 

The laptop was developed on the basis of multiple user trials to take care of preferences and needs of the user community. Among other things, it has a specially designed hand-rest to help the users to work for long hours without any drop in efficiency. The equipment can be connected through wifi, Bluetooth and USB.  

The project leader, Prof M. Balakrishnan, said, “DotBook represents an excellent example of user oriented applied research. it is inter-disciplinary in nature which brings advanced techniques, low power electronics, software and User interface design together. It is a result of sustained efforts over four years of a multi-organizational team comprising academics, two industry partners and a user organization.”

IIT-Delhi researchers have developed the laptop in collaboration with KritiKal Solutions Pvt Ltd., Noida, Pheonix Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, Saksham Trust, New Delhi and Wellcome Trust of UK. KritiKal Solutions will manufacture, maintain and market them. Phoenix Medical Systems will provide the modules for refreshable Braille display. 

Currently, comparable 40 cell Refreshable Braille Devices cost on an average Rs. 1.78 lakh making them expensive for users even in high-income countries while being completely unaffordable for those in countries like India. 

“The DotBook built on IIT Delhi’s patented Shape Memory Alloy Technology will bring this cost down to Rs. 60,000 for 40Q and Rs. 40,000 for 20P variant. This will help make Braille laptop accessible to the millions who were previously un-catered-to”, said Pulkit Sapra, IIT researcher.

Dipendra Manocha, Managing Director, Saksham Trust, said, ” DotBook opens up digital life to Braille users. It creates an eco-system that allows people who read and write in Braille, to communicate seamlessly with the rest of the world.”

The DotBook is slated to be opened for bookings starting March, 2019. Product deliveries would start later this year. (India Science Wire)

Parleen Gill is a Bollywood Singer who hails from Punjab ( Chandigarh ). He comes from Army background a disciplined guy who started his career at a very early age of 4. He was one of the Top 8 finalist of Indian Idol-3.

He had made his ways Bollywood Music Industry by singing 3 songs in the year 2018, and 5 more is going to add in his portfolio this year. From 2007 to 2009 he was part of SONY BMG which released a successful album with four Indian Idol contestant Parleen was one of those four singers. 

His “lai vi na gai” song is so famous on youtube that it has crossed viewers list of 30 million compared to the original song.

A quick Interview with Parleen Gill…

What’s your opinion about the modern musical age? 

A.  It is evolving for good . More sounds are being discovered and listeners are growing as we speak. 

What preparations do you make before your concerts? 

A. Nothing , i just sleep and do my riyaaz  once I wake up.  As i have been doing shows since 12 years now. 

Who is your inspiration and role model?

A. Inspiration is Enrique  Iglesias and Role Model is no one 

What qualities should a good singer posses?

A. He should be able to sing in all languages and genres. 

Since from how many years are you practicing singing?

A. Since the age of 4. 

Who is your ‘ideal’? 

No one. I take small things from all singers like : Sonu Nigam , Mika , Palash Sen and Kailash kher. 

What hardships do you face in this field? 

A. There are no hardships if you see them as a challenge and love them. 

Have you had any memorable experience that you would like to share with us?

A. My first ever professional gig post Indian Idol 3 was on my birthday ie. 15th sep in 2007.  

What’s your success mantra?

A.  Stay positive and get out of your house daily no matter what.  

Would you like to give any message to your fans and upcoming artists?

A. Stay focussed , practice daily and never give up. 

Which music do u like? 

A. All genres. Depends on my mood. 

Which songs do u like? 

A.  Happy now by kygo. 

What are the problem u faced while working as singer? 

A. None , as i was confident that i was worth. 

Which is ur first song?

A.  On youtube : Maeri 

On Tv : teri deewan by kailash kher 

Did Indian idol changed your life?

A. Idols made it a dream life.  

Nowadays RAP is the new kind that people like in music, so r u planning to make a rap song

A. Yes my next punjabi song which i will shoot in Dubai has a bit of rap by me  

What do you think about rapping?

A. Few words describing  the exact emotion. 

If someone would make your biopic who do you think is best suitable for working in it?

A.  Ranveer Singh anytime as he is my doppelganger 

Punjabi music industry and Singers are giving more hits than Bollywood

Your thoughts on this?

A. They are making history and i am loving it. 

Modern music is extinct now.. People are just making remakes.

Your thoughts on this.

A. As a musician i feel bad that business is taking over creativity. 

Your future plans?

A. No plans. Just loving and living my life. 

Do you want to collaborate with any singer who is he/she?

A. Yes Enrique and Pitbull.

As we know the wedding is an event that is a celebration of a formal bond (marriage) between the couple in love. The bride wants to look stunning and her best once the best day of her life comes and that is the marriage day.

Leena Bhushan founder of Face Stories based out in Noida and is one of the finest freelancer makeup artist. She is a dynamic lady, and a wife, mommy based in Delhi. She customises party makeup, bridal makeup, pre-wedding makeups, and makeup for special occasions and makes you stand out on your best day.

She is one of the most famous makeup artists in Delhi. Her experience and expertise bring the best look on the big day of any Bride. They use good quality products from the finest international cosmetic brands and all the services are safe and hygienic.

Leena Bhushan said “Every girl wants to look her best on during her Marriage. I provide personalised makeovers for every occasion. From Mehndi to Sangeet, Shaadi to Reception, pre-wedding or cocktail, a good makeup artist is needed to give dream-like makeover.”

According to one of her client Ishita, “Leena Bhushan is one whom I always wanted for my most precious day of my life. She brought out the best in me and created different looks as per occasion. The best thing is that she traveled to Shimla on my big day.”

Whether your wedding is in Delhi or you have planned a destination wedding, I also travels outstations and gives a hassle-free make up experience. Leena added.

To book for Leena Bhushan https://instagram.com/facestoriesbyleenabhushan

The Election Commission of India has directed that all electors in all constituencies who have been issued Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) have to produce the Electors Photo Identity Card for their identification at the polling station before casting their votes. Those electors who are not able to produce the EPIC shall produce one of the following alternative photo identity documents for establishing their identity. The list of eleven documents is: 

• Passport,
• Driving License,
• Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies,
• Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office,
• PAN Card,
• Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR,
• MNREGA Job Card,
• Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour,
• Pension document with photograph,
• Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, and
• Aadhaar Card.

Overseas electors shall have to produce their original passport only for identification.

To assist the Voters, the Commission has further directed it’s officers that in the case of EPIC, minor discrepancies in the entries therein should be ignored provided the identity of the elector can be established by the EPIC. If an elector produces an EPIC which has been issued by the Electoral Registration Officer of another Assembly Constituency, such card shall also be accepted for identification, provided the name of that elector finds place in the electoral roll pertaining to the polling station where the elector has turned up for voting.  If it is not possible to establish the identity of the elector on account of mismatch of photograph, etc. the elector shall have to produce one of the above mentioned alternative photo documents.

On earlier occasions, the Commission had allowed Photo Voter Slip as a document for identification. However, there have been representations against its use as a stand-alone identification document on the grounds of misuse as these are printed after the finalisation of the roll and distributed just close to the poll through Booth Level Officers. The design of Photo Voter Slip does not incorporate any security feature. In fact, Photo Voter Slip was started as an alternative document as the coverage of EPIC was not complete in earlier years. Currently more than 99 per cent electors possess EPIC, and more than 99 per cent adults have been issued Aadhar Cards.

Taking all these facts in view, Commission has now decided that Photo Voter Slip shall henceforth not be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for voting.  However, Photo Voter Slip will continue to be prepared and issued to electors as part of the awareness building exercise.  In order to make it clear to the electors that Photo Voter Slips shall not be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for voting, the words `THIS SLIP WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFICATION IN POLLING STATION. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY EPIC OR ONE OF THE 11 ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSION FOR VOTING” shall be printed on the Photo Voter Slip in bold letters.

All Returning Officers and all Presiding Officers are being informed of these instructions. A copy of the instructions translated in the vernacular language will be supplied to each of the Presiding Officers. The Order shall be got published in the State, Gazette, immediately and publicised through print/electronic media for information of the general public and electors immediately and at very regular intervals till the date of polling.

India has many faces right from the starting in film and fashion industry. Some make their mark some not. Today we are going to talk about new fashion ICON and new defined handsome man of India Amit Sobti winner of world best model 2018.

Amit Sobti recently won the best model of the world 2018 award in Istanbul- Turkey and became the new face of India around the world. 

Amit Sobti was always interested in modelling right from an early age. Amit Sobti was brilliant in studies he was determined from his childhood whatever he does he does with a full effort which shows in his every result whether its modelling or studies. He is born and brought Chandigarh guy and has the flavour of Chandigarh in his charm. Her mother was his support to choose this modelling field.

He got many jobs offers being a good student but he chooses to model and started Ramping from an early age on many functions, fashion shows, international events. Which Include VOGUE, LUCKNOW FASHION WEEK & International fashion shows around the globe.

Being a model is not an easy job you need to be fit and Amit Sobti is the best example how to look fit and perfect with the best diet which can help you glow day by day and he also makes sure that he is not over muscled or under. This Constant effort, gym and proper diet have helped him to achieve big in his life with lots of hard work.

Amit Sobti met accident right before 2 month of the show where he represented India. His proper diet, running, dancing and constant gym helped him to remain in shape for competition and his hard work and dedication helped him to win the best Male model of world award in turkey.

He has constantly active in his work and participating continuously in main events to remain in limelight. He knows his strength and weakness which is surely an example for every newcomer in this fashion world. Always remain positive even after facing failures because failures make man perfect and best for upcoming. 

He is currently the best Male model that the world can have which is a proud thing for India. Surely a bright future waits for him as we might see him in films in a short time for sure and why not when you have a face like Amit Sobti he will be the surly best pick in short time.

Statement by Foreign Secretary on 26 February 2019 on the Strike on JeM training camp at BalakotOn 14 February 2019, a suicide terror attack was conducted by a Pak based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad, leading to the martyrdom of 40 brave jawans of the CRPF. JeM has been active in Pakistan for the last two decades, and is led by MASOOD AZHAR with its headquarters in Bahawalpur.
This organization, which is proscribed by the UN, has been responsible of a series of terrorist attacks including on the Indian Parliament in December 2001 and the Pathankot airbase in January 2016.
Information regarding the location of training camps in Pakistan and PoK has been provided to Pakistan from time to time. Pakistan, however, denies their existence. The existence of such massive training facilities capable of training hundreds of jihadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities.
India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against the JeM to prevent jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan. Pakistan has taken no concrete actions to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil.
Credible intelligence was received that JeM was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country, and the fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. In the face of imminent danger, a preemptive strike became absolutely necessary.
In an intelligence led operation in the early hours of today, India struck the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by MAULANA YOUSUF AZHAR (alias USTAD GHOURI), the brother-in-law of MASOOD AZHAR, Chief of JeM.
The Government of India is firmly and resolutely committed to taking all necessary measures to fight the menace of terrorism. Hence this non-military preemptive action was specifically targeted at the JeM camp. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties. The facility is located in thick forest on a hilltop far away from any civilian presence. As the strike has taken place only a short while ago, we are awaiting further details.
The Government of Pakistan had made a solemn commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India. We expect that Pakistan lives up to its public commitment and takes follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions.

NEW DELHI : The ‘Make in India’ effort of Indian Railways has culminated into India’s first Semi High Speed Train, “Vande Bharat Express”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the maiden run of the train on New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route train today morning from the New Delhi Railway Station. 

Union Minister of Railways and Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal lead the team of officials and media persons aboard the train on its inaugural run. It will stop at Kanpur and Allahabad where it will be received by dignitaries and the people.

Vande Bharat Express can run up to a maximum speed of 160 kmph and has travel classes like Shatabdi Train but with better facilities. It aims to provide a totally new travel experience to passengers.

The Train will cover the distance between New Delhi and Varanasi in 8 hours and will run on all days except Mondays and Thursdays.

All coaches are equipped with automatic doors, GPS based audio-visual passenger information system, on-board hotspot Wi-Fi for entertainment purposes, and very comfortable seating. All toilets are bio-vacuum type. The lighting is dual mode, viz. diffused for general illumination and personal for every seat. Every coach has a pantry with facility to serve hot meals, hot and cold beverages. The insulation is meant to keep heat and noise to very low levels for additional passenger comfort.

Vande Bharat Express has 16 air-conditioned coaches of which 2 are executive class coaches. The total seating capacity is 1,128 passengers. It is much more than the conventional Shatabdi rake of equal number of coaches, thanks to shifting of all electric equipment below the coaches and seats in the driving coach also.

Adding up the green footprints, the train has regenerative braking system in the Vande Bharat Express coaches which can save up to 30% of electrical energy.

Speed, Safety and Service are the hallmarks of this train.Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, a Railways Production unit, has been the force behind a completely in-house design and manufacture, computer modelling and working with a large number of suppliers for system integration in just 18 months.

In keeping with the vision of Prime Minister’s vision of “Make in India”, the major systems of the train have been designed and built in India.  Impact of this train, matching global standards of performance, safety and passenger comfort and yet costing less than half of global prices, has the potential to be a game changer in the global rail business.

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the nation that the “sacrifices” of the jawans at a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama “will not go in vain”. 

Strongly condemning the attack on a CRPF convoy in which nearly 40 of its personnel lost their lives, Mr Modi tweeted, “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly”.

In terms of magnitude and the scale, today’s attack at Pulwama is far more deadlier than the one in Uri in the Valley about two years ago when 19 soldiers were killed in a terror attack at Army base. The Army had at that time retaliated with precise surgical strikes on terror launchpads across the Line of Control. 

In a suicide attack on Thursday afternoon, terrorists drove a SUV laded with nearly 350 kg of explosives into a CRPF convoy which was heading to Jammu from Srinagar. The vehicle hit one of the buses which was carrying about 40 personnel. Reports said that 40 other jawans battling for their lives of which 13 are said to be in a critical condition.

NEW DELHI :  While on a visit to the Press Club of India (PCI) here, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday applied for the membership of the Club. 

During an informal interaction with the office bearers of the Press Club of India, she recalled that she was editor of “Jago Bangla” , a Bangla publication of her party. She said that she was a life member of Kolkata Press Club as well and expressed a desire to be a member of the PCI as well. 

The PCI Secretary-General Mohua Chatterjee provided her with a membership form which she signed and returned and assured of completing all other formalities during her next visit to the Capital. 

The West Bengal Chief Minister said she would also like to release English translation of her book “My Journey” at the Club during her next visit to the PCI, probably on February 26 or 27. 

She also addressed an impromptu press conference, taking questions on a wide range of issues from journalists. She came to the PCI after paying a courtesy call on the President Ram Nath Kovind. “For the first time I also visited the Mughal Garden in Rashtrapati Bhawan which is indeed very beautiful with a wide range of flowers in full bloom. Personally, I like the tulips there very much,” she added. 

The India Health Fund (IHF),seeded by the Tata Trusts, with strategic support from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has launched the TB Quest – a quest for innovations towards eliminating tuberculosis. 

This is being co-partnered by the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology, and Centre for Cellular And Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, The Global Fund, Social Alpha, Stop TB Partnership, and the Tata Trusts, a statement issued by Tata Trust has said.

The TB Quest is aimed to support the adoption and scale-up of innovative products and processes through comprehensive support to innovators including funding, technical mentorship, handholding for lab to market journey, and dialoguing with policy and programme experts for roll-out.

The Government has set a target of eliminating TB by 2025, a vision that demands innovative ideas, bold approaches, and unprecedented investments by stakeholders across the board.  To realise this goal, IHF is committed to bringing together various partners and stakeholders, pooling expertise and resources, fostering innovations and translating these from “lab to last mile”. TB Quest is a result of this vision.

The call for innovations in products, technologies and processes are for bringing the ‘missing’ TB patients within the purview of care, including notification, through innovations to find new cases and ensure care continuum; screening and appropriate management for Latent TB Infection (LTBI) among all identified high risk population groups in India; infection control in settings such as health care facilities, crowded habitations, congregate settings, including workplaces where transmission is high and addressing gaps in the supply chain of anti-TB drugs and consumables in public and private sectors  

Selected applications will receive wide support, including milestone-based funding support for validation, beta prototyping, feasibility studies and product/ process evaluation, as applicable. The awardees will benefit from collective engagement with global stakeholders and access to the global ecosystem working towards TB elimination. They will also have the opportunity of presenting their innovations to RNTCP aiming at integration with the National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination (2017-25)

Applications will be accepted till April 8, 2019. Further details about the TB Quest and the application process are available at www.indiahealthfund.org.