Intel & CBSE set Guinness record; deliver virtual lessons on AI to 13k students in 24 hrs
Intel and Central Board of Secondary Education set a new Guinness world record for most users to take AI lessons in 24 hours. A virtual class on demystifying the impact of AI and key considerations to use it was taken. Around 13,000 students above class 8 attended between 13th-14th Oct. Governments worldwide are implicating AI strategies to have positive impacts on citizens and industries.
HBO, WB TV channels will no longer be available in India
From 15th Dec, 2020 HBO and WB will no longer be available in India, Pakistan, Maldives and Bangladesh. They have been in the region for more than a decade but have not been able to find a sustainable business model. The low subscription rate could also be a reason. They will continue to broadcast POGO and Cartoon Network.
India bans import of air conditioners with refrigerants
This action was taken to promote domestic manufacturing and cut imports of non-essential items. Previously, the government had banned import of pneumatic tyres and colour TV sets. Air conditioners were specifically singled out by PM Narendra Modi as more than 30% of our demand is of air conditioners and is met by imports.
Myanmar Navy will receive its first submarine from India
India will give Myanmar a kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir. This action was taken in the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). They had also made a commitment to building capacities and self-reliance in neighbour countries.
SpaceX to launch satellite that tracks rising sea levels
On November 10, Elon Musk’s SpaceX will launch a satellite that will be able to measure rising sea levels. Every ten days the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite will update the maps. This is a collaboration between NASA and European Space Agency. They aim at helping governments to protect coats and prepare for floods.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé launches for the first time ever in India
The new BMW series introduces sleek and classy designs. A petrol variant will be out later. It offers features like gesture control, wireless charging and parking assist to name a few. They have provided flexible financial solutions with EMI’s as low as Rs.39,300. The car has the BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine which is extremely powerful and can accelerate from 0-100 km in about 7.5 seconds.
Schools in Punjab will reopen from Oct 19
Students of class 9-12 will resume physical school from Oct 19. This is only applicable for schools outside containment zones. Attendance is not mandatory and online classes will continue. Written consent by the parent/ guardian is required. Students are encouraged to wear full-sleeved clothes to reduce exposure to public surfaces. School management may decide to hold classes in two shifts or conduct classes on alternate days.
Cinemas reopen in multiple states
Nearly after seven months of being shut, Cinema halls in West Bengal, Delhi, UP have reopened them. However, states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh continue to keep them shut. There will be 50% seating capacity and only packaged snacks will be allowed. Other measures include sanitizing and social distancing. The next two weeks will be a trail run and people in the business hope it will take off soon.
KXIP defeats RCB, ending five-match losing streak
Kings XI Punjab ended their losing streak by defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday. Nicholas Pooran hit the last ball which led to a winning six. In his 200th game, Virat Kolhi scored with 48 off 39 balls.
Emergency declared in Thailand after unprecedented protests
A strict state of emergency was declared by the government after a student-led protest against the country’s traditional establishment was seen gathered outside Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s office. The protesters demand a change in the constitution and reforms in monarchy. Police have been ordered to take strict action against those who insult the monarchy or obstruct royal processions.
