Speed Brains

Apple to launch cheapest ever 9.7-inch iPad in 2018

Technology giant Apple is planning to launch cheapest ever 9.7-inch iPad, priced at $259 (nearly ₹17,000) in the second quarter of 2018, reports suggested. Apple had launched a 9.7-inch iPad earlier this year at a starting price of $329 (about ₹21,200). The report also claimed that Apple is looking to expand the upcoming iPad into the industrial and service sectors.

India witnesses 2017’s only supermoon, appearing 14% bigger

This year’s only supermoon, appearing 30% brighter and 14% bigger than a normal full moon, was witnessed around the world on Sunday. A supermoon is a new or full moon which coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its elliptic orbit. According to NASA, two more supermoons are expected to occur on January 1 and January 31 next year.

Syrian teen wins Children’s Peace Prize for building school

A 16-year-old Syrian refugee, Mohamad Al Jounde, on Monday won the International Children’s Peace Prize for building a school and providing education to hundreds of children who fled to Lebanon to escape the Syrian civil war. Al Jounde received the prize from Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai who had won the prize in 2013 for her activist work in education.

Scientists identify protein linked with memory formation

In a first, Germany-based researchers have revealed the impact of an RNA-binding protein that is involved in learning processes and memory formation. Using mice models, researchers found reduced levels of Staufen2 were associated with impairment of long-term memory. The team also studied the proteins’ effect on nerve-cell morphology and function of neural links called synapses.

Scientists make world’s smallest tape recorder from bacteria

In a first, Columbia University researchers have converted a bacterial immune system into the world’s smallest data recorder. Using CRISPR gene-editing method, the team modified the human gut microbe E. coli, enabling the bacteria to record their interactions with the environment and also time-stamp the events. It could be used for disease diagnosis and environmental monitoring, said researchers.

Govt to allow e-payments for charging electric vehicles

The government has decided to allow digital payments for charging electric vehicles through various platforms including the BHIM app and Bharat QR code. The move follows recommendations from the Committee for Standardisation of the Protocol for Charging Infrastructure set up by the government. The committee also recommended that metering be done as per units consumed for charging each vehicle.

South Africa’s Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters wins Miss Universe 2017

South Africa’s Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters has been crowned Miss Universe 2017, becoming the second woman from South Africa to win the title. Laura González from Colombia was named the first runner-up while Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett stood third at the pageant which was held in Las Vegas, USA. India was represented by 21-year-old Shraddha Shashidhar, who didn’t qualify for top 16.

Lightning found to trigger nuclear reactions in atmosphere

For the first time, Japan-based scientists have made ground-based observations of a lightning event linked with atmospheric nuclear reactions. The crowdfunded experiment observed gamma rays, radiation from nuclear isotope decay, and positrons, antimatter counterpart of electrons. Researchers noted that further examples would be needed to confirm if thunderstorms can kickstart nuclear reactions.

Carl Benz built the world’s first automobile in 1885

Born on November 25, 1844, German engineer Carl Benz developed the world’s first petrol-powered automobile in 1885. Benz’s motor car could reach a top speed of 16 km/hour, while averaging around 10 km/litre. Patented in 1886, the two-seater wagon had a single-cylinder four-stroke engine installed at the rear which had to be started manually by rotating a circular steel frame.

Which are the strongest missiles in Indian military arsenal?

India and Russia’s joint production, the BrahMos missile, which was recently tested from an IAF Sukhoi jet, is the most advanced cruise missile in the world. Besides the BrahMos, India’s arsenal features the Prithvi series, which are the country’s first indigenously developed missiles. The Agni series, featuring six intercontinental range ballistic missiles, have a maximum range of 10,000 kms.

BrahMos missile successfully test-fired from IAF fighter jet

The world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos was successfully flight-tested for the first time from the Indian Air Force’s fighter aircraft Sukhoi-30MKI against a sea-based target on Wednesday. With this test, BrahMos is now capable of being launched from land, sea, and air. The missile, weighing 2.5 ton, is also the heaviest weapon to be deployed on India’s Su-30.

Common jellyfish found to be two species after 175 years

US-based researchers using DNA sequencing have discovered that the common jellyfish, assumed to be a single species since its first description 175 years ago, are in fact two distinct species. Researches further found the ocean-based sea nettle jellyfish has 40 tentacles compared to 24 of its bayside counterpart. The ocean sea nettle also has a larger bell having shorter tentacles.