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March 15, 2010

Scientists Confirmed that Dinosaurs Were Killed by Giant Asteroid

Filed under: Science and Technology — Tags: , — Winson @ 7:05 AM

Scientists have recently confirmed that a giant asteroid that struck the Earth some 65 million years ago killed dinosaurs and 70 percent of other species on earth.

Scientists have been working on this single-impact theory since last 30 years. A research team has gathered huge amounts of evidence that a single asteroid struck the Gulf of Mexico. The asteroid was estimated to be around 6 miles in diameter and traveling around 43,000 mph. A member of this research team said that the impact caused a 24 miles deep and 125 miles wide crater, which was discovered in 1991 in Chicxulub, Mexico.

Scientists said that the impact was so powerful that it is equivalent to a blast from hundred million megatons of TNT, which is more powerful than blasting all the atomic weapons on the Earth at a shot. Scientists say the impact triggered a huge earthquake also.

Other theories also suggested some reasons for this mass extinction. Some suggest that it would have taken many meteorites to cause such a disaster. Another theory suggested that a massive volcanic eruption in India around the same time might have caused this.

Major cars introduced in Geneva Motor Show 2010

Filed under: Automobile — Tags: , — Winson @ 2:37 AM

The 80th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show introduced latest environmentally and ecologically friendly automobiles, including electric or alternatively powered automobiles. Apart from these green cars, it also showcased some breath taking high performance cars. Overall, it has a good collection of vehicles suitable for almost every person. We will take a look at some of the major models that were introduced in this show.

The well-known manufacturer of high-performance sports cars, Porsche unveiled three hybrid models namely, the new Cayenne S Hybrid, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racing car and 918 Spyder prototype.

The two-seat, ultra-high-performance 918 Spyder was the star of the motor show. With a seven-speed PDK gearbox, it is powered by a 500-horsepower 3.4-litre V8. When it comes to for the green statistics, it is said to consume just 3.0 litres per 100 kilometres with reduced C02 emissions. Another attraction of this car is it accelerates to 100 kilometres an hour in just 3.2 seconds.

Equally popular sports car maker Lotus also introduced green as well as performance based model called Evora 414E Hybrid.

Honda introduced a unique looking one seater, three-wheeler. Honda’s 3R-C is an electric vehicle. It looks as a good prospect for the future to limit the traffic congestions in urban areas.

Lexus contributed to the green movement with CT 200h compact hybrid. It can run for up to two km at city speeds on electricity alone.

Hyundai’s i-flow introduced a mid-sized sedan concept with a 1.7L diesel engine with a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox kit.

Volkswagen launched its second edition of the Touareg sport-ute. It is lighter in weight and said to have increased mileage.

Lamborghini introduced its new Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. Its 570-hp, 5.2L direct-injection V10 is said to have reduced fuel consumption and emissions by 20.5% compared to its earlier model.

Mazda exhibited its next-generation minivan called Mazda5 mini.

The Volvo introduced all new S60 sport sedan. Its high-performance, 304-hp, turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder pleases the driving experience.

March 14, 2010

US Lifts Lid On Top Secret Plan For Internet Security

Filed under: 2010 — Tags: — Winson @ 1:21 AM

The White House has exhibited (open to public) elements of a top secret plan describing how government will protect the nation’s computer networks from cyber warfare.

The statement by cybersecurity Tsar Howard Schmidt was expressed at the world’s biggest security event. The action is intended to encourage better co-operation between academia, government and the private sector.

There are 12 elements to the CNCI (Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative), along with cyber counterintelligence and deterrence strategies. For the first time the government has announced a general description about them on its website.

The intention of the program is threefold:

  • to build a front line of defense against today’s existing threats
  • to protect against the full range of threats
  • to set up the future cybersecurity environment

The CNCI finances a number of sensitive projects which includes the government’s Einstein technology, that focuses on accessing the huge computer network which functions under the ‘.gov’ domain, and also in detecting attacks to access those systems. Elements of the resource which deal with the nation’s offensive plans for cyberwarfare is not made public.

March 13, 2010

Earthquake In Pakistan

Filed under: Calamities — Tags: , — Winson @ 8:13 AM

On October 8, 2005, Pakistan was badly affected by an earthquake. It stroked the Pakistani-controlled Kashmir region. Magnitude of 7 was measured in this earthquake. About half of the Muzaffarabad region’s had been destroyed. As per the survey more than 81,000 people were killed and 3 million left homeless. India also suffered about 1,300 casualties.

In sharp contrast to generosity that followed the Asian tsunami, was responsible for Pakistan’s earthquake. After the disaster the UN had managed to raise the $110 million. By November, many international donors had raises full amount requested by Pakistan.

The disaster hit hard on human lives and significantly raises the death toll from hunger, disease and exposure. Many rural villages were too far from aid workers relief. Thousands of poor and vulnerable became homeless. Major damage by the earthquake included the destruction of entire cities, plants on farmland. It affected badly to development of all these areas.

Two Nigerian airlines crashes in a period of seven weeks

Filed under: Calamities — Tags: — Winson @ 8:03 AM

Sosoliso airlines flight 1145 and Chanchangi airlines flights were the two Nigerian flights which crashed within a period of seven weeks in Nigeria. It is an alarming wake up call to Nigerian nation’s airline industry.

Sosoliso airlines flight 1145 was a scheduled flight for Nigerian cites. On 10th December 2005, it crash-landed on the runway of Port Harcourt International Airport. This crash killed 110 passengers. The cause of crash was unconfirmed but it was believed that thunderstorm was the major reason behind this crash. A ground man who witnessed this accident stated that plane was struck by lightning about 40 or 50 meters before touchdown.

Another flight that crashed was Chanchangi airlines flight. On 15th July 2005, a Boeing 737-200 of Chanchangi airlines had over shot the runway of Harourt airport. It didn’t report any serious loss. As per the airport authority, this crash was overshot because of the rain had made the runway slippery.

This all shows the poor safety in Nigerian aviation. As per analyst report, corruption is the major cause for this type of incidents.

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