NASA has added four new teams to study the Moon, near-Earth asteroids and other components of the solar system.

According to a report in Engadget on Sunday, the first group from the University of Colorado will study on robotics, cosmology, astrophysics and heliophysics to advance manned space exploration.

While the second group has been assigned on a project called "Toolbox for Research and Exploration", responsible for developing tools and methods for the manned exploration of celestial bodies. 

"The third group from Georgia Institute of Technology will explore how radiation affects human-made composite materials. They'll also look into how real-time detectors can help minimise astronauts' exposure to harmful radiation," the report added.

The fourth group, called Exploration Science Pathfinder Research for Enhancing Solar System Observations or ESPRESSO will assist NASA in understanding the events that are hazardous for robotic and human explorers in space. 

With the better knowledge of hazardous events in space, disasters can be predicted and managed. 

"NASA will set aside $3 to $5 million of its budget per year to fund the teams' research for the next five years," the report noted.

Life is like a piano. The white keys are like happy moments,while the black keys are like the sad ones. It is the amalgamation of both that makes life…sweet music…" This aphorism comes to mind when one hears Balazs Fulei playing the piano.

Born in Kecskemet, Hungary, in 1984, he started to learn music at the tender age of eight, giving his first solo performance as early as the age of 12.In India for the fifth time, he performed at the India International Centre at an event organised by the Embassy of Hungary and the Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre.

The occasion was the Hungarian National Day on March 15, as also the 50th death anniversary of the world famous Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly.

Fulei has a powerful stage presence and the skills to connect with the audience, holding their attention till the very last minute of each concert. His interaction with the audience by introducing the pieces through story-telling, picture projections, quotations and poetry recitals,is innovative and charming.

In fact, in a new programme series, the focus is on what the piano is capable of, what the pianist can do and the magic that happens when the two meet,synergise and interact. So what has been his inspiration? "The very fact that music is so open to perceptions and interpretations, besides allowing an easy connect with other forms of art, for instance with poetry, architecture and others, is intriguing." Was it not hard to start rigorous practice at such a tender age? Fulei agrees but says that despite many sacrifices, he always remained focused on the goal of perfection.

As he matured, he brought composers and pieces closer to his listeners by 'filtering' them through his own personality. He also studied new pieces and 'built on' the older ones. What were the challenges during his journey as an artist? "There have been many challenges, but the main one has been to strike a balance between constructive and positive feedback.

Besides this, another challenge is addressing a new set of questions,not only from the audience but also the self, with each performance and creation," he says earnestly. Does any pianist inspire him more than the others? "I am interested in all periods of time. There are more than 30 concerts in my repertoire, which include those of Beethoven, Brahms and Bartok. In fact, I write the brochures for the concerts myself." Commenting on his trip to India, he smilingly says, "I look forward to my concerts in India. This time, it will be my first time in Kolkata and Bangalore, though I have performed many times in Mumbai at the NCPA. India – where life is on the go non-stop – is fascinating."

Fulei has been teaching at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music since 2012 and heads the Department of Chamber Music since 2015. He aims to address the youth more extensively as he feels that a single performance can be life-changing.

He concludes the interview by proudly announcing another feather in his cap: the Liszt Prize, one of the most prominent, esteemed awards in the world of music. At the same time, his humility is heartwarming. "My music will tell you more about me than I ever will"…the words resonate deep, as the notes of the piano echo in the mind.

Life is like a piano. The white keys are like happy moments,while the black keys are like the sad ones. It is the amalgamation of both that makes life…sweet music…" This aphorism comes to mind when one hears Balazs Fulei playing the piano.

Born in Kecskemet, Hungary, in 1984, he started to learn music at the tender age of eight, giving his first solo performance as early as the age of 12.In India for the fifth time, he performed at the India International Centre at an event organised by the Embassy of Hungary and the Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre.

The occasion was the Hungarian National Day on March 15, as also the 50th death anniversary of the world famous Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly.

Fulei has a powerful stage presence and the skills to connect with the audience, holding their attention till the very last minute of each concert. His interaction with the audience by introducing the pieces through story-telling, picture projections, quotations and poetry recitals,is innovative and charming.

In fact, in a new programme series, the focus is on what the piano is capable of, what the pianist can do and the magic that happens when the two meet,synergise and interact. So what has been his inspiration? "The very fact that music is so open to perceptions and interpretations, besides allowing an easy connect with other forms of art, for instance with poetry, architecture and others, is intriguing." Was it not hard to start rigorous practice at such a tender age? Fulei agrees but says that despite many sacrifices, he always remained focused on the goal of perfection.

As he matured, he brought composers and pieces closer to his listeners by 'filtering' them through his own personality. He also studied new pieces and 'built on' the older ones. What were the challenges during his journey as an artist? "There have been many challenges, but the main one has been to strike a balance between constructive and positive feedback.

Besides this, another challenge is addressing a new set of questions,not only from the audience but also the self, with each performance and creation," he says earnestly. Does any pianist inspire him more than the others? "I am interested in all periods of time. There are more than 30 concerts in my repertoire, which include those of Beethoven, Brahms and Bartok. In fact, I write the brochures for the concerts myself." Commenting on his trip to India, he smilingly says, "I look forward to my concerts in India. This time, it will be my first time in Kolkata and Bangalore, though I have performed many times in Mumbai at the NCPA. India – where life is on the go non-stop – is fascinating."

Fulei has been teaching at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music since 2012 and heads the Department of Chamber Music since 2015. He aims to address the youth more extensively as he feels that a single performance can be life-changing.

He concludes the interview by proudly announcing another feather in his cap: the Liszt Prize, one of the most prominent, esteemed awards in the world of music. At the same time, his humility is heartwarming. "My music will tell you more about me than I ever will"…the words resonate deep, as the notes of the piano echo in the mind.

Last year, we planned a trip to Lava, Lolegaon, Rishyap and the surrounding areas, which have gained much popularity in the last few years as tourist spots. Our first destination was Lava. It is situated at an elevation of 7,700 feet, and needless to say, it was too cold. The two noteworthy spots for site-seeing in this region are the Neora Valley National Park and a monastery, and if one happens to be fortunate enough, red pandas can be seen at the former. Its situated in a spot called Kolakham and is a little far off, about six kilometres away from proper Lava.

The Lava Jamgon Kongtrul Monastery also demands a visit for the breathtaking scenic beauty. Lava is a mesmerising spot, and if bereft of fog, offers a clear view of Mt Kanchenjunga, the primary attraction of tourists when in North Bengal. We stayed in Lava but were unable to venture out for any sight-seeing because of the continuous heavy drizzle that dragged on.

It was unfortunate that we couldn’t catch a glimpse of Mt Kanchenjunga; we even had to miss the red panda ride. After enjoying the pristine beauty, we headed for Lolegaon. Situated about eight kilometres away from Lava at a comparatively lower altitude of 5,500 feet, this place offers a much wider view of the entire Kanchenjunga range, start- ing from Mt Kumbhakarna (Jannu). The hanging bridge of is a famed spot for local site-seeing here, in spite of being the humble abode of countless leeches.

The peaks offer a beautiful view as the snow covered mountains exhibit a fiery red hue at that moment. We stayed in Rishyap for two days.

On the first day we took a stroll around the place and made a good idea of the shops, hotels located there. There is not much to see in Rishyap as it is a small hamlet, relatively peaceful and serene, nestled in the heart of mountains graced by forests on all sides.

Its also home to the most exotic flowers, ranging from fuchsia to roses to lilies. We were lucky to see some wild fuchsia and lilies. Next day, we were fortunate to get a glimpse of Mt Kanchenjunga.

Our next destination was Darjeeling. Having spent a wonderful time in Rishyap, we started for Darjeeling that offers the most splendid view of Kanchenjunga. After reach- ing there and filling ourselves with wholesome meal, we went for sightseeing. We did loads of shopping at the exotic roadside shops and even took a stroll inside Oxford Book and Stationery.

Our tour still didn't end. After Darjeeling, we started for Kalimpong, a nice little town, snuggled amidst the mighty mountains. The birds eye view of the river Tista flowing unhindered, from Delo, is surely amaze every tourist by its beauty.

It serves as a home to nurseries. One would find differ- ent types of nurseries, the most well-known being the Pine View Nursery, which has the greatest ever collection of the most varied kinds of cactus ~ undeniably a nature lovers immense delight which allows one to witness a variety of cacti, roses, lilies, lavender and many more.

With Kalimpong our most awaited trip came to an end. It was a great tour indeed, and will always be imprinted in my memory for years to come.

Last year, we planned a trip to Lava, Lolegaon, Rishyap and the surrounding areas, which have gained much popularity in the last few years as tourist spots. Our first destination was Lava. It is situated at an elevation of 7,700 feet, and needless to say, it was too cold. The two noteworthy spots for site-seeing in this region are the Neora Valley National Park and a monastery, and if one happens to be fortunate enough, red pandas can be seen at the former. Its situated in a spot called Kolakham and is a little far off, about six kilometres away from proper Lava.

The Lava Jamgon Kongtrul Monastery also demands a visit for the breathtaking scenic beauty. Lava is a mesmerising spot, and if bereft of fog, offers a clear view of Mt Kanchenjunga, the primary attraction of tourists when in North Bengal. We stayed in Lava but were unable to venture out for any sight-seeing because of the continuous heavy drizzle that dragged on.

It was unfortunate that we couldn’t catch a glimpse of Mt Kanchenjunga; we even had to miss the red panda ride. After enjoying the pristine beauty, we headed for Lolegaon. Situated about eight kilometres away from Lava at a comparatively lower altitude of 5,500 feet, this place offers a much wider view of the entire Kanchenjunga range, start- ing from Mt Kumbhakarna (Jannu). The hanging bridge of is a famed spot for local site-seeing here, in spite of being the humble abode of countless leeches.

The peaks offer a beautiful view as the snow covered mountains exhibit a fiery red hue at that moment. We stayed in Rishyap for two days.

On the first day we took a stroll around the place and made a good idea of the shops, hotels located there. There is not much to see in Rishyap as it is a small hamlet, relatively peaceful and serene, nestled in the heart of mountains graced by forests on all sides.

Its also home to the most exotic flowers, ranging from fuchsia to roses to lilies. We were lucky to see some wild fuchsia and lilies. Next day, we were fortunate to get a glimpse of Mt Kanchenjunga.

Our next destination was Darjeeling. Having spent a wonderful time in Rishyap, we started for Darjeeling that offers the most splendid view of Kanchenjunga. After reach- ing there and filling ourselves with wholesome meal, we went for sightseeing. We did loads of shopping at the exotic roadside shops and even took a stroll inside Oxford Book and Stationery.

Our tour still didn't end. After Darjeeling, we started for Kalimpong, a nice little town, snuggled amidst the mighty mountains. The birds eye view of the river Tista flowing unhindered, from Delo, is surely amaze every tourist by its beauty.

It serves as a home to nurseries. One would find differ- ent types of nurseries, the most well-known being the Pine View Nursery, which has the greatest ever collection of the most varied kinds of cactus ~ undeniably a nature lovers immense delight which allows one to witness a variety of cacti, roses, lilies, lavender and many more.

With Kalimpong our most awaited trip came to an end. It was a great tour indeed, and will always be imprinted in my memory for years to come.

In a bid to connect people in areas with lower connectivity and data availability, IBM and The Weather Company, owned by IBM Business, on Monday launched the country's first mobile alerting platform that will deliver weather alerts without internet.

The technology uses peer-to-peer connections on a "mesh network" to send critical weather alerts to people in remote areas.

The technology links other nearby phones to extend the signal to help keep citizens connected and informed, and in the most severe conditions, might even help save a life. 

"Mesh Network Alerts networking technology is appropriately designed to notify of potential severe weather events or disasters — even in areas with limited internet connection, or cellular networks are disrupted due to an outage," said Himanshu Goyal, India Sales and Alliances Leader, The Weather Company, in a statement. 

Peer-to-peer technology converts mobile devices into links within the mesh network, allowing devices to "talk" directly to each other without using cell tower infrastructure. 

Each smartphone becomes a node that stores the message and securely passes it to the next nearest device, creating a daisy chain to reach more devices and remove the need for a cellular network. 

According to a 2016 report by the International Telecommunications Union, nearly 75 percent of India's population don't use or have access to the internet. 

Mesh network is designed for low-bandwidth environments but uses mesh technology to offers the same high-quality user experience and needed weather information, maps and alerts from The Weather Channel.

"Mesh Network Alerts can help send notification of an upcoming disaster that could help people and their families stay safe. It's a matter of great pride for us as this technology is first introduced in India," Goyal added.

In a bid to connect people in areas with lower connectivity and data availability, IBM and The Weather Company, owned by IBM Business, on Monday launched the country's first mobile alerting platform that will deliver weather alerts without internet.

The technology uses peer-to-peer connections on a "mesh network" to send critical weather alerts to people in remote areas.

The technology links other nearby phones to extend the signal to help keep citizens connected and informed, and in the most severe conditions, might even help save a life. 

"Mesh Network Alerts networking technology is appropriately designed to notify of potential severe weather events or disasters — even in areas with limited internet connection, or cellular networks are disrupted due to an outage," said Himanshu Goyal, India Sales and Alliances Leader, The Weather Company, in a statement. 

Peer-to-peer technology converts mobile devices into links within the mesh network, allowing devices to "talk" directly to each other without using cell tower infrastructure. 

Each smartphone becomes a node that stores the message and securely passes it to the next nearest device, creating a daisy chain to reach more devices and remove the need for a cellular network. 

According to a 2016 report by the International Telecommunications Union, nearly 75 percent of India's population don't use or have access to the internet. 

Mesh network is designed for low-bandwidth environments but uses mesh technology to offers the same high-quality user experience and needed weather information, maps and alerts from The Weather Channel.

"Mesh Network Alerts can help send notification of an upcoming disaster that could help people and their families stay safe. It's a matter of great pride for us as this technology is first introduced in India," Goyal added.

In a shocking revelation to the missing clerics incident, Nazim Nizami — one of the missing clerics who reached India safely on Monday — said that there is a newspaper in Pakistan which had printed false statements about the two clerics being RAW spies.

"There is a newspaper in Pakistan which has printed false statements of the two clerics being RAW spies," Nazim Nizami said soon after his arrival in India from Pakistan.

The two Sufi clerics, identified as Syed Asif Nizami and Nazim Nizami, have returned from Pakistan on Monday and will meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with their family members.

Swaraj had on Sunday said in a series of tweets that she spoke to one of the two clerics, who were later found after going missing in Pakistan.

"I just spoke to Syed Nazim Ali Nizami in Karachi. He told me that they are safe and will be back in Delhi on Monday," she had said in a tweet.

Syed Asif Nizami, the head priest (Sajjadanashin) of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah and his nephew Nazim Nizami had gone to Pakistan on March 8 as part of annual exchanges between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Garib Nawaz, who is venerated at the Data Darbar Sufi shrine in Lahore.

In a shocking revelation to the missing clerics incident, Nazim Nizami — one of the missing clerics who reached India safely on Monday — said that there is a newspaper in Pakistan which had printed false statements about the two clerics being RAW spies.

"There is a newspaper in Pakistan which has printed false statements of the two clerics being RAW spies," Nazim Nizami said soon after his arrival in India from Pakistan.

The two Sufi clerics, identified as Syed Asif Nizami and Nazim Nizami, have returned from Pakistan on Monday and will meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with their family members.

Swaraj had on Sunday said in a series of tweets that she spoke to one of the two clerics, who were later found after going missing in Pakistan.

"I just spoke to Syed Nazim Ali Nizami in Karachi. He told me that they are safe and will be back in Delhi on Monday," she had said in a tweet.

Syed Asif Nizami, the head priest (Sajjadanashin) of Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah and his nephew Nazim Nizami had gone to Pakistan on March 8 as part of annual exchanges between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Garib Nawaz, who is venerated at the Data Darbar Sufi shrine in Lahore.

Actress Khushbu Sundar might land a pivotal role in superstar Rajinikanth's yet-untitled next outing, to be directed by Kabali fame Pa. Ranjith, a source said.

Khushbhu and Rajinikanth, in their heyday, have starred in Tamil films such as Mannan, Pandian and Annamalai.

"It's true that Khushbhu is being considered for one of the leading roles. The makers have even initiated talks. However, she hasn't officially signed the project yet. One of the reasons being a Telugu project with Pawan Kalyan and she fears the dates for the both the projects will clash," the source told.

To be produced by Dhanush, the project is expected to roll from May.

Tipped to be a story set against Mumbai backdrop, the makers are in talks with Vidya Balan for the leading lady's role.

Actress Khushbu Sundar might land a pivotal role in superstar Rajinikanth's yet-untitled next outing, to be directed by Kabali fame Pa. Ranjith, a source said.

Khushbhu and Rajinikanth, in their heyday, have starred in Tamil films such as Mannan, Pandian and Annamalai.

"It's true that Khushbhu is being considered for one of the leading roles. The makers have even initiated talks. However, she hasn't officially signed the project yet. One of the reasons being a Telugu project with Pawan Kalyan and she fears the dates for the both the projects will clash," the source told.

To be produced by Dhanush, the project is expected to roll from May.

Tipped to be a story set against Mumbai backdrop, the makers are in talks with Vidya Balan for the leading lady's role.

Idea Cellular shares dipped by 8 per cent on Monday post the company’s announcement of merger approval with Vodafone India.

“Board of directors of Idea Cellular Limited have approved the scheme of amalgamation of Vodafone India Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary Vodafone Mobile Service Limited with the company (Idea),” Idea Cellular said in a Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) filing on Monday.

“Vodafone will own 45.1 per cent of the combined company”, the statement said, adding, "Kumar Mangalam Birla and other promoters of Idea will hold 26 per cent (ownership) of the company".

However, Idea Cellular shares were trading 7.6 per cent down at Rs.99.90 at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) amid investors concerns over the pricing of the new entity.

Profit booking also forced the company’s shares to trade lower as the stock had jumped nearly 50 per cent in the previous three months (from January 18 to March 19, 2017).

Idea Cellular shares dipped by 8 per cent on Monday post the company’s announcement of merger approval with Vodafone India.

“Board of directors of Idea Cellular Limited have approved the scheme of amalgamation of Vodafone India Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary Vodafone Mobile Service Limited with the company (Idea),” Idea Cellular said in a Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) filing on Monday.

“Vodafone will own 45.1 per cent of the combined company”, the statement said, adding, "Kumar Mangalam Birla and other promoters of Idea will hold 26 per cent (ownership) of the company".

However, Idea Cellular shares were trading 7.6 per cent down at Rs.99.90 at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) amid investors concerns over the pricing of the new entity.

Profit booking also forced the company’s shares to trade lower as the stock had jumped nearly 50 per cent in the previous three months (from January 18 to March 19, 2017).

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya-Birla Group Idea Cellular, will be the chairman of the new entity – Idea Cellular-Vodafone India, one of the biggest telecom merger announced on Monday.

“I am pleased and honoured to be the chairman of the new company,” said Birla on Monday.

“It gives me immense pleasure that we reached to an agreement to merge our companies Idea Cellular and Vodafone. We are number two and number three companies at present in the telecom sector with a customer base of 400 million,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vodafone will appoint a CFO.

Vodafone will own 45.1 per cent of the combined company, Idea said in a statement.

"The Aditya Birla Group will then own 26 per cent and has the right to acquire more shares from Vodafone under an agreed mechanism with a view to equalising the shareholdings over time," it added.

"For Idea shareholders and lenders who have supported us thus far, this transaction is highly accretive, and Idea and Vodafone will together create a very valuable company given our complementary strength," Birla said.

"The combination of Vodafone India and Idea will create a new champion of Digital India founded with a long-term commitment and vision to bring world-class 4G networks to villages, towns and cities across India," said Vittorio Colao, Chief Executive, Vodafone Group Plc.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya-Birla Group Idea Cellular, will be the chairman of the new entity – Idea Cellular-Vodafone India, one of the biggest telecom merger announced on Monday.

“I am pleased and honoured to be the chairman of the new company,” said Birla on Monday.

“It gives me immense pleasure that we reached to an agreement to merge our companies Idea Cellular and Vodafone. We are number two and number three companies at present in the telecom sector with a customer base of 400 million,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vodafone will appoint a CFO.

Vodafone will own 45.1 per cent of the combined company, Idea said in a statement.

"The Aditya Birla Group will then own 26 per cent and has the right to acquire more shares from Vodafone under an agreed mechanism with a view to equalising the shareholdings over time," it added.

"For Idea shareholders and lenders who have supported us thus far, this transaction is highly accretive, and Idea and Vodafone will together create a very valuable company given our complementary strength," Birla said.

"The combination of Vodafone India and Idea will create a new champion of Digital India founded with a long-term commitment and vision to bring world-class 4G networks to villages, towns and cities across India," said Vittorio Colao, Chief Executive, Vodafone Group Plc.

British singer James Blunt says his friend and singer Ed Sheeran made him "uncomfortable" while they were writing songs together.

He says it was because Sheeran pushed him to write more confessional lyrics.

Blunt spoke about it when he was discussing Make me better, a song Sheeran co-wrote for Blunt's album The Afterlove, during an interview.

He said: "It's a song I'm uncomfortable with for that reason. Ed said 'Come on, it's your job, you veil a lot of things', for that reason it was great to work with him."

Blunt added: "He is so open and he dragged me into that space."

The singer also said he and Sheeran often joke that if they started a band, it would be called "Limp Willy and the Disappointments". 

British singer James Blunt says his friend and singer Ed Sheeran made him "uncomfortable" while they were writing songs together.

He says it was because Sheeran pushed him to write more confessional lyrics.

Blunt spoke about it when he was discussing Make me better, a song Sheeran co-wrote for Blunt's album The Afterlove, during an interview.

He said: "It's a song I'm uncomfortable with for that reason. Ed said 'Come on, it's your job, you veil a lot of things', for that reason it was great to work with him."

Blunt added: "He is so open and he dragged me into that space."

The singer also said he and Sheeran often joke that if they started a band, it would be called "Limp Willy and the Disappointments".