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ULTIMATE DNA UNIQUE ROLE

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Computer OS, short movie successfully stored in DNA

PTI

NEW YORK: MARCH 05, 2017 23:32 IST

UPDATED: MARCH 05, 2017 23:32 IST

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A DNA double helix is seen in an undated artist's illustration released by the National Human Genome Research Institute to Reuters on May 15, 2012.   | Photo Credit: Reuters

Scientists have successfully stored a computer operating system, a short movie along with other data in DNA, an advance that may usher the next generation of ultra-compact, biological storage devices which will last hundreds of thousands of years.

In a new study, researchers from Columbia University and the New York Genome Centre (NYGC) in the U.S. showed that an algorithm designed for streaming video on a cellphone can unlock DNA’s nearly full storage potential by squeezing more information into its four base nucleotides.

They also showed that the technology is extremely reliable.

DNA is an ideal storage medium because it is ultra-compact and can last hundreds of thousands of years if kept in a cool, dry place, as demonstrated by the recent recovery of DNA from the bones of a 4,30,000-year-old human ancestor found in a cave in Spain.

“DNA won’t degrade over time like cassette tapes and CDs, and it won’t become obsolete - if it does, we have bigger problems,” said Yaniv Erlich from Columbia University.

Researchers chose six files to encode, or write, into DNA: a full computer operating system, an 1895 French film, “Arrival of a train at La Ciotat,” a 50 USD Amazon gift card, a computer virus, a Pioneer plaque and a 1948 study by information theorist Claude Shannon.

They compressed the files into a master file, and then split the data into short strings of binary code made up of ones and zeros.

Using an erasure-correcting algorithm called fountain codes, they randomly packaged the strings into so-called droplets, and mapped the ones and zeros in each droplet to the four nucleotide bases in DNA: A, G, C and T.

The algorithm deleted letter combinations known to create errors and added a barcode to each droplet to help reassemble the files later.

The researchers showed that their coding strategy packs 215 petabytes of data on a single gram of DNA, which according to Erlich was the highest-density data-storage device ever created.

“We believe this is the highest-density data-storage device ever created,” said Erlich.

Explosion on Bhopal-Ujjain passenger injures nine on the eve of the last phase of U.P. Assembly elections

A day before the last phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh, nine persons were injured in a blast in the general coach of the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train near Jabdi in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday.

Hours after the incident, three terror suspects each were arrested in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and Saifullah, a suspect holed up in a building in Lucknow, was killed after an encounter lasting several hours. Police were trying to secure two of his associates, Azhar Khan and Ghous Md. Khan.

A source told The Hindu  that the module was inspired by the Islamic State (IS) and the accused were getting directions from their handler who is not from India. The module was under watch for several months.

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8 injured in Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train blast

IM style attack

A senior Madhya Pradesh police official described the train blast as a terror attack. He said an improvised explosive device (IED) that was planted on the upper berth was a “pressure pipe bomb,” that was once used by the now defunct Indian Mujahideen (IM).

The official said the bomb was planted around 8 a.m. when the train started from Bhopal. The two people who planted it were arrested by the M.P. police following a tipoff from central intelligence agencies. “The bomb was prepared in Lucknow and it’s a mystery to us why the accused went all the way to Bhopal to plant it. It was a low intensity bomb and was made from gunpowder,” said a top intelligence official.

Those arrested are: Danish Akhtar, Syed Meer Hussain and Atish Muzaffar (all from Madhya Pradesh); Mohammed Faisal Khan, Mohammed Imran and Fakre Alam (all from Uttar Pradesh). They are in the age group of 25-35. Officials said most of them were well educated but unemployed.

“The explosion took place in the general coach around 9.45 a.m. when the train was running between Jabri and Kalapipal stations,” the Railway Ministry tweeted. At 11.33 a.m., the Ministry posted a video of a passenger narrating the events surrounding the blast.

FACE WASH OF ZUCKERBERG

According to the VentureBeat report, this move came following a petition filed by 3,33,000 people who asked for the removal of Zuckerberg as the Chairperson of the board of directors. Meanwhile, apparently, only 1,500 among that whopping number were shareholders.
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg who is the founder and CEO of Facebook will hardly be affected by this move by SumOfUs as he owns a considerable amount of the company shares, and has a big say in the decision making ways of the company. Additionally, the social media giant is nowhere close to making losses which are generally the main reason when such a big decision happens in big corporates.
The proposal, which VentureBeat posted, claims that “We believe the combination of these two roles in a single person weakens a corporation’s governance,
which can harm shareholder value.” The proposal added, “We believe that independent board leadership would be particularly constructive at Facebook as our company faces increasing criticism regarding its perceived role in the promotion of misleading news; censorship, hate speech and alleged inconsistencies in the application of Facebook’s community standards guidelines and content policies..”

COKE OR DIESEL

The decision may cause the two soft drink giants to incur as much as Rs 1,400 crore in losses. The Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peramaippu (TNVSP), the state’s largest trade body comprising 6,000 business enterprises and 1.5 million members, told HT that the boycott would be implemented at all retail outlets affiliated to it. Though the bigger supermarkets and restaurants – about 5,000 in number – sought more time, TNVSP representatives said they have scheduled a meeting to discuss the issue later in the evening. “Their initial response is encouraging. They only want some time to work out the boycott plan. I am hopeful that they will also commit to a date by evening,” said AM Vikrama Raja, president of the traders’ body. “I am happy that shopkeepers are resisting very tempting offers – three to five crates free for every ten crates of foreign colas bought – from marketing agents of the soft drink giants. Almost 70% of our members have not ordered fresh stocks.” Many shops already display ‘No Pepsi, No Coke’ posters prominently. Many shopkeepers in Chennai have put up ‘No Pepsi, No Coke’ posters, and advocated that customers opt for fruit juice instead. (HT Photo) The boycott decision was first mooted during the massive protests that rocked the state last month, forcing politicians to legalise the popular bull-taming sport of Jallikattu. However, several shop owners in various parts of Chennai are yet to extend their support to the boycott. Srinivasan R, a shopkeeper in Mylapore, said he reserves the right to stock what he wants in his outlet. S Kumaran – who runs a popular grocery store at Adyar in South Chennai – had his doubts about the boycott, but eventually decided to go with the flow. “I think it is for the customer to decide (which product to buy), but I will not order any fresh Pepsi and Coke stocks,” he said. The boycott call received a mixed response in other cities too, though TNVSP secretary K Mohan insisted that “at least 75% of shopkeepers across the state have stopped selling Coke and Pepsi – and the others are expected to follow suit”. Explaining the rationale behind the boycott, Mohan told Hindustan Times: “The decision was taken to wean the youth away from MNC soft drinks, which are killing domestic companies. Besides this, these foreign firms are also using up scarce water resources at a time of unprecedented drought.” Indian soft drink brands are both cheaper and healthier, he said, adding that the boycott may even encourage the youth to have “nutritious” fruit and vegetable juices. A poster asking consumers to boycott foreign aerated drinks. (HT Photo) The trader’s body has alleged that the soft drink majors were “arm-twisting” small traders into staying out of the statewide boycott. “Many shopkeepers do not even earn enough to pay for the electricity used to keep the drinks chilled,” Mohan said. Mohan said the energetic response of the youth to the Jallikattu ban had emboldened the trade body to take on the soft drink majors. “We are yet to gauge the effectiveness of the boycott. It’s not a call for a ban; it is more like an appeal,” he added. The TNVSP claimed PepsiCo and Coca Cola were “killing” over a hundred local cola brands – such as Bovonto, Trio, Solo, Frutang, Torino, Dailee and Mapillai – which constitute a mere 20% of the Rs 2,000-crore soft drink market. The Indian Beverage Association (IBA), which represents the cola majors, said in a press statement that it was “deeply disappointed” by the boycott call. “This call is against the proven fundamentals of robust economic growth, and against the clarion call of ‘Make in India’,” it read, adding that the decision also violates the consumer’s “right to choose”. The IBA press release said Hindustan Coca Cola and PepsiCo India are local companies registered in the country, and comply with all applicable rules and regulations. It went on to add that the two firms provide direct employment to 2,000 families across Tamil Nadu, and indirect employment to over 5,000 families through their extensive supply chain. “They also play a critical role in improving the livelihood of over two lakh retailers, who earn more than Rs 400 crore by selling products manufactured by Coca Cola and PepsiCo,” it said. Incidentally, the boycott movement originated in Chennai – the same city that PepsiCo chief operating officer Indira Nooyi hails from.

PM MODIJI'S VOICE NOT ROARING LION

Modi's voice feebler than that of a mouse: Rahul Rahul said, "PM Modi has been benevolent towards the rich and has waived their loans, but not the loans of farmers." Updated: Saturday, February 25, 2017, 16:33 [IST] Subscribe to Oneindia News Bahraich (UP), Feb 24: Stung by repeated barbs by BJP leaders at former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said the voice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was 'feebler even than that of a mouse'. "The voice of PM, who has given the clarion call of Make in India, is not of a roaring lion, but even feebler than that of a mouse," Rahul told an election meeting in Mahsi assembly constituency here that goes to polls on February 27. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi VIDEO : PM Modi snatched away Amethi's food park, alleges Rahul Gandhi during rally PM Modi snatched away Amethi's food park, alleges Rahul Gandhi during rally News Powered by His retort came hours after BJP president Amit Shah at a rally in Azamgarh, nearly 300 km away, mocked Rahul for 'often asking' as to what the Modi government has done for the country. Popular Videos Virat Kohli feels India was outplayed by Australia, Watch Video01:32 Virat Kohli feels India was outplayed by Australia, Watch Video India vs Australia: Umesh Yadav throws the ball for funny six01:47 India vs Australia: Umesh Yadav throws the ball for funny six Virat Kohli points bad fielding key for defeat, Watch Video00:50 Virat Kohli points bad fielding key for defeat, Watch Video "Rahul Baba, the first thing that we have done is that we have given a PM who speaks. You had given a PM who did not speak for 10 years, and his voice was heard by you and your mother (Congress president Sonia Gandhi)," Shah had said. Peeved over the remark, Rahul questioned, "What is the utility of these punchlines?" Ridiculing Modi's 'Make in India' campaign, he said almost everywhere items 'Made in China' are readily available. "Even my phone is made in China," he said. The Congress leader accused the PM of spitting communal venom and spreading hatred since the SP-Congress alliance was forged. Rahul said, "PM Modi has been benevolent towards the rich and has waived their loans, but not the loans of farmers." In an apparent reference to the PM's 'adopted son of UP' remark, Rahul said Modi might claim relationships wherever he wants "but relationships should not be confined to lip service." "PM Modi made a film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge (promising achchhe din), but it later became Sholay (of Gabbar Singh fear) when notes were banned," he said. "Not a single person accused of keeping black money has been jailed and 94 per cent of black money is still stashed away in foreign countries," he added. PTI Read more about: rahul gandhi, narendra modi, bjp, congress, manmohan singh Story first published: Saturday, February 25, 2017, 16:29 [IST] Other articles published on Feb 25, 2017 Is showing restraint towards stone pelters comprising national security? Is showing restraint towards stone pelters comprising national security? Yes, stone pelters help terrorists escape Restraint is needed as they are civilians Should Modi have raised the Kanpur train derailment issue pending investigation? Should Modi have raised the Kanpur train derailment issue pending investigation? Yes, it concerns national security No, he should have waited for probe to complete How should India react to the killing of its citizen in Kansas? How should India react to the killing of its citizen in Kansas? India should tell Trump to tone down his rhetoric India should advise its citizens to avoid the US Is showing restraint towards stone pelters comprising national security? Is showing restraint towards stone pelters comprising national security? Yes, stone pelters help terrorists escape Restraint is needed as they are civilians Should Modi have raised the Kanpur train derailment issue pending investigation? Should Modi have raised the Kanpur train derailment issue pending investigation? Yes, it concerns national security No, he should have waited for probe to complete Prev Next Social Feed Nation On the special occasion of Mahashivratri, unveiled 112 feet face of 'Adiyogi' at the programme organised by the Isha Foundation. 23 h narendramodi 417k Subramanian Swamy @Swamy39 Happy to see in UP that BJP is gaining every day after some Hindutva essence introduced in the campaign flavour 3 d Subramanian Swamy @Swamy39 https://t.co/62xQl02DB5 3 d B.S. Yeddyurappa @BSYBJP 3. I firmly stand by my allegation against @CMofKarnataka on the kickbacks of Rs.1000 cr paid by him to Congress High command 3 d B.S. Yeddyurappa @BSYBJP 2. Mention of Rs.1000 cr kickbacks to Congress High command is a fact. Facts never change. @CMofKarnataka has a lot to answer. 3 d

Read more at: http://www.oneindia.com/india/modis-voice-feebler-than-that-of-mouse-rahul-2358491.html

GOONS OWN COUNTRY

Kochi: A popular Malayalam film actress was abducted on her way from Thrissur to Kochi on Friday night and raped. Police have arrested one suspect and are looking for four others against whom an FIR has been registered. 
The suspect in police custody, identified as Martin, is the actress’ driver. He was engaged just three days before the incident, through a contractor who supplies vehicles and drivers to film people.
Earlier during the day on Saturday, there were reports that the actress had been molested. But the victim’s complaint, and subsequent statement to the magistrate, mentioned rape.
According to the police, the incident occurred late on Friday.  “A total of seven accused, including Sunil Kumar, have been found involved in the act during our probe. We’ve taken four into custody for interrogation. Martin was arrested as he was found to have made over 40 phone calls and sent several text messages to Kumar while picking up the actress,” police said.
The actress was heading to the city from her house in Thrissur for film work when the gang intercepted her car at around 8.30 pm.
“The actress was travelling in an Audi car. The gang followed her in a tempo traveller and hit her vehicle from behind in what at first seemed like a mishap. Her driver Martin stopped the car and then two men from the tempo entered it and threatened him driver to drive. One more person was picked up on the way and driver Martin was asked to board the tempo behind,” a senior police official said.
For the next three hours, as the car was driven around Kochi city, she was manhandled and molested. According to the police, the gang recorded videos and took pictures of the actress and threatened to release them on social media.
“Finally the attackers left her in the car near Padamughal and escaped in the tempo that was trailing the car. Martin then returned to the car and drove the actress to the house of a film director who informed the police about the incident,” the officer said.
Director general of police Loknath Behera has constituted a six-member investigation team to probe the incident.

MODI VS MANMOHAN SINGH

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return, newspapers and news websites have been flooded with mentions of his speech in front of the US Congress. His five-nation tour has been overshadowed by the speech he delivered from the podium of the Great Hall on Capitol Hill. Modi, on Wednesday became the fifth Prime Minister to address a joint session of US Congress. The last time an Indian Prime Minister addressed the American lawmakers in a joint session was 11 years ago. Then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh didn’t make it to the front page of every major newspaper, and definitely didn’t take the internet by storm (partly due to technological constraints). At a time when almost the entire nation is cheering for PM Modi, comparisons with his predecessor is inevitable. There is, of course, a glaring difference in the personalities of the two leaders but apart from the style and delivery, a number of similarities can be found in addition to the striking differences. (ALSO READ: Narendra Modi addresses US Congress: PM Modi sends out stern message to those questioning religious freedom in India) For instance, neither of them mentioned his predecessor or the contributions of the previous government to the India-US relations. Both were preceded by the opposition party and therefore, refrained from mentioning them. This could be because they wanted to neither credit the opposition for any success nor criticise them for their failures. Both leaders used the term “natural allies” in their speech. This term was coined by the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee but only Modi credited it to their former Prime Minister. “No wonder then that former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee called India and the U.S. ‘natural allies,’” he said. The two leaders referred to their party veteran, crediting them for their vision and recalling their address to US lawmakers. PM Modi accredited Vajpayee for his contribution to India-US relations. “More than fifteen years ago, Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee stood here and gave a call to step out of the ‘shadow of hesitation’ of the past,” he said. (ALSO READ: Narendra Modi’s address to US Congress: Our media Vs Their media and the difference is sensational) PM Manmohan Singh, on the other hand, mentioned the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who acknowledged American contribution to the Indian constitution. “He said that you could hear in our Constitution the echo of the great voices of the Founding Fathers of your Republic.” Also, Singh mentioned the time Rajiv Gandhi addressed the US Congress where he “spoke of the challenge of building anew on old foundations. He started a process of reorienting India’s economic policies, which has been continued by successive governments.” PM Modi also acknowledged the US influence on the Indian constitution, but used Dr. B. R. Ambedkar instead of Nehru to make his point. Mahatma Gandhi was the exception, who found mention in both Modi’s as well as Singh’s speech. Lastly, there were (obvious) differences in the wording and number of mentions in the two speeches. Singh used 3,264 words as compared to the 2,754 words used by Modi. The incumbent US president found several mentions in Singh’s speech. However, Modi mentioned his President Barack Obama thrice.

PALANI SELAVAM VS STALIN

It was a day of mixed fortunes for M K Stalin who sought to bring back the spotlight on DMK as Tamil Nadu's principal opposition party even as the focus for the last few days was on the battle between AIADMK general secretary Sasikala and rebel OPS.

DMK smelt an opportunity and wanted to push TN to an immediate election to cash in on the anti-Sasikala sentiment sweeping the state. However, DMK lost the plot in the assembly by unleashing violence, totally unprovoked, when the Speaker refused to heed Stalin's pleas for secret ballot to decide the fate of Palaniswami's government.

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The efforts of the DMK members to engage the AIADMK MLAs belonging to the Sasikala faction went in vain as they remained immobile as stone, choosing to be mere spectators. Eventually, as the Speaker ordered the en masse eviction of its MLAs, DMK lost its opportunity. After being evicted from the House, Stalin rushed to the Raj Bhavan and presented a memorandum to governor C Vidyasagar Rao. By evening, he had mobilised DMK cadres and sat on hunger strike on the Marina. Stalin and his men were arrested from the spot and released at 9.45pm.