Little Girl Lives with Crocodiles!!!

What is your opinion about crocodiles? Are they bloody? Are they brutal? First read this. Your thoughts may change!

Margarita Tarantina is a little girl. The amazing thing is that she is living with crocodiles all the time. Sound strange? stunning?! But believe this is true.

The parents of little girl Margarita Tarantina are hereditary animal trainers. They put their daughter into a cage with crocodiles. The girl’s parents received two crocodiles - Misha and Masha - shortly before Rita was born. So they were raised together and made friends. Now they cannot stand being without one another. During four years of living together, the crocodiles never bit and did not even scar the little girl!

“Alligators are brutal predators, but they have reason. The reptiles understand that Margarita is just a child and they must not hurt her,” the head of the unusual family, Sergey Tarantin says.
“They like her, and she takes advantage of it. Rita likes Misha in particular. She can play with his paw or lie on his back, while she-crocodile Masha is more capricious,” the father said.

Transportation for future cities!!!

By 2030, what would be the urban population? Do you have any statistics! More than 60 percent of the world’s 8 billion peoplewill be living in urban areas after 20 years! Wow! Even today the citties are overcrowded with people and vehicles. Then what would be the case of the future?! This increase will put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services.


General Motors and its strategic partner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC), share a common vision for addressing the need for personal mobility. They are exploring several solutions for tomorrow’s drivers. Among the most promising is a new vehicle form called EN-V.

The new electric concept car was unveiled at the Shanghai Pudong Expo in China on March 24, 2010. This is designed as a non-polluting car suitable for the crowded mega-cities of the future. EN-V, short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, is a two-seater designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow’s cities. Three EN-V models were unveiled named, Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh).

EN-V’s platform has evolved from the platform of the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (P.U.M.A.) prototype that was developed by Segway and debuted in April 2009. EN-V is propelled by electric motors in each of its two driving-mode wheels. Dynamic stabilization technology empowers EN-V, giving it the unique ability to carry two passengers and light cargo in a footprint that’s about a third of a traditional vehicle. It can literally “turn on a dime” within its own operating envelope. In addition, everything in EN-V is drive-by-wire, supporting its ability to operate autonomously or under manual control. The motors not only provide power for acceleration, but also bring the vehicle to a stop.

Power for the motors is provided by lithium-ion batteries that produce zero emissions. Recharging can occur from a conventional wall outlet using standard household power, allowing EN-V to travel at least 40 kilometers on a single charge. By combining the Global Positioning System (GPS) with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and distance-sensing technologies, the EN-V concept can be driven both manually and autonomously.

Its autonomous operating capability offers the promise of reducing traffic congestion by allowing EN-V to automatically select the fastest route based on real-time traffic information. The concept also leverages wireless communications to enable a “social network” that can be used by drivers and occupants to communicate with friends or business associates while on the go.

The ability to communicate with other vehicles and with the infrastructure could dramatically reduce the number of vehicle accidents. Using vehicle-based sensor and camera systems, EN-V can “sense” what’s around it, allowing the vehicle to react quickly to obstacles or changes in driving conditions. For example, if a pedestrian steps out in front of the vehicle, EN-V will decelerate to a slower and safer speed and stop sooner than today’s vehicles.

Kerala Student for Large Hadron Collider experiment !

You all might have heard about the Large Hadron Collider experiment which is taking place near Geneva. Anyoneof you thought about particiapting in it? Impossible? Nothing is impossible guys. Hear the story of college student from Kerala who is going to be part of this gigantic experiment.


C.V. Midhun, a second semester B.Sc. Physics student of the Majlis Arts and Science College at Puramannur in Valanchery, is taking part in the LHC experiment. He has got the opportunity to participate online from his home at Naduvattom.


Midhun was given online access to the experiment by the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, following the “relativity theories” put forth by him. He had claimed that there would be no black hole when protons collide. He made his point by measuring the energy generated by the cosmic rays coming out of particle collision and comparing it with that of the cosmic rays from the sun. “The energy of the sun’s cosmic rays has been found much more than that of the cosmic rays from particle collision,” he says. “As there is no black hole in the sun, it is unlikely that there will be a black hole when subatomic particle beams collide at very high energy inside the circular accelerator.”

Midhun, son of Vallabhan Namboothiri, a temple priest, and Sreedevi, a teacher, first sent his theory to the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) in Bangalore. The IISc scientists, realising the significance of his theories, directed him to the CERN. Impressed by his theories, the CERN authorities inducted him into the LHC experiment. They made him part of the ATLAS collaboration, one of the six particle detector experiments of the LHC.

Car War!!!

Real war is taking place in the car industry., especially among small cars. Lots of new models have entered the arena. Anyways the customer has many things to opt. Now he is the king.

Here is quick look of some of the much awited small car models by big players of the field.

Toyota Etios


 

The Toyota is coming to compete with popular models like Maruti’s swift along with other premium hatchback cars in India like Fiat’s Punto, Hyundai’s i20 and Skoda Fabia. 

Toyota India unvieled its all new small car Etios and Etios Sedan. In addition to India, the Toyota Etios (the name means 'the origin of') hatchback will also be sold in Russia, South America and perhaps other emerging markets. With Honda also set to unveil its new small hatchback for the Indian market during the Expo, the two Japanese biggies will be facing off in a big way and for the first time, the two will be up against each other in the small car market.

The Etios sedan will be the first to get launched in India, it is expected to be launched by November or December 2010, while the hatchback will be ready for Indian roads by early 2011 and is expected to be launched by March or April 2011.

Toyota India has not made any official announcement regarding the prices of Toyota Etios but here are speculative prices of Toyota Etios.

- Toyota Etios 1.2 ---------- Rs. 5,50,000.00
- Toyota Etios Sedan 1.2 - Rs. 6,00,000.00
- Toyota Etios 1.5 ---------- Rs. 7,00,000.00
- Toyota Etios Sedan 1.5 - Rs. 7,50,000.00

The main features of the car include power steering, Power windows, Remote central locking, Dash integrated music system, Steeing mounted audio controls, Automatic climate control system, Rear defogger, Rear wiper/washer, Steering adjustment and various other features offering maximum comfort to the passengers. Etios will also feature a full touchscreen music system which will be a MP3, DVD and FM system with factory fitted 4 speakers. The high end models of Etios will also feature ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Dual SRS Airbags.

Etios will be come with two engine options - a 1.2 litre petrol which is expected to generate maximum power of 80 Bhp. The second engine option will be a 1.5 litre petrol engine which is expected to generate 100 Bhp of maximum power. 



Ford Figo

Ford unveiled its new small car "Figo" in India. 

And now Figo has been launched and will compete with the likes of Maruti Ritz, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz & Skoda Fabia. 

Ford Figo is available in 8 variants, 4 of petrol and 4 of diesel:
- Ford Figo LXi, EXi, ZXi and Ford Figo Titanium. 
- Ford Figo Diesel LXi, EXi, ZXi and Ford Figo Diesel Titanium.

The Top of the line "Titanium" variant of Ford Figo comes with:
- Body Coloured Bumpers  
- Full Wheel Covers 
- Body Coloured ORVMs 
- Chrome Finish Radiator Grille  
- Air Conditioning 
- Power Steering 
- MP3 Player with 4 Speakers 
- Bluetooth Phone Interface 
- Rear Washer and Wiper - Power Windows 
- Remote Central Locking 
- Remote Boot Opener 
- Remote Fuel Lid Opener 
- Driver Seat Height Adjustment 
- Removable Parcel Tray 
- Rear Defogger 
- ABS with EBD 
- Dual SRS Airbags 

Ford Figo has been launched with 2 engine options:
- 1196cc DuraTec Petrol - 70 Bhp 
- 1399cc DuraTorq Diesel - 68 Bhp
The diesel engine is the same 1.4 Duratorq 68bhp motor that powers the Ikon & Fiesta saloons. 

Prices
- Ford Figo LXi – Rs. 3,49,000.00
- Ford Figo EXi – Rs. 3,81,000.00
- Ford Figo SXi – Rs. 3,99,000.00
- Ford Figo Titanium – Rs. 4,42,000.00 
- Ford Figo Diesel LXi – Rs. 4,47,000.00
- Ford Figo Diesel EXi – Rs. 4,72,000.00
- Ford Figo Diesel SXi – Rs. 4,96,000.00
- Ford Figo Diesel Titanium – Rs 5,29,000.00


Volkswagen Polo 
European car manufacturer Volkswagen has launched its most awaited hatchback model Volkswagen Polo in India.
Polo comes with both petrol and diesel models. The car will be available at from this month at Volkswagen showroom across the India. Volkswagen polo will be available with six variants.
The petrol engined Polo is powered by a 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP@ 5400 rpm and churns out a torque of 110Nm@3750 rpm. The diesel is also a 1.2 litre unit that churns out 75HP however it develops this at a lower 4200 rpm and churns out a healthier torque figure of 180Nm@ just 2000 rpm.  

Volkswagen Polo Pricing 
Model / Variant Trendline Comfortline Highline 
Polo 1.2 Petrol Rs 4.34 lakh Rs 4.83 lakh Rs 5.72 lakh 
Polo 1.2 Diesel Rs 5.32 lakh Rs 5.81 lakh Rs 6.70 lakh

Pain is in your gene!!!

Have you heard about a recent discovery? Yes, it is about pain and gene! Scientists have discovered a gene which may help explain why some people are more sensitive to and less able to tolerate pain. This revolutionary discovery is made by the scientists at Cambridge University.
Many of you are sensitive to even minor pain like biting of an ant or stinging of a silly sharp object, aren’t you?. Don’t worry, soon you will be getting such a treatment to make you able to tolerate pain of any kind. Really, expect it soon!
The latest discovery of a particular gene which is responsible for pain is made in a study of 578 people with osteoarthritis. A subsequent analysis of 186 healthy women revealed those with the gene had enhanced pain sensations. 
The findings have been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The researchers found the protein made by the mutated version of the gene known as SCN9A stays open longer than the normal one. They believe this increases the activation of nerves that produce sensations of dull, aching pain.

Scientists are of opinion that the discovery could greatly increase the ability to conquer and control pain. It shall give vigour to the search for effective pain relieving drugs with less side effects which has long been the goal of doctors and biomedical researchers around the world.
Let us now think of a world deprived of pain! But what about the popular saying ‘no gain without pain’? Is this lead to such a world where there is no gain?! 

Women's Reservation

As we all know, March 8 is International Women's Day. On that day our central govt. is once again seeking consensus for passing the  bill that seeks 33 percent reservation for women in legislative bodies. This will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, March 8.
It will be interesting for all to see whether this will be passed this time!

Some of our legislators are even now live in a world which is so old and rude, so to say. That is why the legislation has been pending for over 13 years -- it was first brought to parliament in 1996 by the H.D. Deve Gowda government. 
Right now the positive note is that the bill is getting support by major parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left. But it is being opposed by the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Janata Dal-United most of which are representing the under developed states. 
For the bill to be passed, it has to be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. This figure should also be at least 50 percent of the total number of MPs.
Another thing to note is that what this bill is going to give our women. Do they really get benefited from this? Or they will remain as mere scapegoats like another Rabri!!! After all this is Indian politics. Rules will be there, ‘real rules’ would be something else. Anyway this is a small step. Something is better than nothing!!!

Flipping Ship

Scare not! The ship is not sinking!! It is just flipping its position!!!

This is FLIPresearch vessel (Floating Instrument Platform), the only ship in the world having the ability to flip from a horizontal position to a vertical position while at sea. The FLIP ship is designed to study wave height, acoustic signals, water temperature and density, and for the collection of meteorological data.
FLIP is 108 meters long and weighs 700 long tons. During the flip, the crew stand on the outside decks. Scientists and crewmembers literally walk up the walls to stay upright. Suddenly, the aft side of the barge becomes its floor. That makes for some ingenious engineering feats in equipping its bridge, galley, crew quarters and scientific laboratory. Even its head, or bathroom, had to be constructed to operate in a vertical and horizontal position.

For such amazing things click here!!!

CPU Inside Keyboard!!!

What do you think about a typical computer system?
There might be CPU, monitor, mouse, keyboard and so on...
But my dear reader, technology has brought some surprise for u.
Just a keyboard is now enough in the place of all these.
This wonder keyboard will replace CPU, speakers and all other periferals.
Don’t get upset...just see the CPU inside Keyborad!!!

See more

Download Songs!!!

Shakespeare rightly said:
"Music is food of love, play on..."
Eternal truth!!! Music sooths you...relaxes you...revamps you...
Are you a music enthusiast?! Then Paly on

Attention CBSE Students!

CBSE has introduced grading system in classes IX and X.
Do you have some doubts regarding the new system? Don't worry,
Then See answers to all your querries here.