China’s search engine giant Baidu is continuing its partnership spree for Apollo, its open development platform for autonomous driving, after it inked a deal with Swedish automaker Volvo to develop level four self-driving passenger cars. “Autonomous driving has been our dream, but it’s coming true,” said Li Zhenyu, vice president and general manager of Baidu’s intelligent driving group, at the company’s annual conference today. Level four means the vehicles can drive on pre-mapped roads with little or no human intervention. The agreement came a day after Baidu and Ford forged an agreement to test self-driving vehicles on Chinese roads for two years. The American car giant’s self-driving system has already been fitted into Apollo, according to the duo’s joint statement. The Baidu-Red Flag autonomous passenger car Baidu and Volvo, which is owned by China’s Geely, said they plan to mass produce the vehicles for the Chinese market, … [Read more...] about Baidu hits the gas on autonomous vehicles with Volvo and Ford deals
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NASA plans ‘on schedule’ Soyuz launch despite failure of Russian rocket
The high-profile failure of a normally reliable Soyuz rocket during a crewed mission to the International Space Station earlier this week spooked the space community in more ways than one, but NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said he expects to launch a new crew in December via Soyuz anyway. Speaking to reporters at the US embassy in Moscow (as reported by the AFP), Bridenstine observed that “not every mission that fails ends up so successful.” and indeed the malfunctioning rocket very fortunately did not cause any loss of life, as the escape system built into the launch hardware functioned as designed. Astronauts land safely after Soyuz launch fails at 20 miles up Astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksey Ovchinin landed safely some 250 miles away from the launch site after the capsule detached about 90 seconds into launch and deployed its parachute. Although it’s too early for investigators to tell what went wrong, Bridenstine is apparently confident enough in … [Read more...] about NASA plans ‘on schedule’ Soyuz launch despite failure of Russian rocket
PMDC ACCUSES BEREWA OF TRAVELLING WITH ARMED THUGS
By Joseph Kamanda While investigations into alleged assassination attempt on the leader and presidential candidate of the People Movement for Democratic Change( PMDC) leader, Charles Francis Margai along the Waterloo/ Masiaka Highway continues, the party has accused the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party( SLPP) front runner in the approaching August polls, vice President Solomon Berewa , of carrying thugs in one of his convoy vehicles to Freetown. BEREWA The thugs, the PMDC alleged, were arrested in Bo city onboard a car with arms and taken to the police station on the pretext being held in detention but were released and later seen in one of Vice President Solomon Berewa’s convoy of jeeps heading for the city. A statement issued from the party’s secretariat states: “The concern for insecurity has serious implication for the August 11th elections. We therefore urge all concerned to ensure that … [Read more...] about PMDC ACCUSES BEREWA OF TRAVELLING WITH ARMED THUGS
Madras High Court orders H Raja to appear in person
suo motu, ordered him to appear before the court and tender an explanation over the incident within four weeks. A two-bench judge comprising Justice C T Selvam and Justice Nirmal Kumar ordered issuance of notice to Raja today. The Pudukottai police Sunday booked cases against Raja and seven others under several sections of the Indian Penal Code. Those booked include functionaries of the BJP and Hindu Munnani. Raja had reportedly used offensive words at Meyyapuram village, near Tirumayam, in Pudukottai district, Saturday where he had gone to take part in a Vinayaka idols procession. He was booked under IPC sections for unlawful assembly, disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant, causing public nuisance, uttering obscene words in public place and assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty. Vice-president of the Madras High Court Advocates Association, R Sudha, filed a complaint with the DGP, the Pudukottai SP and Tirumayam inspector … [Read more...] about Madras High Court orders H Raja to appear in person
Earthquake, landslides leave dozens missing in Japan
Multiple, large-scale landslides struck the sparsely populated countryside, which was also hit by the edge of a powerful typhoon that surged through Japan earlier this week. THREE MILLION LOST HOMES Aerial views showed dozens of houses destroyed at the bottom of a hill that was engulfed by a landslide, with a rescue helicopter winching a resident to safety. Around three million homes lost power after the quake damaged a major thermal plant supplying the region. The Tomari nuclear power plant in Hokkaido, which was not operational before the quake, was forced to turn to emergency back-up power to keep its cooling system working, NHK said. 'A SUDDEN JOLT SHOOK US' Kazuo Kibayashi, 51, a town official at hard-hit Abira town, told AFP: “There was a sudden, extreme jolt. I felt it went sideways, not up-and-down, for about two to three minutes.” “It stopped before shaking started again. I felt it come in two waves. I am 51, and I have never experienced anything like this. I … [Read more...] about Earthquake, landslides leave dozens missing in Japan
Sasikumar murder: NIA raids house of accused
Munnani functionary here, police said. As part of the investigation, a six-member team from Kochi in Kerala, headed by Superintendent Rahul, conducted raids in the house of Shahjahan in Saibaba colony and his saw mill in Thuriyalur, they said. Shahjahan's son Munna, living abroad, is said to be wanted in the case and NIA had asked him to appear for interrogation. However, he had not responded so far following which the raids were conducted to ascertain whether he had any role in the murder, they added. The National Investigating Agency (NIA), which took over the probe from CB-CID police in February last, have already arrested four people in connection with the murder of C Sasikumar. Sasikumar was hacked to death by a gang on two wheelers when he was returning home in Subramaniampalayam, on the outskirts of the city, on 22 September 2016. … [Read more...] about Sasikumar murder: NIA raids house of accused
BSNL case: Charges filed against Kalanithi, Dayanidhi Maran
When the case came up for hearing today, CBI Judge Vasanthi registered the charges and posted the case to 14 September. When she questioned the seven, including former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran and his elder brother and media baron Kalanithi Maran, they refused the allegations against them. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea filed by Kalanithi Maran challenging a Madras High Court verdict setting aside a trial court order discharging him in the case relating to the alleged setting up of illegal telephone exchanges. The case relates to the period when Dayanidhi Maran was the Minister for Communications and Information Technology during the tenure of UPA-1 government. A bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi, Navin Sinha and K M Joseph rejected Maran’s plea, following which he, along with his brother Dayanidhi Maran and others, would have to face trial in the case. On 30 July, the apex court had rejected a plea filed by Dayanidhi challenging the high court's 25 … [Read more...] about BSNL case: Charges filed against Kalanithi, Dayanidhi Maran
Vajpayee passes away, India loses a charismatic leader
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (93), one of India's most charismatic leaders, died here today, following prolonged illness, AIIMS hospital announced. "It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of former Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at 5.05 pm," the hospital said in a statement. The BJP veteran was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here on 11 June with kidney tract infection, urinary tract infection, low urine output and chest congestion. THE LEADER Statesman and pragmatist, orator and poet, a man of peace and conviction. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a towering nationalist who softened the often sharp edge of his party's politics with a gentle sophistry of words, earning him the sobriquet 'Ajaat Shatru' or the man with no enemies. The first prime minister from a non-Congress party to complete a full term in office, Vajpayee began shakily -- his first stint as prime minister in 1996 lasted only 13 days when his unlikely coalition … [Read more...] about Vajpayee passes away, India loses a charismatic leader
Depression likely to form in 48 hours, heavy rain forecast for TN
It also said as the southwest monsoon winds are aggressive over interior Karnataka and Kerala, they are likely to bring heavy rainfall to the Ghat regions including Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul and Tirunelveli districts. Chennai is continuing to get rainfall at a time when Northwest monsoon, our prime rainfall season, is still more than a month ahead. Yesterday alone up to 9 cm of intermittent but intense showers have lashed the city rendering many streets water-logged. Even during Independence Day celebrations today when vehicles were hardly plying on the roads, the rain-wrecked stretches created traffic hiccups and snarls. In low-lying localities like Pallikaranai, Velacheri and Vysarpadi there have been reports of mild flooding post yesterday's rainfall. Regarding Chennai's forecast, the official, said,”In the next 24 hours, sky condition is likely to be generally cloudy. Few spells of light to moderate rain are likely to occur. City temperatures have come down up to … [Read more...] about Depression likely to form in 48 hours, heavy rain forecast for TN
Young girl in Chennai is talented clay artist
This young talent has a passion towards painting, clay modelling and handicraft. This self-taught artist is famous for gifting her neighbours with handmade baskets. Speaking to ‘News Today’, Saranya says, “I started learning craft through YouTube.” Her mother Nalini says, “Saranya is a bright child. Although she is interested in crafts and painting, she has not neglected her studies. She is a responsible girl. After school she would come home and help me. Then she would complete her homework and watch YouTube to learn more craft.” Saranya has a strong passion towards painting. Some of her works include portraits of APJ Abdul Kalam, B R Ambedkar, former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and many more. “I have heard several stories about great leaders through my father and this prompted me to take painting as well.” She also does clay models and miniatures. “My interest in clay models started last year. I just use leaves and kalimann to … [Read more...] about Young girl in Chennai is talented clay artist
Karunanidhi health: Is DMK chief suffering from jaundice?
Sources however said his condition is stable and a team of doctors including experts from abroad are constantly monitoring his health. “He is showing signs of recovery,” they said. This morning, his family members including son and DMK working president M K Stalin, daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi and others visited the hospital. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, Nitin Gadkari is set to visit Kauvery Hospital later tonight to enquire the health condition of Karunanidhi. During his hospital visit, the President briefly interacted with Stalin and Kanimozhi. The visit lasted for about 15 minutes. After coming out of the hospital, the President, in a rare gesture, got down from his vehicle to wave at the crowd that had gathered in front of the hospital. Governor Purohit and Minister D. Jayakumar were also present. … [Read more...] about Karunanidhi health: Is DMK chief suffering from jaundice?
Q1 profit dips due to internal issues at Srikalahasthi Pipes
Whole-time Director, G S Rathi, while briefing about the financials said the profit before tax (PBT) for the quarter was Rs 21.17 crore, compared to Rs 50.32 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of previous year. Rathi informed that the main reason for the lower profitability during the quarter is due to technical issue in MBF since mid May, which has since been addressed after taking shut down of about 12 days in the month of June resulting in lower production and higher cost. The profit was further affected by the increase in themain raw materials i.e. coal, iron ore and Ferro silicon prices. The Company is hopeful of recovering the loss of production in the coming quarters., a release from the firm said. Rathi informed that the Board has decided to replace the existing Mini Blast Furnace by installing a new mini blast furnace (MBF) of 350 M3 / 400 M3 to have liquid metal capacity of over 1,000 tonnes per day in the existing location. The same will be synchronized with … [Read more...] about Q1 profit dips due to internal issues at Srikalahasthi Pipes
Motor insurance order upsets public, insurers
But a huge number of motorists and insurers have voiced their dissent. While insurers cite the lack of time for calculating premium and implementation of the rule, motorists allege that the scheme will significantly increase vehicle running costs and will reduce their returns on investments (ROI). It all started when Apex Court in an order delivered on 20 July said that all two wheelers sold in the country should have a mandatory five-year third-party motor insurance cover and cars with a two-year policy. Not only that, the court gave just around a month deadline for implementing this rule. It said that the scheme is to ensure that vehicles don’t remain uninsured as according to Motor Vehicles Act, all vehicles running on Indian roads are mandatorily required to buy third-party motor insurance. Residents complained that insurance companies stick on to their rules more than doing business in an ethical manner. Raj Kumar, a resident of Camp Road junction, Tambaram, said, … [Read more...] about Motor insurance order upsets public, insurers
Chennai suburban temple starts Kumbabhishekam work
According to sources, several works, including changing of the idols in the top part, laying of kadappah stones for pathway, installing new grill gates, changing the ceiling in the sanctum sanctorum and fixing of tiles will be taken up. The shrine is one of the number of sites that have been conserved and restored under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI states that the temple has been declared a monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (amendment and validation) Act 2010. … [Read more...] about Chennai suburban temple starts Kumbabhishekam work
Google takes on Yubico and builds its own hardware security keys
Google today announced it is launching its own hardware security keys for two-factor authentication. These so-called Titan Security Keys will go up against similar keys from companies like Yubico, which Google has long championed as the de facto standard for hardware-based two-factor authentication for Gmail and other services. The FIDO-compatible Titan keys will come in two versions. One with Bluetooth support for mobile devices and one that plugs directly into your computer’s USB port. In terms of looks and functionality, those keys look quite a lot like the existing keys from Yubico, though our understanding is that these are Google’s own designs. Unsurprisingly, the folks over at Yubico got wind of today’s announcement ahead of time and have already posted a reaction to today’s news (and the company is exhibiting at Google Cloud Next, too, which may be a bit awkward after today’s announcement). “Yubico strongly believes there are security and … [Read more...] about Google takes on Yubico and builds its own hardware security keys
How Gandhi kept diabetes at bay
Participating at the inauguration of fifth edition of Dr Mohan's International Diabetes Update 2018 here on Friday, he spoke about the impact of meal that we consume. "The last meal of Mahatma Gandhi was something that even Dr Mohan and other doctors would approve. His meal platter comprised a bowl of cooked vegetables, 12 ounces of goat's milk, four oranges, one glass of raw carrot juice and a glass of decoction of ginger, lime and aloe. It is because of his instincts that he was able to keep diabetes at bay," he said. Gopalkrishna emphasised the importance of scientific investigation in the field of healthcare and the virtue of humility, which is equally important in serving patients. At the conference, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India and senior diabetologist O P Gupta was honoured with lifetime contribution award for his service to the humanity. Addressing the gathering, Dr Mohan's Group of Diabetes Institutions chairman Dr V Mohan announced the price slash for … [Read more...] about How Gandhi kept diabetes at bay
Parking problem from the eyes of a Chennaiite
Although there are lots to talk about, I would like to point out the foibles in the parking facilities in the city. Allow me to explain. Owning a car is a dream for many and let's say you want to take your family for dinner. You arrive at the restaurant only to find out that your car will have to be parked on the road, among many others, encroaching road space. The worst part is that the security guards of the restaurant will behave as if the space is theirs. No pedestrian can walk peacefully nearby hotels. All vehicles on the stretch have to wait for the parked vehicles to come and go, making the guards, in their mind, the best concierge anybody can find. This, I think cannot be changed even if the sun rises in the west, the police and the Corporation seem to agree, because they reverted the rule that said all restaurants must have a parking facility and not park its customer vehicles on the road, almost immediately after it was implemented. There is another side to it as somehow … [Read more...] about Parking problem from the eyes of a Chennaiite
JioPhone 2 launched at Rs 2,999 with WhatsApp, FB, YouTube
Addressing RIL shareholders, CMD Mukesh Ambani said JioPhone Monsoon Hungama will start from 21 July, where the existing customers can replace their old Jio phones with the new one for Rs 501. "We have thus reduced the effective entry cost of the JioPhone from Rs 1500 to as low as Rs 501," said Ambani. The phone will feature horizontal screen display and full keypad and will be powered by KaiOS. The company recently received an investment of over $22 million by Google. Before that, RIL had acquired a stake of 16 per cent in the company for over $7 million in March this year. Isha, along with brother Akash Ambani and technology head Kiran Thomas, while announcing the launch, said JioPhone was generating over 20 crore voice commands every month. They also announced that voice commands would be available for Facebook, Youtube and Whatsapp on the new JioPhone 2. While addressing the AGM, Mukesh Ambani said, 'We have more than 25 million JioPhone users in India. We are now taking the … [Read more...] about JioPhone 2 launched at Rs 2,999 with WhatsApp, FB, YouTube
Stamp released to honour musician M L Vasanthakumari
Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Manoj Sinha, Carnatic musician Sudha Ragunathan among others during the release of commemorative stamp on M L Vasanthakumari at a function held in Chennai on Tuesday. Chennai: It was a memorable evening yesterday as residents of this big city got an opportunity to relish once again the melodies of legendary musician M L Vasanthakumari and shower felicitations on her on her 90th birth anniversary. Taking a lead in showering felicitations on the classical music legend at the event got together by Samudhaaya Foundation, Union Minister for Defence Nirmala Sitharaman said, "It is in Tamilnadu, Chennai, that we get to listen to melodious and sublime Carnatic music even today." Music has a special space for itself in Tamilnadu. Come here in the month of December, the music season, and one would never miss the opportunity of enjoying the melodious outpouring of Carnatic music. What has helped it sustain is the ardent guru-sishya parampara, and … [Read more...] about Stamp released to honour musician M L Vasanthakumari
WATCH: Giraffes Mating in the Okavango
Article By: Staff Reporter & LatestSightings.comThu, 01 Jun 2017 2:14 PM Love is in the air in the Okavango Delta, as this incredible video of a couple of mating giraffes shows. Captured by tourist and MD Gunnar Heilmann and shared with LatestSightings.com, the intimate moment gives us a seldom-granted glimpse into the reproductive antics of the languid, elegant African mammals. “We were lucky to get to watch them for around 20 minutes,” says Heilmann. “I have seen lions mating on numerous occasions but the giraffe was really special because it is such a rarity. I still get goosebumps.” The world’s largest ruminants have extremely long gestation periods of around 15 months, during which the females refuse to mate at all. “Between pregnancies, the females are ready to mate with a suitable male, but only for a brief period every two weeks,” adds the website. Giraffes are noted for their spectacular birthing, which sees the newborn fall … [Read more...] about WATCH: Giraffes Mating in the Okavango