You can now operate your computer from a distance of up to 4 metres, and that too, with just a finger, thanks to the innovative thinking of three smart students at MIT, Pune.

Stand in front of your laptop, flick your wrist to your left and your search screen suddenly returns to the previous page. Or, make the gesture of a crossing-out sign to close an application. Seems like a scene right out of the Harry Potter series, right? Nah, trust me,it's real. Three students, Swapnil Vispute, Aniket Nagle and Madhavi Paropkari have made this magic possible, under the supervision of Professor S.S. Paygude at the Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) in Pune. Christened Touchless Interface Environment or TIE, the interface they have developed can comprehend a single-hand gesture in real-time.