I am excited to work with Tabu: Manoj Bajpayee

"I am excited to work with Tabu. She is a wonderful actress," the actor said.

"I will start shooting with her in my next which will be co-produced by myself. I am thrilled about this project. I can't reveal the plot of the film but it's an out and out thriller film," he added.

The yet-to-be titled film will be directed by debutant Mukul Abhyankar and co-produced by Neeraj Pandey.

Meanwhile, Manoj is busy promoting his next film "Tevar", produced by Boney Kapoor, and says he has lot of expectation from this film.

"I have a grey shade in 'Tevar' and I have enjoyed the role. I have worked with Boney before in 'Bewafa' which didn't work well at the box office but I am expecting a lot from this film," he said.

“The kind of films I am doing lately is great. This is the best phase now and I am getting more active about my films," he added.

"Tevar" features Arjun Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead.

Source:New News and Entertainment News

'Children of War' to re-release in Bangladesh on 12th December

The film, a dark tale on the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, did a good four-week business in the country during its initial release early this year.

Directed by newcomer Mrityunjay Devrat, the movie has an ensemble cast of actors Victor Banerjee, Raima Sen, Tilotama Shome, Farooque Sheikh and Riddhi Sen.

"We got a thundering response to the film in Bangladesh. Distributors had told me that people were shouting and chanting 'punish the culprits' inside theaters after the screening. This kind of feedback made us proud and on popular demand, we are re-releasing it on Victory Day of Bangladesh, that is December 16," Devrat said on sidelines of ongoing event IFFI.

The film was screened here in a jam-packed theater last evening. It was released in India on May 16 this year.  

The young filmmaker said he chose a sordid saga of Bangladesh partition as his first film because he felt this way he could pay back to his country.

"Right after my birth in India, my parents took me to Bangladesh. This was the country where I first went to school... I was brought up there, I could feel the pain of people. So, I felt it was a payback time to the mati (motherland)," he said.

The director also revealed that revisiting the past through the film was a tough call because people of Bangladesh don't want to recall the horrific time.

"Nobody wants to remember a bad past. People of Bangladesh are reluctant to speak about the issue which they are very sensitive about. They had distanced themselves from the pain. Those who opened up on the issue often got angry while narrating the incidents of genocide," Devrat said.

To get the facts right, the director read various books on Bangladesh Liberation war including 'The Unfinished Memoirs' by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, 'The late President of Bangladesh' and many other books which were banned by Pakistan.

Devrat said he does not want to show anybody in bad light through the film and that films are just a medium to generate support from the people to get justice.   

His next project will again deal with the core issues of humanity.

Source: News and Bollywood News

Maharashtra government to track tribal welfare fund outflow

"With a budget of about Rs 11,000 crore that we have at our disposal for welfare of tribals in our state, we release huge funds for the development of the community. The tribal welfare department provides funds to departments like health, education, PWD, etc, so that they can run development schemes in tribal areas," Tribal Development Minister Vishnu Savra said.
  
"However, when I did a review of the department, I found out that there is no mechanism in place to monitor the money alloted to different departments. We don't know how the money is spent. We have, therefore, planned to set up an authority to monitor these works," Savra said.
  
They are also thinking of appointing an officer in each of the departments to which the tribal welfare ministry allots money, to keep a tab on the spending of funds, he said.
  
Efforts are being made to appoint IAS officers for certain underdeveloped areas in the state to take official charge of the administration there, he said.
  
"There are 129 locations in the state where our department runs welfare schemes for tribals. Out of these, 11 locations, including Melghat which is known for having a large number of malnourished children, have been classified as 'sensitive'," the minister said.
  
"No IAS officer is willing to work in these areas. They seek transfers soon after being appointed there. I want to change this mindset. We need officers in such areas to take care of administrative responsibilities," Savra, a six-time legislator, said.
  
Several schemes of the previous government have become outdated, but Savra said he is committed to maintain the trust shown by the tribal community in BJP.
  
"Our priority is to discard outdated schemes floated by the previous government. We are not interested in making people dream of prosperity while they remain in poverty. Our priority is food, shelter and employment to the tribals so that the faith shown by them in BJP is not lost," he said.
  
Savra was referring to a failed scheme under which tribal women were trained to become air hostesses.
  
"There is no need for such populist schemes. I will focus on enhancing the tribals' lifestyle instead," he said.

Source: News

Delhi HC order on nursery admission guidelines today

Justice Manmohan had asked the Delhi government not to issue fresh guidelines till the court passes its final order over the petitions pending before it which challenged the guidelines.

In the first week of November, the Lt Governor was expected to issue new guidelines with changes in the earlier ones. The judgment will effect the admission process of the 2015-16 academic year.

The Lt Governor had December 18 last year issued guidelines after which a bunch of petitions were filed against them.

The guidelines outlined many criteria, including the neighbourhood factor, which sought that schools give preference to children living within a radius of six km from the school.

This criterion was given the maximum weightage of 70 points out of 100 in open category seats.

Later, the Lt Governor enhanced the distance factor to eight km. Other criteria in the guidelines were: siblings studying in the same school (20 points), applications of girls (five points), and wards of school alumni (five points).

Source: News

Harish Rawat reviews law and order situation

In the meeting, the Chief Minister said the police force needs to improve its working style, according to an official release.

Rawat said Uttarakhand is gradually being seen as a soft state and this image needs to be changed.

He said importance should be given to intelligence and there should be coordination between police and administration, the release said.

Rawat said taking into account the role played by technology in arresting criminals, cyber police stations should be opened in the state.

Terming the recent criminal incidents in the state as grave, the Chief Minister said the accused should be arrested soon.

No stone should be left unturned in arresting the criminals, he said. He said strict action should be taken against any official found negligent in performing duty.

Source: News

India International Trade Fair 2014 concludes

According to the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the organisers of the event, around 14 lakh visitors visited the fair, registering a nine percent increase in footfall compared to 2013.

Awards were presented to the traders in various categories by Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma. "The ITPO has done a perfect job in holding the IITF 2014 with better logistics, cleanliness, business generation, enhanced participation, security measures as well as in highlighting contribution of women in nation-building," Sharma said during the closing ceremony.

The theme of the IITF 2014 was 'Women Entrepreneurs'. Emphasising that such efforts were imperative for enhancing trade and tourism, Sharma said the fair plays a vital role in strengthening commercial ties among nations and raising standards of living of the masses.

ITPO chairperson and managing director Rita Menon said the theme of next year's IITF will be 'Make in India'.Awards were also given to South Africa and Thailand, who were the partner and the focus country for the IITF 2014.

On the cleanliness drive during the trade fair, Menon said 250 tonnes of cargo were replenished every day against 150 tonnes in 2013.

According to ITPO, 63 business delegations from 41 countries, apart from a large number of people from foreign missions in Delhi, visited the fair.

"The popularity of the fair is evident from the fact that over 10 million website hits were registered during the fair, and by 11,000 mobile users of the IITF 2014 mobile app," she said.

Source: News

Andhra Pradesh government signs four MoUs with Sumitomo Corporation

The state government has identified Vijayawada–Guntur region to develop a new capital city.

The MoUs were signed during a visit of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to the Sumitomo Corporation on the fourth day of his tour to Japan, according to a statement issued by his office.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister welcomed Sumitomo to Andhra Pradesh and said the state could be the gateway to South East Asia if the corporation chose to do business with them.

According to the MoU on developing a capital city, Sumitomo would assist the AP state government for develop the new capital as a world class smart city and also try to secure funds for the endeavour.

"In response to Government of Andhra Pradesh's above mentioned intention and desire, Sumitomo sent its survey team. Sumitomo shall assist in developing the new capital of Andhra Pradesh as a world class smart city," an AP state government statement said.

"Sumitomo shall try and assist to find as well as secure necessary funds for such development from the Japanese government funding by JICA, NEDO and JBIC as much as practically applicable. In addition, Sumitomo shall introduce the latest technology in various sectors," it added.

As per the MoU on energy, the AP state government plans to collaborate with Sumitomo to develop a 4x1000 MW coal fired power station at Srikakulam.

Source: News

Jharkhand Assembly elections: Babulal Marandi claims JVM will spring surprise

"Everyone have been underestimating JVM like they did with Kerjriwal in Delhi but AAP had sprung a surprise by forming a government in the last assembly poll in Delhi," the former Jharkhand Chief Minister said.

Marandi, who was in the steel city to campaign in favour of party candidate from Jamshedpur East constituency Abhay Singh, told newsmen that even the pre-poll survey conducted recently predicted in favour of BJP, Congress, JMM but JVM was nowhere in the survey.

About fractured mandate predicted in the poll survey, Marandi claimed it meant JVM will form a majority government as the the poll survey agencies did not take JVM into account at all.

Marandi, however, made it clear that his party would not support or promote horse-trading in case of a fractured mandate.

Asked why people would vote for JVM after host of party leaders deserted the party ahead of the poll, Marandi said Congress and BJP had ruled the state in alliance with JMM, RJD in turn.

Since the creation of Jharkhand 14 years ago, BJP was in power for a longer period, but failed to deliver in on all front, he added.

While people of the state were witnessed to the development work done during his 28-month tenure in the early 2000, he claimed.

"I am confident that the people of Jharkhand will give JVM a chance to form a full majority and popular government in the state," he claimed.

Marandi promised to implement party's election manifesto within a time-frame unlike the other parties.

"I will implement Food Security Act in the state and distribute ration cards within sixty days after the party government was formed, appoint Teachers Entrance Test-passed candidates within 90 days, provide electricity in each house hold within two years and potable water to each house within five years," Marandi promised.

Source: News

New BHU vice-chancellor takes charge

The newly-appointed vice-chancellor of BHU here on Thursday said that any decision on whether to hold students' body or student council elections at the varsity would only be taken after thorough discussions with faculty members and students.  

Addressing a press conference, Tripathi said that his emphasis would be on creating a productive environment at the varisty and improving its global ranking.
  
Several students were arrested by Uttar Pradesh police while five hostels of BHU had to be vacated when violence broke out last week in the sprawling campus over a demand for the holding of student union elections.
  
The BHU students union was dissolved in 1997 as a result of large-scale violence. Since then, for nearly 10 years, the campus has had no students' union.
  
In 2007-08, a students' council was formed in place of the students' union. But students' groups have for long been demanding restoration of the students' union.
  
Tripathi said a speedy and fair probe would be conducted to find those guilty for the violence on campus even as he added that it has to be seen that the future of innocent students, who were not involved in the violence, is secured.

Source: News

Omar Abdullah unfit for CM: Congress

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday hit out at Congress for trying to take credit for all the good work done by NC-led government and described the attitude of the party as the highest example of 'opportunism and falsehood'.
  
"We thought Omar Abdullah is young and energetic and that he can deliver well. However, we were wrong. He was unfit for such a prestigious position. What has Omar Abdullah achieved in these 6 years?" Congress spokesman Salman Nizami said here on Thursday night.
  
The spokesman said that to hide the failure of his government on every front, Omar was making false accusations against the Congress.
  
"This government did no good to the constituencies we represent. Our (Congress) constituencies were discriminated," he said.
  
The Spokesman said that the Congress is the only party which is committed to equitable development of all the regions of the state.
  
"The people have to make a right choice in these elections," he said.

Source: News

3 Army men, 3 civilians among 10 killed in Jammu attack

The dead also included four heavily armed militants who were holed up in a bunker after they were suspected to have infiltrated into Arnia sector from across the border in Jammu district to carry out a fidayeen attack.
  
At least one militant was still taking refuge in a bunker and the encounter was underway, police said, adding that tanks were also deployed in a possible step to blast the bunker. The bunkers are abandoned and used only during war.
  
Modi is due to address a rally tomorrow in Udhampur district, which is 100 km from Arnia. The attack also coincided with the SAARC summit in Kathmandu attended by Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
   
"3 civilians have lost their lives along with 3 army personnel, my condolences to the families. 4 militants have been neutralised in Arnia," Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.
   
"The timing of the attack in Arnia can't be a coincidence," Omar said, adding "Some things will never change, SAARC summit is on, Ind & Pak PMs (sic) at the same venue and a fierce encounter breaks out in Jammu."
   
Omar said all police nakas along the National Highway in Jammu and other sensitive locations have been put on high alert and the situation is being closely monitored.
   
"As per initial reports from the area, a group of four to five militants infiltrated into Arnia belt from across the border this morning and resorted to firing," a police officer said, adding the security grid of Army, BSF and Police swung into action and launched a cordon and search for the militants.
   
An Army official said the militants changed their dresses and wore combat uniforms near a bridge and resorted to firing before entering two bunkers of its 92 Infantry Brigade at a security embankment in Pindi Khattar belt close to the IB.
   
Security personnel recovered the belongings of militants that included their dresses, blue coloured belts and shoes, an Army official said.
  
A car has also been seized from the area which might have been used by the militants, the official said.
  
The official said that militants had either come in this vehicle to carry out the attack or were supposed to take it after infiltrating into Indian territory and take the National Highway route as part of their terror plans.
   
Inspector General of BSF, Jammu frontier Rakesh Sharma, however, ruled out infiltration of any militant group at the IB in Jammu sector, saying no breach of fencing was seen anywhere.

Source:  News

Rahul Gandhi interacts with party workers in Jamshedpur

Gandhi patiently heard the party workers and also met Jamshedpur West sitting MLA and party candidate Banna Gupta, who is also the Jharkhand Agriculture Minister, besides other leaders.
   
Gandhi asked party workers to put up a stiff fight in the elections.
   
After about 15 minutes, he left for Chaibasa and Jagannathpur to address election meetings later in the day.

Rahul Gandhi will address election rallies in Kolhan region of Jharkhand beginning from Friday where polling for 13 assembly segments are slated on December 2 in the second-phase of the
five-phase assembly poll.

AICC leader and Jharkhand in-charge of the party, B K Hariprasad said that Rahul Gandhi will address two election rallies in Chaibasa and Jagannathpur constituencies in adjoining West Singhbhum district on Friday.

Source: Latest News 

Companies garner Rs 7,000 crore via NCDs in first 8 months of this fiscal

In comparison, firms had collectively raised Rs 15,022 crore via 12 issues in the April-November period of previous fiscal. Most of the funds have been raised to support working capital requirements and for other general corporate purposes. Firms, including Shriram City Union Finance, Kosamattam Finance, SREI Infrastructure Finance, ECL Finance and Muthoot Finance, collectively raised Rs 6,928 crore via NCDs in the current fiscal through 18 issuances, according to data from Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).
  
This is more than the initial target of Rs 2,900 crore. Market experts said fund raising via NCDs has been less, compared to the year-ago period as companies have preferred QIPs and rights issues.

Moreover, many companies are looking to raise funds via initial public offers (IPOs) as investor confidence has returned in the equity markets after the formation of a stable government at the Centre.

Individually, Shriram Transport Finance Company raised Rs 1,975 crore against a target of Rs 500 crore; IFCI raked in Rs 1,225 crore against a base size of Rs 250 crore; Muthoot Finance mopped up Rs 466 crore against a target of Rs 250 crore; and ECL Finance garnered Rs 400 crore against Rs 200 crore.

Moreover, SREI Infrastructure Finance, Shriram Transport Finance Company, Kosamattam Finance, Muthoot Finance, Muthoot Fincorp and Muthoottu Mini Financiers tapped the NCD route more than once. In the previous fiscal, about Rs 42,383 crore was generated through 35 issues of NCDs.

Source:News and Business News

I want Karan Johar to direct me: Neha Dhupia

The 34-year-old 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' actress is a fan of Johar's films and wants to be directed by him in a glossy entertainer.
  
"I feel lucky that I got to work in Dharma Productions film. It is fantastic to work in Karan's production and I love his films. He is on my wish list of all those directors I want to work with. I love his glossy entertainers. I would love to be directed by him in such a film. I really liked his 'Student of The Year'," Neha said in an interview.
  
Johar was one of the reasons Neha signed 'Ungli', directed by Rensil D'Silva and co-starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Randeep Hooda.
  
"I had more than one reason to be a part of this film, it has a fantastic producer, an amazing director and a lovely cast. Emraan, Kangana and Randeep are such chilled out people and it is easy to bond with them. We all are easy going people so it was a lot of fun on the sets. I am glad to have done 'Ungli'," she said.
  
The film is also special for Neha as she is playing a journalist for the first time on the screen. "It was not an easy character as there is a specific way of how journalists present news. They speak in monotone, without showing emotions, which as an actor I found difficult to achieve because we are used to expressing emotions in every line but here I had to be indifferent even if I was giving news of someone's demise," she said.

Neha, who has been a part of critically acclaimed films like 'Ek Chalis Ki Last Local', 'Delhi Heights' and the more recent 'Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaam', said she chose films on the basis of story and her role.

"Box office success matters but I feel years later when people would watch your film on DVD; they would not care if that movie made 100 crore or more but would just notice your performance and how good the film is. For me that matters more. Box office is a bonus," she said.
   
Neha's next after 'Ungli' is a Punjabi comedy film 'Double Di Trouble', co-starring Bollywood veteran actor Dharmendra. The actress, who has a special appearance in the movie, loves doing comedies and would like to play a role where she is required to enact dry humour.
   
"I think I can do comedies really well, especially the ones where I have to be humorous with a straight face. I am really funny in real life but my kind of sense of humour is poker-faced, it is not over-the-top. I would like to do something like that," she said.

Source:News and Entertainment News

Tiger Shroff to endorse American Swan

The alliance marks Tiger's foray into the world of endorsement. The actor will feature in the new brand campaign, which will go live online and on television soon. 

"I enjoy staying up-to-date with latest trends, yet maintain my own distinctive style: To me dressing is about expressing my individuality. This is my first endorsement and I am excited to be associated with a youth brand like American Swan," said the 'Heropanti' star in a statement.

With the alliance, the brand is hoping to strengthen its appeal with the young male audience.

"Tiger has a youthful zeal and a flamboyance, which will distinctly bring forth AS ORIGINAL's youth-centric appeal. We believe he will be a great fit with our brand," said Anurag Rajpal, CEO, American Swan.

The collection will be launched on the brand's e-commerce portal, americanswan.com, with price ranging from Rs 399 to Rs 1499.

Source: News and Entertainment News

Big B refutes Dilip Kumar's death romour, tweets he is perfectly fine

Rumours about Dilip Kumar's death spread online last evening prompting Bachchan to call Saira Banu.
  
"Some baseless rumours being spread about Yusuf Saheb - Dilip Kumar, being ill .. Saira ji just informed me he is perfectly fine!," Bachchan, 72, tweeted.

  
Dilip Kumar, 91, and Saira Banu, 70, recently attended Salman Khan's sister Arpita's wedding reception in Mumbai.


Source: News  andd Entertainment News

One in six smartphone users victim of cyber attack: Study

The study also found that 60 percent of smartphone users and almost half of tablet users are vulnerable to hacking as these devices have no protection against malicious software.

These can be anything from phishing emails, which could result in a fraudster taking over an online account, to 'session hijacking' attacks where a user's web browsing is interrupted, monitored or even hijacked, Yorkshire Post reported.

Many smartphone and tablet devices users have no protection against 'malware', software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system.

This is despite nearly half using mobile phones for internet banking and one in three for online shopping.

"This year has proved a tipping point for smartphones and tablets," said Ori Eisen of Experian, a global information services company, which published the study.

"The rapid rise in demand for online banking and retail combined with very little security on devices has created a massive opportunity for cyber criminals leaving many people and businesses extremely vulnerable," said Eisen.

Source: News and Tech News

Tata Motors to launch trucks with auto gear shift

The company, which has over 60 per cent market share in the domestic commercial vehicle sector, is currently developing on its own the AMT technology. AMT has recently been introduced in various passenger cars, including its sedan Zest as well as Maruti Suzuki's small car Celerio.

"We are looking to provide AMT technology in products like the Prima trucks, Xenon XT pick up truck and light commercial vehicle Ultra. These are expected to hit the market in the next financial year," Tata Motors Executive Director Commercial Vehicles Ravi Pisharody said.

Tata Motors is working to develop the technology indigenously in order to keep the costs down, he added.

"We could have done it with imported aggregates but we are developing the technology with our suppliers so that we can provide it at an affordable cost," Tata motors Head Engineering Commercial Vehicles AK Jindal said.

When asked about the benefits of AMT technology in the commercial vehicle space, Jindal said: "It gives better fuel efficiency than a manual transmission and clutch life also increases, which leads to more savings for the consumer. Also it is great for drivers."

Auto gear shift vehicles have the flexibility of both manual mode and auto drive mode in the same unit, with a simple shift of gear lever.

Tata Motors, which has completed 60 years of manufacturing at its plant here, here is also working on developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and dual fuel powered vehicles.

"I have always said that CNG is not the fuel for the commercial vehicles. Its availability is an issue. Companies like IOC and GAIL are keen to work with us on the LNG fuel. We are in the process of getting clearances and we would have a product ready and running in the next two years," Jindal said.

Besides, the company is also developing duel fuel vehicles which would run on both CNG and diesel, he added.

Source: News and Auto News

Ford's new F-150 to get 26 mpg, tops among pickups

The Ram truck is the current leader among pickups, getting up to 25 mpg on the highway with a gas engine. The Ram gets up to 28 mpg with a diesel engine; Ford doesn't make a diesel version of the F-150.

Fuel economy is a key selling point for the new F-150, which is arriving at dealerships this month. Ford shaved 700 pounds off the weight of the truck by switching the body from steel to lightweight aluminum, a dramatic change for the best-selling vehicle in US.

Some analysts thought the truck might even top 30 mpg after Ford's multi-billion dollar investment to develop and produce it. The final figure met Ford's expectations of a more modest improvement, and represents 13 per cent greater fuel economy than the current F-150.

With gas now averaging USD 2.84 per gallon, the aluminum F-150 will save the average buyer only USD 100 to USD 200 a year in fuel costs over competing gasoline models from General Motors and Chrysler, said Larry Dominique, president of the ALG auto forecasting firm.

Doug Scott, Ford's truck marketing manager, said the majority of truck customers aren't solely focused on fuel economy. The new F-150 beats its rivals in both towing of up to 12,200 pounds and payload of up to 3,300 pounds.

Dominique agrees that buyers will focus on the total package. "The payload, the towing. Those aspects of it plus a little bit better fuel economy is definitely an increased value," he said.

Source: News and Auto News

New branch of Mahila bank inaugurated

Speaking on the occasion of opening of the Vadodara branch at city's Akota locality, Ananthasubramanian said it would soon have internet banking facility that will mark completion of its first year in operations in the country on November 19.
 
At present, BMB has 33 branches across the country and targets to add 47 new branches in the current fiscal, including ones at Rajkot and Surat in the state, she said.

"BMB is the first of its kind in the domestic banking sector set up with a vision of economic empowerment for women. With this launch, the bank continues to come up with unique women-centric products designed to empower them," she added.

Speaking on wide range of its products for women customers, she said that BMB is first among PSU banks in the country to offer kitchen loans along with traditional loans.

Bank has also launched a new product BMB Nanhi Kali for the girl child, she said, adding, the entry age into the scheme is from one day to 13 years and minimum monthly investment is Rs 50 or any higher amount in multiple of Rs 50

The chairperson said the bank is offering unique locker facility under which customer from any part of the country can avail the facility from any branch of the bank. Lockers are fitted with laser lights, which is also a new technology in banking sphere, she added.

Source:News and Business News

I want to work with Vishal Bhardwaj: Kalki Koechlin

"I am a huge fan of Vishal and I want to work with him. His films are both commercial and offbeat. I think he is very talented," said the actress.

"I want to do lead role (in his film) but if you (I) don't get then also its fine," added Kalki who will next be seen in "Happy Ending".Directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K, the film also stars Govinda, Saif Ali Khan, Ileana D'Cruz and Ranvir Shorey.

Talking about her role in the film, Kalki said: "I am playing a crazy girl who is obsessed with Saif's character in the film. It's a rom-com and it also has a scoop. We have tried to make a fun film with a happy ending.

"And the actress is not worried about the movie's success too."I have done films which were not hit but that's fine. For me, appreciation of performances are more important than film becoming a hit. We all work and try to improve and better yourself."

Happy Ending" is slated for a November 21 release.

Source: News and Entertainment News

DNA-based memory can record multiple inputs

Such 'designer' cells might be used to monitor water quality in a village or measure the amount of sugar a person eats, they noted.

"Building gene circuits requires not only computation and logic but a way to store that information. DNA provides a very stable form of memory and will allow us to do more complex computing tasks," explained bio-engineer Timothy Lu from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge.

In synthetic biology, genes are engineered to regulate each other's expression in such a way that they can perform logic operations similar to those in computer circuits.

In previous synthetic-biology attempts, data storage has been laborious to create. It also recorded only the presence or absence of one particular sensory input, and could be used only for limited applications.

In latest research, Lu and his colleague Fahim Farzadfard describe how they can record many types of data simultaneously and can register the accumulation of the input over time the way a car's odometer counts distance.

The stored information can then be read out by sequencing the DNA. They dub their method Synthetic Cellular Recorders Integrating Biological Events (SCRIBE).

"It is a nice addition to the toolbox which could complement other memory-storage techniques," Jerome Bonnet, bio-engineer at the Centre for Structural Biochemistry in Montpellier, France, said.

Source: News and Lifestyle News

Saudi Arabia to launch work-at-home programme for women

The programme has been designed to support the work of Saudi women in a way suitable for their family conditions and conservative nature of Saudi society, Xinhua cited Fahad Al Tukhaifi, undersecretary in the labour ministry for special programmes, as telling the Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper.

The programme was launched four years earlier, but was not fully implemented as it did not tackle the legislative, organisational and technical requirements. The programme is expected to create new job opportunities for women as well as individuals with special needs by enabling them to work without going to their workplaces.

These jobs will cover many sectors including telecommunications, travel agencies, IT, marketing, public relations and journalism.

Source: Latest World News and News

Obama reiterates ASEAN investment, pledges to strengthen ties

In a short statement ahead of a US-ASEAN summit, Obama was upbeat about the strong relations between the two aides and vowed to work on the ties beyond summits "on a day-to-day basis".

"We are very much invested in building the capacity, not just of individual nations but between nations so that together we can become stronger and more capable to meet regional and global challenges ahead," he said.

"The United States is committed to strengthening the ASEAN both as an institution and as a community of nations bound by our shared interests and values," he added. Obama also pledged to work with ASEAN on a range of areas, including security, trade, Ebola prevention, education and disaster relief.

Obama's visit to Myanmar, which began on Wednesday, is seen as significant given the Myanmar government's recent reform efforts.

Following reforms launched by the Myanmar government in 2011, the European Union and countries like Canada and Australia lifted sanctions imposed on Myanmar. The US has suspended sanctions but not lifted them entirely.

Source: Latest world News and News

Processes for inking FTA underway: Philippines assures India

The assurance was given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Philippines President Benigno Aquino during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the India-ASEAN and East Asia summits here.

India has formally signed the long-pending pact with the other nine southeast Asian nations -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Modi in his address to the 12th India-ASEAN summit yesterday had urged that the FTA on Service and Investment be brought into force "at the earliest".

The services agreement will open up opportunities of movement of both manpower and investments. The pact will allow India to leverage its competitive edge in the areas of finance, education, health, IT, telecommunications and transport.

This will be especially helpful for balancing India's deficit with ASEAN countries in trade of goods. The India– ASEAN agreement on trade in goods was operationalised in 2010.

It seeks to liberalise trade in services and bilateral investment, building on their existing free trade agreement (FTA) for goods and covering a combined population of 1.8 billion.

The current India-ASEAN trade is around USD 81 billion and a target of USD 100 billion has been set for 2015.

The FTA will help provide a commercially meaningful market across ASEAN for India's professionals, including those from the IT/ITeS sector.

The deal was signed by India in New Delhi after Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cancelled her visit here on August 26 to initial the pact as she was preoccupied with the launch of the inclusive banking scheme, Jan Dhan Yojana.

The deal has instead been signed by circulating the text around the countries involved.

Source: Latest World News and News