Rupee joins elite club

India has finally got a symbol for the Rupee and joined a select club of countries whose currencies have an unique identity.

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the design, which includes both the Devnagiri 'Ra' and the Roman capital 'R' and has two parallel lines running at the top. The parallel lines symbolise the equal to sign.

"With this India will join an elite group of countries which have a distinct currency symbol. It denotes the robustness of Indian economy. I will now hold up the design that was finally selected. This was sent in by Udaya Kumar," said Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni in New Delhi.

She said that the Rupee symbol was a nice blend of modernity and Indian culture. The symbol selected has been designed by an Indian Institute of Technology postgraduate D Udaya Kumar and was selected from among five short listed symbols. Kumar, who is with the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati, explained thatthe design is based on the Indian Tricolour.

"My design is based on the Tricolour with two lines at the top and white space in between. I wanted the symbol for the Rupee to represent the Indian flag. It is a perfect blend of Indian and Roman letters: a capital 'R', and Devnagari 'Ra', which represent rupiya, to appeal to international and Indian audiences. After working onthe design for few months, I shortlisted eight to 10 designs and then refined them further till I got this one," said Kumar.

Planck telescope reveals universe image

The first image of the entire universe taken from Europe's Planck telescope has been published.

The first full-sky image from Europe's Planck telescope which was sent into space last year to survey the oldest light in the cosmos Photo: ESA

The satellite, costing 600m euros, was launched last year by the European Space Agency.

It was sent nearly a million miles into space to record the origins of the universe. The Planck observatory's job was to look at the age, contents and evolution of the cosmos by studying the heat left behind by the Big Bang.

In September it began to reveal its first images showing strips of ancient light across the sky. Now it has revealed a full picture of the sky.

The image shows what is visible beyond the Earth to instruments that are sensitive to light at very long wavelengths.

Dominating the picture are large parts of our Milky Way Galaxy. The bright horizontal line running across the middle of the image is the galaxy's main disc and where the Sun and Earth are.

Also seen are huge bursts of cold dust that reach thousands of light-years above and below the galactic plane.

Scientists will spend years analyzing the image to better understand how the Universe came to look the way it does.

"What you see is the structure of our galaxy in gas and dust, which tells us an awful lot about what is going on in the neighborhood of the Sun; and it tells us a lot about the way galaxies form when we compare this to other galaxies," Professor Andrew Jaffe, a Planck team member from Imperial College London, told BBC News.

planck satellite

Here is a really nice DJ Gadget. The DJ Mouse is a combination of a Mouse and a mix controller. It is a laser mouse just for you to bring out your inner DJ, and features a multi-function jog wheel with blue ring, a Scratch knob, and of course right and left click buttons. This gadget is optimized for the Deckadance DJ software for Mac and PC and has a aluminum feel to it. The DJ Mouse comes with a DJ Kit which includes the Deckadance and a DJ scratch mat that has a turntable design. The DJ-Tech DJ Mouse is available approx Rs. 5000/-. It’s Features are:-

Left Click Functions

• Drag and Drop songs from the play list
• Play 4 different CUE points
• Access to the Effects
• Play Samples
• Play Loops
• Play the 3 Reloopers
• Activate Effect
• Preview song
• SYNC and downbeat

Vertical wheel:

• Rewind and fast forward effect
• All faders and knobs control
• Scroll Playlist

Right click:

• Memorize 4 CUE points
• Toggle Loops
• Toggle 3 Reloopers
• Reset Effect
• Lock the SYNC : get a perfect and permanent beat match

Jog wheel:

• Control faders and knobs
• Control Crossfader
• Scratch or rewind Effect

Scratch Knob:

• Activate the digital Scratch mode with any position of the DJM
• Lock the control of the X,Y parameters for the effects
• Lock control of Fader/knobs without clicking

Now Use Google Voice Without a New Number

The sticky point with the highly convenient Google Voice service has been that you had to choose a new number to use with Google Voice service. If you had an existing number that everyone already knew and wanted to switch over, you were pretty much out of luck.

But luckily that changes today, with Google announcement that you can now use Google Voice with an existing phone number. Also, you can now add Google voicemail service to any of the mobile numbers linked to your account. Think of it a bit like Gmail for voicemail.

Now when you first sign up for Google Voice you can choose between using your own number or choosing a new Google number. You still get many of Google Voice’s features when using your own number, including the Google voicemail feature you can now add to linked phones.

Relation between Cell Phone and Brain Tumor - Latest Study

A new bit of data has emerged about the idea of cell phones and the brain tumors.

Seems that Environmental Working Group released data just recently that detailed just how much radiation you’re sucking up when you’re on the phone actually and then Los Angeles Times followed that with a strange study. Check this out:

when the data from 23 studies was pooled together, there was no conclusive link between brain tumors and cell phone usages. This by itself would be interesting if not necessarily newsworthy, but when the Times jiggered the evidence a bit, comparing data from the “eight strongest studies”, they found out that cell phone users had between a 10 to 30 percent higher chance of getting brain tumors, with the more time spent on the phone being higher risk than those who spent less.

And then, here’s the weirdest point: seven out of eight of those “strongest studies” were all conducted by the SAME GUY IN SWEDEN.

Sidewinder - Another Wrist Mobile Phone

Sidewinder - Touchscreen Wrist Mobile Phone Before some time, we’ve posted sexy wrist mobile phone. Now, here’s another hot wrist mobile phone – Sidewinder, designed by Susan Cho, whose idea was to create a multi-touch cell phone that a person could wear on his/her wrist.

Do you think, this might be the next stage in technological development? Unfortunately, the multi-touch technology has not reach the phase in which it could be used in a device with such a small interface. Nevertheless, Sidewinder watch phone is still worth mentioning on Gadgets.

The designer says that the watch phone has several menus and boasts a number of tools such as contacts, keypad, GPS, maps and other features that can be found today on smartphones. In addition, the Sidewinder incorporates multi-touch technology.

Samsung 3D TVs in India Launched 10 Models

Samsung 3D TV in IndiaSamsung has just launched it’s 10 models of 3D Televisions in Delhi, India. Samsung will also be the first company to manufacture the 3D TVs in India at its Chennai and Noida factories. Wow! It’s really a great work.

Samsung 3D TVs automatically convert all 2D video to 3D. Monster vs Aliens 3D DVD to be bundled with all Samsung 3D TVs, 2 active shutter 3D glasses also bundled with TVs. Samsung is also launching 3D Blu-ray players.

This amazing TV will be available in next week with the price tag RS. 1,29,000 to Rs. 4,35,000 for 40 – 65 inches in LED, LCD and Plasma versions.

Samsung launched it’s 3d TV series in US, UK & now in India and planing to launch all over the world. Samsung App Store for Internet-enabled TVs will be available soon.

One All-India 3G License Bids Reach 79 Bln Rs

Bids for one set of nationwide third-generation (3G) mobile spectrum license reached 79 billion rupees (1.78 billion in dollars), or 126% above the base price on this thirteenth day of an auction.

The auction started on April 9 and is still on. Till now, 76 rounds of bidding had been completed by Saturday, the Department of Telecommunications said on its website. The base price for one set of pan-India licenses had been set at 35 billion rupees.

Government will sell four such licenses. Three from the auction and one to the state-run telecoms firms who would have to match the highest bid price paid by the private operators. All major mobile operators including Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications and Vodafone’s Indian unit, are participating in the auction.

Google Home Page with Image Backgrounds

Google HomePage with Background ImageGoogle launched it’s iGoogle’s product debut in 2005 and I think people like it. We’ve always liked the minimal Google.com homepage, but if you prefer a little spice to your search page (Like Bing), you’ll like the Google’s new background image feature.

It’s a simple enough feature that we’ve heard rumors: Just go to Google.com, move your mouse to the bottom left of the screen and click on Change background image, and pick any image from Google’s Public gallery, your Picasa web album photos, or upload any image from your desktop.

They’re still rolling out this feature to all their servers. I hope you enjoy this new feature. Leave your comments about it….

Four Wheeler Vechicle i.e Without Engine

Four Wheeler Vehicle Without Engine Four Wheeler Vehicle i.e. Without EngineMeet Earthmine’s “pedestrian area platform quadracycle.”

Except having a feature to run a four wheeler vehicle on pedel basis, Company claims it’s a way to map areas of the world that can’t be reached by its camera-equipped SUVs. What do you think guys….

Green Car Design

Green Car DesignFinally, the green car design is out. This green car which is powered by pipe dreams and plants, only this Photosynthesis car would use “Solar panels” and somehow to move about in town.

There is, unsurprisingly, no word on how designers Michal Vlcek and Klavir will leverage the power of plants to run the electric engine housed inside. But just see that “nano plastic” exterior – no undercoating necessary!

India is Developing its Own Operating System

Operating SystemIndian government is busy developing its own Operating System for computers, along with anti virus softwares. The India government has focused on the said softwares owing to the continual attacks on government sites and loss of data.

A lower level operating system and application software may be preferred to the advanced versions, which necessarily require access to internet for upgrades. The new software could be deployed in key departments that have been under constant cyber attacks.

No sensitive information will be stored on systems connected to the internet, while ministries and departments have been told to carry out regular IT systems audits. The government has also established a Crisis Management Plan against cyber attacks to be implemented by all central ministries, state governments and critical sectors.

Earlier CDAC developed an OS called BOSS, short for Bharat Operating System Solutions. The Indian Government has also invested in developing the famous $10 laptop, the ISRO Bhuvan, and a $200 million microprocessor.

Most Expensive iPhone with Dimaond and Gold

Most Expensive iPhone4 with Diamond & GoldLast year, the simple most expensive iPhone and this time, we’re revealing the world’s most expensive iPhone 4′s. Both these iPhone 4′s are designed by Stuart Hughes.

The diamond version, we’re having this in $19,514 , which features a shell that has been “encrusted with circa 6.5cts of top quality VVS , colour ‘F’ diamonds.”

Next is the gold model, it’s shell is made from pure 24ct. gold and is priced at $2,395.

Are you thinking of buying anyone of these iPhone? Post your name in comment below, I’ll publish it. Hahahahaha

Concept Cars and Designs

Concept mobiles just like concept cars are parts of the new era of evolving technology that brings more design and appeal to the form and functioning rather than just serving the basics of purpose. The concept mobiles and cars come with specific designs and innovative technology, sometimes following a certain theme or pattern while other times delving on a specific structure of design or theme. Gadget concepts and new working themes with extraordinary developments with fresh, new gadget works seem to be some of the very interesting core features with which these extraordinary developments and inventions can be worked.

Lotus Evora Carbon Concept Car is a Hybrid car which is an example of this incredible advancement. The EarlyAdopter Radio Concept, the Touch and Go navigation concept, Coroflot Aqua Lounge Concept cars and models are some of the very extraordinary developments that have been created through the concept cars. The Lotus Evora or Culart Concept cell phone or the FunChat cell phone features make way for new waves in terms of new welcoming in technology. RC4 ATV Concept Car or the Porsche 918 make for incredible new developments that are mind blowing and flow smoothly with the new age of bringing environmental balance with less use of energy.

The FunChat cell phone, for instance is a new concept that make for internet calls as well as regular calls to take place within a very interactive atmosphere. The EarlyAdopter Radio Concept is also a new opportunity to bring in controls in various aspects of the radio by removing the chromed bards. The Korean company which brought these new features in play helps in with a brand new experience that one might like to have with the radio.

Google Street View

Google is looking to develop the features of its Street View and further enhance it by refreshing the images every year from now on. This decision was prompted by the fact that urban landscapes are in a state of flux at all times. To be able to keep up with this constant changes happening in the cities, this move was decided upon by Google.

In the same vein, the European Union is reviewing certain regulations concerned with the way Google is trying to make images of the cities of the world available on the World Wide Web for everyone to see. The EU want to know more about Google’s retention policy concerning the Street View Image.

According to Google, the Street View Images should be retained for a year. However, according to the European Union, the officials think that the period of one year is too long and want it to be shortened to six months. Also, the EU wants Google to put out notices in the media so that people know when the company will send their Street View cameras to take the pictures of the cities in general.

World's tallest rail bridge coming up in Jammu & Kashmir

India is undertaking one of its most challenging railway projects ever by building a line to connect the state of Jammu and Kashmir with the Himalayan foothills. Far from being an ordinary scheme, the 290 km route crosses major earthquake zones, and is subjected to extreme temperatures of cold and heat, as well as inhospitable terrain.

The Project
Kashmir has long been separated from India by a lack of suitable transport routes. Currently the only way to reach the area is by a hairpin-road journey. The area also sparks many political debates, as Kashmiri's are not sure what they want and outside forces interfere with progress.
The 290 km extension of the Indian Railway network will allow a 900 km (560 mile) journey direct from Delhi in India to Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
Constructing the railway route to this isolated region has involved significant engineering challenges, and although the first short section has a 2007 opening date, other major structures are two years behind.
This article or section needs to be updated.

Many bridges and tunnels are being built, including an 11 km tunnel and the world?s highest railway bridge which towers above the Chenab River.

Infrastructure
The alignment for the Kashmir Railway presents one of the greatest railway engineering challenges ever faced, with the only contest coming from the recently completed China-Tibet rail route which crosses permanently frozen ground and climbs to more than 5,000m above sea level.

This bridge will be the highest railway structure of its kind in the world, 35 m higher than the tip of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Both bridges are to be simple span bridges. Cor-Ten Steel is planned to be used to provide an environment friendly appearance and eliminate the need to paint the bridge. The !!!!gn and structure is very similar to the New River Gorge Bridge
It is being project managed by the Konkan Railway Construction between Salal and Laole stations. Completion is scheduled for 2009, two years after the first isolated section of the route is due to open for local passenger services, and it requires the use of 26,000t of steel.
The Kashmir line will connect with the Indian Railways railhead at Jammu, where a 60 km access route has been built to Udhampur. The main sections of the route are between Udhampur and Qazigund ? 75% in tunnels and the responsibility of Konkan Railway Construction Corporation ? with the Qazigund-Baramulla section being constructed by Indian Railways.
The second section to Baramulla is due to open in 2007. However, this will remain isolated until the remaining, more challenging part of the route including the Chenab River crossing is completed in 2009.

Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi Certified as the World's Furthest Manmade Tower

The certification comes after months of strict evaluation by a Guinness committee that started in January upon completion of the exterior of the 35-story tower. The 160-meter high tower leans at an angle of 18 degrees, more than 4 times the angle of the Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company is the owner and developer of the tower. The tower is designed by international architectural firm RMJM and is slated to be completed by 2010. The tower is being built using many innovative techniques that contribute to its unique shape and strength.

Capital Gate integrates several sustainability features. The tower sports a double-glazed façade that facilitates greater energy efficiency. This is due to the air being pre-cooled between the inner and outer facades before being expelled. Also, low-emissivity glass, being used for the first time in the UAE, keeps the building’s interior cool while maintaining transparency and eliminating glare. The building also features a unique stainless steel ‘splash’ descending from the nineteenth floor. This ‘splash acts as a design element as well as a shading device that eliminates 30% of the sun’s heat before it can reach the building. The ‘splash’ also twists around the building towards the south providing the tower maximum protection from sunlight.

The tower is being built using a special engineering breakthrough that allow floor plates until the twelfth floor to be stacked vertically, after which they are staggered over each other. This staggered design gives the tower its dramatic tilt.


Another innovative construction technique used is the utilization of a pre-cambered core. This is said to be the first time such a technique has been used. The pre-cambered core uses 15,000 cubic meters of concrete reinforced with 10,000 cubic meters of steel. The core is built marginally off-center, straightening along the length of the building, compressing the concrete and giving it strength, and moving into vertical position with the increasing weight of the floors. It is also useful in tackling the pressure exerted by gravity on the 18-degree incline.

Capital Gate also features a special exo-skeleton or diagrid to cope with wind and seismic forces and its inclination. The diagrid design means that each and every element of the grid or the exo-skeleton is in perfect symmetry. The diagrid carries the weight of all the floors while also providing an unobstructed floor plate, eliminating the need for pillars or internal beams. The design has been previously used in only a handful of buildings around the world and it is certainly the first time that such a design is being used in the Middle East.

A cantilevered tea-lounge, hanging over the tower’s exterior, 80 meters above the ground is another unique feature of the Capital Gate. Capital Gate is slated to play host to the five-star Hyatt Capital Gate hotel apart from 20,000 square meters of office space.

Indian Saina retains her Indonesia Open championship

The defending Women's Single (WS) champion in Indonesia Open, Indian Saina Nehwal, retained her championship after trashed her Japanese contender Sayaka Sato in final match of 2010 Indonesia Open in Jakarta on Sunday.

With her latest victory here, Saina has championed three international badminton tournaments three weeks in a row. Prior to Indonesia Open she championed India Open and Singapore Open.

Saina ended the match in three games scored 21-19, 13-21 and 21- 11. .

"She was good and moving fast the second game that made me hardly able to return her shots. She leads in the second game with her excellent drop shots. So I tried to correct my performance with cross shots and net playing. It worked out, I managed to control the third game," Saina said of her contender playing in the match in a press conference held after her victory.

Saina's victory in 2010 Indonesia Open was rewarded with a prize money worth 18,750 U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, the runner up Sayaka Kato received 9,500 U.S. dollars.

Saina, who was seeded no. 6, singled out as the winner of WS group 2009 Indonesia Open championship after dumped Chinese shuttler Wang Lin, seeded no. 3, in the final match in three games ended 12-21, 21-18 and 21-19.