Fiction becoming reality!

From augmented reality video games to Apple’s Siri digital assistant, technology continues to zip along at lightening speed. Many of the most wild science fiction stories later become real life. Jules Verne came up with the idea of a fax machine, Arthur C. Clarke conceived the idea for satellites, and Edward Bellamy dreamed up the telephone before its time. Back in 2002, Phillip K. Dick’s short story was produced into the Hollywood movie Minority Report. In the film, a computer is featured that allows the user to interact with the screen in 3D, grabbing images and items virtually and moving them around the screen. Now that wild piece of sci-fi is quickly on its way to reality.

MIT student Jinha Lee designed a prototype as an intern in the Microsoft Applied Sciences Group which allows a user to physically interact with the objects on a transparent screen. Moving windows forward and backward with your fingers, cameras sense where the users hands are and allows for a true 3D interaction with the content on (or is that “in”) the screen. Linking the pixellated world and that of humans is something that has been dreamed up many times before  with movies like Tron taking the concept as far as it could to a whole digital world beyond the physical.

Just think, it was only a few years ago that Facebook opened up from schools to the public and now it is part of daily life.  Before you know it, our appliances will be talking to us, salesmen at the store will be holograms, and some geeks might just decide to replace their girlfriends with digital avatars. Watch out Siri, a slew of technology is nipping at your heels that might make you look like more of a toaster oven than artificial intelligence.

Increasing gang rape problem in India

After a violent rape shocked the country last week, a closer look shows that Indian society still allows nearly unchecked sexual violence against women.

After a women was raped and nearly beaten to death by six men in a bus last week, calls for harsher penalties for rape rang out across India. Protests and demonstrations against a rampant "rape culture" erupted, and the press has talked of little else, especially after lawmakers agreed to fast track the trial and crack down on rapists. 

The victim, a 23-year-old travelling with a male friend, was assaulted on a bus Sunday as the couple was on their way home. The friend was allegedly beaten with an iron rod while the bus driver and his friends repeatedly raped the woman for hours. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition and remains there in stable condition. 

The suspects appeared in court yesterday, and one admitted to beating the victim's friend, saying, "I have committed a horrible crime. I had beaten up the boy.I should be hanged," according to the Times of India.

The case has shocked the nation and outrage continued across the country throughout the week to the point that police dispersed angry protesters with water cannons. 

Sexual violence, long a taboo subject in India, has only relatively recently become a mainstream issue with activists who hope to draw attention to widespread sex crimes. 

Promises from the police commissioner, the Delhi Chief Minister, and even the Home Secretary to fast track the trials, commission reports and set up task forces to focus on safety have echoed through the streets of Delhi. But residents have heard that tune before. 

In 2010, after the gang rape of a call centre employee, similar promises were made, "but nothing much has changed on the ground. Delhi has been witnessing a rise in crime against women," reports the Deccan Herald, a local paper. It's true.

Just looking through the search portal of the Times of India's website for the term "rape" returns a myriad of results, with stories reporting rapes of women of varied ages and in every possible corner of the country. 

For the month of December, so far, the news reads: "A 12-year-old visually impaired girl was allegedly raped..." "A 19-year-old girl was raped at a hotel room..." "A class eighth student was reportedly raped by a neighbouring youth..." "A minor girl was allegedly raped by two persons..." "A pregnant dalit woman was gang-raped by three persons in the old city area..."

Since Sunday's incident, at least five gang rapes have been reported in Uttar Pradesh, Rae Bareli, Rampur, Sonbhadra and Farrukhabad. And even with the whole country up in arms about rape, the Uttar Pradesh incident almost went unreported because police wouldn't levy rape charges, and instead put the situation down as a molestation and theft, reports the Times of India. 

The AP reported yesterday that police found the body of a 10-year-old girl who had been gang-raped and killed, while a 14-year-old was in critical condition after being raped by four men. 

According to IBN, rape and sexual assault reports have skyrocketed in India, an 873 percent increase from 1953. "From 2007 and 2011, Delhi saw 2,620 rape cases. Comparatively, Mumbai had 1,033, Bangalore 383, Chennai 293 and Kolkata 200 cases... Of the 5,337 rape cases in the last decade, in 3,860 the culprits were either acquitted or discharged by courts for lack of 'proper' evidence."

India is one of the worst places in the world to be a woman, according to a global survey by the Thompson Reuters Foundation that profiled a number of countries and compared maternal health, rape statistics, and answers to topics such as domestic violence. But  why? 

Times of India blogger, editor and columnist Anand Soondas laid it out in a post Wednesday called "Why Indian Men Rape."

"Strange theories are floated to explain the depravity of Indian men...but the truth is that at the root of it all lies a culture built around hierarchies, of gender, faith, colour, caste, region. We are, quite simply, not used to people being equal."

Soondas points out that rape is rare in areas of India that no longer have dowry systems, and do not put a monetary amount of value on women. 

"In India, women and girls continue to be sold as chattels, married off as young as 10, burned alive as a result of dowry-related disputes and young girls exploited and abused as domestic slave labour," said Gulshun Rehman, health program advisor at Save the Children UK, who was one of those polled for the Trust Law survey, to the Guardian. 

These backwards attitudes about women contribute to a culture of violence and misogyny, despite India billing itself as the world's largest democracy. Women still don't have rights, but they are fighting for them.

Pakistan, a country where sports suffer.

There will be many people who might not agree with me, but these are entirely my personal views and have no intent of harming any individual's or a group's sentiments. I  fully respect the views expressed by others.

Pakistan has been a place of conflicts for a brief period of time. India and Pakistan have always had a sour relationship right from the time the two nations separated. With the increasing terror activities involving Pakistan, the relations of various nations with Pakistan have worsened. Also the recent beheading of two Indian jawans at the LOC, has triggered a series events. While the diplomats and bureaucrats of both the nations are busy blaming each other, Pakistan has been at loss in all domains, specifically sports.

I ask, Why only sports have to suffer due to such acts ?? Sports are the first thing are the worst affected in such cases(they have become punching bags now !) Whenever such incidents take place, the Pakistani teams are debarred from taking part in any of the events even when they aren't at fault !

Pakistan has produced many great sportsmen over the period of time. (I will speak more of Cricket now) Greats like Imran Khan, Abdul Qadir, Javed Miandad and others have left the cricket fraternity speechless with their brilliant performances in the past. Recently also we have seen the potential the Pakistan Cricket team has, after it won the series against India. If these teams aren't allowed to participate in any event, its not only a loss for Pakistan but to the game too.

Mumbai Magicians - Indian Hockey League. Courtesy: TOI

I strongly oppose the expulsion of the Pakistani Hockey players from the Mumbai team of the Indian Hockey League(due to the threat by Shiv Sena) and not inviting the Pakistan Women's Cricket team to take part in the World Cup. 

Why should the players always pay for the acts they are not a part of ?

Sports are one of the lifelines that are responsible for strengthening the relations between any two nations. It plays a much important role in case of India and Pakistan. 

Dhoni and Afridi share a ligh moment. Would love see more of them in future. Courtesy: Jagran

Thus I would like to see that sports are given more importance and are allowed to flourish even in tense situation. Pakistani sportsmen have always been and will always be great ambassadors of sports and their nation.

Read my views on various issues on my Blog.

India's Mars Mission

While the rest of the world was focused on the early days of the Curiosity mission, India's prime minister Manmohan Singh announced  the intent to build and launch a Mars orbiter in time for the November 2013 launch window. This is an insanely fast schedule, especially for a country's first spacecraft to be sent beyond the Moon. India builds and launches many Earth-orbiting satellites, so the necessary industry is in place. Following are the some facts about the mission :-

·  Spacecraft facts:

• Its main engine generates 440 Newtons of thrust.
• Launch mass: 1350 kg.
• It bears a single solar panel, 1.4 by 1.8 meters, producing 750W at Mars. [Note: This doesn't jibe with the single image that I have managed to find of the orbiter, posted below; that one appears to have a three-section panel, with each section possibly 1.4 by 1.8 meters. I can't explain the discrepancy.]
• For attitude control it has four reaction wheels, eight 22-Newton thrusters.

above is the artist design of the orbiter.  

Those are mostly pretty similar to Chandrayaan-1, except for the size of the solar panel. Chandrayaan-1 had a single 2.15-by-1.8-meter panel that generated 750W at the Moon. My guess is that the diagram below is correct and that the Mars spacecraft has a single solar array consisting of three panels 1.4 by 1.8 meters each, which would, together, manage to produce similar power at Mars that the single, larger panel did at the Moon. 

·  Five instruments have been selected, including:

• A color camera
• A Thermal Infrared Imaging System
• A Lyman-alpha photometer
• An Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer
• A Methane Sensor

·  The engineering model is complete, and the flight model should be completed in March.

·  ISRO expects instruments to be delivered in March for integration beginning in April.

·  Launch to Earth orbit will take place "some time in October."

·  The spacecraft will depart Earth orbit on November 26 and arrive at Mars on September 22, 2014

The mission is yet to be named formally  however it is being called “mangalyaan” by some newspaper following the “chandrayaan” convention.

If this mission is successful then india will become the fourth country in the world to do so.

How to Look Like Hrithik Roshan: Exercise Routines, Health and Diet Tips, and Fit Body Secrets

ys-  this one is for you! (Girls, feel free to show this to the men in your lives). Today we’re exploring the super fit secrets of Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan‘s out-of-this-world body. Yes, it’s health/diet, fitness/exercise tips, tricks, and secrets of Hrithik- some from the man himself!

Always wanted to know how to look like Hrithik Roshan? Worried about your flimsy, weak abs, arms, and legs?Hrithik loves to give advice about his workout secrets and diet regimen via his Twitter account. Here’s what he has to say:

• “High reps low weight. Cardio, diet, n u should see results. If not- TRY HARDER!”
• “Whether 2 lose weight or gain muscle-get good sleep!”
• “Days when u just can’t get yourself to workout, you are free not to. BUT GET URSELF TO THE GYM FIRST and decide THERE!!”
• “Run / walk (flat n incline) 1min each alternating, totally for max 15mins is good enough! My target-700cals per w/o [workout] (cardio+ weights)”
• “Don’t forget legs- large muscle- promotes testosterone which helps increase overall muscle mass. RUN/walk when u can for cardio!”
• “My fav supplements-vit C, multivitamin, antioxidant, L-glutamine, omega 3 (never 6), creatine (only to bulk 4 short periods),”
• “Consistency is paramount! Keep changing your w/o everyday. Do something different, anything! Every time u get tired, do one more last set”
• “Don’t forget to stretch/warm up! Don’t lift too heavy. Min 8 reps per set. Keep w/o’s short n intense 45min max…”Bollywood Hungama reports on Hrithik’s Twitter advice: “Hrithik states that ‘Body doesn’t grow in the GYM, it grows while you rest! He also adds that one need not splurge on protein supplements, since they are great if they are used in the right amount. [His most basic mantra includes drinking] Water! He validates this advice stating that it is water which is probably the only alkaline food in our diet!” Hrithik’s personal trainer, Satyajit Chaurasia, confirmed the importance of “consistency” to Hrithik’s fitness regimen to the Hindustan Times. Chaurasia also revealed a detailed version of Hrithik’s very own diet and fitness plan:
  Hrithik’s Weekly Workout Routine
  Arms (Monday)
  • Biceps and Triceps
  • Dumbell 21 (for power and sharpness of bicep muscle) x Tricep pulley push down (for tricep muscles)
  • Barbell curl (for entire size and strength of arms) x Line tricep extension (Difficult, yet famous exercise. Good for size and strength)
  • Concentration curls (for bicep peak and roundness of muscle) x Overhead tricep muscles (for sharpness of tricep muscles)
  • Hammer dumbbell curl (for outer biceps and upper forearm) x Tricep kick back (to be done with light weight; for sharpness of triceps) and Reverse curl (for outer forearm area, strengthens the wrist and gives good power hold in your fist)
  • Wrist curl (for inner forearm)

  Chest (Tuesday)

  • Plain Bench Press (for complete chest) x Dumbbell fly (for outer pectoral muscles)
  • Incline Dumbbell press (for upper chest) x Cross pulley ( for inner definition/size and hardness of chest muscle)
  • Decline flies (for lower chest) x pullovers (expands rib cage and gives good posture)

  Back (Wednesday)

  • Chin ups (This exercise takes more strength. Best workout for the back. Gives good power and sharpness for size)
  • Dumbbell rowing (for lower leg and back – strengths lower lads muscles)
  • Rowing pulley (Different variation of back exercise, gives stability in the spine and again works for entire back)
  • Shoulders (Wednesday)
  • Side lateral (for front and middle deltoids/shoulder muscles)
  • Front raises (for front deltoid)
  • Tea cups (for front shoulder muscles)
  • Dumbbell press (for entire shoulders)
  • Shrugs ( for trapeze muscles near the neck)

  Legs (Thursday)

  • Leg extension (For entire legs, the quadriceps i.e. front muscles of the leg)
  • Free squats (most conventional exercise, gives power and size to leg)
  • Lunges (helps give shape to the butt; Walking lunges helps lose lots of calories; takes care of lower body fitness)
  • Leg curls (for hamstrings i.e. backside muscles of leg)
  • Good morning (Hrithik’s favourite exercise for lower back)
  • Hyper Extension (for strengthening lower back)
  • Calf Exercise (for calf muscles which is the most stubborn muscle to grow)

  All exercises are to be done in 3 sets with repetitions of 10-12-15. Depending on energy levels take a break on the fifth day or continue the same routine.

  Hrithik’s Daily Diet

  Breakfast

  • 4 egg whites, 2 brown bread, a protein shake, nuts, corn flakes with milk, fruit platter

  Lunch

  • 2 roti, green vegetables, chicken breast, dal, caesar salad, fish platter

  Snacks

  • Protein shake, egg white sandwich/fruit plate
  • Caesar salad during workout
  • 1 banana

  Dinner

  • 6 egg whites, brown bread, ½ chicken or fish with stir fried vegetables

  Other Important Food and Nutrition Tips

  1. Completely cut down on oil. Not more than 2 teaspoons of oil in a day.
  2. Cut down on sodium and absolutely no sugar. Don’t fill the stomach more than 70% not complete 100%
  3. Drink 4-6 glasses of water per day.
  4. 45 minutes after workout, take a meal. Sleep at least one hour after the meal.

  

  
  

  

  That’s all it takes to get a hot, smokin’ body like Hrithik Roshan! …Well? What are you still doing here? Hit the gym- and have fun!

BIOMETRICS

Biometrics (or biometric authentication) refers to the identification of humans by their characteristics or traits. Biometrics is used in computer science as a form of identification and access control. It is also used to identify individuals in groups that are under surveillance.

Biometric identifiers are the distinctive, measurable characteristics used to label and describe individuals. Biometric identifiers are often categorized as physiological versus behavioral characteristics. A physiological biometric would identify by one's voice, DNA, hand print or behavior. Behavioral biometrics are related to the behavior of a person, including but not limited to: typing rhythm, gait, and voice. Some researchers have coined the term behaviometrics to describe the latter class of biometrics.

More traditional means of access control include token-based identification systems, such as a driver's license or passport, and knowledge-based identification systems, such as a password or personal identification number. Since biometric identifiers are unique to individuals, they are more reliable in verifying identity than token and knowledge-based methods; however, the collection of biometric identifiers raises privacy concerns about the ultimate use of this information.

Multi-biometric systems use multiple sensors or biometrics to overcome the limitations of unimodal biometric systems. For instance iris recognition systems can be compromised by aging irides and finger scanning systems by worn-out or cut fingerprints. While unimodal biometric systems are limited by the integrity of their identifier, it is unlikely that several unimodal systems will suffer from identical limitations. Multi-biometric obtain sets of information from the same marker (i.e., multiple images of an iris, or scans of the same finger) or information from different biometrics (requiring fingerprint scans and, using voice recognition, a spoken pass-code). Multi-biometric systems can integrate these unimodal systems sequentially, simultaneously, a combination thereof, or in series, which refer to sequential, parallel, hierarchical and serial integration modes, respectively. The interested reader is pointed to Choubisa for detailed tradeoffs of response time, accuracy, and costs between integration modes.

Broadly, the information fusion is divided into three parts, pre-mapping fusion, midst-mapping fusion, and post-mapping fusion/late fusion.In pre-mapping fusion information can be combined at sensor level or feature level. Sensor-level fusion can be mainly organized in three classes: (1) single sensor-multiple instances, (2) intra-class multiple sensors, and (3) inter-class multiple sensors. Feature-level fusion can be mainly organized in two categories: (1) intra-class and (2) inter-class. Intra-class is again classified into four subcategories: (a) Same sensor-same features, (b) Same sensor-different features, (c) Different sensors-same features, and (d) Different sensors-different features.

Bermuda Triangle- The devil's triangle

Bermuda Triangle, region of the western Atlantic Ocean that has become associated in the popular imagination with mysterious maritime disasters. Also known as the Devil's Triangle, the triangle-shaped area covers about 1,140,000 sq km (about 440,000 sq mi) between the island of Bermuda, the coast of southern Florida , and Puerto Rico..
For decades, the Atlantic Ocean’s fabled Bermuda Triangle has captured the human imagination with unexplained disappearances of ships, planes, and people.
Some speculate that unknown and mysterious forces account for the unexplained disappearances, such as extraterrestrials capturing humans for study; the influence of the lost continent of Atlantis; vortices that suck objects into other dimensions; and other whimsical ideas.  Some explanations are more grounded in science, if not in evidence.  These include oceanic flatulence (methane gas erupting from ocean sediments) and disruptions in geomagnetic lines of flux.







Environmental considerations could explain many, if not most, of the disappearances.  The majority of Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes pass through the Bermuda Triangle, and in the days prior to improved weather forecasting, these dangerous storms claimed many ships.  Also, the Gulf Stream can cause rapid, sometimes violent, changes in weather.  Additionally, the large number of islands in the Caribbean Sea creates many areas of shallow water that can be treacherous to ship navigation. And there is some evidence to suggest that the Bermuda Triangle is a place where a “magnetic” compass sometimes points towards “true” north, as opposed to “magnetic” north. 
The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard contend that there are no supernatural explanations for disasters at sea.  Their experience suggests that the combined forces of nature and human fallibility outdo even the most incredulous science fiction. They add that no official maps exist that delineate the boundaries of the Bermuda Triangle. The U. S. Board of Geographic Names does not recognize the Bermuda Triangle as an official name and does not maintain an official file on the area.
The ocean has always been a mysterious place to humans, and when foul weather or poor navigation is involved, it can be a very deadly place.  This is true all over the world.  There is no evidence that mysterious disappearances occur with any greater frequency in the Bermuda Triangle than in any other large, well-traveled area of the ocean.