Science and Technology
China Successfully Launched Remote Sensing Satellite
China on 9 August successfully launched the “Yaogan XX” a remote-sensing satellite to carry out scientific experiments and provide early alerts natural disasters. The Yaogan XX satellite blasted off on the back of a Long March 4C carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the country’s northwestern Gobi desert. The launch marked the 190th mission for the nation’s long march rocket family.
IBM Develops A New Chip That Functions Like A Brain
IBM researchers have announced on 9 August the development of a new computer chip that is inspired by the brain, mimicking the way that the mind can recognize patterns utilizing a web of interconnected transistors to simulate neural networks. The chip or processor is named TrueNorth, and it contains more than 5.4 billion transistors, yet requires no more power to function than a hearing aid (just 70 milliwatts of power versus the minimum of 35 watts required by current Intel processors, with have 1.4 billion transistors).
PM Narendra Modi Dedicates ‘ INS Kolkata ‘ To The Nation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 August dedicated India’s indigenously designed warship ‘ INS Kolkata ‘ to the nation. With this, INS Kolkata was commissioned in Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The 6800-tonne Kolkata class warship has been constructed by the Mazagon Docks Ltd, Mumbai and designed by the Navy’s Design Bureau.
NASA’s Scientists Developed ‘SMAP’ Satellite To Combat Drought
NASA scientists, including one of Indian-origin, developed Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite that can predict the severity of droughts worldwide and help farmers maximize the crop yield.The mission is scheduled to launch in November 2014 and will collect the local data of agricultural and water managers that are needed worldwide.