Scientists have developed a semi-autonomous robot that can disinfect large surfaces quickly, and reduce the risk of cleaners picking up the novel coronavirus from potentially contaminated areas. The researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore are planning to have public trials to support the fight against COVID-19. Named eXtreme Disinfection roBOT (XDBOT), it can be wirelessly controlled via a laptop or tablet, removing the need for cleaners to be in contact with surfaces, the researchers said. The new robot differs from other disinfection robots currently on the market that are primarily intended to clean and vacuum floor surfaces and…
Author: Our Correspondent
President Donald Trump has named six Indian-American corporate leaders, including Sunder Pichai from Google and Satya Nadella from Microsoft, to his Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups formed to revive the US economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. Trump has roped in over 200 top American leaders from various industries and sections to create nearly a dozen and half different groups, who will advise him and offer recommendations on how to revive the American economy, which has hit an unprecedented ebb in just a few weeks due to the deadly coronavirus. “They’re the names that are, I think, the best…
All Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security personnel who frisk passengers at airports will be provided personal protective equipment (PPE) suits once commercial flight operations resume in the country, a senior official said. The force has procured about 500 pieces and is in the process of obtaining more. Attempts are also being made to “improvise” raincoats with the help of medical experts so that security personnel deployed for other tasks in and around the terminal area can use them to prevent coronavirus. “All our security personnel who frisk passengers at airports will wear PPE suits. We have about 500 pieces…
In view of extension of nationwide lockdown to contain COVID-19, functioning of the Delhi High Court and its subordinate courts will continue to remain suspended till May 3. The decision to this effect was taken by the Administrative and General Supervision Committee of the High Court. While the arrangements qua mentioning and hearing of urgent matters by the High Court through video conferencing shall continue as before, the number of Benches to hear matters through video conferencing would be increased further. All the pending matters listed before the High Court, including the courts of Registrars and Joint Registrars, during the…
The new lockdown guidelines from April 20 will be eased in non-hotspot areas as the government will allow select industries and economic activity after April 20 in areas least affected by the coronavirus contagion, to generate jobs for migrants and reduce the distress for those hardest hit by the prolonged lockdown. A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the COVID-19 lockdown to May 3, guidelines have been issued to clarify what will be allowed in parts of the country after a week and what stays banned. Tough restrictions will remain in COVID-19 hotspots, or places where there are most…
An activist Vinay Dubey accused of starting rumours with his social media posts and a television journalist who cited an internal railway ministry note on a special train for migrants have been charged by the Maharashtra government over a gathering of hundreds at Mumbai’s Bandra station last evening, which has raised a huge coronavirus scare. An FIR for rioting has been filed against 1,000 people. Activist Vinay Dubey, blamed for instigating migrants with social media posts like “Chalo Ghar Ki Ore (let’s head home)”, was arrested from his home in Navi Mumbai this morning. In a video in wide circulation…
Former US president Barack Obama endorsed Joe Biden’s White House bid on Tuesday, saying his long time vice president can unify and “heal” a nation struggling through some of its darkest moments. The formal backing by perhaps the most popular politician in America is the latest shot in the arm for Biden’s surging candidacy, and a further sign that Democratic leaders are rallying around the party flagbearer ahead of November’s election. “Joe has the character and the experience to guide us through one of our darkest times and heal us through a long recovery,” Obama said in a 12-minute video…
After a massive slump in shipments in February due to the COVID-19 crisis, sales of iPhones in China rose to 2.5 million units in March from 500,000 units in the previous month, show data from a government think tank. However, compared to March 2019, the sales of 2.5 million iPhones in March this year marked 20 per cent year-over-year decline, AppleInsider reported. Overall, 21.756 million handsets were shipped in China in March, a year-over-year decrease of 23.3 per cent, showed the data from China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. In March, China”s 5G mobile phone shipments were 6.2 million,…
Actress Gul Panag will serve as a narrator of the podcast “Special Mission”, which is a tribute to India’s armed forces. “As a daughter of an army officer, this theme is extremely close to my heart. Growing up, I have seen how unpredictable life can be for those who serve the nation, and I am so thrilled to narrate their stories of courage and valour on this new Spotify podcast,” said Gul. “I’ve known Sidin (the show’s producer Sidin Vadukut) for years now, so when he reached out with this project, there was only one answer – yes! I grew…
Actor Abhishek Bachchan has pulled filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan’s leg saying she should upload her workout video during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown. Abhishek’s jibe comes in the wake of Farah’s complaint against several top B-Town celebrities who have been posting fitness videos on social media amid the COVID-19 crisis. On Tuesday, when Farah posted a couple of fresh tweets, it was Abhishek’s turn to tease her about her earlier comments related to celebrity workouts, though this time Farah did not raise the subject. Farah tweeted: “Pandemic teachings: cupboard full of clothes ,when all i need r 2 outfits.. Nighttime nighty &…