India Need college to educate politicians, Narayana Murthy says

MUMBAI: Development of our nation depends on the policies and how they are implemented by our politicians, and there is a need for a college to educate future politicians—said Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.

In a brief interaction with students of Vivekanand Education Society (VES) in Chembur, Murthy highlighted changes that our country needs to work on on various levels in order to ensure that India becomes a developed nation. "India is known for much development that has happened since our independence but at the same time, we have also failed on many levels. It is the responsibility of the future generation to ensure that all these failures are corrected and help create a civilised society with equal opportunities for one and all," said Murthy.

Management of VES, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary, were more than happy to welcome this Padma Vibhushan awardee to interact with their students. While Murthy's speech mainly focused on the qualities that one needs to succeed in life and in turn pay back to the society, he was also happy to answer any queries by students who took the opportunity to understand his views about the software industry in India. Students were even interested in knowing if Infosys was hiring to which Murthy said, "We have already started the hiring process for next year and have around 15-16,000 vacancies."

One of the student asked if it is possible to set up a college to learn politics and Murthy was delighted with the idea. "I have spoken about this with many dignitaries and firmly believe that it'll be a brilliant idea. I believe all universities should at least offer courses in politics and policy implementation," said Murthy. He also pointed that the Lokpal Bill was passed in the assembly because youngsters across the country demanded for the same from the government. "It is time to take more responsibility for the country and change the attitude of our country from a nation of words to a nation of action," he added.

Among other things, Murthy also shared his vision for the IT industry in India and encouraged students to ensure that once they pass out of their institute, they should continue to contribute towards the betterment of their institute. "Make sure that the institution survives for many more years and imparts education to many more youngsters," he added.

Facebook acquires sport data firm

Facebook has acquired SportStream, a start-up firm that analyses social media mentions of sport.

The social networking site said that SportStream enables users to aggregate, filter and display "real-time" data.
The acquisition is expected to make it easier for Facebook's media partners to find posts about sport on its website and use them in their content.
The move is being seen as an attempt by Facebook to be a real-time social content provider like rival Twitter.
"Through this acquisition, we expect to meaningfully improve the ability for all of our partners to access and utilise the insights from Facebook's tools," Justin Osofsky, vice president of Media partnerships & global operations at Facebook, said in a blogpost.
"We will be able to build a better experience for the people who use Facebook, and for our partners who depend on us for real-time insights."
The firms did not give the financial details o

'Shared interests'

Facebook has taken various steps in recent months to make it easier for users and partners to find posts related to specific topics.

These include the introduction of hashtags, embedded posts and trending topics.
In September, it allowed selected news organisations to integrate Facebook conversations into their broadcasts or coverage by "displaying public posts of real-time activity about any given topic".
Partners have also been allowed to show the number of Facebook posts that mention a specific word over a period of time, including a demographic breakdown for the people talking about that topic.
The company said that it wanted users to be able to connect to each other through their "shared interests" and the latest move was an attempt to make that easier for them.
"A spirited conversation about sports is happening on Facebook both in real-time and over the water cooler the day after," said Mr Osofsky.
"We want to help people connect with their passion around sports, and the world more generally."

Google Glass takes photos by winking

Google said the wink feature could have various potential uses in future

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Google has introduced a New feature to its Google Glass, which allows users to take a photo with a "wink of the eye".

Google said the feature was faster than the camera button or the voice action and works even when the display is off.
The update to Google Glass, dubbed version XE12, also adds a screen lock feature and the ability to upload and share videos on YouTube.
Technology firms have been keen to capture the wearable gadgets market, seen by many as a key growth area.
Google said the wink feature in its Glass could have various other uses in the future.
"Imagine a day where you're riding in the back of a cab and you just wink at the meter to pay," the firm said in a blogpost.

"You wink at a pair of shoes in a shop window and your size is shipped to your door. You wink at a cookbook recipe and the instructions appear right in front of you - hands-free, no mess, no fuss," it added.

Privacy concerns The launch of Google Glass was accompanied with concerns over its impact on privacy. The worries were triggered by its potential to gather images, video and other data about almost anything a user sees.
Some have argued that privacy will be "impossible" if Google Glass and similar products become widely used.
Analysts said the ability to take a photo by just winking an eye would make it very difficult for people being photographed to notice that someone had taken a picture of them.
"It is a remarkable progress of technology and the possibilities of innovation around it limitless," Manoj Menon, managing director of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.
"However, it comes with new issues that we need to understand, not least the worries over security and privacy.
"There needs to be discussion about how, and in what environments, gadgets like these can be used openly," he said.
Mr Menon added that as the technology behind these gadgets matures and companies push more for their mainstream adaption, regulations were likely to come into place "to govern their usage".
Potential growth The wearable technology market is expected to see robust growth in the coming years.
However, analysts differ over the potential size of the market.
According to Juniper Research, the sector is expected to have annual sales of $19bn (£11.9bn) by 2018, up from $1.4bn this year.
Analysts at the bank Credit Suisse have been more upbeat and have suggested a figure of $50bn figure by the same date.
Research firm Gartner has been more cautious about its predictions. It has said it expects $10bn sales for 2016. But one of its analysts suggested the sector would grow more quickly if businesses decided to equip their workers with such technology.
Growing competitionGoogle Glass is one of a number of wearable gadgets that have been launched by firms as they compete to take a a major share of the growing market.
In October, Nike launched its second generation wristband, Fuelband, which helps users track their physical activity.
In September, Samsung unveiled a smartwatch, Galaxy Gear, that can be used for voice calls and run apps.
Also in September, Japanese mobile operator NTT Docomo demonstrated glasses that can translate a menu by projecting an image of translated text over unfamiliar characters.
Earlier this year, US-based Heapsylon said it was developing sensor-equipped socks that would help their owners monitor their balance while walking or running.
Meanwhile, Chinese firm Shanda, has unveiled the Geak Ring - a finger-worn device that can unlock a user's smartphone or pass data to others.

LG reveals Chrome OS desktop PC

LG's Chromebase has much less internal storage than the PCs it resembles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LG has announced the first all-in-one PC to be powered by Google's Chrome operating system.

Until now the Linux-based OS has only come pre-installed on laptops or boxes that required a separate monitor.
Chrome-based computers tend to be cheaper than comparable Windows-powered rivals in part because Google does not charge manufacturers to include its software.
However, they run a more limited range of applications.
Popular products including Skype, Powerpoint, Photoshop and iTunes are all unavailable.
However, Google promotes a range of free and paid web-based alternatives that can be run through Chrome OS's browser.
Rocketing sales The popularity of what LG is calling "the first-ever Chromebase" may depend on its price.
The 21.5in (55cm) 1080p full-HD screened model resembles Apple's iMacs, HP's Spectre One range and Dell's Inspiron One family, which cost £700 or more.
However, it only has 16 gigabytes of storage - a relatively low amount - as it is Google's intention that users store much of their work in the cloud. This should help cut costs.
But the South Korean firm is holding back the suggested price of its machine until at least January, when it will be formally launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Samsung has already had success selling Chrome OS laptops, which have have dominated the two-year old ecosystem.

Samsung has had most success selling PCs running Google's Chrome operating system

Samsung has had most success selling PCs running Google's Chrome operating system

In a report covering the July-to-September quarter, the market research firm IDC said other vendors - including Acer, HP and Google itself - only represented a "tiny volume" of sales.
Samsung's success has helped Chrome OS machines represent rare growth in the PC market, which has lost sales to smartphones and tablets.
IDC said ChromeOS devices had experienced 1,542% growth over the previous year, which compared with a 12% decline in the notebook and laptop market and a 10% fall in the PC sector as a whole.
The research firm notes that with 697,000 units sold in the third quarter, Chrome OS still represented a tiny fraction of the market.
Even so, a tech analyst from another firm said Microsoft still had cause for concern.
"It will still be worried about Chrome OS as a competitor to Windows because it was previously caught out by the resurgence that Apple saw with its Mac OS," said Chris Green, from Davies Murphy Group.
"Chrome OS also helps promote Google's own services, which consumers will then continue to use on Android or other smart devices instead of Microsoft's.
"Looking at the new device, while I think the desktop market is in terminal decline, consumers are still buying all-in-one units as hub devices that they can use for everything from ordering groceries to watching movies. And that's a space LG wants to be in."

Christmas in space

Astronauts reveal what festive celebrations are like in orbit, why Velcro is crucial at dinnertime, and why space stations and alcohol do not mix. 

25 December 2010. The day Santa Claus surprised not only children around the world, but also astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS). In the American section of the station, European Space Agency (ESA) Paolo Nespoli was the first to wake. He opened the door of his sleeping compartment to discover a sock attached to the handle, filled with gifts.
“I still remember how startled I was when I opened the door and saw the package there,” Nespoli recalls. “As the others woke and opened their doors, we looked at each other and realised none of us had brought these into orbit.”
This wasn’t the first time that Father Christmas had apparently visited space. The earliest recorded Santa sighting came during the missions of Gemini 6 and 7 in December 1965. Shortly after a rendezvous between the two spacecraft in orbit, Gemini 6 astronaut Thomas Stafford reported seeing “a satellite going from north to south, probably in a polar orbit.”
“Looks like he might be going to re-enter soon,” Stafford informed an increasingly anxious mission control. “Stand by…you might just let me try to pick up that thing.”
Then, over the radio, came the strains of Jingle Bells performed by Stafford and his fellow crewmember, Wally Schirra, on sleigh bells and harmonica – the first musical instruments ever smuggled into space

Christmas has always been important to American astronauts, particularly to the many who have been religious. The most overt expression of this came during the Apollo 8 mission, 45 years ago, when the first humans orbited the Moon. On Christmas Eve 1968, after witnessing the blue marble of Earth rise above the desolate lunar landscape, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders broadcast live to the home planet from lunar orbit. Nasa had not prepared anything for them to say and left it up to the crew. They read – in turn – from the book of Genesis, and Borman concluded the broadcast with: “good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you – all of you on the good Earth.”
Even to non-believers, the Bible reading was incredibly powerful, but not without controversy. Nasa was later taken to court by a prominent atheist for introducing religion into a government programme. The case was thrown out by the United States Supreme Court, citing the fact that the government had no jurisdiction over something that happened in lunar orbit.
Today, despite the variety of cultures represented on board the ISS – which might include European, American, Japanese or Russian – 25 December has become a traditional holiday in space. Apart from any essential maintenance, crewmembers have most of the day off and will gather for a festive meal in the social hub of the ISS, the Russian service module. This section even boasts a table, which is covered in Velcro to hold everything down.
Some crews opt for the space-equivalent of an Earth Christmas meal and tuck into sliced turkey, reconstituted potatoes and processed vegetables. But this can be cloyingly bland and Nespoli recalls that he chose tortellini, barbeque steaks, and vegetables instead. They are also allowed extra treats from home such as chocolate, cookies or nuts. Although anything particularly crumbly has a tendency to clog the air conditioning ducts.
After that the crew might play music, watch a movie or call friends and family on the ground. “You’re sad that you can’t be with family and friends but, at the same time, you recognise the uniqueness of the situation,” says Nespoli. “Being able to call people from space and wish them merry Christmas is very special.”

Fast(en) food

Velcro is vital for the Christmas meal, it keeps the food and utensils on astronauts' trays. (Nasa)

ption

Peace on Earth Since the iconic Earthrise at Christmas photo was taken by the Apollo 8 crew in 1968, the festive season has been entwined with space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tree-mendous

The third manned Skylab mission created this Christmas tree out of food cans. (Nasa) 

 

NSA considering Snowden amnesty

The US National Security Agency is considering offering an amnesty to fugitive intelligence contractor Edward Snowden if he agrees to stop leaking secret documents, an NSA official says.

The man in charge of assessing the leaks' damage, Richard Ledgett, said he could be open to an amnesty deal.
Disclosures by the former intelligence worker have revealed the extent of the NSA's spying activity.
But NSA Director Gen Keith Alexander has dismissed the idea.
Mr Ledgett spoke to US television channel CBS about the possibility of an amnesty deal: "So my personal view is, yes it's worth having a conversation about.
"I would need assurances that the remainder of the data could be secured, and my bar for those assurances would be very high, would be more than just an assertion on his part."
But Gen Alexander, who is retiring early next year, rejected the idea of any amnesty for Mr Snowden.
"This is analogous to a hostage taker taking 50 people hostage, shooting 10, and then say, 'if you give me full amnesty, I'll let the other 40 go'. What do you do?"

The NSA is trying to be more open about what the agency does with the data it collects

The NSA is trying to be more open about what the agency does with the data it collects

In an earlier interview with the Reuters news agency, Mr Ledgett said he was deeply worried about highly classified documents not yet public that are among the 1.7 million Mr Snowden is believed to have accessed.
Edward Snowden's disclosures have been "cataclysmic" for the agency, Mr Ledgett told Reuters.
Earlier this month, a UK newspaper editor told UK MPS only 1% of files leaked by Mr Snowden had been published by the newspaper.
The state department says its position has not changed and that Mr Snowden must return to the US to face charges, says the BBC's Suzanne Kianpour.
The US has charged Mr Snowden with theft of government property, unauthorised communication of national defence information and wilful communication of classified communications intelligence.
Each of the charges carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.
At the weekend, the NSA allowed a CBS television crew into their headquarters for the first time in its history, in an effort to be more open about what the agency does with the data it collects.

BT has announced the launch of a new 'porn filter' switched

BT has announced the launch of a new internet filter designed to protect children online.

The controls will automatically be switched on for new users. Customers who do not want the service will have to actively choose to turn it off.
The filter is designed to block sites deemed unsuitable for children.
The move comes after the government called for internet service providers to filter legal pornography and other adult subjects "by default".
The BT Parental Controls filter will cover any internet-enabled device connected to its home broadband service.
The implementation of the controls will be pre-selected for new users who are setting up their internet connection for the first time.
There will be three set filter levels - strict, moderate and light - or customers can choose to turn the filter off.
Existing users of BT's broadband will be contacted during 2014 and asked to make a decision on whether or not they want to set up the new service.
Search blocked Sites that show pornography, refer to illegal drugs or promote self-harm will all be blocked. Other categories of sites that the filter can be set to block include nudity, social networking and gaming.
Users can also personalise the filters to block access to sex-education sites and search engines.

Sites considered unsuitable for children will be blocked by default

Sites considered unsuitable for children will be blocked by default

BT currently has 6.8 million broadband customers.
"BT takes the issue of online child protection extremely seriously and we are very pleased to be able to launch the whole-home filter to help parents keep their families safe online," said BT's managing director of consumer commercial marketing and digital, Pete Oliver.
The National Crime Agency's Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) said it welcomed the move by BT.
The government has said by the end of 2014, 20 million homes - 95% of all homes in Britain with an existing internet connection - will be required to choose whether to switch on a whole-home "family- friendly" internet filter.
Sky and Talk Talk have already implemented their own version of a "family-friendly" filter. Virgin is expected to introduce something similar in the new year.
In November, Google and Microsoft announced that 100,000 search terms that related to illegal material would be blocked by their search engines.