Latest news with #Science
Time of India
an hour ago
- General
- Time of India
Online classes enhancing English & science learning
1 2 Prayagraj: Bridging the educational gap between elite convent schools and govt-run council schools, students of Classes 6 to 8 in Prayagraj are now gaining exposure to English and Science, thanks to an initiative launched in collaboration with IIT Madras. This online classroom programme, conducted every day from 1pm to 2pm, aims to enhance students' understanding of English and scientific concepts through structured and engaging sessions. Under the guidance of Vidya Shakti organisation, a fixed timetable has been issued for online classes. On Mondays, students of Class 6 are taught English and Science in two 30-minute sessions each. Similarly, Classes 7 and 8 attend on Tuesdays and Wednesdays respectively, following a rotating weekly schedule. The programme is only accessible to schools equipped with ICT labs, smart boards, smart TVs, or internet facilities. However, to maximise participation, Block Education Officers (BEOs) have been instructed to ensure that as many schools as possible are connected to the initiative. The classes aim not just at textbook learning but also holistic understanding. For instance, during an English session on Friday at the Upper Primary School in Samogar Uruva, students explored the inspirational thoughts of Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first President, who famously described education as the most powerful weapon to change the world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo In the Science session, the focus was on the classification of materials based on their properties. According to Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Devvrat Singh, the initiative is currently in its first phase and has already been rolled out in districts such as Kanpur Dehat, Lucknow, Shamli, Sitapur, Ayodhya, Meerut, and Gorakhpur alongside Prayagraj. An agreement was signed with Vidya Shakti for one year. For students unable to attend live sessions due to connectivity issues, the teaching materials are also made available on the institution's YouTube channel. The programme officially began on July 2 and is being hailed as a transformative step for primary education in Uttar Pradesh.
Daily Express
12 hours ago
- Daily Express
Mother urges fair probe into daughter's death at hostel
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Arifin presents the contribution to Noraidah while others look on. SIPITANG: The mother of 13-year-old Zara Qairina, who died after being found with serious injuries beneath her school dormitory block, has urged for a transparent and fair investigation. Zara's mother, Noraidah Lamat, 45, said she had cooperated fully with the police and recorded her statement twice. Advertisement Noraidah, who is also a primary school teacher, told reporters that she could not comment further while police investigations involving her were still ongoing. Zara, her only child, had been eager to experience hostel life at her Islamic secondary boarding school in Papar, inspired by her mother's own school memories. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, who is also in charge of the State's education matters, and local leaders visited the family home in Mesapol on Monday to offer condolences and deliver contributions, while police continue their inquiry into the case. During the visit, Arifin presented a mock cheque for RM10,000 from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) and also gave a personal contribution to Noraidah. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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First Post
13 hours ago
- Science
- First Post
Google turns Android phones into earthquake detectors, records 11,000 tremors on crowdsourcing
The Android Earthquake Alerts system prioritises scale over precision, leveraging the widespread use of Android smartphones, which collect motion data by default unless opted out read more Follow us on Google News Google utilised motion sensors in over two billion mobile phones from 2021 to 2024 to detect earthquakes and issued automated warnings to millions across 98 countries, revealed a Science journal analysis released last week. The analysis shows that Google's system recorded over 11,000 quakes, matching the performance of traditional seismometers. Independent earthquake researchers commend the system but call for greater transparency into Google's proprietary technology before public officials rely on it. Traditional seismometer-based alert systems exist in places like Mexico, Japan, and the US west coast. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2020, Google launched a crowd-sourced system using Android phones to detect early tremors. Data from its first three years, released recently, confirm its effectiveness and improvement. Google notes that annual earthquake deaths average thousands, but its mobile-based alerts have expanded access tenfold since 2019. 'It's very impressive: most countries don't have an earthquake early-warning system, and this can help provide that service,' Allen Husker, a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology, was quoted as saying by Nature. However, he seeks more access to Google's data and algorithms. Google's scientists claim they're as transparent as possible, citing privacy constraints on sharing raw phone data. They told Nature that the Science paper aims to clarify the system's operations. 'That really is the origin of this paper,' says Richard Allen, a University of California, Berkeley seismologist and Google visiting faculty. 'I hope the community will recognise that and appreciate that.' How does Google's Earthquake Alerts system work? The Android Earthquake Alerts system prioritises scale over precision, leveraging the widespread use of Android smartphones, which collect motion data by default unless opted out. Google's algorithms analyse signals, accounting for regional geological and construction variations, as well as differences in phone motion sensors. Challenges persist in detecting major earthquakes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The system underestimated two powerful 2023 Turkey quakes, sending 4.5 million warnings. After algorithm upgrades, re-analysis showed the system could have issued urgent 'TakeAction' alerts to ten million phones. 'This shows they have been working to improve the system since 2023, with tangible positive results,' says Harold Tobin, a University of Washington seismologist.
The Sun
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure set to catalyse systemic digital transformation
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is laying the groundwork to establish itself as a regional leader in digital trust architecture with the launch of Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI). This national initiative establishes the foundation for a future where public services are tamper-proof, halal products are traceable from farm to fork and businesses operate with full transparency and cost efficiency on secure digital platforms. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said the MBI initiative signals Malaysia's commitment to anchoring its future economy on interoperability, data integrity and innovation, thereby creating a trusted, technology-driven ecosystem across the public and private sectors. He emphasised that MBI is not merely a technological milestone but a catalyst for systemic digital transformation. 'Today's event is not just the launch of a new technology, but the dawn of a new era in the nation's digital economic development,' Chang said at the official launch of MBI during the opening of Malaysia Blockchain Week 2025 here today. 'Let us move forward, not as isolated actors, but as co-creators of a brighter, bolder digital Malaysia.' He said the initiative is designed to accelerate blockchain adoption by building a trusted and transparent infrastructure supported jointly by government and industry. 'With the launch of MBI, we hope to fast-track blockchain adoption in Malaysia, enabling broader usage built on trust and transparency,' he added. MBI, developed by Mimos Bhd in collaboration with Zetrix and Masverse, addresses persistent challenges in blockchain deployment, including fragmentation, high transaction costs and a lack of cross-platform compatibility. 'This trusted and inclusive national digital backbone will empower government, businesses and the public, strengthening Malaysia's digital economy for the future,' Chang said. He explained that MBI functions similarly to a financial clearinghouse, such as Mastercard or Visa, by enabling seamless interoperability across different blockchain systems. 'It acts like a clearinghouse, allowing smooth transitions between blockchain technologies. It simplifies transactions for everyone,' he noted. MBI is grounded in the National Blockchain Roadmap 2021–2025, which outlines Malaysia's ambitions to lead the region in blockchain adoption across various sectors, including public administration, finance, halal certification and trade. 'We see blockchain enhancing transparency in government, reducing costs in finance, and strengthening halal traceability and supply chain logistics,' said Chang. 'This is about embedding trust and efficiency at every level.' To date, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) has achieved 60% of the objectives outlined in the roadmap, with additional milestones expected by the end of the year. 'We've reached 60%, and we aim to go even further by year-end,' Chang affirmed. The minister outlined a vision of a fully digital public infrastructure powered by blockchain, encompassing secure procurement, automated halal certification and streamlined financial services. 'Halal products verified from farm to fork, leak-proof procurement – all powered by MBI. This is not a distant vision; it is well within our grasp,' he said. While large enterprises are expected to benefit, Chang highlighted that startups, SMEs and underserved communities will also gain from reduced digital entry costs and greater access to secure data ecosystems. He said MBI would serve as a trusted platform for early-stage companies and blockchain startups to engage with verified partners. 'This platform enables startups to find trusted blockchain partners – whether service providers or platforms. It also serves as a form of government endorsement.' Chang underscored the importance of collaboration among government, industry and academia in unlocking MBI's full potential. 'Innovation isn't confined to institutions. It flows from startups, entrepreneurs, researchers, and public services. This embodies the Malaysia Malaysia vision, where innovation is guided by compassion, progress is rooted in trust and technology serves all levels of society,' he said. Chang disclosed that a new national roadmap is in development, focusing on explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and blockchain through to 2030. The initiative will primarily involve local experts, with opportunities for international collaboration. 'We're working with the Ministry of Digital and relying largely on local experts. However, we remain open to input from foreign specialists,' he said. As other Asean countries move towards integrating blockchain in trade and governance, Malaysia aims to leap forward with a cohesive, government-backed framework, rather than relying on scattered pilot programmes. 'With MBI, Malaysia is positioning itself at the forefront of digital trust infrastructure – one that supports not only innovation but also real-world impact across industries and communities,' said Chang. The two-day Malaysia Blockchain Week 2025, organised by Lydian Labs and supported by ARC, features expert panels, technology showcases, and cross-border collaborations designed to scale blockchain innovation across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Barnama
16 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
பி.டி.ஆர்.எம் ஹெலிகாப்டர் விபத்து; விசாரணை அமலாக்கத் தரப்பிடம் ஒப்படைப்பு
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang (third, right) visits an exhibition following the launch of the Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI) during Malaysia Blockchain Week 2025, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today.
